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Biology student dives into coral restoration project  

Caitlyn Collins has reached new depths in her study of marine biology.

Quite literally.

The second-year biology (M.S.) graduate student spent part of her summer research work at the Roatan Institute of Marine Science in Honduras where she not only helped with a coral restoration project but learned to SCUBA dive to fully participate in the underwater data collection.

“The idea of jumping into the water, not knowing what was under you, and looking straight out into the blue would freak me out,” said Collins, who visited the institute with her coral reef ecology class through the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops Island, Va. “Now, I feel like it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever done, and I can’t wait to get back in the water.”

She added, “I found the endless blue calming and the weightlessness of diving relaxing. I got to swim with sea turtle and get up close to groupers and sharks, something I never thought I would do. I learned the diversity of coral and was able to see it in person, something you can’t really understand by just learning about it during lecture.”

Her underwater work was done as part of a coral restoration project being conducted at the Roatan Marine Institute.

“They’re taking fragments of Acropora cervicornis (Staghorn Coral) and Acropora palmata (Elkhorn Coral) and connecting them to a tree,” Collins said. “This tree will allow them to grow without the threat of predation and disturbance. Once the fragments reach a certain size, the fragments are replanted onto the reef.”

This is done in an effort to help restore coral reefs. Both of these corals are extremely important to the foundation of coral reefs and are a critically endangered species, according to Collins.  

“I was able to collect data on what species are on the reef, the type of substrata they’re living in, and the temperature and depth they are found at,” said Collins, who was taught to SCUBA dive up to 20 meters into the ocean and collect data. “Before this trip, I had no experience SCUBA diving and doing field work in the water. Now, I have done 25 dives and have learned techniques for collecting scientific data underwater.”

Even after experiencing the depths of the ocean up close, Collins believes the best part of being in Roatan was being exposed to the culture of Honduras.

“I got the opportunity to meet local people who knew so much about the ocean and the coral reefs around them that you would never know after being there for only two weeks,” said Collins, who’s working with Thomas Klinger, professor of biological and allied health sciences, to study the effect thermal stress has on the metabolic rates of sub-tidal species of sea urchins found in the Caribbean. “This data will be used as part of my thesis work to show the ecological impact these species of sea urchin will have on the coral reefs in the Caribbean.”

All of her collected data will give insight into the potential impacts of climate change on oceanic life.

“After I graduate, I would love to work at a marine station like the Roatan Institute of Marine Science,” Collins said. “This trip gave me valuable experience I would need to start a career like this. The experience helped me build field skills as a marine biology and also learn how to collect data while under water.”

IT intern discovers new corporate career option 

An internship with PPL Electric Utilities opened the eyes of Bloomsburg University information and technology management senior to alternate career opportunities and helped to prepare her for the semester ahead.

For Laura Bruaw, summer mornings kicked off at sunrise at PPL in their IT department helping users with technical issues they experienced with Office 365. Throughout the day, she was responsible for monitoring emails, calls, a Teams site where users can report issues and met with the Office 365 team to receive updates on the status of upgrading users from Office 2010 to Office 365.

In addition to assisting with technical developments, Bruaw underwent professional development.

“I feel like I grew so much professionally over the course of this internship, which will definitely help me in the future,” she said. “At first, I was uncomfortable in the corporate environment, but I now feel as though I am more confident, especially in my business communication skills which will be helpful no matter where I go from here.”

During the upcoming semester, courses such as Business Communication and Report Writing will allow Bruaw to put her new skills to the test.

“I definitely think my confidence and ability to communicate are my big takeaways from this internship,” she said. “I feel like everything I learn from this point on in my classes will be a bit easier for me to process as I can apply it to a real scenario that I've experienced.”

At a company primarily recognized as an electrical provider, Bruaw experienced the business side of operations introducing her to new career possibilities as she enters into her senior year at BU.

“I've always been interested in becoming a database administrator or data analyst, but this summer really opened my eyes to the role of a business analyst and I think that's definitely a career path I could see myself pursuing,” she said. “I knew I wanted to work in corporate IT, and this helped solidify that, but now I feel like I have even more clarity going into my senior year and preparing to job hunt in the spring.”

Senior places Top 13 in national sales competition

The art of being a good salesperson is more than just asking someone to buy a product or service. It’s a learned skill. For Bloomsburg University senior Brendan Matthews a mock sales pitch in his advanced selling class evolved into competing in the National Collegiate Sales Competition (NCSC) this spring.

Matthews, who is a management major with a minor in professional sales, competed against 144 students from 72 universities finishing 13th overall, the best placement ever for a BU student. As a team in its eighth year competing, BU placed in the top 16 among the schools.

