Expert Directory
Animal Physiology,Ichthyology,Marine Biology,Marine Mammalogy
Dr. Wayne Bennett is a Professor of Marine Biology specializing in Physiological Ecology or the study of animal adaptation to environment. Dr. Bennett earned a Ph.D. in Biological Science from the University of North Texas, an M.S. in Biology from the University of Texas, a B.S. in Biology from Michigan State University, and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory on Pensacola Beach. He has taught numerous graduate and undergraduate courses at UWF, including Animal Physiology, Marine Mammalogy, Ichthyology, and Elasmobranch Biology. He has received nearly $500,000 in research funding and has a wide-ranging research program in southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia where he studies adaptations of animals living in extreme environments, including intertidal fish, crabs, cephalopods, elasmobranchs and other marine life. Bennett’s published works include studies on environmental toxicology, reproductive ecology, thermal biology, bioenergetics, and ion osmoregulation. He has authored nearly 60 papers in peer-reviewed outlets such as Environmental Biology of Fishes, Journal of Herpetology, and American Macacological Bulletin. Degrees & Institutions: Postdoctoral Fellow, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ph.D., Biological Science, University of North Texas M.S. Biology, University of Texas B.S. Biology, Michigan State University Research: Bennett has received nearly $500,000 in research funding and has a wide-ranging research program in southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia where he studies adaptations of animals living in extreme environments, including intertidal fish, crabs, cephalopods, elasmobranchs and other marine life. Classes Taught: Animal Physiology Marine Mammalogy Ichthyology Elasmobranch Biology
Animal Behavior,Aquatic Ecology,Wildlife Ecology
Dr. Phil Darby earned a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida. His research focuses on the population ecology and life history of wetland-dependent fauna. Current projects study the effects of hydrology and habitat structure on apple snails, which inhabit aquatic habitats throughout Florida. Darby’s research team also publishes research on the endangered snail kite and other predators of apple snails. Government agency scientists and managers use a population model developed by Darby and colleagues, EverSnail, to evaluate the impacts of alternative water management scenarios related to Everglades restoration. Publications include Landscape Ecology, Condor, Malacologia, Aquatic Ecology, Waterbirds, and Wetlands. Darby, a Professor, has made over 60 presentations about kites, snails and wetlands to various groups in Florida, at national science meetings, other universities, and to a science workshop in Argentina. Darby has developed collaborations in the Pensacola region to study wetland-dependent bird ecology, including marsh birds and wintering waterfowl. Among courses taught: Ecology, Ecology Lab, Avian Science, Wetlands Ecology, Quantitative Ecology, Animal Behavior. Darby has a M.S. in Ecotoxicology from Duke and two B.S. degrees from Virginia Tech – Wildlife Ecology and Biochemistry. Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D. Wildlife Ecology, University of Florida M.S. Ecotoxicology, Duke B.S. Virginia Tech, Wildlife Ecology and Biochemistry Research: His research focuses on the population ecology and life history of wetland-dependent fauna. Current projects study the effects of hydrology and habitat structure on apple snails, which inhabit aquatic habitats throughout Florida. Darby’s research team also publishes research on the endangered snail kite and other predators of apple snails. Classes Taught: Wetlands Ecology Quantitative Ecology Animal Behavior General Biology for Non-Majors Publications: Darby, P.C., I. Fujisaki, and D.J. Mellow. 2012. The effects of prey density
