News

Building Peacemakers, One Cohort at a Time

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:05:58 +0000

Building Peacemakers, One Cohort at a Time znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 02/20/2026 - 15:05 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News

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The 21 trainees proudly holding their Certificates of Completion from 91��Ƭ/LBSF and CLUSTER, marking the successful completion of their New York State Community Mediation training.

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In January 2026, 91��Ƭ’s mediation training program celebrated a major milestone in its long-standing commitment to conflict resolution and community: its 25th anniversary.

Over the past twenty-five years, Mercy has successfully trained more than 700 students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members have been trained as New York State community mediators, many of whom now serve courts, schools, workplaces and communities throughout the region.

“We are immensely proud of our newest cohort and of the growing army of peacemakers they now join—individuals prepared to listen deeply, navigate conflict with integrity, and help others move from tension toward understanding,” said Professor Dorothy Balancio, program director, Sociology.

Balancio is also executive director of the Louis Balancio Scholarship Fund, a not-for- profit organization whose mission is to develop programming for conflict resolution that is encouraging people to learn the art of dispute resolution.

The 2026 training was conducted in collaboration with CLUSTER and the Louis Balancio Scholarship Foundation (LBSF), strengthening partnerships that reflect Mercy’s mission in action and its continued investment in access, service and leadership development.

Faculty and community members who generously supported this year’s training, including Dr. Kerlisha Broomes, Dr. Dorothy Balancio, the Honorable Lisa Maria Nero, Professor Michiko Kuroda, Professor Emeritus Diana Juettner, Professor Emeritus Dr. Art Lerman and Pastor Christopher James.

91��Ƭ Model UN Team Earns Major Accolades at Washington, D.C. Conference

znegron@mercy.edu — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:59:05 +0000

91��Ƭ Model UN Team Earns Major Accolades at Washington, D.C. Conference znegron@mercy.edu Tue, 12/09/2025 - 14:59 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News

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91��Ƭ's Model UN team pose with their advisor Professor Michiko Kuroda at the Washington DC conference.

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91��Ƭ’s Model United Nations team returned from the National Model United Nations Conference in Washington, D.C. with major accolades, earning both a Distinguished Delegation Award and an Outstanding Delegate Award for their performance during the conference held November 7–9.

The conference drew roughly 800 students from more than 80 universities and academic institutions across the United States and abroad, including a delegation from Kenya. Mercy’s results mark a new milestone for the program.

“This is a new achievement for us,” said Michiko Kuroda, faculty advisor to the MU MUN Team. “Receiving an award means the performance is in the top 10 percent of participating students. It indicates that our students performed very well. These awards were a wonderful honor for the team and very rewarding.”

Professor Kuroda added that the Outstanding Delegate Award, received in the Security Council Committee, was an unexpected highlight: “Usually, we do not even try to get it, because it is difficult to obtain. It demonstrates how diligently our students worked.”

Ten 91��Ƭ students attended the conference, representing Sierra Leone. According to Professor Kuroda, the group approached the event with discipline, motivation and a commitment to high-level performance. “Mercy students always excel in the conference,” she said. “They strive so hard to achieve their goal. It’s inspiring to watch them act that way.”

Beyond awards, Professor Kuroda emphasized the transformative nature of Model UN. “What our students gain goes beyond the United Nations or international affairs. It is about developing skills and learning how to navigate life. Knowledge alone is not enough—diplomats must perform. Our students improve their performance and life skills with every conference experience.”

Students echoed those sentiments, calling the conference a formative, confidence-building experience.

Matthew Viskewich, head delegate, described the experience as “life-changing,” noting weeks of research, position-paper writing, mock debates, and public-speaking workshops that went into preparation. “Seeing that hard work translate into success was incredibly rewarding,” he said. Matthew and his partner earned the Outstanding Delegate Award in the Security Council—an honor voted on by fellow delegates.

“As head delegate, I am incredibly proud of how much our students have grown,” he added. “Winning this award places our university among the top-performing schools at the conference.”

Student delegate Evangelos Flokos said joining MUN was “one of the greatest decisions I have ever made,” highlighting the sense of belonging he felt in committee sessions. “Winning the Distinguished Delegation Award in my first conference made me incredibly proud,” he said. “Model UN offers a level of growth that no single course can give you.”

Biology major Diya John credited the team’s success to perseverance: “Balancing classes, extracurriculars and preparing all semester was not easy, but we pushed through multiple obstacles. This experience reinforced my belief that progress can only be achieved through teamwork and adaptability.”

For Journey Simon-Greenaway, meeting peers from around the world was among the most memorable aspects. Her Security Council committee won the Outstanding Delegation Award. “Matthew and I worked really hard, and it's always nice to see our efforts recognized by other delegates,” she said.

