The Bulletin - May 14, 2025

Student/Faculty/Staff Updates

​School of Education

Undergraduate students honored by MSDE at the Teachers of Promise Institute

Kayleigh Lagunas, Sydney Griffin, and Emma Seanor were all selected as Maryland Teachers of Promise. Their selection was based on NDMU’s recommendations regarding their high academic standing and strong potential to be an outstanding teacher. Huge thanks to both Renee Gongaware-Simons and Kelley Adams for attending the Institute with our honorees. A special shout-out to Kelley Adams, who volunteered to attend and drive from Southern Maryland just so that one of the students could attend.

When in Rome...

This spring, SOE Professor and SSND Associate, Stephanie Savick, and PhD student, Sr. Grace Okun, represented the SSND Atlantic-Midwest Province in "giving life" to the Call of Acts of the General Chapter's vision for education through their participation in the Global Education Commission in Rome, Italy. Joining SSNDs and Associates from all over the world, the Commission's work included 1) creating a document grounded in You Are Sent that outlines the future educational vision of the SSNDs; 2) suggesting methods and practices by which to share the SSND educational vision with associates, colleagues, and co-workers preparing them for leadership in SSND educational ministries; 3) planning for educational conferences that provide formation in the educational vision, and suggest strategies for transformative education that address the cries of God’s people and Earth; and 4) developing an SSND global education network that links SSND educational ministries, fosters a shared vision, and builds community across the congregation and beyond. The work of the Commission to accomplish these goals will continue in the years to come through small and large group work in virtual meeting spaces.  Both Dr. Savick and Sr. Grace were honored to have been chosen to be part of this transformative work.

Three SOE professors and 4 SOE PhD students traveled to Denver, Colorado for the American Education Research Association (AERA) Conference from April 23-27, 2025. 

They participated in four presentations combined:

1. 1. Paper Presentation — Beliefs and Behaviors of Community College Faculty Participating in a Culturally Responsive Learning Program: PhD Graduate, Dr. Maura Hill; Committee Chair and Methodologist: Dr. Stephanie Savick and Dr. Rachel Durham
   2. Research in Progress Roundtable — AAPI Educator Perceptions of Challenges and Supports Experienced in PK-12 School, PhD Student Christine Paul; PhD Chair, Dr. Stephanie Savick
   3. Paper Presentation — What Inspires Students to Major in a STEM Field at the Start of Postsecondary Education? Dr. Mark Fenster
   4. Research in Progress Roundtable — Shortage of Bilingual Elementary Teachers, PhD Student Susie Prado; PhD Chair, Dr. Mark Fenster

On Friday, May 2, former NDMU SOE Dean and Provost, Sr. Sharon Slear, PhD, was honored by Notre Dame Preparatory School as the recipient of the 2025 Mother Caroline Friess Alumnae of the Year at NDP's annual alumnae mass and brunch. 

School of Art, Sciences & Business

NDMU Biology Student and Faculty Attend Mid-Atlantic Microbiome Meeting

Biology majors Grace Ekalle, Naomi Ewhe, and Disomi Okie attended the Mid-Atlantic Microbiome Meeting at the University of Maryland, on Friday, March 21, 2025. They were accompanied by Dr. Meenu Vikram, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Dr. Jennifer Kerr, Galotto ’64 Endowed Chair in the Biological Sciences.

The conference focused on Innovation and Translation in Microbiome Research. Naomi Ewhe presented her bioinformatics research on how chemical mutagens impact the bacterial microbiome of Caenorhabditis elegans, a model worm system.

Library Update

Peace Meadow Nature Walk 

5/2, 1:30-2 pm, Meet in Learning Lobby near NDMU side entrance  
Take a walk through the Peace Meadow on campus and learn about native plant species and wildlife with Michelle Williams, LNDL’s Access Services Operations Supervisor. Michelle is a committed environmental steward and a certified Weed Warrior with Baltimore City. 

Reading is Innovative: Sublimation Notebooks 

5/2, 4 pm – 5:30 pm, LNDL IDEA Space  
Learn about the science behind sublimation with a dry ice demonstration, then customize a notebook cover with a photo or drawing with the help of the sublimation printer and heat press in the Innovation Station. All materials provided! This class is capped at 10 students. 

VR Meditation Drop-In Session 2

5/6, 2pm – 3 pm, VR Classroom 
Explore LNDL’s virtual reality meditation experiences. 

Reading Is Creative: Graduation Cap Decorating Session 2

5/7, 4 pm – 5 pm, IDEA Space 
Graduating this semester? Drop in between 4 and 6 to decorate your graduation cap with supplies from the Messy Cart! Feel free to bring your own supplies, too.

Conference and Auxiliary Services

Updated Dining Information​