A 63-inch sewer line broke June 20, sending waste into Miami-Dade County’s Biscayne Canal and Intracoastal Waterway. Although the “no contact with water” advisory for swimmers has since been lifted by the the water and sewer department, this incident is one of many disturbances impacting Biscayne Bay. Members of the community, including FIU researchers, alumni, and students, came together […]
From immigrant to NSF Graduate Research Fellow
Born and raised in Colombia, Marcela Jaramillo was exposed to the beauty of nature from early childhood. She spent her youth taking walks with her grandfather and admiring nature. Those walks made her feel happy, complete, and opened her eyes to the scientific world. Before these accomplishments, Jaramillo experienced several challenges that helped shape the […]
FIU McNair Scholar graduates at 53, awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Few would challenge that Claire Scott-Bacon ’16 is an inspiration. Balancing immigration, marriage, divorce, and raising two boys, Scott-Bacon enrolled in college at 48. She defeated all odds and is on her way to becoming Dr. Scott-Bacon. Scott-Bacon took a chance and applied to the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at FIU in 2015. Her leap […]
Scientists develop new tool to assess oil spills
Scientists are getting an entirely new perspective of what happens to oil in a spill, thanks to a tool developed by FIU researchers. Little is known about the chemical make-up of oil and how it acts when it mixes with seawater or sunlight during a spill. But by combining techniques to create one powerful instrument, […]
To keep students interested in physics, have them interact
Social butterflies may be more likely to continue studying science, technology, engineering, and math and ultimately take up a STEM career, according to new research. The study, conducted by FIU post-doctoral researcher Justyna P. Zwolak and alumnus Remy Dou, was published recently in the journal Physical Review of Physics Educational Research and was listed in […]
Scientists study portion of Everglades closed to people for decades
After nearly 40 years of being closed off to the public, visitors to Everglades National Park can now explore Joe Bay. Joe Bay is one of the Everglades’ main sources of freshwater. Closing it was key in helping the American crocodile recover from extinction. But the long-untouched Joe Bay, along with nearby Snag Bay, is […]
FIU graduates do well by doing good
Social entrepreneurship runs deep with the class of 2017 While traveling in Asia, Ari Sernik volunteered at a Cambodian orphanage for HIV-positive children. After returning home he devised a way to continue to help: He organized a charity auction of the children’s art work. That experience led him to create Ten-Yad (“Give a Hand” in […]
Alumnae teachers honored as some of the best
Miami-Dade County Public Schools named two FIU alumnae the runners-up of its Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year awards. The runner-up awards, given by United Teachers of Dade President Karla Hernandez-Mats, included recognition at a Jan. 26 dinner ceremony and a cash prize donated by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. Laura Ortiz ’03, […]
Aerial drones reveal sharks in shallow water
Answers about shark populations could come from the skies, new research finds. Using drones, a team of researchers from FIU recently completed a survey of sharks and rays in a shallow coral lagoon along the island of Mo’orea in French Polynesia. The project could be a game-changer for scientists and conservation agencies that often […]
Florida scientists take aim at Zika with launch of new center
Four Florida universities are joining forces in the fight to stop Zika. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded $10 million to a new center that brings together scientists from FIU, University of Florida, University of Miami, and University of South Florida. With Florida often being an entry point into the United States […]