Worldwide College of Arts and Sciences Annual Report

2023 - 2024 – Worldwide College of Arts and Sciences Annual Report

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

WORLDWIDE/ONLINE

2023 - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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Our Vision

Dean’s Message

GIVING TO THE COLLEGE

Mission and Goals

New Initiatives

Student Success Support Components

Program Highlights

Educational Excellence in Numbers

Research and Grants

Safety and Security Studies

Countering Human Trafficking / U.S. Department of Homeland Security Partnership

The Embry-Riddle Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences supports students in the development of competency in inquiry and problem-solving skills, communication skills and ethical interaction with the contemporary social world. When you support the college, you are investing in the entire student, supporting their career readiness and developing their critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, information literacy, communication and scientific and cultural literacy skills. Your gifts contribute to student, faculty and stakeholder engagement by providing resources to champion collaborative efforts in steering the college to its next level of excellence. Make a difference by supporting the Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences.

Student Testimonials

Glimpse Into the Future

Faculty, Staff and Student Spotlights

Dean’s Student and Alumni Council Members

Academic Impact Figures

Worldwide Outreach

Leadership Team

To give to the Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences, scan the QR code:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences 1 Aerospace Boulevard | Daytona Beach, Florida 32114

worldwide@erau.edu worldwide.erau.edu/colleges/arts-sciences

OUR VISION

To be a destination college for multidisciplinary studies and impactful collaborative research, as well as continue to be a leader in general education, developing opportunities for our diverse student population to fulfill their educational goals and become responsive, responsible global citizens.

DEAN’S MESSAGE Thank you for your interest in the College of Arts & Sciences (COAS) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Worldwide/Online Campus! Following our vision “to be a destination college for multidisciplinary studies and impactful collaborative research, as well as continue to be a leader in general education, developing opportunities for our diverse student population to fulfill their educational goals and become responsive, responsible global citizens,” we successfully fostered our mission that is rooted in “developing and supporting career-ready graduates and advances all students to be lifelong learners and leaders in their professional disciplines.” We made significant steps toward becoming a true destination college this year by hiring new research and scholarship-strong junior faculty, expanding our research project portfolio, successfully competing for grants from institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and further increasing our publication output, as well as cultivating national and international research partnerships. We continue to develop and deliver flagship academic and research programs across disciplines to integrate research, teaching and outreach into an interdisciplinary excellence hub. This year, we added a B.S. in Safety Management and an M.S. in Occupational Safety Management and continue to build strategic minors. Our B.S. in Homeland Security has now become the first CAEMHSE-accredited homeland security bachelor’s program nation-wide. We believe in academic variety and specializations being available to our students, enabling them to tailor their academic education to their curiosity, interests

and career needs. Each of our degree programs, at the bachelor’s and master’s level, include a culminating experience, for example in the form of a capstone course, where students integrate and demonstrate their comprehensive learning from across courses in their program, which is essential to career readiness. Also, all our degree programs are STEM-designated. As is enshrined in our college’s mission statement: “Experienced faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to be analytically comprehensive by promoting disciplinary knowledge and the ability to conduct defensible analysis. The college supports learners through comprehensive student success components, experiential learning opportunities and engagement with public and private sector partners.” We are proud to deliver the General Education program to all students of Embry-Riddle Worldwide/Online as well as to those students from residential campuses who seek an online summer accelerator. Expect more from the College of Arts & Sciences!

Alexander Siedschlag, Ph.D., M.A. Dean and Professor Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences

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OUR GOALS

MISSION

The Embry-Riddle Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences develops and supports career-ready graduates and advances all students to be lifelong learners and leaders in their professional disciplines. Through the general education program, the college emphasizes academic rigor in critical thinking, global perspectives, creative problem solving, communication, scientific and cultural literacy and ethical interaction with the contemporary world. In its academic degree programs, the college focuses on applied studies that implement state-of-the-art curricula to educate students for long-term professional success. Experienced faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to be analytically comprehensive by promoting disciplinary knowledge and the ability to conduct defensible analysis. The college supports learners through comprehensive student success components, experiential learning opportunities and engagement with public and private sector partners. The college conducts basic, applied and translational research and engages in creative work. It also provides mentored research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. In doing so, it fosters unique and innovative disciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, approaches to and applications in STEM, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and comprehensive civil security studies that have societal impact. Furthermore, the college serves as a hub for education, research and engagement with government and industry in security and resilience and builds focus areas in fields such as humanistic STEM and data science.

