Education (Colleges & Universities)
Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
What celebrity worship says about self-worth
BEDFORD PARK, Australia, May 4 -- Flinders University posted the following news:* * *
What celebrity worship says about self-worth
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In today's celebrity- and influencer-driven culture, psychologists are increasingly interested in why people form strong emotional connections with famous figures, finding that celebrity admiration is closely linked to how clearly people understand themselves.
A new international study led by researchers from Flinders University in Australia and researchers in Budapest, and published in the scientific journal Personality and Individual Differences, suggests ... Show Full Article BEDFORD PARK, Australia, May 4 -- Flinders University posted the following news: * * * What celebrity worship says about self-worth * In today's celebrity- and influencer-driven culture, psychologists are increasingly interested in why people form strong emotional connections with famous figures, finding that celebrity admiration is closely linked to how clearly people understand themselves. A new international study led by researchers from Flinders University in Australia and researchers in Budapest, and published in the scientific journal Personality and Individual Differences, suggeststhat people who feel less certain about who they are may look to celebrities to help find their identity.
Director of the Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Matthew Flinders Professor Zsolt Demetrovics, says the findings show celebrity worship is often less about fame itself and more about deeper questions of personal direction, autonomy and self-understanding.
"Celebrity admiration is a very normal experience, especially in a world where celebrities are constantly visible online," says Professor Demetrovics, principal investigator from Australia.
"Our findings suggest that people who are less certain about who they are may be more likely to look to admired public figures for guidance, inspiration or a sense of stability," adds Associate Professor Agnes Zsila, a psychologist and principal investigator from Hungary.
The research analysed data from two large studies involving more than 1,800 adult fans, including one derived from a nationally representative sample. Across both studies, people with a less clearly defined sense of self were more likely to feel strong emotional connections to celebrities, whether for enjoyment, social connection or more intense personal reasons.
The study also examined whether unmet psychological needs help explain this relationship, finding that people who felt unsure about their sense of self and frustrated by a lack of independence or control in their lives were more likely to engage with celebrities for entertainment and social reasons.
Professors Demetrovics and Zsila, with lead author Rita Horvath say that celebrity admiration can serve a compensatory role when people are struggling with their identity or autonomy.
"When people experience uncertainty about who they are or feel they lack control in their everyday lives, celebrities can come to represent confidence, success and direction," says Associate Professor Zsila from ELTE Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary.
"Identifying with those qualities can offer a temporary sense of clarity or agency, especially during times of social or personal uncertainty."
The researchers emphasised that most forms of celebrity admiration are not harmful and often coexist with healthy relationships and wellbeing.
"Our findings are not about judging fans," says Professor Demetrovics. "They're about understanding the psychological factors that shape how people relate to public figures."
"Celebrity worship exists on a spectrum. For many people, it's simply enjoyable and socially shared. Understanding the role of identity helps explain why these connections can feel more meaningful for some people at different points in their lives."
The authors say the findings highlight the importance of personal identity development and psychological wellbeing in an era of constant online exposure to celebrities and influencers, and they point to the need for further research into how people navigate identity in an increasingly media-saturated world.
The paper, ' Searching for the self in stardom: Investigating the associations between self-concept clarity, basic needs, and celebrity worship,' by Rita Horvath (ELTE Eotvos Lorand University), Lynn McCutcheon (North American Journal of Psychology), Robert Urban (ELTE Eotvos Lorand University), Krisztina Mandli (Pazmany Peter Catholic University), Zsolt Demetrovics and Agnes Zsila (ELTE Eotvos Lorand University) was published in Personality and Individual Differences journal. DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2026.113825
Acknowledgements: Agnes Zsila was supported by the Janos Bolyai Research Scholarship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Project no. 153493 has been implemented with the support provided by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary from the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, financed under the STARTING_25 funding scheme.
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Original text here: https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2026/05/04/what-celebrity-worship-says-about-our-own-self-worth/
Walters to Depart from ClemsonLIFE
CLEMSON, South Carolina, May 3 -- Clemson University posted the following news:* * *
Walters to Depart from ClemsonLIFE
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College of Education
After 12 years of dedicated service to Clemson University through the ClemsonLIFE program, Erica Walters, Ph.D., has stepped down from her role, effective May 1.
Walters joined the University in 2014 as program manager for ClemsonLIFE and was named director in 2024. Prior to Clemson, she spent 15 years as an educator in South Carolina public school systems, serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
During her tenure, Walters ... Show Full Article CLEMSON, South Carolina, May 3 -- Clemson University posted the following news: * * * Walters to Depart from ClemsonLIFE * College of Education After 12 years of dedicated service to Clemson University through the ClemsonLIFE program, Erica Walters, Ph.D., has stepped down from her role, effective May 1. Walters joined the University in 2014 as program manager for ClemsonLIFE and was named director in 2024. Prior to Clemson, she spent 15 years as an educator in South Carolina public school systems, serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During her tenure, Waltersplayed a key role in initiatives such as expanding ClemsonLIFE from 20 to 55 students, while continuously training staff and students alike to promote an inclusive campus environment. She also helped advance efforts to promote inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities in national Panhellenic organizations.
