Montclair Life – Press Room

From Study Hall to Dining Hall: One Graduate’s Journey to a Career in Food and Nutrition

martinezsy — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:45:17 +0000

Through this photo essay – part of an ongoing series – we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the University’s mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond – empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Sheridan Van Biert works as a registered dietitian for Gourmet Dining Services at Sam’s Place, the same dining hall where she grabbed meals between classes as a ��Ʒ��˸�� University student.

Van Biert did her dietetic internship with Gourmet Dining Services, �ѴǲԳٳ��’s award-winning dining service provider, while studying Food and Nutrition Science in the College for Community Health,��resulting in her campus career. Her preceptors during her internship are now her colleagues.

“�ѴǲԳٳ��’s undergraduate and graduate nutrition program helped me prepare for my current role by applying what I learned in the classroom into real-life practice,” says Van Biert ’22, ’24 MA. “From situational group lesson plans and cooking classes as a student to everything in between, it came naturally when I started using these skills for teaching kitchens that we, as dietitians, host for students, as well as presentations we tailor for our athletes.”

The Path to Success:

Degrees: BS (’22) & MA (’24) in Nutrition and Food Science.
Program Perk: Combined BS/MS track for faster career entry.
Real-World Experience: 1,000+ hours of dietetic internship.
Current Role: Campus RD for Gourmet Dining.

Student Connection

“Being a part of Montclair for so many years I feel is a big advantage when it comes to relating and connecting with the campus community,” Van Biert says. “It’s a valuable aspect to have when providing outpatient counseling to students or chatting with them in the dining halls and around campus.”

Gourmet’s Director of Dining and Wellness Jennifer Bostedo, RDN, Van Biert’s supervisor, echoes those benefits, noting that �ѴǲԳٳ��’s Food and Nutrition Science program well prepared her for the position. “Hiring a Montclair grad gives us the benefit of a rigorously, well-trained professional who has an intimate knowledge of the campus culture. It allows us to tailor food and beverage offerings to meet the needs of today’s students better.”

�ѴǲԳٳ��’s Nutrition Program continues to contribute to Van Biert’s career success. “Having built a strong sense of adaptability has been invaluable in my current role, as each workday varies significantly and involves juggling multiple diverse responsibilities.”

I understand the students’ perspective, as well as the food service perspective. I always like to think back to what I was excited about coming into the dining hall. It’s kind of a full circle moment.” ~ Sheridan Van Biert

Paying It Forward

Today, Van Biert helps guide Montclair student dietetic interns, collaborates with her former professors on nutrition research and student wellness initiatives and ensures nutritious, delicious meals for the Montclair community. “Now she and the other dietitians on campus continue the cycle as we precept future dietitians who started just like Sheridan did, right here at Montclair,” says Bostedo.

I love the connections I’ve made at Montclair, the people I’ve met, the campus, the community.”

Montclair alumna and registered dietitian Sheridan Van Biert swabs dining plates for allergens at Freeman Dining Hall’s LIFE (Less Ingredients Flavorful Eats) station, which is gluten- and allergen-free. “We are very cautious.”

Meeting with colleagues at Freeman Dining Hall, Van Biert collaborates with Dining Director Jennifer Bostedo, left, and Director of Sustainability Benjamin Kalscheur, right, and catering colleagues to plan a nutritious and sustainable menu for �ѴǲԳٳ��’s annual Sustainability Breakfast.
Food safety comes first – Van Biert washes her hands often to maintain top health standards in campus dining.
Van Biert��updates a front-of-house allergen recipe binder she created for students and staff, ensuring everyone has easy access to ingredient and nutrition information. “I have it out there so students can see what is being served. We have a back-of-the-house one for chefs and the associates preparing the foods. The chef knows that one of those recipes is good to go because it was approved by me.”
When a student requested yogurt, Van Biert coordinated with Gourmet Dining staff, ensuring it is offered throughout the day – part of her ongoing effort to meet students’ needs.
By Sylvia A Martinez, Strategic Content Producer.

for a complete look at Sheridan Van Biert’s day and her attention to details as a food service professional and nutrition counselor.

Are You Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Want to turn your passion for wellness into a career? Explore our Nutrition & Food Science Programs. See yourself at Montclair, Schedule a Campus Tour.