Enhance our students’ experience through holistically delivered, rigorous education

Systematically advance our programs, certificates and curriculum

Increase the scholastic and social presence of the college through research, creative works, professional leadership and innovation

Champion our faculty and strengthen our college through engagement, coordination and partnership

Implement an interdisciplinary,

interdepartmental Virtual Collaboratory for Security and Resilience Education, Research & Engagement

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SECURITY AND RESILIENCE COLLABORATORY

NEW INITIATIVES

The future of our technology-driven society begins with the safety and security of the people, places and systems that form it. Peaceful global progress will depend on the collaborative efforts of industry, government and leading institutions like Embry-Riddle to develop safety and security innovations that monitor, address and prevent threat environments. To meet this pressing and fundamental need, we are forming a Virtual Collaboratory for Security and Resilience Education, Research & Engagement. Once fully established, the Virtual Collaboratory will include: Out-of-classroom research partnerships/internships across the homeland security enterprise Educational partnerships with agencies and volunteer organizations across the country Stipends/monetary awards for student- applied research

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

The College of Arts & Sciences strives to support the university’s goal of strengthening alumni relations by providing engagement opportunities with our faculty, encouraging social network interactions and providing consistent updates on new initiatives or projects in the college. One of the ways we do this is through utilizing our LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube channels. Additionally, Dean Siedschlag coordinated several meet-and-greets which presented a unique opportunity for alumni, current students, interested applicants, friends and supporters to mix and learn the latest news about our continuing and new academic degree programs. To further enrich the student experience, the recently established Dean’s Student and Alumni Council, consisting of students from various programs and alumni, provides valuable feedback on college initiatives and helps develop strategies to improve the student experience. These efforts aim to build a strong, inclusive community that fosters lifelong connections and supports the success of both alumni and current students.

Travel grants for faculty and guest scholars An e-book security research collection in the Hunt Library Annual conferences and summer schools that may develop into a Graduate School for Civil Security Studies

H-STEM SYMPOSIUM

STUDY ABROAD

Our second annual Humanistic STEM (H-STEM) Symposium was held in February 2024 on the Daytona Beach Campus. The two-day event offered interactive workshops, student work samples, round-table discussions and presentations from Embry-Riddle faculty and external university partners. Eight schools took part in the program. The unique H-STEM project, which blends STEM content and humanities habits of mind to create multiple lenses of inquiry, was developed by Dr. Debra Bourdeau, associate dean of academics and student success, and Dr. Beverly Wood, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology. A successful pilot led to a three-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to adapt the model for other institutions. The H-STEM initiative is another example of how our college is working to produce well-rounded and marketable graduates by ensuring they have problem-solving skills that go beyond the STEM arena. The symposium is an annual event.

To foster students’ international enterprise experience and global career readiness, the College of Arts & Sciences planned a Humanistic STEM-focused study abroad trip to Europe in June 2024 (including stops in Rome, Naples, Samos and Athens). The program blends studies in humanities, mathematics, culture, engineering, literature, warfare and democracy with a firsthand experience of the landscape and technology of ancient and modern Europe. This opportunity is a unique offering for a college that predominantly uses an online modality.

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RESILIENCE REIMAGINED SPEAKER SERIES

RESEARCH COUNCIL

The College of Arts & Sciences Research Council was created in 2023 to enhance research through faculty mentorship and support. The Research Council, chaired by Dr. Christina Frederick, senior faculty research mentor, comprises tenured faculty from each department within the college. This year, the council engaged in a variety of activities including the administration of the college’s Start-Up Funding Program. This program funded two innovative projects, including a multidisciplinary effort to understand generative AI in higher education. The Research Council also engaged in outreach activities to other campuses, including participation in proposal reviews for the Vice President of Research Office and Discovery Day through the Office of Undergraduate Research. Finally, the Research Council presented a faculty seminar featuring a panel discussion of journal editors. The editors reflected on the peer-review process and shared insights on how they view submissions. The Research Council will maintain its efforts next year with the Start-Up Funding Program to support research and scholarship efforts.

The United Nations’ Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction defines resilience as “the ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its

essential basic structures and functions.” Our ongoing virtual speaker series, Resilience

Reimagined, hosts esteemed guests once a month to discuss fresh perspectives on a broad range of resilience topics. This series supports our strategic vision to be a true destination college for multidisciplinary studies and impactful collaborative research as we strive to transform our students and the broader community into responsive, responsible global citizens.

To view this speaker series, scan the QR code:

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VECTOR A Trajectory for Student Success

STUDENT SUCCESS SUPPORT

Virtual Environment for Communication: Teaching, Outreach and Research (VECTOR) helps support students and faculty in teaching, learning and research related to all forms of communication using our unique Virtual Communications Lab (VCL). The VCL provides help through free tutoring workshops and online resources with tutors who can work with students at any stage of the communication composition process — from brainstorming a speech topic, to helping design effective visuals for a personal website or portfolio, to providing tips on topics such as grammar, presentation techniques and APA guidelines. VECTOR further supports faculty teaching and research in communication through workshops, a writing group, research collaboration and communication across the curriculum program.

