Arts & Sciences

Arts & Sciences New Faculty

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It is my pleasure to announce new faculty appointments in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Kimberly Badanich begins her appointment at USF Sarasota-Manatee as a Visiting Instructor in Psychology. She holds a doctorate in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of South Florida.

Prof. Kyna Betancourt begins her appointment at USF Sarasota-Manatee as a Visiting Instructor in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). She holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and is pursuing her doctorate degree in CSD at USF Tampa.

Dr. Erin Martin begins her appointment at USF Sarasota-Manatee as Coordinator of General Education and Instructor of Biology.  She holds a doctorate degree in Botany from Oregon State University with a focus on Ecology.  Dr. Martin will be instrumental in the development of the general education curriculum, and she will take the lead in the formation of the newly announced undergraduate science program.  She comes to us from the University of Portland.

Prof. Olena Maymeskul begins her appointment at USF Sarasota-Manatee as a Visiting Instructor in Mathematics and Statistics, as well as a Faculty Math Consultant, providing tutoring to students in these subjects. She holds a master’s degree in Mathematics and Teaching from Donetsk State University, Ukraine

USF Sarasota-Manatee to host Master’s Degree information session on July 11th

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will be hosting a Master’s Degree information session for anyone interested in learning more about the available programs this fall.  It will take place at USFSM, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota on Wednesday, July 11th from 6-7pm.  The event is free and open to prospective students and their guests.

The session will include information about the following Master’s degree programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, Hospitality Management, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Reading Education, Teaching in Elementary Education, Teaching in Exceptional Student Education, and English Education.  A brief overview of admissions processes, financial aid, and other services will also be available. Attendees will be given a campus tour and will have the opportunity to meet with Academic Advisors who will discuss prerequisites, transcripts and other pertinent details.

Registration can be found by visiting www.usfsm.edu/admissions and clicking on the event link.  Questions about USFSM can be directed to 941-359-4330 or kjander2@sar.usf.edu.

Outstanding Arts & Sciences students recognized at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee hosted a banquet to honor its outstanding students for the Spring 2012 Semester. 

Outstanding Undergraduate students were Ana DeShields (Information Technology); Bryce Evans (History); Kyle Jacobs (Criminology); Jennifer Perez Lopez (English/Literature); Melissa Nieliwocki (Psychology); Krista Schrock (English/Business & Technical Writing); and Laura Tanksley (Interdisciplinary Social Sciences). 

 Arts & Sciences students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee were honored at an awards banquet for outstanding achievement.  L to R: Krista Schrock (English/Business & Technical Writing); Melissa Nieliwocki (Psychology); Jennifer Perez Lopez (English/Literature); Kyle Jacobs (Criminology); Ana DeShields (Information Technology); Bryce Evans (History); and Laura Tanksley (Interdisciplinary Social Sciences.) 

Three faculty members awarded for excellence at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Three faculty members at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have recently been awarded for excellence. Nominations were solicited from a variety of people for each award, including students, deans and faculty members.

Eleven nominations were submitted for the Excellence in Teaching Award and Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Associate Professor of Information Systems/Decision Sciences in the College of Business, was selected from those nominees by the Faculty Senate’s Awards & Rewards Committee for his diligence, creativity, and his ability to successfully teach some of the more difficult courses offered at USFSM.  Dr. Agarwal was also recognized for his assistance to other faculty members looking to strengthen their own teaching.

The Excellence in Research Award nominees were selected by USFSM faculty members and deans.  Five faculty members were nominated and Dr. Jim Unnever, Professor of Criminology in the College of Arts & Sciences, was selected based on his extensive body of research, the fact that his research has been cited by other researchers over 1300 times, his publications in the top journals in his field, and his ongoing research work.

The Excellence in Service Award encompassed service to the university, service to the academic discipline, and service to the community. Nominations were solicited from all of the members of the USFSM community for this award. There were eight nominees for this one and Dr. Elizabeth Larkin, Professor of Childhood Education in the College of Education, was selected by the committee for her extensive contributions to USF as a faculty governance leader, her consistent service as a journal editor and reviewer over the years, and for her work with children in the local community through Schools and the Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization.

The awarded faculty members were announced at a Faculty & Staff Recognition event held on campus.

Criminology Career Fair at USF Sarasota-Manatee on April 17th

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will host a career expo for Criminology related careers and degree programs on Tuesday, April 17th from 1:30-3:30pm in the Selby Auditorium on campus at 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.  Open to students and the local community, a wide variety of businesses will be attending: Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms; Bealls, Inc (Loss Prevention); Dept. of Children & Families; Florida Fish & Wildlife; Florida Highway Patrol; Guardian Ad Litem; Manatee County Sheriff’s Office; Manatee Palms; Orange County Sheriff’s Office; Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office; Stetson Law School; The Zenith (Worker’s Compensation Fraud); U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and more.

