Honors Student Anthony Zepeda Takes on Real-Life Research with PATHS-UP

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 30, 2019 – South Florida State College (SFSC) Honors Program student Anthony Zepeda was recently accepted into the Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations (PATHS-UP) summer research experience program at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami.  

PATHS-UP’s vision is to develop new and cost-effective healthcare technologies and systems for underserved communities in the United States, particularly addressing chronic ailments such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As part of its mission, it offers a 10-week summer research experience program to undergraduate students, providing them the opportunity to conduct research at one of its four partner institutions—FIU, Texas A&M University, UCLA, and Rice University.  

Now in his second week of the PATHS-UP research training experience, Zepeda works within a team of four students that is focusing on research of wearable sensing and imaging technologies. “We’re trying to measure blood pressure using optical technology, which moves away from the traditional blood pressure cuff,” he said. “Optical technology, such as in a wearable device, would allow for continuous monitoring of blood pressure and for real-time evaluation of the diseased state, as well as feedback for physicians and other healthcare providers.” 

Zepeda, who anticipates graduating from SFSC with an Associate in Arts in May 2020, applied for the PATHS-UP summer experience after working on an undergraduate research project in biology with SFSC’s Dr. James R. Hawker Jr., interim dean of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Natural Sciences Department; Amy Bohan, instructor of biology; and Dr. Mintoo Patel, adjunct professor of biology. 

“The PATHS-UP research project falls into biomedical engineering,” Zepeda said. “I thought it was a great fit for me—I plan to go into chemical engineering and wish to attend medical school. I thought because it was medical and engineering, it covers both paths.”  

Zepeda is one of several students at SFSC who are involved in undergraduate research and, according to Dr. Hawker, participating in research engages students in learning. “It’s unbelievable,” he said. “You give the students original literature on a problem in biology, for instance. They read it and come back to you with all these ideas that they’d like to try out. Research teaches them to think critically, to explore ideas, and to take ownership of what they’re learning. They’re proud of that. Also, if they’re transferring to a university, they’re much better prepared to do laboratory research. They’ll already know what it’s about.” 

Currently, SFSC offers student research courses, especially in the natural sciences, through its Honors Program. As part of their grade, an Honors student in general chemistry or biology may be required to complete an extra research project for the semester. SFSC also offers Special Topics courses in biology and chemistry, as electives, in which students can participate in a research project for a semester and earn credit. 

For more information about SFSC’s Associate in Arts degree or Honors Program, call 863-453-6661, email recruiter@southflorida.edu, or visit southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 24, 2019 – South Florida State College (SFSC) dental students participated in the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 by offering dental screenings to almost 750 individuals on Friday and another 900 on Saturday.
The Special Smiles dental screenings were part of the 4,755 health screenings offered through the Healthy Athletes program that is dedicated to improving athlete health and fitness, resulting in a greater experience in sports and wellness.

Throughout the two days, 2,425 athletes from across Florida traveled to Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando to compete in a variety of sports. In attendance for the opening ceremonies was Senator Rick Scott and Orlando City Soccer players Shane O’Neill and Dillon Powers.

“The dental students had a great time supporting the Special Olympics,” said Bobby Sconyers, professor of dental assisting at SFSC. “We were honored to participate in an event that contributes to the lives of so many.”

For more information about the dental programs at SFSC, call 863-453-6661 or email healthsciences@southflorida.edu.

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS
The ultimate objective of Special Olympics Florida is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
SFSC is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 17, 2019 – South Florida State College (SFSC) Honors Program students Nancy J. Morrissey and Griffin Woods were recently selected as 2019 Portz Interdisciplinary Fellowship recipients for their research on genes that may be involved in the development of cancer cells. They were two of only seven students nationwide to receive this award. In fact, Morrissey and Woods are the first students from a two-year college to be selected for this fellowship. The other five recipients are undergraduates at four-year universities.

Through the fellowship, Morrissey and Woods will receive stipends of $1,000 each to support their research project.

