STUDENTS PRESENT AT CONFERENCE IN ST. AUGUSTINE
Last week, Dr. Durland brought students to the Annual Meeting of the Florida Chapter of
the American Fisheries Society in St. Augustine. All three students gave amazing
presentations on research they conducted at FSC and had a great time networking with
fisheries professionals and graduate students. Pictured: Sierra Robertson gave an oral
presentation on her senior research evaluating Central Florida fish communities, Molly
Kennedy gave a poster presentation on her research investigating tapeworms in Bull
Sharks, and Brady Huber gave an oral presentation on the updates to the long-term
monitoring of the Bull Shark population in Hillsborough Bay (we also honored an
Elasmobranch Lab alumnus by naming a shark after her!).
DR. BRANDON AND BIOLOGY STUDENTS ATTEND SOCIETY OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY MEETING
This past January, several Biology students along with Dr. Chris Brandon attended the annual national meeting hosted by the
Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) in Seattle, Washington. The national meeting was attended by approximately three thousand members from all over the United States and beyond. SICB is a large organization with a broad-based membership of scientists and student scientists who study a diverse range of things from whale vision to lobster hearts. This year, our students were able to present their summer research! Most importantly, not only do these conferences allow our students to showcase their amazing research, but they also provide the opportunity to connect with other students and scientists on a much grander scale.
Here's what our wonderful students had to say:
"The opportunity to attend SICB has allowed me to explore several fields of study ranging from animal cognition in elephants to
bioluminescence in deep-sea fish. I was able to learn about different research and talk directly to those involved like Dr. Pamela
Brannock and her microbial research in Florida Mangroves. It offered me the ability to network with scientists of all levels and form
beneficial contacts. I was also able to present my research on the relative eye growth in Daphnia and gain feedback from a wide
range of perspectives."
-Alia Whiles, studies Daphnia (small crustacean) eyes
"I really enjoyed my experience at my first conference where I was able to present my research that I conducted this past summer.
During my week in Seattle, I was able to hear about many different talks and seminars that were presented at the conference which covered an endless variety of topics. In addition, I was able to network with fellow scientists in the field and learn about the research they are conducting across the world. I am very thankful for this whole experience and the opportunity to represent [FSC]."
-Lexi Trevillian, studies coral reef ecology
"Attending SICB in Seattle was a very valuable experience. It allowed me to receive feedback and critique on my honors project
which I have already begun to use to make improvements for my third and final edition of my zine. I was also able to connect with
another undergraduate who has used zines in an academic context and discuss our projects more in-depth! As a graduating senior the conference was also a valuable networking opportunity which has led to a lead on a potential job when I graduate this spring!"
-Zaph Yost, studies right whale education
"My SICB experience was invaluable as an undergraduate student pursuing a career in research. I attended many interesting talks and sessions, absorbing as much information as I could. I also had the opportunity to network with other students and scientists interested in the same topics and organisms as me at different socials. Lastly, I enjoyed presenting the research I completed this summer at an internship during one of the poster sessions. I am so grateful to FSC and its biology professors, without them I would not have been able to attend this conference."
-Jaclyn McFadden, studies coral reef ecology
"Attending SICB this year was extremely beneficial to me as I think about my future career and head towards graduate school. I was able to take advantage of the plethora of networking opportunities at the conference, where I got to meet and get advice from
scientists at various career stages. One of my favorite parts of SICB was attending a workshop on student research opportunities,
internships, and fellowships! The entire experience made me feel so much more excited and prepared for my own future career in
science!"
-Sophi Brice, studies rose genomics
Next year, several biology faculty and students are planning to attend SICB in 2025, which is being held next door in Atlanta,
Georgia. Our Mocs are unlocking nature's secrets and are on the move!
