Making History, Shaping the Future The graduation of the first class of the Master of Arts in Global Governance is just one of several milestones achieved by FIU Arts & Sciences grads in recent years Page 12
14 On The Cover: Making History, Shaping the Future Arts & Sciences graduates achieve FIU milestones in pursuit of their dreams
4
School of Environment, Arts and Society Tropics at a crossroads: Addressing a changing planet through research, partnerships and policy
6
8
School of Integrated Science and Humanity
Message from the Dean
Center for Children and Families provides solutions for children with behavior disorders
The School of International and Public Affairs Forging Linkages in the Americas: FIU welcomes new directors for Latin American and Caribbean Center and Cuban Research Institute
The College of Arts & Sciences has challenged
the way we think, developed solutions for the
world’s most pressing issues and charted a course of innovation at FIU for more than 40 years.
Our faculty transforms the lives of our students,
prepare to launch the Vaclav Havel Center for
Human Rights and Diplomacy. And our Model
United Nations team ranked 7th in North America this year, once again claiming the highest ranking
of all public universities and the highest ranking for
10 Gifts and Partnerships
offering inspiring educational and research
12 Current Initiatives
60 percent of all research grants awarded to FIU
Arts & Sciences faculty, established partnerships
grant climate, I am proud to say our distinguished
Zoo Miami and 100Kin10. The latter is a network
18 The Next Class 20 Alumni Features
experiences. Working together, they account for in the past year. In an increasingly competitive
faculty garnered $16 million more in grant funding
than last year, bringing our total to $60 million. Our
22 Faculty News
faculty also published 28 books and more than
24 news.fiu.edu
We continue to teach more students and
880 journal articles in the same timeframe.
mentor them so they graduate in a timely manner. In 2012-13, we conferred more than 4,600
degrees. We also launched the Executive Master’s of Public Administration at our Brickell location
and added a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary
Studies onsite and online. We expanded our online degree offerings to include Psychology, Women’s Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Liberal Studies and Religious Studies.
The School of Environment, Arts and Society
is addressing critical environmental and societal
In addition, the university, through the efforts of
with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
of diverse partners committed to fundamentally
changing teaching and learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.
This academic year, I have the privilege
of being appointed chair of the FIU iREAL
(integrating Research, Engagement, Assessment and Learning) Commission by President Mark B.
Rosenberg. The establishment of this commission is the first step in developing a new strategic
plan for the entire university and will answer the
essential question: In the face of unprecedented disruptions in higher education, how will FIU continue to redefine the role of the public
research university? To learn more about iREAL, visit commission.fiu.edu.
While we celebrate our accomplishments, we
challenges locally and globally. Most notably,
continue to look forward. Philanthropy is a critical
Reef Base, the world’s only undersea research
year, we passed our $5 million goal — the largest
we assumed stewardship of the Aquarius
laboratory. Major funding was awarded to continue groundbreaking research in the Everglades and
projects bringing freshwater to communities in the developing world.
The School of Integrated Science and
Humanity is eagerly anticipating the opening of the
Stocker AstroScience Center in the spring of 2014. From Dr. Carl F. Stocker’s transformational gift in The Stocker AstroScience Center observatory dome was hoisted to its permanent home atop the building in July 2013.
all Florida universities.
component of ensuring our success. This past
ever set by the college — raising more than $6.2 million. That momentum is a testament to the
great work being done by our students and our
faculty. In the following pages, I hope you enjoy
reading about what the college has been up to in the past year.
All the very best,
2007 to the addition of the dome this summer, we are making his vision a reality.
The School of International and Public Affairs
continues to expand our global agenda as we
Kenneth G. Furton, Dean
College of Arts & Sciences
A&S 2012-2013 | 1
Across the Globe
Thirsty Planet
Founding Dean Remembered 2012-2013 Arts & Sciences
College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Leadership Board
Victor C. Balestra, Chairman Kenneth G. Furton Dean, College of Arts & Sciences Mariel E. Acosta-Garcia Sandy Batchelor Meredith A. Newman John M. Bussel Senior Associate Dean, Terence G. Connor College of Arts & Sciences Frank DuMond Fausto B. Gomez Gisela Casines Susan Ford Hammaker Associate Dean Patricia B. Keon Maureen Donnelly Mitchell Kaplan Associate Dean Paul D. Landrum Charles LaPradd Michael Maunder Joe Zammit Lucia Associate Dean John Mills Jeremy Rowan Esther Moreno Assistant Dean Alvaro Perpuly Ednagene Schofman Mike Heithaus Executive Director, School of Board of Trustees Environment, Arts and Society
2013-2014
Suzanna Rose Albert R. Maury, ’96, ’02, Executive Director, School of Integrated Science and Humanity Chairperson Michael M. Adler, Vice Chair John F. Stack, Jr. Mark B. Rosenberg, Secretary Executive Director, School of Sukrit Agrawal, ’89 International and Public Affairs Cesar L. Alvarez Jose J. Armas JoAnn C. Adkins Editor, Arts & Sciences Magazine Jorge L. Arrizurieta Robert T. Barlick, Jr. Aileen Solá-Trautmann Marcelo Claure Art Director Mayi de la Vega, ’81 Gerald C. Grant, Jr., ’78, ’89 Writers Claudia Puig Ayleen Barbel Fattal Robyn Nissim Faculty Member Evelyn S. Perez C. Delano Gray Elaine C. Pritzker Chair, FIU Faculty Senate Student Member Liane M. Sippin President, Student Government MMC Arts & Sciences is an annual publication produced by the College of Arts & Sciences at Florida International University. Please send comments, requests for copies or requests for permission to reprint material to jadkins@fiu.edu. College of Arts & Sciences Florida International University 11200 SW 8th St., ECS 450 Miami, FL 33199 305-348-2864 casdean@fiu.edu
cas.fiu.edu 2 | A&S 2012-2013
Glows Works to Improve Lives of People in the Developing World
Butler H. Waugh, one of FIU’s four founding
fathers, passed away Nov. 7, 2012, at the age of 78. When Founding President Charles E. Perry was
appointed president of the newly established FIU
in the late 1960s — which at the time was nothing
more than an abandoned airfield — Waugh was his
By Robyn Nissim
E
very year, tourists flock to the
you break or endanger it, will come
water,” including
Mara River to witness what has
back to haunt you,” Donoso says.
building wells and
been described as one of the greatest
War, gender inequality, disease,
sanitizing existing
spectacles in the natural world — the
pollution, deforestation, animal
first official hire. Working with Perry, as well as Donald McDowell
water supplies;
great African animal migration.
extinction, politics, governmental
health and hygiene
plan that would become FIU.
upheaval and abject poverty can be
training and
gather by the hundreds along the
mitigated by one element—clean,
education, waste
jewel-like river in Tanzania and move
useable water.
management
and Nicholas Sileo, Waugh put pen to paper and drafted out the
In 1970, Waugh was named the founding dean of FIU’s College
of Arts & Sciences, the first college to be formed at the university.
He hired the first faculty members from the ground up. He presided
Wildebeests, zebras and gazelles
northward to Kenya. Thousands of
More than two thirds of the planet’s
and agricultural
people travel to Africa to watch the
surface is water but only 2.5 percent
techniques.
While Waugh was at the forefront of many FIU firsts, his passion
animals’ journey, which is regularly
is fresh water. Of that fresh water, less
In countries such as
resided most deeply in the classroom. In 1975, Butler stepped
cited as one of the top travel attractions
than 1 percent (.007) is accessible for
Georgia, where water is abundant,
down as dean and returned to teaching. He remained at FIU until his
in the world. Tourism is booming. That’s
human use. With the world’s population
GLOWS is working with local officials
retirement in 2003.
the good news — and the bad.
at 7 billion and climbing, clean water is
to protect the existing water supply and
“He believed in education,” said Waugh’s wife, Joanne. “He
Along with the boost to the local
definitely at a premium.
demonstrate the benefits of sustainable
over the education of the first 5,667 students to enroll in 1972.
was also very political. He was passionate and often would say,
‘My great-grandfather was an illiterate coal miner, and I spent 40 years teaching literature at a university. Only in America could that happen.’”
September, 1969: Butler Waugh, far left, and fellow FIU founders (left to right) Donald McDowell, Nick Sileo and President Chuck Perry on the steps of the old Tamiami Airport control tower.
FALL
economies, the visitors put additional
GLOWS was created in 2006 with
development.
strain on the water supply of the Mara
funding from the United States Agency
River, one of the only perennial sources
for International Development (USAID) to
traveled to the project sites around the
of water in that region of East Africa.
address the world’s growing water crisis.
world looking at basic water demand,
Water is a finite resource. And just like
One of FIU’s largest federally funded
precipitation and river flows, and the
some of the rare species of animals
programs, GLOWS has established
economics of water. GLOWS also
that follow the water to the north, water
the university as an international
provides support for a number of non-
needs to be protected.
authority on integrated water resources
FIU students in other countries.
When there is a drought in South
management. Based in the College of
Over the years, FIU students have
“The University is a neutral place
Florida, people are restricted on when
Arts & Sciences, GLOWS is operated by
where all of the minds can come
they can water their lawns and fill
a small staff on Biscayne Bay Campus.
together and present their information
their pools. When there is a drought
GLOWS partners with CARE, WaterAid
without weighing in on a particular
in other parts of the world, there is
America, Winrock International, World
interest,” Donoso adds. “An additional
famine, war, disease and damage to the
Wildlife Fund and World Vision U.S., to
benefit that FIU brings is the science
environment, to animals and to people.
provide a holistic approach to integrated
base and the opportunities for
water resource management.
collaborative projects. And it gives
But “whether one is in a welldeveloped society or in a small
GLOWS has teams working across
our students and faculty the unique
community without services, water is
the globe, with projects in Ghana,
experience of becoming involved in
still a major need for survival,” says
Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burkina
real-life laboratories.”
Maria Donoso, director of FIU’s Global
Faso and the country of Georgia.
Water for Sustainability (GLOWS)
Other projects have been completed in
program. And in the long run, the
India, Morocco, Peru, Ecuador, Kenya
threats to people’s health, livelihood
and Mozambique. GLOWS program
and natural environment are the same.
activities involve developing and
“There is a circle of nature that if
applying new techniques to “harvest
2012
To read the complete story from FIU Magazine, visit news.fiu.edu/magazine or scan this QR code. A&S 2012-2013 | 3
| 25
Tropics at a Crossroads
School of Environment, Arts and Society addresses a changing planet through research, partnerships and policy By Elaine C. Pritzker | epritzke@fiu.edu
international policymakers to protect
Department of Earth and Environment
better communicators to help those
these predators including protected
is exploring food security through a
hold three-quarters of the world’s
the country and then put the science to
making the decisions — and people
status, stricter fishing laws and
sustainable agriculture program that
work for environmental conservation,”
most affected by them — understand
enforcement of existing policies.
offers a particular emphasis on the
Anderson said.
the complexity and importance of these habitats and ecosystems,” said Mike
of the FIU Marine Education and
and community engagement to develop
Last year, an international
Oberbauer, climb to the highest
Heithaus, executive director of SEAS
Research Initiative, is leading his
meaningful solutions.
reaches of the Costa Rican rainforest
and associate dean of the College of
own charge, making a global plea for
“Our goal is to better our world,”
canopies to explore how climate
Arts & Sciences. “The only way our
the world’s seagrasses. Dubbed the
Heithaus said. “When you consider our
change affects plant life. Others, like
efforts will ever matter is if we can
Blue Carbon Initiative, Fourqurean is
broad and diverse faculty expertise,
a comprehensive examination of
marine scientist Deron Burkepile, dive
help others make sense of what
asking governments to extend carbon
our ideal location and the strategic
protected species in the tropics and
to the depths of the sea to study the
we discover.”
credits to seagrass after proving these
focus of SEAS, FIU really is a solutions-
concluded that protected areas in the
imperiled coral reefs. Their efforts
undersea meadows are as effective as
center that can make a difference for
tropics are struggling to maintain their
rely on national and international
studying top predators, including
rainforests in absorbing carbon dioxide
generations to come.”
collaborations.
sharks and alligators, evaluating
from the Earth’s atmosphere. Last year,
biodiversity. Donnelly, who has spent
rainforests and coral reefs. Biodiversity
decades researching amphibians
is the diversity of life — from the largest
and reptiles in the neotropical areas
others leverage the resources among
predator to the smallest bacteria.
of Central and South America,
South Florida’s living laboratories.
has witnessed the drastic crash in
The Kampong of the National Tropical
with more than 30 faculty members
species populations. She is quick to
Botanical Garden, Montgomery
working in the region, FIU is ideally
acknowledge that conservation must
Botanical Center and Fairchild Tropical
situated for the study of biodiversity and
be a global team effort.
Botanic Gardens are three major
While some reach across borders,
conservation of the tropics — from the
Recently, the federal government
facilities that provide resources to help
mountains to the forests to the oceans.
awarded FIU a grant of nearly $750,000
FIU scientists understand the diversity,
The School of Environment, Arts and
to support environmental conservation
distribution and evolution of life in the
Society (SEAS) unites this research
efforts in the Andean Amazon region of
tropics.
to promote a better understanding
South America. Led by SEAS Director
of tropical conservation, create
of International Programs Elizabeth
research has benefitted from these
opportunities for ground-breaking
Anderson, FIU is developing a research
partnerships. The botanist is exploring
biomedical discoveries and develop
collaboration network in Colombia
predictors for the future of the Amazon,
sustainable production methods to
through a partnership with Pontificia
hoping to give policymakers, scientists
address global food shortages.
Universidad Javeriana and Universidad
and conservationists a roadmap to
de la Amazonia.
implement meaningful change. The
According to scientists, 34 hot spots exist on the planet where 1,500
“Our goal is to develop a greater
Professor Kenneth Feeley’s
role of scientists stepping out of the
species unique to that area have lost
scientific understanding of the unique
field and into the policy conversation is
at least 70 percent of their habitat.
and understudied ecosystems in the
not a new concept, but one that FIU is
These hot spots occupy merely a
Colombian Andean Amazon by building
championing through the formation of
4 | A&S 2012-2013
tropics. The program includes research
Some, like biologist Steve
Maureen Donnelly, conducted
Located in the sub-tropics and
James Fourqurean, director
of all known higher plant species. team of more than 200
the tropics, especially in
Meanwhile, faculty in the
meaningful impact, we all must become
scientists, including FIU biologist
T
call for very specific actions among
European Union Parliament in Brussels.
education and research capacity within
and amphibians in addition to half
of biodiversity occurs in
“For our work to have a real,
numerous scientific papers that
quarter of the world’s land area, yet most threatened mammals, birds
he greatest concentration
SEAS nearly four years ago.
Heithaus has spent his entire career
To learn more about the School of
their global importance in protecting
he made presentations around the
Environment, Arts and Society, visit
biodiversity. He has produced
world including testimony before the
environment.fiu.edu. n
4 Questions: Maureen Donnelly Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences Professor, Department of Biological Sciences | School of Environment, Arts and Society What or who inspires you in your area of study? My biggest inspiration is my former professor, Jay M. Savage. Jay invited me to join his laboratory as a Ph.D. student in 1978. I always wanted to work as a “tropical biologist,” and I knew that Jay had a strong tropical program. His invitation opened the doors to a career that has exceeded all expectations. Tell us something about your field that might surprise most people. The group of organisms I am most interested in, the amphibians, are an ancient but vulnerable group. Nearly twothirds of all living species are threatened with extinction.
What book are you currently reading? I most recently read “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” by Siddhartha Murkherjee. Give us something to watch for in your area of study. We are moving forward on a variety of fronts with our research. We are trying to understand how fragmentation of forest patches affects amphibians and how the surrounding landscapes influence the animals. We also have papers in the works that examine how population genetics are affected by fragment size, isolation and community structure.
Donnelly, left, with her former student, Rudolf von May, at a study site in Madre de Dios, Peru. A&S 2012-2013 | 5
4 Questions: William E. Pelham, Jr. Director, Center for Children and Families Chairman, Department of Psychology | School of Integrated Science and Humanity What or who inspires you in your area of study? Trying to improve the lives of ADHD children and their families. Tell us something about your field that might surprise most people. The most widely used stimulant medications have zero longterm benefits for a child who takes them. Medication has to be combined with behavior treatment. What book are you currently reading? “The English Girl” by Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon series #13) – The #1 New York Times bestselling series, chronicles the adventures of art-restorer and Israeli master spy Gabriel Allon.
Matters of the Mind School of Integrated Science and Humanity puts focus on child mental health with creation of Center for Children and Families
CCF Director William E. Pelham Jr. (center) spends time with students during the 2012 Summer Treatment Program.
faculty have become affiliated with
by age 18. If left untreated, children with
Psychologist Lindsay Malloy leads a
the center, including 14 new hires to
anxiety disorders are at higher risk to
team of researchers studying child
the university,” Pelham said. “Their
perform poorly in school, miss out on
cognitive and social development,
interests span everything from typical
important social experiences and engage
and provides information and tools
development in children to multiple
in substance abuse.
for teachers, social workers and legal
aspects of mental health.” Psychology professors Anibal
By Ayleen Barbel Fattal | abarbel@fiu.edu
U
“Brainwashed: The Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience” by Sally Satel and Scott O. Lilienfeld – The authors reveal how many of the real-world applications of human neuroscience gloss over its limitations and intricacies, at times obscuring instead of clarifying the various factors that shape human behavior and identity. Give us something to watch for in your area of study. Three grants funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will look at why stimulant drugs have no longterm benefits. Is it due to concerns about the effects on growth, developed tolerance or lack of adherence during teenage years?
