From “Heroes” to “True Detective” to “Limitless,” television has often portrayed synesthesia — a neurological condition where senses blend, so a person might “see” sounds, “taste” words, or “hear” colors — as a dazzling superpower. But according to new research from The University of Akron, those portrayals may do more harm than good.

Dr. Dimitria Gatzia, professor of philosophy and integrated biosciences in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, has published a new study, “Enhanced Senses, Constrained Voices: Analyzing the Television Portrayals of Synesthetes Through Mute Group Theory,” in the book “Making Thought Visible: Essays on Neurodiversity on Television” (Curt Hersey & Julie D. O’Reilly, Eds.).

Her analysis reveals that while TV often celebrates synesthesia as an extraordinary gift, synesthetic characters are usually silenced — unable to tell their own stories without a “translator” or guide. This narrative pattern, she argues, reflects a broader cultural tendency to marginalize neurodivergent voices.

“Television has tremendous influence on how we think about difference,” said Gatzia. “When synesthetes are portrayed as extraordinary but voiceless, it reinforces the idea that their perspectives don’t belong at the center of their own stories.”

This research highlights how popular media can unintentionally reinforce stereotypes about marginalized groups — even when it appears to be celebrating them. The research also offers fresh insight for scholars and practitioners in neurodiversity, media studies, disability studies, and related fields, highlighting how representation in pop culture can either empower or erase marginalized perspectives.

The study contributes to a growing conversation about how the media portrays neurodivergent experiences and why those portrayals matter.

Media contact: media@uakron.edu

President R.J. Nemer, president of The University of Akron (UA), will highlight the University’s recent accomplishments and positive trajectory, provide updates and share goals during a State of the University address to the Akron community on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Quaker Station.

The Akron Press Club is hosting the ticketed event, which will start at 11 a.m. with a luncheon. The program begins at noon.

Nemer will discuss a number of topics including UA’s growing enrollment numbers, new branding campaign, community partnerships and other highlights. He will also take questions from the audience following his address.

Visit the Akron Press Club website for more information.

About President R.J. Nemer

R.J. Nemer became the University’s 19th president on May 15, 2024. A proud Zip, he holds two degrees from UA—a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a J.D. from the School of Law. Before being named president, he served as dean of the College of Business, where enrollment grew under his leadership.

Nemer also brings a distinguished career in sports and marketing. He founded a professional golf agency in Akron that became the world’s largest independently held sports agency of its kind, later acquired by William Morris Endeavor. He went on to serve as global head of IMG Golf before moving into higher education in 2022.

In addition to his professional achievements, Nemer has been deeply involved in the community, having served on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, First Tee of Akron, Bounce Innovation Hub, and others.

About the Akron Press Club

The Akron Press Club was founded in 1971 to promote a free press and serve local journalists and public relations professionals. The group has a rich heritage of offering newsmakers a forum to discuss issues of the day at Press Club luncheons and speaking events that are open to the public.

The Press Club is an open forum that respects the rights of free speech and press. Speakers are expected to take questions from the audience after their formal remarks. Recording of Akron Press Club events by the media or public is permitted; recording rights may be restricted only at the discretion of the Akron Press Club Board.

The Press Club sponsors and co-sponsors events that are open to any member of the general public. Attendance at, and issues raised, at Press Club events will not be screened or controlled by our guest speakers or their representatives.

The Akron Press Club, in conjunction with the John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund, annually awards scholarships of $5,000 each to journalism and public relations college students. These scholarships are made possible through donations and revenue from Press Club luncheons.

Media contact: media@uakron.edu

At The University of Akron (UA), students say YES to exceptional opportunities to learn from and be inspired by leading experts. Students in the UA Sport Coaching and Athletics Leadership program had a visit on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from one of the best in the nation when Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, former Ohio State football coach and UA alumnus, joined the course for a candid conversation on leadership, culture and purpose in sport.

Tressel has strong ties to UA, having served during his career in higher education as the University’s executive vice president for student success and earned a master’s degree in education from UA. He was also a Zips assistant football coach early in his coaching career. Tressel became the head coach of The Ohio State football team in 2001 and led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002.

He met with UA students in the Organizational Behavior in Sport course, which is taught by instructor and former Zips softball coach Julie Jones.

The Organizational Behavior in Sport course is a special topic in the newly redesigned Sport Coaching and Athletics Leadership program housed in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and the College of Health and Human Sciences.
Students who take the course explore dynamics of organization behavior, including motivation, leadership, communication, structure, culture and change, gaining insight into how these elements influence individual and team performance. 

“Students build a solid foundation for navigating and contributing to teams and sport organizations,” said Missy Dreisbach, who is an assistant professor of instruction in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Science and program coordinator of Sport Coaching and Leadership Undergraduate & Sport Science: Coaching Graduate Programs. “Julie invites guest speakers to give real-world examples to help illustrate concepts and theories learned in class.”

The program prepares students for careers in professional, collegiate, and high school sport coaching, recreational and community sports, and for graduate studies in sport science and coaching.

About Jim Tressel

Jim Tressel was nominated by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to serve as Ohio’s lieutenant governor in February 2025 and was subsequently confirmed by the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives. A longstanding champion of education and workforce development, Tressel intends to build upon Ohio’s record of achievement in these key areas and others, throughout the remaining years of the DeWine administration.

A preeminent educator and football coach, Tressel’s career pursuits most recently led him to serve as president of Youngstown State University (YSU) from 2014 until his retirement in 2023. During his tenure, YSU established a trajectory of success that included the increased quality of freshman classes, dramatically rising retention and graduation rates, and record fundraising efforts. Under his leadership, the university’s Honors College grew from 300 to more than 1,200 students. The physical plant was also transformed with the addition of private housing options, as well as state-of-the-art academic research and workforce training facilities. Before serving as president of YSU, Tressel served as executive vice president for student success at The University of Akron. Throughout his academic tenure, Tressel has shared DeWine’s commitment and passion for helping all Ohioans reach their God-given potential.

Tressel’s focus on providing the tools young people need to succeed was also evident throughout his career as a college football coach. Having served as an assistant coach at The University of Akron, Miami University, Syracuse and Ohio State, Tressel was named YSU head football coach in 1986. In his 15-year tenure, including six years as executive director of intercollegiate athletics, YSU appeared in the playoffs 10 times and won four national championships. In January 2001, Tressel became the head football coach at The Ohio State University. In 10 seasons, he guided the Buckeyes to seven Big Ten championships and the 2002 National Championship.

Among his many honors, which reflect his commitment to excellence, Tressel has received the Chevrolet National Coach of the Year Award, the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, the American Football Coaches Association Nation Coach of the Year Award, the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year Award, and the Sporting News National Coach of the Year Award. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015 and the YSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. He was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. Tressel and his father, Lee Tressel, are the only father-son duo to have both been named to the College Football Hall of Fame. 

A native of northeast Ohio, Tressel knows Ohio well and shares the state’s values. Like DeWine, he is dedicated to helping Ohioans realize their full potential and achieve their interpretation of the American dream. Tressel graduated from Berea High School in suburban Cleveland, received a bachelor’s degree in education from Baldwin-Wallace College, and a master’s degree in education from The University of Akron. He currently serves on the Baldwin-Wallace University board of trustees. Tressel has published two books, “The Winner’s Manual: For the Game of Life,” and “Life Promises for Success: Promises from God on Achieving Your Best.” He has given hundreds of presentations and lectures across the country and has been extensively committed to fundraising and philanthropy. 

 Media contact: media@uakron.edu

Two new exhibitions, including one with a focus on iconic photographic artist Cindy Sherman, will open on this week at The University of Akron’s (UA) Emily Davis Gallery in Folk Hall, home of the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art.

“Cindy Sherman UnMasked: Photographs by Abe Frajndlich” features work by Frajndlich, also a well-known and highly regarded photographer who is a former UA art faculty member. Frajndlich’s images of Sherman, an American artist best known for her works of self-portraiture, were created during photography sessions in Akron in 1984 and in New York in 1987. Many of the photographs on display in the UA show have never been exhibited or published and have never shown as a comprehensive group until now.

Frajndlich’s photographs will also appear in a second new exhibit to open this week. “Portrait of the Artist” highlights the self-portraiture work of artists who have ties to Northeast Ohio and UA. The exhibit will feature self-portraits by regional artists including Anna Arnold, Taylor Clapp, Kalia Horner, Nick Lee, Frank Oriti, Anna Young, Katarina Zuder, and UA faculty members Emily Olszewski Ashley Kouri and Clarence Meriweather. Horner, Young, Zuger, Olszewski and Kouri are all UA alumni.

The show will include paintings, drawings and photographs that reflect a variety of responses – from fictional characters to exact depictions – to the idea of self-representation. 

The opening reception for both exhibits is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, and is free and open to the public. The Emily Davis Gallery is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Both shows will close on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

The Frajndlich-Sherman connection

Since the 1970s Frajndlich has worked as a freelance commercial photographer, doing editorial work for several U.S. and European publications, including Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, ArtNews, London Sunday Times, and the New York Times Magazine. After receiving degrees in English literature, Frajndlich studied for several years with master photographers Minor White and Nathan Lyons. His work can be found in museum collections worldwide including Biblioteque Nationale in Paris, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and regionally at the Akron Art Museum and Cleveland Museum of Art. Frajndlich has been in exhibitions throughout the U.S., Germany, France and Belgium, with recent career retrospectives in Munich and Frankfurt. Frajndlich lives and works in Cleveland.

Frajndlich first met and photographed Sherman – now considered one of the most influential artists in contemporary art – in Akron over the course of a few hours, just prior to the opening event of her first American retrospective exhibition at the Akron Art Museum. A few years later Frajndlich spent three days with Sherman in her New York City studio, where he made images for stories in Vanity Fair and in the Frankfurt Allgemeine Zeitung Magazine.  

“Those were the halcyon days of photographic portraiture, where most artist/subjects knew what a photo shoot involved, and were willing to give a photographer the time needed to create the visual story,” Frajndlich said. “… there was no better subject, than someone as open and unaffected as the Cindy Sherman I worked with that spring.”

Frajndlich’s portraits of Yoko Ono, Annie Liebowitz and Helen Frankenthaler from his recent project “Women in the Arts,” which covers more than 50 years of portraits of women artists, curators and collectors, will be included in the exhibit.

About the Emily Davis Gallery

The Emily Davis Gallery is nationally known and presents challenging contemporary exhibitions and events that showcase the most current expressions and critical thinking evolving in the visual arts today. For questions about UA exhibitions, call 330-972-6030 or email artgallery@uakron.edu. More information is available at uakron.edu/art/galleries/ or facebook.com/EmilyDavisGallery.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu

For individuals who deal with ulcers or are recovering from surgeries, the healing process often comes with serious challenges. Dressing and treating wounds, especially for patients who are caring for themselves after procedures, can be difficult and may lead to infection or the need for additional surgery. Without meticulous attention, improper wound care can result in severe complications, including amputation and, in the most serious cases, death.

University of Akron (UA) alumnus Isaiah Kaiser ’19 ’23, who earned a Ph.D. from UA’s College of Engineering and Polymer Science, is taking on the challenge of wound infection prevention. Kaiser founded Auxilium Health, an early-stage company commercializing a new biomaterial platform technology that combines therapeutics and diagnostics in a wound dressing to help patients heal. Early testing of the technology has shown it to be effective in the prevention and prediction of infection-forming bacterial species.

Because the foundational research was developed during his time as a student collaborating with Dr. Sadhan Jana’s lab in UA’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, the University’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) is actively supporting the technology, now exclusively licensed to Auxilium.

