Ytori - Fall 2021 by UF_CLAS

FALL 2021

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA COLLEGE of LIBERAL ARTS and SCIENCES

“Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you. ... It is not far. It is within reach.”— WALT WHITMAN

The University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences equips each student to forge a singular path, wherever it leads.

Photo by University of Florida/Brianne Lehan

Journeys begin here.

Contents

FALL 2021

Ytori Magazine FALL 2021 Ytori is published twice a year by the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Ytori” means “alligator”in the language of the Timucua, the native inhabitants of north-central and northeastern Florida. STAFF DAVID E. RICHARDSON, Dean RYAN MARSH, Assistant Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs MEREDITH PALMBERG, Director of Strategic Engagement AMEY OWEN, Creative Production Manager ANDREW DOERFLER, Editor-in-Chief LAUREN BARNETT, Associate Editor PEYTON MCELANEY & SAMANTHA BAILON, Editorial Assistants ALI PATTERSON, Proofreader KATHLEEN MARTIN, Art Director KHARY KHALFANI, Graphic Designer © 2021 by the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without prior permission of the editor. University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is an equal access/equal opportunity university.

HAVE A STORY IDEA OR WANT TO GET IN TOUCH? ADDRESS Ytori, University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office 2014 Turlington Hall PO Box 117300 Gainesville FL 32611 EMAIL newsandpublications@clas.ufl.edu WEBSITE news.clas.ufl.edu

@UF.CLAS

@UF_CLAS

| C O V E R S T O R Y

ON THE COVER

Twists and Turns

Photos by Khary Khalfani. Design by Kathleen Martin. Students David Ruiz Menjivar (front) and Gretchen Overton (back) stride past Squares on Square, Charles Fager’s sculpture on the Chemistry Laboratory Building.

Students throughout the college navigate the winding roads that lead them toward their passions, whether they’re preparing for careers in the modern workforce or finding resiliency through the transfer student experience

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| QUESTION

6 Dream Machines

As a new age of technology emerges, CLAS embraces the future and harnesses the power of AI

12 Research Roundup

A showcase of the innovative discoveries arising from the college

| DISCOVER 22 Mission to Mars

A professor seeks signs of life on the red planet

24 A Commitment to Preserving History

A gift advances the college’s standing as a leader in Holocaust Studies

25 Remembering Sam Hill

Reflections on a pioneering scholar of religion

26 Near and Far

Two new associate deans chart the college’s course forward

| CONNECT 28 The Connector

An alum built a legacy of compassion in his community

30 The Bigger Picture

CLAS values prepare alum for lifelong leadership

32 Bringing His A-Game Gator100 honoree aims high and launches restaurant to success

34 40 Under 40

Impactful young alumni change the world for the better

| I N EVERY I SSUE 4 Dean’s Letter 38 Creative License

46 Dean’s Circle

44 Laurels

48 Crossword Puzzle

New book releases from CLAS faculty and alumni Celebrating outstanding achievements of students, staff, faculty and alumni

Recognizing the generosity of our giving society In All Kinds of Weather

From the

Dean In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, we look to the future as we advance research, teaching and service. We would be remiss, however, not to step back and appreciate what we have recently achieved together. In September, the University of Florida accomplished its longstanding goal to be ranked as a top-five public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our rise in ranking did not rely on sharp increases in tuition, and the university enters the top-five public list as one the very best values in higher education. For our college, the university’s largest, this recognition affirms the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and students. It is also a testament to the visionary support of those alumni and friends who generously sustain our work by staying connected to the college.

Photo courtesy of University of Florida/Brian Sandusky

Rankings are increasingly tied to educational outcomes, so it is vital for us to ensure that our students have every chance to succeed in pursuit of their career aspirations. It is also essential that we build momentum in research, especially in cutting-edge projects. In this issue of Ytori, you’ll see how people in wide-ranging disciplines are charting new directions that reshape the college to meet the challenges ahead. Our researchers and scholars — in natural sciences, mathematical sciences, social sciences and the humanities — have positioned themselves at the forefront of the university’s far-reaching artificial intelligence initiative (Page 6). Students are preparing for an everchanging workforce by engaging in new professional development opportunities and tapping into our global network of alumni working in sectors throughout the economy (Page 14). New leaders in the college’s administration are furthering innovations in our curriculum and expanding diversity, equity and inclusion (Page 26). The alumni profiled in this issue (Pages 28-37) are making a difference in their businesses and communities through leadership and service. Our college is always on the move. While we must be vigilant amid the pandemic, the college is now working on an ambitious agenda that includes a new vision for undergraduate requirements and an increase in our research vitality. In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, our mission is to meet the future head-on. Go Gators and Go Greater,

David E. Richardson Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 4|

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BEFORE THE LAW SCOTT AND PAMELA JEEVES have long valued the University of Florida education that put them on the path toward successful careers as lawyers. But they didn’t expect their two children would both end up following in their footsteps by attending their alma mater. That pleasant surprise turned out to be a chance for the couple to renew their connection to the university and consider how they could support the next generation of Gators. “We had amazing opportunities at the University of Florida, and we wanted to pay it forward,” said Scott (Political Science '88). His own experience as a student in the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, he said, gave him a broad foundation that prepared him to handle a breadth of work in the business world and the legal field. Scott and Pamela joined the UF Parent & Family Philanthropy Council, whose members provide guidance and assist in

university initiatives, and soon identified where they could make an impact. Recalling how pivotal their undergraduate experiences were in shaping their future careers, the two lawyers dedicated a gift to further pre-law initiatives in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “We saw a way to fill a niche and support something we found really important,” said Pamela (Finance '88, JD '92). For those considering law school, early exposure to different areas of the law — such as internships and speaker series — can offer the confidence that it’s the right fit. From there, LSAT preparation, guidance through the application process, and one-on-one advising can help set students up for future success. The Jeeves’ gift will ensure that the college’s Academic Advising Center, home to these pre-law initiatives, will thrive in their goal to assist students who have an eye on law school. “We hope our support opens up doors for people,” Scott said.

To learn more about family giving, contact alumni@clas.ufl.edu. U N I V E R S I T Y of F L O R I D A

YTORI FALL 2021 Scott and Pamela Jeeves photo courtesy of the University of Florida Foundation. Courtroom photo courtesy of The LitiGators, UF’s Undergraduate Competitive Mock Trial Team.

QUESTION

Dream Machines

By Andrew Doerfler & Lauren Barnett

The college’s minds are harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence while keeping humanity at the fore We are on the cusp of a new era. As the power of artificial intelligence is unleashed, global industries are experiencing a transformation unlike any other — and the University of Florida is stepping forward to shape the future. Here, faculty and students are taking a great leap to unlock the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), while making sure that the technology is harnessed for the betterment of humanity. To achieve this goal, creators and innovators must represent a diversity of thought and disciplines. That’s where the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences shines. The college is the heart of the campus’ interdisciplinary research, built upon a longstanding legacy of collaboration. Through AI, researchers and educators throughout the college are finding new ways to forge a richer understanding of the world — and the universe — around us. Home to HiPerGator AI, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, UF is positioned to become a leader in this domain. The potential extends anywhere that a deeper analysis of data stands to reveal new insights about urgent questions.

Need a rundown on AI terminology? We’ll break it down for you. ALGORITHM: Set of rules or commands informing the machine how to take action ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS: System akin to the human brain, designed to solve highly complex tasks MACHINE LEARNING: Subset of AI using algorithms to help a machine respond to new data DEEP LEARNING: When neural networks function properly and the machine begins to learn the ‘why’ behind the action

As we venture into a bold new age of AI, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ core values of curiosity and collaboration will offer the chance to design, develop and guide advanced technologies with purpose. And this is only the beginning.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

PREPARING FOR A NEW ECONOMY Any job that involves data can make use of artificial intelligence. As this technology becomes increasingly pervasive, more and more careers will demand it. These changes will sweep through nearly every field imaginable. To prepare students for this future, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is making sure that students throughout all disciplines are empowered to use new tools to equip them to be leaders in a changing workforce. Alongside computational mathematics and statistical computing classes, new courses such as Data Feminism, from the Center for Gender, Sexualities and Women’s Studies Research, showcase how a firm grasp on data is relevant throughout the curriculum. For those seeking to go even further, the college is home to UF’s data science major, housed within the Department of Statistics. The rigorous program combines computer science, statistical methodology and a strong math foundation. No matter which field students intend to enter, the college is making sure to keep in mind the societal impact of these rapidly advancing technologies. The Department of Philosophy’s course in ethics, data and technology is required for both the data science major and the AI certificate open to students of all majors. With these ever-expanding efforts, UF alumni are poised to lead sectors throughout the economy — while also working for a more just world.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS FOR DRUG DISCOVERY It used to be that chemists using computational methods to identify molecules for use in medicine had to choose between accuracy and speed. With software developed in the lab of UF chemist ADRIAN ROITBERG, though, they now can have the best of both worlds — and it’s opening the door to faster interventions against diseases. ADRIAN ROITBERG & JUSTIN SMITH, PhD '18 Through machine learning, Roitberg and his team Photo by Bernard Brzezinski. trained a neural network to mimic complex quantum chemistry to understand a molecule’s energy and the forces working on it. These characteristics are essential to determining whether a molecule is a good candidate to treat or cure diseases, but nailing them down was traditionally highly time-consuming. With the software, researchers can plug in massive datasets and get instant results that Roitberg’s team has found to be just as accurate as traditional methods. “I would get the same answer in 7 milliseconds instead of years,” he said. Major players in pharmaceuticals and biotech, such as Merck and Genentech, have already used the system. Its applications don’t end at drug discovery. The software can also determine how molecules crystalize, which will help identify new materials for use in technologies such as LED televisions. Roitberg believes the future of chemistry lies in quickly and accurately probing large datasets through methods like machine learning. Quoting a common refrain in his field, he said, “AI will not replace chemists, but chemists who know how to use AI will replace those who don’t.”

YTORI FALL 2021

QUESTION

BRINGING NEW LIFE TO MARGINALIZED STORIES Since the days of the transatlantic slave trade, oral history has preserved the experiences of African Americans in the Gulf South. To bring this vital facet of American history to a broader audience today, researchers from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are turning to artificial intelligence. The team uses computational linguistics techniques to analyze the audio of more than 500 interviews contained within UF’s Joel Buchanan Archive of African American Oral History. The researchers’ efforts will make these stories accessible to scholars and educators through an intuitive, easily navigable web interface. “This new collaboration will allow our university to share these precious narratives of African American history with K-12 students as well as scholars and communities worldwide,” said PAUL ORTIZ, professor of history and director of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program (SPOHP). SARAH MOELLER, assistant professor of computational linguistics, will use natural language processing and machine learning to annotate data, transcribe audio files, correct transcripts and identify themes, keywords and topics in the interviews. “With AI, we can address significant bottlenecks,” she said. By creating an unprecedented database of African American speech, the team looks to advance the field of linguistics. As speech recognition technology becomes more prevalent in areas like healthcare and job hiring, the database will help linguists improve existing technology that may be currently biased against African American speech. Along with SPOHP and the Department of Linguistics, the team includes collaborators from the George A. Smathers Libraries and the All Y’all Social Justice Collective, a group that supports educators in the South.

COUNTERING BIAS IN PREDICTIVE POLICING Police departments and courts worldwide have begun looking to artificial intelligence to prevent crime and sentence offenders. But predictive policing and other AI systems have given rise to concerns that biases baked into their algorithms could target certain groups and worsen societal inequalities. DUNCAN PURVES, assistant professor of philosophy, has been studying the ethics of using AI to assist police officers in anticipating crime before it happens. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, he and his collaborators DUNCAN PURVES are working on setting standards to reduce bias. “We’re hoping to reach police departments to try to start a conversation with them,” Purves said. Purves notes that even as more police departments adopt machine learning systems, the efficacy of those systems has not been well studied. “The evidence base is just not there to confirm that it’s actually better at preventing crime than human crime analysts,” Purves said. While algorithmic systems pose new ethical dilemmas, they also offer more transparency in law enforcement and sentencing decisions. Purves noted that the software COMPAS, for example, scores the risk of reoffending for defendants based on publicly available factors. “You can tweak the weight of those factors to help fix or address some of the issues of bias,” he said. “That is in some ways an improvement over human decision-makers because we don’t know, really, what’s going on in, say, a judge’s head.”

