Three 性视界 University students have been awarded prestigious graduate research fellowships through the , and one student has been recognized with an honorable mention.

The fellowship recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in STEM, social sciences and STEM education in the U.S. The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support, with an annual stipend of $37,000 and a $16,000 educational allowance. Students can apply as rising seniors, recent graduates or first-year graduate students.

The 2026 recipients of the NSF GRFP are the following:

• Julia Fancher 鈥�26, a physics major and applied mathematics major in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program;
• Daniel Hettrick, a first-year Ph.D. student in anthropology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and
• Gabe Suarez, a first-year Ph.D. student in theoretical physics in A&S.

Eadin Block 鈥�26, a physics major and Spanish language, literature and culture major in A&S, received an Honorable Mention in this year鈥檚 competition.

Julia Fancher

Fancher, a University Scholar, Goldwater Scholar and two-time Astronaut Scholar, was gifted a copy of 鈥淩ise of the Rocket Girls,鈥� a book about the women 鈥渉uman computers鈥� who worked at NASA鈥檚 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, when she was in middle school.

鈥淚 was instantly captivated by the stories of these women who discovered new insights into our universe through math and physics, and I knew that I wanted to do the same,鈥� she says. To kickstart that path, she actively pursued the STEM resources her school district and community had available.

During her first year at 性视界, she joined Professor Eric Coughlin鈥檚 high-energy astrophysics lab, where she researches tidal disruption events, in which a star is destroyed by the tidal field of a supermassive black hole. Her research has been published internationally and earned several awards.

Her second research project was a collaboration between Coughlin鈥檚 lab and local high school students through the 性视界 University Research in Physics summer program. She has also mentored students internationally.

Fancher plans to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics and become a professor conducting research in theoretical high-energy astrophysics.

鈥淭he NSF GRFP will provide me with the resources necessary to continue pushing the forefront of astrophysics research while nurturing the next generation of scientists,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 want to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to explore their interests and are encouraged to pursue careers in STEM just as I was.鈥�

Daniel Hettrick

Hettrick’s research centers on the cultural resilience of the Kootznoowoo Tlingit, a Native Alaskan nation in Southeastern Alaska, during the period following the United States’ purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Hettrick’s dissertation focuses on the former Tlingit summer village of Killisnoo, Alaska, occupied from 1867 to 1928. Using a holistic historical anthropology approach, he combines archaeological excavation, artifact analysis, ethnohistory, oral histories and Indigenous community collaboration to investigate how the Kootznoowoo Tlingit selectively adopted, adapted and rejected Russian and American cultural, religious and economic institutions鈥攁ll while preserving a distinct Tlingit identity.

His commitment to preservation was deepened through firsthand experience. He visited historic Orthodox churches in Sitka and spoke directly with Tlingit Orthodox Christians while conducting research as an undergraduate. Those conversations also complicated his assumptions: learning that community members held a genuine sense of pride in inhabiting both Indigenous and Orthodox identities pushed him to think more carefully about how people navigate multiple, seemingly contradictory cultural frameworks.

Hettrick is committed to building reciprocal relationships with the Angoon Tlingit before and throughout his research. He recognizes that access to a community’s history, particularly one that has faced exploitation by both the state and academia, must be earned through demonstrated respect, humility and a genuine exchange of value. His long-term goal is to make collaborative, community-centered archaeology the standard rather than the exception.

Gabe Suarez

Suarez works with Professor Alexander Maloney on three-dimensional quantum gravity. His path to theoretical physics was unconventional: raised in rural Danville, Kentucky, he began working as an apprentice electrician at 14, not because the work fascinated him, but because it sharpened a way of thinking he would carry into physics.

“If a system is logical, and you’re honest with yourself about what you do and don’t understand, you can reason your way to the answer,鈥� he says. That principle guided him through self-studying general relativity as a sophomore, completing five graduate courses as an undergraduate and being named Physics Senior of the Year at the University of Kentucky.

His senior thesis furthered a systematic categorical framework for Ward’s conjecture, a 1985 proposal that all integrable systems descend from a single universal gauge theory structure. He is quick to note that the conjecture’s value lies in its proof techniques, not its statement: the algebraic geometry and category theory required to settle it are precisely the tools modern fundamental physics increasingly demands. The tools connect directly to his Ph.D. work on how semiclassical Einstein gravity emerges from ensembles of conformal field theories.

Beyond research, tutoring his brother helped him learn that a teacher鈥檚 real job is showing someone they can learn, then stepping back. He has since carried that philosophy into recitation teaching, K-12 outreach and a return visit to his own rural high school, where he spoke to students who, like his younger self, may not yet see theoretical physics as a path available to them.

