Fitchburg State University will welcome police officers from across Massachusetts for its police mountain bicycle training course Wednesday, Aug. 4 through Friday, Aug. 6. The course, first offered in 2017, is co-sponsored by the Fitchburg State Center for Professional Studies and its campus police department. Upon completing the three-day course, the officers will be able to properly control the bicycle within a high volume pedestrian area as well as riding on the street off road. The course is designed to offer students a better understanding of the utilization of the mountain bike for community policing, bicycle patrol procedures, the equipment needed for patrol, and the confidence that they can perform their duties as police officers in a professional and safe manner on a bicycle. The course includes a classroom component but the majority of the time is spent on the bike. The primary instructor for the course is Medway Police Sgt. Jeffrey Watson, who has been teaching police mountain bike training for more than 20 years. Municipal and campus police departments from across Massachusetts have taken part in the program at Fitchburg State. “Police mountain bikes are great for community policing,” said Sgt. Watson. “It truly handles the fears and concerns of citizens. This is just another aspect of police reform and training. We can be out there, one-on-one with the citizens in a way you can’t in a patrol car. In today’s environment, it’s what we need.” This year alone, Sgt. Watson has trained 150 officers for police mountain biking. To learn more about the training or to register, please visit https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/continuing-education/center-professional-studies/police-mountain-bike-training-pmbt. The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 21.

Students in Fitchburg State University’s Engineering Technology program recently competed in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Design Challenge, for which they reimagined a vacant parcel in downtown Fitchburg as a hub of renewable energy. The students, led by Professor Keith Chenot, collaborated with Unitil Corp. Senior Energy Efficiency Program Coordinator Brad Hunter. Unitil, with a long history of support of university initiatives, recently entered into a multi-year commitment to sponsoring and participating in student projects and providing financial support. “The competition provided a great opportunity for seniors in the Engineering Technology Department to apply their knowledge as a team toward solving a real-world problem here in Fitchburg,” Professor Chenot said. For the challenge, the students reimagined the site of the former Johnsonia Building, a hotel-turned-apartment complex that was demolished after a fire in 2011. In designing a new structure for the location, the students considered a mixed-use, multifamily development that would serve Fitchburg’s ethnically diverse population with retail and commercial space that also provided affordable housing. The design accomplished this while adhering to the net zero energy footprint (wherein energy used by the building is offset by what is produced on-site) through maximizing daylight, capturing solar energy, and geothermal heating and cooling systems.  The team included students with concentrations in architecture, energy management, electronics and construction management. Its members collaborated with the city to find a project site, and the Johnsonia property was a prime location and fit the mixed-use multifamily type, one of the competition's entry categories. Emily Howard, who graduated in May, said the project was eye-opening. “Professor Chenot really wanted to show us what projects would look like for us in the real world,” said Howard, who led the design team. “He tried to emphasize teamwork and assigned us roles based on our interests and strengths to simulate the collaboration necessary for a construction project in the real world.” Howard said the project was also a valuable exercise in leading her teammates in other aspects of the design. “The selection of the site made it even more interesting because we all have been driving past that empty lot for years,” she said. “What I loved most about this project was the focus on energy efficiency, because that is where the industry is headed.” Most of the team’s work was coordinated online this year because of the pandemic, which created its own challenges for students to overcome. “We all would have loved to work together in person but I think we all did our very best with the circumstances, and made the best out of the situation,” Howard added. That included benefiting from Hunter’s presence online. “Brad Hunter from Unitil was an amazing resource for the class,” said Howard, who started a project engineer position this summer at A/Z Corporation in Marlborough. “He came to almost every class and offered his professional opinion whenever he could. Brad had great advice whether it was about the orientation of solar panels or the incentives that companies like Unitil offer to energy efficient buildings. He was such a great resource with such a vast amount of information.” Hunter, whose primary responsibilities at Unitil include working with large customers on energy incentive and rebate programs, said he enjoyed participating in the students’ discussions. “I sat in their shoes many years ago in engineering school, so it was interesting to see their thought processes and where they’re coming from,” he said. “It was great to see that energy and that optimism.” Hunter said the students also got to have valuable experience building their presentation skills. “I thought the project itself, and the way it was formatted, replicated real-world scenarios,” he said. “There was a point where the students had thought to go down a different path with their design, and they realized if they shifted gears and changed this component at that late stage, it affected all these other things they had already done. They had to think about whether to make that change or not, and it's amazing how much that resonated with how things work on real projects.” Professor Chenot was grateful for Hunter and Unitil’s support. “Brad’s background in engineering, renewable energy, and power distribution contributed greatly to the students’ understanding of the application of engineering principles to real-world situations,” he said. The university hopes to participate in a Solar Decathlon project again next year. The students’ project can be viewed on the Undergraduate Conference for Research and Creative Practice website at fitchburgstate.edu/ug-conference.

