MIAMI THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 - In a fall semester unlike any other, the University of Miami has made dramatic changes to ...
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Racial Justice | COV ID Research | Taking Action Against Assault
MIAMI THE UNIVE RSIT Y OF MIAMI MAGAZIN E | FALL 2020
Campus
reImagined
In a fall semester unlike any other, the
University of Miami has made dramatic
changes to ensure the safe return of
students, faculty, and staff.
Volume 26 Number 2 | Fall 2020
Contents
Help Our
Students Rise COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in unimaginable
ways. Many students and their families are now
Above the facing new and increased financial hardships at
a time when our world is in even greater need of
Challenge the next generation of bold leaders, innovative
thinkers, and creative problem-solvers.
A gift to scholarships opens doors A top priority at the University of Miami is to
and changes lives. remove financial obstacles to admission and
maximize every student’s access to the 16 28
full range of educational opportunities the A Whole New 22 Research
University offers. Back to School
New technology was purchased,
A Reckoning
With Race
Illuminates the
Way Forward
34
classrooms and common areas
The University of Miami
Lauren’s Gift of Hope
were retrofitted, and signs were Using various endeavors, from Silence will never be an option
We’re calling on you to open doors to dynamic erected, all to provide safe spaces
introduced a 15-point action pursuing a vaccine to generating for an alumna who is a survivor
plan to improve, build, and essential materials for front-line
experiences that change lives and, in turn, allow for teaching, studying, and living. of sexual abuse. She speaks out
support diversity and inclusion workers, researchers are working to protect and help children.
for faculty, staff, and students. to assess and stymie the advance
our graduates to change the world by applying
of COVID-19.
their education in transformative ways.
miami.edu/magazine
MIAMI
The University of Miami Magazine University Editor
on the cover
D E P A R T M E N T S
Carol Reynolds-Srot
President University Journal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Director of Editorial Services
Julio Frenk
Consider making a gift to University
Senior Vice President for Public Affairs
Michael R. Malone R+D Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Art Director
of Miami scholarships today at and Communications
and Chief of Staff to the President
Tina Talavera Eye on Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Rudy Fernandez, M.B.A. ’10 Assistant Director, Communications
Faculty Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
alumni.miami.edu/student-relief Senior Vice President for
Angie Villanueva,
A.B. ’12, M.B.A. ’18
Development and Alumni Relations Student Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Joshua M. Friedman Contributors
Vice President for
Sandra Alvarez-Ferrer, B.G.S. ’19 Alumni Digest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Maya Bell
Make your gift before December 31 and receive University Communications
Jacqueline R. Menendez, A.B. ’83 Nastasia Boulos Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Christy Cabrera Chirinos
special tax benefits through the CARES Act. Associate Vice President, Barbara Gutierrez
In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Communications Robert C. Jones Jr.
Matthew McDonald TJ Lievonen
Michael Montero, B.G.S. ’18 Alumni Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Assistant Vice President,
Kelly Montoya, M.A. ’16
Communications and Public Relations
Janette Neuwahl Tannen STUDENTS WEAR MASKS Big Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Peter E. Howard AND PRACTICE PHYSICAL
Amanda M. Perez
Executive Director, Communications Diana Udel DISTANCING WHILE ATTENDING
Meredith Camel, M.F.A. ’12 Ashley A. Williams OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
PHOTO EVAN GARCIA
Miami is published by the University of Miami Office of University Communications. Reproduction in whole or in part without
written permission is prohibited. Distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of the University. Postmaster and others, please
send change of address notification to Miami, Office of Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 248053, Coral Gables, Florida 33124-1514;
telephone 305-284-2872. Contributions of articles, photographs, and artwork are welcome; however, Miami accepts no
philanthropicgiving@miami.edu 1-866-UMALUMS (862-5867) responsibility for unsolicited items.
annualgiving.miami.edu 305-284-9200 The comments and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Miami or the staff of
Miami. Copyright ©2020, University of Miami. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 1
UniversityJournal News, People, Culture, and Research from Campus and Beyond
Sylvester Receives $126 Million Gift
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center will use the anonymous gift—the largest " With expanded treatment
in the University’s history—to propel into its next chapter of excellence options and opportunities
to develop more cures, our
patients can benefit from
this landmark gift to our
cancer center.”—Stephen D. Nimer
programs and people who can change outcomes for as and retain top-tier scientists and clinicians.
many patients as possible. That will mean a legacy that “What is most exciting about this gift is the tremendous
lasts for generations to come.” impact it will have on cancer care for the people of South
Recognized as one of the world’s premier leukemia and Florida,” says Hilarie Bass, J.D. ’81, chair of the University of
stem cell transplant researchers and clinicians, Nimer led Miami Board of Trustees. Ultimately, anyone seeking cancer
the multiyear effort to secure National Cancer Institute care at Sylvester is the true beneficiary.”
(NCI)-designation in 2019, making Sylvester the only “This anonymous gift is a game-changer for Sylvester and
NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida, and one represents the kind of historic generosity that often defines
of only two in Florida. the course of disease treatment and management,” notes Stuart
“Sylvester is a leader in cancer care and research, and Miller, J.D. ’82, chair of the UHealth Board of Directors and
this tremendous act of generosity will have a profound former chair and current member of the University of Miami
impact on our work in this field,” says University of Miami Board of Trustees. “We are now prepared for the next level of
President Julio Frenk. “The gift is an affirmation of the innovation in research and clinical care, while building the
extraordinary vision and leadership of Dr. Stephen D. infrastructure and engaging the talent required to sustain these
Nimer and our talented and passionate team of researchers, efforts.” Miller, who is also the CEO of Lennar Corporation,
clinicians, faculty, and staff who are changing the way we leads a vibrant tradition of philanthropy for the Leonard M.
prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.” Miller School of Medicine.
