As rain falls, lurking within stormwater runoff are hidden microplastics, polluting the water sources they drain into. Even though microplastics originate in urban environments such as cities, existing data sets focus on marine and coastal areas. Without data sources on microplastics in cities, scientists are unable to develop models for predicting stormwater runoff that deal with this pollution.

In a multi-institutional study featuring the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, researchers compiled numerous data sources to develop the Dataset of Urban RUnoff Microplastics (DURUM), a standardized data set compiling research on microplastics in urban stormwater from around the globe. The research, which was published in Scientific Data, enables comparisons across studies and supports drainage infrastructure, urban planning and environmental policy and regulation.

“Plastic pollution creates issues in the environment and human health. To protect ourselves and the world around us, we need to be able to predict the conditions under which microplastics spread and pollute our water,” said study co-author Assistant Professor Ebrahim Ahmadisharaf. “This was not possible until now. We synthesized several different sources to create a standardized data set, DURUM, which will have global impacts.”

How it works

When it rains, stormwater runoff systems quickly drain excess water from streets, protecting buildings and their occupants. Stormwater systems also help filter pollution before it reaches rivers, lakes and oceans.

In the study, the researchers created a global, standardized data set of microplastics in urban runoff, combining information from 180 sampling procedures from 15 countries to create a centralized hub of information on microplastics.

Each entry includes information such as where samples were taken, what microplastics were found in samples, microplastic concentration and more. This study aims to fill the large gap in urban stormwater runoff modeling, which will help in designing reliable stormwater systems to reduce microplastic pollution impacts.

“There are already global data sets on microplastics in marine environments, but our study dives into a completely new area,” Ahmadisharaf said. “Urban areas are unique because they have high populations and high plastic consumption. With our current technology, we cannot quickly and reliably detect these high microplastic concentrations. We need to develop new models and validate them with adequate observed data to predict microplastics in urban stormwater runoff.”

Why it matters

Microplastics are everywhere, and cities are a major source. Wear from tires and plastic accumulation from littering release these tiny fragments into the environment. Effective drainage infrastructure can help prevent microplastic pollution.

By helping scientists understand how microplastics move through urban stormwater systems, DURUM can inform the design of drainage infrastructure and mitigation strategies that more effectively reduce microplastic pollution.

“Right now, there are no established water quality regulations addressing plastics,” Ahmadisharaf said. “As such regulations are developed, it will be essential to identify and understand the sources of microplastics and the pathways through which they are transported into water bodies. This will help us design mitigation and prevention infrastructure to limit export of plastic to water bodies. The data we compiled supports the models that will inform these crucial decisions.”

Future directions

The DURUM system is similar to a map that shows how pollution spreads, guiding researchers to new conclusions for developing improved urban stormwater transport systems.

The data set is public domain, so researchers all over the globe can access it. Ahmadisharaf and colleagues plan to update DURUM as more data is discovered, enhancing it to support modeling research.

“This data set enables new capabilities for validating predictive models. With DURUM, we can be more confident about what our models predict,” Ahmadisharaf said. “It also creates a new understanding of the key drivers of microplastics in urban stormwater runoff and could lead to new insight as we continue to update the data set.”

Acknowledgements

FSU doctoral student Abdul Mobin Ibna Hafiz in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering was the lead author of this work. FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Assistant Professor Jeffrey Farner was a co-author of the study. Researchers from the University of Missouri, Wageningen University, the University of Exeter, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Tsinghua University and Tulane University contributed to this study.

The FSU team’s research was supported by research grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Science Foundation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Florida State University has bestowed the title of Distinguished Research Professor on four outstanding faculty members for their exemplary research productivity and contributions to their fields.

“The dedication of these scholars represents the very best of Florida State University,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “By pushing the boundaries of what we know about everything from quantum materials to human behavior, they are not only advancing their respective disciplines but also inspiring the next generation of innovators on our campus. We are proud to support their continued pursuit of discovery.”

