Re:Search - A Lifelong Journey of Learning SU's Expert Faculty Envision the Future
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Re:Search
Graduate Studies & Research at Salisbury University
2022 Edition
A Lifelong Journey
of Learning
SU’s Expert Faculty Envision the Future
Students engaging in research in SU’s Robofrog Lab. • page 14
Volume 12 • 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESIDENT
Dr. Charles A. Wight
A Lifelong Journey of Learning:
PROVOST & SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Dr. Karen L. Olmstead SU’s Expert Faculty Envision the Future.....................................................................................4
DEAN OF GRADUATE STUDIES & RESEARCH Faculty Development Center Supports SU’s
Dr. Clifton Griffin
Unique Community of Faculty....................................................................................................... 19
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Susan Maxwell Eagle Graduate Programs for Today and Tomorrow..........................................................................20
GRADUATE STUDIES & RESEARCH OFFICE STAFF
Vanessa Collins, Research Accounting & Compliance Specialist Q&A: Connecting Excellence to the Classroom....................................................................... 22
Elizabeth Geiger ’21, Graduate Enrollment Management Specialist
Teri Herberger, Director of Sponsored Programs SURepresented at USM Center for Academic
Donna Knopf, Executive Administrative Assistant I Innovation Faculty Showcase......................................................................................................24
Haleigh LaChance, Contract & Grants Specialist
Jessica Scott ’08, Graduate Program Manager A Researcher at Heart............................................................................................................................25
Beth Walsh, Grants Specialist
UNIVERSITY EDITOR Grad Project Leads to Black History Walking Tour................................................................26
Christine B. Smith M’02
Recent Faculty Books............................................................................................................................. 27
UNIVERSITY WRITER
Mikayla Wiseman Faculty Mini-Grant Program................................................................................................................28
VISUAL IMAGES COORDINATOR/PHOTOGRAPHER Graduate Research and Presentation (RAP) Grant Program.......................................... 30
Megan Raymond
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS University Student Academic Research Awards (USARA)................................................32
Megan Baker ’13 Teri Herberger Summer Student Research Successes........................................................................................33
Tim Brennan Dr. Karen Olmstead
Katie Curtin Jason Rhodes
Susan Maxwell Eagle Jessica Scott Re:Search is published annually for friends of Salisbury University by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research in conjunction with the Office of Publications,
Elizabeth Geiger ’21 Dr. Charles Wight with the generous support of Salisbury University.
Dr. Clifton Griffin Please send comments, news and address changes to:
Office of Graduate Studies & Research, Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801-6860
Salisbury University is a proud member of the University System of Maryland.
SU has a strong institutional commitment to diversity and nondiscrimination in all programs, events, and services. To that end, the University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex,
gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other
legally protected characteristics. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Office of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator, Holloway Hall 100, 410-543-6426.
Get Connected: On the Cover: Dr. Jennifer Nyland mentors graduate student Jessica Strange on her thesis research. Nyland is just one of the many faculty at SU who are
Facebook.com/sugullgrads sharing their professional excellence with students in the classroom and in the lab. • page 4
Twitter.com/sugullgrads Correction: In the 2021 issue of Re:Search, the incorrect photo was used for Dr. Ying Wu. The publication organizers offer their apology for this error.
Instagram.com/SUgullgrads Please Note: Social distancing and mask wearing are absent in some photos, as they are reflective of COVID-19 policies at the time they were taken.
©2022
2 • GS&R • 2022
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & PROVOST
“... SU faculty remain active in internationally
recognized research programs.”
Things may not be normal … but we never stopped moving forward!
Salisbury University’s roots are as a Normal School, or teacher education
institution. In fact, many colleges in the U.S. were established as Normal
Schools in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Since that time, many of these
campuses have become public comprehensive or research universities while
proudly continuing their role in preparing the education workforce.
Perhaps you’ve wondered “Why are they called Normal Schools?” Not
surprisingly, these campuses taught teacher candidates the norms of
education, but Normal School derives from when these types of institutions
were first founded in France in the late 1600s. The phrase ecole normale
referred not just to teaching norms, but that these institutions should
be a model for all others. Salisbury University carries on this tradition of
excellence with students actively engaged in their learning, faculty among
the ‘best of the best’ and talented staff supporting the entire enterprise.
This volume of Re:Search magazine has ample evidence of how SU is a
model of research excellence despite the impacts of the pandemic. Whether
applied research on vaccination rates in Africa or basic research on animal
communication, SU faculty remain active in internationally recognized
research programs. Undergraduate and graduate students continue
to engage in authentic research experiences ranging from emerging
computational applications to digital humanities to the impact of diabetes
on vertebral development. Faculty also directly connect their students to
professional research communities by supporting their engagement in
national research conferences, publishing in refereed journals and mentoring
them in the production of SU’s undergraduate research journal, Laridae.
Although the pandemic could have shuttered our performing and fine arts
programming, SU again served as a model for all others through its use of
virtual and socially distanced performances and gallery shows. Arts faculty
remained active in research on topics ranging from physical dramaturgy to
queer identity.
Research is critical to our University mission, not only as a means to
generate new knowledge but also as one of the most effective tools to
support our students’ disciplinary expertise and critical thinking, analysis,
teamwork and communication skills. In fact, SU invested more than
$10 million in the research enterprise last year. This funding, the largest in
our history, came from external grant awards, reallocation of internal dollars
and the generous support donors through the SU Foundation. We hope you
enjoy this issue of Re:Search and learning about the exciting and important
research endeavors of our faculty and students.
Sincerely
Charles A. Wight Karen Olmstead
President Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
2022 • GS&R • 3
A Lifelong Journey of Learning:
SU’s Expert Faculty Envision the Future
A Lifelong Journey
of Learning
SU’s Expert Faculty Envision the Future
The faculty at Salisbury University are among the best of the best.