The gift also maximizes impact by matching additional “Sylvester’s preeminent national reputation is due in part
donations of $1 million or more to Sylvester. To date, to the single-minded dedication our physician-scientists have
philanthropists, including The Pap Corps Champions for to those they serve,” says Jayne S. Malfitano, member of the
DAIVD SUTTA
Cancer Research, Paul J. DiMare and the DiMare family, University of Miami Board of Trustees, vice chair of Sylvester
Steven Dwoskin (Dwoskin Charitable Trust Foundation), Board of Overseers, and president of the Harcourt M. and
Eric and Elizabeth Feder, and Annette de la Renta have Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation board. “The donor saw in
met the challenge, donating $21 million, to accelerate our institution, and in Dr. Nimer, in particular, the conviction
innovative cancer research and bolster endowment funds and talent required to alleviate the suffering of so many battling
A landmark gift of $126 million to the Sylvester Compre- to experience such immense generosity for simply answering for faculty chairs. This matching program will also establish cancer. I am grateful for the trust they had in our work.”
hensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth and the University the call to serve those in need.” a strong pool of resources for necessary investments in Malfitano’s involvement with Sylvester dates back more
of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, will acceler- The gift is an anonymous bequest from a member of a infrastructure, including a new research facility. than 35 years when her father, Harcourt Sylvester, Jr., first
ate advances in finding cures for cancer and expand innovative family Nimer has known for decades. When facing several Based on the donor’s previous interest in Nimer’s research pledged a multimillion-dollar naming gift to the University of
treatment options for cancer patients. The groundbreaking health challenges, including cancer, the family and those priorities, a part of the gift will be dedicated to advancing Miami to build a cancer center in honor of his parents.
donation—the single largest in the University of Miami’s in their immediate networks turned to Nimer for guidance research in cancer epigenetics and Sylvester’s experimental Today, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of
95-year history—will further propel Sylvester’s standing as and support. therapeutics program. “This will help the people in this UHealth—the University of Miami Health System and the
one of the nation’s preeminent cancer centers. “I’ve dedicated my life to excellence and serving the well- community get greater access to more novel treatments,” University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine,
The unrestricted gift was made in honor of Stephen D. being of others,” says Nimer, who is also a professor of medi- says Nimer. combines the strength of more than 300 cancer experts and
Nimer, director of Sylvester and the Oscar de la Renta cine, biochemistry, and molecular biology at the Miller School. The gift has already allowed Sylvester to recruit a leader researchers. Sylvester discovers, develops, and delivers more
Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. “I am truly humbled by “I now want to honor this donor. With a gift of this size, it’s in the field of experimental therapeutics. Funds from the targeted therapies, providing the next generation of cancer
the magnitude of this gift,” says Nimer. “I never expected our goal to maximize its impact, ensuring that we invest in donation will support Sylvester’s continued efforts to attract clinical care—precision cancer medicine—to each patient.
2 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 3
UniversityJournal
areas, the new space are facing, and the University of
’Canes Central Offers Student-Centered Assistance is tailored to meet Miami is no different,” says Patricia
our center’s program- A. Whitely, Ed.D. ’94, vice president
New service brings financial aid, student accounts, and other operations into a centralized location
ming needs as well for student affairs. “This new facility,
as the needs of our combined with other student services,
students.” will allow the Counseling Center staff
During the summer, the ability to provide the best care
Adeleke was having to our students.”
trouble with access- Counseling Outreach Peer
Registration and
records ing her financial aid. Education, whose members are
’Canes Central was undergraduate students with a
Center for Academic Resources, able to assist her throughout the entire passion for tackling college mental
which relocated from its location in process and encouraged her to reach health issues, are also gaining much-
the Whitten University Center. With out to IT for additional help. needed programming and meeting
Billing and its core focus on supporting students “I am so glad we have this system space in the new building.
payments academically and working directly with in place on campus,” said Adeleke. “The new center continues our
faculty, the new space provides for “I personally love the concept.” efforts to destigmatize the need for
expanded and enhanced programming Designed for growth in both staff mental health support for students,”
and affords the center the opportunity and programing, the third floor of says Rene Monteagudo, director of
to serve more students with a variety the building exclusively houses the the Counseling Center. “We have
of customized academic services that Counseling Center. In this new space, designed our new space to allow our
Financial aid
includes the Peer Tutoring program, the center is able to host workshops counselors, other staff members,
the Office of Disability Services, and and group sessions, provide training and peer educators to be innovative
learning specialists. of doctoral students through its in their approach to supporting the
“Our new center incorporates American Psychosocial Association campus community.”
technologies that enable students to accredited training program, and
access our services in many new ways,” offer other services.
says Mykel Billups, assistant dean for “Colleges and universities across Visit canescentral.miami.edu
academic support services. “And with the country have seen an increase in to learn more.
'Cane Cards a blend of group and individual study mental health challenges their students
Registration information. Records. The ’Canes Central team is ready to and get their issues resolved fairly
Billing and payments. Financial aid.
’Cane Cards. All at your fingertips.
help students by phone, online, or in
person. Students who opt to visit the
quickly.”
In the event that a student is unable
Initiative Advances Gender Equity
Nestled in the new 30,000-square- ’Canes Central website can navigate to find an answer on the ’Canes Central University takes a critical look at challenges women face across the academy
foot Student Services Building on the through self-help tools or find answers website, Mariana Valdes-Fauli, assis-
northeast side of campus, ’Canes Central among frequently asked questions. tant vice president for service and In a year that marks the passage of more remains to be done to ensure that
features a highly trained staff who can “The University of Miami provides a experience excellence, says students can the 19th Amendment, and on the day women have opportunities to lead in
address student questions across a myr- world-class academic experience for its submit a case, which opens a virtual after International Women’s Day, every sector of society.”
iad of topics. It is the centralized loca- students, and now we offer a world- ticket in the system where students can the University launched the Flagship Hilarie Bass, J.D. ’81, chair of
tion where students can make payments class on-campus experience,” says track progress updates. There are five Initiative for Women and Gender the University’s Board of Trustees;
to their student accounts, lift a hold Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president easy ways to connect with the team, Equity—created to assess and address Jacqueline Travisano, executive vice
from their academic records, receive for academic affairs and provost. “This office hours are student-friendly, and issues of inequity that women continue president for business and finance and
information regarding financial aid and new department empowers them to no appointment is necessary. to confront across the academy. chief operating officer; Rebecca Fox,
course registration, and complete other take full advantage of the unparalleled “We collectively strive to provide The initiative, announced March dean of continuing and international
transactions such as obtaining a ’Cane academic and extracurricular experi- world-class service and student- 9, examines ways in which the insti- education; Claudia Grillo, associate vice
Card. New technologies help improve the ences available at the U.” centered care to every student at tution can support female students, president for strategic philanthropy;
user experience on student information Student Government President the University,” says Sean Kilpatrick, faculty, staff, and other members of the and select student leaders will spear-
systems and websites. Abigail Adeleke says the new depart- A.B. ’06, M.S.Ed. ’10, executive director University and broader community in head the new strategy.
