Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
Wingate University: Look Back at a Difference-Making 2025
WINGATE, North Carolina, Jan. 3 -- Wingate University issued the following news:
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Look back at a difference-making 2025
2025 was a busy, difference-making year at Wingate University, full of academic excellence, community-focused initiatives and even (more) national championships. Let's take a look back at some of the highlights:
January
Soon after the new year began, English professor Dr. Ben Sammons took over as Wingate's first chaplain. The chaplain role is an expansion of the past "campus minister" position, to include advising the University's administration in matters of faith and
... Show Full Article
WINGATE, North Carolina, Jan. 3 -- Wingate University issued the following news:
* * *
Look back at a difference-making 2025
2025 was a busy, difference-making year at Wingate University, full of academic excellence, community-focused initiatives and even (more) national championships. Let's take a look back at some of the highlights:
January
Soon after the new year began, English professor Dr. Ben Sammons took over as Wingate's first chaplain. The chaplain role is an expansion of the past "campus minister" position, to include advising the University's administration in matters of faith andspirituality as they relate to emerging trends and issues, the campus climate, and institutional norms. Also in January, Wingate honored several students and employees during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards ceremony and promoted a pair of faculty members to positions in the Provost's Office.
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February
With help from a grant from Foundation for a Healthy Carolina, professors in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program established WoMB (Woman-Mother-Baby), a pro bono clinic for mothers and newborns. And in Hinson Art Museum, the University celebrated Black History Month with a special exhibit on Franklin, the first Black character in the Peanuts comic strip.
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March
Wingate Athletics announced the addition of three new sports: women's flag football, men's varsity rugby, and men's beach volleyball. Rugby started in the fall, while flag football and men's beach will get going this spring. They joined women's triathlon, men's club triathlon, field hockey, acrobatics & tumbling, and women's beach volleyball as new Bulldog sports added since 2020. Also in March, the University's human services program was ranked second in the nation, and opera star Anthony Dean Griffey '90 returned to campus to give a masterclass and performance.
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April
The University community has shown its dedication to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by establishing Julia's Learning, hosting a baseball game alongside Union Diversified Industries every year, and having athletics teams and academic departments working closely with IDD individuals. That commitment helped the University be named Special Olympics National Champion, ahead of 29 other schools, including San Diego State University and the universities of Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan and Florida. Also in April, One Day, One Dog brought more than 1,000 members of the Wingate community together to work on service projects, while the University raised more than $570,000, during its annual Day of Service and Giving.
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May
Nearly 450 undergrads and 150 students from graduate and professional programs heard from an IT pioneer (Sathish Muthukrishnan, CIO at Ally Financial) and a healthcare advocate (Tchernavia Montgomery, CEO of the healthcare nonprofit Care Ring) during commencement ceremonies May 16 and 17. Among the graduates were 20 H.K. Helms Award winners (who had perfect 4.0 GPAs) and Brenda Rodriguez, who received a doctorate (pharmacy) and two master's degrees (public health and business administration).
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June
Wingate has long dominated the South Atlantic Conference in sports, winning the Echols Athletic Excellence Award 17 consecutive times. Last year, Bulldog Athletics nearly claimed a similar spot nationally. Wingate placed a school-record second in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings, meaning the University had the second-best overall athletics program in NCAA Division II. Also in June, The Leon Levine Foundation gave Wingate $1 million to go toward improving college access in rural areas. The Cannon Foundation ($1.04 million) and Wendell and Judy Talley ($600,000) also gave significant gifts this year.
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July
A study from Georgetown University showed that Wingate ranks No. 5 in North Carolina in terms of return on investment for low-income students. Considering that about half of Wingate's students are eligible to receive a Pell Grant, the University is undoubtedly helping the Charlotte region improve social mobility for people in lower socioeconomic demographics. Also in July, Wingate led the NCAA (all divisions) for the spring semester in number of NCAA postgraduate scholarships awarded.
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August
Wingate kicked off the new academic year with a new master's program: clinical mental health counseling. "Since Covid, the need for mental-health counseling has just boomed," says Dr. Jennifer Jordan, director of the program. The 21 members of the initial cohort will learn about mental-health counseling from a "trauma-informed angle." This fall, the University also had its largest crop of new undergraduates (1,020) in seven years.