DR. CHRIS BRANDON HOSTS AN FSC JUNIOR JOURNEY TRIP TO SANTIAGO, CHILE
This past spring, Biology professor, Dr. Chris Brandon, led his first FSC Junior Journey to Santiago, Chile! Dr. Brandon co-directed the trip with his wife, Dr. Legna Torres Garcia, who were accompanied by seven amazing students from across different majors. As part of the FSC Junior Journey program, junior/senior students are offered the opportunity to travel abroad with a FSC faculty member to experience different places and cultures. During this trip, they stayed in Santiago, Chile, one of the largest cities in South America, which resides between the coastal waters of the South Pacific Ocean and the Southern portion of the Andes mountain range. They experienced the beautiful culture of the Chilean people, learned Chilean History, and experienced the amazing cityscapes and landscapes of the Santiago region. On one eventful trip, they rode horseback through the Andes mountains around 6000 feet above sea level. They concluded the evening by watching the stars of the Southern Hemisphere while enjoying Chilean barbeque.
Needless to say, the students had a grand time, as one student commented:
"The experience of fully immersing myself into the culture of Chile is something that I will remember forever. This trip has changed a lot of perspectives for me, and I am incredibly honored and grateful that I had this opportunity."
SECOND YEAR STUDENTS PAIRED WITH PEER MENTORS TAUGHT MIDDLE SCHOOLERS AT ROBERTS ACADEMY
This past Fall Semester, Dr. Chris Brandon initiated a biology-focused service-learning course where 2nd-year students were paired with peer mentors to design a teaching lesson for middle- schoolers attending the FSC-affiliated Roberts Academy, a school for children with dyslexia. Our students met throughout the fall semester in small groups led by junior/senior peer mentors to develop an hour-long teaching presentation that aligned with the middle-school science program at Roberts Academy. For example, the FSC biology students featured in the photo designed an activity to examine the different types of organisms that live in various biomes. The Bio students used Minecraft Biomes as a creative driver to examine adaptations of real-life organisms! By leveraging tools to learn by teaching, our students gain stronger connections to the knowledge that they are taught in their biology courses. Our students also got to see the level of enthusiasm that young kids have about science, as one of our students comments:
"[The] presentation was the most rewarding part of taking this course. I was really nervous about
teaching kids because I don't have experience in that but their engagement was so encouraging and it
made the lab super fun. It was definitely a new experience and something I would've never had the
chance to, or wanted to do, without this course."
Drs. Brandon and Gallagher plan on offering the course again this upcoming fall semester. We can't wait
to see what our students will do next! Our bio students are definitely Mocs on the Move!
THREE STUDENTS FROM DR. MACRANDER'S LAB REPRESENTED FSC AT THE BENTHIC ECOLOGY MEETING (BEM) IN CHARLESTON, S.C.
Three students from Dr. Jason Macrander’s lab represented Florida Southern College at the Benthic Ecology Meeting (BEM) in Charleston, South Carolina. BEM aims to foster research in benthic ecosystems, facilitate the exchange of information about benthic ecology, and promote student engagement to nurture the next generation of benthic ecologists. This conference provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in a diverse range of research topics aligned with their interests, fostering collaboration and idea exchange among peers.
During the meeting, held from April 10 - 13, each student presented their own scientific research poster, showcasing work conducted during the Summer 2023 as Hansen Research Scholars.
Reflecting on her experience, Coral Tolman (Marine Biology ‘26) shared, “BEM introduced me to the post-grad academia world. I was able to talk and learn from individuals who are on or have completed the post-grad path I wish to pursue. It also was my first experience presenting to individuals of a similar interest field who asked great questions and gave me many ideas for further studies.”
Sophia Kuklina (Biotechnology ‘26) approached the conference from an alternative perspective, stating, “While there were a lot of marine biology talks that definitely improved my knowledge in this sphere, I also found some talks in my main area of interest - biotechnology. For example, I learned how eDNA and eco-engineering are applied to the marine biology field. In addition, I had my first experience presenting my research poster at the conference. It boosted my speaking and performance skills and made me more comfortable in professional situations.”