With the Washington conference behind them, MU’s MUN team is already looking ahead. Students have begun preparing for the next major event, the spring Model UN conference in New York City with high hopes.

NEXT for AUTISM Welcomes Seven 91��Ƭ Students to its 2025-26 Cohort

znegron@mercy.edu — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:07:40 +0000

NEXT for AUTISM Welcomes Seven 91��Ƭ Students to its 2025-26 Cohort znegron@mercy.edu Mon, 11/24/2025 - 14:07 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News

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Seven 91��Ƭ students have been selected for the NEXT for AUTISM work-based scholarship program for the 2025–26 academic year, marking the institution’s third year participating in the national initiative. In addition to the newly chosen cohort, six returning scholars from last year will continue their involvement in the program.

“Programs like this not only address the critical direct support professional (DSP) workforce shortage but also prepare students for impactful and rewarding careers,” said Dr. Stuart Sidle, psychology professor in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The employment-based scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in psychology, social work, health science and other human services fields. Participants work directly with neurodivergent adults as direct support professionals (DSPs), earning $16–$22 per hour while receiving a $5,000 tuition scholarship. The program aims to address the nationwide DSP workforce shortage while preparing students for careers centered on disability services and advocacy.

Members of the 2025–26 cohort say they are eager to begin the fellowship and gain meaningful experience.

“I’m really excited and grateful to be part of the NEXT for AUTISM Fellowship,” said psychology major Lial Edhah. “I hope to learn more about how to support people with autism and developmental disabilities in a way that makes a real difference. I think this experience will help me grow not just as a psychology student but also as a person.”

Fellow psychology major Julia De Oliveira shared similar enthusiasm. “This fellowship gives me the chance to work closely with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—something I truly care about. I hope to meet their unique needs and connect with them in meaningful ways. This experience will guide me toward a career where I can make a real, positive impact.”

Health Science major Amaya Walker added that the hands-on training will help her grow as a future nurse. “I hope to deepen my understanding of how to provide meaningful, person-centered support. This opportunity will help me grow by strengthening my communication, empathy and advocacy skills—qualities that are essential both in my studies and in my career.”

91��Ƭ’s continued participation in NEXT for AUTISM fellowship program enables the institution to expand pathways for students committed to advancing disability services and building more inclusive communities.

91��Ƭ Students Meet the Real World SVU

znegron@mercy.edu — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:32:19 +0000

91��Ƭ Students Meet the Real World SVU znegron@mercy.edu Tue, 06/10/2025 - 17:32 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News

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From left to right: Sgt. Kevin Fulham, NYPD Special Victims; Director Kathleen Baer ESQ, NYPD Special Victims, and Prof. Antonio Cruz, 91��Ƭ Criminal Justice program coordinator.

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Students at 91��Ƭ had the unique opportunity to gain real-world insight into one of the most sensitive areas of law enforcement during the “Meet the Real World SVU” event, hosted by the Criminal Justice Program at the university’s Manhattan Campus.

The event, which took place both in-person at the Bove Media Center and virtually, featured presentations by Director Kathleen Baer and Sergeant Kevin Fulham of the NYPD Special Victims Unit (SVU). Organized and moderated by Antonio J. Cruz, Ed.S., program coordinator of the Criminal Justice Program and assistant adjunct professor, the session was attended by students from both the Criminal Justice and Psychology programs.

Focusing on the complexities of sex crimes investigations, the NYPD team provided a comprehensive overview of how such cases are handled, from the initial report to prosecution, emphasizing victim-centered approaches and evolving methodologies used in modern investigations.

“Sex crime investigations, including cases of child abuse, are among the most sensitive, complex, and, at times, horrific investigations that law enforcement professionals undertake,” said Cruz. “People often watch shows like ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and believe cases are solved within an hour—this couldn’t be further from reality. Our goal is to prepare students at 91��Ƭ to become future change agents in criminal justice and mental health professions by giving them access to the real-world experiences of experts.”

Students found the presentation both enlightening and inspiring.

“The NYPD presenters were truly excellent, engaging, informative, and clearly passionate about the work they do,” said Shanika Coyne, a Criminal Justice student. “I learned a lot from their insights, especially regarding how these cases are handled and the real-world challenges involved. It was eye-opening and thought-provoking, and I really appreciated the opportunity to attend.”

Michelle Stanley, another attendee, echoed that sentiment. “The topic is important. The discussion exceeded my expectations.”

The event reflected 91��Ƭ’s continued commitment to providing hands-on, practical experiences that prepare students for the challenges of the criminal justice and mental health fields.

From left to right: Dr Alberto Manzi, associate professor of Psychology at 91��Ƭ, Sgt. Kevin Fulham, NYPD Special Victims; Director Kathleen Baer ESQ, NYPD Special Victims, and Prof. Antonio Cruz, 91��Ƭ Criminal Justice program coordinator.

