As the global film industry descends on the 79th Cannes Film Festival beginning May 12, it does so at a pivotal moment: Cinema is redefining who, or what, gets to be considered a creator.  

The rise of generative AI has ignited one of the most consequential debates the industry has faced since the transition from film to digital: Is storytelling still a fundamentally human act?  

The festival recently ruled that any film where generative AI serves as the “principal authoring tool” is ineligible for the Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded to the director of the best feature film at Cannes. This includes AI-driven scripts, visual generation and principal performance synthesis.   

Jason Maurer, Head of Animation at the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts, is exploring how AI can be used ethically in creative spaces, with a strong focus on storytelling, filmmaking and animation production pipelines.   

One of his guiding principles for navigating AI and filmmaking is Wharton Associate Professor Ethan Mollick’s four basic rules: Be the human in the loop, invite AI to the table, treat AI like a person and assume this is the worst AI you’ll ever use. Maurer believes that Cannes’ push toward human-centric filmmaking is less a rejection of technology than a defense of authorship.  

“AI is a collaborator, not a creator,” Maurer said. “The ethics around how it’s built are non-negotiable, and the real threat isn’t the tool — it’s the humans wielding it without accountability.”   

Jason Maurer is available to speak with media on these angles that intersect AI and the film industry. He can be reached via email at jmaurer@fsu.edu.   

• Authorship and accountability still belong to humans: AI can speed up production, but it can’t take responsibility for a story. The real debate isn’t about banning AI — it’s about keeping humans accountable for what ends up on screen. 

• Audience trust will hinge on transparency, not technology: Viewers are open to AI-assisted films if the story resonates, but they want honesty about how it was made. The industry’s challenge isn’t AI itself — it’s clearly labeling and owning the creative process. 

• AI is expanding access while raising real ethical risks: The technology is lowering costs and giving indie filmmakers new creative power, but many tools are built on legally and ethically uncertain foundations. The opportunity is huge, but how the industry addresses those risks will define its future. 

Jason Maurer, Head of Animation, FSU College of Motion Picture Arts 

To the average film viewer, much of the AI-generated content might be indistinguishable to actual human content. Are these human-centric stances like what Cannes is doing good for the industry, or are we at a point where we’ve lost the audience’s trust for what is real on the screen? 

Whether it’s good for the industry depends on what we mean by “human centric.” If the standard is that a human directed the work, made the choices and bears the artistic responsibility, then a filmmaker using an ethically sourced AI tool is still making a human-centric film. The human is still in the loop — to borrow Ethan Mollick’s framing, which I apply to my own creative process. We didn’t stop telling stories around the campfire when the printing press arrived. Portrait painting didn’t disappear because of the photograph. Tools change. Authorship doesn’t.  

The animation industry has already lived through this. When CG arrived, the field declared 2D dead — and it nearly was, commercially, in the U.S. for most of the 2000s. Hundreds of traditional animators lost careers in that transition. We should be honest about that. But 2D didn’t die. It evolved, and the medium today is richer for having both languages available. 

Proponents of human-centric cinema endorse its authentic storytelling as one of the standards of film. While generative AI can perhaps maximize efficiencies in film, what makes the human element more important? 

The reframe I’d offer is this: The question isn’t really whether AI can be human-centric. It’s whether humans using AI are operating in good faith.  

Iris Knobloch, the Cannes president, said when announcing the 2026 selection that “AI knows how to imitate very well, but it will never know how to feel.” I’d sharpen that. AI doesn’t need to feel. The humans making the work need to. The humans watching it need to. That’s where the human element actually lives — not in the tool, but in the people on either side of it.  

The deeper case for human-centric storytelling is responsibility. Films are made by people. People can be questioned, credited, sued, hired or fired. Models can’t. As long as humans are answerable for what shows up on screen, we have an industry that can correct itself when something goes wrong. And here’s why that matters for the aesthetic question, not just the legal one: a story someone is staking themselves on is a story that carries weight. Audiences can feel the difference between work someone is answerable for and work that’s been generated to fill a slot. That stake is what authenticity actually is. 

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With the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially withdrawing from OPEC, the global energy market could enter uncharted territory.

To understand the potential seismic shift from cartel-controlled pricing to a competitive price war landscape, Florida State University DeVoe L. Moore Professor of Economics Randall Holcombe is available for interviews on the possible long-term implications for global energy markets. He can be reached via email at holcombe@fsu.edu.

