In this episode of Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life, Dr. Akiva Turner, Chair and Professor in the Department of Health Science at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, shares how his diverse career—spanning law, government, public health, and academia—shapes his approach to academic leadership. Discover how Dr. Turner balances the demands of administration with teaching and mentoring, and how he leads with humility while keeping students at the heart of the mission.

Podcast Credits

Host and Producer: Marti Snyder

Guest: Akiva Turner

Sound Engineer: Gregory Wright

Publication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, Dr. Yuri Zagvazdin from the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine shares how he blends humor, empathy, and deep scientific knowledge to help students master complex topics in physiology and neuroscience. Discover how Dr. Zagvazdin creates a safe, engaging space that encourages critical thinking and inspires lifelong curiosity in future physicians.

Podcast Credits:

• Host and Producer: Marti Snyder
• Guest: Yuri Zagvazdin
• Sound Engineer: Gregory Wright
• Publication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this episode, Dr. Chris Lynch from NSU’s College of Pharmacy shares how his journey from the U.S. Navy to the classroom informs his approach to teaching professional identity and leadership. Discover how he fosters trust, uses personality assessments, and encourages vulnerability to help students grow into compassionate healthcare professionals.

Podcast Credits

• Host and Producer: Marti Snyder
• Guest: Christopher Lynch
• Sound Engineer: Gregory Wright
• Publication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this insightful fourth episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, Dr. Charlene Desir shares her journey from school psychologist to full professor, revealing how reflection, identity, and mentorship shape the learning experience. With a focus on the social, psychological, and spiritual growth of students, Dr. Desir discusses building student relationships, guiding doctoral candidates, integrating undergraduate research, and navigating the evolving role of technology and AI in education. Tune in to hear how she brings empathy and purpose into every classroom interaction. Be sure to Follow the podcast to be alerted of upcoming episodes!
Podcast Credits

• Host and Producer: Marti Snyder
• Guest: Charlene Desir
• Sound Engineer: Gregory Wright
• Publication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, we sit down with Dr. Lori Dribin, the longest-serving faculty member in NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, to explore her decades-long journey in medical education. From her early days with slide projectors to pioneering digital histology labs, Dr. Dribin shares how she fosters deep student connection—even in large, hybrid classrooms—through humor, personalization, and creative teaching techniques like clay models and animal imagery. Tune in to hear how she continues to evolve with the times while staying grounded in the art of truly knowing her students. Be sure to Follow the podcast to be alerted of upcoming episodes!

Podcast Credits

• Host and Producer: Marti Snyder
• Show Guest: Lori Dribin
• Sound Engineer: Gregory Wright & Paolo Mugnaini
• Publication and Promotion: Adam Cohen

Episode 2

In this energizing second episode of Behind the Scenes: How Faculty Bring Learning to Life at NSU, we spotlight Dr. Barri Litt, a CPA, award-winning professor, and self-described “social butterfly,” who brings passion, presence, and personality into every accounting class. From banning technology in favor of deeper focus to integrating mindfulness breaks and real-world AI applications, Dr. Litt shares how she transforms technical content into human-centered learning. Discover how her people-first teaching style builds community, sparks curiosity, and equips students with skills far beyond the balance sheet. Be sure to Follow the podcast to be alerted of upcoming episodes!

Podcast Credits

• Host and Producer: Marti Snyder
• Show Guest: Barri Litt
• Sound Engineer: Gregory Wright
• Publication and Promotion: Adam Cohen