Featured Stories
Susquehanna Names Chief Human Resources Officer
SELINSGROVE, Pennsylvania, June 23 -- Susquehanna University posted the following news:
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Susquehanna names chief human resources officer
Susquehanna University has named Paula MacDonald chief human resources officer following a nationwide search. Currently assistant vice president for human resources at Swarthmore College in southeast Pennsylvania, she will join Susquehanna on Aug. 24.
As a member of Susquehanna's senior leadership team, MacDonald will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all human resources operations, including talent management, employee relations, performance
... Show Full Article
SELINSGROVE, Pennsylvania, June 23 -- Susquehanna University posted the following news:
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Susquehanna names chief human resources officer
Susquehanna University has named Paula MacDonald chief human resources officer following a nationwide search. Currently assistant vice president for human resources at Swarthmore College in southeast Pennsylvania, she will join Susquehanna on Aug. 24.
As a member of Susquehanna's senior leadership team, MacDonald will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all human resources operations, including talent management, employee relations, performancemanagement, policy development, total rewards management and Title IX compliance.
MacDonald brings more than 20 years of human resources experience, including 14 years in higher education, with a proven record of building strong partnerships, improving processes and aligning human resources strategies with institutional priorities. She has developed employee engagement and retention initiatives that strengthened performance and satisfaction, made technological improvements to provide data-driven metrics and enhanced the way human resources supports its campus community.
"Paula is passionate about creating workplaces where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute to the mission of the institution," said Jennifer Bucher, vice president for operations. "Her approach aligns with Susquehanna's commitment to building a community where faculty and staff are enabled to do their best work in support of the student experience. We look forward to welcoming Paula to Susquehanna and the experience, vision and collaborative leadership she will bring to this important role."
Throughout her career, MacDonald has served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, guiding institutions through periods of change while fostering positive workplace cultures. Her commitment to higher education extends beyond her institutional roles, having been actively involved with the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources and serving as its inaugural chair of the Member Engagement Council, former Eastern Region Board member and former chapter president for the Greater New York chapter.
MacDonald earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration from Syracuse University, Utica College and holds certifications with the Society for Human Resource Management and HR Certification Institute.
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Original text here: https://www.susqu.edu/susquehanna-names-chief-human-resources-officer-2/
PVCC Connects Classrooms to Careers Through Educator Externship
PHOENIX, June 23 -- Paradise Valley Community College issued the following news:
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PVCC Connects Classrooms to Careers Through Educator Externship
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) recently welcomed high school educators and counselors from across the valley for its Business Services Educator Externship Day, a collaborative event designed to strengthen connections between education and industry while expanding career exploration opportunities for students.
Hosted by PVCC's Office of Strategic Partnerships in partnership with the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) and the Maricopa
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, June 23 -- Paradise Valley Community College issued the following news:
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PVCC Connects Classrooms to Careers Through Educator Externship
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) recently welcomed high school educators and counselors from across the valley for its Business Services Educator Externship Day, a collaborative event designed to strengthen connections between education and industry while expanding career exploration opportunities for students.
Hosted by PVCC's Office of Strategic Partnerships in partnership with the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) and the MaricopaCounty School Superintendent's Office, the event brought together educators from the Paradise Valley, Deer Valley, and Scottsdale Unified school districts for a day of hands-on learning about the college's business, accounting, cybersecurity programs, as well as other career and technical education pathways. Those in attendance will take what they learned and share with more than 12,000 students across their districts, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the PVCC campus.
"This event highlights the importance of the industry-to-education connection," said Dr. Brianna DeGeus, executive director of PVCC's Strategic Partnerships. "When our K-12 and higher education institutions are listening to the employer voice, our students are better prepared and make a more successful transition to the workforce. PVCC offers particularly robust programming in advanced business services, and hosting our K-12 partners to exchange ideas and join forces to prepare the future workforce was a delight."
Bridging Classrooms and Careers
According to labor market data from LightCast, business and finance are the economic engines in Arizona. The industry:
* Has an employment concentration six percent above the national average
* Is projected to grow five percent through 2030
* Offers median annual earnings of $71,700.
PVCC's Externship Day event gave attendees firsthand insight into high-demand industries while equipping them with realistic resources to strengthen classroom instruction and expand students' awareness of career opportunities. Teachers received practical strategies to integrate into their classrooms, including lessons on resume writing, interviewing, networking, workplace professionalism and transferable skills.
