Predatory Journals

Posted on by Larry Purnell, PhD, RN, FAAN

At least weekly, I receive an e-mail from a journal that starts out with “Esteemed Professor” or some such appellation that makes one feel important. The journal is inviting me to submit an article or to update a previous publication in what appears to be a legitimate journal. One journal, the International Journal of Oncology Science seemed familiar and promised to publish my paper within a month.  The journal claimed to be an official journal of International Association Trust with a prime focus of publishing articles related to the current trends of oncology research (International Journal of Oncology Science, n.d.) If I were a new author eager to publish in the environment of “publish or perish in research intensive universities” and unfamiliar with standard publishing industry practices, I would most likely have submitted an article. Moreover, this journal is only one of over 10,000 predatory journals that have started in operation since 2010.

What is a Predatory Journal?

Students are expected to access only scholarly articles when writing formal papers. The following information will help ensure that you use information from respected academic publications. Predatory open access publishing is an exploitative form of academic publishing, in which publication fees are charged to the authors. Predatory publishers do a token peer review or none at all; the primary aim is profit. The article processing fees typically are not disclosed until after an article has been accepted and the author has signed a copyright agreement granting the publisher all rights. The article is published only upon payment of the processing fee: frequently $1,000 but can be as high as $3,000.

 How to Recognize Predatory Journals

No one sure way exists that a student can know how to recognize a predatory journal. However, some red flags exist. A journal you have never heard of with a generic name soliciting papers is a dead giveaway. Broken or poor English is also a red flag. Peer reviewed journals undergo a strict editing process before an article is published. To assure that you are not referencing articles from predatory journals, go to Stop Predatory Journals: List of Predatory Journals (n.d.). This site is regularly undated. When in doubt, check with the excellent librarians at Excelsior College.

References

Stop Predatory Journals. List of Predatory Journals.  (n.d.) Retrieved from https://predatoryjournals.com/journals/

Employability Skills: 8 Strengths to Master for Career Success

Posted on by Maribeth Gunner

Do You Have the Essentials Skills Hiring Officers are Looking For?

Whether you are a new graduate conducting a job search or an experienced professional pursuing a career change, there are important competencies and knowledge you’ll want to hone or acquire to rise above the competition. Hiring officers are seeking certain essential employability skills. Most of these coveted skills are often referred to as “transferable” skills because they can easily apply to any job or work setting.

As you advance in your career, it is important you have a strong command of all the elements employers seek: academic credentials, job content, employability skills, and career awareness. One area to pay particular attention to is your employability skills. Based upon consecutive multiyear surveys from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), it is these types of skills that are reported as traits employers deem as high priority in the workplace.

KEY EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

The concept of career readiness in the workforce has become an exceptionally important issue that has raised concern in both higher education and the labor market. Educators want to ensure students are learning the knowledge and skills necessary for sustaining a living in the 21st century. In conjunction with a task force of college career services personnel and human resource staffing professionals, and based upon extensive research, NACE identified eight competencies associated with career readiness that target the employability skills:

  • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems.
  • Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization.
  • Teamwork /Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints.
  • Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
  • Leadership: Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others.
  • Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time/workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image.
  • Career Management: Identify and articulate one’s skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth.
  • Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions.

ENHANCE YOUR CAREER READINESS

As you review the list of competencies, you may note some of the skills in which you are proficient, and others that you wish to develop further. Here are a few tips on how to get started:

  • Advance your education and training
  • Augment your knowledge and skills through additional coursework, degrees, or certifications in the subject areas where you believe you are deficient.
  • Seek additional opportunities to expand your mindset and your skillsets.
  • Adopt a growth mindset. With the right training, practice, and dedication, you can master new skills and increase your professional development.
  • Want to strengthen your leadership and/or teamwork skills? Seek out a mentor who has refined these skills, and solicit advice and assistance.
  • Read, or attend webinars or conferences, to gain more knowledge and strategies to improve your skillsets.
  • Inquire about career assessment and exploration tools that will expand your personal and professional knowledge and increase your job search techniques.

Taking these steps can positively impact your professional growth employability skills—those qualities and talents that will provide you with an edge in the job market and allow for greater potential. Once you have acquired and refined these skills, be ready to illustrate them on your resume and promote them in an interview.

For more information on the NACE competencies and other career-readiness information, visit the Excelsior Career Center.

Faculty Focus: Bonny Kehm

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

In October 2017, Bonny Kehm, PhD, RN, was appointed by the governor of Missouri and in January 2018, confirmed by the full state Senate, to the Missouri State Board of Nursing. “It is my intent to uphold the mission of the Missouri State Board of Nursing, which is to protect the public’s health and safety through regulation of nursing education, licensure, and practice,” says Kehm. Through her time spent with Excelsior, Kehm has already proven her dedication to the field of nursing.

