Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
University of Hawaii Manoa: Chewbacca Coral - Deep-sea Species Spotted in Waters Off Hawai'i, Mariana Trench
MANOA, Hawaii, Sept. 17 (TNSjou) -- The University of Hawaii Manoa campus issued the following news release:
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Chewbacca coral: New deep-sea species spotted in waters off Hawai'i, Mariana Trench
A new deep-sea coral species in the tropical western Pacific that resembles a highly recognizable character from Star Wars has been discovered and named by a team of researchers including an expert from the University of Hawaii.
The coral, named Iridogorgia chewbacca, is known for its long, flexible branches and shiny surface. The species earned its nickname because the coral's "hairy" looking branches
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MANOA, Hawaii, Sept. 17 (TNSjou) -- The University of Hawaii Manoa campus issued the following news release:
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Chewbacca coral: New deep-sea species spotted in waters off Hawai'i, Mariana Trench
A new deep-sea coral species in the tropical western Pacific that resembles a highly recognizable character from Star Wars has been discovered and named by a team of researchers including an expert from the University of Hawaii.
The coral, named Iridogorgia chewbacca, is known for its long, flexible branches and shiny surface. The species earned its nickname because the coral's "hairy" looking branchesand upright, lone-standing appearance reminded researchers of Chewbacca, the furry character from the Star Wars films.
The species belongs to the genus Iridogorgia, a group of deep-sea corals with long, spiraling structures. The new coral was first seen in waters off Molokai in 2006 and later near the Mariana Trench in 2016. The Molokai specimen measured about 4 feet tall, while the Mariana Trench sample was about 20 inches. The branches are flexible and can grow up to 15 inches long.
Les Watling, professor emeritus in UH Manoa's School of Life Sciences and co-author of the study published in Zootaxa, recognized the coral while reviewing research from colleagues in China. His earlier work in Hawaii waters and collaborations with NOAA expeditions helped confirm that it was a new species.
"Seeing this coral for the first time was unforgettable," Watling said. "Its long, flexible branches and shape immediately reminded me of Chewbacca. Even after years of deep-sea work, discoveries like this still make me stop and take notice."
The study used both physical characteristics and genetic analysis to describe I. chewbacca and another new species, Iridogorgia curva. It also documented other known species in the western Pacific. Researchers found the region has a high diversity of Iridogorgia, with 10 species recorded in tropical western Pacific waters.
Thousands working together
Each coral colony is made up of thousands of tiny polyps, which work together to form the larger structure. Despite its large size and striking appearance, I. chewbacca usually occurs alone, scattered across deep-sea rocky bottoms.
Watling's work highlights UH's contributions to deep-sea research and shows the value of international collaboration in discovering and documenting new marine species. The discovery adds to scientists' understanding of the biodiversity hidden in the deep ocean and demonstrates that even long-studied regions like the Pacific still hold surprises.
The School of Life Sciences is housed in UH Manoa's College of Natural Sciences.
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Original text here: http://www.uhm.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=14141
UWF Student Selected for Prestigious DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship
PENSACOLA, Florida, Sept. 17 -- The University of West Florida, a component of public state university system in Florida, issued the following news release:
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UWF student selected for prestigious DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship
UWF student Lousindy Mitton has been selected as a U.S. Department of War DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholar. This scholarship award carries a total value of up to $379,610 that will pay for Mitton's annual tuition, cost of books and stipend of $34,000 until the completion of her Ph.D. degree in intelligent systems and robotics at UWF with a specialization in
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PENSACOLA, Florida, Sept. 17 -- The University of West Florida, a component of public state university system in Florida, issued the following news release:
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UWF student selected for prestigious DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship
UWF student Lousindy Mitton has been selected as a U.S. Department of War DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholar. This scholarship award carries a total value of up to $379,610 that will pay for Mitton's annual tuition, cost of books and stipend of $34,000 until the completion of her Ph.D. degree in intelligent systems and robotics at UWF with a specialization incybersecurity. Upon completion of her degree, she will receive an immediate offer of DoD employment.
"The UWF Center for Cybersecurity proudly nominates top students for this award each year, often earning one or more coveted placements," said Dr. Guillermo Francia III, director of research and innovation and principal investigator of the program. "This honor demonstrates that UWF is nationally recognized alongside other premier institutions in cybersecurity education and research."