Auxilium recently received a $275,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the goal of demonstrating preclinical safety and effectiveness of the technology with scalable pilot production methods. The company, now based in the Cleveland Clinic’s Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center, is nearing commercialization of the technology and also raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round and $200,000 from the Ohio Department of Development.

UA roots

 Kaiser was born in Akron and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UA. During and after the time he worked on his doctorate, Kaiser spent a few years with LTA Research, a startup based in the Silicon Valley area of California, which fueled his interest in entrepreneurship and tough-tech startups, which are complex commercialization projects that often have long timelines and require significant funding.

Meanwhile, Jana, BF Goodrich Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, was working in nanoparticle filtration. One of Kaiser’s mentors knew he was looking for leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities and urged him to meet with Jana and his students to explore the potential for commercializing the technology.

“My mentor thought I should really look at the technology they were working on to see if there was a possibility of working together to commercialize it,” said Kaiser, who noted that Auxilium maintains a connection with UA through sponsorship of a Ph.D. student in Jana’s lab – including financial support and opportunities to participate in Auxilium team meetings and offer input on technical challenges.

Kaiser recognized the potential for Jana’s research to have a significant impact and envisioned applications in tissue engineering and healing. The need is urgent, with more than 6.5 million people in the U.S. affected by non-healing wounds, driving health care costs exceeding $50 billion annually, according to Auxilium. Having had family members who experienced chronic wounds, Kaiser noted that the problem is personally meaningful to him.

I-Corps research

After forming the company in 2022 while still in graduate school at UA, Kaiser participated in UA’s NSF I-Corps program, facilitated by The University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF), which prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory to broaden the impact of basic-research projects by translating technology into commercial products.

“The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) and UARF are proud to support Auxilium in its mission to bring innovative solutions to market,” said Kelly Bialek, director of OTT and executive director of UARF. “Auxilium demonstrates the kind of entrepreneurial spirit and cutting-edge research translation we strive to foster, and we look forward to seeing the impact of their work.”

Kaiser spent part of 2022 traveling across the country to meet with physicians and nurses working in the areas of tissue regeneration, infection and wound care, to better understand the field and the market.

“We learned that most products in this space were developed by materials scientists like us,” Kaiser said. “I started to build relationships with physicians and medical professionals to ensure we weren’t working on this in a silo but were developing with them and integrating their feedback.”

Kaiser also learned about the complications that patients deal with in healing. For those with pressure or diabetic ulcers, which typically develop on feet, or have large surgical incisions, anti-infection care is critical. The mortality rate for patients who need amputations due to diabetic foot ulcers can be around 70%, which is higher than that of some cancers, Kaiser said.

Revolutionary potential

Although the company cannot yet share specifics about the technology, it’s clear Auxilium has an opportunity to revolutionize the wound care field.

Infection can occur when a protective layer called biofilm, which is a string of individual bacteria that band together, forms as a film on the surface of the wound. When biofilms begin to mature, they start to take the nutrients that the wound needs to heal, stalling the healing process and allowing infections to develop.

Treatment for infection has typically been reactive, with medication such as antibiotics that are started after the infection has taken hold. Some patients undergo a process called debridement, in which infected, diseased or dead tissue is removed with a scalpel or scissors. Depending on the severity of the wound, the process may have to be done surgically and can be painful. If the wound cannot heal, the patient may need tissue grafts or amputation.

Auxilium’s technology, however, is proactive and preventative.

The material that was developed under the supervision of Jana in his UA lab, and that Auxilium continues to improve today, seeks to prevent biofilm from growing in the first place. For wounds that are prone to develop infections, like surgical incisions, Auxilium’s platform material has a real-time indicator that lets a patient know of a potential ensuing infection. This allows patients to be seen by their medical team earlier, with the goal of treating the infection quickly and without a painful debridement procedure.

Today, materials and treatment are expensive – some skin substitutes, made from the skin of other living organisms, can cost thousands of dollars per application. As a result, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are proposing significant changes in reimbursement, Kaiser said, which would make Auxilium’s technology more accessible.

“Our team is passionate about helping patients and the benefits our technology can bring to healthcare,” he said. “Chronic wounds are often referred to as a silent epidemic, affecting millions and costing our healthcare system billions every year. We are positioned to scale quickly and evolve with the needs of the patients and physicians.”

Investors are clearly excited about the technology. The company’s recent successful funding round was oversubscribed, which indicates heavy investor interest. If funding continues to come together, Auxilium hopes to have its product submitted for Food and Drug Administration approval in 2026 and have a product on the market in 2027.

"We are grateful for the strong support from our investors and strategic partners across Ohio and throughout the country," Kaiser said. "This funding underscores confidence in our biomaterial platform and validates our proactive approach — developing breakthrough solutions that prevent and predict skin tissue infections. It positions us strongly to achieve critical milestones and accelerate growth in our next phase." 

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu
 

In recognition of National Depression Awareness Month, The University of Akron’s Counseling & Testing Center (CTC) invites all Zips to take part in National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union in partnership the Zips Activities Board (ZAB) for a day focused on self-care, connection and mental health resources.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Mental health screenings (Piano Lounge) — Take a quick, confidential screening with CTC staff. Learn more about your emotional well-being and get personalized feedback and next steps.
• Create your self-care plan and get crafty (Dunkin Lounge) — Work with ZAB representatives to build a plan that fits your life. Explore healthy habits and stress-relief strategies that can help protect your mental health every day while making crafts.
• Snacks and prizes — Refuel with free popcorn, cookies and enter an Amazon gift card raffle.

“Raising awareness begins with empathy and understanding,” said Dr. Natacha Keramidas, staff psychologist and outreach coordinator for the CTC. “If you notice changes in friends, coworkers, or classmates, reach out. A simple ‘How are you doing?’ can open the door for someone to seek help.”

New this fall: ‘Let’s Talk’

Let’s Talk is a free, confidential drop-in service that lets UA students meet informally with a counselor for a brief (15–25 minute) consultation. It’s perfect if you:

• Have a specific concern and want to talk it through
• Aren’t sure if counseling is right for you
• Want advice about helping a friend

Meetings are first-come, first served. Learn more about Let’s Talk at uakron.edu/lets-talk.

Group counseling

Join one of the CTC’s group counseling sessions to share, learn and grow alongside other Zips. Groups this semester include:

• Building stronger relationships
• Managing anxiety
• Exploring body image

Find the full schedule at uakron.edu/ctc/groups.

Drop-in intake sessions

Need to connect with someone right away? Visit the Counseling & Testing Center in Simmons Hall, Room 306.

Drop-In Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 1–3:30 p.m.
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9–11 a.m.

Contact the CTC at 330-972-7082 or visit uakron.edu/counseling. 

The CTC provides free, confidential psychological services for UA students — because here, taking care of yourself is part of reaching your goals.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu.

Students who dream of becoming a doctor or working in a medical profession can say yes to the opportunities offered at The University of Akron (UA), which has again been ranked one of the best-valued pre-med programs in the nation.

The global ranking site EdSmart ranked UA No. 14 in the country for 2025, one spot ahead of last year’s ranking. UA is the only Ohio university recognized in the rankings.

The most popular major for UA pre-med students is the biomedical science degree in the Department of Biology. This major in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences provides for a broad background in science with concentrations in biology, chemistry, math and physics. The biomedical science degree is designed with the appropriate coursework to prepare students for maximal success on entrance tests like the MCAT, and for general student success in professional school.

The Department of Biology is home to a unique Tiered Mentoring program, which places students into research, internship and clinical shadowing experiences with community partners like Akron Children’s Hospital, Summa Health, and Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. These experiences, within walking distance of the UA campus, connect undergraduate students with the health care industry, ensuring students build confidence and foster belonging in the biology and biomedical fields. Read more about the Tiered Mentoring program here.

“We are excited to be recognized again for providing pre-med students with a high-quality degree program that is one of the most affordable options in the country,” said Dr. Jordan Renna, chair of the Department of Biology. “The biomedical science degree offers students a strong foundation through rigorous classroom and laboratory training, enhancing their chances of success in medical school.”

EDsmart provides college rankings, reviews, and ratings according to the U.S. Department of Education and other reputable sources for higher education. It assesses pre-med colleges based on data that covers four main areas: cost (average net price), academic quality (graduation rate), student satisfaction (retention rate), and salary after attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school).

UA offers hands-on learning opportunities and pathways for students to move on to medical school after graduation.

The Early Assurance Pathway, a unique collaboration between UA and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), allows UA students to secure a seat, early, in a future medical school class at NEOMED. 

“The ranking from EdSmart is validation of our hard work to ensure UA students have access to unique opportunities that prepare them for professional medical fields,” said Ashley Rini, director of pre-health advising.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu

When Harold Fiifi Eshun joined The University of Akron's (UA) Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College, he brought with him a deep desire rooted in his upbringing in Ghana — to become a physician who could bridge compassionate patient care with groundbreaking research.

Today, as a senior biomedical science major and Honors Scholar, he's presenting at world-class pediatric conferences in Hawaii, reconstructing nerve cells through cutting-edge 3D imaging and heading to national bioethics conferences.

But Eshun's transformation from aspiring pre-med student to accomplished undergraduate researcher came from a string of "yes" moments — starting with one that nearly cost him his chance to attend UA at all.

The first ‘yes’

Eshun's path began in Ghana, where he witnessed hardworking physicians improve lives despite limited health care access. Those experiences, he said, planted "the dream of medicine in my heart."

So, when a mentor suggested studying internationally at UA, Eshun soon discovered programs and support that could provide the perfect foundation to turn his ambitions into something real.

“When I applied (to colleges), UA was actually the very first school to offer me admission, which made the decision even more meaningful,” he recalled.

But a delayed student visa threatened to derail his plans — a situation that often forces international students to defer for an entire academic year. Instead, UA gave him the option to begin 100% online coursework from Africa as a full-time student.

“Instead of putting my dream on hold, Akron gave me the opportunity to begin my journey from home,” he said. “That kindness and commitment to students showed me I was in the right place, and it’s why I proudly said ‘yes’ to becoming a Zip.”

When Eshun finally arrived in Akron, another pivotal “yes” began shaping his experience: joining the Williams Honors College.

The Honors College advantage

The Honors College provides more than academics — it reshaped how Eshun approached his education and future. Priority registration, exclusive scholarships, leadership training, gave him a strong foundation, while and living and learning in the Honors Complex connected him to a community of peers.

“Because of the Honors College, I have made friends who are my peers in curiosity, support and kindness,” Eshun said. “In classes and in the Honors Complex, we cheer each other on and share everything from study notes to life goals.”

The Honors Colloquia also pushed him to think harder. His Nature vs. Nurture class allowed him to explore how biology and environment shape human development, while his Fairy Tales class revealed deeper philosophical lessons in familiar stories and made him a more thoughtful future physician.

And faculty mentorship is equally transformative. “From day one, the staff welcomed me not only as a student but as someone they genuinely cared for,” he said. “The Honors staff were always there with open ears and heartfelt encouragement.”

Opportunities become impact

This support enabled him to pursue increasingly ambitious research experiences. This past spring, the Honors College sponsored his presentation at the Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting in Hawaii, where he showcased his work from Akron Children's Hospital studying persistent anemia in children after intensive care.

“It was both humbling and inspiring to share my work in a space filled with medical students, residents, fellows, physicians and researchers from around the world,” Eshun said.

Currently, he's using advanced 3D imaging to reconstruct nerve cells in mouse retinas to study how visual signals are transmitted and received. This fall, he'll travel to Portland for the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Conference as part of Emory University's Cross-Institutional Undergraduate Sponsorship Program in Bioethics.

Looking ahead

As Eshun prepares for medical school, he credits the Honors College with providing not just opportunities, but the confidence and skills to seize them.