Although the actual title of their research spans an entire paragraph, Dr. James R. Hawker Jr., chair of SFSC’s Natural Sciences Department and interim dean of arts and sciences, explained Morrissey’s and Woods’ research. “Certain cells, called endothelial cells, form blood vessels,” he said. “They can be induced to form new blood vessels in response to chemical signals. Two genes—endoglin and ALK-1—are receptors. In other words, they’re molecules in cells that receive a signal from outside the cell and turn it into a response. Endoglin and ALK-1 are receptors on endothelial cells that have been shown to be involved in the formation of blood vessels. They may be also involved in cancer cells in metastasis.”

During their research, Woods’ activity will focus on measuring biological activity and the binding of growth factors that activate these receptors. Morrissey will determine how the endothelial cells interact with cancer cells through the endoglin and ALK-1 genes.

“This research is important because it provides clues on how endothelial cells and how cancer can control vessel growth,” Dr. Hawker said. “For the students, they learn how to think and conduct science research. It greatly increases their learning of biology beyond the classroom and prepares them for transfer to a four-year university.”

The Portz Interdisciplinary Fellowship, through the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), was launched in 2010 through a gift from John and Edythe Portz, who were pioneers and advocates of Honors education. The fellowship provides a means to highlight the research of Honors Program students from two- and four-year colleges and universities.

“The faculty panel which evaluates the fellowship applications is focused on how students work in multiple disciplines,” said Dr. Don Rosenblum, chair of the Portz Interdisciplinary Fellowship selection committee and dean of the Farquhar Honors College at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “For each winning project, these students stand out in terms of creativity and inventiveness within their projects. The students selected for the 2019 fellowship brought diverse skills, and it was clear that there was a strong collaborative relationship with faculty.”

Morrissey and Woods had requested to do the cancer research while taking their Honors seminar, “Molecular Biology for the 21^st Century,” with Dr. Hawker. The students are also supported in their research by Dr. Mintoo Patel, adjunct professor of biology, and Amy Bohan, instructor of biology.

“In my experience, two-year college students are not, typically, afforded the opportunity to participate in applied research with such world-class faculty as we have at SFSC,” said Dr. Sidney Valentine, SFSC vice president for academic affairs and student services.

“Nancy and Griffin are two academically strong students,” said Dr. Charlotte Pressler, director of the SFSC Honors Program and professor of English and philosophy. “SFSC has many talented students who can compete on a national level.”

Dr. Pressler expounded on the extent to which SFSC is committed to preparing its students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities in the natural sciences. “The research projects in our Natural Sciences Department are the real thing,” she said. “It’s not a demonstration of concepts in a chapter. The students are doing real science, making new knowledge in procedures that scientists in labs use. It goes beyond what they would learn in a textbook. And at SFSC, we can mentor students in a way that is not possible in a larger college or university—at least not at a beginning undergraduate level. Hands on, individual attention and mentoring is what we’re offering students.”

Morrissey graduates from SFSC with her Associate in Arts in spring 2020 and plans to work toward a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Culture at a Florida university. Woods, who was a dual enrollment student at SFSC, graduates with an Associate in Arts in spring 2020. He plans to work toward a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 20, 2019 – South Florida State College (SFSC) baseball player P.J. Cimo was named the 2019 Suncoast Conference Male Student Athlete of the Year by the Suncoast Conference athletic directors and sport chairs at their meeting on Friday, May 17. Cimo is the sophomore co-captain of the SFSC Panthers and his leadership on and off the field earned him this recognition.

“Without question, one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to coach. Congratulations to P.J. and his family for this honor; it is well deserved,” said Rick Hitt, head baseball coach and athletic director at SFSC.

Cimo earned a 4.0 GPA during his two years on the SFSC Panther baseball team. He was named First Team All-Conference in 2019 and FCSAA All-Conference, All-State, and NJCAA All-American in 2018. Cimo was on the SFSC President’s List all four terms and a member of the Tau Epsilon chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa academic honor society. He also participated in several department- and team-sponsored community service projects while at SFSC. Cimo is currently undecided on his future four-year school of choice.

