Work with thought leaders and academic experts from Florida International University

Alayne Unterberger, PhD

Gulfport, Florida, United States of America
Non-Profit Executive, Applied Researcher and Bilingual Medical Anthropologist
Experience

Florida Institute for Community Studies (FICS)

Director / February, 2002 — Present

University of South Florida

Adjunct / August, 2017 — Present

Teach various courses at the USF College of Public Health

USF College of Medicine / April, 1995 — June, 2004

Medical Spanish and Cultural Competence Instructor - 4th Year Medical Student Elective

Florida International University

Associate Research Director/Instructor / May, 2012 — August, 2016

Directed yearly research publications, managed grants portfolio, reports, convened statewide advisory board, taught Labor Studies and Women and Work, supervised staff, interns and special projects

Research Expertise
Marketing
Economics and Econometrics
Anthropology
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Epidemiology
About
My skills are wide-ranging. This may be partly out of necessity as a former social worker and many years of work in the non-profit field. I have a great deal of emotional intelligence and strive to bring meaning and balance to my work and life pursuits. Below is a snapshot of my specific expertise: 1. Expertise areas:  Well-being (holistic person/family approaches, education, substance abuse, MH), Global Health, Emergency/COVID/Pandemic Management, Cultural Diversity, migration, food systems/food chains, agriculture-society, labor and human rights, social movements, teaching/training, “Studying Up”, Innovation, Dreamers/ally movements, evidence-based prevention programming (EBIs, HIV/AIDS/STIs), socio-ecological models, critical medical anthropology (CMA), gender, LGBTQ, globalization, Life Course Theory (LCT), adolescents/youth, youth culture, violence, structural violence/inequalities, reproductive health, and holocaust/genocide studies. 2. Geographic: Southern US, Appalachia, Latin America, Nicaragua, Mexico, Caribbean, Spain These are my skills: **Professional skills:**  ***Marketing and Social Marketing***: crafting campaigns in English and Spanish across many different topics.  ***Teaching*** undergraduate and graduate students, including medical students; creating, designing and development of materials in English-Spanish.  ***Research design and measurement***: well-being and quality of life, community based participatory research, social epidemiology, logic model creation, occupational/environmental health, program evaluation, social determinants of health/disparities, assessments (PLS5, Beck Depression, etc.), oral history, ethnography, quantitative, SPSS, NVIVO and Spanish, translation (English-Spanish), curriculum design and development (English-Spanish). ***Administration and Management,*** Emergency/crisis  Management, demonstrated Return on Investment ROI $1: $34 savings at FICS, HR/DEI, serving as Principal Investigator, project management, convening stakeholder and community workgroups, conference planning and execution, fundraising). ***Consulting,*** research partner, cultural brokerage, expert witness testimony for asylum and immigration cases.

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Elena Shersher, Ph.D.

Miami
Cancer researcher at University of Miami
Education

Florida International University

Ph.D., Biochemistry / May, 2016

Miami, Florida, United States of America
Research Expertise
Cancer Research
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Drug discovery
And 1 more
About
Elena Shersher, Ph.D. is a highly skilled and experienced biochemist with a strong background in cancer research. She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Florida International University in 2016, where she was a recipient of a prestigious Presidential fellowship. After completing her Ph.D., Elena continued her career as a clinical program development lead and coordinator at a CRO. In 2017, Elena joined a cancer research team at the University of Miami as a researcher. In this role, she utilized her expertise in advanced laboratory techniques and data analysis to study the role of specific proteins in cancer cell signaling in order to identify promising molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Elena's research has been published in several prestigious scientific journals, and she has presented her findings at numerous conferences. In addition to her research, Elena is also passionate about mentoring and teaching the next generation of scientists. She has served as a mentor and advisor to undergraduate and graduate students, helping them develop their research skills and guiding them in their academic and career paths. Elena's dedication and contributions to the field of cancer research have made her a valuable asset to the scientific community. With her expertise and experience, she continues to make significant advancements in understanding and treating cancer, bringing hope to those affected by this devastating disease.

