NSU Currents Fall 2014 Newsletter - Volume XXV, Issue 2

Computational Molecular Biology Certificate Offered Starting in fall 2014, NSU’s OC and the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences are offering a Computational Molecular Biology Certificate. This graduate- level, four-course certificate intends to assist students’ entry into the genomics industry and workforce, which is projected to grow. The certificate will provide a solid foundation to both genomics and computer science fields; introduce bioinformatics theory, resources, and databases; and enable a gateway to more advanced studies in computational molecular biology. It is available both online and on campus. For more information, contact ocadmissions@nova.edu . Jonathan Lanzas, M.S. student, assists COSEE intern Reneice Robinson with a genomics database. Ph.D. Candidates Assist New Television Show Environmental advocate Philippe Cousteau, Jr., grandson of legendary undersea explorer and television pioneer Jacques Cousteau, visited the Oceanographic Center on May 21, 2014, to tour the Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Research as part of a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educational television series. He interviewed Ph.D. candidates Abigail Renegar , M.S., and Elizabeth Larson , M.S., about their research. Cousteau is the host and executive producer of Fox television’s syndicated series Xploration Awesome Planet , which aired its first episode in September. Brandon Hensler, NSU interim executive director of university relations, OC Ph.D. candidate Abigail Renegar, and Philippe Cousteau 6 Peer Mentor Outreach Continues This July, Joyce Varela , OC M.S. student and Title V administrative assistant, participated in a Youth Co-Op Summer Enrichment Program held for refugee youth in the Broward County community. Students enjoyed learning about various marine organisms and participated in hands-on learning with a variety of marine specimens, including a polka-dot batfish, sand tiger shark, scrawled cowfish, corals, and sponges. In addition, students learned about marine conservation and career paths in marine science. M.S. student Joyce Varela (top, left) with Youth Co-Op Summer Enrichment Program students