This year, only 7.5% of the 662 applicants from institutions nationwide were selected for this prestigious award. This award reflects the strength of the UWF's academic programs and Mitton's exceptional potential and commitment to serve the nation by strengthening its cyber defenses.
"The Department of War is the largest government agency in the United States, and being selected for the CSA Scholarship is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Mitton said. "I am deeply thankful to my parents for paving the way and giving me the chance to be in the U.S.; this scholarship is a continuation of the sacrifices they made for me and my family. It will not only transform my own future by helping me break generational barriers, but it will also allow me to contribute meaningfully to the security of the nation I am honored to serve. As a public servant, it has always been my heart's desire to wholeheartedly give back to the country that changed my trajectory and provided me the opportunity to create a better path for generations to come."
The competition opens in December each year to all students majoring in cyber-related programs such as mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, electrical and computer engineering, and other related fields of study.
For more information about the DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship Program, visit uwf.edu/dodcysp or send inquiries to Dr. Francia at gfranciaiii@uwf.edu.
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Original text here: https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-student-selected-for-prestigious-dod-cyber-service-academy-scholarship/
Troy Professor Receives Over $500K Grant to Research Ways to Test Safety of Recycled Plastics
TROY, Alabama, Sept. 17 -- Troy University issued the following news:
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Troy professor receives over $500K grant to research ways to test safety of recycled plastics
Troy University Chemistry and Physics professor Dr. Shaoyang Liu has been awarded a $534,194 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support his research into developing reliable methods to test recycled plastics for toxic residues and hazardous chemicals.
His research, titled "RUI: Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Recycled Plastics Using Solid-Phase Microextraction,"
... Show Full Article
TROY, Alabama, Sept. 17 -- Troy University issued the following news:
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Troy professor receives over $500K grant to research ways to test safety of recycled plastics
Troy University Chemistry and Physics professor Dr. Shaoyang Liu has been awarded a $534,194 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support his research into developing reliable methods to test recycled plastics for toxic residues and hazardous chemicals.
His research, titled "RUI: Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Recycled Plastics Using Solid-Phase Microextraction,"aims to give consumers peace of mind for the use of recycled plastics.
"Recycled plastics play a crucial role in building a sustainable future, but they often contain impurities, including toxic residues and hazardous chemicals," Liu said. "This research will develop a sensitive, convenient and reliable method to detect hazardous VOCs and ensure recycled products are safe for everyday use."
VOCs from recycled plastics pose unique challenges due to their complexity and potential health risks. Liu's work will focus on using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to create a robust testing method. His research will optimize parameters such as fiber type, temperature, exposure time and column selection to maximize detection sensitivity. Once finalized, the method will be applied to commercial recycled plastic samples for validation.
"Monitoring and reducing hazardous VOCs protects consumers and workers from health risks, contributing to healthier communities," Liu said. "Economically, improving the quality of recycled plastics boosts marketability, enhances industry viability, creates jobs and fosters innovation. The findings could also inform policymakers and regulatory agencies, helping shape future safety standards for plastic recycling."
The project also carries broad implications for environmental sustainability and the recycling industry. By developing a reliable tool to monitor VOC contamination, this research could improve the safety and quality of recycled plastics, boost consumer confidence and encourage higher recycling rates--ultimately reducing plastic waste in landfills and protecting ecosystems.
"This grant not only supports groundbreaking research, but also provides valuable opportunities for Troy University undergraduate students to engage in hands-on research," Liu said. "Our students will gain experience in state-of-the-art analytical chemistry techniques that can benefit local industries and strengthen the STEM workforce."
This project is funded under NSF's Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) program.
The research is being conducted at TROY's Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences.