They are experts in their fields, holding top positions with national
organizations, publishing in high-profile journals, presenting at
international conferences, and pursuing scholarship that could have
lasting impacts on our communities and the world.
They are researchers, professionals and global leaders –
but at the end of the day, they are educators who are helping
build the future for their students to grasp.
SU is proud of its faculty, who lead by example and show that no
matter what your passion or position, it is possible to make a difference.
4 • GS&R • 2022
FEATURE
Perdue School of Business
research has taken investigates how an
Defending the Value individual’s personality interacts with
of Learning the elements of the fraud diamond –
Dr. David Emerson capability, opportunity, motivation and
Associate Professor / Accounting rationalization – to determine which
traits play a part in the decision to
Although David Emerson wasn’t always a engage in online academic assistance
professor, he has led a lifelong journey of websites, which provide access to test
learning. banks and homework solutions.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, he Emerson explained that one student’s
spent 20 years as a major shareholder decision to cheat can have far-reaching
of a manufacturing firm, all the while effects. It hurts the student themselves
continuing to earn college credits. Now he by circumventing the learning process.
holds an M.B.A. and a Ph.D., and he is able Other students in the class who work
to pursue his dream career in academia. hard and are harmed by inflated grades
It’s no surprise that assuring the may also feel motivated to cheat just to
academic success of his students is core keep up with their classmates.
to his values as a professor as well. On a higher level, cheating hurts the Published in the December 2021
Alongside Accounting and Legal institution as well. SU is one of the top edition of the Journal of Accounting
Services Department Chair Dr. Kenneth 20 accounting programs in the nation Education, his co-authored paper,
Smith, Emerson has been researching and highly recruited by major employers. “Online Cheating at the Intersection
academic misconduct. Most importantly, Students who are successful in the of the Dark Triad and Fraud Diamond,”
their work aims to understand why program are almost certain to have a was named the “Best, Most Important
students cheat and how to prevent them good job upon graduation. However, Research in 2021” by The Cheat Sheet,
from doing so. if there are students getting through a weekly newsletter on research and
“Cheating is not a victimless crime,” the program based on their ability to developments related to academic
Emerson said. “It hurts many different access all the answers to their class misconduct. Emerson also appeared as
parties, first and foremost the students material online, it hurts the reputation of one of the featured guests on The Score,
themselves.” the University and may prevent future a podcast devoted to exploring issues of
The most recent direction their students from getting hired. academic integrity.
“I was distressed to discover how “I’m learning that as a professor one of
widespread the use of these websites the best things I can do is motivate my
was,” Emerson said. “As professors, we students in the classroom to learn the
have little opportunity to thwart the material because it’s important to them,”
activity in terms of a student’s capability. Emerson said. “It’s a rewarding moment
But there are things we can do to for me when I can successfully impart my
influence their opportunities, motivation knowledge and passion for learning on to
and rationalization.” them.”
2022 • GS&R • 5
effects of U.S. government regulations.
Striving for Better Sometimes, these regulations can have
Outcomes for All an unintended impact on consumer
Dr. Dustin Chambers prices, entrepreneurship and income
Professor / Economics inequality.
His background in studying
One of the most rewarding things about international economies has given him
working in economics is the opportunity perspective about how conditions may effect of federal regulations on state-
to make things better. be improved in the U.S. For example, level mortality rates in the journal Risk
At its core, that’s what Dr. Dustin the Canadian logging industry was once Analysis, which receives attention from
Chambers’ work is all about. strictly regulated, down to the type of policy makers.
Chambers is an applied nails that had to be used in bridges. In addition to presenting at academic
econometrician who has published Later, more broad regulations simply conferences, Chambers speaks with
widely on the topics of income inequality, stated that companies must maintain the state senators and representatives about
poverty and economic growth. He safety of their workers and equipment. the issues he researches. Last year, he
has published 28 papers in high- Rather than micromanaging, these spoke with lawmakers from 18 different
profile journals such as Regulation & regulations were based on outcomes, states and four governor’s offices. He
Governance, and he has earned nearly putting more pressure on industries to also has testified before the U.S. Senate
1,000 citations for his research. His early take responsibility for the safety of their about the impact of regulations on the
work was in cross-country studies, but workers. As a result, the industry was economy.
recently he has pivoted more toward the able to reduce fatalities and injuries by Such connections are one reason
about 16%. why SU graduates often do well in
“I think regulations are really government jobs. Chambers has taught
important, but at the same time I want courses where he has recommended
to see humans flourishing and achieving students apply for internship positions
their full potential,” Chambers said. “We at policy think tanks and learn more
want more regulations that protect about political economy. He said
workers, protect the economy and help his engagement in his field is key to
people pursue opportunities to the most motivating students to find their own
effective extent possible.” ways to engage with the world and
Chambers’ research has great pursue opportunities such as internship
relevance on the national level. President programs and graduate school.
Joe Biden has stated that one of his goals “I hope my work has an impact on
is to review pending regulations and their people and policy moving forward,”
unintended consequences before they Chambers said. “There are a lot of win-
go out the door. Last year, Chambers win possibilities out there.”
published a paper he co-authored on the
6 • GS&R • 2022
FEATURE
was published in the December 2021
Solving Real-World edition of Finance & Development, the
Problems International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s)
Dr. Jonathan Munemo flagship magazine. The article called on
Professor / Economics the IMF and international community
to address constraints for effective
As a professor and scholar, Dr. Jonathan mass COVID-19 vaccinations in Africa,
Munemo confronts the world with a including challenges of infrastructure
practical mindset. and transportation of vaccines.
