Science Connect // FAU Partners with PBS, University of Distinction, Study Reveals Use of Plants, Ask a Scientist, In the News, and more!

CHARLES E. SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF SCIENCE | DECEMBER 2019 View as Webpage

The Case for Space with Robert Zubrin, Ph.D.

Thanks to Robert Zubrin, Ph.D., noted space expert and author, for the stellar talks at FAU, exploring how the revolution in spaceflight opens up a future of limitless possibility. View photos from the event. Watch the event highlight video and the full recording of The Case for Space talk at fau.edu/space.

Study Reveals Indigenous People’s Choice of Medicinal Plants

Daniela M. Robles Arias, first author (left) interviews a Kichwa woman (right). The woman is showing the white, tender inner core, also called "palmito” of the "chontaduro" palm (Bactris gasipaes, Arecaceae family).

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and collaborators, including graduate student Daniela M. Robles Arias, senior author on the study, and Maria Fadiman, Ph.D., analyzed the non-random selection of medicinal plants. The researchers worked with residents of the Kichwa community, the largest indigenous ethnic group in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Daniela M. Robles Arias states, "Women are said to be more knowledgeable about medicinal plants because they take care of the young and work more in the chakras or fields. We observed a different trend in our study. Men cited slightly more medicinal plant species than women, and the two genders over-use different families. These findings might suggest that both genders are equally knowledgeable, although in different areas." Read more.

Science Dean Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., Consultant for New Season of “Star Gazers”

Trace Dominguez (left), new host of "Star Gazers," and Dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and Professor, Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., (right) pictured at the South Florida PBS studios.

FAU and South Florida PBS (WPBT and WXEL) partner for the new season of the show, "Star Gazers." Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., Dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science at FAU and scientific editor for the Journals of the American Astronomical Society, will serve as series consultant for “Star Gazers,” the world’s only weekly, and nationally carried, television series on naked eye astronomy since 1976.

“‘Star Gazers’ is a unique opportunity for FAU to share our strengths as a research university in a way that benefits the community at large and opens up astronomy to everyone,” said Sarajedini. “We are grateful for this partnership with South Florida PBS and hope to expand upon it with future projects.” Read More.

2020 Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series

Join us at the 2020 FAU Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series, kicking off Friday, January 17, with a talk on "How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are Redefining Neuroscience." We have experts this season from a range of scientific disciplines who are coming to FAU to speak about: artificial intelligence and machine learning, the geology of glaciers, the biology of extreme movement, how mathematical modeling is changing the world, understanding the Big Bang, a look inside nanomachines, and more! View the January talks below:

January 17

“How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are Redefining Neuroscience”

Michael Smirnov, Ph.D.,

Neural Data Scientist, Max Planck Florida Institute

Location: FAU General Classroom North (GN), room 102

Time: 4:00 p.m.

January 24

“The Secret Lives of Glaciers”

M Jackson, Ph.D.

Author, Scientist, Geographer, Glaciologist, National Geographic Explorer

Location: FAU General Classroom North (GN), room 102

Time: 6:00 p.m.

View all of the upcoming talks .

FAU Receives University of Distinction Approval

FAU’s “University of Distinction” plan for applied artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics was officially approved by the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System. The College of Science is launching the M.S. in Data Science and Analytics degree program, and the Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Lab will soon be opening the Sandbox, a 3,400-square-foot tech resource center designed to cater to students from across the University where one can directly engage with the fast-advancing field of artificial intelligence. The college's AI effort will be bolstered by its strengths in quantum information science, including the Quantum Lab as well as the college's Center for Cryptology and Information Security, designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense Research.

This official distinction for FAU will enhance and expand degree offerings at the University and promote AI and data-driven engagement with its region’s technology industry. Read more.

Human Mission to Mars Class Research Symposium

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

1:15-3:45 p.m.

Sanson Life Sciences Patio, Boca Raton campus

Join us at the Human Mission to Mars Class Research Symposium on December 11! Student-led teams from the Human Mission to Mars course will present their research on Mars exploration at a research symposium. Learn about this first-of-its-kind course and the findings from its crew of students and faculty for the University's inaugural mission to Mars. For more information, visit fau.edu/mars.

Annual American Mathematics Competition Middle School Math Day

The Annual American Mathematics Competition (AMC) Math Day 2019 was a huge success! Over 130 students were in attendance. Teachers from five middle schools brought approximately 80 students from: Boca Middle, Somerset Academy, Pembroke Pines Charter (Central and West Campuses), and Weiss School. Over 50 students came from 14 other area middle and elementary schools. View photos.

Drone Flight School at FAU!

Undergraduate students in the Quantum Information Science class led by Warner Miller, Ph.D., are in drone flight school, training to conduct quantum experiments. The students are working towards first-of-its-kind studies using quantum communication, utilizing quantum optics with drones, thanks to a grant from L3Harris Technologies.

Ask a Scientist Featuring Behnaz Ghoranni, Ph.D.

Florida Atlantic University College of Science Dean, Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., interviews Behnaz Ghoraani, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, who is involved in research that uses engineering to better understand human physiology. Dean Sarajedini discusses how science uses models to explain observations. Ghoranni uses data from patients, and modeling techniques from artificial intelligence, to better treat patients and develop new therapeutic approaches to fight diseases. The scientists discuss artificial intelligence, how it is a decision making system, and the immersion of science and technology. Listen here.

New AR/VR Lab Brings Imagination to Life for FAU Students

“The Portal,” a new lab in the S.E. Wimberly Library, will serve as a collaborative space specifically focused on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Helping to bring innovative technology into the library, The Portal is equipped with Magic Leap One, HTC Vive Eye Pro, and Oculus Quest technology. The Portal was opened in partnership with the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Machine Perception & Cognitive Robotics (MCPR) laboratory, as part of the Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox. Read More.

In the News

Math Department Open House

The Department of Mathematical Sciences hosted an open house event for FAU High School students on Monday, November 18. The open house included a panel of faculty who discussed their research and students learned about the programs offered in mathematics. View photos.

Planetary Science Institute Scientist Jim Rice Visit

Jim Rice, Ph.D., (pictured in the middle) spoke with the Human Mission to Mars class on November 13. He discussed his work as a Senior Scientist for the Mars Rover Exploration Project: Geology Team Leader for the Planetary Science Institute. View photos.