Featured Stories
UniSQ astrophysicist reaches for the stars with Young Tall Poppy award
TOOWOOMBA, Australia, Sept. 16 -- The University of Southern Queensland posted the following news:
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UniSQ astrophysicist reaches for the stars with Young Tall Poppy award
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For Dr Rebecca McElroy, looking billions of years into the past is all part of the job.
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) astrophysicist investigates some of the most dramatic events in the universe - from galaxies colliding to supermassive black holes exploding - to better understand how galaxies like our own Milky Way evolved.
Now, her work and commitment to sharing the mysteries of the universe with
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TOOWOOMBA, Australia, Sept. 16 -- The University of Southern Queensland posted the following news:
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UniSQ astrophysicist reaches for the stars with Young Tall Poppy award
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For Dr Rebecca McElroy, looking billions of years into the past is all part of the job.
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) astrophysicist investigates some of the most dramatic events in the universe - from galaxies colliding to supermassive black holes exploding - to better understand how galaxies like our own Milky Way evolved.
Now, her work and commitment to sharing the mysteries of the universe withothers have been recognised with a 2026 Young Tall Poppy for Queensland award.
Dr McElroy, a Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow for Women in STEMM at UniSQ, formally accepted the award at the inaugural Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) Science Summit and Gala Dinner in Sydney on Friday (11 September).
The annual awards recognise early-career researchers for scientific excellence and their ability to engage the community with their work.
Dr McElroy said the recognition was an exciting milestone in her research career.
"I am very excited and proud to receive this award," she said.
"It places me alongside a fantastic community of researchers who share a commitment to scientific excellence and engagement."
Dr McElroy said the award also provided an opportunity to share her experiences and encourage young people to consider a career in science.
"I hope that young people from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds can see that a career in science is well within their reach," she said.
Her research focuses on understanding how galaxies evolve, particularly during periods of dramatic activity such as galaxy collisions and eruptions from supermassive black holes.
By studying these extraordinary events, Dr McElroy is helping scientists understand how galaxies grow and change over billions of years.
"I hope my work expands our fundamental understanding of the cosmos," she said.
"I also hope that I continue to contribute to Australia's world-leading research ecosystem and inspire Australia's future scientists.
"On a broader level, I hope my journey helps break down systemic barriers and makes physics a more inclusive, accessible space for the next generation of researchers."
She said sharing astronomy with the public could foster wonder, critical thinking and scientific literacy while helping to make science more accessible.
"Making science open, welcoming, and easy to digest demystifies the field and shows people from all walks of life that science belongs to everyone."
Dr McElroy said she was grateful to the mentors, colleagues and wider research community who had supported her journey.
"No scientist is an island. We work in large teams, collaborations, and communities," she said.
As a Queensland Young Tall Poppy, Dr McElroy will join a community of researchers helping to champion science and inspire the next generation to pursue STEM study and careers.
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Original text here: https://www.unisq.edu.au/news/2026/09/rebecca-mcelroy-young-tall-poppy
Sending a 'We Are!' to These Penn Staters
READING, Pennsylvania, Sept. 16 -- Pennsylvania State University Berks campus issued the following news:
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Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters
September 15, 2026
As part of our regular "We Are!" feature, we recognize 20 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what's asked of them in their work at the University.
This week, on behalf of the entire Penn State community, we'd like to say thank you to:
* Mike Bratton, specialist in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), whose nominator wrote: "Mike is an essential part of the DDAR team, ensuring donor gifts are
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READING, Pennsylvania, Sept. 16 -- Pennsylvania State University Berks campus issued the following news:
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Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters
September 15, 2026
As part of our regular "We Are!" feature, we recognize 20 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what's asked of them in their work at the University.
This week, on behalf of the entire Penn State community, we'd like to say thank you to:
* Mike Bratton, specialist in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR), whose nominator wrote: "Mike is an essential part of the DDAR team, ensuring donor gifts areaccurately recorded each day. His work is especially critical during our annual goal-setting period. His dedication and professionalism help our units succeed and consistently achieve their goals."
* Kelly Bryan, graphic design specialist in the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), whose nominator wrote: "Kelly has brought life to IST through several environmental branding projects. Her creative approach has infused energy and meaning into the college's facilities, creating impactful spaces that help our community feel more connected to their work, the college, and each other. Great work, Kelly!"
