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Inside ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ â€” November 30, 2023

JEA and ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ collaborate on sustainable solutions

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 

JEA and the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ are once again collaborating to support clean and renewable energy education and research, through the establishment of the new JEA Sustainable Solutions Lab at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ.

Visitors at the JEA Sustainable Solutions Lab at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏMade possible through a five-year financial commitment from JEA, the Lab will provide ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ undergraduate and graduate students hands-on opportunities to learn about clean and renewable energy technology and conduct related research in a dedicated space on campus.

As part of the collaboration, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students will be working directly with JEA experts on clean energy projects, while JEA staff and ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ faculty work together to develop relevant academic programming related to green energy. The lab will be a hub for research to develop sustainable solutions for JEA and other industries.

JEA has long been a partner with ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, originally providing support in 2001 for a Clean and Renewable Energy Lab. That gift created one of ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ's most productive research laboratories, resulting in more than $18 million in research funding through federal, state and private sources. This latest collaboration furthers that work and helps to ensure a growing pipeline of engineers, scientists and other industry professionals with knowledge and experience to contribute to the economic development of Northeast Florida. To date, more than 100 undergraduate and graduate students have participated in JEA/ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ research and education projects.

“JEA’s initial commitment to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ in 2001 was to start a clean and renewable energy lab,” said Dr. James Fletcher, associate professor in the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction and director of the Lab. “That donation was seed money that allowed us to design educational labs and classes within our curriculum and build interest in clean energy, workforce and research projects. In turn, we have one of the most successful engineering research labs in the state university system.”

Fletcher said JEA’s latest commitment expands the work of clean and renewable energy into sustainable solutions including green transportation and water security.

“We’re lucky to be working in this topical field,” said Fletcher. “Our students are very interested in it and you see their enthusiasm working on sustainable solutions.”

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ President Moez Limayem shared his gratitude for the collaboration creating the new Sustainable Solutions Lab. “JEA’s support will help our students get the hands-on experience they need to make an impact in areas related to water sustainability and clean and renewable energy," Limayem said. "This is the kind of mutually beneficial relationship that not only helps our local partners but also gives our students incredible experience before they graduate.”

While JEA exists to meet the electric, water and sewer demands of local customers, the authority is committed to environmental responsibility to ensure that resources are available for future generations.

This dual goal is made possible through customer education efforts and partnerships like this one to develop talent and support sustainability research and practices that will protect our resources.

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ President Moez Limayem at opening of the JEA Sustainable Solutions LabJEA Chief Operating Officer Raynetta Curry Marshall participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Dr. Limayem and said partnership is a win-win for both organizations.

“Improving the quality of life in our community through sustainable energy is at the core of what we do at JEA,” said Curry Marshall. “Investing in our students – who are the future, and our community is what’s it’s all about. We are in this heart and soul and glad to join this partnership.”

Student projects already underway in the lab include small-scale, operational microgrid solar panel systems, solar photovoltaic projects, solar thermal and internal combustion engines, a hydrogen-fueled, fuel cell golf cart and autonomous vehicle projects.

“It’s great having the backing of JEA,” said John Davis, a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ senior studying mechanical engineering. “Their funding helps support our research. I feel like I’m helping to move things forward as it pertains to clean energy, utilizing available resources to better the environment.”

The lab operates within the School of Engineering in ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ's College of Computing, Engineering and Construction.

Attend the final Faculty and Staff Mixer in 2023

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ faculty and staff at a mixer eventJoin your colleagues and meet new friends at the next Faculty and Staff Mixer Thursday, Dec. 7 from 4-6 p.m. in the Talon Room, Osprey Commons (Building 16).
 
Unwind and enjoy FREE light bites and beverages as you visit with fellow ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ employees. A cash bar is also available.
 
Stop by and mingle with your fellow Ospreys at the last mixer of 2023!

Faculty Feature: Dr. Nick Curry

Dr. Nick Curry, assistant director and professor of cello, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ School of MusicDr. Nick Curry has been playing the cello since age 5 and says it wasn't until he started playing chamber music in high school that he fell in love with the instrument. Now, his passion is working with students and watching them improve throughout the year.  