"Beyond academics, the comprehensive support of the Honors College has helped me clarify my goals, strengthen my confidence, and build the critical skills I need for medical school and beyond," he said.

His remarkable trajectory —from international student navigating visa delays to presenting research at elite conferences — illustrates the transformative power of UA’s Honors College experience.

For prospective students considering UA, Eshun's advice is as passionate as his own journey: “Go for it. UA is a place where you can not only learn but also grow into the person you want to be while feeling supported every step of the way. So, say ‘yes!’”

Story by Alex Knisely

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu.

Sometimes the best college decisions are the ones you don’t actually make.

For University of Akron (UA) sophomores Jaylah Lacewell and Madison Bickerstaff, saying “yes” to a random roommate assignment in the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College sparked more than just a living arrangement.

It launched a friendship and a shared path through classes, leadership programs and travel adventures — making every part of their college journey stronger.

Honors, but better together

Neither Lacewell nor Bickerstaff expected their random roommate pairing in the Honors Complex — where Honors Scholars can live and learn — to become the foundation of their UA experience.

Nervous about living with a stranger, they found immediate common ground through the Emerging Leaders Program and its civic engagement training before classes even began.

"I had never lived with anyone outside of my family," Lacewell said. "I had spoken with Madison on the phone over the summer and we had met at the Emerging Leader Summer Social. I really enjoyed those first few days where we got to just spend time getting to know one another and building that bond.”

Suffice it to say, that first day together as new students in college and being on a campus sealed the bond, even for two students pursuing completely different majors — Bickerstaff studies psychology in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences; meanwhile, across campus at the College of Business, Lacewell is pursuing a degree in marketing and sales management.

“Going random assignment for a roommate was the best decision I've ever made,” said Bickerstaff. “I believe that Honors has shaped our friendship because of all the opportunities it offers both academically and personally. We have gotten so close within the past year and now I couldn't imagine not having a friend like Jaylah.”

Making the most of opportunities

So, together, they discovered how Honors could elevate their college lives — and how much better it felt to share it. Beyond leadership training and having the chance to live in the Honors Complex, Honors Scholars also have priority registration to get the classes and professors they want the most, as well as exclusive scholarships that are added to any other financial aid already received.

The Honors Colloquia stand out, especially to Lacewell. These discussion-based courses bring together students from various majors to discuss timely topics in the sciences and humanities. "I’ve had the chance to learn about the Harlem Renaissance, techno culture and the history of the Honors College itself. These courses let me expand my interests far beyond my marketing major,” she said.

Then there are the college ambassador-role opportunities students like Bickerstaff are thankful for. "Being in the Honors College has allowed me to push myself. One opportunity was being accepted into a position on the Honors Dean’s Team."

But what stands out most? Experiencing it all side by side, like sharing information about courses while planning their next semester’s schedules or attending events together, such as Dine and Discover where local leaders share their successes over a meal.

“The best part is that we both had interests in the Honors trips,” Bickerstaff said. “We went to Chicago last spring, and now we’re going to London together."

Advice for future Zips

After discovering how much richer the Honors experience became when shared, Lacewell and Bickerstaff want future Zips to know that saying “yes” to opportunities — and to people — can change everything.

"Always be on your A-game," Lacewell said. "Your journey starts now, before you even step foot on campus. Build yourself up academically and socially, and it will all pay off once you arrive at the University."

For Bickerstaff, the takeaway is just as personal: "The University of Akron is my home away from home. I feel safe and comfortable, and everyone is welcoming and helpful—especially the staff. The Honors program has been life-changing for me.”

Story by Alex Knisely

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu.

The University of Akron’s (UA) nationally acclaimed tax program has received an estate gift that will strengthen the academic excellence of the College of Business and the George W. Daverio School of Accountancy.

Through a $6.7 million estate gift from Hildegard Karlin in memory of her husband Arthur Karlin, UA will establish The Arthur D. Karlin Endowed Chair in Accounting, dedicated to enhancing faculty recruitment and retention, which will draw top-flight students from throughout the nation.

The Karlin Chair will be awarded to a faculty member demonstrating excellence in teaching and scholarship. Karlin, who earned a Juris Doctor from UA’s School of Law in 1976 and taught at UA from 1971 to 1993, was known for his dedication to students and his passion for teaching. He was instrumental in helping start UA’s Master of Taxation program in 1979, a time when Akron’s rubber industry was thriving and the leading companies with a presence in Akron needed tax specialists. Arthur Karlin died in 2018 and Hildegard Karlin died in 2024.

“Arthur Karlin’s innovative approach monumentally transformed accounting education at The University of Akron and beyond,” said UA President R.J. Nemer. “Under his guidance and instruction, leading tax professionals learned the craft that shaped regional corporate accountancy. The endowed chair is a fitting tribute that extends the unequivocal legacy of this committed educator.”

The Karlin Chair will further enhance the nationally ranked tax program, which has experienced remarkable growth with enrollment doubling in the past year – demonstrating that investment is being made in the right place. The ranking website Intelligent rated UA’s online master’s degree in taxation No. 12 in the U.S in 2025.

“Now in its 46th year, the program is proud of its passionate, well-connected and supportive alumni network,” said Jules Jones, director and professor of practice in the School of Accountancy. “This generous gift creates opportunities to strengthen our program and expand the impact of our graduates, while continuing to honor Art’s legacy.”

The College of Business is one of the fewer than 1% of business schools in the country to receive dual accreditation in both business and accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-687-9269, media@uakron.edu 

Recognizing the demand for graduates who can bridge technology and business, The University of Akron (UA) College of Business has launched a new Bachelor of Business Administration in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Information Systems — one of the first business schools in the state of Ohio to launch a program of its kind.

Designed to prepare students for the evolving intersection of data, technology and strategy, this program equips graduates with both the technical literacy to understand artificial intelligence (AI) and the business acumen to apply it responsibly and effectively. Students will learn how to harness AI-driven tools for decision-making, automation and innovation while exploring the ethical and organizational challenges these technologies present.

The global AI job market is projected to grow at a rate of more than 31% through 2033, according to a report by Grand View Research. AI is no longer a distant concept; it is transforming nearly every sector of industry — from business and finance to health care, manufacturing and supply chain management.

“AI is fundamentally transforming the way businesses operate and compete,” said Dr. Debmalya Mukherjee, associate dean of the College of Business. “Equipping our students with applied AI skills directly aligns with the UA College of Business motto, Experience Business.”

Unlike programs that focus solely on coding or software development, the new degree program blends strategic business applications with applied technical training. Students will gain experience in areas such as machine learning, deep learning, data provisioning and AI-driven decision-making through courses such as:

• ISM 250: Introduction to Applied AI and Information Systems
• ISM 326: Data Provision for Applied Artificial Intelligence
• ISM 360: Artificial Intelligence for Business
• ISM 422: Deep Learning for Business

“This is about preparing students for the future of work,” said Dr. Erin Makarius, professor and chair of the Department of Management. “Companies need graduates who can understand AI’s capabilities, communicate its value to decision-makers and implement solutions responsibly. Our students will leave with the skills to bridge that gap between business and technology.”

Hands-on learning opportunities, including internships, industry partnerships and real-world projects, will connect classroom knowledge with professional practice. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in business intelligence, information technology and systems management, entrepreneurship, and emerging AI-focused roles across industries.

“The demand for talent in this space is growing rapidly and our students will be among the first in Ohio to graduate with this kind of training from an AACSB-accredited college of business,” said Dr. James Thomson, interim dean of the College of Business. “We are excited to see them take leadership roles as organizations continue to adapt to an AI-driven world.”

“The future of business will require professionals who not only use AI tools but also understand when and how they should be used,” added Makarius. “This program ensures our students can make those critical decisions thoughtfully and strategically.”

Enrollment for the Applied AI and Information Systems degree program begins in spring 2026. For more information, visit uakron.edu/business or email futurebusiness@uakron.edu.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-687-9269, media@uakron.edu 

The University of Akron (UA) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of offering its Honors education program – now known as the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College (WHC) – with two special public events in October that lead into Homecoming and Family Weekend.

The anniversary festivities, which highlight the 5-decade history and impact of the Honors program, begin on Thursday, Oct. 2, with the John S. Knight Lecture featuring iconic broadcast journalist Connie Chung. She will participate in a fireside chat-style discussion with UA President R.J. Nemer at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. The Knight Lecture starts at 7:30 p.m. is free and open to all, with no tickets needed.

The signature event of the Honors celebration will be a celebratory dinner on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union’s Paul and Dorothy Martin Ballroom. More details, including ticket purchase information, can be found here.

A portion of proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Dr. Dale H. Mugler Honors Research Fund, which supports WHC student research. This fund was established in 2015 but was converted earlier this year into an endowment to maximize the impact for UA students now and in the future. Mugler led the Honors program starting in 2005, overseeing its transition into the Honors College by 2005 and the construction of the Honors Complex, among other accomplishments. More than $70,000 has already been raised for the fund.

“As we celebrate 50 years of Honors education at The University of Akron, the Williams Honors College is proud to reflect on our past while investing in the future,” said Dr. Fedearia Nicholson-Sweval, vice provost for student pathways and dean of the WHC. “Welcoming back alumni, faculty and former leaders allows us to reflect on a legacy of excellence, while the Dr. Dale H. Mugler Honors Research Fund ensures our students will have expanded opportunities to pursue meaningful research that will shape the next 50 years.”

UA’s talented faculty and student arts groups will offer entertainment during the dinner. Theron Brown, assistant professor of practice in the School of Music and a nationally renowned pianist, jazz artist and educator, will headline the event. Students from the School of Dance will perform. UA’s Rock Candy Chamber Orchestra, a multi-disciplinary chamber ensemble, will perform under the direction of Dr. Marlene Moses, professor of violin and viola in the School of Music.

The Honors anniversary events will provide a spirited transition to UA’s Homecoming and Family Weekend activities Oct. 3-5. Highlights include Zippy’s Homecoming Tailgate and the UA football game against Central Michigan, both on Saturday, Oct. 4. Visit the UA Homecoming and Family Weekend information page for more details.

About UA Honors education and the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College

Honors programming at UA began in 1975 and, 30 years later, it grew into a full-fledged college. Then, in 2015, thanks to the vision and generosity of Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams, it was renamed the Williams Honors College (WHC), further solidifying its mission to enrich scholars and changemakers ready to leave their mark on the world. There are more than 8,000 Honors alumni.

The mission of the WHC is to inspire intellectually curious scholars within an inclusive community of excellence at The University of Akron. The WHC provides unique academic experiences for students, including opportunities to engage in challenging curricula and research within all academic colleges of the university. The WHC fosters an environment that promotes transformational growth through experiential learning, service, cultural experiences, and study abroad. The Honors experience develops graduates who contribute to their local and global community through their lifelong respect for learning.

About the Dr. Dale H. Mugler Honors Research Fund

The Dr. Dale H. Mugler Honors Research Fund was established in honor of Mugler by his family, colleagues, friends and UA alumni upon his retirement as dean of the Honors College. The fund recognizes his passion for opening doors of opportunity for undergraduate research. The description was revised in 2025, as the fund is now endowed.

Mugler had a distinguished career at UA from 1989 to 2015. He holds four patents and founded a biomedical startup supported by the University of Akron Research Foundation. As dean, Mugler oversaw the construction of the Honors Complex, established a study-abroad program, connected Honors students with advanced research opportunities and founded two a cappella music groups — an extension of his lifelong passion for music.

The purpose of the fund is to support WHC undergraduate research projects with cash awards. The WHC dean will administer the fund, select student recipients of the cash award(s) and set the amounts of the award(s) each year based on available funds.

