Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU

For families navigating pediatric feeding disorders, fragmented care is often the norm. The Kapila Family Nourishing Lives Feeding Clinic was built to change that.In Season 3 of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, the focus is Community in Action: How NSU Faculty Serve, Partner, and Make an Impact. In this episode, host Dr. Marti Snyder speaks with three faculty members from NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine about the Kapila Family Nourishing Lives Feeding Clinic. Dr. Lorraine Breffni, Dr. Priya Krishnakumar, and Ms. Lisa Presti share how they identified a gap in community services, why an interprofessional model brings better outcomes for children and families, and what this work has taught each of them about patience, compassion, and the practice of truly listening. If you are a faculty member interested in community-engaged clinical education, interprofessional collaboration, or the ways NSU's mission shows up in everyday practice, this is a conversation worth sitting with

What does it take to help a high school girl see herself as a future scientist, engineer, or neurosurgeon? According to Dr. Angie Su and Dr. Jia Borror, it starts with recognizing that the gap between these students and STEM careers has never been about talent. It has always been about opportunity, exposure, and confidence built early.This is Season 3 of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, and this season's focus is Community in Action: How NSU Faculty Serve, Partner, and Make an Impact. In this season opener, host Dr. Marti Snyder speaks with both professors from NSU's Abraham S. Fischler College of Education about their multi-year STEM mentoring initiative for high school girls in our community. Dr. Su and Dr. Borror share how they co-designed the program with school partners, recruited college student mentors close in age to participants, and built the kind of sustained relationship that made a real difference. If you are a faculty member curious about community-engaged work, this conversation is a great place to start.

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, Dr. Marti Snyder sits down with Dr. Stephen Bronsburg, Associate Professor and Director of the Health Informatics programs in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Bronsburg discusses leading both the bachelor’s and master’s programs while supporting accreditation, mentoring students, and collaborating with national partners on research focused on artificial intelligence policy in health informatics education.He shares insights into what faculty should understand about academic leadership, the evolving role of AI in the field, and the value of experiential learning. The conversation also explores his work building a regional mentor–mentee network through the South Florida chapter of the Health Information Management and Systems Society, as well as his contributions to developing digital medical record systems used during international medical outreach trips.Faculty listeners will gain practical guidance on balancing responsibilities, supporting students in using AI responsibly, and exploring leadership opportunities with confidence.

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, host Dr. Marti Snyder speaks with Dr. Jaime Tartar, who shares how her journey from scientist to academic leader has been anything but linear—and why embracing authenticity, resilience, and rest are essential for long-term success.

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, Dr. Stephanie Petrosky from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine shares how she built NSU’s Department of Nutrition into a thriving academic community grounded in health, wellness, and lifelong learning. Dr. Petrosky reflects on her leadership journey, the importance of mentoring future health professionals, and how her philosophy of teaching centers on flexibility, innovation, and empathy. She also discusses what it means to lead with purpose—and why she encourages others to “be open to the next opportunity, and give yourself the grace to learn on the job.”Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderGuest: Stephanie PetroskySound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life, Jessica Garcia-Brown, Associate Professor of Law and Director of Undergraduate Law Programs at NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law, shares how she helped launch one of the nation’s first bachelor’s programs in law. She reflects on her journey from private practice to academic leadership, the role of mentorship in shaping her career, and how she prepares students to think critically, build professional pathways, and embrace new opportunities with confidence.Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderGuest: Jessica Garcia-BrownSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life, Dr. Elizabeth Swann, Professor and Director of Interprofessional Integration for NSU Health, shares how she has built programs that bring together 22 healthcare professions across nine campuses. From launching NSU’s first athletic training program to leading global conversations on interprofessional education, Dr. Swann reflects on her servant-leadership approach, the importance of teamwork, and how gratitude shapes her daily practice. Discover how she balances teaching, administration, and innovation while preparing students to thrive in collaborative, team-based healthcare.Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderGuest: Elizabeth SwannSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life, Dr. Grace Telesco, Associate Professor and Director of the School of Criminal Justice in the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, reflects on her journey from 20 years of service with the NYPD to leading a school at NSU. Discover how Dr. Telesco’s “make-things-happen” leadership style, her commitment to bridging theory and practice, and innovative programs like mock trials, live-avatar simulations, and the award-winning Stage for Change prepare students for real-world challenges while keeping them at the center of the mission.Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderGuest: Grace TelescoSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life, Dr. Akiva Turner, Chair and Professor in the Department of Health Science at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, shares how his diverse career—spanning law, government, public health, and academia—shapes his approach to academic leadership. Discover how Dr. Turner balances the demands of administration with teaching and mentoring, and how he leads with humility while keeping students at the heart of the mission.Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderGuest: Akiva TurnerSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, Dr. Yuri Zagvazdin from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine shares how he blends humor, empathy, and deep scientific knowledge to help students master complex topics in physiology and neuroscience. Discover how Dr. Zagvazdin creates a safe, engaging space that encourages critical thinking and inspires lifelong curiosity in future physicians.Podcast Credits:Host and Producer: Marti SnyderGuest: Yuri ZagvazdinSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this episode, Dr. Chris Lynch from NSU’s College of Pharmacy shares how his journey from the U.S. Navy to the classroom informs his approach to teaching professional identity and leadership. Discover how he fosters trust, uses personality assessments, and encourages vulnerability to help students grow into compassionate healthcare professionals.Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderGuest: Christopher LynchSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

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!Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderGuest: Charlene DesirSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

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 Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, 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. Be sure to Follow the podcast to be alerted of upcoming episodes!Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderShow Guest: Lori DribinSound Engineer: Gregory Wright & Paolo MugnainiPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

Episode 2In 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. Be sure to Follow the podcast to be alerted of upcoming episodes!Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderShow Guest: Barri LittSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In the premiere episode of "Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU," join us as we explore the innovative teaching journey of Dr. Kevin Willeford. Discover how Kevin creatively engages students, bringing complex concepts vividly to life and turning challenges into transformative educational experiences. This conversation highlights the passion, strategies, and personal insights that shape dynamic classrooms at NSU. Whether you're a fellow educator, a student, or simply curious about the art of teaching, this episode will inspire you to look at learning through a fresh and exciting lens.Podcast CreditsHost and Producer: Marti SnyderShow Guest: Kevin WillefordSound Engineer: Gregory WrightPublication and Promotion: Adam Cohen