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CSET Good News Report Mar 2025

Department of Nursing and Allied Health - NSU Graduates Engage in Research

NSU Graduate Students Engage in Research. In October 2024, Dr. Marie St. Rose provided a collaborative research opportunity. Dr. Batrina Martin created a research guide. Dr. Batrina Martin, Dr. Jan Felton and Dr. Sonya Brummer mentored five Master of Health Informatics students at Norfolk State University (NSU):

  • Nichelle Ellis
  • Megghan Gallagher
  • Jordan Rome
  • Lynette Tackey
  • Alexis Tann

As a result of this collaboration, Dr. Batrina Martin submitted two abstracts to the William & Mary 2025 Graduate Research Symposium, which were accepted for the Poster Presentation segment scheduled for February 27-28, 2025. More details about the symposium can be found at on the Graduate Symposium website.

The NSU graduate student posters, titled:

  • "Public Health Informatics: Essential Skills and Key Issues"
  • "Public Health Informatics: Identifying Data Gaps"

were presented on February 28, 2025, showcasing the students' outstanding research contributions in public health informatics. Their presentations highlighted critical data challenges and the essential competencies required in the evolving field of health informatics.

The collaboration reflects NSU’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and providing graduate students with valuable academic and professional development opportunities.

A special thanks to Dr. Melody Armstrong for attending the symposium. She provided faculty support and valuable insight for the students as they prepared for their presentations. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Jamela Martin who sponsored and funded the research for faculty and students.


Department of Nursing and Allied Health - NSAH Conference

Coming Soon: NSU to Host the National Society of Allied Health (NSAH) Conference

Norfolk State University (NSU) is proud to host the National Society of Allied Health (NSAH) 2025 Conference, a premier event dedicated to advancing minority representation in Allied Health professions. NSAH is a collaborative effort among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), focusing on:

  • Expanding career opportunities in Allied Health
  • Conducting scholarly research and publishing in a peer-reviewed journal
  • Promoting Student Honor Society chapters at HBCU member institutions
  • Organizing health promotion activities to benefit the African American community

Collaborating HBCU Institutions:

  • Alabama State University
  • Florida A&M University
  • Howard University
  • Norfolk State University (NSU)
  • Tuskegee University
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Winston-Salem State University

The 2025 NSAH Conference will take place on March 28-29, 2025 at NSU, NGE Bldg, with the theme:  "Access and Opportunities for Minority Allied Health Professionals." More details, including the conference agenda and registration, can be found on the 2025 NSAH Conference website.

NSU's Role in NSAH Leadership, Faculty, & Student Success

  • Dr. Mildred Fuller serves as NSU’s Institutional Representative, Treasurer, and Board Member for NSAH. Additionally, Dr. Batrina Martin and Dr. Kevin Jackson also serve on the NSAH Board of Directors.
  • In 2024, Dr. Batrina Martin actively engaged in research with her students and four abstracts were accepted by NSAH. Dr. Martin will also give a platform presentation at the NSAH conference. In March 2024, Dr. Martin and Dr. Melody Armstrong began mentoring several Master of Healthcare Administration and Health Services Management students to help prepare them to give poster presentations, and they are eager to showcase their work at the upcoming conference.
  • Ms. Sandra Olanitori, engaged in research and her abstract was accepted by NSAH. She will give a platform presentation at the conference.

A Call to Support Our NSU Students and Faculty:

As the healthcare landscape evolves, it is crucial to address barriers and create opportunities that foster diversity in Allied Health professions. The research and presentations from NSU faculty and students will highlight why this issue remains critical across all healthcare disciplines. 

CSET faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the conference and support our NSU students and faculty in their academic and professional achievements. Join the conference and help make a meaningful impact in the future of Allied Health professionals!


Department of Engineering Technology

Students Jy’Mire Bernhardt, Mason Duncan, Brian Rascoe, Braeden Woolfolk, Ayanah Garcia, and De’Ajah Bell from the Department of Engineering Technology programs, including Architectural Drafting and Construction Management Engineering Technology programs participated in the ABC Construction Management Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada February 23-28.

Under the guidance of Dr. Sanjeev and Mr. Sellars from W.M. Jordan Company, the team gained valuable experience through various events, networking opportunities with industry partners, and engagement with chapter organizations.

