South Florida State College

Undergraduate researchers and their faculty mentors

AVON PARK, Fla. – March 27, 2024 – South Florida State College (SFSC) students presented research at the 87th annual meeting of the Florida Academy of Sciences that was held on Friday, March 8 at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla.

The Florida Academy of Sciences was founded in 1936 and is the Florida Affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Academy sponsors the Florida Junior Academy of Sciences to encourage young scientists; publishes the quarterly journal, “Florida Scientist”; and sponsors an annual meeting to give members an opportunity to present papers, honor their peers, and participate in multidisciplinary scientific exchanges.

Although most undergraduate researchers presenting at the Florida Academy of Sciences meeting were from state or private universities, SFSC students came from one of two Florida state colleges that made presentations – including Indian River State College.

“Students performing research as a part of their classes and then presenting their results at conferences greatly bolsters their confidence and identity as real scholars or scientists,” said Dr. James Hawker, SFSC dean of Arts and Sciences. “It opens their eyes to a larger world.”

During the meeting, four SFSC students won awards for their presentations. They were:

Colten Denby for Outstanding Undergraduate Poster in the Medical Sciences Section. He presented on “Evaluating the Role of the Melatonin in the Mitochondrion-mediated Apoptosis in Thyroid Cancer Cell (MDA-T41),” and his faculty mentor was Dr. Daniel Sanches, chair, Natural Sciences, and Biology instructor.

Kim Pham and Jesus Hernandez for Outstanding Undergraduate Oral Presentation in the Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals Section. They presented on “GC-MC Analysis of Compounds Present in the Endangered Plant Ziziphus Celata,” and their faculty mentor was Dr. Kate Calvin, Chemistry instructor.

Esmeralda Morales for Outstanding Undergraduate Poster in the Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals Section. Her presentation was on “Differential Expression of Metabolites in Genetic Variants of the Endangered Plan Ziziphus Celata,” and her faculty mentor was Dr. Kate Calvin.

Other SFSC students scientific research presentations given at the Florida Academy of Sciences meeting were:

“Engineering 3D Printed Tool for Relieving Body Tension” by Mikylla Torralba, Ean Cheng, and Wendy Jiang. Faculty mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel, Biology instructor, and Garrett Lee, coordinator, Engineering Program.

“Preserving Florida’s Unique Biodiversity through DNA Barcoding” by Rebecca Kesling. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.

“The Oral Microbiome and its adverse relationship with Obesity and Metabolic rates” by Sammi Rather. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.

“Florida Scrub Species Identification Through DNA Barcoding” by Daniella Grace Jeanjaquet, Irfan Mahadi Sharif, Wendy Jiang, and Jean F. Fleurimond. Faculty mentors: Dr. Joseph Velenovsky, Biology instructor; Dr. Mintoo Patel; Dr. Daniel Sanches; and Dr. James Hawker.

“An Economic Analysis of the Mango Horticulture Industry: Evaluating Factors Influencing Global Agriculture” by Ean Cheng. Faculty mentor: Peggy Sueppel, Economics professor.

“Microbial Masterpieces: The Symphony of Science and Creativity” by Mikyla Torralba, Wendy Jiang, and Jesus Hernandez. Faculty mentors: Dr. Mintoo Patel; Karla Respress, Art professor; Anthony Record, curator, Museum of Florida Art and Culture; and Garrett Lee.

“E-cadherin Expression as a Predictor of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer” by Anika Bhandare. Faculty mentor: Dr. Mintoo Patel.

For more information about undergraduate research at SFSC, contact Dr. James Hawker at 863-784-7329 or james.hawker@southflorida.edu.

David Steele, communication scholar and veteran educator

March 22, 2024 – On Friday, March 29, South Florida State College (SFSC) will host its annual Professional Development Day from 8 a.m. to noon for its staff and faculty to enhance their skills and knowledge of current education and employment topics. David Steele, a communication scholar and veteran educator, will present “Communication, Excellence, and the Meaning of Life” to kick off the informative day.

“SFSC is delighted to have David Steele on campus to invigorate our collective spirit and fortify our commitment to academic excellence,” said Dr. Michele Heston, vice president for student services and academic affairs at SFSC. “We hope that he will reignite our sense of purpose as educators and community advocates as we serve our region’s residents.”

