Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
University of Utah: Carbon Markets Underestimate Risks U.S. Forests Face From Climate Change
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 21 (TNSjou) -- The University of Utah issued the following news release:
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Carbon markets underestimate risks U.S. forests face from climate change
Maps produced in U-led study show where the risk of loss from fire, insects and drought are most elevated.
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The world's forests form a vast network of carbon reservoirs, keeping carbon sequestered from the atmosphere, where its presence is disrupting Earth's climate systems. Many corporate, national and state climate policies rely on forests' ability to store carbon--often tracked and funded through a system of "carbon
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 21 (TNSjou) -- The University of Utah issued the following news release:
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Carbon markets underestimate risks U.S. forests face from climate change
Maps produced in U-led study show where the risk of loss from fire, insects and drought are most elevated.
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The world's forests form a vast network of carbon reservoirs, keeping carbon sequestered from the atmosphere, where its presence is disrupting Earth's climate systems. Many corporate, national and state climate policies rely on forests' ability to store carbon--often tracked and funded through a system of "carboncredits" issued to polluting industries in exchange for protecting and restoring forests.
But when trees die suddenly--from wildfire, drought or insect infestation--vast amounts of greenhouse gases are released, exacerbating ongoing climate change. And the warming climate is accelerating this problem by making such disturbances more frequent and severe.
New research led by University of Utah scientists in collaboration with international experts sought to determine the likelihood that forests will release their stored carbon over the next 100 years. Along the way, they documented how current carbon-credit systems fail to accurately account for that risk in U.S. forests, particularly the parched U.S. West.
But the research points out ways this problem can be corrected, according to William Anderegg, senior author on the study published in Nature.
"Forests are facing increasing durability risks due to climate change," said Anderegg, a biology professor at the University of Utah. "Those risks have been underappreciated to date in multi-billion-dollar carbon markets.
"But with better science, we can set these policies up to potentially work better," continued Anderegg, a leadership team member of the university's Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy. "We're providing a potential solution as well."
The trouble with buffer pools
Carbon offset programs try to cover the risk of fire and other disturbances by setting up "buffer pools," reserves of extra carbon credits set aside to compensate for forests that suddenly lose carbon because their trees burn or die. However, the study found these buffer pools are currently far too small for U.S. forests. On average, they would need to be around six times larger to fully cover expected losses over a century for the projects that have been set up so far.
"Getting to net zero emissions will take a portfolio of solutions," said co-author Anna Trugman, a forest ecologist at University of California, Santa Barbara. "But in many regions, escalating disturbance associated with climate change makes it riskier to count on forests to sequester carbon."
The research team, which included scientists from eight other universities and organizations, used forest plot data, satellite observations and machine learning to predict where forest losses are most likely to occur.
"Compared to other natural disturbances, we found that wildfire is the largest climate-sensitive risk to durability for forest nature-based climate solutions," said co-lead author Chao Wu, now at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. "Our analysis shows for the first time what a robust, climate-informed buffer pool would look like to handle accelerating climate threats."
When the research was conducted, Wu was a U postdoctoral researcher in biology.
The study produced maps showing relative levels of risk for carbon loss, with the increased likelihood of climate-driven disturbance concentrated in California and the Intermountain West. Along with the maps, the Wilkes Center is releasing a set of interactive tools to help plan where and how to conduct forest management and conservation efforts with the highest chances of success.
Using forests to keep carbon out of the atmosphere
Carbon credits are among a host of nature-based climate solutions that harness market incentives to encourage investments that keep greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. Promoting tree growth is a great way to pull carbon and keep it locked up for decades--as long as the trees don't die prematurely.
"Nature-based climate solutions in forests aim to store carbon and keep it out of the atmosphere," Anderegg said. "Sometimes that forest carbon is claimed as a 'carbon offset' for fossil fuel emissions elsewhere. Somebody's buying that credit, assuming that a ton of carbon in the trees is the same as a ton of carbon in fossil fuels that you emit to the atmosphere."
For this system to function as a climate solution, one key element is that the carbon has to remain in the trees for a long time. Projects are typically planned on a 100-year horizon in the major California program that the researchers examined. Many offset protocols assume risks are stable over time and space. In reality, risks vary widely by location and are increasing due to climate change, meaning current methods systematically underestimate future losses, according to the research.
