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—Tom Florian, Drake Athletics

The Nelson Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs announces its financial support for a new interdisciplinary research project to address pressing global issues. “Drake University’s Presence in the Toledo District of Southern Belize: Maximizing Our Impact While Minimizing Our Footprint” has been granted $30,000 for cross-disciplinary work in Belize and at Drake involving the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS), Data Analytics, and Leadership Education and Development (LEAD). A men’s health assessment will serve as a case study on impact over the course of the two-year project with Belizean partners.

The interdisciplinary research will involve students and the following faculty in CPHS, Data Analytics, and LEAD:

• John Rovers is professor of pharmacy practice and the John R. Ellis Distinguished Chair in Pharmacy Practice in the CPHS, where he teaches in both the pharmacy and global and comparative public health programs. He received his undergraduate education at the University of Toronto and his PharmD and MIPH from MCPHS University and the University of Queensland respectively. His research interests are in medical service trip volunteering experiences in the global south, and drug distribution logistics to under-served areas.
• Daniel Alexander is professor of mathematics and is on sabbatical leave from his duties as associate chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, and co-director for data analytics. His research involves the history of analysis in the late 19th-20th centuries, and Alexander has published two books. He has been named the Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teacher of the Year and Staknaker Lecturer, and was given The Mathematical Association of America, Iowa Section, Distinguished Teaching Award. He has been at Drake for over 20 years. His PhD is from Boston University.
• Thomas Westbrook directs and teaches Leadership Education and Development (LEAD). He has served in numerous administrative positions including assistant provost. He has published in many leading journals and was awarded the Spirit of Drake Award and the Iowa Distance Education Association’s Point of Presence Award for exemplary programming. Westbrook is an active consultant with numerous corporations and organizations, and his success at blending the theoretical aspects of leadership with practical, performance-based applications has won him praise as a master facilitator.

Previous Nelson Institute-supported Global Pressing Issues grant projects have addressed water quality in rural Uganda and youth narratives focused on refugee and immigrant communities.

The Nelson Institute was established in 2012 with the support of R.W. and Mary Nelson, founders of Kemin Industries. The Institute provides students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for international careers and public service. Other Institute activities include Model United Nations, European Union, and Arab League teams; an annual Conference on Global Affairs; a visiting diplomat program; and support for student conference travel.

—Denise Ganpat, Drake International

On Jan. 4, Michelle Laughlin, student disabilities coordinator, presented to more than 500 Des Moines Public Schools administrators, teachers, and professional staff members during their annual Cultural Proficiency Leadership Seminar at the Iowa Events Center. Michelle did a phenomenal job in discussing the inclusion of disability within our understanding of diversity. Dr. Ahart, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, introduced Michelle before her presentation.

—Jerry Parker, Interim Dean of Students