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Inside º£½ÇÉçÇø— August 9, 2024

A look back at summer 2024 commencement

More than 700 students walked across the stage last week during the º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Summer 2024 Commencement ceremonies at the º£½ÇÉçÇøArena.
 
Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 53, and came from 12 countries, with 31% being first generation in their families to attend college, many having a 4.0 GPA and 76 connected to the military. Degrees were awarded from 93 different combinations of majors.
 
The º£½ÇÉçÇøClass of Summer 2024 joins the more than 112,000 members of the Osprey nation alumni. 

During commencement, Yolande Piazza, vice president of financial services at Google Cloud, was recognized at the undergraduate cermony and was presented an honorary doctorate. Piazza has made a significant impact at UNF, serving on the CCEC's Dean's Leadership Council and speaking at other University events.  
 
Learn more about this year's commencement.

graduates clapping for the honorary doctorate recipient President Limayhem presenting Yolande Piazza with an honorary doctorate

º£½ÇÉçÇøhosts third annual Employer Summit

Employer Summit participants sitting down to watch a panelThe º£½ÇÉçÇø hosted its third annual º£½ÇÉçÇøEmployer Summit on July 30, bringing together over 100 representatives from 50 of its top employer partners in the greater Jacksonville area.  
 
The event, organized by UNF’s Career Services, aimed to collaborate with influential local companies, nonprofits, organizations and agencies to strengthen opportunities for º£½ÇÉçÇøstudents to meet the talent needs in the region. Jacksonville is a major metro area home to many world-renowned businesses, including four Fortune 400 companies.
 
Employers attended workshops facilitated by both JAXUSA and Coggin Executive Programs and joined moderated panels with topics on internship program development and talent-acquisition. At lunch, º£½ÇÉçÇøPresident Limayem addressed the business representatives and spoke about the vital role businesses play on student success and how important it is for employers to be seen on campus, sponsoring events, mentoring, serving on advisory boards and more.  
 
 
Information provided by º£½ÇÉçÇøMedia Relations

Helpful Workday resources are available

Workday logoAttention Ospreys!
 
There are many resources available to assist you in navigating your way through Workday from articles to video demonstrations. You are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and familiarize yourself with this platform. Below are convenient Workday resources:

For questions, contact the º£½ÇÉçÇøWorkday Support Center at 904-620-7788.

º£½ÇÉçÇøLABE recruiting patients with cerebral palsy

º£½ÇÉçÇøresearchers working in the º£½ÇÉçÇøLaboratory of Applied Biomechanics and EngineeringThe º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Laboratory of Applied Biomechanics and Engineering (LABE) is recruiting pediatric patients with cerebral palsy for power mobility clinical trials. Families selected for the studies will visit º£½ÇÉçÇøthree times over six months for one-hour sessions, with children participating in walking and balance tests. Each child will then receive a stand-on, ride-on toy car adapted specifically for them to use at home.
 
The clinical trials, funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, are looking at the impact that stand-on power mobility has on the physical function of children. Many children with cerebral palsy have limited postural control and walking capabilities, which can deprive them of participation in life activities and lead to delayed development and low quality of life.
 
The studies are led by º£½ÇÉçÇøfaculty members Dr. Guilherme (Gui) Cesar, physical therapy assistant professor, and Dr. Juan Aceros, engineering associate professor.
 
Learn more about this study.

º£½ÇÉçÇøstudents present research findings

The º£½ÇÉçÇøOffice of Undergraduate Research (OUR) held its second annual Advancements in Research, Inquiry and Scholarship Exhibition (ARISE) on Friday, July 26. The summer symposium serves as a venue for both undergraduate and graduate students to present their research in poster format.
 
Attendees at a research event at º£½ÇÉçÇøviewing a research poster Student in pink shirt explaining her research poster to an onlooker Attendees at a research event looking at a poster
 
This year's event showcased findings from º£½ÇÉçÇøstudents exploring a multiude of research interests from renewable enegy strategies to opioid overdose mortality rates among Duval County residents.
 