* Lorri Dotts, graduate program support assistant in the School of Engineering Design and Innovation in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: "Lorri has been instrumental in multiple industry-sponsored workshops, and her work makes them thrive. She works countless weekends, leads with calm confidence, and handles even the toughest faculty requests with ease. These events succeed because of her dedication and steady leadership."
* Christina Eberhart, buyer in Central Procurement, whose nominator wrote: "I work with Christina primarily through email and Microsoft Teams. Christina is knowledgeable in all aspects of PSUbuy and shares her expertise with patience and kindness. Her approachable demeanor fosters an environment where colleagues feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance."
* Emilie Enders, academic program coordinator in the School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI) in the College of Engineering, whose nominator wrote: "We are grateful for Emilie! Her vibrant energy, enthusiasm and humor brighten SEDI every day. She goes above and beyond in all she does. She's kind, patient and ready to help anyone who stops by her desk. We appreciate her initiative. Thanks for bringing such positivity and light to the team, Emilie!"
* Alex Glasier, admissions counselor in Enrollment Management, whose nominator wrote: "Alex is always willing to jump in and help wherever it is needed. She is always helping without being asked and keeps up on what needs done first so she can start there. She is an integral part of our team, and we could not get done all that we do without her."
* KJ Harmon, community engagement and prevention specialist in Health Promotion and Wellness, a division of Student Affairs, who received multiple nominations. One nominator wrote: "KJ's dedication and caring for the students is evident in everything she does. Even when faced with many challenges and changes, she has remained a positive influence on our department. We are so lucky to have her, and we are grateful for all the ideas and perspectives she has offered." Another nominator wrote: "KJ has devoted her time, energy and passion to the University Park and DuBois campuses, Health Promotion and Wellness, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), teaching students, THON, and so much more. Her commitment to making the university a better place is unmatched. KJ's passion is infectious and she truly has a gift for inspiring everyone around her."
* Deborah Heeman, administrative support assistant in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: "Deb brings unmatched dedication, kindness and excellence to every challenge. Her expertise in coordinating the flow of students through orientation each summer makes our jobs easier and our students' experiences better."
* Erika Holub, administrative support assistant in Penn State Extension, whose nominator wrote: "Erika truly represents "We Are!" Friendly, caring and grateful, she goes above and beyond during end-of-year crunch time with snacks, encouragement and support that help keep the team motivated through deadlines."
* Jayson Jackson, associate director of online communications in the Penn State Alumni Association, whose nominator wrote: "Jayson is the epitome of a team player. He carefully considers how e-communications will resonate with Penn Staters, being mindful of the content, audience and timing to ensure the most positive outcome possible. He always goes above and beyond. He is the best!"
* Marisa Klein, COI assistant director in the Office for Research Protections in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, whose nominator wrote: "Marisa has helped to lead the COI team through several big changes, including a major electronic system conversion and onboarding a new director. She works extremely hard, consistently models Penn State's values, and is dedicated to supporting those around her."
* Jennifer Malaga Cumpa, student success coach at Penn State Hazleton, whose nominator wrote: "Jennifer is an exceptional advocate going above and beyond for student success. As a bilingual staff member, she supports Spanish-speaking students and families during New Student Orientation (NSO), prepares materials, connects students with accommodations and resources, and is an invaluable asset to our campus."
* Courtney Mathna, maintenance worker utility in the Office of Physical Plant, whose nominator wrote: "Courtney consistently does an outstanding job supporting our team at the Mateer Building. Her positivity, professionalism and deep knowledge make a difference every day. We truly appreciate her dedication and are so grateful to have her as part of our team!"
* Dawn Pfeifer Reitz, associate teaching professor of communications arts and sciences at Penn State Berks, whose nominator wrote: "Dawn has been advancing student AI literacy work since August 2025. She has been an engaged member of multiple University-level task forces, using her expertise in communication and faculty collaboration to create and execute a successful faculty communication plan for AI Essentials and AI Studio."
* Beth Shaffer, academic program coordinator for the Department of Mathematics in Eberly College of Science, whose nominator wrote: "Beth has been an individual that, with each and every interaction I have, displays professionalism, kindness and a willingness to assist students to ensure whatever the request revolves around is properly seen through. My hope is that every department has someone like Beth to call a 'colleague!'"
* Jared Shelly, farm specialist in the Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC) in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whose nominator wrote: "Jared is an extremely crucial part of the team here at FREC! He makes everything run smoothly and efficiently. He is always upbeat in the hardest situations and creates a positive work environment for everyone around him."