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Adam Kimbler

Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience with expertise in fMRI and dMRI, intersted in using MRI to find biomarkers of disease.
Education

Florida International University

Ph.D., Cognitive Neuroscience / August, 2023

Miami, Florida, United States of America
Experience

Florida International University

Graduate Research Assistant / August, 2016 — August, 2023

Postdoctoral Researcher / August, 2023 — Present

Research Expertise
learning
memory
pattern separation
pattern completion
development
And 11 more
About
As a Postdoctoral Researcher at UC Irvine, I apply my PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience to investigate the neural mechanisms of learning and memory. I use advanced data management, analytics, techniques to process and analyze large-scale brain imaging data sets. I have over seven years of research experience, including as a Graduate Research Assistant at Florida International University, where I contributed to multiple publications and projects on cognitive and affective neuroscience. I am passionate about advancing the scientific understanding of the brain and its functions, and collaborating with other researchers and experts in the field. I am also committed to sharing my knowledge and skills with the next generation of neuroscience students and professionals.

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Trina Fletcher, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of engineering and computing education with publications access and inclusion
Experience

Florida International University

Assistant Professor / August, 2018 — Present

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

Assistant Professor / August, 2017 — August, 2018

Research Expertise
women in engineering
equity in STEM
HBCUs
broadening participation
Education
And 5 more
About
An asset-based researcher using innovation and best practices to transform #STEM education with a special focus on engineering and computing education. My years of industry and non-profit experience have allowed me to enter the world of academia and move the needle for some of our nation's grand challenges. My research group, the READi Lab, has hard-working and passionate undergraduate and graduate students, post-docs, administrators, and collaborators from multiple institutions across varying disciplines.

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Mohamad (Moe) El Hariri

Energy enthusiast with over five years of industry experience and academic professorship in modeling and control of various energy systems.
Education

Florida International University

Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering / December, 2018

Miami, Florida, United States of America
Research Expertise
IoT Application in smart grid
Datacentric communications
Cyber security and resilience of power systems
artificial intelligen
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
And 21 more
About
Moe El Hariri is an accomplished engineer and educator with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Florida International University. He has a strong background in data analysis, machine learning, and renewable energy systems. Moe has extensive experience working as a data scientist for Community Energy Labs, where he applied his expertise to develop innovative solutions for renewable energy projects. He also has a strong passion for teaching and has been an Assistant Professor at Colorado School of Mines, where he has mentored students and conducted research in the areas of energy systems and sustainability. Moe is a dedicated and driven individual, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact in the field of renewable energy.

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Laura Ochoa

Biochemistry Ph.D. student and TBBS Fellow at Florida International Univeristy
Education

Florida International University

Ph.D., Biochemistry / December, 2026 (anticipated)

Miami, Florida, United States of America

Florida International University

B.S., Biological Sciences / December, 2020

Miami, Florida, United States of America
Experience

Florida International University

Research Technician / February, 2021 — July, 2022

• Tissue culture maintenance, in vitro cell migration assays, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, SDS-PAGE, protein expression and purification, and administer experimental treatment to mice. • Maintained inventory, ordering, and organization of general laboratory supplies that keep the laboratory operational and functional. • Recorded, evaluated data, and notified results of research findings for publications to supervisor resulting in the publication of a book chapter. • Managed laboratory training of new students, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborating scientists in cell culture and biochemical methods. • Directed the successful training of two medical students and three Ph.D. students in basic and complex laboratory procedures. • Supervised part-time lab assistants and volunteers in the laboratory.