In total, ARISE 2024 included 87 poster presentations and participation by 105 student presenters.

Learn more .

º£½ÇÉçÇøhosts reception for faculty ahead of fall semester

º£½ÇÉçÇøPresident Limayem and other º£½ÇÉçÇøemployees welcomed new faculty to UNF's academic community at a reception held this week. President Limayem emphasized the noble endeavors of the new faculty as educators and researchers and how they play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations.  
 
President Limayem at new faculty reception event º£½ÇÉçÇøfaculty and leadership socializing at a new faculty reception event President Limayhem speaking at the new faculty reception

Staff Spotlight: Raymond Ross

º£½ÇÉçÇøUPD Officer Raymond Ross
Raymond Ross is a º£½ÇÉçÇøpolice officer who hails from a family with a strong background in community service. Read about Ross's career journey and what a typical day looks like for him. 

What were your career aspirations growing up?

My career aspirations growing up were to become an airline pilot or a police officer. I went to college for aviation but I didn't finish. I then joined the U.S. Navy a few years later and after that I became a police officer. So, one for two isn't bad. 

Why did you choose a career in law enforcement?

The reason I chose a career in law enforcement was to help people in need and to serve my community in which I live. I come from a family background of military and police. So, you can say it was in my blood and I did both. My uncle was the first African American sergeant and lietenant with the Indianapolis Police Department in the 1950s. Then he went on to be the first African American to lead a department inside the agency. So, you can say he paved the way for me.

In your current role as a UPD officer, what are your specific duties?

I like to use the acronym PEPPAS to define my specific duties here at º£½ÇÉçÇø— PEPPAS stands for:
  • P- Protect Life and Property
  • E- Enforce Laws
  • P- Prevent Crime
  • P- Preserve the Peace
  • A- Arrest Violators
  • S- Serve the Public

Describe a typical workday for you?

A typical workday includes conducting traffic stops, deterring crime, writing reports, answering calls for service, patrolling the areas throughout campus and helping people in need.

What do you enjoy most about working at UNF?

º£½ÇÉçÇøis a beautiful community and campus. I work with an awesome squad and I get to interact with students — possibly helping to change a life.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus? If so, where is it and why is it your favorite?

My favorite spot on campus is the Amphitheater. At night on my walks, I stop by there from time to time just to look up at the stars and reflect on life and how blessed I am. It's a very peaceful spot on campus.

What is one memory you treasure?

One memory I will always treasure is when I saved a six-year-old child from drowning. I saved his life on July 4, 2016.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

To take my wife to Dubai. I would love her to see it.

Who/what inspires you to be your best?

My family inspires me to be my best, not only at work, but in everyday life.

What is the best advice you've been given?

The best advice I was given came from my grandfather. He told me to never depend on anybody only depend on yourself because you can only fail yourself.

What do you like to do for fun (hobbies)?

I enjoy playing basketball and spending time with my niece and nephew. Online gaming with my PS5 from time to time.

What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?

One fun fact about me many people may not know is that I am a introvert at heart.

Biology graduate conducts research throughout NE Florida

By Byron E. Jones
 
º£½ÇÉçÇø2024 graduate Corey Kempinski standing in an atriumCorey Kempinski comes from a family of Ospreys. Both his father and grandmother are º£½ÇÉçÇø graduates. He knew from an early age that he wanted to work in a technically oriented field — aiming to follow in the footsteps of his father who works in IT and his grandfather who is a chemical engineer. 
 
“I knew at a young age that I wanted to do something in the STEM field,” Kempinski said. 
 
Growing up in Jacksonville, he also developed a love for marine life and exploring nature.  
 
After starting college as a chemical engineering major at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, he realized the engineering program wasn’t the right fit for him. He heard lots of great things about the º£½ÇÉçÇøbiology program and enrolled in 2022.  
 