In addition to their faculty mentors, Fancher, Hettrick, Suarez and Block all worked with the University鈥檚 (CFSA) to prepare their applications.

Students interested in learning more about or applying for the next NSF GRFP award cycle or any other nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships should visit the听听or email听cfsa@syr.edu听for more information.

As two silver robotic dogs chased each other around the turf field inside the Ensley Athletic Center, 20 school-aged children reacted with excitement as they watched a robotics demonstration put on by .

Closer to the middle of the field, a Central New York high school student picked up a video game controller to steer a metallic robot with pointy spikes toward a target of balloons set up by .

These hands-on demos were just two of dozens of exhibits as part of the second Micron Day on Tuesday. The day鈥檚 events brought together more than 700 students鈥攁long with families, educators, industry leaders and community partners鈥攖o spotlight听 potential career opportunities available in STEM.

鈥淭hese programs give these students an invaluable opportunity to see what’s next for them,鈥� says Kim Burnett 鈥�91, Micron鈥檚 lead for social impact and community development. 鈥淭hey leave feeling like they can pursue a career in STEM and that they belong in the STEM field. When you give kids opportunities to have fun and learn while being meaningfully engaged, it adds up to a great day.鈥�

The most popular exhibit at the Micron Day Tech Expo was the virtual reality (VR) education table. Students lined up to wear VR headsets that took them inside Cornell University鈥檚 cleanroom and introduced them to the semiconductor industry.

鈥淭his is a unique educational opportunity. These students are face-to-face with me in the cleanroom,鈥� says Tom Pennell, Cornell Nanoscale Facility鈥檚 workforce development program manager. 鈥淎ll day I kept hearing students say, 鈥榯hat鈥檚 so cool!鈥� We鈥檝e created scalable educational content that gets students excited about the possibilities by blending curiosity with the fun aspects of STEM.鈥�

Getting Excited 性视界 STEM Possibilities

There were exhibitors conducting demonstrations and answering questions from 35 different organizations鈥攊ncluding 13 representing 性视界 University鈥攁s well as Micron camps and activities, community partner organizations, military and emergency response partners, higher education institutions and local tech employers.

For students like Om Vaidya, a freshman at the in the 性视界 City School District, the day sparked something. Vaidya envisions a career in STEM and hopes to one day work in robotics.

鈥淭his has been a great learning experience. I鈥檓 always excited about STEM possibilities, and after today, I know more about what it will take to get a job in STEM,鈥� Vaidya says. 鈥淭he robotic dogs were really cool, and it tied back to what we鈥檙e learning in school about how the sensors and actuators work to power the robots.鈥�

The STEAM High School was among the dozens of schools that attended Micron Day. For educators like Jody Manning, executive director of STEAM High School, the hands-on, interactive activities served to enhance and complement the lessons being taught in the classroom, creating a more authentic learning environment.

鈥淪tudents need to realize just how many opportunities are available for them in STEM fields. Having 性视界 University and Micron serve as those key collaborators to make everything work for a day like this is crucial,鈥� Manning says. 鈥淭his sends a very clear message that we鈥檙e all in this together when it comes to creating STEM opportunities for the greater 性视界 area.鈥�

Anyone Can Do This

After the robot dog demonstration, the middle and high school students were quick to approach Jiayu Ding G鈥�26 and his classmates, eager to learn more about how the robots were able to easily move and chase after each other.

Over the summer, Ding helps run a six-week program where high school students gain coding skills and build robots from scratch.

Sharing the lessons from those classes with the students at Micron Day was a rewarding experience for Ding, who will graduate with a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering in May.

鈥淓veryone loved the demonstrations with the robot dogs, that was definitely making many of the students curious about the technology,鈥� says Ding, a member of the . 鈥淚t makes me happy seeing how excited the students are about STEM. They want to know everything there is to know about this technology. The great part is anyone can do this.鈥�

After the expo, Micron Day featured additional programming focused on the families and caregivers of young people in the region. There was an esports competition in the University鈥檚 new Esports Classroom, followed by a town hall that educated parents and students about the clubs, campus and programs available at both the University and elsewhere in the region.

Micron Technology’s expansion in North 性视界 is expected to generate thousands of high-tech jobs in the coming years, but many Central New York (CNY) workers don’t yet have a clear path into those roles.