91��Ƭ's Criminal Justice Program Earns Prestigious ACJS Program Endorsement

znegron@mercy.edu — Mon, 05 May 2025 16:29:58 +0000

91��Ƭ's Criminal Justice Program Earns Prestigious ACJS Program Endorsement znegron@mercy.edu Mon, 05/05/2025 - 12:29 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News Press Releases

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The ACJS Program Endorsement is awarded to select academic programs that meet the organization’s rigorous standards of educational quality and integrity.

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Today, 91��Ƭ announced that its Bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice has been officially endorsed by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) for academic quality, a significant recognition that highlights the program’s academic excellence and commitment to student success.

“This recognition from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences affirms the strength of our curriculum, our commitment to student success, and the excellence of our practitioner-scholar faculty who blend academic rigor with real-world experience,” said Dr. Stuart Sidle, dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at 91��Ƭ.

The ACJS Program Endorsement is awarded to select academic programs that meet the organization’s rigorous standards of educational quality and integrity. 91��Ƭ’s Criminal Justice program underwent a comprehensive evaluation process and demonstrated excellence in areas including curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes and student support services.

In the endorsement letter to Mercy, Jay S. Albanese, Ph.D., chair of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Academic Review Committee, said “Congratulations to you and your faculty, staff, students, and administration on this remarkable achievement. ACJS Endorsement means that your programs have undergone rigorous review and are recognized by your peers as adhering to the best practices in our field.”

“We are honored to receive the ACJS Program Endorsement, which affirms the academic excellence and integrity of our undergraduate Criminal Justice program,” said Dr. Jeong L. Kim, program director of the undergraduate Criminal Justice program at 91��Ƭ. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, the engagement of our students, and our commitment to providing a high-quality, professionally relevant education. It positions 91��Ƭ as a leader in criminal justice education and further strengthens our mission to prepare students for impactful careers in public service and justice.”

The ACJS endorsement is a mark of distinction that assures students, employers, and academic institutions that 91��Ƭ’s Criminal Justice undergraduate program adheres to the best practices and high standards expected in the field of criminal justice education. It reflects the university’s broader dedication to academic integrity, professional readiness, and community impact.

For more information about the ACJS Program Endorsement, visit https://www.acjs.org/academic-program-review/.

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About 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ is an independent, coeducational institution serving more than 9,000 students each year across campuses in Westchester, the Bronx, Manhattan, as well as online. It is a federally designated minority-serving institution and the largest private Hispanic Serving Institution in the state of New York. Mercy offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificate programs within six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy was founded in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy whose mission of transformative education remains strong. For more information, visit www.mercy.edu.

Mercy’s Model UN Team Continues Award-Winning Streak at Prestigious Global Conference

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:02:11 +0000

Mercy’s Model UN Team Continues Award-Winning Streak at Prestigious Global Conference znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 05/01/2025 - 12:02 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News

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91��Ƭ Model UN team at the NMUN Conference in NY's UN headquarters

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91��Ƭ’s Model United Nations (Model UN) team has once again made its mark on the international stage, earning an Honorable Mention Award and an Outstanding Position Paper Award at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York City, held April 13–17. This marks the 12th consecutive year the team has earned accolades at every Model UN conference it has attended.

“The Model UN team always makes Mercy proud,” said Dr. Stuart Sidle, dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “It’s something I look forward to every year.”

The NMUN NY conference, recognized as the world’s largest, oldest, and most prestigious intercollegiate Model UN event, drew over 1,800 students from more than 120 colleges and universities around the globe. Participants represented countries in simulated UN committees, collaborated on resolutions addressing global challenges and engaged with policy experts at sessions hosted in and around UN Headquarters.

This year, Mercy students represented Jamaica, navigating complex negotiations and public speaking challenges with professionalism and poise.

“Winning awards at NMUN means our students ranked in the top 10% of all participants,” said Professor Michiko Kuroda, faculty advisor for the Mercy Model UN team. “They prepared thoroughly and truly stood out with their speeches and diplomatic negotiations. It’s not about winning, but about growth—and this year’s students grew immensely.”

Professor Kuroda, who has guided the team for over a decade, emphasized the conference’s increasing competitiveness and the personal transformation many students undergo through months of intense preparation.

A Life-Changing Experience for Students

The student delegation included both seasoned veterans and first-time attendees. At a presentation hosted by Mercy’s Center for Global Engagement on April 24, some of the participating students shared how the experience shaped their academic and personal journeys.

Isabella Vanegas, a sophomore and deputy head delegate, spoke of personal transformation:

“Model UN is a mirror that reflects the better version of myself. It’s not just about speaking—it’s about becoming who you’re meant to be.”

