Education (Colleges & Universities)
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Education (Colleges & Universities)
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University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez: Collegial Transforms His Sports Passion Into Entrepreneurship and Reaches the End of the Competition Enactus Puerto Rico
MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, Oct. 31 -- The University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez campus (Recinto Universitario de Mayaguez) issued the following news:
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Collegial transforms his sports passion into entrepreneurship and reaches the end of the competition Enactus Puerto Rico
By Idem Osorio De Jesus (idem.osorio@upr.edu)
October 30, 2026
Giovanni Baerga Uselis, a student at the College of Business Administration of the University Campus of Mayaguez (RUM), transformed his passion for basketball into the entrepreneurship of a technological platform for the specialized training of athletes who practice ... Show Full Article MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, Oct. 31 -- The University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez campus (Recinto Universitario de Mayaguez) issued the following news: * * * Collegial transforms his sports passion into entrepreneurship and reaches the end of the competition Enactus Puerto Rico By Idem Osorio De Jesus (idem.osorio@upr.edu) October 30, 2026 Giovanni Baerga Uselis, a student at the College of Business Administration of the University Campus of Mayaguez (RUM), transformed his passion for basketball into the entrepreneurship of a technological platform for the specialized training of athletes who practicethat sport. His idea has not only led him to boost a business, but allowed him to place himself among the four finalists of the national competition of Enactus Puerto Rico, held last month, along with three other teams that presented their social companies.
Handlez is the name of his project, with which he represented the Mayaguezano campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), and consists of an application that combines innovative sports products, and uses artificial intelligence tools to help athletes develop their skills, measure their progress and maximize their performance through real-time data and feedback.
According to Prensa RUM, his idea began from a young age while he studied his high school and early college career in the state of Florida on a sports scholarship.
"Thanks to that experience I could see the culture shock and opportunities in the United States compared to Puerto Rico. In that process, I realized that besides basketball, I needed another project to be able to live. I was beginning to study about business and how to set up a brand. I heard in a talk a person who recommended focusing on one's passions and looking for a problem to solve within that industry. I started looking at different possibilities and one day training with a tennis ball, the idea of my first product began: a small ball to improve the skills of dribbling in basketball," said Giovanni.
That first venture officially began its brand in 2023 and had a wide reception and positive feedback from the public in tournaments, camps, sports clinics and other events to which it attended.
By August of that same year, already on his return to Puerto Rican soil, the young Cagueno began as a student of Marketing in the RUM. On the way, she found the advice of Dr. Patricia Valentin Castillo, associate professor of ADEM and mentor of the collegiate student chapter of Enactus and the ausal Ninoshka Arroyo Valentin, who was the most recent president of the organization, who was on pause since 2022 and was reactivated this year.
"Everything continued to evolve until I met with Professor Valentin and Ninoshka and told them what I'm trying to do, which apart from the product of the ball, I want to create a door of development opportunities for young people. I shared the ideas with them, they suggested the application and we purified the concept until I got to compete with Enactus," recalled the basketball player, who played at the university level in the United States and also in the College as part of the Tarzanes team, in that discipline.
After a few months of intensive preparation from the hands of his counselors, Handlez represented Enactus RUM, and was measured with 16 other companies in a qualifying last summer. From there it went to the final, which was held in September along with three other teams, including Puro Campo and Conecta, of the Inter-American University.
"The impact report we deliver as part of the competition details how Handlez has benefited families and children through clinics. For example, the development of the small ball also arises from conversations with coaches, since there is a deficiency in basic skills in this demographic sector, which complicated the part of the practices. We began to investigate the problem worldwide in children and youth, which reflects more sedentary lifestyle, because they are all the time connected to devices and have lost that motor skill, coordination. So we thought about how to use technology in favor of solving it," explained Dr. Valentin Castillo.
The teacher added that from that research phase came the idea of the application with the integration of technologies to compile the information of how children are handling the ball, with recommendations to optimize their performance, and exercises for their improvement, both for the use of mothers and fathers, and for coaches, with a dashboard with the user's statistics and their execution in the sport.
"My goal is for this application to become part of an ecosystem where every kind of young man has a chance to continue developing, no matter where he comes from. We are focusing right now on basketball, but once we have established it will be able to apply to different sports. We will have a library of different exercises that they can do using our products, we also want to launch some resistance bands and stairs for agility. Basically, that an athlete can enter and train without going on a court and progress wherever he is," added the young businessman.
As detailed, the application will have several levels of subscription, among these more advanced that will provide personalized training with the use of technology and artificial intelligence.
Giovanni assured that being one of the four finalists in the national competition of Enactus opened many doors and a network of contacts very necessary for its next phase that will be to patent the part of technology and commercialize the proposal.
"I really think I'm walking in a dream. I always felt like I was doing something big and good, but I didn't know what it was. All the effort and time I spent in those clinics has been valuable because I like to help people. Now seeing all the progress is very satisfying. In addition, being able to inspire other young people to create their brand motivates me to follow. I feel like our island has all the tools, the talent and the heart to be sustainable and push forward. That is why it is important to encourage more Puerto Ricans to work here and try to create companies to live in the Puerto Rico that we all want, it is my dream always," he said.
Enactus Puerto Rico is a community of student leaders, academics and businesses committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and build more sustainable communities. The Enactus chapter of the RUM was revived this year, after a break from 2022, when under the lead of Ninoshka and the mentorship of Dr. Valentin Castillo won the first place of the National Cup, after two years run as runners-up in 2020 and 2021. He also won the national championship in 2014, when he represented Puerto Rico in the world championship that took place in China, where they made the Puerto Rican flag shine with a third place among the best international competitors.
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Original text here: https://www.uprm.edu/portada/2026/10/30/colegial-finalista-enactus-pr/
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Collegial transforms his sports passion into entrepreneurship and reaches the end of the competition Enactus Puerto Rico
By Idem Osorio De Jesus (idem.osorio@upr.edu)
October 30, 2026
Giovanni Baerga Uselis, a student at the College of Business Administration of the University Campus of Mayaguez (RUM), transformed his passion for basketball into the entrepreneurship of a technological platform for the specialized training of athletes who practice ... Show Full Article MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, Oct. 31 -- The University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez campus (Recinto Universitario de Mayaguez) issued the following news: * * * Collegial transforms his sports passion into entrepreneurship and reaches the end of the competition Enactus Puerto Rico By Idem Osorio De Jesus (idem.osorio@upr.edu) October 30, 2026 Giovanni Baerga Uselis, a student at the College of Business Administration of the University Campus of Mayaguez (RUM), transformed his passion for basketball into the entrepreneurship of a technological platform for the specialized training of athletes who practicethat sport. His idea has not only led him to boost a business, but allowed him to place himself among the four finalists of the national competition of Enactus Puerto Rico, held last month, along with three other teams that presented their social companies.
Handlez is the name of his project, with which he represented the Mayaguezano campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), and consists of an application that combines innovative sports products, and uses artificial intelligence tools to help athletes develop their skills, measure their progress and maximize their performance through real-time data and feedback.
According to Prensa RUM, his idea began from a young age while he studied his high school and early college career in the state of Florida on a sports scholarship.
"Thanks to that experience I could see the culture shock and opportunities in the United States compared to Puerto Rico. In that process, I realized that besides basketball, I needed another project to be able to live. I was beginning to study about business and how to set up a brand. I heard in a talk a person who recommended focusing on one's passions and looking for a problem to solve within that industry. I started looking at different possibilities and one day training with a tennis ball, the idea of my first product began: a small ball to improve the skills of dribbling in basketball," said Giovanni.
That first venture officially began its brand in 2023 and had a wide reception and positive feedback from the public in tournaments, camps, sports clinics and other events to which it attended.
By August of that same year, already on his return to Puerto Rican soil, the young Cagueno began as a student of Marketing in the RUM. On the way, she found the advice of Dr. Patricia Valentin Castillo, associate professor of ADEM and mentor of the collegiate student chapter of Enactus and the ausal Ninoshka Arroyo Valentin, who was the most recent president of the organization, who was on pause since 2022 and was reactivated this year.
"Everything continued to evolve until I met with Professor Valentin and Ninoshka and told them what I'm trying to do, which apart from the product of the ball, I want to create a door of development opportunities for young people. I shared the ideas with them, they suggested the application and we purified the concept until I got to compete with Enactus," recalled the basketball player, who played at the university level in the United States and also in the College as part of the Tarzanes team, in that discipline.