When teaching his students, he “Supply of course is an issue, but it
shows them the real-world effects of doesn’t matter whether the vaccines are
what they’re learning. When preparing being shipped from U.S. or Germany; if
materials for class, he is always thinking the logistical infrastructure to deliver the
about how the topics apply to current vaccines to the people is not in place, you
issues in the world. And when he sees a can’t solve the rest of the problem, ‘the
problem, he finds a way to fix it. last mile,’” Munemo said. world as we grapple with how to recover
Munemo’s professional background This is a crucial issue close to from a global pandemic, but it is also
is in international trade, development Munemo’s heart. He said he needed important for SU as an institution and for
finance, business regulations and to make sure it was highlighted in a its students. Munemo says his research
entrepreneurship. His research papers prestigious and high-profile publication and his teaching inform each other. He
have been published in leading peer- like the IMF’s Finance & Development, often draws on his research to show his
reviewed journals including International which is read globally by top policy students the real-world applications of
Review of Economics and Finance, Small makers, academics, practitioners and what they are learning in class – which
Business Economics, Regulation & other decision makers. can also inspire and encourage students
Governance, among others. The results have been encouraging. to pursue research of their own.
When looking at the COVID-19 The study has been picked up by news “I always tell my students that we need
pandemic, he was deeply troubled by the outlets around the world including good policymakers,” Munemo said. “I
low vaccination rate in African countries. Bloomberg, the Straits Times, Japan want them to take the data application
In the U.S. and many other advanced Times and the Conversation, and there techniques that we learn in class and use
economies, well over 60% of the have been pledges to substantially ramp them to go out, make better policies and
population is now fully vaccinated. But in up vaccine supplies to Africa as well as do some good in the world. Hopefully, the
Africa, just 12% of the continent’s address gaps in infrastructure to drive a next generation of policymakers will give
1.3 billion people is fully inoculated. strong logistics performance. us better policies to improve the country
He spoke about these concerns with This kind of work is important for the and world. As educators, that’s our goal.”
colleague Eugene Bempong Nyantakyi,
chief research economist for the African
Development Bank Group, and they
agreed that something must be done.
Together, they co-authored the
article “Going the Last Mile,” which
Fulton School of Liberal Arts
to literature and film, including culture, submission process looks like, what
Arriving on the politics, history and economics. It has they look for as editors and how to build
International Scene featured interviews with some of the relationships with other professionals.
Dr. Elsie Walker – Professor / English most important directors in cinema, and This information can be useful for any
Dr. Ryan Conrath – Assistant its print publication had subscriptions in student who wants to publish their work
Professor / English more than 30 countries. and make career connections, whether
In 2016, Walker oversaw the journal’s it’s at SU or elsewhere. In addition, the
One of the key ways we make sense of transition to an online and open access journal also helps inform the curriculum
the world and our lived experiences is by model, putting SU on the international of film studies at SU.
telling stories. map as it joined a global effort toward “Undoubtedly the journal has changed
Whether it’s classic works of literature democratization of scholarship. She said the way I think about and teach film,”
like Shakespeare, genres like mystery many people who apply to SU from other Conrath said. “I now have this repertoire
or romance, or franchises like Marvel’s countries have heard of the journal. In of knowledge I can bring in and cite in my
superheroes, there are some stories fact, knowing the journal was housed at classes, which keeps things fresh and
people want to see told over and over. As SU is what led Walker herself to apply. exciting. It’s incredible that we’re housing
those stories are retold through different “I think it’s good for students to these international conversations and at
lenses over time, they take on new forms understand that this journal is based the same time providing such valuable
and meanings. entirely at SU,” Walker said. “The work resources to our students.”
Dr. Elsie Walker, professor of cinema we’re doing right here is an important For more information and journal
studies at SU and editor-in-chief of beacon for other scholars.” content since 2017, visit:
Literature/Film Quarterly (LFQ), said Not only does the journal have lfq.salisbury.edu
this is what is so exciting and important international eminence, it is also a
about the study of adaptation. valuable resource for SU students.
“Adaptation can cross cultural borders Because of her expertise editing LFQ,
and speak to various audiences,” Walker Walker was approached by the group
said. “Because of this, I think the journal of students who started the Laridae
can speak to potentially anybody.” undergraduate research journal for
LFQ is the longest-running academic advice.
publication devoted to the study of Both Walker and Dr. Ryan Conrath,
adaptation, and it is housed right at SU. assistant editor of the journal, routinely
Since it was founded in 1973, the journal share behind-the-scenes information
has been a global stage for scholarly with their students about putting
discussion on a network of ideas related together a publication, what the
Dr. Ryan Conrath
Dr. Elsie Walker
8 • GS&R • 2022
presentations by undergraduates or
Connections that Stand master’s students. However, one of
the Test of Time Vicens’ priorities as a member of the
Dr. Belen Vicens Saiz committee has been to push for more
Assistant Professor / History relevance for SU’s undergraduate
students. She has helped propose special
As assistant professor of history at sessions on how to study and interpret
SU, a lot of Dr. Belen Vicens Saiz’ work medieval manuscripts which will be of
involves drawing connections – not just Vicens gave the Notre Dame Cathedral
interest to students.
between the past and the present, but fire and Charlottesville demonstrations
She hopes that in the future, she can
between her students and opportunity, as examples. She said when we are
take her students to the conference to
and between the University, community surrounded by the manipulation of
attend panels, meet faculty in graduate
and world. history, it is crucial to have an awareness
programs at other institutions and get in
Vicens is a historian of law and society that allows us to think critically about
touch with history by studying medieval
in medieval Spain and the Mediterranean important issues, including those of race
texts up close.
world who is involved in professional and equality.
“Studying a medieval manuscript is a
organizations such as the Medieval “If there’s one thing I want to leave with
life-changing experience for students,”
Academy of America (MAA) – the largest my students, it’s that it’s important to study
Vicens said. “It’s one of the most
organization in the U.S. promoting the history not just for what happened, but for
important moments in their education
field of medieval studies. what it means to us today,” she said.
because it makes what they’re studying
For Vicens, the Middle Ages is a time more tangible and real. It makes history
period of mystery and fascination. come alive.”
