Featured Stories
Voorhees University Appoints Dr. Brittaney S. Lott as Dean of the School of Business & Entrepreneurship
DENMARK, South Carolina, Aug. 15 -- Voorhees University issued the following news release:
* * *
Voorhees University Appoints Dr. Brittaney S. Lott as Dean of the School of Business & Entrepreneurship
Voorhees University announces the appointment of Dr. Brittaney S. Lott as Dean of the School of Business & Entrepreneurship and Assistant Professor of Business Administration, effective August 10, 2026.
Lott brings more than 17 years of experience in higher education administration, curriculum development, faculty leadership and accreditation compliance. Her background includes developing academic
... Show Full Article
DENMARK, South Carolina, Aug. 15 -- Voorhees University issued the following news release:
* * *
Voorhees University Appoints Dr. Brittaney S. Lott as Dean of the School of Business & Entrepreneurship
Voorhees University announces the appointment of Dr. Brittaney S. Lott as Dean of the School of Business & Entrepreneurship and Assistant Professor of Business Administration, effective August 10, 2026.
Lott brings more than 17 years of experience in higher education administration, curriculum development, faculty leadership and accreditation compliance. Her background includes developing academicprograms, building industry partnerships and creating opportunities that support student career success.
"Dr. Lott brings a strong combination of academic leadership, business expertise and commitment to student success," said Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, President and CEO of Voorhees University. "Her experience building programs and partnerships will help strengthen our School of Business & Entrepreneurship and prepare our students for success in today's evolving business environment."
Prior to joining Voorhees, Lott served as IT Program Director at Miller-Motte College and has held academic roles with Liberty University and Colorado Technical University. She is also founder and CEO of BeCode Consulting and has experience in research, workforce development and program management.
Lott earned her doctorate from Trident University International with a concentration in Accounting and Finance. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems and Technology Management from American InterContinental University and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a minor in Education from Converse University.
As Dean, Lott will provide academic and strategic leadership for the School of Business & Entrepreneurship, strengthen academic programs and partnerships, and support student and faculty success.
* * *
About Voorhees University: Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org)
* * *
Original text here: https://voorhees.edu/voorhees-university-appoints-dr-brittaney-s-lott-as-dean-of-the-school-of-business-entrepreneurship/
UNC Health Rex Holly Springs Adds New Patient Beds to Meet Demand for Care
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina, Aug. 15 -- The University of North Carolina School of Medicine issued the following news:
* * *
UNC Health Rex Holly Springs Adds New Patient Beds to Meet Demand for Care
Expansion Increases Capacity, Reducing Patient Wait Times
-
UNC Health Rex Holly Springs is expanding its capacity to serve one of North Carolina's fastest-growing communities. The hospital is opening a new patient care unit on its seventh floor to meet growing demand for inpatient and emergency services in southern Wake County.
"This is an incredibly vibrant part of our region, and people continue
... Show Full Article
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina, Aug. 15 -- The University of North Carolina School of Medicine issued the following news:
* * *
UNC Health Rex Holly Springs Adds New Patient Beds to Meet Demand for Care
Expansion Increases Capacity, Reducing Patient Wait Times
-
UNC Health Rex Holly Springs is expanding its capacity to serve one of North Carolina's fastest-growing communities. The hospital is opening a new patient care unit on its seventh floor to meet growing demand for inpatient and emergency services in southern Wake County.
"This is an incredibly vibrant part of our region, and people continueto choose to make their homes, raise their families and build their businesses here. The healthcare needs of this community aren't standing still, and neither can we," said Tom Hughes, President and Chief Operating Officer of UNC Health Rex. "Our responsibility is to continue evolving so that the care we provide keeps pace with the community we're privileged to serve."
The expansion is part of a long-term growth plan that has been in place since the hospital opened in 2021. The project will add 24 beds to the 50-bed hospital.
