Featured Stories
University of Lincoln: 'Gooey' Marine Snow Could Help Oceans Lock Away Carbon
BRAYFORD POOL, England, Oct. 17 (TNSjou) -- The University of Lincoln issued the following news:
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'Gooey' Marine Snow Could Help Oceans Lock Away Carbon
Published by:
Published by: Scarlet Helliwell
15 October 2026
The "gooeyness" of tiny particles that fall through the ocean could help determine how much carbon is stored in the deep sea for hundreds or even thousands of years, new research has found.
Researchers from the University of Lincoln and the University of California San Diego have discovered that the thicker and more viscous these particles are, the harder they are for bacteria
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BRAYFORD POOL, England, Oct. 17 (TNSjou) -- The University of Lincoln issued the following news:
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'Gooey' Marine Snow Could Help Oceans Lock Away Carbon
Published by:
Published by: Scarlet Helliwell
15 October 2026
The "gooeyness" of tiny particles that fall through the ocean could help determine how much carbon is stored in the deep sea for hundreds or even thousands of years, new research has found.
Researchers from the University of Lincoln and the University of California San Diego have discovered that the thicker and more viscous these particles are, the harder they are for bacteriato break down - giving them more time to sink and carry their carbon deeper into the ocean.
Known as "marine snow", the tiny particles are made from organic material produced near the ocean's surface. They get their name because they continuously drift down through the water like falling snow.
Despite their tiny size, marine snow plays an important role in the Earth's carbon cycle.
Every year, particles containing more than 10 billion tonnes of carbon begin sinking through the ocean. But only around one to three billion tonnes reaches the deep ocean, where the carbon can remain stored for hundreds or thousands of years.
Much of the rest is broken down by bacteria along the way, eventually allowing the carbon to be converted back into carbon dioxide.
Now, new research published in Science has uncovered one reason why some particles make it further than others.
The team found that highly viscous - or "gooier" - marine snow takes longer for bacteria to break down. This allows it to sink further, with the researchers estimating that these particles could carry more than six times as much carbon to the deep ocean as less viscous marine snow.
To make the discovery, the researchers developed a new way of looking inside individual pieces of marine snow.
Using a specialist microscopy technique, they were able to create three-dimensional maps showing differences in viscosity across each particle and see the tiny physical environment that bacteria have to navigate.
What they found was a surprisingly complex landscape.
Bacteria could easily attach to and penetrate the less viscous parts of marine snow, but the thicker regions created a much tougher barrier.
Lead researcher, Dr Bryce Inman said: "Think of it like a worm in an apple: the flesh is easy to penetrate, but the core is tougher to chew through.
"We found that more viscous marine snow takes longer for bacteria to break down, meaning those particles can sink deeper into the ocean and carry more carbon with them.
"How far marine snow can sink is a surprisingly complicated problem, and we have added another - very gooey - piece to the puzzle."
The research began during Dr Inmans Simons Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, before continuing through an EPSRC-funded project at the University of Lincoln in Professor Stuart Humphries' lab.
The longer these particles survive, the further they can sink - taking the carbon trapped inside them deeper into the ocean, where it can remain stored for much longer.
The research could also have implications beyond the ocean.
For the first time, the technique allowed scientists to see how individual bacteria interact with the physical structure of the mucus-like material around them.
These microscopic environments are found throughout the natural world - from coral reefs and kelp forests to plant roots - and also inside the airways and digestive systems of humans and other animals.
Being able to explore these environments in such detail could give scientists a new way to understand how bacteria behave and interact with the world around them.
The study, Marine snow viscosity regulates microbial degradation and the ocean carbon sink, by B.G. Inman, S. Humphries and F. Azam, is published in Science.
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Original text here: https://news.lincoln.ac.uk/2026/10/15/gooey-marine-snow-could-help-oceans-lock-away-carbon/
University of Delaware: Freezer Swap Drives Energy Savings
DOVER, Delaware, Oct. 17 -- The University of Delaware issued the following research news:
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Freezer swap drives energy savings
Article by Tabitha Groh October 16, 2026
Research Office leads charge to replace old freezers across campus
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Inside a farm building on the University of Delaware's campus, a research freezer stood for 74 years. Built by International Harvester in 1952, the freezer had been around longer than most of the researchers who used it. Now, it's one of more than 120 freezers being replaced in a University-wide laboratory cold-storage upgrade program.