When did your love of music begin and how did the cello become your instrument of choice?
My mother chose the cello for me when I was five years old, and I started out playing a very small cello. I found my love for cello when I started playing chamber music in junior high school and high school. My high school had a very rare string quartet program. I continued to love music even more as a student at Vanderbilt and Northwestern University playing chamber music.
 
How has music impacted your life?
Music has impacted my life in a number of great ways. It allows me to perform chamber music with others, which is my favorite thing to do. It also led me to my career as a teacher. Working with cello students at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ and watching them improve and grow is one of the most rewarding things in my life. As music professors, we work with our students in a one-on-one setting which allows us to really get to know our students and it allows us to really invest. I enjoy all of these aspects of teaching.
 
Who are some of your musical influences?
I really like Ralph Kirshbaum and Steven Isserlis as cellists. When I was young, I was a big fan of Lynn Harrell. I love the Quatour Ebene string quartet. I am listening a lot now to the Galvin cello quartet which is made up of four outstanding cellists that study with the same teacher I had at Northwestern. I also enjoy other types of music. In college my friend exposed me to Motown and 70s funk and I was blown away by the music of Stevie Wonder. I also listen to pop music in the car with my daughter, which is fun.
 
Why did you decide to embark on a teaching career?
I decided I wanted to teach while studying with Hans Jorgen Jensen at Northwestern. He was such an incredible impact on my life and I wanted to try to give back to the music world in the way he gave to me. I was also inspired by my cello teacher at Vanderbilt, Grace Bahng. She gave me my first student and was such a dedicated teacher.
 
What brought you to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ?
I wanted to be back in the south and closer to my family in Atlanta. Also, I had heard it was a really good situation with good leadership both at the University level and in the music department. When I came to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, I didn't want to go on my other visits. I became the first full-time cellist on faculty here and building a program was an exciting idea.
 
What are your current research interests/previously interests?
My main responsibilities at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ are divided into three main areas. I teach my wonderful cello students and coach chamber music groups. I am the cellist in the Lawson Ensemble, which is the ensemble in residence at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ. We have a concert series here and I love that part of my job. And finally, I am in charge of music scholarships, which involves working with the music faculty and the great people in admissions, enrollment services and financial aid. Outside of ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, I like playing chamber music concerts and teaching at summer music festivals.
 
Describe your teaching style/philosophy
I like to give my students the tools to practice and then try to motivate them to utilize these tools in the practice room. The goal is that once they learn to practice efficiently, they can apply these strategies to any other piece they study and also pass along this information as future teachers. I'd say I'm usually a highly energetic teacher who tries to inspire and motivate while also checking in on other aspects of their lives at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ to make sure they are doing well overall.
 
What do you enjoy most about working in the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ School of Music?
I like playing in the Lawson Ensemble and working with my students. I enjoy watching students and other faculty members perform great concerts.
 
Who/What motivates and why?
Students. I'm motivated to give them the best possible experience here because that is what my teachers did for me.
 
What book(s) are you currently reading or recently read?
I am a sports nut so I watch a ton of sports. I do most of my reading with my nine-year-old daughter.
 
What do you like to do outside of teaching?
I like watching Duke basketball, the Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Falcons, University of Georgia football and I follow my alma maters as well. I also enjoy good food and wine.
 
What is one thing people may not know about you?
People might not know that I used to be able to shoot three-point shots really well. Most cellists stay away from basketballs because of our hands, but I used to love to play the sport.
 
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Curry along with violinist Aurica Duca and violinist/violist Clinton Dewing, who make up the Lawson Ensemble, as well as the Chamber Singers are performing a free concert of Handel's Messiah this Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at St. Paul's by-the-Sea. He is scheduled to perform in a series of themed at Friday Musicale, Inc. on the following dates: Dec. 8, 15 and 16. Dr. Curry is one of seven players that will be performing with the at the Vystar Arena in Jacksonville on Thursday, Dec. 21.

