NSU Academic Times 2026
The Academic Times is a monthly newsletter that has highlighted faculty and staff accomplishments since 2010. Be included in next month's edition of the Academic Times! Please work through your dean's office or for more information.
Read Now: February Academic Times
Academic Spotlight: NSU to launch new Ed.D. in Community-Based Leadership*
Northeastern State University is preparing to launch a new Doctor of Education in Community-Based Leadership, a program designed for experienced professionals ready to lead meaningful change across the education, nonprofit, tribal, health, and civic sectors. The EdD will focus on applied research, organizational improvement, and community partnership, equipping leaders to address complex, real-world challenges in the communities they serve. Built with working professionals in mind, the program will offer a flexible structure that supports continued employment while advancing doctoral-level study and scholarship grounded in practice.
NSU is also extending a significant opportunity to its own employees. Full-time NSU employees accepted into the EdD may be eligible to have 3 credit hours of tuition waived, excluding student fees, during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Enrollment requires admission to the program and prior approval from both the Account Sponsor and the Supervisor, confirming that coursework will not interfere with assigned responsibilities. Non-exempt employees must make up any missed working hours and record them on their timesheet. If an employee is approved to enroll in more than 3 credit hours under the policy, any additional hours missed will result in an appropriate payroll deduction and cannot be made up. This benefit reflects NSU’s commitment to developing leadership capacity from within and investing in the professional growth of its faculty and staff.
The EdD in Community-Based Leadership has been submitted to the Higher Learning Commission and is pending HLC review. The university will not admit or enroll students until it receives HLC approval. If the review is completed successfully on the anticipated timeline, the program is projected to begin in Fall 2026. If the review timeline extends, a Spring 2027 start is anticipated. Updates will be shared with the campus community as the approval process moves forward.
For more information, contact Renee Cambiano or 918.444.3741
Dr. Muhammad Asif Publishes ESG Research in Leading Q1 Journal
Dr. Muhammad Asif has published a significant new study, “Examining ESG Through the Lens of Management Theories,” in Management Decision, a top-tier, ABDC-listed Q1 management journal with an Impact Factor of 10.8. The paper offers a theory-driven rethinking of ESG disclosure, examining why organizations disclose ESG information, how incentives influence behavior, and where disclosure practices often fail.
Addressing critical issues such as authenticity, greenwashing, supply-chain transparency, and reporting standardization, the study introduces a novel integrative taxonomy of management theories. This framework organizes ESG research into stakeholder-, governance-, implementation-, and organization-oriented perspectives, providing scholars and practitioners with a clearer lens to diagnose disclosure failures and design more transparent, credible ESG reporting systems.
This research reflects the College of Business & Technology’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic development through impactful scholarship that supports responsible decision-making and meaningful societal impact.
Dr. LeShay McNack Represents NSU at National Indian Education Association Conference
Please join us in congratulating Dr. LeShay McNack on being invited to attend the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Conference this past October in Spokane.
This prestigious national gathering brought together educators, leaders, and advocates dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for Native students.
Dr. McNack, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, continues to serve as a dedicated mentor to Native American students. Her engagement in this national conference not only supported her professional growth but also strengthened NSU’s commitment to Native student success, cultural leadership, and community engagement.
New Publications by Dr. Hossein Nezakati on Sustainable Communities
Dr. Nezakati’s most recent article, “Ecovillages: from isolated communities to ideal models of sustainable communities,” was published online on December 4, 2025, in the Community Development Journal (Oxford University Press, Scopus Q2). The study examines how ecovillages are evolving from isolated initiatives into scalable and effective models for sustainable community development.
This publication builds upon an earlier Scopus Q1–indexed article published on October 27, 2025, in Advances in Southeast Asian Studies: “Understanding Low Ecovillage Adoption in Southeast Asia: Insights from Malaysia Using Diffusion of Innovation Theory,” co-authored by Dr. Nezakati. This research provides valuable insights into the barriers and drivers of ecovillage adoption in Southeast Asia, using Malaysia as a case study.