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September
With Ethan Evans well established as the punter for the NFL's Rams, another 2023 Wingate graduate made it to The Show in Los Angeles this fall. On Sept. 2, Mitch Farris took the mound for the L.A. Angels, becoming the first former Wingate Bulldog to start a game in the Major Leagues. Farris, allowing just one run on three hits, picked up the win in a 5-1 Angels victory. Also in September, the successful Wayfind college-access program expanded to Richmond County.
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October
Dr. Mary Swiggum became one of three longtime Wingate employees to take over a health science program this year when she was named director of the Department of Physical Therapy. In June, Dr. Michele Pfaff was named director of the nursing program (she had been interim director since January), and in November Dr. Andrew Woods (also interim for six months) was named dean of the School of Pharmacy. Also in October, Northeast Residence Hall was renamed after trustee Carl Tucker and his wife, Linda.
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November
It's probably fair to call it a dynasty at this point. Wingate's men's cross country team won its second national title with a nine-point margin over second-place Adams State in Kenosha, Wis. The Bulldogs have two second-place finishes and two national titles in the past four years. The Wingate women continued their climb toward the top as well, placing third in the national meet. Also in November, Wingate music students took on a tall task by performing the opera Don Giovanni in Italian.
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December
The University's deep ties to the community are not by chance. Wingate is intentional about serving the community, whether it's establishing a learning program for young people with IDD, making it easier for low-income students to attend college, or helping revitalize the town of Wingate. That's why we were so honored to receive the Union County Chamber of Commerce's Community Impact Award. Also in December, more than 300 students received degrees at fall commencement.
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Original text here: https://www.wingate.edu/news-archive/news-post/~board/whats-up-at-wingate/post/a-look-back-at-a-special-2025
University of Bayreuth: What is Changing in Food Shopping - and What Consumers in the Region Should Pay Attention to
BAYREUTH, Germany, Jan. 3 -- The University of Bayreuth issued the following news release:
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What is changing in food shopping - and what consumers in the region should pay attention to
Those who shop in Bayreuth and Upper Franconia will have to prepare for changes in the coming months and years. New rules in European food law are intended to simplify procedures, enable innovation and secure supply. For consumers, this means less bureaucracy in the background, but new questions when shopping. Prof. Dr. Kai Purnhagen, an expert in food law from Bayreuth, draws attention to this.
"Food remains
... Show Full Article
BAYREUTH, Germany, Jan. 3 -- The University of Bayreuth issued the following news release:
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What is changing in food shopping - and what consumers in the region should pay attention to
Those who shop in Bayreuth and Upper Franconia will have to prepare for changes in the coming months and years. New rules in European food law are intended to simplify procedures, enable innovation and secure supply. For consumers, this means less bureaucracy in the background, but new questions when shopping. Prof. Dr. Kai Purnhagen, an expert in food law from Bayreuth, draws attention to this.
"Food remainssafe," emphasises Purnhagen. "But the way information is communicated and products are regulated is changing." One of the most visible changes could concern labelling. In recent years, the number of voluntary seals and labels has grown significantly - with limited benefit for consumers. "Studies show that too many labels tend to confuse rather than help," says Purnhagen. "Labels mainly sell a good feeling, regardless of what they actually say." For consumers, this means that key information such as allergens or health-related information will remain. At the same time, it will become more important not to rely solely on eye-catching seals.
New techniques, familiar foods
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continue to be a particularly sensitive topic of discussion. At EU level, there are plans to treat new genomic techniques differently from traditional genetic engineering in legal terms. Certain procedures will be possible in future without authorisation or labelling. "This may sound new to many people, but it isn't," explains Purnhagen. "Many foods that we have been eating for decades are genetically modified without being labelled." It is important to differentiate: processes involving profound genetic modifications should continue to be regulated and labelled. Scientifically, there is no evidence of a higher risk with the new, more precise techniques - but socially, the issue remains controversial.
Testing innovation - without risk to everyday life
The new rules are supplemented by so-called real-world laboratories. There, new foods and production processes can be tested under controlled conditions. "This does not affect normal shopping," says Purnhagen. "These tests take place within a clearly defined framework." The aim is to keep innovation in Europe and at the same time gain experience before new products are launched more widely on the market.
Keeping an eye on prices and availability
Import controls will also play a greater role in the future. Food from third countries will be subject to stricter checks to ensure European standards are met. Why? "This protects consumers and regional producers," says Purnhagen. "At the same time, it can have an impact on prices and availability." Especially in times of global supply chains, security of supply remains a key issue - also for everyday shopping.
