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Princeton Review Ranks LIU “Best in the Northeast” for 4th Straight Year

For the fourth consecutive year, Long Island University has been named to The Princeton Review’s annual college rankings of the best colleges for 2021. According to The Princeton Review, the colleges on its lists are those “that we consider academically outstanding and well worth consideration in your college search.”

The University also earned a high return on investment (ROI) rating, which combines Princeton Review’s academic rating, financial aid rating, and college costs, with Payscale.com data from alumni surveys on starting and mid-career salaries.

Student survey responses gave the University high scores for quality of life, fire safety rating, and campus sustainability. The quality of life metric asks students to consider: the beauty, safety, and location of the campus; the comfort of dorms; the quality of food; the ease of getting around campus and dealing with administrators; the friendliness of fellow students; the interaction of different student types; and the quality of the school’s relationship with the local community. Additionally, LIU’s faculty was awarded high praise for professor quality, as well as for professor accessibility outside the classroom.

These rankings were based on student responses to a survey that asked 143,000 students at 386 of the nation’s top colleges to rate their schools on dozens of topics important to college applicants and their parents, including “their school’s academics and administration, their life at college, their fellow students, and themselves.”

Student commentaries from the survey are included in each college’s Princeton Review profile, with LIU receiving praise for its “strong and accepting community,” its “outstanding business and nursing programs,” and its “engaging [and] passionate” faculty.

The 2019-2020 academic year was one marked by profound accomplishments and significant growth for LIU. The University received approval for the College of Veterinary Medicine, announced the George Polk School of Communications and the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, broke ground on a campus improvement project with RXR Realty, and debuted as the Sharks in NCAA Division I competition.

A cat’s life is a tale written by its paws

On September 22, 2013, Arizona Cardinals safety, Rashad Johnson, lost the top of his left middle finger after tackling a player from the rival team. Johnson, no stranger to injuries, tweeted the next day that this was “Prob most painful injury I’ve had”. This statement should not surprise us, as each of our fingers is a marvel of complexity, combining strength and dexterity, and as such is an extremely sensitive organ with numerous interlaced blood vessels and nerves.

Yet, the human finger is not unique in that sense. Many animals, and practically all mammals, whether they are bipedal, quadrupedal or knuckle-walkers, share a similar anatomy of their fore- and hind-limbs digits. This phenomenon is known as “homology” – the similarity of anatomical structures from different species based on their descent from a common evolutionary ancestor.

A finger, is a finger, is a finger

The underlying structure of the mammalian finger is formed by 3 small tubular bones called phalanges (or phalanx for a single bone). These bones got their name from the ancient Greek phalanx, which means “soldiers”, that like fingers, used to stand side-by-side in an army formation. The longest phalanx in each digit is closest to the palm of the hand (or the sole of the foot) and is called the proximal phalanx. Next is a shorter phalanx, named the intermediate phalanx. Finally, the shortest phalanx, termed the distal phalanx forms the tip of the digit. The exceptions are the thumb and big toe, both only having 2 phalanges as they are missing the intermediate phalanx. Figure 1 below depicts a typical human (bottom) and cat (top) digit, displaying the intermediate (right) and distal (left) phalanges in beige color.

The 3 phalanges of each digit articulate with each other to form inter-phalangeal joints, which are reinforced by several ligaments that attach close to the edges of each bone (fig. 1, in white color). In addition, several muscle tendons are inserted along opposite sides of the 3 phalanges to enable the digits to flex and extend (fig. 1, in brown color). The bones, ligaments and muscles are entwined with blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, and finally encapsulated by a cover of skin.

Figure 1. A representative human finger (bottom) and cat digit (top). The intermediate (right) and distal (left) phalanges are shown in beige color. The distal inter-phalangeal joint is the articulation between these 2 bones. Ligaments are depicted in white and muscle ligaments in brown. The connective tissue, including nerves and blood vessels, are shown in light orange and the surrounding skin in pink. Nail and claw are illustrated in light blue. The top black dotted line demonstrates where the guillotine nail trimmer is placed over the cat digit to amputate the distal phalanx. The bottom black dotted line indicates the identical location in human fingers, if a similar amputation procedure would take place.

