Wilkes University

Wilkes University inducted fifteen education students into the Teacher Education Program at a pinning ceremony attended by administrators, faculty, parents, friends and students on Oct. 20. The ceremony marked their achievement of completing the Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements for entrance into the Teacher Education Program: passing a test of basic skills for educators; earning at least a 3.0 GPA; completing 48 credit hours including six credits in mathematics and six credits in English. Students will continue their studies in education and their major content area at the advanced level of coursework, which will culminate in student teaching.

Wilkes University pharmacy students Alisa Daniels, Tori Sallo and Felicia Snyder joined associate professor of pharmacy practice Judy Kristeller in presenting "Medication Reconciliation: Playing It Safe Across Care Transitions" at the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting. The meeting was held Oct. 1-4 in Grantville, Pa. The presentation focused on improving medication management through the patient-pharmacist interaction that occurs during medication reconciliation. The program highlighted how medication-related problems are common during care transitions and how they can be identified and prevented by a pharmacist or pharmacy student interacting with patients during medication reconciliation.

Wilkes University pharmacy students Brittany Wills and Lauren Lockus joined associate professor of pharmacy practice Tom Franko in presenting "The Dr. Oz Game: The Odds Are Never in Your Favor" at the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting. The meeting was held Oct. 1-4 in Grantville, Pa. The program was designed to help pharmacists combat the "Dr. Oz Effect." Patients are often influenced by television doctors, especially Dr. Oz. The "Dr. Oz Effect" is responsible for tremendous sales in products that lack any evidence as to their safety or efficacy. The Wilkes program enabled pharmacists to provide patients with the real information behind several popular products.

Eleven Wilkes University pre-medical scholars have been accepted into professional health science graduate programs, including medical school and programs for physician assistant, occupational therapy and physical therapy, for the fall 2015 semester.

Wilkes University Communication Studies majors are gaining firsthand experience as members of the student-run television program, Wilkes Now. As members of Wilkes Now, students produce original news and feature content each week for broadcast on channel 97 for Service Electric Cable in Wilkes-Barre.

Wilkes University Communication Studies majors are gaining firsthand experience as members of the student-run newspaper, The Beacon. As members of the newspaper staff, students manage, edit, write and design the award-winning publication. The Beacon appears both in print and online. Kalen M. Churcher, assistant professor of communication studies, serves as faculty advisor.

Wilkes University Communication Studies majors are gaining firsthand experience as members of the student-run public relations agency, Zebra Communications. As members of Zebra Communications, students work with 12-15 client-partners, including not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, small businesses, campus initiatives and regional grant-funded projects, to create public relations campaigns of up to three months.

Wilkes University student Kayla Hiryak of Gilbertsville, Pa., received first place for a research poster that she presented at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Alliance Conference. The conference was held at the institute's research center at Janelia Farm, Va. Hiryak, the daughter of Kathleen and James Hiryak, presented the results of research conducted in a "Phage Hunting" class taught by Christian Laing, assistant professor of mathematics, computer science and biology.

Five Wilkes University elementary and early childhood education majors are preparing schoolchildren for the upcoming academic year at the University's Reading and Arts Academies. The academies engage children entering pre-kindergarten through grade. Lessons are taught by upperclassmen enrolled in the University's teacher education program who are preparing for their semester of student teaching.

Wilkes University student Emily Gicewicz of Rensselaer, N.Y., presented a research poster at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Alliance Conference. The conference was held at the institute's research center at Janelia Farm, Va. Gicewicz's poster featured the results of research conducted in a "Phage Hunting" class taught by Christian Laing, assistant professor of mathematics, computer science and biology.

A team of students from Wilkes University is conducting research that will help to ensure the rich diversity of wildlife in Pennsylvania's parks, wildlife refuges and state game lands.

A Wilkes University student research team is studying the major non-organic components of rainwater. The students are collecting rain samples, taking real-time measurements of pH levels, and using a variety of chemical tests to identify what components other than water precipitate as a storm begins, develops, and dissipates.

Wilkes University graduate bioengineering student Bryant Morocho of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., presented research he conducted during the summer at the American Society of Plant Biologists' annual meeting in Portland, Ore., July 12-16. Morocho examined a plant mutant defective in making a particular non-coding ribonucleic acid, or RNA.

A Wilkes University student research team presented its findings at the American Society of Plant Biologists' annual meeting in Portland, Ore., July 12-16. The researchers examined the amount of the medicinal compound resveratrol in Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol has been found to extend the lifespan of several species and is used as an herbal remedy.