Guidance instead of uncertainty
Purnhagen's conclusion: consumers need not be alarmed, but should remain vigilant. "Food law regulates our everyday lives more than many people realise," he says. "Those who understand why things are changing can make informed decisions - instead of being unsettled by headlines."
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Prof. Dr. Kai Purnhagen, a renowned expert in the field of international food law at the University of Bayreuth, has held Germany's first professorship in food law since 1 July 2000. He teaches at Faculty 7 (Life Sciences) at the Kulmbach campus. Purnhagen is also chairman of the Ethics Committee at the University of Bayreuth and, together with Prof. Dr. Markus Mostl, director of the Research Centre for German and European Food Law.
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Original text here: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/press-release/changes-in-food-shopping
Tragedy and Triumph Mark the Stories of the Year for Thiel College in 2025
GREENVILLE, Pennsylvania, Jan. 3 -- Thiel College issued the following news release:
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Tragedy and triumph mark the stories of the year for Thiel College in 2025
The sad passing of a notable alumnus and a popular student were balanced against the academic acheivement and accomplishment of Thiel College's faculty, staff and students for the College's Top 10 stories in the Thiel College Newsroom based on their number of views, media attention, and social media impact this past year.
1. Toby Atwood '26
The Thiel College community mourned the loss of student-athlete and campus leader Toby
... Show Full Article
GREENVILLE, Pennsylvania, Jan. 3 -- Thiel College issued the following news release:
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Tragedy and triumph mark the stories of the year for Thiel College in 2025
The sad passing of a notable alumnus and a popular student were balanced against the academic acheivement and accomplishment of Thiel College's faculty, staff and students for the College's Top 10 stories in the Thiel College Newsroom based on their number of views, media attention, and social media impact this past year.
1. Toby Atwood '26
The Thiel College community mourned the loss of student-athlete and campus leader TobyAtwood '26, who died July 20 after collapsing during the Presque Isle Half Marathon. A rising senior from Kittanning, Pa., Atwood was a business administration and accounting double major, a 4.0 student, and a recipient of one of the College's full-tuition scholarships. She served as co-captain of the women's tennis team, president of Thiel's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and president of the Presidents' Athletic Conference SAAC. Campus memorial services and counseling resources were made available, and more than 250 participants gathered for the inaugural Toby Atwood Memorial 5K, raising approximately $11,000 toward a scholarship established in her memory. Plans are underway to make the event an annual tradition.
* Read more about the fundraiser in Atwood's memory (https://www.thiel.edu/newsroom/press-releases/detail/thiel-college-community-gathers-to-honor-the-life-and-legacy-of-toby-atwood-26)
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2. Dean's Lists
Thiel College recognized academic excellence with the release of the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Dean's Lists, honoring students who achieved a minimum 3.4 grade point average while enrolled full time. A total of 390 students were named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List, with 358 students earning recognition in Spring 2025. The announcements highlighted sustained academic achievement across all class levels and reflected the College's continued emphasis on student success, rigor, and scholarly engagement.
* Read the Spring 2025 Dean's List (https://www.thiel.edu/newsroom/press-releases/detail/thiel-college-announces-deans-list-for-spring-2025)
* Read the Fall 2024 Dean's List (https://www.thiel.edu/newsroom/press-releases/detail/thiel-college-announces-deans-list-for-fall-2024)
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3. NSSLHA National Recognition
Thiel College's National Student Speech Language Hearing Association chapter earned Gold Chapter Honors for the third consecutive year, the organization's highest level of national recognition. Announced May 13, the honor placed Thiel among 105 chapters nationwide and in Puerto Rico recognized for excellence in member engagement, advocacy, service, and fundraising. During the 2024-25 academic year, the chapter raised funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, purchased an assistive listening system to enhance campus accessibility, and participated in legislative advocacy at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. The recognition underscored the strength of Thiel's communication sciences and disorders program and its emphasis on professional development and community impact.
Thiel College's National Student Speech Language Hearing Association chapter earned Gold Chapter Honors for the third consecutive year, the organization's highest level of national recognition. Announced May 13, the honor placed Thiel among 105 chapters nationwide and in Puerto Rico recognized for excellence in member engagement, advocacy, service, and fundraising. During the 2024-25 academic year, the chapter raised funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, purchased an assistive listening system to enhance campus accessibility, and participated in legislative advocacy at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. The recognition underscored the strength of Thiel's communication sciences and disorders program and its emphasis on professional development and community impact.
