Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
University of Houston Engineer Exposes Structural Weakness Driving Lithium-ion Battery Failure
HOUSTON, Texas, April 9 (TNSjou) -- The University of Houston issued the following news:
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UH Engineer Exposes Structural Weakness Driving Lithium-ion Battery Failure
Findings Suggest Design of Next-generation Batteries Must Change
Key Takeaways
* UH engineering Professor Yan Yao discovers that lithium dendrites, a flaw in batteries, are unexpectedly strong and brittle allowing them to act like rigid needles inside batteries
* Their stiffness--enhanced by a protective coating--enables them to pierce separators, causing short circuits and safety risks
* First-ever real-time observations
... Show Full Article
HOUSTON, Texas, April 9 (TNSjou) -- The University of Houston issued the following news:
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UH Engineer Exposes Structural Weakness Driving Lithium-ion Battery Failure
Findings Suggest Design of Next-generation Batteries Must Change
Key Takeaways
* UH engineering Professor Yan Yao discovers that lithium dendrites, a flaw in batteries, are unexpectedly strong and brittle allowing them to act like rigid needles inside batteries
* Their stiffness--enhanced by a protective coating--enables them to pierce separators, causing short circuits and safety risks
* First-ever real-time observationsillustrate brittle nature
* Findings may help improve safety and reliability of high-energy storage systems
By Laurie Fickman
A University of Houston engineer has found that lithium dendrites--hazardous growths inside lithium-ion batteries that power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles--are unexpectedly strong and brittle, signaling a need to rethink future battery design.
The growth and penetration of lithium dendrites through electrolytes and separators remain key challenges to realizing high-energy density lithium-metal batteries.
The dendrites are tiny crystal 'needles' that form inside the batteries for a variety of reasons, from fast charging to low temperatures. Though minute, measuring just hundreds of nanometers (more than 100-times smaller than a strand of human hair), lithium dendrites can cause catastrophic damage and safety hazards including short circuits and fires.
"For decades, the scientific community assumed that solid-state electrolytes could easily block dendrites because lithium was thought to be a soft, ductile metal. We have proven they are actually brittle and snap like glass," said Yan Yao, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of electrical and computer engineering. Yao's work is published in Science, in an article co-authored by his colleagues from Rice University, Georgia Institute of Technology and Institute of High-Performance Computing in Singapore. Together, the team reports exactly how these structures behave inside batteries.
The article explains that the stiffness of the dendrites is intrinsic to their nanoscale single-crystal lithium core and further reinforced by a protective surface coating, a combination that enables them to pierce separators.
Yao not only proved the brittle mechanical nature of the dendrites, but he also captured video of the dendrites in action by performing operando SEM imaging allowing them to observe lithium dendrites actually snapping in real time within operating solid-state cells.
"By filming this happening inside a working solid-state battery for the first time--using a specialized air-free chamber we invented here at UH--we've shown that the strategies used to design next-generation batteries have to change," said Yao, who also serves as a Principal Investigator with the Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH.
The custom air-free vessel specifically created by Yao for testing solid-state batteries is already seeing widespread adoption. The technology led to the launch of the startup Solid Design Instruments LLC, which has already sold eight units to national laboratories and major battery companies.
By understanding the true mechanical strength of these dendrites, the researchers suggest that in the future lithium alloy anodes may make dendrites less prone to brittle fracture; a strategy is also currently being explored in various other contexts.
This is the latest in Yao's quest to reimagine solid-state batteries. Previously, he and his team uncovered what caused solid-state batteries to break down and how that process could be slowed. Unlocking that secret was the first step to improving battery life for everything from cell phones and laptops to electric vehicles.
Adding to that potential, Bo Zhao, an award-winning and internationally recognized engineering professor at the Cullen College of Engineering, discovered a technique to control the flow of heat in electronics, which would ultimately help prolong battery endurance.
Together, these discoveries exemplify how UH is paving the way for alternate energy resources.
This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DE-EE0008864, DE- SC0018193), the Welch Foundation (C-1716, C-2248, C-2065) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (2239545).
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Original text here: https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2026/april/04082026-lithium-battery-weakness.php
Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business: Spears Business Offers Top-ranked MBA Program in Oklahoma
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, April 9 -- Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business issued the following news:
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Spears Business offers top-ranked MBA program in Oklahoma
Holding strong in the national rankings, Oklahoma State University's Spears School of Business is home to the state's top MBA program.