The research team mapped areas across the continental United States, showing their risks of a carbon "reversal" - or carbon loss - occurring at least once in the next 100 years from wildfire, drought or insects. The maps compared the risks under historical models and updated ones that account for climate change. The differences are stark.
Under the team's analysis, the portion of the country projected to experience a reversal by wildfire expanded from 10% to 33%; from 19% to 21% for drought; and from 23% to 25% for insects. Broad areas in Idaho, Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico show an 80% or more chance of experiencing such a carbon loss due to wildfire over the next century.
"There is some positive news here," Anderegg said. "Once you have the best available science and data directly incorporated into programs and policies, you can then inform and strategically guide where new projects get developed.
"This ability to choose and really focus on forest carbon in low-risk areas is very promising," he continued, "This can incentivize these forest activities where they're likely to last, and then maybe steer clear of areas where forests are likely to be gone in 100 years."
This study was published May 20 in Nature under the title, "Forest carbon protocols underestimate climate-driven carbon loss risks." Co-authors include Jonathan Wang and Linqing Yang of the University of Utah's School of Biological Sciences, as well as scientists from the University of California, Irvine; CarbonPlan; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of Leicester; The Nature Conservancy; University of Pennsylvania; Stanford University; and Clark University. The underlying research was supported by the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, NASA, and the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy.
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Original text here: https://attheu.utah.edu/research/carbon-markets-underestimate-risks-u-s-forests-face-from-climate-change/
Texas Tech Receives $4.5 Million Grant to Advance Semiconductor Research
LUBBOCK, Texas, May 21 -- Texas Tech University issued the following news:
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Texas Tech Receives $4.5 Million Grant to Advance Semiconductor Research
Engineering faculty will pursue development of wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductors for use in harsh environments, to improve communications and more.
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Texas Tech University's continued commitment to interdisciplinary research and hands-on fabrication has paved the way for another opportunity to perform critical work regarding wide/ultrawide (UWBG) semiconductors.
A team of faculty from the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering
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LUBBOCK, Texas, May 21 -- Texas Tech University issued the following news:
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Texas Tech Receives $4.5 Million Grant to Advance Semiconductor Research
Engineering faculty will pursue development of wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductors for use in harsh environments, to improve communications and more.
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Texas Tech University's continued commitment to interdisciplinary research and hands-on fabrication has paved the way for another opportunity to perform critical work regarding wide/ultrawide (UWBG) semiconductors.
A team of faculty from the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineeringreceived roughly $4.5 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) for a project titled "Research and Development of Wide/Ultrawide Bandgap Semiconductor Materials, Devices and Applications."
TSIF grants are administered by the Texas CHIPS Office, within the Office of the Governor's Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law the Texas CHIPS Act in 2023, establishing both the TSIF and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the latter of which the CHIPS office also supports.
Stephen Bayne, vice president of National Security for Texas Tech and executive director of the Critical Infrastructure Security Institute, is the project's lead principal investigator. Joining him are Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) Professors Ayrton Bernussi, Rui He, Ravi Joshi, Donald Lie and Hieu P. Nguyen; ECE Assistant Professor Taewoo Kim; and Global Laboratory for Energy Asset Management & Manufacturing Senior Director Argenis Bilbao.
Over three years, the researchers will seek to increase Texas Tech's capabilities to develop UWBG semiconductors for high-power/high-frequency electronics and optoelectronics (instruments that detect and control light).
Nguyen said the group is excited and humbled to be a part of Texas Tech's eminence in this growing field.
"At the same time, we feel a strong sense of responsibility: to translate discoveries into reliable, manufacturable technologies; to build workforce pipelines by training students and technicians, and to partner with industry and government to ensure our work delivers real-world impact for Texas and the nation," he added. "This award validates our momentum and accelerates our ability to turn research into jobs, commercial opportunities and long term competitiveness in the semiconductor ecosystem."
This work will also support critical industries such as aerospace and defense by improving the performance and reliability of UWBG materials and high-electron-mobility transistors for harsh environments.
Other priorities for the award include strengthening communications through work on broadband high-efficiency power amplification and radio frequency and millimeter-wave components; enabling the creation of high-performance nanostructured light emitters and detectors and high-voltage devices; promoting the translation of research into commercial products; and building regional economic impact.