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John D. Morgan is the primary faculty for the new online GIS Master's program offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Studies. Morgan, who is an Associate Professor, graduated from Florida State University with a Ph.D. in Geography. Morgan has over fifteen years of professional information technology experience (including GIS). Before he joined UWF, Morgan spent four years as an Applied Research Software Designer at the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Degrees & Institutions: PhD Geography from Florida State University; Master of Science in Management and Bachelors of Arts in Economics from University of Central Florida Research: Dr. John D. Morgan is an urban environmental geographer who uses state-of-the-art geospatial methodologies to study how humans navigate changing environments in public space. This work involves three interrelated strains of work that focus on (1) developing spatial tools for safer communities, (2) participatory mapping of ecosystem services that considers local cultural attachment to place, and (3) innovative spatial modeling that informs land use planning, risk assessment and decision making. Current Courses: GIS Management Communicating GIS Classes Taught: Cartographic Skills GIS Management Communicating GIS GIS Programming Advanced Topics in GIS Applications in GIS
coastal vegetation,Earth and Environmental Sciences,Geology
Dr. Phillip Schmutz, an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, researches coastal/beach and aeolian geomorphology, particularly factors that can build sand dunes. He is working to develop better techniques for understanding the dynamics of these environments and to build more realistic models of coastal aeolian systems. Before Schmutz joined UWF’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in 2015, he earned a Ph.D. and a M.S. in Geography, both from Louisiana State University, and spent a year as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M University’s Department of Geology and Geophysics. In his research, Schmutz has studied surface moisture, evaporation dynamics, coastal vegetation and other topics related to beaches. His work has been published in Journal of Coastal Research, Journal of Aeolian Research, Geomorphology and elsewhere. Schmutz also has made numerous presentations to the Association of American Geographers. He teaches Earth Science, Geomorphology and other courses. He has a B.A. in Geography & Environmental Studies from Baylor University, where he won a scholarship to fund study abroad.
Computer Science,Cybersecurity
Anthony teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Computer Science and Software Engineering. He joined the faculty in 2002 after he earned a M.S. in Computer Science from UWF. Anthony, who spent 20 years on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps, also has several years experience and training in business-related software development and cybersecurity. Anthony coordinated UWF’s successful effort to be designated a National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Education. In addition, he is heavily involved in efforts to enhance Cyber Security education in the area including being a Mentor for CyberPatriot, Cyberthon as well as the Facility Advisor for the UWF Cybersecurity and coach for the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. Anthony's professional training includes Wireshark Advanced Network Analysis and Blackhat Certification in Hacking by the Numbers Bootcamp, Hacking by the Numbers BlackOps, pen testing with Kali Linux, Locking Down Linux and Adaptive Red Team tactics.
big data analytics ,Computer Science,Cybersecurity,Data Mining
Dr. Sikha Bagui, Distinguished University Professor and Askew Fellow, was former Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Founding Director of the Center for Cybersecurity at The University of West Florida. Dr. Bagui is active in publishing peer reviewed journal articles in the areas of database design, data mining, Big Data analytics, Machine Learning and AI. Dr. Bagui has worked on funded as well unfunded research projects and has 85+ peer reviewed publications, some in highly selected journals and conferences. She has authored several books on database and SQL, and her books have been translated into several different languages and have international editions. Dr. Bagui also serves as Associate Editor and is on the editorial board of several journals. Degrees & Institutions: Ed.D., Curriculum & Instruction: Math & Stat / Science/ Computer Science, University of West Florida M.B.A., University of Toledo B.S., Cuttington University (Liberia) Research: Interests: Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Data Mining, Database Design, Data Pre-Processing Grant Funding: NSF CSForALL: $300,000, 10/1/2021-09/30/2023 NSF Collaborative: RAPID, $50,000, 01/25/2021 - 04/30/2021 NSF Collaborative: Elements: RUI: $350,000, 01/25/2021-10/31/2022 NSA NCAE: $375,511, 9/22/2021-12/31/2024 Center for Inclusive Computing: $60,000, 1/2021 – 1/2023 Current Courses: Database Systems Introduction to Big Data Analytics Advanced Big Data Analytics Introduction to Data Mining Advanced Data Mining Project (Special topics on Data Mining, Machine Learning and Big Data Analytics)
