Embry-Riddle Worldwide / College of Arts and Sciences Annual Report / 2021-2022
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
WORLDWIDE
2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
GIVING TO THE COLLEGE The mission of the Embry-Riddle Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences is to aid students in the competency of problem- solving skills, communication skills and ethical interaction. When you support the college, you are investing in the entire student, supporting their career readiness and developing their skills in critical thinking, cultural literacy and life-long personal growth. 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.
Give today: givingto.erau.edu/support-arts-and- sciences-worldwide
Dean’s Message
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Leadership Departments
Department Spotlight Program Spotlights
Faculty & Student Spotlights
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Pathways to Success
COMPASS
VECTOR and Humanistic STEM
Research and Scholarship
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
DEAN’S MESSAGE
We comprehensively provide higher education in a variety of modes, including fully online, in the fields of the arts and sciences across disciplinary, geographical and cultural boundaries. Undergraduate students can choose from four Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees: Communication, Emergency Services, Homeland Security and Interdisciplinary Studies (with minors in Environmental Science, Mathematics and Military Science). Graduate students have a choice between three Master of Science (M.S.) degrees: Emergency Services, Human Factors and Human Security and Resilience. As the new dean, my focus will be on a collaborative effort to steer the college to its next level of excellence while engaging our entire faculty, student and stakeholder constituency. In collaboration with that whole community, we will define a shared vision and common priorities. Many of the projects outlined in this report include partnerships with colleagues in other colleges. Expect more from the College of Arts & Sciences! We are eager to connect with you and get acquainted
Thank you for your interest in the College of Arts & Sciences (COAS) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — Worldwide Campus! We develop and deliver flagship academic and research programs across a variety of disciplines to integrate research, teaching and outreach into an interdisciplinary excellence hub. Concurrently, we offer interdisciplinary programs and courses that invigorate the general education program for our entire university, grounded in a valuable set of competencies for the aviation and aerospace industries, professional safety and security disciplines and the larger community.
Alexander Siedschlag, Ph.D., M.A. Dean and Professor Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences
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LEADERSHIP
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Dr. Tanya Corbin Chair, Department of Security and Emergency Services Dr. Tanya Corbin holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and an M.A. in Public Policy from Claremont Graduate University
Dr. Alexander Siedschlag Dean
Dr. Alexander Siedschlag is the dean of the Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences and a tenured professor in the Department of Security and Emergency Services. Before
and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of New Orleans. Before completing her Ph.D., Dr. Corbin worked in the political, non-profit and business fields, including as a restaurant owner. Before joining Embry-Riddle, she held academic and administrative appointments at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Radford University, including as professor and chair of the Department of Political Science and acting director of Interdisciplinary Studies. Dr. Corbin’s research agenda is broadly focused on disaster management and recovery, as well as policy processes related to disasters. Her research has been featured in national organization policy plans and cited in congressional testimony. Past research projects include congressional agenda-setting, policy change, disaster recovery after Hurricane Katrina, scholarship of teaching and learning in online education and high-impact practices and community partnerships in disaster mitigation.
joining Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2022, he served as the Chair of Penn State World Campus Homeland Security Programs, a collaboration across nine colleges. Born in West Berlin, Dr. Siedschlag holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Political Science, Sociology and Psychology from the University of Munich, Germany, as well as a Venia Legendi (“habilitation”) for Political Science from Humboldt University Berlin, Germany. Dr. Siedschlag’s research focuses on security cultures, including the societal aspects and ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of homeland and civil security.
Dr. Debra Bourdeau Associate Dean for Student Success and Academics; Interim Chair, Department of Humanities and Communication Dr. Debra Bourdeau is associate dean for student success and academics and an
associate professor in the College of Arts & Sciences. She previously served as chair of the Department of Humanities and Communication and director of academics for Worldwide’s Atlanta campus. She has been with Embry-Riddle since 2000. Dr. Bourdeau’s areas of research include 17th, 18th and 19th-century British literature and culture. She also has a strong interest in digital humanities. Dr. Bourdeau focuses on the intersection of visual art and written text as seen in artists/ writers such as William Blake and William Hogarth.
Dr. Karen Keene Chair, Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology
Dr. Karen Keene is chair of the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology. She holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Purdue University and an M.A. and B.S. in Mathematics from Butler University. Dr. Keene’s area of expertise is mathematics education. Over the past 20 years, she has focused her research on how mathematical learning is both individual and collective. Additionally, she has presented at the Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Annual Conference on collegiate mathematics study as a human activity. Dr. Keene has also published works in teaching and learning differential equations.