The College of Arts & Sciences is home to the following student success support components:

EQUATES Elevating Quantitative Skills

Everything Quantitative for Teachers and Students (EQUATES) is a new initiative in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology that will help both faculty and students with videos to support teaching and learning, a peer tutoring center, professional development workshops and research. Activities include the creation of a searchable video repository, with unique videos created by the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology faculty, to be used by faculty and students in all departments of the College of Arts & Sciences as well as in other colleges.

PATHWAYS A Map to Tomorrow

COMPASS Helping Students Find Direction

PATHWAYS is the home for various student success resources united by their commitment to fostering a culture of achievement and growth. With a mission to empower students to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond, PATHWAYS offers a wide array of resources and opportunities tailored both to meet individual interests and goals, and to encourage the development of a community of scholars. PATHWAYS aims to inspire students to reach their full potential and to establish themselves as lifelong learners through: Student Interest Groups Honor Societies Undergraduate Minors Honors Summer Seminars

The College of Arts & Sciences is home to the Center of Mentorship Programs and Student Success (COMPASS), which guides students through their educational journey and beyond. We offer four COMPASS headings to help students “Navigate Forward” to complete their degree and reach personal and professional goals while providing the opportunity to build lifelong connections with faculty members and fellow students. Cohort Mentorship Peer Mentorship

Research Mentorship Individual Mentorship

Study Abroad Summer Program Pathway to Student Research Digital Credentials

Student Marily Aguilar-Hernandez said the skills she acquired through COMPASS, “helped me so much that I am using them now in everyday life.”

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Embarking on my M.S. in Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability at Embry-Riddle, I was fortunate to discover VECTOR, the Virtual Communication Lab. This invaluable resource became the foundation of my academic success, offering comprehensive guidance and a deeper understanding of academic writing. Through extensive use of VECTOR’s tutoring services, I was able to refine my articles, abstracts and cover letters, ensuring they met the high standards required for scholarly publication. My exceptional tutors, Mr. Kenneth Marlin and Dr. Weena McKenzie, played a pivotal role in this refinement process. Their expertise, coupled with a welcoming demeanor, made every tutoring session an invaluable part of my learning journey. The convenience of online booking and the consistent availability of tutoring slots further contributed to an exceptionally supportive learning environment. VECTOR’s impact on my academic development went beyond mere writing advice. As a newcomer to APA formatting, the comprehensive instruction I received on formatting, grammar and composition was transformative. This was particularly significant for me, as I had not previously used APA style in my academic or professional endeavors. The tutors’ in-depth knowledge and supportive approach not only enhanced my English skills but also equipped me with the confidence to tackle the complexities of academic publishing head-on. This journey culminated in the publication of my article, “Airport security: The impact of AI on safety, efficiency and the passenger experience,” in the Journal of Transportation Security . The accomplishment serves as a testament to the critical role VECTOR and its tutors played in my academic career.”

EUGENE PIK VECTOR Student M.S. in Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Crisis, Risk & Resilience Communication Specialization The Crisis, Risk & Resilience Communication specialization in the Bachelor of Science in Communication program explores the intersections between communication and safe and secure societies and industries. Students gain a foundation in communication for risk management, crisis response and fostering resilience in multidisciplinary contexts; effectively communicating across the phases of the national preparedness cycle; knowledge of historical, legal and policy foundations of communication challenges; and approaches in an all-hazards and whole- community context of civil security.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMMUNICATION

As modern society is increasingly influenced by developments in new media, science and technology, the demand for skilled communicators continues to grow. Embry-Riddle’s unique Bachelor of Science in Communication (COMD) equips students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in various communication-related careers, from public relations to technical writing to crisis communication. The COMD program trains students to hone their communication skills; to practice gathering, analyzing and disseminating information to a variety of audiences; to represent information through effective written, verbal, nonverbal, visual and digital communication; and to integrate knowledge with practice in communication. Students explore communication in areas such as media literacy, public relations, law, visual design and more! Students specialize in one of two areas: Aviation, Science & Technology Communication or Crisis, Risk & Resilience Communication. They also have the opportunity to minor in another field of study, such as International Relations, Marketing or Project Management, to tailor their degree to their interests and career goals.

FEATURED MINOR: International Relations

The minor in International Relations provides students with an understanding of global dynamics and the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international affairs. The courses instill a global perspective, allowing students to comprehend geopolitical, economic and cultural factors shaping international relations. Students gain a comprehensive view of global affairs through critical analysis of international events, understanding of major international institutions and exploring the intersection of science, technology and global governance. Graduates gain skills in effective communication, research and analytical skills and cultural competency, positioning them for careers in diplomacy, international business, aviation management, STEM fields and other professions requiring a nuanced understanding of the interconnected global landscape.