“There is a legacy of thinking of the Through Vicens, SU has a national
Middle Ages as the opposite of our presence in the discipline (see page 27)
‘civilized, structured societies’ of today,” – and it also shows colleagues at major
Vicens said. “But it’s also the site where research universities the importance of
we project our ideals of loyalty, courage the work being done at SU.
and upholding what you believe in.” “In a smaller university like ours, we
Vicens works with the programming keep our research agenda, but we’re
committee for the MAA’s 2023 Annual
Meeting, which puts her in an ideal
also invested in teaching our students
and in reaching out to our communities The Medieval
position to advocate for educational
opportunities for SU students. Currently,
to explain the events they see on social
media and in the news.”
Academy of America
the conference does not accept
2022 • GS&R • 9
Saltzberg’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher
“One of my favorite moments I have journal, which could include video of
Moving in the Right with students is when I lead them a professional’s work that would hold
Direction through a physical theatre exercise,” the same academic weight as a written
Dr. Matt Saltzberg Saltzberg said. “Then I tell them, ‘I hope article.
Assistant Professor / Theatre you realize you just did research.’” For Saltzberg, his active involvement
Saltzberg approaches theatre in his profession and dedication to his
With the word “research,” thoughts from a physical or movement-based practice is equally important as his
of science, technology and lab coats aesthetic and is interested in embodied teaching. In addition to teaching courses
may come to mind. Students in liberal research practices. He is involved with in performance, acting and theatre
arts disciplines may not even consider the Association of Theatre in Higher history, he also directs productions as
research or scholarly activity a possibility Education (ATHE) and is vice president part of SU’s main-stage theatre season.
for them. But Dr. Matt Saltzberg, assistant of the Association of Theatre Movement “If I’m going to teach my students
professor of theatre at SU, proves the Educators (ATME). His scholarly work how to be artists, I have to be an
value of developing scholarship, no has been published in books such as artist,” Saltzberg said. “How I work
matter what one’s interests may be. Physical Dramaturgy: Perspectives from professionally is not that different than
the Field and journals with international how I work with my students. If I want
scope such as Stanislavski Studies, to see them succeed, it would almost be
and he has been accepted to present disrespectful not to hold them to that
at international conferences. He also standard.”
earned awards including a Broadway For Saltzberg, this all comes to life on
World St. Louis Regional Award for Best the stage.
Direction of a Drama. “In the end, we are artisans who are
As part of ATME, one of his agendas making something,” Saltzberg said. “It’s
has been to encourage theatre so enlivening to create something to
professionals to write about their the end of engaging an audience in a
practice. This way, their work becomes dialogue. It’s no accident that theatre
part of an archive so their knowledge and democracy formed in the same
isn’t lost and can be shared. Part of historical moment. There’s something so
his vision is to start a digital scholarly meaningful about that.”
10 • GS&R • 2022FEATURE
an environment of international
Always Looking excellence.”
Forward Having these connections puts
Dr. Vinita Agarwal Agarwal in touch with matters of
Associate Professor / importance at the national level. She has
Communication been a part of national conversations
about how pedagogy is changing
As a scholar, professional and professor, in the post-pandemic era and how
much of Dr. Vinita Agarwal’s work is communication as a discipline can
about empowerment. contribute to addressing current issues.
In her research, she examines how This, in turn, enriches what she brings
complementary and alternative medicine into the classroom at SU. For example,
(CAM) approaches can help patients the health communication courses she
living with chronic pain to achieve a teaches have significant community
sense of agency in their care. Through collaboration components that benefit
leadership roles with communication 50 competitively selected papers at
her students as well as the University and
organizations, she is guiding the national and international conferences.
greater community.
conversation surrounding national issues. She is involved with the National
“My professional experiences have
In the classroom, her engagement in the Communication Association (NCA) –
helped me relate course content with
field gives her the oversight to help her the largest national association in the
a greater degree of immediacy to my
students make their careers take shape. discipline – and has held three leadership
students, so they understand how their
“The potential to make a positive positions in the organization, such as
interests in communication and public
impact through my scholarship is very her role serving as a member of the
relations can play a part moving forward,”
gratifying,” said Agarwal, associate Executive Committee.
Agarwal said. “I would like my students
professor of communication at SU. “The “Because NCA is the largest
to feel that they are on a lifelong journey
ability to get a bird’s eye view of how association in the U.S., my involvement
of learning, and I hope they give back as
health communication issues play out brings great exposure for SU, which
much as they gain from the world around
globally enriches my classroom and supported my research and helped me
them.”
helps me contribute toward increasing expand my interests in the direction of
diverse understandings of meanings of complementary and integrative health
health and wellness.” practices, therapeutic relationships,
Along with being published in some of and patient-provider communication,”
the top health communication journals, Agarwal said. “I hope the international
Agarwal has presented more than dimensions and visibility of my work
furthers SU’s commitment to cultivating
2022 • GS&R • 11College of Health and Human Services
Sexuality Educators, Counselors and experience SU students receive are the
Leading the Way into Therapists (AASECT); and led SU’s Public most current and relevant.
the Future Health Program to receive accreditation “These changes in curriculum
Dr. Brandye Nobiling through the Council on Education for and accreditation may seem like
Associate Professor and Program Public Health (CEPH). technicalities, but it helps me guide not
Director / Public Health This may seem like “alphabet soup” to only my courses for my students but
those outside of the field; however, the also the program at SU,” Nobiling said. “I
For faculty in SU’s College of Health effects are far-reaching. can talk to professionals at TidalHealth,
and Human Services (CHHS), there is a Because of her national presence, and they will give me ideas about how
direct line between their professional Nobiling was one of six people appointed to incorporate what is important and
engagement and the future of health by SOPHE to an elite group of health relevant to real sites right now. With that
care. education professionals to revise its gold seal, students who come here know
All across the college’s three schools, teacher preparation standards for they’re getting the best quality education
faculty are actively involved in their undergraduate programs, an effort that possible.”
