Research – SharkBytes

Research – SharkBytes
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Business Professor Helps Conduct ADHD Coaching Survey
April 3, 2026
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Timothy Page
Dr. Timothy Page, professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship, Management & Sport Management at the Nova Southeastern University H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, was part of a team that conducted the first national survey on the emerging business of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) coaching.
ADHD coaching emerged during COVID. The study, published in Jama Network Open, aimed to characterize the workforce characteristics and common practices of ADHD coaching. The study found that ADHD coaches operate outside of the traditional healthcare system and offer needed support in executive function skills, adaptive thinking, and motivational enhancement.
READ THE FULL STUDY.
Research
Researchers Establish Uniqueness of Smallest ‘Chameleon’ Monoid
February 23, 2026
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A collaborative research team at Nova Southeastern University has settled an open question in the study of abstract algebra. Edmond W. H. Lee, D.Sc., Ph.D., and Vehbi E. Paksoy, Ph.D., of the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, and senior student Nicholas Johnston of the College of Computing, AI, and Cybersecurity, published their findings in the December 2025 issue of the journal Examples and Counterexamples. Their study,
“Uniqueness of the smallest chameleon in the class of monoids,”
focuses on “chameleons”—
monoids
whose equational theory is finitely or non-finitely
axiomatizable
based on how they are mirrored through a process called
involution
. Monoids with involutions are significant structures in pure mathematics and have theoretical applications in fields like cryptography, reversible computing, and quantum programming.
From left: Johnston, Paksoy, and Lee
The history of this problem traces back to Lee, who discovered the first chameleons more than a decade ago and later identified a specific six-element monoid, known as
, as a smallest example of this phenomenon. While it was previously proven that it is impossible for a chameleon to exist with five or fewer elements, it remained an open question whether other examples were hidden among the 2,237 different monoids that contain exactly six elements. Through a combination of theoretical results and exhaustive computational testing, the NSU team successfully proved that no other chameleons exist among the six-element monoids, establishing
as the unique smallest chameleon.
The breakthrough was made possible through an interdisciplinary bridge between mathematics and computer science. Nicholas Johnston, a computer science major with minors in Data Analytics and Applied Statistics, developed a computer program necessary to test over one million algebraic combinations against the team’s theoretical conditions.
“Working with Dr. Lee and Dr. Paksoy was an exciting opportunity for me to apply my computer science background to a complex mathematical project,” said Johnston. “Utilizing what I have learned in linear algebra and computing for this research project was both inspiring and rewarding.”
This collaboration highlights NSU’s commitment to providing students with high-level research opportunities that tackle precise, theoretical problems.
Research
‘NSU Ocean’ Serves Up Environmental Message at Boat Show
November 12, 2024
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Nova Southeastern University made an appearance for the first time at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, unveiling “NSU Ocean” – a hub for global ocean research, education, and workforce development related to the health and resiliency of the oceans.
NSU Ocean brings together universities, government agencies, foundations, industry partners, and other “blue economy” stakeholders to better navigate today’s challenges and secure a healthier ocean, healthier communities, and a healthier economy.
Watch the video.
Research
Conservation Crews Work Around the Clock Saving Sea Turtles
October 29, 2024
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Morning crew member Mikayla Twiss excavates a sea turtle nest on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
More than 140,000 sea turtle hatchlings come to life each year in Broward County, beginning a journey for survival that has a major impact on the health and economic vitality of our coastal communities and ecosystems. This year’s nesting will end in October, marking another successful season of partnership between NSU and Broward County to protect sea turtle habitats, educate and involve the public, and contribute to the sustainability of our ocean resources.
Sierra Ciciarelli, outreach and assistant field manager of Broward County, explains to onlookers sea turtle nesting and the importance of being eco-friendly.
Sea turtle conservation efforts are critical to NSU’s support and leadership in the “blue economy,” which ties the health of our oceans to the health of our economy.
As a hub for research and education, NSU helps communities make the connection between the sustainable use of ocean resources, economic growth, and quality of life. In Florida alone, it is estimated that ocean-related activities and businesses generate billions of dollars in economic value and support thousands of jobs.