Together, these two Scopus-indexed publications strengthen NSU’s growing scholarly contribution to sustainability research and highlight the University’s expanding impact in the study of ecovillages and innovative community development models.
Dr. Mfon Akpan Explores the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Auditing at Rutgers University
Dr. Mfon Akpan, Assistant Professor of Accounting, recently presented his research at Rutgers University, focusing on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the auditing process.
The central question of Dr. Akpan’s presentation examined whether artificial intelligence can identify potential audit risks by analyzing what company management publicly discloses. Specifically, his research explores whether AI can review company reports and statements to flag issues that auditors typically identify through professional judgment. By using only publicly available information—similar to what investors and regulators see—the study asks whether AI can help identify audit risks without access to internal company records.
As AI tools become increasingly accessible, Dr. Akpan emphasized the importance of understanding how these technologies may influence financial reporting and auditing. His research compares AI-generated assessments with actual auditor judgments to determine where AI is effective, where it falls short, and how it may shape the future of the accounting profession. This work is especially significant as more individuals rely on AI to analyze financial information without specialized accounting expertise.
Dr. Akpan’s research directly supports his work at Northeastern State University, where he integrates real-world applications of artificial intelligence into his teaching. By bringing current research into the classroom, he helps students understand both the potential and the limitations of AI in accounting. He emphasizes that while AI can be a valuable tool, it does not replace professional judgment.
Through research and speaking engagements like his presentation at Rutgers University, Dr. Akpan continues to contribute to the evolving conversation around technology and accounting, while preparing NSU students to responsibly and effectively use AI in their future careers.
Dr. Julia S. Kwok Receives Best Presentation Recognition at Academy of Business Research Conference
Key West, Florida – October 2025 Dr. Julia S. Kwok, Professor of Finance in Northeastern State University’s College of Business and Technology, presented two research papers at the Academy of Business Research Conference in Key West, Florida. She was recognized among the recipients of the conference’s Best Presentation Award, an honor that recognizes excellence in communicating quality research with strong practical relevance and effective audience engagement.
The Academy of Business Research is an international society of scholars and practitioners who exchange ideas across business disciples in a conference setting.
The first paper, “IRA to Roth Conversion: A Case Study Approach to Tax-Efficient Retirement Planning,” examines whether Roth conversions should be executed as lump-sum or staggered transactions and whether taxes should be paid from IRA or non-qualified accounts. Using a detailed household case study and incorporating tax law considerations, longevity factors, and market assumptions, the research finds that staggered conversions funded by external assets generally provide greater tax efficiency and flexibility.
The second paper, “From Theory to Practice: Applying Cognitive Science to
Introductory Finance Through the RAT Model,” introduces the Retrieval–Alignment–Threshold
(RAT) Model. The study demonstrates how spaced
assignments, quizzes, discussion boards, practice problems, and Stock Trak simulations
promote durable learning in finance courses. The findings highlight improved student
confidence, stronger internship readiness, and enhanced Assurance of Learning outcomes.
Both papers were co-authored with Dr. Halil Kaya of NSU’s Department of Accounting
and Finance. Dr. Kwok’s conference participation and award recognition reflect the
College of Business and Technology’s continued commitment to high-quality scholarship,
innovative teaching, and sustained intellectual contributions.
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Lisa Bisogno (COE Associate Dean) presented "Breaking Down Silos: Promoting Unity & Collaboration among Special Educators and Related Service Providers," at the Council for Exceptional Children Teacher Education Division conference in Kansas City on November 14, 2025.
Dr. Kelli Carney (COE Assistant Dean) recently completed her first article review for Teacher Education Quarterly, a peer reviewed journal that advances knowledge and research in teacher education.
Completing her fourteenth review, Dr. Kelli Carney (COE Assistant Dean) recently served as an external reviewer for a Quality Matters course review from the University of North Carolina.
Dr. Lori Riley (COE Director of Assessment) led the Fall 2025 Educator Preparation Assessment Day
(EPAD) on November 17, 2025. During the session, she presented key findings from the
CAEP Accreditation Site Visit Final Report, reviewed current certification exam results,
and facilitated an activity focused on revising the disposition instrument for teacher
candidates. There
were 25 educator preparation faculty and staff in attendance.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
Dr. Lisa Bisogno (Special Education) presented at the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) 2025
TED Conference.
