CHARLES E. SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF SCIENCE | JUNE 2024 View as Webpage

News and Spotlights

90% of Floridians Believe Climate Change Is Happening

The latest edition of Florida Atlantic University’s “Florida Climate Resilience Survey,” found that 90% of Floridians believe that climate change is happening. The survey also found enduring support among Floridians for increased government action to address the consequences of a warming planet. It found that 68% of all respondents want state government to do more and 69% want the federal government to do more to address climate change. Read more.

Floridians support strengthening our resilience to the effects of climate change because they are experiencing it. The urgency to act means debate over causes is largely irrelevant,” said Colin Polsky, Ph.D., founding director of FAU's School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS), a professor of geosciences, and director of the FAU Center for Environmental Studies (CES) within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Schmidt College of Science Confers Record Number of Degrees

During the 2023-24 academic year, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science conferred the highest number of degrees in the college’s history. The college awarded an impressive 1,731 undergraduate degrees and 184 graduate degrees. Read more.

I continue to be impressed by the expertise and dedication of our faculty,” said Valery Forbes, Ph.D., dean, FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “They deeply care about the quality of education our students receive and remain steadfastly committed to our students’ success. Their high standards of excellence in teaching, research and outreach have had a profound impact on our students’ scholarly accomplishments and educational experiences."

FAU Researchers Land $1M in FDOH Grants to Fight Alzheimer's Disease

Three Florida Atlantic University researchers at the forefront of Alzheimer’s disease research have each received a $350,000 grant from the Florida Department of Health’s “Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program.” Two of the grant recipients are from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science: Mare Cudic, Ph.D., an associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and director, Honors in Chemistry Program, and Qi Zhang, Ph.D., an associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and a faculty member in the David and Lynn Nicholson Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research. Read more.

FAU Experts for the 2024 Hurricane Season

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1, and forecasts indicate a highly active season. Several Florida Atlantic University faculty experts from the Schmidt College of Science are available to discuss various issues surrounding hurricane preparedness, evacuation, and aftermath. Read more.

100% of Pre-Health Students Admitted to Professional Graduate Programs

Congratulations to the Spring 2024 class of Schmidt College of Science future doctors — all 72 members received a letter of acceptance to a health professional graduate program. Faculty, staff, and families came together on May 1 for the college’s annual Future Doctors’ Reception. Read more.

We are immensely proud of this class of future doctors. They have all set exceptionally high standards of achievement and are an inspiration to us all,” said Evonne Rezler, Ph.D., senior associate dean for undergraduate studies, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “Their accomplishments at Florida Atlantic combined with their acceptance to such esteemed programs speaks volumes about our graduates’ talents and ambitions."

Inaugural ECOS Award Winners Announced

The Schmidt College of Science is pleased to announce the inaugural winners of the School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) Research Award: Weibo Liu, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Geosciences, and Myeongsub (Mike) Kim, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science. The awards recognize the most influential published manuscripts on emerging topics related to the ECOS mission. Read more.

Alumna Emma Susi Takes First Place at 2024 WAVE Competition

Recent Schmidt College of Science alumna Emma Susi captured first place at the 2024 Florida Atlantic University WAVE Competition, an undergraduate and graduate applied research and entrepreneurial competition organized by FAU’s Division of Research. She was awarded the Dr. Eric H. Shaw FAU Wave Excellence in Innovation Award and a cash prize of $2,000 for her Sensory Personalized EEG Assistive Communication (SPEAC), a non-invasive, assistive communication brain-computer interface. Read more.

Sea Turtle Grants Program Awards Funding to FAU Researchers

Thanks to a $10,409 grant from the Sea Turtle Grants Program, Heather Seaman, a Schmidt College of Science Biological Sciences Ph.D. student, is working to determine if the chemicals associated with plastics might interfere with sea turtle reproduction. Together with Sarah Milton, Ph.D., principal investigator, chair and professor, Department of Biological Sciences, they aim to study if some of the chemicals may act like hormones, which could bind to hormone receptors in a sea turtle’s body and prevent real hormones from functioning. Read more.

This grant plays a crucial role in supporting my research in sea turtle conservation across Florida’s beaches,” said Seaman. "This study will provide better insight into whether plastic additives have the potential to impact the reproductive system in sea turtles, which can then impact the population in the future."

New Alumna Abigail Eccles Has Her Sights Set on Space

New Schmidt College of Science graduate Abigail Eccles received her Bachelor of Arts in geosciences, with a focus in geology, earlier this spring. During her undergraduate years, she had the incredible opportunity to intern at NASA, which sparked her passion to pursue a career in the space industry. Read more.

Grant Renewed by National Cancer Institute to Study Next Generation of Cancer Immunotherapies

Mare Cudic, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and director, Honors in Chemistry Program, Schmidt College of Science, recently had her funding renewed by the National Cancer Institute with a $443,151 grant. The award will allow Cudic to advance her project, “Mechanistic insight into tumor-associated MUC1 glycopeptides binding to macrophage galactose-type lectin.” Read more.

This funding will allow me to further our efforts in understanding the immune recognition of cancer cells, and it will facilitate the development of effective cancer immunotherapy,” shared Cudic. “In addition, the project offers an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in interdisciplinary research, combining chemistry and biology approaches for advancing the discovery of novel preventive cancer vaccines."

