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Inside UNF — June 21, 2024

Faculty receive patent for discovering compound that could turn off cancer

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
(Left to right) UNF faculty members Dr. Bryan Knuckley, Dr. Corey Causey and Dr. Fatima RehmanThree University of North Florida (UNF) researchers have been awarded a U.S. patent for a targeted cancer-fighting compound, or peptoid, that the team has discovered targets certain breast, colon and lung cancers and stops them from progressing. This promising discovery could lead to significantly better patient outcomes for difficult to treat cancers.
 
UNF is among the very first studies to explore the use of peptoids for early cancer diagnosis and potential treatment and is the only known university conducting this type of study.
 
The research is focused on a group of proteins called protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) to understand why they become overproduced and highly activated, causing them to bind with more proteins in the body. When this happens, it creates a chemical mark on proteins called methylation, which subsequently causes cancer genes that were previously suppressed to become active — it turns cancer on.
 
The UNF faculty team includes lead researcher Dr. Bryan Knuckley, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry chair and professor, Dr. Corey Causey, chemistry and biochemistry associate professor, and Dr. Fatima Rehman, biology associate lecturer.
 
“We’re still early on in the process, but this is an exciting development, and the research shows promising intervention for the treatment of some aggressive cancers,” said Knuckley.
 
Dr. Bryan Knuckley, UNF Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry chair and professorKnuckley first began this research soon after joining UNF’s faculty in 2012. He spearheaded the project by identifying and developing new peptoid compounds and conducting biochemical studies to validate their targeting of PRMT proteins. Causey created the essential building blocks needed for the synthesis of these innovative peptoids. Rehman played a crucial role in testing the efficacy and specificity of these novel compounds in human cancer and normal cells, assessing their potential as a targeted cancer therapy. Several undergraduate students have also been involved in the research since 2019.
 
The team is currently examining the exact mechanism of action through which these peptoids kill cancer cells specifically along with further testing of individual peptoids designed during the study, while waiting for a second related patent they hope to be awarded within the year. The first patent is focused on the treatment of cancers using peptoids targeting PRMTs, while the second patent awaiting approval is for the specific peptoid compounds.
 
“This is a lifetime project to contribute to ending cancer,” said Knuckley. “We want to continue our research and testing to better understand how these proteins work and how we can improve upon the inhibitor to develop new therapies or pharmaceuticals.”
 
Read more about the groundbreaking UNF cancer-fighting research in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

UNF announces its first Ph.D. program

Three graduate computing students working on their laptops in a study roomThe University of North Florida is proud to unveil its first Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program — a Ph.D. in Computing, beginning fall 2024. Concentrations in cybersecurity and intelligent systems will be available.
 
The program offers students an advanced, research-based education in computing to prepare students for research and development roles in private and public sectors and for collegiate academic positions.
 
 
Information provided by UNF Media Relations

Workday launch will be here soon

Workday logo
Practice Workday with Training Tenant
UNF’s Workday launch is just around the corner on July 1! As the date approaches, UNF is pleased to provide Workday training for all employees, which includes access to the Workday training environment.
 
Complete learning opportunities and practice in Workday. The training environment is a safe place to explore full Workday functionality – and you can’t break it! Changes will not carry forward to Workday when we go live on July 1.
 
As you use the Workday training environment, please keep in mind:
  • Employees hired after Jan. 22, 2024, will not have a personalized training tenant. Tenant access will be available during in-class sessions.
  • Some personal information, such as salary, has been data scrambled in the tenant for security purposes. Your information is expected to be accurate in the live environment on July 1.
 
Additional Workday Training
Additional Workday training sessions are now open for registration in Osprey Ascend. The new offerings cover topics in HCM and finance as well as more general courses.
 
 
Find out more about the transition to Workday at unf.edu/ospreyrising.

Dr. Jim Gelsleichter receives presidential professorship

Dr. Jim Gelsleichter, UNF Coastal and Marine Biology Flagship Program director and biology professorThe University of North Florida has selected Dr. Jim Gelsleichter, coastal and marine biology program director and biology professor, as the recipient of the 2024-27 John A. Delaney Presidential Professorship.
 
The professorship recognizes faculty achievements through the support of outstanding scholars, named in honor of UNF President Emeritus John A. Delaney.  
 
