CHARLES E. SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF SCIENCE | JANUARY 2023 View as Webpage
FAU Receives $1 Million NSF Grant to Empower Women in STEM Faculty
Florida Atlantic University received a three-year, nearly $1 million National Science Foundation ADVANCE ADAPTATION grant to help transform faculty diversity and ensure appropriate representation of women in STEM. This grant continues the work of the late Emmanuelle Tognoli, Ph.D., who served as a research professor in FAU’s Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and a member of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. Read more.
FAU Kicks Off First Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign in 20 Years
Florida Atlantic University recently kicked off the public phase of its first comprehensive campaign in more than 20 years. “Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University” is an ambitious plan to raise $600 million for FAU, and will focus on three fundraising priorities: FAU Health, the environment, and scholarship/student success.
Schmidt College of Science Dean, Valery Forbes, Ph.D., was a featured speaker during the December launch event, where she spoke about research efforts and initiatives in the environmental and health disciplines, as well as inspiring the next generation of scientists and policy makers. Read more about the campaign.
Undergraduate Biological Sciences Student Co-Authors First Study to Link Weed Killer Roundup® to Convulsions in Animals
A study by Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University is the first to link the use of the herbicide Roundup®, a widely used weed killer, to convulsions in animals. One of the study’s co-authors is Alexis Surtel, an undergraduate biological sciences student in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Read more.
Congratulations Fall 2022 Graduates!
Congratulations to the Fall 2022 Schmidt College of Science graduates who received their diplomas at the December 15 ceremony. View photos.
Student Spotlight: Medical Biology Major Rachel Rubenzahl
Sophomore Rachel Rubenzahl is working toward earning her medical biology degree — one of the Schmidt College of Science’s newest degree programs. While Rubenzahl intends to pursue medical research in the future, and finds neurological medical research particularly fascinating, she was attracted to the program because it offers numerous opportunities. Read more.
Medical School Application Preparation Program Available for Pre-Health Students
The Schmidt College of Science's Pre-Health Professions Office is pleased to offer pre-medical and pre-dental students with an intensive Application Preparation for Pre-Health Students (APPS) program for students who will be applying in the current cycle. 

FAU alumnus Pierce Herrmann, a 2021 Biological Chemistry major from Florida Atlantic University’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, completed the APPS program in Spring 2022. “The program allowed me to be in a classroom with people who know the application process, and I could get real-life help and support," said Herrmann. Read more.
Virtual Walk-in Advising Week Spring 2023
Need help with your Spring 2023 schedule, transfer student guidance or have graduation registration questions? Please follow the Navigate Tutorial directions to log into the virtual walk-in week platform if you need assistance.
Soar-in-4 Scholars Reception
The Schmidt College of Science celebrated the inaugural class of Soar-in-4 Scholars at a reception on December 12, 2022. The students in this cohort started on their journeys in this program in 2019. Many of these students graduated in Fall 2022 or will graduate in Spring 2023. The Soar-in-4 program is comprised of high-achieving students who are tackling some of the most challenging degree programs that will launch them to careers or academic pursuits in health and medicine, or leadership roles in industry, government, or academia. View photos from the event. Learn more.
Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series 2023
The 2023 season of the Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series, hosted by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, kicks-off in January. Lectures will be back in-person, with live talks along with question and answer sessions. Registration is required. We invite you to explore the sciences with us!
January 27

"A Novel Approach to Determine Microbial Survival Strategies Against Antibiotics”

Kalai Mathee, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Professor of Human and Molecular Genetics, Florida International University

Time: 4:00 p.m.
February 3

“Nuclear Fusion to Combat Climate Change: Promise and Key Challenges”

Juergen Rapp, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist of MPEX (Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment) Machine at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Time: 4:00 p.m.
February 10

“American Conspiracy Theories"

Joseph Uscinski, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science, University of Miami

Time: 4:00 p.m.
Click here to view all of the speakers this upcoming season.
FAU Professor Joins American Geographical Society Panel Discussion
FAU Schmidt College of Science geosciences professor Maria Fadiman, Ph.D., (pictured center) participated in the Fall 2022 American Geographical Society's symposium to discuss and share her experiences on "The Future of Food: Stories From the Field." Fadiman studies the relationship between people and plants and focuses on conservation and sustainability. She is also a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and a frequent public lecturer and writer. Watch video.
Quantum Physics Accelerates to Top of Soaring Scientific Fields
Quantum physics is one of the fastest growing scientific fields in both the United States and around the world. It follows then, that the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to scientists performing groundbreaking experiments with entangled photons that open a path to advanced quantum technologies.