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

WHY AI AND THE HUMANITIES NEED EACH OTHER As artificial intelligence becomes a fixture in our lives, three rising scholars from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences had a chance to examine how our society shapes technology — and how the technology influences our society in turn. At a conference hosted by the National Humanities Center, they explored AI’s possibilities for their fields. Just as critical is the role the humanities will play in developing AI for a fairer society. “The conference helped me see that collaboration can be done across the humanities and the sciences,” said LAUREN BURRELL COX, a PhD candidate in the Department of English. “We both need each other.” LAKEN BROOKS, a PhD candidate in English who studies disability, gender and digital humanities, sees great potential in AI for digital storytelling. “While many people think of AI as being purely technological, as a computer science tool, AI is often rooted in storytelling and dialogue,” Brooks said. She pointed to the example of chatbots, for which writers are necessary to create an authentic voice. VICTORIA MACHADO (PhD '21), a scholar of religion and nature, noted that those in the humanities have a role to play in identifying biases in AI systems. “We impose our own values onto the systems we create whether we mean to or not,” she said. If approached mindfully, AI presents the potential for new perspectives that reach the core of the humanities. “I think AI gives the humanities a unique opportunity to re-examine what it means to be human,” Cox said.

From left to right: LAUREN BURRELL COX, LAKEN BROOKS and VICTORIA MACHADO. Courtesy photos.

A NEW SCHOOL OF THOUGHT As we teach machines to think for us, technology is returning the favor by revealing new insights into our own thought processes. Researchers in the Department of Psychology have embarked on new projects that leverage AI to better understand brain functions and human behavior. Assistant professor STEVEN WEISBERG uses machine learning to study how the structure of the brain determines people’s ability to navigate. While some studies have shown a relationship between the size of the hippocampus and a strong sense of direction, other compelling studies suggest that hippocampal volume may be too simplistic a measure that does not tell the whole story. By training automated tools to identify relationships between behavioral data and 3D brain imaging, researchers can come to a more nuanced grasp of the role of complex brain properties — ones that can’t otherwise be measured easily. “People are hungry for tools that can show us a richer connection between neural structure and behavioral outcomes that we care about,” Weisberg said. Assistant professor BRIAN ODEGAARD, meanwhile, is building AI models that predict cognition and behavior based on massive datasets from MRI scans. And professor ANDREAS KEIL is collaborating with researchers from UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering to create an AI system to better understand how the brain processes emotional information — and how disruptions lead to mental disorders. This is just the start of AI’s potential to unlock the mystery of the human mind. “I’m hard-pressed to think of an area of my research that hasn’t been touched by artificial intelligence,” Weisberg said.

YTORI FALL 2021

QUESTION

NEW FRONTIER Earlier this year, UF made a significant investment by committing to hire over 100 new AI-focused faculty members. They will channel their big data and AI expertise to address some of the globe’s most pressing challenges and educate students in forward-looking technology. The strategic hiring initiative spans nearly every department in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Here’s a quick look at the innovative research projects our newest faculty members are undertaking.

From Left to right: YIXIN “BERRY” WEN, DAVID KEELLINGS, JAEHAN BAE, JASON DITTMANN and JAMIE TAYAR. Courtesy photos.

From predicting extreme weather patterns to mapping disease dynamics, the sky’s the limit when the worlds of AI and geography collide. Assistant professor YIXIN “BERRY” WEN’S research seeks to better understand the Earth’s climate systems by analyzing massive remote sensing data from NASA and NOAA programs aided by AI technologies. Remote sensing, which involves the use of satellites and drones, can benefit from greater automation due to the immense volume of data being collected. “It’s a golden era when massive remote sensing measurements meet machine learning technologies,” Wen said. Her goal is to improve the forecasting of water-related natural disasters, such as flash floods and hurricanes, which are becoming ever-more frequent in our shifting global climate. Climate expert DAVID KEELLINGS, another new assistant professor, specializes in extreme weather events, ranging from deluge to drought. He credits AI for developing more accurate detection methods for these events, citing that machines can quickly examine large datasets — identifying patterns that humans take too long to detect or do not see at all. Keellings is excited about the opportunity to use UF’s supercomputer to tackle complex questions in his research. He’s also looking forward to preparing students to become future leaders. “AI can contribute to greater understanding across every field of study,” Keellings said. “I’m excited to be part of helping UF students get to grips with the power of it.”

There’s a whole universe of unexplored potential applications for AI in astronomy. With better telescopes and bigger data, today’s astronomers need the support of cutting-edge machines. One new faculty member, assistant professor JAEHAN BAE, is using AI to unlock clues about the origins of planets. He explains that so far, astronomers have discovered more than 4,000 diverse planets orbiting around stars other than the Sun. “I am trying to use machine learning techniques to find young, forming planets in a more efficient, but also more robust way, with the ultimate goal of improving our understanding of planet formation,” Bae said. Also focused on exoplanets is assistant professor JASON DITTMANN, who is exploring the application of AI and machine learning techniques to study the dynamics of their atmospheres. Dittmann’s interests lie in finding the smaller, undetected planets that exist in the margins of datasets. Traditionally lost in weak signals or intensive searches of mountains of data, these small planets are primed for discovery using AI techniques.

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Assistant professor JAMIE TAYAR, meanwhile, focuses on how stars evolve. As the amount of data from surveys has exploded in volume, she finds it inefficient to study each star individually. AI allows her to map properties from larger sets of stars to identify the most scientifically interesting ones. At UF, Tayar is looking forward to sharing tools with researchers, encouraging cross-collaborative learning. She cites that discoveries are not often shared across the board. “I’m really hoping the ability to connect to people working in other disciplines in a meaningful way will help break that cycle,” she said.

Data science and AI wield a power that can be used for good, but if left unchecked, can lead to potential ethical concerns. The Center for Gender, Sexualities and Women’s Studies Research aims to mitigate bias and advance more equitable AI applications, transforming AI and data science into tools for social justice. Assistant professor HINA SHAIKH’S research explores the role of data in the creation and manipulation of gendered histories. She also studies the infrastructure of data and the implementation of AI-based security systems. Shaikh’s expertise in gender and ethnic studies will create new avenues for examining data through a critical feminist lens. She plans to develop collaborative working groups with STEM researchers, students from underrepresented groups in the humanities, and community members from social justice organizations in Alachua County. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support community members, students and cutting-edge data feminist research through access to the supercomputer and my soon-to-be established Data Feminist lab,” Shaikh said. Shaikh’s lab will use data methods to aim toward gender equity, bringing to light the question: Is social justice through data possible?

MEET MORE NEW FACULTY EXPLORING AI JUANNAN ZHOU is a computational biologist who uses mathematical modeling and machine learning to design high-performing DNA sequences, predict rare disease variants and further understand the evolutionary dynamics of pathogens. EMMA “MICKEY” MACKIE’S research fuses glaciology, machine learning and geophysics to explore hard-to-reach areas deep beneath the ice. These ice sheet areas, often overlooked, inform the behavior of glaciers. She integrates machine learning with advanced geostatistical simulation to map out the regions’ topography, geology and hydrology. Linguist SARAH MOELLER applies advancements in AI to the documentation of languages at risk of disappearing. She focuses on improving natural language processing with deep linguistic analysis.

Mathematician CHUNMEI WANG explores numerical partial differential equations, finite element methods and superconvergence, and high-performance computing and domain decomposition. DAVID GRAY GRANT, assistant professor of philosophy, focuses on the ethics of technology and AI and the philosophy of science. He explores automated decision-making systems and the philosophical concerns their use raises. Physicist JEFFREY ANDREWS studies binary star evolution models and uses machine learning methods to address previous shortcomings in documenting stars’ evolutionary history. DANIEL D’ORAZIO, also of the Department of Physics, leverages AI toolsets to detect gravitational waves and maximize the study of compact objects, primarily black holes and neutron stars.

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QUESTION

RESEARCH

Roundup Our college’s faculty and staff conduct groundbreaking studies with real-world impact and far-reaching implications. Here’s a snapshot of recent grant awards and publication highlights. Compiled by Lauren Barnett

Hatchling catshark image by Alex Thiery. Photo courtesy of Fraser Lab UF.

Cells infected with the novel coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Andrew P. Bluhm, biological scientist.

GENE EDITING IN THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19 In the ongoing fight to develop COVID-19 antiviral treatments, molecular biologist MIKE NORRIS is leading the charge. Working in a high-containment lab in UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute (EPI), Norris and his collaborators search for genes that have the potential to become targets for antiviral therapies that slow transmission and mitigate the severity of infection. The interdisciplinary research team includes Stephanie Karst, a UF College of Medicine professor, and Christopher Vulpe, a UF College of Veterinary Medicine professor. The team uses CRISPR genome editing techniques to identify genetic factors that either help or hinder infection. In their study, they discovered 53 genes and pathways that are potential avenues for coronavirus growth inhibitors. The team’s goal is to identify what the virus needs from its host to replicate itself and examine how the host cell responds to shield itself from the infection. Once the researchers learn more about the factors that prevent viral replication, antiviral drugs can be developed and tested for efficacy against the genetic targets they’ve identified. As mutations arise and impacts of COVID-19 variants ripple throughout the globe, Norris’ research becomes more pressing. The race to design antiviral therapies is on. Story first reported by DeLene Beeland of EPI.

A TOOTHY DESIGN MILLIONS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING Over roughly 400 million years, sharks evolved to develop unique microstructures on their skin called dermal denticles. Made of enamel, these tiny shark “skin teeth” enhance the animals’ speed and stealth as they move through the water, helping to secure their status as apex predators in the ocean food chain. GARETH FRASER, assistant professor of biology, was recently awarded a multi-year National Science Foundation grant to lead a research team studying the evolution of denticles. 12 |

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

He’s hoping their distinctive attributes can inspire new designs for an array of applications. Alongside George V. Lauder of Harvard University and Elizabeth Sibert of Yale University, Fraser will use advanced techniques of RNA sequencing, 3D-printing and engineering methods to identify the most advantageous denticle shapes and patterns. By exploring how denticles reduce drag, the research could lead to more energy-efficient surfaces for products like cars and airplanes. The grant, which began in August 2021, promises to offer exciting advancements in the world of fluid dynamic design.

CHARTING A NEW COURSE TO IMPROVE ALZHEIMER’S IMPAIRMENT Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease are often susceptible to becoming entirely lost in physical settings that were once intimately familiar to them. Two new closely related research projects led by UF Department of Psychology faculty look to address this cognitive decline by examining the brain’s ability to create mental “maps.” STEVEN WEISBERG, an assistant professor of psychology and principal investigator on both projects, hopes that identifying the reasons behind the decline of spatial awareness in Alzheimer’s patients will pave the way for quicker, more effective methods to diagnose and intervene against the disease. His expertise in spatial navigation will complement psychology professor NATALIE EBNER’S in the study of aging. Supported by a five-year collaborative grant by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the researchers will seek to better understand how the brain constructs spatial information from navigational cues, like arrows or signs. They plan to examine how the brain’s interpretation of these signals changes throughout aging and age-related neurodegenerative disease.

In a second project funded by the Florida Department of Health’s Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program, Weisberg and Ebner will try to counter navigation impairment by stimulating the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with spatial awareness that becomes less active during aging. Through a noninvasive imaging and neurofeedback technique, they will identify specific links between brain activity and navigation behaviors in real time. The work also opens the possibility that the stimulus can “train” the hippocampus to navigate more successfully.

See more of the college’s exciting research developments:

EXTENDING OUR LINEAGE TO THE TIME OF DINOSAURS After the mass extinction of dinosaurs, nearly 65 million years passed before humans appeared. Yet a group of scientists have identified that our earliest primate ancestor likely lived among the dinosaurs, scampering in the trees above their heads. Published in Royal Society Open Science, the study revealed the oldest known primate fossils dated 65.9 million years ago. COURTNEY J. SPRAIN, assistant professor of geological sciences, became involved in the project as part of her PhD research. She has since built on the work to better understand the timing of ecological change during the mass extinction period. For the project, researchers across the nation analyzed fossilized teeth of primates found in the Hell Creek area of northeastern Montana. Sprain and her colleagues used their expertise to date the locality of the fossils and correlate the site to others across the region. Their findings extended the history of primate fossils by about a million years. In the process, they discovered a new species, dubbed Purgatorius mckeeveri. The mammal looked squirrel-

news.clas. ufl.edu/clasresearch

like and took advantage of an insect and fruit diet, safe in the canopy of trees. The void created by the demise of non-avian dinosaurs allowed mammals to compete, growing larger and diversifying in form. The discoveries made by Sprain and her colleagues offer a deeper understanding of how our archaic primate ancestors thrived in the world after the dinosaurs’ extinction, leading us to where we are today.

