CHARLES E. SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF SCIENCE | APRIL 2023 View as Webpage
Schmidt College of Science New Home to Award-winning Website 'The Invading Sea'
The Invading Sea, an award-winning website featuring content on climate change in Florida, now has a new home at FAU's Schmidt College of Science. The Invading Sea was founded in 2018 as a collaboration among the editorial boards of the Miami HeraldPalm Beach Post and Sun Sentinel, with Miami-based public radio station WLRN serving as a news partner. The website will continue to be a nonpartisan source for news and opinion pieces about climate change and other environmental issues in Florida at FAU, while expanding its focus to include more educational content. Read more.
America on the Move: How Urban Travel Has Changed Over a Decade
A study by FAU's Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES) reveals nationwide variations and trends in urban travel behaviors among a range of socioeconomic groups. “Examining differences in travel patterns can help policy makers to better evaluate the effects of existing transportation services and infrastructure developments, to identify the sub-groups that deserve special attention for future transport plans, and to design more sustainable and equitable transport policies at local, state and federal levels,” said John L. Renne, Ph.D., co-author, professor and director of CUES. Read more.
Wild Animals Stop the Spread of Socially Transmitted Misinformation
Results from FAU researchers and collaborators, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that even in the absence of predators, escape events occur frequently in natural groups of foraging fish but rarely spread to more than a few individuals. Read more.
Does Current Shellfish Culture Gear Curb 'Crunching' Rays?
Marine rays like to "crunch" on clams, which can sometimes take a big bite out of clammers' profits. FAU Harbor Branch researchers assessed the efficacy of anti-predator materials on whitespotted eagle rays. FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science alumna Breanna C. DeGroot, research coordinator, Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Lab at FAU Harbor Branch, is a study co-author. Read more.
2023 Science Fest
Friday, April 14, 2023 | 10AM-2PM | FAU Breezeway, Boca Raton Campus

All are welcome to celebrate the sciences at Science Fest! Enjoy science-related exhibitions, a student poster competition, interactive games, activities, and networking opportunities to connect with each other. Learn more.
All Work, No Independent Play Cause of Youth Declining Mental Health
A recent study shows that adults’ good intentions to guide and protect children has deprived them of the independence needed for mental health, contributing to record levels of anxiety, depression, and suicide. “If children are to grow up well-adjusted, they need ever-increasing opportunities for independent activity, including self-directed play and meaningful contributions to family and community life,” said David F. Bjorklund, Ph.D., co-author and a professor in the Department of Psychology. Read more.
14th Annual Graduate and Professional Student Research Day Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) Research Day on March 29. Each winner received a $500 scholarship prize and was invited to present their poster research at the Conference of Florida Graduate Schools on April 17-19, 2023 at the University of Miami. Learn more about GPSA Research Day. View winners from the Schmidt College of Science:

Biological & Chemical Sciences
First Place Winner, Christopher Spagnolia
Second Place Winner, Kimarah Lamothe

Engineering
First Place Winner, Subhosit Ray

Physical Sciences & Mathematics
First Place Winner, Rabindra Parajuli
Second Place Winner, Panagiota Galanakou

View photos from the event.
Student Spotlight: Jennifer Giordano
Jennifer Giordano, a second year Ph.D. student in the Graduate Neuroscience Training Program and Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, greatly relies on the Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox’s transformative technology. As a student researcher, Jennifer is using AI to study neurodegeneration and other topics in neuroscience. She is interested in drawing inspiration from concepts in neuroscience and thinking about how they can be applied to artificial systems. Read more.
2023 Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series
The 2023 season of the Frontiers in Science Public Lecture Series, hosted by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, is coming to a close. Don't miss the last lecture! Registration is required.
April 21

“To Trust or Distrust: How Social Decision-Making Changes Across Adulthood"

Nichole Lighthall, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Central Florida

Time: 4 p.m.
Supporting Diverse Students in the Journey to Medical School | Pre-Health Professions Office
FAU is looking to become a leader in recruiting and placing minorities into the medical field. We are working to address the racial disparities across the nation in the pre-health profession by collaborating with multiple offices throughout our campus, especially the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Office of First Generation Student Success, and the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program, to establish diverse future generations of physicians. Watch here. FAU's pre-health academic services are open to all FAU students regardless of race, gender, or other protected status.
2023 Pre-Health Professions Graduate and Professional School Fair a Success
Students from across FAU enjoyed the 2023 Pre-Health Professions Week Graduate and Professional School Fair on March 16. Students met with admission representatives from health-related graduate schools and programs, including medical schools, dental schools, pharmacy schools, veterinary schools, physician assistant programs, public health programs, graduate programs, and more. View photos.
Social Media Spotlight: Department of Energy Office of Science Features FAU Science Research
@doescience: When fire & ice meet in Alaska's permafrost, fire seems to win. Scientists @FloridaAtlantic, @USACEHQ and Alaska Ecoscience found that 6 fires from 2000-2014 led to a loss of nearly 99,000 acres of forest. Changes in vegetation can cause permafrost to thaw. Read more.
Virtual Law School Admissions Panel
FAU’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice will host a virtual panel on “Applying to Law School,” Wednesday, April 12, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. The panel features FSU, NSU and UF Law Schools, along with several FAU Criminal Justice program alumni who are first year law students. This event is open to all FAU students. Register here.
Science Internship Course IDS 3941
Interested in earning credit for a science-based internship?

Students interested in obtaining 1-3 academic credits for a science-based internship can schedule an appointment with Science Career Coach, Kelly Nielsen to learn more. This course is offered by the Schmidt College of Science in partnership with the Career Center. Questions? Contact Career Coach Kelly Nielsen at nielsenk@fau.edu.

IDS 3941 Information Session - April 13 at 4:00 p.m.
Students can learn more about the information session in Handshake.
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 Summer 2023 semester. 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!
Continuing Education Courses
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Test Prep Course: April 15-22, 2023
The Schmidt College of Science is offering a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Test Prep Course, intended for students to “challenge” the CNA exam. The instructors are nurses and approved through the Florida Board of Nursing to teach a variety of certification courses. Learn more and regsiter.
DNA Forensics and Assisted Reproductive Technology
Summer ‘23: Jul. 6-Aug. 8 | 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.
In the News
FAU Final Four: Professor Engages in Friendly Rivalry with San Diego State Colleague

“This is the first time in 19 years working as a professor that I have a team that may be a national champion,” John Renne, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Watch here.
Summer Institute in Computational Social Science

From June 19-30, 2023, the National Science Foundation and Wilkes Honors College will sponsor the Summer Institute in Computational Social Science, to be held at FAU's MacArthur campus in the seaside community of Jupiter. The purpose of the Summer Institute is to bring together students, postdoctoral researchers, and beginning faculty interested in computational social science. Learn more.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 27
Hall of Fame & Distinguished Alumni Awards

Wednesday, April 26

Wednesday, May 3
Future Doctors Reception

Friday, May 5

Wednesday, May 17
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.
Submit your news for Science Connect to scicomm@fau.edu.