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Original text here: https://www.ttu.edu/now/posts/2026/05/texas-tech-receives-4-5-million-grant-to-advance-semiconductor-research.php
Syracuse University: Newhouse Public Relations Programs Earn Top National Honors From PRSA
SYRACUSE, New York, May 21 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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Newhouse Public Relations Programs Earn Top National Honors from PRSA
The public relations programs at the University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications have been recognized as the best in the country by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
The Newhouse undergraduate and graduate public relations programs each received prestigious Silver Anvil Awards during the PRSA Anvil Awards on May 14 in New York City. The honor goes to the nation's outstanding higher education programs in public relations.
Anthony
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SYRACUSE, New York, May 21 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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Newhouse Public Relations Programs Earn Top National Honors from PRSA
The public relations programs at the University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications have been recognized as the best in the country by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
The Newhouse undergraduate and graduate public relations programs each received prestigious Silver Anvil Awards during the PRSA Anvil Awards on May 14 in New York City. The honor goes to the nation's outstanding higher education programs in public relations.
AnthonyD'Angelo, a professor of practice and chair of the PR department, and Soo Yeon Hong, assistant teaching professor and director of the PR master's program, accepted the awards for the Newhouse School.
PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the United States and around the world.
The Anvil Awards represent the highest standard of performance in the public relations profession.
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Original text here: https://news.syr.edu/2026/05/20/newhouse-public-relations-programs-earn-top-national-honors-from-prsa/
Northwestern Experts Available on Upcoming Supreme Court Rulings
EVANSTON, Illinois, May 21 -- Northwestern University posted the following news release:
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Northwestern experts available on upcoming Supreme Court rulings
CHICAGO -- Professors from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences are available to comment on upcoming Supreme Court rulings expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The court is expected to release opinions on birthright citizenship, transgender athletes and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, among others.
If you'd like to arrange an interview with any of the professors, please email Shanice
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EVANSTON, Illinois, May 21 -- Northwestern University posted the following news release:
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Northwestern experts available on upcoming Supreme Court rulings
CHICAGO -- Professors from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences are available to comment on upcoming Supreme Court rulings expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The court is expected to release opinions on birthright citizenship, transgender athletes and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, among others.
If you'd like to arrange an interview with any of the professors, please email ShaniceHarris at shanice.harris@northwestern.edu.
* Trump v. Cook
James Pfander, Owen L. Coon Professor of Law, has expertise on the role of judicial systems in constitutional democracies and federal jurisdiction. Pfander filed an amicus brief on the remedial issue. He can be reached at j-pfander@law.northwestern.edu.
Daniel Rodriguez, Harold Washington Professor of Law, has expertise in the areas of administrative law, local government law, statutory interpretation, federal and state constitutional law and the law-business-technology interface. He can be reached at daniel.rodriguez@law.northwestern.edu.
James Speta, Elizabeth Froehling Horner Professor of Law, has research interests in telecommunications and internet policy, antitrust, administrative law and market organization. He can be reached at James.Speta@law.northwestern.edu.
* Trump v. Slaughter
Heidi Kitrosser, William W. Gurley Professor of Law, is an expert on the constitutional law of federal government secrecy and on separation of powers and free speech law more broadly. Her expertise is in constitutional law, free speech, separation of powers, government secrecy and unitary executive theory. She can be reached at heidi.kitrosser@law.northwestern.edu.
James Pfander, Owen L. Coon Professor of Law, has expertise on the role of judicial systems in constitutional democracies and federal jurisdiction. He can be reached at j-pfander@law.northwestern.edu.
Daniel Rodriguez, Harold Washington Professor of Law, has expertise in the areas of administrative law, local government law, statutory interpretation, federal and state constitutional law and the law-business-technology interface. He can be reached at daniel.rodriguez@law.northwestern.edu.
James Speta, Elizabeth Froehling Horner Professor of Law, has research interests in telecommunications and internet policy, antitrust, administrative law and market organization. He can be reached at James.Speta@law.northwestern.edu.
