Noteworthy

Belle Nicholas, a student in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, was named Miss New Jersey 2025 on June 14 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

As the newly crowned Miss New Jersey, Nicholas will represent and advance the mission of the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young women across the Garden State through education and community service. The West Deptford resident will also use her new role to change the narrative about mental health after her own experiences with anxiety and depression. Through her work, Nicholas founded Shout Our Struggle, a mental health initiative that connects with New Jersey residents through school programs, policy advocacy, and outreach. She also advocates and consults on legislation, raise funds for nonprofits such as The Mental Health Association in New Jersey and The Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, and holds a certification in Mental Health First Aid.

This was Nicholas' fourth time competing in the prestigious competition. Next, she will compete at Miss America 2025 in September. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/psyd-student-mental-health-advocate-named-miss-new-jersey-2025
 

Krystal Washington ’26 has been chosen as the recipient of the K. Leroy Irvis Undergraduate Scholarship – Western Region awarded by the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher education, Inc. (PBCOHE.) Washington, an elementary education major, was presented the award at the 54th annual PBCOHE conference. 

Named after PBCOHE’s founder, this award is given to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, extracurricular activities, and possess leadership qualities.

PBCOHE’s mission is to provide programs and services which help ensure that the post-secondary educational needs and aspirations of Black African Americans in particular are met, and to work in concert with members of other underrepresented groups in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/education-undergraduate-student-honored-scholarship

Graduate physical therapy students volunteered at the 2025 Summer Games, the Special Olympics Pennsylvania's largest statewide competition bringing more than 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches together to compete Penn State University. Widener students worked alongside clinicians to complete approximately 200 FunFitness screens for the athletes to assess flexibility, balance, strength and cardiovascular fitness. 

The FunFitness screenings are delivered as part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative, which began in 1997 to offer free health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes in a welcoming, fun environment. To date, the program has delivered more than 2 million free health screenings and trained close to 300,000 health professionals and students to treat people with intellectual disabilities. The 2025 event was the second largest number of screenings completed at a single event.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/physical-therapy-students-lead-screening-pa-special-olympics-summer-games

Widener University’s ROTC program celebrated its 2025 Commissioning Ceremony in Alumni Auditorium on Saturday, May 24 with 14 cadets taking the oath of office as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

Four Widener students were among the cadets commissioned, and a fifth will commission on May 30. The group of 14 that was celebrated on Saturday hailed from four area universities and all trained through the Dauntless Battalion unit at Widener, where they engaged in the hands-on, intense military training that has prepared them for successful careers.

Family members pinned the new rank to their dress uniforms, and each officer shared a silver dollar with the individual they selected to give them their first salute – a military tradition.

The officers who earned their undergraduate degrees from Widener last week, and the military careers for which they prepared, included:

•    Meghan (Rampolla) Draeger, nursing corps
•    Anthony Korab, corps of engineers
•    Alexander Krause, military police
•    Taylor (Finocchiaro) McGonigal, nursing corps
•    Darryl Villard, signal corps, commissioning on May 30

In addition, current Widener student and cadet Brendon Hardy will commission in December and head into infantry service. He emceed the ceremony.

Draeger’s grandfather, Robert Hawley, a 1962 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College, was the ceremony speaker. He provided the new officers with multiple pieces of advice on the essentials of leadership, including the importance of authenticity, empathy, communication, humility and persistence.

“You, the future leaders of our nation, fill me with immense pride and hope,” Hawley said. "I’m proud of your achievements and I’m eager for what lies ahead. I salute all of you.”

In addition, ROTC civilian staff members Keith Karbel and Bill Campbell were recognized for their more than 50 combined years of service to the program. Lt. Col. James Pascoe, who leads the Dauntless Battalion, said the men have supported more than 500 cadets to successful outcomes.

"It’s just incredible how much these two individuals have done. Their impact on the army has been immense," said Pascoe, who is also retiring. Pascoe will conclude his service in the fall.

