Faculty and staff sketches

June 11, 2024 (Volume 47, Number 19)

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Faculty and staff members who have given presentations, were recognized for outstanding contributions or had their research published are detailed below. The campus community can submit a sketch online for future publication. 

Imaging the World
Imaging the World, an international, women-led nonprofit organization, introduced its portable ultrasound machine in mid-May at an awareness and fundraising event at the Simulation Center in the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health.

Grand Rapids native Dr. Kristen DeStigter, president of Imaging the World, and Elizabeth Oduor, Kenyan native and ITW manager, discussed the impact of portable ultrasound technology in remote areas of Africa. ITW data showed that 25% of their scans prompted a change in maternal treatment that saved lives. 

Sherri Fannon, executive director of the Simulation Center, said the event drew about 60 campus and community members and included a tour of the center. 

In the News
Grand Valley's Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation has been approved by the National Security Agency. Andrew Kalafut, associate professor of computing and director of the Institute for Cybersecurity Education and Research, said the designation lasts for five years and gives current and prospective students "great assurance of the quality of the cybersecurity program and of all the opportunities Grand Valley offers." Last winter, the undergraduate cybersecurity program earned NSA validation.

Jennifer Moore, associate professor of biology, was interviewed by WOOD-TV for a story about the research partnership with John Ball Zoo and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute to release Eastern box turtles that had a head start at the zoo.

Michael Layton, W.K. Kellogg community philanthropy chair at the Johnson Center, was interviewed by CNN for a story about gender imbalance when it comes to political donations.

Todd Buckingham, visiting professor of exercise science, was interviewed by Health for a story about the benefits of slow running.

Mark Luttenton and Bopi Biddanda from the Annis Water Resources Institute were interviewed by WOOD-TV for a story about how climate changes impact Lake Michigan.

Jennifer Pope, associate professor of marketing, was interviewed by WalletHub for a story about credit cards with annual fees.

Denton Bobeldyk, assistant professor of computing, was interviewed by WOOD-TV for a story about how a TikTok video about a murder in Livonia was fake and generated by artificial intelligence.

Sketches
Erica Hamilton, associate professor of literacy, educational foundations and technology, was a co-author of a book, Widening the Lens: Integrating Multiple Approaches to Support Adolescent Literacy, published by Teachers College Press. 

Jeremiah Cataldo, professor of history, Meijer Honors College, wrote an article, "Transbodied Metaphors and Trauma in Hosea," published in the Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament.

Laila McCloud, assistant professor of educational leadership and counseling, was a co-author of an article, "Hope and Obstacles in Black College Students," published in the Journal of College Student Development.

Denise Goerisch, associate professor of interdisciplinary studies, gave a presentation, "'Maybe they Care': Caring for Student Employees During Crisis," at the Performing Care and Carelessness: An Interdisciplinary Conference at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Daniel Vainner, associate registrar, was among the presenters of "FERPA: The Game" at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The presentation was selected as the "Best of the Best" for the annual meeting.

Nick Viau, marketing and branding content manager for University Marketing, wrote a book, Clumsy Predators, about a new way to enjoy life outdoors.

Patrick Shan, professor of history, wrote a book, Li Dazhao: China's First Communist, published by the State University of New York Press.

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Faculty & Staff Sketches