Spears Business is No. 60 overall in U.S. News & World Report's Best Business Schools Rankings of full-time MBA programs, released April 7. For the second consecutive year, Spears Business leads Oklahoma to land in the top 60 nationwide.
"Our continued placement in the rankings is a testament
... Show Full Article
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, April 9 -- Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business issued the following news:
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Spears Business offers top-ranked MBA program in Oklahoma
Holding strong in the national rankings, Oklahoma State University's Spears School of Business is home to the state's top MBA program.
Spears Business is No. 60 overall in U.S. News & World Report's Best Business Schools Rankings of full-time MBA programs, released April 7. For the second consecutive year, Spears Business leads Oklahoma to land in the top 60 nationwide.
"Our continued placement in the rankings is a testamentto the innovation of Spears Business faculty and staff," said Dr. Jim Payne, Spears Business dean. "The Watson Graduate School of Management is committed to providing a high-quality, customizable educational experience."
Five Spears Business programs, all housed in the Watson Graduate School of Management, appear in the rankings for the first time. The MBA certificate in entrepreneurship debuts at No. 38, the best placement for any Spears Business program in this edition of rankings.
These achievements follow Spears Business' historic results in the U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, released in January. The online bachelor's in business programs maintained a top-10 standing at No. 9, while the online MBA climbed into the top 10 for the first time.
"We're proud of the continued strength of our MBA programs across all three venues -- full-time, hybrid and online -- and the recognition they receive," said Dr. Matt Bowler, MBA director. "I want to thank our faculty, staff and students for the hard work and commitment that drive that success. We're excited to keep building on that strong foundation."
U.S. News & World Report annually ranks graduate schools based on expert opinions about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research and students. This year's graduate school rankings feature more than 120 full-time MBA programs nationwide.
OSU's Tulsa-based hybrid MBA program also continues to appear in the U.S. News & World Report part-time MBA rankings, checking in at No. 85.
All new to the rankings, OSU's MBA certificate in information systems is No. 58, the MBA certificate in business analytics is No. 73 and the MBA certificate in finance is No. 89. The MS in accounting program makes its first appearance at No. 107.
Visit the website (https://business.okstate.edu/departments_programs/watson) to learn more about the Watson Graduate School of Management, including OSU's customizable MBA program. See the full U.S. News & World Report graduate business program rankings here (https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/mba-rankings).
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Original text here: https://news.okstate.edu/articles/business/2026/spears-business-offers-top-ranked-mba-program-in-oklahoma
McCain Global Leaders Unveil Refurbished John S. McCain Monument, Complete Legacy Experience in Vietnam
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- Arizona State University McCain Institute issued the following news:
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McCain Global Leaders Unveil Refurbished John S. McCain Monument, Complete Legacy Experience in Vietnam
DA NANG, VIETNAM (April 8, 2026) - The McCain Institute at Arizona State University's (ASU) McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) 2025 Cohort concluded their 12-month program with the Legacy Experience and graduation ceremony in Vietnam. This year, the MGLs also experienced the unveiling of the refurbished John S. McCain Monument at Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi.
MGLs attended the unveiling ceremony of the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- Arizona State University McCain Institute issued the following news:
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McCain Global Leaders Unveil Refurbished John S. McCain Monument, Complete Legacy Experience in Vietnam
DA NANG, VIETNAM (April 8, 2026) - The McCain Institute at Arizona State University's (ASU) McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) 2025 Cohort concluded their 12-month program with the Legacy Experience and graduation ceremony in Vietnam. This year, the MGLs also experienced the unveiling of the refurbished John S. McCain Monument at Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi.
MGLs attended the unveiling ceremony of therefurbished John S. McCain Monument at Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam, including a wreath laying, to honor his enduring legacy in Vietnam from his time as a prisoner of war (POW) to his vocal advocacy for normalized relations between the United States and Vietnam. Each MGL laid a flower at the memorial, and remarks were delivered by McCain Institute board member and Global Advisory Council member Elisa Massimino, the Deputy Chief of Mission from the U.S. Embassy Courtney Beale, 2025 McCain Global Leader Ajay Krishnan.
This unveiling was part of a multi-year long refurbishment process, including active involvement from the McCain family, Senator McCain's long time speechwriter Mark Salter, and the local Vietnamese government. The monument, erected in 1975 incorrectly listed Senator McCain as an Air Force pilot--it now correctly lists him as a Navy pilot, has been reconstructed using more durable granite, and was outfitted with lighting to ensure visibility at night. A new placard now provides context about the site's significance in both Vietnamese and English.
