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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A new collaboration between Florida State University and nonprofit educational organizations is opening doors for Ukrainian scholars, empowering them with vital AI skills that can drive innovation and resilience in higher education. 

The Anne Spencer Dave’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Anne’s College) and the Ukraine Task Force (UTF) have joined forces with the American Councils for International Education and the Digital Education Council (DEC) to deliver free, online artificial intelligence (AI) training for research faculty in Ukraine.  

Dina Vyortkina, associate dean for Innovation and Instructional Technology at Anne’s College and member of the UTF, coordinated the effort to provide DEC’s online course leading to a certificate for AI in Higher Education at no cost to 36 Ukrainian researchers.The researchers invited to participate are alumni of or current participants in BridgeUSA programs. 

“We have designed a comprehensive faculty professional development program for our colleagues in Ukraine,” Vyortkina said. “Completing AI literacy courses would be a great foundation for everyone before we embark on scalable AI initiatives that support teaching, learning, research and operations. We are looking forward to tangible outcomes and impactful changes.” 

Both the BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows Program (BridgeUSA UAFP) and the BridgeUSA Ukraine Program for Resilience and Reconstruction (UPRR) build connections between Ukrainian and U.S. scholars for long-term collaboration in areas such as joint research, shared pedagogy, course development and publications. These programs are implemented by the American Councils for International Education with the long-term goal of helping Ukrainian universities educate and train professionals critical to the country’s recovery and reconstruction through lasting, productive collaboration with U.S. institutions of higher education.  

Housed in FSU’s Learning Systems Institute (LSI), the UTF was established in 2022 as part of the university’s broader internationalization strategy and aims to forge partnerships between FSU and Ukrainian scholars and educate the FSU community about Ukraine. Through the UTF, FSU has hosted six BridgeUSA Fellows and will host two more this summer.  

In June 2024, FSU became the first U.S. university to host fellows through the program: Taras Panchenko, Andrii Balandr, Andrii Roskladka and Natalia Safonova all spent the summer on campus collaborating with FSU faculty mentors. And in October 2025, the UTF hosted Sofiia Doskich and Kostyantyn Mezentsev through BridgeUSA UPRR.  

“We anticipate that this new area of collaboration will lead to new research collaborations and the sharing of best teaching practices between BridgeUSA Alumni and peers at FSU,” said Vilma Fuentes, UTF program director. “This may also pave the way for future grant-funded opportunities.” 

The DEC’s “Certificate for AI in Higher Education” is a self-paced, 20-hour course that allows participants to gain the knowledge and skills needed to integrate AI effectively in teaching and day-to-day work. It’s intended for users of every level, helping them understand the fundamentals of AI, its implementation in higher education, responsible practices and practical use cases. Each module is practical, focused and directly applicable to higher education.  

American Councils is providing the course as part of its mission to strengthen international ties and connections between countries and cultures through excellence in academic, professional, and cultural exchange, language acquisition, educational developmentand research. Since 1974, their educational portfolio has grown to include 140 countries important to national security, prosperity and peace.  

“It’s a strong reflection of the partnership we have forged through BridgeUSA UPRR with FSU so far—one built on trust, shared purpose and a long-term commitment to lasting partnerships between Ukrainian and U.S. universities, including new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as AI in higher education, research and innovation,” said Ksenia Ivanenko, program manager for Higher Education Partnerships and Capacity, Field Operations at American Councils for International Education. 

In addition to completing the AI course, Ukrainian faculty can also participate in webinars facilitated by FSU colleagues. The project also aims to help Ukrainian faculty adapt existing university courses, embed innovative approaches and AI tools, contribute to the co-creation of AI literacy courses tailored to higher education in the Ukrainian language and local context, and conduct institutional AI assessments. 

“We are deeply grateful to Florida State University for its outstanding commitment to Ukraine, American Councils BridgeUSA UPRR, our program participants and alumni and for investing so much energy and care into this work,” Ivanenko said. “At a time when Ukrainian higher education continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience under immense pressure, this initiative creates meaningful access not only to practical AI skills but also to international academic exchange that can strengthen institutions and support the next generation of teaching and research.” 