After a few months of intensive preparation from the hands of his counselors, Handlez represented Enactus RUM, and was measured with 16 other companies in a qualifying last summer. From there it went to the final, which was held in September along with three other teams, including Puro Campo and Conecta, of the Inter-American University.
"The impact report we deliver as part of the competition details how Handlez has benefited families and children through clinics. For example, the development of the small ball also arises from conversations with coaches, since there is a deficiency in basic skills in this demographic sector, which complicated the part of the practices. We began to investigate the problem worldwide in children and youth, which reflects more sedentary lifestyle, because they are all the time connected to devices and have lost that motor skill, coordination. So we thought about how to use technology in favor of solving it," explained Dr. Valentin Castillo.
The teacher added that from that research phase came the idea of the application with the integration of technologies to compile the information of how children are handling the ball, with recommendations to optimize their performance, and exercises for their improvement, both for the use of mothers and fathers, and for coaches, with a dashboard with the user's statistics and their execution in the sport.
"My goal is for this application to become part of an ecosystem where every kind of young man has a chance to continue developing, no matter where he comes from. We are focusing right now on basketball, but once we have established it will be able to apply to different sports. We will have a library of different exercises that they can do using our products, we also want to launch some resistance bands and stairs for agility. Basically, that an athlete can enter and train without going on a court and progress wherever he is," added the young businessman.
As detailed, the application will have several levels of subscription, among these more advanced that will provide personalized training with the use of technology and artificial intelligence.
Giovanni assured that being one of the four finalists in the national competition of Enactus opened many doors and a network of contacts very necessary for its next phase that will be to patent the part of technology and commercialize the proposal.
"I really think I'm walking in a dream. I always felt like I was doing something big and good, but I didn't know what it was. All the effort and time I spent in those clinics has been valuable because I like to help people. Now seeing all the progress is very satisfying. In addition, being able to inspire other young people to create their brand motivates me to follow. I feel like our island has all the tools, the talent and the heart to be sustainable and push forward. That is why it is important to encourage more Puerto Ricans to work here and try to create companies to live in the Puerto Rico that we all want, it is my dream always," he said.
Enactus Puerto Rico is a community of student leaders, academics and businesses committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and build more sustainable communities. The Enactus chapter of the RUM was revived this year, after a break from 2022, when under the lead of Ninoshka and the mentorship of Dr. Valentin Castillo won the first place of the National Cup, after two years run as runners-up in 2020 and 2021. He also won the national championship in 2014, when he represented Puerto Rico in the world championship that took place in China, where they made the Puerto Rican flag shine with a third place among the best international competitors.
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Original text here: https://www.uprm.edu/portada/2026/10/30/colegial-finalista-enactus-pr/
University of Nebraska: Biochar Field Day Aims to Turn Invasive Redcedar Into a Resource for Farmers
LINCOLN, Nebraska, Oct. 31 -- The University of Nebraska posted the following news:
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October 30, 2026
Biochar Field Day aims to turn invasive redcedar into a resource for farmers
By Fran tenBensel Benne, Agronomy and Horticulture
Nebraska researchers are taking biochar research from experimental plots to producer fields, connecting ranchers removing eastern redcedar with farmers who can put locally produced biochar to use.
Tree professionals, ranchers, farmers, educators and members of the public are invited to the second annual Biochar Field Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at a farm ... Show Full Article LINCOLN, Nebraska, Oct. 31 -- The University of Nebraska posted the following news: * * * October 30, 2026 Biochar Field Day aims to turn invasive redcedar into a resource for farmers By Fran tenBensel Benne, Agronomy and Horticulture Nebraska researchers are taking biochar research from experimental plots to producer fields, connecting ranchers removing eastern redcedar with farmers who can put locally produced biochar to use. Tree professionals, ranchers, farmers, educators and members of the public are invited to the second annual Biochar Field Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at a farmnear Conestoga Lake, near Denton. Participants will learn about biochar, its applications and how to produce it from removed eastern redcedar. They will also learn how biochar can improve soil health and support more resource-efficient crop production. Those interested in attending can register for the field day here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIFc0T7JM5Dk--4uvhYyZf8i4WYMiKSPv7y9LyPVo3FA_15Q/viewform).
Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous material produced through pyrolysis, a process that heats organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln indicates that biochar can increase soil carbon and nitrogen retention, reduce organic waste and improve soil water-holding capacity.
Eastern redcedar encroachment threatens native grassland ecosystems, reduces forage availability and increases wildfire risk. Converting removed trees into biochar offers a potential way to address these challenges while creating a valuable soil amendment.
The field day will include an on-site biochar production demonstration using a mobile Charboss unit from Sandhills Biochar. Experts will also share guidance and answer questions about the production process and potential applications.
"The field day is part of a broader effort to build a farmer-rancher network to scale up redcedar-derived biochar production and application," said Michael Kaiser, associate professor in agronomy and horticulture.
Participants are encouraged to carpool, wear closed-toe shoes or boots, and bring water, lunch and a camp chair.
"We look forward to discussing and exchanging information and experiences on biochar production and application," Kaiser said.
The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and the Reinkordt Family will host the event, organized in collaboration with the Nebraska Forest Service, Sandhills Biochar and the Nebraska Biochar Initiative.
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Original text here: https://news.unl.edu/article/biochar-field-day-aims-to-turn-invasive-redcedar-into-a-resource-for-farmers
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October 30, 2026
Biochar Field Day aims to turn invasive redcedar into a resource for farmers
By Fran tenBensel Benne, Agronomy and Horticulture
Nebraska researchers are taking biochar research from experimental plots to producer fields, connecting ranchers removing eastern redcedar with farmers who can put locally produced biochar to use.
Tree professionals, ranchers, farmers, educators and members of the public are invited to the second annual Biochar Field Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at a farm ... Show Full Article LINCOLN, Nebraska, Oct. 31 -- The University of Nebraska posted the following news: * * * October 30, 2026 Biochar Field Day aims to turn invasive redcedar into a resource for farmers By Fran tenBensel Benne, Agronomy and Horticulture Nebraska researchers are taking biochar research from experimental plots to producer fields, connecting ranchers removing eastern redcedar with farmers who can put locally produced biochar to use. Tree professionals, ranchers, farmers, educators and members of the public are invited to the second annual Biochar Field Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at a farmnear Conestoga Lake, near Denton. Participants will learn about biochar, its applications and how to produce it from removed eastern redcedar. They will also learn how biochar can improve soil health and support more resource-efficient crop production. Those interested in attending can register for the field day here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIFc0T7JM5Dk--4uvhYyZf8i4WYMiKSPv7y9LyPVo3FA_15Q/viewform).
Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous material produced through pyrolysis, a process that heats organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln indicates that biochar can increase soil carbon and nitrogen retention, reduce organic waste and improve soil water-holding capacity.
Eastern redcedar encroachment threatens native grassland ecosystems, reduces forage availability and increases wildfire risk. Converting removed trees into biochar offers a potential way to address these challenges while creating a valuable soil amendment.
The field day will include an on-site biochar production demonstration using a mobile Charboss unit from Sandhills Biochar. Experts will also share guidance and answer questions about the production process and potential applications.
"The field day is part of a broader effort to build a farmer-rancher network to scale up redcedar-derived biochar production and application," said Michael Kaiser, associate professor in agronomy and horticulture.
Participants are encouraged to carpool, wear closed-toe shoes or boots, and bring water, lunch and a camp chair.
"We look forward to discussing and exchanging information and experiences on biochar production and application," Kaiser said.
The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and the Reinkordt Family will host the event, organized in collaboration with the Nebraska Forest Service, Sandhills Biochar and the Nebraska Biochar Initiative.
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Original text here: https://news.unl.edu/article/biochar-field-day-aims-to-turn-invasive-redcedar-into-a-resource-for-farmers
Syracuse University: College of Law Launches Amicus Project
SYRACUSE, New York, Oct. 31 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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College of Law Launches Amicus Project
The new initiative will allow students and faculty to research and write amicus curiae briefs in significant appellate litigation.
