Inside 老澳门资料 鈥 November 16, 2023
- Happy Thanksgiving
- Dr. Julie Merten excited to lead 老澳门资料 MedNexus
- 老澳门资料 staff member nominated for the Jacksonville Ethics Commission
- Unearthing history
- 2023 AI For Good Hackathon
- Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Murray
- Drive with Osprey Pride
- It鈥檚 that time again 鈥 Faculty and Staff Mixer
- Leading Ladies Leadership Summit
- Spinnaker Media receives honor
- Curtain call for 老澳门资料 Shakespeare鈥檚 鈥淥thello鈥
- 老澳门资料 Seaside Sculpture Park has new installations
- Osprey Profile: Kiante (Kyaa) McClennon
- Faculty and Staff News
- Free Things to Do
- Swoop Summary
Dr. Julie Merten excited to lead 老澳门资料 MedNexus
老澳门资料 staff member nominated for the Jacksonville Ethics Commission
Unearthing history
2023 AI For Good Hackathon
Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Murray
Jennifer Murray, interim dean of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library, discovered her love for libraries as a student at the University of Buffalo. She is passionate about librarianship and is dedicated to helping 老澳门资料 students and faculty reach their goals. Prior to her current appointment, Murray served as director of library systems and associate dean of the University's library.
How long have you worked at 老澳门资料?
5 1/2 years
Do you have a favorite spot on campus? If so, what makes that place special to you?
The Bamboo Garden. It is a beautiful and peaceful place that centers me the moment I walk into it.
What does your job as interim dean of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library involve doing?
Whether you are a dean, interim or otherwise, in a library or an academic unit, the job is similar in that we all provide leadership to advance the University and academic success. In my role as interim dean, the job is different every day but is always spent with student and faculty success in mind. One day I work with library faculty and staff to evaluate and enhance library services; the next is budget management for library resources; the next is space management for new study space; the next is working on fundraising initiatives; the next is working and collaborating with senior leadership to ensure the library is meeting the needs of the University community.
What do you enjoy the most about working in your field and what led you to choose this career path?
What I enjoy most about librarianship is that it’s a vocation, helping students and faculty achieve their needs and goals. A librarian is the link in our society between the past and the future and passing knowledge to the next generations. In addition, I enjoy being surrounded by dedicated faculty and staff that share my passion and commitment to student and faculty success. My experience working as a graduate assistant at the University at Buffalo Libraries led me to pursue a career in libraries which continues to be rewarding.
What were your career aspirations growing up?
Growing up my parents and stepmom all worked in higher education. My mom worked in the President’s Office at Duke University, my dad was the two-time national champion basketball coach at Brock University in Ontario, Canada, and my stepmom was a physical education professor at Brock. Even though they worked in different places and in different fields, they all had one thing in common. They were passionate about their career choices and had a deep connection to their universities. I admired them all and it felt natural to follow their path.
What other jobs have you held prior to your employment at 老澳门资料?
Prior to 老澳门资料, I spent most of my professional working career at the University at Buffalo Libraries. After working as a graduate assistant in the Libraries, I was hired as a library programmer/analyst and worked my way up to head of Discovery Services (a.k.a. library search engine). Most of my time at the University at Buffalo was on the technology side of libraries. 老澳门资料 gave me the opportunity to grow into other areas of my profession.
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with my partner, Joe, and my family. I also enjoy going out to eat, shopping and watching sports — college basketball (Go Ospreys!) and NFL football (Go Bills!) are my favorite.
Where did you grow up?
Upstate New York — Buffalo and Plattsburgh. I consider Buffalo my home. Go Bills!
Where did you go to school?
I attended the University at Buffalo. I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration and my master’s degree in library science. I worked as a student assistant in the School of Management throughout my undergraduate years and then worked as a graduate assistant in the libraries where I discovered my love for libraries.
What’s the greatest bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
Persistence is omnipotent.
Who inspires you and why?
My mom. She has a high emotional intelligence I try to emulate. She also instilled in me a strong work ethic and to always be on time. I still talk to her almost every day on my ride home from work.
