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

FAU Launches New School Dedicated to Environmental Sustainability

Florida Atlantic University’s six campuses are situated in a region at the nexus of rapid urbanization and accelerated environmental risk. Recognizing the critical intensification of these environmental issues in South Florida and beyond, FAU has launched its new School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS). The School is a partnership between the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Read more.


Valery Forbes, Ph.D., Dean of the Schmidt College of Science:

“Our expert faculty and scientists in the Schmidt College of Science and FAU Harbor Branch are forging a path that leads to a resilient future, both with research and through training the next generation of scientists, problem solvers and policymakers,” said Forbes. “We are in a prime location to study the environment and its intersection with urban areas – with the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River Lagoon, the Everglades and numerous freshwater ecosystems converging in the largest metropolitan area in the state.” 

FAU Appoints New Leader to New 'Biotech Bridge' Program

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science appointed Shailaja Allani, Ph.D., Associate Scientist in its Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, as the Director of the Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CMBB) and the newly named FAU Biotech Bridge program. FAU Biotech Bridge aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and draws on the expertise of 35 FAU faculty from various disciplines, including cancer biology, biochemistry, computational chemistry, neuroscience, and aging. Read more.

“Exposure to the wide array of non-academic career options that exist in the rapidly growing biotechnology industry is critical for students pursuing science degrees," said Allani. "We provide the necessary, top-notch training that produces well-rounded graduates who are competitive in the workforce.”

Undergraduate Psychology Degree Program Ranked in 'U.S. News' for First Time

The Schmidt College of Science’s undergraduate psychology program placed No. 234 in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings of top undergraduate programs in the country. This marks the first time in the program’s history to be included in the prestigious report. Read more.

FAU Set to Deliver Two Presentations at Transforming STEM Higher Education Conference

The American Association of Colleges and Universities’ (AAC&U) Office of Undergraduate STEM Education has accepted two proposals from Florida Atlantic University to participate in the organization’s 2023 Transforming STEM Higher Education Conference this November in Arlington, VA. Read more.

“We are working on meaningful ways to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum, which is forward-looking and provides our students with an edge when they enter the workforce. We are also using these tools to provide a more engaging academic experience online with the use of AI support,” said Evonne Rezler, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. 

Floridians Believe in Climate Change and Want Government Action

Floridians are more convinced that climate change is happening than Americans as a whole and strongly support steps to address its impact, according to a new survey conducted by FAU’s Center for Environmental Studies (CES). The latest edition of the Florida Climate Resilience Survey found that 90 percent of respondents believe climate change is happening. Read more.

“Floridians might be more likely to believe climate change is happening due to their experiences with hurricanes and other extreme weather,” said Colin Polsky, Ph.D., the founding director of FAU’s School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability.  

Kaylia Cooper, College of Science Undergraduate Researcher, Wins 2023 Student Talon Award

The 2023 Student Talon Award was awarded to Kaylia Cooper, an undergraduate researcher in the Schmidt College of Science Honors in Biological Sciences program. Cooper is the founding director of the Medi-Futures FAU Virtual Shadowing Program, which helps students connect with various health professionals, allowing them to learn from seasoned experts in the health field. Read more.

Apply for Fall 2023 Schmidt College of Science Scholarships

Financial aid-based and merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Deadline to apply: Friday, November 10, 2023.

 

Sarajedini Family Scholarship (financial-aid based)

Andrew R. & Marjorie C. Buglione Endowed Scholarship (financial-aid based)

Science Graduate Research Support Scholarship (merit-based)


Questions? Contact sciencescholarships@fau.edu.

2023 Nat and Dorothy Hyman Science Lecture: Pollution of Urban Waters

Thursday, November 2, 2023

5:30 p.m. | Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, Boca Raton Campus



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

The event is free and open to all FAU faculty, staff, students, and community members.

Science in Seconds: How Climate Change Effects Sharks

Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D., a Professor of Biological Sciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, has provided valuable insights into how rising sea temperatures, changing ocean currents, and altered prey availability impact shark migration. By studying these factors, scientists can anticipate and mitigate the potential ecological imbalances that may arise due to the changing climate. Watch video.

Schmidt College of Science Faculty to Speak at TEDx Delray Beach: Ripple Effect

November 4, 2023

11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.


The Ripple Effect serves as the theme for the upcoming Delray Beach TEDx event, which will cover a variety of topics that impact the local and global community. The event offers a range of speakers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including two faculty members from the Schmidt College of Science. Ata Sarajedini, Ph.D., Professor and Bjorn Lamborn Endowed Chair in Astrophysics, will explain the Ripple Effect in Cosmology. John Renne, Ph.D., AICP, Director of the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions, and Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, will discuss sustainable, resilient, and livable cities. Learn more.

Get Tickets

FAU's Astronomical Observatory Hosted 'Ring of Fire' Partial Solar Eclipse Event

FAU’s Astronomical Observatory hosted a “Sidewalk Astronomy” event to view this fall’s solar eclipse, known as the “ring of fire” on Oct. 14. In order for guests to safely view the sun and the moon as they appear together in the sky, Schmidt College of Science Department of Physics staff provided telescopes fitted with solar filters and passed out eclipse glasses to approximately 60 sky-gazing enthusiasts. Read more.

Free Community FAU-Well Program Now in 35th Year

In 1988, B. Sue Graves, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Schmidt College of Science, launched the FAU-Well program to provide no-cost fitness assessments and supervised exercise sessions for older adults in the surrounding community. Read more.

Science Internship Course

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 at nielsenk@fau.edu. This course is offered by the Schmidt College of Science, in partnership with the Career Center. Learn more.