As part of FIU’s Child Anxiety and Phobia Program (CAPP), associate
Gutierrez and Maricel Cigales oversee the
professor of psychology and CCF
professionals who work with children every day. To date, CCF has served more than
p to 20 percent of children in the
of federal research grant money, with its
to cope with their child’s behavior and
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention
researcher Jeremy Pettit specializes
1,000 families. This past year, the center
U.S. experience a mental disorder
faculty currently holding a combined total
assist them in their child’s progress.
(EIBI) program at CCF. Through the
on the course of depression, anxiety
also provided consultation and training
program, FIU psychology students are
and suicidal behaviors over time. His
services for more than 300 Miami-Dade
in a given year. That’s one out of five
of $35 million in research funding.”
“The greatest thing about the Summer Treatment Program and the
providing one-on-one therapy to children
research includes interpersonal and
County Public School teachers working
can make the difference between healthy
centered treatment, the center offers
greatest thing for us to see is how happy
under three years of age who have or
cognitive factors that contribute to the
with children with behavioral and
development and a life plagued with
year-round services and treatment
and enthusiastic our son is coming
are at risk for developmental delays or
onset, maintenance and recurrence of
academic difficulties.
for children and their families in an
here,” said the mother of an 8-year-old
disorders, including autism.
these behaviors. CAPP addresses the
interdisciplinary clinic. This center’s
boy enrolled in the program. “We can
emotional and behavioral characteristics
excellence in research, education
signature Summer Treatment Program
see his growth and we see him feeling
a preschool classroom by designing
of children who are experiencing anxiety
and service regarding mental health
better about who he is.”
our schedule in a similar manner to
and phobic behavior.
in childhood,” Pelham said. “Not only
children. Early diagnosis and intervention
lingering challenges. FIU’s Center for Children and Families (CCF) is leading the way in research and
Focusing on family and school-
evidence-based options to treat and
has treated 625 children since the center
manage childhood mental disorders.
was founded in 2010. The intensive,
“CCF is doing exciting and groundbreaking research in child behavior
“We help children learn to adapt in
“Our goal at the center is to provide
serving and involving families in South
CCF Director William E. Pelham,
that commonly used in preschool and
Researchers at the center also are
therapeutic program focuses on helping
Jr., a leading authority on child mental
kindergarten classrooms,” said Logan
exploring general cognitive development
Florida but also conducting research that
children and adolescents with attention
health, has brought together an elite
McDowell, a doctoral student and
in children. Shannon M. Pruden,
informs the nation and the world about
assistant director of the program.
assistant professor of psychology, is
the nature, causes and treatment of
disorders,” said Suzanna Rose, executive
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and
team of researchers to FIU, leveraging
director of the School of Integrated
other behavior problems to improve their
both existing faculty members and
The center’s work doesn’t stop with
researching the use of spatial language –
mental health problems in childhood and
Science and Humanity and associate
problem-solving, academic and social
recruiting other leading researchers
ADHD and autism. Anxiety disorders affect
words such as big, tall, circle, curvy – by
adolescence.”
from around the country.
one in eight children. And about 11 percent
children 14 to 46 months and the long-
To learn more about the Center for
of adolescents have a depressive disorder
term implications for their development.
Children and Families, visit ccf.fiu.edu. n
dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.
skills. Weekly training sessions also are
“The center is one of FIU’s largest sources
provided for parents, teaching them how
6 | A&S 2012-2013
“In the course of three years, 27
A&S 2012-2013 | 7
Forging Linkages in the
Americas
I
United States.
n an increasingly interconnected world,
possible solutions for the challenges that
particular point of focus for FIU is Cuba.
the challenges we face in the 21st
are persistent in the region. Representing
Located just 228 miles from Havana
century are diverse and multifaceted.
eight colleges and schools, three centers
and among the largest Cuban diaspora
is to bolster FIU’s research profile and
These challenges are complicated
and two libraries, the faculty members
in the world, FIU’s Cuban Research
commitment to community engagement
School of International and Public Affairs welcomes new directors for Latin American and Caribbean Center and Cuban Research Institute
in a region like Latin America and
specialize in anthropology, architecture,
Institute is the leading center for research
on a global scale.
the Caribbean, where governments,
art, biology, business, earth sciences
and academic programs on Cuban
political traditions and socioeconomic
and environmental studies, economics,
and Cuban-American issues. No other
publications and collaborations can make
backgrounds vary greatly among its
education, engineering, health services,
university in the United States surpasses
a real difference,” said John F. Stack
By Evelyn S. Perez | esuperez@fiu.edu
diverse nations.
international relations, journalism, law,
FIU in the number of professors and
Jr., executive director of the School
public administration, political science,
students of Cuban origin.
of International and Public Affairs and
The infrastructure needs are great. cybersecurity is an issue. Energy and
For both Mora and Duany, the goal
“Our alumni networks, faculty, research
associate dean of the College of Arts
“By expanding our current research,
and more. Founded by FIU President Mark B.
collaborating with others who are
& Sciences. “Latin America and the
focus. And public health continues to
Rosenberg in 1979, LACC is a member
studying Cuba, and increasing our
Caribbean are far too important when
be a challenge. Situated in the gateway
of the Consortium of Latin American
outreach to our local community and
you consider their proximity to the United
to the Americas, FIU is forging linkages
Studies Programs. It is also a designated
abroad, we will only help to drive
States, their economic impact and the
through education and research aimed
National Resource Center for Latin
discussions about the island nation
human connections that we share.”
at better addressing the most urgent
America by the U.S. Department of
and its diaspora,” said Duany, who has
problems confronting Latin America and
Education, making it one of the top area
published extensively on migration,
American and Caribbean Center and the
the Caribbean.
studies centers in the country.
ethnicity, race, nationalism and
Cuban Research Institute, visit lacc.fiu.edu
transnationalism in the Caribbean and the
and cri.fiu.edu. n
the environment are major points of
In the past year, the School of
One nation in the region that is a
To learn more about FIU’s Latin
International and Public Affairs welcomed Jorge Duany as the director of the Cuban Research Institute and Frank O. Mora as the director of the Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC). These two strategic hires will energize the work being done by faculty throughout Arts & Sciences. “We need to ask: How are we contributing to the debate of solving the complex issues of today,” Mora said. “This opportunity has so much potential, so much history and so much to do. I want LACC to be the center of gravity for all academic and policy discussions about Latin America and the Caribbean, not just in Miami, but the entire country.” Prior to joining LACC, Mora served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for the U.S. State Department. In his vision for the center, Mora believes the ongoing research of LACC’s nearly 200 affiliated FIU faculty will help drive discussions and
8 | A&S 2012-2013
Photo: Santiago, Chile, Metropolitan Cathedral in Plaza de Armas and New Office Tower.
4 Questions: Frank O. Mora Director, Latin American and Caribbean Center Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations | School of International and Public Affairs What or who inspires you in your area of study? I’m always impressed and inspired by some of the more prolific scholars in my field. It’s not just the number but the quality/depth of the work. Francis Fukuyama is one of those scholars. The first of two tomes of his opus magnum came out last year – “The Origins of Political Order;” it is a masterpiece of great intellectual, interdisciplinary depth. Tell us something about your field that might surprise most people. My sense is that the average person believes the field of political science has greater predictive capacity than it actually does. It is true that through certain methodologies, we seek to not only understand but predict certain outcomes. We need to be reminded that human beings and their interactions are not like the controlled environment that the physical or hard science can control.