Holiday recipe: Apple Sauce Oatmeal Muffins

MuffinsMuffin ingredients:
1 c cooked oatmeal, 1 c whole wheat flour, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, ½ c unsweetened apple sauce, ⅓ c maple syrup, 2 Tbsp avocado oil, 2 eggs, ½ tsp vanilla extract, ½ c milk of choice, ¼- ½ c cranberries
 
Muffin topping ingredients:
¼ c oats, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/3 tsp cinnamon, 1 Tbsp melted butter, ¼ c chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
 
Directions (Makes approximately 12 muffins):
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl 
3. Combine all wet ingredients in a separate bowl
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until moist
5. Gently fold in cranberries 
6. Fill lined or greased muffin tray with batter
7. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of each muffin
8. Bake in oven for 20 - 22 minutes
 
Submitted by Sierra James, RD, LDN and ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ campus dietitian

Staff Spotlight: Alexandra Lackard

Alexandra Lackard, graduate coordinator in the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Coggin College of BusinessAlexandra Lackard is the graduate coordinator in the Coggin College of Business. In her current role, she helps with the College's recruiting efforts and advises students about the College's programs. Prior to accepting this position, Lackard worked on campus an an academic advisor. Her dedication and excellent performance in this role resulted in winning the 2023 Academic Advisor of the Year Award earlier this year. In her spare time, the Connecticut native enjoys exploring nature and spending time at the beach.
 
Describe a typical workday for you? 
One of the best parts about my job is that each day looks different. My main role is to advise students for our graduate and certificate programs within the Coggin College of Business — to welcome them to our programs. Other days, we’re attending campus events and off-campus recruiting initiatives. Our portfolio of graduate programs are growing and to date, we have six master's programs and three graduate certificates. It’s an exciting time to be in this position.
 
What led you to this opportunity at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ?
I was already a part of the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ community as an academic advisor for Art History, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Africana Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies. I was very grateful to have heard about the opportunity to work for the Coggin Graduate and Executive Programs. I knew right away how rewarding and exciting the work would be.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy getting to learn about my students’ goals and seeing the incredible work that they do. It is inspiring to see them excel in their programs and accomplish the goals they’ve set for themselves.
 
What do you like most about ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ?
I love that ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ is an incredibly welcoming community and provides extensive opportunities for students to get involved in their academic programs and extracurricular activities. I’m grateful to be a part of this incredible ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ community. SWOOP!
 
What energizes you at work?
I feel energized when I’m able to make connections with those that I am working with — students, faculty, staff and community partners.
 
What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re proud of?
In my former role in academic advising at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, I was honored to receive the Academic Advisor of the Year Award for 2023. My main hope in coming into work each day is to help students reach their goals.
 
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time out in nature, discovering new hiking trails or looking for shark teeth on the beach.
 
What was your first job?
My first job in high school was working as a hostess at a local pizza restaurant in Connecticut.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
To not worry about the small stuff. Things tend to work themselves out. It’s important to set goals for yourself but also enjoy the journey along the way.
 
Who inspires you and why?
My parents have always been an inspiration in my life. They’ve encouraged me to pursue my dreams and I am grateful for their support.
 
What’s your favorite thing to do on weekends?
My perfect weekend would be relaxing on the beach and finding a new restaurant spot.
 
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
Hawaii! It seems like the perfect adventure trip between visiting the beach and hiking alongside waterfalls.
 
What is one thing about you that others may not know?
I am an only child.

Senior finance major gains more than a degree; finds a partner for life

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
After nearly four years of keeping track of college courses, meetings with advisors, tutoring, club activities and internships, the time has finally come to transition into the “real world” for Matthew Dougherty, a senior majoring in financial planning and finance.
 
Matthew Doughtery, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ senior and finance major leaning against a treeThe 22-year-old Charlotte native had a plan, trusted the process and everything just fell into place.
 
“I had a good idea of what I wanted to study in college and where I wanted to go to school,” said Dougherty who’s set to graduate in December.
 
Fascinated by human behavior, how people act and what drives their decisions, Dougherty had an interest in studying psychology. But after enrolling in a personal finance class his junior year in high school and working at a bank his senior year, his interests changed.
 
“After taking a personal finance class, I knew that financial planning was the career for me,” said Dougherty. “Plus, I figured I could combine my interest in psychology with my interest in personal finance. Both require you to be curious and ask a lot of questions of people.”
 