Sea turtle conservation
is one of several NSU focus areas aligning with the blue economy. Among others:
coral restoration
shark research
, and
marine biodiversity.
Sierra Ciciarelli, outreach and assistant field manager of Broward County, has been working with NSU teams to monitor sea turtle nesting activity along 24 miles of beaches for five seasons. Ciciarelli says turtles are an essential component of ocean health and advises the public to avoid exposing the turtles to light, keep beaches clean, and above all, avoid nesting areas.
“When hatchlings disorient,” she says, “they can find their way into unsafe places such as pools, storm drains, and roads rather than the ocean.”
NSU’s work with sea turtles is just one of many collaborative research and conservation initiatives that help support the economic and social vitality of ocean-related communities. Other areas of research and education include sea-level rise, erosion, and water quality; coral reef science and conservation; and sustainable marine practices. To learn more, visit:
Research
NSU Coral Researchers’ Efforts Featured in Media Worldwide
October 11, 2024
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NSU researcher Shane Wever works with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi researcher Keisha Bahr to transfer corals from NSU’s onshore coral nursery in Dania Beach.
NSU drew worldwide media attention in September for its leadership in coral research. when NSU scientists transferred about 300 corals to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. (TAMU-CC) from its coral nursery in Dania Beach, Fla.
One of the transferred corals
This transfer, which will support coral research and restoration, was one of the largest out-of-state coral transfers by NSU’s Halmos College of Arts and Sciences.
The National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) – housed at the NSU Oceanographic Center – is a vital national resource and collaborative research hub for coral reef science, education, management, and conservation. Coral reefs are a mainstay of the “blue economy,” which includes tourism, fisheries, biotechnology, and coastal protection.  Almost half a billion people live within 100 miles of a coral reef and many countries are highly dependent on coral reefs for their livelihoods.Research Associate Shane Wever was NSU’s point person on the coral transfer, coordinating with TAMU-CC researcher Keisha Bahr, the chair for Coral Reef and Ocean Health at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at TAMU-CC on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
The successful transfer attracted media from around the globe, with the story garnering millions of views. Here are a few of the stories that made the headlines:
NBC Dallas/Fort Worth:
Axios:
Texas Standard:
Politico Pro:
Research
Researchers Spread Shark Love to Young Students
September 20, 2024
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NSU researcher Derek Burkholder teaches homeschooled students how to set the bait during a recent shark-tagging expedition.
On a muggy August morning at Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Campus in Dania Beach, a group of children and their parents gathered at the docks, dodging biting flies.
WPLG TV 10 anchor Louis Aguirre interviews one of the students on her shark-tagging experience.
For this homeschooled crew – part of Surf Skate Science, a program tailored for non-traditional schoolers – the ocean would be their classroom for the day. The subject? Sharks.
Many of the children expressed fear of these often-misunderstood animals. But after learning about them, as well as catching, tagging, and releasing them, their opinions changed to ones of compassion and conservation.
NSU researcher Derek Burkholder and his team from NSU’s Guy Harvey Research Institute and the Save Our Seas Shark Center headed the shark-tagging mission. WPLG 10 news anchor Louis Aguirre and his film crew also captured the experience for their news program “Don’t Trash Our Treasure.”
Watch the news show segment here.
Communities
Research
NSU Humanities Students Tackle the Problem with Plastics
August 28, 2024
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From left, David Kilroy (Chair, Department of Humanities and Politics), Jared DeRosa, Christophe Godbarge, J.C. Avila (C.O.O., Montachem International, Inc.), Aidan Kunju, Hailee Delgado, Amanda Furiasse (Assistant Professor of Humanities, Marlisa Santos, professor and director, Center for Applied Humanities) at the IN-SIGHT showcase event.
While younger generations may prioritize climate change and plastic waste reduction in their beliefs, they are less likely to recycle than older generations, according to findings in a research study done by Nova Southeastern University students.