These efforts were instrumental in enabling 78 ClemsonLIFE students to join 21 fraternities and sororities. More recently, she contributed to the development of several inclusive study abroad programs with LIFE students visiting Ireland and Costa Rica during their summer breaks.
Walters also helped promote similar post-secondary education programs by supporting student advocacy at the South Carolina State House and serving on local, regional and national advisory boards to advance employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Through her leadership and collaboration with colleagues, students and community partners, Clemson University has become the national leader in inclusive post-secondary education. Dr. Joe Ryan, the Sue Stanzione Distinguished Professor of special education and 2023-24 U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Ireland, is the founder and Executive Director of ClemsonLIFE and will continue to oversee the program.
The experienced staff is fully prepared to continue supporting our students as they progress in their academic, social, and independent living paths next fall. The University and the College of Education will continue to evaluate the program's needs and adjust as necessary.
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Original text here: https://news.clemson.edu/walters-to-depart-from-clemsonlife/
UTulsa petroleum engineering program named Top 100 worldwide
TULSA, Oklahoma, May 3 -- The University of Tulsa posted the following news:* * *
UTulsa petroleum engineering program named Top 100 worldwide
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The University of Tulsa recently placed in the Top 100 of the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for its petroleum engineering program. UTulsa's McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering was recognized for academic excellence, post-graduation employment and research impact/quality in the field.
To produce this year's rankings, QS analyzed the reputation and research output of more than 6,200 institutions. The University of Tulsa was one ... Show Full Article TULSA, Oklahoma, May 3 -- The University of Tulsa posted the following news: * * * UTulsa petroleum engineering program named Top 100 worldwide * The University of Tulsa recently placed in the Top 100 of the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for its petroleum engineering program. UTulsa's McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering was recognized for academic excellence, post-graduation employment and research impact/quality in the field. To produce this year's rankings, QS analyzed the reputation and research output of more than 6,200 institutions. The University of Tulsa was oneof only 228 institutions in the United States to be recognized. UTulsa has placed in QS's top 100 three times since 2021 and has maintained a top 200 ranking for the past five years.
"This ranking is proof of our college's dedication to providing a high-quality education with measurable outcomes to the next generation of engineers," said College of Engineering & Computer Science Dean Andreas A. Polycarpou. "The energy industry has been at the core of our university for nearly a century, and we are proud to continue to lead in this critical field."
The QS World University Rankings is a higher education analyst of comparative college and university rankings compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds. Founded in 1990, QS Quacquarelli Symonds is the leading global provider of higher education and careers information. QS ensures that student candidates have access to helpful tools and insights to make informed decisions about their education.
The University of Tulsa's McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering is internationally recognized as one of the top petroleum engineering schools in the country. By employing expert faculty, allowing access to state-of-the-art equipment and research opportunities supported by some of the world's top oil and gas firms, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the industry. UTulsa alumni are employed at Fortune 500 companies and are seen as leaders in the field.
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Original text here: https://utulsa.edu/news/utulsa-petroleum-engineering-program-named-top-100-worldwide/
Trio of College of Health Sciences graduates earn UM-Flint's top academic award
FLINT, Michigan, May 3 -- The University of Michigan-Flint posted the following news:* * *
Trio of College of Health Sciences graduates earn UM-Flint's top academic award
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The University of Michigan-Flint's College of Health Sciences boasts three winter 2026 graduates who have been recognized with the Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar Award, the university's highest undergraduate academic honor. The award celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a strong commitment to service within the university and broader community.
"I would like to congratulate ... Show Full Article FLINT, Michigan, May 3 -- The University of Michigan-Flint posted the following news: * * * Trio of College of Health Sciences graduates earn UM-Flint's top academic award * The University of Michigan-Flint's College of Health Sciences boasts three winter 2026 graduates who have been recognized with the Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar Award, the university's highest undergraduate academic honor. The award celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a strong commitment to service within the university and broader community. "I would like to congratulateeach of our Maize and Blue award winners," said Shan Parker, interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences. "This recognition reflects their hard work, dedication and sustained commitment to academic excellence. We are confident they will carry that same focus and determination into the next chapter of their lives and continue to be successful in their chosen paths.
"Together, Brady, Monica and Alyssa truly reflect the CHS mission: preparing graduates who are ready to lead, serve and make meaningful contributions in their fields and communities."
Brady Wirth
For Wirth, a radiation therapy graduate, earning the award reflects years of intentional involvement both inside and outside the classroom.