Under direction of Ms. Jameie Combs (Special Education), the American Sign Language (ASL) Program and Talons ASL Club
collaborated to host the 5th annual ASL Fair for Deaf Awareness Week.
Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading) presented a session at the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers
(ALER) National Conference on November 7th in Oklahoma City. The session discussed
the findings of her study entitled, “Improving Phonics Skills for First Grade Students:
A Case Study of Teacher and
Parent Perceptions.”
In October, Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education) shared two presentations at Fort Gibson Schools entitled, “Accommodations and Modifications: What’s the Difference?” and “Universal Design for Learning.”
Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education) served as a state accreditation team member for a state university in Oklahoma for the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Dr. Tamra Day (Special Education) serves as a CAEP National Site Reviewer for the accreditation of teacher preparation institutions.
Dr. Samantha Evans (Teacher Education) served a guest speaker at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) for the Graduate Leadership in Education course.
Dr. Samantha Evans (Teacher Education) completed research collaboration with visiting scholars from Hubei University in China dealing with classroom teaching practices.
Dr. Samantha Evans (Teacher Education) and Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education) presented “Strategic Partnerships for Immersive Teacher Preparation” at the Oklahoma Association of Colleges of Teacher Education’s (OACTE) conference.
Dr. Samantha Evans (Teacher Education) and Dr. Brandy McCombs (Elementary Education) shared “Graduate Peer Mentoring” at the Oklahoma Association of Colleges of Teacher Education’s (OACTE) conference.
Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) and two Elementary Education majors (MacKenzie Blackman and Yasmine Sohkun) assisted with the Briggs STEM Night, where they brought Lego and Magnatiles for students to build their own marble tracks.
Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) facilitated engaging endeavors for the American Sign Language (ASL) Deaf Awareness Week. Specifically, she introduced Indi cars to ASL classes so participants could practice colors and directions in sign.
Dr. Tonya Garrett (Elementary Education) led a professional development session for PK–2nd grade teachers on number sense, counting, and early addition and subtraction. Dr. Garrett, Dr. Sophia Burch (Educational Leadership), and Dr. Sarah Ramsey (Reading) collected research data during the session for a study on the “Framework for Evaluating Counting Books” rubric they are developing.
Dr. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education) presented at multiple locales this year this year including the conferences of the Riverhawk Center for Teacher Excellence (RCTE), the Ft. Gibson Independent School District, and the Open Educational Resources (OER) Summit.
Dr. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education) attended the Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Professional Counselor’s Association (ODAPCA) Conference on brain health and burnout.
Dr. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education) submitted two proposals for the upcoming convention of the Oklahoma Learning Innovations Summit (OKLIS).
Dr. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education) is continuing collaborative research with Hubei University faculty while collecting data with the Pre-1 and Pre-2 team.
Dr. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education) served as a judge for the International Vex IQ Robotics Competition.
On November 13, 2025, Drs. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education), Sherry Been (Elementary Education), and Christine Gleason (Teacher Education), alongside NSU Teacher Candidates, facilitated engaging activities based in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at Country Lane Intermediate School in Broken Arrow for their family STEM Night.
On November 29, 2025, Dr. Jericho Hobson (Teacher Education), Dr. Sherry Been (Elementary Education), Dr. Jodi Legnon (Early Childhood), Dr. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education), and several NSU Teacher Candidates facilitated activities at the Union 6th & 7th Grade Center at their family STEM Night.
Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading) is preparing a statewide review for the Fundamentals of Reading Test (FORT) for the Oklahoma Education Association’s (OEA) initiative to provide free test preparation for future teachers in Oklahoma.
Dr. Brandy McCombs (Elementary Education) presented “Trauma Responsive Strategies at Home” for the October Oklahoma Family Network Podcast.
Dr. Brandy McCombs (Elementary Education) completed the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for English learners titled, “The PLUSS Model Professional Development” (designed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education).
Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading) appeared on Tulsa’s Channel 6 News to showcase candy cornucopias, while also highlighting ways families can foster literacy at home.
