Provost's Column

Spring 2012

It is once again my pleasure to introduce the latest issue of Hofstra Horizons, which highlights faculty whose dedication is revealed through their research and teaching. Hofstra University’s distinguished reputation is a reflection of the outstanding teachers and scholars that are the heartbeat of this institution. We are proud to share their enthusiasm and commitment to the research and projects they explore.

The first article, by Julie Agris, assistant professor with a dual appointment in Health Professions and the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, and director of the Master of Health Administration Program, introduces the movement toward an interoperable electronic health record. Professor Agris stresses the potential risk of electronic transmission of health information with regard to both the privacy of the patient and the security of the data. Professor Agris details a fair process approach to global institutional redevelopment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The second article, written by Jacqueline Grennon Brooks, a professor in the Department of Teaching, Literacy and Leadership and Julia Caliendo, STEM Studio coordinator, focuses on Hofstra’s new STEM Studio. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Studio integrates theory and practice for elementary and middle school education students. It is a teaching and learning lab in which Hofstra students create extended lessons that allow local elementary school students to participate in the work of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

Robert Brinkmann, professor of global studies and geography and Hofstra’s new director of sustainability studies, presents an overview of local sustainability efforts and research. Together with colleagues and students, Dr. Brinkmann has conducted research on environmental sustainability, pollution, and storm water management. His article examines the benefits of local, rather than national, benchmarking systems, and stresses the need to infuse sustainable practices into our daily lives and engage local governments on Long Island in sustainability initiatives.

The fourth article, by Associate Professor of Anthropology Timothy P. Daniels, discusses how leaders in Kelantan, Malaysia, have infused and circulated religious values within the state’s economy. Through an examination of Kelantan’s economic policies, Dr. Daniels hopes to reveal cultural and ethical motives that may help us reflect upon ourselves and the ethics embedded in our own economy.

The last article, by Ling Huang, assistant professor of chemistry, examines dangers of the herbal incense “K2 Spice,” which is made up of compounds that contain unknown amounts of unknown cannabinoids that can have devastating effects on the human body. Professor Huang, along with Hofstra adjunct professor and retired NYPD detective Mercurio Veltri, has initiated the Spice Accelerated Identification Team (SAIT) within Hofstra’s Chemistry Department. Drs. Huang and Veltri, and several undergraduate students, utilize state-of-the-art instrumentation to tackle challenges in detecting, identifying and quantifying the synthetic components in herbal incenses.

These articles demonstrate that the Hofstra faculty continue to extend knowledge and prepare the next generation of leaders to do the same. We are proud to present their research and opinions in Hofstra Horizons. Congratulations to all the authors.

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