Earth Science
Dr. Johan Liebens studies soil and sediment pollution to characterize the origin, level and spatial distribution of the pollution. His projects include examining the effects of high-intensity grazing on soil quality indicators and seeking ways to develop stream bank erosion prediction curves for Northwest Florida. Liebens is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He has a Ph.D. in Geography from Michigan State University, and a Master’s degree in Quaternary Geology and a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, both from Free University Brussels, Belgium. A UWF faculty member since 1996, Liebens has received university-wide awards for his teaching (2000) and his research (2012). He has published findings on soil organic carbon stocks, debris flows, environmental forensics and soil and sediment pollution. In his research Liebens often uses GIS-based spatial analyses, surveying and physical and chemical analyses of soil and sediment samples. He also is experienced in geomorphological and geological field mapping. Among the groups which have funded his work are: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. Articles by Liebens have appeared in Environmental Forensics, Environmental Geology, Environmental Practice, Geomorphology, Water Air and Soil Pollution, Soil and Sediment Contamination, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, and Soil Use and Management. Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D. Geography, Michigan State University M.S. Quaternary Geology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium B.S. Geography, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium Research: I am a broad-based physical geographer with research interests in environmental soil science and geomorphology. I study soil and sediment pollution to characterize the origin, level and spatial distribution of the pollution. Most recently I have assessed organic and inorganic pollution of surface soils, estuarine sediments, and stormwater retention ponds. Currently, I have a project that seeks to develop streambank erosion prediction curves for the Florida Panhandle. I also have publications on soil organic carbon stocks, debris flows, and surveying methods. GIS-based spatial analyses are part of most of my research, as are surveying and physical and chemical analyses of soil and sediment samples. Earlier in my career I gained valuable experience with geomorphological and geological field mapping. I have international university-level teaching experience and have presented my research results at national and international conferences. My research has been funded, among others, by NSF, GSA, USDA, EPA, and Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. I have published in Environmental Forensics, Environmental Geology, Environmental Practice, Geomorphology, Water Air and Soil Pollution, Soil and Sediment Contamination, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, and Soil Use and Management. At the University of West Florida I have received university-wide teaching (2000) and research (2012) awards.
analytical chemistry,Chemistry
Dr. Karen W. Barnes received her P.h.D. in Chemistry from the University of Florida. Barnes spends additional time researching Food Analyses. She teaches Chemistry 2045 Lab and Chemistry 2046 Lab. Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D., University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida B.S., University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida Research: Barnes spends additional time researching Food Analyses. Current Courses: General Chemistry I Lab General Chemistry II Lab Analytical Chemistry Analytical Chemistry Lab Publications: Barnes, K.W.; and C.J. Fields-Wolf, General Chemistry I Laboratory, University of West Florida, Pensacola, 2018. All royalties from this Laboratory Manual have been used to establish a UWF Chemistry scholarship. Barnes, K.W.; and C.J. Fields-Wolf, General Chemistry II Laboratory, University of West Florida, Pensacola, 2018. All royalties from this Laboratory Manual have been used to establish a UWF Chemistry scholarship.