Pictured above, front row from left, Meghan (Rampolla) Draeger and Taylor (Finocchiaro) McGonigal. Back row from left, Brendon Hardy, Alexander Krause and Anthony Korab.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/32566/
 

Andrew Burkhardt, coach of Widener men’s rugby, was named Rugbee Co April Coach of the Month by National Collegiate Rugby, or NCR.

Nicknamed "Coach Fireball," Burkhardt was recognized for his leadership, mentorship, commitment, and work in transforming the team “into one of the most competitive and respected small-college rugby programs in the country,” according to NCR.

A 2012 Widener alumnus and former player, Burkhardt has served as head coach since 2015. He notched his 46th career win this past year, led the team to an undefeated 15s season, and the win in the Challenge Cup (Regional South), also known as the Steel Belt Bowl Championship.

The Coach of the Month honor recognized Burkhardt for his guidance in helping many newcomers learn the game and become competitive athletes.

Burkhardt was recently a guest on the Far & Widener podcast. Listen here. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/mens-rugby-coach-named-coach-month

A collection of more than 3,000 pieces of political memorabilia belonging to Professor Stephen Kauffman was on display at Wolfgram Memorial Library through the 2024-2025 academic year. The video interview featuring key pieces from the collection and Kauffman discussing the collection and its significance is available to view online. 

The display also served as a center point for an event in Fall 2024 featuring Kauffman discussing his collection as well as James Vike, professor and associate dean of social science, sharing research findings on political polarization. A full recording of the event “From George to Joe: The Legacy of Voting for Our Presidents” is also available online. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/faculty-memberss-political-memorabilia-display-lives-wolfgram-memorial-library
 

George Hebda ’27 has been recognized on the 2025 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll. This award recognizes students from colleges and universities across the country who worked on nonpartisan civic engagement efforts to increase college student voter participation. 

A political science, international relations, and English major, Hebda is active with political and civic engagement. Off campus, Hebda traveled with faculty and students to the 2024 New Hampshire primary election in January 2024, and saw the 2024 campaign cycle through by road-tripping across Pennsylvania with faculty and students to experience the final weekend of campaigning in November. He also volunteered as part of the Pennsylvania College Exit Poll Project on Election Day 2024, gathering data as voters left the polls at Stetser Elementary. 

On campus, Hebda co-presented “Pennsylvania 2024: The Keystone State’s Pivotal Role in the Presidential Election,” at the 2025 High Impact Practices Fair, and acted as a discussion leader for several on-campus debate watches during the campaign cycle. He also serves as a pride ambassador, CREW Leader, and a member of the Widener Marching Band and Pep Band.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge aims to empower colleges and universities to excel in nonpartisan student democratic engagement.  

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/political-science-student-named-all-student-voting-honor-roll
 

Erika Dawkins, assistant professor in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, was named the 2025 Early Career Psychologist of the Year by the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Presented by the Early Career Psychologists Committee, this prestigious award recognizes the impact made by an early-career psychologist. As a clinician, educator, and researcher, Dawkins has made meaningful contributions to the psychology field. In addition to her role at Widener, Dawkins is also the owner of Revolutionary Perspectives, LLC, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to one's emotional well-being. 

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The Pride Winter Guard of Widener University was awarded a bronze medal for their 3rd place finish at the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network Championships, or MAIN, in Bethlehem, Pa., on April 13.

Thirty-six 36 high school groups competed (in scholastic classes), and Widener was the only collegiate group there.

This is the second year of the indoor winter guard’s existence. Widener also fields an outdoor color guard during the fall.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-winter-guard-places-third-competition

Two Widener Social Work Counseling Services MSW students presented at the 12th annual Pro Bono Network Conference. Devonnae Grasty ’26 and Diane Harley ’25 present their work, “Integrating Mental Health Services,” which focused on best practice for incorporating mental health services into a pro bono setting. They also engaged with questions from the audience.  

