FAU Researchers 'Zoom' in for an Ultra-Magnified Peek at Shark Skin | | To better understand how dermal denticle shape changes across different parts of the shark’s body as it grows, researchers from Florida Atlantic University turned to high-resolution imaging to examine bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) – the pint-sized cousins of hammerhead sharks. Using advanced scanning electron microscopy, they were able to capture detailed images of the sharks’ skin. Results of the study, published in the journal Integrative and Comparative Biology, provide an ultra-magnified peek into the hidden world of shark skin, revealing how evolution fine-tunes this natural armor for survival and reproduction. Read more. | | “Shark skin is far more dynamic than people realize,” said Marianne E. Porter, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor of biological sciences, Schmidt College of Science. “Our study shows that as bonnethead sharks grow, their skin doesn’t just get bigger – it transforms in ways that improve swimming performance and provide greater protection...It’s a remarkable example of how nature fine-tunes biological structures to meet the changing demands of an animal’s life.” | | | Study First to Show if Nesting Heat Affects Sea Turtle Hatchling 'IQ' | | Researchers in the Schmidt College of Science are the first to train loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings in a maze using visual cues to test their learning and ability, and to determine if high nest temperatures impair their cognition. Using a Y-maze and a visual discrimination task, the researchers trained hatchlings incubated at two female-producing temperatures (88 F and a hotter 91 F) and then tested their ability to “reverse train” when the task rules changed. Unexpectedly, the study results published in the journal Endangered Species Research found no significant differences in learning ability between the temperature groups. Read more. | | “Not only were the post-hatchlings capable of suppressing previously learned behaviors to form new, more advantageous associations, they were able to do so with remarkable speed – often requiring fewer trials than the initial learning phase,” said Sarah L. Milton, Ph.D., senior author and chair and professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. “This surprising level of behavioral flexibility suggests that these young turtles may be better equipped to navigate and adapt to rapidly changing environmental challenges than we previously understood.” | | | FAU Science Faculty Named Among World’s Top 2% of Scientists | | Nearly 70 faculty members from Florida Atlantic University have been recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists, including 17 experts from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, whose research spans psychology, astrophysics, urban planning, complex systems and brain sciences, biochemistry, geosciences, environmental science and theoretical physics. Read more. | | Four Fantastic Cryptography Faculty Are Leading the Way to the Cyber Future | | Quantum computing poses an existential threat to current digital security systems. However, at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, a team of four "fantastic" cryptography faculty are pioneering solutions in post-quantum cryptography (PQC). This group of researchers is the largest in the nation dedicated to the mathematical exploration of PQC, with one of their algorithms—HQC—already selected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for future standardization. Discover how Drs. Kuchta, Persichetti, Sica, and Das are advancing encryption, training the next generation of cyber experts, and positioning FAU as a national leader in cyber defense. Read more. | | “As a recognized NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, FAU is in the unique position among Florida universities, to form well-rounded cybersecurity experts, conversant with its mathematical language, the architecture of its implementation and the management of its deployment in the workforce,” stated Francesco Sica, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics and statistics. | | | A Journey to the Wildest Places: Award-Winning Photographer and Explorer Dr. Gabby Salazar Comes to Campus | | |
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Lecture: 5:30 p.m. | Reception: 6:30 p.m.
Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton campus
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Read an excerpt from our profile of Dr. Gabby Salazar:
As an environmental social scientist, Salazar studies the complex relationships between people and the natural environment. She especially focuses on how social, cultural and psychological factors influence environmental issues and human behavior.
Early on in her career, Salazar was photographing birds on a beach that was littered with plastic. She maneuvered around, trying to get an angle that did not show the plastic—only the pure beauty of nature.
| | | | “I suddenly realized that this was not showing the true reality of the situation, and I decided to zoom out and show the plastic along with the birds,” recalled Salazar. “Ignoring the reality of environmental problems can make us feel better, but it does not lead to any change. I wanted to start using my photography to influence conservation efforts, so I needed to tell the full story.” | | | New Book Release: Explore 'All About Sea Turtle Behavior' with Renowned Professor Emeritus | | Research Professor Emeritus Michael Salmon, Ph.D., recently launched his new book, “All About Sea Turtle Behavior: Essays for the Curious Naturalist,” giving readers a rare glimpse into the lives of these remarkable creatures. In the book, Salmon explores the evolutionary history, unique adaptations and extraordinary navigation skills of sea turtles. What sets this release apart is not just its scientific depth, but its heartfelt mission. Salmon has pledged all proceeds from the book to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida—two organizations devoted to rehabilitating injured sea turtles and returning them to their ocean home. Read more. | | Honoring a Research Legend: Herbert Weissbach, Ph.D. | | The Schmidt College of Science's Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CMBB) dedicated its annual meeting, held Sept. 15 at the John D. MacArthur Campus, to honoring the center’s founding director Herbert Weissbach, Ph.D. Weissbach is a professor emeritus in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, FAU’s only faculty to be a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and an internationally recognized pioneer in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Read more. | | “Herb’s vision and dedication have been the foundation for everything we do here,” said Valery Forbes, Ph.D., dean of the Schmidt College of Science. “We are grateful for his profound contributions to science, to CMBB, to the Schmidt College of Science and to Florida Atlantic University. Herb’s constant presence and mentorship continue to inspire us and guide the future of this center.” | | | 2025 Shaw Excellence in Science Undergraduate Research Poster Competition Winners | |
An exciting array of research projects and innovations were on display during the 2025 Dr. Eric Shaw Excellence in Science Undergraduate Research Poster Competition, as part of the Science Social, held on Oct. 7 on the Schmidt College of Science's Boca Raton campus Congratulations to the top poster winners who were awarded $2,000 in cash prizes.