"Preparing students for meaningful careers requires K-12 education, higher education and industry to work together. Students cannot prepare for opportunities they cannot see," said Dean of Career and Technical Education Dr. Sean Petty, emphasizing the importance of career awareness, exploration, and preparation while highlighting Arizona's growing business and finance sector. Petty described PVCC as a "one-stop shop," offering Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment, certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees that all provide affordable pathways to high-demand careers.
The event featured presentations from PVCC faculty leaders in business, accounting, and cybersecurity, along with keynote speakers Scott Vanderpool, Bank of America Phoenix president, and Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs. Participants also engaged in roundtable discussions with Lynn Clark, CPA, accounting program director; Stacy Smith, JD, paralegal program director; and Alexander Francuzik, cybersecurity faculty member, exploring college readiness, student engagement and successful transitions from high school to higher education.
"It was great hearing from the program instructors on how we can expose our students to their programs and how they can apply what they learn in their classes to real-life situations and career opportunities," said Donna Wittwer, a counselor at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Az.
The afternoon concluded with an industry panel featuring business and finance leaders who discussed workforce trends, employer expectations, and the skills students need to succeed. Panelists emphasized interview preparation, strong resumes, mentorship and professional confidence while sharing how a variety of educational pathways can lead to rewarding careers.
"The professional panel that discussed how students can present themselves before, during, and after an interview was insightful and relevant so that we could give this information to the students we work with," said Wittwer.
"Students don't realize their worth," added panelist John Walters, market leader for Trucordia. "You've got to get them to believe in themselves, be aware of what barriers they may be facing, give them a hand-up and help them achieve their potential."
Educators received a Career Exploration Toolkit filled with classroom activities, career research resources, advising tools, and lesson plans to help students identify their interests, strengths, and values while connecting them to educational pathways and future careers. Many participants said they plan to incorporate career exploration tools, mock interviews, and advising resources into their classrooms while building on new partnerships with PVCC faculty, business leaders and community organizations.
The knowledge, resources, and partnerships developed throughout the day will help educators strengthen career-focused instruction, expand students' awareness of postsecondary opportunities, and better prepare thousands of Arizona students for success in college, careers and the evolving workforce.
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Original text here: https://www.paradisevalley.edu/news/2026/pvcc-connects-classrooms-careers-through-educator-externship
Michigan Medicine: Research May Help Better Predict Outcomes in Kids With Congenital Cytomegalovirus
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, June 23 (TNSjou) -- Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Research may help better predict outcomes in kids with congenital cytomegalovirus
For CMV, studies offer new tools to improve counseling for families affected by these birth defects in newborns, including hearing loss
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Two new studies may help researchers and clinicians better understand congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV, the most common infectious cause of birth defects and a leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in children.
Together,
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ANN ARBOR, Michigan, June 23 (TNSjou) -- Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Research may help better predict outcomes in kids with congenital cytomegalovirus
For CMV, studies offer new tools to improve counseling for families affected by these birth defects in newborns, including hearing loss
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Two new studies may help researchers and clinicians better understand congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV, the most common infectious cause of birth defects and a leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in children.
Together,the studies offer new tools for predicting outcomes and improving counseling for families affected by the condition.
"This work helps bridge the gap between research and care by allowing us to better understand how CMV behaves before birth and how it affects children over time," said Megan Pesch, M.D., a developmental behavioral pediatrician at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and an author on both studies.
"These findings represent an important step toward more accurate prediction of outcomes and more personalized care for affected children."
About one in 200 babies are born with congenital CMV, which is caused by a virus passed from the pregnant person to the developing fetus through the placenta.
While CMV is a common cold-like virus for healthy adults and children, roughly 20% of infected babies will develop long term health problems or birth defects.
New modeling tool improves understanding of infection during pregnancy
One of the new studies co-authored by Pesch, published in MDM Policy & Practice and led by Massachusetts General Hospital, introduces a new computer-based model that simulates how CMV spreads and affects pregnancies over time.
Historically, there has been limited ability to predict which pregnancies are most at risk for severe outcomes.
The model brings together data from large population studies to better estimate how infection may spread and progress in different scenarios, including whether and when a fetus becomes infected and how severe outcomes may be.
By integrating these factors, the model can help researchers compare different prevention, screening, and treatment strategies and estimate their potential impact before they are tested in real-world settings, Pesch says.
Five distinct outcome patterns identified in children with CMV
The second study in Pediatric Research, led by Pesch, examined long term outcomes in a large group of children with congenital CMV to better understand how the condition affects development over time.
