NSU Announces Provost’s Research and Scholarship Awards

It has been 14 years since we first launched the Provost’s Research and Scholarship Award. This program offers awards across two career stages and two disciplinary categories. This year, we are grateful for an added recognition provided by NSU Business Services, where each winner will receive a year’s membership to the NSU Faculty Club, valued at $300.

Arts, Business, Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences

weissman

Weissman

Assistant Professor Award goes to Jeremy Weissman, assistant professor in the Halmos College of Arts & Sciences.

Jeremy was honored for his significant contributions to research and scholarship, particularly in the ethics of technology and biomedical ethics. His work addresses timely and relevant issues, positioning him as a future leader in these fields. Notably, his book, “The Crowdsourced Panopticon: Conformity and Control on Social Media,” published in 2021, has garnered many positive reviews and has been featured on platforms like the Academy of Ideas.

Beyond his research, Jeremy has actively engaged with the NSU community, addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in higher education. He has delivered talks, participated in podcasts, and contributed to initiatives aimed at inspiring students in their research endeavors. Through his efforts, he is not only advancing academic discourse but also fostering the development of responsible professionals for the future.

Neymotin

Neymotin

Professor Award goes to Florence Neymotin, professor in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Florence was recognized for her outstanding contributions to research and scholarship, having been trained by a Nobel Prize winner who instilled in her a commitment to excellence. Throughout her academic career, she has published over fifty journal articles in top-tier journals, including Health Economics, Journal of Economic Psychology, and Obesity. Notably, her work on the economics of education was selected as an editor’s pick in Science and has received significant media attention.

In addition to her research, Florence is dedicated to mentoring junior colleagues and fostering collaboration across disciplines. She has developed courses in economics and related fields and has received excellent evaluations for her teaching. By linking research with education, she is shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Banks

Banks

Professor Award goes to Jonathan Banks, associate professor in the College of Psychology.

Jonathan was recognized for his impactful research on attention control, exploring how factors like stress, mindfulness, and exercise influence cognitive functions. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of mind wandering as both a consequence of poor attention control and a contributor to cognitive impairments related to stress.

He has published 34 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to high-impact journals such as Emotion and Journal of Experimental Psychology. Jonathan has also presented his findings at 42 national and international conferences, often including student co-authors.

His research has received external funding, including a recent NSF award with Dr. Jamie Tartar, aimed at examining the interplay between stress, mind wandering, and cognitive function. Through his innovative work, Jonathan is making vital contributions to cognitive psychology and enhancing our understanding of how mindfulness can mitigate stress-related cognitive challenges.

STEM and Health/Medicine

Cheema

Cheema

Assistant Professor Award goes to Aman Cheema, assistant professor in the Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Aman was recognized for her impactful research in complex multi symptom illnesses. She has secured significant funding, including three Department of Defense awards, and published in top-tier journals.

Notably, she led the first Phase II trial funded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, focusing on veterans. Her work has garnered 161 citations, highlighting her influence in the field. She is a Co-Chair of the NSU IRB and Director of the INIM office of Clinical Research.

Aman is also a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous students in research and contributing to the establishment of an interdisciplinary PhD program at KPCOM. Her collaborative efforts and leadership in the SHIELD TOXIC EXPOSURES conference further underscore her commitment to advancing research and supporting the next generation of scientists.

Kawai

Kawai

Professor Award goes to Toshihisa Kawai, professor in the College of Dental Medicine.

Toshi was recognized for his outstanding contributions to research, having published 143 original papers and secured over $20 million in extramural funding. He is internationally acclaimed for his innovative monoclonal antibody platform and has five issued patents.

Since joining Nova Southeastern University in 2016, Toshi has expanded his research to include microbiology and osteoimmunology, focusing on mucosal infectious diseases. His NIH R21 and R01 grants led to groundbreaking discoveries in autoimmune responses related to bone diseases, including periodontitis, TMJ disorder, and osteoarthritis, and he is currently developing a novel humanized mouse model to enhance preclinical drug testing.

Toshi’s expertise is recognized globally, with numerous invited lectures at prestigious institutions and conferences, and service on numerous NIH study sections. He actively mentors junior researchers and students, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment. His commitment to advancing dental and biomedical research and training the next generation of scholars makes him a highly respected figure in his field.

Figueiredo

Figueiredo

Professor Award goes to Joana Figueiredo, associate professor in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences.

Joana was recognized for her pioneering research in coral reef restoration, a critical area of study with significant scientific, social, and economic implications. Since joining Nova Southeastern University in 2014, she has secured millions in external funding and currently serves as the Interim Executive Director of the National Coral Reef Institute.