With a clear goal to his career path, Dougherty sought out universities with strong financial planning programs that also included Certified Financial Planning board certification — the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ stood out to him.
 
“I did my research and found ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ was perfect,” Dougherty said. “The size and the student-faculty ratio was a big factor and that it’s located in a major city with lots of opportunities for networking and jobs. Also, the school is highly regarded as a top university to earn a financial planning degree and I liked how beautiful the campus is and how close it is to the beach.”
 
Dougherty started his freshman year in fall 2020 — during the peak of COVID-19. He said although that was a tough time because all his classes were online, he still made a point of getting involved in organizations related to his major albeit, virtual.
 
“COVID was tough for many reasons, but I thought it was important to make the effort to network and get involved in organizations that had meaning to me,” Dougherty said.
 
One of those organizations was the student-run Financial Planning Association (FPA) club. As soon as some COVID restrictions were lifted, Dougherty and others worked to get the club “off and running again,” reinstating in-person meetings, recruiting new members and scheduling speakers. He has been serving as the club’s president since summer 2022.
 
“Joining FPA opened a lot of doors for me,” said Dougherty. “It allowed me to meet so many people in the field and it helped me secure internships.”
 
Three internships to be exact. In his nearly four years as a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ student, the 22-year-old senior gained valuable hands-on experience and is graduating with a job offer from one.
 
“Last summer, I interned with Vanguard and they offered me a job at their Charlotte office after graduation,” Dougherty said. “My parents live outside of Charlotte and are happy that I’m moving back closer to them.”
 
Matthew Doughtery and his fiance Jaime FarrarAnother organization Dougherty joined that was close to his heart, was the Baptist Collegiate Ministries – an on-campus Christian club for students. That’s where he met a fellow Osprey and his soon-to-be wife, Jaime Farrar, who graduated over the summer with a degree in kinesiology. The couple are planning to marry two days after his graduation in December in the Virgin Islands.
 
“I joined BCM my freshman year because I wanted to be around like-minded people and grow in my faith,” said Dougherty. “I ended up meeting my lifetime partner.”
 
Dougherty credits his educational success to his involvement in the FPA club, his student mentors as well as his instructors along the way, all of which solidified his career choice.
 
One instructor in particular, Ronald Heymann, an adjunct in the Coggin College of Business, made a lasting impression on him.
 
“You can tell Professor Heymann genuinely wants his students to succeed,” Dougherty said. “It’s apparent in his optimism and for what he’s teaching. He gets you fired up when he brings real-life experiences to his classes.”
 
“Matthew sought out ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ with the intent to learn from the best educators in the field and pursued this degree with intensity and passion for learning that very few students possess,” said Heymann. “From day one, he demonstrated an intense drive to become a certified financial planner, engaged with his professors, helped his fellow students and built an impressive professional network,” said Heymann.
 
Heymann said he noticed Dougherty stood out among his peers early on.
 
“In my 18 years as a financial advisor and 10 as an instructor, I’ve never seen a student push themselves as hard as Matthew outside of the classroom,” Heymann said. “He studied hard, but also dedicated an enormous amount of time tutoring others, gaining work experience with a few highly regarded firms such as Farther Finance, Fidelity Investments and Vanguard and presided over a student club.”
 
At the recommendation of his professors, Dougherty started tutoring his peers through the Student Academic Success Services (SASS) his sophomore year and was promoted to Lead Peer Tutor his junior year. While he still tutors students, his added responsibilities include management of the service, recruiting and training new tutors.
 
“This is a great free service for students enrolled in traditionally challenging courses,” said Dougherty. “I know firsthand, the benefits of SI [Supplemental Instruction]. I took advantage of the tutoring help, made some adjustments to my study habits and was able to perform better in my courses. It works.”
 
In September, Heymann, Dougherty and a few other students traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to compete in a national financial planning competition against approximately 100 other universities across the country. Teams were asked to create a complete financial plan for a hypothetical family. The ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ team was one of eight school teams who advanced to Phases 2 and 3 and won an all-expense paid trip to Phoenix to compete with the other seven schools. Overall, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ placed sixth in the country.
 