A new 性视界 University initiative called Q-SUCCEED-CNY鈥擰uantum and Semiconductor Upskilling for Career Change through Experiential Education Deployment in Central New York鈥攁ims to change that. The workforce development program, led by faculty in the , helps adult learners with no prior technical background explore and prepare for careers in semiconductor, photonics and emerging quantum technologies.

“We are trying to tap into a larger community that has no prior technical background and awareness of this field, not those community members who already have tech background or who have already decided to pursue tech careers,” says Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor , who leads the program.

Who It’s For

Q-SUCCEED-CNY specifically targets people who may not have considered the tech sector: blue-collar workers, mid-career professionals in non-technical fields, veterans and individuals without STEM backgrounds. Through industry-aligned workshops, career exploration activities and hands-on experiential learning, participants build foundational technical skills and industry connections. Upon completing the program, participants receive a $2,400 stipend.

The initiative is led by Hasanovic alongside electrical engineering and computer science professors and , with project coordinator Anusha Ghimire managing operations and community partnerships.

How It Works

The program offers structured exposure to semiconductor, optics and quantum technology careers through a combination of educational programming and direct engagement with industry partners. It is supported by a broad network of affiliated organizations committed to regional workforce development, including Micron, Onondaga Community College, 性视界 City School District Adult Education, Westcott Community Center, Manufacturers Association of Central New York, NY CREATES, Cornell University, Toptica Photonics and Jubilee Homes.

How to Apply

Applications are open at . For more information, contact the Q-SUCCEED-CNY team at mhasanov@syr.edu or anghimir@syr.edu.

Shivam Kumar, a first-year Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Assistant Professor research group, recently听identified听a听security vulnerability in the Linux kernel,听a key听component听of countless computing systems and the largest open-source project in existence.

For many people, the Linux kernel operates invisibly in the background. But its reach is enormous: servers, supercomputers, Android devices, embedded systems and cloud infrastructure all run some variant of it. 鈥淔rom the servers to the cloud, Linux is the silent engine powering virtually the whole internet,鈥� says Hoque.

Working to Reduce Security Vulnerabilities

Kumar is a member of the (SecuritY听of Networked听systEms), led by Hoque. The SYNE Lab works to reduce security vulnerabilities in computer software, developing tools that can automatically detect and repair potential vulnerabilities.

Kumar鈥檚 research focuses on a specific component of the Linux kernel: Non-Volatile Memory Express over TCP (NVMe/TCP), a communication protocol that enables data transfer between computing servers and remote storage systems over standard Ethernet networks. Widely adopted in modern data centers, the technology helps boost application performance, particularly in artificial intelligence training workloads and shared storage environments.

鈥淚n a desktop or laptop, the disk where data is stored is physically inside the machine,鈥� Kumar says. 鈥淚n contrast, computing servers often rely on storage located elsewhere鈥攆or example, in a remote storage server that houses a large pool of high-performance NVMe solid-state drives. NVMe/TCP is one of the protocols that allows computing servers to access these remote storage pools over a network while delivering performance that is close to having the drives locally attached.鈥�

The SYNE Lab team is working on building an听automated tool that will systematically find vulnerabilities in operating systems. In their preliminary testing, Kumar found a vulnerability that听bad actors could easily exploit.听By sending malicious input from a client machine, an attacker could听crash听a remote storage server, posing听a serious threat to data centers and the infrastructure they support.听Kumar discovered a听missing input validation: the kernel code was not properly checking听incoming data before processing it.

After discovering the vulnerability, Kumar and Hoque contacted the Linux developer team and spent several weeks working back and forth to reproduce the issue and create a fix. The SYNE Lab developed both a proof-of-concept to demonstrate the vulnerability and the patch itself.

Kumar originally came to 性视界 University as a master鈥檚 student, but after taking one of Hoque鈥檚 courses, his interest in operating systems grew. In 2025, he was accepted into the computer science Ph.D. program and is now a teaching assistant for CSE 486: Design of Operating Systems鈥攖he same topic that sparked his interest in pursuing his Ph.D.

鈥淎 student from ECS contributing to the security of the Linux kernel is a landmark achievement for the department,鈥澨齭ays Hoque. Kumar鈥檚听patch has now been merged into the main Linux kernel听codebase,听where it will be pushed to all developers building on the platform going forward.

Three 性视界 University students鈥攐ne researching proteins, one mapping geothermal heat beneath Greenland’s ice sheet and one engineering bacteria-fighting surfaces for medical implants鈥攁re recipients of the 2026 Goldwater Scholarship.

They are the following:

• Mallory Brown 鈥�27, a neuroscience and statistics major in the (A&S) and a member of the ;
• Kenna Cummings 鈥�27, a geology major in A&S; and
• Khuong Pham 鈥�27, a biomedical engineering major in the (ECS) and a member of the Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program.