Dr. Donna Roberts Associate Dean of Faculty and Chair, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences Dr. Donna Roberts is a professor, the associate dean of faculty in the Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences and department
chair for Behavioral and Social Sciences. She is an active fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and a member of the Embry-Riddle Jack R. Hunt Society. Dr. Roberts has been with the university since 2003. Dr. Roberts’ research interests encompass various areas of psychology and education, including personality, consumer psychology, media psychology, generational studies, learning styles and the intersection between psychology and the arts. Dr. Roberts resides in Europe. In her free time, she enjoys writing, traveling, reading and quilting. She is an avid supporter of human and animal rights.
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Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences serves as a bridge that connects pure science with scientific processes and knowledge to solve real-world problems. This interdisciplinary department includes a broad range of related fields, such as economics, government, history, psychology and sociology. Faculty work with students to support them in graduate studies in Human Factors, in general education courses and in earning Economics, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, International Relations and Military Science minors.
Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Students lay the groundwork for career readiness and professional advancement through classes that include biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, mathematics, meteorology, physics and statistics. The department’s dedicated faculty members teach in the disciplines in which they have wide-ranging experience. They also conduct research and work with students to build a foundation in quantitative literacy, critical thinking and other general education competencies.
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Department of Security and Emergency Services Curricular programs in this department prepare students for current challenges and future uncertainties. Students learn how to address emergencies, crises, disasters and national security while building human security and resilience. From studying pandemics to learning fire science, our students converge from across the world to become leaders in safeguarding and securing their communities.
Department of Humanities and Communication
Courses in this department help students develop skills in information and cultural literacy, ethical reasoning and critical thinking. The courses also deepen students’ appreciation of diversity. Faculty encourage creativity and collaboration in an environment where students learn to become excellent written, oral and digital communicators. Department faculty are experts in such diverse fields as communication, creative writing, cultural studies, digital humanities, Humanistic STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), literary studies and rhetoric.
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DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
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Security and Emergency Services
The quality of the programs is measured by a curriculum designed to address the most recent developments and tools in the field, the opportunities and access available to students and support from faculty. Each student is provided with a unique, tailored learning experience. This multidimensional framework uses science to enhance risk assessment, understand human behavior, investigative techniques, analytical decision-making, economic and political realities, strategic planning and human capital. Department faculty are committed to training the next generation of resilience planners, disaster managers and subject-matter analysts with the best tools available. Engaging in these learning activities aims to build highly sought-after knowledge, skills and abilities in government, industry and beyond! For opportunities in the public and private sectors of emergency medical, disaster planning, law enforcement, public health, environmental or emergency management, this program is ideal. For more news and information on the Department of Security and Emergency Services, please visit worldwide.erau.edu/colleges/arts-sciences/ department-emergency-services or scan the QR code:
The Department of Security and Emergency Services offers 100% online degree programs. Degrees include the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services, the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, the Master of Science in Emergency Services and the Master of Science in Human Security and Resilience. Faculty are experienced teachers and researchers, combining practitioner perspectives with academic expertise. The B.S. in Emergency Services is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and recognized by Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education. This degree prepares students for fire service professions and emergency services in both the private and public sectors. The B.S. in Homeland Security addresses the needs of the U.S. government, its citizens and the private sector. The degree offers a solid core of Homeland Security courses, as well as minors in Forensic Accounting, International Relations, Terrorism Studies and Cybersecurity, among others. The M.S. in Human Security and Resilience provides students with awareness and understanding of the impact of threats to society such as extreme weather, environmental degradation, financial recession, terrorism and health epidemics. The M.S. in Emergency Services is designed for individuals seeking advanced knowledge in emergency services, hazard mitigation and preparedness, disaster response, recovery and Homeland Security.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS
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Master of Science in Human Resilience
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
This program prepares students for leadership positions in the field of human security and resilience with courses taught by faculty mentors who are subject-matter experts in the field.
Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security is one of the very first programs in the nation to empower its graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful throughout the Homeland Security enterprise. With evolving security needs in the U.S. government, the B.S. in Homeland Security aims to provide students with a foundation in security and a solid core of Homeland Security-related courses, which prepare them for roles in government and the private sector. As the global terrorism threat increases, cybersecurity technology continues to develop and the effects of climate change devastate entire communities, students learn how to better protect citizens with a curriculum taught by faculty who possess real-world experience. The bachelor’s degree program also helps its graduates develop highly marketable skills such as the ability to perform risk analyses, write emergency management plans and understand how to identify and protect critical infrastructure. Minor in Military Science The Military Science minor is designed to provide an academic focus for students interested in military history, leadership and security without the requirement of Reserve Officers Training Corps participation. It is a great addition to any major for students who are, or plan on, serving in the military or who wish to work in a field within and adjacent to the military-industrial complex. Students gain a general working knowledge of the military, its history and its place in the structure and support of the government. They also learn the tenets of Homeland Security and basic management principles. These core elements act as a foundation for further study in a variety of related areas.