“We have been competing here for eight years,” said Monica Favia, chair of the Department of Marketing and Professional Sales. “While Unfortunately, Brendan did not make the final four, it was still gave an outstanding showing.  Most importantly, every student who attends usually has at least one job offer and frequently more, depending on the degree that they pursue it. Every BU student competing this this year has at least one job offer and in some cases two or three.”

Matthews went into the competition with a strategy for his success despite waking up ill the morning of the competition. 

“Each round I was selling the same product to a different group of buyers,” he said. “Some buyers were very nice and others were difficult, so I started by introducing myself to develop a personal connection. I then set an agenda for the pitch so they knew what to expect.”

The NCSC offers students the opportunity to display their skills in sales which often times leaves them with many opportunities for their future.

“It's a great experience to put yourself out there,” said Matthews. “There are a ton of employers there actively looking to hire students for full time jobs upon graduation. It’s also a great opportunity for students to connect from all over the country and learn more about themselves, their sales programs, and what they are looking for in a career.”

Following his May 2018 graduation, Matthews will begin a position at CH Robinson, a supply chain logistic company located in Conshohocken, working with their full sales cycle.

In addition to Matthews’ efforts, junior Britny Keyes played a large role in BU’s ranking. Other team members included Brittany Satiago, Asia Harding and graduate students, Joe Devine and Josh Salak.

BU’s sales program is the only one in the State System.

Sales competition draws largest field of participants

Two days of competition came down to 15 minutes.

That’s what each of the three finalists of the annual Bloomsburg University/UPS Sales Competition were left with to land their final scenario of professional sales, face-to-face with a UPS role player. In total, 39 students put their sales talents to the test in this year’s competition that expanded for the first time into a two-day event.

Irenitemi Famadewa, of Penn State University, Britny Keyes, a junior business administration marketing and professional sales major, and Lauren Kearney, a junior business administration marketing major, advanced through two rounds of competition as finalists. Famadewa took home the grand prize, an iPad Pro and custom Tom James suit. Keyes and Kearney also earned prizes, winning a Go Pro and an Echo Show respectively.

“This competition taught me you're never going to be able to stick with a script,” Keyes said. “As much as you plan what you want to say and in what order to say it, it comes down to what the buyer needs. You aren't in the driver’s seat they are. So being able to let them talk and expand on their experiences is so important for the meeting to be able to flow and feel natural for both the buyer and the seller.”

For the competition, students were judged on their ability to:

Approach – effectively gain attention and build rapport

Needs Identification – obtaining a clear understanding of a customer’s situation in order to prepare a customized presentation

Product/Service Presentation – persuasively match your product’s benefit to meet the needs of the buyer

Overcoming Objections – eliminating concerns or questions to customer’s satisfaction

Close – taking initiative to understand where you stand with a buyer now and for the future

“The competition gave great insight into practicing sales pitches,” Kearney said. “Another highlight is my capability to succeed in these types of situations. I don’t have much professional sales experience, so advancing to final three was a great accomplishment for me.”

Kearney added, “This experience helped prepare for a possible career in sales, because of the role play we took part in. This allowed all of the competitors to gain product knowledge, identity customer needs and find solutions to their problems in a real-life situation circumstance.”

In addition, students were treated to four different professional development sessions and a career far, as well as a networking event with industry professionals to include UPS, Tom James and Gartner.

“Companies saw my potential,” Keyes said. “This is a better way for companies to see what you can do. In an interview they'll read your resume and judge you on just that, but here you have the advantage to actually show them your abilities in action.”

The two-day competition was organized and managed by Monica J. Favia, coordinator of Zeigler College of Business professional sales program. This was the third year for the competition, which saw its interest nearly double after drew less than 20 competitors each of the previous two years.

“This competition adds to the value of Bloomsburg’s sales program, because it provides real-life situations to help students practice and understand what they did right and wrong in their sales pitch,” Kearney said. “I also think value is created when companies take time to participate and help the students in the learning process. It adds emphasis that students should take advantage of the valuable opportunities that Bloomsburg University offers.”

BU's professional sales program — the only one offered in the State System — prepares students in the art and science of professional selling so upon graduation they may be an immediate contributor toward the improvement of shareholder value of any and all organizations that invite them aboard. It’s offered as a specialization within marketing or as a minor paired with any major.

BUSTED gearing up for new season

One of the first things Hannah Schmeck did as a freshman was set her sights on joining BUSTED. Now, a semester away from walking the graduation stage it’s another stage among the things she’s going to miss most about Bloomsburg University.