Computer Science,parallel computing
Dr. Ashok Srinivasan is the William Nystul Eminent Scholar Chair and Professor. He obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a dissertation on Computational Issues in the Solution of Liquid Crystalline Polymer Flow Problems. He then performed postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he developed the SPRNG parallel random number generation software, which is used by major research groups around the world. He subsequently worked at the Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay, and UCSB, before joining Florida State University, where he was a faculty for 17 years. Srinivasan’s research has been widely recognized. He was a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar and has received Best Paper awards at multiple international conferences, including the International Conference on Parallel Processing (ICPP). He has given around 30 invited talks in universities and labs in the USA and abroad, such as at the University of California, San Diego, and Oak Ridge National Lab. He has been PI or co-PI on research grants for around $ 4 million from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, etc. He has reviewed proposals for the National Academies, National Science Foundation, National Institutes for Health, and the Fulbright program. Srinivasan is keen on fostering student research and in service to the professional community. He is a founding co-chair of the Student Research Symposium at the IEEE/ACM International Conference on High-Performance Computing, Data, and Analytics (HiPC). He has organized around 15 professional events and has served on technical program committees for over 40 international conferences, including SC and IPDPS. He has collaborated with researchers in industry and national labs, such as at IBM and Argonne National Lab, and has been involved in interdisciplinary activities with experts from a variety of fields, such as biochemistry, bioinformatics, chemical engineering, epidemiology, finance, materials, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, and urban planning. Further details on his work are available at http://www.cs.fsu.edu/~asriniva. Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D. Computer Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1996. M.S. Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, 1992. B.S. Tech (Honours) Chemical Engineering, Regional Engineering College, Tiruchirapalli, 1987. Research: My research expertise lies in high-performance computing, with a focus on applications of supercomputing to science and public policy. I lead Project VIPRA (www.cs.fsu.edu/vipra), which is a multi-university effort for simulation-based analysis of public policy options to reduce the likelihood of infection spread through air travel. Our results have been reported in over 75 news outlets around the world, such as Economist and Fox News, and were listed among 12 major scientific breakthroughs using the Blue Waters supercomputer at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.
Biology,environmental DNA,Molecular ecology,Phylogeography,Population Genetics
Dr. Alexis Janosik is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Biology her research focuses on molecular ecology and evolution of invertebrates and fishes. Janosik’s research includes Environmental DNA, the evolutionary history of invertebrates and fish, Antarctica and the Gulf of Mexico, and phylogeography, the study of population genetics and the historical processes that may be responsible for the contemporary geographic distributions of individuals. Some of her most recent research focuses on the phylogeography of invertebrates of the Gulf of Mexico and on Environmental DNA (eDNA) of Gulf and Alabama Sturgeon. Janosik previously examined environmental DNA as a tool for detecting imperiled fishes and conducted research on the evolutionary history of Southern Ocean seastar species and unrecognized Antarctic biodiversity, among other topics. Janosik has made three research trips to the Antarctic and one to the Atlantic Continental Shelf. Janosik’s work has been published in Environmental Biology of Fishes, Marine Biology, Polar Biology, and others. Janosik has two degrees from Auburn University – a Ph.D. in Biology and a B.S. in Marine Biology. Her dissertation was titled “Seeing Stars: A Molecular and Morphological Investigation of Odontasteridae (Asteroidea).” Among the courses she teaches: Concepts of Oceanography & Marine Biology, Biology of Coral Reefs, Marine Mammalogy, and Tropical Marine Ecology in the Bahamas Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D. Biology, Auburn University B.S. Marine Biology, Auburn University Research: Janosik’s research includes Environmental DNA, evolutionary history of invertebrates and fish, Antarctica and the Gulf of Mexico, and phylogeography, the study of population genetics and the historical processes that may be responsible for the contemporary geographic distributions of individuals. Some of her most recent research focuses on the phylogeography of invertebrates of the Gulf of Mexico and on Environmental DNA (eDNA) of Gulf and Alabama Sturgeon.
Physical Chemistry
Dr. Katherine Whitaker earned a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, where her dissertation involved in situ characterization of the kinetic stability and thermodynamic properties of vapor-deposited organic glasses. She has taught classes in general chemistry and physical chemistry, and also a first year experience course. Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D. Physical Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison B.S. Chemistry, Stonehill College B.A. Mathematics, Stonehill College Current Courses: CHM 2045 General Chemistry I CHM 2045L General Chemistry I Lab CHM 2046L General Chemistry II Lab Publications: Whitaker, K. R.; Tylinski, M.; Ahrenberg, M.; Schick, C.; Ediger, M. D. Kinetic Stability and Heat Capacity of Vapor-Deposited Glasses of o-Terphenyl. The Journal of Chemical Physics 2015, 143 (8), 084511.