Make a tax-deductible gift to the fund here.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu, 330-972-6476

At The University of Akron, mentorship is more than advice—it’s a pathway to confidence, connection, and career success. The Department of Biology's Tiered Mentoring Program in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences pairs undergraduate students with faculty mentors, graduate students and experienced peers, creating a supportive network that helps students thrive in the biology and biomedical sciences.

Students begin their journey as mentees, gaining hands-on experience in research, internships and clinical shadowing opportunities with local community partners. By their second year, they step into leadership roles as mentors for the next class of students. This cycle of learning and guidance builds a strong sense of belonging while helping students explore career pathways, persist in their degrees, and prepare competitive applications for graduate and professional schools.

The Tiered Mentoring Program is made possible by generous yearly support from Norbert Thompson and a gift from Carolyn Olive in memory of her late husband, John Olive, a beloved professor in the Department of Biology. Their commitment ensures that Akron students can say “yes” to mentorship, discovery and a future filled with opportunity.

Learn more. 

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu 330-972-6476

Connie Chung, the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian to anchor any news program on a major television news network, will appear at The University of Akron (UA) as part of the John S. Knight Lecture Series and the 50th anniversary celebration of honors education at UA.

Chung will participate in a fireside chat-style discussion with UA President R.J. Nemer at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. The event is free, non-ticketed and open to the public.

In addition to Chung’s broadcast television milestones as a news anchor, she also covered some of the most significant news stories of the past four decades, including presidencies, conventions and campaigns, and many national and international events such as Watergate and Middle East peace negotiations. She is a three-time Emmy winner.

Chung’s appearance, supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, will open the University’s celebration of its honors education program, which was founded in 1975 and is now known as the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College. There will be a ticketed 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, Oct. 3, followed by UA Homecoming and Family Weekend events on Saturday, Oct. 4. More information about the Honors celebration can be found here.

About Connie Chung

Chung’s parents and four older sisters, all born in China, came to the U.S. in 1945.  She was born in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 20, 1946. Her career began in 1969 in her hometown at WTTG-TV Metromedia (now Fox), first as a copy person, then newsroom 

In 1971, she joined CBS News as a national correspondent for the “CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite.” Based in Washington, D.C., she covered Capitol Hill, the White House, Pentagon, State Department and politics in general. 

She was assigned important beats, including the 1972 presidential campaign of Senator George McGovern, the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami and the vice presidency of Nelson Rockefeller. In addition, she covered the SALT II talks in the Soviet Union between President Richard Nixon and Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev, and Nixon’s final trip to the Middle East. Her most memorable story of that decade was Watergate, the House Judiciary Committee hearings and the subsequent resignation of President Richard Nixon.

In 1976, Chung moved to Los Angeles, where she spent seven years anchoring and reporting at KNXT-TV (now KCBS), the CBS-owned and operated station.

She joined NBC News in 1983, anchoring the Saturday edition of the “NBC Nightly News,” “NBC News at Sunrise,” “NBC News Digests,” several primetime specials and a news magazine. While at NBC News, Chung was a political reporter and substitute anchor for “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw.” She was a floor reporter at the 1984 presidential conventions and a podium correspondent during the 1988 presidential conventions, and provided political reporting and analysis during the presidential campaigns and Election Night coverage in 1984 and 1988.

Chung rejoined CBS News in 1989 as anchor and correspondent of “Saturday Night with Connie Chung” and also anchored the Sunday edition of the “CBS Evening News.” In 1990, she became the anchor of the Emmy Award-winning CBS News primetime magazine program, “Face to Face with Connie Chung.” During that time, she conducted a series of exclusive interviews, including the first and only national television interview of Joseph Hazelwood, the captain of the Exxon Valdez, which was involved in one of history’s most devastating human-caused environmental disasters, and the first interview with Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson after he announced he was HIV positive.

From 1993 to 1995, Chung was named co-anchor of the “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather and Connie Chung.” During that time, she covered the historic Israel/PLO peace signing ceremony at the White House, the Israel/Jordan peace signing ceremony in the Middle East, and she had an exclusive interview with Chinese leader Li Peng on the five-year anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. 

While anchoring the Evening News, she also was anchor and correspondent of “Eye to Eye with Connie Chung.” She was a floor reporter for CBS News during the 1992 national political conventions and provided analysis during Election Night coverage in 1990, 1992 and 1994.

In 1997, Chung was a Harvard fellow at the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. 

In November 1997, she joined ABC News as co-anchor and correspondent on the ABC News primetime news magazine “20/20.”  During the 1999-2000 “20/20” season, she was awarded the Amnesty International Human Rights Award for her report that revealed young women in Bangladesh were being brutally burned with acid in acts of revenge for turning down a man’s advances. Also during the 1999-2000 “20/20” season, Chung won several awards for “Justice Delayed,” an investigative hour that uncovered new information in the 1966 civil rights murder of a black Mississippi farmhand named Ben Chester White. As a result of the new information, the U.S. Justice Department reopened the case and indicted, tried, convicted and sentenced Ernest Avants for the murder. Avants had lived as a free man for three decades, since his acquittal on state murder charges in 1966. In 2001, she conducted a critically acclaimed ABC News interview with Congressman Gary Condit (D-CA) concerning the disappearance of intern Chandra Levy.

In January 2002, Chung joined CNN to anchor “Connie Chung Tonight.” She left on-air duties at CNN in March 2003. Chung and her husband, talk-show host Maury Povich, co-anchored a week-in-review/political program on MSNBC in 2006.  

She has received three Emmy Awards, including two for Best Interview/Interviewer. In addition, she is the recipient of a George Foster Peabody Award, honors from American Women in Radio and Television, Outstanding Young Woman of America, Wonder Woman Award and many more. She was named a “Giant of Broadcasting” by the International Radio-TV Society and Womankind’s “Woman of the Year” and has been inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Chung graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969.  She also has honorary doctorate degrees from Brown University, Providence College, Wheaton College, Norwich University and California Pacifica University.

In May 2023, the New York Times Opinion Section carried a front-page story entitled ‘Generation Connie’.  In it, she discovered a generation of Asian parents named their baby daughters “Connie” after her.  She never knew about her namesakes and never fathomed the impact she had made.  She is overwhelmed and incredibly grateful. 

Chung and Povich were married in 1984 and live in Manhattan. Povich is the longest-running daytime talk show host in the history of broadcast television. They have one son, Matthew and two daughters, Susan and Amy.

About the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College

The mission of The Williams Honors College (WHC) is to inspire intellectually curious scholars within an inclusive community of excellence at The University of Akron. WHC provides unique academic experiences for our students, including opportunities to engage in challenging curricula and research within all academic colleges of the university. WHC fosters an environment that promotes transformational growth through experiential learning, service, cultural experiences, and study abroad. The Honors Experience develops graduates who contribute to their local and global community through their lifelong respect for learning. 

About the John S. Knight Lecture at The University of Akron

The John S. Knight Lecture at The University of Akron brings distinguished writers, politicians and other figures of national or international importance to Akron, the hometown of John S. and James L. Knight. The lectureship was established in 1991 by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to honor John S. Knight (1894-1981), an Akron newspaperman and publishing genius of the 20th century who built the small, Depression-era Akron Beacon Journal into the publishing empire known as Knight Ridder Inc. 
Established in 1950, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. Sustaining informed and engaged communities in a democracy is at the heart of its philanthropic strategy for transformational impact through lasting systemic change.
 

The Polymer Industry Cluster, in partnership with The University of Akron (UA), is excited to announce the selected location for a new facility that will enable researchers, small businesses and established polymer companies to accelerate the production of advanced polymer materials and support go-to-market strategies for these innovators.

The facility will be located adjacent to the National Polymer Innovation Center (NPIC) building on The University of Akron campus, currently occupied by the Lincoln Building.

 The co-location offers unique synergy with NPIC’s polymer science and engineering resources and, provides a central location for the broad base of the region’s polymer companies — while situating the facility at the heart of Northeast Ohio’s polymer industry.

 “This project underscores Akron’s position as the hub of polymer innovation,” said Hans Dorfi, executive director and chief innovation officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “By placing this facility next to NPIC and close by other polymer and engineering labs, we’re ensuring that entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners have the tools, environment, and support needed to transform new ideas into commercial realities.”

"The University of Akron is excited to make room for the polymer facility project,” said UA President R.J. Nemer. “As the number one institution in the world for polymer science and plastics engineering, we look forward to working with our Akron area partners to elevate polymer research, expand development and amplify production right here at the UA campus."

 Akron Mayor Shammas Malik added, “Locating the Polymer Industry Cluster innovation pilot facility on The University of Akron Campus demonstrates the importance of the University as a force for education and innovation within the pipeline of polymer development from idea to industry. This new addition complements the work of Bounce Innovation Hub, builds a new resource for our industry partners, and highlights the City of Akron as the center of polymer innovation at the state and national level. This new facility will be just a short walk from Akron's Rubber Worker statue in the heart of downtown which illustrates the importance of Akron's rubber past as a foundation for our polymer future.”

The new facility will fill a gap in the polymer innovation ecosystem by providing turnkey space for researchers, start-ups and established businesses in the polymer industry to temporarily install processes to make initial scale-up quantities of new materials, bridging the crucial gap between research and real-world applications.

“This facility will represent a transformational step for the polymer industry cluster,” said Mark Smale, executive director of advanced polymer science, Bridgestone Americas and co-chair of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “It will attract start-ups seeking to validate new materials, researchers aiming to commercialize discoveries, and established companies looking to innovate without interrupting their current operations.”

“This new facility is not just an investment in physical infrastructure. It’s an investment in the future of our economy,” said Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “By strengthening our position as the global center of polymer innovation, we are attracting new jobs and talent and ensuring that groundbreaking research and manufacturing will continue to thrive right here in our region for generations to come.”

Funding for construction of the facility was provided as part of the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub Award from the State of Ohio Department of Development. In September 2024, the PIC became the Ohio Department of Development’s third awardee, securing $31.25 million for Innovation Hub initiatives with an additional $10.4 million matched by local partners.

Vacating the Lincoln Building was already a part of the University of Akron’s plan to concentrate more full-time staff at the Polsky building in the core of Akron’s downtown. The lot remaining is ideally located to create synergies for the industry as part of a polymer innovation campus. Following site preparation and contingent upon state approval, construction of the new polymer innovation facility is tentatively slated to begin in Q2 2026.

For more information on the Polymer Industry Cluster, visit polymerindustrycluster.org.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu 330-972-6476

About the Polymer Industry Cluster

The Polymer Industry Cluster initiative was launched in 2021 to conduct a deeper examination of the region's polymer industry and develop a framework to leverage its full potential. Powered by the Greater Akron Chamber, the Polymer Industry Cluster works to elevate Northeast Ohio’s polymer industry into a truly dynamic enterprise that is better positioned for strong, sustainable growth in an ever-changing global economy.

About the Greater Akron Chamber

The Greater Akron Chamber is a business membership and economic development organization serving Summit, Medina, and Portage counties. The Greater Akron Chamber drives economic growth and prosperity for the region by supporting the success of the business community and acting as a convener of stakeholders on key issues facing Greater Akron.

Enrollment at The University of Akron (UA) is on the rise. This fall, total enrollment is 15,318— a 3.4% increase over 2024 — with gains across undergraduate, graduate, law and College Credit Plus student enrollments. This headcount increase represents the largest University enrollment since 2021.

UA also recorded a large increase in the incoming class. The first-year, full-time (FYFT) cohort experienced a 9.7% increase over Fall 2024 and represents the largest incoming class since 2021. Incoming FYFT students also increased at the Wayne Campus by 11.19% over last year, the regional campus location’s largest incoming class since 2021.