What book are you currently reading? I’ve been reading quite a number of biographies, everything from Bolivar to the Kim dynasty in North Korea. I just finished reading a biography on John Hay, titled “All the Great Prizes: John Hay from Lincoln to Roosevelt” by John Taliaferro. Give us something to watch for in your area of study. One of the most positive trends in political science is the return of area studies. The pendulum from the very quantitative methodology began a few years ago, but the focus on a new type of area studies has grown in the last three to five years, largely a result of a demand in Washington and other policy circles to understand at a “genetic” level the complexity of societies and their transnational impacts. It was curious, for example, to observe the number of anthropologists and sociologists hired by the State Department and Pentagon to help understand the complexity of Central Asian societies. A&S 2012-2013 | 9
Gifts and Partnerships International Center for Tropical Botany receives $5 million
Gift of establishes the Darlene M. and Jorge M. Pérez Art Collection Longtime FIU supporters, Jorge M. Pérez, CEO of the Related Group, and his wife, Darlene M. Boytell-Pérez, FIU alumna and nurse practitioner, have donated a Cuban art collection to School of International and Public Affairs and the Frost Art Museum. The collection features stunning rural and city landscapes, haunting portraits, and vivid graphical depictions of Cuba. The donation includes 24 Cuban paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The art will serve as an interdisciplinary teaching and educational resource for the museum and SIPA, and will help advance the Cuban Research Institute’s mission of creating and disseminating knowledge about Cuba. Additionally, the donation includes a gift of $250,000 to support collection-related curatorial work; complementary programming such as workshops, exhibitions and public events; and scholarships. The Darlene M. and Jorge M. Pérez Art Collection at FIU features works by many of the best-known masters of Cuban art including Eduardo Abela, Víctor Manuel, Augusto Menocal, Carlos Enríquez, René Portocarrero, and José Bedia, providing an excellent window into the historical trajectory of pictorial representations of Cuba’s national identity.
Jewish Museum of Florida joins FIU The Jewish Museum of Florida, a historical museum that explores 250 years of Jewish art, culture and history in the State of Florida, has become part of the FIU family. This hallmark gift includes the two adjacent Art Deco buildings in Miami Beach that are former synagogues, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gift also includes the museum’s historical collections, research library, endowment, and other assets. The museum, now known as the Jewish Museum of Florida – FIU, will leverage the resources of both institutions, to ignite a new era of interdisciplinary education, research and outreach, focused on the history of the Jewish experience in Florida. Integrating academic programing and research endeavors in the School of International Public Affairs, the museum’s exhibitions, public programming and historical collections will strengthen awareness about the unique ways Florida Jews influence, and are influenced by, the historic and cultural dynamics of Florida, the nation, and the world. It will also educate the FIU and greater South Florida communities about the challenges of immigrant experiences shared by all in Florida. 10 | A&S 2012-2013
For development opportunities please contact: Nancy Rachman Director of Development Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU nancy.rachman@fiu.edu
In partnership with the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), FIU is developing the International Center for Tropical Botany, a dynamic endeavor to create a network of collaborators in plant exploration and conservation. It will be located at the historical Kampong, an NTBG garden where David Fairchild had his home. In 2012, the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust awarded the College of Arts & Sciences a $2.5 million challenge grant in support of this initiative. Earlier this year, the Batchelor Foundation generously matched the gift with a $2.5 million grant to build the facility where this initiative will be housed. The center will advance FIU’s strategic priority on tropical botany, leveraging the expertise of more than a dozen faculty including world experts on rainforest ecology, mangroves and seagrass, island floras, phytochemistry and plant conservation. The new facility will be part of a global network working closely with botanical institutions in the Pacific, Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
Zoo Biology This summer, FIU and Zoo Miami formed a partnership to explore and develop greater research and community outreach initiatives. Zoo Biology will focus on key areas including reproduction, demographics, genetics, behavior, medicine, husbandry, nutrition, conservation and all aspects related to exhibition and maintenance of wild animals in wildlife parks, zoos and aquariums. Work will begin immediately on joint research initiatives and the establishment of internship opportunities for students in the College of Arts & Sciences and Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Long-term, the MOU calls for the creation of Ph.D. projects, public seminars on biodiversity and conservation, professional courses on zoo management and policy, and more. A&S 2012-2013 | 11
Current Initiatives
Vaclav Havel Center for Human Rights and Diplomacy The Vaclav Havel Center for Human Rights and Diplomacy will advance the study of human rights and its impact on democratic transitions. Through research, lectures, internships and conferences, the center will provide students with the opportunity to learn from distinguished practitioners with expertise in diplomacy, activism, and policy implementation, and will foster scholarship on the governability of young democracies and the process of non-violent transitions.
I
n January 2013, FIU announced it would assume operations of the Aquarius Reef Base. In September, FIU welcomed four international astronauts to the research habitat as part of NASA’s extreme environments training program, marking the first saturation mission at Aquarius in the FIU era. The world’s only undersea research
lab, Aquarius provides unparalleled access to study coral reefs and marine life while also offering opportunities to test state-of-the-art undersea technology, train specialized divers and astronauts. Submerged by NOAA in 1993, Aquarius was in danger of being decommissioned last year due to cuts in federal funding. FIU has launched an aggressive plan to save Aquarius and has reopened it for the use of scientists, government agencies and private industry. Though the relaunch of Aquarius was met with international applause, including a live broadcast on NBC’s TODAY Show, much work remains to ensure this unique research facility continues to serve science for years to come. Aquarius is just one example of programs in the College of Arts & Sciences that are supported by public/ private partnerships, research funding and philanthropy. Each of the college’s three thematic schools is developing programs that drive innovation and inspire change. To learn how you can help, please contact us.
Cognitive Neuroscience Institute Biomolecular Sciences Institute The Biomolecular Sciences Institute is a multidisciplinary consortium bringing together many of FIU’s finest research scientists. The institute is designed to spark creative collaborations between the departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, and Physics, as well as the College of Engineering & Computing, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, and Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work. Advancing nanotechnology and furthering the fields of cancer biology and neurodegenerative disorders, the institute will provide a source of academic mentorship for undergraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral students and foster the growth of the newly developed Doctoral Degree in Biochemistry.
The mystery of the human mind is one of immense complexity. Under the Cognitive Neuroscience Initiative, FIU researchers are analyzing brain development, brain function and the neurological basis of behavior. These scientists are investigating possible applications of their pioneering research to advance the treatment of nervous system disorders. They hope to map one of science’s last frontiers – the human brain.
Global Jewish Communities
Development Contacts: Emily Gresham Assistant Vice President Development cgresham@fiu.edu 305-348-0474
David Skipp Director of Development School of International and Public Affairs dskipp@fiu.edu 305-348-7407
12 | A&S 2012-2013
Throughout history, vibrant Jewish communities, with far-reaching family, commercial and cultural ties, have flourished throughout the world. The Initiative for Global Jewish Communities promotes innovative research and education, concentrating on the extraordinary and unparalleled diversity and plurality of Jewish communities in diverse settings and cultures.
Marine Education Research Initiative The Marine Education and Research Initiative in the Upper Florida Keys will enhance the scope and impact of FIU on teaching, research, K-12 educational outreach, and community involvement in the Keys. MERI will provide cutting-edge educational opportunities for children, residents, and visitors to the Keys, highlighting the region’s significance and our collective responsibility to be good stewards of the environment.
Sustainable Agriculture In South Florida, natural, agriculture and urban areas are in close proximity. FIU’s Sustainable Agriculture program is designed to educate students and the community about their food systems and their relationship to natural ecosystems through resource management, hands-on field training, internships and scholarships.
A&S 2012-2013 | 13
Making History, Shaping the Future Arts & Sciences graduates achieve FIU milestones in pursuit of their dreams By JOANN C. ADKINS | jadkins@fiu.edu
I
f Kailey MacNamara had pursued only
In just a two-year span, the college
15, his father passed away, leaving him as
celebrated the university’s oldest
the primary caretaker of his mother and
missed her moment in FIU history by a
graduate, 88-year-old Richard M. Smith
five younger siblings. While working, he
single degree.
and its youngest graduate, 16-year-old
still managed to earn a college degree.
But the College of Arts & Sciences
Sky Choi. Both men were products of
In 2010, he made the difficult decision
student double majored in physics and
the School of International and Public
to leave his family and make the 7,500-
biological sciences. During the evening
Affairs — Smith earned his Ph.D. in
mile journey to FIU to pursue a master’s
of April 30, she glided across the stage
History in 2011 and Choi earned his
degree in African and African Diaspora
during the School of Environment,
Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies in
Studies. Upon graduation, he enrolled in
Arts and Society’s commencement
2013. Choi beat out FIU’s previous
FIU’s Ph.D. program for political science.
ceremony expecting no more pomp and
youngest graduate Kristian Herrera —
His goal is to return to Rwanda and help
circumstance than what greeted every
also an Arts & Sciences student — who
improve access to education.
other graduate. But as she approached
earned his Physics degree in 2011 at
the platform, the ceremony came to an
the age of 18.
one bachelor’s degree, she would’ve
“When you see the diversity in our student makeup and the challenges they
abrupt stop as the announcer broke with
But greatness isn’t just measured in
have faced to get to this point, it really
his traditional oration to announce FIU’s
age. Sometimes, it’s measured in firsts.
puts into perspective what we’re doing
200,000th graduate.