The Distinguished Research Professor award recognizes outstanding research and/or creative activity of eligible Florida State University faculty currently at the rank of full professor. Recipients receive a one-time award of $10,000 and can use the title Distinguished Research Professor throughout their tenure at FSU. The title is only surpassed by that of the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor Award.

This year’s recipients are:

Hui Li, Electrical & Computer Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Hui “Helen” Li is a leading expert in power electronics for grid and transportation electrification. Her research focuses on developing innovative power conversion technologies based on wide-bandgap devices and advanced control to achieve high-performance operation and cost reduction. Li has led power electronics research at the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) for over two decades. Her work is instrumental in advancing next-generation grid systems to meet the surging power demand from booming AI data centers and widespread transportation electrifications. She is an IEEE Fellow, a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), and a member of the Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL).

Jon Maner, Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences

Jon Maner is a social psychologist who uses evolutionary theories to understand fundamental human social motives. His research explores the psychological processes underlying social hierarchy, romantic attraction, social affiliation, and self-protective processes like fear and anxiety. Maner received the American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution and is widely published for his work on how dominance and prestige influence leadership.

Michael Shatruk, Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Arts & Sciences

Michael Shatruk is an inorganic materials chemist specializing in solid-state and molecular magnetism and the discovery of new quantum materials. As the founding director of the FSU Quantum Science Initiative, Shatruk works at the boundary between materials chemistry and physics to uncover correlations between crystal structure and magnetic properties of quantum materials. His research, supported by numerous grants, utilizes advanced X-ray and neutron scattering methods to explore intermetallic magnets, stimuli-responsive materials and molecular qubits that could revolutionize optoelectronic devices, quantum technologies, computing and medical sensing. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Vladimir Dobrosavljevic, Physics, College of Arts & Sciences

Vladimir Dobrosavljevic is an internationally recognized leader in theoretical condensed matter physics, whose research has advanced the understanding of strongly correlated and disordered electronic systems, particularly near metal-insulator transitions. His work has introduced and developed powerful extensions of dynamical mean-field theory to explain how electron localization, strong correlations, and disorder interplay to produce emergent phenomena such as non-Fermi-liquid behavior, Griffiths phases, and quantum glassy dynamics, with direct relevance to materials including high-temperature superconductors, low-dimensional electron systems and “bad metals.” He has made seminal contributions to the theory of Anderson localization in correlated systems and to the understanding of non-equilibrium quantum dynamics, helping to establish glassy electronic behavior and quantum criticality as central concepts in modern condensed matter physics, while influencing both experimental directions and the broader field of quantum materials research.

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FSU Panama City’s Dean Randy Hanna recently announced that Korhan Adalier has been chosen as the 2026 recipient of the Provost Sally McRorie Excellence in Teaching and Service Award. 

The award, which was created in honor of former FSU Provost Sally McRorie, is presented annually by FSU PC faculty as part of the celebrations leading up to spring graduation. 

“This award was established by the faculty at FSU Panama City in 2022 as an acknowledgement of exceptional work in the classroom with our students as well as outside in the community,” Hanna said.  

Adalier is the director of FSU Panama City’s engineering programs and serves as a teaching professor. He has been the coordinator of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Program since 2005.  

“I am also deeply honored that this award is associated with former Provost Sally McRorie,” Adalier said. “I have great respect for her leadership and contributions to the university, and receiving an award in her name makes this recognition particularly significant to me.” 

Before joining FSU PC in 2003, he was a civil engineering faculty member at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

“Teaching, academic advising and mentoring students is the most rewarding part of my profession, and I take great pride in helping prepare the next generation of civil engineers. It is especially meaningful to see a large majority of our graduates remain in Northwest Florida and contribute to the local workforce and economy.” 

— Korhan Adalier, director of FSU PC Engineering Programs

“Teaching, academic advising and mentoring students is the most rewarding part of my profession, and I take great pride in helping prepare the next generation of civil engineers,” Adalier said. “It is especially meaningful to see a large majority of our graduates remain in Northwest Florida and contribute to the local workforce and economy.” 