Research Expertise
Microbiology
Microbiology (medical)
About
Laura Ochoa is a highly educated and experienced biochemist with a passion for scientific research. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida International University in 2020, where she excelled in her studies and developed a strong foundation in the principles of biology and chemistry. Motivated by her interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of life, Laura continued her education at Florida International University and began her Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 2022. During her doctoral studies, she conducts extensive research on DNA damage and repair in brain tumor development. Throughout her academic career, Laura has also gained practical laboratory experience as a Research Technician at Florida International University. In this role, she was responsible for conducting experiments, analyzing data, and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Her attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and ability to collaborate effectively with others made her a valuable member of the research team. In addition to her academic and professional experience, Laura is also actively involved in community outreach programs aimed at promoting science education and inspiring the next generation of scientists. She is a dedicated and passionate individual who is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and making a positive impact in the world through her research. With her education, experience, and passion for biochemistry, Laura Ochoa is poised to make significant contributions to the field of science.

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Kenneth Lipartito

Professor of Economics History
Experience

Florida International University

Professor of Economic History / 1998 — Present

University of Houston, Rice University, Middlebury College

Visiting Professor / 1985 — 1998

About
Professor Lipartito’s areas of specialization are economic and business history and the history of technology. Most of his research has been on the United States over the past century, although he also engages in comparative work on Europe and maintains a strong interest in the Atlantic world. By combining an understanding of the material dimensions of history—markets, businesses, technological systems—with an appreciation of their cultural and political ramifications, he challenges students to develop their own understanding of the evolution of modern society. He brings this multifaceted approach to his publications as well as to the classroom, where he regularly covers business history, the history of the global economy, political economy, the history of technology, as well as Atlantic civilization and twentieth century America.

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L.T. Watson, Ph.D.

PhD in Exercise Physiology Committed to Elevating Sports Performance Science
Experience

University of Miami

Strength and Conditioning Coach / August, 2016 — August, 2020

Florida International Univeristy

Program Director, Sport and Exercise | Clinical Assistant Professor / August, 2020 — Present

Research Expertise
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Athlete Monitoring
Injury Prevention
Sport Performance
About
Trey Watson, Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, currently serves as the Program Director of Sport and Exercise Science at Florida International University (FIU). With a background rooted in rigorous academic training, including a Doctorate obtained from the University of Miami, Dr. Watson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. Prior to his tenure at FIU, Dr. Watson honed his expertise as a Sports Science Consultant and Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Miami, where he conducted groundbreaking research in neurophysiology and biomechanics. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into optimizing athletic performance and injury prevention strategies. In his current capacity, Dr. Watson spearheads initiatives aimed at advancing the understanding of human physiology and its application in the realm of sports science. As Program Director, he oversees the development and implementation of innovative training programs tailored to the needs of athletes across various disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment where students and faculty can engage in cutting-edge research and practical applications.

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Angelica Moncada, PhD

Self-driven researcher with 10+ years of experience in the environmental and water research fields and passionate proponent of science-driven solutions.
Education

Florida International University

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Earth Systems Science / May, 2023

Florida International University

Master of Science - MS, Environmental Studies / January, 2020

University of Florida

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Environmental Science / January, 2013

Experience

Mecklenburg County

Environmental Specialist / April, 2023 — August, 2024

Water Quality Specialist. Improved Stormwater division communications, increasing public participation by 10% in one year. Led pollution prevention efforts with partners, sustaining over 60% public awareness in year-end surveys. Launched a water monitoring program engaging universities, businesses, and the county, establishing baseline E. coli levels and identifying a major contamination site. Co-developed county water pollution hotspot maps using internal data.

Florida International University

Research Assistant / August, 2022 — May, 2023

Creating a geospatial database to be used by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to understand the link between surface water and groundwater in the lower Everglades National Park and Florida Bay Investigating sources, formats, and availability of geospatial data needs Attending and presenting at biweekly meetings with SFWMD principal investigators to discuss progress

PhD Candidate / May, 2020 — May, 2023

Analyzed water quality datasets and interpreted results from satellite images, variance analysis, and regression analysis to complete my doctoral dissertation Used remote sensing tools, field data, and GIS software, including ENVI, R, Excel, and ArcGIS Pro, to assess the water quality of an estuary in Florida Participated in collaborative projects with two principal investigators