For more information about LSI and the UTF, visit lsi.fsu.edu. To learn more about Anne’s College, visit annescollege.fsu.edu. For more information about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu. 

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. 

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Florida State University recognized the research contributions and creative work of associate professors with this year’s Developing Scholar Awards.

The awards are sponsored by the Council on Research and Creativity, and they include funding to promote the awardee’s program of research and creativity. Faculty were nominated by their respective academic departments.

“These faculty members exemplify excellence in scholarship, and we congratulate them on this well-earned recognition,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “FSU is honored to celebrate their accomplishments and to support their ongoing research and creative work.”

This year’s awardees are:

David Braithwaite, Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
In his “Queen of the Sciences” lab, Braithwaite investigates mathematical thinking and logical reasoning and how people learn and develop these skills. Using behavior studies and computational modeling, he aims to improve our understanding of cognitive processes involved in math and logic to advance psychological theory and improve education.

Ravinder Nagpal, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Science, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Nagpal researches the role of the gut microbiome in age-related intestinal and neurocognitive health. His research examines how beneficial and pathogenic microbes and their metabolites function, with the goal of developing nutritional and pharmacological interventions to improve the microbiome and reduce conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Joel Smith, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
The Smith Lab is focused on improving synthetic approaches to assemble some of nature’s most complex molecules. Smith and his team investigate the most concise way to assemble naturally occurring molecules, which often inspires the invention of brand-new chemical reactions and improves the synthesis, function, and translational potential of organic molecules and transformations.

Qian Yin, Department of Biological Science, College of Arts & Sciences
Yin studies how individual proteins or protein assemblies intervene in related biological processes such as membrane transport, the innate immune response, and host-pathogen interactions. Her work illuminates the interactions among inflammation, infection, cellular cleanup processes and rearrangement of protein filaments in cells. A recent focus is on the endomembrane system, which is the focal point of both antimicrobial defense and cell maintenance.

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Florida State University recognized graduate student achievement and leadership at the Celebration of Graduate Student Excellence, sponsored by The Graduate School and the Congress of Graduate Students, on April 6 at the FSU Alumni Center.

The celebration honored graduate students who have earned external fellowships and grants and those who have excelled in teaching, mentorship, leadership, participation in public discourse, and research and creative activity. Faculty mentors were also recognized for their work with graduate students.

“Florida State has attracted some of the top graduate students from Florida, from around the United States and from around the world,” said Steve McDowell, interim dean of The Graduate School. “Graduate students are central to undertaking FSU’s important missions of education, research and creative inquiry, and service.”

So far during the 2025-2026 academic year, FSU graduate students have won 135 national fellowships and grants, higher than last year’s near record of 131. That number is expected to grow and includes recognition and funding from the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, the National Institutes of Health, the Fulbright Program, the Florida Legislative and Gubernatorial Fellows programs and the McCain Global Leaders Program.

“Graduate funding opportunities are competitive by nature, and so it is a testament to the strength of FSU’s graduate programs and, most importantly, our graduate students, to have this number of externally funded students in a year,” said Keith McCall, assistant director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards.

The event kicked off Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week, a national observance FSU celebrates with a series of events focused on recognition, professional development, wellness and community connection.

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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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Last Friday, the Anne’s College Research Showcase at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center brought together FSU faculty and staff to discuss research opportunities, grants and promote departmental collaboration.

Featuring more than 300 students and faculty from the renowned Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Anne’s College), the event was an opportunity for participants to present their work that places an emphasis on real-world impact.

Damon Andrew, dean of Anne’s College, provided remarks at the showcase ceremony that summed up the everyday ambitions of the college’s research.

“Every year I look forward to this conference, which showcases the very best research activities being undertaken by our college’s faculty and students,” Andrew said. “While we come from various scientific disciplines and utilize a broad range of methodological conventions and techniques, we all share the common goal of using our research to maximize human potential.”