Wyatt Rudd (Marine Biology & Environmental Studies ‘26) reflected, “Attending the 2024 Benthic Ecology Meeting gave me my first-ever opportunity to present and discuss my research with scientists on a regional scale. Doing so further reinforced my passion for science and allowed me to be a part of the scientific community in a way that I had never experienced before. Through attending other presentations, the conference exposed me to a variety of scientific topics and issues, which has given me guidance as I seek my future in science.”
Tropical Ecology : Coral Reef Ecology & Marine Conservation spends spring break in Roatan Honduras
FSC students in the Tropical Ecology: Coral Reef Ecology & Marine Conservation course spent their spring break exploring the fringing and barrier reefs of Roatán, Honduras with Dr. Jason Macrander and Prof. Ashley Bowers-Macrander. Students practiced identification of the major coral species found in the reefs around the Bay Islands and collected data, using transects, to student their ecology. Students were also able to take part in the maintenance of a coral nursery and outplanting of the critically endangered staghorn coral.
When not focusing on corals, students were able to observe the amazing biodiversity of Roatán, including sharks, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and an abundance of fish species. They were also able to experience the culture of the island, particularly that of the Mayan, Payan, and Garífuna peoples.
During the trip, students worked closely with Jennifer Keck, the Education & Research Coordinator for the Roatán Institute for Marine Science (RIMS). RIMS was established in 1989 by the owners of Anthony’s Key Resort with the goal of preserving the area’s natural resources through education and research.
The Keys to a Great Education
While most of the country was experiencing some cold weather, the FSC Biology Department was taking full advantage of the Florida sunshine! Seventeen marine biology students headed to the Keys Marine Laboratory the weekend of February 16th with Dr. Allison Durland and Dr. Kaitlin Gallagher.
The Keys Marine Laboratory is a full-service marine field station situated in the heart of the Florida Keys island chain. The facility offers a unique opportunity for college level students and researchers to study the only tropical marine ecosystems in the continental United States. The station has easy access to the Florida Bay, the Everglades National Park, the Florida Current, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The FSC group stayed for two nights at the laboratory dorms, which allowed them to experience what it is like to live at a marine field station. During their stay, the students participated in a night snorkel in the marine lab's harbor, a boat trip to Coffins Patch and Elbow Reef, and a snorkeling trip to a sea-filled quarry. Highlights included a visit from a manatee in the marine lab harbor, multiple sightings of moray eels, many colorful crabs, and even a few stingrays and sharks!
Looking for Unique Organisms on an Average Beach
Dr. Kaitlin Gallagher’s Marine Invertebrate Zoology is an important one for students studying the unique organisms that inhabit the world’s oceans. The course provides a modern survey of the major branches of marine invertebrates, focused on body plans, ecology and evolution of each phylum.
Gallagher, an Assistant Professor of Marine Biology, knows the value of a hands-on approach to education. She and her students visited Gandy Beach on February 19th for their first sampling trip of the semester. The class sieved sediment and searched the intertidal zone and mangrove roots for benthic invertebrates. They found razor clams, annelids, mud shrimp, hermit crabs, fiddler crabs, and even some tunicates!
The students will be returning to this beach after spring break for a snorkeling trip. At that time, they will be in search of sponges, corals, and echinoderms!
Inaugural White Coat Ceremony for the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program
In a special ceremony held in the Mulaney Auditorium at the Lakeland Regional Medical Center on January 19th, students in their last semester at FSC in the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) program were awarded a white lab coat. This marks their transition from the study of health science into their participation as medical professions.
White Coat Ceremonies are a rite of passage for students in many areas of health care. During the ceremony, students pledge their commitment to their patients and their profession.
“MLS professionals are not well known to most people,” explained Dr. Nancy Morvillo, Professor and Chair of the Biology Department. “They are the scientists that work behind the scenes, in laboratories, to analyze blood, urine and tissue samples. Over 75% of clinical decisions are based on the work done by MLS professionals.”