Program Highlights Participation in a multidisciplinary
curriculum that explores the interplay between economics, food, health, environment and personal, community and political security Faculty mentors who work closely with United Nations agencies, private sector firms, community-based organizations, civic and government leaders and disaster managers in developing community — and regional — resilience plans Understanding of the driving factors behind global, regional and national trends impacting business, human development, diplomacy and more Exposure to today’s leaders and policymakers with real-time opportunities
to learn about current threats and challenges faced by urban areas
Research and analysis opportunities on the stressors that disrupt daily life and the factors that fuel resilience Application of knowledge to real-world events and potential careers like Disaster Resiliency Coordinator, Program Analyst, Community Resilience Planner, Emergency Management Specialist and Emergency Management Program Manager
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FACULTY & STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
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Faculty Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Dr. Cihan Aydiner Associate department chair, Security and Emergency Services; program director, Homeland Security; assistant professor, College of Arts & Sciences
Kaitlynn Stookey M.S. in Human Security and Resilience (‘23), Department of Security and Emergency Services, College of Arts & Sciences
Kaitlynn Stookey is a program manager in the United States Air Force. Stationed in Kuwait, her current role in acquisitions focuses on foreign military sales. She is a student in the M.S. in Human Security & Resilience (MSHR) program and plans to transition to that area with the federal government upon graduation. According to Stookey, “The MSHR program has given me a deeper awareness of the multifaceted, complex and interwoven layers that impact security and resilience. It has also equipped me with useful methods and practices to implement within my work area.” These learning outcomes have allowed Stookey to leverage her experience within the federal government. Additionally, “I feel an obligation to make a difference as I further understand current events and global issues in more depth. MSHR is providing me with tools to be more effective and I am eager to share this knowledge in the field,” she said. Stookey appreciates the relevancy of the MSHR program in today’s security climate and how Embry-Riddle is preparing her with real-time, real-life scenarios: “I now have a different worldview and personal perspective about life, and I owe that to this program,” Stookey concluded.
Dr. Cihan Aydiner is an assistant professor and program director of Homeland Security. He has doctoral and master’s degrees in Sociology from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in National and International Security Management and Leadership from Turkish Army War College. Dr. Aydiner’s current research focuses on the complex interdependencies among policy, Homeland Security and international migration. He also researches the quantitative measurement of human factors in Homeland Security and curriculum development and outcome measurement in Homeland Security education with scenario generation, red-teaming and exercises. During his military career, he had counterterrorism experience against three different ideological (nationalistic/ethnic-, revolutionary- and religiously-motivated) terrorist organizations as a practitioner and a planner. Dr. Aydiner’s interests revolve around immigration and artificial intelligence, social policy and inequality. His research agenda includes migration management, counterterrorism, Homeland Security, law enforcement, total institutions (e.g., military) and mixed research methods. He received the COAS Faculty Innovative Research in Science and Technology grant with the “Fast-Track Integration Model for Highly Educated Immigrants” Project in collaboration with Professor Erin Rider. The project directly benefits the management of highly educated expatriates by learning the characteristics of flow and proposing innovative alternatives for inclusion and integration. With this grant support, Dr. Aydiner is currently working on related projects to integrate highly educated migrants into labor markets and support Homeland Security.
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PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
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Pathways to Success In an effort to promote timely degree completion, Pathways is a student
success program designed for first-time-in-college students.
The program fosters academic and personal growth by supporting students where they are. Students interact with faculty, peers and industry experts through educational activities and networking events. Topics include time management, goal setting, academic skill building and more. The program’s goal is to increase retention and build affinity for the university by creating a personalized experience. Through student engagement, these benefits create valuable outcomes for professional success. Benefits of the Pathways Program: Involvement in a community of learning Interactive faculty and peer support Access to skills development workshops and professional seminars Opportunities for mentorship with faculty and staff Participation in industry, alumni and community networking events Assistance in developing career-related skills, including professional portfolio development Exposure to community leaders and potential employers
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COMPASS
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Center of Mentorship Programs and Student Success (COMPASS) COMPASS connects students with faculty mentors to receive guidance about the world in and beyond their educational journey. “Our mentors are not tutors or counselors, but they draw on their own experiences to offer guidance that goes beyond the educational journey,” said J.R. Hanamean, assistant professor of the practice in Applied Sciences and director of the COMPASS program. “They are an amazing group with a vast array of experiences to offer our students,” he added. According to one student, “COMPASS helped me personally, professionally and academically. I can stay on track and accomplish my goals with help from my mentor. I would recommend the mentoring program to anyone.” In the last few years, COMPASS has connected with and impacted over 250 students, conveying the importance of general education skills, refining stated goals to actionable ones and providing emotional and intellectual support to students pursuing their graduation goals.