From the Creative Industry Back to Campus: A Second Act at Montclair

lehrenma — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:27:50 +0000

by University Photographer Mike Peters

Horatio Wauchope’s story moves the way he does – fluidly, between the arts, fashion and social science. Growing up between Jamaica and New Jersey, he learned to express himself through music, photography and conversation, blending creativity with curiosity about how people connect.

A decade ago, after two semesters at ��Ʒ��˸�� University, he left school to launch a career in photography and fashion as an agent and director. “I went deep into my career, but after a while I stopped seeing progress and felt my ideas weren’t being taken seriously,” Horatio, 34, explains.��

“Eventually I got fed up and started seeing signs pointing me back to school.”

�ѴǲԳٳ��’s readmit program helps students like Horatio return to finish their degrees, offering flexible options to take courses online, in person or in a hybrid format so they can balance school with work, commuting and family commitments.

When Horatio reapplied, financing his education was a major concern. Montclair provided the Red Hawk Advantage Award, which helps eligible New Jersey students with tuition if they’re working on their first bachelor’s degree, have under 60 credits and meet income and GPA requirements.��

“I had no idea schools had their own funding like that. I thought I’d tried everything.”

Morning Hustle

Horatio begins his mornings making deliveries to help meet his college costs. “I’m a full‑time student, so in between classes, before and after, whenever I have a break, I drive for Uber or Uber Eats to help make everything work.”

Picking up medication on an Uber run.

“Coming back after 10 years, I’ve been surprised by how many people stepped up for me once I was honest about what I needed,” he says.

On a recent winter day, , inviting Photographer Mike Peters to ride with him while he made deliveries and sit in on his classes. “We met before my first class in Bloomfield so I could grab coffee and then squeeze in an hour of work. I did a couple of trips, picking up someone’s breakfast at Wawa and a pharmacy run for someone’s medication.”

In Class and In Motion

Horatio took a class on advanced Excel skills at Bloomfield College of ��Ʒ��˸�� University. Here, he charts and organizes data for a class project analyzing companies and their inventories.

A Sociology major, Horatio took Spreadsheet Essentials at the Bloomfield campus to build data analyst skills because that location better fit his schedule. Students from both locations are able to take courses across campuses. “It was my first time on the Bloomfield campus since the merger, and it was interesting to experience a different environment while still being a Montclair student.”

After his class in Bloomfield, Horatio heads to Montclair, where he meets up with his friend and fellow Sociology major, Gustavo Quintero.

The friends grab lunch in the Student Center and walk across campus to a favorite study spot.

Horatio and Gustavo eat together, study and help keep each other motivated. “We push each other to stay focused and get through the semester.”

A decade ago, when Horatio first attended Montclair, he published a photography book for a class project called The Commuter, which mirrored his experiences as a college commuter. “I always had my camera with me, and I’d take photos of people going down the escalator at New York Penn Station or head to Hoboken to shoot birds. I got a really good grade for the class, which inspired me to keep pursuing photography.”

This time around, Horatio is focused on new interests. Last semester, he completed an internship at �ѴǲԳٳ��’s Project AROS (Applied Research On Social Issues) Lab, mentored by Arnaud Kurze, associate professor of Justice Studies and the lab’s director. “It’s an interdisciplinary research program,” Horatio explains. “No matter what field you want to go into – history, technology or medicine – it gives us room to learn how to do real-life research and shadow professionals on their projects.”

Horatio’s research examined climate change in Liberia. “I learned how to map vulnerabilities and create graphs to visualize where floods hit hardest. It focused on erosion, flooding and how those changes affect communities, especially women who fish and provide for their families.”

Finding Mentors, Building Momentum

In the late afternoon, Horatio attends Statistics of Social Research with Sociology Chairperson Sangeeta Parashar, who has become a guiding voice in his journey.

In addition to his internship, Horatio is finding mentorship in his classes. “Professor Parashar has been like a mom to me this semester,” he says. “Her class is tough, very old‑school – pencils, paper, lots of problem sets – but it gave me a strong foundation.”

Horatio, who expects to graduate in either May or December 2027, doesn’t yet know what shape his next chapter will take – but the direction feels right.

I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up – data science, research or something else – but I know I’m on the right track. I’m taking every opportunity as it comes and trusting that the work, the mentors and the connections will lead me to the next step.”

Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Through this photo essay, part of an ongoing series, we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the University’s mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond – empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.
Prospective Students: Visit campus and apply to ��Ʒ��˸�� University.
Journalists: Contact �ѴǲԳٳ��’s Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview.

How an Olympic Figure Skater Spends Her Days at ��Ʒ��˸�� University

lehrenma — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:05:17 +0000

Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters

Olga Mikutina carves deep edges into the ice at the ��Ʒ��˸�� University Ice Arena, building the speed and rotation that turns heads. Austria’s Olympic figure skater is a Business Administration major at Montclair, working shifts at the campus IT Service Desk, and as she balanced classes with training, she closed out the year by winning her fifth national title at the Austrian Championships, setting up a run to the European Championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

“A lot of people were surprised when I decided to leave Austria and study outside the country, but it was my dream to go to the U.S., to be in a new environment close to New York and to meet new people,” she says.

Originally from Ukraine, Olga moved to Austria at age 12 to train with a renowned coach, later gaining Austrian citizenship and an invitation from the national federation to represent the country in international competition.

By the time she applied to Montclair, Olga, 22, had already competed at the Beijing Olympics and was debating whether to keep skating competitively while pursuing a degree. “I was still skating, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue doing it full time,” she says. �ѴǲԳٳ��’s on-campus ice rink and access to elite coaches helped tip the balance.

“I found an amazing coaching team here (at both Montclair and the Ice House in Hackensack, where many Olympians train). They saw potential in me and believed I could achieve much more. They gave me the belief that I should keep going.”

A typical Monday begins with a walk across campus to University Hall, where Olga works at �ѴǲԳٳ��’s IT Service Desk to help cover her full tuition. The job is a necessity: she and her family are funding her American education themselves.

Answering IT phone support calls, Olga helps students, faculty and staff with tech issues at �ѴǲԳٳ��’s IT Service Desk.

On the Ice: Training for Milan 2026

Olga spends about 15 hours a week training on the ice, usually in two one-hour sessions. She qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics at last season’s World Figure Skating Championships and has had a packed competition schedule, including the Austrian national, where she defended her title in December, and the upcoming European championships.

“Each training session is very focused and straight to the point,” she says. “My first practice, I work on my short program routine, second practice on my long program routine.”��

She sometimes skates the full programs; other days she and her coaches break them into shorter sections, repeating difficult jumps or footwork several times with and without music to build stamina and precision.��

For the spring semester, she plans to take a mix of online and in-person courses to better align her class schedule with the Olympic figure skating events. She’ll watch the opening ceremonies from Montclair, where she’ll remain preparing and taking classes, before arriving in Milan a few days before her own competition begins.

Olga’s vision board: “Every time when I look at this picture, I start feeling excitement and joy. The medals are my goal. It requires a lot of work, and every day when I wake up, I know that my work will pay off. I feel grateful for my health and for all the support around me.”

Warm-up to skating: exercise for abs. “To be honest, I didn’t watch figure skating when I was little. I always told my mom, ‘I am the best.’ I don’t compare myself to others, but right now my mindset has changed and I’m seeing a lot of great athletes who inspire me and are role models for me.”

As an elite athlete, Olga does have a dressing room, but prefers to lace up in the hallway. “It’s more fun to be surrounded by people and it’s also warmer,” she says. At the Montclair rink, she shares the ice with members of the Israeli national team and other elite skaters representing countries such as Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

Olga and her boyfriend, ice dancer Misha Nosovitskiy, who also grew up in Ukraine. “When I was moving here, I wasn’t expecting to meet my first love,” she says.

Olga’s Olympic programs show different sides of her skating. “I have two programs: one is to ‘Nothing Else Matters’ by Metallica – it’s a rock style, I love it,” she said. “The other one is very instrumental,” set to Asaf Avidan’s “One Day / Reckoning Song.”

When war broke out in Ukraine, Olga’s birthplace of Kharkiv was among the sites of some of the heaviest fighting. She has said that when she steps onto the ice, she can imagine herself in another world, away from worries about the war. Even today, when she skates, she focuses on difficult jumps, choreography and how her body moves, trying to shut out everything else – schoolwork, news and personal worries – and concentrate only on the work in front of her.

“At the Olympics, I will try to surprise the judges with my charisma. I want the judges to fall in love with my energy and to feel the power of me skating,” she says.

A jump entrance into spin.