Since FIU’s inaugural commencement
here,” Furton said. “These degrees are
MacNamara’s short walk across
ceremony in 1973, countless numbers
so much more than the time spent in the
the commencement stage signified a
of graduates have been the first in their
classroom. The combination of research
milestone in FIU history. 200,000 FIU
families to attend college.
and community engagement plays a
degrees. 200,000 stories. 200,000
These first generation students are a
critical role. And the relationships our
particular point of pride for FIU, where
students build, with the faculty and their
making a world-class education accessible
peers, really help to shape character and
first and largest college, has produced
to all is a priority. Didley Delpeche is
ensure long-term success.”
more graduates than any other FIU
among those. A U.S. Army veteran,
college. With three thematic schools
Delpeche put his academic career on hold
Campbell, their academic pursuits proved
and 16 academic departments, Arts &
several times for training, deployments and
to be a life adventure.
Sciences has produced an exceptional
family matters. By 2011, he was ready to
Gavassa grew up on a remote farm
portfolio of students with hometowns,
finish his Psychology degree. Leveraging
in Los Llanos, Colombia. There was no
backgrounds, academic journeys and
the discipline, leadership and teamwork
electricity or modern communications.
career aspirations that are as interesting
skills he learned in the military, he earned
For her education, she collected books
and diverse as the college itself.
a 4.0 grade point average and graduated
and assignments from the nearest
in 2013.
school, taught herself and returned
achievements. The College of Arts & Sciences, FIU’s
“Historically, Arts & Sciences has had a
For some, like Sat Gavassa and Justin
lot to celebrate, but in recent years, we’ve
A world away in the African Republic
for finals at the end of each academic
enjoyed some rather unique achievements
of Rwanda, Fiacre Bienvenu was born to
year. Though her methods were non-
among our graduates,” said College of
poor parents who were never afforded a
traditional, she was successful and
Arts & Sciences Dean Kenneth G. Furton.
formal education. When Bienvenu was
eventually accepted at the Universidad Continues on page 16
14 | A&S 2012-2013
Photo: Kailey MacNamara ’13, made FIU history as the 200,000th graduate.
A&S 2012-2013 | 15
Richard M. Smith
Continued
Who was president of the United States when you were born?
de los Andes where she studied electric
until the fall, so they could be married that
Professional Master of Arts in Global
fish. She eventually set her sights on FIU.
summer. Today, the couple says they rely
Governance, a program focused on some
on each other for professional advice, but
of the most perplexing issues brought on
What was your first paying job?
earned his bachelor’s degree in
joke they don’t always see eye-to-eye on
by globalization in today’s society.
When I was 13, I worked in my father’s garment business.
environmental sciences from Dartmouth
statistics.
Campbell, a Manhattan native,
College in 2001. Originally interested
Spanning the physical and
generation of problem-solvers and future
natural sciences, social sciences and
global leaders in careers we have yet
internship in the Florida Keys was just
humanities, the College of Arts &
to imagine,” Furton said. “With each
the inspiration Campbell needed to direct
Sciences offers a holistic education that
graduate, FIU is leaving its mark on the
his career to seagrass conservation. Like
encourages its graduates to make an
world. It’s exciting to see, not only the
Gavassa, he set his sights on FIU. It was
impact locally, nationally and globally.
caliber of students we have, but the
The dynamic makeup of its student body accounts for thousands of success
campuses. It’s hard for me to imagine
each other.
stories that are defining FIU’s legacy.
what milestones are in store for us next.”
During the last academic year alone, Arts
Check out a video on Richard Smith
To learn more about the College of
and were poised to graduate in the
& Sciences graduated more than 4,600
Arts & Sciences, including student and
summer of 2012. Yet they chose to defer
students including its first cohort of the
alumni features, visit cas.fiu.edu. n
What was your first car? It’s been so long ago, I don’t remember the model anymore, but my father bought it for me when I returned from World War II. Who is your favorite musician? Frank Sinatra
character and passion they bring to our
course where the two set their sights on Both excelled in their doctoral studies,
They made women’s dresses. I did small jobs for a dollar.
“We are educating the next
in engineering, a marine conservation
in an introduction to biological research
Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States
What book are you currently reading? “From Slavery to Freedom” by John Hope Franklin
Generations: A Tale of Two Graduates In 2011, FIU celebrated the graduation of its oldest graduate, Richard M. Smith, who earned his Ph.D. in History at the age of 88. In 2013, the university celebrated the graduation of its youngest graduate, Sky Choi, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies at the age of 16. Recently, the two alumni offered to answer a short series of questions and, though they were born nearly three-quarters of a century apart, their answers prove that ‘Ol Blue Eyes can transcend the generations.
Sky Choi
Who was president of the United States when you were born?
Bill Clinton, 42nd president of the United States What was your first paying job? Teaching Taekwondo
Check out a video on Sky Choi
What was your first car? I’m still saving to buy my first car, so I borrow my father’s Optima for now. Who is your favorite musician? I listen primarily to Korean artists and my favorite is Kim Jong Kook. Believe it or not, Frank Sinatra is a close second. Couple Justin Campbell and Sat Gavassa walk hand-in-hand at commencement in December 2012 as both prepare to receive their master’s degrees.
What book are you currently reading? “Teach Like Your Hair is on Fire” by Rafe Esquith
16 | A&S 2012-2013
A&S 2012-2013 | 17
The Next Class
Arts & Sciences students make a difference through research, leadership and policy
Howard Holness
Ph.D. student, Chemistry and Biochemistry | School of Integrated Science and Humanity The alphabet and a little chemistry were
all Howard Holness needed to find his way to FIU.
A native of Jamaica, Holness enrolled
in the University of West Indies for his
undergraduate studies. In a chemistry class, the professor assigned seats
alphabetically. That put Davia Hudson in
the seat next to Holness. Smitten from the start, Holness followed Hudson to Miami
when she enrolled at FIU for her graduate studies in 2004. After a little research,
Jessica Lee
Holness decided FIU was a good fit for him, as well, and enrolled.
M.S. student, Earth and Environment | School of Environment, Arts and Society Jessica Lee wants to use her research
Hollywood, Fla.-native immersed herself
to educate others and to help people feel a
in the diverse marine and terrestrial living
connection with the environment.
laboratories of South Florida. Lee’s uncle
“The environment is an awesome
on walks in state parks and talking about
to enjoy it and enjoy it responsibly,” Lee
the trees and animals they saw. Her fondest
said. “That’s why I’m passionate about
childhood memories are of the canal in
learning about it, understanding how to take
her backyard, where she would fish with
care of it, and how to help people feel a
her dad and canoe with her sister, often
connection to the world around them.”
observing and interacting with the resident
As part of her master’s thesis, the
manatees. At age 12, an encounter with a
Environmental Studies student created the
turtle-nesting program at the beach forever
Coastal Angler Science Team (CAST), which
changed her life. When she volunteered
combines tag and release methods – along
with the program, helping to protect the
with some help from local citizens – to
nests and release the hatchlings, Lee knew
evaluate the habitat of largemouth bass
she wanted to be a marine scientist. “My family played a huge role in exposing
works alongside local anglers, recreational
me to the natural environment. That canal
fishermen and fishing guides to collect the
influenced my life,” Lee said. “Yes, it’s
recapture data. To date, Lee and her thesis
important to understand fish ecology
advisor, Jennifer Schopf Rehage, have
because of the many ecological and
tagged more than 2,500 fish with microchips
commercial values associated with it, but
that provide data on growth, movement
there are generations of families that have
and survival. The information will be used to
bonded over fishing, just how I used to
analyze the impacts of restoration efforts by
catch fish with my dad.”
looking at their ability to survive abiotic and biotic stressors. Lee developed an interest in marine ecosystems at a young age. The 18 | A&S 2012-2013
into medical school. But that was before
he was introduced to the FIU International
first introduced her to ecology, taking her
resource. We have an amazing opportunity
and snook in the Shark River Estuary. CAST
Holness first saw chemistry as an
opportunity to improve his acceptance odds
Lee earned her bachelor’s degree from FIU in marine biology. She is set to graduate with a master’s degree in 2014. Lee plans to earn a Ph.D., conduct research and teach.
Forensic Research Institute (IFRI) and its
founding director, Kenneth G. Furton, now
the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.