“That was truly a great experience and one that gave us so much pride,” Dougherty said. “I don’t think it would have been possible without the leadership and guidance of our instructors.”
 
“I’m grateful for my college experience at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ,” Dougherty said. “I got everything I wanted and more from ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ — knowledgeable and attentive instructors and professors, a great education, a job lined up, good friends and my future wife.”

Donate to Lend-A-Wing this holiday season

As the holiday season kicks off, the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ’s Lend-A-Wing Pantry is calling on members of the community to ensure no shelf goes unstocked. 
 
  
Founded in 2012 by ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students for ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ students, the pantry is a Student Government Executive Agency designed to combat food insecurity on campus, by providing students with free, anonymous access to food, hygiene items and school supplies.  
 
During the 2022-23 academic year, 9,441 students used the pantry for their nutritional and hygiene needs and many rely on programs like Lend-A-Wing for critical extra support.
 
In addition, Recreation & Wellness and the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Preschool have begun their donation drives to collect items for the holiday season.
 
Find a list of the pantry's most requested items.
 
Information provided by ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Media Relations

Ceramics students fighting local food insecurity

Students from Heywood's ceramics class creating one-of-a-kind bowlsWhen moving from Pennsylvania to Florida, art and design associate professor Stephen Heywood brought his passion for service along with his artistic talents. After being involved with the Empty Bowls project in graduate school, Heywood introduced the project to his students at the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ. Eighteen years later, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ has contributed nearly 4,000 handcrafted bowls to fight food insecurity.  
 
The Empty Bowls project is a global grassroots movement by artists and craftspeople to raise money for food-related charities and to care for and feed the hungry in their communities. 
 
For the past decade, Heywood and his students have created and donated beautiful ceramic bowls to support the Barnabas Center in Nassau County. The Barnabas Center hosts an annual auction meal event to raise awareness and funds to combat hunger and crisis in Nassau County. Guests of the event take home a beautiful, hand-painted bowl.
 
 
Information provided by ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Media Relations

Spring WOW sign up available

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Week of Welcome logoStudent Life will host its annual Blue Year's Celebration to kick start the Spring 2024 Week of Welcome.
 
Currently, Student Life is accepting requests from on-campus departments, clubs or organizations to table this event. It's a great way to showcase your department, club or organization and introduce students to your services.
 
to reserve a table or to host an event during Spring WOW.

Winter Camp at MOCA for children grades K-5

MOCA JacksonvilleWant a fun place for your children to go during the winter break? Look no further than the art-based Winter Camp at MOCA. Students learn art techniques in a variety of media through hands-on learning in a fun and engaging environment with the guidance of skilled museum educators. The camp is open during the winter break to children in grades K-5 and offers full day, half day and extended day options.
 
Learn more and .

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
Dr. Szymon J. Ciesielski, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry along with Elena J. Ciesielski, a biology lecturer, Dr. Grzegorz Ciesielski, assistant professor of biology and C. Young, published “The Hsp70 and JDP proteins: Structure-function perspective on molecular chaperone activity” in Enzymes, September 2023. 
 
Dr. Szymon Ciesielski, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, along with M. Jelen, I. Grochowina, A. Grabinska-Rogala, K. Dabrowska, B. Tomiczek, L. Nierzwicki, W. Delewski, B. Schilke, J. Czub, M. Dadlez, R. Dutkiewicz, E.A. Craig and J. Marszalek, published “Analysis of Reconstituted Tripartite Complex Supports Avidity-based Recruitment of Hsp70 by Substrate Bound J-domain Protein” in the Journal of Molecular Biology, November 2023. 
 
English
Mark Ari, assistant professor of creative writing, along with Ginger Andro and Chuck Glickman, exhibited “Via Brooklyn Bridge” a multisensory installation combining poetry, film, sculpture, sound and scent in a solo show at Olfactory Art Keller, New York City. September 2023.
 
Mark Ari, assistant professor of creative writing, along with Ginger Andro and Chuck Glicksman, contributed “Colossus” a multisensory experience combining poetry, moving image, sound and scent, to VOICES, an international exhibit at the museum of the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art (CICA), Korea, October 2023.
 
