Joe Berg Seminar Series Alumni Spotlight
From time to time, we will highlight the accomplishments of a notable Joe Berg Alumnus. There have been quite a few Joe Berg Scholars who sat where you sit each week (if not in the same seats, in a similar setting elsewhere in the city of Jacksonville.) who have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, scientists, entertainers, researchers, and more!
June 2018- Mr. Grant Howard (Class of 2006)
Joe Berg Alumnus Grant Howard graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, in Jacksonville Florida. He attended the University of North Florida and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology. He then went on for a Post Bach in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of North Florida. While at UNF he worked on the Marine Mammal Research Program studying behavioral relationships of dolphins in the St. John’s River. He also worked with large exotic carnivores; wolves, tigers, and lions at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Grant is currently working as a state certified Medical Laboratory Scientist at Mayo Clinic in the Hematology, Flow Cytometry and Urinalysis laboratory.
In March 2018, Grant returned to Joe Berg, this time as a presenter and led a group presentation along with some of his colleagues from the Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Technician Fields to give our Science Scholars some insight into the daily lives of Medical Laboratory Scientists & Medical Technicians.
In March 2018, Grant returned to Joe Berg, this time as a presenter and led a group presentation along with some of his colleagues from the Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Technician Fields to give our Science Scholars some insight into the daily lives of Medical Laboratory Scientists & Medical Technicians.
October 2017- Mr. Tom Shed (Class of 1969)

Tom Shed, is a Joe Berg alumnus, as well as a Grammy nominated songwriter and performer brings “history, humor and the human condition” to audiences around the world in an exciting & entertaining concert. Performing on guitar & banjo throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Australia and most recently a tour of Germany, Tom shares his unique perspective of life, love and the world around us.
History – Tom sings about real events
• The great hurricane of 1928
• The great fire of Jacksonville
• A politicians demise in pre civil rights America in 1953
• Lost in a swamp and the unforgiving nature of the Wild
Humor – Tom brings to his concert songs about: alien abduction; experiencing unique southern hospitality; Motorhome mayhem on Florida’s highways; and learning to appreciate your Grandmother.
Human condition – Tom helps us look at life: a celebration of Single Mothers; the many faces of fear; dreaming of lost opportunities; love at first sight; a questionnaire for marriage?; and PTSD.
Tom writes and performs soundtracks for films and television including Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ringside Miami, and the award winning Archie Carr, A Naturalist in Florida. Tom produces albums for fellow musicians. Most notably “Walk Proud My Son” for the late, Florida folk icon and Native American, Don Grooms. We have been very fortunate that Tom's schedule allows him to speak with both the Science and Humanities scholars in between shows and recording sessions.
History – Tom sings about real events
• The great hurricane of 1928
• The great fire of Jacksonville
• A politicians demise in pre civil rights America in 1953
• Lost in a swamp and the unforgiving nature of the Wild
Humor – Tom brings to his concert songs about: alien abduction; experiencing unique southern hospitality; Motorhome mayhem on Florida’s highways; and learning to appreciate your Grandmother.
Human condition – Tom helps us look at life: a celebration of Single Mothers; the many faces of fear; dreaming of lost opportunities; love at first sight; a questionnaire for marriage?; and PTSD.
Tom writes and performs soundtracks for films and television including Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ringside Miami, and the award winning Archie Carr, A Naturalist in Florida. Tom produces albums for fellow musicians. Most notably “Walk Proud My Son” for the late, Florida folk icon and Native American, Don Grooms. We have been very fortunate that Tom's schedule allows him to speak with both the Science and Humanities scholars in between shows and recording sessions.