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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Adds Internationally Known Scientist to Its Faculty and Substance Use and Abuse Research Team
Ft. Lauderdale, (Davie), FLA — Nova Southeastern University (NSU) announced the addition of two internationally renowned scientists, whose research is helping to prevent and reduce substance abuse and HIV risk among vulnerable populations around the world. Hilary L. Surratt, Ph.D., and Steven P. Kurtz, Ph.D., joined NSU’s faculty, and along with research colleagues, will help NSU become the center of excellence for the study of substance abuse and its consequences including HIV.
Surratt and Kurtz were most recently part of the University of Delaware’s Center for Drug and Alcohol Studies Center (CDAS). In addition to their current work, Surratt and Kurtz will join NSU researchers from medicine, pharmacology, psychology, social and human sciences, and criminal justice to work on an interdisciplinary approach to substance abuse and HIV research and treatment.
The addition of Surratt, Kurtz and their colleagues, along with their grants and contracts results in one of the highest growth rates in sponsored research funding in NSU’s history, and the unprecedented acquisition of intellectual capital at one time.
“This team’s arrival supplements NSU’s present research in the categories of substance abuse and HIV,” said NSU Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D. “Having Dr. Surratt and Dr. Kurtz as part of our research team furthers our commitment to becoming a center of excellence for the study of substance use and abuse and our desire to help with an epidemic that negatively affects families and communities throughout the nation.”
Kurtz and Surratt will continue to conduct research at their existing field sites in the South Florida communities of Wilton Manors and Miami Beach. “Florida and particularly parts of South Florida, have long been epicenters of vulnerable populations for illicit and prescription drug abuse and HIV/AIDS,” said Kurtz.
Surratt and Kurtz will have immediate access to existing research being conducted by the university. “The benefit of being at NSU is that these nationally acclaimed scientists can conduct research in a collaborative manner working with colleagues in the areas of health care, psychology and family therapy,” said NSU Provost Frank DePiano, Ph.D. DePiano added that Surratt and Kurtz will join the faculty of NSU’s Division of Applied Interdisciplinary Studies.
The following research studies will be directed by Surratt and Kurtz as the transfer process to NSU is completed:
- Cross-National Survey of Pharmaceutical Diversion
- A Self-Assessment Intervention for Young Adult Polydrug Users at Risk for HIV
- Understanding the Scope and Magnitude of Prescription Drug Diversion
- The Diversion of Antiretroviral Medications to Street Markets
- Risk Reduction for Urban Substance Using MSM
- Case Management Alternatives for African-American Women at High Risk for HIV
Media Contact:
Felecia Henderson | NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5315 (office) | 954-383-4695 (cell) | fhenders@nova.edu