"This renovation is a meaningful way to preserve my father's legacy in Vietnam," said McCain Global Leaders Global Advisory Council Member James McCain. "It reflects not only where he was, but the values that defined his life--service, resilience, and the importance of moving forward."
The Legacy Experience involves an eight-day immersive journey into Senator McCain's personal leadership journey and the cultural landscape of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, following regional visits to Arizona, Taiwan, Kenya, Finland, and Estonia throughout the 12-month fellowship.
The cohort's visit to the Hoa Lo Prison Relic, or "Hanoi Hilton," gave MGLs a firsthand look into Senator McCain's more than five years as a POW, and how this experience informed his work to craft legislation to protect all people from torture and unjust detention in the Senate.
"Vietnam stands as one of the most compelling examples of how former adversaries can build a durable and strategic partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared interests," said McCain Institute Assistant Director for Global Leadership Scott Nemeth. "Throughout the Legacy Experience, the 2025 Cohort wrestled with complex questions about leadership, accountability, and reconciliation--lessons that extend far beyond Vietnam. That kind of reflection is essential as they step forward to lead in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world."
The delegation virtually engaged with James McCain to discuss Senator McCain's legacy of service, resilience, and principled leadership. They met with Vietnam War Veteran Chuck Searcy and Former Vietnam Ambassador to the United Nations Bui The Giang to learn about the beginning of peace efforts and the evolution of relations between the two countries. The leaders also engaged with the Da Nang Association for Victims of Agent Orange to learn about the lasting effects of the war on the Vietnamese people. They learned more about the U.S.-Vietnam War with an educational visit to the War Remnants Museum, and the unique growing relationship between the United States and Vietnam at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.
"My experience in Vietnam challenged me to lead with greater empathy and cultural awareness," said 2025 McCain Global Leader from Ukraine, Vira Konstantynova. "Standing in a place that honors Sen. John McCain's legacy reinforced for me the enduring power of resilience, courage, and reconciliation in leadership. It ultimately reshaped my understanding of leadership as service grounded in humility, connection, and a commitment to something greater than oneself."
McCain Institute Global Advisory Council Members, Board Director and Strategic Advisor, Philanthropy and Impact, Audacy Partners, Global Philanthropic Jean Sung, Executive Director of Damson Capital Leon Toh, Georgetown University Law Center Human Rights Institute Executive Director Elisa Massimino, and former staffer of Senator McCain Virginia Foote joined the delegation and spoke to the MGLs on topics ranging from the advancement of democracy and human rights, to how the cohort can work together to solve global challenges.
"The Legacy Experience in Vietnam is so powerful because it asks leaders to engage not only with history, but with its lasting impact on people, policy, and partnerships today," said McCain Global Leaders Global Advisory Council Member Elisa Massimino, who also serves on the McCain Institute's Board of Trustees. "Grounded in Senator John McCain's legacy of service, resilience, and reconciliation, the McCain Global Leaders program creates a unique space for emerging leaders to engage across differences, confront complex global challenges, and build the trust and collaboration needed to drive meaningful change."
The McCain Global Leaders program is designed to empower the next generation of leaders inspired by Senator John McCain's life and legacy. The next MGL Cohort will be announced in June 2026.
To learn more about the McCain Global Leaders, click HERE (https://www.mccaininstitute.org/programs/leadership-programs/mccain-global-leaders/).
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Original text here: https://www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/press-releases/mccain-global-leaders-unveil-refurbished-john-s-mccain-monument-complete-legacy-experience-in-vietnam/
Kent State Partners With University in Kyrgyzstan to Combat Rising Breast Cancer Rates in Central Asia
KENT, Ohio, April 9 -- Kent State University issued the following news:
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Kent State Partners with University in Kyrgyzstan to Combat Rising Breast Cancer Rates in Central Asia
New degree programs in Kyrgyzstan will help to train scientists to join the global cancer fight
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Kent State University is partnering with Osh State University in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, to help reduce rising cancer rates in the Central Asian nation.
Kent State will begin developing graduate-level programs in cell biology and molecular genetics at Osh State.
In May 2025, Kent State and Osh State signed an agreement to
... Show Full Article
KENT, Ohio, April 9 -- Kent State University issued the following news:
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Kent State Partners with University in Kyrgyzstan to Combat Rising Breast Cancer Rates in Central Asia
New degree programs in Kyrgyzstan will help to train scientists to join the global cancer fight
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Kent State University is partnering with Osh State University in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, to help reduce rising cancer rates in the Central Asian nation.