Funding of more
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DOVER, Delaware, Oct. 17 -- The University of Delaware issued the following research news:
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Freezer swap drives energy savings
Article by Tabitha Groh October 16, 2026
Research Office leads charge to replace old freezers across campus
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Inside a farm building on the University of Delaware's campus, a research freezer stood for 74 years. Built by International Harvester in 1952, the freezer had been around longer than most of the researchers who used it. Now, it's one of more than 120 freezers being replaced in a University-wide laboratory cold-storage upgrade program.
Funding of morethan $700,000 for the project came from Energize Delaware -- also known as the Sustainable Energy Utility -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Delaware residents and organizations improve energy efficiency and lower energy costs.
"Just one of these older units could use the same energy as a typical single-family home," said Melinda Duncan, associate vice president for research and director of Delaware INBRE. "The new units use one-quarter to one-sixth the energy of the legacy freezers."
The project is projected to save 257,000 kilowatt hours annually -- the equivalent of the electricity used to power 24 homes.
With Energize Delaware funds needing to be used within the fiscal year, the clock was ticking to identify UD units eligible for a freezer replacement program supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific, a supplier of laboratory equipment and services to UD's research enterprise. A team from the University's Research Office, Procurement Services, Facilities Services and Campus Planning, Environmental Health and Safety, and several colleges set to work.
"We brought together a very knowledgeable and eclectic group of people that really had never worked together before," said Tracy Shickel, associate vice president for corporate engagement in UD's Research Office. "The project is a case study in breaking down institutional silos, which allowed us to enhance research productivity and resilience."
For facility and lab managers, it was a complex puzzle to coordinate decommissioning, delivery, and then setup of the new equipment. Each unit needed to be up and running at its target temperature before materials could be transferred and the older units removed.
Despite the logistical challenges, the replacement program is a boon for researchers.
"These research freezers are very expensive to replace," said Duncan. "But the reality is that they basically hold scientists' entire research programs. One of the big worries for all life scientists is that if their freezers go down, they can lose decades of research."
Many of the replaced units were low- and ultra-low-temperature freezers used to store biological samples at 20 degrees or 80 degrees below zero Celsius. Just a few examples of what can be found in research freezers include samples that support research into eye development and the side effects of cataract surgery, irreplaceable deep-sea sediments and samples from marine life, such as sharks, skates, rays and bony fish.
"My laboratory is currently working to describe seven new species of bacteria that we isolated from Delaware. So having these well protected in the cold is key," said Jennifer Biddle, Mary A.S. Lighthipe Professor of Marine Studies and associate director of the School of Marine Science and Policy. A bonus, she said, is that the new freezers run more quietly, reducing background noise in the lab.
Lydia Schlitzkus from Delaware INBRE who managed project logistics, received more than 150 applications for replacement. The team needed to optimize the funding to replace as many freezers as possible.
"Strong supplier partnerships can create value well beyond the traditional purchasing transaction," said Danielle LaSalle, a UD sourcing specialist in Procurement Services. "Our partnership with Thermo Fisher helped us find a way to stretch available funding, replace aging equipment and deliver significant energy savings, while ultimately supporting the researchers who depend on these freezers to protect critical research."
The team estimates there are additional units in need of replacement and are currently seeking funding from Energize Delaware for another round of upgrades. Researchers with freezers that are at least ten years old are encouraged to apply for a replacement.
"We're excited to have partnered with the University of Delaware on this project to increase energy efficiency and reduce utility costs by replacing the laboratory freezers," said Drew Slater, executive director of Energize Delaware. "As Jen Kunz in our office has said, electricity existed in Newark longer with those freezers than without them. As we move forward, we're excited to partner with the University on more projects in the coming year."
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Original text here: https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2026/october/energy-savings-freezer-upgrade/
UC Klekamp Law Reports July 2026 Bar Exam Results
CINCINNATI, Ohio, Oct. 17 -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news:
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UC Klekamp Law reports July 2026 Bar Exam results
By Sherry English, englissy@ucmail.uc.edu
October 16, 2026
The University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law recorded an 80% first-time pass rate among its graduates who took the July 2026 Ohio Bar Exam, compared with the statewide average of 82%, according to results released by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
The law school's overall pass rate for Ohio exam takers was 72%, matching the statewide average. Of the 1,011 candidates who took the
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CINCINNATI, Ohio, Oct. 17 -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news:
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UC Klekamp Law reports July 2026 Bar Exam results
By Sherry English, englissy@ucmail.uc.edu
October 16, 2026
The University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law recorded an 80% first-time pass rate among its graduates who took the July 2026 Ohio Bar Exam, compared with the statewide average of 82%, according to results released by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
The law school's overall pass rate for Ohio exam takers was 72%, matching the statewide average. Of the 1,011 candidates who took theJuly exam, 109 were UC Klekamp Law graduates.