Purgatorius mckeeveri, the oldest known primate. Rendering courtesy of the Burke Museum.

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By Andrew Doerfler

They say

THE PATH TO SUCCESS is

not a straight line. At the COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, those unexpected curves, surprising detours and chance encounters aren’t just steps along the way — they’re the experiences that make students’ journeys so rewarding. And they are crucial to discovering how to move forward. This holds true across the variety of routes students have the opportunity to take at the college. Whether they’re trying to find the right career path in a rapidly changing workforce (Page 16) or navigating a new campus after transferring from another school (Page 18), students here have the opportunity to explore, experiment and rethink what’s possible.

READ ON to see how journeys take shape throughout the college

and lead students toward unexpected destinations.

DISCOVER

Cgoareer paths often in unexpected directions.

The college is embracing those winding roads in its approach to professional preparation.

FREDLEY SYLVAIN knew what kind of job he wanted. But he wasn’t sure it was possible. He arrived at UF in 2017 uncertain about his eventual career path. In the time since, he had changed his major from computer science to biology, thinking he would pursue a career in medicine. During his senior year at UF, though, he found himself feeling the pull of a long-held passion. “I always wanted to write,” Sylvain said. “I remember being in second grade, thinking I’d grow up to be a writer. But I never thought it would be a viable career.” He never let go of what excited him about writing: the chance to indulge his creativity and constantly learn new things. As his time to enter the workforce approached, he still couldn’t shake it. “I realized I wanted to shift my focus from medicine to writing, but I didn’t know what to do to market myself for those types of positions,” he said. “How would a company look at me, a biology student, and see a good candidate?” The college was ready to answer his questions. In recent years,

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DEAN DAVID E. RICHARDSON has put a special emphasis on preparing students for a competitive modern workforce with ever-shifting demands. The college has developed new experiential learning offerings, expanded internship opportunities, and strengthened connections with the global network of CLAS alumni working in areas throughout the economy. At the forefront of these efforts is Beyond120, the college’s signature professional development and experiential learning program. After Sylvain found out about Beyond120 and its career coaching sessions, he began meeting with the program’s director, RYAN BRAUN. Sylvain learned about electives he could take that were relevant to his career goals, and he worked to prepare his resume to highlight the skills that were most pertinent to his desired jobs. It turned out that a CLAS alumnus was looking for someone with just Sylvain’s talents. MIKE WACHHOLZ (Economics '91, JD '95), CEO of the managed service provider Geometric Results, Inc., needed a business writer to amplify the company’s voice

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

and presence. A few months after graduating, Sylvain is savoring the role as he learns more about a new industry and tells the company’s story in engaging ways. “If you believe you can do the work, you just need to learn how to market yourself and show that you’re competent,” he said. “You can make an opportunity out of whatever you put your mind to.” Engaging with Beyond120 isn’t just valuable for the students: For Wachholz, his connection to the program puts him in a prime position to identify great talent. “Students say it’s so hard to find a job; companies say it’s so hard to find good candidates. This is the ultimate talent matchmaking opportunity,” said Wachholz, who is also a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council in CLAS. While the Gator Nation already offers a strong network of alumni for students to draw upon, Wachholz sees CLAS taking the lead to formalize and streamline those connections. “When I first really understood what the dean was angling at with the purpose of Beyond120, it resonated with me as

a former student, alumnus and now employer,” he said. “Too bad it didn’t exist when I was there.” By developing transferrable skills like communication and teamwork, CLAS is propelling students to contribute from day one on a job, Wachholz said. “As an employer, I find that typically recent graduates need time to ramp up and gain experience to provide value to a business,” he said. “What the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is doing really accelerates that.” The crux of the college’s approach to professional development is embracing the flexibility, fluidity and freedom inherent in a liberal arts and sciences education while providing concrete pathways for students to explore their options. The approach imparts the adaptability necessary to thrive in today’s workforce while empowering them to pursue their passions — and find new ones. “Talented, driven students can feel a lot of pressure to have it all figured out in four years — and I felt the same way when I was in their shoes,” said DOMONIQUE WORSHIP, a CLAS

Mike Wachholz

Domonique Worship

alumna (Political Science '11) and also a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council who works as a diversity and inclusion executive and a career and leadership development coach. The pressure to succeed can cause students to shy away from opportunities that don’t fit the trajectory they’ve already set out for themselves. The college is working to shift that expectation. “It might be in those experiences that you uncover something that you would never have found otherwise. This is a time for you to experiment and explore,” Worship said. During her own time at CLAS, she at first hesitated to study abroad, not seeing the immediate applicability to her future career. But her travels to Mexico ended up giving her coursework “new life and meaning” that launched her on the path toward working in international human rights. Worship has put her perspective into action by providing internships through Beyond120 at her career consulting business. One of those interns was HARPER SELF, a history and Spanish major who hopes to go to law school. Going into the internship, she had no

Harper Self

prior experience with career coaching — but she quickly saw how the skills she had developed in CLAS could contribute to the business. “From Domonique, I learned that communication and teamwork are the most transferrable skills you can have,” Self said. She also participated in other Beyond120 opportunities, such as an excursion to London in 2020, where participants visited an array of workplaces and engaged with alumni in a variety of fields. She encourages other students to take part. “You’re going to find a ton of opportunities to get involved in — so many career paths you never thought possible,” Self said. “Don’t be afraid to get involved with something you haven’t considered before.” While the broad applicability of a liberal arts and sciences education can sometimes seem overwhelming, a little guidance and real-world experience can turn that adaptability into a great asset. “The breadth of the liberal arts degree is also the beauty of the degree,” Wachholz said.

YTORI FALL 2021

Courtesy photos of Fredley Sylvain, Mike Wachholz and Domonique Worship. Harper Self photo by Amey Owen.

Fredley Sylvain

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DISCOVER

The Second First

Year Is the Hardest For transfer students, a fresh start is worth the fish-out-of-water feeling If you ask biology major GRETCHEN OVERTON what it’s like to transfer to a new school, she doesn’t mince words. “Transferring colleges is hard,” said Overton, who came to the University of Florida in 2020 after receiving an associate degree from Broward College. “You are basically a freshman all over again — except you aren’t in freshmanlevel classes where everyone else is also experiencing the newness.” The disorienting feeling is all too familiar to a sizeable chunk of students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: About 20 percent of current undergraduates transferred here, and they encounter distinctive new challenges and opportunities alike. As they acclimate to the new environment on campus, the college’s Academic Advising Center is available

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throughout the experience to minimize the transfer “shock” by providing guidance and support. Adding to the university-wide Transfer Student Preview, the center offers programming designed specifically for these students, including an online course to prepare them for their arrival and specialized social events once they get to campus. The academic advisors and support staff are trained to empower transfer students who are struggling in their transition and are a dedicated go-to resource, in addition to faculty. Transfer students can also join the UF chapter of Tau Sigma, a national honor society exclusively for transfer students. Members not only find a support network of fellow students going through similar experiences — they also have the chance to receive

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

scholarships, take part in social events and volunteer opportunities, and attend the society’s annual conference. Though transfer students share the experience of adjusting to a new campus in the midst of their college career, their individual journeys reflect the wealth of experiences that arise out of their resiliency. Two current students and two recent alumni of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences shared how they carved out their paths after transferring to the university. Their stories demonstrate that you don’t have attend one school for four years to make a lasting impression.

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Left to right: David Ruiz Menjivar and Gretchen Overton. Photo by Khary Khalfani.

DISCOVER

GRETCHEN OVERTON had barely set foot on her new campus when the pandemic hit. More than a year after her spring 2020 arrival, she’s now in the midst of her first full, in-person semester — and, as she prepares for her December graduation, her very last. The preprofessional biology major has taken the unconventional situation in stride: She not only dedicated herself to fulfilling medical school entry requirements as she pursues her dream of becoming a physician, but she is also the current president of Tau Sigma. What makes Tau Sigma so valuable for transfer students? It gives them the opportunity to meet people who are going through the exact same experiences. I remember sitting in my upper-level genetics course trying to figure out how to access notes on Canvas, while everyone around me already had theirs set up. It was embarrassing, but those are some of the things transfer students might experience that the traditional student wouldn’t think about. Being able to commiserate with a group of people is very important! What surprised you about transferring to UF and CLAS? I was shocked to find out that as a biology major, I was required by CLAS to take 10 credits of a foreign language. I decided to pick a language related to my ancestry that I knew absolutely nothing about: Russian. I learned so much of the language in such a short amount of time, but I think the reason it’s a CLAS requirement has more to do with transferable skills: selfconfidence, hard work and dedication. Not only can I now speak, write and read Russian, but I also had to learn how to be fearless enough to talk in front of my class while sounding ridiculous.

DAVID RUIZ MENJIVAR had long felt drawn to African studies, but it wasn’t until he arrived at UF that he discovered how that interest could become a hands-on, immersive experience — and a career path. After receiving his associate degree in history from Santa Fe College, he came to UF in Spring 2019 and discovered the Archaeological Field Schools offered by the Department of Anthropology. A year later, he was flying to Ethiopia to conduct on-the-ground research. His dual history and anthropology majors and African studies minor are empowering him to pursue a PhD in East African archaeology. How have your experiences with Archeological Field Schools at UF been valuable to you? Prior to my first field school I had not made up my mind about archaeology as a possible career, but my field experience created a strong foundation and passion. I was fortunate to be able to present an independent research poster from my work with a conference in the fall of 2019, which inspired me to look for more opportunities at UF. I got very lucky to find the “UF in Ethiopia” field school with Steven Brandt, associate professor of anthropology. The experience of working and traveling in Ethiopia reassured me that this is something I want to do for my career. Do you have any advice for incoming transfer students? My biggest advice for incoming transfer students is to talk to your professors — they are people too. When I first came to UF I found myself intimidated and overwhelmed, but building a rapport with my professors helped me process the stress of class, find mentors, and gain letters of recommendation down the road. It was also a good way to find research opportunities and topics of interest.

AT A GLANCE

Photos of Gretchen Overton, David Ruiz Menjivar and Alice Bronson by Amey Owen. Photo of Pablo Santana by Lauren Barnett.

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COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

CLAS TRANSFER STUDENT ADMISSIONS, 2019-20

2,639

1,251

1,018

APPLIED

ADMITTED

ENROLLED

PABLO SANTANA always knew that he wanted a career with meaning and purpose. By the time he transferred to UF in spring 2018, the first-generation college student was determined to enter the medical field so he could dedicate himself to serving others in their most vulnerable times. He sought out research opportunities as an undergrad biology major and was able to study innovative treatments for spinal cord injuries at the McKnight Brain Institute. “At UF, I was always challenged and pushed to be more insightful, knowledgeable and efficient,” he said. “These skills have proven to be instrumental in the competitive field of medical education.” Santana started at the UF College of Medicine in Fall 2020 and plans to pursue a residency spot in general surgery. What helped you acclimate after you transferred? Engaging in classes outside my major allowed me to stay grounded and engaged in my passions beyond my science and career goals. Among the most fulfilling were my classes in philosophy. Staying true to all my interests was fundamental to having a mentally stimulating experience and substantial personal growth. Did anything about transferring to UF and CLAS surprise you? I was surprised about how welcoming UF was and how quickly everyone made me feel part of the community. After attending for two years, I already felt I was a Gator for life! This connection with the institution was so meaningful that I decided to stay here for my medical education. Do you have any advice for incoming transfer students? It is common for transfer students to have experiences outside of academics like social obstacles they had to overcome to get to a school like UF. Even though we may initially think that these obstacles are a hindrance to our career aspirations, I have come to learn that the lessons from these experiences are one of our biggest strengths.