Dr. Ash Faulkner, associate instructor in the writing program, presented his paper “When Poverty is a Vow: The Monks of Dickens and Carlyle” at the Victorians Institute Conference in Raleigh, N.C., October 2023.
 
Will Pewitt, English instructor and faculty fellow Hicks Honors College, presented on methodologies in Experiential Learning for the conference of the Florida Collegiate Honors Council, October 2023.  
 
Dr. Nicholas de Villiers, professor, English and film, presented a paper “The Evolution of the Tourist Gaze in Film and New Media” at the 23rd International Symposium on Penghu Studies — International Exchange on Marine Cultural Heritage, Penghu, Taiwan, October 2023.
 
Dr. Maureen McCluskey, English instructor and performer, Broadway Hearts, Children's Hospital Visits, September; Designer, “Sharon Isbin: Hall of Fame Inductee” in Soundboard: The Journal of the Guitar Foundation of America, Vol 49, No. 2; Director/Producer/Designer, Mayo Clinic, Heritage Day Events, October  2023; Director/Producer/Designer, Mayo Clinic, Culture of Safety Resources Fair Special Guests, October and Community Liaison, Jacksonville Arboretum and Garden's Winter Lights, October 2023. 
 
History
Dr. Alison J. Bruey, professor of history, published the book “Justicia y libertad: Luchas populares por los derechos sociales y democracia en Chile” Santiago de Chile: LOM Ediciones, 2023.
 
Dr. David Courtwright, professor emeritus of history, published “How progressive was prohibition? Commentary on Smashing the Liquor Machine, the Francesco Guicciardini Prize Forum,"
Cambridge Journal of International Affairs, November 2023.  
 
Physics  
Dr. Daniel Santavicca, professor of physics, published the textbook “Electronics for Scientists” with CRC Press, September 2023. 
 
Dr. Nirmal G. Patel, associate lecturer and Brian E. Stadelmaier, published two research papers titled “Polyethyleneimine-Indium Tin Oxide Composite Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor for Protic and Aprotic Vapors” and “Nafion-Indium Tin Oxide Composite Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor for Polar and Non-Polar Vapors” in Sensors & Transducers, September 2023.  
 
Dr. Jason T. Haraldsen, associate professor and Alexandria Alcantara, graduate student, published “Parameter-free treatment of a layered correlated van der Waals magnet: CrPS4” in Physical Review B, October 2023.  
 
Dr. W. Brian Lane, physics instructor, along with Terrie M. Galanti and X.L. Rozas, published “Physics Teachers’ Motivations to Learn Computational Thinking as a Re-novicing Experience” for Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings 2023.
 
Political Science & Public Administration
Dr. Joshua C. Gellers, professor of political science and public administration, delivered a speech “Law, nature and more-than-human rights” at the International Symposium on Law and Nature held at the University of Mannheim in Germany, September. Also, Dr. Gellars was cited in the UN Environment Programme's second global report, "Environment Rule of Law: Tracking Progress and Charting Future Directions," November. 
 
Psychology
Dr. Lindsay Mahovetz-Myers, adjunct professor of psychology, presented “Using Thermography to Detect Arthritis-Related Inflammation and Determine the Effectiveness of Laser Therapy Treatments” at the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) 2023 Annual Conference, September.
 
Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work  
Dr. Jessica Chandras, assistant professor of anthropology, published “Mother Tongue Prestige: The Sociolinguistics of Privilege in Urban Middle-Class Education in India” Routledge, 2023.
 
College of Education and Human Services
Dr. Kim Cheek, associate professor along with doctoral students Jeania Jones and Lindsay Gallon, presented a portion of a study “What beginning teacher candidates think they need to learn to engage in culturally responsive teaching: Implication for teacher educators” to the Conference Proceedings of the 2023 Annual Conference of the Associate of Teacher Educators.
 
Dr. Caroline Guardino, professor, Exceptional, Deaf and Interpreter Education, along with Dr. Joanna Cannon from the University of British Columbia, presented “Deaf and hard of hearing learners with disabilities: Foundations, strategies, and resources” at the Willie Ross School for the Deaf annual conference. 
 