Her name engraved on the blade.

Staying Connected to Home and Coaches

After practice, Olga steps outside the arena to call her mother, Victoria, in Austria and say good night before the time difference makes it too late. She is grateful to her mother, who moved with her to Austria so she could train. “She left her own life in Ukraine and was brave enough to take this step.”

Twice a week, Olga heads to the campus track where she sets up her phone for a Zoom session with her main coach Elena Romanova in Austria, who sends training plans, reviews video and works with her live on jumps and technique. She also trains in the U.S. with coaches Roman Serov and Anna Zadorozhniuk at the Ice House in Hackensack.

On the track, she practices her jumps off the ice, working on height and rotation while her coach watches on video and corrects mistakes. She often draws curious looks and comments – “How can you turn so fast?” – from students passing by.

Finding Her Place on Campus

“It was my dream to come study and train in the United States. Was it everything I thought the experience would be? Well, the expectations were different. But the reality has over-met the expectations,” she says. “I’ve met a lot of great people, made friends. I wasn’t expecting to have such great conditions for sports and coaching, and that everyone would be supporting me, helping me on my way.”

Taking a Business Strategy class, Olga says, “I also wasn’t expecting the studying process to be so fun and interesting. I thought it would be much harder, to be honest. But I like the way professors are teaching us here.”

Olga and her friend Milena Ladeishchikova, an international student from Russia studying Accounting at Montclair, connected as freshmen. “We had a lot of the same issues or same things we were going through,” Olga says. “We could compare the American style of life with a European one. We could discuss the food, the university itself, the people here.”

Olga and Milena meet for dinner at the Freeman Dining Hall, where they value the healthy food options.

The day isn’t over yet. Olga heads to a study session for a project in her Entrepreneurial Mindset class, where the group rehearses a presentation on their business idea.

“For this project we put in a lot of work. We created a website, a prototype, slides,” she says of the “Joy Journal” concept her group developed to support students’ mental health.

Finally, back in her Blanton Hall dorm room, Olga unwinds with her roommate since sophomore year, Madison Rowley. “She’s funny, friendly, very kind. She also skates. It was a big surprise when we came together. We were put together randomly by Res Life, and I can remember before I moved in, she texted me asking if I’m a figure skater, if I’m an Olympian. She came last year to the World Championships in Boston to support me.”

On track to graduate in December 2026, Olga is focused for now on the Olympics and then on internships with companies looking for Business Administration majors. She is concentrating in International Business and speaks four languages – Russian, Ukrainian, English and German – and hopes to use that international background in whatever comes after Milan 2026.

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters

for a complete look at Olga’s day as an elite athlete, student and friend.

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.

Prospective Students: Visit and .

Journalists: Contact �ѴǲԳٳ��’s Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview.

Montclair Life: Teaching Students to Think for Themselves in the Age of AI

brownja — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:00:47 +0000

Through this photo essay – part of an ongoing series – we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the University’s mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond – empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Photography by Mike Peters

Artificial intelligence is rewriting how we live, learn and work. Industries are shifting overnight. Workers are reevaluating their futures. And in classrooms across the country, educators are wrestling with a new reality: what does learning look like when a machine can generate an answer in seconds?

Dr. Fiona “Freddie” Harris thinks about these questions every day. As coordinator of the first-year writing program at , she’s dedicated to helping students build a strong foundation for the rest of their education – and their lives. That begins with honing the kind of critical thinking skills that can’t be outsourced to an algorithm.

Her approach starts close to home. Through a form of research called autoethnography – where students study their own communities by observing, documenting and analyzing everyday life – she pushes them to develop insights grounded in lived experience, not machine output.

And she doesn’t do this work alone. Dr. Harris is constantly in conversation with Bloomfield faculty about how to strengthen AI literacy and build assignments that nurture real critical thinking. The result is a first-year writing program that trains students to think boldly, question deeply and stay rooted in the human experience.

Where the Day Begins: Room 26, Siebert Hall

Inside Room 26 of Siebert Hall, Dr. Freddie Harris begins her day surrounded by reminders of the life she lived long before academia.

Her office is lined with photos from her years grooming and playing polo across England, Florida, Long Island and California – including a drawing of her beloved mare, Pumpkin, who was her companion for 20 years.