Gelsleichter, a global expert in shark biology, ecology, endocrinology and toxicology, is the University’s 11th presidential professor and will receive a $10,000 annual stipend for the full-term appointment of three years beginning in July.  
 
 
Information provided by UNF Media Relations

Dr. Alya Limayem inducted into 2024 Class of Senior Members of the NAI

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
Dr. Alya Limayem, UNF associate professor of biologyThe advent of antibiotics over a century ago marked a watershed moment in modern medicine, transforming our ability to combat bacterial infections and save countless lives.
 
However, the widespread and sustained use of these drugs has led to an alarming rise in antibiotic resistance and severe infections, particularly among immunocompromised populations, posing severe health risks.
 
Addressing this critical issue, University of North Florida’s Dr. Alya Limayem, associate professor of biology, has spearheaded pivotal research initiatives since her doctoral studies at the University of Arkansas as well as throughout her tenure at the University of South Florida. Limayem's groundbreaking work utilizes nanotechnology to innovate new methods for combating drug-resistant bacteria and eventually the emerging infectious diseases including viral infections.
 
Nanotechnology, a key scientific frontier of this decade, has applications spanning diverse fields, including sports, electronics, construction and medical research. Limayem’s research studies have led to the innovative use of chitosan — a versatile biopolymer derived from the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shellfish — as a nanocomponent targeting multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. When combined with zinc oxide, another nanocomponent, this formulation becomes synergistically effective against a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
 
Furthermore, some theranostic nanoparticles developed by Limayem and her team of researchers can differentiate between healthy cells and those infected with or resistant to bacteria, selectively eradicating only the harmful cells.
 
“Our goal was to discover new types of ‘green’ nanodrugs, replacing the conventional antibiotics that are safer, cost-effective, potent, and less likely to provoke additional bacterial resistance,” explained Limayem.
 
She highlighted the critical role of natural microbiomes in our body, which support immune function, brain health and overall homeostasis and equilibrium. These beneficial bacteria can be compromised by stressors like weakened immunity, poor diet, or exposure to massive use of antibiotics, generating resistant bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Part of ESKAPE, often acquired in hospitals or from environmental sources, leading to diminished effectiveness of traditional antibiotics.
 
“This discovery is a significant advancement in the management of antibiotic resistance,” Limayem said, affirming the safety and viability of her approach.
 
As a prolific researcher, author and lecturer, Limayem has earned three patents primarily in areas related to microbial drug resistance and the beneficial effects of probiotics on the gastrointestinal tract. One of her papers related to renewable resources and published by Elsevier — a leading scientific publisher— ranks third among the top 25 papers and has garnered approximately 2,000 citations globally.
 
Reflecting on the rigorous review spanning several years when applying for a patent, from submission to acceptance, Limayem said once received, it helps validate her work.
 
“Securing patents not only fulfills a key goal but also validates the significance of our work,” Limayem explained. “It lends credibility that we are offering useful products and impactful solutions to society to serve public health."
 
In recognition of her contributions, Limayem was inducted as a member of the 2024 Class of Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This prestigious program annually honors inventors who have demonstrated success in patents, licensing and commercialization, contributing significantly to societal welfare and global well-being.
 
Additionally, Limayem and one of her research students will expose their latest findings at the American Society of Microbiology, General Meeting this summer in Atlanta, further engaging the scientific community in her innovative research.
 
Outside the laboratory and classroom, Limayem enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle at the gym, playing tennis, indulging in the arts (music, dance and painting), and cherishing quality time with her family and friends.

UNF biologist discovers mangrove trees in South Georgia

Dr. Scott F. Jones, an assistant professor of biology at the University of North Florida, recently helped to discover mangrove trees in southern Georgia.
 
Dr. Scott Jones (left), assistant professor of biology, and Ches Vervaeke (right) with northernmost mangroveThe discovery happened in January after a journalist with Scientific American contacted William ‘Ches’ Vervaeke, a coastal ecologist with the National Park Service’s Southeast Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network, for a story he was writing about the northernmost mangroves and the scientists studying them. Vervaeke and Ilka ‘Candy’ Feller, an ecologist with Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, had been studying the northernmost mangrove trees in the U.S. for several years. Vervaeke contacted Jones because of his previous research with mangroves.
 