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# 1 Our B.S. in Homeland RANKINGS Security is the best online homeland security degree program according to bestcolleges.com # 2 Our B.S. in Homeland Security is ranked #2, according to bachelorsdegreecenter.org # 3 Our B.S. in Emergency Services is ranked among the top 25 best online fire science degree bachelor’s programs accoring to bachelorsdegreecenter.org # 7 Our B.S. in Emergency Services is #7, or the best in the South, according to intelligent.com

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN NUMBERS

414

689

New Admitted Students

New Students

314

Adjunct Faculty

Full-Time Faculty

Online Bachelor’s Degrees B.S. in Communication B.S. in Emergency Services B.S. in Homeland Security B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies B.S. in Safety Management Online Graduate Degrees M.S. in Emergency Services M.S. in Human Factors M.S. in Human Security and Resilience M.S. in Occupational Safety Management

Online Minors

Applied Data Science Communication Economics Emergency Services Environmental Science Homeland Security Humanistic STEM Industrial/Organizational Psychology International Relations Mathematics

Military Science Military Studies

Graduate Certificates Human Factors Occupational Safety Management

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RESEARCH AND GRANTS

The College of Arts & Sciences conducts basic, applied and translational research and engages in creative work. The college also provides mentored research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. In doing so, it fosters unique and innovative disciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research with applications to STEM, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and comprehensive civil security studies that have a societal impact. Presentations at national and international conferences included topics such as: An all-hazards approach to emergency management Authentic virtual mentoring: True relationships with university students you’ll never meet How communities of practice can be used to improve teaching and learning Innovative pedagogy: Exploring the potential of generative AI in online course creation for higher education Liberal fascism: A case study in reactionary alt-history Methods to identify activities we can eliminate to reduce course workload without negatively impacting student performance Permission to speak freely: Military-affiliated learner experiences with communication education Planning for emergencies: research and practice Space, cybersecurity and resilience Technology use in undergraduate mathematics classrooms The role of artificial intelligence in technical communication United States airline industry partnerships for efforts in human trafficking Women in outer space in popular films

Select Faculty Publications: HIGHLIGHT DENOTES FACULTY MEMBER

Aydiner, C. , & Corbin, T. B. (2023). Innovation in homeland security online education. Journal of Security, Intelligence, and Resilience Education, 16 (9). Faulconer, E. , & Griffith, J. (2023). A comparison of chemistry anxiety between online and in-person students. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 23 (4), 1-10. Griffith, J. & Roberts, D. (2024). A tale of 3 airlines: Customer service in summer 2022. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 11 (1). Hanamean, J. & Amos, J. (2023). Authentic virtual mentoring: True relationships with university students you’ll never meet. The Chronicle of Mentoring and Coaching, 7 (16), 629-636. Hook, K. & Hoban, I. (2023). Children’s agency and co- construction of everyday militarism(s): Representations and realities of war in Ukrainian children’s art, 2014–2022. In Beier, J.M. & Berents, H. (Eds.), Children, childhoods, and global politics (pp. 193-209). Bristol University Press. Kwesell, A. , Jung, J.-Y., & Mai, L. (2023). Long-term socio- psychological disaster impact after 8 years: Relationships between the persistent impact of the Fukushima disaster and individuals’ media and community connectedness. The International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters, 41 (2-3). Marcham, C. & Springston, J. (2024). Assessment and control of bioaerosols in indoor environments. Professional Safety, 69 (1), 24-27. Reed, Z. , Tallman, A., & Ohertman, M. (2023). Assessing productive meanings in calculus. Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies, 33 (9), 939-964. Rister, A. (2023). Partnerships for a nonprofit organization’s human trafficking digital activism, training, legislative advocacy, and survivor support efforts. Journal of Public Interest Communications, 7 (2), 4-25. Siedschlag, A. (2023). Ethical, legal, and social issues in homeland security: What they are and how to address them. In M. Alperen (Ed.), Foundations of homeland security and emergency management: law and policy (3rd ed., pp. 13–45). Wiley.

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Grants Awarded Include: Board of Certified Safety Professionals Foundation ABET/AABI Accreditation/Re-accreditation Grant Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Faculty Research Development Program Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Undergraduate Research Collaborative Grants Program Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences Faculty Startup Funds Program International Communication Association National Science Foundation U.S. Department of Homeland Security — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

the International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Volunteer Firefighter Council, Dr. Billings' project has the potential to impact all 1.2 million firefighters in the United States.