* Alicia Skeath, academic program coordinator in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD), whose nominator wrote: "Alicia recently joined Penn State and has quickly become an invaluable member of our team. She consistently goes above and beyond, approaching every task with grace and efficiency. She is thorough, dependable and always willing to help others. We are incredibly fortunate to have Alicia!"
* Vicki Stevens Carpenter, administrative manager for the Department of Biology in Eberly College of Science, whose nominator wrote: "Vicki is an exceptional leader -- genuinely caring, always ready to help and available even at the busiest times. She encourages process improvements, listens intently and leads with humility. I'm impressed by her selfless approach and how seamlessly she leads our large team."
* Johnna Weston, assistant director for advising and engagement in Penn State Global, whose nominator wrote: "Shout out to Johnna for consistently going above and beyond! Her strong team mindset, proactive approach, and ability to quickly identify and resolve challenges make a meaningful impact. We truly appreciate her dedication and support!"
* Shelby Wieners, senior associate director of Residence Life, a division of Student Affairs, whose nominator wrote: "Shelby stepped in during New Student Orientation (NSO) on a short timeline to help coordinate support for a student. Her willingness to help, collaborate and respond quickly made a meaningful difference in ensuring a student could fully participate and feel welcomed into our inclusive Penn State community."
Thank you to these individuals and everyone across the University who contributes to making Penn State such an incredible community!
Do you know someone who deserves a shout out? If you do, consider nominating that person by filling out a short online form (https://www.psu.edu/news/WeAre/).
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Original text here: https://berks.psu.edu/story/39251/2026/09/15/sending-we-are-these-penn-staters
Penn State-Lehigh Valley: 'Woven Welcome' Project to Bring Campus and Community Together
CENTER VALLEY, Pennsylvania, Sept. 16 -- Pennsylvania State University Lehigh Valley campus issued the following news:
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'Woven Welcome' project to bring campus and community together
Artist Jill Odegaard will invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to help create a collaborative art installation in the Library Oasis
September 14, 2026 By Ryan Abramson
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. -- An evolving community art project that has brought people together from Minnesota to the Lehigh Valley will begin its next chapter at Penn State Lehigh Valley in fall 2026.
Artist Jill Odegaard
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CENTER VALLEY, Pennsylvania, Sept. 16 -- Pennsylvania State University Lehigh Valley campus issued the following news:
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'Woven Welcome' project to bring campus and community together
Artist Jill Odegaard will invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to help create a collaborative art installation in the Library Oasis
September 14, 2026 By Ryan Abramson
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. -- An evolving community art project that has brought people together from Minnesota to the Lehigh Valley will begin its next chapter at Penn State Lehigh Valley in fall 2026.
Artist Jill Odegaardwill invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to contribute to "Woven Welcome: A Common Thread," a collaborative art installation planned for the Library Oasis at the Lehigh Valley campus.
Participants will use donated materials to create woven sections that reflect the relationships connecting individuals to one another and to the communities they share.
"We used the idea of a woven rug as a metaphor for community," Odegaard said. "When we are working together, there is automatically a dialogue."
The project is designed to make art a shared experience rather than something created by an artist working alone. Each participant will contribute to a larger piece, allowing individual materials, ideas and experiences to become part of a collective outcome.
"Our hands can come together to create a new outcome," Odegaard said. "The weaving of the rugs, using donated materials in all forms, makes art accessible to anyone, no matter where they sit in our community."
"This project reflects what we want the arts to accomplish at Penn State Lehigh Valley: create opportunities for people to participate, connect and see themselves as part of something larger," said Ann Lalik, art gallery director at Penn State Lehigh Valley. "You do not need previous art experience to contribute. Every person and every piece of material can become part of the story."
An evolving community project
The concept behind "Woven Welcome" began in 2012 at the Open Engagement conference sponsored by the Art and Social Practice program at Portland State University in Oregon.
Odegaard joined artists Sandy Sampson and Anne Greenwood in forming a "Welcome Committee" for the conference. Participants gathering in Portland worked together to weave a welcome mat, establishing the collaborative process that would guide future versions of the project.
The following year, Odegaard expanded the concept for the 2013 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener in Park Rapids. The community cultural development project was created through partnerships with the Nemeth Art Center, Hubbard County Developmental Achievement Center, Park Rapids Chamber of Commerce and community members.
