Eric Eisenberg: From First-Generation College Student to Interim Provost

Seeking Truth at High Velocity: That’s the motto of USF’s Institute of Applied Engineering. To get a sense of the institute’s capabilities, think about the sandwich you had for lunch the other day. Now, imagine that sandwich is actually a communications satellite. That is, in fact, what the IAE created: Three small satellites, each the size of a sandwich, that have been orbiting the Earth since January. Robert Bishop, dean of USF’s College of Engineering, is the president and CEO of the institute, which was created in 2018. Intentionally located off-campus so engineering is “on display” for the public to see, the IAE searches for solutions “on a time scale that’s not common in some other traditional engineering research institutions,” Bishop says, adding, “Our focus is on applied engineering rather than basic research.” Its customers include U.S. Special Operations Command, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. The institute is in the second year of a five-year, $85 million by Inside USF: The Podcast

26 min listen

Exploring ‘Skyway 20/21: A Contemporary Collaboration’: Sarah Howard, curator of public art and social practice at USF’s Contemporary Art Museum, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting “Skyway 20/21: A Contemporary Collaboration,” which opened at the museum this week. The collaboration also is being featured at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg; The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota; and the Tampa Museum of Art. Sarah, fellow curators at the other three art museums and a guest curator with extensive international experience reviewed 300 submissions from Tampa Bay artists, selecting 49 to share their creations across the four institutions. A number of the participating artists are affiliated with USF. We also learn about the Contemporary Art Museum’s permanent collection and plans for upcoming exhibitions. by Inside USF: The Podcast

19 min listen

Going Inside USF: We make it easy to get to know the talented faculty and staff at the University of South Florida. You’ll hear about the valuable work they are doing on and off our three campuses, and we’ll share some fun facts about them along the way … such as the story of the faculty member who has a part in a major film released earlier this year. by Inside USF: The Podcast

1 min listen

The Search for USF’s Next President: This is an important time in USF’s history as the university searches for its eighth president. Mike Griffin, vice chair of the USF Board of Trustees and chair of the USF Presidential Search Committee, discusses the process, including the already robust response to an electronic survey that seeks input on specific qualities members of the community would like to see in the next president. Based on the level of interest, the search committee plans to extend the deadline for submission of the survey. by Inside USF: The Podcast

24 min listen

Supplier Diversity Can Change Lives: In USF’s Office of Supplier Diversity, Assistant Vice President Terrie Daniel and her team track a variety of metrics, such as “spend” and “utilization”. But, as Terrie emphasizes, enhancing supplier diversity is about more than dollars and percentages. As one of the largest economic drivers in the Tampa Bay region, USF can create opportunities for more minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses to grow their enterprises, and in the process, change lives. And, all members of USF’s faculty and staff can play a role in this initiative. by Inside USF: The Podcast

37 min listen

Health Disparities in Communities of Color: While access to health care continues to be a challenge for many Black Americans, their opportunity to attain optimal health is also impacted by a variety of social factors, according to Kyaien Conner, associate professor in USF’s Department of Mental Health Law & Policy. Unless the significant disparities in who has access to education at all levels, gainful employment and safe and affordable housing, as well as in who is over-represented in the criminal justice system, are addressed, disparities in health outcomes will persist. In this wide-ranging conversation, Conner also explores the historical issue of mistrust in the Black community with regard to health care and mental health care, the need for more providers of color, the importance of medical students learning cultural humility and a recent grant award that supports her community-based Care Transitions Intervention research. Conner also shares her passion for West African dance and by Inside USF: The Podcast

35 min listen

Envisioning the future of work at USF: One of the lessons learned over the past year is that individuals and teams can accomplish goals, meet deadlines and maintain effective communications while working remotely. As we emerge from the pandemic, while many are anxious to return to our campuses on a full-time basis – or whose jobs require that they do so -- many others may prefer to continue working remotely or establish a hybrid arrangement. Donna Petersen, dean of the College of Public Health and chair of the USF COVID-19 Task Force, and Angie Sklenka, vice president and chief human resources officer, share their perspectives on how we can create a healthy future together as we re-imagine what work will look like, both near- and long-term. by Inside USF: The Podcast

27 min listen

Transforming Uptown: Mark Sharpe, chief potential officer for the Tampa Innovation Partnership, which includes USF as a founding member, discusses ongoing efforts to transform “Uptown”, including the redevelopment of the former University Mall into Rithm at Uptown and a partnership with Florida Blue designed to provide better health, housing, employment and other opportunities in the area. by Inside USF: The Podcast

