CHARLES E. SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF SCIENCE | JULY 2023 View as Webpage

Announcing the School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability and Founding Director

We are proud to announce the new School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS), a partnership between the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI). The School is a multidisciplinary and multi-unit initiative that houses diverse academic and research entities and serves as a comprehensive environmental hub at Florida Atlantic. Colin Polsky, Ph.D., will serve as the founding Director of ECOS. Colin is a Professor of Geosciences and the Director of the Center of Environmental Studies. 


Read the announcement from the Dean of the Schmidt College of Science, Valery Forbes, Ph.D., and the Executive Director of HBOI, James Sullivan, Ph.D.


Learn more about ECOS.

Schmidt College of Science Invests in the Next Generation of Scientists and Problem Solvers

In 2023, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science invested $1.52 million to place tomorrow’s scientists on a path to success, across all collegiate levels of learning. The funding supports undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. The College is committed to investing in the next generation of scientists, problem solvers, leaders, and policy makers.


Beginning this summer, the College has partnered with Florida Atlantic’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) to provide an additional 10 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF), boosting the total 2023 SURF enrollment to 22 students. Read more.

“The development of society relies on the continuous progress of science,” expressed Dean Valery Forbes, Ph.D. “A healthy research environment is crucial for the development of future scientists, and we are dedicating funding to ensure our students succeed and are leading the way." 

In Sync? Malaria Parasite and Human Time Clocks Do Align

A new study has uncovered "coupling" between the malaria parasite and its human host, which provides a pathway to new treatments for a disease that claims the life of a child under age 5 every minute. Read more.

Francis Motta, Ph.D., first author and an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences within the Schmidt College of Science:


“In the future, the discovery of the molecular signals that coordinate this synchronization of the malaria parasite and the host will likely have important implications for new antimalarial therapies against a disease that continues to be increasingly resistant to existing drugs.

Preserving Everglades National Park: Peat Soils as a Key to Understanding Climate Change and Saving ‘River of Grass’

As Everglades National Park celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, Florida Atlantic University scientists are scrambling to save these precious wetlands. One of the researchers leading the way is Xavier Comas, Ph.D., Professor of Geosciences, who understands the dire need to use scientific solutions to protect and preserve these fragile wetland areas for future generations. Read more.

Outside the Classroom: Exploring the Earth's Natural Laboratory

Fieldwork allows students to expand their knowledge of earth sciences by experiencing the subject in its natural laboratory. Field trips led by Anton Oleinik, Ph.D., associate professor, FAU Department of Geosciences, are a vital part in the life a geology student. Read more.

“The natural wonders of the solid Earth and the type of data that can be collected in the field cannot be substituted remotely, digitally, or from a virtual 3D simulation,” said Oleinik. “Students must be able to experience field work where they can touch, measure, learn, collect, and discover in real life!”

Sea Snail First Seen in the U.S. May Have Arrived as a ‘Stowaway’

Anton Oleinik, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor of geology in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, suspects it got here as a “stowaway” on a cargo ship in the Port of Palm Beach, and may have attached itself to the hull of a vessel as larva. Read more.

Outstanding Researcher: Colin Polsky, Ph.D.

About 25 years ago, Colin Polsky, Ph.D., professor of Geosciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and director of FAU’s Center for Environmental Studies (CES), chose to become an environmental advocate because he found the topic of climate change endlessly interesting and profoundly important. Read more.

Alumni Spotlight: Jackie Kingston, M.S. '06

Jackie Kingston earned an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic in 2006, and used the skills she learned at FAU to form an organization called Sea Turtle Adventures that could contribute to conservation efforts, educate the public about the marine environment, and provide nature-based programs for adults with special needs. Read more.

FAU Scientists and Student Researchers Featured in SharkFest 2023 on National Geographic

Florida Atlantic University’s Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D., a professor of biological sciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, is featured in National Geographic’s highly popular series, “When Sharks Attack." Combining expert sleuthing, reenactments and testimonials, Kajiura appeared in the premiere of the six-episode “When Sharks Attack 360, ” and eight-episode “When Sharks Attack…and Why.” When Sharks Attack 360 includes incredible visual effects where sharks swim right up to Kajiura in the cutting-edge VFX shark lab. Read more.