The Bachelor of Science degree in MLS is a collaboration between FSC and Lakeland Regional Health. Students have a unique educational journey. They spend their first three years taking rigorous foundational science courses on the campus of FSC. During their third year, they also attend classes at Lakeland Regional Hospital (LRH). In their fourth and final year, students spend their time exclusively at LRH: fall semester classes cover MLS theory, and the spring semester is devoted to clinical rotations.
The mission of the Florida Southern College/Lakeland Regional Health MLS degree program is to empower students to attain the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully practice in the dynamic field of laboratory science. All students obtain a Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Trainee License from the State of Florida Department of Health prior to beginning their clinical rotations. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) certification exam.
“We believe that by promoting wellness, education and discovery, our graduates will have a positive impact on society and will deliver the best outcomes and safest care to the surrounding community,” said Dr. Maridaliz Rodriguez Rosado, the Program Director at LRH.
The program is a licensed training program by the State of Florida and is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), with five years of Initial Accreditation.
“Lakeland Regional provides amazing opportunities for our students to learn and to work in one of the best health care facilities in the country,” said Dr. Morvillo. “The hospital performs 6 million lab tests each year! Our students work with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, and they get to experience bedside testing.”
In addition to the students graduating this spring, several alumni of the program, who are currently employed at LRH, also received their white coats. Family and friends were invited to the ceremony.
“The white coat worn by each clinical laboratory sciences student is more than just a lab coat,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “It is a cloak of caring, compassion, and service.”
Alpha Epsilon Delta at FSC: A Great Partnership
for Pre-Health Students
By Tykie Sfakianos and Alexandria Ingraham
The Florida Southern College Chapter Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), the Health Preprofessional Honor Society, has been an important organization for students aspiring to careers in the health professions since 2017. Our Chapter has been busy this year with events and support for our students!
Our informational monthly meetings were co-hosted by the members of the Executive Council, allowing members to hear about upcoming events and tips for navigating the major pre-professional tracks.
Something unique to our chapter is the expansion of Executive Counsil positions to include pre-professional representatives who focus specifically on popular healthcare fields (Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Physician Associate, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Pre-Veterinarian), where the representatives act as the first point of contact to students and coordinate activities between our AED chapter and the other pre-health clubs on campus. These positions also mean that younger members can become a part of an Executive Council early on in their college career, which allows them to foster interest in their career path.
This fall semester we sponsored a soap carving event for pre-dental and pre-medical students to work on manual dexterity.
A student panel was conducted with our Executive Council, providing information and guidance for members interested in leadership opportunities on campus, scholarships, undergraduate research, and application tips.
Our chapter brought representatives from graduate programs, including medical and physical therapy schools, to meet with AED members, allowing for direct access to an admissions recruiter to provide information and answer questions.
Another achievement this year was the implementation of the American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) course offered to anyone on campus. The course covers adult, infant, and child resuscitative techniques, emphasizing the recognition of life-threatening emergencies, the AHA Chain of Survival, and the mechanisms for effective teamwork. Current Historian Tykie Sfakianos earned his certification to teach the course and worked with Chapter Advisor Dr. Nancy Morvillo to spread awareness about these life-saving techniques, while concurrently offering the course and certification for those who need it. This has been especially useful for pre-professional students looking to obtain direct patient care experiences, as the BLS certification is typically required. However, the course is still useful for those simply interested in learning CPR, as the material covered in AHA Heartsaver courses is covered with additional material in Basic Life Support (BLS) courses. With courses offered every few weeks, flexibility to participate exists for the ever-busy college student! Course participants actively engage with training manikins and equipment to cultivate the skills and expertise necessary to be effective providers of care. The American Heart Association reports that more than 436,000 Americans suffer from cardiac arrest events each year, with more than 350,000 of those events occurring outside of the hospital. This means that over 80% of cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital, but only approximately 40.2% of those patients actually received bystander CPR. Thus, having the basic, essential skills and knowledge to provide effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be the true difference in someone’s life.
