Thursday, September 27, 2018

Nursing White Coat Ceremony for 108 Students


On September 16, 2018 the Nursing Department hosted the fifth annual White Coat Ceremony. White Coat Ceremonies in medical, nursing, and other health care schools are designed to instill a commitment to providing compassionate care among these future health professionals. The program forum at Bloomsburg University is designed to promote humanistic, patient-centered care among nursing students as they enter their first clinical experiences. In 2014, the Nursing Department at Bloomsburg University was one of 100 schools nationwide and one of only three schools in the state of PA to adopt the White Coat Ceremony.  The ceremony is supported by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in collaboration with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The Bloomsburg University Nursing department continues to take great pride in offering this program.  There were 108 sophomore-level students who participated in the ceremony with approximately 350 proud family members and friends in attendance.   

Guest speaker Lissa Bryan-Smith MHA, RN, Vice-President, at Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital and Woodbine campuses
addresses the sophomore class.


Dr. Sheila Hartung PhD, RN, Chair of the Nursing 
Department addresses the sophomore class.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Digital Forensics students attend GrrCon

BU students attend GrrCon
About 30 students from Bloomsburg University traveled to GrrCon Cyber Security Summit and Hacker Conference in Grand Rapids, MI on September 6-7, 2018. GrrCON is an information security and hacking conference that provides a venue to bring together the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the hacker, the security practitioner, and the researcher. In addition to speakers and workshops, there was an expo where students could learn about new products, talk to vendors and drop off a resume for those that would be graduating soon. Bloomsburg also had a team enter the Open Source INTelligence Capture The Flag Contest at GrrCon.

Michael Rumbough, BU digital forensics major, learned about important concepts in the field, "As a Digital Forensics major hoping to go into cyber security, GrrConn I taught me crucial information I can use during my career. I learned about social engineering, a form of hacking which relies heavily on manipulating others to get malware or a virus onto a computer. Knowing about social engineering will help me prepare for a future career in cyber security because it will be a threat I will face during my job."

BU undergrad Lucas Pertschi learned about new careers available in the field. "The talks put on at the conference helped show us what individuals in the field are working on, or what they believe needs to be worked and focused on. They also can open some of our eyes to what sorts of positions we could work in, outside what we may have already heard of through professors or alumni."

Monday, September 24, 2018

Kathryn Sherry explores neuroscience at Boston University School of Medicine

Kathryn Sherry
Kathryn Sherry, a junior Biology, Pre-medical Sciences major, attended the 2018 Summer Program In Neuroscience (SPIN) at Boston University School of Medicine. As part of the program, Kathryn had the opportunity to take a neuroanatomy class, conduct neurology-based research,and shadow the neurosurgery team in the operating room. Kathryn was mentored by Dr. Stephanie Bissonette DO, MPH, a board certified neurologist with a fellowship in movement disorders. Kathryn shadowed Dr. Bissonette in the clinic and worked with her on research that investigated the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. As part of this project, Kathryn had the opportunity to observe electrode implantation surgeries. Kathryn was impressed by the dedication of all of the medical professionals to excellent patient care, citing their listening ability and critical thinking skills.
Kathryn at the Anatomy and Neurobiology Department
at the Boston University School of Medicine

Among Kathryn's highlights of the SPIN program were the relationships she formed with patients, her mentor, and other student participants. Kathryn found the experience to be inspirational stating that "One day I hope to be a caring and well rounded physician as she is." Kathryn's summer experience was funded by a Professional Experience Grant, the College of Science and Technology, and the College of Graduate Studies and Extended Programs.


Kathryn, front row, third from left. poses with
other SPIN program participants

~from bloomsburgbiosynthesis.blogspot.com

Thursday, September 13, 2018

BU Mathematics alumnus Ryan Evans at NIST

Credit: J. Stoughton/NIST
Ryan Evans recently completed his tenure as a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow. He earned a BS in Mathematics from Bloomsburg University in 2010, an M.S. in mathematics from the University of Delaware in 2013, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Delaware in 2016. Dr. Evans was recently profiled on the NIST blog. Read about his experience as an intern at the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST).