ALICE BRONSON prides herself on her social skills, and she found no shortage of opportunities to make the most of them at UF after she transferred from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Fall 2018. Along with Greek Life, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship recipient met new people at UF by playing a variety of intramural sports: volleyball, basketball, softball, spikeball, flag football and soccer. As she worked through her history and political science majors, she also found time to give back to the college as a member of CLAS Ambassadors and the CLAS Professional Development Committee. All the while, she kept her eyes on her goal of law school: Bronson started at UF’s Levin College of Law this fall. Was there anything about transferring to UF and CLAS that surprised you? One thing that really surprised me was just how highly motivated the student body was. I was surrounded by high-achieving, ambitious and smart individuals which motivated me to work harder in my classes. How do you expect your Liberal Arts and Sciences education will be valuable in law school and your future career? Studying the law in both my political science and history classes further fueled my desire to wholeheartedly pursue a legal career. My majors also really developed my writing and research abilities. Together, they sharpened my ability to synthesize readings and produce concise yet in-depth writing. I have developed the ability to understand causes and effects and give analysis. Do you have any advice for incoming transfer students? My advice would simply be to get involved. The people, staff and experiences are what really make your college experience that much more beneficial. It may not come as easy to you because lots of recruitment things are geared to freshmen, but you have to put yourself out there.

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DISCOVER

“WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK ON MARS?

I can help you with that.”

MISSION TO

Mars

By Alisson Clark

UF astrobiologist and geology professor Amy Williams serves on her second NASA rover team Astrobiologist AMY WILLIAMS’ mind is on Mars. Williams, a University of Florida geology professor, recently joined her second Mars mission: After serving on the Curiosity rover team since 2009, she’s now a participating scientist on the Perseverance rover, which touched down on the red planet on Feb. 18. “Serving on any NASA mission is the greatest experience I could possibly dream of,” she said. Her proposal to search for signs of ancient life on Mars was one of 13 selected by NASA from over a hundred submissions.

Mars Landscape: © Dottedyeti/ Adobe Stock Mars Photo: © Alexandr Yurtchenko/ Adobe Stock

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COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

Williams, PhD, joined the Curiosity mission as a graduate student at age 24. As a principal investigator on Perseverance, she’s able to return the favor, offering her graduate students places on a mission to Mars. Now, when students share their aspirations, she’s happy to say, “Would you like to work on Mars? Oh, good. I can help you with that.” Doctoral student DENISE BUCKNER calls Perseverance “the coolest thing I have ever done” — which is saying something, as Buckner came to UF from NASA. “Astrobiology is very interdisciplinary, so I had to study many different spacefocused subjects throughout my academic career to get here,” she said. After an

undergraduate degree in aviation operations and a master’s in space studies, Buckner worked at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. When she heard about Williams’ research, Buckner applied to study with her at UF. “I wanted to learn more about geology and how it can teach us about how to look for life on other planets,” she said. “Conducting research on another planet and exploring places no one has ever explored before is the most exciting work I can possibly imagine.” Doctoral student LYDIA KIVRAK started dreaming about Mars when the Spirit and Opportunity rovers landed in 2004, when she was in second grade.

Illustrations of NASA’s Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars. Photo by NASA/JPL-Caltech.

HEAR AMY WILLIAMS TALK ABOUT HER PASSION FOR MARS:

VIDEO

Spotlight “I remember reading about them and playing Flash minigames about them on the NASA website,” she said. Now she’s part of a Mars mission, one with unparalleled opportunities: The rover’s SHERLOC and SuperCam instruments use spectrometers, lasers and cameras to allow Williams’ team to search for evidence of life in organic matter on Mars, investigating discoveries in nearly real time. “As soon as the data can be downlinked from Mars, we’re able to evaluate if we’re looking at organic matter, and what kind of organic matter it is,” Williams said. “My dream would certainly be to find really conclusive evidence for ancient life on Mars.”

CLAS.UFL.EDU/WILLIAMSROVER

The first step: changing the clocks. A Martian day, called a sol, is 24 hours and 37 minutes long, so the Perseverance team will live on Mars time to keep the mission synchronized. “As you start to progress 37 minutes forward every day, eventually you’re getting up at 11 p.m. and going to work. So you’re making your coffee at a time you may not be used to making your coffee,” Williams laughed. The pandemic forced the scientists to collaborate remotely instead of gathering at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. On landing day, Williams joined the rest of the Perseverance team online, watching the rover’s progress and listening to NASA’s livestream during

entry, descent and landing, known as EDL. “The big trick with EDL is that there is a 14-minute delay for that information to come to Earth, and it takes roughly seven minutes for all of entry, descent, and landing to complete. So basically whatever has happened on Mars has already happened when we first start receiving the data,” she said. Once those nervewracking minutes have passed, Williams can get down to searching for signs of life. But Curiosity and Perseverance aren’t her only Mars projects. She’s also informing the next decade of Mars missions as part of the National Academies’ Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey, where she’s

part of a team of 15 Mars scientists who help NASA prioritize missions for 2023-2032. “It’s a dream come true to have this be my job,” she said. Story was originally published by UF News.

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DISCOVER

A COMMITMENT TO

Preserving History Thanks to a recent endowment, the Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Florida will become a world leader in researching and teaching one of history’s darkest moments. The Harry Rich Professorship in Holocaust Studies, created in 2020, will support a new faculty position in the field. The first chairholder will be NATALIA ALEKSIUN, a specialist in Polish Jewish history and the Holocaust in Eastern Europe who holds PhDs from the University of Warsaw and from New York University. The endowment is generously funded by DAVID and NAN RICH, both University of Florida alumni. It is named for David’s late father, Harry, who arrived in the United States from Poland in 1923 and whose five sisters were among those killed in the Holocaust. David '60 graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Nan '61, who majored in English, served in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, becoming the first woman to be elected Senate minority leader. Today Nan is serving her second term as Broward County Commissioner. President Bill Clinton appointed her to the board of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1999. “David and Nan Rich have been engaged friends of our center for a

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A gift to the Center for Jewish Studies will make UF a world leader in Holocaust Studies

very long time,” said NORMAN J.W. GODA, the Norman and Irma Braman Professor of Holocaust Studies and Director of the Center for Jewish Studies. “This endowment is critical. It galvanizes and strengthens the expertise that we have amongst our faculty, and it automatically makes the center and the University of Florida a national leader in Holocaust research.” The addition of Aleksiun to the University of Florida, Goda said, is “a transformational hire for the center.” Having just completed a book on Jewish historians writing Polish Jewish history on the eve of World War II, Aleksiun is now at work on a new book on Jews seeking to survive the Holocaust by going into hiding in Eastern Galicia, which is now in Ukraine. Her research focuses on the relationships between Polish and Ukrainian neighbors and on daily life in hiding under assumed non-Jewish identities. She hopes her work will “delve into a communal genocide from an intimate perspective of families and individual survivors.” Aleksiun is looking forward to starting her work at the center, noting that she has long been familiar with its scholars. “Together we will have great potential to become a true center of Holocaust research, pushing the boundaries of how the destruction of Europe’s Jews is understood and taught,” she said.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

David and Nan Rich. Courtesy photo.

Undergraduate teaching remains central. Antisemitic incidents, some violent, have been on the rise globally. A national survey by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany in September 2020 revealed that more than half of adults under 40 do not know that 6 million Jews were murdered, and many accept Holocaust denial posts online. “When UF alumni ask me whether I think the Holocaust will be taught in 50 years, they expect an answer of yes,” Goda said. “But in truth there is no guarantee that what is taught today will be taught tomorrow. An endowment on this level reflects a commitment to the subject regardless of political winds.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CENTER FOR JEWISH STUDIES, VISIT:

jst.ufl.edu

REMEMBERING

Sam Hill

By Andrew Doerfler

Samuel S. Hill, a professor emeritus of religion at the University of Florida whose study of southern United States religion galvanized the field, died June 1, 2021. He was 93. Hill is remembered as a thoughtful mentor of students and colleagues, a pioneering scholar and a key driver of the Department of Religion’s progress in the late 20th century. He arrived at UF as chair of the Department of Religion in 1972 and held the post until 1977, continuing as a professor at UF until his retirement in 1994. “Sam was a bridge builder to other departments, a constant presence on college and university committees, and an attentive mentor to me and others in our department,” religion professor DAVID G. HACKETT said. Hill’s trailblazing book, Southern Churches in Crisis, first published in 1966, formed the foundation for scholarly study of southern religion. In the work, Hill contended that white southern Protestantism had compromised its integrity and influence by turning away from the moral imperatives of the civil rights movement and the fight against segregation. The book’s endurance led Hill to reissue an updated edition as Southern Churches in Crisis Revisited in 1999, and it remains a key resource for anyone in the field today. Throughout his time at UF, the recognition that Hill received for his writing and research made him a much sought-after speaker, especially at southern colleges and universities. Among many awards and honors, he was named Teacher of the Year by the

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the 1982-83 academic year, and he was named a finalist for the same recognition for 1988-89. Before entering academia, Hill worked as a pastor in Burlington, Kentucky. He received his PhD in Religion from Duke University in 1960 and went on to serve in faculty positions at Stetson University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he was chair of the Department of Religion from 1961-1970. Toward the end of his career at UF, Hill focused on teaching ethics to undergraduates, taking care to counsel them not only in academics but life in general. “When I first came on the faculty,” Hackett wrote in a history of the department, “he pulled me aside to say that what we really were doing in our teaching was ‘character formation.’ One could not have found a better mentor in this than Sam.” Hill is survived by his wife, Helen S. Hill, and his children, Sarah and Charles.

Samuel S. Hill. Courtesy photo.

“He pulled me aside to say that what we really were doing in our teaching was ‘character formation.’ One could not have found a better mentor in this than Sam.” — David G. Hackett, UF religion professor

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DISCOVER

Near Far AND

By Lauren Barnett & Andrew Doerfler

One longtime UF professor. One newcomer to the Gator Nation.

Photos by Lauren Barnett

As a cultural and literary historian, TRYSH TRAVIS enjoys wrestling with complex, intricate issues. Now, the longtime University of Florida faculty member will bring her methodical problem-solving skills to her new role as Associate Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Although Travis has supported the academic community as an associate professor of women’s studies, she is eager to make a broader impact in her new role. “I’ve been at UF for nearly 20 years, and now I’m excited (as any Hamilton fan would be) to be ‘in the room where it happens,’” Travis said. As the cognizant associate dean for the humanities departments in the college, Travis recognizes the need for innovation in today’s liberal arts education. “In the last 10 years, our teaching has become more innovative and exciting, our research more robust, and our college a more joyous place to work,” she said. “We’ve built incredible capacity in our faculty, students and curriculum – sometimes in the face of long odds.” Travis arrived at UF in 2004 as an assistant professor of women’s studies. Before her time at UF, she worked at Southern Methodist University as an assistant professor of English. 26 |

She earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University. Travis earned a master of arts degree in English from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. She earned her PhD in American Studies from Yale University.

“We’ve built incredible capacity in our faculty, students and curriculum — sometimes in the face of long odds.” As a researcher, Travis has examined gendered popular culture, specifically in the history of medicine and therapeutic cultures. She received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities in 2017 and 2005, as well as other research grants and fellowships. Her first book, The Language of the Heart: The 12-Step Recovery Movement from Alcoholics Anonymous to Oprah Winfrey, chronicles the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in relation to broader American traditions of self-help. She also served as co-editor, alongside Timothy Aubry, of Rethinking Therapeutic Culture.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

Travis’ writings have been widely published in academic journals such as American Quarterly, Book History, Publications of the Modern Language Association (PMLA), and Contemporary Drug Problems. Travis has won numerous awards acknowledging her service to the college, including Faculty Advisor of the Year in 2011. In recent years, Travis took on an instrumental role in the development of the UF Quest program, which reimagined the general education curriculum. Looking ahead, Travis says her top priority is to create optimal conditions for faculty to provide the most meaningful education possible for students. She hopes to advance a fusion of experiential learning with traditional methods. “I’m excited to be in a place like CLAS where we have crazily innovative teaching going on alongside the print-based forms of intellectual engagement that I’ve loved since I was a kid,” Travis said. “That diversity, that commitment to tradition as well as to what’s new and ‘hot’ — that’s what’s great about our college today,” she said.

Our new associate deans will help lead the college into the future.