"These additional beds will help us care for more patients closer to home, improve patient flow throughout the hospital and reduce wait times for those needing inpatient care, particularly through our emergency department," said Roy Tempke, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UNC Health Rex Holly Springs.
Over the last year, UNC Health Rex Holly Springs recorded more than 34,000 emergency department visits, 4,500 surgeries and 1,100 births. According to the U.S. Census, the Holly Springs population has jumped 35 percent making it among the fastest-growing towns in Wake County.
"We've been blessed to have several big business wins over the last couple of years and having a facility like this that can serve employees who are looking to move here is a tremendous benefit. UNC Rex is a critical community partner for Holly Springs," said Mike Kondratick, Mayor of Holly Springs.
The hospital expansion project includes the hiring of approximately 50 new employees to support the additional beds and expanded patient services.
The new patient unit is expected to open in the coming weeks.
* * *
About UNC Health
UNC Health is North Carolina's academic health system, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all North Carolinians through patient care, education, research, and community engagement. With a statewide network of 20 hospitals, hundreds of clinics, and an affiliation with the UNC School of Medicine, UNC Health serves communities across the state with a mission-driven, not-for-profit approach focused on quality, access, and innovation.
* * *
Original text here: https://news.unchealthcare.org/2026/08/unc-health-rex-holly-springs-adds-new-patient-beds-to-meet-demand-for-care/
SUNY Chancellor King Announces Partnership With Educating Character Initiative to Provide Empire State Service Corps Additional Professional Development and Training
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 15 -- The State University of New York issued the following news release:
* * *
SUNY Chancellor King Announces Partnership with Educating Character Initiative to Provide Empire State Service Corps Additional Professional Development and Training
Multi-Year Grant from Educating Character Initiative to Train 3,000 Service Corps Members Over the Next Three Years
Partnership Supports the Expansion of the Empire State Service Corps, New York State's Largest AmeriCorps Program
-
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today announced a partnership with the
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 15 -- The State University of New York issued the following news release:
* * *
SUNY Chancellor King Announces Partnership with Educating Character Initiative to Provide Empire State Service Corps Additional Professional Development and Training
Multi-Year Grant from Educating Character Initiative to Train 3,000 Service Corps Members Over the Next Three Years
Partnership Supports the Expansion of the Empire State Service Corps, New York State's Largest AmeriCorps Program
-
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today announced a partnership with theEducating Character Initiative to provide professional development and training opportunities for the SUNY Empire State Service Corps. The Educating Character Initiative awarded a $900,000 Institutional Impact Grant to support the Empire State Service Corps as it expands and strengthens professional development and training to promote greater civil discourse and civic engagement, and the development of civic competencies, such as bridging across lines of differences, for all participants in the 1,000-member Service Corps in each of the next three years.
"SUNY's Empire State Service Corps combines paid experiential learning with civic service opportunities that make a profound difference in communities across New York State," said SUNY Chancellor King. "SUNY Service Corps members have stepped up to support their campuses and wider communities, and are an example to their fellow students and to other service-based organizations across the nation. Through continued partnership with the Educating Character Initiative, we ensure that Service Corps members have opportunities to reach their full potential."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "The SUNY Empire State Service Corps members help address New York State's most pressing needs. With the continued support of Governor Hochul and the State Legislature, and through partnerships like the Education Character Initiative, we are supporting the civic service work of the Service Corps members and uplifting our students with opportunities for personal and professional growth."
In 2025, SUNY began its partnership with the Educating Character Initiative with a capacity-building grant to enhance training opportunities for Service Corps members. With this expanded partnership, SUNY will further strengthen continuous learning as an integral part of the Empire State Service Corps experience. Service Corps members will develop professional skills, as well as interpersonal skills and civic competencies, such as intellectual humility, compassion, and bridging across lines of difference.