“Part of our goal in transforming ment has been a tremendous help to of ’Canes Central. “Our mission is to achieving gender parity in leadership. “As we approach our centennial, we about equality and inclusion.”
the student experience is to minimize her and her peers since its opening. deliver a transformational and compas- “We know firsthand the difference want to take a critical look at an issue “We’re undertaking this initiative
hassles, eliminate roadblocks, and “One of the most positive pieces of sionate experience so that students women in leadership can make,” says that has been fundamental to the in a way that’s relevant, authentic, and
enable students to access resources,” feedback I have heard from my peers is feel valued and empowered to reach President Julio Frenk, noting that University since its founding—the consistent with who we are,” says Fox.
says Jacqueline A. Travisano, executive that the wait times are very low,” says their full potential.” for the first time in its history, the status of women,” Bass says. “We want “We’re a young university, nimble and
vice president for business and finance Adeleke. “In between classes, students The second floor of the Student University has women leading at every to put the University at the center of an innovative, and we can find new ways
and chief operating officer. are able to walk into ’Canes Central Services Building houses the Camner level. “Yet this initiative recognizes that institutional and national conversation of looking at and dealing with issues.”
4 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 5
UniversityJournal
New Trustees Named I love it, and it’s excruciating to be away
Appointees bring varied expertise to the Board of Trustees from it,” says Menendez. “As long as
people live and breathe, they’re going to
the institution’s goals forward and ensur- director of Morgan Stanley’s multicultural want someone to make them laugh.”
ing these are aligned to better address client strategy team who has worked Michael Bush, assistant professor of
pressing global and local issues.” in various roles in the global capital practice in the Department of Theatre
The following are the new trustees. markets division. Arts, suggests the pandemic offers new
Carolyn B. Lamm, J.D. ’73, a partner ways to tell stories—and he’s confident
Patricia Menendez-Cambo, B.B.A.
at White & Case in Washington, D.C., traditional theater will persist.
’86, deputy general counsel of SoftBank
where she specializes in international “Plays on Broadway are being adapted
Group International and general counsel
arbitration, trade matters, and to be performed on Zoom,” says Bush,
of the SoftBank Latin America Fund. Prior
to SoftBank, she served most recently as
former vice chair of Greenberg Traurig.
commercial litigation.
The following is the new student
Entertainment Adapts noting that during the plague, theaters
shut down for years, then reopened to
trustee member. Student and alumni artists creatively pivot to new platforms delight audiences again.
Six new members offering professional Adam E. Carlin, M.B.A. ’94, managing
“We may not be able to get an audi-
experience in business, finance, law, director and senior portfolio management Jordan Rhodes, third-year School
As the pandemic swept into our lives the school has transitioned its popular ence in a theater for a while. But when
technology, and strategic planning were director at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth of Law student and president of the
months ago, the entertainment industry “Hire a Musician Program”—connecting the audience is ready to come, there will
welcomed to the University’s Board Management and senior partner of The Student Bar Association. In her first
suffered an abrupt and pervasive shut- Frost musicians with community be people onstage ready to tell amazing
of Trustees at the spring meeting in Bermont/Carlin Group at Morgan Stanley. semester, she received the Dean’s
down. Movie theaters fell silent, concert for-hire events—to a digital platform. stories,” he says.
mid-June. Jose R. Mas, B.B.A. ’92, M.B.A. ’94, List distinction.
hall doors shuttered, and film produc- “COVID-19 has curtailed live, in- Betsy Helf Mateu, a lecturer in the
“We are pleased to welcome these CEO of MasTec, Inc. and director of the
tion spiraled into indefinite delay. person performances and caused Department of Cinema and Interactive
well-respected leaders to the Board of Mas Family Foundation. Prior to 2010,
Yet entertainment thrives on financial hardship, but gigging is the Media in the School of Communication,
Trustees,” says Hilarie Bass, J.D. ’81, Mas was chairman and CEO of Neff Corp. Visit news.miami.edu/stories/2020/
06/new-members-added-to-the- creativity and innovation, and slowly lifeblood of our students and alumni,” urges students looking to enter the indus-
chair of the board. “The new members The following are the new alumni but persistently the lights have flickered
university-of-miami-board-of- says Dean Shelton Berg. try to continue to think creatively.
bring a top level of insight, expertise, trustee members. back on as performers experiment with
trustees.html for full bios. Alumni, like Michael Menendez, A.B. “I don’t know the new playbook, but
and excellence that is crucial in moving Alice S. Vilma, B.B.A. ’99, managing new ways to share their talents. ’11, a stand-up comedian, are finding there will be many future opportunities,”
At the University, the Frost School new ways to share their creative craft. Helf Mateu says. “And we’re preparing
Leader in His Field of Music has been teaching students to
adapt. With virtual as the new normal,
“Stand-up comedy relies entirely on
an audience—that’s part of the reason
our students to have the skills to adapt
as the industry emerges from this.”