As a leading authority on market processes and public policy, Holcombe can provide critical analysis on why this move could signal the structural weakening of OPEC’s half-century reign if more members decide to defect. Holcombe can discuss:

• Exit motives: The reasons for the UAE to leave OPEC.
• Potential outcomes: The possibility of long-term ripple effects on oil prices and global energy markets if more OPEC members leave.

Holcombe is the author of more than 15 books, including “Political Capitalism,” “Entrepreneurship and Economic Progress,” and “Producing Prosperity: An Inquiry into the Operation of the Market Process.” He is a former member of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s Council of Economic Advisors, former president of the Public Choice Society, former president of the Society for the Development of Austrian Economics, and a Senior Fellow with the James Madison Institute.

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As summer approaches and more boaters take to the water, the risk of vessel strikes increases for the sea turtles that inhabit Florida’s coastal environment.

Florida State University Professor Mariana Fuentes helps reduce the impact on sea turtles by studying issues around their conservation and management. Within the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, she leads the Marine Turtle Research, Ecology and Conservation Group, where her team studies sea turtles across every life stage, from nesting beaches to coastal feeding grounds.

A recent study identified places on the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts that expose protected marine turtles to the highest risk of being struck by vessels. Along with partners around the state, she is part of a statewide educational campaign called “Boaters for Turtles” to reduce vessel strikes on sea turtles.

Media interested in speaking with Fuentes on conservation issues around sea turtles can contact her at mfuentes@fsu.edu.

What do we know about high-risk areas for vessel strikes?
Vessel strikes are not isolated incidents. Our research reveals clear and concerning patterns. Injuries from watercraft are found in roughly 25% of stranded sea turtles, with loggerhead and green turtles among the most affected species. Geographic hotspots span heavily trafficked coastal regions, particularly in Florida, Texas and across the Gulf Coast, where boating activity overlaps with critical feeding and nesting habitats. These areas often include coastal passes and nearshore zones where turtles gather in high numbers. It’s a combination of having more boats and also having more turtles in those areas that make it risky.

Seasonal trends further intensify the issue, as peak boating months coincide with key periods in sea turtles’ life cycles, bringing human activity and marine life into closer and more dangerous contact. While previous studies examined localized trends, our research is among the first to analyze vessel strikes across a broad geographic scale.

How does the Boaters for Turtles initiative turn research into real-world impact?
The Boaters for Turtles initiative uses science and community collaboration to help protect Florida’s sea turtles, keystone species that are crucial to a healthy ecosystem. Vessel strikes are a major threat to sea turtles, although there have been initiatives to reduce them through voluntary go-slow zones. We are expanding that work by creating a broader network of voluntary go-slow areas across the state to reduce the threat. We are emphasizing slower speeds in certain areas, highlighting other behaviors boaters can adopt to reduce their impact and working with institutions and county partners across Florida to raise awareness.

What are simple actions people can take to reduce the risk of vessel strikes on sea life?
Small changes in how people operate boats — like slowing down, keeping a careful watch, respecting wildlife zones and giving animals plenty of space — can greatly reduce both the chances of hitting marine life and the severity of injuries if a collision occurs.

What are the next steps in the Boaters for Turtles initiative?
The campaign is built on the data we have collected to identify where go-slow areas are most needed. After launching and implementing additional go-slow zones throughout Florida, the goal is to expand the campaign across the broader Gulf region. Our initial research helped demonstrate how significant vessel strike is as a threat to sea turtles, and now the focus is on scaling solutions and increasing awareness to reduce that impact. The effectiveness of our campaign will be evaluated at the end of the year, so we can learn what worked and what did not work.

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The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup represents another significant evolution in how global sporting events are monetized, shifting away from traditional fixed-rate ticketing toward a more fluid, market-driven model.

The dynamic is another example of the lack of affordability when it comes to attending sporting events. The issue is both domestic and global — in the 2025-2026 season, the average cost to take a family of four to an NFL game, including tickets, parking, food, and basic souvenirs, is approximately $1,339 according to the Action Network.

With the United States hosting the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1994 — along with Canada and Mexico — demand for what many consider the gold standard of sporting events is expected to be high.

