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

Newly Launched Soar-in-4 Medical School Pathway Program

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and the Schmidt College of Medicine are pleased to announce the launch of a collaborative pathway program for outstanding Schmidt College of Science Soar-in-4 Scholars. Read more.

Evonne Rezler, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Schmidt College of Science:


“This new initiative allows us to prioritize the stellar students enrolled in the College’s Soar-in-4 program who are interested in becoming a medical doctor,” said Rezler. "Now these high-achieving students will have access to a direct pathway to FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine, along with an abundance of support services.”

Political Apathy Spreads from Parents to Adolescent Children

A Florida Atlantic study indicates that political disaffection spreads from parents to children. When parents and adolescents are close, parents transmit political apathy to their adolescent children, which could negatively impact young voters. Read more.

Brett Laursen, Ph.D., senior author and a psychology professor in FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science:


“The logic is straightforward," said Laursen. "Children who are close to their parents are more likely to identify with them and are more receptive to messages from them about politics. We listen to those we like, engage them in dialogue, we identify with them and we emulate their behaviors.”

Blooming With Curiosity: Graduate Student Studies Native Orchid Species

Second-year Biological Sciences master’s student Bethany Simpson, a self-professed lover of the natural world, has always been interested in evolution and ecology. After she completed her undergraduate degree at Florida Atlantic, she interned at FAU’s Native Orchid Propagation Lab within the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center in West Palm Beach. Now, Simpson is hooked on studying a threatened orchid species that is native to South Florida. Read more.

"This research will provide the first genetic framework of a state-threatened orchid species that was historically abundant throughout the Everglades." says Simpson. "No population genetic analysis has been done on this species, so I am hoping to establish the first genetic baseline, which will help guide conservation and mitigation strategies to protect them in the wild."

Chemistry Graduate Ivan Riveros Awarded Prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Alumnus Ivan Riveros’s remarkable achievements were recognized by the National Science Foundation (NSF) when he was selected as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, a highly prestigious grant awarded to annually to approximately 2,000 current or prospective STEM, Ph.D., or master’s students. Read more.

“The NSF recognition represents the work and research I’ve been involved in as a part of Assistant Professor Ilyas Yildirim's, Ph.D., lab and the academic challenges I’ve overcome,” said Riveros.

Save the Date: Fall 2023 Pre-Health Professions Summit

Save the Date: September 21 and 22, 2023


The Pre-Health Professions Office and student organizations are hosting the second annual Pre-Health Professions Summit that explores AI and healthcare. More details to be announced soon. Learn more.

Science Graduate Students Awarded Guy Harvey Foundation Scholarships for Marine Science Research

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science graduate students Clark Morgan and Natalia Jaworski have been named 2023 Guy Harvey Foundation Scholarship recipients. Morgan is a Ph.D. candidate in Integrative Biology in the Schmidt College of Science who is studying marine science and oceanography at FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI). Jaworski is a Master’s in Environmental Science student in the Schmidt College of Science who is performing research in Associate Professor Michael McCoy’s Quantitative Ecology lab at HBOI. Read more.

2023 Golberg Scholarship Winners Announced

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science students Kyahra Morrissey and Carlos Ojeda have been named the 2023 recipients of the Golberg Scholarship. The scholarship provides additional support for pre-health track students who plan to pursue careers in the medical and health professions. Read more.

Hands-Only CPR Training

Hands-Only CPR training teaches valuable lifesaving skills that can prepare you to properly respond in the event of a cardiac event. Hands-Only CPR is a fast and easy way to learn important CPR skills while being accessible to everyone. 


Fall 2023 Schedule

August 16

September 20

October 18


All classes run from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Learn more and register

Fall 2023 MCAT Test Prep Course

Fall Course Begins August 24, 2023


  • 90 teaching hours (30 sessions) and on-demand content
  • Comprehensive reviews of all sections of the MCAT
  • Taught by FAU Schmidt College of Science faculty and 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


Student Government Test Prep 50% Scholarship Application and Testing Support Program available on Owl Central.

Learn more and register

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

Alumnus and CEO Arthur Evans, Ph.D., Provides Expert Tips for Mental Health


Arthur Evans, Ph.D., CEO of the American Psychological Association and alumnus of the Schmidt College of Science, offers insights to improve mental health in Florida Atlantic magazine. Evans is a lontime health care innovator and discusses his time at Florida Atlantic. Read more.

Coral Connection: Working to Save the Reefs


How herbivory emerges in coral reef ecosystems is poorly understood, said Ashkaan K. Fahimipour, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Schmidt College of Science. Ultimately, he said, it depends on many different types of interactions occurring between fish that are simultaneously competitors and mutualists. Read more.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, August 8

Summer Commencement


Saturday, August 19

Fall 2023 Semester Classes Begin

Monday, Sept. 4

Labor Day (University Closed)


Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22

Pre-Health Professions Summit

Partner With the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science as We Race Towards Excellence!
At the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, we have an unprecedented obligation and opportunity to provide our students and community with the highest caliber of research, scientific invention, and education in the country.
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