"Throughout my time at UM-Flint, I've made it a priority to stay involved in community volunteer work, maintain high academic standards, and take on leadership roles," said Wirth. "I'm very honored to be an award recipient."
Wirth served as president of the Radiation Therapy Student Organization, an experience that he said strengthened his leadership skills while reinforcing his commitment to the field. His clinical training played a defining role in preparing him for what comes next.
"The amount and variety of clinical experience I was able to gain during my time in the radiation therapy program prepared me to confidently transition into my role after graduation," he said.
Wirth credits faculty support as a key part of his success, specifically recognizing Julie Hollenbeck for helping guide his academic and professional development.
After graduation, Wirth plans to begin his career as a radiation therapist, building on the strong foundation he developed at UM-Flint. His advice to incoming students reflects the same mindset that shaped his experience: get involved early.
"Being active in student organizations and extracurricular opportunities helped me grow in many aspects during my time here," he said, "and I would tell anyone to do the same."
Monica Bussone
For Bussone, a health sciences pre-physician assistant major with a minor in public health, the award represents both validation and momentum as she prepares for the next step in her journey toward becoming a physician assistant.
"Receiving this award allowed me to highlight my dedication and commitment to my undergraduate studies," Bussone said. "It showed me that I am capable of achieving challenging goals and that I'm ready for what comes next."
Throughout her time at UM-Flint, Bussone's growth was shaped by a combination of academic, research and service experiences.
"My time at UM-Flint really helped to shape my growth, particularly through opportunities in research, service and collaboration with faculty and staff," she said.
Bussone credits that collaborative environment, along with professorial mentorship, for helping her build confidence and direction. She specifically singled out Melissa Sreckovic, associate professor of education, for providing encouragement and contributing to her professional development.
For the immediate future, Bussone plans to work while applying to physician assistant programs, continuing to build on the experiences that prepared her for a career in health care.
Her advice to future CHS students reflects a balanced perspective on success and growth.
"Live in the moment, work hard and enjoy the process," she said.
Alyssa Byrne
To Byrne, a health sciences pre-physical therapy student, receiving the award represented both perseverance and the support system that shaped her journey.
"(Earning the award) shows the countless hours of work and faithfulness of the Lord in my life," Byrne said. "It reflects the support system that I am so grateful to have and that has supported me every step of the way."
Her path toward a career in physical therapy was shaped through hands-on involvement and leadership experiences across campus.
"Having the opportunity to volunteer at the HEART Clinic and serving as the social chair of the Pre-PT/OT Club while gaining observation hours solidified my path in pursuing a career in this field," she said.
Byrne credits her advisor, Jennifer O'Roark, for helping guide her academic journey and introducing her to the program.
"Jennifer is excellent at what she does and shows a great deal of compassion and care," Byrne said.
She plans to continue her education at UM-Flint in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, with a long-term goal of returning to Northern Michigan to serve her community.
"My advice to new CHS students would be to utilize your resources," Byrne said. "Use your SI sessions, and don't be afraid to reach out to your professors; they want to see you succeed."
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Original text here: https://news.umflint.edu/2026/05/03/trio-of-college-of-health-sciences-graduates-earn-um-flints-top-academic-award/
Ten-year anniversary: Ten decisions that characterize the School of Medicine Basic Sciences
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 3 -- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences posted the following news:* * *
Ten-year anniversary: Ten decisions that characterize the School of Medicine Basic Sciences
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In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, we are highlighting 10 decisions that have made us who we are as a school today.
Follow along as we share more 10-item lists to celebrate our 10th anniversary throughout the months of April and May.
1. Reorganizing the university and medical center: In 2014, Vanderbilt leaders decided to split Vanderbilt ... Show Full Article NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 3 -- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences posted the following news: * * * Ten-year anniversary: Ten decisions that characterize the School of Medicine Basic Sciences * In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, we are highlighting 10 decisions that have made us who we are as a school today. Follow along as we share more 10-item lists to celebrate our 10th anniversary throughout the months of April and May. 1. Reorganizing the university and medical center: In 2014, Vanderbilt leaders decided to split VanderbiltUniversity and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (now referred to as Vanderbilt Health) into separate entities, largely for financial and governance reasons: On the one hand, the medical center required continuous capital and a specialized board, while on the other, the university relied on endowment, tuition, and licensing and worked under a board that was not well-suited to run a medical center. The split became final on April 29, 2016, and resulted in the creation of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, a school separate from the School of Medicine yet still focused on biomedical research. Larry Marnett was the school's inaugural dean.
2. Creating new centers and reinvesting in older ones: The SOMBS launched with a strong set of research centers already in place, such as the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, the Center for Structural Biology, the Mass Spectrometry Research Center, and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, but it also expanded its roster of research centers by adding new ones.Amongst them are the Center for Extracellular Vesicle Research, established in 2021, and the Mechanobiology Center, which is housed under the School of Engineering but which was partially funded by the SOMBS and is co-directed by Professor of of Cell and Developmental Biology Marija Zanic.