Also notable is the number of students transferring to UA from other institutions. New transfer students increased by 10.97% at the Main Campus from 2024 and increased by 14.81% at the Wayne Campus.

President R.J. Nemer called the enrollment growth “a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff.”  He added, “There is incredible momentum at UA. From excellent educational programming to the unmatched spirit across campus, the energy here is palpable. Students and families are recognizing that The University of Akron is creating opportunity and saying a resounding ‘yes’ to student success.”

Members of the UA community are fueling a place alive with energy as increasing numbers of students join in on campus activities. Starting off an exciting semester, Convocation and New Roo Weekend offered cookouts, inflatables, comedians and more. More than 1000 students attended the residence hall kickoff event and Casino Night (a UA tradition). Athletic events, concerts, and fraternity and sorority recruitment are also sustaining the momentum. Zips are saying yes to community, to connection and to opportunity — both inside and outside the classroom.

This significant enrollment milestone arrives as UA launches its bold new “Yes” campaign. As the region’s most influential public research university, UA says yes to innovation, opportunity and progress. Here, transformation is inevitable. Students say yes to internships, research, study abroad and service that build skills for a lifetime.

The world needs more yes. UA delivers it.

Media Contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu 330-972-6476

YES, you really can work with tigers as a college student! University of Akron biomedical science major in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, Gurkiran Natt is doing just that during her internship at the Akron Zoo. As a behavior intern, she observes the zoo’s tigers, tracking their habits and contributing to ongoing research about habitat and fertility cycles. Her work helps expand the scientific understanding of these incredible animals while supporting the zoo’s mission of conservation.

For Natt, the experience is about more than data collection — it’s about discovery. She’s gaining skills that will shape her future studies, learning what it means to translate classroom knowledge into meaningful, real-world impact.

This opportunity is part of UA’s tiered mentoring program, which connects undergraduates to hands-on research and professional experiences early in their academic careers. By saying “yes” to this unique opportunity, Natt is not only building her own future but also helping to protect some of the world’s most iconic wildlife.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu , 330-972-6476

What can ants teach us about climate change? Quite a lot, it turns out. Dr. Chelsea Miller, assistant professor of biology at The University of Akron, and her student researchers are digging into how freeze–thaw cycles in nature affect ant populations. By studying these tiny but mighty creatures, the team is uncovering important clues about environmental health—and how shifts in climate ripple out to impact humans as well.

This research is more than just an experiment in the lab. Students are rolling up their sleeves, getting into the field, and learning firsthand how scientific discovery happens. Along the way, they’re building mentoring relationships with faculty and gaining the kind of real-world experience that sets them apart.

The project is part of UA’s tiered mentoring program, which opens the door to research opportunities for undergraduates early in their academic journeys. From studying ants to exploring broader questions of climate resilience, students are saying “yes” to discovery, connection, and the chance to make an impact far beyond campus.

Media Contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu 330-972-6576
 
 
 

The University of Akron School of Law is launching a 3+3 program in partnership with Westminster College in Pennsylvania, allowing students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in just six years.

This marks Westminster’s first law school partnership in Ohio. Under the agreement, eligible Westminster students will complete their first three years of undergraduate study at Westminster, then transfer to Akron Law for their final undergraduate credits while simultaneously beginning their law coursework.

Traditionally, students spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree followed by three years in law school. The 3+3 model, one of Westminster’s Bachelor’s Degree Plus programs, shaves a full year off that timeline, saving students both time and money.

To qualify, students must be in good academic standing and must complete all major and general education requirements by the end of their junior year. They are also required to submit a completed application to Akron Law and take either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) no later than February of that year. Students who meet all requirements will receive automatic admission to Akron Law under the terms of the agreement.

“This program opens the door for our students to take the next step in their legal education sooner — and with less financial burden,” said Dr. James Rhoads, chair of Westminster’s Department of Political Science and adviser to the Pre-Law Society. “It’s an incredible opportunity for motivated students to jump-start their law careers at a respected institution, and we’re proud to partner with Akron Law to help make that possible.”

This new partnership complements Westminster College’s robust pre-law program, which is designed to guide students in making informed decisions about pursuing law school and legal careers. The pre-law curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, persuasive writing and an understanding of society and human behavior — all essential for success in law school and beyond.

“This partnership reflects Akron Law’s commitment to expanding access to legal education through innovative pathways,” said Barbara DiGiacomo, associate dean for administration and enrollment management at Akron Law. “We look forward to welcoming Westminster students and supporting them as they begin their legal careers.”

This is Akron Law's 14th 3+3 program with universities in the U.S. Akron Law also offers a variety of 3+3 programs to University of Akron undergraduate students. Learn more here.

Akron Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and is located in Akron, Ohio, just 90 minutes from Westminster’s campus in New Wilmington, Pa.

For more information about the partnership, please call 724-946-7255 or email jrhoads@westminster.edu.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd; 330-972-6476; media@uakron.edu 

After an extensive national search, the Office of the President enthusiastically announces Katy Brennan as The University of Akron's inaugural chief brand officer. Following the University's partnership with an internationally acclaimed marketing and public relations firm, Brennan will lead the University Communications and Marketing (UCM) team and shepherd the implementation and full rollout of UA's new branding campaign.

Responsible for the marketing, digital and external communications, Brennan's UCM team plays a key role in institutional visibility. "I am thrilled to welcome Katy to the leadership team," said President R.J. Nemer. "Our months-long search process has resulted in the hiring of a creative and strategic career professional who will lead our marketing and branding efforts into a new era."

Brennan holds a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Marketing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin Madison.

With extensive brand management experience in consumer packaged goods, including a decade-long tenure at Procter & Gamble, Brennan brings an impressive resume to campus. During the past seven years, she has served in vice presidential and brand consulting roles, most recently leading her own agency as a consultant for Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, working as brand leader for its flagship executive education program.

Brennan will officially join UA leadership on Sept. 22. She currently resides in Solon, Ohio, with her husband and two children.

Members of The University of Akron (UA) Zips Racing Team had a unique and memorable experience when they got an up-close look at what it takes to compete in NASCAR during a race weekend in Watkins Glen, N.Y.

Six members of the Zips Racing team traveled to the Watkins Glen International road racing facility to observe qualifying and practice rounds for the 2025 Go Bowling at the Glen, a race on the main NASCAR Cup Series that was held the following day. The Zips Racing team members also watched the Mission 200 at the Glen, a race on the NASCAR Xfinity Series, a second-tier series. The UA students were guests of Kaulig Racing, a stock car team owned and operated by Matt Kaulig ’96, an award-winning entrepreneur, business executive and philanthropist.

Zips Racing team members were immersed in behind-the-scenes visits with the Kaulig support staff. During the visit they attended a technical inspection, including a laser inspection of a car hood to ensure it met standards before the race. The team met with Kaulig technical, operations, vehicle dynamics and marketing staff, and had a chance to walk through the pit area and meet the Kaulig drivers.

“We really got a general overview of NASCAR and how a team operates on race day,” said Andrew Raineri, a senior aerospace systems engineering major who is the Zips Racing team captain. “We saw how many hands are on a car, how regulated it is, how much history is involved in it and how Kaulig plays a part in that.”

Established in 1989, Zips Racing is UA’s Formula SAE team. Formula SAE (SAE formerly stood for the Society of Automotive Engineers) challenges college students to conceive, design, fabricate and compete with formula-style racing cars. Teams spend 8-12 months designing, building and preparing their vehicles for a competition. Zips Racing is starting the design phase for its next fully electric vehicle, known as ZR26, which will start its competitive season in April 2026.

Participation in UA student design teams such as Zips Racing is one of the most valuable hands-on learning opportunities offered by the College of Engineering and Polymer Science at UA. These student-led projects allow members to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges and gain hands-on skills in design, fabrication and teamwork.

“We’re very thankful to Matt Kaulig and Kaulig Racing for inviting us to Watkins Glen,” Ranieri said. “It was amazing to be able to get up close to their cars and their team. We learned so much that we couldn’t have learned anywhere else, so we’re very grateful.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476, media@uakron.edu

Micro/nanorobots have progressed from science fiction to real-world applications in biomedicine, environmental remediation, and sensing. UA faculty member, Dr. Amir Nourhani, is among 103 researchers worldwide contributing to an extensive MEGA review titled “Technology Roadmap of Micro/Nanorobots,” published in ACS Nano, a premier journal of the American Chemical Society. The paper spans 161 pages and cites more than 1,765 sources.

The result of over two years of global collaboration, this paper brings together leading research groups worldwide to provide a comprehensive overview of two decades of progress in micro/nanorobotics. It outlines the current state of the field, highlights key technological and theoretical challenges, and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration — culminating in a roadmap to accelerate development and position micro/nanorobots as essential tools for tackling grand challenges and improving quality of life.

“Micro- and nanorobots are no longer science fiction,” said Nourhani, associate professor of mechanical engineering with a joint appointment in the Department of Biology and the Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center (BRIC). “We now have the foundation and insight to engineer robots at the smallest scales to help solve some of the world’s most pressing biomedical and environmental challenges.”

Nourhani has been active in the field of micro/nanorobotics since 2009. He has developed several foundational theoretical frameworks, including kinematic matrix theory, self-consistent nonlocal feedback theory, phoresis kernel theory, and extrapolation theory for Stokes flow, alongside extensive collaborations with experimentalists. His NSF CAREER award research focuses on biomimetic swarms of microrobots, with potential applications in targeted drug delivery and advanced therapeutic interventions.

The full review is available online.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-687-9269, media@uakron.edu

A familiar face is returning to The University of Akron as part of the institutional leadership team. Dr. Patrick Roberts '88, '96, '05, has been named vice president, advancement, and will lead the University's development and alumni efforts. "Pat was the obvious choice," said President R.J. Nemer. "His passion for UA is palpable, and he has an incredible breadth of experience. I am confident he is the right person to lead our advancement initiatives and to assist in propelling the University toward comprehensive growth."

For Roberts, the University is his former educational and work "home." As a three-time UA alumnus (bachelor's degree in business administration, master's degree in public administration, and doctorate in urban studies and public affairs) and former colleague, he is thrilled to lead the department where he held several director roles. Echoing President Nemer's excitement, Roberts stated, "When your alma mater calls, you pick up the phone. I look forward to working with our dedicated community, alumni base and stakeholders of all types to advance the University's mission."

In the past, Roberts served the University of Akron Department of Development as director of the annual fund, director of development for engineering and nursing, executive director of the UA Alumni Association and director of development for college-centered programs, where he led the marketing and fundraising endeavors of nearly fifty total departments.

His considerable work experience at UA, coupled with numerous institutional leadership positions across Northeast Ohio, poises Roberts to spearhead the advancement of the University. He joins UA from Stark State College where he served as vice president of marketing, advancement and partnerships, a job he has held since late 2022.

In addition to Stark State, Roberts has also served in various director, senior director, assistant vice president and vice president roles at Hiram College, Cleveland State University and Malone University, where he focused on major gifts and gift planning. Roberts began his career in educational advancement in the development office at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron.

A fixture on several nonprofit boards, and a member of fundraising organizations, Roberts has also garnered leadership awards and recognition. He was selected as a member of the 30th Leadership Stark County cohort, is a Leadership Akron alumnus, and was honored with the Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award from Sales and Marketing Executives International.

Media Contact: Cristine Boyd 330-687-9269; media@uakron.edu 

The University of Akron’s Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling is now nationally accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) to provide behavioral health services, marking a significant milestone for the University and its School of Counseling.