fields, attending national conferences, led to her receiving a SOPHE Presidential
conducting research, and presenting Citation in 2019. These standards are
and publishing their work. As professors, required readings in teacher education
many stress the importance of staying and physical education programs across
relevant in their fields because it ensures the country.
their students receive the most up-to- Nobiling’s involvement with SOPHE
date and accurate information that will also has a direct effect on SU students.
propel them into their careers. Starting in 2017, she began bringing
“Health care changes all the time,” said a group of students in SU’s Epsilon Xi
Dr. Brandye Nobiling, director of SU’s chapter to the national ESG convention,
Public Health Program. “We are always where they have won awards from
thinking about how to better meet the SOPHE consecutively each year. With
needs of our students as well as the SOPHE being the leading public health
needs of the workforce.” education organization in the nation,
When it comes to her professional this is a major honor that proves SU’s
work, Nobiling has her hands full. She reputation for excellence in public health
is involved with the Society for Public and health education.
Health Education (SOPHE) and Eta As a leader at SU and nationally in her
Sigma Gamma (ESG) honor society for field, Nobiling is a point of contact for
health education; is nationally certified health education. Having the oversight
through the American Association of she does ensures the information and
12 • GS&R • 2022Her research background ranges from
Seeing the Best of nurse shark immunology, transfusion
Both Worlds medicine and blood banking, to
Dr. Christina Camillo disciplinary literacy practices of MLS.
Clinical Coordinator and Assistant She said the similarities between medical
Professor / Medical Laboratory laboratory testing in animals and humans
Science is surprising, and her MLS education at
SU prepared her well for both sides.
When it comes to career opportunities Because of the skills SU’s MLS
for students of SU’s Medical Laboratory Program teaches, students who are
Science (MLS) Program, the possibilities interested in working with animals have
are about as numerous as there are fish 2002 and previously served as editor-in-
a number of career paths available to
in the sea. chief and co-chair of the organization’s
them. They could go into research and
Dr. Christina Camillo ’01, Ed.D.’19, annual conference program. After
wildlife rehab, or work in laboratories
clinical coordinator and assistant dedicating nearly two decades of service
at zoos and aquariums as Camillo
professor of MLS and a graduate of to human and animal laboratory science
did. For example, SeaWorld hires
the program herself, can attest to that. and the support of related research, she
medical laboratory scientists and other
After doing her senior paper on seal cell recently was honored with the AZVT’s
positions where it is important to have
research and completing an internship Lifetime Achievement Award.
a background in research and medical
at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, She said her professional and scholarly
laboratory operations. The San Diego
MD, she was offered a job and continued work often crosses over into her
Zoo, the most-visited zoo in the U.S., also
to work for the aquarium’s lab for six teaching, not only because she can offer
employs lab professionals.
years. Now, she is the resident expert for advice to her students about animal
“Our students can bring their lab
any student who wishes to explore their studies but because she can teach them
experience into these niche professions
opportunities in the program and pursue important research tools like putting
because a lot of the skills we teach
veterinary medicine. together proposals and writing, editing,
are highly valued in lab and research
“It’s important for students to know citing and presenting.
settings,” Camillo said. “It’s exciting that’s
there are other options,” Camillo said. “I think the animal side of things can
the case.”
“They don’t just have to work in a be very challenging, but there’s a reason
In addition to having a diverse
hospital.” these people are so passionate about
professional background, Camillo
Camillo worked for the National what they do,” Camillo said. “It’s exciting
remains actively engaged in her field. She
Aquarium before returning to Salisbury that I’m able to pass that on to my
has been a member of the Association of
to work for TidalHealth and teach at SU. students.”
Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT) since
2022 • GS&R • 13Henson School of Science and Technology
for a scientific commentator to cover a When it comes to exposing students
Giving Voice to volcanic explosion six years ago, they to diversity, he believes international
Global Issues were put in contact with Namwamba. engagement is one of the most
Dr. Fulbert Namwamba He has been the authority on matters important aspects.
Professor / Environmental Studies such as geography and climate change “Some things our students see on
and Geography ever since, and he now covers other TV and don’t realize how it affects
topics including politics. He was the them,” Namwamba said. “When events
Several years ago, Dr. Fulbert chief commentator during the Obama happen on campus that affect minority
Namwamba joined members of SU’s and Trump presidential elections. He communities – whether they are people
Geography Department on a trip to does two to three interviews with Voice of color, women or LGBTQIA+ individuals
Tanzania. While the group was out of America each week and still does – some students may not understand
to dinner, Namwamba’s name was interviews with BBC, as well as appearing the impact because they have not been
announced over the speakers. Everyone as a panelist on Kenya Television sensitized to diversity so they can react
around them stood up and applauded. Network, the leading TV network in proactively.”
Overseas, Namwamba’s face is well- the Republic of Kenya. Still, he says his For Namwamba, this effort starts in the
known. He has spent about 15 years primary role is as a professor. classroom. When teaching classes that
appearing as a Swahili commentator “For me, being on TV and radio is like address energy and the environment, for
for the BBC and six years for Voice a big classroom where I do outreach of example, he may look at the impact of
of America Swahili Service, which what I do at SU,” Namwamba said. “When petroleum pipelines on Native American
broadcasts to six countries in Africa and I share my interviews with my students, reservations. What’s important is that
several pockets of Swahili-speaking even though they don’t understand issues of diversity are built into the
communities in West and Southern Swahili, they get inspired to think curriculum in a way that encourages
Africa, the Middle East and Asia. globally.” students to be open-minded and start
Even so, at the time, he was shocked. Internationalization and global building a global mindset.