In addition, thanks to the Discovery Vanderbilt initiative launched by Provost C. Cybele Raver in 2022, the university committed $80 million to research, some of which was earmarked for new SOMBS centers:
* The Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, which studies how the brain controls behavior and how this changes with addiction,
* The Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, which translates basic science into treatments by "de-risking" innovative approaches for serious brain disorders,
* The Center for Computational Systems Biology, which unites computational and biomedical researchers with Vanderbilt Health clinicians to accelerate disease discovery, and
* The Vanderbilt Institute for Therapeutic Advances, which was designed as a hub for next-generation therapeutic discovery.
3. Surviving COVID-19: The SOMBS responded to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown with strict, centrally coordinated lab safety measures and a rapid shift in research focus.Beginning in March 2020, as Vanderbilt moved classes online and reduced campus residency, SOMBS labs closed. Starting in May 2020, labs reopened following a phased "research ramp-up" that progressively reduced limits on on-site lab density.In parallel, faculty quickly pivoted to study SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and related pandemic efforts. Our faculty led projects on coronavirus envelope proteins to create "molecular Trojan horse" treatment strategies and how SARS-CoV-2 proteins disrupt host gene expression and immune responses and collaborated on the development of antibody-based therapies, artificial intelligence-driven optimization of COVID-19 treatment, and COVID-19 vaccine development.These approaches showcased our commitment to safety and to investigating the most pressing health problems that affect our society.
4. Forming entrepreneurial partnerships: Since 2016, the SOMBS has launched several major industry partnerships to accelerate drug discovery.One of the first drug development initiatives after the VU-VUMC split led to Ancora Innovation, LLC, a company established in 2018 in partnership with Deerfield Management to advance and fund drug discovery projects involving Vanderbilt's "innovative life science research." Among the SOMBS projects Ancora has funded are studies on potential Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease therapeutics and two WCNDD-led projects, one targeting dystonia (a neurological disorder that causes muscles to move or tighten on their own) and other movement disorders and another focused on preventing and treating opioid use disorders.
The WCNDD, designed as a creator and driver of potential new drugs, has entered numerous partnerships to bring its candidate therapeutics to the clinic, including a partnership with Ono Pharmaceutical that produced first-in-class TREK channel modulators, a partnership with Soleno Therapeutics to develop new clinical treatments for multiple obesity syndromes, and an exclusive worldwide licensing and collaboration agreement with ACADIA Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize treatments for central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
Outside of the WCNDD, pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim and Vanderbilt have also partnered to develop novel anti-cancer compounds and have shared two molecules on the open science portal opnMe.com.
5. Developing trainee-focused initiatives: The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training provides support and resources for Vanderbilt biomedical graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty who advise trainees. Although it was established prior to the separation of the university and the medical center, it has become a keystone for trainee education and support within the SOMBS.
The BRET Office has spearheaded scores of successful initiatives through its existence, but here are some notable ventures:
* In 2021, former Senior Associate Dean for Biomedical Research, Education, and Career Development Kathy Gould led a major curriculum revision of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, one of the school's two umbrella programs, to focus on core competencies and incorporate large language models into all students' training.
* ASPIRE on the Road trips take participating graduate students and postdocs across the country to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, giving them the chance to learn from alums and other professionals in the industry. The program is led by the Assistant Dean of Biomedical Career Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Ashley Brady.
* Peer-reviewed papers by BRET faculty and staff published in 2017 and 2022 revealed no association between academic achievement and Graduate Record Exam scores, which paved the way for Vanderbilt and other institutions to drop the GRE requirement for their biomedical Ph.D. programs.
* In 2020, BRET personnel, led by Roger Chalkley and in conjunction with 16 other institutions, published a book summarizing their best practices for "institutions wanting to create, supplement, or improve their career and professional development offerings."
6. Investing in faculty, building a culture of excellence and recognition: A defining strength of our school has been its sustained investment in people. The SOMBS has hired 41 tenured or tenure-track faculty and 139 non-tenure track faculty across its four departments since 2016 to intentionally build a collaborative, interdisciplinary community of scientists at every stage of their careers.
This commitment to recruitment and hiring of excellent faculty is reflected in national recognitions from across the biomedical sciences. SOMBS faculty have been elected to prestigious bodies such as the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, including recent inductee Heidi Hamm, while others have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, such as Ege Kavalali, Lisa Monteggia, and Matt Tyska. Early-career faculty are also gaining national visibility through highly competitive awards from The Pew Charitable Trusts and Searle Scholars programs, supporting innovative, high-impact research.
Internally, programs like the Chancellor Faculty Fellows initiative highlight rising leaders-including scientists such as Emily Hodges and Jeffrey Spraggins -whose work is helping define the future of biomedical discovery. Together, these achievements reflect more than individual honors; they underscore a culture that invests in talent, celebrates excellence, and drives scientific progress forward.