This year four members of the Executive Council will attend the AED National Conference being held in March in Dallas, Texas. The group is excited to learn about new opportunities and work together with other regional AED chapters to build connections and foster partnerships.
Photos:
Left: Tykie Sfakianos demonstrates life saving skills with manikins during a BLS course.
Right: Current Executive Council members at the annual Blast Off event, where new FSC students learn about the various clubs and organizations across campus.
It’s a FACT! Students present their research at regional meeting
Marine Biology students Mahailee Parker ‘24, Brady Huber ‘25, and Molly Kennedy ‘25 attended the Florida Atlantic Coast Telemetry Array (FACT) Network Winter Meeting this week. They were also joined by their faculty advisors, Dr. Allison Durland and Dr. Gabriel Langford
FACT is a network of acoustic receivers across the Atlantic Coast of Florida which are set up and monitored by participating institutions. Researchers can attach tags to marine animals that can then be detected when they pass by these receivers. The data collected by the receivers can be used to provide information about the movements, behaviors and interactions of the wildlife in the area.
At the conference, the students presented the incredible work being done at the Florida Southern Elasmo Lab. Thanks to student-faculty collaborative research grants, biology students at Florida Southern have the opportunity to work over the summer tagging sharks and rays in Tampa Bay—contributing valuable spatial ecology data for the area to the lab’s database.
The students presented their work in a talk entitled “The Upside of Living Upstream: Spatial Ecology of Elsamobranchs in Tampa Bay.” They also interacted with other researchers doing similar studies.
“It was amazing to be in the same room with so many people that care about this research the way we do,” said Mahailee. “I want to give a big thank you to FACT for allowing us to be a part of something bigger.”
Molly was also enthusiastic about the opportunity. “I’m so grateful to have been granted the opportunity to present our research to other institutions as an undergraduate! It’s such a unique opportunity to get to interact with other researchers and learn about other telemetry projects happening across the state!”
“It was a great event and very informative,” said Brady. Thank you to FACT for hosting such a great event,”
A huge thank you to the Florida Southern Biology department, Dr. Allison Durland, Dr. Gabriel Langford, Dr. Melanie Langford, past student participants and volunteers, the Hansen Foundation, and Mosaic for making this research possible!
Left to right: Dr. Langford, Dr. Durland, Mahailee, Molly and Brady.
SOPHI BRICE '25 EARNS PRESTIGIOUS NOAA HOLLINGS SCHOLARSHIP
December 12, 2023
For most college students, summertime is an opportunity to return home, recharge their batteries, and enjoy life before resuming classes in the fall. For one Florida Southern College junior, that is the exact opposite of her experience.
Sophi Brice '25, a double major in marine biology and environmental studies, recently discovered she will be heading to South Carolina to conduct research under the mentorship of a seasoned professional. There, she will delve into the intricate world of dolphin aging processes. Her summer promises to be a transformative experience, including making valuable contributions to the field while forging connections with scientists, setting the stage for a future dedicated to environmental conservation.
Setting Sail with NOAA Hollings Fellowship
Sophi is among only 130 Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship recipients from the NOAA, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
"I could not be more grateful to have been selected as a NOAA Hollings Scholar," says Sophi. "I truly could not be more excited for this opportunity, and I want to thank all of the amazing FSC faculty members, especially Dr. Macrander, who has helped prepare me for this!"
Through the Hollings Scholarship, Sophi received a two-year academic scholarship for her junior and senior years, funding to participate in two national scientific conferences, and a paid summer internship opportunity, a rarity in marine biology, where she'll contribute to a more accurate understanding of dolphin ages through innovative techniques involving dolphin tooth and flipper analysis. She hopes her work will improve our knowledge of strandings and mortality rates essential for dolphin conservation.