“I realized that I am an ambassador of perspectives are key to Namwamba’s His methods have a very positive
SU out there,” he said. teaching. In addition to sharing his impact on his students, who have formed
A Kenya native, Namwamba is fluent experiences in the classroom, he has lasting relationships with peers in East
in Swahili. He also has a professional also taken his students on study abroad Africa after taking study abroad classes
background as a geologist, geographer trips to East Africa. He was involved in with him and earned international jobs in
and environmentalist. When Voice of the founding of the African Area Studies Washington, DC.
America Swahili Service was looking Program at SU and is on the Faculty “I realize that as soon as I engage my
Senate Cultural Diversity and Inclusion students and they love me for what I do
Committee. Looking ahead, he would in my teaching, they do not see color,”
like to introduce Swahili courses to the Namwamba said. “Instead, they see that
University. we are all human.”networks, reconstructing medical
Helping Students Access images, increasing function speeds for
Their Potential geographic information systems, and
Dr. Enyue Lu strengthening computer and network
Professor / Computer Science security.
Becoming an REU site is highly
For Dr. Enyue Lu, professor of computer competitive, and most are found at
science at SU, one of the greatest large research institutions. Despite this,
rewards of teaching is helping students SU has received funding for four REU
realize their potential. sites since 2012, each running for three
That’s why she is dedicated to years. This designation is a testimony
integrating her research into the of the superior research opportunities
classroom, working alongside her undergraduates receive at SU. The REU
students and allowing them to be co- site also recruits students from across
authors and participants in projects that the U.S., improving the University’s
will prepare them for diverse career national visibility as a program that has
paths in computer science. access to high-performance computing.
“SU has very talented students,” Lu After completing the REU program, after researching network security
said. “Doing this kind of hands-on work many students submit their projects anomalies and how to increase the
and learning practical skills in a research to professional conferences such efficiency of the Gale and Shapley
setting is a great opportunity for them to as the Association for Computing algorithms of graphing.
explore the possibilities.” Machinery (ACM)/ Institute of Electrical Lu said that while SU is a teaching
In 2012, the National Science and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) institution, it is equally important for
Foundation (NSF) selected SU as an Supercomputing Conference and her as a faculty member to be involved
official Research Experiences for National Conference on Undergraduate in scholarship and research. When
Undergraduates (REU) site in the fields Research. These opportunities are her students receive the most current
of computer and information science extremely competitive, but Lu’s knowledge and experiences by working
and engineering. Lu proposed the students have had great success alongside her, it gives them an edge with
project named “EXERCISE: Explore in taking their projects forward to the ever-changing technology they will
Emerging Computing in Science and present at conferences, publish their use in their careers.
Engineering” and has since work and enter graduate programs. “Students get so much attention from
mentored students in the Most recently, computer science the faculty here at SU, they are surprised
10-week summer program graduates Ian Thomas ’21 and what they can accomplish,” Lu said.
as they delve into projects Michael Mandulak ’21 were “We truly want to bring the best to our
such as analyzing accepted into graduate programs students.”
patterns across social
2022 • GS&R • 15Dr. Ryan Taylor
every female. In their Robofrog Lab,
Asking the Important Taylor and Hunter digitally synthesize
Dr. Kim Hunter
Questions the male frog’s call and survey a sample
Throughout their research, they have
Dr. Ryan Taylor of female frogs from the population to
collaborated with professionals across
Professor / Biological Sciences determine their preference.
the globe, including at the Smithsonian
Dr. Kim Hunter Over the years, their research has
Tropical Research Institute in Panama.
Professor / Biological Sciences grown more sophisticated, as they look
However, some of their most important
at other factors that may influence a
If you asked Drs. Ryan Taylor and Kim collaborations happen right here at SU.
female frog’s decision and how she
Hunter about their research, they might In addition to working with Henson
detects signals from the male frogs in
point to a peacock. technician Paul Clements, who designed
such a noisy environment. For example,
Their research involves animal diversity technology for the project, including
they have a robotic frog with a silicone
and evolution – only instead of peacocks, the current robotic frog model, the lab
vocal sac that simulates the way a male
they study túngara frogs. values collaboration with students of all
frog’s throat pouch inflates when it calls.
“One of the mechanisms that drives backgrounds and interests. Art students
Taylor describes this as being similar to
evolution is female mate choice,” Taylor have helped make frog models out of
humans lip reading at loud parties.
said. “Because eggs are scarce and clay. Students with computer skills have
Although the overarching study deals
sperm are abundant, the few males that helped with the sound files. Students
with evolution and animal behavior, it
do mate put their genes into the next interested in gaming have made 3D
intersects with genetics and biodiversity,
generation. It’s females that are choosing models of foam nests to take into the
cognitive processes, and technology.
which of those traits make it to the next field using SU’s MakerLab facilities.
Their work can be applied to numerous
generation.” “The amazing thing is that all of the
other areas, including research on
If you take a look around at nature, work and technology is coming from SU,”
hearing deficits and hearing aids.
frogs calling, crickets chirping, birds Taylor said. “Even though we’re working
“This frog research is an amazing
singing and the male peacock’s colorful with scientists at the Smithsonian and
system to ask lots of important
plumage all result from competition Research 1 universities, we’re leading this
questions,” Hunter said. “That’s what I
among males to attract a mate. work.”
love about our research. It’s bigger than
“All this work goes back to Darwin,” “No one person does the same thing
any one person.”
Hunter said. “He was asking these big in our lab,” Hunter said. “That kind of
Taylor and Hunter’s work has been
questions of evolution in biology. We’ve collaboration is rare, and I think it’s what
published in top journals such as
just amped up the game and made the makes us continue with this research and
the American Association for the
questions more complicated, comparing keep asking more important questions.”