What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I’ve watched every episode of Survivor — over 650 episodes and counting! I love the social dynamics, strategic gameplay and creativity of the challenges and the show overall.
Drive with Osprey Pride
It鈥檚 that time again 鈥 Faculty and Staff Mixer
Leading Ladies Leadership Summit
Spinnaker Media receives honor
Curtain call for 老澳门资料 Shakespeare鈥檚 鈥淥thello鈥
老澳门资料 Seaside Sculpture Park has new installations
The 老澳门资料’s sculpture program installed five new student-created sculptures at 老澳门资料’s Seaside Sculpture Park earlier this month. This is the fifth art installation by 老澳门资料 undergraduate sculpture students at the Sculpture Park since it opened in 2016. The sculptures from the previous installation will be up for auction in February 2024. Learn more about the latest sculptures created by our talented students.
“Propulsion" by Dustin Sims |
“Catfish Windmill” by Victoria Pontieri |
“Military in Memoriam” by Ethan Harmon |
“Flamingosis” by Shisam Barrios |
“Vitruvian Woman” by Patricia Muniz |
Osprey Profile: Kiante (Kyaa) McClennon
Kiante "Kyaa" McClennon says her life's passion is in helping people find the support they need and to help equip them with the right tools to find success. That's one of the reasons this Chicago native is studying for her master's in social work. In addition to her studies, she serves as president of the 老澳门资料 Social Work Club (S.W.C.) Members Board.
Read on to learn more about this 老澳门资料 student.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
My current field of study is a Master of Social Work (MSW) program. I selected social work as my major because of my aspiration to become a family advocate. My passion lies in helping individuals locate the support they need, aiding them in achieving success and equipping them with essential life skills that I have gained throughout my journey. Another reason I opted for social work is the remarkable diversity it offers as a field.
What brought you to 老澳门资料?
I've deeply valued the networking opportunities generously offered by Career Services. These experiences have emboldened me to voice my career aspirations more confidently. 老澳门资料, with its multitude of on-campus opportunities, truly fosters an environment ripe with possibilities for its students.
What have you enjoyed most about the University?
I have greatly appreciated the networking opportunities that Career Services has provided me. These opportunities have empowered me to become more vocal about my future career aspirations. The 老澳门资料 offers a myriad of opportunities for its students on campus, making it an environment filled with possibilities.
Do you have a favorite place on campus? If so, what makes that place special to you?
The library holds a special place in my heart on campus. I have a strong affection for it because it was where I began my journey as a student employee with the university.
How did you become involved with the Social Work Club and what has the experience been like for you thus far?
I discovered through Instagram that the Social Work Club was looking for new officers. Initially, I applied for the position of secretary. To my surprise, the club's advisor, Dr. Yolanda Machado, reached out to me via email and extended an offer for me to assume the role of president. I eagerly accepted the opportunity. My involvement with the Social Work Club has been an enriching, dynamic and transformative experience. It has provided me with numerous chances to connect with campus partners and participate in significant events, such as the Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) conference.
What’s the greatest bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
Choose yourself every day even when it feels hard.
Who or what inspires you?
My nephews serve as a profound source of inspiration, instilling in me hope, motivation and a profound sense of joy.
What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I like to go ax throwing in my spare time.
Faculty and Staff News
Dr. Rakesh K. Maurya, assistant professor, published a study “Therapeutic power analysis of Rumi poems for its use in bibliotherapy” in the journal Poetry Therapy.
Dr. Mark Halley, associate professor and Dr. Dawn Wessling, assistant professor presented with Dr. Brendan Stern from Gallaudet University at the annual MSERA conference in Pensacola on research in progress “Far-Right Legislation and the Chilling Effect on Interpreter Education.”
Office of Experiential Learning
Dr. Amanda Kulp, assistant vice president, with colleagues Dr. Jennifer Perkins, associate director of assessment, Jasmine Graham, assessment fellow and Samantha Feaster, accreditation coordinator with College of Education and Human Services, co-presented a session “Fostering a Culture of Evidence through a Community of Practice” at the Indiana University – on Oct. 31.