With over 2,000 citations and an h-index of 24, Joana has published extensively in prestigious journals such as Nature Climate Change, Ecology, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. She actively contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for multiple journals and topic editor for Coral Reefs.

Her expertise has led to invited presentations at renowned institutions, including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany. Joana also plays a vital role in mentoring students, having advised over 40 master’s students on their thesis projects and including them in numerous publications. Her leadership and commitment to coral reef research make her a valuable asset to the field and the university.

Health and Wellness Coaching Gets Nationally Certified

wellness

The Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Health and Wellness Coaching program is now approved and certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become national board-certified health and wellness coaches. The NBHWC certification establishes a high standard for coaching designed to train and equip graduates in the health and wellness field to effectively support clients.

Becoming a national board-certified health and wellness coach allows certified coaches to work nationally, thereby providing them with extensive employment opportunities, including but not limited to private practice (onsite and virtual). This is an excellent opportunity for existing students.

Pre-health majors may also wish to consider a minor in health and wellness coaching as this is an important strategy for optimizing patient outcomes. Please contact Dr. Shazia Akhtarullah at shaziaa@nova.edu.

Wonder Women Hold Annual Panel and Scholarship Event

Yabsera Negussie

Yabsera Negussie

To close out Women’s History Month, on March 25, the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship’s Women’s Success Series in partnership with the NSU Center for Academic and Professional Success and Office of Student Success held its fifth annual NSU Wonder Women panel and scholarship award program in the Alvin Sherman Library’s Cotilla Gallery.

An inspiring panel of female business leaders in a variety of industries was moderated by NSU’s Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing, and Creative Services Kyle Fisher. The panelists were:

  • Katina Brown-Burgess, D.O., obstetrician/gynecologist and assistant professor in NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • Tamara Chase, roofing contractor, chief executive officer of Chase Roofing and owner of Shine Fort Lauderdale Window Cleaning.
  • Carmen Rodriguez, director of NSU’s Marine Environmental Education Center.

The panel spoke about a variety of topics and offered students advice on the challenges of work-life balance, power dynamics, and being one’s authentic self. The event concluded with networking.

From left, Carmen Rodriguez and Tamara Chase, Wonder Woman awardee Yabsera Negussie, Katina Brown-Burgess, Kyle Fisher and Niemah Butler

Panelists Carmen Rodriguez and Tamara Chase, Wonder Woman awardee Yabsera Negussie, Katina Brown-Burgess, Kyle Fisher and Niemah Butler. The highlight of the evening was the naming of the 2024 undergraduate wonder woman scholarship winner, Yabsera Negussie, a behavioral neuroscience major, an Honors College student, and a first-year Razor’s Edge Leadership scholar.

In second place was Alexandra Hernandez, an international studies major with minors in medical humanities, communication and business. Third place went to Sanjana Anathula, a biology major and Honors College student who is on the Honors College Advisory Board.

The winner of the Wonder Women Award received a $500 scholarship. Second- and third-place winners received a $300 and $200 scholarship, respectively.

Posted 04/09/24

DO/MPH Student Awarded Good Skin Knowledge Grant

Marina Handal, a third-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Public Health student, has been awarded a 2025 Good Skin Knowledge grant from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Her project created a four-module lesson plan using arts and crafts to teach students about skin health and sun safety at the Fuller Center in Boca Raton, Fla. Handal and her sister, Jenna, a senior biology major in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, built models of the skin, drew pictures of the sun and created UV bracelets that changed color with sun exposure.

“We feel very humbled to have represented NSU public health through this service activity,” the sisters said. “We are thankful to our mentors from public health who have set fantastic examples of what it means to be an active team player in the community.”

Posted 04/07/24

Farquhar Honors Students Walk to Raise Suicide Awareness

This past fall semester, students in the Farquhar Honors College mental health course participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness walk to bring awareness to suicide prevention and mental health issues. Hosted at NSU, the community walk provided support and hope to survivors, families, friends, and advocates.

The honors team consisted of 29 walkers led by Christi Navarro, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Public Health at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, and included students from Navarro’s honors Exploring Population Mental Health and Wellbeing course and students and faculty from across NSU. Together, they helped combat the prevailing stigma surrounding suicide and raised $190 to support the AFSP’s mission of saving lives from suicide.