Kempinski found his passion through UNF’s coastal environmental research program. He graduated this summer with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a specialization in coastal environmental science. 
 
While at UNF, Kempinski had the opportunity to work with several faculty members on various field projects. He says these projects have been profoundly beneficial in his development as a young environmental scientist.

Water research

In fall 2023, he took a limnology course studying lakes and other bodies of water with Dr. Kelly Smith, associate professor emeritus of biology. The class included field research trips to various wetlands throughout Northeast Florida including UNF’s Lake Oneida, Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) and the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve. He says these experiences, which included collecting water samples and testing water quality, allowed him to transfer his academic knowledge to practical field application. 
 
“I was quite pleased with his willingness to learn and volunteer for research opportunities,” said Smith. “I think he has good potential to become successful in marine science.”

Eel research

In 2023, he participated in a project with Dr. Eric Johnson, associate professor of biology, researching American eel (glass eel) populations. Kempinski and other students examined juvenile American eels and analyzed water samples at the GTMNERR. They also documented other species found in the area.  
 
This project allowed him to learn various fish stock assessment methods including handling live specimens and using data sheets to record various parameters such as size, weight and overall health. He says working on this project was a great experience as he finds the process of studying organisms quite fascinating. 
 
The data collected from this research was submitted to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Coastline research

Kempinski also spent significant time throughout the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters working with the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) on a project spearheaded by Dr. Scott Jones, assistant professor of biology.
 
For this project, Kempinski and other students assisted the NPS with selecting new GPS units for assessing methods of shoreline monitoring. Since joining Jones’s research team last fall, Kempinski has presented his research at multiple conferences including the 2024 Southeastern Estuarine Research Society Symposium held in March in Savannah, Georgia. Jones commends Kempinski for his technical knowledge and ability to cut through complex topics. 
 
º£½ÇÉçÇøalum Corey Kempinski sitting in front of a microscope“Corey has advanced skills in coding and analysis, which will serve him very well as he advances in his career,” said Jones. “His positive attitude and wit will surely help him to network and collaborate in the field.”
 
In addition to his courses and fieldwork, he gained extensive lab experience working as an assistant lab manager in the Department of Biology — performing numerous tasks from setting up machinery to checking safety equipment.
 
Kempinski praises UNF’s faculty for treating students as people and playing an active role in their academic and professional development. He also says the Coastal Environmental Science program is destined to do great things.
 
“I think the Coastal Environmental Science program is a really great program and I think º£½ÇÉçÇøis on the leading edge of shaping the next generation of environmental scientists,” he said.

Campus activities

Beyond hours in the lab and conducting field research, Kempinski is also a member of the Wetlands Club.
 
“The club is a great opportunity to connect with students from other academic backgrounds who share an interest in wetland conservation,” said Kempinski.
 
Through his involvement in the club, he enjoyed many unique opportunities including a recent visit to the Virtual Learning Center in the Thomas G. Carpenter Library to participate in a VR experience that involved walking through a marsh. Another social activity Kempinski has enjoyed with friends involves playing his favorite card game, “Magic: The Gathering.”
 
Kempinski says he’s been able to get involved with so many activities on campus thanks to the many opportunities º£½ÇÉçÇøoffers its students.
 
“I didn’t realize how many opportunities exist here at UNF. You just need to send an email and ask someone,” he said.

Post-graduation Plans

Kempinski is currently preparing to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and submitting his resume to employers in the hopes of landing a position in the coastal environmental science field. He says he hopes to attend graduate school within a few years to continue his education. An avid traveler and adventurer who has visited every state on the East Coast of the United States, he’s looking forward to exploring all the states on the West Coast.

º£½ÇÉçÇøAthletics enhances its branding

º£½ÇÉçÇøathletics logoº£½ÇÉçÇøAthletics announced a brand refresh ahead of the 2024-25 athletic seasons. The primary update includes a new full-color Osprey bird head logo featuring a white container to allow the use of the logo across a variety of colored backgrounds.
 