Dr. Mark Halley, associate professor and Dr. Dawn Wessling, assistant professor, Exceptional, Deaf and Interpreter Education, along with Brendan Stern from Gallaudet University, presented at the annual Mid-South Educational Research Association conference on research in progress: Far-right Legislation and the Chilling Effect on Interpreter Education.”
 
Dr. John Miller, professor, along with Dr. Mark Davis of Troy University, published an article “An analysis of violence and performance factors’ influence on National Hockey League attendance: A conceptual analysis of hedonic consumption” in the Journal of Sport Behavior. 
 
Dr. John Miller, professor, along with David Pierce of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, James Johnson of Ball State University and Sarah Stokowski of Clemson University, published “Undergraduate sport management curricula in the United States” in the Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Management.
 
Dr. Christine Weber, professor, Teaching, Learning & Curriculum, co-authored of the first guidebook on curriculum design for gifted and high potential learners. Dr. Weber and colleague Dr. Emily Mofield developed two additional LEAP projects, a curriculum guidebook and a series of five curriculum modules.
 
Dr. Sherry Shaw, professor emerita, Exceptional, Deaf and Interpreter Education, was awarded a Fulbright Specialist Award to develop a new Signed Language Interpreting Program in Austria in 2024.   
 
Office of Experiential Learning
Dr. Justin Sipes, director of experiential learning, received a fellowship from Campus Compact and will be a member of the inaugural Campus Innovation cohort to enhance Newman Civic Fellow opportunities. 
 
Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Maria Atilano, student engagement librarian, was elected President of the Library Marketing and Communications Group Board in August. She also facilitated the 9th Annual Library Marketing and Communications Conference in Indianapolis in early November. 

Dateline

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Dateline balloonsMilestones
Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in November:
 
15 Years
Corinne Housley,
Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities
Megan Kuehner, Director, Project Management Office
Andrew Richardson, Senior Control Systems Technician, Physical Facilities
Mark Ward, Maintenance Mechanic, Physical Facilities
 
10 Years
Marc Berkovits
, Associate Director, Records and Registration, Registrar's Office
Gerald Davis, Accounting Associate, Parking and Transportation Services
Fantei Norman, Title IX Civil Rights Investigator, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
 
5 Years
William Carlson
, Law Enforcement Officer, University Police Department
Daniel Feinberg, Associate University Librarian, Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Joslyn Simmons, Coordinator, Operations, Coggin College of Business
Noah Sterling, Desktop Support Engineer, Service Management
 
Welcome
The following employees were either hired by ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ or were promoted from OPS positions recently:
Erin Dean, Assistant Child Development Teacher, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Preschool
Erin Duggan, Administrative Assistant, College of Arts and Sciences
Miles Feacher, Coordinator, Student Academic Success Services, Undergraduate Studies
Lucas Guy, Laboratory Technician, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Bridgette Ketter, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
Hannah Rae Lovett, Mental Health Counselor, Counseling Center
Leah Maloney, Academic Advisor, UGS Academic Advising
Cheyanne Meza, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
Renisha Pharr, Office Assistant, Quality Control and Work Management
Nelly Rivera Heredia, Custodial Worker, University Housing
Jack Sumrall, Academic Advisor, UGS Academic Advising
 
Great Job
The following employees were recently promoted:
Amber-Jul Camaya, Assistant Director, Student Union
Delores Irvin, Academic Support Services Specialist, Psychology
Sarah Jackson, Assistant Director, Enrollment Services Processing Office
James Roarty, Assistant Director, Faculty Review Advancement, Academic Affairs
Elizabeth Strogoff, Assistant Director, Records and Registration, Registrar's Office
Melanie Wallace, Coordinator Prospect Research, Constituent Programs
Brian Wingender, Associate Director, Research Program Services, Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Innovation