Fitchburg State University’s Center for Professional Studies will once again offer an online course this summer for educators and school staff on supporting LGBTQIA and gender-diverse students in K-12 environments. The course, which carries one graduate credit or 15 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-approved professional development points, will be presented in an online and asynchronous format from Monday, Aug. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 24 (with no class assignments given between Aug. 23 and Sept. 19). The course, taught by Center for Professional Studies Assistant Director Dani Langdon, is an introduction into the challenges that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) students face in schools on a daily basis. By understanding terminology, historical context, and preconceived notions about the LGBTQIA+ community, educators can begin to create intentional, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. This course is intended for anyone who works in a K-12, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, administrative, and support staff. Course participants will explore myths and perceptions, the prevalence and effects of bullying, unintended bias in schools and classrooms, and the laws and policies in place that affect LGBTQIA+ students. This course will give educators the tools to start developing a more inclusive curriculum, navigate conversations around gender and sexual orientation, and foster a respectful and engaging environment where all students can thrive. Learn more and register now online. The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 28.  

Associate Professor Danette Day from the Education Department, and co-chair of the Friends of Fitchburg Abolitionist Park, addressed the crowd. On the first nationally recognized Juneteenth holiday, residents gathered in downtown Fitchburg for the formal groundbreaking of the new Abolitionist Park that celebrates the city’s role in the movement to abolish slavery. Fitchburg State donated the property at 42-50 Snow St. on which the park is being constructed. At the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, June 19, Friends of Fitchburg Abolitionist Park Co-Chair Danette Day - also a member of the Education Department faculty - discussed how the project was created through hard work and collaboration. The park began as a class project at Mount Wachusett Community College but has grown into a much larger movement. “We have built trust and respect for each other while listening and incorporating the dreams and hopes of others,” Day said. “What began as a student-centered class activity has blossomed into a community project.” Day said she hoped the project would inspire future generations to look at ways to abolish other systems of oppression that endure. Fitchburg State Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless greeted the crowd gathered at the celebration and described how the project echoed key elements of the university’s strategic plan: education justice, and a commitment to positive contributions to North Central Massachusetts. “Fitchburg State is proud to partner in the creation of this important community landmark,” Bayless said. “We must, as a community, take the time to celebrate moments in our history where we have been pulling toward the ideals of this great nation, this city, and this university. In fact, being able to designate this Abolitionist Park at a time when the disparate impact of COVID-19 and a heightened sense of racism and xenophobia have been so evident makes it all the more meaningful.  “We salute the volunteers who have worked so hard to make this park a reality, and an enduring monument to the work of Benjamin Snow and the others from Fitchburg and the region who supported the abolitionist movement,” Bayless continued. “This project will keep that history alive for future generations. To all of you, congratulations, and thank you.”Nasih Thomas '24 reads his original poem "Umoja" at the Abolitionist Park groundbreaking. Fitchburg State student Nasih Thomas shared an original poem to close out the ceremony. "Umoja" Pride because nothing breaks us With history showing only resilience Pride because despite deprivation, destitution and adversity we prevail collecting accolades as we march It is one to be known and another to know And we certainly know and receive reminders daily of how much it is that we know Yet I am here I am here as a human not a bullseye I am here as a speaker not a threat I am here and our presence is a testament to an old movement with a new drive Devotion to a vision Commitment to completion What do we know of the phoenix A creature of rebirth from the ashes of its predecessors I am part You We are part Of the phoenix See more images from the event on the university’s Facebook page. Watch a recording of the ceremony on FATV's on-demand video page here.  