On her desk sits the buckle they won together at a three-show stock horse series, and nearby, a decorative box holds the ashes of her dogs Henry and Molly, who traveled the country with her.

Faculty in Conversation: Teaching in the Age of AI

Dr. Harris meets with professors Dr. Grace Cook and ��to strategize how Bloomfield faculty can better integrate AI literacy into their courses.

The trio spent part of the afternoon testing a WRT 105 assignment across different AI servers to see how the guardrails held up – a moment Freddie describes as “hilarious,” especially when the bot attempted to complete an autoethnography. “The bot can’t do that!” she laughs.

These ongoing conversations shape how the writing program prepares students to think critically in a world where AI tools are rapidly evolving.

Teaching Ethics, Community and Inquiry

In her noon section of WRT 105, Dr. Harris introduces the community autoethnography – a signature assignment where students observe, document and analyze a community they belong to.

The class begins with ethics: reviewing consent forms for interviews and discussing responsible qualitative research practices. Today, she guides them through taking field notes and sharpening their observational skills. One student, Winiga Batoma, is writing about his National Guard Squadron.

At times, Dr. Harris has students act out behaviors unusual for the community they’re studying – a playful way to highlight what counts as “normal” embodied practice and strengthen their analytic eye.

Using the Humanities to Meet a Changing World

During Bloomfield’s monthly faculty meeting, Dr. Harris and Dr. Nora McCook continue their ongoing dialogue about how qualitative research methods and humanities-based content can help students build stronger critical thinking skills in the age of AI.

She also presents an overview of the first-year writing sequence – WRT 105 and WRT 109 – highlighting how students learn to conduct community research, synthesize sources and translate academic work into public-facing genres.

Together, the faculty explore how writing instruction can evolve alongside artificial intelligence without losing its human heart.

Strengthening Skills, One Class at a Time

Dr. Harris ends her day with her second Writing 105 class, held in the library’s grand reading room – a space she loves for its bright, calming light.

At the start of each week, she shares Bloomfield’s “Strong Student” campaign slide, designed to make the habits of successful learners explicit, especially for first-year students.

Whether she’s guiding them through research practices or helping them access course materials, Dr. Harris grounds each lesson in the belief that small, consistent behaviors build confident thinkers.

A Different Kind of Classroom

Dr. Harris ends her day at in Roseland, where she teaches both postural yoga and yoga philosophy alongside her friend Donna D’Onofrio.

In these photos, she moves through table-top and Cat-Cow postures – practices she says are especially helpful for maintaining spinal mobility as we age. Sitting just behind her is Bertram, her outspoken dachshund mix and loyal studio companion.

Whether in the classroom or the yoga studio, Dr. Harris’ work is centered on presence, connection and guiding people back to their own lived experience.

of Dr. Freddie Harris’s day as a professor at .

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Montclair Life: Sara Flores’ Path to Teaching and Leading Through Language

lehrenma — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:19:04 +0000

Mondays are especially packed for Sara, beginning in her dorm room with an 8 a.m. Zoom meeting for the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program.

As she begins another week at ��Ʒ��˸�� University, Sara Flores is already moving with purpose. A Linguistics major and honors student, she starts her busy Monday with an early-morning Zoom alongside campus leaders. By evening, she’s in Paterson, helping adult ESL learners at Eastside High School as part of the University’s One-Square Mile initiative.

Flores reflects on her journey – balancing classes, service and her passion to empower those who are often overlooked.

Pursuing Excellence, Honoring Family

A classmate squeezes in a few extra minutes of sleep before class, while Sara catches up on emails. Despite being in her second year at Montclair, Sara’s college-level work in high school means she’s already classified as a junior.

As first gen, I want to make it worth my parents’ money, time and sacrifices – and for myself too. Education is a privilege; you have to take the opportunities in front of you because this environment doesn’t exist elsewhere.”

Her schedule includes Introduction to Cognitive Science with Associate Professor Lauren Covey, an opportunity to better understand how the mind works.

Campus Life: Finding Balance

Sara manages her busy Mondays by using moments of downtime to relax – especially outdoors on campus when the weather is nice.

Lunch on the go: Sara runs on Dunkin’, grabbing an iced coffee and croissant sandwich between commitments.

After a stop at her room in Dinallo Heights, she’s off again for another campus event.