“Any field recognized with a Nobel Prize has the recognition of the world as being at the forefront of important science, and quantum just got this boost,” said Charles E. Schmidt College of Science professor of physics Warner Miller, Ph.D. Read more.
First-Generation Student Graduates: Halaina Hahn
Halaina is the first in her family to attend a four-year university. Like many others who entered Florida Atlantic University during the COVID-19 pandemic, her academic journey began online. She just received her Bachelor of Science degree and now intends to pursue an M.S. in Environmental Science. Watch here.
MCAT Course Test Prep
Spring Course Begins January 12, 2023

  • 90 teaching hours (30 sessions) and added on-demand content
  • Comprehensive reviews of all sections of the MCAT
  • Taught by FAU Schmidt College of Science faculty and FAU Test Prep instructors
  • 12 hours of CARS score improvement methods
  • 5 full-length computer practice exams (including two official AAMC tests) and complete set of textbooks
Watch: Modeling the Ocean: The Conservation and Science of Marine Aquariums
Watch the recording of the Nov. 28 lecture, "Modeling the Ocean: The Conservation and Science of Marine Aquariums," presented by Andrew Sandler, founder and CEO of Polo Reef. Part of Polo Reef's mission includes educating the public about the ocean and aquariums, as well as pioneering technologies for reef keeping and conservation, and supporting research and educational charities. View photos. Learn more.
Polo Reef Science Internship
Registration is now open for interested students to apply for a 12-week internship opportunity on-site at the Polo Reef Company in New York. The internship is available for Florida Atlantic University students in the Spring 2023 and Summer 2023 semesters. A diving certificate is preferred for internship applicants. The intern should reside within driving distance of the Polo Reef Company for the duration of the internship. Learn more.

  • Identify and take care of a variety of coral species, and rehabilitate species back to full health when needed
  • Dive in a 17,000-gallon tank
  • Evaluate and provide for the nutritional needs of fish species and coral in an aquarium environment (aquarium ecosystem)
  • And much more!

Schmidt College of Science Strategic Faculty Hiring Initiative
The Schmidt College of Science is undertaking a major strategic hiring initiative to recruit 16 new faculty members across the College’s eight academic departments that will build on our areas of strength in Environment, Health, and Computational and Data-Driven Science. Read more.
Deadline Extended: Schmidt College of Science Excellence Awards
Deadline to submit nominations: Tuesday, January 10, 2023

To recognize the achievements of our faculty and staff, the Schmidt College of Science will present these awards at an inaugural celebration in Spring 2023. The awards recognize research, teaching, advising, service, and dedication to the College’s mission and improving students’ experiences.
Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program 
Application Deadline: Friday, February 3, 2023 

The Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program aims to stimulate synergy between faculty and postdoctoral associates and encourage greater multidisciplinary collaboration. The program provides opportunities for postdocs and our faculty to engage in multidisciplinary research that addresses societally relevant problems. Faculty interested in starting a new collaboration and in supporting early career scientists, this is an ideal opportunity to do both.
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.
In the News
Montana Tucker Headlines Concert-4-Kindness at FAU

Award-winning singer-songwriter and social influencer Montana Tucker will headline a multi-arts Concert-4-Kindness on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 4:00 p.m. in FAU's Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium on the Boca Raton campus. The event aims to inspire and promote peace and unity. Click here to purchase tickets, which range from $10 to $20.
Fall Issue of 'Florida Atlantic' Magazine Available Online

The scientific studies and stories of several Schmidt College of Science faculty and students are highlighted in the Fall 2022 issue of Florida Atlantic magazine. Learn more about our groundbreaking research with leatherback turtles, the damaging effects of a popular pesticide, ensuring microbe-free samples on Mars, transforming urban living, and defending our nation with drone-based mobile quantum technology.
WPTV: FAU Professor Weighs Pros, Cons of Shorter Workweek

Florida Atlantic University Department of Psychology professor Robin Vallacher, Ph.D., joined other mental health experts for a WPTV feature about what a shorter work week means for employees and their overall well-being. Watch here.
Upcoming Events
Monday, January 9-13

Sunday, January 15

Monday, January 16
University Closed: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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