Kehm is the faculty program director in the baccalaureate and Master of Science programs for the School of Nursing, where she does research and designs curriculum. She has been an instructional faculty member with Excelsior since January 2012 has been a faculty program director since March 2014.She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Webster University, her doctorate in nursing education from Capella University, and her graduate certificate in Health Care Informatics from Excelsior College.

“I was inspired at a young age to become a nurse when I found a photograph in my mother’s photo box of a young girl in an iron lung,” says Kehm. She learned the girl was her Aunt Lilly at just 10 years old. The young girl had contracted polio and had become completely paralyzed, unable to breathe on her own. Lilly passed away two years later, a few months before the first polio vaccine came into use.

“My Aunt Lilly’s story inspired me to become a nurse and help others. I began my nursing journey as an LPN. I wanted to take care of people sick and healthy. I’ve witnessed how much people can overcome and accomplish through the power of caring relationships,” says Kehm. She adds that when she completed her PhD in nursing, her mother gave her a bouquet of lilies as a reminder of her journey.

“What I love most about being in the nursing field is the impact you can make globally as a global advocate for health and access to quality nursing care,” says Kehm. She is a strong advocate of strengthening the relationships between academic education and clinical practice, and serves as a capstone chair to students pursuing their doctoral degree in nursing practice. In one instance, she encouraged a student to explore the effect of RN undergraduate educational levels on perceived barriers to evidence-based practice using Chi-square testing. “This allowed the student to work with organizational leaders to develop interventions specific to ambulatory areas which addressed the barriers and supported nurses in their use of evidence-based practice,” she explains.

Most recently, Kehm volunteered as a virtual practicum mentor for an MSN student currently living and working on the U.S. Navy base in Yokosuka, Japan. She outlines the project: “I worked with the student to develop a needs assessment of veterans’ health needs and health disparities while living overseas. We were able to identity the risk factors for type 2 diabetes for the military and their family members living overseas.”

As one of the nine gubernatorially appointed members of the Missouri Board of Nursing, and the Board’s elected secretary, “I attend full board meetings and assist in the Board’s mission of protecting the public’s health and welfare by ensuring that competent and safe nursing care is provided by licensed nurses in the State of Missouri. Board members achieve this mission by outlining the standards for safe nursing care, regulating nursing education, and issuing licenses to practice nursing.” As a nurse educator, Kehm also serves on the Board’s Nursing Education Committee, which regulates and oversees nursing education programs. “I am proud of my professional achievements during the last 22 years as a nurse. I hope to bring my experiences and knowledge to the Board of Nursing,” says Kehm.

If she’s not teaching a course, Kehm is enjoying the outdoors with her family, or reading a good novel. Kehm says that in her 20+ years in nursing, she thinks the most important skill for a nursing student to succeed is time management. “Excelsior College offers tremendous learning opportunities and time management resources to groom the next generation of professional nurses. I am pleased to be a part of that success,” she says. And the best piece of advice she’s ever received is “You are never too busy or too important to be kind to people.” She adds that, “One thing I have learned now that I wished I’d known when I was younger is that you never truly lose. You win or you learn. Each challenge I’ve had serves as a valuable insight into myself.”

Degrees at Work: Stephanie Jump’s Path from Pre-Law to Entrepreneur and Mom

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

The scene should be familiar to many Excelsior College students: Stephanie Jump is feeding her baby boy with one hand, and completing her homework on her laptop with the other. It’s 1 a.m., and she’s exhausted, but her motivation is clear. “I wanted my son to see me graduate,” she says.

She completed many challenging assignments in the quiet overnight hours as her son slept. But after she graduated from Excelsior with her Bachelor of Science in psychology, Stephanie knew it was worth it.

“It was for him,” she says. “I wanted to be able to say to him some day, ‘You were at mommy’s graduation, and you can do it, too.’”

Stephanie’s journey to her Excelsior graduation, and her professional life, have been marked by unexpected, sometimes difficult circumstances.

After graduating from high school in 2007, Stephanie attended SUNY Broome, a community college in Binghamton, N.Y., to attain her associate degree in criminal justice, a field she’d always held a deep interest in. This drove her to Binghamton University in 2013, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in pre-law.

But life had different plans. While studying at Binghamton, she became pregnant with her son, Braydon. Pursuing higher education became more difficult, but Stephanie knew remaining in school would help her provide the best life for herself and, most importantly, her son. She remembered her SUNY Broome academic advisor Terri Fadden mentioning Excelsior College and the convenience, accessibility, and affordability of its online curriculum.

She knew it was the right fit for her, and seamlessly continued her education without taking time off. After taking a few prerequisite classes at SUNY Broome, she enrolled in Excelsior’s online program for psychology.