7. Recognizing faculty leadership through endowed chairs: The impact of endowed chairs ripples throughout their institutions: They train their peers, mentor each new generation of students to realize their own potential, and devote their lives to sharing their knowledge. Endowed chairs have been part of academia for centuries, dating as far back as ancient Rome and three centuries in the U.S. alone. At Vanderbilt, endowed chairs are a proud tradition that has been part of the SOMBS from its inception.
In 2016, there were 25 faculty members with endowed chairs, but that number has grown to 41, with the latest recognized faculty being Richard N. Armstrong, Ph.D. Professor of Innovation in Biochemistry Martin Egli and Stevenson Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics David A. Jacobson. This growth reflects a continued and renewed investment in our faculty, not only from the university, but from donors who believe in our mission of fostering an environment where curiosity thrives and where our diverse community of scientists is empowered to create new knowledge about human biology, health, and disease.
8. Building the foundation for discovery by strategically investing in research infrastructure: A defining aspect of the SOMBS has been its bold and sustained investment in research infrastructure, which has laid the groundwork for discovery across disciplines and empowered researchers with the tools, space, and technology needed to drive innovation forward.
A key investment focus is our slate of world-class cores, particularly our centers of excellence. The Nikon Center of Excellence, housed within the Cell Imaging Shared Resource, has enabled advanced live-cell imaging for investigators campus-wide and fostered a vibrant research community through initiatives like the annual Life is Beautiful. The Bruker Center of Excellence in the Mass Spectrometry Research Center also reflects a continued investment in cutting-edge instrumentation and support for competitive federal grants.
The SOMBS's commitment to research infrastructure is perhaps most evident in the development of a state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy space in the basement of the Engineering and Science Building, complete with vibration-dampening features to maximize the quality of obtained data.Additional space expansions include new laboratory space in the ESB and the upcoming construction of a new science building that will be shared between three Vanderbilt schools, including the SOMBS.
9. Sustaining momentum and fueling innovation: The SOMBS strongly believes that breakthrough science depends not only on bold ideas, but on sustained, strategic support at the moments it matters most.
One way that the SOMBS has put this belief into practice is through the bridge funding it makes available to faculty, which ensures that promising research continues uninterrupted during critical funding gaps. Since its inception, the SOMBS has invested more than $4 million in faculty bridge support, enabling investigators to maintain momentum, retain key personnel, and generate the data needed to secure external grants."I would hazard a guess that our bridge program is the best in the country in terms of both generosity and impact," said Senior Advisor to the Dean of the SOMBS Chuck Sanders.
Building on this foundation of support, the Innovation Ignition Fund, launched in January 2024, marked a significant expansion of this strategy. Established through a partnership between Dean of Basic Sciences John Kuriyan and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, the fund is designed to support early-stage therapeutic projects with strong translational potential. The program helps move discoveries closer to clinical application by targeting high-risk, high-reward ideas at a crucial stage of development.
10. Establishment of VITA: In January 2026, the university launched the Vanderbilt Institute for Therapeutic Advances as part of the Discovery Vanderbilt initiative. VITA, under the direction of the William K. Warren, Jr. Professor of Medicine Craig Lindsley, aims to accelerate next-generation therapeutic discovery by building on Vanderbilt's strong track record in drug discovery by integrating basic research with systems biology, genomics, and AI.
Leveraging the success of the WCNDD, one of the nation's most productive academic drug discovery centers, VITA will expand the model to additional disease areas, including oncology; cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disorders; and antimicrobial resistance. Its first phase is emphasizing collaborations with major resources such as BioVU, a leading academic biobank at Vanderbilt Health, and embedding AI across the discovery pipeline. As milestones are met, VITA will scale to encompass more disease areas and broader partnerships.
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Original text here: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/basic-sciences/2026/05/03/ten-year-anniversary-ten-decisions-that-characterize-the-school-of-medicine-basic-sciences/
Found Industries aims to strengthen America's industrial supply chains
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, May 3 -- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology posted the following news:* * *
Found Industries aims to strengthen America's industrial supply chains
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Found Industries has gone through several distinct phases in the four years since it was originally formed as Found Energy. There was the scrappy startup stage, in which the company was primarily housed in the basement of founder Peter Godart '15, SM '19, PhD '21. Then there was the demonstration phase, in which the company worked to productize its technology for transforming aluminum into high-density fuel for ... Show Full Article CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, May 3 -- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology posted the following news: * * * Found Industries aims to strengthen America's industrial supply chains * Found Industries has gone through several distinct phases in the four years since it was originally formed as Found Energy. There was the scrappy startup stage, in which the company was primarily housed in the basement of founder Peter Godart '15, SM '19, PhD '21. Then there was the demonstration phase, in which the company worked to productize its technology for transforming aluminum into high-density fuel forindustrial operations.