Jones, Vervaeke, and the journalist headed north to search for the mangroves. The group went for a boat ride to the area near the south side of Amelia Island where they believed the northernmost mangrove to be and realized mangroves were plentiful in the area.
 
The group kept moving north until they found the new northernmost mangrove trees, a small group of both red and black mangroves in the marsh near Cumberland Island, just north of the Florida border.
 
The team documented mangroves farther north than previously recorded in the literature; black mangroves 20 kilometers farther north and red mangroves more than 80 kilometers farther north.
 
Mangroves are tropical plants that typically die when temperatures are below freezing and are more common in coastal wetlands south of Daytona Beach. The mangrove range has expanded northward in recent years, a result of decades without a lethal freeze event.
 
“Climate change is a big driver of the expansion, but there are a lot of other factors involved, including the timing of storm events that bring mangroves up the coast,” Jones said. “In the long term, mangroves are going to keep moving up. With a warmer planet, and provided the plants can get to an area, that will happen.”
 
Jones is closely studying the mangroves in Georgia as well as Florida and hopes to learn more about how this tropical plant is going to impact the resilience of the region’s coastal wetlands.
 
Information provided by UNF Media Relations

Enjoy a delicious salsa recipe

With summer upon us, it's time for fun backyard gatherings with family and friends. Whether you're hosting a gathering or attending one, you're certain to heads with this delicious salsa recipe.
 
Black Bean Avocado Salsa
 
Ingredients: 
  • 15 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ripe avocado, cubed
  • ½ c corn, fresh or frozen
  • ½ c rend onion, minded
  • ½ c cilantro, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to tase
 
Directions: 
  • Place all ingredients into a bowl and toss to combine
  • Serve with tortilla chips

Beach safety tips from UNF experts

As you make beach plans for the summer, whether you intend to soak up the sun, surf the waves or search for buried treasure, you and your loved ones can have a great time while making safety a priority. Before your outing, consider these safety precautions and tips from our campus experts:
 
Woman at the beach applying sunscreen to her legsUse Sunscreen
Dr. Julie Merten, associate dean of UNF MedNexus, has conducted extensive research on sunscreen and minimizing skin cancer risks. To combat skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer while outdoors, Merten recommends the following:
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) 30 minutes before going outside
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours all over
  • Try to avoid the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • Wear sunglasses and seek shade
  • Consider wearing SPF clothing
Woman swimming at the beachPractice Water Safety and Supervision
If you’re headed to the beach for a swim, there’s a chance you could encounter strong waves, rip currents and undertows. Water safety experts such as Heather Kite, director of operations for UNF Recreation and Wellness, encourage beachgoers to visit beaches with lifeguards on duty and look for postings about surf conditions before entering the water.
 
She recommends the following should you encounter a rip current:
  • Stay within the visibility of a lifeguard.
  • Never swim against the current.
  • Stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are no longer in the current.
  • If you are unable to swim out of the current, float on your back or tread water until the current slows before swimming back to shore.
  • Call for help if you see someone caught in a rip current and encourage them to swim parallel to shore until they are out of the current.
Shark being fitted for a scientific tagLookout for Sharks
While shark encounters are unavoidable, shark experts suggest understanding shark behavior will help you know when and where to swim. UNF resident shark expert, Dr. Jim Gelsleichter, associate professor of biology and director of the UNF Shark Biology Program, recommends beachgoers do the following to minimize the chance of a shark attack:
  • Avoid swimming out too far
  • Limit swimming activity when sharks are actively feeding (dusk and dawn)
  • Avoid wearing things that may attract sharks (the reflection from jewelry looks like fish scales)
  • Avoid swimming with open wounds or during menstruation
  • Avoid swimming near people actively fishing for sharks

Staff Spotlight: Randall (Randy) Head

Randall Head, UNF LocksmithRandy Head, campus locksmith, is a door hardware and access control expert skilled in a multitude of tasks from repairing door closures to programming intellikeys. The Jacksonville native has worked at UNF for 11 years and enjoys the camaraderie he has built with his colleagues in the Lock Shop. Outside of work, he likes to relax by fishing, enjoying nature and spending time with family.
 