Pioneering scientist named dean of the College of Engineering
Pratim Biswas—whose knowledge of forge closer ties with alumni; and further
applying aerosol science and engineer-
ing to areas such as energy and environ-
enhance programs in all of the school’s
departments—areas such as health Group Helps Businesses Recover
mental nanotechnology, solar energy, systems engineering, sustainability and Volunteer program matches new graduates with nonprofits
air pollution control, and medicine is resilience, data and computer science,
world renowned—this summer was and space science and engineering. The Miami Volunteer Corps, a virtual her degree in business analytics this
named the new dean of the University’s The new dean highlights the fact that initiative, matches the skill sets of past May, jumped at the opportunity
College of Engineering. the College of Engineering has one of recent Miami Herbert Business School to put her newly honed business skills
A member of the National Academy the highest enrollments of women in graduates with the needs of mostly to work.
of Engineering, Biswas began transi- the nation. local nonprofit organizations that are “Joining the Volunteer Corps was
tioning to the University this fall and “Diversity has historically been a struggling to navigate the economic really a win-win. Because of COVID-
fully assumes his post in January challenge in our discipline,” he says. World-renowned aerosol scientist Pratim Biswas crisis. Launched this summer, the 19, I’ve had more time at home while Business School’s M.B.A. program or
2021. He comes from Washington “But the University of Miami is a step is named dean of the College of Engineering. corps is supporting five projects, and I’m job searching, and we’re excited its multiple specialized M.S. degree
University in St. Louis, where he held ahead in that regard, and it is critical others are progressing to partnership. to do what we can to help these non- programs. Students must fill out an
multiple academic positions during a to support and enhance that diversity coronavirus has spread throughout the “We want to be a player in the profits survive,” says Zhang. application and be willing to volunteer
20-year career. at the undergraduate and graduate world, he has endeavored to demonstrate recovery of our community, and these Zhang and three other recent 20 hours or more of virtual time per
“Pratim Biswas is a leader in his levels and within the faculty.” his bailiwick by conducting research to students—who want to give of them- grads were selected for the corps’ week for between two and 12 weeks.
field—a skilled academician, scholar, He notes, too, the University’s develop wireless sensors to be carried by selves and who have wonderful talents— first project with 305 Pink Pack, a The students are then paired with
and researcher who is deeply dedicated strong foundation in aerosol science health care workers in emergency rooms want to be part of that effort,” says nonprofit that provides free healing nonprofit companies, and projects
to helping both students and faculty and air quality, especially through the to detect COVID-19 aerosols, among other Ginger Baxter, director of Ziff Graduate support services for women in are supervised as they progress.
members to excel,” says President Rosenstiel School’s Department of innovative virus-related studies. Career Advancement. Miami-Dade County undergoing “Working with nonprofits offers
Julio Frenk. Atmospheric Sciences, where he will “Engineers, because of our knack for “It’s our community responsibility cancer treatment. Students are wonderful experience and is so impor-
At the University, Biswas plans to have a dual appointment. problem-solving,” he says, “can reach as the leading business school in South helping to analyze business strategy tant for our community,” Baxter says.
work closely with the Frost Institute of Biswas suggests that the applications out to communities and work with them Florida to help local businesses recover,” and develop comprehensive outreach. “Students realize that the same skill set
Chemistry and Molecular Science, men- of his specialty—aerosol science and collaboratively to help develop solutions adds Dean John Quelch. The corps is open to all recent is needed to lead a nonprofit as it is for
toring both students and investigators; engineering—are numerous. As the novel to many problems.” Fanyi Zhang, M.S. ’20, who earned graduates of the Miami Herbert a multimillion-dollar corporation.”
6 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 7
University Journal
R+ D Update
Brand Icons Topple Amid Rising Awareness
Graduate student Vindi M.
University experts assess consumer power in the marketplace
Jayasinghe-Arachchige, have an impact on wind social difficulty with their
left, and Rajeev Prabhakar, speed and direction,” parents are far more likely
professor of chemistry. explains Nolan, professor to be diagnosed later with
and chair of atmospheric autism spectrum disorder
sciences and co-principal (ASD) than high-risk infants
The Black Lives Matter movement, investigator of the study. with secure attachments.
which continues to stir racial justice “And wind velocity can “One of the cornerstone
awareness throughout the United differ from one area of a impairments of ASD is the
States, has prompted upheaval in the city to another, even from difficulty in forming and
marketplace. Long-standing icons
JENNY HUDAK
one side of a building to maintaining social relation-
depicting racial stereotyping—Uncle another. We’re trying ships, and attachment
Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth’s, Cream of to better understand security is the key measure
Wheat, Eskimo Pie, and Aunt Jemima, such variations.” of the infant-parent rela-
among others—have tumbled off
New Artificial M. Jayasinghe-Arachchige To do so, Nolan and tionship. So, it made sense
the shelves to seek new identity in
Enzymes have explored techniques others turned to the to look at how attachment
rebranding. with Michigan collabora- Institute for Data Science security relates to ASD diag-
For Claudia Townsend, an associate The field of biomimetic tors that might reveal a and Computing and its noses,” explains Katherine
professor of marketing at the Miami chemistry has emerged in new strategy for creating powerful Pegasus super- Martin, the study’s lead
Herbert Business School, rebranding recent decades with the artificial enzymes. computer, analyzing data author who initiated the
prompted by cultural shifts and con- goal of designing artificial Jayasinghe-Arachchige, gleaned from 24 simula- research as a Ph.D. candidate
sumer critique is nothing new. “But enzymes that can mimic in the final year of tions of Hurricane Wilma in the College of Arts and
the speed of the awakening—all that’s the powers of natural her doctoral studies, making landfall over Sciences under the guidance
happened within such a short time— enzymes—found in every designed the new mole- South Florida. of psychology professor
and the awareness spurring the changes living organism and that cule on the University’s The study could lead to Daniel Messinger.