Professor Mark DiDonato, an assistant teaching professor at Florida State University’s Department of Sport Management, recently weighed in on the market forces behind Super Bowl pricing in the Sports Business Journal. He is available to discuss some of the strategies being adopted by FIFA and what they mean for the future of the fan experience. DiDonato’s key discussion points include:

• Market-responsive pricing: FIFA’s use of dynamic pricing — where ticket costs fluctuate based on real-time demand — mirrors trends in the airline and hotel industries. DiDonato can explain how this maximizes revenue for high-demand matches like the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium while managing inventory across 104 matches.
• The secondary market as a primary tool: FIFA’s official resale platform, which collects a 15% fee from both buyers and sellers, represents a strategic move to internalize the secondary market. DiDonato can analyze how this allows organizers to maintain control over ticket security while capturing value that previously went to third-party brokers.
• Segmented luxury: The expansion of premium tiers and hospitality packages — some reaching five-figure price points — reflects a shift toward catering to high-net-worth global clients alongside traditional supporters.

Media interested in interviewing Professor DiDonato on FIFA’s ticketing approach and the general landscape of sporting event unaffordability can email him at mdidonato@fsu.edu.

Mark DiDonato, assistant teaching professor, FSU Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

The dynamic pricing system has been used for different sporting events, most notably the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Is it becoming the standard for ticket prices at big sporting events to be a fluctuating commodity instead of a fixed public good?

Dynamic ticket pricing (DTP) has become the standard for major sporting events, like the FIFA World Cup. Prices adjust in real time based on supply and demand, following a familiar model used by airlines and hotels for decades. Sporting events are particularly suited for this approach because inventory is fixed. There are only so many seats, and each ticket loses all value once the game begins. Algorithms identify the market-clearing price, or the highest price a consumer is willing to pay at a given moment.

That price is constantly shifting based on a range of factors, including team performance, opponent quality, star player availability, weather and broader economic conditions. A rivalry game or marquee player can drive prices up, while a late injury or losing streak can push them down. At the same time, ticket revenue is only one part of the overall business model. Even when tickets are sold at a lower price, teams can generate additional revenue through parking, concessions and merchandise.

With incredibly expensive hospitality packages (for example, packages are reaching nearly $70,000 for the World Cup Final), are sporting entities slowly squeezing out ardent supporters with clients?

The rise in high-end hospitality packages reflects a broader shift in how sports venues are designed and monetized. Across both collegiate athletics and professional leagues, facilities are reducing overall seating capacity while increasing the number of premium spaces, including suites and VIP areas. These offerings are built to serve corporate sponsors, donors and high-spending clients who expect exclusive access and elevated experiences. In many ways, the modern venue is no longer just hosting thousands of fans. It is also hosting premium customers whose spending drives a disproportionate share of revenue.

From an economic standpoint, reducing the total number of seats while demand remains unchanged will push prices higher, which can price out some traditional fans. Teams have responded by diversifying ticket options, such as standing-room-only access without a reserved seat. The result is a reconfiguration of how different segments experience the event today. Teams are balancing exclusivity and accessibility while prioritizing revenue growth and maintaining fan engagement.

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Soft, squishy stress toys known as NeeDohs have become a fixture on office desks, in backpacks and across social media feeds, transforming from children’s playthings into mainstream tools for stress management and focus. According to two Florida State University experts, their rise reflects an understanding of simpler mental health techniques and a savvy blend of sensory appeal and digital‑era marketing.

Brad Schmidt, director of the Florida State University Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic, says that squeezing objects like NeeDohs can help calm the brain and body by offering a simple, repetitive sensory‑motor task. That physical engagement can shift attention away from racing thoughts and help ground people in the present moment. Predictable tactile input, Schmidt said, can feel regulating because touch is one of the brain’s most basic signals of safety and bodily awareness.

NeeDohs are increasingly visible in workplaces, a sign that adults are seeking accessible, discreet ways to manage daily stress. Schmidt said portable tools like these fit naturally into office settings, though they are not a substitute for addressing more serious anxiety issues.

From a consumer behavior perspective, Cammy Crolic, assistant professor in FSU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business, said NeeDohs combine fun, sensory gratification and emotional regulation — a mix that fuels demand. Unlike traditional toy fads, their appeal is “process‑oriented,” meaning enjoyment comes from ongoing use rather than completion, which can extend their lifespan.

Crolic also points to NeeDohs as a standout example of haptic marketing. Though consumers can’t touch them through screens, viral videos succeed because the sensory experience is easy to imagine. In times of economic and political uncertainty, she added, consumers often gravitate toward small, affordable indulgences that provide comfort and a sense of control — making NeeDohs well‑timed for the moment.

