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Congratulations, Summer 2026 graduates!
As our graduates prepare to cross the commencement stage, we're celebrating the Class of 2026 by sharing the inspiring stories of several students whose dedication, resilience and passion have shaped their journeys at USF.
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Congratulations to Varsha Rallapalli, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, on receiving the 2025 Editor's Award from Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. The award recognizes the publication, "Exploring Auditory Processing Abilities and the Impact on Response Time and Hearing Aid Benefit," as the highest quality standards in research design, presentation, and impact for a given year.
Debra Dobbs, PhD, director of the School of Aging Studies, represented the Gerontological Society of America on the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) Council during the IAGG 2026 World Congress. She also presented a poster, "Family Engagement in Dementia Care in Assisted Living," highlighting first-year findings from her National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trial, Preparing Staff in Assisted Living to Provide Palliative Care for Persons with Dementia.
Congratulations to all students who presented at the OneUSF Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, including Ava De La Cruz, who was mentored by CBCS faculty member M. Adelaida Restrepo, PhD, CCC-SLP, professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and doctoral student Anna Soares; Pooja Magesh, who was mentored by CBCS faculty members Laura Curran, PhD, LMHC, assistant professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies, and Judith Biesen, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice; and Dana Melik, who was mentored by CBCS faculty member Matthew E. Foster, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies. Learn more about their presentations here.
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Taking steps to stay positive may do your heart good
Family Safety and Health Magazine
“'In some cases, we saw people in positivity programs lower their blood pressure by about seven to eight points and take an extra 1,800 steps per day,' said study co-author Soonhyung Kwon, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida."
Safe & Sound Hillsborough launches positive alternative to teen takeovers
83 Degrees
"Safe & Sound Hillsborough started in 2015. Its leadership council includes representatives from the Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City police departments, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the 13th Judicial Circuit, public defender and state attorney offices, Hillsborough County Commission, Children’s Board, University of South Florida criminology department..."
Annual voice and swallowing course debuts at new USF Health institute
USF Health
"More than 50 USF Communication Sciences and Disorders students volunteered to serve as mock patients..."
The Cost of the Cup: The Surge That Isn't
Unit All Are Free - Podcast
"A criminologist named Joan Reid at the University of South Florida describes this as the flashlight effect. Trafficking happens in the dark all year, everywhere and around the Super Bowl."
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Bjerregaard, Beth, Fogel, Sondra J., & Smith, M. Dwayne. (2026). Strategic motions and judicial discretion: Change of venue motions in North Carolina capital punishment cases. Journal of Criminal Justice,105,102705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2026.102705
Robertson, A. A., Dembo, R., Gardner, S. K. & Haynes, S. H. (2026). Does context matter in juvenile court intake? Findings from a rural state. Juvenile & Family Court Journal, 00, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfcj.70027
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Back to School Supply Drive
Jul. 22 - Aug. 4 | Drop-off location MHC 2328
The Department of Child and Family Studies is hosting a Back-to-School Supply Drive to support HIPPY and CARD families. More details here.
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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.
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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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