Advancement of Science. They have
what we can learn from the túngara received multiple competitive grants
frogs to other animal systems and even from the National Science Foundation
ourselves.” and are currently funded for around
The biology professors’ research takes $900,000. They have received attention
them to Panama, where the male frogs from popular press such as The New
congregate at ponds at night and start York Times and BBC, and they have been
vocalizing to attract a mate. On any given invited to give talks all over the world,
night, the ratio may be 10-20 males for from Australia to Vienna.
16 • GS&R • 2022FEATURE
Seidel School of Education
editors. Together, they work with about such as how teachers are working with
Gaining Global 200 other professionals on the editorial linguistically and culturally diverse
Insights board and review hundreds of articles for learners.”
Drs. Judi Franzak, Laurie Henry, the journal. The group said that many of their
Koomi Kim, Heather Porter and “The journal has a lot of importance students are amazed and very proud
Thea Williamson to us as scholars and teachers,” Franzak of the fact that SU hosts the journal’s
Department of Literacy Studies said. “We’ve written for the journal editorial team. Students in SU’s master’s
ourselves, and several of us have served programs tend to be members of the
SU has proud roots as a teaching on the editorial board before. It’s helped local affiliate of ILA. In this way, the
institution. Professors here are known us gain insight to help our students at SU, journal provides them a connection
for being mentors to their students, who are working in everyday educational to the larger organization for their
getting to know them on a personal contexts.” professional lives.
level and encouraging them to see the The journal covers topics that are It also brings national esteem to the
possibilities for their future. being discussed in classrooms across University, as an institution that supports
What’s even more incredible is that the world, from understanding young scholarly activity on this scale. Porter
they can merge their love for teaching students as writers, the culture around said this is an attractive reason why new
with scholarly activity that rivals that of TikTok book talk, and even literature and scholars and young professors want
research institutions. cosplay in the Middle East. to come work at SU and be part of the
Faculty in SU’s Seidel School of Williamson said one of the most community.
Education are a prime example of how important insights the journal gives them “We’re appreciative of the support
dedication to teaching and professional that they can pass on to their students from SU for these types of scholarly
excellence can align to bring out the best is how knowledge is produced in the endeavors,” Henry said. “This could not
in their students and the University as a scholarly world. For students finding happen without strong institutional
whole. their way in the field of education and commitment to it.”
Through a competitive process, for those pursing professional degrees,
faculty in the Department of Literacy they find out how to transfer research
Studies were selected to host the into something accessible for audiences,
editorship for the Journal of Adolescent how an article might turn into a policy
and Adult Literacy, the premier journal recommendation or a requirement for
in their field which is owned by the their job, and how to choose books to
International Literacy Association (ILA). teach in their classrooms.
Dr. Judi Franzak acts as senior editor for “We use their articles often in our
the journal, with colleagues Drs. Laurie own classrooms to help our students
Henry, Koomi Kim, Heather Porter and in various contexts,” Kim said. “They
Thea Williamson serving alongside her as get to know about important issues,
Dr. Judi Franzak Dr. Laurie Henry Dr. Koomi Kim Dr. Heather Porter Dr. Thea WilliamsonFEATURE
middle level peer-reviewed journal, these
Making Every Voice Heard are conversations that Clark engages
Dr. Shanetia Clark with daily, both in her professional work
Associate Professor of Literacy, and in the classroom. Reading the entries
Chair / Early and Elementary for the journal is an exciting experience
Education for her because she gets to see the
The moment you put a book in a child’s amazing work teachers are doing in their
hands is a special experience. classrooms – even amidst challenges like
Stories have power. They can inspire a global pandemic – and think about how
a young person to reach for their to pass that knowledge onto her own
dreams. They can give comfort for those students.
struggling with something they don’t She also has been on award
know how to talk about. They can make committees such as Notable Children’s
a child feel accepted and loved for who Books for the Language Arts and the
they are. Jane Addams Children’s Book Award for
A child can also feel lost and alienated books to have in a classroom library or books that engage children in thinking
when they don’t see themselves in the to teach to students, it’s important to about social justice and equity. She
narratives surrounding them. be very thoughtful and deliberate about brings these books into her ELED 350
“It is so important to have different what a child may take away from a book. Literature for Children course so her
types of books that speak to everyone These stories can help children begin to students can experience, inspect and
in the classroom,” said Shanetia Clark, understand abstract ideas such as safety, critique them. They are able to have
chair of SU’s Department of Early and peace, empathy and diversity. They also conversations about books dealing
Elementary Education. “I think there’s a are one of their first entry points into the with issues such as race, LGBTQIA+
stigma that ‘it’s just a kid’s book.’ People community of literacy, and that special and religion, and ask themselves what
don’t understand all the messages and experience is something she tries to messages are being taught, who is
power that they hold.” impart upon students in her education absent and who is present.
Clark works with children’s and young courses at SU. “Let Black or Brown children see
adult literature. She said when choosing “I try to bring the joy back into themselves as the hero,” Clark said. “Let
reading so they can share that with their there be women scientists. Let there be
students,” Clark said. “You want every books with different types of families.