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4. Academic Honors Convocation and Tom Guskey '72 H'25
Thiel College awarded an honorary degree to education scholar Tom Guskey '72 H'25 during its annual Academic Honors Convocation, a tradition dating to 1928 that celebrates student academic achievement. Guskey, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Kentucky and internationally recognized authority on assessment and grading, also participated in the College's inaugural Education Summit. The Convocation recognized Dean's List students, recipients of named scholarships, and members of Alpha Chi and the Dietrich Honors Institute. Guskey and other education leaders are scheduled to return to campus for the next Education Summit on Feb. 10, 2026.
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5. Greenville High School Hall of Fame Connections
Thiel College connections were prominently represented in the Greenville High School Distinguished Hall of Fame Class of 2025, with inductees Fred Kiser '66, Roberta Leonard, Barry '75 and Linda (Dean) Oman '74, along with the late David Baughman. The recognition highlighted the lasting impact of Thiel alumni and leaders on education, athletics, and public service within the Greenville community and beyond.
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6. Full-Tuition Scholarship Awardees
Commodore Perry High School senior Kennedy Cropp '29 was awarded a full-tuition academic scholarship to Thiel College during a surprise presentation at her school, joined by fellow recipient Max Dombrowski '29. Cropp, of Clarks Mills, Pa., was selected from a competitive field of candidates following faculty interviews and scholarship competitions held in late 2024. An accomplished student-athlete and community volunteer, Cropp has been involved in multiple varsity sports, music ensembles, student organizations, and service initiatives. Each year, Thiel awards five full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving students nationwide.
* Commodore Perry High School student awarded full tuition scholarship to Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/newsroom/press-releases/detail/commodore-perry-high-school-student-awarded-full-tuition-scholarship-to-thiel-college)
* DuBois Area High School student surprised with full tuition scholarship to Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/newsroom/press-releases/detail/commodore-perry-high-school-student-awarded-full-tuition-scholarship-to-thiel-college)
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7. Best Higher Education Institution
Thiel College was named Mercer County's top higher education institution in the Sharon Herald's 2025 Best of the Best contest, which recognizes outstanding regional organizations through community voting. The honor reflected strong support from alumni, students, and area residents and highlighted the College's growing academic programs, student-centered approach, and community engagement. Winners were featured in a special Sharon Herald publication celebrating regional excellence.
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8. Sheila Nowinski Appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs
Thiel College appointed Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D., as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, effective Jan. 1, 2025. A member of the President's Cabinet, Nowinski oversees academic programs and faculty. She joined Thiel in 2015 and rose through the faculty ranks to full professor in 2024, most recently serving as chair of the Dietrich Honors Institute. Nowinski has played a key role in academic governance and strategic planning, including the development of Thiel 2026: Launching Leaders, and brings extensive experience in curriculum development, faculty leadership, and student engagement.
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9. Commencement Speaker and Honors
The Rev. Kurt Kuserow '85 H'25, retiring bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was announced as commencement speaker for the Class of 2025. Thiel College conferred degrees upon 174 graduates during the May 10 ceremony, including 12 MBA recipients, and awarded honorary degrees to Kuserow and alumna G. Leah Dever '74. The ceremony also recognized faculty emerita status recipients and marked the first time in recent history that Commencement was held on a Saturday.
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10. Commencement and Campus Memorial Service
Thiel College awarded degrees to members of the Class of 2025 while also hosting a campus funeral service honoring retired Air Force Col. Charles H. "Bud" Manes '58, a longtime coach, athletics administrator, and founder of the Thiel Athletic Hall of Fame. Manes, who served the College for nearly four decades, was remembered for his leadership in athletics, military service during the Korean War, and lasting contributions to student-athlete development. His legacy was further recognized through the naming of Manes Track in 2019.