“Excelsior is so great because of the flexibility it offers in your course work,” Stephanie says. “I was able to work around being a mom, which was incredibly important. You can’t really take a baby to class, but you can take him to the computer.”

With Braydon to care for, it was challenging. But she did it. After hard work, dedication, and many hours of late-night multitasking, Stephanie graduated from Excelsior College in 2016 with her Bachelor of Science in psychology.

“On graduation day, I felt relieved. I was finally done with my degree, and I did it with many obstacles in my path,” says Stephanie. “Becoming a new mom made it a struggle, but Excelsior made the challenge a little easier. When I got my degree, I saw my son and my son’s father cheering me on. It was the best moment of my life.”

Armed with her degree, Stephanie embarked on the job search. She wanted to use her psychology skills and training with children in the foster care system, a field she was drawn toward after having her son.

Even though Stephanie had her hands full raising Braydon and looking for a job, she also volunteered to photograph performances at the Endicott Performing Arts Center (EPAC), a local theatre organization where she also performed. Not one to do anything half-hearted, she taught herself the best practices and nuances of photography through YouTube videos and online articles — and would actually run between acting on stage and photographing the same performances.

Stephanie continued to search for jobs in foster care, but opportunities in the Binghamton area were scarce. However, as she continued to volunteer at EPAC, her photography evolved into much more than she could’ve thought.

“People at the theatre started asking me ‘Do you do this outside of here?’” she says. “I told them I did it as a hobby, and they started asking me to take pictures for them.”

So, rather unexpectedly, Stephanie began taking photos for the people she knew through EPAC. She photographed their children, families, weddings, birthday parties, and more. As word spread about the quality of her services, Stephanie grew a large enough client base to officially start her own business, Beyond the Stage Photography.

Though Beyond the Stage is still relatively new for Stephanie, its early success has been promising. As her business continues to grow, Stephanie plans to establish a physical location for a studio, hire a full-time assistant, and construct a brand that will help her reach an even wider audience.

Professional photography may not have been what she originally had in mind – and she’s continually learning about the craft and entrepreneurship – but Stephanie uses her Excelsior education every day to grow and strengthen her business.

“My psychology degree really taught me how to talk to different kinds of people,” she says. “Knowing how the human mind works helps me get people to feel comfortable when I’m taking their picture. Excelsior also prepared me to be a business owner. You have to be a self-starter and hold yourself accountable to be successful in online classes, and the same holds true as an entrepreneur.”

Stephanie had a much different plan coming out of high school, but now well-equipped with the education and support she received from her Excelsior instructional faculty members, she uses her psychology degree every day and she’s loving the flexibility of her life as a solopreneur and young mother.

Her journey, one of versatility, tenacity, and ingenuity, is well-summarized by her slogan for Beyond the Stage Photography: “Life’s a stage. Go beyond it.”

 

Professional Advice from Stephanie Jump:

On time management:

Don’t wait until the last minute to do things. I was the queen of that. Plan accordingly for your deadlines so you’re not rushing to finish everything right before it’s due.

On having thick skin:

Have a strong backbone. There will be some people who like your work, and some people who don’t. You have to learn not to take things personally. You also have to be willing to put in the work. Things don’t happen overnight. I spent hours photographing shows, editing pictures, and learning the trade. You have to be dedicated to find success.

On balance:

Take a day that you don’t do any schoolwork. You need a day for you, a brain break.

On entrepreneurship:

I had to Google everything. I had no idea what I was doing, especially at tax time. I can’t be afraid to ask questions. I know self-management from Excelsior, so that really has helped me run a business. I like to do my own thing and be in control of what I’m doing and how I make my money. I also prefer to make my own schedule, especially with a three-year-old.

On her psychology degree:

I know how to talk to people because I know how people’s brains work. I know how to talk to people with certain anxiety disorders or depression. I can get people to open up because I know how they’re feeling.

On improving as a photographer:

Learn how to utilize different camera setups for various situations. For example, learning how to use manual mode on your camera will help when you’re taking pictures in low-light situations. Being able to adjust your approach for different light hues and intensities is incredibly helpful. You should also familiarize yourself with where you’re shooting pictures, because many times that will dictate what photography techniques will be most effective. If you’re looking for a good place for photography tips, I learned most of what I know through YouTube videos.

On her Excelsior experience:

My Excelsior professors were always very encouraging. Any time I had an issue with an assignment, they were always very helpful and understanding. They truly make you feel good about yourself and the classwork you’re doing. My experience at Excelsior has helped me learn to manage myself and my business, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Stephanie Jump transferred all the credit she earned at SUNY Broome to Excelsior College as part of our 3+1 bachelor’s completion program.