How did you learn about the opportunity to work at UNF and why did you choose to work here?
A friend informed me of the opportunity to work in an environment where I could grow my knowledge of door hardware and access control.
 
In your current role at UNF, what are your specific duties?
I work everything access and door-related. On the access side, I work on issuing intellikeys, hard keys and card access to people on campus so they can get to all the spaces they need to get into. On the door side, I work on all the mechanical, electronic (including turnstiles, sliding doors and automatic door openers) and card access hardware we have on campus.
 
What do you enjoy most about working at UNF?
Physical Facilities is a good department but the Lock shop I work in is probably the best part. The teamwork we have in our shop is outstanding. My supervisor (Bill Bigham) and coworker (Greg Spurgeon) are both great guys. We don’t have the issue of one of us saying that’s not my job. We just work together to get whatever done that needs to be.
 
Do you have a favorite spot on campus? If so, why is it your favorite?
The Hicks Hall pond. I enjoy seeing all the wildlife from deer to fish.
 
What is one memory you treasure?
My most treasured memory is getting married to my wife and seeing my daughter being born was nothing short of amazing. I started dating my wife when we were in high school so to get to spend the rest of my life with her is special. I will never forget the way she looked walking down the aisle in her dress. 
 
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
I would like to fish Christmas Island.
 
Who/what inspires you to be your best?
I believe if you are going to do anything, you should do the very best job you can.

UNF graduate and tennis star excels on and off the court

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
Annabelle Davis smiling and holding a tennis racketWhen Annabelle Davis was 11 years old, growing up in England, she got a taste of living away from her family when she received a multi-sport athletic scholarship to attend a leading boarding school in the United Kingdom. 
 
Little did she know that experience helped prepare her when she’d move to a different continent in 2020 to attend the University of North Florida on a Dorothy Dorion Endowed Scholarship to play on the UNF Women’s Tennis team. 
 
“I look back and think, wow, I was really young to live away from my family,” said Davis, now 22. “Now, I think it was a precursor to my college days.”    
 
While there are cultural differences, and no rolling hills like those back home, she likes everything that Jacksonville has to offer. 
 
“The fact that I was awarded an athletic scholarship and could also study for a career has been life-changing,” Davis said. “The first time I toured the UNF campus, I knew right away this is where I wanted to be.”  
 
In May, the tennis standout earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary health science, with minors in psychology, leadership and sports management.  
 
She hopes to utilize her degree to help student athletes like her perfect their sport and their studies.  
 
As a first-generation college graduate, Davis said she feels lucky to have found her place at UNF and even more grateful to have found the perfect major — thanks to her advisors, the Student Academic Success Services, and the attentive guidance she received from her professors and mentors like Dr. Julie Merten, now Associate Dean of MedNexus. In addition to her UNF studies, Davis also achieved certification as a National Board Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), to broaden her interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.  
 
Annabelle Davis swing her tennis racket to his a ball“Annabelle is a born leader who would succeed in whatever major she chose,” said Merten. “As a student athlete, she was looking for a program that would be flexible with her schedule and complement her strengths and interests in the health sciences.”  
 
Merten referred Davis to Dr. Matthew Ohlson, associate professor of educational leadership and director of the Taylor Leadership Institute, whom Davis credits for mentoring her through a successful internship with the Florida Institute of Education (FIE) at UNF, where she mentored young kids and helped develop their reading and literacy skills. 
 
“It was an insightful experience to see how important early intervention is with young children, plus, it was a wonderful way to tie in health, psychology and leadership,” Davis said. 
 
Ohlson said Davis is one of the Taylor Leadership Institute's stars. 
 
“The Taylor Leadership Institute at UNF helps students discover their own greatness, and Annabelle is one of our absolute stars,” Ohlson said. “It has been amazing to see her shine as a leader on the tennis court, in the classroom and within the community.” 
 
Davis, who was a featured speaker at the TLI Annual Awards show, volunteered with CAMP Osprey at the Ronald McDonald House and served as a Dream Promoter with FIE, helping to develop the next generation of leaders.  
 
“She has served as an exemplar for our Osprey community,” Ohlson said. 
 