Media interested in interviewing Director Brad Schmidt about the stress management components that make NeeDohs effective may reach out to him at schmidt@psy.fsu.edu.

Media looking for marketing expertise at how NeeDohs are resonating with consumers can email Professor Cammy Crolic at ccrolic@wertheim.fsu.edu.

Brad Schmidt, director, FSU Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic, FSU College of Arts and Sciences

NeeDohs are being seen more on office desks, not just in playrooms at home. Is this an example of adults seeking alternative ways to reduce daily stress? 

I think that’s exactly what it reflects. Adults are willing to use a wide array of tools for self-regulation. Discreet and portable tools like a NeeDoh would make sense for a work environment. The literature suggests that use of a toy like a NeeDoh could be beneficial to some, and it’s more adaptive than the “three martini lunch” but it’s not likely to be a solution to a more significant problem with stress and anxiety.

Cammy Crolic, assistant professor and Dean’s Emerging Scholar, FSU Herbert Wertheim College of Business

NeeDohs aren’t just for kids — many adults use them in their workplaces. How much does this cross-generational marketing benefit them?

The cross-generational adoption of NeeDoh can be understood from a consumer behavior context situated within the current macro-environment. First, adults using NeeDohs reframe the product from a toy into a functional consumption object that helps with stress management and attentional regulation. This repositioning from a “toy” for play to a “tool” that facilitates goal attainment helps create social legitimacy and widespread cross-generational acceptance and adoption. Further, it is unsurprising that people are turning to childlike, nostalgic NeeDohs that help with stress management right now. We are going through a time of war and geopolitical instability, political polarization and economic downturn. During these times, consumers gravitate to products that create fun, a controllable sensory experience (in an uncontrollable world), that help with stress and emotional coping. Historically, in highly uncertain environments, consumers often shift toward small, affordable indulgences, referred to as the “lipstick effect.” NeeDoh fits with that pattern of behavior because it is inexpensive, fun to use and collect and emotionally comforting.

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Long characterized as a disorder known for its physical symptoms, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is becoming more understood by the psychosocial traits that can also affect it.

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, spotlighting the progressive brain disorder that affects 10 million people worldwide according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Recognition of loneliness as a potential root cause for PD was highlighted in an October 2023 groundbreaking study conducted by the Florida State University College of Medicine, which found that individuals experiencing subjective feelings of loneliness have a 37 percent increased risk of developing the disease.

Antonio Terracciano is a geriatrics professor in the FSU College of Medicine who led the study that first identified loneliness as an early warning predictor of PD. His overall research examines the interplay of psychological, cultural and genetic factors in shaping physical and mental health across the lifespan. Terracciano’s work as a researcher focuses on how personality evolves with age, varies across cultures, and contributes to longevity and resilience against neurodegenerative diseases.

While his study has gained substantial media attention since being released, Terracciano feels continuous publicity connecting loneliness and PD is necessary.

“Promoting this connection is vital, as it shifts the focus toward proactive mental and social health interventions that could potentially reduce the long-term risk of neurodegeneration,” Terracciano said of the effect of loneliness on PD.

Media interested in interviewing geriatrics professor Antonio Terracciano on the link between loneliness and PD as part of its annual awareness month may reach out to him via email at antonio.terracciano@med.fsu.edu.

Antonio Terracciano, professor, Florida State University College of Medicine Department of Geriatrics

In terms of raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease, do you believe it’s becoming common knowledge that loneliness is associated with PD?

 While awareness is growing, the link between loneliness and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a relatively recent scientific discovery. Our 2023 study was the first to provide longitudinal evidence showing that individuals who feel lonely have a significantly higher risk of developing PD. Since its publication, the research has gained substantial media attention and is frequently cited, suggesting that the public and medical communities are increasingly recognizing loneliness as a critical psychosocial determinant of health. However, there is still work to be done to ensure this becomes common knowledge.

Since your research was published in 2023, have there been any other key findings you’ve made linking loneliness to PD?

Our 2023 study established a foundational link, showing that loneliness is associated with a 37% increased risk of incident PD, independent of genetic and clinical factors. Beyond loneliness, our broader research program explores how other psychological constructs influence neurodegenerative risk. For instance, we have investigated the roles of purpose and meaning in life, which can serve as protective factors, as well as the personality trait of neuroticism, which is associated with higher vulnerability to PD and other health conditions. These findings collectively suggest that our emotional well-being is critical for our long-term neurological health and resilience against diseases like Parkinson’s.