And then there is the nail, or claw (fig. 1, in light blue color). This structure is made of a hard protein called keratin, which is also the main component of hair and the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). As such, the nail/claw itself is a dead tissue, and that is why we can safely clip it without feeling pain. The nail/claw root, which is the only live part of this tissue and the site of nail/claw growth, is a different story. The nail and claw arise from this highly vascularized and innervated growth zone, which is embedded in the innermost layer of the epidermis, overlapping with the distal phalanx in humans yet firmly rooted in the distal phalanx in cats. Specialized cells, called keratinocytes, continuously divide, elongating the nail/claw and eventually forcing us to clip them.

Cats, big and small, wild and domesticated, use a different method to keep their claws short and sharp – they scratch various surfaces to remove the outer layers of their claws. Outdoors, these surfaces will include mostly trees. Indoors, however, our domestic cats revert to available surfaces like carpets, sofas, chairs and tables. This type of behavior brings them many times in conflict with their owners’ wish to keep their rugs and furniture intact and scratchless. And so, finally, we come to the topic of declawing (medically known as onychectomy).

What declawing really means

While declawing may sound like a benign term to the laypersons, implying just the removal of the claw and the prevention of claw growth, the actual meaning of declawing is really amputation. The declawing operation itself usually involves a guillotine nail trimmer or the use of a scalpel to disarticulate the distal inter-phalangeal joint and the amputation of the entire last digit with the surrounding tissue, which includes the claw growth zone, the digital flexor and extensor tendons and the dorsal and collateral ligaments of the distal inter-phalangeal joint. Looking at figure 1 again, the dotted black line indicates the location of amputation in the cat digit (top) and the corresponding location in the human digit (bottom), if a similar “declawing” operation would have taken place. Remember Rashad Johnson who suffered from a partial amputation of just one finger and described it as the most painful injury he ever endured? Now multiply it many times over, (depending if only the front paws or also the back paws of the cat are declawed), and you will only start to grasp how distressing and traumatic this operation is to the cat.

Excluding the relatively few cases where declawing is performed due to a true medical reason, the estimation is that at least 20% of all cats in the US undergo declawing as an elective procedure, which amounts to about 16 million cats, and the question must be asked – If this elective orthopedic operation of digit amputation is so drastic, painful and has no real benefit to the cat, why are we still performing it? The answer is simple; unfortunately for cats, they are the masters of disguise when it comes to pain. Owing to their stoic behavior, even under sever post-operative pain, your cat may only slightly alter its gait or at worse will limp a bit. Most owners will probably fail to notice it, let alone mention it to their vet in the next visit. Even veterinarians, are not always aware of this behavior and will fail to notice these long-term changes in gait termed lameness. Yet, as bad as chronic post-operative pain is, it is not the sole issue with declawing. Other complications are far from rare, and may include bleeding, infection, tissue necrosis, damage to the radial nerve due to severing of its distal branches, and even claw regrowth due to failure of completely removing the growth zone.

In many countries, including most European countries, declawing is illegal. This is also true for New York state, where cat declawing was banned by law in July 2019. One can only hope that other states will soon follow this humane initiative and will end this unnecessary suffering for our feline companion.

–Dr. Meir Barak, Associate Professor of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences

Did you know? Regular blood work screenings for your pets is important

Blood work can provide incredibly useful information for your pet that is not always possible for their veterinarian to detect from a physical examination. This is especially important for adult and senior pets, who are more likely to develop long-term (chronic) diseases such as cancer.

Chronic diseases typically develop slowly over a long period of time, and animals who have chronic disease often show minimal (if any) clinical signs that would alert the owner of possible illness. For example, an adult cat with early kidney disease may start to drink more water and urinate more frequently, but otherwise behave normally. These changes are often subtle and easily missed.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, a recent data analysis revealed that 15% of adult, 21% of senior, and 42% of geriatric dogs and cats showed significant blood work abnormalities that required veterinary care, which underscores the importance of screening.1 Animals who have early detection, treatment and follow-up for their illnesses often have the best outcomes. Even if your pet has no blood work abnormalities, screening is still important to establish their baseline blood levels, which can be analyzed for subtle changes over time and alert the veterinarian of a developing illness. Baseline blood work screening involves a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, and a urinalysis. These tests evaluate blood cells, electrolytes, and organ enzymes, and kidney function. It is generally recommended to have these tests performed every 6 months to every year, especially for older animals (generally older than 6 years of age for dogs, and 8 years for cats). If your pet is diagnosed with an underlying condition, your veterinarian will further advise you as to how frequently they need to be tested.