A small group of students began a collaboration in 2022 with
Montachem International
, following the company’s sponsorship of a case competition for NSU’s INST 1500 Global Issues course. Students in that class were invited to do a research project on global plastic use and waste, and three winners were selected based on a faculty panel decision. The three winners were then invited to present to Chief Operating Officer J.C. Avila and his colleagues from Montachem.
Seven students have participated over the past two years in the
IN-SIGHT program
, an undergraduate think tank that works with businesses and community organizations.
“Montachem’s enthusiasm for that first iteration of the case competition then translated into their support for the think tank,” said Marlisa Santos, Ph.D., director for NSU’s Center for Applied Humanities.
Montachem has been serving the plastics industry since 1988, distributing a line of thermoplastic resins and related additives to plastics’ converters around the globe. Realizing the potential negative impact of plastic distribution, Montachem is exploring approaches to incentivize recycling efforts.
From left, IN-SIGHT fellows Christophe Godbarge, Aidan Kunju, Hailee Delgado Jared DeRosa
The students were 2022-23 IN-SIGHT Fellows Jared DeRosa, Hailee Delgado, Christophe Godbarge and Aidan Kunju and 2023-24 IN-SIGHT Fellows Jared DeRosa, Savannah Delano, Alexis Lass and Charlotte Opris. The groups have worked under the direction of NSU Assistant Professor Amanda Furiasse, in the Center for Applied Humanities.
As part of their project with Montachem, the students did research and produced an in-depth report on a topic that presents a problem and provides a solution.
“The IN-SIGHT fellowship vividly demonstrates the humanities’ unique capacity to embrace diverse perspectives and leverage the inherent creativity of the human spirit, paving the way for sustainable solutions that resonate beyond academia,” Furiasse said.
Among some of the findings of the group uncovered were:
Younger people may be more likely to be influenced by social media, which can amplify the appearance of sustainability but may not necessarily translate into practical action.
With plastic waste already a major problem worldwide, this trend among younger generations is concerning because it suggests future efforts to address the issue will be hindered by a lack of engagement and participation from those who will soon be responsible for managing waste.
Jared DeRosa and Aidan Kunju assist in a beach cleanup.
The students’ concluded not all plastic products can be recycled with present technologies. Recycling requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology, and while recycling may reduce plastic waste it may not necessarily reduce the environmental impact of plastic production and use because of greenhouse gases recycling produces.
After the students’ presentation, the Montachem asked them to expand on their research. While this is their first client, Santos is optimistic there will be others in the future.
“The IN-SIGHT program demonstrates not only how relevant the humanities are in addressing real-world problems,” she said, “but also how imperative it is to seek perspectives from these disciplines, as they provide critical vision in improving our communities.”
Research
Halmos Biology Student, Alum Present at Research Symposium
August 28, 2024
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Sneh Patel, a student in the Department of Biological Sciences in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center, gave a virtual presentation at the University of West Alabama’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on March 4. His presentation was titled “Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on global education in anatomy and physiology.”
Sean Mahajan, B.S., Halmos biology major alum, was co-author on the project. Halmos Associate Professor Santanu De, M.Sc., Ph.D., mentored the students in the research collaboration.
Posted 04/07/24
Research
May Fundraiser Will Benefit Alvin Sherman Library
April 8, 2024
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Circle of Friends
is hosting Paint the Town Red, White, and Rosé, a fundraiser that benefits the library, on Wednesday, May 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Esteemed painter and wine connoisseur Thomas Arvid will be painting at the event and his stunning paintings will be available for purchase. His artwork will make a perfect addition to any wine lover’s collection.
Participants will sample sumptuous and tantalizing varietals of wine curated by the American Fine Wine Competition and hors d’oeuvres from Rock and Brews. They’ll also help Circle of Friends in its campaign to preeminence, funding innovative collaborative spaces, signature author events, and enhanced materials, services and resources for the Alvin Sherman Library.
Most important, they’ll help to foster early literacy in the community.
Click HERE to register for the event.
