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Participants needed for dementia care research studies
The Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice is seeking participants for two research opportunities aimed at strengthening dementia-capable behavioral health services and workforce training across Florida. The studies will help researchers better understand support needs, training gaps and challenges to inform the development of a free online training series for behavioral health workers.
Eligible participants will complete a 15-minute online survey followed by a 90-minute Zoom focus group and will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card for focus group participation. Interested in participating? Learn more and find details for both studies here and here.
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Anna Soares, a third-year doctoral student in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, recently joined USF President Moez Limayem and fellow students for a luncheon. The group shared their experiences at USF, discussed their goals and offered perspectives on ways to enhance the student experience. Soares said she was grateful for the opportunity to connect with university leadership and contribute to the conversation about USF’s future. Read more.
The Department of Criminology participated in this year’s 26th Annual European Society of Criminology Conference in Warsaw, Poland. C. Jordan Howell, PhD, and doctoral student Katie Smith presented research on hackers and the broader cybercrime landscape to an international audience. Read more.
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From forecasting to recovery: How USF hurricane research is building a more resilient Tampa Bay
USF News
"Professor Lindsey Peterson in the School of Aging Studies developed a resource hub featuring tools for emergency planning, guidance on assembling kits and connections to local services to enhance disaster preparedness for this population. In addition, programs out of the Department of Child and Family Studies have developed a number of resources to aid those with autism and their families as a hurricane approaches."
California doesn't mandate registries for people who need help in disasters. Florida does. Why?
LAist
“'You can’t just throw a bunch of information out there and expect everyone to be able to act on it,' said Lindsay Peterson, a gerontology researcher at the University of South Florida."
Sept 30 Deadline for Florida State Road Cameras
WMOR TV
"'You've seen from the state, from the governor, and from the Department of Transportation to remove the flock cameras from the state roadways. That doesn't mean that the flock cameras still aren't up and working,' said Lee Bercaw, DCJ, associate professor of instruction in the Department of Criminology."
Lethal Injection Failed in Tennessee Execution
WFLA TV
"'Each state has its own lethal injection protocol. It varies on how many different drugs are used in their 'drug cocktail',' said John Cochran, PhD, professor in the Department of Criminology."
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Eden, K., Howell, J.C., Pieri, Z., & Smith, K. (2026). From code to contact: Developmental and clinical correlates of minor-directed sexual offending in a sample of verified hackers. Crime & Delinquency, 00111287261473214. https://doi.org/10.1177/00111287261473214
Kwon, S., Andrade, F. C., & Hernandez, R. (2026). Preliminary efficacy of a positive psychological intervention using virtual reality in older Korean immigrants: randomized controlled trial. Aging & Mental Health, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2026.2733912
Qu, T., Fekete, M., Peng, S., & Roth, A. R. (2026). Same old, same old: Daily sequence and well-being in later life using ecological momentary data. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, gbag182. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag182
Ramirez, M. A., Jaynes, C. M., & Santos, M. R. (2026). “Please Explain”: Evaluating the Impact of Criminal-Record Justifications on Employers’ Hiring Decisions. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224278261490185
Roth, A. R., Peng, S., Jarin, J. N., Fekete, M., & Qu, T. (2026). Far From Home? Accessing Everyday Places in Rural and Urban Communities. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, gbag183. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbag183
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Aimee Dietz, PhD, CCC-SLP (Department of Communication Sciences and Disorder)
eSANA: exploration of Subacute AAC Needs for Aphasia
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
September 18, 2026 – August 31, 2028
Award Amount: $451,870
Early in the post-stroke rehabilitation process, people with aphasia — difficulty understanding and producing language — are not routinely provided communication supports (i.e., augmentative and alternative communication; AAC) when they are unable to speak. In contrast, physical deficits are quickly remedied with supports, such as walkers and wheelchairs, to encourage independence and ensure mobility is not restricted when a person’s ability to walk is limited. This highlights challenges regarding the ability of people with aphasia to maintain their voice in the health care decision-making process that is crucial to their recovery. The purpose of this project is to identify supports and barriers to successful AAC use during inpatient rehabilitation and to prioritize opportunities and challenges for AAC treatment development in the early stages of aphasia rehabilitation. The long-term goal of this work is to expand AAC use during inpatient rehabilitation and improve the health equity of people with aphasia.