* Read the commencement list (https://www.thiel.edu/newsroom/press-releases/detail/thiel-college-awards-degrees-to-members-of-the-class-of-2025)
* Read more about Manes' service (https://www.thiel.edu/newsroom/press-releases/detail/thiel-college-hosting-funeral-service-for-alumnus-long-time-coach-and-hall-of-fame-founder)
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Original text here: https://www.thiel.edu/newsroom/press-releases/detail/tragedy-and-triumph-mark-the-stories-of-the-year-for-thiel-college-in-2025
Stockton 2026: Look Ahead
GALLOWAY, New Jersey, Jan. 3 -- Stockton University issued the following news:
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Stockton 2026: Look Ahead
The upcoming year promises growth, celebrations and new beginnings. Take a look at what's ahead for Stockton University in 2026:
Soaring Forward: Strengthening Community, Advancing Excellence
The plan's strategic priorities include:
* Cultivate a Community of Care: Belonging and Pride
* Inspire Minds: Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship
* Empower Student Success
* Anchor in Purpose: Serving the Region and Beyond
* Sustain Tomorrow: Stewardship and Innovation
Following the introduction
... Show Full Article
GALLOWAY, New Jersey, Jan. 3 -- Stockton University issued the following news:
* * *
Stockton 2026: Look Ahead
The upcoming year promises growth, celebrations and new beginnings. Take a look at what's ahead for Stockton University in 2026:
Soaring Forward: Strengthening Community, Advancing Excellence
The plan's strategic priorities include:
* Cultivate a Community of Care: Belonging and Pride
* Inspire Minds: Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship
* Empower Student Success
* Anchor in Purpose: Serving the Region and Beyond
* Sustain Tomorrow: Stewardship and Innovation
Following the introductionof Stockton's new Strategic Plan last fall, the university will continue implementing the plan's objectives, which reflect what the university wants to achieve over the next three years.
This month, the Implementation Team will begin prioritizing actions, aligning resources and preparing the first reporting cycle. Strategies will be put into action with regular monitoring, evaluation and refinement beginning with the spring semester.
These priorities will guide how the university sets goals, invests resources and measures progress through 2028.
Gaining a New Library Learning Commons
The $19.5 million Bjork Library renovation project will continue in 2026 and is on track to be completed by the start of the fall semester.
The project will transform the three-story, 100,000-square-foot space in the middle of the Galloway campus into a library learning commons where students can gather for meetings, participate in experiential learning opportunities and work with archival materials and primary sources.
Some of the upgrades include 34 additional study rooms, a new roof and heating and air conditioning system, and more charging stations for computers and mobile devices.
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Stockton's Performing Arts Center Celebrating 50 Years
For five decades, Stockton's Performing Arts Center has been a space that housed impressive musical acts, cutting-edge dance, soul-stirring theatrical performances and more.
Founded in 1976, the Stockton PAC has grown into a venue for on-campus, local and global talent, while also becoming a hub for educational programming that will inspire the next generation of learners and lovers of the arts.
As the 2025-26 season begins to wind down, the PAC plans to reflect on and honor the past while asking audiences what they envision for the next 50 years. The 2026-27 season and further 50th-anniversary plans will be announced in late August or early September.
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Lending a Hand and Being of Service to the Community
The Stockton community will come together for a day of honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy during the 22nd annual Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19.
The day, beginning with breakfast and an awards ceremony at 9 a.m., will feature projects at the Galloway, Atlantic City and Hammonton locations. Last year, nearly 900 volunteers worked across all three campuses.
The 5th annual Community Day Clean Up and Party in the Park is slated to return on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Volunteers will help beautify Atlantic City by picking up trash and litter in neighborhoods and on beaches. Following the cleanup, volunteers will enjoy a day of family-friendly activities, supporting small local businesses and more in O'Donnell Park.
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Supporting Student Scholarships
The Stockton University Foundation's annual Scholarship Benefit Gala will be back at the Campus Center in Galloway on Saturday, April 18.
In 2025, the Gala returned to the Galloway campus for the first time in 20 years. Nearly 500 alumni, donors, faculty, staff, parents and friends raised more than $333,000 toward scholarships.
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Celebrating the Class of 2026
Ospreys will celebrate their achievements at a trio of commencement ceremonies in May.
Graduate students earning master's and doctoral degrees will participate in a ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, in the Sports Center on the Galloway campus. Baccalaureate candidates will walk in ceremonies on Friday, May 15, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
The morning ceremony, beginning at 9:30 a.m., will recognize students in the Schools of Business and Social & Behavioral Sciences. The afternoon ceremony, beginning at 2:30 p.m., will include graduates of the Schools of Arts & Humanities, Education, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and the William T. Daly School of General Studies.
-- Stacey Clapp, Mark Melhorn and Loukaia Taylor
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Original text here: https://stockton.edu/news/2026/look-ahead-2026.html
S.D. State University: Ghabchi Receives Endowed Position / Construction, Structural Materials Expert Named to Hanson Post
BROOKINGS, South Dakota, Jan. 3 -- South Dakota State University issued the following news:
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Ghabchi receives endowed position / Construction, structural materials expert named to Hanson post
By Dave Graves
Rouzbeh Ghabchi, who has developed a research-quality road construction materials lab during his tenure at South Dakota State University, has been awarded an endowed professorship.