Computer Science,Cybersecurity,digital forensics,Electrical Engineering
Dr. Caroline John received her MS and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAHuntsville). She also holds a graduate certificate in Cybersecurity from the UAHuntsville. She is currently working as a Lecturer in the Computer Science department at the University of West Florida. Dr. John teaches the courses Digital Forensics at the Graduate level, Discrete Structures, and Introduction to Computer Organization at the Undergraduate level. Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D., The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2019 M.S., The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2012 B.E., Anna University, Chennai, India, 2008 Research: Her research interests include IoT security, Cyber-Physical System Security, and Network Security. She is a recipient of three grant awards from Cyber Florida, formerly known as The Florida Center for Cybersecurity. She is currently the PI on a SEED research grant project titled "Security-Aware In-Memory Neural Networks for Cyber-Physical Systems " funded by Cyber Florida and a Co-PI on the NSF CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service grant program "Argo Cyber Emerging Scholars (ACES): Developing a Cybersecurity Community of Practice" which is funded for $2.3 million.
Computer Science
Dr. Thomas Reichherzer, Chair and Associate Professor, has conducted research on wearable device security, smart home technology, and knowledge modeling in health care. These are some of the most recent projects for Reichherzer, who has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Indiana University. His research interests range from case-based reasoning, natural language processing and knowledge representation to information visualization, human-computer interaction, and security for computers and networks. Reichherzer’s work has been published in peer-reviewed journal articles, national and international conference proceedings, and book chapters in areas related to his research interests. Reichherzer earned an M.S. in Computer Science from UWF and a Diplom in Informatik from the University of Ulm in Germany. His background includes seven years as a Research Associate at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, which works with industry and government to develop technologies that leverage and extend human capabilities, and two years as Director of Technology for Enkia Corp., which provides artificial intelligence solutions for information management and decision support. Reichherzer teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in computer science and engineering and mentors students on their capstone projects and masters’ theses. Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D., Indiana University, Bloomington, 2009 M.S., Computer Science, University of West Florida, 1996 Informatic, Diplom, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany 1996 Research: I am interested in artificial intelligence and cognitive science methods and their applications to build a wide range of decision support systems and tools. I am also interested in systems and networks and related security issues. My broad research interests include machine learning, natural-language processing, information retrieval, knowledge representation, human computer interaction, and, more recently, sensor networks and wearable devices.
Cybersecurity,Cybersecurity Education
Dr. Ezhil Kalaimannan, an Associate Professor, conducts research in the wide areas of cybersecurity and network defense. Other significant areas include wireless networking, digital forensics, algorithmic theory, graph theory, operations research, and cybersecurity education. He is currently a co-PI on a $2.3 million grant titled “Argo Cyber Emerging Scholars (ACES): Developing a Cybersecurity Community of Practice”, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program. The goals of this grant program are aligned with the U.S. strategy to develop a superior cybersecurity workforce. Dr. Kalaimannan joined the University of West Florida’s (UWF’s) faculty in 2014 after graduating from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (concentration in Cybersecurity). He has an M.