are all very different,” she says. serve to trigger thousands supercomputer with the creation of extreme- Published in Develop-
Townsend, whose expertise focuses stems from anthropomorphism, a con- understand that consumers are closely
cept key to marketing where products attuned. of biological functions. Prabhakar’s guidance. weather apps that yield mental Science, the study
on aesthetics and visual presentation Artificial enzymes could, detailed data. “You’d sim- looks at how 15-month-old
in consumer choice, points out that the assume human characteristics. “With “In the pandemic we’ve seen a lot of
Aunt Jemima, even people who under- companies doing commercials, telling for example, convert corn Better Hurricane ply punch in your address babies react when they are
past 10 years have heralded a period
stand what’s wrong with this imagery how they’re supplying personal protec- into ethanol or help create Forecasting and get information on briefly separated and then
of rethinking gender roles, and that new drugs more quickly, what the wind speeds will reunited with a parent,
companies have responded. are challenged,” she said, “because tive equipment and helping front-line
the image feels like a person—like the workers,” he says. “Companies need to cheaply, and effectively. Rosenstiel School of be in a given area through- and it builds on Messinger’s
She referenced Target, which previ- Rajeev Prabhakar, a Marine and Atmospheric out the course of a storm,” extensive previous research
ously marketed separate toy sections sweet aunt they grew up with.” be in the news—yet there is a stigma
Another practice that has gained that they may be seen as tooting their computational chemist at Science researchers David Nolan says. on infants whose older
for boys and girls that they have since the University of Miami, Nolan, Brian McNoldy, and siblings have been diagnosed
merged, and television commercials for traction is cause-related marketing, own horn.”
where companies partner with a Perception of authenticity also plays together with research- James Hlywiak are using Early Autism with ASD.
home cleaning and childcare products
nonprofit and contribute a portion a key role in the response to rebranding, ers at the University of sophisticated supercom- Marker “While we can’t stop
that previously showed only women and Michigan, moved a step puter simulations to study a future ASD diagnosis,
now regularly show men mopping, cook- of their product’s purchase price Townsend points out.
toward the cause. “Consumers, especially those willing closer to that goal, having how different landscapes, In the first study of its these findings suggest we
ing, and caring for toddlers. Townsend created a novel, synthetic, from suburban settings to kind, University of Miami should consider attachment-
also points to Dove’s “Campaign for Michael Tsiros, Patrick J. Cesarano to do research behind any branding
Faculty Scholar and chair of the changes, will question if the rebrand- three-stranded molecule large city centers, affect researchers have deter- related interventions for
Real Beauty,” which expanded the that functions just like a hurricane sustained winds mined that infants with high-risk infants who
company’s imagery of beauty to include Department of Marketing, published ing is authentic,” she says. “These same
an article recently in the Journal of customers are also going to demand that natural metalloenzyme, or and gusts. familial risk for autism show insecurity,” Messinger
women of different ages, sizes, ethnici- an enzyme that contains Their research, part of and who also exhibit early points out.
ties, and hair type and style. Marketing Research that explores the companies do more, in essence that
consumer interest in cause-related they put their money where their mouth metal ions. a federally funded study,
Yet these changes are often met with “This is an incremental has far-reaching impacts,
resistance by consumers ready to exer- marketing. is and take real action—contribute to a
“The consumer’s personal contri- cause, promote diversity in leadership, but important step in the promising not only to
cise their purchasing muscle. development of artificial upgrade forecast models
“Consumers just don’t like change,” bution and the impact they make is or increase employee salaries.”
definitely important; they want to be Townsend says research shows that enzymes, long considered to account for wind speeds
Townsend says. “They are often fiercely chemistry’s Holy Grail,” over land but also to pre-
loyal to their favorite products. And involved and feel that they’re making millennials—with their considerable
a difference,” Tsiros explains. purchasing power—are exceptionally Prabhakar explains. dict how buildings disrupt
even when they may support a branding For their groundbreak- and modify winds.
change, there’s always backlash when a Companies can benefit by being cause-driven and ready to financially
vocal and visible about the causes they reward companies they respect. ing study published in “Trees, houses, a
company changes an asset.” Nature Chemistry, he and densely packed cluster
This fierce loyalty, she explains, support, he suggests, but they must —Michael R. Malone
graduate student Vindi of skyscrapers—they all
8 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 9
University Journal
Eye on Athletics
An academic standout even college, Gabrielle Mia Atrio
as well, the Illinois native Amato brings a wealth of
earned her bachelor’s degree experience and talent to
in nursing and is completing the ’Canes crew.
her master’s degree in health The Miami native first
informatics with a 4.0 GPA. learned to row at summer
She was a five-time All-ACC camp when she was 11, and
Academic Team member and she fell instantly in love
two-time USTFCCCA All- with the sport and the com-
Academic team honoree. munity of people around it.
Ellis was also tapped into Rowing soon became
Iron Arrow Honor Society one of the most important
and was inducted into the parts of her day, and Amato
Omicron Kappa Fraternity, worked diligently to get
a testament to her all-around stronger and faster. She
MIAMI ATHLETICS
D’Eriq King
excellence. attended her junior year of
The 2020 season had a high school online and kept
record number of 605 school a rigorous daily schedule of
nominees, represented from training and academics.
’Canes Football that signify hometown Sprinter Brittny She concluded her 21 different sports spanning The hard work paid off.
Starts Strong 305 after a 66-yard Ellis Nominated illustrious Miami career all three NCAA divisions. In 2018, Amato was invited
MIAMI ATHLETICS
touchdown scamper. for Top Award in the top five of three The NCAA Committee on to the Youth Olympics
The Miami Hurricanes are Florida State visited different categories. Women’s Athletics will select Qualification and the
off to a fast start to a football Hard Rock Stadium the Middle-distance sprinter the 2020 Woman of the Year finals of the Pan American
season that many weren’t following week, and Brittny Ellis, B.S.N. ’19, from nine finalists. Junior Remo Competition
sure would even take place the ’Canes were ready, has already gotten her in Chile—the first female let everything go and told Over a decorated four-year
because of the COVID-19 dominating their archrivals name in the Miami record to ever represent her myself, ‘You’re here for high-school career, Atrio was
uncertainty. The ’Canes 52-10. Miami was up 38-3 Freshman Amato home country of Haiti in this, you’re here for your a three-time Miami Herald
books. Now the three-
kicked off the Atlantic Coast at halftime, and the final Comes Ready an international rowing country, just have fun.’ ” First-Team All-Dade mem-
time ACC Championships
Conference season—only one score marked the first time to Row competition. Amato chose to stay ber, two-time Miami Herald
champion, five-time silver
of two major conferences in 65 meetings that either medalist, and a four-time “I was a little scared in Miami to be near All-Dade soccer player of the
that launched on time—with team scored more than ACC team champion Unlike many rowers who do at first because I didn’t her mother, who lives year winner, and the 7A-5A
an impressive 31-14 win 50 points. is positioned for even not discover the sport until want to let them down,” on Miami Beach, and is All-Dade female athlete of
against the University of With the win against greater acclaim. high school or sometimes Amato says. “But then I excited to join a new crew the year recipient.