How can enhancing your social connection aid in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like PD?

It is important to distinguish between social isolation (the objective lack of interpersonal contact) and loneliness (the subjective distressing feeling of being disconnected from others); our research found that the subjective experience of loneliness was a predictor of PD risk. This is in part because loneliness is linked to systemic inflammation, metabolic stress, and neuroendocrine changes that can harm brain health. Furthermore, loneliness creates a state of heightened vulnerability, or a cognitive debt, where the brain is less equipped to withstand biological insults or the natural aging process, potentially accelerating the progression of neurodegeneration. These findings suggest that reducing loneliness by fostering meaningful connections (not just increasing the number of social contacts) can increase resilience against neurodegenerative diseases and promote overall brain health.

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As autism diagnoses continue to rise across the United States, schools are under growing pressure to better support students on the spectrum. About 1 in 31 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a shift that is reshaping classrooms nationwide.

At Florida State University, researchers Jenny Root and Veronica Fleury from the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences are studying how schools can meet that need. Their work focuses on evidence-based teaching strategies and inclusive classroom practices that improve both academic and social outcomes for students with autism.

The Autism Society recognizes April as Autism Acceptance Month, which brings attention to the need for greater understanding, support and inclusion.

Root and Fleury are available to speak with media about what strategies work in the classroom and how educators can better support autistic students.

Veronica Fleury, Associate Professor, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences; affiliate faculty, Florida Center for Reading Research
vpfleury@fsu.edu

Fleury’s research focuses on optimizing learning opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. She examines how autism influences students’ ability to participate in learning and explores instructional strategies that support academic and social development in young children. Fleury has more than 20 years of experience working with children with autism and she received the 2023 Research Award from the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

What are some of the most important ways schools and educators can better support students with autism in classroom settings?
Our best chance at promoting positive outcomes for individuals with autism is through early intervention and high-quality education that incorporates evidence-based instruction. Providing teachers with exemplary training in the characteristics of autism and the use of research-supported practices is critical.

Evidence-based practices center on predictable environments, explicit teaching methods and behavioral supports that prioritize frequent practice and immediate feedback. To keep pace with the growing body of research, educators must also have ongoing opportunities to monitor students, continue learning and adjust instruction as needed.

Based on your research, what strategies or approaches show the most promise for improving learning, communication or social outcomes for students with autism?
My current intervention work focuses on using shared book reading (i.e., adults reading aloud to children) as a context to develop early literacy and language skills in young children with autism. Reading aloud is a developmentally appropriate way to build foundational skills for reading success. Because it is inherently social, many children with autism require additional support to actively engage in book-reading activities. While the fundamental skills remain the same, how we teach them may differ. Autistic children may require more frequent reading opportunities, carefully selected books aligned with their interests, explicit vocabulary instruction and behavioral support to sustain engagement. 

Jenny Root, Anne and John Daves Endowed Associate Professor, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences; affiliate faculty, Florida Center for Reading Research
jrroot@fsu.edu

Root’s research focuses on developing and evaluating evidence-based instructional methods that promote meaningful academic learning for students with autism and intellectual disability, as well as supporting teachers in implementing effective practices. She has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and received the 2025 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

What are some of the most important ways schools and educators can better support students with autism in classroom settings?
Many classroom expectations are based on implicit norms about how students should behave, communicate and demonstrate learning. For students with autism, these norms can create unnecessary barriers.

While it is important to support students in navigating different expectations, it is equally important for educators to provide flexibility. By allowing flexibility in how students engage, respond and demonstrate understanding, educators can focus on meaningful learning rather than surface-level compliance.

Supporting students with autism is often framed as providing additional help, but a more productive lens is to reconsider how classrooms are designed in the first place. When educators embed support for communication, predictability and engagement into instruction, they reduce the need for individualized workarounds and create more equitable learning environments.

Based on your research, what strategies or approaches show the most promise for improving learning, communication or social outcomes for students with autism?
Students are more successful when they are taught not just what to do, but how to use supports independently. This includes learning when to use a strategy, how to adapt it and how to ask for help when needed.

Instruction should include opportunities for decision making, self-monitoring and gradually reducing adult support over time. When designed this way, it helps students build skills they can apply across settings beyond the classroom.

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Big tech companies Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube were each found negligent by a California jury on Wednesday for operating addictive products that have harmed adolescents – a decision that could impact how these companies function.