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University in India. He primarily teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Cybersecurity and Computer Science at UWF. Degrees & Institutions: Ph.D., University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2014 M.S., University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2009 B.E., Anna University (Chennai, India), 2006 Research: Dr. Kalaimannan’s current research focuses on the security of cyber-physical systems (Electrical Smart Power Grids) and fingerprinting networked operating systems (OS’s) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Dr. Kalaimannan’s research has been published in prestigious journals such as Computers & Operations Research by Elsevier, Access by IEEE, Internet of Things (IoT) by IEEE, Security and Privacy by Wiley, and Security and Privacy by IEEE. Current Courses: CNT4007 - Theory and Fundamentals of Computer Networking CNT4403 - Computer & Network Security CIS5775 - Cybersecurity Principles CNT5407 - System & Network Security Classes Taught: Undergraduate: CNT4007 - Theory and Fundamentals of Computer Networking CIS2530 - Introduction to Cybersecurity COP3014 - Algorithm and Program Design CNT4403 - Computer and Network Security Graduate: CIS5775 - Cybersecurity Principles CNT5407 - System & Network Security
local environment,Marine Biology
Ms. Barbara Albrecht, has 30 years of experience with local watershed and environmental issues. She is actively engaged with citizen science programs and has served as an advocate for many communities as they address local environmental concerns. She has a long history of working with University faculty and students, both as a part time employee and as a volunteer. Her knowledge of the local environment is extensive. In addition, she sees issues from a multidisciplinary perspective (e.g., science, archeology, engineering, the arts), meeting the objectives of AIMS. Since 2011, Barbara has lead the Bream Fishermen Association, a citizen water quality monitoring and watchdog group established in the late 1960s during a time when fish kills were common and measured in square miles. She is also the director of the Panhandle Watershed Alliance, which collaborates between six contiguous interstate watersheds (NW-FL and S-AL) that flow into four northwest FL bays. Through the activities of citizens and groups such as Audubon and the Native Plant Society and this organization, she hopes to bring appreciation, awareness, conservation, low impact restoration, and appropriate management to local area waters and all the user groups. Degrees & Institutions: Barbara earned a BS In Marine Biology from the University of West Florida in 1987.
Organizational Psychology,Psychology,Social Psychology
Dr. David Strohmetz, chair and professor of the Department of Psychology, teaches research methods in psychology and social psychology. A social psychologist by training, Strohmetz's research interests center on social factors that influence people's generosity, particularly with respect to restaurant tipping behaviors. He has also written about the "social psychology of the experiment." An advocate for quality undergraduate education, Strohmetz is active in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. He has co-authored a research methods in psychology textbook and numerous instructional resources to support quality teaching in the classroom. He is currently a Councilor for the Psychology Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA) and his masters and doctorate in social/organizational psychology from Temple University (Philadelphia, PA).
maternal-child health,Pharmacology
Cynthia Smith Peters, MSN, MS, DNP, RN, Undergraduate Program Director and Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice, teaches courses in Public and Community Health Nursing, Health Assessment, and Pharmacology. Dr. Smith-Peters’ research interests focus on health disparities, minority health, maternal-child health, and the transition of the graduate to professional nurse. She works in the community as a parish nurse and a public health nursing liaison with a focus on maternal-child health and cardiovascular health promotion initiatives. During her 28 years as a professional nurse, she has practiced in medical-surgical nursing, public health nursing, geriatrics, pediatrics, and maternal care. In addition, as a parish or faith community nurse, she is routinely invited to give presentations at community churches and centers where she encourages individuals to focus on preventative health care and the management of chronic diseases. She has also worked as a public health nurse and nursing consultant providing education to health care professionals and families regarding perinatal HIV transmission, HIV prevention and treatment options, and has assisted in clinical trials for HIV-exposed infants. Before coming to UWF in 2014, she was an assistant professor of nursing at Pensacola State College. She received a bachelor's in nursing and master's in nursing with focus on public health from the University of South Alabama, a Master's in health education and management from UWF, a Doctorate of nursing practice from Duquesne University, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education from George Washington University.