With approximately 233 PowerPoint and poster presentations, and more than 300 students and faculty presenting current research, the showcase covered endless topics that impact day-to-day life and span across several disciplines. Presenters tackled issues related to ultra-processed foods, artificial intelligence in the classrooms, workplace accommodations, mental health in schools and much more.

Joshua Newman, associate dean for research at Anne’s College, asserts that the caliber of work being conducted offers valuable solutions for both Floridians and a broader audience.

“Research is at its core is about value proposition, because we’re really trying to answer tough questions but provide solutions to problems that face families across Florida and the region even beyond,” Newman said. “In our college, we have a very strong commitment to making sure that we’re doing research that doesn’t just get published in journals but is making an impact in people’s lives.”

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From promoting the impact of cutting-edge research to celebrating student success, podcasts at Florida State University have become a staple for sharing information for the FSU community. They offer an accessible medium for digital storytelling, amplifying the voices of students, staff and faculty. 

FSU colleges and departments host a variety of podcasts pulling stories and experts from across the university. The diverse range of podcasts means that there is something for every listener to tune into, whether they are a student, staff member or alumni. Here are a few examples of the FSU podcasts available:

Nole Edge  

The College of Arts and Sciences produces “Nole Edge,” connecting listeners with the stories of students, faculty, alumni and researchers whose work is changing the way we view the world. 

Host Amy Walden, the college’s assistant director of visual and social media, has explored topics such as what happens in the human brain during sleep and how that protects against Alzheimer’s disease, the ethics of moral injury, FSU’s immersive language houses and more. Now in its fourth season, episodes are available on the college’s YouTube channel. 

“Nole Edge” has created a unique space to share the stories and perspectives of the outstanding researchers, faculty, students and world-renowned lecturers that make Florida State such a special place,” Walden said. “Because the FSU College of Arts and Sciences is home to the natural sciences and humanities, every topic and conversation on the podcast is a new adventure. We strive for our listeners, no matter their area of interest or level of expertise, to walk away from each episode with fresh knowledge.” 

InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast  

“The InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast” with host Mark McNees from the FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship highlights student and alumni entrepreneurs and innovators from FSU. 

Guests include the next generation of young business leaders sharing what they’re learning as they build companies from the ground up, FSU faculty with key insights into entrepreneurship, and alumni making their mark. “InNOLEvation Mindset” can be found on the website for FSU’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and is also available on YouTube. 

 “InNOLEvation® Mindset started as a way to give FSU’s entrepreneurs a platform, but it has evolved into something bigger,” McNees said. “We’re now having conversations with energy finance leaders, sustainability innovators and business founders whose work is reshaping entire industries. The podcast gives the Jim Moran College a front-row seat to those conversations, and our listeners, whether they’re students, executives, or policymakers, walk away with insights they can actually use.” 

Coach Talk  

“Coach Talk” was created by Timothy Baghurst, director of the FSU Center for Athletic Coaching. Each episode connects the classroom with the field, featuring guests from the sports industry, including coaches, athletic directors, team owners and more. Episodes of “Coach Talk” can be found streaming online on platforms such as Spotify.   

 “Listeners gain a deeper understanding of coaching practices, decision-making and the realities of working in sports, drawing practical, evidence-based lessons from the show,” Baghurst said. “‘Coach Talk’ offers an inside perspective on the knowledge and experiences that shape sports today.” 

More FSU podcasts 

There is a podcast for every listener, each one exploring another facet of the FSU community. 

The College of Medicine produces “Faculty Forward” to provide insight, strategies and professional advice to medical school and health sciences faculty. Each episode features experts and educators from FSU, focusing on topics for faculty success in the classroom and the clinic. Episodes of “Faculty Forward” can be found on the website for FSU’s College of Medicine.   

“FSU COMMversation” is a student-run podcast highlighting students, professors and alumni from FSU’s School of Communication in the College of Communication and Information. Each episode highlights the accomplishments of its guests, which allows other students, professors, and alumni to stay informed and connected with the communications world. “FSU COMMversation” can be found on all streaming platforms online.   

“Seminole Sports” is hosted by Jeff Culhane, the director of broadcasting for the Seminole Sports Network. Culhane is joined by Seminole coaches and players as he breaks down current news and events in FSU sports. Listeners can tune into “Seminole Sports” from the Seminole Boosters website.  

“Connect with VP Amy Hecht” dives into new topics about programs and opportunities at FSU. Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht highlights a new guest in each episode and discusses frequently asked questions from students, parents and future Seminoles. Listeners can find episodes of “Connect with VP Amy Hecht” on FSU’s website for the Division of Student Affairs.

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Two distinguished professors at the Florida State University Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Anne’s College) earned recognition from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) for their outstanding work in their respective fields.

Nicole Patton Terry and Lara Perez-Felkner were each selected by the AERA for national education research awards and will be recognized April 9 at the organization’s annual meeting in Los Angeles. Patton Terry is the director of the Florida Center for Reading Research and the Olive & Manuel Bordas Professor in the School of Teacher Education. Perez-Felkner is the Professor of Higher Education and Sociology and is also an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Sociology.

“Drs. Perez-Felkner and Patton Terry are exceptional members of Anne’s College, and I am so proud of their contributions to their fields,” said Damon Andrew, dean of Anne’s College. “These awards are a testament to their dedication to excellence and their achievements in advancing education research.”

“Drs. Perez-Felkner and Patton Terry are exceptional members of Anne’s College, and I am so proud of their contributions to their fields. These awards are a testament to their dedication to excellence and their achievements in advancing education research.”

– Damon Andrew, dean of Anne’s College

The AERA strives to advance knowledge about education, to encourage scholarly inquiry related to education and to promote the use of research to improve education and serve the public good. The organization is dedicated to improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and evaluation and by promoting the dissemination and practical application of research results.

Patton Terry is the recipient of the 2026 AERA Exemplary Contributions to Practice-Engaged Research Award. The award is presented to an education research scholar or scholars in recognition of collaborative projects between researchers and practitioners that have had sustained and observable effects on contexts of practice.

Her research, innovation and engagement activities involve young learners who are vulnerable to having difficulties with language and literacy achievement. Patton Terry’s research has been supported by various organizations, including the Institute of Education Sciences, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the Spencer Foundation, and the William T. Grant Foundation.

She said the award is an example of how research creates real-world impact.

“This award reflects my conviction that public research universities are uniquely positioned to work alongside their communities in ways that leverage our research to advance positive outcomes,” Patton Terry said. “I am honored to have collaborated with so many partners in our schools in communities to make that mission a reality and I humbly accept this award on behalf of us all.”

Perez-Felkner is receiving the 2026 AERA Distinguished Contributions to Gender Equity in Education Research Award. The award recognizes individuals within AERA for distinguished research, professional practice and activities who advance public understanding of this field at any level in the education community.

Perez-Felkner’s research uses developmental and sociological perspectives to examine the mechanisms that shape opportunity pathways toward postsecondary access and success in scientific career fields. Her work has appeared in several education and social and behavioral science journals. Her research has been supported by external funders including the National Science Foundation, the Sloan Foundation and the Spencer Foundation.

The national award reflects nearly 20 years of research by Perez-Felkner, including particular attention to STEM fields like engineering and computer science.

“I’ve been fortunate to do this work in community with my very first students here at FSU and still today, as well as incredible colleagues nationally and internationally,” Perez-Felkner said. “I’ve been able to communicate findings to audiences including secondary and postsecondary faculty and staff, public audiences and scientific groups like CERN. This is a great honor from our largest professional association in the field of educational research that I’ve been part of since graduate school. It’s humbling to be recognized in this way, and I’m honored and motivated to continue.”

Patton Terry and Perez-Felkner join Lou & Elizabeth Bender Endowed Professor Shouping Hu as recent AERA honorees from Anne’s College. Hu was recognized last week as one of 34 exemplary scholars for the 2026 class of AERA Fellows.

Anne’s College was rated the No. 5 Best College for Education in America among public institutions in Niche’s 2026 Best Colleges in America rankings, and No. 8 nationally. For more information, visit annescollege.fsu.edu.

For more information on AERA, visit aera.net.

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As National Nutrition Month shines a light on healthy eating, new research points to wild blueberries as a simple way to support cardiometabolic health.

Also referred to as lowbush, wild blueberries are primarily grown in Maine and Canada. Their short shelf life and seasonal availability mean they are often found in frozen packages sold in supermarkets across the country. Both wild blueberries and the traditional highbush blueberries – the ones sold fresh in supermarkets – offer excellent nutritional quality, delicious flavor and unique growing characteristics, and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Florida State University’s Sarah A. Johnson, an associate professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, was one of 12 researchers who conducted an extensive study on wild and highbush blueberries and their cardiometabolic effects. The findings detailed how wild blueberries can improve key nutritional areas including vascular function, the gut microbiome, blood pressure and blood sugar.

Johnson’s research reveals the nutritional benefits of wild blueberries.

“It’s remarkable to see measurable health impacts from a single food rather than a complete dietary overhaul,” Johnson said. “Fruit and vegetable consumption is generally low among consumers, and the research with blueberries demonstrates that even small daily changes consumers can make can have clinically relevant beneficial health impacts. Some of their demonstrated health benefits include those to cardiovascular and heart health and cognitive function.”

Media interested in interviewing Johnson on her latest research about wild blueberries and their cardiometabolic health benefits may reach out to her via email at sba07@fsu.edu.

Sarah A. Johnson, associate professor, Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences

One of the major health priorities that has sprouted in recent years is gut health. What did this study tell you about how blueberries can aid in this area?

Blueberries are rich in dietary fiber as well as polyphenols, which are naturally occurring phytochemicals (i.e., plant chemicals) that interact with and are metabolized by the gut microbiota. Through this interaction, health promoting metabolites are produced that can be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, enter blood circulation and interact with cells, tissues and organs. These compounds also serve as a food source for beneficial gut microbes, functioning as prebiotics and supporting overall intestinal health. Research to date suggests that blueberry consumption may alleviate some gastrointestinal symptoms and improve markers of gut health, though more research is needed.

What would be your recommendation as to how individuals can incorporate blueberries into their daily diet?

Fresh blueberries are delicious on their own, but they’re also incredibly versatile. They can be added to yogurt, oatmeal, cereals and salads, blended into smoothies; incorporated into baked goods; or used in jams, preserves, juices, sauces; and incorporated into savory dishes such as a topping for pizza. There are numerous ways to enjoy them, and I encourage individuals to experiment and find the options that fit best into their daily routine.

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A Florida State University professor at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Anne’s College) has been chosen as one of 34 exemplary scholars for the 2026 class of American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellows.

Shouping Hu, the Lou & Elizabeth Bender Endowed Professor, earned selection to the AERA Fellows Program that honors scholars for their exceptional contributions to, and for excellence in, education research. The 2026 Fellows were selected by the Fellows Committee and approved by the AERA Council, the association’s elected governing body.

Hu will be inducted alongside his cohort during a ceremony at the 2026 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles on April 9.

“Being named an AERA Fellow is a tremendous honor,” Hu said. “This recognition reflects the collective impact of collaborative research focused on improving postsecondary student success, and I am excited to continue this work as new opportunities emerge in the age of artificial intelligence.”

“This recognition reflects the collective impact of collaborative research focused on improving postsecondary student success, and I am excited to continue this work as new opportunities emerge in the age of artificial intelligence.”

 – Shouping Hu, Lou & Elizabeth Bender Endowed Professor

The AERA is the largest national interdisciplinary research association devoted to the scientific study of education and learning. Founded in 1916, AERA advances knowledge about education, encourages scholarly inquiry related to education and promotes the use of research to improve education and serve the public good.

Hu is the founding director of the Center for Postsecondary Success (CPS) at FSU and serves as the co-director of the Collaborative Lab for the Advancement of Student Success (CLASS). His research interest examines issues related to postsecondary readiness, outcomes and success.