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Engineering Technology (Continued)

Mr. Martin’s Materials of Building Construction class students took a short field trip to the Net Zero Materials Research in the Bowser Building next door to RTC. Dr Nithin Gunasekaran and class and lab member David Tolbert explained the on-going investigation into formulations for more sustainable concrete, lower CO2 emissions while incorporating recycled waste materials. This work is overseen by Dr Sanjeev Kumar and funded by outside grants including VDOT and ACI. 

Materials of Building Construction Materials of Building Construction

Engineering Technology (Continued)

Dr Sanjeev’s latest article “Towards a Net Zero Cement: Strategic Policies and Systems Thinking for a Low-Carbon Future," published in Current Sustainable/Renewable Energy Reports (Springer Nature), has been featured in CleanTechnica. This study, conducted in collaboration with the World Resources Institute (USA) and TFIE Strategy (Canada), outlines key policy strategies and technological innovations crucial for advancing the cement industry toward net-zero emissions.

Cement Decarbonization Policy Makers 

NAHB logoThe Norfolk State University Chapter of NAHB participated in the NAHB Custom/Small Build Student Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. This competition exposes students to a small-scale residential construction project from concept to closing. Teams identify a homebuilding opportunity in a specific geographic area, focusing on the best chance for a small builder to be successful and grow their business.

The 2025 NAHB Student Competition was held during the 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, from February 25–27, 2025.

Four-Year Custom/Small Home Programs Awards

  • First Place – University of Denver, Denver, CO
  • Second Place – Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
  • Third Place – Purdue University (Team Black), West Lafayette, IN
  • Rookie of the Year – Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA

Team and Chapter Members

  • Angelo Little
  • Willie Harrell
  • LaShaun Ruffin
  • Myles Woods
  • Michael Warren
  • Aiyanna Coles
  • Talia Scott
  • Marquis Bowden
Materials of Building Construction Materials of Building Construction Materials of Building Construction Materials of Building Construction Materials of Building Construction

 


Forrester Bazemore, Cumberland County Schools Names New Operations Director


Photo provided by CCS
Forrester BazemoreFollowing the recommendation of Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr., the Cumberland County Board of Education approved a new CCS Operations Director during Tuesday evening’s Board meeting.

Forrester Bazemore, who currently serves as the district's environmental compliance officer, will fill the position. He has more than 23 years of experience in management and has served more than four years as an assistant operations manager in the U.S. Army.

Bazemore began his career with CCS almost 20 years ago as a school bus driver at Mac Williams Middle before adding safe school coordinator to his responsibilities in 2013. He became a project manager for CCS Operations in 2022 before transitioning to his current role.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in building construction technology (BCT) from Norfolk State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management from Fayetteville State University. Bazemore brings extensive experience in overseeing staffing, training, safety procedures, and facility maintenance.


Larry Vickers Named Auburn Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Larry VickersAUBURN, Ala.—Larry Vickers, who has spent the past decade at Norfolk State leading the women’s basketball program to unprecedented heights, including three consecutive conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, has been named Auburn’s head women’s basketball coach, Athletics Director John Cohen announced Sunday. An 18-year coaching veteran, Vickers also spent eight years as a men’s assistant and associate head coach for the Spartans.

Vickers earned his bachelor’s degree in electronic technology in 2007. He has taken courses toward his master’s in urban education at NSU. He graduated from Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
 


CSET

CSET Support Staff Attend Retreat

CSET Support Staff Attend Retreat 

On March 17, 2025, the NSU Provost hosted the University’s first annual Provost Advance Staff Retreat—Excellence and Leadership as Administrative Support Staff. The event, held at the Delta Hotel in Virginia Beach, VA, welcomed over 60 support staff members from across the Division of Academic Affairs.

Presentations included topics such as Excellent Engagement Across the University by Ms. Brittany Wilder (Human Resources) and Dr. Valencia Ingram (Office of Information Technology). Participants gained valuable information on processing HR1s, HR recruitment and search committee policies, and requesting Position Control Numbers (PCNs).

The University also announced plans to implement a new software system called Workday, currently used by The College of William and Mary. According to the company, Workday is “the only platform that unites HR and finance to keep business moving forward.”

Grace Williams (Accounts Payable) presented best practices for AP and travel policies. The University also announced a soft launch of a new travel application called Chrome River, which is used throughout the Commonwealth.