For more information about athletics at SFSC, visit southflorida.edu or contact Rick Hitt at 863-784-7036 or Richard.Hitt@southflorida.edu.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
SFSC is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 10, 2019 – Take Stock in Children inducted 15 new students representing Avon Park, Hill-Gustat, Lake Placid, and Sebring middle schools during recent contract signings at The Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park. Parents and family members, as well as school administrators, were on hand to congratulate their students and welcome them into Take Stock Nation. The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation is the lead agency for Take Stock within the College’s service district of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. 

The new Take Stock scholars are Janelle Hamilton from Avon Park Middle School; Jacob Mata from Hill-Gustat Middle School; Hanna DeYoung, Yadira Mendoza-Solis, Taylor Pollard, and Jennifer Vasquez-Perea from Lake Placid Middle School; and Eliza Diaz, Celia Fabian Geronimo, Brenda Hernandez, Angel Orgaz, Kristina Rose, Angye Sanchez-Rodriguez, Orlando Souder, and Phoenix Winchester from Sebring Middle School.   

Six DeSoto Middle School eighth graders, who joined the Take Stock family, were invited to the School District of DeSoto County board room where they were recognized in front of parents and family. The new scholars were Nicolas Aguilar-Mendez, Jose Contreras, Marisa Espinoza, Omar Jones II, Jorge Olivera-Rivas, and Marcos Villafuerte. Adrian Cline, superintendent of the School District of DeSoto County, and Jamie Bateman, executive director of the SFSC Foundation presented framed Take Stock certificates to each scholar.   

In exchange for a two-year college scholarship valued at over $6,000, all inducted scholars agree to maintain a grade of C or better in every class, remain crime-free and drug-free, attend school regularly and exhibit good behavior.

AVON PARK, Fla.–May 8, 2019–SFSC marked the end of the 2018-19 academic year with its spring Commencement held in two ceremonies on Tuesday, May 7, in the SFSC Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

During the 4:45 p.m. ceremony, SFSC honored the recipients of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate in Science, Advanced Technical Diploma, Career Technical Certificate, College Credit Certificate, Occupational Credit Certificate, and State of Florida High School Diploma.

Honored during the 7:45 p.m. ceremony were those earning the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE) and the Associate in Arts.

In all, 351 students crossed the stage wearing academic regalia adorned with an assortment of colored cords and sashes signifying individual achievement.

Opening the ceremonies, Tami Cullens, chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees said to the graduates, “South Florida State College has provided you with some of the most transformative experiences you may ever have and, surely, will never forget. SFSC is a place that has changed your life and those around you forever.”

Mishel Mandujano Manriquez came to the United States from Mexico as a teenager, speaking not a word of English. She has earned her BSEE, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and delivered the Commencement speech during the early ceremony. “I’d like people to take my story as an example that anything is possible if you really want it,” she said to fellow graduates. “It doesn’t matter where we come from, what we look like, or how many obstacles we have to face.

Remember, never take no for an answer, go out there and chase your dreams, because there is no limit to what you may become.”

The 7:45 p.m. ceremony featured Jocquas Walker as its speaker. Walker, who graduated with his AA, plans to continue his education and work toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. At age 32, he suffered a stroke. Speaking to the graduates, he said, “If you learn anything from my story, be open to new people who add a piece of wood to the fire inside you. Don’t be afraid of vulnerability, because weakness provides an opportunity to develop and rebuild strength. Even if life presents you with unfortunate circumstances, standing in faith and considering the things we have overcome in the past, our tests should prove that we are built for this journey called life. In the words of Optimus Prime from ‘The Transformers’: ‘Let’s roll out!’” Walker garnered two standing ovations.