Results from other jurisdictions also reflect the performance of the Class of 2026. To date, graduates who took bar exams in other jurisdictions with reported results have achieved an 82.3% first-time pass rate. Approximately 20% of the class pursued licensure outside Ohio, with results reported in Indiana, West Virginia, Texas, Kentucky, Utah, Colorado and Georgia. Additional out of state bar results are expected soon.
"Bar passage is the gateway to the profession for our graduates, and preparing them to succeed on the exam is among our most important responsibilities. I am delighted for the 80% of our graduates who have passed the Ohio bar on their first attempt this year," said Dean Haider Ala Hamoudi, Nippert Professor of Law. "I also recognize that our pass rate is not where we as a community expect it to be. We are studying the results closely, and we will take concrete steps to strengthen the support we provide our students, both during law school and as they prepare for the bar. We must do better, and we will."
UC Klekamp Law continues to support graduates through academic success programming and bar exam preparation. Dyann Margolis, associate dean for academic success and bar programs, recognized graduates for their dedication throughout the process.
"Congratulations to those who successfully passed the bar. These grads committed to their success in their final semester of law school and continued that commitment all summer long," Margolis said. "They worked incredibly hard, and I know they will make amazing attorneys who have already made and will continue to make all of us at UC Klekamp Law proud."
Graduates who passed the exam and met the Supreme Court of Ohio's other admission requirements will be invited to take the attorney oath of office on Nov. 16, 2026, at the Palace Theatre in Columbus. The ceremony will be recorded and made available through the Supreme Court's video archive.
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Original text here: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/10/university-of-cincinnati-klekamp-law-reports-2026-bar-results.html
Stroke Survivors Value Relationships, Capacity-oriented Rehab Research, UC Study Finds
CINCINNATI, Ohio, Oct. 17 (TNSjou) -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news:
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Collaboration over consultation
Stroke survivors value relationships, capacity-oriented rehab research, UC study finds
By Tim Tedeschi, 513/556-5694, tedesctd@ucmail.uc.edu
October 16, 2026
New University of Cincinnati research found stroke survivors participating in rehabilitation research prefer an approach that prioritizes shared decision-making, peer relationships and a focus on what they can accomplish over one that emphasizes their deficits.
The research, led by corresponding author
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CINCINNATI, Ohio, Oct. 17 (TNSjou) -- The University of Cincinnati posted the following news:
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Collaboration over consultation
Stroke survivors value relationships, capacity-oriented rehab research, UC study finds
By Tim Tedeschi, 513/556-5694, tedesctd@ucmail.uc.edu
October 16, 2026
New University of Cincinnati research found stroke survivors participating in rehabilitation research prefer an approach that prioritizes shared decision-making, peer relationships and a focus on what they can accomplish over one that emphasizes their deficits.
The research, led by corresponding authorSarah Schwab-Farrell, PhD, was recently published in the journal Health Expectations.
How did this research begin?
Schwab-Farrell specializes in physical therapy and experimental psychology. Her research has focused on carefully designed studies that collect data about how people with disability move, including capabilities of those who have had strokes.
While conducting studies over the past several years, she noticed participants seemed to not find the research as enjoyable or engaging.
"Participants found it interesting to be immersed in virtual reality or use motion capture, but they would leave not really feeling like they understood more about their disability or how the carefully controlled data we collected would practically help other people with disability," said Schwab-Farrell, assistant professor in UC's College of Allied Health Sciences.
Around the same time, Schwab-Farrell was engaging further in disability studies literature that seeks to prioritize the voices of people with disability.
"I gradually started to gain an understanding that if I really wanted to be an impactful disability researcher, I needed to not only study disability but also make sure that disabled voices were an active part of the research created," she said. "The scientific impact and merit of a study matter in an academic context, but impactful research should also matter to the people whose lives are directly affected by the outcomes of research."
Through this work, Schwab-Farrell identified that she had brought her research expertise to studies, but the pragmatic lived experience of people with disabilities had been missing.
What does the research look like?