Oct. 29, 2026
The College of Law has introduced the Syracuse Law Amicus Project, a new initiative through which students and faculty will research and write amicus curiae briefs in significant appellate litigation. Under the direction of Professor Todd Berger, director of Advocacy Programs, and professor Thomas Leith, director of the Criminal ... Show Full Article SYRACUSE, New York, Oct. 31 -- Syracuse University issued the following news: * * * College of Law Launches Amicus Project The new initiative will allow students and faculty to research and write amicus curiae briefs in significant appellate litigation. Oct. 29, 2026 The College of Law has introduced the Syracuse Law Amicus Project, a new initiative through which students and faculty will research and write amicus curiae briefs in significant appellate litigation. Under the direction of Professor Todd Berger, director of Advocacy Programs, and professor Thomas Leith, director of the CriminalDefense Clinic, the project will provide students with firsthand appellate advocacy experience while contributing to the resolution of important legal questions before state and federal appellate courts.
Housed within the College of Law's clinical program, the project will draw upon the diverse scholarly and professional expertise of faculty to develop distinctive legal arguments, connect legal doctrine with broader policy considerations and offer courts perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. In doing so, the project seeks to bridge academic scholarship and appellate advocacy while providing students with meaningful opportunities to participate in the development of the law.
The project will collaborate with legal practitioners, public interest organizations and other stakeholders to identify cases in which an amicus curiae brief could make a meaningful contribution. Particular emphasis will be placed on cases involving substantial questions of public policy, unsettled or evolving legal doctrines and issues of broader societal importance.
The project welcomes inquiries from attorneys, organizations and other interested parties who believe an amicus brief could make a meaningful contribution to pending appellate litigation. Those seeking amicus support or wishing to discuss a potential collaboration may contact Berger or Leith.
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Original text here: https://news.syr.edu/2026/10/29/college-of-law-launches-amicus-project/
* * *
College of Law Launches Amicus Project
The new initiative will allow students and faculty to research and write amicus curiae briefs in significant appellate litigation.
Oct. 29, 2026
The College of Law has introduced the Syracuse Law Amicus Project, a new initiative through which students and faculty will research and write amicus curiae briefs in significant appellate litigation. Under the direction of Professor Todd Berger, director of Advocacy Programs, and professor Thomas Leith, director of the Criminal ... Show Full Article SYRACUSE, New York, Oct. 31 -- Syracuse University issued the following news: * * * College of Law Launches Amicus Project The new initiative will allow students and faculty to research and write amicus curiae briefs in significant appellate litigation. Oct. 29, 2026 The College of Law has introduced the Syracuse Law Amicus Project, a new initiative through which students and faculty will research and write amicus curiae briefs in significant appellate litigation. Under the direction of Professor Todd Berger, director of Advocacy Programs, and professor Thomas Leith, director of the CriminalDefense Clinic, the project will provide students with firsthand appellate advocacy experience while contributing to the resolution of important legal questions before state and federal appellate courts.
Housed within the College of Law's clinical program, the project will draw upon the diverse scholarly and professional expertise of faculty to develop distinctive legal arguments, connect legal doctrine with broader policy considerations and offer courts perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. In doing so, the project seeks to bridge academic scholarship and appellate advocacy while providing students with meaningful opportunities to participate in the development of the law.
The project will collaborate with legal practitioners, public interest organizations and other stakeholders to identify cases in which an amicus curiae brief could make a meaningful contribution. Particular emphasis will be placed on cases involving substantial questions of public policy, unsettled or evolving legal doctrines and issues of broader societal importance.
The project welcomes inquiries from attorneys, organizations and other interested parties who believe an amicus brief could make a meaningful contribution to pending appellate litigation. Those seeking amicus support or wishing to discuss a potential collaboration may contact Berger or Leith.
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Original text here: https://news.syr.edu/2026/10/29/college-of-law-launches-amicus-project/
Spotlighting 75 Years of Scientific Diving at Scripps
LA JOLLA, California, Oct. 31 -- The University of California San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued the following news:
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Oct 30, 2026
Spotlighting 75 Years of Scientific Diving at Scripps
The 2026 AAUS Diving for Science Symposium honored Scripps Oceanography's longstanding leadership in scientific diving safety
Author: Brittany Hook
For more than a century, researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have explored the ocean in pursuit of scientific discovery, from global seafaring expeditions to observations along the San Diego coast.
Ships, small ... Show Full Article LA JOLLA, California, Oct. 31 -- The University of California San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued the following news: * * * Oct 30, 2026 Spotlighting 75 Years of Scientific Diving at Scripps The 2026 AAUS Diving for Science Symposium honored Scripps Oceanography's longstanding leadership in scientific diving safety Author: Brittany Hook For more than a century, researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have explored the ocean in pursuit of scientific discovery, from global seafaring expeditions to observations along the San Diego coast. Ships, smallboats and piers have all played a role in advancing ocean science, as have snorkels and surface-supplied diving equipment. But the invention of modern scuba equipment in the 1940s, and its adoption by Scripps Oceanography scientists in 1951, ushered in a new era of underwater exploration. It was during this time that Scripps researchers helped establish the practices and safety standards that came to shape scientific diving, with ripples across the University of California system and beyond.
To mark 75 years of leadership in scientific diving, Scripps Oceanography hosted the annual American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Diving for Science Symposium from Oct. 5-10, 2026. Held on the Scripps campus and across La Jolla, the program covered the past, present and future of scientific diving through presentations, workshops and hands-on training activities.
Scripps Oceanography Director Meenakshi Wadhwa opened the Oct. 9 symposium session at the Scripps Seaside Forum, reflecting on the progress made across more than seven decades of scientific diving.
"There's a remarkable legacy of curiosity, exploration and innovation at Scripps, and that continues today, along with safe diving practices," said Wadhwa, herself an avid diver. "Every time we put a scientist in the water, send an instrument into the deep, or find a new way to observe the ocean, we're building on the work of those early pioneers."
Christian McDonald, director of diving, small boating, and marine safety programs at Scripps, organized the symposium. For the past 25 years, he has led the Scientific Diving Program at Scripps, carrying forward the work of several pioneering diving safety officers.
"I think about the foundation and the legacy of the Scientific Diving Program at Scripps, and I have a deep reverence for that responsibility," said McDonald, only the fourth diving officer since research diving started at Scripps in the 1950s. "It's been really special to bring new folks with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences here to Scripps for the first time, or for another time, so they see how special it is."
The symposium also marked the 44th anniversary of the AAUS, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing and maintaining standards for scientific diving. The AAUS currently has more than 175 organizational members and over 5,500 individual members.
"This annual gathering is an opportunity for the AAUS community to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and learn from one another," said Heather Albright, AAUS operations manager. "Coming together helps us turn individual experience into collective progress for the scientific diving community. This year, we welcomed just over 300 attendees -- our largest meeting of scientific divers ever -- while celebrating Scripps Institution of Oceanography's 75 years of leadership."
Presentations explored the history of diving for science and emerging developments in the field. McDonald covered the genesis of American scientific diving, while retired UC San Diego engineer Kevin Hardy discussed the history of SEALAB II -- one of a series of experimental underwater habitats deployed by the U.S. Navy during the 1960s -- and its connection to Scripps.
Other talks ranged from advances in diving medicine and why AI has yet to replace the need for research divers to diving within the UC system and the U.S. Antarctic Program. Two panels explored innovations in diving technology and ways to engage citizen and community scientists in underwater research.
On Scripps Pier, activities included a live dive demonstration from California State Parks and tours of the Scientific Diving and Small Boating Program at Scripps.
Up the hill, NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center hosted demonstrations of the Avelo System, a new scuba technology that replaces traditional air-filled buoyancy control devices and lead weight belts with a constant-volume, variable-density water ballast system.
What's next in ocean exploration
On Oct. 9, famed explorer and investor Victor Vescovo delivered the keynote address at a special event at Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Vescovo is credited as the first person to reach both the highest and lowest points on Earth, climbing Mount Everest in 2010 and descending to the bottom of the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench in 2019. He has also led deep-sea expeditions aboard crewed submersibles in all five of the world's oceans.
In his talk, Vescovo shared his sense of awe at the planet's unexplored frontiers and discussed the "enormous work to be done" to map the ocean in high-resolution, along with his plans to help address that challenge.
"I'm not a scientist, I'm a technologist," said Vescovo. "I like to build things that allow us to explore the world because I like living in that environment. 71.3% of the ocean is still completely unmapped. I still find that, amazingly, an affront to my existence. So I'm trying to do something about it."
Vescovo described his plans to build a two-person, 24-meter (79-foot) vessel equipped with advanced sonar technology to map the seafloor. He expects to build it in 2028.
"The ocean is really most of what this planet is. It's where we come from. It's essential to understand it, to protect our own existence on the planet," said Vescovo. "And what you do at Scripps and what scientific diving has allowed us to do is to broaden our knowledge so that we can help this planet survive better, and ourselves survive better as well."
