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May 2022
 
Florida Atlantic University High School – Jupiter Campus in Partnership with Max Planck Academy recently celebrated the inaugural cohort of students’ extraordinary academic performance and research projects at the Senior Research Symposium event hosted at the Max Planck Florida Institute of Neuroscience (MPFI).

​During the event, FAU High seniors presented their research and scholarly findings in both oral and poster formats. An awards presentation portion of the symposium followed, recognizing the 23 exceptional students and their accomplishments which include: four peer-reviewed research papers published; awards of more than $10,000 in grant funding and research awards to support their research endeavors; and numerous research presentations given at university, state and national conferences… Read more

The Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College (WHC) recently hosted the 20th annual WHC Symposium for Scholarly and Creative Research. The symposium provided a forum to celebrate and showcase current WHC students and their research, creative activities and diverse academic achievements. This one-day event includes a series of concurrent talks, a poster session, a visual arts presentation, as well as a keynote address. 

One of the highlights of this year’s 20th annual Symposium was the Chastain Lecture presented by Keitlyn Alcantara, Ph.D., titled, “Recipes of Resistance: Seeking New Stories in the Past and Present.” Alcantara is is an Anthropological Bioarcheologist in the Department of Anthropology at Indiana University Bloomington. Her work is centered on foodways as tools of empowerment. 

To learn more about the WHC Symposium, visit here. To view additional photos from the event, visit here. 

Florida Atlantic University has officially debuted the Innovation and Business Development (I&BD) pipeline, an expanded footprint of services offered to the South Florida business community.

From left, Dana Vouglitois, J.D., CLP, associate director, Technology Development, Henriette van Praag, Ph.D., Herbert Weissbach, Ph.D., Shihong Huang, Ph.D., Lawrence Toll, Ph.D., Hari Kalva, Ph.D., Waseem Asghar, Ph.D., Gregg Fields, Ph.D., Jason Hallstrom, Ph.D., Randy Blakely, Ph.D.

The Office of Technology Development recently hosted the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) chapter luncheon to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of FAU’s chapter members.

The NAI chapter at FAU is one of more than 50 university chapters across the country. It was established to recognize inventors from each college for their success in research and commercialization, and to enhance the visibility of scientific innovation at FAU.

Collectively, the group of 24 FAU researchers submitted 16 invention disclosures in the past year, resulting in the filing of 26 patent applications. They are also named inventors on more than 142 issued patents… Read more

Mutant mice are providing scientists with a new neurobiological framework to understand the brain changes observed in distractible humans who carry a common gene variant whose frequency has been associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The scientists demonstrate that mice that express the variant adopt an inattentive phenotype similar to that seen in humans. 

The study, led by researchers from the University of Michigan in collaboration with FAU, Temple University, and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, used genetically engineered mice to examine the neural and behavioral effects of a choline transporter (CHT) variant.

“Our mouse studies, along with prior behavioral and brain imaging studies, indicate that a single copy of the variant is sufficient to change acetylcholine availability and its resulting cognitive effects,” said Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., co-author, executive director of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute and professor, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine… Read more  

Researchers from FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science have developed a microfluidic chip for sperm sorting that is fast, inexpensive, easy to operate and efficiently isolates healthy sperm directly from semen. Importantly, it effortlessly collects sorted sperm cells from the collecting chamber while minimizing contamination by deformed or dead sperm cells.

Results of the study, published in the journal Analyst of the Royal Society of Chemistry, showed that sperm cells isolated from the collecting chamber in this microfluidic chip exhibited significantly higher motility (almost 100 percent), a higher number of morphologically normal cells and substantially lower DNA fragmentation, which is a crucial parameter for the fertilization process… Read more

A new study by FAU researchers is literally shedding “light” on a way to improve the health of endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) prone to a disease called fibropapillomatosis. Affecting about 60 percent of sea turtles in some sub-populations, juveniles are most susceptible to this disease that causes the growth of large debilitating tumors on the skin, eyes and shell.

Turtles with fibropapillomatosis are treated at rehabilitation facilities where the tumors are surgically removed. Unfortunately, many of them do not survive or the tumors regrow.

“Data from our study suggest that one potential method to better the outcome of sea turtles with this disease is to increase their exposure to UV light during rehabilitation,” said Sarah L. Milton, Ph.D., senior author, chair and professor, Department of Biological Sciences, FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and a member of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute and FAU Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention (I-Health)... Read more

As a leader in both diversity and achievement, FAU more than doubled its four-year graduation rate from 19.3% in 2014 to 47.5% in 2020. Importantly, students who identify as Black/African American or Hispanic/Latinx, as well as those who are Pell-eligible, outpace the overall rates to deliver “success for all” at one of the nation’s most diverse universities. 

With transformational leaders, theUniversity launched analysis after analysis, followed by intervention after intervention, which then fueled an ambitious attempt to transform itself into the fastest-improving public research university in the nation. The key to sustaining this movement was launching a number of team-based approaches, so that each student could receive concierge-style services and could rely on personalized support structures to propel them toward academic and career success … learn more by tuning into a recent webinar featuring FAU’s dedication to eliminating equity gaps.
Faculty Spotlights
FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute’s Nicole Baganz Recognized For Outstanding Community Service

Nicole Baganz, Ph.D., director of community engagement and programming with FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute and research assistant professor in Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, was recently presented with the President’s Award for Outstanding Community Engaged Service for her unwavering dedication to advancing STEM education in the community. The award was presented by FAU President John Kelly at this year’s Honors Convocation, an annual ceremony recognizing the University's most outstanding students and faculty members. 

“It is a huge honor to be able to bring neuroscience into our community to teach people of all ages about brain function and new technologies, and ultimately eliminate stigma that remains attached to many brain disorders,” said Baganz. 

