Category: Faculty Development Channel

The LEC is proud to share our newly created podcast designed to go Behind the Scenes with the heart of Nova Southeastern University’s educational experience, our amazing faculty. Join us as we explore their innovative teaching methods, inspiring stories and unique perspectives. Hosted by Marti Snyder, Ph.D., LEC’s Director of Faculty Professional Development, the podcast features special guests as they explore the passion and creativity that inspire our educators to connect with students and bring learning to life. Whether you are a lifelong educator, a student, or simply curious about the magic that happens at NSU, this podcast will provide you with an understanding of how our faculty make lasting impacts on the academic journeys of all NSU Sharks.

What does it really take to lead a department or direct a program, while still teaching, mentoring, and contributing as a faculty member? Season 2 of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU explores our faculty leaders. They’re educators and administrators, mentors and decision-makers. We follow their daily routines and dig into how they balance classroom commitments with leadership responsibilities, navigate unexpected challenges, and stay true to their academic passions while advancing the mission of their departments and colleges. The first guest of the season Dr. Akiva Turner shares his approach to academic leadership and how he leads with humility to keep students at the heart of the mission.

In this closing episode of the season, Dr. Yuri Zagvazdin shares how he blends empathy, humor, and deep scientific knowledge to help students engage with complex topics in physiology and neuroscience. Discover how he creates a safe space for learning, encourages critical thinking, and inspires curiosity in the next generation of medical professionals.

Now in it’s fifth episode, Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU continues to spotlight the voices, values, and vision of NSU’s exceptional faculty. In this engaging episode, we sit down with Dr. Christopher Lynch from the College of Pharmacy to discuss his journey from Navy officer to educator, and how that experience informs his approach to teaching professional identity and leadership. Dr. Lynch shares how he uses personality assessments, vulnerability, and trust-building to help students develop not only clinical knowledge but the confidence and emotional intelligence they need to succeed as future professionals

LEC’s MAKO (Make All Knowledge Open) Commons is a virtual community of practice (vCoP) where NSU’s faculty can connect and share ideas, information, and resources related to research and practice in teaching and learning. MAKO Commons has been hosted in Canvas since 2021, and it is now easier and quicker to join as this resource has become self-enroll.  This means that participants can go through a few steps to self-enroll and gain access instantly. Don’t miss out on opportunities to connect and collaborate. We hope to see you in the Commons!

In this insightful fourth episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, Dr. Charlene Desir shares her journey from school psychologist to full professor, revealing how reflection, identity, and mentorship shape the learning experience. With a focus on the social, psychological, and spiritual growth of students, Dr. Desir discusses building student relationships, guiding doctoral candidates, integrating undergraduate research, and navigating the evolving role of technology and AI in education. Tune in to hear how she brings empathy and purpose into every classroom interaction. Be sure to Follow the podcast to be alerted of upcoming episodes!

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, we sit down with Dr. Lori Dribin, the longest-serving faculty member in NSU’s KPCOM, to explore her decades-long journey in medical education. From her early days with slide projectors to pioneering digital histology labs, Dr. Dribin shares how she fosters deep student connection—even in large, hybrid classrooms—through humor, personalization, and creative teaching techniques like clay models and animal imagery. Tune in to hear how she continues to evolve with the times while staying grounded in the art of truly knowing her students.

In this energizing second episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, we spotlight Dr. Barri Litt, a CPA, award-winning professor, and self-described “social butterfly,” who brings passion, presence, and personality into every accounting class. From banning technology in favor of deeper focus to integrating mindfulness breaks and real-world AI applications, Dr. Litt shares how she transforms technical content into human-centered learning. Discover how her people-first teaching style builds community, sparks curiosity, and equips students with skills far beyond the balance sheet.