New Book Released by Former Schmidt College of Science Dean

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Emeritus Professor of Physics Nathan Dean, Ph.D., and former dean of the college, released a new book that offers a simple and healthy way to permanently lose weight, titled “Exponential Weight Loss: Easier than Dieting, and It Works!” Read more.

Student Spotlight Video: Dodlee Mosilme

Biology major Dodlee Mosilme was featured in a Florida Atlantic Admission’s video about the “day in the life” of a first-generation student. Watch video.

Opportunities

Call for Applications: Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) Program

The U-RISE program is currently seeking students who will be starting their second or third year at FAU in the fall or are classified as sophomores or juniors based on credit hours. Students accepted into this program must commit to research-intensive U-RISE courses and workshops. The program covers partial tuition costs, support for research and travel, and a monthly stipend. The central goal of this program is to expand the pool of students from Florida Atlantic who engage in biomedical research, and uniquely prepare them for graduate school.

Learn More and Apply

Deadline to Apply: June 15, 2024

Soar-in-4 Medical School Pathway Program 

The Schmidt College of Science and Schmidt College of Medicine collaboratively offer a pathway program to medical school for outstanding Schmidt College of Science Soar-in-4 Scholars. Students admitted into this highly selective program are offered conditional admission to the Schmidt College of Medicine provided they maintain the required program standards. Each student will work closely with the program's faculty and staff to develop an individual education plan and to ensure a smooth transition if accepted.

Learn More and Apply

Program Application Deadline: August 15, 2024

Summer MCAT Test Prep Course

There is still time to register! Session is just underway!


  • 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

Honors in Biology Research Pathway

  • 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 research experience and create connections
Learn More

Upcoming application deadlines: Fall 2024: July 28, Spring 2025: December 1

Archbold Biological Station Research Internships in Plant Ecology

Archbold is seeking motivated plant ecologists for an internship position in the Plant Ecology Program of Dr. Aaron David at Archbold Biological Station, located in south-central Florida. The 8-month internships are ideal preparation for graduate research in ecology.

Learn More and Apply

DNALabs Corp at FAU Research Park Internship Opportunities

Lab

Criteria:

  • Undergraduate or graduate student in the Schmidt College of Science
  • Freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior class standing or graduate students
  • Hourly expectations per week range from 6-20 hours
  • An interest in genetics and a basic understanding of the potential impact of genetic variants would be an asset
  • Rolling admissions


Learn More and Apply

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.

Call for Students to Join Research Program: Microbiome Innovation for Plant, Soil, and Environmental Health

Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to join. The program is recruiting undergraduate students to engage in publishable problem-solving research on microbes of plants, soil, insects, and the environment using metagenomics, DNA sequencing, and other biotechniques. The program is recruiting master's thesis students to participate in innovative research focused on food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences, while working to develop a career with the USDA and partnering agencies.

Learn More and Apply

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

The FAU School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) invites all faculty, postdocs, and graduate students from Florida Atlantic 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 FAU


  • Get details about seed funding for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaborations 
  • Learn about the latest grants  
  • Get notified about job openings for recent grads
  • Participate in events, conferences, and other activities, both internal and external to FAU, related to the ECOS mission 
Learn More and Join

FAU Young CryptograpHERS 2024 Summer Camp

FAU Young CryptograpHers is a cybersecurity summer camp specially designed for high school girls. Participants will be introduced to the fundamental principles of cybersecurity and learn how to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world situations. The program includes lectures and activities by FAU faculty, alumni, and speakers from industry and government. The camp's goal is to motivate and inspire talented students who are interested in a cybersecurity career.

Learn  More and Register

Camp runs from August 5-9, 2024

In the News

Latest FAU Climate Change Survey Makes Front-page News


The latest FAU “Florida Climate Resilience Survey” made front-page news in the May 14 edition of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, and was also featured in the Palm Beach Post and NPR Here & Now Anytime. And the study was mentioned in numerous articles following the recent bill that deletes "climate change" from Florida law, including: The Washington Post, NPR News, MSN.com, among many other outlets. Photo: courtesy of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

WPTV: Florida's Wildlife Corridor Protects State From Floods, Fires, Climate Change, FAU Study Says


Florida Atlantic Professor Jay Baldwin, Ph.D., discussed how preserving the land detailed in the Florida Wildlife Corridor study by FAU and collaborators benefits Florida residents across the state. Watch here.

Spring 2024 Issue of 'Florida Atlantic' Magazine


The latest issue of Florida Atlantic magazine features a cover story on Schmidt College of Science primatologist Kate Detwiler, Ph.D., providing a peak into her illustrious career, which is among a number of other highlights for the college throughout the publication. Read more.

Professor Jeanette Wyneken Is Featured Podcast Guest


Jeanette Wyneken, Ph.D., professor of Biological Sciences and director of FAU’s Marine Lab at Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex, joined Chelonia Cast for their podcast episode, “Anatomy, Physiology, and Behavior of Sea Turtles.” Read more.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Summer Semester Begins (Term 3)


Thursday, July 4, 2024

Independence Day (University Closed)


Monday, August 5-Friday, August 9, 2024

FAU Young CryptograpHERS Summer Camp

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Commencement


Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Commencement (tentative)

Partner With the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science as We Race Toward Excellence!

Photo: "Octopus Skin(care)" by Chelsea Bennice, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow and alumna, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, was winner of the 2023 FAU Art of Science Competition for the Top Postdoc category.


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.

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Submit your news for Science Connect to scicomm@fau.edu.

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