In 2006, the same year Hudson and Holness
Ph.D. student, Public Administration School of International and Public Affairs Ph.D. candidate Shahed Jasem Al-Tammar is on a mission to empower Kuwaiti women through democracy. The public administration student recently presented at the 2013 Joint Congress of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS)International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) in Bahrain. Her presentation prescribed recommendations on how to counteract the current obstacles women face, including recommendations for equal opportunity in the workplace and
way to identify and link different batches
at the institute, Holness’s most significant
– once they are confiscated. Holness is
Director Jose Almirall. During his tenure
accomplishment has been the launch of the annual IFRI Forensic Science Symposium,
which features the latest in research findings and new technologies for forensic science professionals. The symposium, which
launched in 2012, covers topics such as
animal cruelty, crime scenes, gunshot residue testing, designer drugs and DNA backlog. “Holness has been key to the IFRI
outreach mission. He has organized the very successful IFRI Symposium for the last two
years and frequently represents IFRI outside of FIU,” Almirall said. “Holness combines a sharp scientific mind with excellent
administrative skills. He is an effective
communicator, well-liked and has earned
the respect of his colleagues. We are very fortunate to have him on our IFRI team.”
Almirall also serves as Holness’s faculty
were married, he accepted a job in Furton’s
mentor. Holness’s research is focused on
lab for several years, he was promoted to
type drugs, offering law enforcement a
lab. After managing the forensic chemistry
Shahed Jasem Al-Tammar
assistant director of IFRI by current IFRI
increased political representation. The presentation was based on a joint research project that evaluates women’s experiences in Kuwait in their administrative lives and how their roles have evolved over time. The research was conducted with College of Arts & Sciences Senior Associate Dean and Public Administration Professor Meredith Newman and Al-Jassar Salwa, a former member of the National Assembly of Kuwait and Al-Tammar’s mother. “Shahed brings a unique perspective on the role of women in governmental and administrative reform in the Middle East,” said Newman, who also attended the conference. “Those of us who have the opportunity to participate with our students as they present
identifying impurities in methamphetamine-
of these drugs – based on the impurities
modifying a fast and inexpensive technique commonly used to screen for explosives at airports so crime labs can also have a fast and inexpensive way to track methamphetamine.
“The most important real world
application will be to have this technique
available to any crime lab,” Holness said. “At the moment, cost is a major issue for
crime labs. Any new tests developed have to be cost-effective and practical before a lab will even consider their use.”
After graduation, Holness hopes to be
able to share his experience with students as a professor.
“I am hoping to pursue a more specific
focus on teaching undergraduates, since I realize that many good researchers
start as very curious undergraduates,”
Holness said. “I think I can more effectively influence these students at that level.”
at high-profile conferences and to visit their home countries to conduct research together are truly privileged. It is one thing to watch our students perform in the classroom; it is another experience entirely to see them thrive and excel in such a high profile gathering.” Al-Tammar earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The American University of Kuwait. She worked as a youth representative advocating for their involvement in the public sector. Al-Tammar earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012. She has also served in a variety of academic and professional roles in the U.S., Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Georgia.
From left, Shahed Jasem Al-Tammar joins her mother, Al-Jassar Salwa, and Dr. Meredith Newman during a recent trip to the Middle East.
A&S 2012-2013 | 19
A&S Alumni
Inspiring, mentoring and serving with honor Richard Blanco
Idaykis Rodriguez
School of Environment, Arts and Society For weeks after Richard Blanco ’91, MFA
’97 was selected as President Obama’s Inaugural Poet, fear and worry crept in.
Asked to write an original poem that he
would share on live television before the
entire world, he was given surprisingly little
direction by the White House. The poem was his to write.
own framework as an exile. I ended up really, really liking the poem.”
Blanco often writes about the idea of
community, and he says FIU is clearly a part of his community.
Born in Spain to Cuban exiles, Blanco’s
parents emigrated to New York City days
School of Integrated Science and Humanity Cuban-born Idaykis Rodriguez ’08, Ph.D. ’13 came to the U.S. as a child determined to succeed. Today, at 28-years-old she is a respected physics researcher. The alumna, who earned her Ph.D. at
after his birth and eventually settled in Miami.
FIU in the summer of 2013, is helping
FIU in engineering and has spent much of his
technology, engineering and math
Blanco earned an undergraduate degree at
to revolutionize the way science,
career as a civil engineer, designing bridges
(STEM) subjects are taught.
South Miami.
school and continued through her
Since then, Blanco has become a literary
path, returning to FIU to earn an M.F.A. from
her senior year, she became the vice
fielding calls from agents and fans around
Creative Writing Program.
Students, earned a prestigious research
“It was very liberating but also kind of
scary,” Blanco said. “What if I wrote the
wrong poem or wrote a horrible poem?”
As the world now knows, Blanco wrote
and delivered a transcendent poem, “One Today,” on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
superstar, doing dozens of interviews and the world.
The distinction – inaugural poet – is an
honor shared by very few. To be exact, only five poets have delivered inaugural poems
including Maya Angelou and Robert Frost. To come to “One Today,” Blanco said
he began to hone in on how he feels about the United States of America. This was the second of three poems he wrote for the White House.
“What I hadn’t expected was it opened my
creative channels,” he said. “It’s opened up a way for me to talk about America outside my
and even an architectural plan for City Hall in In 1991, he decided to explore a different
the Department of English’s highly regarded
Blanco’s first collection, “City of a Hundred
Fires,” won the Agnes Lunch Starrett Poetry Prize from the University of Pittsburgh. He went on to receive a prestigious “Beyond
Margins Award” from PEN, the international writers’ organization, in recognition of his
work. Some 130 books of poetry by writers
of color were nominated for the 2006 awards; Blanco’s second book of poetry, “Directions
to the Beach of the Dead,” published in 2005, was one of five winners. His third collection, “Looking for the Gulf Motel,” was published in 2012.
Her love for physics started in high undergraduate studies at FIU. During president of the Society of Physics term at Jefferson Lab, and then became active in the Physics Education
Research Group where she studied the development of expertise in physics research groups. Rodriguez represents a significant voice in physics and STEM education – currently only 5 percent of doctorate degrees in physics are granted to Hispanic students, and only 2.5 percent to Hispanic women. During the summer of 2012, Rodriguez was invited to Switzerland to attend the 62nd Lindau Meeting of Nobel Prize Laureates, an event limited to 80 U.S. students each year. The meeting is an annual gathering of Nobel Laureates and young researchers from around the world. Rodriguez was the only student from FIU and, as she later learned from a
education researcher at the conference. “At first, meeting so many students that study nuclear, plasma and high energy physics, I felt a little intimidated to share with them that I was a physics education researcher,” she says. “Half of the people I met didn’t know what it was and half may have heard of it. But once I explained that what I do is research how people learn and teach physics, they showed genuine interest in the field, which often sparked philosophical conversations about knowledge, expertise and the meaning of science.” Today, Rodriguez continues to mentor students as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, FIU.
Manuel Chavez
School of International and Public Affairs It’s never too late to chase your
dreams. International Relations alumnus Manuel “Manny” Chavez ’76 is proof.
Born in Las Cruzes, New Mexico, Chavez
active duty with the National Guard. It
became clear that Georgetown was not in his future.
Chavez spent time in the Philippines
remembers vivid details of his childhood
and Japan. He was discharged from duty
of a homemaker and a public service
enroll in the U.S. Army Counterintelligence
during the Great Depression. The son official, he shined shoes, delivered
newspapers, pumped gas and picked cotton to earn money.
“My father’s career in public service
brought many poor folks to our home
seeking help. His actions and examples taught me to be considerate and
compassionate,” Chavez said. “I knew I also wanted a career in public service.”
in 1945 only to return a year later and
School. He subsequently served as an
air attaché throughout Latin America and
the Caribbean and worked in the CIA field office in Miami during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Chavez retired from the Air Force
as a lieutenant colonel in 1966 and settled in Miami where he worked as a security
consultant for multinational corporations. In 1975, Chavez heard about a
daughters attended FIU so he knew it was a good fit for him.
“This program was created for an
underserved population whose life
circumstances didn’t allow them to finish
their education,” said retired international relations Professor Ralph Clem. “It
was people like Manny who made that program a success because he was
definitely intelligent, with a lot of real-
world experience, and he was motivated to finish.”
Thirty-nine years after graduating
from high school, Chavez earned his bachelor’s degree at the age of 57. Chavez retired from the private
Chavez set his sights on Georgetown
program at FIU, Miami’s new public
sector in 2010. The non-traditional alum
Angeles, earning his associate’s degree
personnel the opportunity to earn a
anniversary with his wife, Bernice. They
University. He first attended college in Los in 1939. With U.S. involvement in World War II looming, Chavez was called into 20 | A&S 2012-2013
Lindau meeting organizer, the only physics
research university, that offered military degree based on earned college credits and work experience. Both of his
recently celebrated his 70th wedding continue to make Miami their home.