Literacy Unboxed, NSU’s literacy-focused YouTube channel created by the READ team, has just released two new instructional videos featuring Echo Reading and Seesaw Reading. With guidance from Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading) and Dr. Renee Cowan (Reading), these videos highlight two practical fluency strategies that can be used in any classroom. Literacy Unboxed partnered with students from Heritage Elementary School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to bring these strategies to life. Click below to view the new videos.
NSU Literacy Unboxed - YouTube
Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) presented “Brain Breaks” at the seminar for full-interns in the College of Education at the Muskogee NSU campus.
Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) and Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading) attended reviewer training in Topeka, Kansas, hosted by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Invited by the school librarian, Dr. Kim Phillips (Early Childhood) shared children’s literature with a second-grade class at Fort Gibson Public Schools.
Dr. Jason Proctor (Teacher Education) updated Teaching Methods & Practices (an OER textbook) to meet ADA requirements and created ancillary materials (assignments & activities) for each chapter.
Dr. Lori Riley (Assessment Director) serves on the Oklahoma’s Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA) ad hoc committee for the First Year Teacher Survey to provide critical feedback on the current process and data collection procedures.
Dr. Lori Riley (Assessment) serves on a committee of the Oklahoma Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (OACTE) creating a teacher work sample that Oklahoma universities may use as a summative capstone performance assessment.
Dr. Brad Ross (Teacher Education) shared a presentation at the Open Educational Resources (OER) Summit Presentation entitled, “Student-Created OER in the Age of AI.”
Dr. Brad Ross (Teacher Education) and Dr. Christine Gleason (Teacher Education) gave a presentation at the Open Educational Resources (OER) Summit Presentation entitled, “OER in Action: Reducing Costs, Increasing Equity, Supporting Future Teachers.”
Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading), Dr. Meagan Moreland (Reading), and Dr. Jen Oswald (Professor, Northwestern Oklahoma State University) presented “A Comparison of In-Person
and Clinical Experiences in University Reading Methods Courses: The Impact of Reading
Teaching Outcome Expectancy” at the 2025
Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) conference in Oklahoma City.
Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Literacy Educators (ALER). He also co-chairs the Historian Division and College & Adult Literacy Division.
In the late autumn of 2025, Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) published a chapter in the edited book, Faculty Success in the Academy: Tips, Tools, and Resources, edited by A.D. Tomlinson and H. Smith.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Literacy Association, Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) is helping host the state annual spring convention in February as well as planning and coordinating the annual summer Leadership Conference for literacy educators in Oklahoma.
Dr. Stephan Sargent (Reading) serves as a peer reviewer of proposals submitted for consideration for the 2026 conventions of the Oklahoma Literacy Association (OLA) and the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER).
Dr. Tobi Thompson (Reading), Dr. Ingrid Massey (Reading), and Ms. Jennie Blankenship (graduate student) presented a research presentation at the annual conference of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) focused on the importance of handwriting instruction in literacy.
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Dr. Alesha Baker, Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership Department, served as an invited speaker for the elementary librarians of Broken Arrow Public Schools on November 14. She led a session on effective school library advocacy, focusing on practical ways librarians can communicate their impact and strengthen community understanding of their work. Her message emphasized how strong advocacy supports literacy, access, and opportunity for families across the district. This focus remains essential as the field continues to navigate changes in educational policy and expectations statewide.
Dr. Barbara Jones (Educational Leadership) and Dr. Jim Ferrell (Assistant VP of Academic Affairs) co-presented and facilitated a two-day IDEAL Administrator Workshop in partnership with the AIRC on December 6–7 at NSU–Tahlequah.
The workshop focused on key leadership topics, including:
- Mentoring vs. coaching and their distinct roles in school leadership
- Supporting new principals through teacher mentoring and imposter syndrome
- Principal mentorship across the leadership journey
PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELING
Dr. Ashalee Hurst, Associate Professor of Psychology Counseling, gave a talk, “Boosting Student Engagement with AI-Generated Primer Podcasts,” at the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology Conference on January 3, 2025.