The accreditation from TJC — the gold standard in health care quality and patient safety — recognizes the Clinic’s commitment to delivering high-quality behavioral health care. This distinction complements the Clinic’s existing certification from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

“This accreditation affirms our commitment to excellence in patient care and training,” said Varunee Faii Sangganjanavanich, Ph.D., professor and director of the School of Counseling. “The Joint Commission focuses on improving patient outcomes and organizational operations. For our students, this means real-world experience in a high-quality, patient-focused environment. For our clients, it means care that meets the highest national standards. This elevates the expectations for our faculty, our programs and our students.”

Part of the College of Health and Human Sciences, UA’s graduate-only School of Counseling integrates interprofessional activities and a holistic approach to behavioral health. The program boasts accomplished faculty, high licensure exam pass rates, strong employment outcomes and advanced technology. The Clinic remains the only in-house behavioral health clinic in Ohio certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The Joint Commission’s national accreditation enhances the clinic’s ability to train future behavioral health professionals while continuing to meet the evolving needs of the community.

For more information on the Clinic, visit uakron.edu/cifc.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu, 330-972-6476

In an era where artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly but raising deep ethical and environmental questions, two faculty members at The University of Akron (UA) are contributing to a bold new vision for the future of AI that is inspired by nature itself.

Dr. John Huss, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy, and Dr. Peter H. Niewiarowski, professor of integrated bioscience in the Department of Biology, are co-authors of a newly published research paper proposing a biomimetic and ethically grounded framework for artificial intelligence. The article, titled Ethically Grounded Design Paradigm for AI: A Biomimetic Approach, was published in Sciforum and co-authored by Dr. Paweł Polak and Dr. Roman Krzanowski of the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków, Poland.

The collaboration began in an Integrated Bioscience Ph.D. class at The University of Akron, where doctoral students attended a lecture on artificial intelligence given by Polak and Krzanowski. Their presentation prompted further discussion among the four faculty, ultimately leading to a collaborative research project that bridges philosophy, biology, computer science and environmental ethics.

The paper revisits the biological roots of AI and argues for a reorientation of how artificial intelligence is designed and implemented. Drawing on the concept of biomimicry — the practice of learning from nature’s evolutionary innovations — the authors advocate for AI systems that are more energy-efficient, ethically responsible and ecologically embedded.

“Nature has been solving problems for 3.8 billion years,” said Niewiarowski. “From complex signaling in microbial colonies to the energy-saving structure of the human brain, biological systems offer templates for intelligence that are efficient and sustainable. These are models worth learning from.”

From natural intelligence to ethical machine learning

The research points out that many of today’s AI systems, particularly large language models and other high-powered platforms, consume enormous amounts of energy and computing resources. According to the authors, this trajectory is unsustainable and raises serious environmental concerns.

“Current AI systems prioritize scale and speed, but often overlook sustainability,” said Huss. “The human brain, by contrast, runs on the equivalent of a low-wattage light bulb, yet performs incredibly complex tasks. If we can better understand and emulate natural computation, we can potentially design AI that is just as capable but far more energy conscious.”

Beyond environmental impacts, the paper also delves into questions of ethics and human-AI interaction. The researchers argue that for AI to be genuinely beneficial, it must incorporate ethical principles such as empathy, cooperation, and humility — traits found in natural symbiotic systems.

We’re not just thinking about whether AI can do what humans do,” said Niewiarowski. “We’re thinking about how it should behave. Should it cooperate? Should it respect boundaries? Should it serve not just human needs, but ecological balance?”

The authors suggest that biomimicry can help address these challenges by serving as a guide for how AI might evolve in ways that are aligned with life on Earth. By examining mutualistic relationships in nature — such as symbiosis between species — the researchers propose models for “beneficial AI” that coexist with, rather than dominate, its human and environmental context.

“There’s a lot of talk about AI alignment with human values,” Huss added. “But we argue that alignment must go even further — to include alignment with ecological systems and planetary health.”

A framework for the future of AI

The paper’s interdisciplinary approach is emblematic of the strengths of the Integrated Bioscience Program at The University of Akron, which brings together experts from across science, engineering and the humanities to tackle complex, real-world problems.

“At Akron, we’ve seen real innovation come out of this program — inventions, patents and new ways of thinking,” said Niewiarowski. “Our students are already working on applying biomimicry to fields like materials science and robotics. Applying those same principles to AI is a natural next step.”

“AI doesn’t have to be something that replaces us,” Huss said. “It can be something that co-evolves with us — something that learns from nature, grows within limits, and contributes to the flourishing of all life.”

Polak, Krzanowski, Niewiarowski, and Huss were honored with a Best Oral Presentation Award on this paper at the 1st International Online Conference of the Journal Philosophies in June 2025. Huss will also present the paper at the September Ethics & AI Conference at Warsaw University of Technology.

The full abstract can be accessed at: https://sciforum.net/paper/view/23219

For more information about the Integrated Bioscience Ph.D. program at The University of Akron, visit uakron.edu/ib/.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd media@uakron.edu 330-972-6476

The University of Akron (UA) School of Law was once again recognized as one of the top law schools in the U.S., this time in rankings from the Princeton Review.

Akron Law was one of 168 schools included on the 2025 Best Law Schools list, which reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.

“I am delighted that Akron Law has been recognized as a best law school by Princeton Review,” said Akron Law Dean Emily Janoski-Haehlen. “The positive attributes mentioned by students and law school professionals in the survey for this ranking are exactly what make Akron Law distinctive. We produce practice-ready graduates, and our graduates pass the bar exam and get jobs. Our career outcomes and low debt at graduation are two of our best attributes. In addition, our curriculum is built and supported by an outstanding faculty that truly cares about the success of the Akron Law family.”

According to its website, the Princeton Review does not have a "Best Overall Academics" ranking list nor does it rank the law schools 1 to 168 on a single list because it believes each of the schools offers outstanding academics. The Princeton Review also believes that hierarchical ranking lists that focus solely on academics offer very little value to students and only add to the stress of applying to law school.

Princeton Review bases its Best Law Schools list on 14 rankings lists, each one rating the top 10 law schools in a particular category with a score from the minimum 60 to the maximum 99. The categories cover topics that the company believes prospective applicants might want to know or would ask during a campus visit, including academics, career prospects, and campus diversity. Eleven of the 14 lists incorporate or are based entirely on student opinions that were collected through school student survey. Three lists, "Toughest to Get Into," "Best for Federal Clerkships," and "Best for State and Local Clerkships," are based entirely on institutional data.

Akron Law received a score of 92 in “Professors Accessible” category, an 89 in “Professors Interesting” category, and an 81 in “Academic Experience.”

Inclusion in the Princeton Review list comes after Akron Law made significant progress in the U.S. News & World Report college rankings, advancing nine spots to secure a ranking of No. 127 among the nation’s Best Law Schools. This marks a steady improvement from No. 136 in 2024 and No. 147 in 2023, and is the largest overall rankings increase of any law school in Ohio.

Akron Law offers a top-rated, innovative and practical education at an affordable price, state-of-the-art facilities, flexible degree options, experiential and hands-on learning opportunities, international connections and positive career outcomes for graduates. The school's trial advocacy program and intellectual property programs are both nationally ranked.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, cboyd@uakron.edu, 330-972-6476 
 

The University of Akron’s (UA) College of Business has once again received national recognition for its graduate academic programs.

The College’s online MBA degree program is No. 41 in the U.S., according to the Princeton Review’s recent announcement of the Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2025. UA was one of just three Ohio public universities earning this accolade. This list is part of The Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools for 2025 report, which also included the College of Business as one of 113 institutions named to its list of the Best On-Campus MBA Programs.

“We are honored to be named one of the top 50 Online MBA programs by the Princeton Review. This recognition reflects our comprehensive strength, including our exceptional faculty, relevant curriculum and our sustained commitment to providing a high-quality, flexible and engaging experience for our online MBA students,” said Dr. James Thomson, interim dean and senior associate dean of the College of Business.

The latest rankings underscore the fact that UA’s online MBA degree is one of the highest regarded programs of its kind in Ohio. With an affordable price, it is designed for busy professionals seeking to advance their careers through strategic, real-world learning.

Classes are taught in two eight-week asynchronous sessions each semester, allowing working professionals the opportunity to focus on just one or two classes at a time. This approach works for all students, from those striving to finish in one year, to those taking a standard two-year approach or engaging with a longer part-time path.

The curriculum focuses on strategic thinkings and real-world skills to ensure that graduates are ready to elevate their careers. Graduates have built careers at top companies such as Amazon, Progressive Insurance, Sherwin-Williams, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, KeyBank and the Cleveland Clinic, working in operations, finance, marketing and more. Students benefit from the University’s connections to the local business community, including a network of more than 200 volunteer senior executives who serve as mentors, speakers and hiring partners.

The Princeton Review bases its rankings on two sets of data, including surveyed administrators at 145 business schools offering online MBAs and more than 11,900 students enrolled in the schools' online MBA programs. The administrators’ survey evaluates more than 30 fields, covering admissions selectivity, graduation and retention rates, faculty training and credentials, technological infrastructure, student indebtedness and career outcomes, and more.

The survey for students, which also assesses more than 30 unique fields, allows students to rate their faculty, their fellow students, career preparation, academics, the technology platform and overall satisfaction with their programs.

As one UA student shared in the survey, “Most (professors) are extremely engaged and accessible. They truly care for our success.”

Another student noted, “The MBA classes don’t feel like a burden – I’m excited to learn from them because the skills are applicable to my day-to-day work.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu, 330-972-6476
 

The University of Akron (UA) is committed to ensuring its graduates have a strong start to their careers after earning a degree. That effort bears out in a survey of spring 2024 UA graduates, who reported an increase in starting salaries. 

According to statistics from the Spring 2024 Career Outcomes from the First Destination Survey, those May 2024 graduates who earned a bachelor’s degree had an average starting salary of $69,499. That number is an increase of 8.9% over starting salaries for 2023 and an 8% increase since 2022.

The survey also showed that of 87% of survey respondents who earned bachelor’s degrees reported participating in some sort of experiential learning or hands-on learning experience while at UA. Experiential learning includes activities such as internships, co-ops, practicums, assistantships, student teaching, undergraduate research, field experiences, clinicals, volunteer work related to major, on-campus student employment, other career-related employment and study abroad.

The knowledge rate – the percentage of graduates for whom we have reasonable and verifiable information about career activities six months after graduation – is 61% for 2024 graduates. The knowledge rate includes self-reported student data and data provided by faculty and staff, Career Services, parents and families, and other reliable sources.

UA’s Career Services & Student Employment office collected the data through use of the Handshake First Destination Survey Tool and collaborations with faculty and staff in each of UA’s colleges to gather other information about 2024 graduates.

Career Services & Student Employment offers support with career exploration, career development and career opportunities. Around 34,000 employers actively recruit UA students and graduates.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu, 330-972-6476

The University of Akron (UA) has once again been recognized as a Collegiate Purple Star campus by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) for its continued commitment to supporting military-connected students.

UA was part of the inaugural group of colleges and universities to receive the designation in 2022, when Ohio became the first state in the nation to launch the Collegiate Purple Star program under the leadership of Gov. Mike DeWine. The honor must be renewed every three years.

“I commend these colleges and universities for continuing the great work that earns them the Collegiate Purple Star designation,” said ODHE Chancellor Mike Duffey in a recent announcement. “Military-connected students have different needs in higher education, and these schools have reconfirmed their commitment to providing the support and resources to help these students reach their goals.”

To qualify for the Purple Star designation, institutions must meet several criteria, including having a dedicated military and veteran support office or staff member, offering priority course registration for veterans and service members, surveying student veterans and their families to assess needs, and providing opportunities for involvement in student veteran organizations.

“The Military Services Center (MSC) is proud to provide services to our veterans and their family members who attend The University of Akron,” said Mary Rossett, MCS director. “Our student veterans continue to serve their fellow service members through mentoring, tutoring and charitable events held each school year to raise money for local veteran charities.”

Student leaders echoed the importance of the recognition.

“We can always count on the Military Services Center for guidance in navigating through the transition to college life and providing support,” said Timothy Jones, treasurer of the Student Veterans of America chapter at UA. “They’ve given us a place to develop and network with other student veterans and employers through career fairs and community engagement.”

“Having the opportunity to work in the MSC as a VA work-study student is financially beneficial and personally rewarding,” said Jared Slutz, president of the UA Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter. “The SVA, veterans’ lounges, and activities on campus that support military-connected students are amazing. The hard work of the school certifying officials is appreciated.”

More information on the Collegiate Purple Star program is available at highered.ohio.gov.

More information on UA’s Military Service Center is available at uakron.edu/veterans.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476, media@uakron.edu 

The Akronauts pose with Resurgence, their 2025 competition rocket, just before launch.

The Akronauts Rocket Design Team made history this summer at the 2025 International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), held June 9–14 in Midland, Texas. Facing off against 143 collegiate rocket teams and more than 2,500 students from around the globe, the Akronauts entered the competition’s most advanced challenge: the 45,000-foot multi-stage category.

As one of only four teams to compete in this elite class — and the only one to fly a fully student-researched and designed (SRAD) propulsion system — the Akronauts stood out from the very start. Their rocket, Resurgence, is an 18-foot, two-stage vehicle powered by a custom SRAD propellant dubbed Angry Listerine. The launch also featured several technological firsts, including SRAD composite body tubes and TRACE, the team’s in-house flight computer.

Team members raise Resurgence to a vertical position and arm its electronics in preparation for launch.

A rocket with a story

Resurgence carried more than new engineering — it carried meaning. The vehicle was built on the legacy of 2024’s Project E.R.I.C., which was lost to a commercial motor failure. This year’s design reused E.R.I.C.’s original nose cone, still visibly worn from its previous mission. The successful launch and recovery of Resurgence symbolized the Akronauts’ resilience and their commitment to learning through failure.

Members of the avionics subteam complete final safety checks on the rocket’s electronics.

Successful flight and recovery

On June 13, Resurgence launched nominally, meaning the rocket performed as expected without any major issues or anomalies during ascent. It soared to 34,241 feet above ground level. Both stages were recovered later that same day, marking just the second time in team history a rocket surpassed 30,000 feet and returned safely — an extraordinary technical and logistical accomplishment.

The Akronauts’ first-place trophy stands against the backdrop of the starry Texas night sky.

Bringing home a first-place finish

The team’s hard work paid off during the awards ceremony on June 14. The Akronauts claimed first place in the 45,000-foot multi-stage category — their first first-place finish in team history. They also earned 22nd in Design/Build with a score of 229 out of 240, and placed 55th overall out of 143 teams, earning 744 out of 1,000 total points.

“This was an extraordinary achievement by a student-run team that exemplifies the best of engineering education,” said Dr. Manigandan Kannan, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and faculty advisor to the Akronauts. “I am incredibly proud of their innovation, persistence and teamwork. We’re also deeply grateful to The University of Akron and the College of Engineering and Polymer Science for their continued support in helping our students take their ambitions to new heights.”

The Akronauts celebrate their victory following the awards ceremony.

Looking ahead

This milestone reflects the skill, dedication and grit of the Akronauts team. With Resurgence, they didn’t just launch a rocket — they sent a message of innovation and perseverance that will continue to fuel their missions for years to come.

RELATED CONTENT:

• Emergence V: The Next Leap in High-Powered Rocketry for the Akronauts
• Learn more about our Student Design Teams

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu.

For individuals who deal with ulcers or undergo surgeries, healing from these medical challenges can often bring up a host of issues. Dressing and treating wounds, especially for patients who are caring for themselves after procedures, can be difficult and can result in infection and additional surgery. If wound care is not followed through meticulously, infection can even lead to amputation and, in some cases, death.

Two University of Akron (UA) alumni are taking on the challenge of wound infection prevention. Isaiah Kaiser ’19, ’23 and Aparna Agrawal ‘23, who both earned a Ph.D. from UA’s College of Engineering and Polymer Science, founded Auxilium Health. Auxilium is an early-stage company commercializing a new biomaterial platform technology that combines therapeutics and diagnostics in a wound dressing to help patients heal. Early testing has shown efficacy in prevention and prediction of infection-forming bacteria species.

Because Agrawal began the foundational research while she was a student at UA, during which time she partnered with Kaiser to co-found a company based on the work, the University’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) is actively supporting the development of the technology, now exclusively licensed to Auxilium.

Based in the Cleveland Clinic’s Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center, Auxilium is close to bringing the technology to the market and recently received a $275,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the goal of demonstrating preclinical safety and effectiveness of technology with scalable pilot production methods. The company also recently raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round.

UA roots

Kaiser was born in Akron and had earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University. During and after the time he worked on his doctorate, Kaiser spent a few years with LTA Research, a startup based in the Silicon Valley area of California, which further fueled his interest in entrepreneurship and tough-tech startups.

Agrawal, who is from India, earned her undergraduate degree in polymers and engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai before arriving at UA.

“I was interested in polymers, so Akron was the obvious choice,” she said. “I already knew about it from senior students who went to UA. It is the dream school of many students.”

Agrawal was working on her degree with Dr. Sadhan C. Jana, BF Goodrich Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. Jana’s research interests include nanoparticle filtration.

“I started working in that area, looking at air filtration and bacteria from water and air streams,” Agrawal said. “While I was participating in the program, I realized the glaring need in wound care because bacteria and biofilms are a huge problem in the medical field. From there we started addressing that need.”

One of Kaiser’s mentors knew Kaiser was looking for leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities and urged him to meet with Agrawal.

“One of my mentors told me, ‘You have to meet this brilliant student.’  He thought I should really look at the technology she’s working on and see if there was a possibility of working together to commercialize it,” said Kaiser, who noted, along with Agrawal, that Auxilium maintains a connection with UA through sponsorship – including financial support and opportunities to participate in Auxilium team meetings and offer input on technical challenges – of a Ph.D. student in Jana’s lab.

Kaiser agreed there was potential in Agrawal’s research for something impactful, especially with more than 6.5 million people in the U.S. affected by non-healing wounds, resulting in health care costs exceeding $50 billion annually, according to Auxilium. Kaiser has had family members who experienced wound issues, so this problem, he said, was close to his heart.

I-Corps research

After forming the company in 2022, Kaiser and Agrawal participated in UA’s NSF I-Corps program, facilitated by UARF, which prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory to broaden the impact of basic-research projects by translating technology into commercial products.

“The University of Akron’s Office of Technology Transfer and the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) are proud to support Auxilium in its mission to bring innovative solutions to market,” said Kelly Bialek, director of OTT and executive director of UARF. “Auxilium demonstrates the kind of entrepreneurial spirit and cutting-edge research translation we strive to foster, and we look forward to seeing the impact of their work.”

Agrawal and Kaiser spent part of 2022 traveling across the country to meet with doctors and clinicians working in the areas of tissue regeneration, infection and wound care, to better understand the field and the market.

“We learned that most products in this space were developed by materials scientists like us,” Kaiser said. “We started to build relationships with physicians and medical professionals to ensure we weren’t working on this in a silo but were developing with them and integrating their feedback.”

Agrawal and Kaiser also learned about dangers that patients deal with in healing. For those with pressure or diabetic ulcers, which typically develop on feet, or have large surgical incisions, anti-infection care is critical. The mortality rate from these infections can be around 70%, which is higher than that of some forms of cancer, Kaiser said.

Revolutionary potential

Although they cannot yet share specifics about the technology, it’s clear Auxilium has an opportunity to revolutionize the wound care field.

Infection can occur when a protective layer called biofilm, which is a string of individual bacteria that band together, forms as a film on the surface of the wound. When biofilms begin to mature, they start to take the nutrients that the wound needs to heal, stalling the healing process and allowing infections to develop.

Treatment for infection has typically been reactive, with medication such as antibiotics that are started after the infection has taken hold. Some patients undergo a process called debridement, in which infected, diseased or dead tissue is removed with a scalpel or scissors. Depending on the severity of the wound, the process may have to be done surgically and can be painful. If the wound cannot heal, the patient may need tissue grafts or amputation.

Auxilium’s technology, however, is proactive and preventative.

The material that Agrawal started to develop in the UA lab, and that she continues to perfect today, seeks to prevent biofilm from growing in the first place. For wounds that are prone to develop infections, like surgical incisions, Auxilium’s platform material has a real-time indicator that lets a patient know of a potential ensuing infection. This allows patients to be seen by their medical team earlier, with the goal of treating the infection quickly and without a painful debridement procedure.

Today, material and treatment are expensive – some biologic dressings, which are made from materials derived from living organisms, can cost thousands of dollars per application, Agrawal said.

“We feel very passionately that we can do something. It really is a silent epidemic,” she said. “We want to help people, so we are scaling up quickly. And the [insurance guidelines] are changing rapidly.”

Investors are clearly excited about the technology. The company’s recent successful funding round was oversubscribed, which indicates heavy investor interest. If funding continues to come together, Auxilium hopes to have its product submitted for Food and Drug Administration approval in 2026 and a product on the market in 2027.

"We are grateful for the strong support from our investors and strategic partners across Ohio and throughout the country," Kaiser said. "This funding underscores confidence in our biomaterial platform and validates our proactive approach — developing breakthrough solutions that prevent and predict skin tissue infections. It positions us strongly to achieve critical milestones and accelerate growth in our next phase." 

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu  330-972-6476

Pictured, from left: Kyla Fisher, Jenna Ziegler, Audrey Feller, Sarah Baumer.

Students in the Criminal Intelligence Analysis (CIA) degree program, part of the Department of Criminal Justice Studies in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Akron (UA), are graduating with more than just a degree. They’re gaining hands-on experience, building professional networks, securing internships and earning nationally recognized industry certifications that make them highly competitive in the workforce.

Capstone Projects That Lead to Internships and Impact

Through their senior capstone experience, students apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems by conducting strategic analyses for local law enforcement agencies. With guidance from Dr. Sarah St. George, assistant professor of practice, students work in teams to explore criminal intelligence issues and develop professional-quality reports and presentations.

Dr. Sarah St. George

Recent projects have included intelligence reports for the UA Police Department, threat assessments for large public events developed in partnership with the Northeast Ohio Regional Fusion Center, and crime trend analysis for the Northern Ohio Violent Crime Consortium (NOVCC). Students worked directly with the Elyria and Canton Police Departments and concluded the semester by presenting their findings at a NOVCC-hosted event on campus.

"The CIA program offers a hands-on learning environment where students complete practical assignments, gain real world experience and build professional connections in many criminal justice fields," said Sarah Baumer, a student who presented to NOVCC.

Following the NOVCC event, Baumer and classmate Kyla Fisher secured internships with the Akron Police Department.

Audrey Fuller, who also presented to NOVCC, reflected, "Throughout my years attending the University of Akron, I never once doubted my interest in this degree. I found my interests deepen and expand in the field and knowledge that I was learning each day. I am so grateful for all the opportunities to experience what each course had to offer. I am especially honored to have had the opportunity to present in front of such esteemed professionals, who gave insight to what the career would feel like.”

Industry Certification Sets Students Apart

In addition to gaining field experience, CIA students are earning industry certification through the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA), the premier global organization for crime analysis professionals.

Students in the Advanced Criminal Analysis course follow a structured curriculum built around the IACA textbook and video modules. The course is led by Dr. Noah Fritz, assistant professor of practice, past president of IACA and a developer of the Law Enforcement Analyst was – Foundational (LEAF) certification curriculum.

