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Mar. 30 - Apr. 5, 2026

Michael J. Lynch

Michael J. Lynch named 2025 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science


Congratulations to Michael J. Lynch, PhD, a professor of criminology in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, on his election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s largest general scientific societies! Read more.

Researcher and participant in the PACT study

Largest clinical trial using brain training to reduce dementia receives $2.8 million in federal funding


The Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study has received an additional $2.8 million from the National Institutes of Health to continue researching whether computerized brain training exercises can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.


PACT is led by Jennifer O’Brien, PhD, principal investigator and associate professor of psychology, along with co-investigators Jennifer Lister, PhD, CCC-A, senior associate dean in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences and professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), and Aryn Harrison Bush, PhD, assistant research professor in CSD. Read more.

Amy Corbin named Distinguished Finalist for USF Innovation in Online Design and Teaching Award


Amy Corbin, LCSW, MA, an assistant professor of instruction in the School of Aging Studies, has been named a Distinguished Finalist for the 2026 USF Innovation in Online Design and Teaching Award. Read more.

Lindsey Kummerer

Doctoral student Lindsey Kummerer awarded prestigious PhD Research Scholarship


Lindsey Kummerer, AuD, a doctoral student in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, has been selected to receive the 2026 PhD Research Scholarship from the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Read more.

Students participating in ASL Bowl

High school teams compete and celebrate ASL excellence at annual bowl


This year’s ASL Bowl, held on March 11 and hosted by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Program in collaboration with ASL Bulls, welcomed high school students from Hillsborough County Public Schools for an engaging and spirited competition. Read more.

Everette Coffman and Olivia King

Marriage and Family Therapy faculty member, student present relationship education research at national conference


Everette Coffman, PhD, an assistant professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy program, and graduate student Olivia King presented outcomes from the ELEVATE relationship education program at the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors conference held Feb. 27-28 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Read more.

Deadline to apply for Summer 2026 Undergraduate Research Assistantships is March 31


CBCS students may apply for one-semester undergraduate research assistantships to work with CBCS faculty on research projects. These assistantships are awarded every semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) and are designed to support undergraduate students conducting research. Priority is given to students enrolled in the Undergraduate Research Certificate. If you have any questions, email Chae Jaynes at jaynes@usf.edu.

CBCS In the News

Five USF faculty named 2025 fellows of American Association for the Advancement of Science

USF News

"USF's new AAAS fellows are Michael J. Lynch, PhD, professor of criminology in the Department of Criminology, elected: Social, Economic, and Political Sciences Section."


Publications

Chennupati, S., Wagley, N., & Restrepo, M. A. (2026). An exploration of Indian American parent–child shared reading beliefs and practices. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_LSHSS-25-00103


Howell, S. E., & Miltenberger, R. G. (2026). Addressing the effects of reactivity in staff management. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/01608061.2026.2643302


Rodriguez, B., Cividini-Motta, C. & Martinez, A. (2026). Using Instructive Feedback to Expand Second Language of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40616-026-00227-3

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace graphics

Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace Course Ends June 6, 2026!


If you’ve been thinking about joining the free Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace course, now is a wonderful time to get started — or to pick up where you left off.

Food Truck - Every Wednesday


Working with USF Dining, the Tampa Bay Food Trucks are returning to campus every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a more visible location near the corner of Magnolia and Holly (Parking lot 38U). It’s a short walk from MHC and PCD. See the schedule and menus here.

Nominations: CBCS Recognition Award Program

Nomination deadline: Monday, March 30


Nominations are now open for the CBCS Recognition Award Program, which recognizes the contributions of administrative, staff and/or OPS/temporary employees within CBCS for their extraordinary achievement in the workplace. Learn more here.

BRIDGE Clinic Spring Donation Drive

March 30 - April 29 | Donation box in the School of Social Work, suite MHC 1400


The BRIDGE Clinic is a student-run free clinic. Based on direct feedback from patients and families, there is a strong need for essential items such as food, hygiene products, and school supplies. More info here. If you have any questions, contact Christopher Feliciano or Brooke Anderson.