A history of diving at Scripps
Long before scuba transformed underwater research, Scripps scientists found ways to study the ocean firsthand.
During World War II, C.K. Tseng, a biologist from China and graduate student at Scripps, became the institution's first scientific diver. In 1944, he used surface-supplied equipment to collect algae off the San Diego coast. Then, in 1947, diver Frank Haymaker used a similar surface-supplied helmet to make observations in Scripps Canyon off La Jolla.
A major shift came in 1950, when UCLA graduate students Conrad Limbaugh and Andreas Rechnitzer purchased an Aqua-Lung, the first modern scuba system available to the public. The groundbreaking device was co-invented during World War II by famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau and engineer Emile Gagnan.
With no formal training program in place, Limbaugh and Rechnitzer taught themselves how to use the equipment before introducing it to Scripps researchers. In 1951, they developed the first written course syllabus, establishing three core skills based on their early diving experiments: the buddy system, buddy breathing, and "ditch-and-don," an underwater confidence and survival drill in which divers remove or "ditch" their equipment in the water and then recover it from the bottom.
As underwater research expanded, so did concerns about diver safety. Following several diving-related accidents involving UC affiliates in the early 1950s, the UC Office of the President (UCOP) restricted diving to those trained through the Scripps program.
A statewide committee of physicians, environmental health and safety specialists, biologists, physicists and engineers -- most of them divers -- then worked to address the challenges of underwater research. The committee's efforts, alongside advances in equipment, training and certification procedures, led the UCOP in 1953 to recognize diving as a viable means of conducting academic research.
Under Limbaugh, Scripps' first official diving safety officer, the training program became a model for scientific diving across the UC system and for emerging civilian diving programs nationwide.
In the early 1960s, Jim Stewart, Scripps' second diving safety officer, continued to advance training exercises and helped establish diving safety programs at the other UC campuses.
At the request of the UCOP, Stewart and other Scripps divers developed the "University Guide for Diving Safety," first published in March 1967. The guide became an important resource for diver training nationally and internationally.
When McDonald joined Scripps in the early 2000s, he built relationships with several prominent figures in scientific diving, including Stewart, with whom he briefly shared an office.
"It's not lost on me how special it is that I had an opportunity to meet and become friends with some of the founders, not necessarily the first generation, but certainly the second and third generation of diving safety folks," said McDonald.
He succeeded Scripps' third dive officer, Wayne Pawelek, in 2004.
Throughout his career, McDonald has helped train hundreds of researchers and students to become safe, confident scientific divers and conduct research around the world. Two of those divers, Scripps alumnae Jessica Meir and Megan McArthur, went on to become NASA astronauts. Both have credited the scientific diving and extreme exploration skills they developed or honed as Scripps students with helping to prepare them for the astronaut program.
McDonald is also proud to have helped launch Scripps SCUBA DIVERS City, a program that expands access to professional dive training for UC San Diego students.
While the symposium offered a chance to reflect on the past, McDonald looks ahead to continuing his team's work to mentor and shepherd the next generation of scientific divers.
"I'm exceptionally proud of my team and where we are, so it's been great to have the diving community here to share in some of the magic and history as we celebrate this milestone year," he said.
- More on the history of diving at Scripps can be found on this web page, in Eric Hanauer's "Scientific Diving at Scripps" and in Mary Lynn Price's biography of Conrad Limbaugh. The institution's broader history is covered in the book Images of America: Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
* * *
About Scripps Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is one of the world's most important centers for global earth science research and education. In its second century of discovery, Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet, and investigate our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders through its undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs. The institution also operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels, and is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public exploration center that welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.
* * *
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we embrace a culture of exploration and experimentation. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren't afraid to look deeper, challenge expectations and redefine conventional wisdom. As one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. Learn more at ucsd.edu.
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Original text here: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/spotlighting-75-years-scientific-diving-scripps
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Oct 30, 2026
Spotlighting 75 Years of Scientific Diving at Scripps
The 2026 AAUS Diving for Science Symposium honored Scripps Oceanography's longstanding leadership in scientific diving safety
Author: Brittany Hook
For more than a century, researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have explored the ocean in pursuit of scientific discovery, from global seafaring expeditions to observations along the San Diego coast.
Ships, small ... Show Full Article LA JOLLA, California, Oct. 31 -- The University of California San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued the following news: * * * Oct 30, 2026 Spotlighting 75 Years of Scientific Diving at Scripps The 2026 AAUS Diving for Science Symposium honored Scripps Oceanography's longstanding leadership in scientific diving safety Author: Brittany Hook For more than a century, researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have explored the ocean in pursuit of scientific discovery, from global seafaring expeditions to observations along the San Diego coast. Ships, smallboats and piers have all played a role in advancing ocean science, as have snorkels and surface-supplied diving equipment. But the invention of modern scuba equipment in the 1940s, and its adoption by Scripps Oceanography scientists in 1951, ushered in a new era of underwater exploration. It was during this time that Scripps researchers helped establish the practices and safety standards that came to shape scientific diving, with ripples across the University of California system and beyond.
To mark 75 years of leadership in scientific diving, Scripps Oceanography hosted the annual American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Diving for Science Symposium from Oct. 5-10, 2026. Held on the Scripps campus and across La Jolla, the program covered the past, present and future of scientific diving through presentations, workshops and hands-on training activities.
Scripps Oceanography Director Meenakshi Wadhwa opened the Oct. 9 symposium session at the Scripps Seaside Forum, reflecting on the progress made across more than seven decades of scientific diving.
"There's a remarkable legacy of curiosity, exploration and innovation at Scripps, and that continues today, along with safe diving practices," said Wadhwa, herself an avid diver. "Every time we put a scientist in the water, send an instrument into the deep, or find a new way to observe the ocean, we're building on the work of those early pioneers."
Christian McDonald, director of diving, small boating, and marine safety programs at Scripps, organized the symposium. For the past 25 years, he has led the Scientific Diving Program at Scripps, carrying forward the work of several pioneering diving safety officers.
"I think about the foundation and the legacy of the Scientific Diving Program at Scripps, and I have a deep reverence for that responsibility," said McDonald, only the fourth diving officer since research diving started at Scripps in the 1950s. "It's been really special to bring new folks with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences here to Scripps for the first time, or for another time, so they see how special it is."
The symposium also marked the 44th anniversary of the AAUS, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing and maintaining standards for scientific diving. The AAUS currently has more than 175 organizational members and over 5,500 individual members.
"This annual gathering is an opportunity for the AAUS community to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and learn from one another," said Heather Albright, AAUS operations manager. "Coming together helps us turn individual experience into collective progress for the scientific diving community. This year, we welcomed just over 300 attendees -- our largest meeting of scientific divers ever -- while celebrating Scripps Institution of Oceanography's 75 years of leadership."
Presentations explored the history of diving for science and emerging developments in the field. McDonald covered the genesis of American scientific diving, while retired UC San Diego engineer Kevin Hardy discussed the history of SEALAB II -- one of a series of experimental underwater habitats deployed by the U.S. Navy during the 1960s -- and its connection to Scripps.
Other talks ranged from advances in diving medicine and why AI has yet to replace the need for research divers to diving within the UC system and the U.S. Antarctic Program. Two panels explored innovations in diving technology and ways to engage citizen and community scientists in underwater research.
On Scripps Pier, activities included a live dive demonstration from California State Parks and tours of the Scientific Diving and Small Boating Program at Scripps.
Up the hill, NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center hosted demonstrations of the Avelo System, a new scuba technology that replaces traditional air-filled buoyancy control devices and lead weight belts with a constant-volume, variable-density water ballast system.
What's next in ocean exploration
On Oct. 9, famed explorer and investor Victor Vescovo delivered the keynote address at a special event at Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Vescovo is credited as the first person to reach both the highest and lowest points on Earth, climbing Mount Everest in 2010 and descending to the bottom of the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench in 2019. He has also led deep-sea expeditions aboard crewed submersibles in all five of the world's oceans.
In his talk, Vescovo shared his sense of awe at the planet's unexplored frontiers and discussed the "enormous work to be done" to map the ocean in high-resolution, along with his plans to help address that challenge.
"I'm not a scientist, I'm a technologist," said Vescovo. "I like to build things that allow us to explore the world because I like living in that environment. 71.3% of the ocean is still completely unmapped. I still find that, amazingly, an affront to my existence. So I'm trying to do something about it."