The new mark utilizes the existing Osprey head logo (which remains part of the brand for one-color use) and provides a gray beak and aqua eye. A new Osprey script has also been added to the brand offerings.

SBDC at º£½ÇÉçÇøhelps small businesses navigate government contracts

America's SBDC FloridaThe Florida Small Business Development Center at º£½ÇÉçÇøis now offering more training events for small businesses interested in getting started with government contracting. Additional training topics are being offered to bring the most relevant and informative workshops and opportunities to help small businesses navigate the government procurement process and identify the critical steps in winning government contracts.
 
From capability statements to local and federal certifications, small businesses can learn more about being contract ready.
 
To learn more and see a full listing of events, visit the Florida SBDC at º£½ÇÉçÇøwebsite and click the “Training & Events” tab in the top navigation bar.

Inside News Roundup

robotic hand reaching upwardContextualizing AI in Higher Ed: Understanding the Tools and Their Impact

This event is an interactive conversation for faculty new to exploring AI and its impact on higher education on Monday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m., via Zoom at . The discussion will cover the implications of various types of AI, including machine learning and natural language processing, demonstrate a few tools and end with a Q&A session.
 

Health & Vitality

Student Health Services invites all faculty and staff to a on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Hope Gunn, a nurse practitioner certified in functional medicine, will discuss the importance of a healthy gut and how it impacts overall health and provide tips and recommendations on how to eat right and avoid potential health problems. The presentation will be about 15 minutes followed by a Q&A. to receive the Zoom link by Tuesday, Aug. 27. Attendees will have a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card at the end of the presentation.
 

Call for Art

The Dean of Students Office is hosting its fourth annual programming event series to promote awareness to the º£½ÇÉçÇøcommunity, with the first event being the Red Zone Exhibit. Open to all students, faculty and staff, the exhibit launch party will be on Thursday, Aug. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Dean of Students Office (Building 2, Room 1400). Individuals who would like to submit artwork for the launch party and month-long exhibit, please reach out to Kristy Ramirez at k.ramirez@unf.edu. Learn more about the Red Zone Programming.
 

Healthy Campus Week – Healthy Horizons

"Healthy Horizons” is the theme for this year’s Healthy Campus Week held Monday, Sept. 16 to Friday, Sept. 20. This initiative aims to highlight and promote all of UNF’s health and wellness resources, and to empower and educate the º£½ÇÉçÇøcommunity to understand that healthy habits today can positively impact their future. Email a.muench.epstein@unf.edu by Tuesday, Aug. 13 to participate.
 

Thoughtful Thursdays: Birth of Impressionism

Dr. Debra Murphy, professor of art history, will give a lecture examining the “Birth of Impressionism” on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Story & Song Art Gallery, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach, 32034. The talk will coincide with the landmark exhibition in Paris celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Impressionist’s first show in 1874. This is a FREE event but reservations are required and a donation of $10 in support of º£½ÇÉçÇøundergraduate education is appreciated. Learn more and .
 

Fall Visitation Validation Code

Visitor validation codes for fall term guest parking are available. Departments must request these codes for guests parking on campus. Guests may enter the codes at a Pay-by-Plate kiosk or Flowbird app. All visitor validation codes begin on the first day of the term and end the day before the following term begins. To get a validation code, select the Employee tab in myWings, click on the Forms tab and then select Visitor Parking Validation from the Parking section. Visit the Visitor Parking website for additional information.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on º£½ÇÉçÇøcampusBrooks College of Health
Dr. Lillia Loriz, professor, was elected as a faculty representative on the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Board of Commissioners.  
 
Dr. Elissa Barr, professor and Kathleen Patti, MPH student, presented “Florida Sexual Health Education: Connecting the Dots to Public Health” at the Florida Public Health Association conference in Orlando, July.
 