Embry-Riddle Undergraduate Research Collaborative Grants Program

Our college led a winning three-campus proposal for the 2023 Embry-Riddle Undergraduate Research Collaborative Grants Program with the OPTIMIS project (“Optimizing Human Performance in the Air Transportation Sector”). This project took a systemic approach in identifying behavioral risk vulnerabilities of airport security screening checkpoints associated with human error. Additionally, in the 2024 cycle, our college is a partner in a winning proposal titled, "A User Experience Study of Writing & Communication Centers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University." Creating an effective university writing and communication center is always a highly context-driven process, guided by the varied needs of multiple stakeholders, including multilingual students, first-generation students, military students and students with disabilities, among others. This study responds to the significant need for data-driven writing and communication center research by supporting undergraduate student tutors as user experience (UX) and participatory design researchers. This cross-campus study of four faculty-directed writing/communication centers at Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach, Prescott and Worldwide Campuses supports student researchers currently employed in these centers, addressing a university goal to promote undergraduate participation in research projects. The project analyzes the user experience of each campus center, focusing primarily on the online interfaces and modalities through which students interact with their respective centers.

Dr. Joel M. Billings, assistant professor of fire and emergency services in the Department of Security and Emergency Services, was awarded an Early Career Investigator grant within the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FEMA, with an amount of $560,989 in federal funding. "The program provides financial assistance directly to eligible fire departments, national, regional, state, local, tribal and nonprofit organizations such as academic (e.g., universities), public health, occupational health and injury prevention institutions for fire prevention programs and supporting firefighter health and safety research and development," according to the Department of Homeland Security Notice of Funding Opportunity [NOFO] Fiscal Year 2022 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program. Dr. Billings' project will foster collaboration with people interested in researching and contributing to improving the lives and first responder resilience of firefighters through sleep interventions. The main deliverable of this multi-year project (July 2023- June 2026) will be an updated and expanded "Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and EMS Responders" guidance document published by FEMA. In producing the first, evidence-based guidance for the U.S. Fire Service to mitigate first responder sleep deprivation, working with

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SAFETY & SECURITY STUDIES

practical and analytical approach to problem solving that will allow them to address a range of industry-related safety challenges. The academic experience and learning of methods for defensible analysis are consistently connected to the real world through scenario studies and other praxeology. In addition to the comprehensive curriculum offered in our safety management programs, students benefit from a range of opportunities for practical application. Through internships, cooperative education experiences and partnerships with industry leaders, students engage directly with real-world scenarios and challenges, reinforcing theoretical knowledge and cultivating invaluable skills in critical thinking, decision-making and effective communication. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, we prepare our graduates to excel in diverse roles within the safety and security field, making meaningful contributions to the safety and resilience of communities worldwide.

Through our safety management programs, we offer an array of degrees in applied multidisciplinary studies across the safety-security continuum. This includes homeland and civil security, human and societal security and public safety. Degrees include the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services, Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, Bachelor of Science in Safety Management, Master of Science in Emergency Services, Master of Science in Human Security and Resilience and Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management. The curriculum includes the principles, theories and practices associated with today’s evolving disaster management, emergency response, civil security and resilience challenges to build safe and secure communities and societies in local, state, national and global contexts. The curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to design safer workplaces, conduct safety audits and address industry hazards. Students will develop not only technical understanding and expertise, but also a

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COUNTERING HUMAN TRAFFICKING THROUGH EDUCATION

MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSE (MOOC) ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus created a unique online course that comprehensively explores the threat of human trafficking and potential responses. This globally accessible course promotes responsible global citizenship. The course examines the complexities of human trafficking, delving into its root causes and far- reaching consequences for individuals and communities. Through engaging lessons, case studies, interviews with experts and interactive discussions, participants gain the skills to identify key indicators of human trafficking, support survivors and contribute to prevention efforts. This MOOC is a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) and co-sponsored by our M.S. in Human Security and Resilience and B.S. in Communication programs.

Human trafficking is a global issue that often involves air transport. Our college feels a strong responsibility to contribute to national awareness efforts in combating this crime. We have partnered with the Blue Lightning Initiative to deliver awareness webinars to Embry-Riddle students, faculty and staff across the country and around the world. This engagement aligns with several of our degree programs, including our B.S. in Communication with a new Risk, Crisis and Resilience Specialization; our online M.S. in Human Security and Resilience; and our online B.S. in Homeland Security, which has just become the first accredited homeland security bachelor’s program nationwide. Building on this commitment, we actively participated in January’s Human Trafficking Awareness Month, including “Wear Blue Day” — a campaign by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Lightning Initiative to educate the public about recognizing human trafficking indicators. Our college encouraged faculty and staff to wear blue and send selfies in support. Additionally, Dean Siedschlag represented the academic community at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) Anti-Trafficking Summit in February, speaking about Embry-Riddle’s contributions to the Blue Lightning Initiative.

