In the Know – Issue 55

Physics Professor to Lead Cosmic Conversation “After Dark”

Marc Favata will turn up the volume on the soundtrack of spacetime when he leads a Space Talk on March 2 at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. Favata’s “Cosmic Clues from Gravitational Waves” will explore the way scientists “listen” to the ripples of gravity to learn more about colliding black holes and neutron stars.

A Chemist’s Chemo Journey

Every five years, Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor Mark Whitener uses himself as a case study to impart lessons on disease, chemotherapy and life after cancer. “Cancer is bad but there are some good stories. I’m an example of a successful, positive outcome from cancer.”

Introducing Learning & Development

Erika Bush and Nyima Moss are developing new programs to serve the needs of University employees by offering professional development opportunities that encourage a practical approach to managing work and career.

In the News

• Amanda Baden (Counseling) is mentioned in a recent “Ask Amy” column syndicated in national publications including The Washington Post. The column focuses on when to tell children about their adoption, and Baden’s expert advice is cited in the columnist’s reply.
• In an interview with Gayle King on CBS This Morning, actor Michael B. Jordan mentioned wanting to attend Montclair as a basketball player before setting his sights on Hollywood. What could’ve been!
• Román Liera (Educational Leadership) is mentioned in this CNN.com opinion piece about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ anti-DEI proposal that would prohibit all public universities in the state from creating and funding DEI programs. The piece cites a study by Liera highlighting the benefits of DEI programs.
• Ariel Alvarez (Political Science and Law) is quoted in this Montclair Local article about a recent decision by the Montclair Township Council to dismiss its Township Manager.
• Our partnership with the city of Paterson to bring Hinchliffe Stadium back to life is highlighted in this NJBIZ photo gallery.
• Jordanna Maziarz (Undergraduate Admissions) is quoted in this Chronicle of Higher Education article about the direct admissions pilot program.
• Anthony Advincula (Center for Cooperative Media) wrote an opinion piece for NJ.com about how New Jersey’s Turkish news outlets became a lifeline following this month’s devastating earthquake.
• A Valentine’s Day-themed study from the Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication in SCM was highlighted by News12 New Jersey.
• NorthJersey.com published a story about Wednesday’s mass commitment ceremony organized by the Disability Caucus, ReelAbilities NJ Film Festival, and the Office for Social Justice and Diversity.

Reminders

• The 25Live Event Reservation and Scheduling application may be offline intermittently today between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. IT recommends completing all scheduling activities beforehand or afterward.
• Given the robust response we’ve received to our Mental Health First Aid training offer, additional training sessions are being offered during Spring Break. Registration is free and open to all employees.
• President’s Day, Monday, February 20, is a work day for managers. AFT employees may take the day as a holiday or work in exchange for a comp day. Learn more here.
• Philosophy Professor Tiger Roholt will talk about his new book Distracted from Meaning: A Philosophy of Smartphones with Honors Program Director Lee Behlman Wednesday, February 22 at 7 p.m.
• The Montclair State University Singers, conducted by Heather J. Buchanan, will perform in collaboration with the internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble VOCES8 at Our Lady of the Lake in Verona tonight, Friday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the Kasser Theater Box Office or at the door.
• As we take this month to honor Black Heritage, we invite you to support the African American Studies Program Award which prepares students to solve social problems, build strong communities and establish a just world. Plus, the dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences has agreed to match the amount raised, dollar for dollar, up to $2,500.00.
• You now have access to print and download your 2022 W-2 form in Workday.
• You can find the latest campus COVID-19 data, including case numbers, on the COVID-19 Dashboard.
• If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988, the new nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.

Kudos

• To Senta German (Classics and General Humanities) for her contributions to the exhibition catalog and audio guide for “Labyrynth: Knossos, Myth & Reality,” an exhibit at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford.
• To Deborah Chatr Aryamontri and Timothy Renner (Classics and General Humanities) whose archaeological site, the Villa of the Antonines in Genzano di Roma, Italy, is highlighted by the restorer Roberto Civetta in Italian online magazine column “Art a Part of Culture.”
• To Julie Heffernan (Art and Design) for “The swamps are pink with June,” her debut solo exhibition with Hirschl & Adler Modern. Across 15 new paintings, the artist’s female protagonists, stand-ins for the viewer and the artist herself, inhabit lush gardens and resplendent trees.
• To Mark Rotella (Coccia Institute) whose TV documentary streaming series “Red Sauce” was featured in the online magazine America Domani.

Social Media Post of Note

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