Now, after confronting supply chain vulnerabilities related to critical metals in its aluminum fuel business, the company is launching a new division, Found Metals, to extract the critical metal gallium from mineral refineries -a move that builds on its original technology while addressing a major national security need.
Gallium is a critical material in the defense, semiconductor, and energy sectors. In 2024, China produced 99 percent of the world's primary supply -market dominance the country takes advantage of through export controls.
Godart's company developed an electrochemical gallium extraction technology for internal use after realizing how dependent it would be on China for the catalyst material at the center of its aluminum fuel reactors. Now, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, Found is hoping to use that technology to create a new domestic supply chain for gallium and a host of other important metals.
Found Industries is still committed to its aluminum fuel operations, now under its Found Energy division. It is already running a 100-kilowatt-class demonstration plant and is preparing for industrial pilot deployments next year. But with its expansion, which was announced April 21, the company is also working to meet the moment for critical metals production.
"Gallium is the world's most critical metal, as it's 99 percent controlled by China," Godart says. "When you produce 99 percent of something, you also produce 99 percent of the tools required to extract it. We couldn't get our hands on some of those tools, so we were forced to come up with a new technology. Now we believe we can deploy this at scale to become one the first major Western suppliers of these metals."
From fuel to metals
Godart focused on robotics as an undergraduate in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Following graduation, he worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he explored systems for tapping into high-density fuels like aluminum on other planets.
"I had this crazy idea that you could use aluminum, which is already a common construction material for aerospace, as a fuel on other planets," Godart says. "You don't need most of the aluminum on a spacecraft once you land on another planet. Aluminum is around 40 times more energy-dense than lithium-ion batteries, and if you have an oxidizer, like water on an icy moon for example, then you can react that aluminum with water and extract energy as heat and hydrogen."
Luckily for people who might spill water on aluminum while cooking, the metal is normally very stable when exposed to air. In order to tap into aluminum's stored energy, it needs to undergo a chemical reaction. Godart began exploring catalyst materials to create that reaction at NASA. He continued that work with professor of mechanical engineering Douglas Hart when he returned to MIT in 2017, this time for applications a little closer to home.
"If we want to think about moving humanity to other planets, we have some problems to solve here first," Godart says. "That was the impetus for me to go back to MIT to study using aluminum as a fuel for energy distribution on Earth."
Around 70 million tons of aluminum are already transported around the globe every year. Godart says that gives aluminum an easier path to scale. During his PhD, he created a process for coating aluminum with a gallium-containing alloy to help tap into aluminum's embodied energy.
"We found a catalyst that, when mixed with aluminum scraps, enabled aluminum to react with water very rapidly and at orders of magnitude higher power density than what had been possible before," Godart says. "That meant you could use aluminum as a fuel and get megawatt-scale power from compact reactor systems."
By the time he finished his PhD in 2021, Godart and his collaborators had developed a system that mixes aluminum fuel with those catalysts to continuously produce electricity at the kilowatt scale through a hydrogen fuel cell.
Godart launched Found Energy in 2022, licensing part of his research from MIT's Technology License Office and receiving support from MIT's Venture Mentoring Service. The company received an Activate fellowship, and after quickly outgrowing Godart's basement, moved into its current 20,000 square foot facility in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Today, Found Energy is working with industrial companies that have abundant aluminum scrap.
"When you invent a fuel, you then have to invent the engine," Godart says. "Our engine is called a catalyzed aluminum water reactor. You feed in aluminum that's been treated with the catalyst and water, and you get a steam-hydrogen gas mixture. We call that our power stream. We use it to cogenerate industrial heat and electricity. The reaction byproduct is a hydrated aluminum oxide that can be sold into various industries or recycled back into aluminum, which is the long-term vision."
As Godart worked to build more of the systems, he became concerned about Found's reliance on Chinese supply chains for its catalyst material. So, in 2024, he developed a new way to extract gallium from Bayer liquor, an industrial process stream used to produce aluminum. Traditional methods for extracting gallium rely on foreign-controlled organic chemicals or resins to bind and concentrate the gallium.
Found uses a continuous electrochemical process to recover the gallium directly from Bayer liquor and other industrial feedstocks, even at low concentrations.
"We thought of it as a way to future-proof what we were doing," Godart says. "Necessity was the mother of invention."
Then, toward the end of 2024, China began restricting the export of critical metals including gallium.
"We realized we had already developed a technique for producing these restricted metals that could be very quickly adapted," Godart recalls.
Scaling for national security
On April 14, the Department of Energy's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation selected Found as part of its $5.4 million program to recover gallium from domestic feedstocks. The company plans to start extracting gallium, along with other critical metals like indium and germanium, by the end of 2027.