Adalier’s primary expertise lies in the areas of geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, earthquake engineering, soil dynamics, ground improvement and forensic engineering in natural and man-made earth structures. He is an author or co-author of more than 100 technical publications in the fields of geotechnical and earthquake engineering. 

“My interest in engineering began with a strong appreciation for mathematics and physics,” he said. “Civil engineering, in particular, represents the application of these foundational subjects to solve real-world problems and improve infrastructure and communities. This natural connection led me to pursue a career in engineering, and ultimately in education, where I could share that passion with students.” 

A member of numerous technical associations and societies, Adalier has been a reviewer for 10 different technical journals and received several professional awards, including the Casimir Gzowski Medal (2005) from the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers. He has taught more than 20 different engineering courses over the past 30 years as a college professor. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1992 and 1996. 

“Advances in computational tools, data analysis and modeling have significantly shaped how we teach and apply civil engineering concepts,” he said. “As educators, we continuously adapt our approach to ensure students not only understand fundamental principles, but also develop the skills needed to effectively use modern tools in a rapidly evolving profession.” 

For more information about FSU Panama City, visit fsupc.fsu.edu. 

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A Florida State University researcher has earned a major grant to research local waterways that affect the everyday lives of Tallahassee residents.

Ming Ye, a professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, has been awarded more than $2.5 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to research groundwater sources in the Wakulla Springs basin and map the basin’s underwater caves, some of which have never been explored.

“All of Florida’s springs are facing critical issues: water level is dropping, amount of flow is decreasing, and water quality is becoming worse,” said Ye, who is also affiliated with the Department of Scientific Computing. “The funding of this project gives us a chance to finally go subsurface to understand both the quantity and quality of the water.”

Wakulla Springs, just a 30-minute drive from FSU’s Tallahassee campus, is a natural exit point for the groundwater of the Floridian aquifer, one of the most productive aquifers in the world, which provides drinking water to nearly 10 million people. The basin comprises a series of caves, conduits and sinkholes that lead into Wakulla Springs, which was named an International Geological Heritage Site in 2024.

By testing water at the springs and mapping the cave systems that lead into it, researchers will better understand how our water is affected by the geological makeup of the caves it passes through and how it’s affected by various other environmental factors, from rising sea levels to pollution.

Ye will partner with the University of South Florida, a cave diving team of the Woodville Karst Plain Project, and SunFish, a Texas-based underwater field services company to train its new technology, the Underwater Autonomous Vehicle, in mapping cave systems beneath Wakulla Springs. While in the cave systems, divers will accompany the UAV — a small, drone-like machine — and “teach” it how to map the caves by guiding it through passages so the machine can work independently in the future.

“Ming is an expert in hydrogeology and using computational approaches to model groundwater transport, which helps him study fluid transport beneath the ground here in Florida,” said Michael Stukel, chair of the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science and a professor of oceanography and environmental science. “He’s a collaborative and interdisciplinary scientist and teacher whose work builds bridges across different curricular groups within EOAS.”

Florida is home to the highest concentration of springs in the world — over 1,000 throughout the state — which are an essential part of the ecosystem. Methods like dye tracing have long been used to map how water moves through the underwater cave system, and taking water samples has provided insights into the chemical makeup of the water.

While divers have charted some of the caves, parts of the basin remain unmapped and unsampled because they’re too narrow or dangerous for humans to reach. The UAV can access these dangerous caves, taking water samples from more areas to provide a comprehensive picture of how different geological compositions in the cave system affect the water that’s eventually consumed and used in our daily lives.

“This area was brought to my attention on day one of my FSU career because it had a worldwide reputation for how difficult it was to map,” said Ye, who began studying Wakulla Springs when he joined FSU’s faculty in Spring 2007. “There are still a lot of research questions regarding these water sources.”

The Wakulla Springs basin is the largest spring basin in Florida, and the cave system stretches approximately 25 miles. The UAV will map the size and shape of the caves while taking water samples to help researchers understand the chemical makeup of the water that will eventually make its way to Wakulla Springs.