* Little v. Hecox
West Virginia v. B.P.J
Kara Ingelhart, clinical assistant professor of law and director of the LGBTQI+ Rights Clinic, has expertise in civil rights, constitutional law, HIV and the law, sexual orientation and gender identity law. She can be reached at kara.ingelhart@law.northwestern.edu. Ingelhart and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law's LGBTQI+ Rights Clinic filed an amicus brief in the B.P.J. case. You can read the full brief here.
* National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission
Watson v. Republican National Committee
Michael Kang, Class of 1940 Professor of Law, is a nationally recognized expert on campaign finance, voting rights, redistricting, judicial elections and corporate governance. He can be reached at mkang@northwestern.edu.
* Trump v. Barbara
Paul Gowder, Frederic P. Vose Professor of Law, is a renowned scholar on the 14th Amendment. His research focuses on the rule of law, democratic theory, social and racial equality, institutional and organizational governance, law and technology, and classical Athenian law and political thought. He can be reached at paul.gowder@law.northwestern.edu.
Daisy Hernandez, associate professor of English and director of the English major in writing, is an essayist, memoirist and journalist. Her work focuses on the intersections of race, ethnicity, immigration, class and sexuality. She is the author of "Citizenship: Notes on an American Myth." She can be reached at daisy.hernandez@northwestern.edu or by contacting Stephanie Kulke at stephanie.kulke@northwestern.edu.
Kate Masur, John D. MacArthur Professor of History, is a member of the Brennan Center for Justice Historians Council on the Constitution and the author of "Until Justice Be Done: America's First Civil Rights Movement, from the Revolution to Reconstruction."
In an amicus brief in Trump v. Barbara, Masur and co-author Martha S. Jones detail the 80 years of advocacy for birthright citizenship undertaken by free Black Americans -- including those who had never been enslaved -- that shaped the 14th Amendment. She can be reached at kmasur@northwestern.edu or by contacting Stephanie Kulke at stephanie.kulke@northwestern.edu.
* Rutherford v. United States (consolidated with Carter v. United States)
Stephanie Holmes Didwania, professor of law, writes and teaches about criminal law and criminal procedure. She studies the criminal legal system and how prosecutors exercise discretion in criminal cases and in federal pretrial detention. She can be reached at didwania@law.northwestern.edu.
* M & K Employee Solutions, LLC v. Trustees of the IAM National Pension Fund
Dhruv Aggarwal, assistant professor of law, is a law and finance scholar primarily interested in the economic analysis of corporate and securities law. His expertise is in corporate law, law and economics, law and finance and securities regulation. He can be reached at dhruv.aggarwal@law.northwestern.edu.
Sarah Brown, clinical associate professor of law, is an expert in legal writing, legal research and employment law. Her research focuses on employment discrimination and other areas of employment law (e.g., noncompete agreements, at-will employment, privacy in employment, internal employment investigations, etc.). She can be reached at sarah.brown@law.northwestern.edu.
* FS Credit Opportunities Corp. v. Saba Capital Master Fund, Ltd.
Dhruv Aggarwal, assistant professor of law, is a law and finance scholar primarily interested in the economic analysis of corporate and securities law. His expertise is in corporate law, law and economics, law and finance and securities regulation. He can be reached at dhruv.aggarwal@law.northwestern.edu.
* Pung v. Isabella County, Michigan
Nadav Shoked, professor of law, studies the law and theory of property, local government law and American legal history. His expertise is local government, legal history, land use planning and property law. He can be reached at nadav.shoked@law.northwestern.edu.
Eric Sirota, clinical associate professor and director of the Tenant Advocacy Clinic at Northwestern Pritzker Law, has expertise in civil rights, consumer law, housing law and poverty law. He can be reached at ericsirota@law.northwestern.edu.
* Wolford v. Lopez
Daniel Rodriguez, Harold Washington Professor of Law, has expertise in the areas of administrative law, local government law, statutory interpretation, federal and state constitutional law and the law-business-technology interface. He can be reached at daniel.rodriguez@law.northwestern.edu.
* Havana Docks Corporation v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
Nadav Shoked, professor of law, studies the the law and theory of property, local government law and American legal history. His expertise is local government, legal history, land use planning and property law. He can be reached at nadav.shoked@law.northwestern.edu.