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Minemyer paper published by London Mathematical Society












Dr. Barry Minemyer, assistant professor of MADS, will have a research paper published in an edition of the "London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series", October 2018. According to the Cambridge University press website, "This volume consists of eleven peer-reviewed papers on some of the most recent developments at the interface of topology and geometric group theory. The authors have given particular attention to clear exposition, making this volume especially useful for graduate students and for mathematicians in other areas interested in gaining a taste of this rich and active field." A wide cross-section of topics in geometric group theory and topology are represented, including Dr. Minemyer's paper titled, "Intrinsic Geometry of a Euclidean Simplex".

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Congratulations to Faculty who earned Tenure and Promotion

John Huckans, Physics and Engineering
Huckans was promoted to professor of physics. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from Cornell and his master’s from Johns Hopkins. After practicing engineering in Washington, DC, he earned a doctorate in physics from the University of Maryland where he worked in the laboratory of Nobel laureate William D. Phillips at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Huckans specializes in ultracold atomic physics. Here in Pennsylvania, he has studied the collisional properties of rubidium and lithium atoms. He also regularly performs research in quantum magnetism using chromium and strontium atoms at the Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers at Paris Nord in France. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and presented his work at numerous national and international conferences.


Philip Polstra, Mathematical and Digital Sciences Polstra was granted tenure and promoted to professor of digital forensics. He received his bachelor's degree in physics and mathematics from Calvin College, his master's degree in low-temperature condensed matter physics from Purdue University, and his doctorate in business administration with an emphasis in computer and information security from Northcentral University. Polstra specializes in developing new methods and hardware for performing forensic investigations and security penetration testing. His research interests include developing new hardware and methods for multiple areas in information security. He has published four books on forensics and penetration testing since joining Bloomsburg University in 2014. He is an internationally recognized expert in several areas including Linux, Windows, and USB forensics, reverse engineering, hardware hacking, and security penetration testing. He is a frequently requested international conference speaker. He has also founded Bloomsburg University's BloomCON Computer Security and Forensics Conference.


Chris Lynd, Mathematical and Digital Sciences
Lynd was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor of mathematics. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from the Ohio State University. After teaching mathematics in high school for 12 years, he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Rhode Island and earned his master’s degree and a doctorate in mathematics. His research interests include systems of difference equations, competitive theory, bifurcation theory, and nested radicals. He has authored or co-authored eight papers in peer-reviewed journals. He presented research at the 23rd International Conference on Difference Equations, presented at seven different national conferences for the American Mathematical Society (AMS), and presented at 11 different regional conferences for the AMS. He has refereed eight papers for major publications and is a reviewer for Mathematical Reviews®, which is a division of the AMS.


Lori Metzger, Nursing
Metzger was promoted to associate professor in the nursing department. She received her master’s degree in nursing with a certification as a nurse practitioner from Bloomsburg University and her doctoral degree in human development in health promotion from Marywood University. After practicing nursing in professional staff and administrative roles, she is now in her 13th year at Bloomsburg University. She has taught across the undergraduate curriculum and the graduate level, primarily in the public health nursing course with a specialty in the care of older adults. She has published a chapter in a textbook on health literacy for older adults and two articles in peer-reviewed journals. She is also the co-founder and current director of the Center for Healthy Aging that benefits of older adults and undergraduate students in our community through education, research and community service.


Kimberly Olszewski, Nursing
Olszewski was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor of nursing. Olszewski teaches in the graduate nursing program and is director of Nurse Practitioner programs, as well as graduate program coordinator for the department. She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Lycoming College; master of science in nursing as a community health clinical nurse specialist, and postgraduate adult nurse practitioner degrees from Bloomsburg University; and a doctorate of nursing practice from Chatham University. Olszewski's clinical practice is in occupational medicine where she has worked for the past 28 years and received her Fellowship distinction in 2006. She has presented more than 50 presentations nationally and internationally on a variety of occupational health topics, as well as published several journal articles and a Chapter in the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) Core Curriculum. She received the College of Science and Technology Dean's Award for Scholarship achievement in 2017 and is currently secretary on the board of directors for AAOHN.


Debra Sanders, Nursing
Sanders was promoted to associate professor in the department of nursing. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from College Misericordia, her master of science degree with a specialty as an adult clinical nurse specialist from Bloomsburg University, and a doctorate in philosophy with a focus on health promotion from Marywood University. The majority of Sanders’ scholarship and service has centered on her expertise and passion for healthy aging, the interprofessional approach to aging, and the care of older adults. She has made presentations on diverse topics in nursing practice and education and her publications span various clinical and professional practice topics. She and a colleague received a Presidential Strategic Planning Grant award to develop and implement a center for healthy aging at Bloomsburg University. She also spearheaded and co-advises a student organization on campus, Aging Special Interest Group.