“The UAV is a new way to study these systems, and the technology can be expanded to the entire state and to other states with ongoing problems in their springs,” Ye said. “Wakulla Springs is part of our heritage; I bring my daughter to swim in the spring, and I hope it can remain as healthy as possible so future generations can also enjoy it.”

Ye received his doctorate in hydrology from the University of Arizona in 2002 before completing his post-doctoral research with the Hydrology Technical Group in Portland, Oregon, part of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He joined FSU’s faculty in 2007 as part of the Department of Scientific Computing before transferring to EOAS in 2017. During his time at FSU, Ye has been honored with awards such as the Department of Energy’s Early Career Award, FSU’s Developing Scholar Award, and the Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was elected as a fellow of the Geological Society of America in 2012.

Visit the FSU Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science website to learn more about Ye’s work and research.

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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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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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Five outstanding Florida State University faculty members have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s largest organizations dedicated to the promotion of science, engineering and innovation.

This year’s class includes FSU professors Stephen Hill, Michael Roper, Theo Siegrist, Nora Underwood and Dragana Popović.

“We are incredibly proud to see our faculty recognized as AAAS Fellows,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “This distinction speaks to their commitment to discovery and to the meaningful impact of their work across the scientific community. Their accomplishments strengthen Florida State University and inspire our students, peers and partners.”

Election as an AAAS fellow is a lifetime honor and a tradition dating back to 1874. Past distinguished honorees from across the nation include Ellen Ochoa, Steven Chu, Grace Hopper, Alan Alda, Mae Jemison and Ayanna Howard.

For more on this year’s FSU Honorees:

Stephen Hill
Department of Physics/National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Hill is a professor of physics and chief scientist for quantum information science at the National MagLab. His research primarily explores the properties of molecular nanomagnets, focusing on quantum information processing and the behavior of single-molecule magnets. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and was recently selected to serve on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee on Identifying Opportunities at the Interface of Chemistry and Quantum Information Science.

Michael Roper
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Roper is a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Florida State. His work sits at the intersection of chemistry and biology, specifically focusing on microfluidics and bioanalysis. His team develops “lab-on-a-chip” technologies to study cell clusters in the pancreas known as islets of Langerhans. By measuring how these cell clusters secrete hormones like insulin in real-time, his research provides critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of diabetes. Roper has received multiple awards for his research and teaching including the American Chemical Society Young Investigator Award in Separation Science, Developing Scholar Award from FSU, and the Mid-Career Award from the American Electrophoresis Society.

Theo Siegrist
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering/National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Siegrist, a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering, is a leading expert in materials science and crystallography. His research focuses on the structure-property relationships of complex materials, including organic semiconductors and superconductors. By understanding how atoms are arranged within a crystal, his work helps pave the way for the next generation of electronic devices and energy-efficient materials. Siegrist is a fellow of the American Physical Society. Prior to working at FSU, Siegrist served as a researcher at the famed Bell Laboratories.

Nora Underwood
Department of Biological Science

Underwood is a population biologist who investigates the ecology and evolution of plant-insect interactions and the relationship between climate and the timing of biological events. Her research examines topics such as how plant diversity influences insect damage on plants, and how temperature has influenced the timing of spring growth over decades and centuries. Her work helps us understand biodiversity, how ecosystems change, and the natural management of agricultural pests and pollinators. Underwood received the 2021-22 Distinguished Teacher Award from FSU and was named a U.S. Fulbright Scholar for the 2024-2025 year.

Dragana Popović
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory/Department of Physics

Popović is a condensed matter physicist known for her experimental studies on electronic transport and magnetic properties in disordered systems. She focuses on phenomena such as the metal-insulator transition, high-temperature superconductivity, and charge dynamics. Her research often involves cooling materials to temperatures near absolute zero to observe how electrons behave under extreme conditions.  She was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2012 and a Distinguished University Scholar in 2013. She is being honored for outstanding experimental contributions to the physics of strongly correlated electron systems, and especially for seminal work on out-of-equilibrium behavior of two-dimensional electronic systems near quantum phase transitions.