Graduate Teaching Assistant / January, 2021 — July, 2021

Taught three Environmental Science Laboratory courses to 145 non-science undergraduates Created presentations and lecture materials, designed exams and quizzes, graded lab reports, and offered constructive feedback to each student Obtained an average teacher rating of 4.5/5.0 on the end-of-semester teacher assessments

Graduate Research Assistant / January, 2020 — December, 2020

Collaborated on generating vegetation maps of Storm Water Treatment Areas to be used by the South Florida Water Management District Pre-processed seven commercial satellite images and generated vegetation outputs using a random forest algorithm with 500 training points Collaborated in two interim reports delivered to the District on stipulated deadlines

Graduate Student / August, 2017 — April, 2020

Research Fellow / August, 2017 — December, 2019

Designed and developed a doctoral dissertation to assess the water quality of a Florida estuary Presented graduate work at scientific conferences and spoke at an NSF national meeting, and was invited to publish my story in a peer-reviewed journal Participated in deploying water quality monitoring buoys, public sea level rise assessments, and student training for communicating science

USDA-ARS

Biological Science Technician / January, 2014 — August, 2017

Provided technical assistance in a highly collaborative environment to find biological controls for invasive plants in South Florida All monthly objectives and goals were met on stipulated deadlines

University of Florida

Laboratory Technician / June, 2013 — March, 2014

Worked with principal investigators and doctoral students on preparing insects for entomological studies, fungal and bacterial culture counts, and data entry Maintained detailed laboratory journals and led the maintenance and organization of the laboratory Participated in weekly laboratory meetings for collaboration and team building

Sustainability Intern / August, 2012 — December, 2012

Volunteer coordinator for a campus-wide recycling program

Research Assistant / November, 2008 — August, 2011

Assisted principal investigators and doctoral students with technical tasks Maintained detailed laboratory journals and organization of the laboratory

About
Angelica Moncada earned her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Florida in 2013, her Master's in Environmental Studies from Florida International University in 2020, and a PhD in Earth Systems Science in 2023 also from FIU. Throughout her education, Angelica has gained valuable experience in the field of geosciences. She has worked as an Environmental Specialist at Mecklenburg County, conducting research and implementing environmental policies and regulations. As a Research Assistant at Florida International University, she has assisted in various projects focused on understanding and mitigating water pollution in natural systems. Angelica's research focuses on the interactions between land use change and water resources in urban areas. She has also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, sharing her knowledge and passion for environmental science with students. Angelica has also held positions as a Graduate Research Assistant, Research Fellow, Biological Science Technician, and Laboratory Technician at various universities and research institutions. She has a strong background in conducting field and laboratory research, analyzing data, and presenting findings to a variety of audiences. In addition to her academic and professional experience, Angelica is dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Overall, Angelica is a skilled and knowledgeable environmental scientist with a passion for understanding and protecting society's well-being. She is committed to making a positive impact through her research, education, and advocacy efforts.

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Thomas Potts

Ocean Conservation & Undersea Research Leader | Tactical Visionary | Environmental Steward | Outreach & Education Specialist
Experience

Florida International University

Associate Director of Research - Aquarius Reef Base / January, 2013 — October, 2023

As the Associate Director of Research at Aquarius Reef Base, a globally renowned underwater laboratory located 60 feet below the ocean surface, I played a pivotal role in advancing marine science, technology, and education.

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Center Director - NOAA National Undersea Research Program / January, 2004 — December, 2012

As the Director of NOAA's National Undersea Research Center at UNCW, a distinctive national service supporting scientists working in undersea environments from 1985 to 2012, I expanded the program's reach and impact through strategic planning, effective financial management, and collaborative initiatives.

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Adjunct Lecturer - Department of Environmental Studies / January, 1996 — December, 2012

I actively contributed to the academic community by developing and teaching a cross-listed undergraduate and graduate-level course, EVS 380 – Undersea Science and Technology. In this role, I not only delivered engaging and informative lectures but also took on the responsibility of instructing and mentoring students participating in UNCW's Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics program for high school students.

