🔬 Research Link

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August 2025

FAU Earns Grant for Water Study

Researchers from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, received a $700,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to study water quality in Lake Okeechobee, one of Florida’s most critical freshwater sources. The three-year project, led by Natalia Malina, Ph.D., will focus on how emerging contaminants, such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals, transform when exposed to sunlight. Read more.

Mapping Blood Flow in the Brain Leads to Potential Breakthroughs

Florida Atlantic scientists developed a computer model showing how small brain vessels regulate blood flow, offering insights into stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Read more.

Researcher Calls for Safer Care for Older Adults

When treatment for chronic conditions in frail older adults becomes overly aggressive, it does more harm than good, according to new study by Joseph G. Ouslander, MD, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. Read more.

Art of Science Contest is Now Open

The seventh annual Art of Science contest is now open through Oct. 10 and accepting original imagery and footage of research, scholarship and creative activity from across Florida Atlantic. Submit today.

Art of Science Coffee Table Book Now Available

A collection of six years of the Art of Science winners are now in print. Get your copy of this one-of-a-kind coffee table book, which also serves as a limited R1 commemorative edition to honor Florida Atlantic's researchers. Available for purchase on Amazon.

Research Security Requirements for Federal Projects

The Department of Energy and National Science Foundation (NSF) now require investigators to complete research security training prior to proposal submission. This requirement goes into effect on Oct. 10 for all new NSF proposal submissions.

If any covered individual on an NSF proposal has not completed the training, the proposal cannot be submitted. Learn more.

Early Career Launchpad

The Early Career Launchpad is a one-semester program supporting Florida Atlantic's early-stage researchers. The program helps navigate research funding and set a strong foundation for a successful, goal-driven research trajectory. Deadline to join is Sept. 12. Learn more.

Find additional funding opportunities here.

Public University Research Delivers Big Wins

Gregg Fields, Ph.D., vice president of research, recently collaborated to publish an op-ed piece in the Tampa Bay Times that highlights the $3 billion per year in groundbreaking research happening across Florida's state universities. The research — much of it funded by federal tax dollars — leads to new medical, agricultural, science and engineering innovations, and prepares students and industries for the 21st-century economy. Read more.

Welcome, Matt Sax

Born and raised in South Florida, Matt Sax joins the Florida Atlantic's Research Communications team as a content specialist.

Sax earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in English, with a concentration in writing and rhetoric, from Florida Atlantic University.

With nearly a decade of experience in advertising and marketing across various industries, including technology, Sax brings a strong background of translating complex ideas into clear, engaging content. He passionate about simplifying technical or abstract concepts into content that’s accessible and easy to understand, he said, adding that as a lifelong learner, he’s eager to explore new ideas and approaches.

Outside of work, Sax enjoys cooking, spending time with his family and “nerding out” over his favorite hobbies.

“I had such a special experience here at FAU, and I’m excited to give back to the university that gave me so much,” he said. “It’s a privilege to help tell the stories that showcase what makes FAU truly unique.”

Distinguished Faculty

Karen Bone, senior award administrator in the Office of Sponsored Programs, was recently

recognized by the "distinguished faculty" program in the Society of Research Administration International. The program identifies professionals who develop and advance the profession of Research Administration. Read more.

ABCs of Neuroscience

Daniel Nemeth, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute recently published the ABCs of Neuroscience. The alphabet book aims to spark interest in neuroscience and STEM to create new junior neuroscientists across the globe.

Learn more.

Time to Share Your News

Are you new to Florida Atlantic's Division of Research team? Or do you have news you'd like to share? Use the link below to tell us your story for publication in an upcoming issue.

Share with Us

At Florida Atlantic Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Brian LaPointe, Ph.D., is studying what these blooms mean for Florida’s coastal ecosystems with a new $1.3M grant to test innovative harvesting methods — from drones to dip-nets — to better manage sargassum and explore sustainable uses for the seaweed.

Watch Video.

Diving from the labs of Florida Atlantic to the global spotlight, alumnus Chris Malinowski, Ph.D., affiliate scientist at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, stars in the new Netflix series "All the Sharks."

The series follows a high-stakes, globe-trotting race to locate and document the world’s most elusive shark species — all in pursuit of a $50,000 prize for charity.

Joining him on screen is fellow FAU alumna Rosie Moore. Together, they blend research, adventure and conservation in a thrilling mission that highlights the importance of marine science and shark preservation.

All the Sharks is now streaming on Netflix. Watch Video.