For Matthew Viskewich, a junior, the conference was a turning point:

“Before this, I couldn’t speak in front of people. Now, I’ve found my passion in international relations. I even changed my major from cybersecurity.”

Sophomore Kristine Strand Edvardsen found the conference more dynamic than her high school experience:

“It taught me confidence, diplomacy and how to think on my feet.”

The students described the demanding pace of the conference, where improvisation, collaboration, and critical thinking were essential.

“You grow as a person,” said Anastasia Fure, a sophomore whose mother is a diplomat. “I’ve wanted to work at the UN since I was five, and this was the most in-depth experience I’ve had.”

Others, like Anna Deutscher, a junior, found clarity and confidence through the experience:

“This class gave me direction. I went from being shy to confidently delivering speeches in front of international audiences.”

Melissa Ledesma, head delegate and a senior, praised the team’s cohesion and growth:

“This was my third NMUN, and I’m so proud of how everyone came together. Professor Kuroda went above and beyond to support each of us, especially the newcomers.”

From left to right: Prof. Michiko Kuroda, Matthew Viskewich, Anna Deutscher, Viviana Diaz, Mica Sosa, Anastasia Fure, Isabella Vanegas and Journey Simon-Greenaway.

From left to right, Camille Passi and Journey Simon-Greenaway, who won Outstanding Position Paper Award.

A Community of Global Citizens

The students repeatedly emphasized the deep friendships and community they built through the program. Camille Passi, a senior, described this as the most rewarding part:

“Even after the conference, we stay close. This class builds your future, but also your friendships.”

Mica Sosa, a sophomore, highlighted the transformation in her public speaking:

“I used to avoid speaking in high school. Last week [at the conference], I spoke in front of 300 people. It’s incredible.”

Journey Simon-Greenaway, a sophomore in her second year with Model UN, emphasized the global connections:

“Talking to people from France, Egypt, Ecuador—it was so memorable. We’re all so different but came together for one cause.”

Viviana Diaz, a senior in Legal Studies, summed it up:

“This experience helped me find my voice. I wish I had found Model UN sooner.”

Looking Ahead

As the world faces uncertainty and complex global issues, Mercy’s Model UN team is equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills, compassion, and perspective to shape a better future—one resolution at a time.

“Mercy students demonstrated their readiness for change, much like students from around the world,” said Prof. Kuroda. “This gives us hope that young people are preparing to enter the global arena.”

The team is already preparing for their next challenge: a conference in Washington, D.C. this fall.

Students Explore Women’s Strengths and Struggles in Study Abroad Trip to Belize

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:03:42 +0000

Students Explore Women’s Strengths and Struggles in Study Abroad Trip to Belize znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 03/07/2025 - 16:03 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News

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Ten 91��Ƭ students, accompanied by Kimberly Rapoza, PhD, associate professor of Psychology in Mercy’s School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, expanded their educational horizons through an intensive study abroad experience in Belize this January. The trip gave students a rare opportunity to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings.

Creating accessible learning opportunities remains central to Mercy's mission. Since many students can’t commit to full semester abroad programs due to work, family or financial constraints, short-term study abroad trips offer these students valuable international experience without disrupting their lives.

Professor Rapoza explained, "My dean, Stuart Sidle, thought that creating this short-term study abroad opportunity, particularly when they're connected to classes, might provide these types of learning experiences for students who might find it hard to travel abroad for a whole semester.” She continued, “We have students who are working adults, we have students who are parents, and it might be difficult to finance themselves for a whole semester, so he really supported me in exploring this.”

She researched thoroughly, consulting with Mercy professors who had organized previous trips. With logistics settled, excitement was built among the students and Professor Rapoza as they prepared to apply classroom learning in the field in Belize.

"The goal was to learn about the status of women’s resiliencies and challenges in a global perspective experiencing that within another culture," Professor Rapoza shared.

For student Jade Holloman, Clinical Psychology, ’25, the trip aligned perfectly with her career aspirations. "I wanted to go because I plan to travel after I get my doctorate degree. I want to see what's out there, you know, disparities of social work and psychologists, so I wanted to get a different perspective of what's around the world.”

Hands-On Research and Cultural Immersion

Belize offers unique cultural complexity. Bordering Guatemala and Mexico, it features remaining Mayan tribes throughout the region, many struggling economically in rural areas.

Students gained valuable fieldwork experience through conversations with government representatives, including those from the Ministry of Health. They participated in psychological service delivery in local villages and met with social workers. A visit to a women's cooperative proved particularly enlightening.

"[The cooperative is] run by Mayan women who, in their village, set up an area where you can come and learn about their cooking and eat,” Professor Rapoza recounted. “You can learn about their pottery and, of course, buy the pottery that they're making. You can visit their gift shop and buy their embroidery, so they really set up. And it was terrific because the village was really faltering.”