Approximately 1,200 square feet of woven rug was presented during the event's community picnic. The completed work served as a welcome mat for then-Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and other attendees while symbolizing the connections formed when individuals work together to create a public art statement.
The project later came to the Lehigh Valley through a partnership involving Odegaard, the Allentown Art Museum, Via of the Lehigh Valley and community participants.
In 2015, Odegaard worked with groups across the region to create woven sections for an installation at the museum. Visitors could also contribute using a loom placed inside the exhibition, allowing the artwork to continue growing throughout its display.
The project brought people together through hands-on artmaking while creating a connection between the museum and the broader community, according to the Allentown Art Museum.
"Weaving can symbolize the roots of trees and, by extension, the roots of a community," Odegaard said.
Creating 'A Common Thread'
At Penn State Lehigh Valley, "A Common Thread" will build upon that history while reflecting the identities and relationships within the campus community.
The participatory nature of the project will allow people with different roles, backgrounds and experiences to work alongside one another. As the woven artwork grows, it will provide a visual record of the connections participants have already formed and those that may develop through the creative process.
"Bringing "Woven Welcome" to the Library Oasis gives us an opportunity to turn an everyday campus space into a place of creativity and conversation," Lalik said. "The finished installation will be important, but the process of making it together will be just as meaningful."
Throughout her studio practice, Odegaard has used hand papermaking in both two- and three-dimensional forms. Her work has been exhibited across the United States and in Canada, and she has led papermaking workshops and community art projects involving participants of different ages and abilities. She is also one of five artists in the current "Light" exhibition in the Ronald K. De Long Galley at Penn State Lehigh Valley.
Her community engagement has included collaborations with the Autism Society of the Lehigh Valley, residents of assisted-living communities and school-age children, in addition to large-scale projects such as "Woven Welcome."
Additional information about opportunities to participate in "Woven Welcome: A Common Thread" will be announced throughout the fall semester 2026. For more updates, visit the art gallery website (https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/programs-art-gallery).
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Original text here: https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/story/30496/2026/09/14/woven-welcome-project-bring-campus-and-community-together
NMT Staff Council Honors Financial Aid Office and Valerie Maez in Spotlight Awards
SOCORRO, New Mexico, Sept. 16 -- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology issued the following news:
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NMT Staff Council Honors Financial Aid Office and Valerie Maez in Spotlight Awards
Sep 15, 2026
New Mexico Tech's Staff Council (SAC) spotlighted the FInancial Aid Office and Valerie Maez in its recent awards. It recognized the Financial Aid Office with the Spring quarter award and Valerie Maez, with the NMT Office of Student Affairs International Program, with the Fall award. Both awards celebrate staff members and teams whose work has had a direct impact on the student experience
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SOCORRO, New Mexico, Sept. 16 -- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology issued the following news:
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NMT Staff Council Honors Financial Aid Office and Valerie Maez in Spotlight Awards
Sep 15, 2026
New Mexico Tech's Staff Council (SAC) spotlighted the FInancial Aid Office and Valerie Maez in its recent awards. It recognized the Financial Aid Office with the Spring quarter award and Valerie Maez, with the NMT Office of Student Affairs International Program, with the Fall award. Both awards celebrate staff members and teams whose work has had a direct impact on the student experienceat NMT.
The Financial Aid Office team consists of Director Zelda Vinson, Financial Aid Manager Donna Wilkins, Financial Aid Counselor Alexandria Armendariz, Scholarship Coordinator Thelma Dibartolomeo, and Veterans Affairs Certifying Official Rebeca Ordunez-Polanco. They earned the Spring spotlight for their work during one of the office's busiest stretches. The team ensured timely and accurate financial aid packaging for students while maintaining clear communication throughout the process. Their focus on removing barriers and streamlining procedures reflects the kind of student-centered service the Staff Council says defines NMT's staff community.
Valerie Maez is the International Programs Student Services Coordinator at NMT and she received the Fall spotlight for her constant support of NMT's international scholar community. As federal guidance and immigration regulations shifted throughout the year, Maez provided steady and knowledgeable support to students navigating complex requirements. Working largely as a team of one she helped international students stay informed and in compliance while continuing their academic work.
The Staff Council honored both the Financial Aid Office and Maez at their meeting last week Each honoree received a certificate and a gift in recognition of their contributions.
The inaugural NMT Staff Council Quarterly Spotlight was Alyssa Sandusky, who is with Auxiliary Services as the Summer Conference and Special Event Coordinator.
