FAU Environmental School Receives Transformational Gift for Scholarships, Programs | Florida Atlantic University has received a transformational gift from Wayne and Lucretia Weiner in support of the School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS). The couple’s generous gift significantly expands scholarships and programs to foster successful advancement among undergraduates, graduates and postdoctoral fellows focused on the environment. It also provides resources for interdisciplinary research teams, faculty, a professor-in-residence program and partnerships that bolster environmental sustainability. Read more. | | “Thanks to the visionary support of Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, we are removing financial barriers and broadening the availability of immersive opportunities for our students,” said Valery Forbes, Ph.D., dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, under whose leadership ECOS was launched. | | | FAU Inductees of Florida Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine | | |
Three Florida Atlantic University researchers—Randy Blakely, Ph.D., Gregg Fields, Ph.D., and Hari Kalva, Ph.D.—were inducted into the 2025 class of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL), which honors top scholars whose innovations have significant scientific and societal impact. This record-breaking class of 26 inductees joins more than 250 of Florida’s most distinguished researchers and innovators.
Fields, FAU vice president for research, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and an internationally renowned biochemist, has dedicated his career to understanding how proteins function at the molecular level and how these mechanisms contribute to diseases such as cancer, arthritis and neurodegenerative disorders. Read more.
| | Hurricane Season Ends, But Weather Woes Push Floridians to Move | | A new Florida Atlantic University survey finds 36% of Floridians have moved or may move due to hurricanes, flooding and heat; more than 60% fear stronger storms and floods, and nearly half worry about rising home insurance costs. The Florida Climate Survey is the13th conducted by the FAU Center for Environmental Studies on Floridians’ opinions about climate resilience issues since October 2019. Read more. | | “About 1 in 5 Floridians from about the I-4 corridor to Key West are considering a move due to weather hazards,” said Colin Polsky, Ph.D., associate vice president of Broward campuses for FAU and a professor of geosciences in the Schmidt College of Science. “Some of these people may wish to move but cannot afford the expenses. This shows a possibly large number of residents struggling with weather hazards.” | | | ECOS Director Delivers Keynote Speech at 17th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit | | |
Steve Vollmer, Ph.D., director of Florida Atlantic’s School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS), delivered an impactful keynote speech at the 17th annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit in December. Vollmer spoke about the serious threats coral reefs are facing from diseases and rising ocean temperatures. He emphasized that coral die-offs—exacerbated by prolonged heat waves—are indicators of the broader impacts of climate change on marine environments. Vollmer called for increased investment in research and restoration efforts, particularly focusing on resilient coral species, to better protect these vital ecosystems.
ECOS was a lead sponsor of the two-day summit, and several other FAU faculty members spoke during the event, including Serena Hoermann, Ph.D., interim director, Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES), Schmidt College of Science. ECOS staff also attended the event to share information about the college’s educational, research and outreach programs. Read more.
| | Two Schmidt College of Science Faculty Named Inaugural Research Team Leaders as Part of VIP Consortium | | Florida Atlantic University made history last fall when it officially launched its first Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program and joined the international VIP Consortium—becoming the first university in Florida to join this global network of more than 50 institutions of higher education dedicated to research-driven, cross-disciplinary learning. The initiative is supported by a $2.2 million grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Two of the university's four faculty team leaders are in the Schmidt College of Science: Deguo Du, Ph.D., professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Rodrigo Pena, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Biological Sciences. Read more. | | “The VIP Consortium represents an important step for Florida Atlantic as it provides a sustainable structure for integrating research, education and mentorship across different colleges, aligning with the university’s R1 mission and national visibility in cutting-edge, collaborative science,” said Du. | | | FAU’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning Degree Reaccredited | The Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program at Schmidt College of Science has been reaccredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) through 2031, recognizing its continued excellence in urban and regional planning education. The reaccreditation was the result of a rigorous two-year process. PAB reviewers commended the college’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning for its mission-aligned approach to prepare future leaders in planning through education, research, scholarship and community engagement. Read more. | FAU Scientists Explain Florida’s Flash Flooding Events from Late October Storm | Assistant professors in the Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Geosciences, Xiaolang Zhang, Ph.D., a hydrogeologist, and Yijie Zhu, Ph.D., a climate scientist, reveal what caused the historic Oct. 26 storm that drenched Palm Beach County, including FAU's Boca Raton campus. Experts estimate that a whopping 1 billion gallons of water poured down in just two hours—enough to fill 25 to 30 football stadiums. Read more. | FAU Surpasses Campaign Goal, Raises More Than $617M | Florida Atlantic University has concluded its first comprehensive fundraising campaign in more than 20 years—"Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University"—raising $617,376,995.44. More than 65,000 alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends made gifts to FAU during the campaign, supporting scholarships and student-success initiatives; health care training and research; and programs that protect the environment. Read more. | David Bjorklund, Ph.D., Releases New Textbook | | Professor David Bjorklund, Ph.D., has released his latest textbook, “Child and Adolescent Development: An Integrative Approach.” The book aims to change how developmental psychology is taught by uniquely integrating three core modern perspectives: developmental contextualism, sociocultural theory, and evolutionary theory. It provides students with a holistic and up-to-date understanding of young minds, complete with findings from developmental neuroscience. Read more. | | “I have always believed that life is best understood as a process of ‘becoming,’ and it is through the scientific study of development that we gain insight into psychological functioning,” said Bjorklund. | | | Schmidt College of Science Excellence Award Winners | |
The college came together on Dec. 10 to recognize the extraordinary achievements of our colleagues at the fourth annual Excellence Awards and Fall Reception. Dean Forbes honored five recipients for their exemplary work in research, teaching and service.
Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching Award
Laura Fontenas, Ph.D.
Researcher of the Year Award
Ashkaan Fahimipour, Ph.D. (assistant professor level)
Monica Rosselli, Ph.D. (full professor level)
Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year Award
Amit Bhowmik, Ph.D.
Staff Service Award
Dominique Blanchard
| | Frontiers in Science 2026 Panel Discussion Series | |
This season of the Frontiers in Science 2026 Public Lecture Series includes panel discussions with experts in the sciences and Q&A sessions from the audience, all moderated by the Dean of the Schmidt College of Science, Valery E. Forbes, Ph.D. We hope these discussions expand your understanding of the world, inspire deeper learning and ignite meaningful discussions. These events are free and open to the public. Read more.
Panel Discussion Schedule
| |
Unlocking the Code of Life: A Community Conversation on the Promises of Biotechnology
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. panel discussion | 6:30-7:30 p.m. reception with refreshments
Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
| |
Saving Our Seas: On the Front Lines of Protecting Florida's Coral Reefs
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. panel discussion | 6:30-7:30 p.m. reception with refreshments
Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
| | Chemistry Student’s Donut-shaped Crystal Image Featured on High-impact Journal Cover | Undergraduate Celina Detwiler Gray's striking image of donut-shaped SrSO4 crystals was featured on the cover of ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. Her peer-reviewed publication, “Engineering Curved Strontium Sulfate Crystals through Biomimetic Crystallization,” also appeared in the issue. While Gray is the first author of the paper, other students from the Bioinorganic Materials Lab run by Vivian Merk, Ph.D., corresponding author and assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the Schmidt College of Science, served as co-authors: Alejandra Coronel-Zegarra, a chemistry Ph.D. student, Andrienne Martin, a recent M.S. biomedical engineering graduate, and Oliver Wang, a summer intern. Read more. | | Watch: From FAU Science to Ocean First Institute: A CEO's Path to Protecting Sharks | | We were excited to welcome distinguished alumna Mikki McComb-Kobza, Ph.D. ‘09, as a Fall 2025 commencement speaker. Dr. McComb-Kobza turned a childhood fascination with sharks into a global mission, founding Ocean First Institute. Her advice for students and new grads is powerful: “There is no better time than right now to pursue a career in the sciences.” The work of conservation is fundamental to the future of humanity. Join us in celebrating our fall graduates. Watch her inspiring video message. Watch video. | | |
Biotech Hackathon: Beat the Clock: Follow Your Mind, Heart, and Gut
Friday, Jan. 30-Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in the Boca Raton Student Union. All majors are welcome! Team projects will encompass a spectrum of disciplines across the university. From developing creative solutions to brain, heart, and gut health challenges—whether through testing new hypotheses, mining public datasets, creating apps, designing wearables, or in a variety of other ways—we aim to advance understanding of lifespan dynamics and ultimately enhance health outcomes.
| |
Virtual Walk-In Advising Week
From Monday, Jan. 12-Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, advisors from the Schmidt College of Science will be available between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to answer questions about spring schedules, spring graduation or questions from spring transfer students. Learn more.
| | |
AI for Science Course
Launching Spring 2026: A new 3-credit course for science undergraduate students!