Health Coaching- Empowering Change

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Carole Heaney, RN, Adjunct Faculty, School of Health Sciences

Health and public health officials have long been tackling the growing numbers of chronic health issues responsible for high numbers of preventable deaths. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization, many deaths are related to non-communicable diseases, particularly chronic disease, and contribute to approximately 70 percent of deaths in the U.S. and worldwide. If we focus on lifestyle-related illnesses alone in the U.S., heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, and diabetes top the list. Behaviors such as smoking, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating habits are common culprits in these illnesses.

Health education aims to positively shift these the behaviors to prevent these illnesses from becoming debilitating and life-threatening. But, the current paradigm of “I talk, you listen,” hasn’t been successful in changing behavior enough to encourage people to improve their health.

Enter, Health and Wellness . Health and wellness coaching is designed to elicit behavior change by identifying what motivates and empowers people to change, rather than a hierarchical educational approach.

Excelsior College’s School of Health Sciences recognized the importance of health and wellness coaching and, in 2017, premiered a new undergraduate course, Introduction to Health and Wellness Coaching. Creating and teaching this course has been a wonderful journey for me. As each week passed in teaching the course, I could feel students’ perceptions change from professionals needing to have all the answers to the clients already having the answers within.

Some student comments have included, “This course has further encouraged me to become a health coach. The tools acquired here, and the technique of Motivational Interviewing has added to my excitement about this field.” and “This course gave me a well-rounded basis of what the coach does and how different it is from other, similar health careers. It takes a bit from many disciplines and uses them to gain insight into the individual. I really enjoyed it and made me more interested in this career.”

Concepts such as mindfulness, attention to the whole person, active listening, and motivational interviewing deepened the students’ personal experiences of communicating more effectively with family, friends, and co-workers. It shifted their perspective on how to influence positive behavior change toward wellness. This course is about preparing people to embark on a journey with a client and empowering that person to create and sustain change from within.

 

Course Feature: SOC 247: Sports in American Society

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

In many ways sports are not just a metaphor for life, but are the very beating heart of the life of our society. Because sports are such an important part of U.S. society, we seldom reflect on how or why they became such a force, why we in engage them, and how, even if we dislike sports, they shape so much of what goes on around us every day. In SOC 247, students explore how sport in the U.S.A. is an institution that affects virtually all aspects of society, and examine sports from a variety of social science perspectives, including from historical, political, economic, and sociological viewpoints.

According to Ted Lehmann, faculty program director for the social sciences, students in Sports in American Society look at sports and American culture, including the topics: sports at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels (i.e. their role in the family, the community/society, the economy, etc.); sports icons (e.g., LeBron, Brady, etc.) and their role in popular culture; performance-enhancing drugs; sports as business, even at the college level; and American sports across the world and world sports inside America.

“Military students seeking lower-level social science/history credit, in particular, should be most interested in this course,” says Lehmann, “but, really any student interested in sports of any kind, and the role of sports in society, from the local level to the international one.” It’s especially meaningful for students who wish to gain a broader understanding of sports culture.

SOC 247: Sports in America helps students see the bigger picture, says Lehmann. “It is a very enjoyable course which opens the eyes of students to the importance of sport in American society, at all levels of our society, and across all key demographic groupings,” he adds.

Students agree it’s enjoyable. “Thank you for opening my eyes to everything that is more behind the scenes about sports. I understand now that it is more than just statistics of a player, but most importantly the global impact sports have,” says one student. Another adds, “Some of the topics concerning race inequality and also the economics behind sport were frustrating, but truthful nonetheless. I was glad to have an opportunity to open my eyes into the issues.” Furthermore, one student summed up the course well, saying, “The course is full of enticing knowledge that invites the student as a fan to think outside the box and realize that there is more to sports than food, beverages, and friends.”

Faculty member Jason Burns agrees. “The course is a fun and interactive walk through sports and its close relationship to American life and society, both past and present… Sports play such a large role in many of our everyday lives, and this course is a great way to show cultural and societal impacts in a format that is both fun and interactive.” Alfred DeFreece, another faculty member, also says, “Students demonstrate a greater appreciation of why sport issues cross over into political and economic and cultural and social concerns. Students get that at the pro level, sport is about entertainment, but it runs much deeper.”

If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of sports, considering signing up for SOC 247.