Mindfulness and Gratitude Activates for Therapy Workshop

Tuesday, March 31 | 2 p.m.| MCH Atrium | Register here

Wednesday, April 1 | 6 p.m. | Teams | Register here


Featuring:

Amanda Mole’, LCSW-QS

Kenya Grimsley, BSW Student

Melody Orozco, BSW Student

FCBHW request for proposals graphic

Duvall Conference: "Peers at the Center: Building a Modern Behavioral Health Workforce"

Wednesday, April 1 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Registration required

USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus (Student Center Ballroom & Atala Hall)


This interdisciplinary event, presented by the Duvall Initiative and the School of Social Work, welcomes Sarasota-Manatee community members and professionals, as well as USF faculty, staff and students.

National Training Institute 2026

Pre-Conference: April 6-7 and Conference: April 7-10 | Register here.


The National Training Institute on Effective Practices provides early childhood education systems leaders and professionals with an in-depth, intensive learning experience on the implementation of the Pyramid Model framework for addressing the social and emotional development and challenging behavior of young children.

CBCS Faculty International Collaboration Grant

Application deadline: April 7


The CBCS Research Council is now accepting applications for the CBCS Faculty International Collaboration Grant. This program is designed to provide financial support for scholarly activities by CBCS faculty conducted at major universities, research institutes, government agencies, and professional conferences/workshops. View more and apply here.

Is Social Isolation a Symptom or a Cause? Using Genetic Natural Experiments to Study the Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Social Connectedness

Tuesday, April 7 | 2 p.m.| MHC Atrium


Yulin Yang, PhD, candidate for assistant professor in the School of Aging Studies, will present a colloquium titled "Is Social Isolation a Symptom or a Cause? Using Genetic Natural Experiments to Study the Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Social Connectedness."

13th Annual Translational Research in Adolescent Substance Use Conference

Open sessions: April 9 | 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. | Conference info


Hear five graduate scholar teams present community‑engaged research tackling real‑world behavioral health challenges, welcome a new cohort of outstanding scholars launching their research journey, and learn about faculty implementation science research.

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism graphic

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism

Saturday, April 18 | Doors open at 6 p.m.

USF Alumni Center | Registration and sponsorships


This family-friendly event provides an evening full of fun, entertainment, food and a silent auction. Funds raised from the event support CARD-USF's Autism Services Fund. Facebook event page: 2026 Fiesta by the Bay for Autism Fundraiser

School of Aging Studies Preceptors & Awards Reception

Thursday, April 23 | 1-2:30 p.m. | MHC Atrium

RSVP to Rosa Diaz at radiaz@usf.edu.


Join the School of Aging Studies as they recognize community partners and scholarship recipients.

Seeds to Systems: Cultivating the Behavioral Health Workforce

Friday, April 24 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Children's Board | Register by April 10


Join the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute's annual colloquium as national and state leaders shine light on opportunities for cultivating a system-sustaining behavioral health workforce.

Communication Sciences and Disorders Colloquium

Friday, April 24 | 1-2 p.m. | PCD 4004 (CSD department, 4th floor) or Teams.


Join the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders for a colloquium featuring Dr. Teresa Anthony, Director of Clinical Innovation at United Healthcare. RSVP to annasoares@usf.edu.

CBCS Faculty and Staff Open Forum

Wednesday, April 29 | 3-3:30 p.m. | MHC Atrium

RSVP to Patty Cleveland at clevelan@usf.edu by April 10th.


This is a great opportunity to meet President Limayem and support his efforts to learn more about our college. This is a separate event from the President’s university-wide Town Hall meetings. RSVPs are required for the open forum as space is limited in the Atrium.

CJMHSA TAC Subject Matter Expert: Request for Information

Submission deadline: April 30


The Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Technical Assistance Center (CJMHSA TAC) is pleased to announce the issuance of a Request for Information to expand our network of subject matter experts.


We are seeking experienced USF faculty and staff, community-based leaders, and national experts with demonstrated expertise in criminal justice and behavioral health systems to join our multidisciplinary technical assistance network. Apply here.

CBCS Spring 2026 faculty and staff assembly graphic

CBCS Spring 2026 Faculty and Staff Assembly

Friday, May 1 | 1-2:30 p.m. | MHC Atrium and Teams


All CBCS faculty and staff are encouraged to attend in person. ASL interpreters will be provided.

Call for Papers

Submission deadline: July 1


The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, in partnership with the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce, invites submissions for a special issue focused on Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce: Research, Innovation and Policy. Learn more.

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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