By Jaime Terrazas Lozano
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Original text here: https://www.nmt.edu/news/2026/nmt_staff_council_honors_financial_aid_office_and_valerie_maez_in_spotlight_awards.php
Gonzaga Task Force Reports Significant Progress on Efforts to Strengthen Belonging, Safety and Accountability
SPOKANE, Washington, Sept. 16 -- Gonzaga University issued the following news:
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Gonzaga Task Force Reports Significant Progress on Efforts to Strengthen Belonging, Safety and Accountability
September 14, 2026 | Jeffrey Dennison (M.A. '16)/Marketing & Communications
Six months after its formation, Gonzaga University's Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety and Belonging is reporting substantial progress on a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening campus culture, improving accountability systems and fostering a deeper sense of belonging for all students.
The Task Force's
... Show Full Article
SPOKANE, Washington, Sept. 16 -- Gonzaga University issued the following news:
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Gonzaga Task Force Reports Significant Progress on Efforts to Strengthen Belonging, Safety and Accountability
September 14, 2026 | Jeffrey Dennison (M.A. '16)/Marketing & Communications
Six months after its formation, Gonzaga University's Presidential Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety and Belonging is reporting substantial progress on a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening campus culture, improving accountability systems and fostering a deeper sense of belonging for all students.
The Task Force'sSummer 2026 Status Report highlights the completion of several major commitments, including the launch of a centralized reporting system, updates to university policies, new student programming focused on belonging, and expanded efforts to support student leadership, faculty development and community engagement.
Led by Vice Provost for Student Affairs Kent Porterfield, the Task Force has met weekly throughout the summer to advance recommendations and maintain momentum on initiatives that emerged from extensive campus conversations during the spring semester.
"The work of belonging is never finished, but this report demonstrates that Gonzaga is turning commitments into action," Porterfield said. "Students, faculty, staff, community members and administrators have worked together throughout this process to make meaningful improvements that will help create a campus where every person feels respected, supported and valued."
Among the Task Force's most visible accomplishments is the creation of a new university-wide reporting system that brings multiple reporting pathways into a single location. The new "Report a Concern" link now appears on every Gonzaga webpage, providing easy access to reporting options related to bias incidents, harassment and discrimination, Title IX concerns and student conduct matters.
The Task Force also completed a comprehensive review of existing accountability systems and developed visual process maps that will help students better understand how various reporting and response systems work.
"This dedicated work of those on the task force has been about making our systems more accessible, transparent and understandable," Porterfield said. "Students should know where to go when they need support, how concerns are addressed, and what resources are available to them. We're making important progress in all of those areas."
Another significant accomplishment this summer was the creation of a new paid student liaison position designed to strengthen communication, trust and partnership between students and university leadership. Developed in collaboration with leaders from Unity Multicultural Education Center (UMEC), Unity Alliance of Cultural Clubs (UACC) and Gonzaga Student Body Association (GSBA), the position will serve as a bridge between student organizations and campus administrators, helping elevate student perspectives, identify concerns early and connect students with resources and decision-makers. The liaison will work alongside the GSBA Director of DEI, GSBA Director of Clubs and Organizations, and the UMEC Liaison as part of a coordinated student voice network. By making the role a paid position and establishing a formal governance and mentorship structure, Gonzaga is investing in a sustainable model for student engagement that ensures students have meaningful opportunities to shape conversations about belonging, inclusion and campus climate.
At the same time, the Task Force advanced work designed to strengthen belonging and community building from a student's first days on campus. New Student Orientation and Fall Welcome Weekend programming were redesigned around themes of mission, inclusion, connection and community and also included best-selling author and keynote speaker Monica Guzman. New residence hall experiences, affinity-based opportunities, and assessment tools will be introduced throughout the academic year.
The report also highlights progress in leadership development and training. A campus-wide Inclusive Excellence training framework for student leaders is now under development, bringing together offices across Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to create a more coordinated approach to leadership education. Additionally, restorative practices training was piloted with student leaders this summer, with monthly listening circles planned throughout the fall semester.
Beyond student-facing initiatives, the Task Force's efforts have extended to faculty and staff engagement. Approximately 200 faculty members participated in professional development sessions this summer focused on student support, trauma-informed teaching practices, classroom climate and strategies for fostering belonging in academic environments.