USFSM will have information about academic programs and degrees available, such as Criminology, Psychology, Sociology and more.

For more information about this career expo, please call the USFSM Career Services Office at 941-359-4586. For information about degree programs at USFSM, please visit www.usfsm.edu or call 941-359-4334.

Three awardees to be recognized at USF Sarasota-Manatee Commencement on May 6

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On Sunday, May 6, 2012, two students and one professor will be recognized during the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s (USFSM) Commencement ceremony at the Manatee Convention Center for outstanding achievements.

Kate Shackelford, a senior graduating with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, has been selected to receive the Golden Bull Service and Outstanding Leadership Award, presented by USFSM’s Student Government Association.  As President of the PRIDE (Promoting, Recruiting, Increasing Diverse Educators) Club on campus, Kate played an active and hands-on roll in her education.  She held internships at both Ballard Elementary School and Rogers Garden Elementary School during her time as a student and hopes to obtain full time employment locally now that she has graduated.  As a result of Kate’s leadership, PRIDE has volunteered at events like the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival and organized a Homecoming Dress Drive with Southeast High School to allow students to have access to dresses for school dances.  Kate also works part-time by giving private horse riding lessons to youth and is a Big Sister with the Big Brother, Big Sister organization of Manatee County and helped facilitate a partnership between the organization and PRIDE.

Shawna Machado, a senior graduating with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Award.  This award is presented by the Alumni Association.  Working on plans to study abroad on a Fulbright Scholarship before returning to USF Sarasota-Manatee for a Master’s Degree, Shawna embodies outstanding in more ways than one.  A member of the Social Justice Initiative, the Psychology Club and the Sarasota School of Social Justices, she also works as a Family Advocate for Hope Family Services and volunteers in the community on top of maintaining her status as a full time student.  She is passionate about serving the underserved, working with victims of abuse and homelessness, and speaking for those who do not have a voice.

Professor Ross Alander, Senior Lecturer in Management Studies for the College of Business, has been selected by the students as the Spring 2012 Outstanding Professor.  He has an extensive and comprehensive background in Human Resources and Organizational Development in health care, the auto industry, professional employer organizations, with service companies, with professional groups, the public sector and not for profits.  Ross has held a number of management/leadership positions at the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors, including being a factory (foreman) supervisor.  Moving into the area of health care, he served as Personnel Administrative Manager of E.W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing (Michigan) and as Vice President of Human Resources at Lansing General Hospital (Michigan), then for 10 years as the Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development for Tampa General Hospital, where he led a team of 200 members.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and economics and a master’s degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University and recently attended the Program on Negotiations at Harvard Law.

Mock Crime Scene Investigation to take place at USF Sarasota-Manatee at North Port

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Students in the Abnormal Behavior and Criminality class at USF Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) at North Port will take an active role in a Mock Crime Scene set up on Monday, March 26th.  From 3-6pm, students will learn all about the investigative procedures used at a crime scene, including photographing and measuring a crime scene, the role of a medical examiner and proper techniques for recovering and packaging evidence, along with several other procedures.

The mock crime scene will be staged in a vacant field across from USFSM at North Port, south of Pan American Drive a few blocks East of Hwy. 41.  The public is invited to attend this course to observe, but only students will take an active role in the investigation.  “The purpose of the mock crime scene is to give the students a hands on approach to supplement their text book studies and lectures,” said Professor William Kemper, a Professor of Criminology in the College of Arts and Sciences at USFSM.

Anyone who plans to attend the mock crime scene to observe must be clothed in long pants (preferably denim) with close toed heavy shoes and, because the scene is in an open field, absolutely no smoking will be permitted.  If you would like to RSVP as an attendee, please email Jenna Thiel at jthiel@sar.usf.edu.

Mote Marine Laboratory and USF Sarasota-Manatee to Partner on Marine Science-Based Initiative