To address this missing component, Schwab-Farrell and colleagues designed a two-year project focused on building a study from scratch with co-researchers who have had a stroke.
In the first-year discovery phase, the team conducted four iterative focus groups with five individuals who had participated in an average of eight prior stroke research studies at UC.
"We wanted to get a handle on what people with stroke value in research, their likes and dislikes," Schwab-Farrell said. "It was really important that this group was able to draw on a wide variety of prior research experiences to share desired study features and so that a wide range of stroke-related disability was represented."
What did the researchers find?
Schwab-Farrell said the most impactful finding from the focus groups for her was learning that participants value peer relationships and would like to see relationships more deeply integrated into study designs.
"After stroke, relationships change, and people with stroke build a new support network," she said. "For those who are involved in research experiences, researchers become part of that support network."
The participant experts also emphasized the value in being a fully informed participant, meaning they know potential study benefits, relevance and how this work could help other folks down the road.
"Further, individuals with stroke appreciated capacity-oriented studies, or studies that emphasize what people with stroke can do rather than focus exclusively on deficits," Schwab-Farrell said. "I think it is important for researchers to address this and find ways that 'success' can occur in studies or ways that de-emphasize individual deficits."
What are the next steps?
Schwab-Farrell and her team of academic and stroke community researchers are now using their first-year findings to design a physical or occupational therapy study that is meaningful and relevant to participants.
"We had our first co-design workshop last month, and our second workshop will occur later in October where we are going to determine our research question," she said. "We already have some great ideas floating around, so I am excited to see what the group comes up with."
On a larger scale, Schwab-Farrell said the findings can be applied to any stroke or disability researchers looking to make their studies more collaborative.
"Collaboration should be more than consultative and checking a box, but genuinely involve people with disability in all aspects of the study design/production, from the development of a research question all the way to dissemination/translation," she said.
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Original text here: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2026/10/uc-researchers-ask-stroke-survivors-how-to-make-rehab-studies-more-meaningful.html
Building the Future: UNM to Break Ground on State-of-the-art Humanities Facility
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Oct. 17 -- The University of New Mexico posted the following news:
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Building the future: UNM to break ground on state-of-the-art Humanities facility
October 16, 2026
In the heart of the Albuquerque campus, The University of New Mexico will begin construction on the new Humanities & Social Sciences building on Thursday, Oct. 22, on the site of the previous Humanities facility.
The estimated $130.5 million project is the culmination of academic, space, facility, and capital planning that began in 2020. An initial assessment determined that the more than 50-year-old
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ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Oct. 17 -- The University of New Mexico posted the following news:
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Building the future: UNM to break ground on state-of-the-art Humanities facility
October 16, 2026
In the heart of the Albuquerque campus, The University of New Mexico will begin construction on the new Humanities & Social Sciences building on Thursday, Oct. 22, on the site of the previous Humanities facility.
The estimated $130.5 million project is the culmination of academic, space, facility, and capital planning that began in 2020. An initial assessment determined that the more than 50-year-oldHumanities building had reached the end of its useful life. Opportunities were identified to bring together academic programs, improve space utilization, and support evolving teaching and learning needs with the construction of a modern, welcoming facility, with spaces that encourage collaboration and informal interaction among students and faculty.
Planning began for a new facility in 2022, with needs assessments, requests for funding, and academic programming to assess the new building's scope. The project's physical work began in July 2025, with the demolition of the original Humanities building and expansion of utilities and infrastructure. Design is currently being finalized, headed by Studio Tsien of New York and SMPC of Albuquerque.
Funding sources include $52 million from General Obligation Bond 3, which was approved by voters on Nov. 5, 2024, and $40 million from Severance Tax Bonds with another $2M of General Fund support contributing to the demolition of the old Humanities facility. UNM is contributing 20% of the facility replacement costs.
"The humanities and social sciences are fundamental to a university education. They help students develop critical thinking, communication skills, cultural understanding, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for meaningful careers and engaged lives," said UNM Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Rodriguez. "This new facility reflects our commitment to the importance of these disciplines and creates opportunities for students and faculty to connect ideas across fields of study. It is an investment not simply in a building, but in the academic experience we want every UNM student to have."
The new building will house eight academic units that will serve nearly all new freshmen at UNM as they complete the core Humanities classes required for most degrees. The space will be open to the public, and designed to support all students across the University, while housing dynamic learning spaces and technology-integrated classrooms. Shared spaces will support student collaboration, cultural programming, and community engagement.