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URL: TROY's Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences
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Original text here: https://today.troy.edu/news/troy-professor-receives-over-500k-grant-to-research-ways-to-test-safety-of-recycled-plastics/
Niagara University: Talia Harmon Publishes Article in Criminal Justice Review
NIAGARA FALLS, New York, Sept. 17 -- Niagara University issued the following news:
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Talia Harmon Publishes Article in Criminal Justice Review
By Lisa McMahon
Dr. Talia Harmon, chair and professor of criminology and criminal justice at Niagara University, recently published an article in Criminal Justice Review. The article, "When the Death Count Gets Higher: The Failure of Federal Courts of Appeals to Enforce Atkins v. Virginia," was co-authored by Niagara University alumni Maren Geiger, '22, M.S.'24; and Stacy Bielec, '22; current graduate student Lea Roitberg, '25; and Michael L. Perlin,
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NIAGARA FALLS, New York, Sept. 17 -- Niagara University issued the following news:
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Talia Harmon Publishes Article in Criminal Justice Review
By Lisa McMahon
Dr. Talia Harmon, chair and professor of criminology and criminal justice at Niagara University, recently published an article in Criminal Justice Review. The article, "When the Death Count Gets Higher: The Failure of Federal Courts of Appeals to Enforce Atkins v. Virginia," was co-authored by Niagara University alumni Maren Geiger, '22, M.S.'24; and Stacy Bielec, '22; current graduate student Lea Roitberg, '25; and Michael L. Perlin,professor of law emeritus at New York Law School.
In the article, Dr. Harmon and her colleagues assess the impact of Atkins v. Virginia, a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision--which held that subjecting persons with intellectual disabilities to the death penalty violates the Eighth Amendment--on like cases. Using data collected on subsequent substantive Atkins claims made in all federal circuit courts post-Atkins through 2023, they identify significant variables that predicted case outcomes in these cases. They found that there were very few successful Atkins claims in the circuit courts, suggesting that the Atkins decision has had little impact for those with intellectual disability currently incarcerated on death rows.
Dr. Harmon joined the faculty at Niagara University in 1999. She has been studying capital punishment for more than 25 years and published 29 journal articles in this area. One of her most recent research areas has been on mental health issues and exemptions from capital punishment.
Dr. Harmon earned her bachelor's degree in political science and her master's and Ph.D. in criminal justice at the State University of New York at Albany.
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Original text here: https://news.niagara.edu/news/show/dr-talia-harmon-publishes-article-in-criminal-justice-review
GVSU Faculty, Researchers Highlight AI's Role in Future of Medicine
ALLENDALE, Michigan, Sept. 17 -- Grand Valley State University issued the following news:
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GVSU faculty, researchers highlight AI's role in future of medicine
By Brian Vernellis
The integration of artificial intelligence throughout the health care industry has made tremendous strides, transforming diagnostic and preventative practices while shaping how future generations of health care providers will deliver care.
As part of this year's Tech Week Grand Rapids, "Tech Talks: Health & Technology," hosted by Grand Valley and the Van Andel Institute on September 16, featured researchers and
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ALLENDALE, Michigan, Sept. 17 -- Grand Valley State University issued the following news:
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GVSU faculty, researchers highlight AI's role in future of medicine
By Brian Vernellis
The integration of artificial intelligence throughout the health care industry has made tremendous strides, transforming diagnostic and preventative practices while shaping how future generations of health care providers will deliver care.
As part of this year's Tech Week Grand Rapids, "Tech Talks: Health & Technology," hosted by Grand Valley and the Van Andel Institute on September 16, featured researchers andinnovators to present their cutting-edge projects that are revolutionizing the health care sector.
President Philomena V. Mantella encouraged guests to explore GVSU's programming this week, including tours of the Interprofessional Simulation Center during Healthcare Simulation Week at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences.
"It's been an incredible week, and I hope you all take advantage of the many opportunities to see the integration of tech and health care," Mantella said. "We have more than seven events in our Interprofessional Simulation Center in nursing and health professions up on Medical Mile."
In their presentation, Kristen Vu, program director of medical dosimetry, and Michelle Strange, assistant professor in physician assistant studies, discussed how their departments and faculty members are embedding AI into their curriculum.
"Students will enter a workforce where AI is not optional, but a core part of care delivery," Strange said. "Preparing our students to use these tools responsibly and effectively will ensure better patient safety and health outcomes.
"Education is where we ensure health care professionals don't just use AI, but understand its strengths and weaknesses. Students will need to critically evaluate AI output, identify biases and integrate technology with clinical reasoning."
Vu explained that in medical dosimetry, students learn to design treatment plans for cancer patients. AI can then analyze those student-built models to create more personalized plans.
"We're able to spend some time really talking about the evaluation piece of it, and how AI can be really great in things like efficiency, but we do have to be very careful about how we use that in our system and for patients," Vu said.
For Kevin Maupin, his research is particularly personal since his son was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. Maupin's project explores AI's ability to recognize patterns within a patient's medical history that can help predict and guide personalized therapies.