This experience highlighted cultural preservation challenges, with fewer people speaking the Mayan language or learning traditional handicraft skills vital to their heritage.

Student Jade Holloman gained unexpected insights into local social structures. She discovered that boys often leave school to work between ages 9 and 11, while women demonstrate remarkable resourcefulness and business acumen.

"Women are really progressive there. They have their own businesses, and the mothers will introduce their daughters to their businesses to take over when they’re older. Usually, the daughters go to work with their moms and they both sell their own things and keep their own money, and they put some toward the family," Holloman observed.

The students also learned a lot about the health care challenges in Belize. One of the guest speakers told them that the stigma surrounding mental health prevents many people from seeking the help they need. The trip had a profound impact on student Lavicia Reneau, Nursing, “27.

“It made me think about healthcare differently and I started to see the interconnectedness of it all,” Reneau said. “How a mother’s health affects her children, how mental health struggles impact physical well-being and how healthcare gaps leave entire communities vulnerable.”

The San Ignacio market, just a five-minute walk from the group's hotel, became their field research site one Saturday. The students and Professor Rapoza interviewed local vendors about gender roles, household responsibilities and women's economic status.

"And we found it's shifting,” discovered Professor Rapoza. “Most of the interviews showed that as Belize is starting to become a little bit more of an economically developed country, women are getting involved in small businesses and so they're getting in on more of a say on what goes on within the family realm.”

Their research revealed structural barriers alongside this progress. Professor Rapoza explained, "We noted challenges in terms of childcare and transportation that prevent some of them from getting white-collar employment.” She continued, “I think for the students, being able to talk with people there and make a connection and to find out from them about their society and culture really made a strong impression. And for some of them that are now taking the class in the spring, they're going to use that field data as the basis of their research projects.”

Student Audrey Charles, Biology, ’26, learned that women of all different ages work in the market, and there were a lot of family-based businesses. She saw teenage girls caring for their younger siblings so their parents could sell their crafts in the market.

“There was a lot of age difference between the women, from teenagers to in their 30s and a lot older,” Charles said. “And the teenagers had a lot of responsibility caring for their younger brothers and sisters. That’s how they make the family business work.”

The group also visited Xunantunich, impressive Mayan ruins where they climbed ancient temples. This adventure pushed many students beyond their comfort zones.

"It was high, and we all made our way up. It was a really good experience about getting out of your comfort zone, trying something you really weren't sure about,” recalled Professor Rapoza. “And the views were the reward that comes from that. I think for the students, being challenged in different ways really made an impact on them, too.”

Short-Term Travel, Long-Term Impact

These short study abroad programs give students direct contact with different cultures and practices they can't experience through textbooks alone. The brief but intense exposure to new perspectives strengthens their academic foundation while building practical skills that employers value in today's connected world.

"The time span of the trip was just perfect,” said Holloman. “I think that with the three-month program, so many people are just not able to do that. But the week-and-a-half was great, and we had so many different experiences. It was really wonderful and very inspiring."

Reneau agreed. “This trip didn’t just reinforce my love for health care; it changed the direction of my entire career,” she said. “I now know I want to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), someone who can treat patients throughout their lives, helping them grow, heal, and thrive. Belize gave me a new perspective, a new purpose, and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to provide care. For that, I will always be grateful.”

Through this Belize trip, 91��Ƭ continued its commitment to creating practical, accessible learning opportunities that prepare students for success in their chosen fields while broadening their worldview through direct cultural engagement.

“I feel like everybody can get a different experience in study abroad, and it makes you more interesting,” Charles said. “It’s really important because you get to see so much more than you could ever read about.”

91��Ƭ Hosts Awareness Event on Human Trafficking Prevention

znegron@mercy.edu — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 23:55:16 +0000

91��Ƭ Hosts Awareness Event on Human Trafficking Prevention znegron@mercy.edu Mon, 02/03/2025 - 18:55 School of Education School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News

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The event included a panel discussion moderated by Lucia Alfano, Ed.D., M.A., RN, director of Clinical Affairs for the School of Nursing (far left). Panelists included (from left to right) Konrad Motyka, executive director for Campus Safety and Emergency Management at Mercy; Lisa Gerstmann-Boyle, sexual assault forensics examiner at Westchester Medical Center University Hospital; Gina Cueno Ramos, co-founder of Casa Esperanza para Mujeres y Niños; Carol Bennett-Speight, D.S.W., M.S.W., professor and program director of Social Work at Mercy and Helene Dill, director of the Traditional Nursing Program at Mercy.

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Students, faculty, staff and healthcare professionals came together on January 31, 2025, for “A Conversation on Human Trafficking,” an event to raise awareness about human trafficking within the 91��Ƭ community during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The event was co-hosted by the School of Nursing, the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Campus Safety and local community partners, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and Thrive.