Aside from “cryptocurrency,” the term “cybersecurity” might just be the biggest buzz phrase right now. But unlike crypto, the need for cybersecurity and the entire industry supporting it, is only going to continue rising. In fact, according to Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, it is the “fastest growing tech sector in the world” and will most likely impact many aspects of our day to day lives as well as the world we live in, from here on out. There probably aren’t many people who haven’t heard of Solar Winds or the Colonial Pipeline hack that occurred recently shutting off much of the country’s gasoline supply, all the while taking a major U.S. corporation to its knees in exchange for a hefty ransom (which was paid).  “These are not one-off actions and we can only expect to see more and more of them, which is why every industry needs folks who know how to recognize and stop an attack in its tracks,” said Bash Kazi, CEO of Cyber Range Solutions (CRS).  CRS is partnering with the Center for Professional Studies (CPS) at Fitchburg State University on its comprehensive cybersecurity programs. In addition to the cybersecurity concentration offered within Fitchburg State’s undergraduate program as part of the computer information systems major, the CPS is now offering professional development courses in cybersecurity to support local businesses, industry leaders, organizations and cyber startups with their cybersecurity needs. As the newest contributor to the Commonwealth’s expansive IT ecosystem, Fitchburg State aims to become a local leader in growing cyber talent and training those already employed in this ever expanding workforce sector. This will ensure that industry standards of training and cyber competency are not only met, but surpassed.   “We have now gotten to the point where cyber-attacks have become the new normal,” Kazi continued. “Just like COVID-19 affected all of our lives and steps were taken to limit its implications, the same principles must now be applied to fending off cyber-crimes. These tactics must take root not only in business and within government but within education. Massachusetts is lucky to have an institution like Fitchburg State address the gap in cybersecurity education by injecting this critical curriculum into its extensive catalog of coursework. Now, students, businesses and government entities can take steps to enhance their knowledge and ability to fend off the inevitable cyber crimes that will continue to plague our lives.” Fitchburg State’s cybersecurity courses will offer students an engaging hands-on experience in their state-of-the-art Cyber Range, where students enter simulated real-life cyber-attack scenarios. These 100% online trainings are led by instructors who are cyber industry veterans, poised to provide valuable insight and lessons on applying the curriculum to on-the-job practices. The four-course program aims to advance the cyber career of anyone who enrolls and offers unique training so that students learn how to respond to threats in a training environment rather than while on the job. Cyber ranges are being actively used in higher education, military agencies, government agencies, and private corporations to focus on building competencies, capabilities and preparedness for cybersecurity education. Ranges are also essential in replicating institutional infrastructures for cybersecurity testing and to safely further cybersecurity research (Taylor, 2021). In 2020, (ISC)2, an international nonprofit dedicated to conducting in-depth research on the cybersecurity profession, conducted a Cybersecurity Workforce Study and found that organizations that find a way to contribute to an employee’s continued education “at all stages” built robust and supported teams. The study found 63% of cybersecurity professionals were pursuing or planning to pursue additional security-related certification. In the field of cybersecurity, it is critical to stay up-to-date on the latest technology. Therefore, many in the industry see the importance in taking additional coursework in their field and many earn multiple credentials throughout their career ((ISC)2, 2020).  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is consistently ranked among the highest growth states for new IT firms and expansion into the cyberspace realm (Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, 2021).  In fact, there are over 170 companies in Massachusetts that focus entirely on cybersecurity products and services. In the last few years, both the New York Times and Forbes have cited Cybersecurity Ventures estimate that there is an estimated shortage of about 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals at the moment, and though we have come up with technologies to aid us in keeping the world’s data safer, there is really no replacement for highly certified and trained professionals (Sayegh, 2020). This means that there are a growing number of opportunities and potential out there for job seekers and folks looking to advance in the cybersecurity field. Fitchburg State University offers several courses for professionals at various levels looking to advance their cybersecurity careers in fintech, healthcare, education, manufacturing, defense, life sciences, and beyond.   Visit the CPS website to learn more about upcoming cybersecurity courses. Have additional questions or are interested in customized training for your staff?  Email our Center for Professional Studies at cps@fitchburgstate.edu or call the office at 978-665-3636.

The Forge Theater Lab, a Fitchburg State alumni theater company in residence at the university, presents “Past Tense,” an online showcase of short plays about people coming face-to-face with their past selves. By turns comic, poignant, and powerful, these stories explore the challenge of living in the present when you can see the past in the mirror. A link to view recordings of the plays will be posted to https://www.theforgetheaterlab.org on Friday, June 18. Viewing is free but donations to the theater company are accepted. “Past Tense” is composed of works by Steven William Beck '03, Matt Cogswell '07, Cayenne Douglass, Ken Green, and Ashley Lauren Rogers '06. Cast members include Jeanine Bartel, Matt Cogswell '07, Mike Daniel '16, Felipe Ferreira '18, Daniel T. Hankins, Maureen Keiller, Michael Knight '01, Sydney Lipsett '21, Brittany Messuri Rechenberger '18, Nael Nacer, Kathleen O’Connor, and Cheyenne Winley. The plays were directed by Caley Chase, Jack Crory '07, Samantha deManbey '12, Lee Douglass, and Rebecca Joseph, with the recordings edited by deManbey. This online event is supported in part by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council.  About The Forge Theater Lab The Forge Theater is a Fitchburg State alumni theater company at Fitchburg State. Their mission is to develop and produce new plays. Over the past three years they have produced new plays by alumni and local playwrights.