* United States v. Hermani
Daniel Rodriguez, Harold Washington Professor of Law, has expertise in the areas of administrative law, local government law, statutory interpretation, federal and state constitutional law and the law-business-technology interface. He can be reached at daniel.rodriguez@law.northwestern.edu.
* Keathley v. Buddy Ayers Construction, Inc.
Bruce Markell, Professor of Bankruptcy Law and Practice and Edward Avery Harriman Lecturer in Law, has expertise in commercial law, contracts, bankruptcy and secured transactions. He can be reached at bmarkell@law.northwestern.edu.
T. M. v. University of Maryland Medical System Corp.
Monica Haymond, assistant professor of law, is a civil procedure, federal courts and remedies scholar. Her work examines the relationship between procedural rules and government power. She can be reached at monica.haymond@law.northwestern.edu.
James Pfander, Owen L. Coon Professor of Law, has expertise on the role of judicial systems in constitutional democracies and federal jurisdiction. He can be reached at j-pfander@law.northwestern.edu.
Martin Redish, Louis and Harriet Ancel Professor of Law and Public Policy, has expertise in constitutional law, federal courts, civil procedure and freedom of expression. He can be reached at m-redish@law.northwestern.edu.
* Pitchford v. Cain
Alexa Van Brunt, Clinical Professor of Law, litigates complex civil cases designed to end mass imprisonment and promote criminal legal system reform. She has expertise in civil procedure, civil rights, criminal law and constitutional law. She can be reached at a-vanbrunt@law.northwestern.edu.
* Cisco Systems, Inc. v. Doe I
Monica Haymond, assistant professor of law, is a civil procedure, federal courts and remedies scholar. Her work examines the relationship between procedural rules and government power. She can be reached at monica.haymond@law.northwestern.edu.
* Federal Communications Commission v. AT&T, Inc. (consolidated with Verizon Communications v. FCC)
Daniel Rodriguez, Harold Washington Professor of Law, has expertise in the areas of administrative law, local government law, statutory interpretation, federal and state constitutional law and the law-business-technology interface. He can be reached at daniel.rodriguez@law.northwestern.edu.
James Speta, Elizabeth Froehling Horner Professor of Law, has research interests in telecommunications and internet policy, antitrust, administrative law and market organization. He can be reached at James.Speta@law.northwestern.edu.
* Sripetch v. Securities and Exchange Commission
Dhruv Aggarwal, assistant professor of law, is a law and finance scholar primarily interested in the economic analysis of corporate and securities law. His expertise is in corporate law, law and economics, law and finance and securities regulation. He can be reached at dhruv.aggarwal@law.northwestern.edu.
James Speta, Elizabeth Froehling Horner Professor of Law, has research interests in telecommunications and internet policy, antitrust, administrative law and market organization. He can be reached at James.Speta@law.northwestern.edu.
* Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. v. Amarin Pharma, Inc.
David Schwartz, William G. and Virginia K. Karnes Research Professor of Law, has focused his teaching and research on intellectual property and patent law, with a particular emphasis on empirical studies of patents. He can be reached at david.schwartz@law.northwestern.edu.
* Chatrie v. United States
Ronald Allen, John Henry Wigmore Professor of Law, is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of evidence, criminal procedure and constitutional law. He can be reached at rjallen@law.northwestern.edu.
* Salazar v. Paramount Global
James Speta, Elizabeth Froehling Horner Professor of Law, has research interests in telecommunications and internet policy, antitrust, administrative law and market organization. He can be reached at James.Speta@law.northwestern.edu.
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Original text here: https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/05/northwestern-experts-available-on-upcoming-supreme-court-rulings?fj=1
La Roche University Expands Global Academic Network Through Partnership With SAGE University Indore
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, May 21 -- La Roche University issued the following news release:
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La Roche University Expands Global Academic Network Through Partnership with SAGE University Indore
La Roche University and SAGE University Indore (opens in a new tab), India, have formalized a new academic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking an important step in expanding global engagement and strengthening international academic collaboration.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Christina A. Clark, President of La Roche University, and Dr. Manish Choudhary,
... Show Full Article
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, May 21 -- La Roche University issued the following news release:
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La Roche University Expands Global Academic Network Through Partnership with SAGE University Indore
La Roche University and SAGE University Indore (opens in a new tab), India, have formalized a new academic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking an important step in expanding global engagement and strengthening international academic collaboration.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Christina A. Clark, President of La Roche University, and Dr. Manish Choudhary,Registrar of SAGE University Indore. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering academic cooperation grounded in reciprocity, mutual benefit, and long-term institutional alignment.