Baganz was nominated by Randy Blakely, Ph.D., executive director, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, and received support from leaders of community organizations including NAMI Palm Beach County, Palm Health Foundation, Cox Science Center and Aquarium, Stiles-Nicholson Foundation and more. Congratulations! 
Wilkes Honors College Celebrates Honorees at FAU Honors Convocation Awards 

FAU President John Kelly and Provost Bret Danilowicz recently hosted the University’s 53rd annual Honors Convocation at the University Theatre in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. The ceremony recognizes the University’s most outstanding students and faculty.

“Honors Convocation is a longstanding and important tradition,” said Danilowicz.
This event was hosted in-person for the first time in three years. Read more on the event. 
Please join us in congratulating the below students, faculty and staff on their awards and recognition:  

Cathy Trivigno, Ph.D., instructor of Biology - Excellence in Innovation in Undergraduate Teaching 
Keith Jakee, Ph.D., associate professor of Economics - Distinguished Mentor of the Year in Undergraduate Research
Timothy Steigenga, Ph.D., professor of Political Science - Presidential Awards for Engaged Faculty

Hillary Moran - University Scholar 
Breana Hanley - University Club Merit Award 
David Harbaugh - Undergraduate Researchers of the Year; Phi Kappa Phi Scholar 
Kate Maier and Samantha Zaninelli - Goldwater Scholars 
Miguel Vázquez, Ph.D. - Alumni “Degree of Difference” Award

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at FAU Jupiter recently hosted the 2022 FAU Northern Campuses Awards, an event recognizing the outstanding work and accomplishments for students, staff, and faculty on the northern campuses who have been outstanding members of the campus community. Additionally, OLLI Jupiter provided $1,000 individual scholarships to select undergraduate and graduate students who have exhibited academic or leadership excellence. 
Please join us in congratulating the below individuals on their awards:  

Alex Sturm - Distinguished (Student)
David Harbaugh - Outstanding Student 
Ari Aviles - Owl of the Year 
Satviki Singh - Undergraduate Researcher of the Year
Ryan Bos - Graduate Researcher of the Year 
Priya Raju - Rising Star
Ethan Xu - Student Employee of the Year
Jose Delgado - Intern of the Year  
Nell Robert Faveur - Volunteer of the Year

Jennifer Elgert - Staff of the Year

Exceptional Faculty 
Hongbo Su, Ph.D., associate professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science  
Douglas McGetchin, Ph.D., associate professor, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Laurent Chérubin, Ph.D., associate research professor, FAU Harbor Branch 
Susan Dennett, Ph.D., instructor, Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
Terje Hill, Ph.D., professor of Mathematics, Wilkes Honors College 

Special Recognition
Frida Zavala, FAU Jupiter Campus Life 
Farah Robles Figueuroa, FAU Jupiter  


2022 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Jupiter Scholarship
Kerriann Badal
Ana Lorena Chacon Santiago
Allison Dobuler
Thamara Fernandez Martinez
Rachel Frieary
Haven Gray
Camila Rimoldi Ibanez
                                           
2022 LUNAFEST Scholarship
Melanie Hart 

2022 Robert Friedman Scholarship
Renee Sealy

FAU recently honored faculty and staff at the Employee Service Award Ceremony at its Boca Raton campus. The event recognized several employees for their outstanding service to the university and honored employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 years of service. 

Congratulations to all of the FAU Jupiter faculty and staff members who were recognized for their dedicated service to FAU. To see the full program and list of honorees, click here.
FAU Jupiter Campus Updates

Construction continues to progress on the new, cutting- edge, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute on the Jupiter campus. Once completed, this building will provide current and future generations of scientists with a state-of-the-art, research and education facility.

Current building progress includes the continuation of overhead plumbing work on the third floor; third floor drywall installation; and continued ductwork in the lobby.
 
Construction photos, updated weekly, can be viewed here.
Community Spotlights
FAU Day at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 

FAU Day at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium was a success! Justin Perry, Ph.D., dean of FAU Wilkes Honors College, kicked-off the Spring Training game between the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals with an amazing first pitch. Thank you to all who came out to show their support and owl-pride!
OLLI Updates

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter recently awarded nine $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students at the Northern Campus Achievement Awards. 

The awards include one $1,000 scholarship from the proceeds of the LUNAFEST© film festival and one $1,000 scholarship in memory of Robert Friedman.

“The students that received the scholarships are wonderful representatives of the FAU student body,” said Eliah Watlington, Ph.D., associate provost and executive director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Jupiter… Read more
Resources

FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute reflects on the Institute's transformative 2021 year in the newly published 2022 edition of MasterMinds. This publication provides readers with updates on research and educational activities of more than 100 faculty-level neuroscience investigators who seek to unlock the secrets of brain development and the mind, as well as devastating brain disorders. 
 
Click here to read the MasterMinds 2022 Annual Report.
Educational Leadership:
Intern to Excellence (ELITE)

Educational Leadership: Intern to Excellence (ELITE) is a 22-month state approved Master’s Degree Program in Educational Leadership. ELITE is an accelerated program that includes district specific professional development for aspiring school leaders and completion of the masters... Learn more
FAU Jupiter's library hours have been extended!

Monday - Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fridays: 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Saturdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sundays: 12:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Parking and Transportation Services provides a free intercampus shuttle service. Students, faculty, and staff can enjoy hassle-free, convenient transportation between the Boca Raton and Jupiter campuses. View Schedule

Explore key Jupiter campus locations and learn about life as a Wilkes Honors College student without leaving your home! Our new virtual tour takes visitors throughout the John D. MacArthur Campus, our world-class research facilities and the beautiful Jupiter community with nearby beaches. Tour