BIANCA D. EVANS-DONALDSON has long known the value of diversity, equity and inclusion to a thriving university community. Not only has she spent the last 15 years of her career in higher education focused on increasing the recruitment, retention and success of historically underrepresented students — EvansDonaldson is also a first-generation college graduate herself. Her days as an undergraduate studying biology at Tuskegee University left a deep imprint on her perspective, and the experience continues to inform her approach to creating welcoming campus environments. “Early on, I realized the importance of having great mentors, supporting diverse populations interested in STEM fields and serving my community,” the Alabama native said. “The skills I developed helped make me into the leader, the motivator, the STEM advocate and the practitioner I am today.” Evans-Donaldson now brings those skills to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she assumed her role as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in August. The newly created position is an extension of the college’s continuing work to foster a community where all feel welcome and have the tools necessary for success. Under the leadership of

the CLAS Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee, formed in 2016, the college’s accomplishments have included the establishment of diversity liaisons within departments and units; the support of research, courses and events concerning racial justice; and new strategic faculty hires.

“I see building inclusive environments and employee experiences that value diversity, equity and inclusion as essential to the core values of higher education institutions.” In her new role, Evans-Donaldson will build on the work already done as she leads college-wide initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and serves as the CLAS liaison to DEI-focused committees and groups. Before joining CLAS, EvansDonaldson served as Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the University Graduate School at Indiana University, Bloomington. There, she ran the nationally recognized Getting You into IU Recruitment Program,

which won INSIGHT Into Diversity’s 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. The accolade honors efforts to improve access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for underrepresented students. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University, a master’s degree from Alabama A&M University, a PhD from Auburn University, and an MBA from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. As she settles into the new role, Evans-Donaldson is looking forward to talking with the college community to learn more about what CLAS does well and where it needs to grow. That dialogue, she said, will be critical to making everyone feel valued as the college works to recruit and retain diverse students, faculty and staff. “The most rewarding aspect of DEI initiatives is bringing together diverse teams and coming up with innovative ways to address challenges at an institution,” Evans-Donaldson said. “I see building inclusive environments and employee experiences that value diversity, equity and inclusion as essential to the core values of higher education institutions.”

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CONNECT

THE

Connector

When ED TANCER (Political Science '82, JD ’85) would come home from work, his wife, Susan, would often ask the same question: “So, who did you have lunch with today?” The question would make Ed laugh — he often hadn’t expected to have lunch with anyone that day. Inevitably, though, someone would come to him for counsel, advice or mentorship. Whether it was a colleague at a professional crossroads, the child of a friend seeking a career path or a community member with a worthy cause, Ed savored the opportunity to help others. “Sometimes I’d ask, ‘How did that person even hear about you?’” Susan Tancer said. “He wouldn’t always know. But it didn’t matter.” It was a quality that Tancer exuded in both his professional and personal life — and one of many things about him that his friends, colleagues and loved ones now miss dearly. On Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, Edward F. Tancer passed away at 59 after contracting

COVID-19. His loss was felt at the University of Florida, where he earned two degrees; among the colleagues at the Gunster law firm and NextEra Energy whom he impacted during a career spanning more than three decades; and throughout Palm Beach County, where he grew up and went on to serve on numerous boards and foundations. To further Tancer’s legacy, Susan and their children, Harrison and Leah, set up a scholarship in Ed’s name that will support students who have shown a dedication to “direct, personal and private acts” that benefit others’ lives. Not that his legacy was ever in doubt: Tancer’s enthusiasm for helping people left a permanent mark on his community’s vocabulary. “His name was a verb,” said Carrie Hanna, a colleague at Gunster who considered Tancer a mentor and confidant. To be “Tancered” meant that Ed had drawn you into one of his community

From left: Ed Tancer, Wade Litchfield, John Ketchum and Jeff Standish.

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By Andrew Doerfler

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

projects, charitable efforts or professional mentorship opportunities. Sometimes those he solicited would initially resist the pull, but Tancer’s passion and goodwill proved overwhelming. After all, most of them had benefited from his active involvement and knew its impact firsthand. Becoming a part of his network meant much more than professional opportunity. His efforts extended to people’s personal lives as well. Shortly after Hanna’s father died, she had a trip planned that overlapped with her mother’s birthday. As she agonized over the prospect of leaving her mother alone in a time of grief, Tancer stepped in — he offered to host a birthday party for her.

Alumnus Ed Tancer had a knack for bringing people together. A new scholarship will continue his legacy. “It didn’t matter what circumstance. Anyone looking for a path could count on his help,” Hanna said. “He built a beautiful network of people.” That network was far-reaching, resonating throughout his community in West Palm Beach, where he was actively involved in local projects, politics and charitable initiatives. “As Palm Beach County has grown, he grew with it,” said Pam Rauch, a friend who worked with Tancer closely at NextEra and whose son benefited from Tancer’s mentorship. “He felt a sense of responsibility. He was part of shaping this community.” He treasured his Gator community just as powerfully. At UF, the Ed Tancer Good Deeds Scholarship will make a profound impression by supporting students who exemplify his approach to community engagement, civic responsibility and generosity. “We all have fond memories of the University of Florida. But if you make that

alumni connection and get reinvested in what’s going on campus, it’s pretty exciting,” said AMY GALLOWAY, a fellow graduate of both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Levin College of Law, who met Tancer in law school and later served with him on an advisory board at UF. The scholarship, Susan Tancer said, will encourage students to ask themselves what they can do to be kind to others — just as her husband did. She, along with her children, will select the recipients of the scholarship. “I don’t want anyone to tout their achievements. We want to support students whose community leaders and teachers have noticed the little things they did that made a difference,” Susan Tancer said. “That means more to me than any report card.”

Above all, Ed Tancer’s attention and care focused on his family. It’s only fitting that they are extending his influence to the next generation of Gators. “The fact that Susan, Leah and Harrison are behind this scholarship would make him so proud,” Rauch said. “Ed would have the biggest smile on his face right now.”

TO DONATE TO THE ED TANCER SCHOLARSHIP FUND, VISIT:

clas.ufl.edu/tancer

The Tancer family (left to right), Leah, Susan, Harrison and Ed.

To be

“TANCERED” meant that Ed had drawn you into one of his community projects, charitable efforts or professional mentorship opportunities.

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CONNECT

THE

Bigger Picture 1

By Andrew Doerfler

At UF, Leonard Spearman found a broader worldview, lifelong connections and a chance to make a difference When LEONARD SPEARMAN JR. was still in high school, he had the opportunity to travel to Europe and expand his horizons. During his trip, Spearman encountered different cultures and historical sites that he had only learned about in the pages of books. But it was a year later, when he arrived in Gainesville, that his world truly opened up. The liberal arts and sciences education Spearman received at the University of Florida expanded his thinking — and propelled him through a multifaceted career that included senior-level positions at Texas Southern University, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management and the White House. “My classes always made me think out of the box,” said Spearman (Psychology '75), who is now retired and living in Katy, Texas. “Wherever I went in my career — sales, higher education, politics — my success

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depended on the core value of critical thinking. That’s what Florida gave me.” Along with the educational grounding he gained at UF, Spearman also found a close-knit network of fellow Gators that he has maintained throughout his life: Spearman is a charter member of

“Wherever I went in my career — sales, higher education, politics — my success depended on the core value of critical thinking. That’s what Florida gave me.” UF’s chapter of the historically Black fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Spearman has since done his part to help ensure that Gators continue to

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

have just as rewarding an experience, both before and after they graduate. Long a vocal booster of UF, he served a term as president of the UF Alumni Association from 2006-07. His Gator pride also permeated through his own household: Two of his four children graduated from the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, majoring in philosophy and classical civilization. Spearman’s positive experiences have always been paired with an awareness of ways the university can make the Black members of its community feel more welcome. Just last year, Spearman wrote an email to UF President Kent Fuchs about the racist history of the phrase “Gator Bait.” His note played a role in the university’s decision to do away with the same-named chant at UF sporting events. He has known that progress was possible, though, since his first days at UF. Spearman arrived in 1971, just months after “Black Thursday,” when protesters demanding more support for

Black students and faculty occupied the office of University President Stephen O’Connell. Sixty-six protesters were arrested, and afterward 123 Black students — over one-third of the Black student population — withdrew from the university. The incoming class the following year saw the biggest influx of Black students the university had ever had. “I wasn’t there for the sit-in, but I’m a product of the sit-in,” Spearman said. During his term as president of the alumni association, Spearman embraced the opportunity to serve as an example of a Black alumnus who has been a leader in the school’s continued growth — which he hopes helped to encourage younger Black alumni to get involved. He savors the feeling of walking to Emerson Alumni Hall and seeing his name among the many bricks featuring the names of alumni, a testament to his role in the university’s story. Spearman is also excited about recent developments on campus

recognizing the Black community, including the dedication of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Garden in the Reitz Union’s North Lawn. The garden is a tribute to the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities on campus, including Spearman’s own Kappa Alpha Psi. UF, Spearman said, is a place he has always been able to call home. His deep connection to his alma mater is no surprise — education has been a long-cherished value in his family. Spearman’s great-grandfather built a schoolhouse for his children after he became free from slavery, Spearman said. His grandfather was a chaplain at FAMU, and his grandmothers both taught school in Florida. Leonard H.O. Spearman Sr., Spearman’s late father and an ambassador to two countries under two presidents, also served as president of Texas Southern University and the executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The legacy has continued: Spearman’s youngest

daughter is a teacher in Texas. “Education has always been in the blood,” Spearman said. When Spearman’s son chose to study philosophy at UF, Spearman imparted the value he would find in the liberal arts and sciences. “I preached to him that you have to learn to see the bigger picture,” he said. “You have to know more than just your own small universe.”

SNAPSHOTS OF A GATOR LEGACY 1. Leonard Spearman’s freshman yearbook photo

2. Spearman and charter members

of UF’s chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi

3. The Spearman family brick outside Emerson Alumni Hall

4. UF’s National Pan-Hellenic Council Garden

5. Spearman with children Crystal ‘04 and Leonard III '16

6. Spearman before a 2021 Gator football game

YTORI FALL 2021

Photos 1, 2 and 5 courtesy of Leonard Spearman; photos 3 & 4 by Michel Thomas; and photo 6 by Andrew Doerfler.

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BRINGING HIS

A-Game

How a CLAS alumnus helped jumpstart a popular sports bar’s rapid rise

By Lauren Barnett and Peyton McElaney You can always count on Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux to let the good times roll. The restaurant brings the high energy and enthusiasm of an SEC game day while maintaining a familyfriendly atmosphere. Founded by a pair of Louisiana State University basketball team players, Walk-On’s became part of the Gator Nation in 2010 when College of Liberal Arts and Sciences alumnus SCOTT TAYLOR (English '86) came on board as President and COO. Over the past 11 years, Taylor’s primary focus has been to expand the restaurant’s reach. By all measures, he’s been extraordinarily successful: Only two Walk-On’s locations existed when Taylor joined the team. Since

then, the company has boomed. WalkOn’s was named the No. 1 brand in Entrepreneur’s “Top New Franchises” 2020 ranking. The franchise currently operates more than 50 locations and doesn’t show signs of slowing down — it plans to open 150 new locations over the next five years. The rapid rise put Walk-On’s at No. 13 on the UF’s Alumni Association’s 2021 Gator100 ranking, which celebrates the world’s fastestgrowing Gator-affiliated businesses. Taylor credits Walk-On’s success to a strong sense of culture that grew out of the company’s origin story. Founders Brandon Landry and Jack Warner were walk-ons themselves on the LSU basketball team, and they first sketched

out their restaurant concept on a napkin while flying home from a road game. Since joining the company, Taylor has worked to incorporate an underdog’s determination into all aspects of the Walk-On’s experience — even as the restaurant has grown into a major player in the hospitality industry. Along the way, he has also drawn upon the foundation of skills he gained at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to move the business forward.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GATOR100, VISIT:

gator100.ufl.edu

CELEBRATING THE WORLD’S FASTESTGROWING GATOR BUSINESSES

2021

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urtes Photo co

y of Jord

an Hefler

Honoree

Taylor reflected on his achievements as a restaurant executive and gave insight into what it’s like to be selected for the Gator100. Can you walk us through the growth at Walk-On’s and the significant milestones the business has reached along the way? The overall growth of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has been an incredible journey from day one. I joined the team in 2010 as Walk On’s focus was shifting to become more than just a typical sports bar — adding fuel to the South Louisiana roots and cuisine our brand is so proud of today. Over the years, we have won numerous restaurant and culinary awards, including being voted the #1 Sports Bar in North America by ESPN. Our growth is primarily franchise-driven in which we currently operate 56 locations in nine states and are set to open an additional seven in 2021 and 25 in 2022.