Dr. Bea Keller-Dupree, Professor of Psychology & Counseling, was invited to serve as the keynote speaker
for the School Based Mental Health Conference in Stillwater, OK in November, 2025.
Her keynote presentation was titled The Joy
Plan: Burnout Prevention and Collaboration with Community Partners.
Dr. Beth Melles, Dept. Chair of Psychology & Counseling, received the Oscar Parsons Distinguished Lectureship award at the 2025 Oklahoma Psychological Association Conference on November 15, 2025.
Dr. Irina I Strout, Associate Prof of English, participated in an annual 2026 Modern Language Association Annual Convention, which took place in Toronto and online from 8 to 11 of January. She presented a paper titled “Exploring Family Dynamics in Russian Folklore” in a session called Folkloric Perspectives on Family. Her paper examined the role of family dynamics in selected Russian fairy and folk tales, focusing on sibling relationships, stepmothers, and dysfunctional families. The analysis included tales such as “The Turnip”, “Vasilisa the Beautiful”, “Morozko”, “Swan Geese” among others. She also explored the ambiguous role of Baba Yaga, who appears in many tales both as a maternal helper and as an evil witch, presenting a complex duality in Russian family folklore.
Dr. Christine Hallman, Professor of Geography, Dr. John McIntosh, Associate Professor of Geography, and Dr. Saroj Thapa, Assistant Professor of Political Science, along with Rhonda Baber, Lake Region Electric Coop, facilitated NSU’s GIS Day events on November 19th. Two NSU students gave presentations on their GIS research and another two students discussed their M.A.P.S Club activities. Additionally, Rhonda Baber, Gina Champlain with the Cherokee County Assessor Office, and Kevin Daugherty with Cherokee Nation Geodata Center shared their experiences and ongoing work related to GIS (Geographic Information Systems) as part of a 60-minute panel discussion. Three student map contest winners were announced and Dr. Chuck Ziehr, retired NSU Geography professor, was honored for his continued support and advocacy for our program.
The annual Christmas / Holiday card drive coordinated by Dr. Christine Hallman, Professor of Geography, was another success with almost 700 cards submitted. NSU students, faculty, and staff and a local K-9th school participated by creating, signing, and decorating cards. They were delivered to veterans and active duty members in and around the Tulsa area, patients at the hospital in Tahlequah, and elders at the Cherokee Nursing and Rehab Center, Go Ye Village, and Cherokee Nation Eldercare. A big thank you to all those who spent some time to sign a card and make someone’s holiday a little brighter. Together we make a difference
Dr. Robyn Pursley, Professor of Drama, attending the Oklahoma Thespian Festival on January 31, 2026 in Sand Springs. The festival hosted competitions, workshops, and college auditions. Pursley presented two workshops, Monologue Dinner Party and Improvisational Story Creation. She also attended the college auditions and met with senior high school students graduating and looking towards pursuing theatre on a college level.
Dr. Elaina Ross, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, hosted a program on January 17, 2026 at the Tulsa City County Library titled 'Nailing Your First Job Interview.'
In January 2026, Dr. James Lindroth, Professor of Music, was asked to serve as a music consultant and evaluator for the Oklahoma Arts Institute Summer Program.
Dr. Audell Shelburne, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, has contributed thirty-eight poems to a book of poetry with four other poets, Lyman Grant, Robert Wynn, W. Joe Hoppe, and Hank Jones. Round and Round: A Collaborative Cycle of Poems will be published by 4 Door Lounge Press in March 2026. Shelburne also published a poem "Curtain Call" in the anthology Notes of Light and Dark Southwestern Aubades and Nocturnes, published by Dos Gatos Press.
The Department of Communication and Media Studies hosted students from Panama High School on Feb. 4, 2026, including a tour of NSU's campus, podcasting studio, photography studio, communication lab, and newsroom.
Dr. Jeffery Wall, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, presented a session for the Missouri Music Educators Association conference in Osage Beach, MO on January 28th titled, "Bringing a Coach's Mentality to Rehearsals: Building Resilience in Singers". This session was co-presented with Mr. Mark Roberts (Campolindo High School Choral Director), who joined virtually from California.