Rather than focusing on single diagnoses, researchers identified five distinct patterns of medical, developmental, and behavioral outcomes.
These ranged from children with no lasting effects or only hearing loss, to children with complex medical needs and global developmental delays.
Researchers found that early signs at birth, such as brain imaging abnormalities, prematurity or admission to intensive care, were often linked to more complex outcome patterns later in childhood.
However, they also found notable variation, including some children with significant findings at birth who later had minimal long term effects.
"The most important takeaway is that congenital CMV is not one single outcome," Pesch said. "Even among children with similar early findings, we see very different developmental paths. Being able to identify these patterns helps us better understand prognosis and support families earlier.
"This type of information is critical for improving early decision-making, counseling and future treatment strategies for CMV."
Papers cited:
"Development, Testing, and Calibration of LINCS: A New Microsimulation Model of Maternal and Fetal Cytomegalovirus Infection in the United States." DOI: 10.1177/23814683261444049
"Neonatal characteristics and neurodevelopmental phenotypes in congenital cytomegalovirus." DOI: 10.1038/s41390-025-04327-z
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Original text here: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-lab/research-may-help-better-predict-outcomes-kids-congenital-cytomegalovirus
Methodist University: Guptas' Generosity Continues and is Celebrated
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina, June 23 -- Methodist University issued the following news:
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Guptas' Generosity Continues and is Celebrated
As leadership of the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine announced the official opening of the school during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 11, Rakesh Gupta, MD was compelled to raise both arms in the air, in a moment of triumph and celebration.
His celebration was undoubtedly one mixed with joy, accomplishment, and optimism for the future of the school. As a board of trustee's member for both Methodist University and
... Show Full Article
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina, June 23 -- Methodist University issued the following news:
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Guptas' Generosity Continues and is Celebrated
As leadership of the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine announced the official opening of the school during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 11, Rakesh Gupta, MD was compelled to raise both arms in the air, in a moment of triumph and celebration.
His celebration was undoubtedly one mixed with joy, accomplishment, and optimism for the future of the school. As a board of trustee's member for both Methodist University andCape Fear Valley Health, who was chair of the MU board when the School of Medicine (SOM) was announced in 2023, he was integral in the formation and development of the SOM and remains a valuable contributor to its successes now and for the future.
Just one example of Gupta's generosity and care for the SOM is the "Drs. Rakesh and Vinita Gupta Annual Merit Scholarships & Endowed Enrichment Scholarships" gifted earlier this spring to Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health by Gupta (a retired gastroenterologist in Fayetteville) and his wife (a board-certified pediatrician based in Cumberland County). Of the $500,000 donation, $100,000 is available immediately as Merit Scholarships impacting nearly a dozen matriculating students in 2026 and 2027. The remaining $400,000 is invested as endowed Enrichment Scholarships and awarded to students meeting the stated criteria at the end of their first year of medical school.
"The extraordinary generosity of Drs. Rakesh and Vinita Gupta will have a lasting impact on our School of Medicine and the students we serve," said SOM Founding Dean Hershey Bell, MD. "By supporting both merit scholarships and enrichment opportunities, their gift not only helps attract exceptional future physicians but also empowers students to pursue experiences that will broaden their perspectives and strengthen their commitment to serving others. This scholarship reflects the Guptas' deep belief in education, mentorship, and the transformative power of investing in the next generation of physician leaders."
For their abundant service in the community for more than three decades, leadership in helping to form the SOM, and contributions to its future successes, the MU Board of Trustees honored Rakesh Gupta with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and Vinita Gupta with the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award during a board session late last week.
These awards, which have been presented since 1925, honor community members who exemplify noble character and hearts of humble servants, and who place service before self-interest. Notable recipients on a more national scale have been Eleanor Roosevelt, astronaut Ken Mattingly, and James F. Byrnes (former U.S. senator, secretary of state, and supreme court justice).
"I can think of no one who epitomizes noble character and hearts of humble servants, or who places service before self-interest more than Drs. Rakesh and Vinita Gupta," said MU President Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D. "They have been generous benefactors to MU, including a recent very large scholarship gift to the School of Medicine. They also are two of the kindest and most welcoming people I know."