What does a typical day at Walk-On’s look like for you? As President and COO, my typical day is meeting with department heads, reviewing goals and initiatives and being a sounding board for our team to have companywide success. My management style provides support and encouragement to our team as they innovate and create the best options and solutions needed. I travel about 50 percent of the time, visiting restaurants, providing cultural orientations and approving potential restaurant locations. There’s never a dull moment in the Walk-On’s world!

How did your time with UF’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences prepare you for your career? My time at UF taught me many things, including the importance of making and building relationships. With the outstanding guidance of the UF professors, I learned how important and effective communication, both written and oral, is in everything I do, and how much of an asset it is with building relationships. I originally planned to attend law school, so a big focus of my curriculum was making compelling and persuasive arguments and winning over the minds and hearts of an audience. As a restaurant executive, I use these skills daily to lead my team, inspire franchisees to strive for excellence and build lasting relationships throughout the restaurant industry and with everyone I meet.

How does it feel to be a part of the Gator100? It feels amazing! Gator100 represents some of the best of the best from the University of Florida. I am very proud of my university and the level of excellence Gators continue to exemplify academically and around the world. It is humbling to be a part of Gator100 and having the chance to represent Walk-On’s as a proud UF alum is an incredible honor!

HOW CLAS ALUMNI RANKED ON THE GATOR100 #8 WPFORMS – Syed Balkhi (Anthropology '11) #13 WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX – Scott Taylor (English '86) #15 VITRAZZA – George Pardo (Psychology '90) #28 CELEBRATE PRIMARY CARE – Della Tuten (Criminal Justice '99) #37 ZINNIA WEALTH MANAGEMENT – Charisse Rivers (Criminal Justice '04)

#42 CARTAYA AND ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS – Mario M. Cartaya (Political Science '08) #56 CARROLL BRADFORD – Jon Menke (Sociology '02) #58 ONPAY SOLUTIONS – Juliet Negrete-Anderson (English '86)

#67 GREEN DESIGN CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, LLC – John Creswell (Mathematics '81) #70 SPARK, INC. – Richard Davis (English '93) #72 DOME HEADWEAR CO. – Jeff Whitaker (History '04)

#61 AIT ENGINEERING – Jason Eddy (Computer & Information Science '01)

#81 TEEMING VACATION RENTALS – Gina Paglialonga (Mathematics '86)

#62 THE FOCUS GROUP – Brad Layland (Speech Communication '94)

#90 STICKLEN & DREYER LAW FIRM – Charlie Sticklen (Psychology '88)

#91 PHOS CREATIVE – Brandon West (Classical Studies '09) #95 ATMOSPHERE APPS – Eric Poirier (Computer & Information Science '02) #98 PLATA SCHOTT ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW – Shannon Schott (Political Science '07) & Belkis Plata (Criminal Justice '07) #99 WEEKLEY | SCHULTE | VALDES | MURMAN | TONELLI – Jody Valdes (History '98)

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Bloomers NOT-SO-LATE

Released annually, the 40 Gators Under 40 list celebrates the outstanding young alumni who are making a difference in their communities and professions. The 2021 honorees were unveiled by the UF Alumni Association during the week of April 5. This year’s cohort features 14 alumni with degrees from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, spanning diverse disciplines including English, criminology, history, biology and more. Their UF educations have been launchpads into fields such as finance, technology, education, government, law and health.

NEISHA TWEED BELL

EMILY CANTWELL

Creative Director, Facebook/Instagram

Partner, Lathrop GPM LLP

Location: Atlanta, Georgia UF Degrees: BA English '04, BS Advertising '04

If you could thank just one teacher or professor in your life, who would you thank and why? William Logan, my poetry professor, who inspired, pushed and invested in me. I appreciate how he still corrects my grammar and encourages me to focus on my writing — every. single. year. What is just one piece of advice you would give someone looking to enter your professional area? There are multiple right answers.

HELENA CHAPMAN Associate Program Manager, Health and Air Quality Applications, Booz Allen Hamilton/NASA Location: Arlington, Virginia UF Degrees: BS Biology '03, MPH Epidemiology '05, PhD Public Health '16; Additional Degrees: MD '10, Iberoamerican University in the Dominican Republic

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Location: St. Louis, Missouri UF Degrees: BA Political Science and BS Public Relations '07; Additional Degrees: JD '10, Saint Louis University

Leadership style: I have found my profession as a litigator to be the professional equivalent to the athletics I grew up with. I have routinely called back to the leadership styles of my coaches growing up … even going as far as noting trial preparation to be “game preparation,” complete with notes for offense and defense as I develop my cases.

Pivotal professional moment: The formation of the first Dominican Republic (nongovernmental) medical student organization, Organización Dominicana de Estudiantes de Medicina (ODEM). As a medical student, I observed limited community health training opportunities in medical curricula. This motivated me to coordinate medical student teams and prepare community initiatives on preventive health topics.

Q & A courtesy of UF Alumni Association

AN EDUCATION IN THE LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES PAVES THE WAY FOR A THRIVING CAREER — Just take a look at the CLAS alumni among the 40 Gators Under 40.

RYAN CHASE

ABRE’ CONNER

Principal, Brookside Middle School, Sarasota County Schools

Directing Attorney, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

Location: Sarasota, Florida UF Degrees: BA History '06, MEd Social Studies Education '07; Additional Degrees: EdS Educational Leadership '12, Nova Southeastern University

Location: Sacramento, California UF Degrees: BA Political Science and BS Business Marketing '09; Additional Degrees: JD '12, American University

If someone gave you $1 million to better the world, what would you do? Provide funding for access to medical funds/therapies for people with special needs or parents of children with special needs.

If a movie was made about your life, what would it be called and who would you choose to play you? Justice for All, and I would love for Regina King to be somewhere in the mix of directing or acting, as she is just amazing.

Favorite quote? “Different, not less.” — Temple Grandin

What’s one book that has made a difference in your life? Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton. What’s one piece of good advice you’ve received? People often remember how you treat them above anything else.

PETER GRUTERS Squadron Commander/Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, Department of Defense Location: Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany UF Degrees: BA Political Science '03; Additional Degrees: MA Liberal Studies and Administrative Leadership '07, University of Oklahoma

What has surprised you about your life? I only expected to serve in the military for four years, but stayed in for a career because I found my passion for leadership. Favorite UF class? Political Leadership or Urban Politics, with Professor Bert Swanson. He taught us valuable analytic techniques and writing skills that have helped me throughout my career.

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GREGORY FELDMAN

LIANA GUERRA

General Dentist, Taylor Dentistry

Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Congressman Darren Soto

Location: Newberry, Florida UF Degrees: BS Biology and Psychology '10, DMD '14

Advice you’d give UF students? Follow your principles. I was in a situation where I had to choose between what was right what was easiest/most profitable. If you rely on your moral compass for guidance, you will eventually get to a place you can be proud of. Favorite saying? “Luck favors the prepared man.”

Location: Alexandria, Virginia UF Degrees: BA Economics and Political Science '15, MBA Business Administration '20 What is your greatest point of professional pride? After learning that undocumented students in Florida were forced to pay out-of-state tuition rates in college regardless of growing up in the state, I worked with a group of advocates to create an organization called Gators for Tuition Equity (GTE). Thanks to our efforts, the state of Florida passed H.B. 851 on May 1, 2014.

HEATHER HANKS Assistant Principal, Hillsborough County Public Schools

SEE THE FULL LIST OF THE 2021 40 GATORS UNDER 40: CLAS.UFL.EDU/ 40UNDER40

Location: Valrico, Florida UF Degrees: BA History '05 Additional Degrees: MEd '16, Saint Leo University What’s one significant development you see coming out of your professional area in the coming years? In K-12 education, I think we’ll see more flexibility and personalization of student learning as families have adapted to virtual learning tools. What talent do you possess that we might not know about? I’m a hot air balloon pilot.

ROSS JONES Physician, UF Health Family Medicine & Pediatrics Location: Jacksonville, Florida UF Degrees: BS Biology '05, MD '09; Additional Degrees: MPH '15, Harvard University

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What a nominee said about him: Over the past year, Dr. Jones has taught me a great deal about the disparities in our community and how it impacts our city as a whole. Most recently, Dr. Jones has been involved with the planning and execution of the COVID-19 testing for residents of the region who are at risk of being disproportionately affected by the coronavirus public health emergency.

BRITTANY LEE

STEPHEN LIVERPOOL

Vice President & Farm Manager, Florida Blue Farms; Sales Representative, Florida Woodland Group; Executive Director, Florida Blueberry Growers Association

SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Raymond James Bank Location: Tampa, Florida UF Degrees: BA Criminology & Law '07, JD '10

Location: Gainesville, Florida UF Degrees: BA Spanish '05 What is one way you positively promote your industry? I currently serve the industry at the national level with two federal appointments: The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade for Fruits & Vegetables.

SAMYR QURESHI Co-Founder & CEO, Knack Location: Tampa, Florida UF Degrees: BA Criminology & Law '14

If a movie was made about your life, what would it be called and who would you choose to play you? Just Keep At It, starring Winston Duke. What’s on your bucket list? Billfishing in Costa Rica and peacock bass fishing in the Amazon jungle.

What did you want to be when you were young? When I was five, I wanted to be an American. When I was 10, an attorney. When I was 15, a rock star. I am proud to say that I am now an American citizen. I found a better fit of becoming an entrepreneur… and unfortunately, I’m not a rock star yet, but I’m still working on it! What book made a difference in your life? The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma.

ASHLEY WELLMAN Owner/Publisher, Rea of Sunshine LLC; Instructor of Criminal Justice, Texas Christian University Location: Forth Worth, Texas UF Degrees: MA Criminology, Law and Society '08, Professional Certificate in Forensic Death Investigation '09, PhD Criminology, Law and Society '11; Additional Degrees: BS Communications '04, University of North Florida

LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES ALUMNI SHINE

What sets you apart as a leader among your peers? I never lose sight of the critical importance of being vulnerable, relatable and transparent. I always approach my sexual assault and homicide survivors and law enforcement agents with a simple message: You are the expert. You are the one who has lived/survived your trauma. How has attending UF changed your life? Beyond my education, UF is where I met my late husband, Buddy, which set into motion a host of blessings, the greatest of which is my daughter, Reagan.

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Creative LICENSE

By Samantha Bailon

NEW YORK, MY VILLAGE

By Uwem Akpan | W.W. Norton

UWEM AKPAN’S short story collection Say You’re One of Them (Little, Brown) captured the literary world’s attention in 2008. A #1 New York Times bestseller, the book was selected by the Oprah Winfrey Book Club. It received a PEN Open Book Award and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, along with enthusiastic reviews. Now an assistant professor of creative writing at UF, Akpan has followed up his success with a

Q & A with UWEM AKPAN >>> The author discusses his new novel, New York, My Village.

thoughtful and intimate first novel. New York, My Village follows Nigerian editor Ekong Udousoro as he immigrates to Manhattan for a fellowship granted for his expertise on the Biafran War. Ekong is determined to reveal the beauty in humanity, while navigating the complexities of white-dominant office culture, learning about African American and immigrant experiences, and dealing with a bedbug-infested apartment. Over 5,000 miles from home,

patience and hope are all he can cling to. With its delicate observation of the tribalism in both countries, the novel offers readers a glimpse into the clash of ignorance and empathy found throughout the world. Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere, calls New York, My Village a “rare thing: a funhouse mirror that reflects back the truth.”

In what ways did your experience of moving to the United States mirror your protagonist Ekong’s story? In 1993, I came from Nigeria to the Bronx for two weeks, then began college in Omaha, Nebraska. So that first semester was not easy at all for me. … But I was lucky: I was living with very good people, and the people of Nebraska were very down-to-earth.

Public Library. … So situating this story in New York City means I’m taking some of my experience of coming to America and putting it in Ekong. … It was easy for me to plug what I learned or experienced about racism into my characters.