Additional information about the new facility and its features can be found on the College of Arts & Sciences website.
"The new Humanities & Social Sciences Building will be a gathering place for the thousands of UNM students who take humanities and social sciences courses each semester. In addition to enhancing the education of nearly every Lobo, the new building will host events for the broader New Mexico community," said Jennifer Malat, dean of the UNM College of Arts and Sciences. "I'm excited that the UNM and New Mexico communities are coming together for the groundbreaking, just as we will when it is complete."
The College of Arts & Sciences has set a fundraising goal of $10 million to support additional elements of the project and invites anyone who has benefited from a humanities education to donate and help educate future generations of Lobos.
"The Humanities and Social Sciences facility reflects a significant, long-term investment in UNM's academic mission and the future of our campus," said Teresa Costantinidis, executive vice president of UNM Finance & Administration. "Projects of this scale require years of planning, coordination, and partnership to align academic priorities, infrastructure needs, and available funding. We are grateful for the support of the State of New Mexico and its voters in helping us advance a facility that will benefit generations of students while strengthening how we use and invest in our campus resources."
Construction is estimated to take approximately 2.5 years, with teaching and research operations expected to begin in 2029 upon completion and opening. Updates on work can be found on the UNM Facilities Design & Construction website, and impacts from the construction will be shared via the UNM Interactive Campus map. Fenced access to the site will be maintained throughout work for contractors and workers, with accessible pathways available for the UNM community.
"This project is an opportunity to honor UNM's history while reimagining how our campus spaces can support teaching, learning, and collaboration for generations to come," said Shawna Wolfe, vice president for UNM Campus Environments and Services. "We are creating a more connected and effective campus environment while being thoughtful stewards of the University and State's resources."
UNM will host the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Humanities building on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 3-4 p.m., at the construction site south of Zimmerman Library. The event will feature remarks from President Goldstein, Provost Rodriguez, Dean Malat and other honored guests, followed by traditional shovel turning and photos.
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Original text here: https://news.unm.edu/news/building-the-future-unm-to-break-ground-on-state-of-the-art-humanities-facility
Aldridge Fuels Future of Space Engineering at Texas A&M
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Oct. 17 -- The Texas A&M University College of Engineering issued the following news:
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Aldridge fuels future of space engineering at Texas A&M
Texas A&M University graduate and 16th secretary of the U.S. Air Force, Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge Jr. '60, is shaping the future of space engineering through a series of endowments.
Oct. 16, 2026 By Kamryn Chapman, Contributor
At 15 years old, Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge Jr. '60 had two goals in life: become an aeronautical engineer and attend Texas A&M University. Through hard work and determination, he achieved those goals,
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Oct. 17 -- The Texas A&M University College of Engineering issued the following news:
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Aldridge fuels future of space engineering at Texas A&M
Texas A&M University graduate and 16th secretary of the U.S. Air Force, Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge Jr. '60, is shaping the future of space engineering through a series of endowments.
Oct. 16, 2026 By Kamryn Chapman, Contributor
At 15 years old, Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge Jr. '60 had two goals in life: become an aeronautical engineer and attend Texas A&M University. Through hard work and determination, he achieved those goals,blazing a storied career in the U.S. Air Force and earning an aerospace engineering degree from Texas A&M. Now, Aldridge has decided to give back to Texas A&M and help kick-start the education and careers of future space engineers.
"After more than 40 years of my career in the aerospace and national space communities, I now have the resources to make this endowment gift a reality," Aldridge said. "I look forward to the great accomplishments of the students and faculty at Texas A&M -- and others -- who will take advantage of this opportunity."
From Texas A&M cadet to Air Force leader
After his time in Aggieland, Aldridge entered the military to work on offensive and defensive strategic programs and participate in arms control negotiations in Finland and Austria until the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty was signed in 1972. Aldridge worked in industry until he was nominated to serve as under secretary of the Air Force by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
While serving as under secretary, Aldridge also served as director of the National Reconnaissance Office. In these roles, he oversaw the development, launch and operation of the United States' spy satellite systems and the integration of Air Force military space systems into the Department of Defense.
After years of service, astronaut training and a renewed relationship with NASA, Reagan nominated Aldridge to become the 16th secretary of the Air Force. During this time, Aldridge helped establish Air Force Space Command, now known as the U.S. Space Force.
In 2004, President George W. Bush selected Aldridge to serve as chairman of the President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy. Over two decades, the commission created a report detailing the needs of space exploration.