Criteria:

  • Undergraduate student in the Schmidt College of Science
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior class standing
  • Internship must be related to major
  • Student must be in good academic standing

Become An Affiliate Member of FAU's School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 | 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Marleen and Harold Forkas Alumni Center Hall (FA-94), Boca Raton campus 

(Zoom link will also be available)


Hear from ECOS Leadership | Shape the School by Participating in Multi-disciplinary Breakout Groups | Refreshments | Celebrate the Formation of ECOS


For all faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students at Florida Atlantic. Join virtually if you cannot attend in person - a Zoom link will be shared with registrants.

RSVP Here

Call for Posters: Science Fest Undergraduate Student Research Competition

Friday, April 12, 2024 | 12:00-2:00PM | FAU Breezeway, Boca Raton Campus


The Science Fest undergraduate student poster presentation competition includes a $1,000 award for First Place, $600 for Second Place, and $400 for Third Place, generously sponsored by the Dr. Eric Shaw Excellence in Science Undergraduate Research Award. Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to showcase their research projects and innovations relating to a specific discipline within the Schmidt College of Science. The research projects or innovations should have generated tangible and meaningful results and findings by the submission of the abstract. Learn more.

Apply to Compete

Deadline to Apply to Compete: Monday, January 29, 2024

Schmidt College of Science Excellence Awards

To recognize the achievements of our faculty and staff, the Schmidt College of Science will present the awards at a celebration in Spring 2024. The awards recognize excellence in research, teaching, advising, service and dedication to the College’s mission and improving students’ experiences. All winners will receive a framed certificate and a $500 cash award.


Application deadline: Friday, December 1, 2023

Learn More

Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program

The Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program aims to stimulate synergy between faculty and postdoctoral associates and encourage greater multidisciplinary collaboration. The program provides opportunities for postdocs and college faculty to engage in multidisciplinary research that addresses societally relevant problems. This is an ideal opportunity for faculty who are interested in both starting a new collaboration and supporting early career scientists.


Application deadline: Friday, January, 5, 2024

Learn More 

Schmidt College of Science Strategic Faculty Hiring Initiative

We are hiring in three strategic areas: Environment, Health, and Computational and Data Science.


The College is seeking multiple new tenure-track faculty members across our eight academic departments. Join a vibrant, growing community of scholar-educators on the frontlines of solving some of the world’s most complex and societally relevant problems. Learn more.

The Invading Sea: What Is Coral Bleaching?

Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the colorful algae living within their tissues due to environmental stress. Ocean temperatures are getting hotter due to climate change, which stresses coral reefs. Prolonged bleaching weakens corals, making them more vulnerable to disease and death. Watch video.

Honors in Biological Sciences Research Pathway

The Honors in Biological Sciences Research Pathway provides undergraduate biology students an opportunity to apply knowledge obtained across prior biology courses and recognizes the research accomplishments of these talented individuals. Learn more.


  • Receive recognition on your academic transcript
  • Distinguish your application to graduate/professional programs 
  • Open doors of opportunity and provide talking points about your research projects and accomplishments at FAU
  • Gain valuable experience and create connections

Cast Your Vote! 2023 Art of Science Contest

People's Choice voting is now open for the 2023 Art of Science Photography and Videography Contest. Vote here.


Deadline to vote is Friday, December 8, 2023.

MCAT Course Test Prep

Spring Course Begins January 11, 2024


  • 90 teaching hours (30 sessions) and added on-demand content
  • Comprehensive reviews of all sections of the MCAT
  • Taught by FAU Schmidt College of Science faculty and FAU 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
  • Scholarships available through the Student Government on Owl Central
Learn More and Register
In the News

Sun Sentinel: Why Floridians, More Than Other Americans, Believe Climate Change is Real


Florida residents not only acknowledge climate change at a higher rate than the rest of the U.S., they also want both the state and federal government to do something about it. FAU’s Center for Environmental Studies (CES) found that 90 percent of Floridians believe climate change is underway. Read more.


Photo: Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Features ECOS Founding Director


On Oct. 26, Colin Polsky, Ph.D., Professor of Geosciences, Director of FAU’s Center for Environmental Studies, and founding Director of FAU’s new School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS), served as an expert for the Marine Research Hub panel at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

WPBF 25 News: FAU's Annual Pumpkin Drop Shows How Fun Meets Physics


WPBF 25 News interviewed Luc Wille, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics at the annual Pumpkin Drop and Physics Carnival, an event that fuses fun and physics education. The event draws a crowd of excited students, both young and old, who cheer as they witness the pumpkins splattering across the ground. Watch here.

Professor Maria Fadiman Featured on the 'Herbal Spot' Podcast


National Geographic Explorer and Professor of Geosciences, Maria Fadiman, Ph.D., joins the Herbal Spot podcast to share aspects of her fascinating journey into the study of plants and people. Listen here.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, November 2

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


Saturday, November 4

TEDx Delray Beach: Ripple Effect (with Schmidt College of Science faculty speakers)


Friday, November 10

Veterans Day (University closed)


Thursday, November 23 to Friday, November 24

Thanksgiving Break (University closed)


Thursday, December 14

FAU Commencement (Science ceremony date)

Monday, December 25-Friday, December 29

Winter Break (University closed)


Monday, January 1, 2024

New Year's Day (University closed)


Thursday, January 25, 2024

Frontiers in Science Panel: What’s Happening to Water Quality in Florida?


Thursday, February 22, 2024

Frontiers in Science Panel: How Can the Florida Wildlife Corridor Support Resilience?

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