breslin, denino honored

Fri., May 25

Vincent T. Breslin, associate professor of education and environmental studies, and David J. Denino, adjunct professor of counseling psychology, were honored at the May 25 undergraduate commencement as this year's recipients of the J. Philip Smith Outstanding Teacher Award.

Vincent T. Breslin, associate professor of science education and environmental studies, is a highly regarded scientist and educator distinguished for his innovative approach to environmental education.
Dr. Breslin received a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from the University of New England, Maine; a Master of Science degree in marine environmental studies from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, N.Y.; and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in oceanography from the Florida Institute of Technology. He is currently the faculty coordinator for both the undergraduate marine studies and environmental studies minor program and is also member of the graduate faculty. Dr. Breslin teaches undergraduate courses in the marine studies minor program, the environmental studies minor program, the Honors College, and the graduate environmental education master's degree program.

Dr. Breslin, who came to Southern in the fall of 2000, developed two new courses for the environmental education program: EVE 559 Energy Use and Global Climate Change and EVE 552 Long Island Sound: Environmental Perspectives. He also developed new courses in collaboration with other university faculty for the Honors College. These courses cover scientific and energy-related issues affecting the Connecticut coastline.

Dr. Breslin's teaching is informed by his participation in the Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and designed to improve science education by focusing on real world problems. His courses have field and/or laboratory components that require students to do research and make observations concerning the natural world. In addition, his courses stress active science that has direct social relevance to coastal Connecticut and the greater New Haven area.

Dr. Breslin has received extensive funding and published numerous papers in support of laboratory and field-based studies examining the biogeochemical behavior of contaminant metals in coastal waters. His studies have been important in understanding the spatial distribution of contaminant metals in Connecticut harbors and the potential accumulation of these metals in living marine resources. He is also a co-coordinator of the Connecticut State University Center for Coastal and Marine Studies (CCMS); his co-coordinators are Dwight Smith of the Biology Department and James Tait of the Science Education and Environmental Studies Department. The CCMS enhances faculty-directed student research and curriculum development in support of addressing regional issues of concern to coastal Connecticut.

Dr. Breslin provides educational outreach to the community as a coordinator for education programs at Outer Island, the outermost island in the Thimble Island chain off the coast of Branford, Conn. A partnership between the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and the Connecticut State University system provides access for educational and research programs on the island.

David J. Denino, L.P.C., N.C.C., is a licensed professional and nationally certified counselor with 32 years of experience in higher education. Mr. Denino earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 and his Master of Science degree in 1976, both from Southern Connecticut State University; his advanced graduate study was undertaken at the University of Connecticut in adult development and counseling psychology. He currently serves as the director of counseling services and as an adjunct professor of counseling psychology.

Mr. Denino's expertise has extended into many areas of higher education. He has worked in residence life, student centers, and career services, eventually settling into his career as a college counselor in 1981. Mr. Denino quickly became a leading expert in career psychology and has been called upon by the Connecticut State Department of Labor, the Connecticut State Department of Education, and the Connecticut State Bureau of Rehabilitation Services to provide training and consultation. Through the Connecticut Career Development Association, he pioneered the use of computers and Internet applications for career counseling during the 1980s, with seminal work connecting counseling and computer-based systems. His work in career psychology was recognized statewide when he was selected by his peers to receive a certificate of merit as Outstanding Counselor of the Year in 1991. In 1997, the American Counseling Association, North Atlantic Region, named him Prominent Emerging Leader.

Mr. Denino has been an adjunct professor at Southern Connecticut State University since 1986 and continues to teach career psychology classes as an adjunct faculty member in counseling psychology. He has also taught courses in group counseling and in the organization and administration of student personnel services. In addition, he has worked closely with students in practica and internships.

His professional associations include the American and Connecticut Counseling Associations, the American Association of College and University Center Directors, and the National and Connecticut Career Development Associations. He has presented many times at both regional and national conferences and has held elected statewide positions of leadership.

Mr. Denino holds certifications in Red Cross Disaster Services and in Disaster Mental Health Services, and is a certified instructor for suicide prevention and education. A highlight in his career came in 2006 when he was selected for the Red Cross Heroes of New Haven County Award in the medical category. The award recognized his role as a first responder to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster, when he traveled to the Gulf Coast region to provide mental health services both to the general public and to rescue personnel during a two-week period.

Mr. Denino resides in Wallingford, Conn., with his wife, Vanessa, who is a nurse practitioner in private practice. Mrs. Denino was previously a member of the university's nursing department.