Kent State will begin developing graduate-level programs in cell biology and molecular genetics at Osh State.
In May 2025, Kent State and Osh State signed an agreement todevelop the graduate curricula, and recently, the World Bank approved the funding to proceed with the program.
"We should begin the academic collaboration soon," Ayya Hudaybergenova, director of Eurasia Strategic Affairs for the Office of Global Education, told Kent State Today.
Osh State and the Kyrgyzstan government have launched a national initiative to combat the rising cancer rate in the country, particularly breast cancer rates, through education, research and early detection.
Osh State was awarded a $25 million World Bank grant to support development of the initiative, which includes a dual graduate degree program in cell biology and molecular genetics, with Kent State as its educational partner. The grant will also help Osh State promote institutional growth through research, faculty training and development, and the creation of additional graduate programs.
Osh State is embarking on a five-year project to create a center for excellence to advance cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and education and innovation. Its partnership with Kent State is aimed at developing the educational curricula needed to create the degree programs.
In the 2025 Fall Semester, Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D., vice president for Global Education, and Hudaybergenova visited Osh State, met with its President Kudaiberdi Kozhobekov and toured a new seven-story clinical research facility currently under construction in Osh. The Kyrgyzstan government is funding the $24 million project.
Osh State also shared plans to establish a scientific research oncology center, identifying cancer biology as a priority area where international academic expertise could support future research collaboration.
A delegation from Kent State is expected to visit Osh State this summer to work on planning and implementation of the dual-degree program.
"This partnership addresses a critical public health need in Central Asia, where cancer education, early diagnosis and biomedical training remain limited," Fantoni said. "Strengthening local biomedical capacity would prepare future researchers, educators, and clinicians to advance cancer prevention and treatment in Kyrgyzstan and beyond."
The collaboration is the first of its kind between Osh State and any American institution and fulfills Kent State's commitment to global engagement and strengthening academic ties between the United States and Central Asia. The partnership also underscores Kent State's institutional values of working to better our global community by stepping in to provide the educational solutions needed to address global social issues.
Cancer diagnoses among the Kyrgyz population have been steadily increasing.
The London-based BEARR Trust, a charitable organization that focuses on health and social welfare issues in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, issued a report in 2024 that noted how 55% of those diagnosed with cancer will die within the first year.
In certain provinces, the one-year mortality rate was as high as 100% for newly diagnosed cases.
In addition, a World Health Organization study that examined breast cancer incidence in Kyrgyzstan from 2003-2017, illustrated the upward trend of the cancer rates, particularly in women under age 30 and over age 65.
The study also found that a lack of mammography screening hampered early detection of the cancer. Both reports noted that patients are waiting too long before seeking medical treatment.
Kent State has a longstanding history of opening its doors to students and educational partners worldwide, and Central Asia is one of the newest areas of expansion for the Office of Global Education. It is part of the university's overall commitment to using education to foster global understanding and world peace.
Osh State is Kyrgyzstan's largest university, enrolling more than 50,000 students, including approximately 10,000 international students from India, China and neighboring Central Asian countries. Its regional reach positions Osh State as a key hub for advancing public health education and research across Central Asia.
Osh is the second-largest city in the Kyrgyz Republic, which borders China to the east and Uzbekistan to the west.
-- WRITTEN BY: Lisa Abraham
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Original text here: https://www.kent.edu/today/news/kent-state-helping-fight-against-breast-cancer-central-asia
Hope College: Washington Honors Semester Hits 50-Year Anniversary, Announces Special Endowment Gift
HOLLAND, Michigan, April 9 -- Hope College issued the following news:
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Washington Honors Semester Hits 50-Year Anniversary, Announces Special Endowment Gift
As Hope College celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Washington Honors Semester program, the college also recognized a significant donor gift that will help support the program indefinitely.
The honors program is a long-standing experiential education program that includes a cohort of Hope College students who spend a full semester in Washington, D.C. engaging in academic seminars, working a 32-hour-per-week internship, and gaining
... Show Full Article
HOLLAND, Michigan, April 9 -- Hope College issued the following news:
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Washington Honors Semester Hits 50-Year Anniversary, Announces Special Endowment Gift
As Hope College celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Washington Honors Semester program, the college also recognized a significant donor gift that will help support the program indefinitely.