Ghabchi, who has been at SDSU since August 2016, was appointed as the John M. Hanson Endowed Associate Professor in Structural and Construction Engineering in November, continuing the legacy of the professorship
... Show Full Article
BROOKINGS, South Dakota, Jan. 3 -- South Dakota State University issued the following news:
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Ghabchi receives endowed position / Construction, structural materials expert named to Hanson post
By Dave Graves
Rouzbeh Ghabchi, who has developed a research-quality road construction materials lab during his tenure at South Dakota State University, has been awarded an endowed professorship.
Ghabchi, who has been at SDSU since August 2016, was appointed as the John M. Hanson Endowed Associate Professor in Structural and Construction Engineering in November, continuing the legacy of the professorshippreviously held by Nadim Wehbe, who retired in June 2025.
The professorship will provide Ghabchi with resources to enhance the research infrastructure in the construction materials labs and support doctoral research students. Collectively, these efforts enhance the civil engineering program's impact and contribute to the university's aspiration to progress toward R1 designation.
SDSU has set a goal to become an R1 university by 2031. To attain the highest classification by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a university's research expenditures must total over $50 million annually, and it also must confer 70 doctoral degrees annually (calculated using a three-year average).
SDSU meets the research expenditure threshold but falls short in the number of doctoral degrees awarded.
Currently, Ghabchi's lab is staffed with five doctoral students. A sixth, being recruited with funds from the endowed professorship, is slated to start in the summer.
When Ghabaci started at SDSU, the construction materials lab could only do basic asphalt mix testing, primarily for use in teaching.
Since his arrival, Ghabchi has developed a research-grade lab to test asphalt mixes and established a new asphalt binder lab to test bituminous binders. "Now our program is a nationally recognized program," Ghabchi said. But he adds, "This is a work in progress."
Foresees a national center
His goal is that the construction materials research program would not just be nationally recognized, but also rank among the leading programs in the nation.
Long term, he can see SDSU becoming a national center for transportation research and construction, which is is closely tied to developing and sustaining a strong cadre of doctoral students and research scientists.
Guanghui Hua, head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, complimented Ghabchi on his work to upgrade the construction materials lab.
"He strategically used portions of his tenure-track startup funds along with multiple U.S. Department of Transportation-Mountain Plains Consortium research grants to acquire and upgrade critical laboratory equipment. In addition, Dr. Ghabchi pursued collaborations with industry partners and secured research grants and donations to further enhance the construction material lab.
"He also worked with the SDSU Foundation to acquire donor funds that supported the development of a modern concrete curing room," Hua said.
He added that the new equipment "enables state-of-the-art concrete material processing and testing as well as asphalt mix and binder testing. These upgrades have opened doors to new research opportunities. In addition, the enhanced facilities strengthen construction materials education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels."
Ghabchi's initial focus: structural engineering
Ghabchi did his doctoral studies at the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 2014. He said it was during those studies that he developed his passion for construction materials research. He arrived at Oklahoma with a focus in structural engineering.
He followed his Ph.D. with two years of postdoctoral work at the University of Oklahoma, working as principal investigator and co-principal investigator on several research projects funded by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Southern Plains Transportation Center and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
He said he took an interest in that field because transportation is so vital for economic growth and public safety.
Ghabchi said his structural background meshes well with material analysis and construction techniques. "What type of bridge deck materials? What type of asphalt? What type of concrete?" are all questions that researchers can give guidance to for engineers working in the field, he said.
Positioned for international recognition
Hua said, "Dr. Ghabchi has demonstrated excellent achievements in research, teaching and service. His commitment to advancing construction materials engineering has significantly strengthened the department's research profile while enriching the educational experiences of our students.
"With the support of this endowment, Dr. Ghabchi is well positioned to broaden his research portfolio, secure large nationally competitive grants, and elevate the reputation of SDSU in this field to both national and international recognition."
An example of the applied research that Ghabchi's lab is working on is a study of bridge deck sealants undertaken on behalf of the South Dakota Department of Transportation. The lab is evaluating four types of epoxy sealants used on six bridges to determine sealant durability and bridge structure health.
