From the Provost

Fall 2006

I am pleased to introduce the fall 2006 issue of Hofstra Horizons. The best faculty are scholar-teachers, leaders in their disciplines who recognize the importance of excellence in teaching to maximize student learning. Our faculty's commitment to their research, to their scholarship and to their students, as well as their dedication to service, are factors that have helped Hofstra to earn and enhance its fine reputation. Examples of this dedication by both faculty and students can be witnessed in the articles to follow, throughout Hofstra's classrooms, and also within the various programs offered to Hofstra's surrounding Long Island community.

For example, the 2-year-old boy gracing this issue's cover is attending sessions at Hofstra University's Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, a subspecialty clinic of the Psychological Evaluation Research and Counseling Clinic at the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center. In a compassionately written and informative article on autism, Kim Gilbert, the clinic's director, simplifies for the lay reader this often perplexing disorder, explores possible causes, and outlines life-enhancing treatments to be offered here at Hofstra. In a timely and significant article, Janet Dolgin presents a balanced inquiry into the controversies surrounding stem cell research. Tracking the evolution of this debate, she examines both political and social movements, as well as clarifies some misconceptions about the research. In another noteworthy and informative article, Jenny Roberts examines the impact of environmental factors on the language development of internationally adopted children. Focusing her research on the unique experience of adoptees from China, she examines the degree to which these children may be at risk for developmental delays.

And finally, Greg Kershner delves into the darker side of Bram Stoker's Dracula. In Dr. Kershner's entertaining yet scholarly article, he examines the novel within the context of Victorian society, while looking behind the scenes for the impact of late 19th-century decadence on this turn-of-the-century work.

This issue is clearly a very impressive demonstration of the breadth of interest and level of sophistication of Hofstra's scholars. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have.

Sincerely,
Herman A. Berliner, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs