Soon after the development of the first computers, engineers and programmers began tinkering with them to create games. Turning a calculating machine into a device for fun pushed the capabilities of the new technology, stimulated creative thinking and inspired interest from the public.

From their origins in the 1950s and 1960s, video games have come a long way. They’re now an industry that generates more than $180 billion annually around the world. Faculty at Florida State University are innovating in this rapidly evolving field, studying how games can reduce mental health stigma, improve language learning, train child welfare professionals and create new opportunities for science communication.

Games and human behavior

At the College of Communication and Information (CCI), researchers are investigating the cultural impacts of video games and how they can affect perceptions of mental illness. In 2025, Professor Nicholas Sellers authored a book chapter titled “GAMES FOR GOOD: Exploring the Potential for Traditional Video Game Narratives to Reduce Mental Health Stigma.”

The chapter is based on a study published in Frontiers, conducted by Sellers and Associate Professor Arienne Ferchaud. The study examined whether playing or watching a video game character experiencing mental illness affected participants’ attitudes toward mental health.

Researchers found that players who directly engaged with the game felt more connected to the character and demonstrated lower levels of stigma, which may help remove impediments to treatment.

“One of the main barriers to seeking treatment is the stigma around mental health. If we can find ways to destigmatize mental illness, we can remove that barrier and encourage treatment when necessary,” Ferchaud said. “Video games are an effective medium for representation because of their interactivity, allowing players to ‘practice’ interactions in a way that is not possible in non-interactive media.”

Other CCI researchers are also exploring applications of video games in the classroom. In a multi-institutional research study published in ACM Journals, Professor Sana Tibi co-led research examining whether collaborative video games can help English as a Second Language (ESL) students develop language skills. The study paired native English speakers and ESL students in a game that required communication and cooperation to complete tasks.

Other research is examining games as a communication medium that intrinsically involves decision making from the audience. Gabrielle Lamura, a doctoral student at FSU, explored horror and morality in video games in her paper, “Moral Dilemmas: Horror Video Games Narrative Mechanics,” which she presented at a 2025 National Communication Association conference.

Some of her other projects are examining how environmental factors and game mechanics influence player behavior and a review of morality and moral decision making in games.

At the FSU College of Music, Assistant Professor Julianne Grasso researches music in multimedia, especially video games, examining how musical themes associated with characters and places develop during a game’s narrative.

“Video game music is interesting for the ways that it seems to function as background and yet has such an effect on us,” Grasso said. “It’s similar to film music in that it can affect how we perceive the emotions and meanings of the scenes we are watching, but video game music goes one step further in influencing ultimately how players interact with virtual environments.”

As technology developed, game designers gained a greater ability to add richness and interactivity to in-game sounds and music, changing how users perceived their experience. Early adaptive audio has evolved so musical directors in modern games have a wide number of parameters they can adjust to fit their creative goals.

“In a film, we might get tense, dissonant music to accompany a suspenseful scene and help the audience feel what characters feel. In a game, that same kind of music might be used as a signal for the player to watch out for danger and to act accordingly,” she said.

From screen to reality: Practical applications of video game technology

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW) collaborated with different contractors to launch two new virtual reality (VR) tools that help social workers train for a critical job in low-stakes virtual environments.

“We are working to create real-world practice opportunities for both current child welfare professionals and students preparing to enter the field,” said FICW Associate Director of Professional Development Kristina Finch. “Through our immersive VR platforms, including the Accenture Avenues headset experiences and our AI-powered virtual home environment being developed with MeetKai, participants can build and strengthen the skills needed to effectively engage with children and families while promoting safety and well-being.”

These interactive simulations provide controlled environments where College of Social Work students can develop skills before practicing in real-world settings. These AI-powered tools allow students to practice observing environmental factors in a virtual setting, helping students connect classroom instruction with real-world practice.

The post FSU researchers explore how video games are advancing research, education and training appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University student Sebastian Ruiz has been selected by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for its competitive Cech Fellows Program, a nine-week undergraduate research experience taking place this summer.

A rising FSU senior majoring in statistics with a focus on psychology, Ruiz was chosen for the inaugural Cech Fellows cohort of 176 undergraduate students from 109 institutions across 36 states and territories. Students are paired with scientists in HHMI labs and participate in a research symposium at the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia.

“Representing FSU in the first Cech Fellows class to me is both an honor and a responsibility because now I am representing FSU on the global neuroscience research stage,” said Ruiz, a transfer student from West Palm Beach. “It also shows a sense of confidence on behalf of Janelia in the level of preparation that FSU is providing me with in my coursework.”

The summer program at Janelia’s campus, 30 miles outside Washington, D.C., helps students contribute to scientific discovery, receive professional mentorship and learn about biomedical research careers. Students work alongside HHMI scientists who are actively engaged in biology and health research.

Ruiz will work in Janelia’s Turaga Lab studying how artificial intelligence can improve our understanding of neural networks. He will create a digital model of a fruit fly’s brain and will study how the brain responds when certain behaviors are performed. Ruiz hopes this research done on fruit flies will lay a foundation for large-scale human brain studies.

“Sebastian is a remarkable leader: independent, driven and with a clear vision,” said Carmen Varela, who has served as a faculty advisor and mentor to Ruiz. “Seeing him receive recognition through the HHMI Cech Fellows Program is incredibly rewarding and entirely deserved.”