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A Florida State University physicist has been named to a newly formed committee that will oversee and advise all future scientific ventures for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Mayly Sanchez, the Wyatt-Green Chair of Physics in FSU’s Department of Physics, is one of 20 expert scientists selected for the Office of Science Advisory Committee, or SCAC, that will provide advice to DOE on complex scientific and technical issues as well as guide future directions of all of DOE’s research programs.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity to shape how we do science and help determine the best directions for DOE’s research,” said Sanchez, a world leader in the study of neutrinos, mysterious subatomic particles that have little mass, no charge, and played a large role in how our universe came to be. “We’re living in a very exciting moment in which we have many new technologies that are developing incredibly fast, and there’s a real opportunity for the scientific community to adopt these tools and make significant progress in all areas of science.”

SCAC was established in 2026. The committee includes scientists from a range of fields and combines expertise from academia and university research, national laboratories and industry science. Other SCAC members hail from such institutions as the Cleveland Clinic; the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California; Google DeepMind and more.

“Dr. Sanchez is an extraordinary scientist who will provide invaluable insight to DOE as it faces the next generation of complex scientific and technological questions,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This recognition is a testament to her outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing scientific research. We’re proud to have her represent FSU at the national level.”

Sanchez currently leads research in multiple neutrino experiments, including the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, or DUNE, a large international collaboration among over 1,400 scientists that uses giant underground neutrino detectors at DOE’s Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago, Illinois, and the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota. She also helps lead the  NOvA (NuMI Off-axis νe Appearance) experiment in its investigation of neutrinos through precise measurements of their oscillation properties at Fermilab.

“Being named to SCAC is a significant honor that reflects a career defined by excellence and impact,” said Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “Professor Sanchez has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the lab; now, she will bring that same rigorous, forward-thinking approach to the DOE. Her work on this committee will undoubtedly influence the future of scientific discovery and energy security for years to come.”

Previously, Sanchez served on the Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel, which recommended plans and directions for research in particle physics to DOE, and on the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel, which advised DOE’s Office of Science on high-energy particle physics research until 2025.

“This committee is unique not only because it crosses interdisciplinary boundaries but also because scientists in academia, industry, and government work in very different ways,” said Sanchez, who works with FSU’s High-Energy Physics group. “Having the space to discuss how we can better enable collaboration among these domains can make a huge difference in the world and in how we conduct science, especially if we make certain technologies more accessible. I’m an incredible optimist in terms of what technology and science can do for society, and I’m looking forward to sharing that energy with the committee.”

SCAC’s responsibilities include establishing research and facilities priorities, determining program balance among disciplines, and identifying opportunities for inter-laboratory collaboration, program integration and industrial participation.

“I’m very pleased with Mayly’s selection to serve on SCAC,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Sam Huckaba. “The appointment is not only prestigious and reflective of her stature, but it’s also important — it means that FSU will be well-represented during discussions of current scientific priorities and future directions at DOE.”

Sanchez has earned numerous accolades for her research, including an American Physical Society Fellowship in 2020. In 2013, she was named among Latin America’s top 10 women scientists by the BBC, and she’s also received two prestigious National Science Foundation awards for her work with neutrinos — the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2012 and the Early Career Development Award in 2011. Sanchez received her doctorate in 2003 from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Following her graduation, Sanchez conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University and simultaneously joined the Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search team at Fermilab. She then worked as a staff scientist at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, before taking a faculty position at Iowa State University in 2009. Sanchez joined FSU’s faculty in 2022.

To learn more about Sanchez’s work and research conducted in the Department of Physics, visit physics.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University and Apalachee Center have established a new partnership to improve mental health care across the state, with a particular focus on Northwest Florida.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two institutions unites Apalachee Center’s more than 80 years of hands-on experience serving individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorder with Florida State University’s 175-year legacy of academic and research excellence. It also complements the university’s work through FSU Health to expand access and quality care across the state.