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

Research Coordinator / January, 1996 — August, 2001

In my part-time contract position as Research Coordinator, I collaborated on the development of program-wide research and monitoring initiatives in conjunction with the regional science community. Additionally, I served as staff scientist during sanctuary management plan revisions and Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings. I co-led a scuba-based fish monitoring program and participated in the Sustainable Seas Expedition as a Deep Worker submersible pilot and scientist.

Research Expertise
Mechanical Engineering
Ocean Engineering
Aquatic Science
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
About
Embracing T.S. Eliot's wisdom, "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go," I've forged a career as a leader in ocean conservation and undersea research operations, driven by a passion for advancing marine science and environmental stewardship. Across three decades, my mission has been to deepen the understanding and protection of natural ecosystems, especially in the face of climate change and other human-induced threats. This commitment necessitates a multifaceted approach, compelling me to collaborate across sectors and disciplines—working with scientists, engineers, conservationists, and educators to conduct and disseminate cutting-edge research using the latest innovations. However, collaboration alone is not enough. As a strategic leader, I recognize the importance of honing advanced competencies in program development, fundraising, grant preparation and administration, fiscal management, and business model improvements. This strategic focus allows me to diversify revenue streams and users, critical aspects of sustaining impactful conservation efforts. Yet, to truly make a difference, more is needed. I leverage my expertise in public speaking, community outreach, and advocacy to raise awareness and inspire action for the preservation of our ocean's biodiversity and health. My contributions extend to public understanding through publications in scientific, technical, and popular literature. Additionally, I actively participate in workshops, serve on advisory boards, and create advanced training programs and K-12 science education initiatives. Extending the ethos of pushing boundaries into my personal life, I've embraced challenges, from big mountain skiing to deep technical diving. For me, the risk of going too far is a small price to pay compared to the cost of not going far enough. It's this philosophy that propels both my professional and personal pursuits toward new possibilities.

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Sk Yeahia Been Sayeed, Ph.D

Education

Florida International University

Doctor of philosophy , Biomedical engineering

Miami, Florida, United States of America

Military Institute of Science and Technology

Bachelor of Science, Electrical, Electronics and communication Engineering / January, 2015

Dhaka
Experience

Florida International University

August, 2017 — Present

Research Expertise
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Analytical Chemistry
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
And 4 more

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Luis Angel

Colombian- American sociologist , specializes in social inequality , LGBTQ , Homeless, racism and all other sociological phenomena.
Education

Florida International University

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology / April, 2019

Miami, Florida, United States of America
About
Luis Angel is a highly motivated and passionate individual with a strong interest in understanding human behavior and society. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Florida International University in 2019. During his time in university, Luis Angel actively participated in various research projects and internships, gaining valuable experience in the field of sociology. Aside from his academic pursuits, Luis Angel is also passionate about community service and has volunteered at several organizations, including homeless shelters and community outreach programs. He believes in giving back to the community and using his knowledge to make a positive impact on society. In his free time, Luis Angel enjoys reading books on various social issues, playing basketball, and spending time with his family and friends. He is determined to continue his education and hopes to pursue a Master's degree in Sociology in the future. With his strong educational background and passion for helping others, Luis Angel is ready to take on any challenge and make a difference in the world.

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Business History Group Partners

Education

Johns Hopkins

Florida International University

Colegio de México

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Dr. Vanessa Millovich DCN, MS, RDN, CNSC

Education

Florida State University

B.S., Food & Nutrition / August, 2009

Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America

Florida International University

M.S., Dietetics / December, 2011

Miami, Florida, United States of America

Maryland University of Integrative Health

D.C.N., Functional & Integrative Nutrition / April, 2019

Laurel, Maryland, United States of America

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Nicole Fernandez-Tejero

Education

Florida International University

Ph.D., Chemistry / July, 2023

Miami, Florida, United States of America

Florida International University

M.S., Chemistry / July, 2021

Miami, Florida, United States of America

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