"I'm very focused on this predictive aspect, and AI looking at different factors, particularly in the electronic health records or medical imaging, and how we can use that to make predictions," said Maupin, an assistant professor in the College of Computing.
"I don't want to get rid of clinicians or radiologists. I want them to serve as the guard rails because I think we're a long way off from having AI guide itself in terms of making these clinical decisions."
Maupin added that while his son is now healthy, lingering side effects remain, underscoring the need for better predictive tools.
"We need to get eventually to the point where we have something broader, something that could be more generalized in terms of its ability to predict," Maupin said. "But to get there, it's hard. All the different tests that you get, they live in different places, different databases, different formats.
"The AI needs to be able to reach out to all of these different places. We need to link outcomes to inputs from these multimodal data sets."
Other featured presenters included the Van Andel Institute's Andrew Pospisilik, who discussed AI's applications to the field of epigenetics and Zoom's Ron Strachan and Donald Dembinski, who discussed how Zoom's AI-first platform enhances health care communication.
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Original text here: https://www.gvsu.edu/gvnext/2025/gvsu-faculty-researchers-highlight-ais-role-in-future-of-medicine.htm
FSU and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Join Forces to Establish Academic Health Center
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Sept. 17 -- Florida State University issued the following news:
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FSU and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare join forces to establish academic health center
Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) have approved the structure for a historic partnership agreement to create an academic health center in Tallahassee, a development that will transform health care in North Florida and expand FSU's mission in education and research.
In a joint statement, FSU President Richard McCullough and TMH CEO Mark O'Bryant said the partnership will "provide
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Sept. 17 -- Florida State University issued the following news:
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FSU and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare join forces to establish academic health center
Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) have approved the structure for a historic partnership agreement to create an academic health center in Tallahassee, a development that will transform health care in North Florida and expand FSU's mission in education and research.
In a joint statement, FSU President Richard McCullough and TMH CEO Mark O'Bryant said the partnership will "providethe opportunity to establish the hospital as a true quaternary center -- expanding services, extending our reach, generating jobs, and fueling regional growth, all while preserving it as a community-focused hospital."
"By uniting TMH's longstanding commitment to community care with FSU's mission of academic excellence and service, we are seizing an extraordinary opportunity to shape the long-term future of health care in North Florida and beyond," they said. "This partnership will elevate the quality of health care for our community, create dynamic educational pathways for students, and foster groundbreaking research."
The TMH Board of Directors voted unanimously Monday to proceed with the framework for the partnership, marking a pivotal moment for healthcare, research, and education in North Florida. Additional definitive agreements must be finalized in the coming months.
The idea of transforming TMH into an Academic Health Center has been under discussion for more than a decade. The TMH Board of Directors first outlined the vision in its 2008 strategic plan, and the hospital has since added multiple residency programs in internal medicine, general surgery and psychiatry.
In 2021, the TMH and FSU Boards jointly approved the FSU/TMH Academic Health Center Strategic Alignment Plan which laid out plans for an Academic Health partnership.
The partnership further builds on the momentum of the FSU Health Research Center, launched in 2022 with a $125 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis to expand health care access and innovation across North Florida. Construction is under way on this facility on the TMH campus. The 140,000-square-foot building, expected to open in 2026, will house clinical research space, a family residency practice, laboratories, and other facilities designed to connect research and patient care.
FSU and TMH have now advanced that vision through this Memorandum of Understanding that formally establishes the framework for a fully encompassing academic health center. Under the agreement, FSU and TMH will work with the City of Tallahassee on the transfer of the hospital assets to FSU, including the 75-acre property, 2-million-square-foot hospital building, and related assets. It is anticipated that FSU will then lease the assets to TMH under a new 40-year lease and operating agreement.
TMH will remain the licensed operator of the hospital, preserving its independent, tax-exempt status, while collaborating with FSU through research, branding, academic and clinical agreements.
The hospital will transition its brand to FSU Health. The hospital's board will continue to set strategy, approve the budget and make decisions, though the board composition will now have FSU representation. The hospital will continue to operate under its existing management, and employees will remain TMH employees. There is no shift to state employment, and day-to-day hospital operations will not change. Current partnerships with Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College will continue and opportunities for future expansion of these partnerships will be encouraged.