Chris Miller, Professor of Drama, and Dr. Andrew Vassar, Professor of Humanities, served as judges for the ESU High School Shakespeare Festival competition on February 11, 2026 at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs. The ESU celebrates English as a shared language to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators, and members. Student winners have the opportunity to participate in a national competition later in the year.
The Department of Communication and Media Studies is pleased to announce the launch of a new workshop series supporting student development in everyday communication skills. On February 5, Dr. Kyle R. Vareberg and Dr. Elaina Ross debuted the series with "How to Have Small Talk," co-facilitated by Dr. Beth Bowin from Psychology.
Twenty-four students attended the session, where facilitators reframed the anxiety commonly associated with small talk — not as a personal deficiency, but as the brain's natural protective response. Understanding that, students learned, is the foundation for developing intentional strategies to navigate social interactions with greater confidence.
Each session partners with another discipline on campus to teach students a key lesson and then to engage others in structured, low-stakes ways, putting workshop concepts into practice in real time.
Upcoming workshops include "How to Have Big Talk" co-facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Edwards (Sociology) on February 25; "How to Have Online Talk" co-facilitated with Dr. Megan Weinkauf (Management) and Dana Boren-Boer (Marketing) on March 25; and "How to Have In Person Talk" co-facilitated by Dr. Robyn Pursley (Drama) on April 22.
Matthew Girard, a research student in Dr. Das-Bradoo’s lab was nominated and interviewed by professors at University of Oklahoma for “Take Your Science to the Capitol Hill.” He has been selected to represent the state of Oklahoma at this event in Washington DC on June 18-19, 2026. The event highlights the value of biomedical research to the Congress.
Matthew Girard, has been selected to represent NSU at the Research Day at the State Capitol in April 27-28, 2026.
Dr. Das-Bradoo’s research students, Nick Botto, Mary Kravchuk, Zach Burks, and Tyler Armstrong were selected to present posters at the NSU Undergraduate Research Day (URD) in Tahlequah on November 20, 2025. All four students delivered individual poster presentations. Mary Kravchuk received first place, and Tyler Armstrong earned second place among all undergraduate posters at URD.
Matthew Girard, a research student in Dr. Das-Bradoo lab was selected as the Outstanding Scholar from the Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions. In addition, his oral presentation at Undergraduate Research Day earned the Best Speaker Prize.
Five undergraduate students from Dr. Das-Bradoo’s lab presented their research at the Oklahoma Academy of Sciences on November 7 at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. Matt Girard and Nick Botto gave oral presentations in the Molecular Biology/Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences sections while Mary Kravchuk, Zach Burks, and Tyler Armstrong presented posters in the Biomedical section.
Dr. Das-Bradoo’s research students, Matt Girard, Nick Botto, Mary Kravchuk, Zach Burks, and Tyler Armstrong attended the Arkansas INBRE Fall Conference on November 7 and 8, 2025. All five students presented individual poster presentations. Matt Girard won first place among all student presentations in the biology category and Zach Burks received Honorable mention.
Matthew Girard, a senior student in Dr. Das-Bradoo’s laboratory, attended and presented his research at the University of Oklahoma Cell Biology Symposium on November 13 and 14, 2025 at Nicholson Tower in Oklahoma City. Matt received second place among all undergraduates presentations.
Dr. Pamela Christol and Dr. Nathan Green were awarded $21,000 from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) to host the Get Green for Blue Summer Academy. This summer program invites 8th through 10th grade students to learn about water quality for collecting data, analyzing the health of water bodies, and determining possible solutions to water quality problems.
Dr. Mark Paulissen, Emeritus Professor of Biology, has co-authored an article with Riley Manual, Benjamin Camper, James Cordes, Sharon Bewick, and James Walker entitled “Ecological relationships of Aspidoscelis laredoensis clonal complexes A and B in newly discovered Texas land tracts” in the journal Herpetological Review (56: 129-134). The article reports on a multi-university project studying the distribution and habitat of a group of all-female lizard species living in the Rio Grande valley of Texas.