The United Nations defines human trafficking as the act of recruiting, transporting, or harboring people through force, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation. “We know that trafficking is a global crisis that affects millions of people—men, women, and children—who are exploited and deprived of their basic freedoms. It is a challenge that demands our collective attention, action, and commitment to justice,” said Carol Bennett-Speight, D.S.W., M.S.W., professor and program director of Social Work at 91��Ƭ. “Today, we gather not only to raise awareness but to engage in meaningful dialogue, share knowledge, and explore solutions to combat one of the gravest injustices of our time.”

The event kicked off with a fireside chat featuring Gina Cueno Ramos, DNP (c), MS, FNP- BC, RN, co-founder of Casa Esperanza para Mujeres y Niños and Lisa Gerstmann-Boyle, RN, sexual assault forensics examiner at Westchester Medical Center University Hospital. Each brough valuable insights and perspectives on human trafficking. They discussed what human trafficking entails and what forms it can take, including forced labor or services, sexual exploitation, such as forced marriage or prostitution and slavery or practices similar to slavery. They also talked about their experiences with victims of human trafficking and how nurses and healthcare professionals can play an important role in helping identify potential situations.

“Nurses are at the front lines of healthcare and are in a position to see triggers when assessing patients to realize they are being held against their will,” said Cueno Ramos. “Tattooing, branding, old injuries that are suspicious [are all signs], so it is important to talk about this.”

Gerstmann-Boyle agreed. “I think it is a matter of focus in care. Keeping people healthy, keeping them safe will enable them and it is something nurses can do,” she said.

When asked what advice they could offer to the nursing and social work students as well as the healthcare professionals in attendance, both concurred that self-care and compassion are key when doing this type of work because there will be good days and there will be bad days.

The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Lucia Alfano, Ed.D., M.A., RN, director of Clinical Affairs for the School of Nursing. Panelists included Konrad Motyka, M.A., executive director for Campus Safety and Emergency Management at Mercy, Helene Dill, DHSc, MS, RN, CNM, director of the Traditional Nursing Program at Mercy, Cueno Ramos, Gerstmann-Boyle and Bennett-Speight.

“I have taken care of patients going through human trafficking and have found that there is lack of knowledge and of recognizing this in our communities,” said Alfano.

The panelists agreed on the importance of awareness, education and action.

“We talk about these issues in our classes because nurses need to understand this and learn about the different kinds of trafficking, sex trafficking, labor trafficking and domestic trafficking, said Dill. “It is important that they have the understanding to make the correct referrals. We also want to make sure our students and nurses have the skills to advocate for their patients.”

Bennett-Speight added that in her social work classes, she covers human trafficking policies and the importance of advocating for more resources to make a difference. “A lot of times, as social workers, we go and advocate for that individual and for that group, and when we advocate we help students, families and individuals learn to use their voice.”

Human trafficking can happen anywhere, even in college campuses, and to anyone who is vulnerable, so it is important to have these conversations.

“One of the most important things I have learned is that this can happen to anyone on any day. Anyone can be vulnerable,” said Gerstmann-Boyle. “It is super important to have a very broad recognition of what it can be. Strangers are able to recruit people very easily. They can generate trust and be good at what they do. It can happen to anyone we know. “

Motyka agreed on the importance of education on this topic. As head of the FBI Organized Crime Task Force between 1990 and 2000, he saw a lot of criminal activities centered on human smuggling and trafficking, which still generates billions of dollars a year for criminal organizations. So, how can we protect our students, faculty and staff. “It is really no different at school than in society,” said Motyka. “If you see something, say something. We have resources available. Campus safety is open 24/7. We have nurses, counselors available.” Whether it happens on campus or off campus, Mercy’s campus safety staff, counselors, nurses, are there to assist, he added.

By holding events such as these, the 91��Ƭ community is taking a critical first step in raising awareness on this serious issue.

“I learned a lot today,” said Michelle Edwards, a senior and president of the Student Nursing Association. “I had misconceptions as to what human trafficking was and this event cleared up a lot of my questions and concerns. It was very informative, and it also provided a lot of resources for students and faculty.”

Mercy Students Win Fellowships That Can Open Eyes and Doors for People with Autism

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:26:08 +0000

Mercy Students Win Fellowships That Can Open Eyes and Doors for People with Autism znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 10/03/2024 - 13:26 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences 91��Ƭ News

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Eight students in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SSBS) have been selected as NEXT for AUTISM (NFA) Fellows, a work-based scholarship program for qualified students planning to pursue careers in health and human services. The 91��Ƭ NFA Fellows are Chelsea Adomako, sophomore, Samira Bryant, sophomore, Aitza Cruz Silva, senior, Tamikia Hawkins, junior, Bushra Khan, junior, Vanessa Ortiz, junior, Anna Seibert, sophomore, and Maeva Yaro, sophomore.