From 2013-14, I lived in Manhattan as a Cullman Fellow of the New York

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What characteristics did you find important to give your protagonist, Ekong? I wanted someone who could talk about race, not just as a Black person but as a Black alien in America. It was important that as a

NEW BOOK RELEASES FROM F A C U LT Y AND ALUMNI

THE SWIMMERS

By Chloe Lane | Victoria University Press

character, Ekong is a very pleasant person — someone peaceful, someone with hopes and dreams with his rage hidden inside. The other characters are not aware of half of what’s happening in his head. He’s going nuts. What do you take into consideration when writing about a diverse group of characters? I try to create complex characters. Everyone in this world is both a victim and an oppressor. We have to slow down and reflect, to

For her first novel, The Swimmers, creative writing alumna CHLOE LANE (MFA '17) captures a fierce and determined mission to take life into one’s own hands. In the book, 26-year-old Erin receives a request she cannot refuse: Her mother, who suffers from a devastating neurological condition, has asked Erin to help her receive a merciful death. Years later, Erin undergoes a thoughtful reflection of their final days together and considers the impression

their relationship left on her life thereafter. According to a profile of Lane in the New Zealand news outlet Stuff, the novel grew out of a short story the New Zealand-based writer first developed while living in Gainesville. Emeritus UF English professor JILL CIMENT, the author of The Body in Question and a teacher and friend to Lane, encouraged the writer to expand the story into what became The Swimmers.

ensure we’re not hurting others even as we’re hurting. The mistakes we sometimes make are a theme in my novel — thinking “I am a victim, I cannot oppress anyone.” No, you can. I try to write to make it inclusive; everyone is a part of everyone else.

is feeling this complex thing inside because while she looks white, she knows she is a minority. She’s got privilege and she knows it; it hurts her. … But having collided with Ekong, Molly’s now very determined to join the minority fight. So in a big way, the novel is an invitation to all of us that we could do a bit better. We have to do better.

Why did you wish to include a variety of minority groups when portraying racism in the novel? I wanted so many people to relate to this story. The character Molly, for example,

“Lane has sidestepped the clichés and captured the enigma of what it means to save a life by ending one,” Ciment said in an endorsement of the book. Released in New Zealand in 2020, The Swimmers is set for international publication in May 2022.

Interview was condensed and edited. For an extended Q & A head to: news.clas.ufl.edu/ akpan

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Creative L I C E N S E

1 3 1 | THE WILDER HEART OF FLORIDA: MORE WRITERS INSPIRED BY FLORIDA NATURE

2 | HEART ATTACKS ARE NOT WORTH DYING FOR

Edited by Jack E. Davis and Leslie K. Poole University Press of Florida

With this examination of America’s medical practices, alumnus and cardiologist MICHAEL OZNER (Chemistry '69) contends that the way we discuss and treat heart disease is overdue for a paradigm shift. While the country’s top doctors, new technologies and advances in modern medicine have made remarkable progress, more than 800,000 people still die from cardiovascular disease in the United States each year. The solution: Strike before the enemy attacks. The groundbreaking approach that Ozner lays out in Heart Attacks Are Not Worth Dying For provides insightful and achievable methods for a more proactive fight against cardiovascular disease.

Florida’s wildlife is a unique hybrid of chaos and poetic beauty. It has grasped the minds of an influential group of authors, poets and environmentalists. The Wilder Heart of Florida offers 34 pieces that illustrate the wonder embedded in the state’s biodiversity. This follow-up to 1999’s The Wild Heart of Florida was edited by Pulitzer Prizewinning professor of history and Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities JACK E. DAVIS and alumna LESLIE K. POOLE (PhD History '12), now an environmental studies professor at Rollins College. Portraying Florida’s many ecosystems — from the swampy everglades to the crisp white coastline — the collection emphasizes the need to protect these breathtaking lands.

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By Michael Ozner Gatekeeper Press

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

3 | EVOLUTIONARY NEUROPSYCHOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE HUMAN BRAIN By Frederick L. Coolidge Oxford University Press Have you ever wondered what gave rise to human consciousness? Alumnus FREDERICK L. COOLIDGE (Psychology '69, MA '70, PhD '74) traces the origins of our thinking from the first life forms to the modern structures and functions of the human brain in An Introduction to the Evolution of the Structures and Functions of the Human Brain. Coolidge introduces a new multidisciplinary science that brings together approaches from the fields of evolution, neuroscience, cognitive sciences, psychology, anthropology and archaeology. The book cohesively binds all these principles to create an explorative view of human thought to engage any curious reader.

4 | RIDING WITH THE GHOST By Justin Taylor Random House In a new memoir, alumnus JUSTIN TAYLOR (English '04) shares a captivating take on the relationship between a father and son. When Taylor was 30, his father, Larry, drove to the top of the Nashville airport parking garage to take his own life. The attempt, thankfully, was unsuccessful, but in its aftermath, the family must navigate how to move forward, circling through thoughts of life, the past and Taylor’s own mental health. Lauren Groff, author of Fates and Furies and Florida, praised the book as “gorgeously layered and deeply felt.”

5 7 5 | CLUB Q By James Davis Small Press Distribution Through a series of poems, UF creative writing alumnus JAMES DAVIS (MFA '11) has captured the whirlwind of self-discovery in his new book Club Q. The poems express the thoughts of a gay boy growing up in the largely conservative and Christian city of Colorado Springs. As the boy learns he cannot find comfort in his hometown, the realization leads him on a path to defining his community and sense of belonging on his terms. Club Q is Davis’ first book; his poems have previously appeared in two editions of the Best New Poets anthology.

6 | THE RESTAURANT INSPECTOR By Alex Pickett University of Wisconsin Press Havoc runs amok in a small town nestled in Wisconsin. A mysterious illness spreads rampantly among residents, while a scandal-plagued health inspector leads the investigation. At the same time, a newspaper editor has unfinished business to take care of, and a hot dog cart is causing tension out on Highway 9. In this antic blame-game, creative writing alumnus ALEX PICKETT (MFA '16) captures the dangers of small-town gossip, upending the “Midwestern Nice” persona with a portrait of corruption and chaos. Published by the University of Wisconsin Press, The Restaurant Inspector is a dark comedy presenting an ordinary small town spiraling in response to unfamiliar anarchy.

7 | THE ALL-NIGHT SUN By Diane Zinna Random House A look at a complex relationship between a professor and her student evolves into an examination of grief and denial. Creative writing alumna (MFA '98) DIANE ZINNA’S debut novel The All-Night Sun focuses on Lauren Cress, a college instructor outside Washington D.C. She is well-respected in her professional life but secretly copes with a painful past that has isolated her. After a new student named Siri enrolls in her class, Lauren becomes transfixed with her confidence, and their relationship grows into a close friendship. But during a trip to Sweden, Cress is soon hit by reality after seeing a new side of Siri.

8 | FRANK PORTER GRAHAM: SOUTHERN LIBERAL, CITIZEN OF THE WORLD By William A. Link The University of North Carolina Press Frank Porter Graham, history professor WILLIAM A. LINK’S newest biography, tracks the prominent southern liberal’s career from local to national and world politics. Hailing from North Carolina, Graham was a born leader, outspoken as a student at the University of North Carolina and later Columbia University. He served as a Marine during World War I and taught at UNC, where he was known as “Dr. Frank” — even after he became the university’s president. With his outspoken views and leadership, he became a New Dealer, a negotiator, a U.N. mediator and briefly a U.S. senator, and he helped remold North Carolina along the way.

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Creative L I C E N S E

12 9 11 9 | WOMEN IN THE LAW COURTS OF CLASSICAL ATHENS By Konstantinos Kapparis Eden University Press Women in law face disproportionate challenges navigating a male-dominant profession. In Women in the Law Courts of Classical Athens, classics professor KONSTANTINOS KAPPARIS challenges the perception that women have always been shut out of the field of law. Through a series of cases, speeches and other key evidence, Kapparis reveals the legal system in classical Athens left a space to speak for free women, citizens and foreigners residing in ancient Greece. The intersection between gender, law and Athenian society provides a compelling new outlook on women’s history and role in the legal system.

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10 | DOCUMENTING DEATH: MATERNAL MORTALITY AND THE ETHICS OF CARE IN TANZANIA By Adrienne E. Strong University of California Press ADRIENNE E. STRONG, an assistant professor of anthropology, unravels the everyday ethics and care practices of a low-resource maternity ward in Tanzania for her new book Documenting Death. Strong explores the function and dysfunction that public health care faces and the ethical perils families and medical staff endure despite global development support. The work examines how hospital social relations and accountability systems play a significant role in the ongoing death toll of pregnant women who are given few options but to enter this broken system.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

11 | DANTE’S GOLDEN LEGEND: AUTOHAGIOGRAPHY IN THE DIVINE COMEDY

12 | RACE, CRIME AND POLICING IN THE JIM CROW SOUTH

By Mary Alexandra Watt Mercer University Press

By Brandon T. Jett Louisiana State University Press

Professor of Italian Studies and Associate Dean MARY ALEXANDRA WATT explores how Dante built on his early attempts at life-writing through his landmark narrative poem, Divine Comedy, written between 1308 and 1320. With Dante’s Golden Legend: Autohagiography in the Divine Comedy, Watt provides a wide-ranging examination of Dante’s perceptions of his own purpose in history through his writing. The book is a crucial new resource for scholars of Dante, as well as the Medieval and Early Modern eras. Watt’s previous works include Dante, Columbus and the Prophetic Tradition and The Cross that Dante Bears.

With a deep gaze into the complex criminal justice system in the era of the Jim Crow South, history professor BRANDON T. JETT considers the multifaceted relationship between the police and African American communities. Race, Crime and Policing in the Jim Crow South provides a historical examination of the institutional, legal and social practices that work together to create an intricate problem in America — one that has moved slowly toward progress. Author and historian Anders Walker said the book “should be a required reading for anyone interested in the complex story of race and policing in the United States.”

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14 13 | DREAM By Jeff Trippe Silent E Publishing Company In the latest novel from creative writing alumnus JEFF TRIPPE (MA '84), Frank Treadwell believes he was born to play America’s pastime: baseball. With his future and health on the brink of collapse, Treadwell must tackle the obstacles that lay ahead of him, from experiencing his first love, his mother’s illness, to his subsequent mental health. Treadwell’s dream lay at the very end of his fingertips — can he grasp it? Trippe’s Dream offers a gripping account of a man with the passion and resilience to dodge the most unexpected curveballs in life.

14 | APPROACHES TO TEACHING THE WORKS OF MIGUEL DE UNAMUNO Edited by Luis Álvarez-Castro The Modern Language Association of America Writer and professor Miguel de Unamuno was an early existentialist and great thinker (1864-1936). In the two-volume Approaches to Teaching the Works of Miguel de Unamuno, UF Spanish professor LUIS ÁLVAREZ-CASTRO captures the work of Unamuno and his defiance against the Spanish King Alfonso XIII and the military dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera that led to the Spanish Civil War. The first volume provides information on scholarly and critical secondary sources about Unamuno, while the second volume covers the comparative literature, philosophy and religion components of Unamuno’s works.

15 | PEOPLE POWER: HISTORY, ORGANIZING, AND LARRY GOODWYN’S DEMOCRATIC VISION IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

16 | WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS: MATERIAL PRACTICE IN ETHICAL THEORY

Edited by Wesley C. Hogan and Paul Ortiz University Press of Florida

In her new book, UF religion professor ANNA PETERSON promotes a practice-based approach to ethics. Works Righteousness rethinks the relationship of actions, ideas and results, demonstrating how our actions often shape our values — just as much as we act according to our stated moral ideas. Peterson shows how her insights are relevant to pressing, real-world issues like climate change, euthanasia and hate speech. The author of six books, Peterson has researched and written about social ethics, environmental ethics, religion and social change, animal studies, and religion and politics in Latin America.

Writer Lawrence “Larry” Goodwyn started his career as a radical Texas journalist. By the 1950s, he became a tremendous force in the world of grassroots activism. In People Power, professor Wesley C. Hogan of Duke University and UF history professor and director of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program PAUL ORTIZ capture the life, legacy and writings of Goodwyn. Years after his death in 2013, his impact continues to shape social justice activism and push the next generation of leaders forward.