Educating Character Initiative Director of Collective Learning Aaron Cobb said, "We are excited about the significance of the work that the Empire State Service Corps is leading, engaging thousands of students, embedding character development deeply in the culture of a signature program, and, perhaps most importantly, making a difference in the communities where they serve. When it is done well, service makes our neighborhoods, communities, and cities better places for everyone and, especially, for those who have the greatest vulnerabilities and needs. We can't wait to hear the stories about the good that will come from this sustained effort."
New York State Commission on National and Community Service Executive Director Beth Tailleur said, "We congratulate the Empire State Service Corps on its partnership with the Educating Character Initiative and its grant award, which will help its AmeriCorps members and staff build valuable skills, preparing them for future careers while they serve across communities and improve New Yorkers' lives. The Commission is proud of the service the ESSC delivers and excited to see the program continue to develop."
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said, "Applications to the Empire State Service Corps outpaced available spots four to one, for the second year in a row. That shows us that our young generations have a significant desire for public service. We have not built enough places for them to do it. Doubling the Corps to 1,000 students was the right decision, and this grant makes sure those students will arrive prepared."
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "This expanded partnership between the Educating Character Initiative and Empire State Service Corps (ESSC) is a game-changer for professional development and skill-building opportunities for students. By equipping 3,000 additional Service Corps Members with real-life experience and hands-on training, we empower the next generation of public service leaders. I'm grateful for the Educating Character Initiative's investment in higher education and public service, because when we invest in our students, we build a stronger New York."
State Senator Peter Oberacker said, "Community service and civic participation are the backbone of a flourishing democratic society. Thanks to this generous grant, engaged citizens from across New York will receive invaluable training and resources in order to meet local challenges closer to home. I'm proud to support this worthy expansion of the Corps' mission by helping to mold the local leaders of tomorrow."
State Assemblymember Michael Cashman said, "I am thrilled to see the Empire State Service Corps program continue to expand, especially with these new civically focused initiatives. Bringing new opportunities like this to students is essential for them to learn, grow and thrive. I thank the Educating Character Initiative for their collaboration with the Empire State Service Corps on this measure."
State Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, "This partnership reflects New York State and SUNY's commitment to ensuring that service is not only an opportunity to give back, but also a transformative educational experience. Through the Educating Character Initiative, Empire State Service Corps members will develop the professional skills necessary to engage thoughtfully in areas and industries that will play a key role throughout their professional lives. As the Service Corps expands, we are investing in a generation of New Yorkers prepared to lead with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to their communities."
State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, "Public service gives students an invaluable opportunity to strengthen their communities while developing skills for their future. This partnership will equip thousands of Empire State Service Corps members with professional skills while fostering civic engagement, compassion, and the ability to bridge differences. I applaud Chancellor King, SUNY, and the Educating Character Initiative for investing in the next generation of thoughtful and engaged leaders."
Students participating in the Empire State Service Corps dedicate at least 300 hours to engage in paid community service and convene regularly to share and learn from each other's experiences. As New York State's largest AmeriCorps program, participating students who complete 300 service hours also receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of up to $1,400 for their service.
Through the FY2026-27 Enacted State Budget the Empire State Service Corps is doubling to 1,000 available spots for the 2026-2027 academic year for SUNY students to give back to their communities through service-focused opportunities and include new service areas including disaster recovery. Governor Hochul has championed the Empire State Service Corps since 2025 and funded the program with $2.75 million in the FY25 Enacted State Budget. The Empire State Service Corps is also supported by a federal AmeriCorps grant which is administered by SUNY's partners at the New York State Commission for National and Community Service. In 2025, applications far exceeded the number of available spots for the second year in a row, with applications outpacing the number of campus spots 4:1.
Service areas Empire State Service Corps members traditionally work in include:
* Civil Discourse and Civic Engagement: Students will serve either on or off campus with organizations such as local nonprofits related to civic engagement and civil discourse, including nonpartisan voter outreach and voter registration.
* Education:
- K-12 Tutoring: Students will partner with local school districts for regular tutoring sessions with students in the community who need more academic support.