Throughout his career, Hu has published more than 100 journal articles and book chapters on his areas of research – authoring five books. He has become a leading expert on the role of artificial intelligence in higher education and the future of higher education in a changing world.

“Dr. Hu’s selection as an AERA Fellow is a well-deserved recognition of his relentless dedication to advancing postsecondary student success,” said Damon Andrew, dean of Anne’s College. “Through his leadership with the Center for Postsecondary Success and his prolific, forward-thinking research, he continually elevates the standard of scholarly excellence here at FSU Anne’s College. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this prestigious milestone with him.”

Hu joins a class that is the 18th group to be inducted into the AERA Fellows Program, which was established in 2007 to emphasize to new scholars the importance of sustained research excellence in the field.

AERA’s more than 25,000 members are faculty, researchers, graduate students and other distinguished professionals with rich and diverse expertise in education research. They work in a range of settings from universities and other academic institutions to research institutes, federal and state agencies, school systems, testing companies and nonprofit organizations.

For more information on AERA, visit aera.net.

For more information on Anne’s College and its top-ranked programs in education, visit annescollege.fsu.edu.

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Dr. Seuss Week is observed from Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 6, highlighting the significance of early reading through the quirky and rhythmic style found in Theodor Seuss Geisel’s cherished books.

The nonsensical language that has characterized so many Dr. Seuss books has proven to be an enormous benefit for younger readers, aiding several areas including phonics development, articulation, vocabulary growth and more. The “Seuss Science” is praised by literacy experts worldwide for fueling better cognitive and language development.

Florida State University’s Beth Phillips is a dual faculty member, serving as professor of education psychology within the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She is also an associate director at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR). Her research interests include the overlap between early literacy and language development, preschool curriculum and instruction, professional development of early childhood educators, and parental influences on learning.

Phillips says Dr. Seuss’s “pseudowords,” illogical words that actually help early readers, are a foundational part of children building their reading and literacy skills.

“Pseudowords are one of my favorite aspects of Dr. Seuss books,” Phillips said. “Hearing about a ‘wumbus’ and being ‘duddled’ makes children excited about words and what they might mean. Scientists who study vocabulary call this word consciousness – the metacognitive focus on words and their meaning.”

Phillips adds that reading these invented words brings out a curiosity in young readers that can have a long-term benefit.

“Dr. Seuss’ books can spark word consciousness in young children and even older readers,” Phillips said. “This can be of great importance because having this drive to learn about what words mean is associated with actually learning more words.”

The FCRR is an interdisciplinary research center at FSU that investigates all aspects of reading and reading-related skills across the lifespan. Through rigorous and robust research, innovation and engagement, FCRR advances the science of reading to improve learning and achievement from birth through adulthood.

Media interested in learning the science behind Dr. Seuss books and how they aid in language and cognitive development can reach out to Beth Phillips at bphillips@fcrr.org.

Beth Phillips, associate director, Florida Center for Reading Research

Another staple of Dr. Seuss was his rhyme and repetition patterns that make his books entertaining. How do these rhythmic patterns enhance early readers?

The rhyming aspect of Dr. Seuss books helps children to learn one of the key foundational early literacy skills that underpin successful independent reading —phonological awareness. This is the capacity to notice and manipulate the sound structure of words independent from their meaning. So, being able to recognize that ham, am and Sam all sound the same at the end because they share the same ending sound (rime) -am is one element of phonological awareness and one that children often can gain some skill at by the time they are four-years-old, before the beginning of formal reading instruction. This means that these books can help children go into their formal reading instruction in kindergarten with more confidence about learning to read and more ease in acquiring the sound-spelling correspondences necessary for fluent reading.

If you could pinpoint the biggest area of impact that Dr. Seuss’ books have on young readers, what would it be?

I think the biggest impact of these books is motivation. Dr. Seuss books are fun! They have amazing, fanciful pictures that spark children’s imaginations and that make them laugh. Children are engaged by these books, and their attention is captured by the rhythmic pattern of the text, which also then helps them to learn that it is the words (the text) that are telling the stories, not the pictures. This is a big step for a very young child to learn the secrets of books and how they work.

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