Connecting with Martinson Honors EDGE

Sara sets up for a student event with �ѴǲԳٳ��’s John Martinson Honors EDGE Program. Thanks to a $5 million gift from philanthropist John Martinson, honors students now benefit from expanded academic, creative and leadership opportunities as well as $5,000 Creative Learning stipends for study abroad, internships and research.

The classes in Honors encourage you to rethink your beliefs and the way things are structured, and then apply that to your field.”

Sara chats with other Honors students during Field Day.

As an officer, I’m always thinking about making events inclusive – considering commuters, timing and exam weeks. We work hard to make sure students feel supported.”

Experiential Learning in Linguistics

Beyond Honors, Sara holds a paid internship in the Linguistics lab. Her work involves annotating speech – tracking starts, stops and word emphasis.

Sara arrives at Eastside High School in Paterson, where funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and Paterson Public Schools support a full-service community school, including English classes for adults.

Unlocking Possibilities Through Language

The language classes at Eastside – center of the One Square Mile initiative – help adults unlock new possibilities. Sara works with beginners on introducing themselves and sharing their origins, encouraging real-life questions and translation support.

Working with adult ESL learners in Paterson has shown me how many people in my community have had opportunities kept from them for so long. I want to help others continue their dreams, in whatever way I can.”

Sara shows fellow Bonner volunteers how to search for training opportunities and track their volunteer hours.

Language, Identity, Mutual Learning

Sara grew up speaking Spanish at home but only learned to read the language at age 13.

Learning Spanish has been an adjustment for me. I still sometimes use informal words or slang. When I tutor, I warn students about my Spanish and ask them to correct me. In the same way they’re learning English, I’m learning – and improving – my Spanish. It’s a good relationship because we both learn.”

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren

for a complete look at Sara’s day as a student, campus leader and ESL teacher.

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Visit campus, or .

Montclair Life: Driving the University Forward

brownja — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:00:25 +0000

Through this photo essay – part of an ongoing series – we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the University’s mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond – empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Photography by Mike Peters

After an hour-long commute from her ranch in Princeton, New Jersey – where she lives with her husband and a flock of chickens – Monica Smith arrives at ��Ʒ��˸�� University ready to start the day. As the head of a 41-person team,��she leads an operation that keeps �ѴǲԳٳ��’s shuttles running nearly nonstop, from early morning until late at night.

Together, �ѴǲԳٳ��’s 17-vehicle fleet��– 11 small buses, 6 large buses and one ADA van – travels nearly 1,000 miles a day, moving an average of 1,500 passengers on a typical weekday and as many as 2,500 during large-scale events.

As Director of Transportation, Smith is at the center of it all. From planning and adjusting routes to conducting safety checks and managing a dynamic team of 41, Smith works “to keep the University’s heart and soul – the students, faculty and staff – moving forward.”

The Morning Commute

Morning Rounds

Meetings, Meetings, Meetings

Keeping the Fleet Running

Planning for The Big Catch

Long Days, Late Nights

Finding Balance

After a long day surrounded by metal, oil, steel and asphalt, Smith looks forward to returning home to her one-acre organic garden and orchard in Princeton. There, she and her husband care for their poultry and practice renewable, sustainable methods – solar power, water reclamation, composting – the perfect antidote to the fast-paced rhythm of campus life.

of Smith’s day as Director of Transportation.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Student? Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk!

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Montclair Life: Championing Families, Chasing Dreams

lehrenma — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:34:12 +0000

Through this photo essay — part of an ongoing series — we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the University’s mission in the classroom, on campus and beyond – empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.

Oscaterin Bautista begins her day at 5 a.m., carving out quiet hours to study before her four children wake. At 35, she balances motherhood, a full-time job and a double major at ��Ʒ��˸�� University – all while championing young children’s school readiness. This documentary photo essay follows her journey in her own words, capturing the determination, setbacks and inspiration fueling her pursuit of higher education.

“I’m grateful to contribute to something meaningful, to inspire others to begin their educational journey and to show that it’s never too late if we have the motivation and desire to grow,” she says.

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren

Study Time

Oscaterin Bautista sits at her dining room table at dawn, typing a discussion post for her summer class, Working with Diverse Families.

Even if I only get three hours of sleep, I know it’s worth it. Soon, I’ll have my degree and that will open more doors for us. I want my kids to see that it’s possible.”

