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

Study Finds Massive Loss of U.S. Coastline Tidal Flats Over 31 Years

For the first time, a new FAU study provides a “big picture” examination that demonstrates the impacts of urban expansion on tidal flat environments across the contiguous U.S. Results of the study, published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, reveal how human activities, rather than natural factors, have impacted tidal flat environments in the U.S. Read more.

Weibo Liu, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences within FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science:

“Findings from our study provide important implications for coastal land use and planning to sustain tidal flats," said Liu. "Our study provides worthwhile data for scientists and lawmakers alike that will contribute to helping to develop policy and programs that address how massive urban expansion has tremendously undermined the environment of tidal flats along the U.S. coast.”

FAU Study: Perils of Not Being Attractive or Athletic in Middle School

As children head back to school, the first-of-its-kind longitudinal study by Schmidt College of Science researchers, including Brett Laursen, Ph.D., senior author and a professor of psychology, helps to explain why adolescents who lack traits valued by peers are at risk for adjustment difficulties. Results, published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, show that low attractive youth and low athletic youth became increasingly unpopular over the course of a school year, leading to subsequent increases in their loneliness and alcohol misuse. Read more.

Professor Jeanette Wyneken Featured on Good Morning America

Professor Jeanette Wyneken, Ph.D., was interviewed by Good Morning America to share the threats facing the sea turtle population. ABC News' Rob Marciano visited the FAU Marine Science Lab to take a look at how the warming world is impacting the future of one of the world’s oldest animals. Watch here.

New Graduate Alexis Surtel, B.S. '23, Lands Position with National Institutes of Health

Spring 2023 Schmidt College of Science graduate Alexis Surtel will begin working with the National Institutes of Health this September, as a postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award trainee. More specifically, Surtel will be housed in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Read more.

In this new role, I hope to gain a broader understanding of neuroscience research, learn new lab techniques, and make advancements in the field of molecular neuropharmacology,” said Surtel.

Ph.D. Student Attends Prestigious Wolfram Innovative Technology Summer School

Michael Ostroff, a physics Ph.D. student in FAU’s Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Laboratory and the Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox, landed a coveted position at the Wolfram Summer School this year. The intensive program was held in-person at Bentley University, in Waltham, MA, and it is designed so that every student has an opportunity to interact with Stephen Wolfram, a renowned British-American computer scientist, physicist, and businessman. Read more.

Ph.D. Student Jennifer Giordano Awarded Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute Fellowship 

Jennifer Giordano, a third-year Ph.D. student in the Schmidt College of Science’s Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences and member of the Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox, has been chosen as an FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute Fellow for the Spring 2024 semester. Read more.

FAU Study Reveals Common Wristbands 'Hotbed' for Harmful Bacteria

Faculty and student researchers from FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science conducted a study that tested various textures of wristbands to determine if they harbor pathogenic bacteria. E. coli was prevalent on 60 percent of wristbands and Staphylococcus was prevalent on 85 percent of wristbands. Results of the study, published in the journal Advances in Infectious Diseases, suggest you may want to “go for the gold” or silver the next time you purchase a wristband. Read more.

“Plastic and rubber wristbands may provide a more appropriate environment for bacterial growth as porous and static surfaces tend to attract and be colonized by bacteria,” said Nwadiuto Esiobu, Ph.D., senior author and a professor of biological sciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Wristband Bacteria Study Reaches Worldwide Audience


500+ media hits locally, nationally, and internationally reaching millions of viewers: The Telegraph, New York Post, Esquire, Forbes, CNET, Men's Health, The Independent, Consumer Affairs.


Ad Value Equivalency: $17+M


36+ countries

2023 Nat and Dorothy Hyman Science Lecture

Thursday, November 2, 2023

5:30 p.m. | Location TBA



The Nat and Dorothy Hyman Science Lecture Series presents, "Managing Pollution of Urban Waters: Sources and Solutions," with distinguished researcher, Sarah E. Hobbie, Ph.D., Regents Professor, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota. A reception including hors d'oeuvres and beverages will follow the lecture.

Learn More and Register

FAU Lands $4.2 Million NIH Grant for Air Quality, Alzheimer's Study

FAU researchers have received a five-year, $4.2 million R01 grant from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health in collaboration with the University of Miami, Colorado State University and Washington State University. An interdisciplinary team from nursing, social work, urban and regional planning, and epidemiology will examine the effects of smoke-related air pollution during agricultural burn and non-burn seasons on social isolation, cognitive function, and risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in rural residents at the southern end of Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County. Read more.

FAU Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program Ranked in Top 10

The Schmidt College of Science’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning professional degree program earned three top 10 rankings in the 2023 Planetizen Guide to Graduate Urban Planning Programs. Read more.

“These rankings reflect our department’s commitment to academic excellence and high aspirations for providing leadership in the planning field that our faculty, students, and staff strive to foster,” said Diana Mitsova, Ph.D., chair and professor, Schmidt College of Science Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

New Neuroeconomics Graduate Certificate Program

The College's new Neuroeconomics Graduate Certificate Program aims to provide students with the tools needed to analyze, interpret, and apply neuroscientific data in order to understand real-world decisions. Read more.

