Student Life Achievement Awards | 2021

16 2021 NOMINEES FOR Student of the Year—Overall (CONTINUED) Alison Datoc—College of Psychology Alison Datoc has been a student in the College of Psychology since 2017. She is a fourth-year student pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the neuropsychology concentration. In the Psychology Services Center, she completed practica as a trainee, served as the Neuropsychology Assessment Center program coordinator, and oversaw services for athletes at the Guided Self-Change Program. Datoc was drawn to NSU due to the faculty and the strong training in neuropsychology. She disseminated research on concussion, neuropathology, and teleneuropsychology at domestic and international conferences. Evidenced by her work assisting students in conducting research; serving as a student organization representative, adjunct professor, and liaison between the College of Psychology and Sports Medicine Clinic; serving diverse populations at the Cleveland Clinic; and maintaining a 3.95 GPA, Datoc exemplifies each of NSU’s Core Values. WaseemWahood, M.S.—Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine Waseem Wahood is a second-year medical student at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD). He has been a strong supporter of his classmates in the class of 2023, a mentor to students in the class of 2024, and a mentee to class of 2022. Wahood seizes any opportunity to help and represent his college, including as an admissions ambassador and student government association treasurer. He feels that NSU MD is a special place for him, as he calls it is his second family. Above all, he believes that he owes NSU MD for giving him the opportunity to evolve into a well-rounded physician, supportive colleague, and a caring friend, and is forever grateful for it. Joshua Berko—Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Joshua Berko started at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2018. In his first year, he accumulated 200 volunteer hours, including a medical mission trip to India. In his second year, he focused on political advocacy and worked with former Surgeon General Jerome Adams and Governor Ron DeSantis to combat the opioid epidemic in Florida. Before his third year of medical school, Berko was selected for a predoctoral osteopathic fellowship, where he teaches medical students and treats patients in the clinic. He was also selected as the college’s Student Doctor of the Year and was named a National Top 10 Osteopathic Medical Student of the Year. Berko’s favorite aspects about NSU include the numerous opportunities provided to students and the family-like dynamic of the Shark community. Sarah Williams, B.S.—Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences Sarah Williams is a second-year Master of Occupational Therapy student at Nova Southeastern University’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus. She was an academic success coach for the tutoring and testing center, where she helped undergraduates reach academic success. She was the vice president for the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), founder of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity Davie Chapter (COTAD), and currently serves as the group’s liaison. Williams is the graduate assistant for student development and multicultural affairs, a team leader for the Inter-Professional Diabetes Education Awareness (IDEA) organization and a member of the OT PTE honor society. Throughout her journey at NSU, she has had the honor, privilege, and joy of hosting multiple interdisciplinary events that focus on creating a more culturally aware and sensitive generation of health care professionals, which is her passion. Naziba Akther, B.S.—Farquhar Honors College Naziba Akther is a fourth-year student at Nova Southeastern University’s Halmos College of Arts and Sciences. She is pursuing a dual degree in biology and mathematics with minors in chemistry, applied statistics, pre-health, and honors transdisciplinary studies. She is currently serving as senior supplemental instruction leader for biochemistry, content level tutor for math and science, president of Tribeta National Biological Honors Society, and vice president for the NSU Math Club. Additionally, she is conducting research at the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research as well as the Department of Mathematics. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she intends to apply to medical school. Akther initially chose NSU because of the unique learning experience. She feels that the classroom sizes are typically small, so it is much easier to have one-on-one conversations with faculty members.