Longer-term initiatives also continue to move forward. Recruitment and retention efforts remain a significant focus, with ongoing collaboration among Admissions, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and faculty leaders. Existing programs that support student success and access continue to expand while new partnerships and pathway opportunities are being explored.
The report notes progress in several additional areas, including expanded support for student publications and media, a regional NAACP-Gonzaga welcome event planned for October 4, and development of a Spokane cultural resource directory intended to connect students with local cultural organizations and businesses.
Gonzaga President Katia Passerini believes the breadth of the work reflects Gonzaga's commitment to sustained change rather than short-term responses.
"Real progress happens when institutions commit to consistent effort over time," she said. "We're building systems, relationships and practices that will serve students for years to come. The goal is a campus culture rooted in dignity, accountability, accompaniment and belonging. While there is still work ahead, this report shows that our community is moving forward together."
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Original text here: https://www.gonzaga.edu/news-events/stories/task-force-summer-progress-report
Designing the future: A UQ researcher's quest for new materials
BRISBANE, Australia, Sept. 16 -- The University of Queensland posted the following news:
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Designing the future: A UQ researcher's quest for new materials
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From renewable energy to advanced nanotechnology, many of tomorrow's breakthroughs may rely on materials that are to be discovered or created.
The University of Queensland's Dr Carla Verdi is using quantum-mechanical and advanced computer simulations in her search for new materials, and to predict how they will behave long before they're a physical reality.
"A lot of the limitations we have in advancing technology is due to the
... Show Full Article
BRISBANE, Australia, Sept. 16 -- The University of Queensland posted the following news:
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Designing the future: A UQ researcher's quest for new materials
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From renewable energy to advanced nanotechnology, many of tomorrow's breakthroughs may rely on materials that are to be discovered or created.
The University of Queensland's Dr Carla Verdi is using quantum-mechanical and advanced computer simulations in her search for new materials, and to predict how they will behave long before they're a physical reality.
"A lot of the limitations we have in advancing technology is due to theavailability of specific materials for particular applications," Dr Verdi said.
"We are using quantum mechanics - a branch of physics that describes matter and energy at the atomic level - to simulate how materials behave.
"This helps us understand and even design their properties.
"This isn't just abstract quantum physics theory; you can see the tangible outcomes."
Working at UQ's School of Mathematics and Physics Dr Verdi said the work would inform the future of technology.
"If you think about the technological progress of the last couple of centuries, it has always been related to developing new materials," Dr Verdi said.
"When we have the tools, we can start to develop things like new nanotechnology, solar cells, superconductors, low-power electronics, batteries and catalysts.
"In my work, we are using atomic defects to create single-photon sources for quantum communication, or to make superconducting semiconductors.
"Another example is silicon solar cells, they are limited by being rigid, so what about flexible solar cells that can be attached to anything?
"These are the kind of ideas we are focusing on, and everyone will benefit."
Dr Verdi said simulating materials saved researchers time and money.
"Developing advanced and high-performing materials requires extraordinary precision and often researchers don't know the best approach until they begin testing," Dr Verdi said.
"So, there can be a lot of costly trial and error in the lab.
"With computer simulations we can precisely reproduce certain properties and see how they behave in a way that was maybe unknown before."
Dr Verdi has received a UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award (FREA) which will allow her to extend her research.
"With this award, I'll be able to expand my group to work with leading researchers in the field and organise activities," Dr Verdi said.
"My dream is to one day have a 'materials by design' route where before making something in the lab you first design it and then create the material best suited to help us with any challenges we face."
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Original text here: https://news.uq.edu.au/2026-09-designing-future-uq-researchers-quest-new-materials
California Institute of Technology: New Book by Phillip Hoffman Explores the Origins of Economic Growth
PASADENA, California, Sept. 16 -- The California Institute of Technology issued the following news:
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New Book by Phillip Hoffman Explores the Origins of Economic Growth
September 15, 2026
In 1700, life was miserable everywhere. Nearly everyone was poor, most had to toil long days in fields just to feed their families, and half of all children died before adulthood. But throughout the following century, technological and political shifts in northwestern Europe unleashed something completely new in human history that transformed the world--sustained economic growth. Why and how this revolution
... Show Full Article
PASADENA, California, Sept. 16 -- The California Institute of Technology issued the following news:
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New Book by Phillip Hoffman Explores the Origins of Economic Growth
September 15, 2026
In 1700, life was miserable everywhere. Nearly everyone was poor, most had to toil long days in fields just to feed their families, and half of all children died before adulthood. But throughout the following century, technological and political shifts in northwestern Europe unleashed something completely new in human history that transformed the world--sustained economic growth. Why and how this revolutionstarted where it did is the focus of a new book by Philip T. Hoffman, Caltech's Rea A. and Lela G. Axline Professor of Business Economics and History, Emeritus.