By Anna L. Peterson Oxford University Press

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LAURELS Psychology professor LISA S. SCOTT received the 2021 Woman of Distinction Award from the Association for Academic Women (AAW). The award honors UF faculty, administration and professional women who have shown exemplary work dedicated to improving the lives of all UF women. JORGE SANTIAGO, political science '19, was appointed as the confidential assistant to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh has awarded chemistry professor RICK YOST the 2021 Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry Award for his substantial contributions to the field of analytical chemistry. Mathematics assistant professor SARA POLLOCK received a National Science Foundation CAREER award to continue her research into complex systems in mathematics and data sciences. MUHAMMAD ABDULLA, mathematics '22, was named a 2021 Goldwater Scholar to conduct research on the impacts of biomedical science and the development of AI.

Lisa S. Scott

Andrew Janusz

Barbara Bohn Strasdas ELHAM YAAGHUBI, PhD chemistry '21, received the Cynthia W. Colangelo Award for Breast Cancer Awareness for her significant research in breast cancer awareness. Alum BARBARA BOHN STRASDAS '71 was elected Toastmasters International District 47 Director. As director, she will oversee over 3,500 members of the district. MARGARET GALVAN, assistant professor of English, was named a 2021-23 Junior Fellow of the Andrew W. Mellon Society of Fellows in Critical Bibliography at Rare Book School. Her work on visual culture in queer and feminist social movements in the '70s-'90s earned her this honor.

Rick Yost

Margaret Galvan

Gabriella Passidomo

Attorney GABRIELLA PASSIDOMO, political science '14, has been appointed to the Florida Public Service Commission by Governor Ron DeSantis.

DELIA STEVERSON, assistant professor of English, was named a Career Enhancement Scholar by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. The award honors those who present unique perspectives in their disciplines.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has promoted SARA ROSZAK, political science '09, to senior vice president, health and wellness strategy and policy as well as president of the NACDS Foundation dedicated to improving patient health through research, education and philanthropy.

For his paper “Candidate Race and Campaign Resources in Brazilian Mayoral Elections,” ANDREW JANUSZ, assistant professor of political science, was awarded the 2021 National Conference of Black Political Scientists Rodney Higgins Best Faculty Paper Award.

RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY AND ALUMNI OF THE COLLEGE OF

Sara Pollock

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COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

Muhammad Abdulla

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

Political science professor SHARON AUSTIN has been inducted into the UF chapter of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. She was selected for her leadership and academic and personal advocacy for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Sara Roszak

Delia Steverson JULIANE DANNBERG, assistant professor of geological sciences, received the Jason Morgan Early Career Award for 2021 from the American Geophysical Union.

YUXUAN WANG, assistant professor of physics, was awarded the Nevill F. Mott Prize by the organizing committee of the Conference on Strongly Correlated Electron Systems for his outstanding contributions to his field.

ALEXANDRA ISERN, geological sciences '87, has been selected as the National Science Foundation’s assistant director for geosciences. She is the first Hispanic person and second woman to hold the position. ALESSANDRO FORTE, professor of geological sciences, has been awarded a fellowship at Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA). He will join a project aimed at better identifying the geodynamic disturbances of climatic markers.

Sharon Austin

Postdoctoral researcher JIAMIN HOU was selected as one of eight Astronomy Fellows in the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy’s Future Leaders Program. TERESA MUTAHI, lecturer and assistant director of the biology major, received a certificate of merit for outstanding new advising from the National Academic Advising Association.

PARKER KNIGHT, mathematics '20, was awarded a National Science Foundation graduate fellowship to study biostatistics at Harvard University. LAKEN BROOKS, PhD candidate in English, has been named a Sweetland Digital Rhetoric Fellow for 2021-22. The program recognizes graduate students working in digital rhetoric who want practical experience in online publishing and website development.

Juliane Dannberg Psychology professor CAROLYN M. TUCKER has been elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida in recognition of her outstanding contributions to her field. Emeritus professor PAUL J. MAGNARELLA’S book Black Panther in Exile: The Pete O’Neal Story won the silver medal in the 2020 Florida Book Awards General Nonfiction category.

Yuxuan Wang

Teresa Mutahi JESSICA COSTELLO, political science '06, a county court judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.

Paul J. Magnarella

Laken Brooks

Alexandra Isern

Carolyn M. Tucker

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UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA COLLEGE of LIBERAL ARTS and SCIENCES

“

So much of what is accomplished in our college, and beyond the walls of campus, would not be possible without the generosity of alumni and friends who stand behind our mission.

”

— Dean David E. Richardson

The Dean’s Circle recognizes

the extraordinary generosity of alumni, friends, faculty and staff who make annual gifts of $500 or more to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence. As a member of the Dean’s Circle, your investment will help the college meet the educational needs of our students, take advantage of extraordinary opportunities, and meet new challenges in teaching, research and service. Through the Dean’s Circle, alumni and friends have provided:

• Funding for promising undergraduate and graduate students.

• Faculty seed grants for pursuing new research interests and other academic endeavors.

• Scholarships and awards to students for travel abroad experiences. 46 |

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

• Securing new computer hardware and software for research and teaching.

TENURED | $50,000+ Elizabeth & Roderick Odom John & Joan Sargent Brenda & Howard Sheridan DIRECTOR | $10,000 - $24,999 William & Melodie Douglas Thomas & Cheryl Elligett David & Bernadette Williams Lawrence Winner ADVISOR | $5,000 - $9,999 Karen & Michael Brisch Ted & Willow Dew Michael & Michele Fishman Robert Fowler Elsbeth Geiger Edward & Susan Kuhn Gerald Kunde Carol & Robert March Kevin McHale Amy & Jeffrey Rubin Dorothy & Terry Smiljanich Julie & Kevin Wilkinson ASSOCIATE | $2,500 - $4,999 Steven Beecham David & Randi Blum Richard Coughlin Michael Downs Robert & Phyllis Glenn Joseph & Mary Lawrence Kevin Mayeux Pepper & Dave Natonski Ann Regan Jewel White FELLOW | $1,000 - $2,499 Anonymous Glenda Anthony George Avery James & Vikki Black Bob Bowser Rachel Bozin Frank Bracco Sigrid & Brian Corcoran Beth & James DeSimone Anne & Cas Dunlap Dan & Susan Fabrick Joan Forrest Margaret & Michael French Eric Frisch Joshua & Nancy Gillon Richard Grant David Griggs Tara Hamer Gill & Robert Gill James & Maureen Hennessy Thomas & Linda Holmes James Hoover Melody Bridgman Kohl Leslie & Charles Layton

Richard & Nancy Leslie Aleksander Levental Ilene & Jeffrey Levenson Bryan Mahoney John & Micah Mathews Will & Margaret Moore David Neel John Bryan Page David Pharies & Mary Elizabeth Ginway Gary & Abby Pruitt David Robson & Patricia Carey Michael & Sheila Rokeach Joan Dial Ruffier Gary Shecter & Ellen Fernberger David & Masako Semaya Allen Stewart & Barbara Clark Li Tao Marjorie Turnbull Alec Unland Benjamin & Saundra Wallace SCHOLAR | $500 - $999 Anonymous Jonathan Arac Virginia & Kenneth Baum Edward & Roxana Bossen Stanley Crews Bazil Duncan William Elebash Margaret & Michael Fields Gary & Ellen Fournier Michael Geary Lander & Kari Gold Bill Graham & Shelley Hill Dawn & James Granese Suzanne & Ken Green Jerome Guilford Deborah & Robert Hagen Joshua Harris Stephen & Brianna Hicks Alexis Jesup & Jason Buckley Catherine & David Kasriel Scott & Robin Katz Pamela & John Kelly Pradeep Kumar & Diana Tonnessen Dwight Edward Lambert Martin Leach Hugh & Maricela Mazzei Akilah McDaniel Mary McDaniel Grant & Ann Morehead Michelle Nowlin & John Tallmadge Norman & Margaret Portillo Nicole Sakowitz & Bill Pikounis Tracee & Nicholas Sama Harold Saxton Frank Schwamb Robert Scott Susan & Mark Sessums Nancy Smith & John Ossiff Scott Soules

Leonard & Gloria Spearman Feng Tian & Honglin Liu Vinny Trapanese Andrew & Julie Weinstein Daniel Wright Scheffel Wright Matthew Zirzow EMERITUS Anonymous Robert & Leah Adams Charles Byrd Thomas & Cheryl Elligett Mitchell & Bridget Gordon James Hoover James & Elizabeth Kalamaras Ashish Karve Martin Leach Thomas & Sheryl Moore Stewart & Suzanna Perlman Michael & Margo Rosenthal Sam & Valerie Stephens Robert & Arleene Westman Jewel White Christy Wilson Delk

The Dean’s Circle and the Dean’s Fund for Excellence To join the Dean’s Circle, please visit clas.ufl.edu/deanscircle or contact STEVE EVANS

Executive Director of Advancement

352-273-3704 sevans3@ufl.edu

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DOWN 1 Jones Industrial Average 2 “Give day”: Urging for patience (2 words) 3 Charles H. Fairbanks Roast: Annual UF anthropology department fundraiser 4 First name for Prof. Guyer, who established UF’s Health Disparities in Society minor 5 Sunscreen scale: Abbr. 6 Former Gov. and Sen. Bob Graham’s degree: Science '59 7 Oldsmobile model discontinued in 2004 8 UF landmark Century

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES NEWS.CLAS.UFL.EDU

By Andrew Doerfler

In All Kinds of Weather 48 |

ACROSS 1 UF’s Center for Written and Oral Communication 5 Rapped 9 Other, for the Spanish department 10 Common sidelines shirt choice for UF Coach Dan Mullen 11 Banking giant whose '08 failure was the biggest in US history, for short 12 “One Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” 13 “Come as you ” 15 Wrath 16 UF program that provides direct support to students facing financial hardship (hyph.) 19 Former pres. candidate Andrew Yang’s signature proposal: Abbr. 20 -Wan Kenobi 21 Goopy hair products 23 Wile E. Coyote’s favorite catalog 26 CLAS hub Turlington 27 U.S. president who also served as Supreme Court justice 28 Helen of : Notable figure for the UF Classics Department 29 Verve

14 Selfish topic for the psychology department 16 Old-timey zero 17 “It’s not fair to deny me/Of the cross that you gave to me”: Alanis Morissette lyric (2 words) 18 Subside 22 Cunning 24 @FLA: UF’s creative writing graduate program 25 Eaton Corporation, on the stock ticker

For answers to puzzle, visit news.clas.ufl.edu/ crossword.

SPEAKING

from

EXPERIENCE

MentorConnect is a component of the college’s Beyond120 program, which provides experiential learning and career readiness programming for undergraduates. Learn more at clas.ufl.edu/ mentorconnect

MARIGNY DUGA began her junior year with a goal: To land an internship that would jumpstart her future career in statistics. Duga was confident that the practical skills she had gained in classes would make her a strong candidate. But she needed to learn how to market herself to employers.

Duga connected with mentors who had backgrounds in statistics, but when it came to polishing her applications and interview skills, she found a perfect fit outside her field. MIKE MIGNARDI (Chemistry '81, PhD '89), a longtime manager at Texas Instruments, had ample experience in hiring. The two conducted mock interviews and Mignardi provided feedback, which helped Duga tighten her answers and craft an “elevator pitch” about herself. “I learned how to showcase my skills and my willingness to learn more, all condensed in a fiveminute speech,” Duga said. “It gave me the confidence to go into a corporate setting.” And it showed: Duga spent the summer of 2021 as a quality analytics intern at Florida Blue. What’s more, she has tapped into the vast network of CLAS alumni who are eager to support the next generation of Gators. The experience was just as valuable for Mignardi, and he urges other alumni to get involved by paying it forward. “Each of you has something to share with a mentee,” he said. “Hearing about your successes — and even your mistakes — can pay dividends for students. The opportunity to help someone from the college is so rewarding.”

BECOME A MENTOR TODAY Contact beyond120@advising.ufl.edu

Left: Photo by Lauren Barnett. Right: Photo courtesy of Mike Mignardi.

That’s where CLAS MentorConnect came in. The program links College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students to alumni in all industries. Paired through an online platform based on the students’ professional interests and goals, mentors and mentees meet virtually for résumé reviews, career advice and more.

FALL 2021

University of Florida PO Box 110009 Gainesville FL 32611

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID GAINESVILLE, FL PERMIT NO. 94