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On Friday, Feb. 10, the leaders of Mote Marine Laboratory and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee signed a new agreement that will result in closer ties between the two organizations and lead to the development of new classrooms and teaching laboratories on Mote’s campus.
Mote Marine Laboratory, established in 1955, has a long history of educating students in the marine sciences through its many formal and informal K-12 programs and especially through its internships for undergraduate and graduate students that bring more than 150 college students a year to its campus. Many of Mote’s Ph.D. scientists also participate in graduate education programs through their adjunct status at colleges and universities nationwide.
The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus opened in the 1974-75 academic year, providing courses for upper-level undergraduates, graduates and continuing education students. Today, the campus serves more than 4,800 students annually, including classes in south Sarasota County. USF Sarasota-Manatee will begin offering Freshmen classes in Fall 2013.
Through this new agreement, USFSM will complete the build-out of classrooms and teaching laboratories in Mote’s Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center, which already houses a conference room and offices for Mote staff dedicated to dolphin, sea turtle and manatee conservation programs. The buildout
will include dry teaching labs, wet teaching labs, a lab support room, two research labs, offices, two academic support rooms and a lounge.
Working together, USFSM and Mote will also create new joint appointments for Mote researchers who will serve as faculty and will allow USFSM faculty and students to work closely with Mote staff on the research programs and initiatives under way at Mote.
Organizations like the National Science Foundation have long supported hands-on research experiences for undergraduate students as a way to improve the nation’s expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The Mote-USFSM partnership will serve to directly implement such a strategy for Sarasota
and Southwest Florida by linking the growing USFSM undergraduate science degree programs with both innovative basic research and applied science and technology programs taking place at Mote.
“Mote has a long history of working with USF in many different areas of marine research, including shark research and our Aquaculture Park in eastern Sarasota County,” said Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, President & CEO of Mote. “We’re very excited that this agreement will create new avenues for Mote staff to help educate the next generation of marine
scientists and for USFSM faculty to have the opportunity to work with us on our world-recognized research programs.”
“This is a real win/win/win because the students become the real winners,” said Dr. Arthur Guilford, Regional Chancellor for USF Sarasota-Manatee. “This will provide the students with the ability to work with high-quality scientists who are engaged in exciting fields of research. This is a unique, real-world model for undergraduate research.”
“One of our goals when Mote’s Board of Trustees approved a new strategic plan was to set a course for the future that included supporting a new generation of marine researchers,” said Bob Carter, Chairman of Mote’s Board. “It’s exciting to see our 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan taking shape through strong partnerships like this one with USF
Sarasota-Manatee.”

 

Rocky D. Bull, Mascot for USF Sarasota-Manatee poses with Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, President & CEO of Mote, Dr. Arther Guilford, Regional Chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee and the Mote Aquarium Mascot, Gilly.

USF Sarasota-Manatee students to host “One Book, One Community,” featuring The Hunger Games

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Seven students from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) are hosting this year’s “One Book, One Community” event on Wednesday, February 15 from 4-6pm in the Selby Auditorium on campus.  The book chosen for this year’s event is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

“By participating in the One Book Event I will be able to share my didactic experience with a larger audience through interaction with the local community, that I hope will be beneficial to, and interesting for all concerned,” said USFSM student Nina Bullard.  “Because literature, as it always has been throughout civilization, is fundamental to human communication and cultural understanding as well as personal enrichment.”

During the event, the panel of students will host a thoughtful conversation in response to aspects of the book that most affected them and will be seeking audience feedback.  The students are also inviting local high school students to join the panel and offer their thoughts on this story.

More information is available by calling 941-359-4454.

Four USF Sarasota-Manatee students chosen for National Conference of Undergraduate Research

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Four students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) applied as participants in the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and all four were accepted.  These four students were selected from over 3,100 submissions.  Hosted at Weber State University in Utah from March 29-31, NCUR promotes undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all fields of study.  The annual conference gives undergraduate scholars in all fields and from all types of institutions of higher learning a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances and works of art.

Jami Worley, a psychology major, will present “The Importance of Trial Ambiguity: Understanding the Influence of  Pretrial Publicity on Jurors’ Decisions and Emotions.”  Her faculty mentor is Dr. Christine Ruva, Assistant Professor of Psychology in the College of Arts & Sciences at USFSM.  Candace Rainville, a Criminology major, will present “Are Pictures Better than Words When Mapping Alcohol Expectancies?”  Candace’s faculty mentor is Dr. Richard Reich, Assistant Professor of Psychology in the College of Arts & Sciences at USFSM.  Paul Dunder, a history major, will present “It Did Not Happen Here: Nazi Infiltration of America in the 1930’s.”  His faculty mentor is Dr. June Benowitz, Assistant Professor of History in the College of Arts and Sciences at USFSM.  Finally, Erin Carter, an English major, will present “Natural Law in the Tragedy of King Lear.”  Erin’s faculty mentor is Dr. Suzanne Stein, Assistant Professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at USFSM.

“At USF Sarasota-Manatee, students have the opportunity to add value to their undergraduate education by working closely with faculty mentors on research,” said Dr. Jane Rose, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at USFSM.  “Professors guide students as they polish work for a larger academic audience through publication and presentation at scholarly conferences.  This sort of opportunity, which is usually reserved for graduate students, gives USFSM students a clear competitive edge as they apply for employment or graduate school.”

The four students selected first applied for submission through the Day of Undergraduate Research held at USFSM in October.  They presented their research to a panel of seven faculty members and students and the top four presentations were chosen.  The USFSM Student Government Association (SGA) awarded the top four presentations with assistance in applying for the conference and a scholarship to attend if they were chosen.