- Early Childhood Education: Students will serve at a host site dedicated to early childhood education and/or development (for example, daycare or Head Start centers).
- Student Success Coaching: Students will work with elementary, middle and high school students to support academic achievement and combat common challenges external to academics like addressing chronic absenteeism, access to socio-emotional learning, mentoring, and mental health support.
* Economic Opportunity:
- FAFSA Completion: Students will serve local communities, in visits to local high schools and through work on campus, to support students in completing the FAFSA or other financial aid forms.
* Healthy Futures:
- Food Insecurity/SNAP & Basic Needs: Students will serve on or off campus supporting students and others with SNAP outreach as well as basic needs support (which could include shifts at a campus food pantry) or with other food insecurity-aligned work.
- Independent Living: Students will promote independence and quality of life for aging populations and individuals with alternative abilities.
- Justice-Impacted Support: Students will support reentry and stability by connecting justice-impacted individuals to resources, opportunities, and community networks.
- Mental Health Support: Students will be trained to serve as a mental health educator, supporting peers or community members either on- or off-campus with building strong mental health practices and overall wellness initiatives. Students will promote well-being by expanding access to mental health resources, prevention efforts, and supportive services.
* Environmental Stewardship:
- Sustainability: Students will serve in campus roles and with local nonprofits and State agencies on sustainability work, such as recycling campaigns, tree planting, pollinator gardens, and sustainability outreach.
- Climate Action: Students will advance long-term climate initiatives through research, education, and resilience-building that supports healthier communities (e.g. supporting local municipalities, climate-focused campus initiatives, climate outreach campaigns, etc.).
* Veterans Affairs & Military Families Outreach: Students will serve at host sites dedicated to supporting active military or veterans' affairs for individuals, families, or affiliated groups through outreach, resource connection, and responsive services.
The Empire State Service Corps is part of SUNY's ongoing efforts to support New Yorkers in need by encouraging civic engagement and volunteerism. In March, Empire State Service Corps members hosted a day of service and prepared meal kits at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. In January, members of the Empire State Service Corps assembled literacy kits as part of a day of service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In November 2025, Service Corps members were mobilized to support their communities during Governor Hochul's Day of Hunger Action, and they provided additional assistance during the food insecurity crisis.
* * *
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country's oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/8-26/8-14-26/eci-partnership.html
New Fan Entry Process and Game Day Experience Coming to the ICCU Dome for 2026 Football Season
POCATELLO, Idaho, Aug. 15 -- Idaho State University posted the following news:
* * *
New Fan Entry Process and Game Day Experience Coming to the ICCU Dome for 2026 Football Season
*
As part of an ongoing commitment to create a safe, enjoyable, and exciting game day experience, Bengal fans coming to the ICCU Dome at Idaho State University will see a new entry process and game day experience for all football games in the 2026 season. This updated approach aligns with industry best practices while helping provide a welcoming atmosphere for Bengal fans, visiting guests, and student-athletes.
Fans
... Show Full Article
POCATELLO, Idaho, Aug. 15 -- Idaho State University posted the following news:
* * *
New Fan Entry Process and Game Day Experience Coming to the ICCU Dome for 2026 Football Season
*
As part of an ongoing commitment to create a safe, enjoyable, and exciting game day experience, Bengal fans coming to the ICCU Dome at Idaho State University will see a new entry process and game day experience for all football games in the 2026 season. This updated approach aligns with industry best practices while helping provide a welcoming atmosphere for Bengal fans, visiting guests, and student-athletes.
Fansmay now enter the ICCU Dome pre-game area beginning 90 minutes prior to kickoff and will go through a quick security screening before entering the venue. Once inside this designated area, fans may move freely throughout the outdoor areas and indoor concourses before and during the game. The ICCU Dome will continue to operate under a no re-entry policy, meaning fans who leave the marked area will not be permitted to re-enter.
The enhanced game day experience will feature expanded concession options, beer gardens, an ISU Bookstore pop-up shop and additional fan amenities.