–Dr. Tara Piech, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine

Groundbreaking Initiative to Spark Volunteerism & Develop Future Leaders Spearheaded by Long Island University’s Global Service Institute & Renowned Broadcaster Rita Cosby

Long Island University (LIU) announces Rita Cosby, the renowned Emmy-winning TV host, veteran correspondent and best-selling author, as the chair of its Global Service Institute. Cosby will lead the Institute’s game-changing and innovative educational initiatives to inspire a timely commitment toward volunteerism and elevate the importance and power of service. During this unprecedented moment with the economic devastation caused by the virus, the need for volunteers to assist drastically depleted nonprofit organizations has never been greater.

Through high-level engagement programs, conferences, internships, scholarships and fellowships, the Institute will instill this character-building theme, preparing and inspiring students and others to help find solutions to complex worldwide challenges and seek personal or professional lives dedicated to service. The Institute upholds a nonpartisan mission to foster crucial dialogue on worldwide issues, while positioning students to change the world with new models of innovation and social entrepreneurship.

“The Global Service Institute established LIU as a premier destination for developing values-driven global citizens who will impact their communities,” said Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University. “With her global experience exploring critical headlines and lifelong dedication to service, Rita Cosby is an exemplary leader who will elevate the Institute to even higher levels.”

The Global Service Institute’s Honorary Advisory Board consists of esteemed and accomplished individuals from diverse fields—all of whom share a strong commitment to fostering service. Board members include Boxing Legend Evander Holyfield, Super Bowl Champ Joe Theismann, King of the High Wire Nik Wallenda, Grammy-Winning Singer Dionne Warwick, Emmy-Winning Actress Susan Lucci, Roc Nation President of Business Operations & Strategy Brett Yormark, Oscar-Nominated Actor Gary Sinise, Best-Selling Author Nelson DeMille, Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Wesley Clark, Michael Reagan, Business Executive and D-Day Veteran Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg, America’s First Female Four-Star General Ann Dunwoody, Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs, Founder of EarthX Trammell S. Crow, Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, Public Relations Powerhouse Ken Sunshine and others.

The LIU Global Service Institute will kick off the Fall 2020 semester with the Headliners of Service monthly virtual speakers series which will feature special live conversations with Susan Eisenhower, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Global Service App Launched to Galvanize Volunteerism at Crucial Time

In another notable development, the Institute has set out to streamline volunteering by developing a comprehensive, user-friendly free Global Service app that instantly connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations, community groups and others. Created and managed by LIU, it is one of the first apps of its kind built and overseen by an educational institution. To download the app, please click here for Apple devices or click here for Android.

Rita Cosby commented, “The work of the Global Service Institute and launch of our new app could not come at a more pivotal and crucial time. With the staggering economic hardship so many people are enduring, there is an overwhelming and profound demand for volunteers and services that are often lifesaving in this dire moment. Volunteering also gives individuals greater purpose in their lives and new skills, thereby better positioning them for a wider range of potential job opportunities. We also hope to be a unifying force for greater good during this incredibly divisive time. As we all rebuild our country and the world, being of service and supporting each other is a human issue, which has us joining together as one, and building unity in our communities. I am thrilled to work alongside President Cline and her great team at LIU for this powerful and noble mission.”

Leadership Role Reflects Rita Cosby’s Stalwart Dedication to Service

Rita Cosby, who anchored highly rated primetime shows on Fox News Channel and MSNBC, is one of the most recognizable and respected broadcasters in America, with extensive experience in global issues. The multiple Emmy-winning journalist has secured exclusive interviews with more than 20 world leaders, including six U.S. Presidents, and was the first American journalist to interview Pope Francis at the Vatican about his historic Mideast Peace Summit. Throughout her distinguished career, she has reported on the biggest international stories and developments, as well as having a passionate and unwavering commitment to service.

Cosby has been deeply involved in helping dozens of charitable causes, and has hosted some of the most significant service-oriented TV broadcasts, including “Mississippi Rising – The Concert in Support of the Hurricane Katrina Recovery Efforts” and “The National Memorial Day Parade” televised around the world. Among her many other accolades, October 11, 2010, was officially named “Rita Cosby Day” in the State of New York. Last year, she was recognized at the White House, honored at New York City Hall and presented with one of Poland’s highest civilian honors, the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit, at the presidential palace.

Born in Brooklyn—a few miles from LIU’s Brooklyn campus—Rita Cosby is a first-generation American. Leading LIU’s Global Service Institute is an extension of her life’s work and heroic family history. Cosby said, “As the daughter of a prisoner-of-war who was saved by U.S. troops, I have always deeply appreciated those who serve and the importance of giving back to others.” Her best-selling book, Quiet Hero, details her father’s harrowing journey to freedom during WWII.