Trailer for the new National Geographic series, When Sharks Attack 360.

Check out the trailer for the new National Geographic series, "When Sharks Attack 360."

Schmidt College of Science to Host Young CryptograpHers Summer Camp 2023

FAU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences is gearing up to welcome approximately 50 talented female students, ages 14 to 18, to the third annual Young CryptograpHers Summer Camp, from July 24 to 28. Participants will be introduced to the fundamental principles of cybersecurity and learn how to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world situations. The week-long program will be held in the Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox on FAU's Boca Raton campus. Applications for this year’s Young CryptograpHers camp are still being accepted. Read more.

FAU Hosts Second Annual Florida Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science

The second cohort of the prestigious Florida Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science recently completed its intensive program at FAU’s Boca Raton campus. From May 22 to June 30, FAU was home to 12 undergraduate and early graduate students from around the country who were eager to learn from an immersive training experience focused on biostatistics, epidemiology, and data science. Read more.

FAU Experts for the 2023 Hurricane Season

With the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season officially underway and ending Nov. 30, Florida Atlantic University faculty experts, including several from the Schmidt College of Science, are available to discuss various issues surrounding hurricane preparedness, evacuation, and aftermath. Read more.

Schmidt Students Volunteer at Frost Museum's World Ocean Day Event

Students from the Schmidt College of Science's Shark Lab, the Florida Atlantic Biomechanics Lab, and the Marine Science Lab volunteered their time on June 4, at the Frost Museum of Science in Miami to celebrate World Ocean Day. Students shared their research with hands-on displays and activities to over 3,400 attendees.

Harbor Branch Boat Tours Return

Sign up today for a fun and educational 1.5-hour excursion aboard FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute's pontoon tour boat, the Discovery! During this experience, an expert guide will discuss the wildlife encountered, as well as the research that the institute conducts to better understand and protect the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem. Learn more.

Certified Nursing Assistant Test Prep Course: Fall 2023

August 12-19, 2023


The FAU Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course is a test preparation course intended for students to “challenge” the CNA exam. The instructors are nurses and are approved through the Florida Board of Nursing to teach a variety of certification courses. Learn more and register.

Electrocardiogram (EKG-12 Leads) Technician Course: Fall 2023

August 14-18, 2023


This course will prepare you to work as an EKG technician in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and other health care facilities. After completing this course you will be able to analyze cardiac rhythms and 12 lead EKGs. Learn more and register.

Biology Continuing Education Courses: Fall 2023

DNA Forensics and Assisted Reproductive Technology

Fall ’23: Oct. 17-Nov. 16


The DNA Forensics certificate course is for professionals and non-professional students contemplating a career in biotech, forensic science, criminal justice and other allied life science programs. Learn more and register.


The ART certificate course is for professionals or current students seeking a career in human reproductive medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, biomedical science and other allied life science programs. Learn more and register.

Become a Cybersecurity Expert
Earn an advanced graduate degree or certificate in cybersecurity and elevate your career path. Our graduates in the Department of Mathematical Sciences acquire high-demand, specialized skills and are sought after by some of the biggest names in the technology industry, government, and academics. Learn more.

ChatGTP Survey

Educators: The Schmidt College of Science's Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES) invites you to share your opinions on student use of ChatGTP. This is a short survey, so please take a minute to fill it out and kindly share it with your networks. Take survey.

In the News

Florida Poised to be Global Leader in Climate Resilience


Colin Polsky, Ph.D., director of FAU's Center for Environmental Studies (CES) and professor of Geosciences, testified earlier this spring before the Florida Senate's Select Committee on Resiliency. The experience was featured in The Invading Sea. Read more.

Jessica Pate: FAU Alumna, Founder of the Florida Manta Project


Marine biologist and FAU alumna Jessica Pate was featured in a May 2, Science News article about her mission to save endangered rays. Read more.

Spring 2023 Issue of 'Florida Atlantic Magazine' Released


Read up on the latest happenings around the University and learn what Schmidt College of Science faculty and students are researching to build a better world. Read more.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, August 8

Summer Commencement


Saturday, August 19

Fall 2023 Semester Classes Begin

Monday, Sept. 4

Labor Day (University Closed)

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