 

Learn

5 Tips to Master Professional Networking

Posted on by Maribeth Gunner

By: Sarah Murphy & Maribeth Gunner Pulliam

One of the most important activities for a truly successful job search is networking. Career experts agree that career networking is one of the most effective ways to find and obtain a job. While classified ads and online job boards might give you a few places to start, the vast majority of job openings are never advertised. Job seekers need to have a network of contacts, or a career network, that can provide support, information, and job leads. Has been awhile since your last job hunt? Feeling a little rusty? Here are a few tips to oil those networking tools and techniques:

  1. Look at Who You Already Know

Career networking can begin with the people closest to you: friends, family, neighbors, community members, and past employers you have maintained relationships with. Let everyone know your overall career goals and the type of job you are seeking. You never know who will have a contact who is aware of an opening in your field. This primary group is also a good place to begin when you are creating leads for informational interviews, another networking strategy that is proven to be incredibly beneficial for job-seekers and explorers, alike. Which leads us to:

  1. Set Up an Informational Interview

Informational interviews can help job seekers gain firsthand knowledge in the career they are exploring. Not only will you become more well-informed, but you’ll get to make a connection to someone in your field of interest. Setting up an interview with someone you already know, know through mutual contacts, or connected with through a cold call are all good ways to grow your professional network. Interviewing someone, whether you know them or not, can be an unsettling experience, but you’ll find that most interviewees are excited to talk about their field and eager to lend advice.

  1. Become a Member

An additional resource not to be over looked when establishing a network is professional associations. Memberships to professional associations in your career field are not only beneficial for networking, but also keep you apprised of the most current information in the field.

  1. Have a Social Media Presence

We have all witnessed how social media has revolutionized life as we know it, and job networking is no exception, making it another source of network building. Social networking has already become deeply rooted in the vast majority of everyday life; we use it for entertainment, communication, and more often now for job seeking. The benefits to online networking are that most information is well-organized and can be accessed quickly. Job seekers can easily identify friends and acquaintances who can provide promising connections. Additionally, employers have also increasingly found online networks helpful in locating and screening new hires

Bonus Tip – There are a large selection of social networking sites to choose from, and LinkedIn.com is one of the largest and most popular networking sites. However, Twitter and Facebook are popular mediums, as well. As useful as social networks can be for job hunting, it is also important to be cautious when using these platforms. Knowing the basic ‘dos and don’ts’ of social media will help maintain a professional and positive persona. It’s important to note that while many people have found online networking to be an extremely helpful tool, don’t put your entire job search hopes into online networking. It’s just one of the many tools in your networking toolbox.

And finally:

  1. Remember You’re Building a Relationship

All your network connections, traditional or online, are not just there to help you. It is a reciprocal relationship. Build the relationships within your network by staying in contact and offering to help others when you can. Whether you are actively job hunting or secure and satisfied in your current position, you should always remain engaged in your network. Then, if you are looking for a promotion, or perhaps find yourself without a job, you can rely on your network to give you job leads and provide references to help you take the next step in your career.

A strong network can give you an advantage in your job hunt. Building a professional network takes time and effort. However, it is well worth the effort. Successful people realize that one of the best ways to advance in your career is through networking. To learn more about this essential strategy, and how to further develop your career plan, check out the links below:

 

How To Build and Expand your Career Network: 10 Proved Techniques for Job-Seekers 

Career Networking Do’s and Don’ts for Job-Seekers

Researching Employers Through Informational Interviews 

Seven Rules for Networking Success

Social and Career Networking Sites are the Latest Tools for Job Seekers and Employers 

Social Savvy: Position Yourself for Career Success Using Social Media 

A Conversation Worth Having: Reap the Benefits of Informational Interviewing 

 

Visit the Excelsior College Career Center for more networking resources and other helpful tips and tools for your career.

5

Is a Health Sciences Degree Right for Me?

Posted on by Anna Zendell

By Anna Zendell, Faculty Program Director

You might have chosen the health science field because you like working with people and want to make a difference. So why is a health sciences degree important? Here are several reasons:

  1. Health sciences degrees are extremely versatile. You can work in clinical care, management, health education, information management, public health, and so much more. As you grow in your career, you can choose to diversify your career or become a true expert in your chosen area.
  2. Health sciences professionals work with individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds. Do you like working with children? Seniors? Community groups? As a graduate of Excelsior’s School of Health Sciences, you will typically work with a highly diverse clientele and within a diverse workforce. Opportunities abound in an array of settings, ranging from home and community, workplace wellness programs, government agencies, and research and development, to health care organizations.
  3. Health sciences degrees put you on the cutting edge of health care. Health sciences professionals are trained to innovate; to think creatively while applying best practices and the latest research to find solutions to individual and community health problems. These professionals know how to leverage 21st century information, data, technology, and the human experience to make positive change.
  4. Health sciences professionals love what they do. People who work in the health sciences tend to be highly satisfied with their careers. Many of our students in the School of Health Sciences want to help others. With this career, they can do just that, no matter where they work!
  5. Health sciences careers provide employment stability. There are many positions available in all sectors of health and public health, in all regions of the country—and globally! The need is so great that graduates of our programs tend to find jobs quickly and remain employed.