Fitchburg State University will offer a one-year certificate in autism spectrum disorders after receiving approval this spring from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The program, which provides an overview of autism including best practices for assessment and intervention, will allow licensed educators to receive the state’s Autism Endorsement for Educator Licensure. This online program is offered through Fitchburg State’s Education Department. With the Centers for Disease Control now reporting that about 1 in 54 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder, it is of critical importance for teaching professionals to possess the skill set necessary to effectively support children on the autism spectrum. Fitchburg State’s Education Department developed this new four-course autism spectrum disorders certificate program to help meet those needs. This certificate program includes coursework and field experience focused on an overview of autism, positive behavior interventions and supports, and best practices for assessment and intervention in areas including communication and social skills, executive functioning strategies, sensory considerations, and engaging family members and other stakeholders.  The program, which can be completed in one year, has been approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to allow licensed educators who complete the program to receive the state of Massachusetts’ Autism Endorsement for Educator Licensure. To learn more, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/academics/programs/autism-spectrum-disorders-graduate-certificate-online.

Fitchburg State University has joined with nearly 600 colleges and universities to participate in the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, a national initiative to promote vaccination. The challenge was launched by the White House, the U.S. Department of Education and the American College Health Association. “We are proud to partner in this important public health initiative that will help all of our communities safely move forward,” Fitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus said. “We all have a part to play in the recovery from the pandemic, and this is a critical step in that process.” Fitchburg State, like other public colleges and universities across Massachusetts and the country, is requiring COVID-19 vaccination for students planning to live or study on campus this fall. Those looking for places to get vaccinated should visit the state’s vaccination website, where there is also information about the safety and efficacy of the shots. The state has also launched a $1 million giveaway that all vaccinated residents may enter. Learn more at the Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway page. Read additional information on the university’s response to COVID-19 at fitchburgstate.edu/coronavirus.

Fitchburg State University baseball sophomore Brad Keefe (Dracut, Mass.) was credited with the selfless act of helping battle a house fire not far from Noyes Park in Sherrill, N.Y., where he is a member of the Sherrill Silversmiths baseball team. "A couple of my teammates and I were hitting in the batting cages getting in some extra work when a shed and car caught on fire,” said Keefe, who is majoring in engineering technology. “We set up some hoses and helped put it out until firefighters showed up. We just thought it was the right thing to do.” The structure fire Monday in a single-car detached garage was fully engulfed in flame and spreading to the vehicle parked next to the garage, according to a statement from Sherrill Fire Chief Andrew Bennett. “Bystanders who were in the area had attempted to quell the fire while awaiting the arrival of fire personnel," Chief Bennett said. "Keefe and two members of the Silversmith team helped by retrieving and connecting additional garden hoses to allow Chief of Police Robert Drake to make additional efforts on the fire.” According to the Sherrill City Manager Brandon Lovett, it was “a true sign of leadership and selflessness.” "The selfless efforts of these individuals to actively take action and attempt to assist the residents of Sherrill in a time of crisis is greatly appreciated," Chief Bennett said. "The fire was brought under control quickly after the arrival of the Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department.” “I took the names of the three players because I believe they deserve recognition for their actions," said Sherrill Police Chief Robert Blake, acknowledging Keefe and teammates Simeon Downing and Josh Bein. "Their willingness to help and courageous actions are a true inspiration.” “We always expect our players to be great community citizens when they head off to various collegiate summer baseball leagues, but it sounds like Brad and his teammates took that to another level," said Fitchburg State Baseball Coach Shawn Manfredo. "We're very proud of how he represented Fitchburg State University and our baseball program."  Keefe, playing for the Sherrill Silversmiths of the New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL) this summer, made his debut Monday Night. He allowed three hits and an earned run in two innings of relief. It was opening day in the NYCBL.