As an accomplished tennis player, Davis understands the example she sets for the younger players. “I like to lead through my actions and training rather than giving out directions,” said Davis, who has one more year of playing eligibility left, and was recently accepted into Clemson University’s graduate school program to study Applied Health Psychology this fall. 
 
“My educational journey at UNF has been such an incredible experience,” Davis said. “I have loved every minute of my four years here, so much so, that I would do all four years over again.”

UNF Archaeology team collaborates with the National Park Service

A group of archaeology students are spending their summer excavating within the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Led by Dr. Keith Ashley, associate professor of anthropology, their efforts are a part of a large-scale collaboration between UNF and the U.S. National Park Service to understand Indigineous people of Northeast Florida. Learn more about what the work of these students.

UNF archaeology students performing field work Students rolling on woodblock canvases group excavating in the dirt

Inside News Roundup

Dean of Students Office now open in Building 2
The Dean of Students Office is open in Founders Hall, Building 2, Suite 1400—1500, and available to students, faculty and staff.
 
Summer Senior Service Award Applications Now LIVE
Nominations are open for the Senior Service Award for the Summer 2024 graduates. This prestigious award is presented to a graduating senior who made significant contributions through volunteerism while maintaining an outstanding academic record. The winner receives $300, a paver in the Student Union and recognition during graduation. Undergraduate seniors who graduate with a 2.75 GPA and have demonstrated significant volunteer service to the University or community can be nominated. We encourage all UNF faculty, staff and community mentors to nominate any students who meet the criteria. Students may also nominate themselves. Visit the Student Awards, Scholarships and Grants webpage to apply before the deadline TODAY, June 21.
 
Fall Move-In Volunteers
The Department of Housing and Residence Life invites UNF departments and student organizations to volunteer to welcome new students. Please identify a volunteer lead from the department or organization to complete the sign-up form. The deadline to sign up for August Movers and Groovers is Friday, July 26.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on UNF campus

Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Brian Verkamp, vice president and chief information officer, was honored at an awards luncheon as one of the Jacksonville Business Journal's 2024 Technology Leaders of the Year.

Brooks College of Health

Dr. Tes Tuason, professor, M.H. Alvarez and B. Stanton, published a book chapter, “The Counseling Profession in the Philippines. In N. Pelling and P. Armstrong (Eds.) The Practice of Clinical and Counselling Supervision: Australian and International Applications, 3rd edition, Routledge.
 
Dr. Tes Tauson, professor, along with clinical mental health counseling students B. Chavez Falla, L. Mosley, D. Shehata and A. Smith, presented their poster, “The Mask of Masculinity: Exploring Men’s Emotions-Related Content on Tik-Tok,” at the 2024 American Counseling Association Conference and Expo, New Orleans, Louisiana in March. 
 
Dr. Tes Tuason, professor, presented five presentations through her Fulbright grant in the Philippines in April:
  • To add to your Toolbox: Using Participatory Action Research as a Qualitative Research Methodology in Creating socially just environments. Presentation in partnership with the University Research and Innovations Center, St. Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines.
  • What to do when being triggered? Trauma-informed approaches to everyday relief of stress. Presentation in partnership with the Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines.
  • What to do about Trauma you have inherited? Healing Family Trauma and Intergenerational Trauma. Presentation in partnership with the School of Advanced Studies at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines.
  • How to emotionally regulate--- the basics of emotional awareness, expression, and coping. Presentation in partnership with the Psychology Department at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines.
  • What to do about Trauma you have inherited? Healing Family Trauma and Intergenerational Trauma. Presentation in partnership with the Psychology Department at the Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines.
Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT) 
Sarah Moukhliss, STEM online learning librarian, and Trina McCowan, assistant university librarian, published their case study on library guides and quality assurance in the peer review journal In the Library with the Lead Pipe.