Dr. Deb Petrik and collaborators published a comment titled “Unearthing soil biodiversity through collaborative genomic research and education” in the journal Nature Genetics. This publication describes the The BioDIGS project which is a nationwide initiative involving students, researchers and educators across more than 40 research and teaching institutions.
Unearthing soil biodiversity through collaborative genomic research and education (Article)
The results of microscopic analysis of the stomatal complexes of transgenic plants that Dr. Deb Petrik’s undergraduate and graduate students have produced will be presented at the 2026 Cell Wall Meeting by Kelly Sammons, a graduate student who works with Dr. Charles T. Anderson at Penn State. The title of the presentation is, “Not so fast: Discovering how the cell wall contributes to the form and function of stomatal complexes in Brachypodium distachyon” with authors Kelly Sammons, Julia Medaska, Qimeng Li, Maricela Espinoza, Siearah Milton, Deborah Petrik, and Charles T. Anderson. Qimeng Li was a graduate student in Dr. Petrik’s lab who completed her M.S. during summer 2025. Siearah Milton is a current graduate student in Dr. Petrik’s lab. Maricela Espinoza is a senior undergraduate researcher in Dr. Petrik’s lab.
National Science Foundation Noyce Scholars engage in networking and professional learning event at NSU Broken Arrow. On January 8, 2026, National Science Foundation Noyce Scholars from NSU participated in a networking and professional learning event at the NSU campus in Broken Arrow. Scholars began the evening with a networking dinner where recent graduates had the opportunity to share with current students regarding their experiences as a beginning STEM teacher. The event culminated with a presentation from Mrs. Melissa Evon, the 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. The Noyce Program continues to showcase some of NSU’s best and brightest in STEM fields.
*This NSF grant supports the preparation of STEM majors who will prepare to teach middle school or high school mathematics or science and will provide much needed scholarships and unique educational opportunities to prepare STEM teachers who will serve students in our high-need areas. The intended award amount of $1,173,385 (Yr 1-5) with years 4 and 5 contingent upon availability of funding. The leadership team on this NSF grant includes Dr. Spence Pilcher (Co-Pi and Professor of Chemistry), Dr. Stephan Sargent (Co-PI and Professor of Reading), Dr. Luke Foster (Co-Pi) Associate Professor of Mathematics), and Dr. Martha Parrott (PI).
Dr. Dulanjani Wijayasekara delivered a guest lecture for the Bugs and Blights Society at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater on December 4. Her seminar, titled “From Viruses to Victories: My Journey Through Plant Virology and Academia,” highlighted her professional path and contributions to the field of plant virology.
Dr. Dulanjani Wijayasekara mentored an 8th grade student Saniya Pratt from Sadler Arts Academy Muskogee for her science fair project. Her project involved examining bacterial growth on meat stored at temperatures between 40-140F. Saniya made it to regionals for her Science fair project.
The Oklahoma College of Optometry Class of 2028 participated in their White Coat Ceremony on Friday, November 7, 2025. It was a wonderful event for our second year students and their proud families! The White Coat Ceremony signifies a transition into the clinical setting as second-year students begin their clinical education by seeing patients in direct patient care in January.
Optometry students, faculty, staff and residents gathered for our quarterly “Lunch with the Deans” event on February 11th. This event was a Chili Cook Off plus a competition for the best snack mix and cookies! It was a great event and everyone enjoyed some good food and fellowship while honoring beloved former staff member, Olga Hoenes.
Congratulations to the winners:
- Judge’s Choice - Best Chili: Josh Smith, staff
- People’s Choice - Best Chili: Dr. Madison Rhoton, faculty
- People’s Choice - Best Snack: Brittney Mason, staff
- People’s Choice - Best Cookies: Bailey Jones, student worker
American Academy of Optometry Student Fellows Recognized
The American Academy of Optometry offers a Student Fellowship program to encourage students to fully experience the annual meeting, stimulate increased participation in the meeting’s events, promote future involvement in the Academy, and persuade students to become Fellows upon graduation. This program is an excellent opportunity for optometry students to acquire new knowledge and exposure to the latest advancements in technology through lectures, workshops, posters, and more. It is designed to serve as a guide for students as they develop their skills as optometric professionals. Congratulations to third year students, Cate Hoselton, Jayden Lazzari, Ariel Fowler, Tait Garroutte, Chase Bowerman, Layne Fowler, and Benjamin Hill on earning a Student Fellowship.