Earlier in the ceremonies, Dr. Thomas Leitzel, SFSC president, addressed the graduates: “In 2013, a tattoo of a semicolon became fairly popular. The semicolon stands for something unfinished in a sentence. It, literally, means ‘get ready, something else is coming.’ For our graduates, the semicolon is a reminder that your story does not stop tonight. Your story and your impact in our regional and global community continues.”

Dr. Leitzel also acknowledged the upcoming retirements of Dr. Christopher McConnell, professor of biology; Dr. Kristina Lewis, professor of English; Dr. Cherie Stevens, professor of computer science; and Enrique Ramos, professor of tutoring and learning. They were each recognized for their long years of service to students and SFSC.

Dr. Charlotte Pressler, director of SFSC’s Honors Program, recognized nine Honors Program graduates for academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and strong citizenship. They were Jeremy Aguilar, Tashida Buchanan, Nicholas Fischer, Leticia Jauregui, Cambrie Landress, Mauricio (Damien) Marquez, Jami Mercer, Kristal Shands, and Shaneria Williams.

Michelle Macbeth served as mace bearer and chief marshal for this year’s Commencement ceremony. Marshals were Davida Austin, Brian Bohlman, Kathleen Cappo, Natalie Etienne, Junior Gray, Courtney Green, Robert Hampton, Richard Hitt, Dr. Theresa James, Cindy Kinser, Dr. Maday Leon, Claire Miller, Tasha Morales, Asena Mott, Ricardo Pantoja, Colleen Rafatti, Tina Stetson, and Kendra Wellnitz.

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AVON PARK, FLA. – May 7, 2019 – Two years of study came to fruition on Friday, May 3 in a pinning ceremony for nine women who met the requirements to graduate from the South Florida State College (SFSC) dental hygiene program. Along with College faculty, administrators, relatives, and friends, the graduates gathered in the SFSC University Center to accept their dental hygiene pins and affirm their commitment to serving their patients with the highest standards of oral health care.

The graduates are Rebeca Alaniz, Stephanie Bennett, Melissa Escobedo, Raquel Maldonado, Areli Mendiola, Ashley Mercer, Nancy Rodriguez, Alishia Sledge, and Sandra Vargas. They earned Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene degrees.   

Mercer received two student awards for achieving the highest GPA and for outstanding professionalism. Escobedo received the award for clinical excellence. Sledge earned the award for providing outstanding patient education.

Dr. Sidney Valentine, vice president for academic affairs and student services, congratulated the graduates for mastering a challenging program. “I hope it’s been challenging, because that’s what it should be,” Dr. Valentine said. “We pride ourselves on our programs at South Florida State College and particularly our health science programs. I can assure you that graduating from SFSC will pay off in the long run.”

Dr. Michele Heston, dean of health sciences, commended the graduates for choosing a career “in which every day you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. As a dental hygienist, you will wear many hats—the teacher and the taskmaster, but always the advocate for your practice and your patients. You have received a great education, and I have every confidence you will be successful as you begin your professional careers.”

Speaking on behalf of the faculty, Dr. Deborah Milliken, chair of dental education, assured graduates that their education would be the foundation for the decisions they make as dental hygienists. “You will make choices that reflect your understanding of professional ethics and your moral fiber. You will make choices that affect the wellbeing of your patients and yourselves. We stand here as your teachers confident that you are prepared to make those choices.”

Dr. Milliken’s words were echoed by Candy Velez, the keynote speaker, who graduated from SFSC’s dental hygiene program in 2013 and is the Highlands and Okeechobee county representative to the Florida Dental Hygiene Association. Velez encouraged graduates to be leaders in their practices and make sure their patients get the dental care they need. “Patient education and oral assessments are things your office doesn’t necessarily bill for or will ever be able to. If you ever feel that you are compromising those standards, I encourage you to step up and be a leader in your practice and advocate for your patients.”

In her final address to her classmates, class president Raquel Maldonado reminisced about the journey they had shared and the lasting friendships they formed. “Ladies, the time has come where we carry on with our life as registered dental hygienists,” Maldonado said. “I’m very proud of everything we have accomplished.