Get ready to master the essential tool of the future. AI for Science (IDS 4934) will be offered to prepare you for a world where AI proficiency is a core skill. Prerequisites: None! Designed for students with no prior programming experience. Learn more. Questions? Contact Evonne Rezler, Ph.D.
| | |
Apply for the WLW-ECOS Undergraduate Research Fellowship
The Spring 2026 WLW-ECOS Research Fellowship Program offers College of Science undergraduates the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience by working directly with ECOS-affiliated faculty on solution-driven environmental research projects. Fellows receive paid research positions ($22/hour) while building valuable skills, exploring environmental science careers, and contributing to projects that make a real impact. Learn more.
| | |
Call for Proposals: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
SURF projects are 10-week, intensive summer immersion research experiences for FAU undergraduate students and each SURF award allocates $4,000 in support of each awarded project with $3,100 going to the student fellow. Faculty from all FAU colleges are encouraged to submit a project for consideration. Application deadline: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Learn more.
| |
Spring 2026 MCAT Course
Ready to conquer the MCAT? Join FAU’s comprehensive live online MCAT course starting Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Receive expert instruction from FAU faculty, 90+ hours of teaching, and five full-length practice exams, and much more. Learn more.
| |
2026 Postdoctoral Opportunities
Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program
The program aims to stimulate synergy between faculty and postdoctoral associates interested in collaborating on multidisciplinary research that addresses societally relevant problems. Application deadline: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Learn more.
New! WLW-ECOS Postdoctoral Fellowships Program
Up to five two-year postdoctoral fellowships are available to support early-career scientists conducting solution-oriented research addressing South Florida's most pressing environmental challenges.
Application deadline: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Learn more.
| | |
HBOI Ocean Lecture Series
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has released the schedule for its spring 2026 free community lecture series. The series kicks-off on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, and runs every Wednesday through the end of March. Learn more.
| |
Spring 2026 Electrocardiogram (EKG-12 Leads) Technician Course
This comprehensive 30-hour EKG technician course prepares individuals to function as EKG and Monitor technicians in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and other health care facilities. No previous health care experience is required. After completing this course, you will be able to analyze cardiac rhythms and 12 lead EKGs. The spring session runs Monday, Feb. 2-Wednesday, March 14, 2026. Learn more.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
Call for Undergraduate Lab Volunteers
Dr. Predrag Cudic’s Lab is seeking undergraduate lab volunteers at the Jupiter campus who can commit 12–20 hours per week, with preference for students available to work through the summer via fellowship-supported funding. Daily responsibilities will include: preparing amino acids and reagents for peptide synthesis, cell culture and assay support and preparation of commonly used laboratory solvents and buffers. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience in peptide chemistry and cell-based experimental workflows, with opportunities to develop independent technical skills and to apply for internal fellowships that provide financial support. Email hhutchings2023@fau.edu for inquiries and to set up an interview.
| |
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.
| | | |
Fall Issue of 'Florida Atlantic' Released
The Fall 2025 issue of Florida Atlantic magazine is now available online as a flipbook. Inside the publication, you will find stories that showcase the college's groundbreaking research, outstanding student achievements and accomplished alumni. Read more.
| | |
Monday, Jan. 12-Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
Virtual Walk-In Advising Week
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (University Closed)
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Public Viewing Night FAU Observatory
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
Frontiers in Science: "Unlocking the Code of Life"
| | | Partner With the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science as We Race Toward Excellence! | | Sea Turtle Beginning: 2025 FAU Art of Science second place winner, Gabriella Carvajal, doctoral student in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Through a method called candling, a flashlight is held up against a sea turtle egg in the dark to visualize embryonic development. The flipper outline of a developing loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) embryo is visible within its egg, along with the intricate network of extraembryonic blood vessels that sustain growth. | | 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. | | | | |