Ineffective sealants can lead to concrete corrosion as well as reduced vehicle traction, he said. The lab has done three years of testing with another two years expected.
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Original text here: https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2026/01/ghabchi-receives-endowed-position-construction-structural-materials-expert-named
S.D. State University: Future Innovator Spotlight / O'Connell Finds Research Opportunities Right Under His Nose
BROOKINGS, South Dakota, Jan. 3 -- South Dakota State University issued the following news:
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Future Innovator spotlight / O'Connell finds research opportunities right under his nose
By Dave Graves, Dave.Graves@sdstate.edu
Fueled by a love for Legos and a fascination for how the body works, Edina, Minnesota, fifth-grader William O'Connell started writing research papers on how the eye functions and what causes an appendicitis.
That was 2015. Ten years later, O'Connell is still writing research papers, though the words have gotten bigger and the topic more complex. The South Dakota State
... Show Full Article
BROOKINGS, South Dakota, Jan. 3 -- South Dakota State University issued the following news:
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Future Innovator spotlight / O'Connell finds research opportunities right under his nose
By Dave Graves, Dave.Graves@sdstate.edu
Fueled by a love for Legos and a fascination for how the body works, Edina, Minnesota, fifth-grader William O'Connell started writing research papers on how the eye functions and what causes an appendicitis.
That was 2015. Ten years later, O'Connell is still writing research papers, though the words have gotten bigger and the topic more complex. The South Dakota StateUniversity junior has a double major in human biology and mechanical engineering with a biomedical engineering minor with plans to graduate in May 2027.
He also is a member of the fourth class of Future Innovators of America, which are chosen by the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.
Recipients are awarded $5,000 with $4,500 as a stipend and $500 to cover the cost of lab supplies or travel to disseminate the results of their project.
The fellowships were created to provide unique research opportunities for undergraduate students in the college. Any student is eligible to apply as long as they are attending full time and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Application deadline was Nov. 5.
Each student worked with a potential project mentor, who must be a faculty or research staff member, to develop and submit a research plan that entails learning by doing. There are eight students tackling projects this school year.
Selected for Basu's research team
O'Connell's project is "Experimental Measurements of Liquid Media Penetration within 3D-Printed Anatomical Respiratory Cavities." To put it more simply, he is trying to find the optimum effectiveness for nasal sprays to kill bacteria. The work is done in conjunction with Saikat Basu, an associate professor in mechanical engineering.
Basu, an expert in this field of computational fluid dynamics, has a team of graduate students who works with him.
As an undergraduate, O'Connell said he is "really fortunate" to have this opportunity. In October, Basu submitted a research paper to the journal "Frontiers in Drug Delivery." Listed among the authors with Basu, his graduate students and colleagues at Cornell University is O'Connell. The paper has been accepted for publication.
He has been working with Basu since responding in fall 2023 to the faculty member's post asking for a lab assistant.
Creates models for experiments
O'Connell's responsibilities progressed. In late spring of his sophomore year, O'Connell was asked to work on what is formally known as "Mechanics-Guided Parametric Modeling of Intranasal Spray Devices and Formulations for Targeted Drug Delivery to the Nasopharynx."
O'Connell's job was to set up the experiment. A graduate student handled the computational side of things -- using computer projections to estimate what would be the coverage area and disposition based on spray angle and particle size. It was O'Connell's job to create an experiment that would seek to validate the computational work.
Using clear resin for 3D printing, he created a model of the human respiratory tract from the nostrils to just below where the mouth meets the throat. A vacuum pump was used to simulate breathing on the life-sized model. Distilled water and dye were added to the nasal spray to track coverage, O'Connell explains.
The target was the nasopharynx, the upper part of the pharynx, located behind the nasal cavity and above the soft palate. It is a common hangout for germs associated with the common cold, sore throats, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinus issues and ear infections.
To provide for accurate comparisons, O'Connell had to standardize the height and zoom percentages in which photos were taken.
Preparation for the experiment began in the summer with the actual experiments performed in August and September. The team found the computational projections almost always fell in the range with the experimental data, O'Connell said.
Research continues in emerging field
While this study is complete, there is more work to do. The next study will involve a fuller representation of the respiratory system. The model will be cast to go from the nostrils to the primary bronchi at the base of the trachea. Basu's team held a preliminary meeting with the Cornell researchers Dec. 3.