Alabama Birmingham. FSU, the ’Canes moved Ellis is one of team on the water. She will And when it came time to
Quarterback D’Eriq King into a No. 7 national rank- two women nomi- be majoring in dentistry decide where to bring her soc-
sparked the attack with ing. While the team faces nated by the ACC and continuing to train cer skills, Atrio was on target.
electrifying runs and pin- a tough ACC schedule, for the 2020 NCAA in hopes of potentially She grew up just a few miles
point passes that herald expectations remain high. Woman of the representing Haiti at away from the Coral Gables
a bright future for the Coach Manny Diaz Year Award. a future Olympic Games. Campus; her father, Andy,
up-tempo offense directed praised the University and She has blazed played wide receiver for the
by new coordinator Rhett the athletics department a trail on the Hurricanes in the mid-’90s;
Lashlee. Behind a fortified administration for their University track. Mia Atrio Has and the U was always at the
offensive line, the ’Canes guidance and the players’ The 400-meter Her Eyes on Goal top of her collegiate list.
rushed for 337 yards— discipline for persevering runner is a two-time “It was like a dream come
their 2019 average was against the backdrop of the U.S. Track & Field and When freshman forward true, since it was my dream
just 118—led by speedy virus. “The credit has got Cross Country Coaches Mia Atrio, a scoring stand- school forLashlee
soccer, and it was
Rhett
Cam’Ron Harris. to go to our players, who Association (USTFCCCA) out who helped her Miami what I was aiming for all
The team unveiled “The have been remarkable in All-America second-team high school win its first my life,” says Atrio, who
Crib” touchdown rings, and the way that they take care selection and twice earned state championship, gets launched her ’Canes career
Harris earned the first pair of each other and take care the association’s honor- her goal in sight, she with the team’s first game
MIAMI ATHLETICS
Gabrielle Amato
MIAMI ATHLETICS
of brassy four-fingered rings of themselves,” says Diaz. able mention accolades. rarely misses. in early September.
Brittny Ellis
10 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 11
University Journal
Faculty Files
Where others see a challenge, “The Sixties” course is one
of the most popular at the
University, with more than
we see an opportunity.
1,000 students having taken
the class since it started
10 years ago. That decade
of tumultuous change and
incredible optimism was
“The best students are particularly formative
the ones who fight for for Spivey.
what they believe in.” “So many things were
—Donald Spivey happening, and my social
consciousness was grow-
ing. The many, many fights,
protests, demonstrations,
and social and political
skirmishes of the era are
very much a part of who I
am today,” he says.
At the time, he attended
A Champion for Civil Rights the University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign on a
Donald Spivey has been more importantly—retains give you anything.” full football scholarship but
fighting for racial equality more Black students. A history teacher at his hung up his cleats to focus
for most of his life, using “These are issues we have inner-city high school “who on his studies and burgeon-
his lectures, teachings, and to wrestle with,” says Spivey. made things relevant to the ing activism. He joined the
exhaustive research as a “Action without thought is moment and showed us that Black Students Association
distinguished professor empty, and thought without we all had first-rate minds” on campus, making the
of history and Cooper action is blind,” he says, sparked his love for history. hiring of more Black faculty
Fellow in the College of quoting Kwame Nkrumah, That passion has per- members a priority.
Arts and Sciences to help the Ghanaian nationalist sisted and translated into The very history depart-
foster change. leader and revolutionary a dedication to academic ment through which Spivey
In recognition of his who led the Gold Coast to service. Spivey went on took courses toward his
work as a civil rights cham- independence from Britain to earn bachelor’s and major had no professors
pion, Spivey was named in the late 1950s. master’s degrees, then of color. He and his fel-
special advisor to President Spivey grew up poor on a Doctor of Philosophy. low students met regularly
Julio Frenk as part of the Chicago’s West Side, raised All in history. with school administrators,
University’s 15-point plan by Mississippi-born parents His research and pushing for that to change.
to improve “racial justice who were part of the Great achievements at the School officials labeled
The world is changing faster than ever, but with the right guidance, you can keep up with it and on campus and beyond.” Migration—that massive University are legendary, him a troublemaker because
shape its future. As thought-leaders in the space, we at Miami Herbert have redefined what it This plan was introduced movement of some six including nine authored or of his spirited activism. But
means to be a business school and designed a new experience for the new world of business. as the nation struggles to million Blacks who fled the edited books. While he was Spivey didn’t mind. That’s
eradicate systemic racism rural South between 1916 trained as a labor historian, the way he wanted it. “The
Our many programs are tailored to equip a new generation of leaders with the skills needed to and police brutality that and 1970 in search of a better his body of research runs best students are the ones
manage crises, work through abrupt business changes, and develop innovative ideas that transform especially targets people life in the northern states. the gamut—everything from who fight for what they
the business world of tomorrow. Applications are still being accepted for January, but the deadline of color. His father worked in the history of education believe in,” he says. “And
is quickly approaching. To learn more, visit bus.miami.edu/whatsnext. Spivey plans to pursue Chicago’s steel mills, and his to Black music to sports. we fought for everything.”
specific goals, such as mother in a clothing factory. In 2019, he was awarded In his new post, Spivey
helping to increase the “As a kid, I held every job the University’s Out- vows to use his cabinet-
number of Black faculty you can think of,” Spivey standing Teaching Award level platform to continue
members at the institu- recalls. “Back then, parents and Provost Award for to push for racial and ethnic
tion and ensure that the believed you should work for Scholarly Activity. equality at the University.
