FIU, National Forensic Science Technology Center join forces to broaden impact in forensic science

Florida International University (FIU) and the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) announced that they are joining forces to make a bigger impact in the field of forensic science. The partnership will expand the university’s diverse offerings and bring NFSTC’s training excellence to a broader audience in the U.S. and around the world. A 22-year old non-profit, NFSTC […]

DNA becomes primary target in fight against glioblastoma

By exploiting a brain tumor’s own biology, researchers at FIU’s Biomolecular Sciences Institute (BSI) are hoping to destroy glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer with no known cure. Current methods of treatment are complicated and while they can only prolong a patient’s life by a few months, they cannot cure the cancer — a reality many Americans […]

FIU, Italian university partner to tackle water problems

FIU and the Universita per Stranieri di Perugia in Italy are formalizing collaborative efforts to address global water and environmental challenges. The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the possibility of developing academic, scientific, and cultural programs. This includes offering undergraduate and graduate courses, encouraging pursuit of doctoral degrees, establishing student and […]

South Florida comes together to help save Biscayne Bay

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

Marcela Jaramillo FIU
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

Claire Scott-Bacon FIU
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

FIU physics professor in active learning classroom
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

Shark in Joe Bay
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

FIU graduation
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 […]