Vescovo described his plans to build a two-person, 24-meter (79-foot) vessel equipped with advanced sonar technology to map the seafloor. He expects to build it in 2028.
"The ocean is really most of what this planet is. It's where we come from. It's essential to understand it, to protect our own existence on the planet," said Vescovo. "And what you do at Scripps and what scientific diving has allowed us to do is to broaden our knowledge so that we can help this planet survive better, and ourselves survive better as well."
A history of diving at Scripps
Long before scuba transformed underwater research, Scripps scientists found ways to study the ocean firsthand.
During World War II, C.K. Tseng, a biologist from China and graduate student at Scripps, became the institution's first scientific diver. In 1944, he used surface-supplied equipment to collect algae off the San Diego coast. Then, in 1947, diver Frank Haymaker used a similar surface-supplied helmet to make observations in Scripps Canyon off La Jolla.
A major shift came in 1950, when UCLA graduate students Conrad Limbaugh and Andreas Rechnitzer purchased an Aqua-Lung, the first modern scuba system available to the public. The groundbreaking device was co-invented during World War II by famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau and engineer Emile Gagnan.
With no formal training program in place, Limbaugh and Rechnitzer taught themselves how to use the equipment before introducing it to Scripps researchers. In 1951, they developed the first written course syllabus, establishing three core skills based on their early diving experiments: the buddy system, buddy breathing, and "ditch-and-don," an underwater confidence and survival drill in which divers remove or "ditch" their equipment in the water and then recover it from the bottom.
As underwater research expanded, so did concerns about diver safety. Following several diving-related accidents involving UC affiliates in the early 1950s, the UC Office of the President (UCOP) restricted diving to those trained through the Scripps program.
A statewide committee of physicians, environmental health and safety specialists, biologists, physicists and engineers -- most of them divers -- then worked to address the challenges of underwater research. The committee's efforts, alongside advances in equipment, training and certification procedures, led the UCOP in 1953 to recognize diving as a viable means of conducting academic research.
Under Limbaugh, Scripps' first official diving safety officer, the training program became a model for scientific diving across the UC system and for emerging civilian diving programs nationwide.
In the early 1960s, Jim Stewart, Scripps' second diving safety officer, continued to advance training exercises and helped establish diving safety programs at the other UC campuses.
At the request of the UCOP, Stewart and other Scripps divers developed the "University Guide for Diving Safety," first published in March 1967. The guide became an important resource for diver training nationally and internationally.
When McDonald joined Scripps in the early 2000s, he built relationships with several prominent figures in scientific diving, including Stewart, with whom he briefly shared an office.
"It's not lost on me how special it is that I had an opportunity to meet and become friends with some of the founders, not necessarily the first generation, but certainly the second and third generation of diving safety folks," said McDonald.
He succeeded Scripps' third dive officer, Wayne Pawelek, in 2004.
Throughout his career, McDonald has helped train hundreds of researchers and students to become safe, confident scientific divers and conduct research around the world. Two of those divers, Scripps alumnae Jessica Meir and Megan McArthur, went on to become NASA astronauts. Both have credited the scientific diving and extreme exploration skills they developed or honed as Scripps students with helping to prepare them for the astronaut program.
McDonald is also proud to have helped launch Scripps SCUBA DIVERS City, a program that expands access to professional dive training for UC San Diego students.
While the symposium offered a chance to reflect on the past, McDonald looks ahead to continuing his team's work to mentor and shepherd the next generation of scientific divers.
"I'm exceptionally proud of my team and where we are, so it's been great to have the diving community here to share in some of the magic and history as we celebrate this milestone year," he said.
- More on the history of diving at Scripps can be found on this web page, in Eric Hanauer's "Scientific Diving at Scripps" and in Mary Lynn Price's biography of Conrad Limbaugh. The institution's broader history is covered in the book Images of America: Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
* * *
About Scripps Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego is one of the world's most important centers for global earth science research and education. In its second century of discovery, Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet, and investigate our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders through its undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs. The institution also operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels, and is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the public exploration center that welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.
* * *
About UC San Diego
At the University of California San Diego, we embrace a culture of exploration and experimentation. Established in 1960, UC San Diego has been shaped by exceptional scholars who aren't afraid to look deeper, challenge expectations and redefine conventional wisdom. As one of the top 15 research universities in the world, we are driving innovation and change to advance society, propel economic growth and make our world a better place. Learn more at ucsd.edu.
* * *
Original text here: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/spotlighting-75-years-scientific-diving-scripps
Rowan University Spotlights Faculty and Staff Across Disciplines for Exceptional October 2026 Research Grants and Awards
GLASSBORO, New Jersey, Oct. 31 -- Rowan University posted the following news:
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Noteworthy Achievements
October 30, 2026
PROFessionals of the Month - The PROFessionals of the Month program celebrates exemplary Rowan University employees, as nominated each month by their colleagues across the University community. To read honorees' profiles, visit PROFessionals of the Month.
-
Noteworthy Accomplishments
Kristin Bertsch, Rowan-Virtua SOM, received $491,253 from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support the New Jersey Area Health Education Centers Program.
Nidhal Bouaynaya, ... Show Full Article GLASSBORO, New Jersey, Oct. 31 -- Rowan University posted the following news: * * * Noteworthy Achievements October 30, 2026 PROFessionals of the Month - The PROFessionals of the Month program celebrates exemplary Rowan University employees, as nominated each month by their colleagues across the University community. To read honorees' profiles, visit PROFessionals of the Month. - Noteworthy Accomplishments Kristin Bertsch, Rowan-Virtua SOM, received $491,253 from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support the New Jersey Area Health Education Centers Program. Nidhal Bouaynaya,Electrical & Computer Engineering, received $48,000 from Georgia Tech (prime sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration) to support Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence Examination of Helicopter Approaches.
Beth Christensen, Environmental Science, received $684,701 from the National Science Foundation to support the study "Geopaths-Up: Growing Rowan's Environmental Education Network in Southern New Jersey (GREEN-SJ)."
Mac Haas, AMMI, received $90,000 from Solvus Global (prime sponsor: Department of Army) to support the study "Synergized Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing Challenges - Task Order Three."
John Hasse, Geography & Environment, received $274,774 from the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs (prime sponsor: National Guard) to support the National Guard GIS Program.
James Holaska, CMSRU Biomedical Science, received $564,078 from National Institutes of Health to support the study "Mechanotransduction from the tumor microenvironment to the nuclear envelope protein emerin enables nuclear softening during cancer metastasis" and $566,682 from National Institutes of Health to support the study "Emerin regulation of molecular pathways: implications for muscle disease."
Monica Kerrigan, Educational Leadership, Admin & Research, received $3,463 from Rutgers - New Brunswick (prime sponsor: Strada Education Foundation) to support State Noncredit Data Project - Governance Analysis.
Samuel Lofland, Physics, received $75,000 from Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. to support "Design multifunctional protein-based film materials for thermal conductivity applications."
Alison Mancuso, Rowan-Virtua SOM, received $671,047 from Health Resources and Services Administration to support National HCOP Academy to Support Careers in Osteopathic Medicine.
Islam Mantawy, Civil & Environmental Engineering, received $1,031,000 from National Institute of Standards and Technology to support Affordable and Resilient Housing Research and Workforce Development and $7,000 from Rutgers - New Brunswick (prime sponsor: New Jersey Department of Transportation) to support Study on Steel Barrier Systems.
Yahaira Marquez, CARES DYFS, received $60,000 from American Psychological Foundation to support The Child Trauma Learning Program: TF-CBT Training for Mental Health Professionals in Guatemala.
Katrina McCarthy, Geography & Environment, received $68,442 from Nature Conservancy to support Conservation Blueprint, Phase 8 (2026).
Jeffery Powers, Medical Education & Scholarships, received $5,000 from International Association of Medical Science Educators to support the study "Biochemical foundations of cultural nutrition: Evidence-based RXBricks connecting ethnographic foods to molecular medicine."
William Riddell, Civil Engineering, received $821,619 from New Jersey Department of Military Affairs (prime sponsor: National Guard) to support NJ DMAVA Sustainable Facilities Center combined Builder/Audits/ISR Projects.
Jason Szkola, Law & Justice, received $109,222 from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (prime sponsor: US Department of Justice to support the Central Brooklyn Violence Interruption Collaborative.
Sebastian Vega, Biomedical Engineering, received $50,000 from Schlumberger Foundation to support Schlumberger Foundation Fellowship: Umu Jalloh (BME PhD Student).