Understanding the competitive nature of the field, Sophi hopes to use the opportunity as a stepping stone to her dream career. Along with gaining hands-on experience in environmental research and policymaking by working alongside leading scientists and professionals at a designated NOAA research facility, Sophi can also take advantage of professional development training and networking opportunities.
Inspired by Family and Passion for Nature
Sophi's journey into biology wasn't a childhood dream but a thoughtful choice in her junior year of high school. Her inspiration stemmed from her older sister, a pharmaceutical scientist, whose achievements and dedication to research left a lasting impact.
"In fact, when I was applying to FSC, I wrote my application essay about my sister. And it got me in!"
Sophi's calling, however, is rooted in a desire to impact the planet positively, coupled with a love for science and math. Growing up in Florida, surrounded by nature, further fueled her passion. From annual trips to see manatees to a genuine connection with marine animals, Sophi found the perfect blend of her interests in marine biology and environmental science. Her decision to pursue this path was also motivated by her desire to escape the confines of an office, making conservation the ideal career.
To read the full article, click here :
FSC students and faculty engage in
conservation education in West Africa
November 29, 2023
In May 2023, Dr. Wolovich and her Tropical Ecology students spent two weeks in The Gambia, West Africa not only viewing amazing wildlife and exploring historical and cultural sites, but actively contributing to conservation efforts of the endangered Western red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus badius temminckii). Dr. Wolovich has partnered with C4RC (Communities for Red Colobus), a community-based conservation program, to assist with conservation outreach.
Dr. Wolovich’s students spent the spring semester developing conservation education materials that were then presented to C4RC education staff and Gambian school children. FSC students created monkey puppets, wrote a children’s story, and developed reusable worksheets with activities about the benefits of protecting biodiversity and the negative consequences of habitat fragmentation. Students also designed materials used for tree planting initiatives in order to encourage school children to become involved in reforestation efforts.
Dr. Wolovich and several international partners (Dr. Mic Mayhew, University of Cumbria; Lamin Saho, Communities for Red Colobus) were recently awarded a grant from Primate Conservation Inc. to begin a study on the behavioral ecology of the red colobus monkeys in The Gambia and to promote the use of alternative fuel-efficient rocket stoves that could help reduce rates of local deforestation. This project will be carried out by Gambian C4RC team members and will continue throughout 2024. While the FSC students were in The Gambia, they demonstrated the efficiency of rocket stoves using model stoves they made from clay.
The success of the C4RC project and the contributions of Dr. Wolovich and the FSC students to the educational program are highlighted in a recent commentary co-authored by Dr. Wolovich that was published in the American Journal of Primatology.
West Africa School Trip Video
Beach Clean Up Weekend
Biology Department Honors and Awards for 2022-2023
May 19, 2023
Student Awards:
Mia Alikhan - John R. Haldeman Award
Kathleen Amendano - Chelsey G. Magruder Foundation Scholarship
Sadie Atkinson - Helen and Charles McConville Scholarship
Delaney Harris - Laurence L. Campbel Award
Sophi Brice - Presented research at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biologists Austin, TX NOAA Hollings Fellowship Award
Abiageal Ketchersid - Presented research at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biologists Austin, TX.
Raven Harrison - Second Prize Biology Poster Competition; President of the Black Student Union (which won Student Organization of the Year)
Destiny Kimbrough - Biology Merit Award, First Place Biology Poster Competition, President of Scientista which was awarded DEI Initiative of the Year
Jill Kinstler - Honors Graduate- Emerge Scholar, Second Prize Biology Poster Competition; Orientation Leader of the Year
Rosalie Laconto - Biology Post-Baccalaureate Studies Award
Abigail Lillibridge - Helen and Charles McConville Scholarship
Rowan Marshall - Honors Graduate, presented research at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biologists Austin TX.