“Having the walk located at NSU and getting the NSU community involved reminds us that mental health challenges can affect us all, and we can all have a part in preventing suicide,” said Navarro. “One of the most moving parts of this event is the honors beads which we all wear to show our personal connection to the cause, as well as connecting with others [who] understand our experiences. There are ten different colored beads, [each representing different connections to the cause]. Before we walk, they call out the individual colors and ask us to raise our beads in support. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.”

Learn more about the AFSP Out of the Darkness walk.

Posted 01/14/24

Enrollment is Open for NSU’s Immersive AIM High Program

Achieve in Medicine (AIM) High, a five-day medical immersion summer program hosted by Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, is fast approaching and the time is now to apply for in this exceptional educational opportunity.

AIM High is designed for academically strong rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who aspire to pursue careers in the medical or health professions. The program provides participants with an immersive experience through engaging and interactive educational sessions, fostering exploration, and significantly enhancing scientific and medical knowledge.  Sessions cover a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Introduction to Emergency Medicine (ER): Case studies are used to illustrate the skills and knowledge required in the fast-paced environment of the ER.
  • Suturing: The principles of tissue handling and suturing techniques are studied and practiced.
  • Radiography: MRI and CT technology are introduced and explained.
  • Brain Dissection: Internal structures of the brain are labeled and identified, and fundamentals of anatomy and neuroscience presented.
  • Pharmacy: The role of an ambulatory care pharmacist in diabetes management is explored, along with medication administration and blood sugar monitoring devices.
  • Sports Medicine: Basic casting and splinting skills for fractures and other injuries are introduced and practiced.
  • Health Informatics: The role of data management and data science in detecting breast cancer is discussed.
  • Emergency Preparedness/Stop the Bleed: Three main lifesaving skills crucial for someone’s survival during a bleeding injury are presented and practiced.
  • CPR and First Aid Training: A basic life support course with certification from the American Heart Association is completed.
  • Simulated Patients: Intubation skills are practiced, as well as how to listen to heart and lung sounds on high-fidelity manikins.
  • Medical Student Panel: Panelists share their experiences as medical school students, address the medical school application process, specialist areas, and their secrets to successfully navigating the field of medicine.

AIM High also serves as a unique platform for high school students to establish meaningful connections with healthcare professionals.  Throughout the week, participants have multiple opportunities to interact with experienced physicians and clinicians who share their insights and experiences.

This upcoming year, students can choose from the following options:

NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus, Clearwater, Florida:

  • Session 1: June 24-28, 2024

NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus:

  • Session 1: July 8-12, 2024
  • Session 2: July 15-19, 2024

For additional information on the AIM High program, visit: https://osteopathic.nova.edu/community/aim-high/index.html.

Posted 01/14/24

 

NSU Receives Approval by Top University Accrediting Body

Dr. Belle Wheelan, President of SACSCOC with NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury II

Nova Southeastern University received notification from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) that our Fifth-Year Interim Report has been successfully accepted with no additional reporting requested.

SACSCOC is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices primarily among the diverse institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America and certain other international sites approved by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

The Commission also accepts applications for membership from domestic institutions in the other 39 states, as well as international institutions of higher education around the world.

Congratulations to all for this recognition of NSU as a preeminent university of quality and distinction!

Posted 12/05/23

USchool Students Get Hands-On Suturing Experience at NSU

Students from our Upper School Medical Fellowship program recently took part in a lab at the NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, where they gained hands-on experience in suturing techniques using pig’s feet.

This practical exercise was designed to enhance their skills in dexterity, precision, and understanding of different suturing methods.

Learn more about NSU University School’s college preparatory program for students in Preschool – Grade 12 at www.uschool.nova.edu.

Posted 12/10/23

FY2025 PRG and QOL Grant Cycles Now Open

The FY 2025 President’s Research Grant (PRG), formerly the Presidents Faculty Research Development Grant (PFRDG), and Quality of Life (QOL) grant cycles are now open! This year the application process will take place on Cayuse Sponsored Projects, NSU’s new grant management system. Applications are due via Cayuse no later than January 22, 2024, 5:00 p.m.. More information, as well as application instructions, can be found on the PRG and QOL websites, linked below. Through these programs, eligible faculty may apply for internal grants of up to $15,000 in support of a variety of research and scholarly activities. PRG and QOL are tremendous opportunities to obtain support for research and scholarship at NSU, and to build faculty research capacity that can be leveraged toward external funding pursuits.

For more information about how to apply and program guidelines, visit the PRG program website here and the QOL website here. For questions, please contact PRG@nova.edu or QOL@nova.edu.

Posted 12/10/23

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