罢丑别听听was established by Congress in 1986 to honor U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, the five-term senator from Arizona. The program provides a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding scholarships to students who intend to pursue research careers in these fields. The Goldwater Foundation received 1,485 nominations this year from around the country and 454 students were selected for the scholarship.

Each 性视界 University Goldwater Scholarship nominee worked with the (CFSA) to prepare their application. A faculty committee, headed by, professor of chemistry in A&S, selected 性视界鈥檚 nominees for the national competition.

鈥淲e are so proud of Kenna, Khuong and Mallory. They each stand to make significant contributions to their respective fields, and society, throughout their scientific careers, and it is exciting to see them honored with this award,鈥� says Melissa Welshans, assistant director of CFSA. 鈥淭he selection of three 性视界 students this year is a testament to the robust support for undergraduate research and excellent faculty mentorship students receive here.鈥�

Mallory Brown

Pursuing a statistics major turned out to be the decision that defined Brown鈥檚 research career. That mathematical foundation gave her an edge in the lab, and she has put it to use across two distinct research environments.

In the lab of , associate professor of biology and chemistry in A&S, Brown works with intrinsically disordered proteins, working to understand their 听behavior in live cells and under heat stress. She worked to experimentally quantify the chemical structure of RTL8, a protein known to interact with the UBQLN2 protein.

Brown also performed research with Amanda Cremone-Caira at the BRAiN Lab at Merrimack College, where she applied her statistical skills to a child development study, uncovering meaningful patterns of disagreement between caregiver and teacher assessments of preschool behavior, patterns previously unreported in literature.

Brown is drawn to large, complex data sets and the hidden stories within them. But she is equally motivated by the knowledge that her findings could reshape how researchers understand ALS and early childhood development. In the future, she hopes to conduct research and teach at a university, paying forward the mentorship that shaped her own path.

Kenna Cummings

Cummings came to geophysics with a goal already in mind: a career in geothermal energy. That clarity of purpose led her to the Geophysics Computing Lab of, assistant professor of Earth and environmental sciences in A&S, where she found her research question.听Scanning the seismology literature on geothermal gradients beneath Greenland, she noticed that paper after paper overlooked the ice sheet itself, despite its potential as a surficial indicator of ground temperature.

Now, guided by Russell and graduate student Isaac Rotimi, Cummings uses the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method to constrain shallow layers like the ice sheet and investigate how elevated geothermal temperatures affect basal conditions that drive melting, icequakes and sliding. The work matters beyond Greenland since accurately distinguishing geothermal from climate-driven ice loss is essential for building better climate models.

For Cummings, the research is inseparable from its real-world stakes. She envisions leading a lab at a geothermal energy company, working at the intersection of science, industry and policy to make geothermal systems more efficient and more widespread. She is equally focused on the risks, such as induced seismicity, heat pollution and impacts on water resources. Earth systems, she says, are complex and interconnected, and responsible innovation demands that researchers understand them fully before intervening.

Khuong Pham

Pham鈥檚 research sits at the intersection of chemistry, biology and engineering. Working to design antimicrobial peptoids鈥攕ynthetic molecules that mimic the infection-fighting proteins our bodies naturally produce–he is helping develop “self-defensive” surfaces for implanted medical devices like joint replacements. His challenge is to engineer peptoids that cluster just enough to withstand the body’s environment yet remain ready to deploy against invading bacteria on contact.

This work builds on a strong computational foundation developed through his research with , Milton and Ann Stevenson Endowed Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and chair of biomedical and chemical engineering in ECS, where he has honed skills in molecular simulation, Python scripting and high-performance computing, tools that have proven transferable across every research environment he has entered. He has also conducted research at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit盲t in Munich, Germany, in Alena Khmelinskaia鈥檚 Protein Design and Self-Assembly Group through the support of a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates.

Pham hopes to one day lead his own research lab as a professor, applying computational tools to design responsive proteins and biomaterial systems that address problems in medicine and biotechnology.

CFSA seeks applicants for the Goldwater Scholarship each fall; the campus deadline is mid-November each year. Interested students should contact CFSA at听cfsa@syr.edu.

The (NSF) has awarded $45 million over three years for phase two of the听,听a regional initiative in which 性视界 University is a core partner.

Launched in 2024, the initiative aims to make upstate New York a national hub for battery technology by bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and workforce trainers to develop the next generation of batteries鈥攖he kind that will power electric vehicles, store renewable energy on the grid and strengthen national security. It鈥檚 led by and includes partners (RIT), , , and .