The MOU establishes a flexible framework through which both institutions will pursue collaborative initiatives across areas of mutual interest. These include student, faculty, and administrative staff exchange; the sharing of academic information and materials; joint research initiatives; conferences and workshops; short-term language and field-based programs; and cooperation in student practicum and workforce development initiatives.
Located in Madhya Pradesh, India, SAGE University Indore is an emerging private university recognized for its focus on innovation, industry engagement, and experiential learning. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines including engineering, management, design, sciences, and liberal arts. Through interdisciplinary learning, industry-aligned curricula, internships, laboratories, and project-based experiences, SAGE emphasizes the integration of academic knowledge with practical application. Its growing focus on global engagement and academic innovation reflects a commitment to preparing students with the adaptability, technical expertise, and global perspective needed to succeed in today's evolving workforce.
"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating meaningful global connections that extend beyond individual exchanges," said President Clark. "By working together, our institutions are creating new opportunities for students to engage across cultures, disciplines, and professional pathways."
Under the framework of this agreement, both institutions will explore a broad range of collaborative activities designed to support academic innovation, global learning, and student mobility. These efforts aim to strengthen institutional capacity while preparing students with the competencies required in today's global environment. Both universities expressed appreciation for the collaboration that made this agreement possible and emphasized their intention to translate the partnership into impactful, sustainable initiatives.
As La Roche University continues to expand its international partnerships, this collaboration with SAGE University Indore supports a broader institutional strategy focused on building structured, scalable models for global education. Through sustained academic collaboration and student mobility initiatives, both institutions aim to enhance intercultural understanding, strengthen academic quality, and prepare graduates for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
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About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master's degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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Original text here: https://laroche.edu/news/la-roche-university-expands-global-academic-network-through-partnership-with-sage-university-indore/
Bigger, tastier and longer lasting passionfruit in the pipeline
BRISBANE, Australia, May 21 -- The University of Queensland posted the following news:
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Bigger, tastier and longer lasting passionfruit in the pipeline
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New and improved varieties of passionfruit developed by The University of Queensland could be available to commercial growers as soon as next year.
The as yet unnamed varieties have been developed as part of a 5-year National Passionfruit Breeding and Evaluation Program funded by Hort Innovation, and led by UQ's Dr Mobashwer Alam.
"We've spent the past 3 years focused on making transformational changes for the passionfruit industry,
... Show Full Article
BRISBANE, Australia, May 21 -- The University of Queensland posted the following news:
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Bigger, tastier and longer lasting passionfruit in the pipeline
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New and improved varieties of passionfruit developed by The University of Queensland could be available to commercial growers as soon as next year.
The as yet unnamed varieties have been developed as part of a 5-year National Passionfruit Breeding and Evaluation Program funded by Hort Innovation, and led by UQ's Dr Mobashwer Alam.
"We've spent the past 3 years focused on making transformational changes for the passionfruit industry,developing varieties that produce bigger fruit, on higher yielding vines as well as improving flavour and vigour," Dr Alam said.
"We have 2 varieties in the pre-commercial stage and another 20 in the pipeline, several of which look very promising.
"The advanced genetic selection technology we're using in the breeding program accelerates our work and we hope will result in a breeding pipeline that will offer improvements every year."
Dr Patrick Mason said the team at UQ's Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation worked with farmers to trial the new varieties at 5 sites in southern and central Queensland and northern New South Wales.
"If you're not talking to farmers then you are doing it blind," Dr Mason said.
"At a fundamental level, they know more about passionfruit than we do and they always will, so having them walk through the trials with us has been invaluable.
"One of our new selections in particular is looking very good.
"It's dark purple in colour, fruits well and is delicious - from a consumer perspective it will be more likely to grab a buyer's attention than the current commercial varieties."
Sunshine Coast farmer Keith Paxton helped trial the new varieties on his Woombye property and said there were benefits in working with UQ.