Free Things to Do
Exhibition on view now through Nov. 17, 老澳门资料 Gallery of Art
The Annual 老澳门资料 Art and Design Faculty Exhibition highlights the creative and academic achievements of our Art and Design Faculty. Learn more about this faculty exhibit.
Contemporary Cartographies
Exhibit on view now through Nov. 26, MOCA Jacksonville
This exhibit includes works from MOCA Jacksonville’s permanent collection, complemented by loans from local and national artists, charting their surrounding landscape both literally and figuratively; whether it be through tracing a familiar route, capturing the movement of a bustling city or portraying the people and features of the milieu that defines them. Learn more . (© Kenny Nguyen, Topography of Memory, 2019-2020. Hand-cut silk fabric, acrylic paint, canvas, and pins, 65 x 98 x 10 inches. Courtesy of the artist.)
Facets: Contemporary Expressions in Sculptural Ceramics
Exhibit on view now through Nov. 26, MOCA Jacksonville
The exhibit features work by eleven internationally recognized contemporary ceramic artists working to push the boundaries in the vibrant and rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary sculptural ceramics. Learn more .
老澳门资料 Shakespeare presents "Othello"
Thursday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
Led by 老澳门资料 English Professor Will Pewitt, 老澳门资料 students perform an original multilingual version of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy "Othello." Learn more . Last performance, Friday, Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m., Lazzara Performance Hall.
老澳门资料 Opera Theater presents: Hansel and Gretel
Friday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater
Composer, Engelbert Humperdinck; Librettist, Adelheid Wette; Curtis Tucker, conductor; Dr. John Daugherty, director. Learn more about this theatrical performance.
老澳门资料 Astronomy Night: Results from NASA's Eclipse Ballooning Project
Friday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m., Science & Engineering Building (Room 1102)
老澳门资料 Physics faculty member Dr. Nirmal Patel and his student research team will give a short public talk about their recent experiment to study changes in the ozone using high altitude balloon flights during the solar eclipse. Learn more about the upcoming astronomy night event.
Archaeological Institute of America Event
Saturday, Nov. 18, noon - 1:30 p.m., Social Sciences Building (Room 1205)
The AIA Jacksonville Society and the 老澳门资料 Archaeology Lab are presenting a lecture by archaeologist Dr. Charles Stanish from the University of South Florida titled “The Origins and Nature of the Paracas Culture.” Learn more .
jemFest
Saturday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Building
The Jacksonville Electroacoustic Music Festival (jemFEST) returns featuring Grammy award-winning performer Nick Photinos. Special thanks to the Eisen Experiential Grant. Learn more about this upcoming musical event.
Teaching with Spatial Analysis
Friday, Nov. 28, 10 - 11 a.m., Virtual
Spatial analysis is the process of using a variety of methods and tools to think about phenomena in their geographical and topographical dimensions. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Chris Baynard, associate professor of geography and GIS, about ways that faculty can approach using spatial analysis in their research and teaching. Learn more and .
Jazz Combo Night
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater
Lynne Arriale, director. Learn more about this theatrical performance.
Art and Design Senior Art Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, Nov. 30, 5 - 7 p.m., Lufrano Intercultural Gallery
The 老澳门资料 Gallery of Art and the Department of Art, Art History and Design are proud to present the Fall 2023 Senior Showcase featuring works by graduating students. Learn more .
36th Annual Great American Jazz Series presents: Swing into the Holidays!
Thursday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
Get into the holiday spirit while listening to 老澳门资料 jazz ensembles performing Christmas and holiday big band jazz. J.B. Scott, artistic director, 老澳门资料 JE1 director. Learn more about this holiday performance.
VLC Faculty Workshop Series: Recording Studio and A/B Assignments for Students
Frdiay, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Drop in to this workshop and see what Audio visual recording capabilities are available in the Thomas G. Carpenter Library’s Recording Studio. Do you want your students to create a podcast? Record a speech? They can do all of that and more in the Recording Studio. Learn more .