鈥溞允咏� University is proud to be a core partner in advancing battery technology research, building workforce pathways and strengthening the upstate New York economy,鈥� says , vice president for research. 鈥淭he success of the Engine鈥檚 Energy Storage Workforce Development Network in the first phase has contributed to a regional innovation ecosystem that connects innovation to talent development and economic growth across upstate New York. We look forward to working with our Engine partners to build on this success in the years ahead.鈥�

In phase two, the Engine will focus on developing safer, more cost-efficient next-generation battery systems; integrating artificial intelligence into materials discovery and manufacturing; and deepening partnerships with regional corporations and the defense sector. A new advanced battery safety testing facility, the first of its kind in the Northeast, is set to open at RIT this summer.

Phase two will also see the expansion of workforce development programs, with a particular emphasis on preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists to meet growing industry demand. The Engine may receive up to $160 million in total NSF funding over 10 years, with an additional $16 million in matching funds from .

Since its launch, the Engine has supported 15 industry-academia research teams, served more than 300 learners through its workforce development network and funded more than 15 high-tech battery startups. Those startups have attracted more than $20 million in follow-on funding in the past year alone.

and the hosted students, researchers, industry leaders and government officials this week for the , putting Central New York鈥檚 rapidly expanding semiconductor and quantum technology ecosystem on display.

Held under the theme, 鈥淣ew York State Talent and Technology鈥擲haping the Future,鈥� the daylong event at Goldstein Auditorium drew participants from NNN partner institutions across the state and from sponsors including , , , , and .

The University has made significant investments to anchor the region鈥檚 semiconductor and nanotechnology future. It also leads the for the , a federally designated consortium accelerating semiconductor innovation across Central New York. Together with , the University invested $20 million to build the (CASM) to train the next generation of semiconductor technicians and engineers.

Through the University鈥檚 , nearly 500 veterans have enrolled in semiconductor workforce training programs. The University also holds a $1 million NSF ExLENT grant providing adult learners, including mid-career professionals and veterans, with hands-on exposure to semiconductor, quantum and optical technologies. And the University鈥檚 now includes 18 faculty across three departments, with the 8,000-square-foot Quantum Technology Center expected to open this summer.

A Major Partner听

鈥淭he investments 性视界 has made in facilities and faculty have positioned us to be a major partner to industry,鈥� says University Vice President for Research . 鈥淥ur faculty and labs allow our students to gain the skills that employers need. Events like the NNN Symposium are where students meet the people who will hire them, where faculty learn what industry needs and where the connections are made that turn research training into careers.鈥�

Keynote addresses came from , chief business officer of GlobalFoundries and a 性视界 University engineering alumnus; , senior vice president and executive director of and , senior director of U.S. expansion programs for Micron. A workforce development panel brought together representatives from , , , and . Student researchers from NNN partner universities across the state presented their work in oral and poster formats, followed by a career fair connecting students directly with hiring companies.

Forefront Future

鈥淭he innovation and collaboration on display shows that Central New York is at the forefront of America鈥檚 nanotechnology and semiconductor future,鈥� says 听innovation concierge, NY SMART I-Corridor, workforce development pillar lead for the Upstate NY Energy Storage Engine and director of strategic partnerships for 性视界 University鈥檚 College of Engineering and Computer Science. He and Yoanna Ferrara, director of technology innovation in the Office of Research, organized the symposium. 鈥淲e will carry this momentum forward by continuing to deepen partnerships between upstate New York universities, industry leaders and government to strengthen New York鈥檚 semiconductor ecosystem.鈥�

In the College of Arts and Sciences, students do more than simply learn about the world. They learn how to change it for the better, thanks to a liberal arts education that gives them the versatility to make a difference in whatever direction life leads.

Consider graduates from the (EES). Working alongside faculty whose expertise ranges from solid earth sciences to paleoclimatology to water resources, they gain hands-on experience through field work, geochemical and geophysical methods, quantitative analysis and professional skills development. This comprehensive training as scholar-scientists prepares students to shape environmental policy, advance climate science, innovate sustainable solutions and inspire public engagement with the natural world.

A&S recently caught up with EES alumni whose prominent roles include advising Congress on environmental legislation and designing sustainable footwear. Their diverse career paths reflect how an A&S education equips graduates to solve problems that demand both subject-matter expertise and humanistic insight.