The conference, hosted at Widener, included nearly 30 programs from across the country that offer pro bono services to their communities. This is the first time MSW interns have presented at the conference. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/msw-students-present-pro-bono-network-conference
 

Michael Janes will join the Administration and Finance team as associate vice president of Human Resources beginning Monday, April 28. Michael brings a wealth of expertise and accomplishments in human resources leadership. His diverse portfolio demonstrates a proven track record of fostering collaboration with organizational leadership to implement impactful human resources strategies that align with institutional priorities.

Michael comes to Widener from the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Delaware where he spearheaded a complete restructuring of the compensation system, implemented a performance management system, and revamped the organization’s benefits package. Additionally, he led the introduction of a paperless human resources information system and established an electronic policy process.

Prior to his time at Winterthur, Michael served as assistant vice president at the West Virginia University Foundation. He has also held human resources leadership roles at institutions of higher education including University of the Sciences and Drexel University. While at Drexel, Michael was instrumental in creating a diversity committee at the medical school to enhance the medical school’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Additionally, Michael brings a distinguished background from his service in the United States Army and Army Reserves.

Michael holds a Master of Science in human resource management from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in organizational dynamics and human performance management from Immaculata University.

Michael’s dedication to operational excellence, innovative solutions, and employee development will enhance and strengthen our human resources team and the greater Widener community.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/new-human-resources-leadership-joins-widener

As part of Widener’s AI Day event, students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to submit ideas and projects on the unique and creative ways they use AI technology. Eight student projects were recognized, and prizes of cash and gift cards were awarded. Student winners also received certificates of recognition. 

Judged by the AI Day planning committee, winners were chosen based on thoughtful engagement with AI tools, creativity, and a plan for next steps in their projects. 

The AI Day Competition winners are: 

Graduate student winners:
Stacey Rose – “It Starts with ‘I’m Sorry’ and Ends with AI Models Learning to Better Support Survivors”

Undergraduate student winners:
1st place: Miroslava Vazquez – “Revolutionizing the Restaurant Industry with AI”
2nd place tie: Elizabeth Martin – “EKG Analysis: Utilizing AI for Smarter Heart Rhythm Interpretation; Cole Helmer – “Mind in Pictures: Turning Thoughts into Visuals for Mental Health Awareness”

Honorable mentions:
William Harp – “Reclaiming the Missing Greek Titans in a TTS accessible story Atlas of Mythos illuminated and enabled by Generative AI tools”
Gerardo Coronado Benitez – “A&G Business Plan Writer”
Ivan Gonzalez Jr. – “SkyTorch: AI Drone Navigation”
Kristen Martinez – “Analyzing Short Response Data with AI”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/ai-day-competition-names-student-winners

Sachin Patil, professor of chemical engineering, and his team of student-researchers in the NanoBio Lab recently published findings to advance the future Alzheimer's disease treatment and prevention. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Molecules, identified Isobavachin, a natural flavonoid, as a potential "structure corrector" for Apolipoprotein E4, known as ApoE4, which is the strongest genetic risk factor for the disease. The breakthrough discovery suggests that Isobavachin can stabilize the problematic ApoE4 protein, potentially reducing its harmful effects and altering the course of Alzheimer’s disease.

Through the use of a cutting-edge combination of computational modeling and lab experiments, the researchers found that Isobavachin binds to ApoE4, reshaping it into a more stable form—similar to the neutral or protective ApoE3 and ApoE2 variants. The team noted that Isobavachin is a naturally occurring compound, derived from a plant used in traditional medicine, that is also bioavailable, meaning it has the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier. Both characteristics make this discovery particularly exciting as they show promise for future drug discovery and hope for the millions of people affected by the disease worldwide.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/engineering-professor-publishes-new-discovery-alzheimers-disease-research

Widener University welcomed Amanda Bickerstaff, co-founder and CEO of AI for Education, as the 2025 Beideman Visiting Scholar in conjunction with the university’s inaugural AI Day event. Bickerstaff delivered the keynote address in Alumni Auditorium, covering current events and the future of AI in education, AI literacy and ethical usage, and how educators and students can prepare for more AI integration with the classroom of tomorrow. 