26 min listen

Presidential Reflections: As his presidency comes to a close, Steven Currall reflects on an eventful two years, which included the adoption of USF’s Principles of Community and a 10-year strategic plan. He also discusses the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have been implemented as well as next steps he hopes the university will take. Currall also shares his perspective on mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 on the university as well as some of the lessons that have been learned. And he discusses the “brilliant choice” of Rhea Law as prospective interim president, saying she is “respected, trusted and has extraordinary credibility across the Tampa Bay community.” by Inside USF: The Podcast

34 min listen

We’re Out to Change the World: This episode is devoted to wastewater -- a topic most of us tend not to think about or discuss, particularly when it comes to the significant issues related to wastewater in other parts of the world. For civil and environmental engineering Professor Daniel Yeh, however, developing the technology to address global sanitation concerns – the NEWgenerator -- has been a priority. by Inside USF: The Podcast

20 min listen

Genetic counselors can play key role in family health: Although the genetic counseling profession has been in existence for half a century, public awareness of it remains very low. USF’s accredited genetic counseling graduate program is the first and only such training program in Florida, and Director Deborah Cragun explains why the program was created and the role these health care professionals play in helping families understand a variety of potential health risks. by Inside USF: The Podcast

18 min listen

The Great Global Supply Chain Disruption: Elaine Singleton, executive director of the Monica Wooden Center for Supply Chain Management & Sustainability, part of the Muma College of Business, analyzes ongoing disruptions to the world’s supply chain and potential short- and long-term impacts on product availability and prices. by Inside USF: The Podcast

37 min listen

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Anti-Racism: Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, a fourth-generation West Tampa native, serves as USF’s interim vice president for institutional equity, senior advisor to the president and provost for diversity and inclusion, and associate professor of sociology. In this episode, she shares updates on some of the key equity, diversity and anti-racism initiatives that USF has implemented over the past year. Among them is the effort to re-imagine the Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Opportunity, which has included multiple virtual town halls that attracted hundreds of participants. Elizabeth also has worked with the Office of Decision Support to create the Diversity, Anti-Racism & Equity Dashboards, and she explains the importance of the metrics as well as more nuanced aspects that go beyond the data. She also discusses efforts to encourage more high-achieving students of color to enroll at USF, and outreach to the Tampa Bay community. by Inside USF: The Podcast

36 min listen

Getting to know USF's new president: Tampa native, fifth-generation Floridian and USF alumna Rhea Law shares some of her perspectives as the university’s new president, including USF’s strengths and challenges, and the role it plays in the growth of the Tampa Bay region. She also reflects on her days as a student, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management while putting herself through school as the university project administrator for the Office of Sponsored Research. Long involved in a variety of organizations across the region, many related to public policy or economic development, President Law also discusses her commitment to service. She even shares a few fun stories about racing – she used to race motorcycles -- a passion she has long shared with her husband. by Inside USF: The Podcast

18 min listen

Not your grandmother’s library: From chronicling dinosaur footprints in Spain to the African American Experience in Florida, the USF Libraries offer a wealth of ever-growing digital collections, along with traditional resources, to inform and intrigue members of the USF community and beyond. Dean Todd Chavez discusses the library of today and what the future holds. by Inside USF: The Podcast

21 min listen

Initiative focuses on enhancing Latino students’ access for success, community connections: A new USF task force is exploring ways to recruit, enroll and graduate more Latino students and forge stronger connections with Tampa Bay’s Hispanic community. In this episode, task force co-chairs Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman and Paul Dosal discuss what will be ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive approach that focuses not only on success in the classroom but also enhances students’ sense of belonging to the USF community. They also discuss other diversity, inclusivity and equity initiatives, including the expansion of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. by Inside USF: The Podcast

35 min listen

Celebrating Black Heritage Month: A film screening, panel discussions and a diversity and inclusion conference are among the many highlights of Black Heritage Month, which runs throughout February. Neudy Nuñez, director of USF’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, shares details about some of the activities and discusses the goals of this annual observance. by Inside USF: The Podcast

11 min listen

The View from the Broadcast Booth: When it comes to USF football, Jim Louk has seen it all – literally. The voice of the Bulls and radio play-by-play broadcaster hasn’t missed calling a game – all 285 of them – since the first kickoff in 1997. As the Bulls launch their 25th anniversary season, Jim reflects on the challenges of getting the program off the ground and some of the highlights, including upsets over Notre Dame, Auburn and West Virginia. He also shares fond memories from other USF Athletics programs, as well as his perspective on why efforts to develop new facilities are so critical. by Inside USF: The Podcast