Dr. Tes Tuason, professor and program director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, returned from her 4-month Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in Baguio City, Philippines.
 
Coggin College of Business
Dr. William Montford, assistant professor in the Marketing & Logistics Department, was awarded the Insight Development grant through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). He will be working with his coauthors to examine the perception of charitable donations from “sindustries” (legal organizations whose objectives and activities are often perceived as immoral — ex: alcohol, cannabis, gambling, sex.).
 
College of Arts and Sciences
Communications
Dr. Rachel E. Riggs, assistant professor and Dr. Sydney E. Brammer, assistant professor, wrote a book chapter printed in June, “Disclosure of sexual assault in entertainment media: Adolescent girls’ sense-making of supportive and unsupportive sexual assault disclosure narratives,” in S. J. T. Hust, J. F. Willoughby, & R. Ortiz (Eds.) “Teens, sex & media: Understanding media impact on adolescent sexuality, sexual health, and advocacy.” Routledge.
 
Dr. Roy Christopher, instructor, had an article published “Mining Affordances,” in the summer/fall 2024 issue of The Henry Ford Magazine.
 
Dr. Nataliya Roman, associate professor and Dr. Berrin Beasley, professor, presented their paper “Unwanted Guests or Welcomed Neighbors? Portrayals of Ukrainian Refugees in Russian, Polish, and UK News Coverage” at the 74th annual International Communication Association conference in Broadbeach, Australia, June.
 
English
Dr. Clark Lunberry, professor, delivered a paper, “Makings of Memory | Marcel Proust, Annie Ernaux, and the Writing of a Life,” at the International Conference of Modernist Studies in Asia, held at the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, June.
 
Mathematics and Statistics
Jae-Ho Lee published “The standard generators of the tetrahedron algebra and their look-alikes” in the Journal of Algebra in May.
 
Physics
Devki N. Talwar, research associate, published a paper in the Materials/MDPI. “Strain-dependent effects on confinement of folded acoustic and optical phonons in short-period (XC)m/(YC)n with X,Y (≡Si, Ge, Sn) superlattices.”
 
College of Education and Human Services 
Dr. Terrie M. Galanti, assistant professor, along with co-authors Dr. Nancy Holincheck and doctoral student Tiffany Butler (George Mason University) published a manuscript in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching titled "Promoting teachers’ advocacy and agency for equity in STEM education through research and reflection."
 
Dr. Dawn Wessling, assistant professor, is participating in a program at the YMCA for cancer survivors. This program helps people reclaim their lives after a diagnosis.
 
Dr. Matthew Ohlson, professor and director, Taylor Leadership Institute (TLI), explained the difference between managing and leading on Hospitality Daily’s podcast; he was named chairman of the Board of Directors for the Youth Crisis Center, and was featured in the CXO Magazine article titled: “Leading with Joy: How Positive Leadership Impacts the Workplace, College Campuses and Athletic Teams.”
 
Dr. Elizabeth Gregg, professor, along with Dr. Matthew Ohlson, professor and director of the TLI, Ana Roman Dominquez, and Sydnie Steele are the authors of “A Proposal for Improving Student-Athletes’ Mental Health Through Leadership Training.”
 
Dr. Terence Cavanaugh, professor, received his Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in TESOL-EdTech.
 
Dr. Shaqwana Freeman-Green, associate professor, in partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools, helped develop a 22-page PDF consisting of unique, actionable resources designed to build communication and community with families while also supporting educator mindsets.
 
Shaundricka Medlock, resident clinical faculty, along with Dr. Jeania Jones, associate instructor, Dr. Raven S. Robinson-Wilson, assistant professor, helped facilitate the Summer Clinical Institute in July which prepared for this year’s Project PREP teacher candidates.
 