Free Things to Do

Brennan Wojtyla: Cathedral of Labor

Exhibition on view now through Dec. 17, MOCA Jacksonville
Cathedral of Labor is an ongoing project within the transdisciplinary artistic practice that Brennan Wojtyla has been developing for the past three years. Based upon the idea of decontextualizing industrial forms and processes by presenting them in a fine art context, Wojtyla introduces an examination of utilitarian forms outside of the confines of their usual functional purpose. Learn more .

six paintings featuring masks from the exhibition Art with a Heart in Healthcare: DaydreamersArt with a Heart in Healthcare: Daydreamers
Exhibit on view now through Jan. 14, 2024, MOCA Jacksonville
MOCA Jacksonville continues its partnership with Art with a Heart in Healthcare (AWAHIH), a nonprofit organization that provides personalized art experiences to support the healing process for patients and families at local hospitals. Through the years, the program has developed different themes to encourage the patients to express themselves creatively, helping them to articulate their feelings, ideas and experience through art. Learn more . (@ Photo by Laird)

Project Atrium: Rowland Ricketts
Exhibit on view now through Jan. 28, 2024, MOCA Jacksonville
Rowland Ricketts is a contemporary fiber artist who creates immersive site-specific installations using handwoven and hand-dyed cloth. His approach follows the long history of art’s engagement with the natural world through an unconventional and highly personal perspective, emphasizing the relationship between nature, culture, the passage of time and everyday life. Learn more .

VyStar Free Saturdays at MOCA
Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
MOCA Jacksonville
Through VyStar Credit Union's generous support, members of the community have greater access to contemporary art through free admission every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more .

Messiah
Sunday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m.,
St. Paul's by the Sea Episcopal Church
Featuring performances by the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Chamber Singers, Lawson Ensemble and friends. Also featuring Sachiko Frampton, collaborative keyboard artist and Dr. Cara Tasher, conductor. Learn more about this concert.

Museum Nights at MOCA
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 5 - 9 p.m.,
MOCA Jacksonville
Enjoy extended hours at MOCA Jacksonville on the first and third Wednesdays of each month featuring special programming, a bar and happy hour specials. Learn more .

Recording Studio A/V AssignmentsVLC Faculty Workshop Series: Recording Studio and A/B Assignments for Students
Frdiay, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.,
Thomas G. Carpenter Library (Third Floor). 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 .

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Brass Ensembles in Concert
Friday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m.,
The Green
Featuring the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Ceremonial Brass, Brass Quintet and Trumpet Ensemble. Dr. Randall Tinnin, director. In the event of inclement weather, the performance will move indoors to the Fine Arts Center Recital Hall (45/1200). Learn more about this concert event.

A Cozy Choral Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m.,
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
Dr. Cara Tasher, director

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Night at Deck the Chairs
Thursday, Dec. 14, 6 - 8 p.m.,
Seawalk Pavilion
Join the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Alumni Association for a festive holiday celebration where creativity meets community spirit. Visit their decorated chair and choose the perfect ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ gift for someone special. Attendees will have opportunity to take a photo with Ozzie and collect some ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ swag. Learn more .

Across the Nest Research Seminar Series: “Can bacteria help prevent beach erosion?”
Friday, Dec. 15, noon - 1 p.m.,

Scheduled to take place on the third Friday of every month, this series will highlight interdisciplinary research collaborations among faculty members and their student researchers at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ. The inaugural session, “Can bacteria help prevent beach erosion?” will be led by Drs. Raphael Crowley and Terri Ellis, with senior Amar Kosovac. This seminar series is a collaboration between the Office of Faculty Excellence (OFE), the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR). Learn more .

Swoop Summary

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ soccer player kicking a ball during a game against an Austin Peay defender
Five Players Selected to Women's Soccer CSC Academic All-District Team
Five student-athletes represented North Florida women's soccer on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, as announced by the national organization Tuesday, Nov. 21. The quintet becomes the first ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ players in program history to be selected to the CSC Academic All-District Team since expanding the selections in 2022. Learn more .

Here are a few upcoming events:


Men's Basketball vs. High Point
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m.  |  ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Arena  |    |  Military Appreciation
 
Men's Basketball vs. Edward Waters
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.  |  ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Arena  | 
 
Women's Basketball vs. Piedmont
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m.  |  ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Arena  |  Free Admission