Payton McCain - Honors Graduate, presented research at the Annual Meeting of the Florida Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and at the Florida Fisheries Meeting.
Natalie McGinniss - Outstanding senior award, First Place Biology Poster Competition
Morgan Misenar - Honors Graduate
Olivia Miles - Laurence L. Campbell Award
Sierra Robertson - Boris T. Sokoloff Southern Biological Research Scholarship
Hailee Schalwig - Fulbright Scholarship to Taiwan, President’s Medal for the spring 2023 graduating class, Honors Graduate
Jonathan Sellas - Biology Merit Award, Academic Fuel Student of the Year for subject matter, First Place Biology Poster Competition
Abby Tarleton - Biology Post-Baccalaureate Studies Award, Academic Fuel Student of the Year for the Writing Center, Honors Graduate, presented research at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biologists Austin TX.
Haley Thomassy - Laurence L. Campbell Award
Coral Tolman - Herman and Theresa Tieser Baum Scholarship
Francisco Vargas - Helen and Charles McConville Scholarship
Kaela Wilks - John R. Haldeman Award
Faulty Awards
Dr. Susan Banks - Spirit of the Cornerstone Award, ODK Teacher of the Year
Dr. Jason Macrander - Advisor of the Year Award
Dr. Nancy Morvillo - Scientista Professor of the Year Award
Congratulations Hailee
May 16, 2023
At the spring commencement ceremony on May 6, 2023, the President’s Medal was awarded to Hailee Schalwig, who has achieved academic excellence and exemplified the values of Florida Southern College at the highest level. An outstanding student, she was recently selected for one of the most competitive and prestigious national academic awards, the Fulbright Scholarship.
Schalwig earned degrees in both Environmental Studies and Marine Biology, with minors in English and Communications. She is a top-performing Honors student and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Her passion for education, our global future, and conservation, combined with her study of Mandarin qualifies her as an outstanding Fulbright Scholar to Taiwan. During her time at FSC, she was a teaching assistant and peer mentor, conducted research at the SharkLab in Bimini, The Bahamas and interned as a biologist and educator at Circle B Bar Reserve.
Taking a Breather
May 5, 2023
Jonathan Sellas ’23 has not decided which medical school he wants to attend, but he has made one big decision ahead of resuming his studies.
“Everyone I talked to has pretty much told me to not do anything this summer, and that I need to relax mentally,” Sellas said.
Since choosing Florida Southern over the University of South Florida four years ago because of the sense of community Sellas discovered during Scholar’s Weekend, he has devoted his time to academics and acquiring his major degrees in Biology and Spanish.
HAILEE SCHALWIG ’23 LATEST FULBRIGHT RECIPIENT
Apr 27, 2023
It makes sense for Hailee Schalwig ’23 to go to Taiwan as a Fulbright Student when she graduates from Florida Southern College in May.
When Schalwig, who is majoring in Environmental Studies and Marine Biology, was confirmed as a Fulbright award winner she was already prepared for her upcoming assignment.
“I took eight years of Chinese in middle and high school,” Schalwig said. “That helped influence me to choose Taiwan over other countries because I have that language background.”
The main language spoken in Taiwan is Mandarin (Chinese), and while Schalwig said she is not completely fluent in that dialect she will be more than comfortable in her new environment.
THREE FROM FSC SELECTED TO BE FLORIDA FELLOWS AT THE MAX PLANK FLORIDA INSTITUTE FOR NEUROSCIENCE SUNPOSIUM CONFERENCE
April 24, 2023
Over spring break Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Susan Banks, Ph.D., and Professor of Psychology Dr. Patrick Smith, Ph.D., took three Florida Southern College students to the Max Plank Florida Institute for Neuroscience Sunposium Conference at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.
Biology major Ryan Breitenbach ’24 and Psychology majors Ariana Harris ’24 and Madison Meares ’23 were selected to be Florida Fellows, a program supporting undergraduate student participation in the conference.