“We were elated to learn that, of the twenty fellowships awarded nationwide, eight Mercy students were selected,” said Stuart Sidle, Dean of the SSBS. “It’s an incredible opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, while addressing the need for more professionals in this field. These bright and compassionate students are about to begin working with individuals with autism in ways that will help them thrive, and all of us at Mercy are excited to watch them grow professionally.”

Yaro, the first in her family to attend college, has her sights set on a career as a heart surgeon. “Working with autistic and intellectually disabled adults will help me cultivate new skills while bringing me inner joy,” she said. “I want to touch skies my parents couldn't reach due to a lack of resources.”

Khan is still deciding on a career path that encompasses psychology, teaching and motivational speaking. “I aim to inspire and empower diverse populations,” she said. “By gaining a first-hand understanding of autism I hope to make a real difference for people whose perception of the world is unique, often misunderstood, yet completely human.”

Adomako, who plans to become a neurologist, expects to obtain a deeper understanding of neurological and developmental disorders. “My older brother has autism, and I’m eager to learn more about how to interpret and respond to his emotions and non-verbal cues, even when he may not be able to express them verbally,” she said.

Seibert seeks to explore insights that will inform her studies toward becoming a child psychologist. “Thanks to this experience, I will be able not only to help people with autism but also to teach independence and support their choices,” she said. “I want to demonstrate how much a person affected with autism can achieve.”

Fellows commit to working 800 hours as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) serving individuals with mental or developmental disabilities. Tasks may include developing behavior plans, teaching self-care skills and other activities of daily life. “The program’s full immersion not only teaches students how to work successfully with their client,” said Sidle. “It also exposes them to the value of working with other professionals who can broaden their opportunities for achieving future goals.”

The demand for DSPs far exceeds the availability of trained, committed professionals, with national statistics showing a 30% turnover rate. NFA CEO Gillian Leek said, “Not only are we helping organizations struggling to provide quality care, but we are educating fellows to go out into the world as more accepting and inclusive individuals.”

This is Mercy’s first year as one of NFA’s academic partners. “We’re grateful for this new relationship, which we hope will lead to more collaborative opportunities in the future,” said Sidle. “Not only does this recognition highlight Mercy’s commitment to preparing students for careers in human services, but it also shows how Mercy is supporting the neurodiversity community by helping address the needs of health and human services fields.”

Building a Greener, Cleaner World

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:04:22 +0000

Building a Greener, Cleaner World jbailjr@mercy.edu Mon, 07/29/2024 - 12:04 School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News

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Building a Greener, Cleaner World

Mercy students keep a promise to the people of Colombia.

In the city of Medellín, Colombia, a project carried out by Mercy students is helping support global sustainability. During spring break this year, a group of students and faculty advisors traveled to South America to help build and install the region’s first restaurant biodigester, which converts organic waste into fuel and fertilizer.

The trip was the latest of several international travel projects headed by Stuart Sidle, Ph.D., dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. He was joined by senior lecturer T.H. Culhane, Ph.D., who led the students in designing, building and installing the biodigester.

“The skills students learn from traveling to do service abroad are highly relevant to the multicultural workforce of the
future,” Sidle said. “Not only are these skills adaptable to many careers, but they also help to build trust across cultures.”

Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, has been designated as a Special District of Science, Technology and Innovation by the Colombian government. Since 2013, the city has been garnering awards for its advances in politics, education and social development. Leaders have set a goal for Medellín, once associated with high crime and drug trafficking, to become a model for sustainability and social equality in South America and worldwide.

So what does this have to do with a contraption that eats waste and turns it into fertilizer and fuel?

The impetus for this year’s trip began on a 2023 learning trip to Medellín. Students observed a group of women sorting trash from recycling materials, which led to a plan to assist the community’s sustainability efforts. The project focused on a Medellín farm-to-table restaurant owner seeking to expand his operation’s sustainability practices. In March, 12 Mercy students, along with Sidle and Culhane, completed their task. Today, the region’s first biodigester recycles food waste and turns it into cooking fuel for the restaurant’s kitchen and fertilizer for the restaurant’s gardens.

The trip to South America was a first for Kasandra Hernandez ’24, a psychology major in Mercy’s dual-degree childhood education program. She recalled a dynamic conversation with an organic farmer. “He kept reminding us that it’s not just humans ingesting pesticides and chemicals — it’s also the bees and butterflies, it’s all of life,” she said. “It got me thinking about how I can contribute to society, because we can never stop learning what we can do for the world.”