Meanwhile, Found is already running a 100-kilowatt-class aluminum fuel demonstration system in Charlestown and is working through a orders of several megawatts from large public companies.
"For our fuel technology, the vision is to go as big as possible," Godart says. "We envision major power plants. Aluminum refineries today, for example, consume hundreds of megawatts of continuous thermal power. That's what we aim to deliver."
Godart says he spends most of his time now on gallium extraction, but both branches of the business could make supply chains more secure in the future.
"The big focus now is critical metals, because the government needs this," Godart says. "We're also making these metals for ourselves, so we're vertically integrating our own supply chain, which is table stakes now for companies that deal in physical goods. You need to be able to control your inputs. By focusing on metals, it improves the likelihood of success for our aluminum fuel business."
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Original text here: https://news.mit.edu/2026/found-industries-aims-to-strengthen-americas-industrial-supply-chains-0503
Class of 2026 celebrated at Spring Convocation: Lift others as you rise; graduates encouraged to lead with compassion
ANTIGONISH, Nova Scotia, May 3 -- St. Francis Xavier University posted the following news:* * *
Class of 2026 celebrated at Spring Convocation: Lift others as you rise; graduates encouraged to lead with compassion
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The Charles V. Keating Centre hummed with pride and promise on May 3 as students, families, faculty, and friends gathered at StFX for Spring Convocation 2026, a milestone for many that's been years in the making. Nearly 1,100 students, one of the university's largest graduating classes, crossed the stage in morning and afternoon ceremonies, stepping into their next chapter.
The ... Show Full Article ANTIGONISH, Nova Scotia, May 3 -- St. Francis Xavier University posted the following news: * * * Class of 2026 celebrated at Spring Convocation: Lift others as you rise; graduates encouraged to lead with compassion * The Charles V. Keating Centre hummed with pride and promise on May 3 as students, families, faculty, and friends gathered at StFX for Spring Convocation 2026, a milestone for many that's been years in the making. Nearly 1,100 students, one of the university's largest graduating classes, crossed the stage in morning and afternoon ceremonies, stepping into their next chapter. Theday of celebration also included the conferral of three honorary degrees.
Natalie MacMaster, one of Canada's most celebrated fiddlers; Mi'kmaw Elder Kerry Prosper '09, whose decades of leadership have advanced Mi'kmaq cultural practices and strengthened advocacy; and Mark Wallace '80, a respected business leader and philanthropist, all received the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa. (For full honorary degree bios, please see HERE.)
Four faculty members were also feted with major distinctions during the ceremonies, recognizing their outstanding work.
Dr. Susan Vincent, Department of Anthropology, was awarded the designation of Professor Emerita. Dr. Darien DeWolf, Department of Math & Statistics, was honoured with StFX's Outstanding Teaching Award, while the President's Research Award was presented to Dr. Kailin Wright, Department of English, and the University Research Award to Dr. Charlene Weaving, Department of Human Kinetics. (Full faculty bios can be found HERE.)
Real success is not a solo journey
"Your greatest impact in life will not come from what you achieve yourself, it's what you will help others achieve," Dr. Wallace said in an inspirational speech to graduates during the morning convocation.
"Real success is not a solo journey."
Success, he said, comes in the moments you choose to lift someone up, that you hold the ladder to help another. These small actions have a way of compounding.
"When you help others succeed, you don't fall behind, you move forward together."
Carry the values of StFX, that sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself, Dr. Wallace told graduates. "Go forward with ambition yes, but also with humility," he said. "People will remember how you made them feel. They will remember that you helped them rise."
Dr. Wallace, who shared how StFX has been an enormous part of his life, remembered his own graduation, sitting in the audience full of ambition and a little uncertainty. "If I'm being honest, I didn't have it all figured out then, and if I'm being more honest, I still don't.
"You don't have to have it all figured out."
Life is shaped by moments you don't expect, by people who take a chance on you, and taking a chance on yourself. Be open to opportunity, to failure and to growth, he said.
Remain a student at heart
"I'm just here to say thanks. This is an incredible honour," Dr. MacMaster said in heartfelt remarks that concluded with a stirring fiddle performance that had the capacity crowd clapping along.
"I'm incredibly honoured to receive this beautiful degree from St. Francis Xavier University," she said, "one of the highest ranking universities in the world, from my heart."
Dr. MacMaster offered advice to the graduates, telling them it will be wonderful if they can always remain a student at heart, and not limit their dreams. "Be open, maintain that spirit. It keeps you humble. That's how you will flourish," she said.
"I've gained so much by being open," she noted, as she encouraged the students to believe in something and to put themselves out there. She also advised the students to remember where they come from-this is your anchor, the real heart of who you are.
In thinking about what she can impart to the crowd, Dr. MacMaster said she decided to "play a little tune," noting that "sometimes music transcends words." As she played a moving slow air that transitioned into a faster tune, the crowd rose for a standing ovation.