student to feel present, seen, valued.” We need books that celebrate and give
As the co-editor of Voices from the voice to what kids are experiencing.” v
Middle, the National Council of English
18 • GS&R • 2022Faculty Development Center Supports SU’s
Unique Community of Faculty
Faculty Development Center Supports
SU’s Unique Community of Faculty
Over the course of the past two years, there faculty success and professor in biological writing program that drew from the
has been a lot of change and activity for sciences. “It’s important we put our own National Center for Faculty Development
Salisbury University’s faculty. oxygen masks on before we try to save those and Diversity, where SU has an institutional
As mental health issues became a more around us.” membership. As part of the program, they
visible concern and personal lives started to The Faculty Development Center were able to support each other in efforts
cross over into academic lives, SU faculty is a place where faculty can come for to get articles published, submit grants and
have gone above and beyond to take care professional development opportunities, further their scholarship. Clark said what
of their students’ needs. Many students personal wellness, time management was special about the experience was that
were able to succeed in the conditions of a strategies, and support in the classroom and she got to see not only the remarkable work
global pandemic because of the dedication in their scholarship. It will integrate some that SU faculty were producing but the
of their professors. of the existing resources on campus, such community that they cultivated. She thinks
Meanwhile, faculty have been facing as Instructional Design and Delivery, to that community is what has gotten them
many of the same struggles. They, too, provide a holistic center for faculty support. through the past two years.
have had to figure out how to take care The center is soon to be named after a “Everyone is so burned out that it’s
of children as schools were closing, look faculty vote. hard to get people to show up and add
after elderly parents, and protect their own Clark hopes the center will help faculty onto their list of things to do, but the
health and well-being – all while adjusting as they strive to align their personal and remarkable thing is that SU faculty are still
their teaching methods, learning how to professional goals. showing up in their scholarship,” Clark
run an effective classroom virtually and “A lot of us came to SU because we said. “Every day I hear about an amazing
ensuring the success of their students. didn’t want to give up one opportunity or publication that came out, a grant that
Now, SU faculty will have a new resource another,” Clark said. “We wanted to be in was awarded or some other readout of
to turn to. the classroom interacting with our students, the active engagement of our faculty. The
The Faculty Development Center aims staying current in our scholarship and still commitment they continue to make to the
to provide a 360-degree center to support have a meaningful personal life. We have a growth and success of our students, but also
the needs of faculty members, not only as unique population of faculty here at SU in that same commitment to one another –
instructors and scholars, but as people. that we are able to grow and nurture these that’s really the strength of SU’s faculty.” v
“Now more than ever, we need to look different aspects of our lives.”
at the faculty member as a whole person,” Last summer, SU faculty had the
said Dr. Jessica Clark, assistant provost for opportunity to participate in a summer
2022 • GS&R • 19Graduate Programs for Today and Tomorrow
Graduate Programs
for Today and Tomorrow
By Elizabeth Geiger ’21
Since 1962, Salisbury University Graduate Programs Henson School of Science and
have grown to 15 master’s degrees, 2 doctoral Technology
programs, and several post-baccalaureate and The Henson School provides an outstanding, student-
post-master’s certificates, meeting the challenges centered environment in which expert faculty empower
of our ever-changing world and job market. The SU students with knowledge and skills from science,
graduate curriculum is designed to assist students, mathematical and health-related disciplines. The Master
new professionals or those in established careers to of Science in Applied Biology allows students to
gain greater mastery in their fields of interest, while perform laboratory research to gain valuable experience
also providing new ways of thinking, improving skills while focusing on the growing need of a technologically
that are irreplaceable by technology and gaining new trained workforce. With collaborations with national
perspectives for today’s dynamic work environments. organizations such as the National Oceanic and
The graduate degree and certificate programs are Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics
career-focused, while also based on developing and Space Administration, the Smithsonian, and the
the critical thinking and communication skills of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to local organizations like
the individual. Class size is limited to maintain a Maryland Coastal Bays and the Maryland Department of
low student/faculty ratio that facilitates not only Natural Resources, SU’s program prepares graduates for
collaboration and participation, but also individualized collaborative work within the biology disciplines.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a
attention and instruction.
Master of Science in Mathematics Education. This
program is focused on those who would like to teach
Fulton School of Liberal Arts
mathematics at a middle school or high school level. The
The Fulton School is one of the largest and most diverse
program allows for flexibility that is important to our
schools at SU with its discipline-based and interdisciplinary
current educators, allowing full-time teachers to take one
programs. The Department of Conflict Analysis and
or two classes a year.
Dispute Resolution provides a Master of Arts to
Also housed in the Henson School of Science and
distinguished students who are driven to provide skilled
Technology is the Master of Science in Geographic
conflict resolution locally, nationally or internationally.
Information Systems Management – now in its 15th
A partnership with SU’s Bosserman Center for Conflict
year. The M.S. in GISM is a nationally ranked, fully online
Resolution, recently designated as a United Nations
program that can be completed in 13 months (full time) or
Regional Center of Expertise, allows students to have
two years (part time) and is specifically designed for the
practical experience in the field, alongside theoretical
advancement of GIS professionals.
research methods. In March 2021, Intelligent named the
master’s program among the best in the nation.
College of Health and Human
The English Department’s master’s program provides
students with three tracks to pursue: Rhetoric and
Services
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the health
Composition, Literature, and Teaching English to Speakers
care industry will add more jobs than any other industry
of Other Languages. The department has established a
in the coming years, and the School of Social Work and
comprehensive program supporting students pursuing a
School of Nursing graduate programs are providing
variety of goals – earning a Ph.D., career advancement or
the skills and knowledge to the next generation of
entering the workforce.
professionals.
The Master of Arts in History allows students to
SU’s Master of Social Work is offered at five
grow their research interests in many areas of U.S. and
convenient locations throughout Maryland, as well as a
world history through one-on-one mentoring by diverse
fully online option. It provides students with flexibility
faculty, small class sizes and access to on-campus archival
by offering classes in a hybrid format, allowing working
materials, housed in SU’s Nabb Center, where students
professionals to succeed within this program. The
can research rare artifacts, books and manuscripts from
department is working diligently to approve two new
as early as the 17th century. Recently, a history graduate
specializations to the program, so as to offer their students
student developed a Black History Walking Tour of
the best outcomes in the field.
Salisbury, which provides rich insight into the history of the
Salisbury area and community (see page 26).
20 • GS&R • 2022You can also read