Dateline

UNF Dateline balloonsMilestones
Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in June 2024:
 
20 Years
Diane Denslow, Associate Instructor, Management
Robin Hill, Assistant Director, Finance and Administration - SBDC, Special Allocations Matchtogrants
Chris Wrenn, Deputy, General Counsel
 
15 Years
Alicia Erchul, Coordinator, Research Integrity, ORSP
 
10 Years
Lucy Tison, Office Manager, Office of the Dean of Students
Katrina Willis, University Budget Coordinator, University Planning and Budget
 
5 Years
Johannes Buchinger, Maintenance Superintendent, Maintenance and Energy Management
Jamie Harrell, Senior IR Analyst and Visual Developer, Institutional Research
Quang Hung Le, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
Jillian Litchfield, Senior Internal Auditor, Internal Auditing
Jessica Phillips, Associate Director, Student Financial Aid, Financial Aid Office
Ylva Rouse, Curator, MOCA Jacksonville
 
Welcome
The following employees were either hired by UNF or were promoted from OPS positions recently:
John Anzelino, Law Enforcement Officer, University Police Department
Robert Boyle, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management
Savannah Clare, Academic Advisor, Student Success Academic Advising
Anne Dacey, Continuing Education Client Customer Specialist, Continuing Education
Christopher Davidovicz, Assistant Athletic Coach, Women's Soccer
Greg Diggins, Academic Advisor, Student Success Academic Advising
Dorian Drummond, New Student Orientation Specialist, Student Success
Angela Eckton, Assistant Director Development, Brooks College of Health
Tron Griffin, Associate Athletic Coach, Women's Basketball
Gadiva Hubbard, Basketball Operations Director, Women's Basketball
Andrea Jones, VP Marketing Communications, Marketing and Communications
Daniel Kees, Senior Small Business Consulting Coordinator, Small Business Development Center
Michael Kennedy, Academic Advisor, Student Success Academic Advising
Ivan Korostenskij, Coordinator Data Management, Advancement Services
Michael Mattiace, Assistant Men's Golf Coach, Men's Golf
Renee Phillips, Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
Chelsea Puesan, Executive Secretary, University Development and Alumni Engagement
Darinda Reddick, Academic Advisor, Student Success Academic Advising
Daniel Rice, Data Coordinator, ES Planning and Operations
Jim Rickerson, Systems Librarian, Library
Julia Rigon, Admissions Recruiter, Admissions
Hilary Streifer, Lastinger Center Librarian, Library
Jessica Thomas, Admissions Recruiter, Admissions
Kathy Waterman, One-Stop Advisor, One-Stop Student Services
Rashika Williams, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
 
Great Job
The following employees were recently promoted:
Erin Duggan, COAS Retention, Dean's Office
Amanda Ennis, Assistant Director, Media Relations, Marketing and Communications
Christian Evangelista, Senior Small Business Consulting Coordinator, Small Business Development Center
Callie Funderburk, Assistant Director, Adam W. Herbert University Center
Audra Larsen, Senior Career Counseling Coordinator, Career Services
Jasmine Thompkins, Associate Director Student Affairs, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Free Things to Do

Project Atrium: Frank Stella "Jacksonville Stacked Stars"
Exhibit on view now through Aug. 18, MOCA Jacksonville
Renowned artist Frank Stella, who recently passed away, returned to MOCA Jacksonville with his latest installation, Jacksonville Stacked Stars for Project Atrium, a site-specific commission to celebrate the museum's 100th anniversary. In addition, Frank Stella Unbound, is also on exhibit. Learn more about MOCA's latest exciting exhibition.

@ Elysa Adams, Moments I and Moments II, 2024, Screenprint, 25 x 19 in. Image courtesy of the artistElysa Adams: Voices of Moncrief
Exhibit on view now through Sept. 8, MOCA Jacksonville
Elysa Adams, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville’s 2024 University of North Florida Student Artist-in-Residence, presents a body of work that highlights her community in the historic neighborhood of Moncrief in Northwest Jacksonville. Learn more about this exciting new exhibit. (@ Elysa Adams, Moments I and Moments II, 2024, Screenprint, 25 x 19 in. Image courtesy of the artist.)

Rest and Relax in the VLC
Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library (Third Floor)
Students, faculty and staff are invited to come by the library's third floor for Rest and Relax in the Virtual Learning Center, an opportunity to practice mindfulness and destress in virtual reality. Learn more about the virtual reality experiences available to you.
 
CIRT Event: Library Databases for Media
Tuesday, June 25, noon - 12:45 p.m., Virtual
Online streaming media are a wonderful way to allow for varied styles of learning. In this session, instructors learn about databases that provide rich and informative videos and how to embed those videos in a Canvas course. Learn more and register for this virtual workshop.
 