Become a Circle of Friends
member
or renew your membership (NSU student/faculty/staff is only $25 a year) and join us for this exciting event. To join Circle of Friends, visit
Posted 04/08/24
Diversity
Research
Celebrate This Year’s STUEY’s Winners April 9
March 17, 2024
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The Student Life Achievement Awards, known as the “STUEY’s,” is an annual celebration of NSU’s best in Academic Excellence, Student Centered, Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, Scholarship/Research, Diversity and Community.
Join us on
Tuesday, April 9, at 6 p.m.
in congratulating this year’s award recipients by attending our annual STUEYs awards ceremony at the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.
For more information on the STUEYs, visit
nova.edu/campuslife/stueys
and stay tuned to Campus Life and Student Engagement social media @nsucampuslife.
Our 2024 finalists are:
Administrator of the Year
Jason Fitch – Business Services
Nancy Azoulay – College of Computing and Engineering
Shari Rone-Adams – Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
Humberto Franquiz – Facilities Management
Melissa Dore – Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
Alumni of the Year
Aneesh Lakhani – Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
Adesola Fadeyi – College of Optometry
Aimee Zadak – College of Psychology
Nicolas (Nick) Carris – Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
Douglas McIntosh – Shepard Broad College of Law
Athletic Team of the Year
2022-23 NSU’s Men’s Basketball Team
2022-23 NSU’s Men’s Golf Team
2022-23 NSU’s Women’s Swimming Team
Co-Curricular Adviser of the Year
Tricia Gangoo-Dookhan – Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
So Yeon (Sharon) Lee – College of Optometry
Nurit Sheinberg – College of Psychology
Monique Amor Reto – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Radleigh Santos – Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
Corporate Partner of the Year
Walgreens – Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
Chartwells Shark Dining – Business Services
The Florida Blue Foundation – Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Memorial Health System – Rehabilitation Education – Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
HCA East Florida Division – Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
Executive of the Year
Georgina Arguello – Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
Michelle Clark – Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
Stanley Wilson – Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
Gerard Wheeler – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Holly Lynn Baumgartner – Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
Graduate Organization of the Year
American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists – Barry & Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
Association of Neuropsychology Students & Trainees – College of Psychology
Student Osteopathic Medical Association – Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
COTAD-OTD Tampa Bay Regional Campus – Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
Sustainable Development Working Group – Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
Professor of the Year
Elizabeth Sherman – Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
Ling Wang – College of Computing and Engineering
Madhavi Menon – College of Psychology
Barri Litt – H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Fran L. Tetunic – Shepard Broad College of Law
Regional Campus Student of the Year
Caitlin Garrett – Fort Myers Campus
Taylor O’Byrne – Jacksonville Campus
Jeffrey Abell – Miami Campus
Christeena Fehling – Orlando Campus
Kenite Laurore – Palm Beach Campus
Diego Sepulveda Rosado – Puerto Rico Campus
Mahi Basra – Tampa Campus
Staff Person of the Year
Jessica Duran-Carrasquillo – Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
Jeanne Ruggiero – College of Psychology
Ryan Ishmael – Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
Cassie Arroyo – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Lilly Valiente – Libraries
Student Government of the Year
Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy Student Government Association – Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
College of Optometry Graduate Student Government Association – College of Optometry
College of Psychology’s Graduate Student Government Association – College of Psychology
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Government Association – Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate Student Government Association – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Student of the Year
Mitchell Garrabrant – Abraham S. Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice
Olivia Hanna​ – Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy
Izza Khan – College of Computing and Engineering
Deanna Skowronski – College of Dental Medicine
Daniel Dibucchianico – College of Optometry
Jamal El Jilali – College of Psychology
Katlynn Kenon – Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Hemangi Patel – Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Caroline Campione – Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
Nikhila Paleati – Farquhar Honors College
Michael Steckmest – H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Madison Ring – Halmos College of Arts and Sciences
Kristy Ludy – Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
Hayden Liberty – University School
Lily Schreiber – Shepard Broad College of Law
Undergraduate Organization of the Year
ApplyU – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Chabad – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Inter-Organizational Council  – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Stage for Change – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Student Events & Activities Board – Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Posted 03/17/24
Research
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