Behavioral Sciences major Lenny Velasquez ’25 was inspired by the passion and dedication of the local residents. “It was incredible to see how the people of Medellín are making a real difference in promoting sustainability and social change within their community,” she said. “The trip has shown me that change is possible, even in challenging circumstances, and has motivated me to seek out opportunities where I can make a positive impact on society by pursuing a career that aligns with values that create a better future for all.”

The recent trips to Medellín have led to important connections for students that may lead to other opportunities in the clean energy field. “Clean energy is a growth industry that also provides a rewarding sense of mission and purpose.” Culhane said. “With this project, our students proved themselves to several influential connections.”

Sidle added, “We’ve been in contact with two companies involved in the international green energy space, and they are very interested in our students after seeing them in action.”

Plans for next year are already taking shape with an idea that emerged when students visited a cacao plantation. After brainstorming with the plantation owners, the students suggested an idea for overcoming logistical challenges by using ziplines to transport materials over rough, mountainous terrain. Culhane said he and the students have already begun developing the concept, using 3D modeling programs and AI to understand the physics and engineering principles. “We’ve assembled a prototype zipline and successfully demonstrated the concept, which we’re now adapting to a full-scale application,” he said.

“I’m proud of the way our students approach problems,” Sidle said. “They embraced the project like it was their own. They were willing to devote time and careful thought to working out a solution.”

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Celebrating Mercy College Faculty Excellence

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:28:55 +0000

Celebrating Mercy College Faculty Excellence Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 06/01/2023 - 16:28 School of Business School of Education School of Health and Natural Sciences School of Liberal Arts School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Mercy College News

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Mercy College Assistant Professor of English Laura Proszak, Ph.D. holding the Teaching Excellence Award.

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On May 12, Mercy College held the 2023 Faculty Recognition Ceremony to celebrate faculty members receiving promotions, tenure, and awards. Approximately 100 people attended the event on the Dobbs Ferry Campus.

“The work faculty members do is incredibly important. It is intellectually challenging and multifaceted, requiring skills in teaching, research and service — and often administration too,” said Linda Bastone, Ph.D., associate provost for faculty affairs. We can’t do enough to celebrate the faculty and recognize their work. And of course, their impact on students can’t be overstated,” said Bastone.

The first portion of the ceremony featured 40 faculty poster presentations focused on pedagogy and research. The ceremony began with opening remarks by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eva Fernández, Ph.D., President Tim Hall and President of the Faculty Senate Matthew Hyland, Ph.D.

“From A to Z, you oversee everything, from gateway programs to experiential education,” Fernández said in compliment to Mercy faculty. “You’re moving forward to mastery and dedicated to the success of our students.”

Hall’s remarks echoed those of Fernández. “I commend you for your work and wish you every success,” he said.

“You all deserve to be appreciated,” said Hyland, in his address to the faculty. “Thank you for your passion for Mercy College, a very special place.”

Then, the dean of each school honored faculty members who received promotions and tenure and those retiring. Finally, various administrators presented awards for faculty excellence, innovation and research.

Peter West, Ph.D., dean of Mercy’s School of Liberal Arts, cited the recognition ceremony as one of his favorite events of the year. “It really is a great time where faculty get to recognize their peers and where they get to be recognized for their full dedication to every aspect of teaching and scholarship.”

Congratulations to the following faculty for achieving important career milestones and recognitions.

Promoted to professor:

Saliha Bava, Ph.D.
Amanda Gunning, Ph.D.
Nannette Hyland, Ph.D.
Kathleen Kenney-Riley, Ed.D.
JungKang Miller, Ph.D.
David Wang, Ph.D.

Promoted to associate professor:

Ben Abelson, Ph.D.
Dana Horton, Ph.D.
Maureen MacLeod, Ph.D.
Astrid Mel, Ph.D.
Chun Zhou, Ph.D.

Awarded tenure:

Matthew Hyland, Ph.D.
Chun Zhou, Ph.D.
Dana Horton, Ph.D.

Honored at retirement:

Diana D’Amico Juettner, J.D.

Teaching Excellence Award:

Deborah Mumford, Ed.D.
Laura Proszak, Ph.D.

Faculty Innovation Award:

Elise Arnold-Levene, Ph.D.

Faculty Fellow:

Haley Collazo, MS, L.IS, M.A.

Online Teacher of the Year:

Laura Policar, Ed.D.

Outstanding Research Award:

Marc Palmieri, MFA, M.A.

William F. Olson Chair Award:

Caitlin Wiesner, Ph.D.

Texaco Research Endowment Award:

Narasimhaswamy Banavara, Ph.D.

Honorary Master of Pedagogy Degrees:

Marc Campo, Ph.D.
Joshua Gaetjen, MFA
Kevin Kulic, Ph.D.
Peter Minorsky, Ph.D.
Stacey Senita