Bringing Sustainability to Footwear

Walk into any major shoe store, and you might spot a product inspired by Earth sciences alum Pete Lankford ’87, ’92. Among iconic designs he helped create is Timberland’s , known for its distinctive golden-tan color. During his career at Timberland, Lankford didn’t just design trend-driven footwear; he also pioneered sustainability in the industry through the Earthkeepers brand, using eco-friendly materials and design principles.

Lankford’s path to becoming a pioneer of sustainable footwear was far from linear, but his time at 性视界 University provided the crucial foundation. After initially enrolling in 性视界’s architecture program, he discovered the field wasn’t the right fit. Drawing on his family background, where his father was an oceanographer and geology professor, he switched to Earth sciences. There, he developed a passion for studying the Earth that would carry throughout his career.

“The thing I love about geology, and this is why it translates to design, is you have to imagine what was there before,” he says. “You have to imagine the forces that created what you’re seeing. You’re not just looking at what’s there. You’re trying to figure out what was there and what happened.”

A pivotal moment that shaped Lankford鈥檚 career trajectory came during his junior and senior years at 性视界, when he took on a work-study position in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His responsibilities ranged from preparing thin sections of rock samples for microscopic analysis to photo-documenting paleontology specimens for graduate students and faculty, as well as assisting with the construction of test equipment.

It was during this time that his supervisor, who was a department technician in EES and was also a student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts鈥� Industrial Design (ID) program, introduced him to the field of ID. “The idea instantly appealed to me,” Lankford recalls, attracted to the opportunity to create diverse products and master the entire design process.

Lankford stayed at 性视界 to pursue a second undergraduate degree in Industrial Design. This unique combination of Earth science and design became his signature advantage during his 18 years at Timberland, where CEO Jeffrey Swartz tapped him to lead sustainability initiatives. Lankford’s geological knowledge proved extremely important to this work.

鈥淚f you’re going to think about sustainability, you have to understand the carbon cycle,” says Lankford. 鈥淢y degree in a field of science also taught me the power of a logic-based approach to problem solving鈥攆or example, through the scientific method of observation, hypothesis, testing, evaluation and conclusions.鈥� His foundational education in science became invaluable as he pioneered sustainable footwear, creating what he calls his “critical creative mindset” that allows him to shift fluidly back and forth between ‘what if’ and then ‘how.’

After his time at Timberland, Lankford joined Erem, a startup founded by the Swartz family to advance sustainable footwear even further. There, he developed performance desert hikers designed to return safely and completely to the Earth鈥攁ble to reenter the carbon cycle without causing harm. Erem described this approach as 鈥渂io-circular,鈥� highlighting the footwear鈥檚 ability to break down naturally and responsibly.

“That was probably the biggest career challenge in my life,” Lankford says, describing months spent sourcing eco-friendly materials like dry, twisted linen thread from obscure manufacturers. The Erem work became what he calls “the best work I’ve ever done,” landing a product that changed the industry conversation from whether sustainable performance footwear was possible to how competitors could catch up. For Lankford, his 性视界 education, bridging Earth Sciences and Industrial Design, was the first step toward his trailblazing career in sustainable footwear.

Informing Environmental Policy on Capitol Hill

Keeping our oceans safe requires a complex set of specific regulations. From managing fishing quotas to protecting marine ecosystems as climate change threatens habitats, the United States Congress can legislate and provide important oversight to safeguard this critical resource. Without congressional intervention, some short-term interests could damage the ocean ecosystems that humanity depends on for its survival and prosperity. But in order to act on policy proposals, members of Congress must first understand them. That’s where Caitlin Keating-Bitonti ’09 comes in.

Keating-Bitonti works as a natural resources policy specialist for the Congressional Research Service, where she applies her scientific training to help members of Congress make informed policy decisions. She uses analytical skills she developed at 性视界, such as synthesizing complex information, evaluating evidence objectively and communicating findings clearly, as the backbone of her daily work.

“What I like about the job is helping them get the information they need to make their own sound decisions,” she explains. She takes pride in knowing that behind the scenes, “things aren’t very political. Both sides are just trying to do good policy, and we’re trying to help them with the research and analysis to get them there.”

Being able to apply her knowledge to make a difference for the better is something she aspired to as a student at 性视界, where she worked with EES Professor . During her first semester, she began working in Ivany’s paleontology lab, a position she maintained throughout her undergraduate years.

That early research experience proved transformative. With Ivany’s mentorship, Keating-Bitonti wrote and published a peer-reviewed paper in the journal , a significant milestone at that stage of academic training. The research examined ancient shell fossils from the U.S. Gulf Coast to understand what Earth’s climate was like 52 to 54 million years ago鈥攐ne of the warmest periods in recent geological history. Her findings revealed that ocean temperatures then were surprisingly similar to today, just a few degrees warmer, offering insights into what our planet might look like as it continues to warm.