A career in the health sciences has something for everyone, no matter what their interests and passions. When you graduate with a degree in health sciences from Excelsior College, you will be ready to work with individuals and communities to meet their health and wellness needs.

Veteran Tomas Serna Gives Back

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Tomas Serna may have left active duty in October 2016, but his life remains anything but calm. Nowadays, the former lieutenant colonel is teaching, coaching, and mentoring the next generation of nursing leaders—what he claims was the best choice he could have made.

Serna initially joined the Army in 1983 because his business degree gave him little job prospects. When he briefly left the Army eight years later, he attended college at the University of Texas at El Paso and attained his bachelor’s in nursing. “I chose nursing because it gave me better career opportunities,” he says. Now he works as an employee for the federal government. “I just changed uniforms and returned to work,” says Serna. “My military and my civilian life is pretty much interconnected. I would not change it. I would rather continue to serve than to work in a civilian hospital.”

It wasn’t easy to transition to civilian life, however. “I think the most difficult thing for me was losing control. As an Army officer, I had a lot of responsibility, but I also had a lot of respect. I could make things happen with a single order,” Serna explains.” Understandably, now it’s not so much the case, and Serna says a certain level of diplomacy must be mastered in order to get things done.

That doesn’t take away from his love of teaching. Serna teaches NUR338 Introduction to Nursing Informatics and NUR456 Leadership and Management in Nursing at Excelsior. “I enjoy dedicated students. I can work with students who are committed to succeed in the course. I can help them become successful in the class. I look for those students who work hard,” he says. It runs in the family, too. One of Serna’s greatest personal achievements is raising two wonderful nurses—his son and daughter. He “provided effective teaching, coaching, and mentoring. I could not give the profession more than my own two children.” One of Serna’s greatest military achievements is that in 2004, Serna took 450 soldiers to Iraq and brought them all back safely. Both accomplishments are a testament to Serna’s strong will and dedication to lead others to thrive and succeed.

Serna’s advice extends far beyond the paternal. He encourages veterans to take advantage of every possible program available to them; for instance, the VA has many programs, including job placement opportunities. “The transition center can also help them [veterans] before they get out of the service,” Serna explains They need to find a way to transfer their military experience, education, and training to the civilian job force. They need to dress to impress.”

In addition to helping fellow veterans, Serna is a member of a variety of local community organizations. He is also a member of the Texas Nursing Association and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. “We conduct bi-yearly health fairs, seminars and educational activities within the community. The goal is to promote the profession within the community,” he explains. As a former Army Nurse Corps officer, he is a member of the Army Nurse Corps Association. In this capacity, he helps mentor young officers. “Further,” continues Serna “as a certified medical surgical nurse, I help our clinical nurse specialists develop and present in-services to help our young nurses attain medical surgical certifications.”

When he’s not dedicating his time to helping others, where would you find such a busy guy? Probably the beach, says Serna. “I have a variety of classic cars. I like to work on them and drive them around. I also like to spend time on the beach. It is relaxing and very satisfying.” After the days he has, it sounds like a good time to us.

Rogue Robots and Human Flaws: AI in Cybersecurity

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

When most people hear the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) they think about science fiction movies that portray robots that go rogue and try to annihilate humans. The truth of the matter is AI is so much more than that. The combination of machine learning in security, neural networks, and decision making can and has taken the technology to new heights.

The earliest implementations of computer AI can be traced back to 1951, and there have been major advancements as the computational power of computers has increased (Buchanan, AI Magazine, 2005). There are individuals who believe AI will play a large part in the future of cybersecurity. This is apparent because AI and neural networks can do more work than humans in shorter amounts of time. They also do not need vacations and do not get sick. Once programmed, they have a very small error rate, and if there is an error, it is typically in the programming, which is a human error.

The real problem is that AI is always going to react to a cyber incident following a specific algorithm, based on the decision tree analysis and the algorithms it uses for “logic.” This is a fundamental flaw with all computer systems. If a software program can be programmed, then it can be unprogrammed. Flaws and weaknesses can be found to exploit a weakness in the system. If this algorithm is known, then hackers can work to avoid the security safeguards that initiate a cyber response therefore bypassing and prolonging the reaction from the system. The ideal solution is to have human and machines working together. It has been documented that humans have a profound fear/hesitation of working with computers if they do not know how the computer is expected to react (Rouse, Human Factors, 1988).

