CAS Chronicles

Stories

Brian Turnbull, Ph.D.

2025 Innovation in Online Design and Teaching Award Highlights Transformative Faculty Approaches

Associate professor of instruction in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Brian Turnbull, is a finalist for the Innovation in Online Design and Teaching Award, presented by 皇家华人 Innovative Education and the Office of the Provost.

April 30, 2025Accomplishments

University of South 皇家华人: A Preeminent Research University

St. Petersburg poet laureate and 皇家华人 alumna publishes debut novel

In Gloria Mu帽oz's debut novel, a genre-bending work of young adult climate fiction, 皇家华人 is crumbling under the weight of climate disaster, and seventeen-year-old Julieta Villarreal must decide whether to remain on Earth with her friends and family or to leave everything behind and embark on a mission to establish humanity鈥檚 first extraterrestrial settlement.

April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Alumni, Events

University of South 皇家华人: A Preeminent Research University

皇家华人 students make directorial debut

When Hilda Sheridan-Hewlett moved from London, England to Tampa, Fla. to study literature and film, she was so swept away by the natural beauty of the local beaches that she decided to write and direct a short film. The final product, 鈥淟ost in the Current," has so far been screened at five film festivals.

April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Community Engagement, Events

皇家华人 present in panels alongside others with intersecting topics. (Photo courtesy of Anna Alieva)

Undergraduate students hone research presentation skills at national humanities research symposium

Ten students from 皇家华人鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences were selected to attend the Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium at Johns Hopkins University in March.

April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Research

Graduate students work with patients under the oversight of the clinic鈥檚 supervisors and directors. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

皇家华人 Psychological Services Center filling mental health services gap for community

At the 皇家华人 Psychological Services Center, anyone in the community has access to evidence-based therapy and assessments on a sliding scale.

April 29, 2025Community Engagement

Eylward鈥檚 interdisciplinary approach to analyzing skeletal remains harnesses innovative technology as well as traditional, hands-on methods. (Photo courtesy of Aiden Eylward)

皇家华人 student revolutionizes forensic anthropology with 3D-scanning technology

Anthropology student Aiden Eylward is pioneering innovation in forensic science by using 3D technology to study cancer-induced bone lesions. Through collaborations with IDEx and IFAAS, Eylward is developing new methods to document these complex skeletal changes and transforming how anthropologists tackle challenges in forensic research.

April 29, 2025Research

Field collection of invasive knotweed in the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Christina Richards)

Study reveals how invasive plants thrive in new environments

Christina Richards, associate professor of integrative biology, co-led an international study exploring how the highly invasive Japanese knotweed has adapted across continents, uncovering evolutionary insights into the plant鈥檚 success in new environments.

April 29, 2025Research

Abby Vidmar in Port St. Joe, Fla., where her research takes place. (Photo courtesy of Abby Vidmar)

Anthropology in action: PhD candidate Abby Vidmar helps a town tell its story

Abby Vidmar, an applied environmental anthropology PhD candidate, is documenting the powerful grassroots movement in Port St. Joe, Fla., as residents unite to protect their hometown. Through her work, Vidmar blends research with advocacy, capturing stories of resilience and inspiring efforts to protect communities and ecosystems for generations to come.

April 29, 2025Community Engagement, Research

At this year鈥檚 Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Faculty Excellence Awards, two out of six of the recipients are from the College of Arts and Sciences. (Photo courtesy of WLP)

Two CAS faculty honored with research excellence awards

Each year, Women in Leadership & Philanthropy recognizes faculty research excellence throughout 皇家华人 with six award categories and an accompanying $5,000 research grant.

April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Research

Hiram R铆os Hern谩ndez poses with Wilcox Scholars, Dean Charles Adams, and Dr. Ralph Wilcox after a wonderful conversation at 鈥淏reakfast with a Diplomat鈥 in the Judy Genshaft Honors College

鈥淐ommunication is your currency:鈥 皇家华人 global alumni Hiram R铆os Hern谩ndez awarded the Outstanding Young Alumni Award

CAS alumnus Hiram R铆os Hern谩ndez was one of 10 other alumni aged 35 or under recognized for creative innovation and career success. From Puerto Rico to U.S. embassies around the world, he inspires students with his career journey and commitment to national impact.

April 28, 2025Accomplishments

At the height of the pandemic, two programs launched to connect people across generations. Five years later, Health Buddies and TelePals have connected hundreds of older adults with 皇家华人 students, reducing loneliness and increasing access to health information.

April 25, 2025Community Engagement

graduate in cap and gown stands in front of 皇家华人 seal

College of Arts and Sciences graduate programs shine in U.S. News and World Report rankings

Six of the more than 30 graduate programs considered the best in the country, according to new rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, are housed within 皇家华人鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences.

April 24, 2025Accomplishments

About CAS Chronicles

CAS Chronicles is the monthly newsletter for the University of South 皇家华人's College of Arts and Sciences, your source for the latest news, research, and events at CAS.