Libraries
The NSU Archives & Special Collections have been awarded a $4,300 grant from the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Program. The funding will be utilized to create replica period uniforms and apparel from the Cherokee Nation Male and Female Seminaries, to be displayed in the Seminary Hall Museum. The grant will also allow the addition of a media display to the museum space that will be used to display historical content.
Happy 2026!
We hope you are having a wonderful New Year.
Following faculty feedback, we have opened both the 2025-2026 General Education Assessment Plan and the 2025-26 Assessment and Strategic Plan Report in Planning and Self-Study. Please use this to your advantage and update your reports once you finalize your assessments. You will thank yourself in September when reports are due!
NSU ASSESSMENT TEAM
Email: assessment@nsuok.edu
Cari Keller, Associate VP of Academic Affairs
TQ Campus Office: Seminary Hall 316
918-444-2065
Karrine Ortiz, Academic Process Coordinator
BA Campus Office: Student Affairs 225
Phone: 918-449-6128
HELPFUL LINKS & WORDS REFERENCED:
Degrees of Excellence
Microcredentials and Certificates
Hello RiverHawks!
We hope everyone is having a great Spring semester! There has been lots of work done over the last two months writing and submitting grant applications. Please recognize these individuals on their hard work in developing and submitting grant applications!
Dr. Jessica Secratt – Bre-SPAD
Dr. Cari Keller – FIPSE-SP
Joshua Rader and Angie Demoss – Opioid Abatement
Dr. Deborah Petrik – INBRE – Travel
Dr. Sapna Das Bradoo - SURP
Dr. Janaki Iyer - SURP
Dr. Deborah Petrik - SURP
Dr. Michael Morgan - SURP
Dr. Cammi Valdez - SURP
Dr. Tonya Garrett and Dr. Eloy Chavez – Full STEM Ahead
Dr. Dulanjani Wijayasekara – Full STEM Ahead
We are currently developing a form that will be available to all faculty and staff to submit grant search requests. We have so many individuals that request help to find funding, but this makes it a little hard to remember all of them over time. This form will not only help us, but will ensure that we are addressing everyone’s requests and potentially finding collaborative opportunities. Even if we have spoken, please take time to fill out this form so I can revisit any request I may have forgotten.
Oklahoma Research Day is quickly
approaching on February 27th, 2026!!!
Please be sure to register before the deadline
February 20 th . If you have any questions
regarding ORD, please email
researchday@nsuok.edu.
Oklahoma Research Day - Registration Link
Faculty Research Grant (FRC) applications will be due March 15 th , 2026. This is an internal grant that is available to help full-time (non-temporary) faculty status and the rank of instructor or above. Faculty are eligible to reapply for funding every three years. Those who have not previously received FRC funding receive priority.
Please contact the RASP department with any questions you may have regarding Faculty Research or any other available grants.
Dr. Jessica Secratt
Director of RASP
secratjr@nsuok.edu
918-444-2243
Tory Lander
Asst Director of RASP
landert@nsuok.edu
918-444-2029
Academic Advising Attends the 2026 OACADA Conference
Academic Advising attended the OACADA's Spring 2026 Virtual Conference at the beginning of February. "Rising in Hope, Rooted in Strength," the conference featured Dr. Jenny Bloom, co-creator of Appreciative Advising, as the keynote speaker.
The purpose of the Oklahoma Academic Advising Association is to gain recognition for academic advising and to support the development and professional growth of academic advisors in higher education in Oklahoma. OACADA serves a constituency which includes academic advisors, counselors, faculty members, administrators, and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, personal, and vocational needs of students. OACADA is the representative and advocate of academic advisors in both public and private institutions and is a forum for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas.
Priority Enrollment Dates:
- March 23, 2026: Senior, Post-Graduate, and Graduate Students
- March 30, 2026: All Students