“Representing FSU in the first Cech Fellows class to me is both an honor and a responsibility because now I am representing FSU on the global neuroscience research stage.”

– Sebastian Ruiz, FSU senior and HHMI Cech Fellow

Ruiz was also one of four FSU students selected this year for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. The national honor recognizes outstanding sophomores and juniors pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics.

During his time at FSU, Ruiz has spent the past year as a research assistant at Brown University’s Sherif Lab, affiliated with the Carney Institute for Brain Science and the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, studying sensory noise degradation and the presentation of psychiatric illness following an earlier summer internship. In 2024, he participated in Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Computational Brain Science, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

At FSU, Ruiz founded the registered student organization CompNeuroSociety, a campus group that connects undergraduate students interested in computational neuroscience through interactive workshops, journal clubs and collaborative projects. The group helps students build confidence in the field and engage in discussions about computational neuroscience.

The Cech Fellows Program is named in honor of Thomas R. Cech, a former president of HHMI. Cech discovered that RNA can function as a biological catalyst, which reshaped molecular biology and earned him the 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Cech established the Janelia campus and expanded educational opportunities for undergraduate students.

Founded in 1953, HHMI supports scientists at all stages of their careers and partners with more than 50 institutions nationwide.

For more information about applying for the Cech Fellows Program and other competitive national scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate students, visit FSU’s Office of National Fellowships website.

The post Florida State University student selected for Howard Hughes Medical Institute fellowship appeared first on Florida State University News.

For 20 years, the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (FCR–STEM) at Florida State University has helped shape how STEM is taught and learned in classrooms across Florida, developing research-based tools and technologies that support teachers and prepare students for a future workforce.  

FCR-STEM was created by the Florida Legislature, and it was competitively awarded to FSU in 2006. The Learning Systems Institute (LSI) has been the sole operator of FCR-STEM since its inception. 

The mission of FCR-STEM is to help the State of Florida improve STEM teaching and learning in grades K-12 and prepare students for higher education and STEM careers in the 21st century. Through its impacts on teacher knowledge and classroom practice, FCR-STEM strives to improve student achievement, narrow achievement gaps and increase student pursuit of STEM fields. 

“FCR-STEM has had a remarkable impact on STEM education in Florida over the past 20 years,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “Their researchers have consistently pioneered innovative technologies to equip our K-12 educators with the tools and resources they need to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce. By empowering educators, FCR-STEM ensures Florida’s students are positioned to thrive and lead in the next generation of work.” 

FCR-STEM has pioneered education technologies to drive STEM learning in areas such as robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), 3D printables, formative assessment systems, digital platforms and educational support systems for students with disabilities. 

“FCR-STEM has positively impacted STEM education in Florida’s K-12 classrooms for two decades,” said Rabieh Razzouk, director of LSI and FCR-STEM. “For 20 years, LSI team members have looked forward and innovated new systems and platforms giving Florida educators the tools to put our children in a position to capitalize on the opportunities that will be presented by the next generation of work.” 

FCR-STEM’s track record of developing innovative solutions to advance STEM education has led to dozens of partnerships across the country and across disciplines. Since its inception in 2006, FCR-STEM has been awarded more than 150 research grants totaling more than $190,000,000. Of those grants, more than 60 totaled $1 million or more.  

Sponsors have included the U.S. Department of Education, the Florida Department of Education, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Everglades Foundation and eight Florida school boards. 

Innovations created by FCR-STEM include: 

• The CPALMS platform was developed to support K-12 education in Florida and is used by millions of people worldwide. More than 260,000 K-12 Florida educators and approximately three million Florida students actively use CPALMS to access educational resources, information that supports teaching and learning, and software applications designed to support them throughout their educational journeys. During the global pandemic, CPALMS was made available worldwide, and now, more than 20 million students depend on the platform. 

• MyStemKits was created at FCR-STEM and is the world’s largest library of standards-driven, 3D-printable kits and curriculum designed to support interdisciplinary education and nurture the skills necessary for success in the 21st century, including creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. 

• The Math Formative Assessment System (MFAS) was developed as part of the CPALMS platform. It is a K–12, research-based toolset that uncovers how students think and empowers teachers to adjust instruction for deeper understanding. MFAS tasks go beyond right-or-wrong answers to uncover students’ reasoning, misconceptions and learning strategies. 

• FCR-STEM is one of the leaders in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), working on major projects both in Florida and nationally. CGI is a student-centered approach to teaching mathematics that focuses on understanding and building upon a child’s natural, intuitive problem-solving processes. Instead of forcing students to use memorized algorithms, CGI teachers present real-life problems, listen to how children naturally solve them, and tailor instruction accordingly. 

ABOUT LSI 

LSI strives to lead the way in creating innovative educational solutions that seamlessly connect theory with practice. Through advanced research, we develop industry-leading methods and implementation strategies to enhance systematic learning at all levels and in all environments. For more than five decades, LSI has been committed to driving measurable improvements in the performance of both individuals and organizations. 

The post FSU’s FCR-STEM celebrates 20 years of impacting teaching and learning in Florida appeared first on Florida State University News.

A Florida State University computational scientist is paving the way for future medical breakthroughs by developing mathematical models and simulations to predict the behavior of a unique drug-delivery method, which aims to deploy treatments directly to targeted sites in the body.

Florida State University Associate Professor of Scientific Computing Bryan Quaife is part of a multi-institutional team of engineers, mathematicians and computational scientists who are conducting foundational research essential to the design of a drug-delivery system that could reduce medication side effects while increasing treatment efficacy. Their research expands upon work proposing the use of magnetic particles to guide cell-like drug carriers toward a specific target, like a tumor.

This work, which was published in Physical Review Letters, the American Physical Society’s flagship publication, reveals how tiny particles moving inside microscopic drug carriers can gradually stress and eventually rupture the enclosing membrane. These findings could help engineers design smarter drug delivery systems to protect therapeutic cargo during transport and release it on demand at the desired location.

“Our paper shows how mathematical models and computations can reveal processes that are difficult to measure experimentally,” Quaife said. “We needed to study how magnetic force affects the cell-like membrane that transports a drug to a specific site to prevent it from rupturing inside the body. Many measurements — such as the membrane’s ‘floppiness’ and the amount of magnetic force its internal walls can withstand — can’t be taken at such a small scale. I filled in the gaps by developing computer code that predicts experimental outcomes.”

How it works

Medicines like pills and injections circulate throughout the body, which can dilute potency and lead to side effects. For example, chemotherapy drugs are administered to kill cancer cells, but they often also cause severe exhaustion, nausea, hair loss, increased infection risk and anemia. By transporting drugs directly to the site they’re meant to treat, researchers aim to enhance drug efficiency while alleviating unnecessary strain on the body and potentially reducing debilitating side effects.

Researchers first encapsulate a magnetic particle and cargo, such as a drug molecule, within an artificial cell membrane called a vesicle. In this scenario, the vesicle is like a car, the magnetic particle provides the driving force, and the cargo are the passengers being transported. A magnet field outside the body guides the vesicle to the desired location where a specific stimulus, such as light, deteriorates the vesicle membrane and releases the drug into the body. The technique can be used in cases that benefit from pinpoint accuracy in treatment, such as delivering a drug directly to a tumor or to sites of localized inflammation.

“Beyond biochemical targeting, one targeted drug delivery approach is like a truck pulling a trailer, using a particle or microrobot to move the drug where they want it to go,” said On Shun Pak, a co-author on this work and associate professor of mechanical engineering and applied mathematics at Santa Clara University, California. “However, attaching and manipulating cargo can be challenging at the microscale. We instead employ a microparticle encapsulated within a drug carrier to generate propulsion from the inside, rather than towing it from the outside.”

This magnet-driven method was first explored last year in the journal Nanoscale by a research team including Pak, Yuan-Nan Young, professor of mathematical sciences at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Jie Feng, assistant professor of mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Many aspects of the drug delivery system they conceptualized were too small for scientific instruments to measure without destroying the experiment. Young, who led this subsequent research, connected with Quaife to explore the underlying mechanisms using customized, sophisticated computer codes.

“The particle-driven vesicle configuration is so unique and challenging that it’s impossible to simulate using common commercial software,” Young said. “In the beginning stages, Bryan’s expertise helped us identify magnetic-driven drug delivery as something that’s actually possible. After the code was implemented, we did more analytic calculations to determine how the process can work without rupturing the membrane entirely.”

Why it matters

In addition to medicine, this research could eventually lead to new forms of environmental remediation. By swapping a drug for another type of active agent, the vesicle system could potentially be used to neutralize contaminants in water systems or clean up oil spills, especially in areas that are difficult to reach by traditional means.

“This is highly collaborative work at the intersection of fluid dynamics, soft matter and biophysics,” Quaife said. “Experiments informed decisions we made while developing the code, but when we discovered new things through computation and modeling, we relayed that back to the experimentalists. This allowed us to have a full-circle loop among the experiments, analysis, modeling and computation.”

Additional co-authors on this National Science Foundation-funded work include Hervé Nganguia, associate professor of mathematics at Towson University and Howard Stone, the Neil A. Omenn ’68 University Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University.

Visit the FSU Department of Scientific Computing website to learn more about the department’s research.

The post FSU computational scientist helps advance targeted drug-delivery systems using coding, modeling appeared first on Florida State University News.

Viral social media content from international visitors attending the FIFA World Cup is showing how everyday interactions across the United States can become a form of citizen diplomacy that may help reshape global perceptions of the country.

Whether it’s fans from Japan marveling at Texas barbecue, Scotland’s Tartan Army spreading goodwill in Boston or German content creators becoming enamored with Buc-ee’s, international visitors have consistently shared positive reactions to American hospitality, food and local culture.

The social media content offers a contrast to some perceptions of the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, some of Europe’s hottest soccer hubs stated that they believed the U.S. was plagued by “very strong partisan conflicts.”

Florida State University Professor of Sociology Deana Rohlinger studies mass media, social movements, digital participation and democratic processes. She said the FIFA World Cup offers one of the largest examples of citizen diplomacy, when ordinary people act as informal ambassadors and generate goodwill that governments cannot easily create.

“Social scientists have known for decades that when people from different groups interact under positive conditions, stereotypes often break down. The World Cup is one of the largest examples imaginable,” Rohlinger said.

While diplomacy is often viewed as a top-down process led by governments and political leaders, citizen diplomacy works from the bottom up. International visitors’ own perceptions change by experiencing what U.S. culture is about.

“Part of why this resonates is that it pushes back against a story we’ve been telling ourselves for years,” Rohlinger added. “So much of what we encounter emphasizes polarization, conflict and dysfunction that those images start to define how we see ourselves. Then outsiders, people with no reason to flatter us, arrive expecting one thing and encounter another. Their reactions interrupt the narrative. They provide a more generous, and probably more accurate, reflection of who we are.”

Media interested in learning more about citizen diplomacy and how the FIFA World Cup is influencing perceptions of the U.S. may contact Professor of Sociology Deana Rohlinger via email at drohling@fsu.edu.

Deana Rohlinger, professor of sociology, Florida State University College of Social Sciences and Public Policy

How does citizen diplomacy become so effective in the case of FIFA World Cup visitors experiencing the United States?

 Part of what makes these moments powerful is that visitors arrive with expectations shaped by headlines and social media. Then they encounter something more mundane and more human: strangers striking up conversations, neighbors helping with directions, someone insisting they have to experience Buc-ee’s, or introducing them to the marvel of a Big Gulp. These small interactions sound trivial, but they leave impressions. And because so many of us are watching these encounters unfold online, the goodwill extends far beyond the people who were actually there. Visitors show up expecting a divided, unwelcoming country, discover something different, and then tell the world. That’s how the script gets flipped. 

How can this type of positive social media content boost morale to U.S. citizens and their own thoughts/opinions of their country?

There’s something powerful about hearing these positive reactions from strangers. Praise from people who don’t owe us anything feels more credible than self-congratulation. The effect is probably temporary, but moments like this remind people that the angry, divided portrait we carry around is only part of the picture. Everyday interactions, ordinary kindness and even shared excitement over things as mundane as Buc-ee’s or a Big Gulp point to another side of American life that often gets lost in the headlines.

The post Florida State University expert explains how World Cup fans are reshaping America’s image appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University’s College of Music 2026-27 University Musical Associates (UMA) Concert Season will feature more than 30 performances that showcase the breadth of the college’s nationally recognized programs in orchestral, choral, band, opera and jazz music.

The season, which runs from September through May, includes major ensemble performances, guest artists, opera productions and collaborations with Opening Nights. Audiences can experience everything from Bach’s Mass in B Minor and music by John Williams to jazz celebrations, new musical theater works and performances by internationally acclaimed artists.

The University Musical Associates play a vital role in supporting the College of Music through concert attendance, advocacy and philanthropy. Their support helps sustain world-class music education and performance opportunities for students while bringing a diverse range of concerts and guest artists to the university and community.

“This season highlights the extraordinary talent and creativity of our students and faculty while creating opportunities for audiences to experience a wide range of musical traditions and artistic voices,” said Greg Jones, associate dean of the College of Music. “From beloved masterworks to new and innovative performances, these concerts reflect the excellence that defines the College of Music.”

Among the season’s highlights is FSU Opera’s production of Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men (Oct. 30 and Nov. 1). The performance marks the centennial of Floyd’s birth and places FSU Opera alongside Houston Grand Opera, Kansas City Opera and Des Moines Metro Opera as the only collegiate member of a consortium producing the work.

Other featured performances include the Housewright Virtuoso Series presentation A Vocal Mosaic (Sept. 10), a celebration of jazz, Broadway, art song and opera; the University Wind Orchestra’s performance of music by John Williams (Sept. 25); and a presentation of Bach’s Mass in B Minor by the University Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir (April 10).

Jazz audiences can look forward to Celebrating Women in Jazz (March 9), featuring acclaimed saxophonist Tia Fuller with Jazz Ensemble I, while flutist Jasmine Choi, former principal flutist of the Vienna Symphony, will perform as part of the Housewright Virtuoso Series.

The season also includes Preview@FSU: Strange Tails (Jan. 29-30), offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at a new musical in development; the newly dedicated Jim Croft PRISM Concert (Dec. 1-4); and Seasonal Celebration (Dec. 6), featuring the university’s choral ensembles.

The College of Music will continue its partnership with Opening Nights, bringing internationally recognized performers to Tallahassee. Collaborative performances this season include The “President’s Own” United States Marine Band (Oct. 11), Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (Jan. 28) and six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Feb. 25).

Tickets for College of Music performances go on sale June 23 through the FSU Fine Arts Ticket Office. Tickets for Opening Nights collaborative events must be purchased separately through the Opening Nights box office.

UMA members enjoy special access, reserved seating and other benefits throughout the season while helping support the College of Music’s educational and performance mission.

For more information about tickets or UMA membership, visit tickets.music.fsu.edu or call (850) 644-6500. The complete season schedule and more details about the performers are available here.

2026-27 season at a glance

Sept. 10 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: A Vocal Mosaic | Opperman Music Hall

Sept. 18 — University Symphony Orchestra: Celebration! | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Sept. 25 — Wind Orchestra: Music of John Williams | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Oct. 2 — Landscapes of Sound: Chamber Music from Latin America | Opperman Music Hall

Oct. 8 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: Members of the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra | Opperman Music Hall

Oct. 10 — University Symphony Orchestra: Sounds of Courage | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Oct. 11 — The “President’s Own” United States Marine Band* | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Oct. 12 — Honors Jazz Combo with John Allred, trombone | Opperman Music Hall

Oct. 23 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: Musicological Brainfood | Dohnányi Recital Hall

Oct. 29 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: FSU Choirs with André van der Merwe | Trinity United Methodist Church

Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 — Fall Opera: Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Nov. 4 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: ModernMedieval Voices: The Living Word | Opperman Music Hall

Nov. 5-6 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: Kristan Toczko, harp/electronic music | Location TBD

Nov. 8 — University Singers: Hear My Cry | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Nov. 17 — Wind Ensemble: Time and the Winds | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Dec. 1-4 — Jim Croft PRISM Concert | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Dec. 6 — Seasonal Celebration | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Jan. 22 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: Beethoven: A Life in One Evening | Opperman Music Hall

Jan. 27 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: Triple Cortado Trio | Opperman Music Hall

Jan. 28 — Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis* | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Jan. 29-30 — Preview@FSU: Strange Tails | Conradi Studio Theatre

Feb. 20 — University Symphony Orchestra: The Beethoven Effect | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Feb. 25 — Audra McDonald: Audra Goes Hollywood* | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

March 9 — Jazz Ensemble I: A Celebration of Women in Jazz | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

April 2 and 4 — Spring Opera: Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Suor Angelica | Opperman Music Hall

April 3 — University Singers and Levana: Cor Amoris, Cor Unum | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

April 7 — University Philharmonia: Fireworks! | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

April 10 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: Jasmine Choi, flute | Opperman Music Hall

April 10 — University Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Choir: Bach’s Mass in B Minor | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

April 13 — University Wind Orchestra | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

April 17 — Rainbow Concert / 40th Mas N Steel | Opperman Music Hall

April 21 — Wind Ensemble: A Symphony of Symphonies | Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

April 21-24 — Housewright Virtuoso Series: Bryan Powell, Music Education | Location TBD

May 28-29 — Summer Opera: Britten’s The Turn of the Screw | Opperman Music Hall

*Presented in collaboration with Opening Nights. Support for these performances is provided by City Bank (“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band); Ken Kato and Nan Nagy (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis); and Les and Ruth Akers in partnership with The Louise Ireland Humphrey Fund (Audra McDonald).

The post FSU College of Music announces 2026-27 Concert Season featuring more than 30 performances appeared first on Florida State University News.

New and returning Florida State University students are invited to participate in “Welcome FSU” summer, a series of events that kick off Friday, June 19, and continue through Saturday, June 27. The program highlights opportunities for students to get involved, build community and learn about campus resources.

Featuring social, well-being and academic activities, “Welcome FSU” serves as the university’s official welcome and start to each semester. Through events and activities, students can connect with one another and explore all FSU has to offer.

“No matter what semester a student arrives at Florida State, we want them to realize they are now part of an incredibly supportive community that cares about their well-being as well as their academic journey,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Our activities and programs offer a way to help students integrate and explore what FSU has to offer them.”

Below is a selection of “Welcome FSU” summer events. For the full summer schedule, visit  welcome.fsu.edu.

Start Strong at Leach

10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, June 19
Leach Recreation Center

Focus on your personal wellness and get in your first workout, play pick-up basketball, jog on our indoor track or play a few rounds of bingo while sipping boba from 4-6 p.m.

Lake Day

11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, June 20

FSU Lakefront Park

Visit FSU’s historic Lakefront Park and immerse yourself in a fun-filled day with free food and outdoor activities. Swim in the lake, kayak, canoe or paddleboard, enjoy volleyball, disc golf or scale the climbing wall, or simply soak in the sun on the sandy beach or relax in the shade of one of our many lakeside pavilions. All FSU Lakefront Park activities are free for students.

Find Your Classroom Tours  

9 – 11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 21
HCB Atrium

Go on a brief, guided campus tour to see where your summer classes are located. Tours begin at 9 a.m. and leave every 30 minutes from the HCB Atrium; last tour leaves at 11:30 a.m.

Opening Floor Meetings

7 – 8 p.m., Sunday, June 21
Your Residence Hall Floor
Meet your RA and other members of your community at the Welcome Home floor meetings.

Cheers to the Next Few Years

8 – 9:30 p.m., Sunday, June 21
Azalea Magnolia Courtyard

Celebrate the start of your academic journey with games and food and toast to your future at Florida State.

First Day Photos

9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday, June 22

Landis Green

Commemorate your first day of classes and take a photo to share with family and friends.

Course Registration Help Session

10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday, June 22

Club Downunder

Drop in, ask questions, and get help with your Summer B class schedule. Staff can help you navigate Stellic and answer general questions. *Please meet with your advisor before attending.

Summer Sports Fest

7 – 9 p.m., Tuesday, June 23
Westside Courts

Interested in Intramurals during Summer B? Get a sneak peek into our offerings and kick off Campus Rec’s Summer Nights series. Join fellow students for pickleball, sand volleyball and basketball and learn about how you can register for this summer’s IM leagues. Attend four out of the six Rec Tuesday events to win a Summer Nights tank top!

Vision Boards at Strozier

2 – 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 24
Strozier Library

Stop by Strozier Library to grab a free 11×14 poster and create your own Summer Vision Board. Materials will be provided while supplies last.

Movie: Project Hail Mary

7 – 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 24
Askew Student Life Center (ASLC) Theater

Watch this blockbuster movie starring Ryan Gosling for FREE with your FSUCard. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show begins at 7 p.m. (Also playing Thursday-Saturday nights.)

Summer B Block Party

7 – 9 p.m., Thursday, June 25
Union Green

Step out for the sizzling Summer B Block Party and meet campus partners and student organizations for an evening filled with music, activities, food and fun.

Summer Involvement Fair

4 – 6 p.m., Friday, June 26
Student Union Ballrooms

Learn about FSU’s many registered student organizations, meet with student leaders and explore ways to get involved.

Summer in the Union

1 – 3 p.m., Saturday, June 27
Student Union

Escape the heat with an all-access pass to activities on the lower level and 2nd floor of the Student Union. Bring your FSU ID for karaoke in Club Downunder, bowling, billiards, food and a whole lot of fun!

About ‘Welcome FSU’

“Welcome FSU” is part of the Division of Student Affairs’ year-round “Hello FSU!” campaign, which highlights campus events, programs, activities and services for FSU students:

• The Weekly Top 5 – A curated collection of the week’s biggest events, programs, activities and deadlines. (Debuts every Monday throughout the academic year on #HelloFSU social media and at hello.fsu.edu.)
• How To FSU – Connects students with how-to resources and online guides to help navigate various campus processes.
• Success Tips – Identifies resources and provides life management tips to help students succeed in and out of the classroom.
• Spotlight Stories – Feature stories on programs, services and people from around campus.
• ICYMI – In Case You Missed It provides additional reminders for key events or important actions.
• Always On – Highlights the many events happening on campus.
• Ready For – Provides tips on how to prepare for a variety of FSU experiences from getting ready for the first week of class to attending an FSU Noles Athletics event.

To stay up to date with the Division of Student Affairs, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and the FSU Calendar.

For more “Welcome FSU” information and the full summer schedule, visit welcome.fsu.edu.

The post ‘Welcome FSU’ summer events help students connect, get involved appeared first on Florida State University News.

The post FSU Board of Trustees approves $3.22 billion operating budget appeared first on Florida State University News.

This summer, Florida State University will welcome scholars from India’s top research institutions to Tallahassee through a new initiative designed to spark international collaboration, accelerate innovation and expand FSU’s global research partnerships. 

The inaugural Visiting Scholars Partnership Program (VSPP) is designed to strengthen high-impact, research-and innovation-centered partnerships with leading universities around the world. The pilot program, which takes place July 5-31, will bring scholars from four highly ranked international institutions to FSU’s Tallahassee campus for exploratory research collaborations.  

During their stay, each visiting scholar will be paired with FSU faculty aligned with their expertise and desire to build international partnerships. Visiting scholars will explore FSU’s world-class facilities, meet administrators across multiple departments and engage in rich, one-on-one collaboration with their faculty peers several times each week. 

Housed in the Office of the Provost, the initiative receives strategic oversight from the Office for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and is implemented by the Learning Systems Institute (LSI), which conducts research and develops evidence-based interventions to improve individual and organizational performance. 

“Florida State University believes some of the most meaningful breakthroughs happen when scholars from different backgrounds and perspectives come together to exchange ideas,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates opportunities for collaboration that strengthen research, expand global partnerships and enrich the academic experience for our entire university community.” 

“The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates opportunities for collaboration that strengthen research, expand global partnerships and enrich the academic experience for our entire university community.”

— Jim Clark, FSU provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs 

The initiative was spearheaded by Farrukh Alvi, senior associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and the Don Fuqua Eminent Scholar and Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the FAMU–FSU College of Engineering.

“The program is designed to create opportunities for researchers to explore new ideas, identify complementary strengths and develop partnerships around shared areas of interest,” Alvi said. “We hope these collaborations will lead to impactful, lasting research relationships and new opportunities for innovation across disciplines.” 

The VSPP will provide a structured, immersive experience that supports collaborative research, innovation exchange and the development of long-term institutional partnerships. Collaborations will span fields including aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, quantum optics, entrepreneurship and advanced materials research. 

“At Florida State University, we recognize that research and higher education are increasingly global in nature,” said Steve McDowell, assistant provost for International Initiatives. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program reflects FSU’s continued investment in international engagement and global research partnerships to serve the people of Florida.” 

“The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program reflects FSU’s continued investment in international engagement and global research partnerships to serve the people of Florida.”

— Steve McDowell, FSU assistant provost for International Initiatives

Vilma Fuentes, director of FSU’s Ukraine Task Force and a visiting associate in research at LSI, will serve as inaugural program director of the VSPP.  

“This program provides an exciting opportunity to connect scholars from some of the best universities in the world with faculty and departments across our great university,” Fuentes said. “We anticipate these exchanges will lead to new research partnerships, expanded academic engagement and future opportunities that benefit both FSU and our international partners.” 

India is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing research and technology institutions, making the partnerships especially valuable for future global collaboration. Participating partner institutions include the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).  

The partner institutions rank among the world’s leading universities for engineering, science and technology research in the QS World University Rankings. The QS World University Rankings is one of the most comprehensive assessments of its kind, offering an independent comparison of top universities worldwide based on academic excellence, employability, research impact and internationalization. 

“At LSI, we believe innovation happens when people with different expertise and perspectives come together to solve complex challenges,” said Rabieh Razzouk, director of LSI. “The Visiting Scholars Partnership Program creates an environment where those collaborations can grow, benefiting not only our institutions, but also the broader communities and systems our work is intended to serve.” 

Summer 2026 VSPP pairings include:  

• Wei Guo, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Bhaskar Kanseri, Professor, Quantum Optics Physics, IIT Delhi
• Bill Lickson, Professor, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, and Pradeep Bhide, Professor, FSU College of Medicine, with Amit Mehndiratta, Professor, Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi  
• Farrukh Alvi, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Tufan Kumar Guha, Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur, and Debopam Das, Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• Unnikrishnan Nair, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Rajesh Ranjan, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• Rajan Kumar, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Mohammed Ibrahim Sugarno, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur  
• William Oates, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Nidish Narayanaa Balaji, Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras  
• Tristan Driscoll, Assistant Professor, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering, with Namrata Gundiah, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, IISc  
• Zhiyong (Richard) Liang, Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, FAMU–FSU College of Engineering; Tarik Dickens, Professor and Interim Associate Chair, Materials Science and Engineering Department, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering; and Raghav Gnanasambandam, Assistant Professor, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, with Prosenjit Das, Assistant Professor, Materials Engineering, IISc

Cultural activities will also be arranged to give participants a deeper understanding of American culture, society and the surrounding environment. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, activities will include locations listed on the America250FL Road Trip Map. 

In addition to advancing scientific understanding and knowledge exchange, these partnerships are expected to lead to joint research proposals, co-authored publications, shared data, complementary use of resources and new interdisciplinary initiatives. Organizers hope the program will serve as a foundation for sustained international collaboration and future faculty and student exchange opportunities at scale. 

Visit the Visiting Scholars Partnership Program website to learn more about VSPP. For more information about LSI, visit lsi.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu.

The post FSU to welcome inaugural cohort through Visiting Scholars Partnership Program appeared first on Florida State University News.

A career dedicated to translating research into policy and practice has earned Thomas G. Blomberg, dean of Florida State University’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the 2026 August Vollmer Award from the American Society of Criminology (ASC).

Widely regarded as one of the field’s highest honors, the award recognizes an individual whose “scholarship and professional work have made outstanding contributions to justice and the treatment or prevention of criminal or delinquent behavior.”

Blomberg, the Sheldon L. Messinger Professor of Criminology, earned three degrees from UC Berkeley, including a doctorate in criminology. He became dean in 2003 and helped elevate the college into the world’s top-ranked criminology program.

Bringing research to life

In his work as a researcher, Blomberg pursued a goal as simple as it was ambitious: reducing the pain and suffering caused by crime by ensuring research informed policy and practice.

One of the clearest examples of that philosophy was the Juvenile Justice Educational Enhancement Program (JJEEP), which Blomberg helped develop to improve educational outcomes for justice-involved youth.

Associate Professor George Pesta, director of the College’s Center for Criminology and Public Policy Research, called JJEEP one of Blomberg’s most impactful projects.

“His research conceptualization and implementation of JJEEP was truly translational and, for those involved, transformative,” Pesta said. “He embedded researchers in a statewide accountability system for the education of incarcerated youth where we worked with state agencies, local school districts, and private providers of juvenile justice services.”

From 1998 to 2010, JJEEP developed, implemented and maintained a research-driven system that guided policy and improved educational program performance for thousands of Florida delinquent and at-risk youths. At its peak, there were more than 200 juvenile justice education programs in Florida serving 30,000 youths each year.

“Through JJEEP, Tom influenced state policy, helped enshrine research into state statute, improved services for incarcerated youth and, most importantly, he made a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of youths in Florida and the country,” Pesta said. “For me, and many others, JJEEP fundamentally shaped our career trajectories. It trained us in how to participate in translational research and use it to improve lives. The lessons I learned at JJEEP guide me today. Without it, I would not have spent a career in research.”

Citing his unparalleled and “outstanding contributions to justice and to the treatment and prevention of crime,” the three authors of his nominating letter noted Blomberg’s prolific rate of publication, his promotion of evidence-based policy and his efforts to strengthen the field of criminology and criminal justice.

Dan Mears, Mark C. Stafford Professor of Criminology in the college, co-authored the nominating letter. Mears called Blomberg an essential reason he came to Florida State and said the diversity of Blomberg’s contributions to the field of criminology set him apart.

“He’s led a college, won teaching and mentoring awards, presented before legislatures, written books and given presentations internationally,” Mears said. “Tom’s longevity, his diversity of contributions and his persistent framing of science to inform policy and practice are unique. The Vollmer Award is clearly about all those things and Tom checks all those boxes.”

Malcolm Feeley, Claire Sanders Clements Dean’s Professor of Law Emeritus at UC Berkeley and a co-author of the nominating letter, noted that the award’s namesake, August Vollmer, founded both UC Berkeley’s School of Criminology and the ASC.

“The list of winners includes a U.S. senator, eight federal judges, two former longtime directors of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency and a handful of the most honored police chiefs in the history of the country,” he said. “It’s a mind-boggling list, and Tom certainly deserves to be on it.”

Blomberg has authored or co-authored scores of studies and co-authored American Penology: A History of Control, a seminal book in the field that was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. He has lent his expertise to the U.S. Congress, foreign governments and state and local policymakers.

Under his leadership as dean, the college has climbed national rankings and today ranks as the top criminology program in the world.

“Through the years, I’ve been the beneficiary of some fortunate circumstances,” Blomberg said. “This award is a surprise and an incredible honor but ultimately it’s a reflection of this university, college, our wonderful faculty and staff and, of course, our students.”

Building a college into a national leader

Todd Clear, professor at Rutgers University, worked at the college for several years and co-authored the letter nominating Blomberg for the Vollmer Award.

“Tom is an accomplished scholar and he made his mark through his research and creating a framework and an energy behind what was then a new idea of translational criminology,” Clear said. “But he also made his mark in the many of (the college’s) alumni who have made exactly the contributions that the Vollmer Award stands for. He set a tone for the school to care about that kind of work, and the students who leave there carry on that vision.”