A Wilkes University student research team is examining novel approaches to treat kidney stones. Kidney stones are crystallized masses of calcium oxalate. The researchers are attempting to identify enzymes from novel sources that might destroy the kidney stones and then clone the genes encoding the enzymes to overproduce them.

Wilkes University graduate student Jephte Akakpo presented the results of research he conducted to complete his master of science degree in bioengineering at the annual meeting of the American Society of Plant Biologists in Portland, Ore., July 12-16.

Wilkes University senior biology major Rebecca Wicker of Thornhurst, Pa., is pursing summer laboratory research with William Biggers, associate professor of biology. Wicker is testing marine sediments for chemical cues that trigger development in a marine worm species.

Wilkes alumnus Sam Miller of Harris, N.Y., will be presenting his work at the 7th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology in Houston on June 9-13. He will be co-presenting with fellow Wilkes alumna Kristen Chorney. Both graduated this past May with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental engineering. Their presentation showcases the findings from their trip to Cameroon, Africa last summer.

Wilkes alumna Kristen Chorney of Media, Pa., will be presenting her work at the 7th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology in Houston on June 9-13. She will be co-presenting with fellow Wilkes alumnus Sam Miller. Both graduated this past May with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental engineering. Their presentation showcases the findings from their trip to Cameroon, Africa last summer.

Wilkes University junior biology major Zachary Jones of Columbia, Pa., gained valuable experience working with wildlife and environmental issues at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin as part of a week-long service trip in May. During the trip, Jones worked on a GPS coordinate sign mapping project and performed ground surveys in search of the endangered brittle prickly pear.

Ian Foley of Whitehall, Pa., received the Alumni Award for Leadership at Wilkes University's 67th Annual Spring Commencement held May 17. The Wilkes Alumni Association presents the annual award to the student who has made the strongest contribution to student life and activities during his or her time at Wilkes. Foley, the son of Karen and Tom Foley, graduated with a bachelor of art with majors in communications studies and political science and was awarded magna cum laude.

Jordyn Miller of Lehighton, Pa., was presented with the Theresa Jordan and Frank Mehm Prize at Wilkes University's 67th Annual Spring Commencement on May 17. The daughter of Kim and George Miller, she graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. She graduated cum laude. The annual prize recognizes an individual from the Wilkes community who exemplifies moral courage, perseverance, formidable faith and a sense of unwavering optimism.

Nimita Patel of Mountain Top, Pa., was presented with the Theresa Jordan and Frank Mehm Prize at Wilkes University's 67th Annual Spring Commencement on May 17. The daughter of Bharat and Madhu Patel, she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree with a triple major in criminology, psychology and sociology. The annual prize recognizes an individual from the Wilkes community who exemplifies moral courage, perseverance, formidable faith and a sense of unwavering optimism.

Wilkes University doctor of pharmacy graduate Courtney Graham of Laporte, Pa., was recently presented with the 2014 Outstanding Pharmacy Student Award by the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.

Wilkes University student Silvia Silvi was honored at the seventh annual Multicultural Awards ceremony held at the Henry Student Center on April 23, 2014. Silvi, a pharmacy student from Sylhet Bangladesh, received the Wilkes Helping Hands Student Award for contributing the most to improve the diversity climate at Wilkes.

Wilkes University student Deanna Moore was honored at the seventh annual Multicultural Awards ceremony held at the Henry Student Center on April 23, 2014. Moore, a management major and international studies minor from Tunkhannock, Pa., received the Wilkes Global Scholar and Citizen Award for demonstrating high academic achievement and involvement in campus and community activities promoting cross-cultural awareness.

Twenty-seven graduating engineering students and professionals were initiated into the Order of the Engineer at the annual Wilkes University Engineering Banquet. The Order of the Engineer is a code of ethics offered to all Wilkes graduating engineering students.

Twenty-four Wilkes University 2014 Doctor of Pharmacy graduates will pursue post-graduate training across the country. Nationwide, approximately 18 percent of pharmacy graduates pursue residency training. At Wilkes, 24 percent of the graduating class matched with residency programs, exceeding the national average. Including fellowships, 35 percent of the graduating class will pursue post-graduate training, setting a University record.

Wilkes University third-year pharmacy student Bethany Sharpless of Lansing, N.Y., recently received the United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Practice Award. The national award is given annually to a pharmacy student enrolled in an accredited doctoral program who promotes the objectives of the Public Health Service's "Healthy People 2020" initiative, serves the community and demonstrates leadership qualities that foster a team approach in patient care.

Seventeen Wilkes University education students were inducted into the University's Teacher Education Program at a recent pinning ceremony held on March 18. The ceremony marked their successful completion of the Pennsylvania Department of Education's requirements for entrance into the program.