“We are living through an inflection point that is probably most similar to the Industrial Revolution,” said Bickerstaff. “ChatGPT is the fastest growing consumer technology by a magnitude. This is an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to talk to each other.”

In addition to delivering the keynote address, Bickerstaff led several hands-on workshops throughout the event sharing her tips and best practices for working with generative AI platforms and encouraging attendees to bring AI into their daily lives. 

She discussed the history of artificial intelligence and machine learning and demonstrating a number of generative AI tools to share about effective prompt writing, data privacy, and keeping an open and innovative mindset. 

“AI is quickly shaping the way we operate across all sectors, and Widener is pleased to welcome Amanda to campus to share her expertise,” said Paul Beideman ’79 ‘14H, chair of the university Board of Trustees who made the lecture program possible through a generous gift, made with his wife, Caroline Beideman. “Being able to provide professional opportunities like this to our faculty, staff and students reinforces Widener’s commitment to being prepared for the future.”

AI for Education provides AI literacy training to educators. With over 20 years of experience in the education industry, Bickerstaff is committed to helping educators, staff, and students maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI. 

The Beideman Visiting Scholar Program brings world-class speakers and scholars to the Widener campus on an annual basis to stimulate discussions on current and pertinent theories and practices related to leadership development and the effective exercise of leadership. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/2025-beideman-visiting-scholar-brings-future-ai-education-widener-keynote-address-and-workshops
 

Widener welcomed U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon to campus for a women’s history month talk and fireside chat with President Stacey Roberton. The event was sponsored by the gender, women, and sexuality studies department and Project Pericles. 

Scanlon spoke to students, faculty, and staff about her work and the issues that are important to her when representing Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District, including women’s rights, healthcare and wage gaps. She also emphasized the importance of empowering women and other members of traditionally marginalized communities to become involved in the community and in politics as a way to enact change. 

Afterward, Scanlon and Robertson sat together and discussed women’s central – and often unrecognized – role in history and as historical leaders, and how society can use history to navigate the future. From the women’s suffrage movement, to civil rights, to the current day, they discussed the power of open communication and accurate information within communities. They also spoke about inspiring courage for those who wish to stand up for their beliefs and taking time to do so safely and peacefully. 

Both women touched on the importance of finding a community, role models, and using voting as a vital tool to share thoughts and opinions. The event was followed by questions from attendees and a brief reception.

 Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/us-rep-mary-gay-scanlon-joins-president-stacey-robertson-womens-history-month-event

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Robert Mishur has been awarded the Cynthia H. Sarnoski Endowed Science Faculty Fellowship to support developing protocols to detect and identify metabolites, and then using those methods to investigate mechanisms of aging. The award is a two-year term, running through 2027. 

“With an aging population, it’s important that we have the tools to help people age healthily,” said Mishur. “By understanding the pathways that underly the aging process we can help people live longer and make sure they’re living life healthy for longer.”

These methods can be applied to a variety of organisms, including fruit flies and nematodes, or microscopic thread-like worms, offering broad opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Mishur also intends to apply this technology to assess the impact of different drugs on cancer cells. 

“It feels great [to receive this award]!” Mishur shared. In addition to using a portion of the funding on research materials, he is most looking forward to how the award can benefit the students working with him on this topic. It will allow him to provide compensation for their research assistance, and have them accompany him to academic conferences.

