Faculty Spotlight

Dr. McNeil-Young is a psychologist whose research centers on the well-being of marginalized people and communities and to date she has published or co-authored several peer reviewed journal articles within her discipline. In her classroom, Dr. McNeil-Young believes that students should grow not only intellectually, but also mentally, emotionally, and socially. This is done in a supportive but challenging environment where students feel safe to critically engage and build meaningful connections. Her mentorship and pedagogical philosophy have two primary tenants 1) teaching should be collaborative and reflect the needs of the students and 2) multicultural awareness leads to holistic growth.

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Natasha Vanderhoff is a field biologist, educator, and avid birder.  She enjoys sharing her passion for the natural world with her students and is very excited about their new Biodiversity, Ecology & Conservation major. Dr. Vanderhoff is a broadly trained biologist with a specialization in behavioral ecology.  Since her discipline is not specific to one type of animal, she is able to mentor students with a variety of interests and most of her projects involve active participation of students.  Dr. Vanderhoff loves figuring out what animals are doing and saying, and her field sites range from JU’s campus to city parks, to the jungles of Ecuador.  Her current research includes population studies of the margay, a near-threatened neotropical cat, vocalizations in urban birds, escape behavior in lizards, and interactive vocalizations in mammals. 

Student Spotlight

Bené Green is a senior from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania majoring in Education for Instruction with a minor in Sociology. She is involved in the Black Student Union, JAX RecWell, and the Steering Committee for New Student Experience. Bené also is a volunteer mentor which has driven her passion to pursue a job within the juvenile justice and education system. 

"My time at Jacksonville University has helped me build a solid foundation in who I am and who I am becoming. Through the university, I have made many great connections and have had the ability to experience a variety of things that are not available through other schools. The education program encourages students to go further and gives us the opportunity to put what we learn into action. Going into my senior year, I feel prepared to go into the workforce after school because of how detailed the program is to my individual line of work as well as any other path I may choose." - Bené

Alumni Spotlight

Tyler Kopf, emerged from his academic journey as a senior with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Physics. Having served six years in the United States Air Force prior to joining JU, Tyler discovered a renewed sense of purpose during his time at the College of Arts and Sciences. The exceptional education, training, and support he received at JU enabled him to engage in biomedical research at Notre Dame University and Mayo Clinic’s College of Medicine. Inspired by these experiences, Tyler’s aspirations shifted towards earning a Ph.D in Biochemistry. He successfully applied and was accepted into graduate programs at the University of Florida, Notre Dame, and Brown University. The professors at Jacksonville University played an instrumental role in fostering Tyler’s growth as a scholar. With the skills, knowledge, and independence instilled in him by JU, Tyler is now prepared to make a significant impact on the world.