The honors program is a long-standing experiential education program that includes a cohort of Hope College students who spend a full semester in Washington, D.C. engaging in academic seminars, working a 32-hour-per-week internship, and gainingexposure to careers in the nation's capitol. A Hope College faculty member rotates in each spring semester to lead and support the student cohort. The Washington Honors Semester has a proven track record of placing qualified students in prestigious internships at such places as the White House, National Museum of Art, World Bank, American Bar Association, Naval Medical Research Center and the U.S. Supreme Court.
At a Hope College Connection event in Washington, D.C., in February, the college announced a major estate gift that will endow the rolling faculty program director role. Attending the special anniversary celebration were current Honors Semester students, 120 Hope alumni, political science faculty, Hope College President Matt Scogin and several others from the college leadership team.
In recognition of the program's 50th anniversary, a generous donation was made by Debra Fischer Bechtel in memory of her late husband and Hope alumnus Lee A. Bechtel, class of 1977. The fund -- named the Lee A. Bechtel, '77 endowed director of Washington Honors Semester -- will be used to support the director position for the program. Bechtel was among the earliest students participating in the honors semester, and according to Debra, the D.C. experience "was life-changing and sparked his interest in politics and lobbying." After serving in various political roles early in his career, he founded the health care lobbyist firm Bechtel and Associates, helped establish the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and served as president of the American League of Lobbyists. Bechtel was also appointed a legislative liaison for the Department of Health and Human Services by President Ronald Reagan in 1989. Bechtel passed away Dec. 30, 2023.
About the Hope College Washington Honors Semester
The spring-semester program was established in 1976 by Hope College professor Dr. Robert Elder (retired) while Dr. Jack Holmes (retired) served as the program director for 12 terms. The program provides hands-on experience through full-time internships and academic instruction in the nation's capitol for an entire semester. Students can earn 14-16 credits while participating. Part of the academic training involves 45-60 public policy group interviews over the semester. These interviews involve students spending one day a week as a group meeting and interacting with a broad range of policy professionals such as U.S. senators and congressmen, Hill staffers, lobbyists, journalists and interest-group advocates. Students also participate in weekly policy seminars, exploring a wide range of contemporary policy debates and political developments.
Many Washington Honors Semester students return to the nation's capital after graduation, making Washington, D.C. one of the largest and most active centers of Hope College alumni.
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Original text here: https://hope.edu/news/2026/academics/washington-honors-semester-hits-50-year-anniversary-announces-special-endowment-gift.html?_gl=1*woo7mn*_gcl_au*MTU2ODgzOTgyNy4xNzY4MDQ3MTc5*_ga*MTk2OTcxNjE3OC4xNzY4MDQ3MTc5*_ga_RF3LGY13Y9*czE3NzU3MzU5NTQkbzI4JGcxJHQxNzc1NzM2MDU1JGoyOSRsMCRoMA..
Catherine Hickman, Assistant General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, to Address JCU Graduate School Class of 2026
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio, April 9 -- John Carroll University issued the following news:
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Catherine Hickman, Assistant General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, to Address JCU Graduate School Class of 2026
John Carroll University will welcome Catherine Hickman, Assistant General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, as this year's graduate commencement speaker--bringing a career shaped by purpose, preparation, and the confidence to pursue her passion.
In her role with the Browns, Hickman is deeply involved in roster construction, player evaluation, and the football operations that support athletes
... Show Full Article
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio, April 9 -- John Carroll University issued the following news:
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Catherine Hickman, Assistant General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, to Address JCU Graduate School Class of 2026
John Carroll University will welcome Catherine Hickman, Assistant General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, as this year's graduate commencement speaker--bringing a career shaped by purpose, preparation, and the confidence to pursue her passion.
In her role with the Browns, Hickman is deeply involved in roster construction, player evaluation, and the football operations that support athletesevery day. It's work that comes into focus during pivotal moments like draft weekend, when years of scouting and strategy coalesce, and during the start of the regular season, when a team finally takes the field.
Surprisingly, Hickman did not begin her career in professional sports. Instead, she began working as a corporate and tax lawyer, before deciding to take a bold leap and pursue work related to her long-standing passion for football. That decision meant starting over, first as an intern with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League, then building experience across multiple leagues on her way to the NFL.
"I was always looking for something I was passionate about," Hickman said. "And football was the one thing that always came to mind."