Together, the organizations will collaborate on large-scale research initiatives – leveraging Apalachee Center’s role as the region’s largest provider of mental health care and the internationally recognized expertise of FSU’s behavioral health researchers – with one shared goal: to deepen the understanding of mental illness and behavioral health challenges and advance the development of more effective treatments.

Through the agreement, Apalachee Center and FSU will:

• Collaborate on research to better understand the causes and effective treatments for behavioral health issues and mental illness
• Share insights and information in a safe and secure way to better understand community needs
• Develop joint initiatives that bring academic expertise and community care together

“Without question, the people of Florida will benefit from this partnership through the development of effective and innovative mental health services that improve lives,” said Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the FSU College of Medicine. “Working together, we will build upon the positive impact of FSU Health to create healthy, resilient communities.”

FSU’s behavioral health researchers span multiple units across the university including the College of Medicine, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Social Work, bringing a wide research perspective to the issue.

The partnership will support new initiatives in Leon and Bay counties, as well as across Florida, to expand access to and delivery of high-quality mental health services.

“This strategic endeavor will use de-identified anonymous data to study behavioral health trends and outcomes” said Dr. Jay Reeve, President and CEO of Apalachee Center. “For decades, behavioral health clinicians and researchers everywhere have been focused on ensuring that behavioral health treatments have replicable, positive outcomes that follow the science. This partnership is a crucial step in that direction for university researchers, providers and most importantly the residents of North Florida who rely on access to quality behavioral healthcare.”

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About Florida State University

Florida State University is a top public research university that is recognized nationally for its academic excellence, student success and robust research enterprise. Niche ranked FSU No. 11 on its list of America’s top public universities, and U.S. News & World Report has ranked FSU among the Top 25 public universities for seven consecutive years, driven by student retention and graduation rates that are among the best in the country. Celebrated for its entrepreneurial culture and forward-thinking approach, FSU is also ranked as one of the nation’s Most Innovative Schools.

About Apalachee Center

Since 1948, Apalachee Center, a private, not-for-profit organization, has been dedicated to supporting the mental health and recovery of individuals and families across Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties succeed in recovering from emotional, psychiatric and substance use disorder crises. For more information, visit ApalacheeCenter.org.

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Maize serves as a vital model species for advancing our understanding of plant biology, yet many mysteries remain about the intricate processes governing how DNA works and organizes itself in the genome.

A team of FSU researchers together with colleagues at North Carolina State University has made a breakthrough in understanding how DNA replicates in maize, uncovering the existence of two distinct subcompartments in the nucleus that hold genetic material. This discovery not only advances the fundamental knowledge of plant genomics but may have broad implications for gene regulation and crop improvement.

“We’re beginning to uncover chromatin’s organization in plants,” said Hank Bass, senior author of the study. “We had suspected that these subcompartments might exist, but this was the first real proof we had of their existence.”

The paper was published in the journal Plant Cell.

“Being part of this project and making a contribution to investigate the blueprint genome organization with respect to replication has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my scientific journey,” said Hafiza Sara Akram, the paper’s lead author and Bass’ former graduate student.

Foundations of DNA Replication and Chromatin Structure

DNA replication is a critical process that ensures every cell receives an exact copy of genetic material during cell division. The genome, organized within the nucleus, consists of DNA wrapped around proteins to form chromatin. Chromatin exists in two main forms: euchromatin, which is generally more accessible and transcriptionally active, and heterochromatin, which is more condensed and typically less active. The timing of DNA replication varies across these regions, with euchromatin usually replicating earlier than heterochromatin.

Understanding how chromatin structure influences the order and regulation of DNA replication is critical for unraveling how genes are controlled and how cells maintain their identity.

To investigate DNA replication in maize, researchers combined cutting-edge genomics techniques with advanced 3D microscopy. High-throughput sequencing allowed the team to map replication events across the entire genome, while three-dimensional imaging visualized the physical organization of chromatin within the nucleus. This integrative approach provided unprecedented resolution in linking DNA sequence features with nuclear architecture and replication behavior.