Andrea Vernengo, Chemical Engineering, received $361,089 from the U.S. Department of Education to support GAANN Rowan REACTS: Shaping the next generation of researchers, educators, and leaders in chemical technologies for sustainability.
Jennifer Walker, Environmental Services, received $198,419 from NJ Department of Environmental Protection (prime sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency) to support the study "Analysis of the ecosystem transition from terrestrial upland to salt-marsh environments in coastal New Jersey."
The Whit, Journalism, received the Byrne Jean NJ Journalism Award for "Impact in College or University Student Journalism."
Timothy Wong, Psychiatry, received $125,000 from U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support Rowan University Health Peer Protect Suicide Prevention Collaborative.
Kirti Yenkie, Chemical Engineering, received $25,000 from American Chemical Society to support ACS Graduate Student Success Grant, Barnabas Gao.
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Original text here: https://today.rowan.edu/news/2026/10/noteworthy-achievements-october-2026.html
* * *
Noteworthy Achievements
October 30, 2026
PROFessionals of the Month - The PROFessionals of the Month program celebrates exemplary Rowan University employees, as nominated each month by their colleagues across the University community. To read honorees' profiles, visit PROFessionals of the Month.
-
Noteworthy Accomplishments
Kristin Bertsch, Rowan-Virtua SOM, received $491,253 from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support the New Jersey Area Health Education Centers Program.
Nidhal Bouaynaya, ... Show Full Article GLASSBORO, New Jersey, Oct. 31 -- Rowan University posted the following news: * * * Noteworthy Achievements October 30, 2026 PROFessionals of the Month - The PROFessionals of the Month program celebrates exemplary Rowan University employees, as nominated each month by their colleagues across the University community. To read honorees' profiles, visit PROFessionals of the Month. - Noteworthy Accomplishments Kristin Bertsch, Rowan-Virtua SOM, received $491,253 from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support the New Jersey Area Health Education Centers Program. Nidhal Bouaynaya,Electrical & Computer Engineering, received $48,000 from Georgia Tech (prime sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration) to support Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence Examination of Helicopter Approaches.
Beth Christensen, Environmental Science, received $684,701 from the National Science Foundation to support the study "Geopaths-Up: Growing Rowan's Environmental Education Network in Southern New Jersey (GREEN-SJ)."
Mac Haas, AMMI, received $90,000 from Solvus Global (prime sponsor: Department of Army) to support the study "Synergized Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing Challenges - Task Order Three."
John Hasse, Geography & Environment, received $274,774 from the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs (prime sponsor: National Guard) to support the National Guard GIS Program.
James Holaska, CMSRU Biomedical Science, received $564,078 from National Institutes of Health to support the study "Mechanotransduction from the tumor microenvironment to the nuclear envelope protein emerin enables nuclear softening during cancer metastasis" and $566,682 from National Institutes of Health to support the study "Emerin regulation of molecular pathways: implications for muscle disease."
Monica Kerrigan, Educational Leadership, Admin & Research, received $3,463 from Rutgers - New Brunswick (prime sponsor: Strada Education Foundation) to support State Noncredit Data Project - Governance Analysis.
Samuel Lofland, Physics, received $75,000 from Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. to support "Design multifunctional protein-based film materials for thermal conductivity applications."
Alison Mancuso, Rowan-Virtua SOM, received $671,047 from Health Resources and Services Administration to support National HCOP Academy to Support Careers in Osteopathic Medicine.
Islam Mantawy, Civil & Environmental Engineering, received $1,031,000 from National Institute of Standards and Technology to support Affordable and Resilient Housing Research and Workforce Development and $7,000 from Rutgers - New Brunswick (prime sponsor: New Jersey Department of Transportation) to support Study on Steel Barrier Systems.
Yahaira Marquez, CARES DYFS, received $60,000 from American Psychological Foundation to support The Child Trauma Learning Program: TF-CBT Training for Mental Health Professionals in Guatemala.
Katrina McCarthy, Geography & Environment, received $68,442 from Nature Conservancy to support Conservation Blueprint, Phase 8 (2026).
Jeffery Powers, Medical Education & Scholarships, received $5,000 from International Association of Medical Science Educators to support the study "Biochemical foundations of cultural nutrition: Evidence-based RXBricks connecting ethnographic foods to molecular medicine."
William Riddell, Civil Engineering, received $821,619 from New Jersey Department of Military Affairs (prime sponsor: National Guard) to support NJ DMAVA Sustainable Facilities Center combined Builder/Audits/ISR Projects.
Jason Szkola, Law & Justice, received $109,222 from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (prime sponsor: US Department of Justice to support the Central Brooklyn Violence Interruption Collaborative.
Sebastian Vega, Biomedical Engineering, received $50,000 from Schlumberger Foundation to support Schlumberger Foundation Fellowship: Umu Jalloh (BME PhD Student).
Andrea Vernengo, Chemical Engineering, received $361,089 from the U.S. Department of Education to support GAANN Rowan REACTS: Shaping the next generation of researchers, educators, and leaders in chemical technologies for sustainability.
Jennifer Walker, Environmental Services, received $198,419 from NJ Department of Environmental Protection (prime sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency) to support the study "Analysis of the ecosystem transition from terrestrial upland to salt-marsh environments in coastal New Jersey."
The Whit, Journalism, received the Byrne Jean NJ Journalism Award for "Impact in College or University Student Journalism."
Timothy Wong, Psychiatry, received $125,000 from U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support Rowan University Health Peer Protect Suicide Prevention Collaborative.
Kirti Yenkie, Chemical Engineering, received $25,000 from American Chemical Society to support ACS Graduate Student Success Grant, Barnabas Gao.
* * *
Original text here: https://today.rowan.edu/news/2026/10/noteworthy-achievements-october-2026.html
Michigan Medicine: Small Comforts Make a World of Difference
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Oct. 31 -- Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, issued the following news release:
* * *
Small comforts make a world of difference
Gifts of all sizes bring upgrades like warm blankets, comfortable seating, and snacks to Adult Emergency Services.
October 30, 2026
For many people, a trip to an emergency department includes a long, stressful, and uncomfortable wait.
This challenge affects hospitals in Michigan and across the nation, particularly when patients who need to be admitted are waiting in the emergency department, a process ... Show Full Article ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Oct. 31 -- Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, issued the following news release: * * * Small comforts make a world of difference Gifts of all sizes bring upgrades like warm blankets, comfortable seating, and snacks to Adult Emergency Services. October 30, 2026 For many people, a trip to an emergency department includes a long, stressful, and uncomfortable wait. This challenge affects hospitals in Michigan and across the nation, particularly when patients who need to be admitted are waiting in the emergency department, a processknown as boarding. During peak winter months, almost 35% of boarding patients waited 4 hours or more, and almost 5% of patients waited over 24 hours, according to a 2025 joint study by the University of Michigan Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
As Michigan Medicine's Adult Emergency Services (AES) works to systematically reduce wait times, recent donor-supported upgrades are making the waiting area more pleasant and comfortable.
Monthly and one-time gifts from numerous donors were combined to purchase a blanket warmer, ergonomic chairs, a water and ice station, and snacks in the waiting area. Guided by feedback from patients, families, and staff, these upgrades complement AES's broader effort to systematically reduce wait times.
At first glance, these changes may seem small, but they can make a very meaningful difference during long and uncertain waits when people are not feeling their best. Recent feedback indicates patients, families, and staff are noticing and appreciate the changes.
Listening to patients and families
AES wanted to use donor support in the most meaningful and impactful way possible. They began by listening to patients and staff.
AES worked with Michigan Medicine's Office of Patient Experience to gather information from patient comments and surveys and feedback from AES staff. They discussed these through a patient experience workgroup that meets monthly and includes patients, as well as staff representatives from each section of the department. They also consulted with the Adult Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Committee that includes ten patients who serve as advisors.
"We gathered feedback from the patient advisors to hear what was missing and what were some things they would like to see," says Alicia Ali, Senior Project Manager in the Office of Patient Experience.
Challenges like long waits, uncomfortable seating, the policy against food and drink, and uncertainty about the care process and available resources kept coming up. The team decided to prioritize issues it could address immediately while continuing broader efforts to reduce wait times and improve communication.
Turning feedback into action
One big change involved the policy change around food and drink.
"Until we made these changes," Ali says, "the policy was that no food and drink were allowed in the waiting room. We received a lot of negative feedback in the patient comments about that because there's usually a long wait time -- it can be eight hours or even 12 hours -- and sometimes people may be diabetic and have to take medication."