$1,000 First Place Winner
Kayla Mosteller, Department of Geosciences
"Analyzing Sediment and Nest Success in Leatherback Sea Turtle Nests"
Advisor: Tiffany Roberts Briggs, Ph.D.
$600 Second Place Winner
Alexandra Veras, Department of Biological Sciences
"Quantitative Comparison of Four Fecal Diagnostic Methods for Detecting Pachysentis canicola in San Miguel Island Foxes"
Advisor: Oscar Alejandro Aleuy, Ph.D.
$400 Third Place Winner
Holyn Hahn, Department of Geosciences
"Geomorphic Changes at Peanut Island in the Vicinity of Breakwaters"
Advisor: Tiffany Roberts Briggs, Ph.D.
| | FAU Science’s Biotech Hackathon Nationally Recognized by UEDA | The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology’s (CMBB) Biotech Hackathon initiative was selected as a 2025 University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Awards of Excellence finalist, which represented some of the top university-based economic development initiatives in the country. As one of three talent category finalists, Shailaja Allani, Ph.D., associate scientist in the Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and director of CMBB, presented, “Biotech Hackathon: Empowering Next Gen Skills Through Collaboration,” during the 2025 UEDA Summit from Oct. 6 to 8, in Huntsville, Alabama. Read more. | A Favorite Fall Tradition: Annual Pumpkin Drop and Physics Carnival | Thank you to the Department of Physics and the Florida Atlantic University Physics and Astronomy Club for sponsoring and hosting its annual splat-tacular Pumpkin Drop and Physics Carnival on Oct. 24. To the delight and cheers of the crowd, faculty and staff from the Schmidt College of Science pitched pumpkins off the four-story SE-43 building to demonstrate common physics principles. The Physics Carnival was packed with hands-on fun, including physics-related carnival games, MRI brain teasers (hosted by MRI Research Services), face painting and appearances by Owlsley. View photos. | | 2025 Pre-Health Professions Summit: Emergency Medicine | More than 120 students attended the 2025 Pre-Health Professions Emergency Medicine Summit hosted by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Office of Pre-Health Professions, from Oct. 13 to 15 on the Boca Raton campus. Attendees participated in a range of events that focused on emergency medicine, including interactive workshops and training sessions in blood pressure monitoring, a suture clinic, stop the bleed techniques and SOAP note documentation tips. Students were also able to engage directly with faculty and medical students from the Schmidt College of Medicine to gain insights about clinical practice and medical education pathways. | Florida Atlantic Coral Researcher Seeks Ways to Overcome Ocean Warming | | The Invading Sea featured Assistant Professor of Biology Carsten Grupstra, Ph.D., and his research on heat-resistant coral, which could serve as the basis for reef restoration practices. More specifically, he focuses on the microbial relationships that sustain coral health. These mutually beneficial relationships that corals have with certain algae and bacteria can allow them to thrive amid rising ocean temperatures. Read more. | | Recognizing Scientists at Preserving Paradise Football Game | | Some of Florida Atlantic’s top environment researchers and leaders were recently recognized on the field by President Adam Hasner at the Sept. 27 home football game. The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science is tackling critical environmental challenges facing Florida's unique ecosystems, from the ocean to the Everglades. From left, Brian White, vice president of Athletics; Steven Vollmer, Ph.D., director, School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability; Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science; Jeanette Wyneken, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science; Gabrielle McHenry, Ph.D., director of Education and Outreach, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; Gregg Fields, Ph.D., vice president, Division of Research, and professor of chemistry, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science; and President Adam Hasner. | | Jumpstart Postdoc Qiaoyin Pan, Ph.D., Invited Lecturer at Internationally Acclaimed Les Houches Summer School | | Jumpstart Postdoctoral researcher Qiaoyin Pan, Ph.D., had the rare honor to lecture at the prestigious Les Houches School of Physics in France. It is also an immense privilege to be invited to attend. Schmidt College of Science alumnus Rafael Guolo Dias, who earned his Ph.D. in physics in 2024, along with two physics graduate students, Sean Tobin and Ibai AsensioI, were also part of the Les Houches summer program. Read more. | | Fins, Feeds and Algorithms: How Jumpstart Postdoc Darien Satterfield Is Using AI to Track Blacktip Sharks | | Jumpstart Postdoctoral associate Darien Satterfield, Ph.D., is leveraging drone videography and machine learning to track the swimming paths of blacktip sharks. Her data-driven simulations provide a powerful tool to address questions that would be impossible to test empirically, and it offers a promising way to study blacktip sharks' collective behavior in sensitive ecological systems where manipulative experiments are not feasible. Read more. | Undergraduate Researcher David Morgan Explores How Trace Elements Affect Leatherback Sea Turtle Eggs | | David Morgan’s passion for marine biology has led him to the heart of groundbreaking sea turtle research at the Schmidt College of Science Department of Biological Science’s Marine Science Laboratory. Now a junior in the Bachelor of Science in Biology program, Morgan is investigating how trace elements—chemical elements present in minute quantities—affect the hatching success of leatherback sea turtle eggs. His project could reveal important clues about environmental health on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Read more. | | Watch: Man-Made Islands, Natural Impact: How Coastal Projects Affect Coral in South Florida | | Environmental Science master's student Dayana Castillo is researching the crucial connection between coastal engineering and marine ecosystems. Focusing on Peanut Island in Riviera Beach, Florida, which uses breakwater structures for stabilization, Castillo is investigating how these man-made structures impact local coral health. She aims to provide data-backed insights on how coastal management can better support urban coral health and protect these vital ecosystems for future generations. Watch video. | | |
