Global FinPrint, first-of-its-kind global survey led by FIU researchers, reveals sharks are functionally extinct from many reefs

–By JoAnn Adkins for FIU News A landmark study by Global FinPrint reveals sharks are absent on many of the world’s coral reefs, indicating they are functionally extinct — too rare to fulfill their normal role in the ecosystem.  Of the 371 reefs surveyed in 58 countries, sharks were not observed on nearly 20 percent, indicating a […]

TONKINSON FOUNDATION TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCE THROUGH NEW CARTA MEDALLION

–By Sarah Hernandez for CARTA News Imagine learning musical techniques first-hand from a Grammy Award winner, or getting acting tips from a renowned Hollywood actor as part of the curriculum. Wouldn’t it be great, if while earning a degree, students had the opportunity to learn directly from the leading actors, musicians, designers or architects in […]

Alumnus, FIU parent discusses family’s Panther legacy, why he gave to student emergency relief fund

Two-time alumnus Josue Raudales ’97, MS ’05 is a proud FIU Panther and an FIU parent, as well. Raudales was an international student from Honduras and a member of the Honors College during his time at the university. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering & Computing and […]

Jason Saltzman named vice chair of enterprise growth for the FIU Foundation Board of Directors

Jason Saltzman, entrepreneur, investor, author, and a member of the Florida International University Foundation Board of Directors, has been named vice chair of enterprise growth for the FIU Foundation Board of Directors. He will lead the new Corporate Enterprise Growth Initiative, created to adapt to the shifting philanthropic landscape and help ensure the Foundation’s continued […]

A community of supporters bolsters South Florida hospitality industry

This story was originally published on FIU News. For alumna Heather De La Torre and her husband Jesus, owners of Jr’s Gourmet Burgers in Miami Springs, business is a family affair. The “mom-and-pop” restaurant celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, and the couple thinks of their small, close-knit staff as kin. But, like many restaurants […]

FIUstrong: Providing emergency relief for students during the pandemic

The university is raising funds for students suffering financially during the health crisis. –For FIU Magazine When FIU student Gabriella Llaña lost her job during the pandemic, she feared she might lose her apartment, too. Living alone, she wasn’t sure how she would afford rent. With support from the FIUstrong disaster relief initiative, the university […]

Professors receive NSF grant to develop app to mitigate impact of COVID-19

–By Diana Hernandez-Alende for FIU News The health care system has been impacted significantly due to the rapidly growing number of COVID-19 cases. A shortage of basic medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical technology has been a major challenge for health care professionals around the world.  Researchers from the College of Engineering & Computing […]

Doctoral student is Miami-Dade’s new Principal of the Year

–By Chrystian Tejedor for FIU News Rafael Villalobos was determined to make a difference. He thought he could do that by pursuing a career in law enforcement, so he earned a degree in criminal justice. Then Villalobos noticed how warm and kind teachers and staff were to his younger brother, who was blind and on […]

Science of memory could improve COVID-19 contact tracing

–By Ayleen Barbel Fattal for FIU News FIU researchers are studying how to improve contact tracing by tapping into people’s memory. Psychologists Deborah Goldfarb, Jacqueline Evans and Ronald Fisher are leading a new study funded by an NSF Rapid Response grant to identify a more effective way to conduct contact tracing. The FIU team will test whether memory for contacts can be […]

Computing professor creates dashboard for COVID-19 prediction, visualization

–By Diana Hernandez-Alende for FIU News Organizations around the world have created coronavirus-tracking tools to monitor COVID-19 cases through real-time analytics. An FIU professor, who specializes in theoretical optimization and learning algorithms, and his research team at FIU, have created a dashboard that can predict the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 using data analytics. The tool, created […]