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

KYLE STANGL

semesters and will be graduating in July 2024 with a B.S. in Emergency Services and a minor in Aviation Safety. I currently work in rural Alaska as a firefighter and flight paramedic. A combination of work schedule, geographic location and raising two young children left me very few opportunities for professional development in-state. I was drawn to the Embry-Riddle program because it offered a curriculum that combined two aspects of my career, aviation and emergency services, into a single program with flexible scheduling. The broad range of programs in the Worldwide catalog allowed me to change my career path with minimal interruptions to my education, as life circumstances pushed me in a new direction. Embry-Riddle has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the future of my organization and continue my professional development with graduate studies in the fall.”

B.S. in Emergency Services “I started my journey with Embry-Riddle while deployed to the Middle East as a UH-60 mechanic with the military.

I had been pursuing a professional piloting degree at a local university and transferred to the A.S./B.S. in Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Worldwide due to the flexibility it offered. I took a brief hiatus in 2014 to 2016, while I attended paramedic school as part of a career transition back to civilian life. During this time, I volunteered as a firefighter/ EMT and worked part time at a local hospital. I completed an A.S. in Aeronautics in 2021 and switched to the emergency services degree shortly after. I have been on the Dean’s List the last several

PAUL ORTIZ

the unbroken conviction of helping others around the world while also protecting the interests

M.S. in Human Security & Resilience “My career in public service began with my enlistment into the U.S. Marine Corps in 2010, where I served 10 years as both an infantryman and a communication strategy and operations officer (formerly public affairs and combat camera). Experiences and life lessons gained from combat and training deployments taught me the fundamental necessity for continuously and relentlessly pursuing self-improvement, whether it be via academic, career or personal endeavors. Upon my recent separation from the Marine Corps, I began my studies with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with the short-term educational goal of earning my Master of Science in Human Security and Resilience while self-teaching myself Spanish. I am pursuing a career in the U.S. intelligence community, which includes organizations such as the FBI, DEA and NSA, with

of the United States. Traveling to numerous countries worldwide, such as Mexico, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Okinawa and Sweden, combined with my continued

education, has exposed me to how interconnected and delicate our planet is, especially in today’s era of

information. Previous experiences and skills gained from my service in the military, combined with other work experiences such as working at a public high school and a state prison in Texas, have proven to me the dire need for U.S. policymakers to have the most accurate and comprehensive understanding of rapidly evolving, dynamic and dangerous situations.”

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WILSON J. RAMOS GONZALEZ

been academically enriching and opened doors to professional development opportunities, including an internship with the U.S. Secret Service. As I approach the final stage of my undergraduate education, I want to make relevant contributions to the security of our country in a way that projects my values of service and excellence, which I hold so highly on this academic and professional journey.”

B.S. in Homeland Security “I am Wilson J. Ramos Gonzalez, a senior and Dean’s List student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. After completing the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security with minors in Intelligence and Security and Cybersecurity, I am eager to contribute to homeland defense support by applying technology and security. My academic journey is complemented by valuable experience in the U.S. Air Force, which has given me a solid foundation for pursuing a career within the federal workforce. Further, my time at the university has

CARMELLA GALLEGO

leadership skills, as well as my ability to be more emergency and preparedness focused. Through the multitude of case studies of real-world disasters, I also feel my level of understanding of disasters nationally and internationally has also greatly improved. I feel I have a strong multifaceted foundation following completion of this program. I most appreciated the diverse course offerings, as well as the expertise of the course instructors. They each took the time to engage with students and ensure our understanding. I’m happy I chose this program and am confident the skills I’ve learned will benefit me in my future, no matter what the field. Specific courses I appreciated include Statistics in the Public Sector, which really helped to improve my ability in interpreting data and understanding equations. Crisis Emergency Risk Communications helped me to understand the importance of communication and the interpretations that can be drawn from it, helpful in any field, especially management. Foundations of Resilience really opened my eyes to community vulnerabilities and risk, and how to focus planning efforts. Research Methods was very enjoyable and set me up for success with future coursework. Psychological Issues Among First Responders was interesting and helped me to better understand the psychological toll on first responders, which also helped me to lead staff better and helped me to become more self- aware. Overall, each course was enjoyable, including Fire Safety, Atmospheric Conditions, Ethics — they all provided me with great opportunity to learn, and skills to take with me in the future.”