Community Health,Dietitian,Health Promotion,healthy lifestyles,Nutrition
Dr. Debra Vinci is the associate professor of health promotion. She currently teaches courses in social marketing, health promotion, and nutrition. Dr. Vinci uses her professional expertise as a community health educator and registered dietitian to prepare students for careers in health promotion. Her current research interests focus on using children’s picture books as an innovative approach to increase physical literacy and movement in preschool teachers. Over the past two years, she has worked with Dr. Christopher Wirth in the development of two picture books, Walker Finds His Wiggle and Play the Walker Wiggle Way featuring Abby Fitt that will be used in interventions with preschool teachers to incorporate movement in childcare settings. Prior to working on this project, Dr. Vinci was the co-principal investigator for Let’s Wiggle 5-2-1-0, a program that trains child care providers on ways they can increase physical activity in the classroom setting. Dr. Vinci has also worked with community coalitions in promoting their role in obesity prevention. She has helped facilitate community efforts to develop strategies that help at-risk community groups and individuals adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. Additionally, she has been involved in a childhood hunger task force to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables to neighborhoods in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties that experience food insecurity at rates higher than national and state averages. This initiative is also interested in linking these neighborhoods with community resources that promote healthy lifestyles and decrease diet-related chronic disease. In addition to her work on obesity prevention, Dr. Vinci is also involved in program evaluation efforts related to state-wide cancer prevention efforts. Before coming to UWF in 2004, she developed health education interventions targeting college-age students and worked as the Director of Health Education at Hall Health at the University of Washington. As a registered dietitian, she spent 15 years working as an outpatient nutritionist with expertise in diabetes education and nutrition therapy with individuals with eating disorders. Dr. Vinci received a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human nutrition from University of Vermont, and a doctorate in health education from Loma Linda University.
Organizational Psychology,Psychology,Social Psychology
Dr. Sherry Schneider, assistant professor, teaches social psychology, psychology of workforce diversity, industrial and organizational psychology, group dynamics in organizations, and organizational change and development. Schneider’s research involves studying the effects of positive organizational leadership in social-dilemma situations where significant individual incentives exist that are at odds with the long-term collective good. Within this broad context, Schneider directs a variety of research in her leadership lab, such as how leadership, social identity, and diversity and affect culture in primarily non-profit and volunteer organizations. Within this framework, she has studied leadership of volunteers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and university faculty and staff. As part of her role on an NSF ADVANCE grant to advance women faculty in the STEM disciplines, she has developed a faculty culture survey to measure faculty culture conducive to enhancing a supportive and inclusive culture for recruiting, retaining, and advancing women faculty in STEM, with special attention to women of color and leadership positions. Survey development is one of her particular strengths. Schneider has significant international experience in organizational psychology. She is writer and co-writer of peer-reviewed journal articles that have addressed work-life leadership, virtual and face-to-face teamwork differences, and managing workforce diversity. She has taught or given presentations at international conferences in numerous countries such as France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia. Before coming to UWF, she was senior lecturer and coordinator of the Psychology, Management and Marketing Program at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Prior to immigrating to Australia, she was a faculty member in the Department of Management and Policy at the University of Arizona, and has been a visiting professor at Clark-Atlanta University, a historically black university. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from Central College in Iowa, and master’s and doctorate degrees in psychology from the University of California in Los Angeles.
Abnormal Psychology,Health Psychology
Dr. Susan Walch, professor, teaches abnormal psychology, health psychology, psychobiology of sexual behavior, behavior modification and community of psychology. Walch is a clinical psychologist who specializes in health psychology, behavioral medicine, psycho-oncology, cognitive-behavioral therapies, multicultural counseling and women's health. Her research on HIV/AIDS intervention and prevention has been supported by the Florida Department of Health, AIDS United Southern REACH (Regional Expansion of Access and Capacity to Address HIV/AIDS) Initiative, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. She has written and co-written many peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on various aspects of the social factors associated with homophobia, attitudes towards transgendered individuals, and managing diversity in the workplace. In 2006, she received the William A. Bailey Health and Behavior Congressional Fellowship, a public policy training program sponsored by the American Psychological Association. She was a special legislative assistant on HIV/AIDS, health, and mental health policy in the office of U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). Before coming to UWF in 1999, she was a practicing clinical psychologist in Vermont and director of HIV Risk Reduction Program for the department of psychiatry at Dartmouth Medical School/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Richard Stockton State College, doctorate in clinical psychology from Drexel University, and postdoctoral research in psycho-oncology research at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
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