I believe this research is outdated and that individuals are becoming more accustom to working with and relying on computers. With the incorporation of AI and neural networks, most cybersecurity experts may not trust the algorithm being used to make the AI decisions; therefore, the individual experience will play a large part of how they use the output from the computer. I would suggest not putting the computer in the position of ultimate response to a cyber incident, but instead allowing them to suggest responses that can be carried out by the human partner in the relationship. The AI could be programmed to analyze large amounts of data for anomalies or specific patterns that have already been known to be a cyber issue and then report that information to the human counterpart. If the human counterpart feel comfortable with the data that the AI is producing, then they would have the option to allow the AI to automatically respond to the cyber incident. I think this option will take a period for the trusted relationship to be formed. Once this relationship is formed cyber incidents will be handled more efficiently.

AI is used in many areas of the cybersecurity industry. There are needs in military scenarios to use AI robotics to make decisions in dangerous situations. Putting an AI robot in harm’s way is a better alternative than risking human lives (Yeh, P. Z., & Crawford, J., AI Magazine, 2017). Using AI robots to inspect manufacturing is a way to automate a human’s role in production (Norman, D., Research-Technology Management, 2017).

Using AI in manufacturing means that we won’t have as many line engineers doing inspections of products. Computers and cameras would do the initial checks and then a human could do a follow-up if issues arose. Therefore, the role of a line engineer must now evolve into someone who can read and understand the output of the computer system. The same can be said for a network defense or infrastructure hardening engineer/analyst: let the robotic AI do the first pass and put the foundations in place. Then have the human check to make sure it meets standards. Let the neural networks do data analysis and report on the outlying data. This will speed up the daily task, while integrating computers, AI, cybersecurity, and humans. The overall goal should be to become more secure if integrating artificial intelligence in security systems.

To fully rely on AI to handle all tasks would be a foolish endeavor and it may very well lead to the horror science fiction stories. To use AI to do tasks that can speed up the production and output of humans is an idea that is scary at times but should be embraced as technology evolves.

Degrees At Work: How Terry Evans Turned Four Excelsior Degrees Into a Career Fighting International Cybercriminals

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

The moment was pretty distinct for Terry Evans. Working in the New York State Attorney General’s fraud division in 2012, he had to make a tough phone call to a widow in Buffalo to tell her she was scammed out of $80,000 by foreign criminals.

“I had to tell her her life savings was gone and there was nothing the government could do about it. I wanted to do more and we couldn’t,” says Evans. “That was the final catalyst: I knew I had to do something else.”

He started Lighthouse Business Consulting Services Inc. in 2013, and began looking into further education on cybersecurity. He quickly decided to return to Excelsior College for a fourth degree, having already earned an Associate in Science in Liberal Arts with an area of focus in criminal justice in 2008, a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with focus areas in administrative/management studies and criminal justice in 2009, and a master of business administration in 2012.

Attracted to Excelsior’s experience in this rapidly evolving but still somewhat new field, as well as to the college’s experienced faculty and diverse students, Evans earned his Master of Science in Cybersecurity in 2014. In 2017, he used his multifaceted work experience (law enforcement, corrections, fraud investigations) to launch Cybersleuth Investigations Inc., after getting an influx of Lighthouse clients asking about personal situations dealing with online predators.

In less than a year, he’s attracted an international client base, become a fellow with the National Cybersecurity Institute at Excelsior College, and been quoted as an expert in publications that include Allure magazine.

It’s certainly been challenging: as a sole proprietor, he’s on call seven days a week and often starts working at 5 a.m. He’s also investigating and tracking dangerous criminals in places like the Philippines, Jamaica, Yemen, Russia, and Nigeria. And since his goal is to cut off their income sources (“cash pigs” is what he says cybercriminals call their victims), he’s even received death threats.

He’s more focused on the success stories than the potential for danger.

“It’s very gratifying for me to have a client call up and say ‘Thank you for giving me my life back,’” Evans says. “That’s a cool rush for me.”

Evans admits that people skills and empathy are critical to his job. He also stresses the value of separating work and family, a skill that came in handy as the father of three children (ages 16, 24, 27) who earned four degrees in six years through Excelsior.

“Balance is a tough thing,” he says. “It’s important to really have someone in your family who has a string on your balloon and pays attention so you don’t lose sight of the key areas you don’t want to lose sight of. You can’t rush through things. It’s critical to slow all that down.”

Evans’ next step is to focus on education and training, in the hopes of helping more people spot and avoid cyber scams. With cybercrime damage costs estimated to reach $6 trillion annually by 2021 according to Cybersecurity Ventures, the risks are only going to increase as criminals get smarter and more sophisticated.

“I want to turn to the piece of the business that really focuses on education and training,” Evans says. “I don’t believe you can solve this issue with legislation. It’s about doing preventative kinds of things. The joy is in getting to people early enough.”

His goal is to make more of the positive phone calls than the negative ones.