That decision, she notes, was grounded in both ambition and perspective. Confident in her legal background as a strong fallback, she allowed herself to fully commit to a new direction. Along the way, Hickman credits mentorship and preparation as key drivers of her growth. Early opportunities to take on more responsibility, paired with guidance from those around her, helped her build both confidence and a voice in high-level decision-making environments.
"Preparation has always been the key to my success," she said. "It gave me confidence to contribute."
Now, more than a decade into her career in football, Hickman brings a message to graduates that reflects both her journey and the realities of today's professional landscape.
Careers, she emphasizes, are rarely linear. Detours, uncertainty, and moments of discomfort are not signs of failure, but often where growth begins.
That message is especially relevant for graduate students navigating what comes next, particularly those who may feel uncertain or behind.
"If that's how you feel, it likely means you are on the right path," Hickman said. "Getting comfortable being uncomfortable is the starting point."
Above all, Hickman underscores the importance of the people you choose to surround yourself with. Mentors, advocates, and colleagues, she says, have played a defining role in her career--not only opening doors, but helping her walk through them.
As graduates prepare to cross the commencement stage, they will hear from a leader whose journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose. Hickman's story is a powerful reminder that success is not about following a prescribed path, but about having the courage to chart your own and the support to help you along the way.
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John Carroll University's graduate commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. on Hamlin Quad. The university looks forward to welcoming Catherine Hickman to campus and sharing her perspective with the Graduate School Class of 2026, their families, and the broader John Carroll community.
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Original text here: https://www.jcu.edu/news/2026/04/catherine-hickman-assistant-general-manager-of-the-cleveland-browns-to-address-jcu-graduate-school-class-of-2026
Alfred University students take biology research to national stage
ALFRED, New York, April 9 -- Alfred University issued the following news release:
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Alfred University students take biology research to national stage
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Stepping outside the classroom and into the world of research, Alfred University students recently had the opportunity to attend and present their research at a national conference hosted by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
Accompanied by Associate Professor Geoffrey Lippa, students were able to experience what science looks like beyond lectures and textbooks. The conference focused on current developments
... Show Full Article
ALFRED, New York, April 9 -- Alfred University issued the following news release:
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Alfred University students take biology research to national stage
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Stepping outside the classroom and into the world of research, Alfred University students recently had the opportunity to attend and present their research at a national conference hosted by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
Accompanied by Associate Professor Geoffrey Lippa, students were able to experience what science looks like beyond lectures and textbooks. The conference focused on current developmentsin biochemistry, molecular biology, lipid metabolism, and related fields.
For Lippa, the value of attending went beyond just learning new information. "It was valuable for us to learn about new research in immunology and virology, while sharing our findings with the science community," he explained. Being surrounded by researchers from around the world allowed both faculty and students to see where the field is going and how their own work fits into that bigger picture.
Unlike a traditional classroom setting, the conference offered a completely different learning environment. Presentations were structured as symposiums, with multiple speakers discussing the same topic from different angles. In addition, workshops and networking sessions gave students practical guidance on building resumes, preparing CVs, and applying to graduate school. It created a space where learning was not just about content, but also about professional growth.
Students Pedro Soccal and Ehab AlQtam had the opportunity to present their own research at the conference. Focusing on virus-host interactions, their work focused on how the NS1 protein from the West Nile virus interacts with a human protein called Elongin B. The goal of their research is to better understand how viruses bypass natural defense mechanisms in the body, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
For Pedro, the experience was both exciting and motivating. He was especially interested in how this type of research could contribute to developing treatments for diseases that currently have no cure. One presentation that stood out to him focused on a promising HIV treatment that targets the formation of the virus capsule, preventing infection at multiple stages. Seeing research at that level gave him a clearer picture of what is possible in the field.
Ehab shared a similar perspective, highlighting how the conference changed the way he sees his future. Being surrounded by experienced researchers made the idea of becoming one feel more real. "It allowed me to see myself as a future presenter," he said. "I want to one day give a lecture there."
Beyond the research itself, both students said the conference was a valuable opportunity for networking with students and researchers sharing their own interests. As Pedro advised, planning ahead and taking initiative during the conference can make a big difference in both their academic and future professional careers.
"The information you will obtain will be way more valuable than you could ever imagine," Ehab added.
For Lippa, such experiences are essential to the academic experience. They bring people together to share ideas, successes, and even failures, creating a strong sense of community within science.
This article was written by undergraduate Andri Maltsev.
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Original text here: https://www.alfred.edu/about/news/pressreleases/general/2026/alfred-university-students-take-biology-research-to-national-stage.cfm