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Dane Minnick, PhD, MSW (School of Social Work)
Evaluation of the Maternal Health and Early Childhood Development Ecosystem in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties
Sponsor: Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
July 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
Award Amount: $38,500
This project evaluates the impact of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation investments in maternal health and early childhood development across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. The evaluation examines how foundation funding has contributed to organizational capacity, expansion of existing services, development of new programs, collaboration among community organizations and broader improvements within the regional service ecosystem. The study uses a mixed-methods approach that includes provider surveys, key stakeholder interviews, focus groups, community health indicators and service-system data. Findings will identify strengths, gaps, unmet needs and opportunities to strengthen the maternal health and early childhood development ecosystem and will inform future philanthropic investment and community planning.
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Suit-A-Bull Clothing Drive
Now-Oct. 23 | Drop off in the Dean’s Office MHC 1116
Gently used suits, blazers, dress shirts, ties, belts, shoes and more.CBCS is also collecting donations before and after the CBCS Faculty and Staff Assembly on Oct. 23!
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Charit-A-Bull Food Drive
Now-Oct. 31 | Drop off in the Dean’s Office MHC 1116
Canned protein, peanut butter, cereal, rice, pasta, soup, snacks, hygiene items and other non-perishable items. CBCS is also collecting donations before and after the CBCS Faculty and Staff Assembly on Oct. 23!
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USF School of Aging Studies Distinguished Lecture Series
Friday, Oct. 9 | 11 a.m. | MHC Atrium Lobby 1201
Brea Perry, PhD, presenting Wired For Connection: Neuroplasticity, Epigenetics, and the Social Network Foundations of Health, is the Allen D. and Polly S. Grimshaw professor in the Department of Sociology and director of the Irsay Institute for Sociomedical Sciences Research at Indiana University. Her research investigates the intersecting influences of social networks, biomarkers, social psychology, and social inequality on health and illness, focusing largely on psychological and brain diseases, including dementia, mental illness and substance use disorders.
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Benefits Fair
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Learn more about important plan changes and the many benefits available to USF employees. Vendors will also be on hand with information about their products and services. This year, the Tampa campus will host a single benefits fair for both campuses. Learn more. Open enrollment begins Monday, Oct. 12, at 8 a.m. and ends Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m.
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The Reset - A Wellness Experience
Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 2-3 p.m. | MHC 2113 | Register here
Step away from the screens, meetings, emails and to-do lists for an hour designed to give you an actual break. The Reset is a wellness experience including a quick writing exercise, simple seated and standing stretches, breathing and a few minutes of meditation. No workout clothes or yoga mats needed. Just show up as you are and take an hour for yourself.
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Heart of a Bull with CBCS's Be Well Walking Group
Saturday, Nov. 14 | Raymond James Stadium | Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. and Walk begins at 8:45 a.m. | Join here
Join USF’s Heart of A Bull campaign and our CBCS walking group, Be Well, as we come together to support the American Heart Association Heart Walk and take steps toward healthier hearts and stronger communities. Whether you’re an avid walker or just looking for a fun way to support a great cause, we’d love to have you join the CBCS team. Bring your walking shoes, invite a friend and help us make every step count!
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Heart of a Bull with Criminology Heart Patrol
Saturday, Nov. 14 | Raymond James Stadium | Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. and Walk begins at 8:45 a.m. | Join here
Join the Criminology Heart Patrol and Lee Bercaw at the Tampa Bay Heart Walk! The Department of Criminology is coming together to support a great cause, and we’d love for you to join us. Let’s walk together, support heart health and show up for our community!
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Adding News, Events, and Publications to the CBCS Website and Newsletter
If you have news/events or recent/upcoming publications you would like posted on the CBCS website and/or in the Communique newsletter, send the details and any attachments to CBCS Marketing (CBCSMarketing@usf.edu). Please send all newsletter submissions no later than Thursday for inclusion in the following week's newsletter.
Be sure to include all pertinent information (title, date, times, location, event description, and contact information) in editable digital text format. Articles included in the CBCS Communiqué may be disseminated to USF Media outlets and/or beyond.
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