A&S 2012-2013 | 21
Beyond the Classroom The latest news and honors for Arts & Sciences faculty members Professors receive Florida Book Awards Creative Writing professors Campbell McGrath and Lynne Barret both earned gold medal honors at the Florida Book Awards. McGrath was recognized for his book of poems, “In the Kingdom of the Sea Monkeys.” Barrett was honored for her short story collection, “Magpies.” This is the second Florida Book Award for McGrath and first for Barrett. Botanist receives rare honor Javier Francisco-Ortega, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, has been elected as an honorary member of the Montgomery Botanical Center. The award recognizes the long trajectory of Francisco-Ortega as a supporter and collaborator of the center. Psychologist recognized for research The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded psychology professor Raul Gonzalez the Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award for his HIV and drug abuse research.
making contributions toward informing, advocating for, and improving the mental health and well-being of children and families, particularly through policy. Newman re-elected to international post Meredith Newman, senior associate dean of Arts & Sciences and professor of Public Administration, was elected to a second term with the Board of Management of the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration during a meeting in Bahrain. Also this year, Newman was honored by her alma mater, the University of Central Florida, with two Professional Achievement Awards. Pettit honored for career contributions The American Association of Suicidology has awarded Jeremy Pettit, associate professor of psychology, the Edwin Shneidman Award. The annual award is given to individuals under the age of 40 who have made outstanding early career contributions in the field of suicidology. Pettit was honored in April during the association’s annual conference. History professor receives two honors
Rhea recognized as emerging scholar Harry M. Rhea, associate professor of Criminal Justice, received the Roslyn Muraskin Emerging Scholar Award from the Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences in June 2013. The award recognizes outstanding scholarly contributions to the advancement of criminal justice within the first five years of the recipient’s professional career.
Every year, the College of Arts & Sciences offers hundreds of lectures for students, faculty and the greater community to share ideas and foster greater understandings of issues that affect us all. These events feature faculty members, students, local community members, activists, global leaders, and visionaries. Each lecture
Public Administration Professor Allan Rosenbaum was inducted as a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a non-profit coalition of public management and organizational leaders that analyzes and makes recommendations on the country’s most critical public management, governance, policy and operational challenges.
leaves its mark at FIU.
APA Highlights Shrage Philosophy Professor Laurie Shrage’s work was highlighted by the American Philosophical Association in 2013. Her research examines the philosophical assumptions and political values that provide a foundation for demands for the emancipation of women, reproductive and health care rights; toleration for diverse gender and sexual expression, and marriage and family equality.
Founding director of the FIU Women’s Studies Center Marilyn HoderSalmon was honored by the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU with the Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award. This annual award celebrates the achievements of professional women who foster advancement for women in society. Early career honors for Malloy
Patricia L. Price named an ACE Fellow
Professor named to economics society
The American Psychological Foundation has named Lindsay Malloy, assistant professor of psychology, the first recipient of the annual Division 37 Dianne J. Willis Early Career Award. This award was created to honor talented young psychologists who are
Patricia L. Price, professor of geography in the Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies, has been named an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow. As an ACE fellow, Price will focus on nurturing a campus culture of integrity at FIU.
Hakan Yilmazkuday, assistant professor of economics, was appointed executive secretary of the International Economics and Finance Society. Yilmazkuday is responsible for the society’s web communications, organizing officer elections, and planning sessions at the Allied Social Science Association’s annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pa.
22 | A&S 2012-2013
Visionaries, activists and champions leave their mark at FIU
Rosenbaum inducted into academy
Bianca Premo, professor in the Department of History, received the 2012 Vanderwood Prize from the Conference on Latin American History for the article “An Equity against the Law: Slave Rights and Creole Jurisprudence in Spanish America.” She also received Honorable Mention for the 2012 Kimberly Hanger Prize by the Southern Historical Association for her article, “Before the Law: Women’s Petitions in the EighteenthCentury Spanish Empire.”
Hoder-Salmon honored by JMOF-FIU
International Voices
Watson appointed to cultural institute Modern Languages Professor Maida Watson has been named contributing member to the La Institución de Investigaciones y Estudios Abulenses Gran Duque de Alba in Ávila, Spain. Watson will serve as an adviser to the institution, offering insight on Iberian and Latin American literature, culture and other issues.
Albright headlines Broad series Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright visited FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus last fall as part of the School of International and Public Affairs’ flagship speaker series, the Ruth K. and Shepard Broad Distinguished Lecture Series. Albright discussed the legacy of Vaclav Havel, the first president of the Czech Republic and the leader of the Velvet Revolution, which toppled the communist regime in 1989. Supported by a gift from the Shepard Broad Foundation Inc., the series provides FIU and the community with insights into the events and forces shaping contemporary global affairs. In addition to Albright, other 2012-2013 speakers included Rajiv Shah, U.S. Agency for International Development; Trita Parsi, founder and president of the National Iranian American Council; and Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, South African ambassador to the U.S., among others. For the schedule of upcoming speakers, visit international.fiu.edu. SEAS launches two lecture series In the spring, the School of Environment, Arts and Society launched two distinct lecture series focused on conservation. In March, the school welcomed Robert W. Corell, principal with the Global Environment and
Technology Foundation, to campus to inaugurate its flagship lecture series, Our Common Future. Corell discussed the consequences of interactions between regions of the Northern hemisphere and the Arctic on climate change, human health, and economic development. Our Common Future will bring some of the world’s leading thinkers to FIU to discuss critical environmental issues. In May, SEAS kicked of Zoo FIU, a lecture series hosted in collaboration with Zoo Miami. The series of talks by university researchers and zoo staff focus on the conservation and care of species that reside at Zoo Miami. To learn more about these lecture series and other SEAS events, visit environment.fiu.edu. SISH welcomes activist Gloria Steinem to campus Feminist icon Gloria Steinem visited FIU last fall, urging women to stay involved in the political process. In a lecture hosted by the Women’s Studies Center, the renowned writer, lecturer and activist focused on women’s rights issues related to the 2012 election.
Women in Science takes to the podium The School of Integrated Science and Humanity also launched the Women in Science Lecture Series, thanks to a generous gift by Turkish philanthropist Mine Ucer. The series promotes the awareness, participation and advancement of women pursuing academic careers in science. To learn more, visit humanity.fiu.edu. Cuban Blogger champions democracy During a lecture hosted by the Cuban Research Institute, blogger Yoani Sánchez said the Internet is changing Cuba in spite of government restrictions. Sánchez addressed an audience of 500 on the restrictions the Cuban government places on free expression, including Internet access, and the impact of technology on the possible democratization of Cuba. Media coverage of the event reached an audience 5 million and FIU tweets reached another 1.5 million people. Sánchez documents her life on the island through her blog, GeneraciónY.
To view Yoani Sanchez’s lecture, scan this QR code. A&S 2012-2013 | 23
FIU scientists help find ‘God Particle’
For the complete stories, visit news.FIU.edu.
Physicists on experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) announced in 2012 that they have observed a new particle, possibly the elusive Higgs boson. FIU scientists and graduate students are part of the international team collaborating on the research. The FIU team helped design, build and operate the LHC accelerator with the Compact Muons Solenoid (CMS) experiment.
STEM Transformation Institute launches In September of 2012, FIU launched the STEM Transformation Institute, a multidisciplinary partnership that will pave the way for student success in
Researcher finds answers to food security with honeybees
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The institute brings all of
Stephany Alvarez-Ventura ‘09, MS ‘11 is finding answers to food security by studying
the university’s efforts together into a
honeybee colony collapse disorder, which occurs when a parasite spreads viruses
collective mission to transform STEM
within a colony causing the bees to abruptly disappear. Honeybees help ensure the world’s food supply because they pollinate a variety of crops. Alvarez-Ventura’s research found that beekeepers should place hives in natural, stable environments with flower abundance to limit parasites. Anti-parasite treatment should be used as a last
education from preschool through graduate school. To learn more, visit stem.fiu.edu.
resort, according to her findings.
Forensic science experts convene at FIU FIU’s International Forensic Research Institute hosted a symposium on “Research and Practice in the Forensic Sciences.” The second annual conference featured the latest in research findings and new technologies for the field. FIU faculty and
Math lab opens Arts & Sciences opened the new, state-of-the-art Mastery Math Lab in the fall semester of 2012. Located in the Green Library, the lab is a key component of FIU’s five-year Title V project “Opening the Gateways,” a high-tech, high-touch approach to improving student performance in college algebra led by Arts & Sciences Dean Kenneth G. Furton. During the first day of classes, more than 1,600 students attended sessions in the lab, which was funded by the university’s technology fee. The program is on track to achieve an overall pass rate of 73 percent in college algebra by 2015. To learn more, visit gateways.fiu.edu.
