Feb. 10-16, 2025

Lindsay Peterson receives Early-Stage Innovation Fund award for disaster prep tool

The Florida High Tech Corridor, in partnership with USF Research & Innovation, has announced the latest recipients of the Early-Stage Innovation Fund awards, which include a project led by Lindsay Peterson, PhD, research assistant professor in the School of Aging Studies. The award will help fund the continued development of a computer tool that assists caregivers in creating personalized disaster plans.

Hana Kim awarded USF New Research Grant to support virtual reality study

Hana Kim, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, has been awarded the USF New Research Grant for a study focused on exploring the clinical potential of virtual reality for older adults with cognitive decline. This year, out of 46 applicants, only eight researchers received the highly competitive USF New Research Grant.

Criminology graduate named recipient of Outstanding Young Alumni Award



Shelly Marc, who earned a Bachelor of Arts from USF in criminology and political science in 2013, is one of six alumni honored this year as part of the USF Alumni Association's Outstanding Young Alumni Awards. Read more.

Does the Super Bowl increase human trafficking in host city?

USF News

“Most of the recent research around this issue has shown it is far more myth than reality,” said Joan Reid, professor of criminology at USF St. Petersburg. “Sex trafficking occurs in the dark and is kind of hidden. Around the Super Bowl, everyone turns on their flashlights and starts looking.”

Fogel, S. J., Bjerregaard, B., & Holland, B. M. (2024). Exploring the Nature of the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Harm of Mass Public Shootings. Families in Society. doi:10.1177/10443894241299079

Minnick, D., Place, J. M., Thaller, J., Mercado, D., Powers, E., & Fultz, D. (2024). Facilitating a Strategic Community–Academic Partnership to Address Substance Misuse: Three Years of Evaluation and Outcomes. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 28(4), 111-122.

Risse, M. R., & Blair, K.-S. C. (2025). A Systematic Review of Pyramidal Training for Implementing Behavioral Interventions. Behavior Modification.

doi.org:10.1177/01454455251318247

Santos, M. R., Yogev, D., & Lu, Y. (2025). How population aging is associated with economic inequality and homicide trends. In S. Farrall and S. McVie (Eds). Handbook on Crime and Inequality (pp. 56-57). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. doi:10.4337/9781800883604.00010

Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace Course

Learn to attract and retain talent by creating a workplace culture that fosters wellness and allows for the free expression of issues related to employee mental health, behavioral health, and addiction. Start the course today.

“Advancing Healthy Aging through Partnerships and

Collaboration” – School of Aging Studies and Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging Distinguished Alumni Lecture

Friday, Feb. 21 | 10:30 a.m.

MHC 1621

As the policy development manager at Trust for America’s Health, Karon L. Phillips, PhD, helps departments of health and public health organizations build their capacity to support older adults in their communities. Phillips has also worked with USAging and enGAGED, the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, and as a contractual scientific review officer at the Center for Scientific Review at the National Institutes of Health.

Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences Virtual Information Session

March 13 | 12 - 1 p.m. | Registration required

The Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disabilities Sciences program will hold a virtual information session on Thursday, March 13, from 12 - 1 p.m.

Building Community in a Post-COVID Era for Older Adults and Their Families

March 27 | 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Registration required

Embassy Suites (3705 Spectrum Blvd)

Older adults in the community in need of care and support struggle with loneliness and social connections post-COVID which can affect their health and well-being. Attend this one-day conference to understand the problems facing older adults and their caregivers across the care continuum (community, assisted living, nursing home, and hospice) from health and aging service professionals and learn about services and resources to address issues related to loneliness, social isolation, grief, and bereavement.

Duvall Conference: “Collaborating to Tackle Local Substance Misuse: Creating Connections and Building a Community Academic Partnership”

April 2 | 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Registration required

USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus Student Center Ballroom

Are you passionate about addressing addiction and substance misuse in your community? This interdisciplinary event, presented by the Duvall Initiative and the USF School of Social Work, welcomes Sarasota-Manatee community members and professionals, as well as USF faculty, staff, and students. Prepare for a day of inspiring discussions, learning, and networking that will spark action and collaboration.

CBCS Faculty & Staff Assembly

April 18 | 9:30-11 a.m.

MHC Atrium Lobby

All CBCS faculty and staff are encouraged to attend in person. The event will also be available on Teams.

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism

April 26 | Doors open at 6 p.m.

USF Alumni Center | Registration and sponsorships

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF (CARD-USF) will host its annual fundraiser Fiesta by the Bay for Autism on Saturday, April 26 at the USF Alumni Center. 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: 2025 Fiesta by the Bay for Autism Fundraiser