Introduction to Organic Gardening
Friday, June 28, 9 - 10 a.m., Ogier Gardens
Learn the basics of organic gardening with the Ogier Gardens Coordinator Kevin Anderson. No sign up necessary. Learn more about this upcoming workshop.
 
VyStar Free Saturdays @ MOCA
Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
Enjoy free admission every Saturday, thanks to the generous support of VyStar Credit Union! Learn more about this free weekly event.
 
Standardized Test Prep
Tuesday, July 9, 9 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., J. Brooks Brown Hall
The University of North Florida invites high school students (recommended 9th through 12th grade) to sign up for free test preparation sessions offered by UNF. These events equip students for success on the standardized tests (ACT, SAT, CLT) that are often a requirement for college or university admission. The event includes sessions that provide tips, tricks and reveiw of the practice problems for how students can be most successful within the Math and English portions of the tests. After the event, students are able to attend an optional campus tour. Learn more about this opportunity for your high schooler and register today.
 
Getting the Most Out of Meta - Webinar
Thursday, July 11, 1 - 2 p.m., Virtual
Delve into the unified world of Facebook and Instagram (also known as Meta) with this webinar, designed for business owners aiming to enhance their online visibility. This webinar is presented by the Small Business Development Center at UNF. Learn more and register for this free virtual webinar.
 
Botanical Life, Art and Culture Garden Tour
Saturday, July 13, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Tour begins at the UNF Library
Explore the lush gardens and admire the stunning flora and fauna throughout the UNF campus. Learn more about garden tours and register today.

Swoop Summary

O'Gorman Qualifies for U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials in 10,000m Race
North Florida fifth-year Aidan O'Gorman recently turned in a time of 28:14.34 in the 10,000m race at the Portland Track Festival to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Team Trials. Watch O’Gorman in the 10,000m final race for the 2024 U.S. Track & Field Olympic Team Trials tonight Friday, June 21 at 10:27 p.m. EST/7:27 p.m. PST. Learn more about O'Gorman competing at the Olympic trials.
 
Volleyball Announces 31-Match Schedule for '24 Season
North Florida volleyball reveals its full 31-match schedule for the 2024 season highlighted by its home match early in the year against Florida State on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Learn more about the upcoming volleyball season.
 
Collins Named Head Coach of UNF Men's Tennis Program
North Florida Athletics is excited to welcome John Collins as the next head coach in the 40-year history of the UNF men's tennis program. Collins comes to UNF after serving the previous four seasons as the head coach at Presbyterian College from 2020-24. Learn more about Coach Collins.
 
Men's Soccer Unveils 16-Match Slate For 2024 Season
North Florida men's soccer officially announces the full fall schedule for the 2024 season with 16 matches, including eight at home. Learn more about the upcoming men's soccer schedule.
 
Allison Benning, UNF softball pitcherBenning Named to ASUN Spring '24 Winners For Life Team
North Florida softball junior Allison Benning has been selected by the Atlantic Sun Conference to the 2024 Spring Winners for Life Team. The ASUN listed the selections of their team with one student-athlete from each of the 11 schools in the conference. Learn more about Benning's selection to the 2024 Winners for Life Team.
 
Men's Basketball Finalizes '24 Signing Class With Taylor Thompson
North Florida men's basketball completes its 2024 signing class with the final addition of hometown talent, Taylor Thompson, after serving as a four-year starter at Impact Christian Academy in Jacksonville, and racking up over 1,000 points during his high school career. Learn more about UNF men's basketball's newest member.
 
Kolbe Finishes 17th Overall in Women's 800m at NCAA Semifinals
Junior Smilla Kolbe clocked in a time of 2:03.21 out on the West Coast, but unfortunately her stellar season comes to a close after placing 17th overall in the semifinals of the women's 800m race at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships on June 5. Kolbe became only the fourth female Osprey to compete at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in program history. Learn more about Kolbe's performance at the NCAA Semifinals.
 
North Florida Athletics Reaches Stellar APR Numbers
UNF Athletics' academic excellence in the classroom has been announced with stellar Academic Progress Rate (APR) numbers for 2022-23, as announced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association earlier this month. Learn more about the APR System and UNF Athletics' reports numbers.