Florida State University’s Justin Sevier, the Charles W. Ehrhardt Professor of Litigation, is available for interviews and able to provide insight into how jurors might process emotional testimony from parents and children vs. technical arguments from tech giants. Sevier can also provide analysis on public perception of the trial outcome.

Sevier focuses on legal institutional design, where he identifies and examines the conditions under which the public willingly legitimizes legal rules, actors and tribunals. He explores his research primarily through psychology experiments in the law of evidence, studying both jury behavior and non-lawyers’ perceptions of trial outcomes, while also examining the role that popular legitimacy plays in shaping the law governing business torts and consumer behavior.

Interview requests for Charles W. Ehrhardt Professor of Litigation Justin Sevier can be made by emailing him at jsevier@law.fsu.edu.

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National AI Literacy Day is observed annually to educate individuals on navigating a world immersed in artificial intelligence. Held on March 27 this year, the day promotes ways in which humans, including educators, can embrace the technology and better prepare for its impact.

According to the adaptive learning company HMH, research is showing many educators are growing comfortable using AI, but few feel confident teaching students how to use it responsibly. The company’s Educator Confidence Report from 2025 shows 68% of educator respondents said AI saves them one to five hours per week, allowing more time for student connection and engagement.

Florida State University’s Paul Marty is Professor in the School of Information in the College of Communication and Information and Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation. He works to coordinate, communicate and facilitate efforts among campus stakeholders to foster an environment that encourages and supports academic innovation at FSU. Marty serves as one of the university’s top experts in AI.

While AI’s impact on various industries remains to be seen, Marty emphasizes that human skills remain as important as ever.

“There are naturally a lot of worries right now about how artificial intelligence is going to reshape the workforce, universities and modern society,” Marty said. “You’ll hear people ask, ‘Why go to school, why study something new, why bother learning anything at all if AI already knows everything?’ In that environment, I think it’s important for us to remember that, for all its impressive capabilities, all AI can do is remix what humans already know how to do. When push comes to shove, what sets humans apart from AI is our creativity, our passion and our capacity to imagine new things. And that’s why our humanity, our curiosity and our ability to learn is so important.”

Media interested in gaining insight into AI literacy and understanding how universities like FSU are working with the technology may reach out to Paul Marty at marty@fsu.edu.

Paul Marty, associate vice provost for academic innovation, Florida State University

What is the value of human skills like critical thinking in an AI-driven world?

The most important skill our students need in an AI-driven world is their humanity. I tell our students all the time that what matters most – and what employers actually want – is their communication skills, their people skills, their management skills, their leadership skills, their empathy, their humanity, their ability to learn how to learn, and their ability to share what they’ve learned with other human beings in a way that inspires everyone to move forward and make the world a better place. If we don’t keep learning, we don’t move forward. If all we do is teach what we already know, then the world doesn’t move forward. Only by being open to learning new things are we able to innovate, to embrace risk, to grow, to improve; and in a world where artificial intelligence is ubiquitous, it’s our humanity that is going to make the difference.  

What’s the future of undergraduate education in the age of AI?

 If you talk with faculty at any university about undergraduate students and artificial intelligence for any length of time, the topic of cheating will inevitably come up. And when that happens, I usually try to turn that conversation around. Instead of worrying about cheating, I’ll say, try asking your students to tell you about the classes that they are not cheating in, and why they aren’t cheating in those classes. If you do that, what you’ll hear is a description of the university of the future – one where students are engaged in the material they are learning, and where they are not just learning things, but learning how to apply the things they’ve learned in new ways to define problems and develop solutions that will move humanity forward. In my opinion, the purpose of higher education should be to give our students those exact opportunities, both in and out of the classroom. Here at FSU, for example, we offer classes in Design Thinking and sponsor extracurricular events like Design Sprints where we provide our students with unique and incredibly valuable opportunities to work closely with industry, university and community partners, and apply what they are learning in the classroom to design innovative solutions to real-world, challenging problems. The more we can offer our students those kinds of experiences, the more we can let everyone know that our institutions are committed to the future of student success in a changing world, and that we are empowering our faculty, our staff and our students to thrive in that future.

 How are universities adapting to teaching and learning in the age of AI?