Faculty-Student Relationships Through COMPASS Provides resources and tools that help students succeed Engages students in discussions about intellectual issues that increase aspirations to achieve at a higher level Encourages student growth and development through broad forms of support Creates a source of professional and educational experience and influence to enhance student achievement within the educational environment To read more about COMPASS, visit worldwide.erau. edu/colleges/arts-sciences/compass or scan the QR code below:
250+ Students impacted by COMPASS from Fall 2020 to 2022
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VECTOR & HUMANISTIC STEM
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Virtual Environment for Communication: Teaching, Outreach and Research The mission of the Virtual Environment for Communication: Teaching, Outreach and Research (VECTOR) is to support Embry-Riddle students and faculty in teaching, learning and research related to written, spoken, visual and digital communication. VECTOR provides communication support for all Worldwide students, including tutoring in the Virtual Communication Lab (VCL), workshops and online resources. Tutors help with any communication-related project and support any stage of the composition process — from identifying speech-writing topics to revising a draft of an essay to helping design effective visuals for a website or e-portfolio. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, the VCL also offers a variety of resources with tips on topics such as grammar, presentation techniques and APA formatting guidelines. VECTOR further supports faculty teaching and research in communication through workshops, a writing group, research collaboration and communication across the curriculum program. The VCL as well houses instructional material related to all forms of communication, including writing academic essays, delivering speeches and preparing job search criteria. EagleVision synchronous online class visits and workshops are also included.
Humanistic STEM Humanistic STEM (H-STEM) is an innovative interdisciplinary area that seeks to develop an understanding of the humanities through the lens of the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) that would not exist without human progress in rhetoric, literature, history, philosophy, art, religion and ethics. H-STEM is defined as a path blending the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (known as STEM) with interest in, and concern for, human affairs, welfare, values or culture. H-STEM faculty and students integrate ideas and issues that expand capacity for analysis and critical thinking, learning the languages and methodologies commonly associated with individual disciplines and enabling an understanding of the commonalities and an appreciation of the differences. Additionally, H-STEM courses provide opportunities to improve communication skills and develop an interdisciplinary mindset. Learning across the meta-disciplines of humanities and STEM demonstrates to employers that students can think beyond academic silos, using a variety of perspectives in creative problem-solving.
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RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP
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Research and Scholarship COAS has identified and coordinated intersecting interests, strengths and faculty aspirations within the three Embry-Riddle Worldwide colleges: Arts & Sciences, Aviation and Business. Extensive cross-collaborations are continually nurtured, which has also led to partnership development, enabling conversations around building coalitions with the potential to enhance the breadth, depth and volume of research opportunities for faculty. COAS faculty are currently investigators on several National Science Foundation (NSF) grants. Among these, the Humanistic STEM project seeks to blend humanities and STEM content in a set of interdisciplinary courses to create a workforce that has advanced critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. Other NSF-funded projects focus on providing support for online undergraduate researchers and on creating a community of inquiry to improve persistence in the virtual course environment. Faculty are also collaborating across the university, including working with the Center for Aerospace Resilience on tabletop exercises funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration. A recently-awarded National Institutes of Health grant supports the study of sleep cycles and first responders’ health. Through a Natural Hazards Center research grant, resilience and the role of social ties during pandemics are being investigated. Additional international projects with the Taiwanese government and industry are underway to develop public and private sector emergency management capabilities, including updating exercise and evaluation programs, as well as establishing a company-wide emergency management system for 10 factories in China, Taiwan and Singapore.
External Funding Activity for 2022 $ 7,369,680 Total activity $ 6,505,416 Active funding $ 864,264 Pending awards 13 COAS faculty serving in funded research lead and supporting roles 8 External sponsoring agencies represented 21 National and international partnering institutions
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Our goal is to be a national leader for research and education in emergency services and human security, while also aiming to be front-runners in developing critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, communication and scientific and cultural literacy skills for all students of the university. In addition, we are building focus areas in human factors studies, Humanistic STEM and data science.
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
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