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at South Florida State College (SFSC) conferred 16 Applied Technology diplomas during a ceremony held on Thursday, May 2 in the SFSC University Center Auditorium, Highlands Campus. 

Nicholas Arnold, Elizabeth Debree, Marangeline Hernandez-Sanchez, Charlene Korzep, Shawn Korzep Townsend, Justin Larosa, Kevin Lopez Garcia, DeJung Mangum Jr., Hayleigh McCall, Hunter Mehrer, Ryan Moore, Eric Ortman, Seth Ramos, Veronica Romero, Joshua Velazquez, and Zachary Weed completed the 16 weeks of training, or 300 contact hours, in the program. 

Graduates receiving special awards were Arnold for Highest GPA in Lecture; McCall for Highest GPA in Lab; and Hernandez-Sanchez for Most Heart, for her compassion and determination. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the Florida EMT State Board Exam. 

EMTs function as part of an emergency rescue and transportation team by responding to emergency calls through a dispatch system, operating emergency vehicles safely, assessing scenes of accidents or illnesses, setting priorities for treating patients based on their degree of illness or injury, providing pre-hospital emergency care to treat trauma, shock, wounds, and other medical issues. 

For more information about SFSC’s EMT program and other Emergency Medical Services programs, visit southflorida.edu or call 863-784-7272.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 6, 2019 – For the second consecutive year, South Florida State College (SFSC) will offer a no-cost, summer STEM Camp for students who will be in high school to start the 2019-20 school year. STEM Camp will take place from June 3 – 21 on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

SFSC’s STEM Camp focuses on improving the math skills that are the foundation of science, technology, and engineering. On Fridays, campers will take field trips to Kennedy Space Center (June 7) and Universal Studios STEAM Education Program – Transformers Roll Out (June 14). STEM Day will be celebrated on the final Friday of camp on June 21.

STEM Camp is Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and students must apply for participation. All campers are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the SFSC Highlands Campus. Mondays-Thursdays, breakfast and lunch will be provided, but breakfast from 8 – 8:30 a.m. is optional. During the Friday field trips lunch will be provided.

For information, contact Tasha Morales at 863-784-7401 or moralest@southflorida.edu. To apply, visit southflorida.edu/stem-summer-camp to fill out the STEM Summer Camp Application. The application deadline is Friday, May 24.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 1, 2019 – Faculty at South Florida State College (SFSC) have included students in research projects to help prepare them for eventual STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. In fact, three SFSC students recently presented research on micro-RNAs and their role in canine congestive heart failure at the Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Orlando. Experimental Biology (EB) is an annual meeting of more than 12,000 scientists and 25 guest scientific societies from all over the world for the purpose of networking and sharing research.

Kristal Shands, Kye Ewing, and Carl Ewing have been research students working with Amy Bohan, SFSC biology instructor, over the last academic year. They have been working in the lab to isolate micro-RNAS from canine plasma to determine their role as an early detector of congestive heart failure.

According to the RNA Society, ribonucleic acid (also called RNA) is one of the three major biological macromolecules that are essential for all known forms of life (along with DNA and proteins). Bohan explained that micro-RNAs are small molecules of RNA that will not be translated into protein and are thought to be involved in gene expression regulation.

The students presented their preliminary data in the poster section of the EB conference, where they explained to judges and fellow undergraduate and graduate students how they performed their research and the significance of their findings.

Bohan’s inspiration for the student research came from her paper recently published while working toward her Ph.D. at Auburn University. “It was based on a study that was ongoing at Auburn and one that was particularly near and dear to my heart—it had an impact on the well-being of animals. You see, I have four dogs. And so, I wanted to recruit students to help me with the project.”

According to Bohan, research is an important component in the science curriculum at a state or community college because “it gives the students an opportunity to think outside the classroom. My students have to review journal articles and discuss them. They get hands-on experience in lab techniques—they learn how a lab works and how to perform these experiments. It prepares them for university-level work, and it gets them thinking about which area of science they are interested in.”