 

More advice from Terry Evans:

On Networking:

I strongly encourage current students to connect with their peers and professors. Building a solid network while in school will serve to provide a connection to the industry and assist graduates to remain current and cutting-edge. My peers and the contacts I’ve made are as valuable as the degree itself. Keep a spreadsheet of the people you’re in contact with. Don’t get busy and lose sight of making those networking contacts.

On Time Management:

As most Excelsior College students realize, it can be a difficult task indeed to balance work, home and school. Time management isn’t about sacrificing one critical area over another but rather involves organizing oneself so that time is equally dedicated and delegated to all of these essential areas. I strongly recommend that students avoid overwhelming themselves by trying to speed through their education.

On His Excelsior Experience:

I earned two advanced degrees from Excelsior College, specifically an MBA and an MS in Cybersecurity. This combination is somewhat unique and provides me with considerable advantages over others with single-focused disciplines. In particular, I am able to translate complex technology into the language of business and individuals. Further, I am able to operate a successful cybersecurity consulting firm without the need for expensive outside business management.

Business Advice:

I have learned that trappings are a waste of money and time. I only invest in resources that further my ability to meet the needs of my clients.

 Best Podcast for Cybersecurity:

The comprehensive series of podcasts offered by Excelsior Colleges’ National Cybersecurity Institute provide an ongoing and current stream of information.  Cybersecurity is an ever-changing science and thus requires continual education. The NCI podcast offerings allow me to pick and choose what is most relevant to me in rather quick, concise, and clear presentations on a time frame that meets my needs.

On Upcoming Cybersecurity Trends:

I am particularly concerned about the public’s adoption of technology offered by marketing and data collection for-profit companies. Smartphones and other internet-enabled devices requiring excessive permissions are particularly troubling. While the lion’s share of cybersecurity needs remains with national security and banking, attention needs to be given to less obvious targets such as public schools, small businesses and individuals.

Click here to discover more information about Excelsior’s master’s degree offerings in cybersecurity.

<img src= “https://life.excelsior.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/01/EXCEL-15981-Degrees-At-Work-Terry-Evans-PIN.jpg" alt="Terry Evans, 4 time alumnus and CEO of Cybersleuth Investigations, Inc.”

Course Feature: Conflict Management

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

How do your conflicts typically play out? Do you sense there are patterns in your conflicts? Students in COMM 324 explore the causes, processes, and outcomes of conflict as well as the principles and techniques for improving the handling of conflict. Key topics include interpersonal violence, stress and anger management, forgiveness, negotiation, and mediation.

Though conflict might be hard to face for some people, Hector Gonzales, one of the course instructors, indicates it is important to learn to manage. He says, “The course exposes students to recognize that conflict, while considered by many as a negative experience,  is a part of life and if managed properly could lead to stronger relationships and build self-confidence.”

Another of the course’s instructors, John Hetherington, adds that “conflict is not necessarily a negative process, and there are positive ways to engage in productive conflicts that help all parties achieve at least some of their goals.”

Gonzales explains the course applies to various settings, including how to deal with interpersonal relationships. “Therefore, it applies to family, social, and professional relationships,” he says. Hetherington adds that the course is relevant to students from a wide range of backgrounds. He explains, “Business students will find this course helpful in understanding office politics as well as the negotiation process. Students in the social sciences and human services will find this course useful in understanding interpersonal conflict and methods for managing it.”

According to Gonzales, the most significant takeaway for students is their changed perception  about conflict and how to manage it., “I think they recognize they cannot control other people’s behavior, but they can manage how they react to a conflict situation,” he says.

Students have agreed with Gonzales’s assessment and have had positive reactions to the course. “The class is therapy for me because I recognize how I reacted to specific situations. I now try to respond logically rather than emotionally,” mentioned one student. Another added, “The class makes me want to be a better person. By reflecting on how my reactions made other people feel, I recognize the importance of empathy.”

Hetherington has enjoyed instructing COMM 324. ’I am consistently amazed by the depth and quality of our discussions, and the interesting and important conflicts that students share with me and one another,” says Hetherington “Learning to manage conflict is an ongoing process, and it is immensely gratifying to see that students put what they learn in the course to work right away and often see dramatic changes in their own conflict style and the results of those conflicts before the course even ends.”

Gonzales provides a similar view about the impact of the course on personal communication.  “Although not geographically, the world is smaller because we are more exposed to other people and cultures,” he says.“Understanding the world around us will help us to communicate with others.” So, if you want to improve the relationships in your life, COMM 324 is the course for you.

<img src= “https://www.excelsior.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Conflict-Management_Pintrest_v1.jpg” alt=”How do conflicts plan out? Learn about managing interpersonal relationships in COMM 324.”