M.S. in Emergency Services “I am a nurse and safety manager at a medical clinic looking to obtain a position in emergency

management. I have interest in a teaching

position at a university or community college as well. The MSES program helped me to become a better leader. The skills I’ve applied

in my current role include an emphasis on ethical leadership, greater understanding of psychological stressors, and greater awareness of, and the need for, good communication. These skills have helped me to better tune into the needs of my staff and provide stronger leadership and guidance. The skills I acquired to improve my critical thinking have also helped me to better analyze and interpret situations as well as data and has improved my situational awareness. This program has also improved my understanding of global concerns and conflicts and increased my awareness of the impacts they may have. The MSES program prepared me for a career in emergency services by providing me with the opportunity to obtain a diverse blend of skills and knowledge through the varied course offerings. I feel more confident in my

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GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE

Human Factors Psychology is a unique area of psychology aimed toward the abilities and limitations of humans to sense, store and process information, and then act. This knowledge is used to guide decisions for the design, use, maintenance and improvement of systems that rely on human interactions. This complete human factors cycle approach focuses on the fact that a broad range of professional areas benefit from human factors psychology, including artificial intelligence, aviation, ergonomics, human systems integration, safety, simulation and robotics. The ideas for such a program also include an applied practicum or research experience that may be virtual or in-person.

We are working toward a new undergraduate program: a B.S. in Human Factors Psychology. The field of human factors, rooted in understanding the interaction between humans and other system components, is becoming increasingly vital in our technology-driven world. With applications spanning across industries and disciplines, the relevance of an undergraduate program in this domain has never been more pronounced. Such a program would help ensure that future professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to innovate and improve human-system interactions.

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Planned Associate Degree Program in Emergency Management Driven by mission-space interest and demand, we are also planning for our first associate degree program: an A.S. in Emergency Management. This comprehensive program would provide an all- hazards foundation of emergency management across the national preparedness cycle (from prevention to response and recovery) and including Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). Focused on leadership competencies, the program would also provide foundations of emergency management administration and planning and related risk management and exercise processes. Based on their professional needs and aspirations, students would be able to choose one of several alternative “leadership focus area” courses from a multidisciplinary pool of courses. Such a program would equip students with the competencies required to lead in the evolving all-hazards and whole- community context of emergency management across the military and civil sectors. New Minor Programs We are excited to announce the introduction of four new minors for the upcoming academic year (2024-2025). These additions to our curriculum demonstrate our commitment to innovation in education and to meeting the evolving needs of our students and the community. Airport Baggage Handling Systems Implementation Crisis Risk & Resilience Communication Psychology Security and Intelligence Honors Summer Seminar From now on, we are offering honors summer seminars. The first seminar, HONR 150, was on “Monster Culture.” From classic monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula to newer threats like Godzilla and Ultron, all monsters have one thing in common: they reveal cultural fears lurking within society during specific historical moments. In this unique honors seminar, students had the opportunity to explore the cultural meanings of monsters and research a chosen monster from film, TV or literature. As an honors seminar, this class offered a deeper and more detailed exploration of course topics and a more engaged and interactive format than other similar classes. HONR 150 also fulfilled a lower-level humanities requirement. The seminar will be one of the building blocks for the summer honors program that we will be working to launch in academic year 2025-2026.

Face-to-Face and Accelerated Offerings The College of Arts & Sciences operates online, as well as at select Embry-Riddle sites across the country and internationally. Most of our general education and academic degree programs are offered online to U.S. and international students. However, we are growing face- to-face offerings of general education courses at select Embry-Riddle sites in the United States, Italy, Japan and other countries. We also have an extension at Embry-Riddle Asia in Singapore. Professional Education Offerings As part of our professional development program (currently focused on risk and crisis communication and internet communication and security), we are adding the capability to provide continuing education tailored to customers’ needs — online, face-to-face or in mixed modes. Student Research Assistants To demonstrate our commitment to providing research opportunities for our students, we will systematically encourage students to apply for one of our Student Research Assistant positions. Those research assistants will work closely with faculty members on their projects and assist with mission-critical activities such as comprehensive literature reviews; implication and broader impact statements; research synthesis; data analysis; interview transcription and coding; executive idea summaries; website building; and other foundational tasks in the pursuit of dissemination activities and/or external sponsorship. These are paid positions that enable early student research experience and often result in student involvement in conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and grant proposals. Micro-Credentialing Students can earn micro-credentials for curricular and co- curricular experiences at Embry-Riddle. Led by the College of Arts & Sciences, this initiative will begin awarding badges to students who attain our general education competencies. Ultimately, students can earn badges in other areas and proudly display their achievements on digital resumes and social media. These micro-credentials provide yet another level of recognition for student accomplishments.