In addition to their service as doctors, the Guptas have been members and leaders of a number of community boards and organizations that include the Cumberland Community Foundation, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and supporters of Better Health, the Care clinic, the Child Advocacy Center, and Cape Fear Regional Theatre. They were instrumental in founding the Hindu Bhavan Temple, where they have volunteered and served as youth leaders and Vinita as a Sunday school founder and teacher. Vinita is a U.S. Army veteran who worked for 25 years as a pediatrician at Womack Army Medical Center. Rakesh has chaired the Methodist University board, the Cape Fear Valley Health board and the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation Board. Vinita served on the Fayetteville Academy board, and as Board Chair of Scout Troop 747.
"We are incredibly grateful to Drs. Rakesh and Vinita Gupta. As incredibly generous benefactors to several causes and organizations in and around Fayetteville, they are shining examples of what it means to serve your community," said MU Provost & Executive Vice President Suzanne Blum Malley, Ph.D. "Their most recent gift in support of scholarships to the Methodist University Cape Valley Health School of Medicine creates an enduring legacy as we educate the next generation of compassionate, socially accountable medical doctors who will serve our region."
The Guptas accepted the Sullivan Awards in the selfless manner in which they have served their community for decades.
"Vinita and I are very honored, humbled and incredibly grateful for the 'Mary Mildred Sullivan' and 'Algernon Sydney Sullivan' Awards conferred by Methodist University," Rakesh Gupta said. "This was a wonderful day for us, wherein we attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the School of Medicine and then the award ceremony attended by the MU trustees, Dr. Wearden, and the administration.
"Our journey has been very joyous and enriching. We have made many friends along the way and to give back in a small way is extremely rewarding and we are grateful for the opportunity."
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Original text here: https://www.methodist.edu/news/guptas-generosity/
Iowa Law Alum Siduri Beckman Brings Constitutional Law to Life Through Innovative Mock Trial Program
IOWA CITY, Iowa, June 23 -- The University of Iowa College of Law issued the following news:
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Iowa Law alum Siduri Beckman brings constitutional law to life through innovative mock trial program
Working alongside Judge Roberto Lange, Beckman helped create an immersive courtroom experience that introduces high school students to the law in a practical way.
Written by: Blake Etringer
Siduri Beckman (25JD) is taking her clerkship role above and beyond to promote civic education for high school students in South Dakota.
Beckman, a native of Philadelphia, immersed herself in nearly every
... Show Full Article
IOWA CITY, Iowa, June 23 -- The University of Iowa College of Law issued the following news:
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Iowa Law alum Siduri Beckman brings constitutional law to life through innovative mock trial program
Working alongside Judge Roberto Lange, Beckman helped create an immersive courtroom experience that introduces high school students to the law in a practical way.
Written by: Blake Etringer
Siduri Beckman (25JD) is taking her clerkship role above and beyond to promote civic education for high school students in South Dakota.
Beckman, a native of Philadelphia, immersed herself in nearly everycorner of Iowa Law during her time as a student. From serving as senior articles editor on the Iowa Law Review to participating in the Federal Criminal Defense Clinic, competing on the National Moot Court Team, and leading the Iowa Prison Writing Project, she intentionally sought out opportunities to broaden her understanding of the legal profession.
That desire for wide-ranging legal exposure ultimately led her to pursue a judicial clerkship after graduation with Chief Judge Roberto Lange of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. Her responsibilities range from conducting legal research and drafting opinions to observing hearings and trials alongside the judge.
For Beckman, the experience has provided not only hands-on legal training but also meaningful mentorship. She credits Iowa Law professor Alison K. Guernsey for encouraging her to pursue a clerkship and specifically recommending that she apply to work for Judge Lange.
"I feel like I've grown so much working for him," Beckman said. "Not just in my writing, but in how I approach legal issues and think about the role of courts and lawyers in our society."
The admiration is mutual.
"Siduri has been outstanding," Lange said. "The University of Iowa College of Law prepared her well for the clerkship. She has performed extraordinarily well and will be an excellent lawyer. She already is an excellent lawyer."
Creating an immersive courtroom experience
One of the most unique aspects of Beckman's clerkship has been helping create an innovative mock trial program for visiting high school students.
The idea emerged when Judge Lange's chambers were preparing for students to visit the federal courthouse in Sioux Falls. After reviewing the existing educational materials, Lange felt many of the available mock trail experiences were too passive and did not fully engage the students.
Instead, Lange, Beckman, and the court's other law clerks sought to create a new courtroom simulation from scratch that would fully engage students in the judicial process.