“This program represents a unique opportunity at FAU to bridge the gap between diverse fields such as neuroscience, economics, and psychology,” said William Alexander, assistant professor, Department of Psychology and member of the FAU Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences.

FAU Receives National Academy of Inventors Chapter of Excellence Award

FAU’s chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) was recently honored with the inaugural Chapter of Excellence Award during the NAI Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. FAU’s NAI chapter represents colleges and institutes throughout the university, including the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Read more.

Facing Today's Environmental Challenges

At Florida Atlantic University, we are rising to today’s environmental challenges by expanding environmental education programs to train future scientists, investigating key challenges to preserve fragile ecosystems, and developing innovative techniques to protect our communities.


Invest in FAU’s environmental efforts today to help safeguard precious resources for tomorrow.


For more information and to make your contribution, visit transcendtomorrow.fau.edu.

Summer 2023 Dean's List

Congratulations to our high achieving undergraduates! Florida Atlantic and the Schmidt College of Science recognize the outstanding academic performance by undergraduate students in the sciences through the publication of the Dean's List each semester. View the list.

Social Media Spotlight: ESA/Hubble Space Telescope Picture of the Week

The Hubble Space Telescope ESA/Hubble Picture of the Week (July 31, 2023) features the glittering, glitzy contents of the globular cluster NGC 6652. This was photographed by Schmidt College of Science Professor of Physics and Bjorn Lamborn Endowed Chair in Astrophysics, Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D. View post.

2023 Art of Science Photography and Video Contest

What does your research look like? Participate in the 2023 Art of Science Contest. Open to all students and faculty at FAU. Learn more and submit your art.


Deadline to submit your photo or video is Friday, Oct. 13.

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

September 20

October 18


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

Learn More and Register

Fall 2023 MCAT Test Prep Course

Science students still have time to register!


The live online sessions are recorded, and the science sessions have not yet begun. 


  • 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

Hispanic Access Foundation's MANO Project Offers Latinx Student Fellowships

The Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project is offering enriching fellowships nationwide for Latinx college students and upcoming professionals who are passionate about the outdoors, geography, community engagement, public lands, cultural resources, and natural resources. Talented Latinx students and recent graduates who may be interested in getting work experience with a federal land management agency can find out more through FAU's Career Center. Sign in to Handshake to learn more.

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.

ChatGPT Survey

Educators: The Schmidt College of Science's Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions invites you to share your opinions on student use of ChatGPT. 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

'U.S. News' Features Schmidt College of Science Study


On Aug. 15, U.S. News & World Report highlighted the work of Brett Laursen, Ph.D., senior author and professor of psychology in the Schmidt College of Science. The first-of-its-kind study shows life is harder for children who lack the traits valued by their peers. Read more.


Photo: HEALTHDAY

WLRN's 'All Things Considered' Highlights FAU Shark Lab Research


NPR member station WLRN interviewed Beth Bowers, '23, '19, '12, from FAU's Shark Lab to discuss why blacktip sharks are spending more time farther north, as oceans get warmer. Listen here.

Can Sharks Help Detect When a Hurricane is Coming?


Professor Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D., was featured on CBS12 to discuss how sharks have an extremely sensitive sensory system that allows them to detect changes in even atmospheric pressure, barometric pressure on the surface of the water. Watch the interview to learn about how Kajiura and his team use transmitters to track sharks' movement. Watch here.

BBC Science Focus: Here’s How the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Would Do in a Real-Life Fight


Could adolescent reptiles learn martial arts? Professor Jeanette Wyneken, Ph.D., and Ph.D. student Ivana Lezcano Serra explain. Read more.


Image courtesy: BBC Science Focus

NPR Discusses How FAU Scientists Are Studying the Effects of Extreme Heat on Sea Turtle Hatchlings


NPR News reported on the Schmidt College of Science's Marine Science Lab, which has been conducting a sea turtle sex-ratio study for the past 20 years. Postdoctoral researcher in the lab and FAU alumna Chelsea Bennice, Ph.D., was interviewed. Listen here.

Faculty 'Takes the Hype' Out of Hurricanes


John Renne, Ph.D., a professor and director of the Center of Urban and Environmental Solutions in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, shared his insights as to how to stay calm, but be storm-ready with ABC 4 News, Charleston, SC. Read more.

Miami's Daily Floods and Disappearing Beaches


Bisnow interviewed John Renne, Ph.D., a professor and director of the Center of Urban and Environmental Solutions in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, about current projections that show Miami's worst-case scenario isn't far off. Read more.

Upcoming Events

Monday, September 20

Hands-Only CPR Training


Friday, October 27

Pumpkin Drop and Physics Carnival (details TBA)

Thursday, November 2

Nat and Dorothy Hyman Lecture Series: Managing Pollution of Urban Waters: Sources and Solutions


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