The mentorship model she experienced at 性视界 continues to shape her approach to her work. Just as Ivany gave her autonomy while providing guidance, Keating-Bitonti now helps policymakers navigate complex issues by presenting options without bias.

“The Earth sciences department just went above and beyond for me,” she says when reflecting on her time at 性视界. Her education鈥攑articularly Ivany’s encouragement to tackle challenging research, embrace intellectual rigor and persevere through setbacks鈥攂uilt the foundation for a career serving the public good through analysis that shapes national policy.

Six Central New York businesses that are working to advance semiconductor manufacturing capabilities have received funding of more than $350,000 through the new .

鈥溞允咏� University is an economic engine in Central New York due to our strategic focus on strengthening partnerships, meeting the emerging needs of regional employers and preparing our students for the future,鈥� says听, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. 鈥淭he NY THRIVE awards administered by the Collaboration and Commercialization Center are a prime example of how the University is stepping up to build the innovation economy of tomorrow in our community.鈥�

The program provides companies with access to academic research capabilities, specialized equipment and faculty expertise to accelerate the development and commercialization of semiconductor technologies. It鈥檚 administered by the 性视界 University-led NY SMART I-Corridor鈥檚 , and includes partners Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester and University at Buffalo.

鈥淭he NY THRIVE awards exemplify the power of industry-academic partnerships in advancing semiconductor manufacturing innovation,鈥� says , vice president for research and principal investigator of C3. 鈥溞允咏� University is proud to serve as a catalyst for technological advancement in New York鈥檚 growing semiconductor ecosystem. By connecting companies with world-class research facilities and faculty expertise, we鈥檙e helping to build the next generation of manufacturing capabilities that will strengthen our regional economy and position New York as a global leader in semiconductor innovation.鈥�

NY THRIVE recipients are:

TTM Technologies Inc. (性视界) will collaborate with the research group led by , professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), to evaluate sintering interface processing for printed circuit board manufacturing, investigating the effects on post-process state to improve interconnect reliability between adjacent layers.

TunaBotics (性视界) is leveraging R&D resources (space, equipment and personnel) at 性视界 University through the research group led by , associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in ECS, to test prototypes of compliant robotic grippers for advanced electronics manufacturing applications.

IBEX Materials (Buffalo) will demonstrate the feasibility and effects of repurposing silicon waste from the semiconductor industry as a core feedstock for advanced lithium-ion battery anodes, addressing environmental impact reduction in semiconductor manufacturing.

Menlo Micro (Ithaca) will establish next-generation through-glass via (TGV) solutions for its microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches, which are already in significant commercial use in RF, high-speed digital, quantum compute and AC/DC power applications, including AI data centers, industrial automation and building infrastructure. This award strengthens Menlo Micro鈥檚 market leadership and ongoing scaling efforts to advance glass substrate technologies critical for next-generation MEMS and microelectronic solutions.

OWiC Technologies (Ithaca) will scale up manufacturing of small photoelectronic electrochemical synthesizers (SPECS), breakthrough millimeter-scale wireless semiconductor devices for high-throughput electrosynthesis.

Photonect Interconnect Solutions Inc. (Rochester) will review and fabricate components for their prototype PIX-Attach, a first-of-its-kind, laser splicing system for high-volume photonic integration. The project will directly support prototyping, production-level V1 development and testing to enhance durability, precision and thermal stability.

鈥淭his first round of THRIVE Innovation Vouchers marks another important step in translating the NY SMART I-Corridor鈥檚 vision into tangible results for businesses across Upstate New York,鈥� says Joseph Stefko, regional innovation officer for NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub. 鈥淏y giving companies direct access to world-class research facilities, advanced equipment and technical expertise, we鈥檙e lowering barriers to commercialization and accelerating the growth of a stronger, more competitive semiconductor ecosystem. These vouchers don鈥檛 just support individual firms; they strengthen the entire innovation pipeline that is positioning Upstate New York as a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and supply chain.鈥�

性视界 NY SMART I-Corridor

The NY SMART I-Corridor is a federally designated Tech Hub with a coalition of over 100 organizations鈥攕panning businesses, higher education, economic development groups and community-based organizations. Together, they are positioning Upstate New York as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and workforce development.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) , authorized by the , provides funding for regional technology development with matching support from the Empire State Development .