While nasal sprays certainly aren't new, their use in drug delivery is an emerging field. O'Connell said their benefits include their ability to permeate across the blood/brain barrier, a lowering of the risk of introducing a blood-born pathogen, being less expensive and easier to manufacture than a shot, and no biohazards such as a discarded needle.
The challenge is to get the spray to the optimum location.
Speaks to American Physics Society
While consumers have no say in the size of the spray droplet, the angle of spray into the nostril and the depth into the nostril are within the user's control. "You have to insert it and have it at a more horizontal angle. Vertically is less effective," said O'Connell, who gave a 10-minute talk on the project at the gathering of the American Physics Society Division of Fluid Dynamics.
He was joined at the Nov. 23-25 gathering in Houston by Basu and two graduate students from the team.
"Initially I was nervous (about speaking), but I was happy with the presentation I gave," said O'Connell, who also thanked Basu for giving him the opportunity to speak. O'Connell also will speak at the Global Summit of the American Physics Society in Denver during spring break in March. That will address work just now underway.
Looking ahead, O'Connell said he is applying for summer internships in the field of medicine. However, he added, "I wouldn't mind coming back to do research for Dr. Basu. I enjoy learning and believe this research is very helpful."
It could also be helpful in getting O'Connell into medical school, as will his 3.9 GPA. The Honors College student's current career goal is to be an emergency room doctor.
When not balancing his dizzying load of academics, O'Connell can be found sleeping, playing video games and serving as a community assistant in Mathews Hall, the living and learning center for engineering underclassmen.
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Original text here: https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2026/01/future-innovator-spotlight-oconnell-finds-research-opportunities-right-under-his-nose
Indonesian Ambassador Returns to His Roots During Visit to the University of Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa, Jan. 3 -- The University of Iowa's International issued the following news:
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Indonesian ambassador returns to his roots during visit to the University of Iowa
By Katie Ron
On December 5, 2025, the University of Iowa welcomed home one of its most distinguished alumni: H.E. Mr. Indroyono Soesilo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States. The visit was more than a diplomatic engagement, it was an emotional return to the place that shaped his academic journey, his family life, and ultimately his career.
Ambassador Soesilo (PhD geologic remote sensing '87)
... Show Full Article
IOWA CITY, Iowa, Jan. 3 -- The University of Iowa's International issued the following news:
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Indonesian ambassador returns to his roots during visit to the University of Iowa
By Katie Ron
On December 5, 2025, the University of Iowa welcomed home one of its most distinguished alumni: H.E. Mr. Indroyono Soesilo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States. The visit was more than a diplomatic engagement, it was an emotional return to the place that shaped his academic journey, his family life, and ultimately his career.
Ambassador Soesilo (PhD geologic remote sensing '87)spoke about how his time in Iowa City set him on the trajectory that led to a career steeped in science, government leadership, and international diplomacy.
"Getting my PhD at Iowa set me on the path that got me where I am today," Soesilo reflected during his visit.
During the visit, Ambassador Soesilo, accompanied by the Indonesian Consul General in Chicago, Mrs. Trisari Dyah Paramita, met with university representatives from the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability and the Stanley Museum of Art. He also joined Indonesian students, scholars, and alumni for a lunch hosted by International Programs. The ambassador and his wife Nining Sri Astuti (MA geography '86) then took a nostalgic tour around town. They revisited the places they once lived, including an apartment above a bakery on Washington Street. His wife fondly recalled that the ambassador treated himself to a cinnamon roll from that bakery every day. Their eldest son was born at Mercy Hospital.
One of the highlights of his visit was being able to see his dissertation again, a reminder of the research he conducted--work connected to the Columbia space shuttle program and efforts related to Mars exploration.
Before studying at Iowa, Ambassador Soesilo completed an MSc in remote sensing for natural resources at the University of Michigan and later became a Fulbright Scholar in 2012.
While the visit was rich with memories, it also opened doors for future collaboration. Ambassador Soesilo expressed interest in developing partnerships between Indonesia and the University of Iowa. He mentioned opportunities to bring more Indonesian students to the University of Iowa and to support research collaborations, particularly in STEM fields, where Iowa and Indonesian faculty could jointly submit proposals for funding. He also proposed connections related to the arts.
For the ambassador and his wife, the visit was a return to a place that shaped their early careers and family life. For the University of Iowa, it was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with an alumnus whose global leadership reflects the university's values and impact.
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International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.
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Original text here: https://international.uiowa.edu/news/2026/01/indonesian-ambassador-returns-his-roots-during-visit-university-iowa