Spivey’s team-taught —Robert C. Jones Jr.
Tomorrow Lives here. University admits and— things. No one was going to
bus.miami.edu/whatsnext
12 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 13
University Journal
Student Spotlight
Degree Tackles Big Data
The Master of Science in Data Science tailors its curriculum for multiple fields
domestic workers. Nor learning where they live, he
was he familiar with sends them a list of nearby
The Power of
Data science—extracting knowledge Computer Science was approved in
Curamericas. But as a food banks, soup kitchens, or
and insights from structured and early fall, and plans continue for
public health student in other food resources. But that
unstructured data—continues to blaze additional tracks in the program,
new trails as an exciting new career
path. To prepare graduate students
to excel as data mining and
according to Tobin.
“This degree is open to everyone—
a tech background is certainly not
a Phone Call Miami, he was very famil-
iar with the health dispari-
ties that last year prompted
option doesn’t work for many
of the migrants who never
learned to read or write.
Nicolas Hernandez provided more than 1,000 the nonprofit to partner So Hernandez calls and
programming specialists, the College required—and we want to help students
Spanish-speaking families in the Carolinas with with the new Guatemalan calls until he’s able to locate
of Arts and Sciences established the be ready to succeed,” says Tobin.
vital information about the novel coronavirus. Consulate in Raleigh, N.C. a food bank or some other
Master of Science in Data Science. Many of the students in this first
“Even though the needed service that can offer
The interdisciplinary degree launched cohort enrolled in one or more of the
In the age of text and Ordinarily Hernandez Hispanic population there basic relief.
this fall with 15 students, featuring three preparatory mini-courses— Atmospheric Science.
email, Nicolas Hernandez, would have spent the is a lot smaller, they make “As long as the program is
tracks in technical data science, data linear algebra, calculus, and computer The new degree benefits from the
a public health student in time shadowing doctors up almost half of the ongoing, I’ll keep calling,” he
visualization, smart cities, and marine programming—which were offered fact that the University is home to one
the School of Nursing and at Jackson Memorial COVID-19 cases and are the says. “Classes have started.
and atmospheric science. this summer. of the nation’s fastest supercomputers
Health Studies who hopes Hospital’s south campus, ones suffering most from But I can still find an hour or
“Most data science degrees are based The Department of Computer —the $3.7 million Triton—and likewise
one day to be a physician, just as he has every sum- chronic diseases and not two, three times a week, to
on engineering or computer science, and Science spearheaded the program’s the University’s agreement with AT&T to
has discovered the satisfy- mer since his junior year having health insurance continue making them.”
we wanted to go beyond that to offer an design in coordination with the become the first academic institution to
ing personal rewards and of high school at Miami’s or access to doctors on a —Maya Bell
interdisciplinary program that utilizes Miami Institute for Data Science and deploy AT&T’s 5G+ and Multi-access
immeasurable solace that TERRA Environmental regular basis,” Hernandez
the University’s diverse resources,” Computing, and the curriculum invites Edge Computing technology.
a phone call can bring. Research Institute. But, explains. “These are not
says Maryann Tobin, A.B. ’01, M.F.A. collaboration from the School of “We have fantastic resources and
Since he began volun- after the pandemic forced just issues in a textbook
’04, Ph.D. ’09, assistant dean for Architecture, School of Communication, wanted to offer a unique degree that
teering with the organiza- the hospital to bar non- but what people are
professional education. School of Education and Human allows students to explore the breadth
tion Curamericas Global essential personnel, he living day to day.”
An undergraduate data science track Development, College of Engineering, of data science across the entire
in May, the University of jumped at the opportunity Many of those he
offered through the Department of and Rosenstiel School of Marine and University curriculum,” Tobin says.
Miami junior has logged 10 to reach out to Spanish- talks to have lost
hours weekly and talked to speakers in the Carolinas their jobs owing to
Restored Corals Observed Spawning more than 1,000 Spanish-
speakers in the Carolinas,
and made the calls while
social distancing and
the pandemic and
worry about their
First-ever event provides hope for restoration efforts providing them with vital working from his home next meal. Usually,
information about the in Miami. Hernandez has a
(Acropora cervicornis) at Rainbow Reef observation that shows that these novel coronavirus. The “As a first-generation ready solution: After
releasing healthy spawn on Aug. 6 and restored corals now have the ability to nonprofit is dedicated American, I know how
Aug. 7, marking a first for nursery- naturally replenish reefs through their to reducing maternal hard my parents’
grown corals outplanted on a reef resto- own reproductive efforts,” says Andrew and child mortality, and first years here were
ration site in Miami-Dade County. Baker, Ph.D. ’99, professor of marine Hernandez uses the phone because they didn’t
“It’s a very rare phenomenon to biology and ecology and director of the and his Spanish-language know English,” he says.
witness, so it’s great that we were able University’s Coral Reef Futures Lab. skills to connect Hispanic “Drawing on their expe-
to capture this scientific breakthrough The scientists also observed, col- families with desperately rience, I wanted to help
to share with our local community and lected, and fertilized coral spawn at their needed services. these families connect
people around the world,” says Diego underwater coral nursery. In addition, “I’ve learned a lot to the resources they
Lirman, Ph.D. ’98, associate professor of the research team observed several wild about the power of a need to weather this
marine biology and ecology and founder mountainous star coral colonies (Orbicella simple phone call,” says virus a little bit better.’’
