August 24, 2026

CBCS welcomes 15 new faculty!

We are proud to welcome an outstanding group of new faculty members (including those who have started in new positions over the past six months) to the Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice, Department of Child and Family Studies, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Department of Criminology, School of Aging Studies, and School of Social Work.

CBCS invests in staff through educational scholarships

With recent support from the CBCS scholarship program, Kerianne Beckford, Lindsey Kummerer, Jacob Miltenberger, Lourdes Quinones and Kayvrie Vega are pursuing degrees in fields ranging from business administration and communication sciences and disorders to curriculum and instruction.

Trio of CBCS researchers receive prestigious National Institutes of Health awards

Three researchers from CBCS have received prestigious awards from the National Institutes of Health, supporting research that addresses complex health and behavioral health challenges and could improve outcomes for children and underserved communities.

AI-powered virtual clients give USF social work students a new way to prepare for practice

The School of Social Work is bringing artificial intelligence into the classroom to give future social workers a new way to prepare for the realities of clinical practice.

Gerald C. Imaezue earns innovation fund support to advance healthcare training

The AI-powered clinical simulation platform enables healthcare students to practice the full clinical workflow with realistic virtual patients and caregivers.

Theresa Chisolm recognized as a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

 This honor recognizes Chisolm's outstanding contributions to research, teaching and leadership in communications sciences and disorders.

School of Social Work faculty member honored by City of St. Petersburg for community wellness efforts

 The St. Petersburg City Council presented a proclamation recognizing Brittany Peters' clinical practice and commitment to expanding access to mental health services.

For the second consecutive year, an undergraduate scholar from the Social Work Interdisciplinary Research Lab (SWIRL) has been selected for the prestigious United Nations Millennium Fellowship. Biomedical sciences student Sirinandini Amperayani, who is mentored by Manisha Joshi, PhD, MPH, MSW, associate professor and director of SWIRL, was selected for her service initiative, “The Mirror Movement.” The project explores how self-perception, health and access to resources affect individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, including survivors of intimate partner violence.

CBCS In the News

Publications

Webinar: Special Needs of Persons with SUDs and Criminal Justice Involvement

Wednesday, Aug. 26 | 9 a.m. | Register here

Join our upcoming webinar on special needs of persons with substance user disorders (SUDs) and criminal justice involvement with Cary Hopkins Hall, MA, CAP.

Friday Frontline Forum

Friday, Aug. 28 | 12-1 p.m. | Register and Join

Join us for our monthly virtual meetup for anti-trafficking service providers to connect, share, and support one another. It’s a space to collaborate and celebrate wins. The first 15 minutes will be dedicated to a "meet the presenter" with Cary Hopkins Hall. Be sure to watch her presentation Connection After Trauma available here.

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Birthday Celebration

Friday, Aug. 28 | Tampa-University and Tampa Palms Nothing Bundt Cakes locations

Twenty percent of sales will be donated to the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD-USF), which empowers individuals with autism and those who support them with knowledge, training and resources to create communities where everyone can thrive. Coupon and more info here.

Debate-A-Bull: Teaching with AI: Embrace, Adapt, or Resist?

Aug. 31 | 3:30-5 p.m. | Judy Genshaft Honors College - The Forum | 12260 USF Genshaft Drive, Tampa, FL 33620 | Register

A panel discussion moderated by Provost Mohapatra. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming higher education, creating both new opportunities and significant challenges for faculty and students. In this panel discussion, experts will explore how AI is reshaping teaching, learning and academic integrity. This thought-provoking conversation will examine AI's promises, pitfalls and future in the classroom while answering audience questions about one of the most significant issues facing higher education today.

Informational Webinar: NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Application

Tuesday, Sept. 1 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Online | Register: Nicole Lampe, PhD

Interested in applying for the NIH Loan Repayment Program? Join us for an informational webinar to learn about the Loan Repayment Program application process, eligibility requirements, key deadlines and strategies for submitting a competitive application. Program experts from the USF Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice will provide an overview of the application components and answer participant questions during a live Q&A session. More info.

From Research to Action: The Florida Behavioral Health Workforce Summit

Sept. 10-11 | Marshall Student Center | Register

Join the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce for its inaugural summit aimed at translating research into action to grow, retain and innovate Florida’s workforce. From researchers and service providers to policymakers, educators, students and more, this summit brings every voice in the continuum together. Continuing education credits are available.

Translational Research in Adolescent Behavioral Health Graduate Certificate Info/Q&A Sessions

Sept. 18 | 12-1 p.m. | Join session

Oct. 5 | 12-1 p.m. | Join session

The Institute for Translational Research Education in Adolescent Substance Use is accepting applications for its next cohort! The program prepares scholars to conduct community-based research using implementation science and translational research techniques. Graduate students and working professionals are eligible to apply. Find more information here.

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.