The Nursing Club recently launched a Peer Mentor Program, connecting 12 mentors with 15 mentees in a student-led initiative by Nursing Club officer Gabriella Filippelli.

Created in response to underclassmen concerns about coursework, exams, balancing college life, and preparing for nursing careers, the program pairs students with peers who have already navigated these experiences. Even in its early stages, the program is fostering meaningful connections as students build relationships, share advice, and support one another.

A community-building event is planned for the end of the semester, and feedback from participants will help guide the program's future growth. This initiative reflects the collaborative and caring culture of Nursing at John Carroll, where students learn that supporting one another is an essential part of becoming compassionate healthcare professionals.

On February 20, several JCU EMS responders and officers traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the 33rd Annual National Collegiate EMS Foundation Conference (NCEMSF). During the weekend, they participated in lectures led by EMS medical directors, nurses, and paramedics, joined roundtable discussions, and practiced hands-on skills in interactive labs.

At the conference, Kevin Kotyk, Deputy Chief of EMS, and Emerson Lora, Training & Quality Assurance Officer, accepted the Silver Jubilee Award recognizing 25 years of service by the JCU EMS department. The recognition reflects the long-standing commitment of JCU students to serve their campus community in moments when compassionate, skilled care matters most. For more on the history of JCU EMS, see the article below by Dr. Marlea Miano '04, M.D., current EMS Medical Director for JCU EMS and Attending Emergency Medicine Physician and Chief Medical Officer at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.

Beyond the educational sessions, the conference reinforced the mission that drives collegiate EMS programs: serving campus communities with skill, professionalism, and compassion while connecting with peers from across the country who share the same commitment.

JCU EMS is also currently accepting applications for the Summer Hybrid EMT-B Class taught by University Hospitals EMS Training & Disaster Preparedness Institute. Applications are due April 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Questions may be directed to jcuems@jcu.edu and use the subject line: Prospective EMS Student.

Link to application: JCU EMS Application
Link to JCU EMS History: Hx of JCU EMS

Dr. Jake Beiting spent the week of February 16 taking anthropometric measurements of Major League Baseball players during spring training in Florida. He measured the heights of all hitters for the Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Washington Nationals. This data will help determine each player's unique strike zone for MLB's Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System debuting this season.

Click here for more about the ABS Challenge System

Over the past five years, Dr. Beiting has been part of the team responsible for developing and field-testing the methods used to define player strike zones. His work highlights how expertise in human performance, biomechanics, and data science can shape innovation in professional sports while deepening our understanding of the human body.

While at the Miami Marlins complex, Dr. Beiting also connected with JCU alumnus Nick Falbo '23, who now serves as a strength and conditioning coach for the Marlins' minor league affiliate. Moments like these reflect the growing impact of the College of Health community as our faculty and alumni apply their knowledge to support performance, well-being, and the care of athletes at the highest levels.

Accompanied by Professor Tagliaferro, four John Carroll University nursing students participated in the "Stuffie Clinic," hosted by the Cleveland Clinic's Pediatric Cardiology team in recognition of Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Library.

During the interactive clinic, JCU students guided children and their stuffed animals through heart checks, sonograms, nutrition stations, and mock x-rays. The event created a welcoming environment where children could learn about heart health while easing fears about medical care.

For our nursing students, it was also a meaningful opportunity to practice pediatric assessment skills while connecting with families in the community. Experiences like this reflect the heart of the nursing profession and help our students grow into compassionate healers committed to service, education, and community partnership.

For more information, click here

Spring is a busy season for pre-health students preparing to apply to professional programs. In addition to gathering shadowing, volunteer, and patient care hours, students update resumes, write personal statements, request letters of recommendation, and prepare for entrance exams.

To support this process, the Pre-Health Professions team hosted two mock testing days in February for the DAT, GRE, MCAT, and OAT. Students received personalized feedback and study recommendations based on their results.

The team also offers a spring test preparation course using Kaplan materials and best practices to provide structure, support, and accountability. More than 30 students are participating this semester. Early results show that students who engage fully in the course perform better and approach exam day with greater confidence as they take the next step toward careers serving patients and communities.

This reflection captures the heart of the program: meaningful connection, personalized guidance, and the cultivation of compassionate, capable future health professionals. At JCU, mentorship is a partnership and a belief in each student's potential.

Interested in becoming a mentor or mentee? Complete the brief application and Brittany Kincaid will follow up with more information!

Dr. Melissa Cole continues to offer open office hours, available to book online. Students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community partners are welcome to schedule time to connect, ask questions, share ideas, explore collaboration opportunities, or simply have a conversation.