Finding inspiration in contemporary debates surrounding free speech and civic discourse, they developed a fictional case involving a school district's ban on political messages displayed on student clothing. The scenario, loosely modeled on the landmark Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, asks students to grapple with difficult questions about the First Amendment, student speech, and the limits of school authority.
As Lange began outlining the concept, Beckman immediately started turning ideas into a workable trial.
"Judge Lange started talking through the fact pattern and witness testimony, and I grabbed a legal pad and started writing everything down," Beckman said.
Within days, the team had developed witness scripts, exhibits, jury instructions, and courtroom procedures. They even ordered custom T-shirts to serve as evidence in the case and conducted practice runs inside the courtroom to refine the experience.
The result is a fully immersive simulation in which students assume the roles of attorneys, witnesses, jurors, court staff, and even judges. Rather than simply observing, students actively participate in every stage of the trial process.
"We wanted students to see how these constitutional questions actually play out in real life," Beckman said. "I think that it's really important for teaching these soon-to-be participants in our political society how the law works in practice and how it changes."
Throughout the exercise, students confront competing viewpoints, evaluate testimony, and ultimately decide the outcome for themselves.
"What they've really gotten to see is how human law is," Beckman said. "It's all these different people having interactions and creating big questions for us to answer as a society."
After the mock trial concludes, the experience continues with a simulated appellate argument before Lange and other federal judges, allowing students to see how legal disputes move through the levels of the judicial system.
The program has already been introduced to students from communities across South Dakota and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, as demonstrated in this video created by a group of local students about their experience. Lange has also shared the materials with judicial education organizations for possible use by courts around the country.
"We've found it to be a really rewarding experience," Lange said. "The students rise to the challenge, and it's exciting to watch them engage with these issues."
The mock trial program is just one example of Beckman's efforts to make the law more accessible. She also developed a week-long orientation course for rising 2Ls interning with the District of South Dakota. The program gives students a foundation in federal courts, criminal procedure, and civil procedure, helping them engage more deeply with the work they observe throughout the summer.
Advice for future clerks
As Beckman prepares for her next clerkship with Judge Jane Kelly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, she encourages Iowa Law students to seek opportunities that push them outside their comfort zones.
"I really tried to stretch myself and be exposed to different areas of law," she said. "Take a wide range of classes, seek out advocacy opportunities, and get into court whenever you can."
Most importantly, she emphasizes the value of good mentorship, which is something she experienced firsthand at Iowa Law and continues to benefit from today.
"The more that you can seek out mentorship, the better," Beckman said. "That's what makes these experiences so rewarding."
For Lange, that willingness to learn is exactly what makes a great clerk.
"I want someone who is academically strong, writes well, and has a service-oriented mindset," he said. "But I also want someone who is eager to learn and contributes positively to chambers."
Beckman's journey from Iowa Law student to federal judicial clerk demonstrates the impact those qualities can have--not only on a legal career, but also on the communities that lawyers serve. Through her work with Judge Lange, she is bettering the local community by helping the next generation understand the Constitution, the courts, and their role in a democratic society.
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Original text here: https://law.uiowa.edu/news/2026/06/siduri-beckman-innovative-mock-trial-program
Huntington University Nursing Receives 10-Year Reaccreditation
HUNTINGTON, Indiana, June 23 -- Huntington University issued the following news release:
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Huntington University Nursing Receives 10-Year Reaccreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education grants HU full reaccreditation of nursing program
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Huntington University's Department of Nursing has received a full 10-year reaccreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Huntington stands as a leading nursing program in Indiana, with the reaccreditation coming on the heels of data showing HU's excellence in progressing nursing students through the program.
"Receiving
... Show Full Article
HUNTINGTON, Indiana, June 23 -- Huntington University issued the following news release:
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Huntington University Nursing Receives 10-Year Reaccreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education grants HU full reaccreditation of nursing program
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Huntington University's Department of Nursing has received a full 10-year reaccreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Huntington stands as a leading nursing program in Indiana, with the reaccreditation coming on the heels of data showing HU's excellence in progressing nursing students through the program.
"Receivinganother full 10-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is a significant affirmation of the quality and integrity of Huntington University's nursing programs," said Jodi Eckert, director of nursing. "This recognition reflects the commitment of our faculty, staff, students, clinical partners and University leadership to excellence in nursing education and to preparing graduates who are ready to lead and serve in an increasingly complex healthcare environment."