Oscaterin Bautista starts each morning with an energy drink and study session, keeping her on track to graduate in December 2025.

I remind myself this is a temporary sacrifice … I want to be a role model for my kids – I can’t expect them to be something I’m not.”

Breakfast and Family Routine

Oscaterin cooks breakfast with Kaylah, 8, as her older children – Ethan, Kamila and Liam – start on morning chores. The family’s routine is simple: before anyone uses a phone or tablet, every household task is completed together.

I’m really thankful for my kids; they help me a lot. My 15-year-old takes care of the younger ones when I have evening classes.”

On the Job: Advocating for Families

At her desk, Oscaterin champions children’s success and guides families toward self-reliance through her work at Montclair Child Development Center in Glen Ridge.

We have families of every background. I see the worries and the hopes. My job is to remind them help is not a punishment and you are not alone.”

During her internship, Oscaterin assisted in enhancing family engagement strategies and collaborated with staff to support children and families. She gained hands-on experience with the Referral for Assistance process and contributed a Special Needs Guideline Sheet to help families navigate the Child Study Team referral process and access individualized support.

I have a caseload of 113 families. I help them with self-assessments and services, even paperwork they’re afraid to fill out. Sometimes I see what’s missing – maybe a child isn’t getting vaccines or a family needs food. If I can, I help them in my office – especially if they’re afraid of being misunderstood or if there are language barriers.”

Oscaterin saves and treasures handwritten notes from children she’s supported at the Montclair Child Development Center, reminders of the impact she’s had on their lives.

I keep the notes as special reminders of my connection with the children, especially throughout their journey to kindergarten. I’ve been part of some families’ lives for one to three years, and when they leave our program, a real connection remains – because I see their faces daily and a bond is built. Creating an impact on the little ones is truly priceless, even if they might not remember me when they grow up.”

Evening: Family, Homework and Baseball

After work, Oscaterin heads home to her second shift – taking the family to her son’s baseball game.

I’m there as his number one fan, even if he strikes out.”

Back to School

Oscaterin walks across the Montclair campus on the first day of her final semester. She’s on track to earn degrees in Child Advocacy and Policy and Family Science and Human Development.

At first, I was scared to go back to college. I was 30 with four children, surrounded by classmates half my age. But I met others like me and I learned I wasn’t alone.”

The flexibility of online and in-person classes has allowed Oscaterin to balance her education, work and family in ways she didn’t think possible.

The support from professors and the resources available have prepared me to grow stronger as a family advocate … Sometimes, while working on ourselves, we can lose sight of who we are, but the feedback from my professors reminds me of who I want to become and why I am here.”

Oscaterin speaks with Assistant Professor Roxanna Ast during the Child Welfare Research and Evaluation class in University Hall.

After I graduate, I want to get my master’s in social work and create a nonprofit that makes sure no family falls through the cracks. I want to use my experiences to make things easier for other families. If I’ve struggled, so have others – and no one should face that journey alone.”

for a more complete look at Oscaterin’s day as a mother, student and family advocate.

Are You Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Plan your visit��and��in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Montclair Life: Class of 2025 Graduate Connor Godek Grows a Sustainable Future

lehrenma — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:13:16 +0000

As he wraps up his final semester at ��Ʒ��˸�� University, Connor Godek is already digging into the roots of his future – literally.

A Nutrition and Food Studies major with a concentration in Food Systems, Godek is gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture at , an urban mushroom propagation operation in Jersey City. There, he’s harvesting gourmet mushrooms for local restaurants and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) customers.

With Commencement around the corner, he reflects on his internship, the challenges and rewards of farming, and how Montclair helped him grow into his purpose.

Godek trims mushrooms to remove dirt and substrate at the bottom, ensuring a quality product for customers. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

“My goal after graduation is to work in agriculture and food systems, learning how food makes its way from farm to table. I want to help make that process more sustainable and efficient – especially as our population grows and climate challenges worsen.”

Godek moves a rack full of mushroom blocks before using a power washer to sanitize the greenhouse. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Interning at Lifecap Farms

“At Lifecap, we grow about a dozen different types of mushrooms. Some days I’m preparing bags for growth, others I’m harvesting or maintaining the greenhouses. There’s a rhythm to it – a patience you develop when your work may not show results for weeks. I’ve learned to identify growth issues, harvest properly, clean the greenhouses, and use tools like the power washer. But most of all, I’ve learned to keep going – even when it’s hard, dirty or exhausting. That’s how I know I’m serious about this work.”