"A key conclusion was that in order to sustain this policy over the years through multiple administrations, we must create a capable and viable U.S. space industry," Aldridge said.
With his space-centered career coming to a close, the now-retired Aldridge has set his sights on creating opportunities for future space engineers.
"I believe that this established space engineering program at Texas A&M will continue to enhance the university's position," Aldridge said. "With its internal organizations, space-related educational elements and partnerships with other educational and industrial institutions and experts, the program will enhance our nation's space program and accelerate Texas A&M's leadership position in space research and engineering."
Aldridge has created four space engineering endowments through the College of Engineering, all focused on helping Aggie engineers develop their skills and learn space systems.
"All my life I have strived to give back to the Texas A&M institutions and support our nation's space program," Aldridge said. "These endowments go a long way toward satisfying my long-term desires."
His endowments will not only serve as scholarship funds for students but also help fund research through a professorship, purchase lab equipment and support space-focused student organizations.
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Original text here: https://news.engineering.tamu.edu/news/2026/10/16/aldridge-fuels-future-of-space-engineering-at-texas-am/
AWC Faculty and Staff Lead Workshop on Student Belonging at HSI Summit
YUMA, Arizona, Oct. 17 -- Arizona Western College issued the following news:
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AWC faculty and staff lead workshop on student belonging at HSI Summit
Glendale, Ariz. (October 16, 2026) - Arizona Western College faculty and staff presented at the Arizona Consortium Summit for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), leading professional development trainings on the steps institutional leadership can take to steward a sense of belonging for their students.
AWC history and sociology professor Dr. Monica Ketchum-Cardenas and University Partnerships Manager Eva Aviles presented "Cultivating a sense
... Show Full Article
YUMA, Arizona, Oct. 17 -- Arizona Western College issued the following news:
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AWC faculty and staff lead workshop on student belonging at HSI Summit
Glendale, Ariz. (October 16, 2026) - Arizona Western College faculty and staff presented at the Arizona Consortium Summit for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), leading professional development trainings on the steps institutional leadership can take to steward a sense of belonging for their students.
AWC history and sociology professor Dr. Monica Ketchum-Cardenas and University Partnerships Manager Eva Aviles presented "Cultivating a senseof belonging: Faculty and Staff Servingness Strategies," which combined two professional development trainings that the AWC Excelencia team has been conducting over the past year.
The workshop explored the quality of "servingness" in education through academic metrics like course completion, graduation and transfer rates, in addition to nonacademic outcomes, including the development of academic self-concept, leadership identity, educational aspirations, civic engagement, and positive campus experiences.
"Something that I appreciate about the organization of the AZ HSI Summit is the sense of community," Dr. Ketchum-Cardenas said. "Everyone attending is committed to making higher education in our state accessible to all. Rather than presentations about what an expert thinks will work, we learn how the work is done and connect with those who have real experience and are passionate about supporting la comunidad of HSIs across the state."
As a proud HSI serving a student population that is approximately 77% Hispanic, AWC remains committed to advancing equitable, culturally responsive support for all students. Faculty participation at gatherings like the HSI Summit provide opportunities to advance this mission at AWC and beyond.
"Being in a room full of leaders at the AZ HSI Summit was a reminder of why we do this work," Aviles said. "For our community colleges, serving our Hispanic students isn't just about opening doors, it's about creating spaces where they feel seen, valued, and genuinely supported every step of the way."
AWC student Vicente Guerrero also attended the Summit to participate as a member of the student panel. Guerrero joined students from across the state to answer questions about his college experience, including challenges he has faced and how faculty create an environment for students to thrive.
"Speaking about my lived experience was an empowering experience among educational and industry leaders," Guerrero said. "HSI has meant community, outreach, problem-solving, and noticeable change in the educational community throughout the State of Arizona. It was an honor and a genuine privilege to be a past speaker in this organization, making education accessible where it's needed."
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About the Arizona HSI Consortium:
The Arizona HSI Consortium, founded by the University of Arizona, brings together Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the state to collaborate on research, professional development, and evidence-based practices that strengthen Latino student success. Through shared initiatives, grant opportunities, and cross-institutional partnerships, the Consortium supports HSIs in improving access, persistence, transfer pathways, and degree completion for the students they serve.
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Original text here: https://www.azwestern.edu/news/awc-faculty-and-staff-lead-workshop-student-belonging-hsi-summit