For the first time, staghorn corals grown and director of the University’s Rescue faveolata) spawn at Rainbow Reef. Hernandez, the son of Before he started,
in a nursery and replanted at a reef a Reef program. The coral spawning and restora- Colombian immigrants Hernandez wasn’t
restoration site off Key Biscayne have The scientists were able to collect tion activities are part of the $6 million who moved to the United aware of the Carolinas’
spawned, signaling hope that fragment- eggs and sperm from about a dozen Southeast Florida Coral Restoration Hub, States before he was born. Hispanic popula-
ing corals and outplanting them to reefs different colonies during the spawn- which has a goal to restore 125 acres of “At the end of the call, a tion, many of whom
is a viable approach to help rebuild ing, which they then fertilized to raise reef habitat in Miami-Dade and Broward lot of people say, ‘I don’t are food industry,
Florida’s valuable marine ecosystems. thousands of coral larvae that can also counties over three years. Florida’s Coral have any friends or family agriculture, or
Rosenstiel School of Marine and be grown out and replanted as part Reef is the only nearshore reef in the here, and it’s nice to know
Atmospheric Science scientists and col- of a cyclical approach to helping reefs continental United States, and coral that someone out there
laborators from SECORE International rebuild themselves and remain resilient. cover has declined by at least 70 percent actually cares.’ ”
observed restored staghorn corals “Spawning in the wild is a critical since the 1970s. —Diana Udel
14 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 15
A Whole New
Back to School
CHLOE BEACH, A FIRST-YEAR PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
FROM AURORA, ILLINOIS, SAT ALONE IN FRONT OF THE
DONNA E. SHALALA STUDENT CENTER AFTER FINISHING HER
FIRST CLASS OF THE 2020 FALL SEMESTER—ENGLISH 105—IN
THE NEW LAKESIDE VILLAGE. The moment for Beach—feeling a
mix of first-day elation and jitteriness, savoring being in college, and
starting a new adventure in learning at a whole new level—was indeed
wondrous. And the fact that she was here at the University of Miami,
together with nearly 7,000 other students, starting classes on time
and in person for the fall semester—in the midst of the pandemic
that has wreaked havoc worldwide and was still surging in South
Florida—was itself a small miracle. One made real by extraordinary
dedication, colossal effort, and the University’s willingness to
prioritize the purpose and value of education.
Following an adaptive and responsive model,
the University of Miami takes every step to
safeguard the ’Canes community while providing
students the opportunity to attend classes on
campus amid the ongoing pandemic.
BY M I C H A E L R . M A LO N E
BY M I C H A E L R . M A LO N E
16 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 17ABOVE, NEW TECHNOLOGY WAS PURCHASED AND DEPLOYED TO ENHANCE INNOVATIVE
TEACHING TECHNIQUES, AND CLASSROOMS WERE RETROFITTED WITH PLEXIGLASS. RIGHT,
JACQUES CALIXTE, A FIRST-YEAR SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES STUDENT, IS A
PRESIDENT JULIO FRENK TOURS CAMPUS FACILITIES BEING PUBLIC HEALTH AMBASSADOR ON THE CORAL GABLES CAMPUS.
USED IN NEW WAYS TO ENSURE PHYSICAL DISTANCING.
“I really wanted to do something
“The choice before us is not a binary one—keep campus proceeded with its reopening plans, the president was Public Health Ambassadors that would be able to help the
closed or just open it. Instead, we must creatively devise regularly consulted by national media for his insights and community, so applying to this
intermediate solutions, which are both adaptive to the strategic thinking. The stakes were high for universities job felt like the best option.”—Jacques Calixte
current circumstances and responsive to the varying needs around the country to bring students back, and many were Recognizing the effectiveness of peer influence, Patricia
of our students,” President Julio Frenk said in a July 15 watching for a successful model. A. Whitely, Ed.D. ’94, vice president for student affairs,
message to the University community about the decision On campus, senior leadership exercised transparency urged the creation of a student-led team of public health Sawyer Garrity, a sophomore music therapy major
to bring students back to campus in the fall. He also and delivered consistent messaging that emphasized the ambassadors to promote and monitor for adherence to with a minor in psychology and songwriting, was
emphasized that “providing an exceptional educational four pillars—testing, tracing, and tracking; cleaning and COVID-19 health and safety precautions. inspired by the chance to do what she could to help.
experience is the why of our decisions.” disinfecting; protecting personal space, distancing, and the More than 270 students submitted applications for the “I love Miami, and education is really important to
The announcement came four months after the University use of face coverings; and vaccinating—while modeling an program that, when launched, quickly drew national attention. me, along with the safety of my peers and professors,”
vacated the campus in mid-March to stem the spread of the adaptive and responsive approach to the evolving situation. Andrew Wiemer, director of the Butler Center for Service Garrity points out. “I wanted to help keep Miami safe
virus. Throughout the summer, leadership teams went to and Leadership and the program’s organizer, alongside so we could continue to be at the U while taking the
work across every facility and unit, scrutinizing details to Lindsey Woods, the center’s assistant director, interviewed measures needed to make sure COVID doesn’t spread.”
prepare for the safest possible return for students. nearly 120 students and ultimately selected 75 of them—
Millions of dollars were invested to retrofit classrooms including team leads.
and common areas into safe spaces for teaching, studying, “This new team of student-leaders is the embodiment
and living. Signs were erected to remind people to protect of our ’Canes Care for ’Canes philosophy,” says Whitely.
themselves and those around them by wearing facial Camila Treptow, a biology major pursuing a career in
coverings and by keeping 6 feet of distance. New technology medicine, was among those selected. Her entire family
was purchased and deployed to enhance innovative had tested positive for the virus, and she felt a duty to
teaching techniques. apply to serve.
Meanwhile, quarantined in homes around the country “Thankfully, we had only mild symptoms, but I knew
and throughout the world, students and faculty members after my experience that I wanted to do everything possible
wrestled with decisions on whether to engage in the fall to stop the spread because I personally know how bad it
semester through in-person learning, remotely, or through a makes you feel and how easily it spreads,” Treptow says.
combination of both, described as hybrid learning. Split nearly New ’Cane Jacques Calixte was also excited to be an
evenly, about a third of students chose each mode of learning. ambassador. “I really wanted to do something that would
Frenk’s steady hand, founded on 36 years as a global public be able to help the community, so applying for this job felt
health expert, guided the path forward. As the University like the best option,” he says.
18 MIAMI Fall 2020 miami.edu/magazine miami.edu/magazine Fall 2020 MIAMI 19You can also read