Diane Barrett, Mathematical and Digital Sciences
Barrett received tenure and is an associate professor of MADS. She received a master's degree in information technology with a specialization in information security from Capella University and a Ph.D. in business administration with a specialization in information security from Northcentral University. She has published many digital forensic peer-reviewed articles and been the lead author on several computer forensics and security books. She is the current president of the Digital Forensic Certification Board and an associate editor for the Journal of Digital Forensics, Security and Law. Her research interests include cloud computing forensic investigations and mobile forensics.


Devon Manney, Nursing
Manney received tenure and is an assistant professor in the Department Of Nursing. She received her bachelor's of science degree in nursing from Bloomsburg University, her master's of science degree in nursing with a nursing education focus from Mansfield University and her Ph.D. in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Manney's clinical focus is adult medical-surgical nursing and her research interest is on gerontology and care of older adults. Both collaboratively with her colleagues and independently, she has completed three poster presentations and two podium presentations at national, peer-reviewed conferences, one peer-reviewed poster presentation and invitational one podium presentation at the state level, and one invitational podium presentation at the regional level. She has also delivered podium presentations at the Bloomsburg University Health Sciences Symposium.


Kristy Sands, Nursing
Sands was tenured as an assistant professor of nursing. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mansfield University. She practiced as a registered nurse at Geisinger Medical Center and received her certification in medical-surgical nursing. She continued on to receive her master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in nursing education from Mansfield University. Following completion of her M.S.N., she practiced as a clinical nurse educator at Geisinger Medical Center and as an adjunct clinical instructor at Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing. She earned a Ph.D. in nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her research interests include debriefing and reflective teaching-learning strategies. She is looking forward to publishing and presenting her recent dissertation research.

William Schwindinger, Biological and Allied Health Sciences
Schwindinger was granted tenure as an assistant professor of biological and allied health sciences. He received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Rutgers and received his medical doctor and doctor of philosophy degrees from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. After completing a residency in internal medicine at Bronx Municipal Hospital Center and a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he worked as an instructor and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and as a research scientist at the Weis Center for Research. He gained undergraduate teaching experience as an adjunct faculty member in the department of biology at Susquehanna University and the department of natural sciences at Penn College of Technology. His research interests are in the area of G-protein coupled signal transduction. Since coming to Bloomsburg University, he has published one peer-reviewed article and presented at one international scientific meeting.

Debra Stayer, Nursing
Stayer was granted tenure as an assistant professor in the Department Of Nursing. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma, pursued her master of science degree at California State University Los Angeles and obtained her Ph.D. from Duquesne University in 2013. Dr. Stayer has been a practicing pediatric nurse for over 35 years, with a research passion for pediatric palliative care. She has published in the “Journal of Pediatric Nursing” and the “American Journal of Critical Care” in this area. In 2017, she won the APEX Grand Writing Award for her article “Living with Dying in the Pediatric ICU: A Nursing Perspective.”


Susan Beck, Nursing
Beck was granted tenure in the Department Of Nursing. She earned her B.S.N. and M.S.N. from Bloomsburg University and her Ph.D. in nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her research has focused on academic integrity in the nursing student. Dr. Beck has presented at national, state and local conferences. She has served as a reviewer for multiple nursing textbooks and published articles in peer-reviewed journals related to her areas of expertise.


Information from Bloomsburg University press release 9-7-18

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Center for Hearing & Balance doctors receive additional certifications

Amanda Weremedic and Deborah John display their Vestibular Rehabilitation Certificates
Amanda Weremedic, Au.D., CCC-A, AIB-VR and Deborah John, Au.D., CCC-A, AIB-VR, clinical audiologists and supervisors within the Department of Communication Disorders’ Doctorate of Audiology program and Center for Hearing & Balance (CH&B) at Bloomsburg University, earned a Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation from The American Institute of Balance.

This certification training was conducted over four days and included intensive lecture and practical experiences, led by leading experts in the field of vestibular disorders. The certification provides patients of the Center for Hearing & Balance additional treatment options for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. The Center for Hearing & Balance is open to the public, accepts major insurances, and is currently accepting new patients.

The American Institute of Balance (AlB) was founded in 1992 and is among the country’s largest multi-specialty centers for evaluation and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders.  AIB’s therapy programs are used by physicians, audiologists and therapists worldwide