When it comes to artificial intelligence and higher education, many institutions are reacting from a place of fear, and that makes perfect sense. Change is hard. Innovation is disruptive, and universities worldwide are facing a future that threatens to overwhelm them with transformational change. The way people react when new technologies are introduced into their social systems is quite naturally from a place of fear. So here at FSU, we’re working with our faculty, staff and students to take us from a culture of fear to a culture of innovation. This is not easy, but it is an opportunity for us to think carefully about the purpose of higher education, and to determine whether our assessments are actually measuring what we think they are measuring, whether the things we are asking our students to do are actually worth doing and whether the things our students are learning are actually the things they should be learning. Those are not easy questions to answer, but by answering those questions, we can present a clear vision, with compelling stories and a positive message about why higher education still matters in our changing world. And by doing that, we can empower our institutions to proactively adopt disruptive innovations, respond effectively to radical change and shape the future of teaching and learning. 

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March Madness, one of America’s most popular annual sporting events, returns and brings peak excitement — though it’s also known for reducing worker productivity.

The first round of “The Big Dance” are popular days for employees to take off work. But for those actually working, it’s known as a two-day period that could cost the U.S. economy several billion dollars in lost productivity as workers stay glued to a large afternoon slate of college basketball games.

Florida State University’s Wayne Hochwarter, the Melvin T. Stith Sr. Professor of Business Administration, is an expert in employee motivation, job stress and coping, and influence behavior and proactivity. He has published more than 100 scientific and applied articles covering a wide range of topics, including employee entitlement, worker engagement, job stress, layoffs, workplace politics, abusive work behaviors, personal accountability, optimism and leadership-focused motivation strategies.

While workplace managers can expect a dip in employee productivity, Hochwarter believes there are ways to adjust.

“Managers should recognize that March Madness’ productivity drop is predictable and brief,” Hochwarter said. “Rather than trying to prevent it entirely, managers should adapt. Many workers check scores, stream games or manage brackets during work hours.”

Media interested in exploring the workplace dynamics between managers and employees during March Madness can reach out to Professor Wayne Hochwarter at whochwar@wertheim.fsu.edu.

Wayne Hochwarter, Melvin T. Stith Sr. Professor of Business Administration, Herbert Wertheim College of Business

Estimates suggest March Madness could cost the U.S. economy over $13.1 billion in lost worker productivity. How can managers best adapt to this expected drop in productivity?

I question whether that is actually true. People have grown very adept at multitasking at work, and it is common to see employees simultaneously completing work tasks while attending to whatever is on their cell phones. This is particularly true for younger workers who have a long history of navigating most life activities with multiple stimuli vying for their attention at the same time. In my experience, most people do not completely disregard work to keep track of March Madness — it’s just another thing to keep track of while working at their cubicle or in their office.

Many employees are expected to average 2-3 hours per day watching tournament games. Are there any strategies that can be used by workers to ensure necessary work gets finished? How can managers handle this without micromanaging?

Managers should prioritize results over monitoring every action. Today, employees are evaluated based on what they achieve, not how busy they appear. Clear deadlines and deliverables help set expectations while allowing employees to organize their time independently. Some companies even designate common areas or lunch breaks for watching games, so distractions occur at scheduled times rather than throughout the day.

Ultimately, the best approach is a balance rooted in trust: establish clear goals, offer some flexibility and trust employees to manage their responsibilities responsibly. If they cannot do so, I recommend reevaluating the company’s hiring and training programs, since it is obvious they have failed in both areas.

A little micromanaging during March Madness can cause significant harm later on, especially if it’s delivered callously or perceived as punishment-motivated. 

For office morale, can it be a healthy work environment if more employers embrace the tournament by doing an office pool and sparing time to watch games together?

First, leaders need to see this as an opportunity to build morale rather than a disruption. This is a good thing for employees to look forward to — it is predictable, you don’t have to be an expert to take part and it can help people distance themselves from increasingly demanding and unpredictable work. 

Second, it’s not like there aren’t other distractions at work. Most of them cause more stress or harm to social relations than they bring workers together. For example, politics has become extremely divisive with little room for agreement. When introduced to the work environment, the results are almost always negative — feelings get hurt, people’s motives and morale are attacked and people stop interacting with others.

The most important step is to stop labeling this as a distraction. Instead, see it as an opportunity for growth. I also suggest promoting it in advance to give workers something to look forward to. This can start discussions with colleagues about a topic that isn’t naturally anxiety-provoking. In terms of occupying workers’ cognitive space, replacing “toxic diversions” with ones that encourage positive interactions is an opportunity companies should embrace.

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The spring allergy season affects approximately 100 million Americans annually, triggered by immune system responses to a variety of airborne pollens. While the symptoms can range from sneezing, fatigue or even worsening asthma, staying ahead is key to avoiding harsher effects.