LIU Board Chair Eric Krasnoff said, “Long Island University is honored to have Rita Cosby lead our Global Service Institute. Along with our honorary advisory board members, her expertise and creative thinking will significantly expand the Institute’s footprint and overall influence.”

The Global Service Institute establishes Long Island University as one of the first institutions in the U.S. that has integrated a transformative service theme and the latest technological advancements into a holistic initiative. The Institute’s mission creates natural partnerships and brings additional layers to already established and soon to be announced schools on LIU’s campuses. Students will participate in a social innovation summit, the 100 Small Ideas to Change the World competition, the Future Service Awards and will meet and learn from real-life change makers both in-person and virtually. Each year, a special trip will be connected to a theme of service, where participants will meet leaders of global stature and unsung heroes of service. The initiative will also include speakers and seminars designed to teach people of all ages to develop their own volunteering skills, cross-connect with others around the globe, share ideas and become more educated about the causes they believe in.

About the Global Service Institute at Long Island University

The Global Service Institute’s mission is to become the preeminent service initiative in education. The nonpartisan institute will foster important dialogue of complex global issues, while preparing and inspiring students and others to improve and change our world with new models of collaboration, innovation and social entrepreneurship. The long-term goals of the Institute are to touch the lives of 250 million people globally with service initiatives, perform 100 million hours of community service, support and highlight impactful research addressing global needs and develop 100,000 future leaders. Visit globalserviceinstitute.org for more information.

About Long Island University

Long Island University, founded in 1926, continues to redefine higher education, providing high quality academic instruction by world-class faculty. Recognized by Forbes for its emphasis on experiential learning and by the Brookings Institution for its “value added” to student outcomes, LIU offers over 250 degree programs, with a network of 270,000 alumni that includes industry leaders and entrepreneurs across the globe. Visit liu.edu for more information.

Buchalter Award-Winner to Study Gravitational Waves

The National Science Foundation awarded a grant to Dr. Steve Liebling, Professor of Physics, to fund his continued research on gravitational waves. Dr. Liebling, winner of the prestigious Buchalter Cosmology Prize, emceed the 21st Eastern Gravity Meeting hosted at LIU in 2018 and has worked alongside members of LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory), the world’s largest gravitational wave observatory.

Award-Winning Student App Begins Clinical Phase Trials

Clinical phase testing is underway for MaMome, a health technology company co-founded by LIU student Nini Fan that focuses on clinical application towards maternal-child health. The app provides novel maternal microbiome testing through patented technology and is currently collaborating with OB/GYN clinics. Last year MaMome won the European Innovation Academy’s highest prize of “Top Startup” and earned admission into ELabNYC, the largest life science accelerator on the East Coast.

Renowned Jazz Drummer Joins New England Conservatory

Nasheet Waits, ’12, renowned drummer, composer and educator, has joined the New England Conservatory’s Jazz Studies Department. Waits is widely known for his performances and recordings with a jazz greats including Antonio Hart, Geri Allen, Greg Osby, Marc Cary, Andrew Hill, Wallace Roney and many others. His father is legendary percussionist Frederick Waits, who played with Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach and McCoy Tyner.

Saint Elizabeth CEO Awarded for Leadership

Providence Business News recognized Steven Horowitz, ’78, with a 2020 Leaders & Achievers Award for his 22 years as President and Chief Executive Officer at Saint Elizabeth Community, a leading nursing and rehab center in Rhode Island. The organization has experienced exponential growth under Horowitz’s leadership.

Market Leader Features LIU Education Professor

helaine.marshall@liu.edu

MarketScale featured the expert insight of Dr. Helaine Marshall, Director of Language Education Programs and Professor of Education, in an article entitled “How to Prevent Zoom Fatigue for Students Enrolled in Online Learning Classes.” Dr. Marshall also recently co-authored an article on the topic of virtual education for the journal Teaching English as a Second Language.

Hamilton Director Joins LIU As Guest Artist

Hannah Ryan, Resident Director of Hamilton: An American Musical on Broadway and the U.S. Tour, will serve as one of four guest artists for the Post Theatre Company. Ryan also directed An American in Paris on Broadway. LIU students will work directly under the guidance of the guest artists, which also include Debbie Christine Tjong, Benita de Wit and NJ Agwuna.

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