Though some patients may need to avoid food and drink for clinical reasons, this is not the norm for most.
"Patients who aren't going to need surgical interventions can often eat and drink," says Kaylie White, Director of Operations for AES, "so it doesn't need to be a blanket policy for the whole waiting room anymore."
The department also added ergonomic seating. "Comfortable seating can be so easily overlooked," White says, "but patients are waiting for hours, and sitting on any chair for that long is uncomfortable, especially when it's a wheelchair with a metal bar underneath."
A blanket warmer and water and ice station in the waiting area keep supplies close at hand.
"Before these improvements, our staff would have to leave the waiting room area to get a warm blanket, snacks, juice, or even water," White says. "Many patients were asking for water and ice chips. Having those centrally located allows different members of the team to go get somebody a blanket when they're asking for one or proactively round with water, juice, and snacks."
With supplies nearby, more staff can quickly respond to requests and proactively help patients and families. Clerical staff now round every 2 hours and ask whether patients need a warm blanket, snack, or water or ice.
The responses from patients and staff have been positive. A few examples of comments from recent surveys include, "It was thoughtful that staff came through with snacks and drinks during that time. It was difficult to wait for so long while I'm in so much pain," and "The people in the waiting room were the nicest. I also appreciated the warm blanket they had."
Donations make a world of difference
Philanthropic support plays a critical role in AES, in part because AES is not a highly profitable unit. This is because many patients' care -- and all related income -- is transferred to other Michigan Medicine departments.
"AES's finances are enough for operational things," says Ali, "but for additional things, like the blanket warmer or getting the water and ice machine, they usually don't have those extra funds, and that's where these small gifts come in handy."
"No gift is too small," says White. "It doesn't take a lot to make a difference. There's a lot that's outside of our control in an emergency department, but when we have people who are willing to make an impact on the patients we see, it makes a world of difference."
"It is a great privilege to partner with generous donors in support of the Department of Emergency Medicine," says Mark Clark, Assistant Director of Development in Michigan Medicine's Office of Development, who worked with AES and the Office of Patient Experience to plan how the funds would be used. "The enhancements to the waiting room were made possible through the collective generosity of individuals who recognize that even small comforts can make a meaningful difference during a difficult time. Whether through a monthly gift or a one-time contribution, every donation helps create a more compassionate experience for patients and their loved ones."
The upgrades led to AES receiving the 2025 HOPE Award for exceptional patient experience. The HOPE Award is an annual award honoring individuals and teams at Michigan Medicine who have directly impacted health care experiences for patients and families.
Looking forward
The AES team continues to identify new ways to improve the patient and family experience.
"We would like to add clocks to the patient rooms," says White. "Our rooms are windowless and people can lose track of time. The issue is that the clocks would have to automatically align with the rest of the hospital, and if we got one for every patient room, it would cost about $20,000. For our budget, that is a significant amount."
Ali hopes to add wall-secure phone chargers to each room to help patients stay connected to friends and family during long visits.
"Patients don't usually know how long they're going to be in AES," she says. "When I do rounds there, I see the clerical station with sometimes five patient phones charging. We would like to have multi-pronged chargers in each room. Having a charger in the room would make a huge difference to patients."
In emergency care, every moment matters, and even small things make a big difference. Together, gifts of all sizes can help patients feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they step through the doors.
Your generosity makes a difference
If you would like to support the patient experience in Adult Emergency Services, visit the AES giving page or contact Mark Clark (https://www.michiganmedicine.org/giving/areas-support/giving-emergency-medicine?pk_vid=cb368e3c4edfdab6179343036950251d).
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About the Look to Michigan campaign
This gift is part of Michigan Medicine's Look to Michigan fundraising campaign, which aims to create transformative answers to health care's biggest challenges for the benefit of people in our state and beyond. Building on 175 years of leadership in medicine and as part of the University of Michigan's Look to Michigan strategic framework for impact, we are breaking new ground in patient care, research, medical and graduate education, health care facilities, and health advancement and community engagement. Together, we can improve and save lives. For more information, visit michiganmedicine.org/giving/look-to-michigan.
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Original text here: https://www.uofmhealth.org/philanthropy-news/small-comforts-make-world-difference
* * *
Small comforts make a world of difference
Gifts of all sizes bring upgrades like warm blankets, comfortable seating, and snacks to Adult Emergency Services.
October 30, 2026
For many people, a trip to an emergency department includes a long, stressful, and uncomfortable wait.
This challenge affects hospitals in Michigan and across the nation, particularly when patients who need to be admitted are waiting in the emergency department, a process ... Show Full Article ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Oct. 31 -- Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, issued the following news release: * * * Small comforts make a world of difference Gifts of all sizes bring upgrades like warm blankets, comfortable seating, and snacks to Adult Emergency Services. October 30, 2026 For many people, a trip to an emergency department includes a long, stressful, and uncomfortable wait. This challenge affects hospitals in Michigan and across the nation, particularly when patients who need to be admitted are waiting in the emergency department, a processknown as boarding. During peak winter months, almost 35% of boarding patients waited 4 hours or more, and almost 5% of patients waited over 24 hours, according to a 2025 joint study by the University of Michigan Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
As Michigan Medicine's Adult Emergency Services (AES) works to systematically reduce wait times, recent donor-supported upgrades are making the waiting area more pleasant and comfortable.
Monthly and one-time gifts from numerous donors were combined to purchase a blanket warmer, ergonomic chairs, a water and ice station, and snacks in the waiting area. Guided by feedback from patients, families, and staff, these upgrades complement AES's broader effort to systematically reduce wait times.
At first glance, these changes may seem small, but they can make a very meaningful difference during long and uncertain waits when people are not feeling their best. Recent feedback indicates patients, families, and staff are noticing and appreciate the changes.
Listening to patients and families
AES wanted to use donor support in the most meaningful and impactful way possible. They began by listening to patients and staff.
AES worked with Michigan Medicine's Office of Patient Experience to gather information from patient comments and surveys and feedback from AES staff. They discussed these through a patient experience workgroup that meets monthly and includes patients, as well as staff representatives from each section of the department. They also consulted with the Adult Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Committee that includes ten patients who serve as advisors.
"We gathered feedback from the patient advisors to hear what was missing and what were some things they would like to see," says Alicia Ali, Senior Project Manager in the Office of Patient Experience.
Challenges like long waits, uncomfortable seating, the policy against food and drink, and uncertainty about the care process and available resources kept coming up. The team decided to prioritize issues it could address immediately while continuing broader efforts to reduce wait times and improve communication.
Turning feedback into action
One big change involved the policy change around food and drink.
"Until we made these changes," Ali says, "the policy was that no food and drink were allowed in the waiting room. We received a lot of negative feedback in the patient comments about that because there's usually a long wait time -- it can be eight hours or even 12 hours -- and sometimes people may be diabetic and have to take medication."
Though some patients may need to avoid food and drink for clinical reasons, this is not the norm for most.
"Patients who aren't going to need surgical interventions can often eat and drink," says Kaylie White, Director of Operations for AES, "so it doesn't need to be a blanket policy for the whole waiting room anymore."
The department also added ergonomic seating. "Comfortable seating can be so easily overlooked," White says, "but patients are waiting for hours, and sitting on any chair for that long is uncomfortable, especially when it's a wheelchair with a metal bar underneath."
A blanket warmer and water and ice station in the waiting area keep supplies close at hand.
"Before these improvements, our staff would have to leave the waiting room area to get a warm blanket, snacks, juice, or even water," White says. "Many patients were asking for water and ice chips. Having those centrally located allows different members of the team to go get somebody a blanket when they're asking for one or proactively round with water, juice, and snacks."
With supplies nearby, more staff can quickly respond to requests and proactively help patients and families. Clerical staff now round every 2 hours and ask whether patients need a warm blanket, snack, or water or ice.
The responses from patients and staff have been positive. A few examples of comments from recent surveys include, "It was thoughtful that staff came through with snacks and drinks during that time. It was difficult to wait for so long while I'm in so much pain," and "The people in the waiting room were the nicest. I also appreciated the warm blanket they had."
Donations make a world of difference
Philanthropic support plays a critical role in AES, in part because AES is not a highly profitable unit. This is because many patients' care -- and all related income -- is transferred to other Michigan Medicine departments.