性视界 University has been selected as a 2026 awardee by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, one of just 14 institutions nationwide to earn the prestigious recognition. The award provides funding to support six scholar-mentor pairs over three years, with two undergraduate Beckman Scholars named each year beginning this spring.

The Beckman Scholars Program provides 15-month mentored research experiences for exceptional undergraduate students in chemistry and life sciences. Each scholar receives comprehensive support during two full summers and an academic year of intensive research engagement, professional development opportunities and preparation for graduate or medical school.

, professor of physics听 in the and interim dean of the , is principal investigator. 鈥淭he Beckman Scholars Program will provide transformative research experiences for students who demonstrate exceptional promise in science and engineering working with our outstanding faculty from the ,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his award recognizes the University鈥檚 deep commitment to undergraduate research and our proven track record of offering experiential training in interdisciplinary fields.鈥�

Fourteen faculty members, all of whom are affiliated with BioInspired, will serve as Beckman Mentors. They are (chemistry and biology), (chemistry), (physics), (biomedical and chemical engineering), (biology), (biomedical and chemical engineering), (biology), (chemistry), (biomedical and chemical engineering), (biology), Ross (physics), (physics), (chemistry) and (biomedical and chemical engineering).

Scholars will participate in BioInspired鈥檚 annual symposium, present at national conferences and receive mentoring support from the .

Application Process

The will handle student recruitment and selection, onboarding and ongoing support.

The Beckman Scholars Program is open to sophomores working on research in one of the Beckman Mentor labs. Scholars must commit to 15 months of continuous research and be interested in pursuing a graduate degree and leadership roles in their field of study. The 2026 cohort of Beckman Scholars will be funded through summer 2027.

Applications will be handled through the process. Interested students should submit an intent to apply form by Thursday, Feb. 12, with final applications due Thursday, Feb. 26.

Information sessions for first-year students interested in future Beckman Scholar opportunities will be held in February and March.

For more information about eligibility and the application process, visit the SOURCE website at or contact SOURCE Director Kate Hanson at 315.443.2091 or khanso01@syr.edu.

Farzana Rahman, associate teaching professor of electrical engineering and computer science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), has听 received a National Science Foundation (NSF) CSforAll award to expand access to next-generation computing education for high school students across Central New York. Endadul Hoque, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science,听 serves as co-principal investigator on the project.

The NSF CSforAll program supports initiatives that broaden participation in computer science by increasing access to high-quality, inclusive computing education. This award focuses on addressing persistent challenges faced by high school educators in teaching rapidly evolving computing topics鈥� such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, algorithmic bias and accessible software design鈥攂y providing experiential, classroom-ready learning resources and sustained teacher support.

Led in collaboration with Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester, the project will adapt and evaluate accessible learning labs (ALL). The project will use browser-based, sandbox-style virtual computing labs for effective integration into grades 9鈥�12 curricula. These labs are designed to be easily adopted and customized to fit diverse classroom contexts, lowering technical and resource barriers for teachers and students alike.

At ECS, Rahman and Hoque are leading community-focused efforts that emphasize close collaboration with local schools and districts, including Jamesville-DeWitt, Fayetteville-Manlius, Lafayette, Christian Brothers Academy and the 性视界 City School District, as well as regional Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) partners. Together, these partners will engage in iterative co-design, classroom implementation and continuous evaluation to ensure the labs align with real instructional needs.

鈥淎s computing technologies continue to shape every aspect of society, it is critical that high school students have early, meaningful exposure to these topics,鈥� says Rahman. 鈥淭his project allows us to work directly with local educators to co-create accessible, hands-on learning experiences, while also strengthening 性视界 University鈥檚 relationships with the school districts in our community. By strengthening partnerships with local school districts, this work also helps create a sustainable pipeline for students to pursue undergraduate programs in ECS.鈥�

A key component of the project is teacher professional development. The team will host summer professional development workshops in summer 2026 and summer 2027, providing high school teachers with training, curricular support and implementation strategies to integrate these experiential labs into their classrooms. Ongoing co-curricular engagement will further support sustained adoption beyond the workshops.

鈥淭his award enables us to build long-term research鈥損ractice partnerships with local schools,鈥� says Hoque. 鈥淏y supporting teachers and engaging students early, we are helping to create a strong computing ecosystem, one that not only benefits K鈥�12 education, but also builds pathways into higher education and careers in computer science.鈥�

In addition to advancing high school computing education, the project contributes to research on experiential learning in computer science (CS), assessing its impact on student engagement, confidence and instructor readiness. All developed materials will be made open-access, supporting broader adoption nationwide and advancing the goals of the national CS for All movement.