Why Europe?: The Great Divergence and the West's Rise to Global Predominance - New Approaches to Economic and Social History was published on July 16, 2026, by Cambridge University Press.
"Today in the US, we take economic growth for granted, but it has greatly improved people's lives," says Hoffman, who uses economic theory and historical evidence to explain long-term changes in politics, society, and the economy. "I wanted to come up with an explanation of why sustained economic growth began in the 1700s in northwestern Europe and why it didn't happen elsewhere--for instance, Song Dynasty China."
Hoffman's 2015 book, Why Did Europe Conquer the World?, looked at how Europeans advanced gunpowder technology to conquer or colonize more than 80 percent of the world. While this military power allowed a relatively small number of people to quickly take over much of the rest of the globe, it didn't necessarily lead to the economic growth that began in Europe, particularly in Britain.
"There are people who would argue that military power was either an impetus for or a necessary condition for economic growth, but I found that's just not the case," Hoffman says. "Once you get technical change and economic growth, not just in the military sector but in general, that does make conquest a lot easier. So, it has some side effect, but the conquest is more a consequence of than a cause of economic growth."
Instead, he argues that several key economic, political, and intellectual factors converged in northwestern Europe, and particularly in Britain, in the 1600s and 1700s, including a growing interest in science and engineering that ultimately powered technological advances.
"Think of it like starting a fire, and the fuel is ideas from northwestern Europe's intellectual heritage, from the Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution," Hoffman says. "Once the growth gets started, you can then share those ideas much more easily. You don't have to replicate all the conditions that were sufficient to get it started back then. Instead, you can simply pass the torch."
Political changes that secured property rights--including for intellectual property--also fostered economic growth, or so Hoffman's historical research shows. So did Western Europe's dominant religion, Western Christianity, which helped keep any one ruler from becoming too powerful and choking off growth, as happened in Eastern Europe and Asia.
"In Western Christianity, you had the head of the primary Western church--the Pope--who could keep political rulers from getting too powerful," Hoffman explains. "And that had a profound effect because it helped prevent a long-lasting emperor from arising in Western Europe. Sure, there was Charlemagne and Napoleon, but neither of them lasted very long."
Western Europe's political fragmentation also meant people could move relatively easily and might find resources to thrive elsewhere if they faced religious or political persecution. For example, Hoffman points to John Holker, a British textile maker--and one of the world's first industrial spies--who took his skills to France in the mid-1700s after opposing the British government. He helped establish some of the first factories in France for making cotton clothing.
"Cotton garments in the 1700s were the rage, and Holker was able to take advantage of new technology used to make them," Hoffman says, noting that the factories and the new machines in them cut the cost of cotton garments, making them affordable even for poor consumers. "This is what technical change is; it reduces the costs of things, and it makes them available, so they're no longer just a luxury. Sustained economic growth means those costs continue to fall."
The type of economic growth seen in Europe later took root in places like the US and Japan, but it did not spread uniformly across the world. Research by Hoffman and other economic historians shows that slow growth often resulted from authoritarian regimes and weak property rights. For example, while the US had low fees for patents in the 19th century and many financial institutions for lending, Mexico had high fees and very few banks.
"In Mexico, to start a business was very difficult, totally unlike the United States, and you had to be politically connected to do it," Hoffman says. "We can show that really slowed technical change in Mexico."
Still, Hoffman says the biggest drivers of economic growth were new ideas and the institutions, such as scientific societies, universities, and governments willing to invest in finding these new ideas. "We continue to rely on those institutions today," he says. Hoffman hopes that, like the leaders who first helped propel widespread economic prosperity, readers of his book will leave with the belief that economic growth is good but also realize that inequality hampers it.
"We could complain about all the bad things you may associate with economic growth, like pollution, but there are ways to solve these problems," Hoffman says. "I think we should come to appreciate the virtues of economic growth and, at the same time, work to make sure that it's more widely shared, both in our country and around the world."
Written by Katie Neith
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Original text here: https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/new-book-by-phillip-hoffman-explores-the-origins-of-economic-growth