Dr. Stephen Quintero, an associate professor and medical director of the School of Physician Assistant Practice at the Florida State University College of Medicine, says patients must be weary of the spring allergy season and take necessary steps in advance.

“We tell a lot of our patients if they know they have allergies, start treatment early,” Quintero said. “Don’t wait until you’re miserable. Start using steroids before the peak season. The good news is we have some treatments where if you start early and stay consistent, they seem to help most people.”

Media inquiring about general information for the spring allergy season may reach out to Quintero via email at stephen.quintero@med.fsu.edu.

Dr. Stephen Quintero, associate professor and medical director, School of Physician Assistant Practice 

What are some of your recommendations to best avoid triggering allergies in the spring?

Some examples include using a daily internasal steroid like the spray or any antihistamines. The nasal saline spray and some irrigation help rinse the pollen away before it has time to activate the immune system. Daily sprays or multiple sprays a day usually work well. Know your surroundings and control your environment as best as you can, especially for people who work outdoors in the grass. It’s important to shower afterwards and change clothes if you’re doing yard work, and keeping your windows closed during the peak pollen season. Using HEPA filters indoors can help in small spaces.

If symptoms continue to worsen or if you have asthma, immunotherapy is an option and can be effective. Allergy shots can be effective in our North Florida region. We also have mold in North Florida because of the high humidity; that can be almost as important as pollen. While it might not be cost effective, dehumidification and HVAC maintenance are important. 

What are some of the most common symptoms you see in individuals with allergy issues?

You get a mix of things, but most people have persistent nasal congestion, they have postnasal drip and they have chronic cough. You have people that just feel sinus pressure or pressure in their face. People will have the issue of watery eyes. And fatigue — this has become chronic in patients. A lot of patients think they have repeated sinus infections, but most of the time it’s just uncontrolled allergic inflammation.

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Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects approximately 3 million Americans and 70 million people worldwide. While repetition of sounds and syllables are most often heard, the bigger burden for some with the speech impediment is its psychological impact.

At the recent 2026 NFL Combine, accomplished wide receiver prospect KC Concepcion spoke through his speech impediment during media interviews. Criticized by some social media users, he was also overwhelmingly praised and used his platform to address his stutter and serve as an advocate for those living with the disorder.

Christopher Constantino is an associate professor at the Florida State University School of Communication Science and Disorders in the College of Communication and Information. He studies how the lived experience of stuttering interacts with culture and society, and researches ways to improve the social experiences of stuttering. Constantino has appeared in several interviews and podcasts on the topic.

He notes that the common individual who stutters often deals with judgement from others, but these situations can be managed over time.

“There is a great deal of stigma around stuttering,” Constantino said. “In addition to the physical experience of getting stuck, people who stutter are contending with the judgement of others. Discrimination is very common. It is no wonder people who stutter try to avoid stuttering. To stutter openly and easily, speakers must learn to manage this societal prejudice. Advocacy is, therefore, just as important to the therapy process as learning how to speak differently.”

Media interested in speaking with Constantino on how stuttering interacts with culture and society can contact him via email at cconstantino@fsu.edu.

Christopher Constantino, associate professor, School of Communication Science and Disorders

Stuttering affects approximately 3 million Americans, according to the Stuttering Foundation. What are some of the social and emotional challenges individuals might face with this disorder?

Stuttering is a neurological condition that affects speech fluency, which is the ability to effortlessly move from one speech sound to the next. People who stutter experience a sense of being stuck on a sound, what is often described as a “loss of control.” When this happens, the speaker often intuitively reacts to this feeling of being stuck by fighting with it or by trying to avoid it. Unfortunately, fighting with the moment leads to a great deal of struggle and effort while speaking. Avoidance leads to restricting what is said and self-censorship. Both make speaking physically hard and attention demanding.

There are many prominent individuals who have been in the limelight and do plenty of public speaking with a stutter. What advice or suggestions do you have for individuals with a stutter who might fear public speaking?

Counterintuitively, the path out of struggle and avoidance is acceptance. The more a speaker lets their stutters happen, the easier they will be. This is, of course, much easier said than done and is why the guidance of a good speech-language therapist can be so helpful. Generally, the more your audience expects you to stutter, the easier it is to let yourself stutter. Therefore, I always recommend disclosing your stutter in high pressure situations. Something like, “I am a person who stutters, you might hear me repeat or stretch some sounds while I speak.”

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