Fans will be able to enter through designated entrances on both the north and south sides of the ICCU Dome. Tickets will be available for purchase at the north entrances only. Idaho State students and visiting team fans are encouraged to use the south entrance for convenient access. ADA parking and accessible entrances will be available on the east side of the ICCU Dome.
Fans are also reminded that the ICCU Dome's clear bag policy will be strictly enforced. Personal bags that do not meet the venue's clear bag requirements will not be permitted inside.
Idaho State Athletics encourages Bengal fans to plan ahead, arrive early and familiarize themselves with the updated entry process before heading to the Dome.
Click here to view an interactive map showing new procedures as well as parking designated areas and entry points.
***
Original text here: https://www.isu.edu/news/2026-spring/new-fan-entry-process-and-game-day-experience-coming-to-the-iccu-dome-for-2026-football-season.html
Internationally Recognized Scientists Expand Miller School of Medicine's Strength in Disease Modeling and Regenerative Science
MIAMI, Florida, Aug. 15 -- The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine posted the following news:
* * *
Internationally Recognized Scientists Expand Miller School of Medicine's Strength in Disease Modeling and Regenerative Science
*
Benjamin Freedman, Ph.D., a pioneer in kidney organoids and genome editing, and Hongxia Fu, Ph.D., an expert in mechanobiology and disease modeling, join the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to advance regenerative science, drug discovery and translational research.
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Department of Cell and Systems
... Show Full Article
MIAMI, Florida, Aug. 15 -- The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine posted the following news:
* * *
Internationally Recognized Scientists Expand Miller School of Medicine's Strength in Disease Modeling and Regenerative Science
*
Benjamin Freedman, Ph.D., a pioneer in kidney organoids and genome editing, and Hongxia Fu, Ph.D., an expert in mechanobiology and disease modeling, join the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to advance regenerative science, drug discovery and translational research.
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Department of Cell and SystemsBiology proudly welcomes two internationally recognized scientists with expertise in organoids, genome editing, mechanobiology and translational human disease modeling.
Benjamin Freedman, Ph.D., and Hongxia Fu, Ph.D., advance groundbreaking research and innovation that provide scientists and clinicians new ways to investigate how disease develops in human tissue. Dr. Freedman pioneered the development of human kidney organoids to create sophisticated models of kidney disease, while Dr. Fu studies how physical forces surrounding cells influence human health and disease. Together, their work expands the Department of Cell and Systems Biology's ability to identify new therapies.
Dr. Freedman joins the department as professor and vice chair for research and co-director of the Healthy Aging Initiative at the Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center. Dr. Fu, an associate professor, will lead an interdisciplinary program with the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
"We are thrilled to welcome Drs. Freedman and Fu, who developed groundbreaking, disruptive disease modeling technology to regenerate the kidney," said Leor Weinberger, Ph.D., founding chair of the Department of Cell and Systems Biology. "This is an exciting new era for our team. Drs. Freedman and Fu are prolific and exceptionally well-funded academic scientists, as well as successful biomedical entrepreneurs. Attracting them to Miami, as anchor faculty in our new department, is an enormous coup for the institution."
#Re-Creating Human Kidney Disease in a Petri Dish
Dr. Freedman is one of the original inventors of human kidney organoids. These miniature, laboratory-grown structures closely resemble the functional units of the kidney. When implanted inside the body, organoids form kidney tissues, a step towards kidney regeneration from a patient's own cells. He also combined his innovative organoids with CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology to re-create polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in a petri dish, providing the first-ever human model of PKD progression in a lab setting.
This innovation represented a major technological leap in the field of nephrology, allowing scientists to closely investigate kidney development, injury, regeneration and disease progression with unprecedented precision and potential.
"Dr. Freedman's expertise is entirely aligned with the mission of the institution to promote drug discovery and development, and I am extremely excited to work with him to generate new therapies for patients affected by rare kidney diseases associated with premature ageing," said Alessia Fornoni, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, director and chair of the Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center and assistant dean for research, training and development at the Miller School.