Researchers uncover the mystery of charcoal’s fate An international team of researchers led by FIU Chemistry Professor Rudolf Jaffé has uncovered
Monster larva’s indentity revealed For centuries, an elusive larval creature with armor-like horns has kept its true identity a secret. That mystery has been solved, thanks to a team of researchers led by Marine Sciences Professor Heather Bracken-Grissom. By using DNA testing on an intact, freshly collected specimen from the Gulf of Mexico, the researchers determined it is a rare, deep-sea shrimp – now identified as Plesiopenaeus armatus. 24 | A&S 2012-2013
Third from left, Kevin McElfresh ’79, chief scientific officer of The Genome ID Group in North Carolina, was the keynote speaker at the 2013 IFRI symposium.
one of nature’s long-kept secrets — the true fate of charcoal in the world’s soils. The researchers concluded that charcoal is making its way to the world’s waters. Being able to determine the fate of charcoal is critical in helping scientists balance the global carbon budget,
students as well as forensic science professionals covered a variety of topics including animal cruelty, crime scenes, gunshot residue testing, designer drugs and DNA backlog.
Model United Nations ranks 7th in North America
What happens when an artist and a physicist meet? The world was captivated earlier this year when scientists at CERN
The FIU Model United
announced the possible existence of the elusive Higgs boson particle. FIU
Nations (MUN) team
artist-in-residence Xavier Cortada and physicist Pete Markowitz collaborated
has been ranked
on an art installation that will forever mark the historic occasion: five banners
seventh in North
at Point Five at the Large Hadron Collider.
America and first among all public research universities by BestDelegate.com. The education company also ranked FIU MUN as the top team from the state of Florida. The FIU delegates competed in conferences throughout the United States including the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City.
which, in turn, can help explain and mitigate climate change.
To view a feature video on FIU’s Model UN, scan this QR code. A&S 2012-2013 | 25
Fun
Just for
Student selected for Modern Language Association’s appointment Svetlana Tyutina, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Modern Languages, has been appointed to the Modern Language Association Committee on the Status of Graduate Students in the Profession. The committee focuses on issues that
Academic Health Center Expands FIU’s Academic Health Center complex is growing. The official groundbreaking of AHC 5 – which will be the new home of the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, the Extreme Events Institute, and the Department of Earth and Environment – took place during the summer of 2012. Seven months later the university celebrated the completion of AHC 4, home of the School of Integrated
affect graduate students in language and literature. Since her appointment, she has met with association officials at the MLA headquarters in New York and is preparing a panel discussion on balancing
If you’re having trouble finding Dean Furton, just look for the nearest suit, tie and all — has become the hottest draw for dunk tanks
Palm Species named after Wertheim Conservatory curator
campus-wide, raising money at the annual Lambda Chi Alpha food
When someone refers to the Orania zonae, they’ll be giving a
drive and the faculty and staff picnic. If you can’t find him there,
nod to FIU tropical botanist Scott Zona. The species of palm
check the latest flights to Africa, where the dean is conducting
was named after the curator for the Wertheim Conservatory
global security research involving elephants and meerkats.
nearly 20 years after he first observed the single-stemmed,
dunk tank. Furton — who is known to take his turn in a full business
academia and personal life for the 2014
highly ornamental plant in the rainforests of New Guinea.
MLA Congress in Chicago.
Science and Humanity.
Miami Heat players go green at BBC
Dunk the dean
Observatory nears completion
Save gorillas, one cell phone at a time
Miami Heat players Mario Chalmers and Jarvis Varnado
got a peek at the
Mendez is trying to help save the gorillas of
Panther wins Irish Open
joined volunteers from the School of Environment, Arts
Stocker AstroScience
central Africa by recycling cell phones. Mendez
English major Meghan MacLaren,
and Society in April to plant mangroves, a butterfly garden
Center earlier this year,
learned in a biology class that gorillas are losing
who hails from the United Kingdom,
and build picnic tables at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus.
an observatory that
their habitat to the illegal mining of coltan,
won the Irish Women’s Open Amateur
The event was part of the NBA’s annual Green Week,
has been nearly two
an ore that is refined and used in electronics
championship by a single stroke.
The FIU community
dedicated to educating fans about the importance of
decades in the making. Made possible by a
protecting our planet.
transformational gift from Dr. Carl Stocker, the research facility features classrooms, research labs, and an observatory. It will open for students in the spring of 2014.
Biological Sciences major Claudia Alvarez
equipment. That led her to launch an awareness campaign, collecting old cell phones no longer in use. Many companies have agreed to re-use the capacitors from the old phones, which helps to reduce the demand for coltan.
Coming off a successful freshman year with the FIU women’s golf squad, she also helped England win the tournament’s Nations Cup.
Students wade through research in the Everglades
Tweet
The Florida Coastal Everglades Student Organization launched
Shannon Pruden, assistant professor
the Wading Through Research blog, which shares stories,
of Psychology, achieved social media
photos and research ranging from failed experiments to
notoriety when her research to improve
successful endeavors. To read up on their latest happenings, visit
children’s learning of spatial skills was
floridacoastaleverglades.blogspot.com.
tweeted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
26 | A&S 2012-2013
A&S 2012-2013 | 27
The College of Arts & Sciences provides an educational foundation that prepares students to be successful and engaged citizens in a global society. The college is made up of three thematic schools focused on global ideas and solutions for the 21st century: the School of Environment, Arts and Society, the School of Integrated Science and Humanity, and the School of International and Public Affairs. Offering a diverse educational experience, the College of Arts & Sciences offers more than 70 academic degrees in 16 academic departments and 48 interdisciplinary programs.
School of Environment, Arts and Society
Departments
By bringing together the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, the School of Environment, Arts and Society is transforming the way we conduct research, educate our students and engage the community. Because the world’s environmental problems are no longer just about the environment, the school’s approach to education will ensure today’s students become innovative leaders of the 21st century by providing the communication, research and critical thinking skills needed to make a difference in our local and global communities.
• Biological Sciences • Earth and Environment • English
environment.fiu.edu
• Center for the Humanities in an Urban Environment • International Center for Tropical Botany • Marine Education and Research Initiative • Southeast Environmental Research Center
Departments
The School of Integrated Science and Humanity encompasses a unique integration of academic departments, centers and institutes advancing a wide array of bold initiatives. The school’s faculty members are pioneering interdisciplinary approaches to the complex challenges of the 21st century, particularly in the fields of biomolecular, behavioral, cognitive and basic sciences. The school houses many of the university’s premier centers and institutes dedicated to research and community engagement including the Center for Children and Families, the International Forensic Research Institute, and the Women’s Studies Center.
• • • • •
School of International and Public Affairs The School of International and Public Affairs brings together FIU’s internationally oriented disciplines to provide cutting-edge research, first-rate teaching and innovative training necessary for the globalized world of the 21st century. The academic core of the school is comprised of eight major departments and houses many of FIU’s most prominent international centers, institutes and programs. The quality of its faculty and innovative programs has earned the school affiliate membership in the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs. international.fiu.edu
Adding up Arts & Sciences in 2012-2013
16 41 416 4,642 $60 $6.2
academic departments
Chemistry and Biochemistry Mathematics and Statistics Philosophy Physics Psychology
Centers • Center for Children and Families • Center for Women’s and Gender Studies • International Forensic Research Institute • Biomolecular Sciences Institute • Cognitive Neuroscience Initiative
4.2 million viewers who watched the TODAY Show’s live broadcast from the Aquarius Reef Base on Sept. 18, 2013.
research centers and core science facilities full-time faculty
School of Integrated Science and Humanity
humanity.fiu.edu
28 | A&S 2012-2013
Centers
By the Numbers
graduates
million in externally funded research million in philanthropic giving
Departments • • • • • • • •
Criminal Justice Economics Global and Sociocultural Studies History Modern Languages Politics and International Relations Public Administration Religious Studies
Centers
SIPA houses many of FIU’s most prominent international centers, institutes, and programs.
124,380
YouTube views for TEDxFIU including talks by FIU professors Richard Olson and James Webb, and International Relations student Philip Koenig
7th
Best Delegate ranking for the FIU Model United Nations in North America
3,200
pounds is the total weight of the observatory dome atop the Stocker AstroScience Center
A&S 2012-2013 | 29
College of Arts & Sciences Modesto A. Maidique Campus ECS 450 Miami, FL 33199-0001
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID Miami FL PERMIT NO 3675
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Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree Fully Online FIU now offers fully online bachelor degree programs in psychology and criminal justice. Students can study anywhere, anytime and with 24/7 technology, they can connect with faculty and classmates. They’ll even have a personal success coach to guide them along the way. Alumni are a great source for qualified applicants. Do you know someone who would be a good match for these online degrees? If so, participate in our Referral Program today! Visit fiuonline.com/referral_form.