WLW-ECOS Student Success Scholarship
Award Amount: up to $7,500 per semester
The WLW-ECOS Student Success Scholarship provides need-based financial support to Schmidt College of Science undergraduate students pursuing careers in solution-oriented environmental research. This scholarship is designed to help cover the cost of attendance not covered by other scholarships or grants, enabling students to focus on their academic success and environmental research interests. Spring 2026 deadline to apply: Dec. 16, 2025. Learn more.
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Fall 2025 Pre-Health Workshop Series
Aug. 27-Nov. 5. The Schmidt College of Science has created a series of special workshops to assist students who are navigating their journey toward health care professions. Learn more.
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Smart Cities and IoT Certificate
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computer Science, offers the Smart Cities and Internet of Things (Sc-IoT) Certificate for undergraduate students. Learn more.
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Call for Content! The Invading Sea
Are you interested in writing about your research, concerning environmental issues or other topics related to Florida’s environment and climate change? The Invading Sea welcomes contributions from Florida Atlantic faculty, staff and students. Please email Editor Nathan Crabbe at ncrabbe@fau.edu for details on how to contribute.
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Turn Curiosity into Impact: Join Vertically Integrated Projects at Florida Atlantic
The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program is recruiting undergraduate and graduate students to join the inaugural four VIP Teams starting Spring 2026. Students from all disciplines and experience levels are encouraged to consider joining a team. VIP offers hands-on authentic research experiences where students develop cutting-edge AI and data science skills. The VIP Program is also offering a free, 8-week, zero-credit course this fall for degree-seeking undergraduate students who are interested in the VIP model and learning more about AI and data science. No prior experience is needed. Learn more.
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Spring 2026 Grant Writing Course Open to All Ph.D. Students
Enroll in EEX 7256 Grant Writing to gain the practical skills needed to craft competitive, funded grant proposals. Open to doctoral students across all disciplines, this course is taught by Chair of the Department of Special Education, Joseph Gagnon, Ph.D., in the College of Education, who has secured over $2.5 million in funded research. Start developing your fundable proposal this spring. Learn more.
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ECOS Internship Opportunities
The Florida Atlantic School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) paid internships provide student stipends while they complete degree-related career experiences at local, well-established nonprofit environment-linked organizations. Students are paid through FAU’s WLW-ECOS Student Success Fund. Learn more.
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Join Florida Atlantic's School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS)
Florida Atlantic's School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) invites all FAU faculty, postdocs and graduate students to become affiliate members of the school. Engage in transformational interdisciplinary research, teaching and community engagement initiatives that bring forth the collective environmental capabilities of the university. Learn more.
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Professor Eric Dumbaugh Featured Expert for 'The Atlantic' Magazine Article
For the article, "A 'Death Train' Is Haunting South Florida," The Atlantic magazine consulted with Schmidt College of Science Professor Eric Dumbaugh, Ph.D., about the unavoidable truth that the Brightline–the sleek, high-speed train–has been involved in at least 185 fatalities since it began operating. Read more. Photo credit: The Atlantic
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Professor Luc Wille Serves as Panelist at Quantum Beach
Professor Luc Wille, Ph.D., was a panelist for the “Universities Powering the Quantum Wave” session during Quantum Beach 2025. The event brought together leading researchers and innovators from across Florida’s top universities to discuss how higher education is accelerating the state’s role in the global quantum landscape. Watch here.
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Biologist Sarah Milton Interviewed in 'Degrees of Science'
Sarah Milton, Ph.D., chair and professor at the Schmidt College of Science's Department of Biological Sciences, appeared on KWTX's "Degrees of Science" program to discuss how accumulating sargassum on Florida beaches impacts sea turtle hatchlings as they work to get from the nest to the ocean. Watch here.
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