Community Engagement News

Service-Learning Students Create Computer Lab at Robert Renick Educational Center

The Barry computer science students and faculty in the activity room, where the computer lab is located. L–R: Wilyn St-Armand, Herve Jean-Baptiste, Dr. Rick Jimenez, Lola Umarova, Zachariah Moore, and Dr. James Haralambides. – Photo contributed

Robert Renick Educational Center now has a networked computer lab, thanks to a service-learning project completed by Barry computer science students with faculty support.

Under the watchful eye of CS 305 (Computer Systems) instructor Jean Alcime and CS 332 (Computer Hardware Organization) professor James Haralambides, students recently refurbished computers destined for the school.

A four-member team of students—Herve Jean-Baptiste, Zachariah Moore, Wilyn St-Armand, and Lola Umarova—installed and networked the computers in the new activity room at the Miami Gardens school.

Dr. Ricardo “Rick” Jimenez, associate professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, managed the execution of the project and, along with Dr. Haralambides, supervised the computer lab installation.

Both CS 305 and CS 332 are designated service-learning courses in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I am very proud of the work the students put into this project,” Dr. Jimenez said. “Their hard work and dedication to making a positive impact in our community is truly commendable. By putting their knowledge and skills into action, they gained valuable experience and perspective that will serve them well in their future endeavors.”

Principal Aisha V. Marrero expresses appreciation to Dr. Rick Jimenez for the work done by the Barry computer science students and faculty. – Photo contributed

Dr. Rick Jimenez and Lola Umarova look at a thank-you message from Robert Renick Educational Center in Miami Gardens. – Photo contributed

Dr. Karen Callaghan, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, congratulated and thanked the students and faculty for their outstanding project. She said it was a fine example of community engagement through service-learning.

Robert Renick Educational Center is a specialized learning center within the Miami-Dade County public school district. The school serves PK to 22-year-old students with emotional/behavioral disabilities.

The four Barry students, as well as Drs. Jimenez and Haralambides, attended the grand opening of the school’s activity room on February 17.

Principal Aisha V. Marrero expressed gratitude to them for helping to expand Renick’s resources by creating the computer lab.

Chemistry Club Members Make Scientific Method Come Alive at Local School

Fifth- and eighth-grade students at St. Rose of Lima School saw some “cool” science experiments earlier this month, when a group of Barry University students made the scientific method come alive.

Carly Bebe, Nelleke Bunji, Kyle Edwards, Alejandra Leon, Sofia Mesa, Herleyd Remy, and Stephanie Salterini are all members of Barry’s Chemistry Club.

Guided by Dr. Tamara Hamilton, professor of chemistry, the group demonstrated a series of steps used in scientific investigations, offered explanations, and answered questions.

Hands-on experiments for the fifth graders included “The Nature of Dye,” in which students investigated a color-changing dye isolated from crushed cochineal insects, and “Chemistry is Colorful,” for which students made brightly patterned paper ornaments by separation of pigments in water-soluble marker inks.

In “Rocket Reactions,” another experiment targeted to kids in the fifth grade, the college students tested various ratios of citric acid and baking soda to launch the highest rocket into the air.

For the benefit of the eighth graders, the college students conducted a lava lamp experiment that followed a science fair format. The college students also showed them how to identify dependent and independent variables and how to record, graphically illustrate, and interpret data.

Dr. Hamilton, the Chemistry Club’s faculty advisor, and the seven members visited St. Rose of Lima on February 9. The private, Catholic school is located in Miami Shores and has a student population of approximately 430.

POSITIVE MESSAGE—Barry Service Corps Fellow Valentine Thomas conveys a positive message: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)

Nonpartisan Democratic Engagement Internships Being Offered for This Summer

Students interested in advancing nonpartisan democratic engagement on college campuses across the country are invited to apply for summer internships with Civic Nation.

Civic Nation is “a nonprofit ecosystem for high-impact organizing and education initiatives working to build a more inclusive, equitable America.” The network is designed to “shift culture, systems, and policy by bringing together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders and influencers to tackle our nation’s most pressing social challenges.”

For information on Federal Work-Study Community Service,
contact the program facilitator via email at bsc@barry.edu.

DELIBERATIVE DIALOGUE: The final forum in the academic year’s Deliberative Dialogue Series will address the issue of climate change. 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: A Barry alumna made a special presentation on “Black Resistance” at a Black History Month celebration in Hollywood (Broward County) on February 23.