Key Findings: Two Distinct Euchromatin Subcompartments

The study revealed that maize euchromatin is not a uniform compartment as previously thought. Instead, it is divided into two subcompartments, each exhibiting distinct replication timing and spatial organization. One subcompartment replicates early and is associated with highly active genes, while the other replicates later and shows unique structural features. This organizational complexity suggests a new layer of regulation in plant genomes.

The identification of euchromatin subcompartments with specialized replication timing provides important clues about how gene expression is controlled.

“Our findings indicate that the spatial and temporal regulation of DNA replication is tightly coupled to gene activity,” Bass said. “This could mean that manipulating replication timing may one day offer new ways to enhance crop traits or resilience.”

This research was funded by the National Science Foundation.

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Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people around the world. To study this condition, researchers must peer inside the distinctive environment of the human brain.

For scientists to get the most accurate picture of the proteins that drive this disease, they must extract them without altering their environment.

In a study published in Protein Science, researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering demonstrated a new method for studying Alzheimer’s disease that keeps disease-causing proteins intact in a near-native environment, helping scientists get a more accurate picture of how they function.

“Alzheimer’s disease is devastating,” said Professor Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, a co-author of the study. “More people are living longer, and that means more people are going to be living with Alzheimer’s disease, so we need to find a cure for it and other aging-related amyloid diseases, like Parkinson’s and Type 2 diabetes. Attempts to develop drugs for Alzheimer’s disease have failed, so we started to work on the C99 protein, which is the origin for everything.”

What they did

Researchers developed a method to extract a key protein involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease called C99.

Previously, C99 was difficult to study, as samples had to be removed from cells and prepared for analysis using detergents. The harsh, soap-like chemicals break down lipids, or fats, that surround C99 in the brain and influence how it behaves. Without lipids, C99’s behavior changes, and scientists were unable to study how it acts in its natural environment in the brain.

By using a non-detergent-based polymer to capture C99, the natural environment of the brain cells where the protein is found was preserved, providing researchers with a new way to study it.

“We have been developing these synthetic polymers that can extract proteins present in the cell membrane directly without using detergents,” Ramamoorthy said. “This work was about using synthetically prepared polymers in my lab to isolate a precursor protein along with the lipids present in the cell membrane and reconstituting them together in the form of disc-shaped particles called nanodiscs for a deeper medical investigation.”

How it works

C99 is a byproduct of the amyloid precursor protein, or APP, which is found in the brain.

When enzymes known as secretases cut APP, they produce fragments of C99 called Aβ isomers. The accumulation of Aβ and lipids causes plaque buildup, which is responsible for memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients by killing neuronal cells.

In this study, researchers isolated the C99 protein from a bacterial cell membrane then extracted it along with lipids surrounding C99 using their newly designed polymer. After extraction, researchers conducted further tests to confirm that the protein’s shape and lipids were still intact and preserved exactly as they are in cells.

Why it matters

This study represents a revolutionary advancement in Alzheimer’s research by keeping a key disease-causing protein intact for more accurate study.

“This work provides a toolkit for studying Alzheimer’s disease at the molecular level and it lets scientists observe C99 in its ‘natural habitat,’ which is something that had not been possible in more than 30 years of research,” Ramamoorthy said. “It creates a biomedically relevant and more accurate method for preparing proteins used in therapeutic discovery and Alzheimer’s disease modeling.”

The research could improve outcomes for pharmaceutical development, medical diagnostic and imaging tools or biotechnology manufacturing. The new method provides a foundation for further research that could one day lead to a cure.

“Drug development has so far not been able to solve the problems posed by Alzheimer’s disease,” Ramamoorthy said. “Our hope is that this new method will give researchers a clearer picture of how the C99 protein works and contributes to this disease, so that we can develop ways to stop its progression. Ultimately, we can find a cure.”

Researchers from the University of Michigan contributed to this study. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

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FSU Health brings together researchers, educators and clinical partners under one umbrella to transform health and health care in Florida. To learn more, visit fsuhealth.fsu.edu.

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