David Steele will share insights on the relationship between intentional communication and institutional excellence in an increasingly online world. His presentation will be a blend of information, inspiration, and humor, fitting for employees within higher education.

Steele has been a professional communicator for over 30 years and has served in C-suite roles in higher education, nonprofit, and private sector organizations in the southeastern and midwestern United States. He is currently completing a dissertation in organizational communication at the University of South Florida (USF).

His prior positions have included service as a Chamber of Commerce executive in three states, executive director of a research center at Purdue University, communications and public affairs officer at the USF and Polk State College, chief marketing officer at the Florida Department of Citrus, and, most recently, chief of staff at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Steele has also taught undergraduate courses in political science, communication, and leadership studies at USF and UTC. He holds degrees from Ashland University in Ohio and the University of Notre Dame and is completing a Ph.D. at USF. Steele currently lives in Chattanooga, Tenn. with his wife and their two children.

Following Steele’s keynote, leaders within SFSC will present on topics to continue the instruction. Topics include Employee Mentoring, Influential Writing, General Education Data and Best Practices, and Winning Mindset, among others. For the first time, employees were invited to create posters to present current research or practice. There will be 26 posters on display.

March 8, 2024 – Steve Augeri is an American rock singer who was the lead vocalist for the rock group Journey from 1998 to 2006. Best known for replacing original lead singer Steve Perry, he debuted with the seven-time platinum “Armageddon” soundtrack. Augeri toured and recorded three albums with Journey for eight years. Steve Augeri will perform at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College in Avon Park on Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Members of the Steve Augeri Band include Adam Holland, Gerard Zappa, Craig Pullman, and Adam Augeri.

“This is a rock and roll concert with a lot of heart and soul,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “It’s high energy and you’ll hear a lot of everyone’s favorite Journey songs like “Don’t Stop Believin” and “Faithfully.”

Before Journey, Augeri was a founding member of Epic recording artists Tall Stories. The group released their eponymous debut in 1992 and long-awaited follow-up “Skyscraper” in 2009. He then moved on to melodic rock group Tyketto, with whom he recorded the 1970s retro-sounding “Shine” album.

In 2023, Augeri released his first studio album, “Seven Ways Til Sunday,” and performed that summer with the Bret Michaels “Pardi Gras” tour along with Night Ranger, Jefferson Starship, and Mark McGrath.

Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto County teachers are eligible for Teacher Rush Tickets for this performance. “Educators with a valid school ID can purchase tickets on the night of the show at our box office at a 50% discount,” said Cindy Garren. “It’s our small way to thank teachers for their hard work and commitment to students.”

Tickets begin at $38 and are available now. The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is located at 600 West College Drive on the Highlands Campus of South Florida State College. The 1,460-seat performing arts center features orchestra, balcony, and box seating. Tickets can be purchased at the SFSC Box Office, by calling 863-784-7178, or online at sfscARTS.org.

Jason Dunkel, AdventHealth president and CEO; Andrew Santos, chief operating officer at AdventHealth; Jamie Bateman, vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs at SFSC; and Fred Hawkins, president of SFSC

March 5, 2024 – This year’s South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation Platinum Annual Sponsor is AdventHealth with locations in Sebring, Lake Placid, and Wauchula. Sponsor support improves the lives of our students and enhances our community.

“South Florida State College is a vital, longstanding partner for AdventHealth Sebring, Lake Placid, and Wauchula,” said Jason Dunkel, AdventHealth president and CEO. “Therefore, we’re proud to support the SFSC Foundation due to the deep community investment that will result.”

AdventHealth supports SFSC’s students, faculty, staff, and the region it serves. Students complete clinicals at AdventHealth locations and learn from their experienced and caring nurses. They are not just a generous sponsor; they are a community partner in providing opportunities for our Health Science students to receive the training and knowledge they need to pursue a lucrative and caring career in healthcare.

“We are grateful for the support of a community partner like AdventHealth,” said Jamie Bateman, vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs at SFSC. “Their dedication and passion for education and patient care enhance the opportunities available to our students in achieving their goals and impacting our communities.”

For more information on how to support the SFSC Foundation and Pave the Path to Success for our students, call 863-453-3133 or email foundation@southflorida.edu.