Attendees heard from a peer panel on providing quality customer service and going above and beyond in support roles. Panelists included Ms. Keyra Amos (Academic Engagement), Ms. Dawn Cole (Center for Teaching & Learning), Ms. Dondrell Dyson (Lyman Beecher Brooks Library), and Ms. Lauren Smith (School of Business).

With an amazing waterfront view as the backdrop, staff enjoyed an energetic session on Health and Wellness on the Job by Dr. Sheila Ward, who encouraged everyone to get up and move throughout the workday. The presentation was followed by chair massages, much to everyone’s delight.

Participants also joined roundtable discussions to share suggestions for University improvements and ideas to boost staff morale. Dr. Dorothy Jones presented Using Technology for Excellence, highlighting tools such as Canva, Artificial Intelligence, and Microsoft Teams.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Elaine M. Pearson—former colleague of Provost Fulton—shared powerful insights on the importance of continuing education and the value of having both a mentor and a sponsor in your career. As one staff member summarized: “A mentor prepares you for the room, and the sponsor gets you in the room.” Dr. Pearson also spoke about aligning with your organization’s mission and the importance of having a Career Strategic Plan.

It was a great day of learning, collaboration, and community—celebrating the essential contributions of support staff to the success of faculty, students, and the entire University.


Department of Engineering

Ivy Krystal Jones, Ph.D., Engineering Department, served as a panelist for a session titled, “We Got Next: Exploring HBCU’s, PWIs, Community Colleges, and More!” at the Academic & Research Leadership Symposium (ARLS) themed “The Revolution Will Be STEM-ified: Black Educators Defining the Future” at the National Society of Black Engineers 51st Annual Convention in Chicago, IL on March 7, 2025. The panel explored the role of STEM professionals as our society continues to become more technology oriented.

Research Group Led by Renny Fernandez Presents Four Papers at ACS Spring 2025 Conference

Fernandez’s research group presented four papers at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2025 Meeting & Expo, held March 23–27 in San Diego, California. This effort also includes a collaborative project with Prof. Govindarajan Ramesh, Department of Materials Science, focused on developing wearable analytical devices. The presentations highlighted the group’s interdisciplinary work in nanomaterials, catalysis, and smart biomedical systems. The presenters, all graduate students from NSU, represented the department across four major technical sessions.

  • Flexible pH Sensors Enabled by Direct Printing of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles via Plasma-Aided Deposition, Presented in the Global Virtual Symposium: Chemistry Interfaces at the Forefront of Energy and Sustainability. Authors: Harikrishnan Muraleedharan Jalajamony, Santhosh Adhinarayanan, Soumadeep De, Shawn Strobel, Renny Fernandez
     
  • Evaluation of a Machine Learning Module Integrated in a Smart Bandage System for Autonomous Wound Monitoring, Presented in the Virtual Graduate Students Symposium in Asia-Pacific Region on Computational Chemistry.Authors: Soumadeep De, Harikrishnan Muraleedharan Jalajamony, Fatima Diallo, Jakayla Collins, Renny Fernandez
     
  • Plasma-Aided Gold Nanoparticle Deposition for Enhanced Electron Transfer and Increased Electrochemically Active Surface Area, Presented in General Catalyst. Authors: Santhosh Adhinarayanan, Harikrishnan Muraleedharan Jalajamony, Soumadeep De, Reven Adu, Renny Fernandez
     
  • Electrocatalytic Activity of CeO₂ Modified Carbon Electrodes for Rapid H₂O₂ Detection, Presented in AGFD General Papers: Agricultural and Food Chemistry Flash Talks. Authors: Nithin Krisshna Gunasekaran, Harikrishnan Muraleedharan Jalajamony, Reven Adu, Renny Fernandez, Ramesh Govindarajan T.

STEM Outreach at David Gilbert Jacox Elementary School – Career Day 2025

On March 26, 2025, Dr. Fernandez, along with students Harikrishnan Muraleedharan Jalajamony, Soumadeep De, and Santhosh Adhinarayanan, represented the Department of Engineering at the Career Day Expo hosted by David Gilbert Jacox Elementary School. The NSU team introduced elementary students to robotics and drone technology through interactive demonstrations. Highlights included a line-following robot, an autonomous mini UGV, and drone flying competition. The activities were designed to inspire curiosity and interest in STEM, especially engineering and robotics, among young learners.

STEM Outreach