For both institutions, maintaining the hospital as a locally based, locally governed health care system remained paramount. The new agreement is structured to preserve the hospital's community mission while expanding its reach as an academic health center.
For patients, the arrangement means expanded long-term access to specialized care and treatments that previously may have required travel to larger hospitals hours away. Patients will continue to see their current doctors, with new specialists and services added over time. FSU Health will maintain TMH's existing charity care policy for uninsured and underinsured patients.
In their statement, McCullough and O'Bryant added, "We are grateful for the trust and collaboration that have brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, FSU and TMH will form an academic health center that serves as a beacon of excellence and hope -- empowering the next generation of health care professionals, driving innovation, and enhancing the well-being of all those we serve."
FSU and TMH leaders emphasize that they are committed to training and retaining the next generation of physicians, nurses and health professionals; expanding access to care for underserved and rural communities; driving clinical research and innovation that benefits North Florida; and strengthening the local economy while positioning the region as a leader in health sciences.
Their shared goal is to match the nation's leading academic health centers and make Tallahassee and North Florida destinations for advanced medical care.
Joint Statement from FSU President Richard McCullough and TMH CEO Mark O'Bryant
"We are pleased to announce that Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare have reached a landmark agreement to advance our shared vision of creating a world-class academic health center in Tallahassee. We look forward to presenting our plan to the Mayor, City Commissioners and City Manager.
By uniting TMH's longstanding commitment to community care with FSU's mission of academic excellence and service, we are seizing an extraordinary opportunity to shape the long-term future of health care in North Florida and beyond. This partnership will elevate the quality of health care for our community, create dynamic educational pathways for students, and foster groundbreaking research under the name FSU Health. It will provide the opportunity to establish the hospital as a true quaternary center -- expanding services, extending its reach, generating jobs, and fueling regional growth, all while preserving it as a community-focused hospital.
We are grateful for the trust and collaboration that have brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, FSU and TMH will form an academic health center that serves as a beacon of excellence and hope--empowering the next generation of health care professionals, driving innovation, and enhancing the well-being of all those we serve.
We look forward to sharing more details with the community in the days ahead."
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Original text here: https://news.fsu.edu/news/university-news/2025/09/16/fsu-and-tallahassee-memorial-healthcare-join-forces-to-establish-academic-health-center/
Binghamton University Homecoming Speaker to Present Stress Management Strategies
BINGHAMTON, New York, Sept. 17 -- Binghamton University issued the following news:
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Binghamton University Homecoming speaker to present stress management strategies
A Binghamton University alumna who is an expert on stress management and teaches at the University will speak at the TIER Talks event during Homecoming weekend.
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A Binghamton University alumna who is an expert on stress management and teaches at the University will speak at the TIER Talks event during Homecoming weekend.
The Binghamton University Alumni Association will offer "Changing Minds About Stress: Stress Mindset,
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BINGHAMTON, New York, Sept. 17 -- Binghamton University issued the following news:
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Binghamton University Homecoming speaker to present stress management strategies
A Binghamton University alumna who is an expert on stress management and teaches at the University will speak at the TIER Talks event during Homecoming weekend.
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A Binghamton University alumna who is an expert on stress management and teaches at the University will speak at the TIER Talks event during Homecoming weekend.
The Binghamton University Alumni Association will offer "Changing Minds About Stress: Stress Mindset,Resilience and Well-Being" at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4) Multipurpose Room on campus. The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available in campus surface lots and the garage.
The featured speaker will be Jennifer Wegmann '94, MA '01, PhD '18, lecturer of health and wellness studies and faculty-in-residence of Dickinson Community. The program will explore the science behind stress mindset, offering practical strategies to reframe stress as a catalyst for growth and productivity.
TIER Talks: Talks That Inspire, Educate and Resonate is an event series showcasing Binghamton alumni and faculty who are dynamic speakers on hot topics. Since the Alumni Association introduced TIER Talks in 2014, distinguished Binghamton alumni and faculty have addressed topics such as virtual and augmented reality, political polarization and the neuroscience of addiction.
More information about Homecoming weekend can be found at homecoming.binghamton.edu. Questions can be directed to the Office of Alumni Engagement at 607-777-2424 or alumni@binghamton.edu.
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Original text here: https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/5764/binghamton-university-homecoming-speaker-jennifer-wegmann