Dr. Freedman has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, and his work has appeared in leading scientific journals, including Cell Stem Cell, Nature Materials and Nature Biomedical Engineering. His contributions have earned international recognition, including the American Society of Nephrology's Donald W. Seldin Young Investigator Award.
"I am incredibly honored and excited to be joining the esteemed faculty of the University of Miami," said Dr. Freedman. "The opportunity to work with Drs. Weinberger, Fornoni and so many others is a dream come true. The dynamic, innovative environment they have established will enable our research programs and trainees to truly thrive."
#Research Focus Areas
The research programs of Benjamin Freedman, Ph.D., and Hongxia Fu, Ph.D., expand the University of Miami's capabilities in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, mechanobiology and translational science.
Benjamin S. Freedman, Ph.D.
* Kidney organoids and disease-in-a-dish models
* Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine
* Genome editing and precision medicine
* Polycystic kidney disease research
* Organoid-on-chip technologies
* Drug discovery and therapeutic development
* Tissue regeneration and human disease modeling
Hongxia Fu, Ph.D.
* Mechanobiology and cellular force sensing
* Vascular biology and blood vessel function
* Blood clotting and thrombosis research
* Single-molecule imaging technologies
* Cilia biology and mechanosensing
* Organoid engineering and disease modeling
* Bioengineering approaches to human health
Why This Matters
Together, Dr. Freedman and Dr. Fu bring internationally recognized expertise in organoids, mechanobiology, genome editing and regenerative science. Their work helps researchers better model human disease, identify new therapeutic targets and accelerate the development of future treatments.
#Engineering New Insights Into Human Biology
Dr. Fu's research bridges biophysics, bioengineering and stem cell biology to reveal how cells and proteins respond to mechanical forces and environmental signals. Her work seeks to uncover fundamental principles governing human biology and translate these discoveries into new approaches for diagnosing and treating disease.
Dr. Fu's research focuses on harnessing mechanobiology to understand and treat human disease and has developed innovative microfluidic platforms, single-molecule technologies and advanced imaging approaches. Her work reveals how mechanical forces regulate protein function and cellular interactions essential to hemostasis and thrombosis, leading to new understanding of bleeding and clotting disorders. Her research has expanded to include how blood vessels form and function and how miniature, lab-grown versions of human organs can be engineered to study disease. Her extensive publications have focused on blood vessel health, organ development and kidney disease.
"Force is everywhere in our body, providing important opportunities to better understand disease and develop new cures," said Dr. Fu. "At the University of Miami, I'm thrilled to work with bioengineers, cell biologists and physician-scientists to advance the emerging field of mechanomedicine and translate these discoveries into improvements in human health."
Supported by multiple National Institutes of Health awards, including an NIH Maximizing Investigators' Research Award and ongoing R01 funding, Dr. Fu seeks to translate fundamental discoveries in mechanobiology into advances for human health.
#Developing the Next Generation of Scientists
Beyond their research accomplishments, both scientists have demonstrated strong commitments to mentorship, trainee development and scientific collaboration. They have guided dozens of students, postdoctoral fellows and early-career investigators while leading nationally recognized research programs. The pair also co-founded a biotechnology company focused on developing mini-organ disease models.
Their arrival expands the scientific toolkit of the Department of Cell and Systems Biology while making human biology easier to model, measure, and ultimately translate into better treatments.
#More from the Miller School of Medicine
Tags: aging, clotting, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, Dr. Benjamin Freedman, Dr. Hongxia Fu, Dr. Leor Weinberger, Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, kidney disease, nephrology, Newsroom, Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center
***
Original text here: https://news.med.miami.edu/kidney-organoid-mechanobiology-faculty-join-miami/
FIU: Want to Beat the Heat - Start With Trees
MIAMI, Florida, Aug. 15 -- Florida International University, a component of the public university system in Florida, issued the following news:
* * *
Want to beat the heat? Start with trees
By JoAnn Adkins
People rarely give much thought to the trees around them - until there aren't any.