"The accreditation process is thorough and rigorous, and our program achieved every standard without exception," said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty. "Regional health care employers consistently affirm that Huntington University nursing graduates are well-prepared to hit the ground running as they begin their nursing career."
The reaccreditation also further strengthens the ongoing partnership between HU's program and Parkview Health, where students complete clinical work for the program.
"Parkview is proud to partner with Huntington University in preparing the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled nurses," said Juli Johnson, chief nursing and healthcare markets executive of Parkview Health. "This reaccreditation reflects the strength of the University's program and its commitment to student success. Since the program's inception, we've built a strong partnership, with Huntington University serving as an important pipeline of practice-ready nurses -- many of whom complete most of their clinical rotations with us. We are grateful for the University's leadership and look forward to continuing our work together to expand access to high-quality nursing education and strengthen the pipeline of future caregivers."
Another key achievement for the program is the strength of data received regarding National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates.
Huntington boasts both high first-time pass rates and matriculation rates, an unusually strong combination among Indiana programs. This indicates most students are progressing through the program successfully, reach NCLEX eligibility and pass the NCLEX on the first attempt.
The consistently strong matriculation and graduation percentages highlight the program's dedication to student success, with an emphasis on supporting students through the academic process to achieve their goals.
"We are incredibly proud of the outcomes our students and faculty continue to achieve across both the traditional BSN and accelerated BSN programs," Eckert said. "While first-time NCLEX pass rates are an important measure of success, our data also demonstrate exceptionally strong student progression and graduation rates, reflecting the strength of our programs across the entire educational experience. These outcomes speak not only to academic excellence, but to the dedication, support and community that define nursing education at Huntington University."
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Original text here: https://www.huntington.edu/news/huntington-university-nursing-receives-10-year-reaccreditation
DSU Students Earn Best Statistical Model Award at HackDavis
MADISON, South Dakota, June 23 -- Dakota State University issued the following news:
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DSU Students Earn Best Statistical Model Award at HackDavis
A team of Dakota State University students earned the Best Statistical Model award at 2026 HackDavis, one of the largest collegiate hackathons in California. The event brought together more than 900 students, creators, and innovators to develop technology solutions focused on social good.
The DSU team included Smaran Pokharel, Tenzing Gurung, and Sandesh Dhakal. The students were supported by Dr. Austin O'Brien, Associate Professor in The Beacom
... Show Full Article
MADISON, South Dakota, June 23 -- Dakota State University issued the following news:
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DSU Students Earn Best Statistical Model Award at HackDavis
A team of Dakota State University students earned the Best Statistical Model award at 2026 HackDavis, one of the largest collegiate hackathons in California. The event brought together more than 900 students, creators, and innovators to develop technology solutions focused on social good.
The DSU team included Smaran Pokharel, Tenzing Gurung, and Sandesh Dhakal. The students were supported by Dr. Austin O'Brien, Associate Professor in The BeacomCollege of Computer & Cyber Sciences.
During the event, teams collaborated to design, build, and present innovative projects while competing against students from universities across the country. DSU's project, EveryCent, was a grocery price-forecasting web application that assisted low-income families in determining when to purchase essential grocery needs.
"The social impact was central to our motivation (for EveryCent)," said Pokharel. "Grocery retailers already use sophisticated price forecasting tools to optimize their inventory, but the families shopping at those stores -- particularly the 40 million Americans on SNAP benefits -- have no access to that same intelligence. EveryCent aims to close that gap by putting forecasting power directly in the hands of those who need it most, helping them stretch every dollar further."
EveryCent earned recognition for the strength and effectiveness of its statistical modeling approach, which utilized 25 years of USDA data and Google's Times FM 2.0 AI model, resulting in the Best Statistical Model category award.
"Winning the Best Statistical Model award reflects the talent, dedication, and technical expertise of these students," said O'Brien. "They represented Dakota State University exceptionally well and demonstrated the innovative problem-solving skills that are central to The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences."
HackDavis challenges participants to explore the intersection of technology and society by developing projects designed to create positive community impact. The event also provides opportunities for hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional networking.
"We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend and represent Dakota State University at such a large and inspiring event," said Pokharel. "The experience allowed us to learn from other innovative projects, showcase our skills, and gain meaningful experiences that will help us grow academically and professionally."
The award highlights DSU's commitment to providing students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in competitive, real-world environments while building the technical and collaborative skills needed to solve complex challenges.
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Original text here: https://dsu.edu/news/2026/06/HackDavis-2026.html
