Academic Commons News

Join the Jefferson College of Life Sciences on Monday, November 10, for a presentation by Dr. Sonali Majumdar, Assistant Dean, Professional Development Graduate School, Princeton University.

DATE: Monday, November 10, 2025
TIME: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
LOCATION: Jefferson Alumni Hall (JAH), Room 407
 

This talk by Dr. Sonali Majumdar—based on insights from her book—will help reframe limitations into possibilities and design dynamic paths for fulfilling careers in STEM.

No registration is required. Light snacks and beverages provided. Open to all Jefferson international graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty.

For more information, email the JCLS Administrative Office at dawn.berkbigler@jefferson.edu.

Have questions about evidence synthesis? Drop in to chat with Jefferson librarians on November 14, 10-11am, about systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, umbrella reviews, and more. Drop in here: https://Jefferson.zoom.us/j/93226488335

Get guidance on:

• Choosing the right review methodology for your project
• Using Covidence to streamline your workflow
• Selecting appropriate critical appraisal tools

No registration required — just join via Zoom (https://Jefferson.zoom.us/j/93226488335) and bring your questions. If you can’t attend, you can always schedule a consultation with a librarian at a time that works for you.

In Episode 5 of The Learning Curve, “Culturally Responsive Teaching” we sit down with Kati Fosselius, MS, RDN, LDN, Director of the MS in Nutrition & Dietetic Practice Program at Thomas Jefferson University, to discuss how culturally responsive teaching practices can create a more welcoming classroom and build authentic, trusting relationships with students.

Why You Should Listen

Kati Fosselius brings depth, warmth, and practical insight to this episode, highlighting how thoughtful, inclusive teaching practices help students feel seen, valued, and supported. Whether you’re new to culturally responsive teaching or looking to deepen your inclusive pedagogy, this conversation offers strategies you can use right away to foster belonging and engagement in your classroom.

What You'll Learn 

• How to build authentic relationships by understanding each student’s strengths, goals, and cultural background
• Ways to incorporate student voices into the curriculum through culturally relevant topics and experiences
• Tips for giving wise feedback that supports growth 
• Strategies for creating a “safe and brave” learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes
• Key concepts like Culturally Responsive Teaching, Deep Culture, and Wise Feedback, and how they shape meaningful learning experiences
   

Visit The Learning Curve podcast episode page for resources mentioned in the episode. Check out our website for additional episodes. 

Image credit: National Associates Physical Therapy

This October, dive into Jefferson Libraries’ collection of physical therapy resources—featuring eBooks and videos. From evidence-based practices and pediatric therapy to postpartum care and inspiring patient stories, these materials are perfect for students, clinicians, and anyone curious about the healing power of movement. 

eBooks

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy: An Evidence-based Approach

Educating Physical Therapists

Evidence Based Physical Therapy

Management in Physical Therapy Practices

My Degeneration: A Journey through Parkinson's

Physical Therapy Case Files: Sports

Solving the Pain Puzzle: Cases from 25 Years As a Physical Therapist

Therapeutic Exercise for Children with Developmental Disabilities
 

Videos

Physical Therapy Management of the Woman in a High-Risk Pregnancy

Postpartum Physical Therapy Evaluation

The Academic Commons’ 2024–2025 Annual Report highlights our progress and accomplishments.  With the theme “Connecting People to Possibility,” the report highlights how our teams helped the Jefferson community learn, teach, create, and share knowledge in new ways.

This year, we reached over 5,000 learners, fulfilled thousands of AV, photo, and design requests, and saved Jefferson researchers more than $560,000 in publishing fees. From immersive learning and new digital programs to inclusive exhibits and student-led events, our teams made it easier to connect, collaborate, and explore. 

Check out our Annual Report to learn more. 

Open Access Week is your chance to explore how open access publishing expands the reach of research and supports a more equitable scholarly world. Open Access means that information is freely available, published digitally, and has few restrictions on its use or reproduction. 

Join us at Scott and Gutman Libraries to celebrate!

Stop by our tables to:

• Learn about open access publishing and how Jefferson supports authors
• Test your knowledge with a quick game—earn snacks and prizes
• Discover how open access benefits both researchers and readers worldwide

 Scott Library (2nd Floor)

• Tuesday, October 21 | 12–2 p.m.
• Thursday, October 23 | 12–2 p.m.

Gutman Library (Main Floor)

• Wednesday, October 22 | 12–2 p.m.
• Thursday, October 23 | 12–2 p.m.
  

The Jefferson Libraries are proud to support open access publishing through:

• Transformative Agreements that cover article processing charges (APCs) for Jefferson authors in select open access journals.
• The Open Access Fund, which offers financial support for authors whose journals are not covered by an existing agreement.

Learn more about Jefferson’s open access publishing opportunities at jefflibraries.libguides.com/openaccess.

Header photo credit:  Hanne Pearce (CC BY 4.0)

Take a walk through Jefferson’s past and present with the LGBTQ+ at Jefferson exhibit, a powerful look at the LGBTQ+ experience at Thomas Jefferson University from the 1970s to today. 
 

Located on the second floor of Scott Library, the display cases feature student publications, club handbooks, activity guides, and institutional reports that tell stories of advocacy, community, and change. You’ll see how student voices helped shape a more  inclusive Jefferson over the decades.  The exhibit contains original material and reproductions from the Marion J. Siegman, PhD, FAPS, Archives (Siegman Archives).

This exhibit was created by Erik Mendenhall, an undergraduate Law & Society student, as part of his internship with the Academic Commons and Jefferson Libraries. Erik’s research into LGBTQ+ history at Jefferson brought this vibrant and meaningful story to life. 

Visit Scott Library's second floor to learn about the LGBTQ+ experience at Jefferson. 

“By recognizing and embracing our diversity – of race, color, age, creed and sexual orientation – the ties that bind us together into a community can only grow stronger.”

— JEFF Gay and Lesbian Medical Students Association (G.L.M.S.A.)

You are cordially invited to the launch party of Evanescent Issue 6: Growing. Learning. Aging.  Authors of featured essays and poems will read their submissions. The event will take place on Thursday, October 9, at 5:30 pm in the Hamilton 5th floor lobby. 

Additionally, the Eakins Writing Council is thrilled to announce the theme for the Drs. Theresa and Charles Yeo 2025-2026 Prize:
 

 Visit the Evanescent website for more information regarding submissions.

Evanescent: A Journal of Literary Medicine is the journal of the Eakins Writing Project, which also sponsors the Drs. Theresa and Charles Yeo Writing Prize. The Eakins Writing Project is named after artist Thomas Eakins who painted the renowned The Gross Clinic and offers programs to facilitate writing as a conduit for healing and self-reflection.  It seeks to provide space for the incredible stories witnessed every day by members of the Jefferson community.