22 min listen

Planning for an on-campus stadium: With a recommended site now identified, the co-chairs of the Campus Stadium Planning Committee share their perspectives on the significant impact a stadium will have across the university. Michael Kelly, vice president of athletics, and Jay Stroman, CEO of the USF Foundation, also discuss potential multiple uses for a stadium, the Foundation’s focus on balancing multiple fundraising priorities, and next steps in the planning process. by Inside USF: The Podcast

17 min listen

Making waves: USF’s new center in Environmental and Oceanographic Sciences: USF St. Petersburg campus Regional Chancellor Martin Tadlock and College of Marine Science Dean Tom Frazer discuss how the state of Florida and coastal communities nationwide will benefit from the research being conducted at USF. by Inside USF: The Podcast

29 min listen

Taking the reins at USF’s St. Petersburg campus: Christian Hardigree brings a wealth of experiences, including more than two decades in higher education, to her new role as regional chancellor. She’s also waited tables, worked in a pool hall, couch-surfed as a homeless student and served as a senior litigation attorney. by Inside USF: The Podcast

26 min listen

Creating a more age-friendly society: Dr. Kathy Black, professor of aging studies on USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus, is a leading scholar and proponent of age-friendly practices. In this episode, she discusses what it means to be age-friendly and her extensive efforts at the local, state and national levels, including with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and AARP. by Inside USF: The Podcast

26 min listen

Activating our alumni: While Homecoming – scheduled this year for Oct. 9-15 – may be its most visible event, the USF Alumni Association sponsors more than 250 events annually to provide alumni with relevant, meaningful experiences. Bill McCausland, vice president and executive director of the association, discusses the extensive planning that goes into the Homecoming celebration, coordinated by a 30-member committee representing all three campuses. He also shares details on some of the many other ways USF’s 385,000 living alumni – which includes nearly 3,900 members of our faculty and staff – can stay connected to, and help support, students and the university. by Inside USF: The Podcast

24 min listen

How does the Tampa Bay region stack up?: Compared to 19 other metropolitan regions across Florida and the U.S., there’s encouraging news and not-so-encouraging news regarding the Tampa Bay region’s economic competitiveness. Moez Limayem, dean of the Muma College of Business, shares key insights from research conducted by the college as part of the Tampa Bay Partnership’s State of the Region initiative. by Inside USF: The Podcast

27 min listen

What’s in store for hurricane season?: With hurricane season just underway, Jennifer Collins, a professor in USF’s School of Geosciences, discusses the weather conditions she’s keeping an eye on, what they could mean over the next six months, and preparations we should be making now – regardless of predictions about the number of storms that may form. by Inside USF: The Podcast

13 min listen

Building USF’s Brand: Enhancing internal communications and increasing USF’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally are priorities for University Communications and Marketing. Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Kim Hill shares insights about some of the projects that highlight USF’s compelling story, such as a non-traditional national marketing campaign, and plans for an extensive brand research project that will include focus groups and surveys. by Inside USF: The Podcast

23 min listen

Growing USF’s research enterprise: Next month’s ribbon-cutting for the new, state-of-the-art building in the USF Research Park is yet another sign of the growth of USF’s research enterprise. Sylvia Wilson Thomas, interim vice president for research and innovation, discusses the significance of the new facility, the efforts of faculty to address local and global challenges, and her longstanding advocacy for bringing more diversity to the STEM fields. by Inside USF: The Podcast

24 min listen

A frank conversation about mental health struggles: During Mental Health Awareness Month, two USF students, Christian Marquez and Katrina Paschke, talk openly about their mental health challenges and how the stigma attached to seeking help affected them. Kristin Kosyluk, assistant professor in the Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, also shares her insights – professional and personal – about the mental health crisis in our country. by Inside USF: The Podcast

30 min listen

Two years in: The state of the pandemic: Positive trends across the country suggest we have entered a new phase in the pandemic. Donna Petersen, dean of the College of Public Health and chair of USF’s COVID-19 Task Force, shares her perspective on where we stand two years after COVID-19 swept across the region, the state, the nation and the world. by Inside USF: The Podcast

19 min listen

A conversation with the president-elect: The USF Board of Trustees has named the eighth president of the university, subject to Florida Board of Governors’ approval later this month. In this episode, President-elect Rhea F. Law, the first alum appointed to the position, shares her priorities for the university, including which critical workforce need for our state should be addressed immediately. by Inside USF: The Podcast

12 min listen

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Eric Eisenberg: From First-Generation College Student to Interim Provost

Eric Eisenberg: From First-Generation College Student to Interim Provost

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