Dr. Elizabeth Hale, associate professor, along with Dr. Kim Cheek, associate professor, Xavier Rozas, NEFSTEM, coordinator of Professional Learning and Dr. Jim Fletcher, associate professor, College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, piloted their first environmental-focused field trip on renewable energy in conjunction with the JEA-sponsored º£½ÇÉçÇøSustainable Solutions Lab directed by Dr. Jim Fletcher. The inSTEP research examines the impact of multi-step field trips that go beyond the typical "one-and-done" field trips and are designed to impact deeper and extended student learning as well as embedded teacher professional development in both science inquiry and literacy integration into science.
 
Dr. John White and Dr. Daniel Dinsmore wrote a research article, "Unhinged: Reading Comprehension Tests as Gatekeepers to Teaching" in . This piece exams current issues with standardized tests of reading comprehension and specifically, the use of standardized reading comprehension examinations as a barrier to teacher education entry.

Marketing and Communications
Jennifer Grissom, staff photographer, was featured cover story in the August issue of Living Magazine.

Free Things to Do

Fill My Heart with Hope

Exhibit on view now through March 23, 2025, MOCA Jacksonville
MOCA Jacksonville is pleased to present "Fill My Heart With Hope: Works from the Gordon W. Bailey Collection," an exhibition featuring artworks from the collection of Los Angeles-based scholar and collector Gordon W. Bailey. Learn more . (@ Eddie Arning, "Untitled (woman with cat in tree)," ca. 1960s. Mixed media on paper. 16 x 22 inches.)

© Emil Alzamora, Starship AbundanceEmil Alzamora: Starship Abundance

Exhibit on view now through Feb. 2, 2025, MOCA Jacksonville
New York-based artist Emil Alzamora (b. 1975 Lima, Peru) presents a multidisciplinary exhibition, intended “as a nod to the seemingly unending richness that abounds on planet Earth.” Learn more . (© Emil Alzamora, Starship Abundance)

Botanical Life, Art and Culture Garden Tour

Saturday, Aug.10, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Starts at Thomas G. Carpenter Library (Lot 2)
Explore the lush gardens and admire the stunning flora and fauna that surround UNF's campus. Participants will also tour the intricate sculptures and art installations that are nestled within the gardens, and learn about the cultural significance of each piece. Learn more .

Interfolio Promotion and Tenure Q&A

Monday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. - noon, J.J. Daniel Hall (Room 1401) and Virtual
Academic & Student Affairs and OFE are hosting three Q&A sessions for all faculty preparing promotion cases. There will be no agenda to these sessions, but rather just a chance to ask any questions. Learn more and .

Market Days

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m. - noon, Osprey Plaza (outside the John A. Delaney Student Union)
Swing by Market Days each Wednesday to experience a wide variety of products and services from local vendors, learn about businesses in the Jacksonville area and engage with fellow Ospreys. Learn more .

Swoop Summary

Scott Schroeder, º£½ÇÉçÇøgolf program director

Schroeder Promoted to Director of º£½ÇÉçÇøGolf Programs

Seven-time ASUN Conference Coach of the Year Scott Schroeder, who has served as the head coach of the men's golf program for almost two decades, has been promoted to director of Golf, as announced by Director of Athletics Nick Morrow last week. Learn more .

º£½ÇÉçÇøAthletics Announces External Operations Restructure and Promotions

North Florida Athletics announces a restructure of its external operations department along with several promotions and hires. Learn more .

Cheerleading Repeats Gold Bid to NCA Nationals

North Florida cheerleading repeated its stellar showing at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Camp from July 27-29, that earned them a gold bid in the Large Co-ed Open Division to the NCA Nationals set for April 2025 in Daytona Beach. Learn more .

Upcoming events:

Volleyball vs. College of Charleston (Exhibition)
Friday, August 16, 5 p.m.  |  º£½ÇÉçÇøArena  |  Free admission
 
Women's Soccer vs. Florida
Thursday, August 22, 7 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free admission
 
Men's Soccer vs. Winthrop
Thursday, August 29, 7:30 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free admission