Category: Professional Notes

In his capacity as a board member of MSF / Doctors Without Borders USA, Nabil Al-Tikriti co-organized and moderated a June 7 workshop on migrant populations preceding the MSF USA 2012 General Assembly in New York City. Panelists included Dr. Alison Mountz of Wilfred Laurier University, Dr. Apostolos Veizis of MSF Greece, and Ivan Gayton of MSF Nigeria.  The workshop description was as follows: “In this workshop, participants will explore the peculiar challenges faced when trying to gain access to migrant populations. Is it possible to adequately serve a population which often intentionally avoids detection, resides primarily in urban contexts, constantly moves or aspires to move, displays inordinate ethnic and linguistic diversity, and exists in a legal limbo vis-a-vis the legal authorities under which MSF operates?  What level of legal risk should MSF international staff be prepared to accept vis-a-vis Frontex, Homeland Security, and other actors legally tasked with controlling, limiting, channeling, and preventing migration?”

The Virginia Consortium of Social Studies Specialists and College   Educators (VCSSSCE) held its Summer Leadership Meeting at UMW’s College of Education on Friday, June 8.

The organization comprises stakeholders in Virginia history and social sciences education, including social studies specialists, college educators, museum professionals, social studies education non-profit professionals and representatives from the Virginia Department of Education.

John P. Broome, assistant professor in curriculum & instruction and director of undergraduate secondary and preK-12 education programs in the College of Education, serves as the State Instructional Committee Chair for the organization.

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies, was a featured guest on CTV News Channel on Wednesday, June 6. In the segment, Farnsworth discusses the implications of Gov. Scott Walker’s win over Tom Barrett in Wisconsin’s recent recall election.

Farnsworth spoke to WMAL radio on Wednesday, June 6  and Wednesday, May 30 about the 2013 Virginia gubernatorial race.

Patricia Reynolds, assistant professor in the College of Education, presented the plenary talk at the Tea for TESOL event held on the Stafford Campus on Saturday, May 26. Her presentation,  “Learning the Ropes: How Children Cross Cultures,” described her grounded theory research into the stages of culture shock in immigrant school children.

Tea for TESOL is an annual professional development event for faculty, students, alumni and area teachers who specialize in teaching English to speakers of other languages. It was hosted by the Department of Foundations, Leadership and Special Populations in the College of Education.

Laurie Abeel, associate professor of education, is the Virginia Affiliate Director for Destination Imagination (DI), the largest creative problem solving program in the world. DI focuses on creative problem solving skills, critical thinking, leadership and team work.

This year, 1,276 teams from 45 states, seven Canadian provinces and 13 countries made the Destination Imagination Global Finals, the largest celebration and competition of creativity and problem-solving skills of its kind. Virginia had 45 teams represented at Global Finals which took place at the University of Tennesee.

Abeel oversees seven regions in Virginia, along with the state tournament and advancing teams to Global Finals. Many teams from Stafford County were also among the 45 teams representing Virginia. Anyone interested in learning more about this program is encouraged to contact Abeel and check the Destination Imagination website, www.idodi.org.