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such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She assists in developing marketing strategies to enhance the college’s outreach efforts. With over 12 years of experience in supervisory and executive-level administrative roles, Breanna brings considerable expertise in

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

BREANNA MCMANUS

Administrative Assistant to the Dean Breanna McManus, a dedicated professional in the Dean’s Office at the College of Arts & Sciences, has been an integral part of the Embry-Riddle team for nearly two years. As the college administrator to the dean, Breanna has significantly contributed to major projects such as the OPTIMIS grant, the RESILIENCE REIMAGINED Dean’s Virtual Speaker series, or student engagement informational events for undergraduate and graduate programs. In her role, Breanna ensures the Dean’s Office runs smoothly by managing administrative logistics and facilitating communication between the Dean and stakeholders, including government entities

overseeing operations and managing high-level administrative functions. In addition to supporting the college, she is concurrently completing her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Supervision and Management while working towards obtaining her RN license to specialize in critical care nursing, focusing on burn patients and facial reconstruction.

As a non-tenure track faculty member, teaching and service are Kathy’s primary areas of focus. She has a passion for promoting the Bachelor of Science in Safety Management degree program and engaging with adjunct faculty teaching in the degree program. In June 2024, Kathy served as an external evaluator of the Safety Management Major at Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA. She is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and previously co-presented, Measuring the Integration of Safety Management Systems (SMS) into the Corporate Environment at the ASSP Professional Development Conference. She co-wrote a chapter in the text, Planning and Managing the Safety System by Friend, M.A. & Ferry, T.S. (Eds.)

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

KATHY FRIEND Assistant Professor, Program Chair for the Bachelor of Science in Safety Management Kathy Friend, an assistant professor of the practice, serves as the program chair for the Bachelor of Science in

Safety Management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management and Master of

Science in Occupational Safety Management from Embry-Riddle Worldwide. She is also a United States Air Force veteran. Kathy has nearly 17 years higher- education experience, serving in staff and faculty positions with Embry-Riddle

Worldwide. Her primary teaching interests include introductory and culminating fundamental occupational safety and health courses.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

EVELYN RONCEROS

M.S. in Human Factors Evelyn Ronceros, an Air Force veteran, currently serves as a management and program analyst at the FAA. More than a year into her pursuit of a Master of Science in Human Factors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus, she is also working toward her private pilot license. At home in Chicago, Evelyn is using her aviation passion as a way to inspire young girls to pursue industry careers, dedicating her free time as a mentor and vice president of the Chicago Leading Edge Chapter of Women in Aviation International, a group she discovered through her studies at Embry-Riddle. Evelyn’s own aviation journey started with the Air Force, where she ended up leading multiple teams and human resources programs supporting the active duty, reserves and the Joint Special Operations Command communities. She also served overseas in South Korea, Turkey, Germany and Poland. But it was her deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom that really ignited her love of things that fly. “Witnessing the Air Force motto in action, ‘Flight, fight and win,’ resonated profoundly with me,” Evelyn said. “When I was evacuated swiftly and safely by expert Blackhawk and Chinook helicopter pilots, I experienced flight’s liberating power in a remote, challenging environment.” Appreciation of that power helped motivate the rest of her Air Force career, which ended after 22 years when she retired from active duty as Senior Human Resources Manager. Evelyn is fully invested in her graduate degree and the study of how humans and rapidly emerging technology are meshing in the air and on the ground. “Understanding human behavior and limitations in aviation is crucial for safety and design, making human factors a vital field of study,” she said. “My analytical skills as a Management and Program Analyst align perfectly with this pursuit. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to flight safety operations research through human factors expertise.” That goal is key in today’s aviation and aerospace industry, and Embry-Riddle is on the leading edge of education and research into this critical interface.

Evelyn says that so far, one of her favorite courses has been Human Performance, Limitations and Error, which “significantly strengthened my interest in and commitment to aviation safety operations.” With a stellar career full of

adventures and accomplishments to build on, Evelyn is excited about the new opportunities now emerging and what they will bring to her future. “I am eager to contribute to the advancement of aviation through human factors research and collaboration,” she said. When it comes to the school that has opened so many doors for her, Evelyn is just as effusive with her praise. “I wholeheartedly recommend Embry-Riddle,” she said. “The university has provided me with countless opportunities for professional and personal development. It’s always possible to chase your dreams.” She knows that without the support and ability of her professors to help her navigate the hard times, she would not have experienced the same level of success and sense of purpose she does now. Whether it was providing feedback, pushing her out of her comfort zone to become a better student or simply believing in her, Embry-Riddle Worldwide professors contributed to the safety professional she is today. Her experience has been nothing short of life-changing, and she is so proud of her growth.

Understanding human behavior and limitations in aviation is crucial for safety and design, making human factors a vital field of study.”

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