Use knowledge, culture and compassion to shape a better future
"Thank you so much. It is a great honour. It has been quite a journey," said Elder Dr. Prosper, Elder in Residence at StFX, who delivered an emotional address during the afternoon convocation that reflected on his life, education, and gratitude, especially toward his family and in particular his mother. He described her as the foundation of life. Using the idea of the drumbeat as the heartbeat of both people and creation, he connected themes of home, resilience, and renewal, encouraging graduates to see this spring moment as their own beginning, a time to grow and contribute in their own ways.
"Today is a special day. It is a new beginning," he noted. "And the beat of creation is this time of year, spring, when everything is coming alive, everything is renewing. You are here graduating in the spring. You are coming alive. You are going to flower, to bring things to this earth."
He also spoke about his academic journey, about struggles and successes, including as an anthropology student at StFX documenting Indigenous history and the ongoing challenge of proving identity despite deep ancestral roots stretching back 8,000 years.
Emphasizing hope and reconciliation, he urged graduates to care for their overall well-being and to use their knowledge, culture, and compassion to shape a better future. "We have created hope for all of us."
Remember those core Xaverian values
"Graduates, this is your day," StFX President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin said in welcoming remarks.
"A new page is being turned. Your story so far has provided you with the tools, but now you're in the application phase. You're looking to see what comes next," he said. "Don't worry. You're ready."
Always remember those core Xaverian values, he advised. Make a positive difference. Give back to your communities.
Dr. Hakin noted the magnificent gift the university received over the weekend from the Honorable Frank '70 and Julie '72 McKenna and their family, alumni who gave the largest single private philanthropic gift StFX has ever received. Their $20 million dollar commitment will establish The McKenna Scholars Program, a groundbreaking new undergraduate scholarship initiative. "That's an unbelievable act of generosity, it's a belief in what we do as a university makes a difference, that you will make a difference.
"That is leadership. That is a belief in giving back. It is so important."
Be bold, he told the graduates. We need your skills and ability, your voices of calm, reason, and civility.
"Above all, be kind. Kindness is no weakness. Kindness is a superpower," he said. "It changes the environment when you are kind to people. It will make a difference."
Success will come in many forms
"Today, we celebrate your hard work and perseverance and this remarkable milestone," Chancellor Dr. Mila Mulroney said in opening convocation.
"If I can leave you with one idea, it is this: your life is not fixed. It is not a straight line. It is something you can shape and reshape and reimagine," she said as she shared examples from her family, including her father who began his career in law, but followed his true calling to medicine, and later started a new life in coming to Canada.
Don't be afraid to take the path that feels right to you and try not to measure yourself against anyone else's timelines. "Graduates, success will come in many forms. It may not look exactly the way you imagined it would. And that's okay. Sometimes the life you didn't plan turns out to be the life that fits you best."
So, stay curious. Work hard. Be kind. Be generous with your time and patient with your progress. Hold onto the lessons learned at StFX and surround yourselves with those who challenge you and bring out your best, she said. Because a full life is not only built on achievement, but also on everyday moments, in your friendships, your family, and your ability to find meaning and happiness.
Courage, connection, and calibre of graduates
"I'm thrilled to be graduating alongside you," said morning senior class speaker Adnan Coban, a graduate of StFX's Gerald Schwatz School of Business, who related how he was inspired to attend the university by a teacher, a StFX grad. He remembers coming from northern Alberta and being nervous but having the courage, "that defining trait that brings us together," to explore the unknown. "It's our collective responsibility to bring that courage out to the world," he told graduates.
Inclusion is what makes this institution so special to me, he noted. "Take the feeling and bring it out in the world...I am joyful knowing the calibre of gradates joining the alumni network today."
Value the connections you've built, said afternoon senior class speaker Allyson Lightfoot, a graduate of StFX's Rankin School of Nursing. Even though everyone's experiences in reaching this point have been different, we are all connected and it's a beautiful thing to have this connection. "We are fortunate enough to have gone to a school with an unmatched community." Ms. Lightfoot also encouraged fellow graduates to honour how far they've come, to learn from both successes and failures, and to embrace uncertainty as opportunity as they move into the future.
Alumni Association President Mike Gillis '87 shared three quick stories that illustrated Xaverian connection and asked graduates to turn their X-Rings around so that the year is facing outward to show that both they and their ring are now ready to face the world.
Most Reverend Bishop Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick, Vicar of the Founder of StFX, delivered the benediction. University Chaplain Fr. Donald MacGillivray '79 offered the invocation.
New this year, African drumming by the Strait Area Drummers helped open the ceremony.
StFX Indigenous Student Advisor Cynthia Sewell performed the Mi'kmaq Honour Song.
To see the full list of 2026 StFX graduates and medalists, please see HERE.
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Original text here: https://www.stfx.ca/news/StFX-celebrates-Spring-Convocation