"AES's finances are enough for operational things," says Ali, "but for additional things, like the blanket warmer or getting the water and ice machine, they usually don't have those extra funds, and that's where these small gifts come in handy."
"No gift is too small," says White. "It doesn't take a lot to make a difference. There's a lot that's outside of our control in an emergency department, but when we have people who are willing to make an impact on the patients we see, it makes a world of difference."
"It is a great privilege to partner with generous donors in support of the Department of Emergency Medicine," says Mark Clark, Assistant Director of Development in Michigan Medicine's Office of Development, who worked with AES and the Office of Patient Experience to plan how the funds would be used. "The enhancements to the waiting room were made possible through the collective generosity of individuals who recognize that even small comforts can make a meaningful difference during a difficult time. Whether through a monthly gift or a one-time contribution, every donation helps create a more compassionate experience for patients and their loved ones."
The upgrades led to AES receiving the 2025 HOPE Award for exceptional patient experience. The HOPE Award is an annual award honoring individuals and teams at Michigan Medicine who have directly impacted health care experiences for patients and families.
Looking forward
The AES team continues to identify new ways to improve the patient and family experience.
"We would like to add clocks to the patient rooms," says White. "Our rooms are windowless and people can lose track of time. The issue is that the clocks would have to automatically align with the rest of the hospital, and if we got one for every patient room, it would cost about $20,000. For our budget, that is a significant amount."
Ali hopes to add wall-secure phone chargers to each room to help patients stay connected to friends and family during long visits.
"Patients don't usually know how long they're going to be in AES," she says. "When I do rounds there, I see the clerical station with sometimes five patient phones charging. We would like to have multi-pronged chargers in each room. Having a charger in the room would make a huge difference to patients."
In emergency care, every moment matters, and even small things make a big difference. Together, gifts of all sizes can help patients feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they step through the doors.
Your generosity makes a difference
If you would like to support the patient experience in Adult Emergency Services, visit the AES giving page or contact Mark Clark (https://www.michiganmedicine.org/giving/areas-support/giving-emergency-medicine?pk_vid=cb368e3c4edfdab6179343036950251d).
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About the Look to Michigan campaign
This gift is part of Michigan Medicine's Look to Michigan fundraising campaign, which aims to create transformative answers to health care's biggest challenges for the benefit of people in our state and beyond. Building on 175 years of leadership in medicine and as part of the University of Michigan's Look to Michigan strategic framework for impact, we are breaking new ground in patient care, research, medical and graduate education, health care facilities, and health advancement and community engagement. Together, we can improve and save lives. For more information, visit michiganmedicine.org/giving/look-to-michigan.
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Original text here: https://www.uofmhealth.org/philanthropy-news/small-comforts-make-world-difference
Kroger Awards $5,000 Grant to Support UA Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Oct. 31 -- The University of Arkansas Little Rock campus issued the following news:
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Kroger Awards $5,000 Grant to Support UA Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry
Sydney Ambrus | October 30, 2026
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry has received a $5,000 grant from Kroger to help stock its shelves, support pantry operations, and provide food assistance to students, faculty and staff.
The grant marks the beginning of a new partnership between Kroger and the Trojan Food Pantry, strengthening efforts to address food insecurity and provide essential ... Show Full Article LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Oct. 31 -- The University of Arkansas Little Rock campus issued the following news: * * * Kroger Awards $5,000 Grant to Support UA Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry Sydney Ambrus | October 30, 2026 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry has received a $5,000 grant from Kroger to help stock its shelves, support pantry operations, and provide food assistance to students, faculty and staff. The grant marks the beginning of a new partnership between Kroger and the Trojan Food Pantry, strengthening efforts to address food insecurity and provide essentialresources to members of the campus community.
The funding will help sustain pantry operations throughout the academic year, ensuring those in need have access to food assistance.
For students balancing academics, work and other responsibilities, access to resources like the Trojan Food Pantry can help ease financial pressures and support their overall well-being.
"It may seem like a small support the pantry gives, but it does make a change in giving those that need it the assurance of having something in your pantry," said Teresa Esparza, student success coach at UA Little Rock.
Kroger announced the grant Oct. 23 during a re-opening celebration for a renovated store in Benton, and it was one of several donations the company made that day to local organizations, including the Arkansas Foodbank and Benton Senior Center.
This is the first time Kroger has provided financial support to the Trojan Food Pantry, but both Esparza and George Brown - manager of Communications and Public Affairs for Kroger's Delta Division - hope the partnership will continue to grow.
"One of our missions at Kroger is to Feed the Human Spirit, (and) we are so happy to support UA Little Rock and its students," said Brown. "No student should have to worry where their next meal is coming from while also trying to further their studies, take care of their family, etc. We look forward to a long partnership."
The partnership also highlights the importance of community organizations investing in the success and well-being of UA Little Rock students, many of whom contribute to the region through volunteer work, internships and employment.
"Students are constantly out in the community, volunteering at events, interning and working at local businesses, and giving back in the best way they can," Esparza said. "It's encouraging to know that the community is here to give back to them as well."
The Trojan Food Pantry serves current UA Little Rock students, faculty and staff, providing an additional resource for those who need food assistance. The pantry operates by scheduled pickup appointments only. All orders and appointments must be arranged in advance through Trojan Engage (https://cglink.me/2nK/s90109).
Community members interested in supporting the pantry can drop off in-kind donations at the Trojan Food Pantry, located on the second floor of the Student Leadership Center. Monetary donations can also be made online through the UA Little Rock giving website (https://ualr.edu/giving/product/student-success/).
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Original text here: https://ualr.edu/news/2026/10/30/kroger-awards-5000-grant-to-support-ua-little-rocks-trojan-food-pantry/
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Kroger Awards $5,000 Grant to Support UA Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry
Sydney Ambrus | October 30, 2026
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry has received a $5,000 grant from Kroger to help stock its shelves, support pantry operations, and provide food assistance to students, faculty and staff.
The grant marks the beginning of a new partnership between Kroger and the Trojan Food Pantry, strengthening efforts to address food insecurity and provide essential ... Show Full Article LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Oct. 31 -- The University of Arkansas Little Rock campus issued the following news: * * * Kroger Awards $5,000 Grant to Support UA Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry Sydney Ambrus | October 30, 2026 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Trojan Food Pantry has received a $5,000 grant from Kroger to help stock its shelves, support pantry operations, and provide food assistance to students, faculty and staff. The grant marks the beginning of a new partnership between Kroger and the Trojan Food Pantry, strengthening efforts to address food insecurity and provide essentialresources to members of the campus community.
The funding will help sustain pantry operations throughout the academic year, ensuring those in need have access to food assistance.
For students balancing academics, work and other responsibilities, access to resources like the Trojan Food Pantry can help ease financial pressures and support their overall well-being.
"It may seem like a small support the pantry gives, but it does make a change in giving those that need it the assurance of having something in your pantry," said Teresa Esparza, student success coach at UA Little Rock.
Kroger announced the grant Oct. 23 during a re-opening celebration for a renovated store in Benton, and it was one of several donations the company made that day to local organizations, including the Arkansas Foodbank and Benton Senior Center.
This is the first time Kroger has provided financial support to the Trojan Food Pantry, but both Esparza and George Brown - manager of Communications and Public Affairs for Kroger's Delta Division - hope the partnership will continue to grow.
"One of our missions at Kroger is to Feed the Human Spirit, (and) we are so happy to support UA Little Rock and its students," said Brown. "No student should have to worry where their next meal is coming from while also trying to further their studies, take care of their family, etc. We look forward to a long partnership."
The partnership also highlights the importance of community organizations investing in the success and well-being of UA Little Rock students, many of whom contribute to the region through volunteer work, internships and employment.
"Students are constantly out in the community, volunteering at events, interning and working at local businesses, and giving back in the best way they can," Esparza said. "It's encouraging to know that the community is here to give back to them as well."
The Trojan Food Pantry serves current UA Little Rock students, faculty and staff, providing an additional resource for those who need food assistance. The pantry operates by scheduled pickup appointments only. All orders and appointments must be arranged in advance through Trojan Engage (https://cglink.me/2nK/s90109).
Community members interested in supporting the pantry can drop off in-kind donations at the Trojan Food Pantry, located on the second floor of the Student Leadership Center. Monetary donations can also be made online through the UA Little Rock giving website (https://ualr.edu/giving/product/student-success/).
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Original text here: https://ualr.edu/news/2026/10/30/kroger-awards-5000-grant-to-support-ua-little-rocks-trojan-food-pantry/