Giving Back, Growing Forward: “Our CSA program serves more than 40 local families each week. It’s incredible to know that the mushrooms I help grow end up on people’s plates. Giving back means recognizing the people and places that helped get you where you are – and lifting up the community in return.”
After cleaning the grow room, Godek uses the squeegee to push water into the drain. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Godek looks out at the rooftop compost pile, where spent mushroom blocks break down into compost available to the community. (Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A Taste of Senior Year: Wine and Food Science

Godek’s academic journey also blended food systems knowledge with hands-on learning in classrooms and labs. As a Nutrition and Food Studies major, he explored sustainability, food justice, global and national food policy, food safety, culture and cuisine – and in his final semester, a little bit about wine.

Godek learns how to uncork a bottle. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Adjunct Professor Stephen Fahy teaches the course Concepts of the Sommelier, where students like Godek learn the fundamentals of wine appreciation and service. Students analyze wines through sight, smell and taste while learning about wine regions, grape varieties and production styles across the globe. It’s a class that pairs scientific understanding with sensory exploration – and a fitting way to toast the end of college.

Godek explains the qualities of the wine his group tasted, including appearance, aromas and the flavor profile. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Godek listens to discussion about tasting wines with Adjunct Professor Stephen Fahy. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Swirling a glass of Syrah to examine its appearance before a group tasting. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Cheers to the Class of 2025!

This photo essay is part of a series celebrating ��Ʒ��˸�� University’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduates – students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Life?

Prospective Students or Parents: Learn more about Montclair admissions and Nutrition and Food Studies at the College for Community Health.

Journalists: Contact our Media Relations team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

Montclair Life: A Day with a Food and Nutrition Science Major

martinezsy — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:05:29 +0000

Hometown: Spotswood, New Jersey

Major: Food and Nutrition Science with a concentration in Sustainable Food Systems in the�� College for Community Health

Resides: On campus

How She Chose Montclair

Katie had a friend who was attending and wanted to know someone on campus. “I didn’t want to have to go to college alone and try to make new friends,” she said.

Jump-Starting Success: The Summer Bridge Program

A Passion for Food and Sustainability

Adjusting to College Life

Favorite Class

Lab Time: Chemistry��

Advice to Prospective Students

“Look at Rate My Professors; that’s an important thing. That would probably be the best thing I’ve learned.”

Future Career Goals

After taking a food safety class, Katie discovered a new career interest: “I want to be a health inspector of restaurants.”

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.

Ready to start your own Montclair life?

Are you a…��

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about Nutrition and Food Science, Sustainable Food Systems or other College for Community Health programs or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist?

Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.

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Ready to start your Montclair journey?

How an Olympic Figure Skater Spends Her Days at ��Ʒ���˸������� University​

On the Ice: Training for Milan 2026

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Where the Day Begins: Room 26, Siebert Hall

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Teaching Ethics, Community and Inquiry

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Ready to Start Your Bloomfield Journey?

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Pursuing Excellence, Honoring Family

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Experiential Learning in Linguistics

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Language, Identity, Mutual Learning

Ready to start your Montclair journey?

Montclair Life: Driving the University Forward

The Morning Commute

Morning Rounds

Meetings, Meetings, Meetings

Keeping the Fleet Running

Planning for The Big Catch

Long Days, Late Nights

Finding Balance

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Montclair Life: Championing Families, Chasing Dreams

Study Time

Breakfast and Family Routine

On the Job: Advocating for Families

Evening: Family, Homework and Baseball

Back to School

Are You Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Montclair Life: Class of 2025 Graduate Connor Godek Grows a Sustainable Future

Interning at Lifecap Farms

A Taste of Senior Year: Wine and Food Science

Cheers to the Class of 2025!

Ready to Start Your Montclair Life?

Montclair Life: A Day with a Food and Nutrition Science Major

How She Chose Montclair

Jump-Starting Success: The Summer Bridge Program

A Passion for Food and Sustainability

Adjusting to College Life

Favorite Class

Lab Time: Chemistry��

Advice to Prospective Students

Future Career Goals

Ready to start your own Montclair life?

How an Olympic Figure Skater Spends Her Days at ��Ʒ��˸�� University