Not when they're driving past them. Not when they're scrolling on a park bench. But on a sweltering Miami afternoon, when the sidewalk feels like a frying pan and the air itself seems to radiate heat, stepping beneath a tree can feel like walking into a different climate. A cooler, more welcoming climate.
That's
... Show Full Article
MIAMI, Florida, Aug. 15 -- Florida International University, a component of the public university system in Florida, issued the following news:
* * *
Want to beat the heat? Start with trees
By JoAnn Adkins
People rarely give much thought to the trees around them - until there aren't any.
Not when they're driving past them. Not when they're scrolling on a park bench. But on a sweltering Miami afternoon, when the sidewalk feels like a frying pan and the air itself seems to radiate heat, stepping beneath a tree can feel like walking into a different climate. A cooler, more welcoming climate.
That'sexactly what Florida International University researchers have spent the past several years studying. Their conclusions could change the way people think about urban trees. They are more than just landscaping, according to FIU biologist Christopher Baraloto. Trees should be thought of as critical infrastructure, he said.
Baraloto is the director of the International Center for Tropical Botany at the Kampong -- a collaboration between FIU and the National Tropical Botanical Garden. This summer, he has felt the heat. All of Miami has. Throughout Miami-Dade County, residents just experienced one of the longest streaks of consecutive 90+ degree days on record. Heat indices, which take into account temperature and humidity, have exceeded triple digits. Simply put, it's hot. In neighborhoods dominated by asphalt, concrete and rooftops, the urban heat island effect can make it feel even hotter.
"I hope everyone can recognize the value of trees for their ecological benefits including cooling and stormwater mitigation," Baraloto said. "If we start with that premise, I believe we can have the conversations needed to support healthy, vibrant communities."
Baraloto leads a research team in FIU's Institute of Environment comprised of scientists from the Departments of Biological Sciences and Earth and Environment. Their research indicates trees can cool urban areas by as much as 10 degrees, but not all trees are equal when it comes to cooling capacity. A young tree will not cool in the same way a large, older tree can, according to Madison Kinder, an urban ecology fellow in the Institute of Environment. She is currently researching the effects trees have on communities including how they can reduce UV exposure.
Drawing on more than two years of temperature monitoring, inventories of more than 9,000 urban trees, countywide canopy analyses, and a survey of 600 residents, FIU researchers say the benefits of trees depend on a variety of factors. It matters what trees are planted, how large they become, where they grow, and whether mature canopy is protected, according to Paulo Olivas, assistant professor of Earth and Environment. In other words, it's about more than just planting trees.
Trees with large, dense canopies, like native fig trees, produce more cooling. Palm trees and ornamental trees like the royal poinciana produce less. For Baraloto, it's all about balance. He led a comprehensive inventory of Coconut Grove's street trees and found remarkably high species diversity. However, Miami's street-tree diversity largely comes from palms and other species that contribute limited canopy. A smaller number of large trees, including native live oak and gumbo limbo, currently account for the disproportionate share of street-level canopy.
"A diverse urban forest is desirable, but diversity, tree numbers, and ecological function are not interchangeable," Baraloto said. "Protecting existing large trees while selecting species capable of developing substantial crowns could matter as much as increasing the number of trees planted."
Miami-Dade County has about 20 percent tree canopy coverage, according to 2022 data from FIU's Geographic Information Systems Center. That is well below the 30 percent goal set by county officials.
"We urgently need an updated assessment of today's urban tree canopy to understand where the tree-scape is changing, how it is changing and why," said Jennifer Fu, director of the FIU Coastal Environmental Data and GIS Center.
Baraloto was recently appointed to the City of Miami's Tree Ordinance Advisory Committee, which was established to review the city's tree preservation and protection regulations and provide recommendations to support healthy tree populations. The city is hosting five community workshops this month for residents to learn more, ask questions and share feedback. One thing Baraloto hopes to influence is mitigation policy that balances development and Miami's tree canopy.