“BUSTED cast becomes a home base of people you will always be there for you,” said Schmeck, who plays Charlie-Rose and Brooke with BUSTED (Bloomsburg University Student Theatrical Education Drama). “I’ve met my best friends in BUSTED. We spend six hours a week together, but sometimes that’s just enough to create bonds that will last a lifetime.” 

BUSTED, an ongoing musical comedy series about college, is set begin another season on Monday, Feb. 19. It will be Schmeck’s fourth and final year.

“I was a drama student in high school and wanted to continue theatre in college,” Schmeck said. “BUSTED is the perfect group for theatre kids who didn’t want to go to school for theatre. My favorite aspects about BUSTED are the ways GK (George Kinzel, director and advisor) pulls in popular music and Broadway plots into our own little soap opera. Honestly GK’s creativity always has me wondering what will happen next.”

Prior to its spring semester premiere, BUSTED will be hosting open auditions on Monday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m. in KUB 345B for its cast and crew. BUSTED is looking to cast new actors, singers and dancers. Open staff positions include stage crew and production assistants.

CSA student earns trip to NCAA leadership seminar

Pankil Chander, who is pursuing a master’s in Bloomsburg University’s Educational Leadership in College Student Affairs program, has been accepted to attend the 2018 NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar (ELS) in Indianapolis later this month.

As part of its programming, Chander will be taking part in several pre-work activities, including a behavioral assessment. ELS is an annual professional development event that provides effective leadership, educational and transitional programing for more than 200 current graduate assistants and interns from NCAA membership schools, conference offices and affiliate organizations. 

The three-day program — which will be held Jan. 24 through Jan. 26 this year — educates, develops and connects selected participants, and can increase the likelihood for rapid career progression within college sports.

Campus rallies for holiday card campaign 

A simple Facebook connection has led to an inspiring holiday card campaign at Bloomsburg University to lift up the spirits of a 3-year-old girl battling leukemia at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville.

Eliza Parson was simply sharing her appreciation on Facebook for the success of her toy drive last month for Matthew’s Wish that collected nearly 400 toys. The video resonated with one of Parson’s friends, who happens to be a family friend of Talynn.

“She told me how Talynn was having a really hard time in the hospital right now, especially since it’s around the holidays,” said Parson, a junior social work major. “I went to the store the next day and bought a ton of construction paper, markers, and stickers to make cards for her. I picked up some gifts as well and wrapped them, so she would have something to open (for Christmas).”

Parson’s campaign didn’t end there. She quickly recruited friends and classmates to join the cause.

“Bloomsburg University students were amazing during my toy drive and contributed tremendously, so I knew many would be willing to help put a smile on Talynn’s face by making a card,” Parson said, “I chose card making, because I knew money is tight for college students and most are gearing up for finals right now. I asked (Talynn’s) mom if cards would cheer her up, and she said she would love that.”

According to Parson, she will be soon delivering the first round of cards to Talynn and is prepared to make a second trip if more cards are made. Talynn loves horses, and her favorite colors are pink, blue and purple, Parson added.

Oceanography class goes coastal for spring break

It’s not unusual for college students to travel to the beach for spring break. It is when they go with their professor. It certainly is when the trip is part of the course curriculum.

Cynthia Venn, professor of environmental, geographical and geological sciences, took her oceanography class on a brief coastal trip over spring break from Virginia to Florida seeing first-hand how the geology and climates changed down the coast.

“It's one thing to be able to take a class so small and really have one-on-one time with the professor to learn the material, but to actually experience it hands-on is a much better way to further your education,” says Shannon Carr, a senior environmental science major. “Dr. Venn would provide us with photos of different birds, but we really got to know them once we saw them in their natural habitats.”

According to Carr, some of her favorite parts of the trip took place in Florida. A particular stop at Loggerhead Marine Center — a rehabilitation center for multiple different sea turtle species — was very memorable.

“It was really cool to see the vet's office and all of the turtles they have there,” Carr says. “It was also cool to hear their stories as to why they are there and how well they've recovered since they arrived.”

Another highlight occurred on an airboat ride through The Everglades, according to Carr.

“We got to see mangrove trees up close and personal, which is something you can't find up here in Pennsylvania,” says Carr, adding the trip has tremendously shaped her future.

“I'm graduating in May, and I'm looking to find a job in Coastal Restoration,” Carr says. “Since this class topic is not something offered regularly in the EGGS department, being able to have the opportunity to take it my senior year has been beyond awesome.”

Carr says the oceanography class did a great job of meshing together previous classes she took, such as biology, soil resources and surface hydrology.