The Cynthia H. Sarnoski Faculty Fellowship award supports science faculty through a generous gift made by Cynthia H. Sarnoski, who serves as vice chair of the Widener Board of Trustees. Sarnoski graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Widener in 1974. She is a retired senior vice president for Global Compliance and Quality Systems for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/chemistry-faculty-awarded-cynthia-h-sarnoski-faculty-fellowship-continue-research-cancer-and-aging
 

Matthew Clarke, executive chef at Widener, won first place at the Aramark Culinary Excellence, or ACE, competition for the mid-Atlantic region of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. Chef Matt competed at West Chester University against talented chefs from across the region to showcase their culinary excellence. His win earned him a spot to represent Widener and the region at the National ACE competition in Napa Valley this summer.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/executive-chef-places-1st-regional-cooking-competition

Audrey Snyder has been named the next dean of the School of Nursing. Snyder will assume the role on July 1, 2025.

A celebrated educator, passionate healthcare advocate, and accomplished scholar, Snyder brings more than 40 years of experience to this role. She comes to Widener from the University of North Carolina Greensboro where she currently serves as professor and associate dean for Community Engagement and Academic Partnerships. Throughout her career, Snyder has focused on promoting access to care for rural and under-resourced populations. While at UNC Greensboro, Snyder was instrumental in securing federal funding to promote telehealth education for rural environments and launching the nursing program’s mobile clinic, known as Minerva’s Mobile Health, to increase healthcare access in rural and under-resourced communities in the Piedmont region of North Carolina.

Snyder is a leading expert and scholar in disaster preparation and response. Her primary research focuses on improving the lives of individuals at risk for disasters through disaster resilience. Her research is informed by her diverse disaster response experiences across the United States, most notably following hurricanes Katrina and Rita and refugee response at the United States-Mexico border. Snyder has also participated in international responses such as the earthquake response in El Salvador and Haiti.

“I am delighted to welcome Audrey Snyder to the Widener community,” said Provost Andrew Workman. “Audrey’s proven dedication to nursing education and meaningful student experiences will be a tremendous asset to Widener’s nursing program. In addition to being an exceptional nursing scholar, Audrey brings a deep passion for engaging with the communities around her to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Her demonstrated commitment to service and care at the local, national, and international levels will help to advance Widener’s mission and values.”  

“I am truly honored to join the pride at Widener University,” said Audrey Snyder. “The School of Nursing has a strong history of promoting nursing excellence in practice, leadership, research, and service to nursing and the community. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, and community partners to continue this legacy.”

Snyder’s career is marked with accolades and achievements from many distinguished institutions. She received the 2023 Lillian Wald Humanitarian Award by the National League for Nursing and was honored as a North Carolina Great 100 Nurse for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Snyder has secured more than $12 million in funding from federal, foundation, and intramural grants, including the Emergency Nurses Association. 

She succeeds Anne Krouse, who has retired from Widener’s School of Nursing after 25 years of distinguished service, including seven as dean.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/audrey-snyder-named-dean-school-nursing

Dipendu Saha, associate professor and chair of chemical and materials engineering, was named the inaugural recipient of the Fred Akl Endowed Professorship in Engineering. Named in honor of former engineering dean and professor, the professorship was created to reward excellence and provide support to a talented Widener University faculty member in the School of Engineering who embodies the values of Widener as an outstanding academic citizen, teacher, and accomplished scholar. 

The endowed professor is selected based on a distinguished record of teaching, exemplary leadership and service to the school, the university, and the academic and professional communities, and scholarly accomplishment appropriate to their discipline and their primary responsibilities. 

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/dipendu-saha-receives-inaugural-fred-akl-endowed-professorship-engineering

Sara Kate Frye, assistant professor of occupational therapy, was elected chairperson of the Rehabilitation and Disability Special Interest Section within the American Occupational Therapy Association, or AOTA. Frye's clinical expertise includes in inpatient and home health rehabilitation with clinical specialties in spinal cord injury, brain injury, neurological disorders, oncology, and cardiopulmonary conditions. As an elected volunteer leader, Frye's extensive experience and passion will be instrumental in shaping the future of AOTA and advancing its mission.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/occupational-therapy-professor-elected-chair-aota-special-interest-section