"Some of these new passionfruit varieties look very good and have a very nice taste and if you put those two things together, we'll come up with a good variety," Mr Paxton said.
"Genetic identification of the different traits within the fruit has enhanced and sped up the development process.
"Growers really look forward to the industry developing material and getting something good for consumers."
The National passionfruit breeding and evaluation program is funded by Hort Innovation using the passionfruit levy, with contributions from the Australian Government, the Department of Primary Industries and The University of Queensland.
The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is a research institute at The University of Queensland, established with and supported by the Department of Primary Industries.
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Original text here: https://news.uq.edu.au/2026-05-bigger-tastier-and-longer-lasting-passionfruit-pipeline
Belmont Becomes Middle Tennessee's Only Nationally Accredited Architecture Program
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 21 -- Belmont University issued the following news:
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Belmont Becomes Middle Tennessee's Only Nationally Accredited Architecture Program
NAAB accreditation opens the door to licensure in all 54 U.S. jurisdictions for O'More College graduates
By Clara LoCricchio
Belmont University's Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program has earned accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States. The milestone positions O'More College of Architecture
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 21 -- Belmont University issued the following news:
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Belmont Becomes Middle Tennessee's Only Nationally Accredited Architecture Program
NAAB accreditation opens the door to licensure in all 54 U.S. jurisdictions for O'More College graduates
By Clara LoCricchio
Belmont University's Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program has earned accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States. The milestone positions O'More College of Architecture& Design graduates to pursue licensure in all 54 U.S. jurisdictions and enter the profession at the highest level.
NAAB accreditation is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that evaluates a program's curriculum, faculty, facilities, student achievement, and institutional support. Earning accreditation signals to prospective students, employers, and the profession that Belmont's architecture program meets or exceeds national standards for excellence in architectural education.
"Earning accreditation is a defining milestone for O'More and a powerful affirmation of the kind of education we are building at Belmont," said Dean Rick Archer. "For our students, this opens doors to licensure and opportunity across the country. For our college, it strengthens our momentum as we continue to grow a collaborative, forward-thinking design community that equips graduates to shape the built environment in meaningful and lasting ways."
Belmont's architecture program is grounded in a Christ-centered commitment and a liberal arts foundation, developing students who are not only technically skilled but critically aware and purpose drive. Faculty, who are both invested educators and experienced practitioners, guide students through rigorous, real-world projects, preparing graduates to sit for the Architect Registration Examination and pursue licensure through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
"What ultimately defines our program is not just what we do, but who our students become," said Dr. Fernando Lima, chair of architecture and associate professor. "We are shaping purpose-driven individuals who can integrate technical excellence with empathy, leadership and a deep sense of responsibility to others -- designers who see their work as a calling to serve and transform the world."
Of the program's inaugural graduating class (2025) -- the first to ever earn a B.Arch. from Belmont -- 17 of 18 graduates secured positions at architecture firms, before accreditation was even in place. Belmont graduates enter a thriving market, with 60+ architecture firms calling Nashville home.
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About O'More College of Architecture & Design
O'More College of Architecture & Design has called Belmont home since 2018, when Belmont University acquired the Franklin-based O'More College of Design -- an institution founded in 1970 by Ward-Belmont alumna Eloise Pitts O'More. The College moved to Belmont's Nashville campus that fall and was elevated to a standalone college in March 2019, expanding its offerings beyond its design roots to include architecture. Today, O'More is home to programs in architecture, interior design, fashion design and fashion business, and remains the only college in Middle Tennessee offering a B.F.A. interior design program fully accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
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About Belmont University
Located near the heart of thriving Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University consists of nearly 9,000 students who come from every state and 33 countries. The University is nationally recognized for its innovative approach as well as its commitment to undergraduate teaching (U.S. News & World Report). As a Christ-centered, student-focused community, Belmont's mission is to develop diverse leaders of purpose, character and wisdom who possess a transformational mindset and are eager and equipped to make the world a better place. With more than 115 areas of undergraduate study, 41 master's programs and eight doctoral degrees, Belmont University aims to be the leading Christ-centered university in the world, producing leaders who will radically champion the pursuit of life abundant for all people. For more information, visit http://www.belmont.edu.
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Original text here: https://www.belmont.edu/stories/articles/2026/architecture-accreditation.html