Clear is the founding editor of the Journal of Criminology and Public Policy and said Blomberg’s help was instrumental in helping grow the journal from a promising publication to an influential source for policy-relevant research.

Assistant Professor Julie Brancale first met Blomberg as a criminology undergraduate student preparing to take the next step in her education in law school.

Brancale said she sought Blomberg’s advice and a letter of recommendation for law school. He agreed to write the letter and asked her a question that changed her life.

“He asked me what I wanted to do with my law degree,” she said. “I knew I liked school and I was good at school but the directness of that question showed me it was something I hadn’t really thought through.”

Subsequent conversations with Blomberg and an invitation to join him on a research project opened a new path for Brancale.

“I wanted to help people, to make a difference and to leave a positive mark on the world,” she said. “Tom really took me under his wing and showed me what translational research was and what kind of impact it could have on society and how it could make positive change. These were all things I wanted to do with my life.”

A capstone but not an end

Beginning this year, FSU’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is set to embark on a renovation of the Kellogg Building, located next door to its current home. The project, which will add 50,000 square feet of space to the college, is set to happen 75 years after the first criminology courses were offered at FSU.

Blomberg has shaped the course of the college more than any other figure. But the Vollmer Award puts the spotlight on his long-held desire to make a difference.

“It’s the thread through all of his work,” his wife Jeanine said. “It’s the connection between research and policy and he’s still so excited to make it.”

“I was at my computer and it was 2:30 in the morning when I got the news about the Vollmer Award,” he said with a laugh. “I love my job and the cumulative experience of my life, the memories I’ve made, the happy faces of students graduating, faculty earning tenure, what more could anybody ask for? What an honor. What a privilege.”

Blomberg added: “If there is one single thing that’s salient in any success I’ve had, it’s Jeanine. When I think about how brilliant she is, the wise counsel she’s given me, and how she’s able to help me see things I’d never otherwise see, I am humbled.”

The post FSU Dean Thomas Blomberg honored for lifetime of impact on criminal justice policy appeared first on Florida State University News.

As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence July 4, Florida State University’s Institute for Governance and Civics is making experts available to discuss the nation’s history, constitutional traditions, civic culture and future challenges.

The institute has four faculty members available for interviews on topics ranging from the U.S. Supreme Court and constitutional government to education policy, free speech and the role of states in American democracy.

The available experts include:

Ryan Owens, IGC Director

• Email: owens@fsu.edu
• Areas of expertise: Civics and higher education; law and courts; U.S. Supreme Court; judicial behavior.
• Story angles:
  • How has America thrived for 250 years?
  • What does the Supreme Court need to do to ensure another 250 years?
  • What does higher education need to do to sustain America for another 250 years?
  • Is patriotism bipartisan?
  • What trends do we see regarding upcoming generations of Americans?

James Strickland, Constitutional Liberty Branch Head; Associate Professor of Political Science

• Email: jms25s@fsu.edu
• Areas of expertise: Interest groups; legislatures and subnational politics in the United States.
• Story angles:
  • He can discuss the recent student-run constitutional convention.
  • Was James Madison correct about interest groups?
  • What is the role of states today versus states earlier in America’s 250 years?

James V. Shuls, Educational Liberty Branch Head

• Email: jvs24b@fsu.edu
• Areas of expertise: K-12 finance; teacher policy; education reform.
• Story angles:
  • How has the “right to learn” issue evolved over time?
  • How does education today compare to education at earlier times in America?
  • What does K-12 education need to do to sustain America for another 250 years?

Denise Harle, Conscience Liberty Branch Head, First Amendment Clinic Director

• Email: dharle@law.fsu.edu
• Areas of expertise: Constitutional law; appellate practice; First Amendment rights.
• Story angles:
  • Why is the First Amendment so important to America’s 250th?
  • What do free speech and religious liberty mean for Americans today versus 250 years ago?
  • How can we create a culture that respects individual rights to expression and thought?

The post FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics offers experts for America’s 250th birthday coverage appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University’s education and educational research program ranks No. 25 globally, No. 2 among public universities in the United States and No. 1 in Florida in the 2026-27 Best Global Universities rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.

Florida State also ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions in psychiatry and psychology (No. 80), social sciences and public health (No. 89) and arts and humanities (No. 92).

The rankings evaluate more than 2,250 universities in more than 100 countries based on academic research performance and global and regional research reputation. The methodology emphasizes factors such as publications, citations and international collaboration.

“These rankings across crucial professions and disciplines reflect the quality of our faculty and the impact of their scholarship,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “The recognition earned by our education program, along with strong performances in psychology, the social sciences and the humanities, demonstrates the public value proposition of the academic excellence across Florida State University.”

FSU’s performance reflects the university’s continued growth as a leading research institution. The university recorded a record $488 million in research expenditures, a 50 percent increase since 2021, and surpassed $1.2 billion in research funding proposals in 2025.

U.S. News uses data from Clarivate’s Web of Science Core Collection and InCites Benchmarking & Analytics to evaluate universities. The Best Global Universities rankings focus primarily on institutions’ research performance and scholarly impact rather than undergraduate education.

For more information and the complete rankings, visit the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities website.

The post FSU education program ranks No. 25 globally in U.S. News & World Report rankings appeared first on Florida State University News.