"Miami's urban forest is already doing important work protecting residents from extreme heat, but what we need now are mitigation requirements that better reflect what is being lost, smarter species selection and targeted investment in neighborhoods that need shade the most," Baraloto said.
The FIU research is conducted in partnership with community organizations across Miami-Dade County. The work is supported by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, the Korth Family Foundation, the Dr. Michael and Diane Rosenberg Family Foundation, and a Florida Urban and Community Forestry grant from the U.S. Forest Service.
* * *
Original text here: https://news.fiu.edu/2026/want-to-beat-the-heat-start-with-trees
Dalton State's Economic Impact on Northwest Georgia Exceeds $167 Million
DALTON, Georgia, Aug. 15 -- Dalton State College issued the following news:
* * *
Dalton State's economic impact on Northwest Georgia exceeds $167 million
Dalton State College generated more than $167 million in economic impact during fiscal year 2025, an increase of nearly 12% over the previous year, according to a new economic impact report released by the University System of Georgia (USG). A companion study found that graduates from the Class of 2025 are poised to earn more than $1.4 million in additional lifetime earnings because of their college degree.
"These findings highlight what
... Show Full Article
DALTON, Georgia, Aug. 15 -- Dalton State College issued the following news:
* * *
Dalton State's economic impact on Northwest Georgia exceeds $167 million
Dalton State College generated more than $167 million in economic impact during fiscal year 2025, an increase of nearly 12% over the previous year, according to a new economic impact report released by the University System of Georgia (USG). A companion study found that graduates from the Class of 2025 are poised to earn more than $1.4 million in additional lifetime earnings because of their college degree.
"These findings highlight whatwe see every day at Dalton State: when students succeed, our communities thrive. Our growing economic impact and the increased lifetime earning potential of our graduates underscore the value of higher education for students, employers and the region as a whole," President John Fuchko, III, said. "Dalton State is proud to help drive economic growth across Northwest Georgia while providing students with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to build successful futures."
Dalton State's $167 million impact includes $144.6 million in direct spending by students and the college on personnel and operations and $22.4 million generated through the re-spending of those dollars throughout the region. Students' personal expenditures accounted for $18.7 million of the overall re-spending within the local community. The study's service area for Dalton State includes Whitfield, Murray, Catoosa, Gordon, Walker, Bartow, and Gilmer counties.
The companion study on lifetime earnings potential found that USG graduates earning bachelor's degrees in 2025 are projected to earn approximately $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than individuals without a college degree. Dalton State offers 26 bachelor's degree programs. In Georgia, high school graduates who earn a bachelor's degree will boost their work-life earnings by 80%, compared to the national estimate of 77%.
"A USG degree isn't just a diploma. It's a game-changer for our students and a major win for Georgia's economy," USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. "Adding $25 billion to the state and giving our graduates a $1.4 million lifetime boost shows the real power of public higher education. When out students succeed, they put strong skills, a great work ethic and real value right back into Georgia communities."
The college's labor impact also increased by 3.7%, due to support of 1,270 full- and part-time jobs. For every job at Dalton State, an additional three jobs are sustained in surrounding communities through institution-related spending. The study found the USG and its institutions generated 170,096 jobs, creating about the same employment impact as Georgia's top five employers combined.
Both studies were conducted on behalf of USG by Jeffrey M. Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business.
* * *
REPORT: https://pxl-usgedu.terminalfour.net/prod01/channel_4/media/usg/news-documents/USG-Impact-FY-2025-06-08-2026.pdf
REPORT: https://pxl-usgedu.terminalfour.net/prod01/channel_4/media/usg/news-documents/USG-Lifetime-Earnings-FY-2025-06-08-2026.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://www.daltonstate.edu/news/dalton-states-economic-impact-on-northwest-georgia-exceeds-167-million/