Dr. Noah Fritz

This is the first time UA has integrated the LEAF certification preparation into a for-credit course. Students who opt to join IACA and sit for the exam can graduate not only with a degree, but with a professional credential recognized by law enforcement agencies and private-sector employers across the country.

“LEAF is designed to demonstrate a strong foundation of analytical knowledge, ideal for students entering the field,” said Fritz. “The next level, which is CLEA or Certified Law Enforcement Analyst, is a more advanced certification. It’s like the bar exam for lawyers, intended for professionals who are already in the field. We’re already seeing some of our recent graduates go on to pass CLEA.”

Private Sector Demand is Growing

While many graduates pursue roles in law enforcement, homeland security, or intelligence, demand is growing rapidly in the private sector as well. Corporations in industries such as credit card fraud prevention and online retail security are actively seeking trained criminal intelligence analysts, making UA graduates stand out in a range of fields.

With strong mentorship from faculty and a curriculum that pairs real-world experience with professional credentials, UA’s CIA program is preparing students not just to graduate but to lead in the evolving world of criminal intelligence analysis.

RELATED:

• B.S. in Criminal Intelligence Analysis
• Department of Criminal Justice Studies

Story by: Lisa Craig, BCAS Marketing, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.

University of Akron (UA) senior Alexis Schultz, the three-time National Collegiate Dodgeball Association Women’s Player of the Year, has been named to the Team USA practice squad with an opportunity to be named to the world championship team in 2026.

Schultz, a mechanical engineering major from Stow, Ohio, will attend a training camp in Kansas in October. The top performers from that camp will participate in the North American and Caribbean Dodgeball Championship tournament in November, followed by another camp in spring 2026. The roster for the world championships will be named later in spring 2026 based on individual performances at the camps and tournament. The site and dates for the world championship competition, which is held every other year, have not yet been announced.

Schultz was scouted for the national practice team at recent USA League tournaments in Cleveland and Minneapolis. It was her first time participating at that level of competition, but Schultz was likely well known to national team scouts. In addition to her three Player of the year titles, she helped lead the Zips to National Collegiate Dodgeball Association championships in 2024 and 2025.

“It was really surprising and I’m just very grateful,” Schultz said of making the national practice team. “Based on how I did in the college league, I was getting a lot of recognition, but the people who play in the USA League are the top of the top competition. So hearing that the scouts thought I compared to them was really exciting. I had never seen USA League myself, so I didn’t know the level of the league. I didn’t know if I was going to show up and get blown out of the water. Now I feel like I have a pretty good shot at making the [worlds] roster.”

There were 26 women named to the national team, from which 11-12 will be named to the women’s worlds team and another 5-6 to the mixed men’s and women’s worlds team.

A Williams Honors College scholar, Schultz was reassured that her new role with the national team will not impact her participation in the 2025-26 college dodgeball season. It should also not take too much time away from her other extracurricular activities, which include membership in UA’s chapters of the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society and Society of Women Engineers, and a remote part-time job at Collins Aerospace.

Schultz’s biggest challenge may be learning the ins and outs of a new piece of equipment. For the practice squad, she will compete with a foam ball, which is one of two types of balls – the other is a cloth ball – used at the world level. In collegiate dodgeball, teams use what are known as 8.5 pinch and no-sting balls. The former is a ball with a circumference of 8.5 inches made from a material that allows players to "pinch" or grip the ball effectively, and the latter is a ball that is designed to reduce the sting players feel when they are hit.

Schultz’s UA teammates plan to help her make the transition.

“The court size for foam is a lot smaller so you have less time to react, and the ball moves very quickly,” she said. “You have to be so quick compared to the other ball types and you have to learn how to watch the ball and read the spin off the ball. Luckily, I have teammates from Akron who have expressed interest in working with me.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu

Student Riley Sweitzer (center) is pictured with Unit Director Cheryl Watson from Summa Health and Dr. Tim Myers from UA.

For Riley Sweitzer, a nursing student at The University of Akron, a summer opportunity offers more than just another academic requirement — it’s a chance to grow her skills, confidence and career potential through a hands-on externship at Summa Health.

Sweitzer, a Randolph, Ohio native and graduate of Lake High School, is participating in Summa’s Student Nurse Technician-Extern program. The competitive eight-week program pairs nursing students with registered nurses, offering more than 280 hours of paid supervised clinical experience. Furthermore, she receives nursing credit for her internship, which decreases her required credit load during her senior year allowing her to focus on preparation for the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that Registered Nurses must pass to become licensed.

“I live close to Akron, so it was convenient,” Sweitzer said. “And they offered pay and additional hours. I view it as extending my practice. It also lightens my schedule in the fall so I’ll have more time to study.”

Sweitzer works three 12-hour shifts each week, supporting registered nurses by taking vitals, assisting with patient hygiene and observing the full flow of a nurse’s shift. She said the experience has been eye-opening.

“I’ve already learned so much,” she said. “You gain so much confidence learning how to work independently. I’ve learned charting, how to collaborate with nurses and doctors, and much more. It’s great to be a part of a patient’s care.”

She plans to graduate in spring 2026 and hopes to continue working at Summa after earning her degree.

“I really like the program Akron has here. I didn’t want to go far, and I’m happy with my choice,” she said.

Students in the program can continue working in a nurse tech role through their senior academic year. Sweitzer, who also works per diem as an anesthesia technician, said the flexibility of the nurse tech position helps her balance work and studies.

“I can make my own schedule, which is very convenient,” she said.

The externship program culminated in a Student Nurse Technician Signing Day on July 7, celebrating participants' commitment and achievement.

“This program offers students an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in clinical care while gaining real-world experience in a supportive, educational environment,” said Timothy W. Meyers, Ph.D., RN, CNE, executive director of nursing and associate dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at The University of Akron. “Signing Day is a wonderful way to recognize the dedication and growth of our students as they prepare to transition from the classroom to clinical practice.”

For students like Sweitzer, the externship is more than just a class requirement — it's a springboard into a future career in nursing.

“I would absolutely recommend it,” she said. “It’s only eight weeks, and the experience you get is invaluable.”

For[more information about nursing at UA visit: uakron.edu/nursing.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu 330-972-6476

The University of Akron’s award-winning Arts LIFT program has completed its latest public art initiative: a dynamic wheat paste mural series on Kenmore Boulevard, created in collaboration with Akron Public School students and artist-in-residence Micah Kraus.

In a whirlwind two-week process, twelve young artists worked alongside Kraus to explore Riso printing and wheat-paste installation techniques, culminating in a bold new mural titled "Kenmore Can." This collaborative piece celebrates Kenmore’s vibrant music, art and cultural identity.

Founded in 2002 by art education professor and program director Dr. Elisa Gargarella, with support from the Lola K. Isroff Arts Assistance Endowed Fund, the University of Akron’s Arts LIFT program enables Akron Public School secondary students to apprentice with professional artists while participating in collaborations that engage the community and invigorate local culture and economy.

The public unveiling took place on Friday, July 11 at Buzzbin (952 Kenmore Blvd.) as part of Better Kenmore Community Development Corporation’s First Friday festivities. Students, families, and community members viewed the mural and heard directly from the young artists and Micah Kraus about their creative process.

This project offers students a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art practices, amplify their voices, and contribute to a youth-led public artwork in the heart of Kenmore.

Media Contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu 330-972-6476

Art Contact: Dr. Elisa Gargarella, Director, Arts LIFT Program. gelisa@uakron.edu, 330-524-5598

Dear UA community,

At The University of Akron, this unique calendar week represents an ending, a beginning and a midpoint. Just this past Monday, we closed out fiscal year (FY) 2025 and forged ahead on Tuesday into FY 2026. For an institution of our magnitude and influence, this annual transition allows us to simultaneously take inventory of all we've accomplished and start planning for our future ambitions. We continue to hold fast to our values of flourishing people, lifelong learning and social impact.

As you know, the University is the educational home to thousands of students, each with varying motivations and personal stories. Despite their differences, our students share a goal of increasing in intellectual capacity and professional marketability. Our campus is the site of groundbreaking faculty research, insightful classroom instruction and virtual learning opportunity. Our dedicated staff is constantly developing and implementing distinct programming that instills a sense of pride in students and the surrounding community. We are engaging with our city and far beyond, contributing to business and industry, and providing thought leadership in numerous ways. Our new branding initiative, officially introduced last month, will help us amplify all of these stories and more.

We also find ourselves at a midpoint. Personally, I've always viewed the Fourth of July federal holiday as the halfway point of summer (and the calendar year). Given this, I thought it an appropriate time to write and reaffirm some of our institutional promises. Although summer is in full gear, the University is not on break — all over campus, we continue to work to build a better UA with a growing, sustainable and powerful future. That goal is at the center of all we do. It explains why our Board of Trustees and the UA leadership team are working together on our institutional revitalization. Recently, we introduced our budget improvement plan, already underway in FY 2026, which is making room for refreshed priorities.

As we look forward to the second half of this summer and the promise of a bustling fall and spring, I remind you of the following key principles. At The University of Akron, we have a strong foundation to build upon for an exciting future. We continue to adapt and evolve (as we've historically done) to maximize our efficacy. There is positive momentum that indicates a strong future and an institution aligned with student and marketplace demand. UA is a place for connection that gives deeper purpose to the lives of all we serve.

As July settles in and we celebrate our national independence this Friday, I wish for you a fruitful summer and encourage you to bask in the midpoint — with the promise of great things to come.

With Zips pride,

President R.J. Nemer
The University of Akron

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476, media@uakron.edu

This spring, a cohort of students from The University of Akron (UA) participated in a transformative study abroad program focused on sustainable tourism and community entrepreneurship in the heart of southern Thailand.

Led by Associate Professor of Marketing Sydney Chinchanachokchai, Ph.D., and joined by Professor of Management Steven Ash, Ph.D., the 14-day trip was hosted by Walailak University (WU). Students from UA worked closely with Thai peers, local entrepreneurs and community leaders to address real business challenges and discover new perspectives around sustainable tourism.

“Students become more confident, more culturally aware and more adaptable,” Chinchanachokchai said about her Thailand study abroad program, now in its second year. “They learn to navigate ambiguity and reflect critically. That kind of growth can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom.”

Partnering with Thai communities

The journey began in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where students were welcomed by the WU community with a campus tour featuring a stop at the university’s botanical garden and a formal welcome dinner hosted by the President of Walailak University, setting the tone for the cultural hospitality that would define the rest of the trip.

From the start, the academic goals were clear: give students hands-on experience with sustainable tourism strategy. That began with a lecture on digital marketing and a case study centered around Thon Hong Community Enterprise — a mangosteen farm seeking to expand through experiential tourism. Students visited the farm and explored its operations to design actionable ideas to help it attract visitors and grow sustainably.

Each day added a new layer to that learning. In Krabi, the students kayaked through mangrove forests to understand low-carbon tourism. They heard firsthand how local restaurants and boutique resorts consider sustainability in every decision. At Ao Nang Princeville Villa Resort & Spa, students explored hospitality strategy, gaining insights into how top wellness destinations differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

“To say this trip changed my life sounds like an exaggeration, but in this case it’s truly not,” said Jillian Baker, a second-year student majoring in political science/pre-law. “I learned lessons that will last me a lifetime …  not to mention the one-of-a-kind experience we got to have with Dr. Sydney leading us to the unknown parts of Thailand.”

Tradition, innovation and Thai culture

Of course, the experience wasn’t all business. Students participated in sunrise bathing rituals, visited sacred temples, learned traditional tie-dye and batik techniques, and tried their hand at making Thai desserts like coconut mochi balls.

Another powerful moment came during a hands-on community project on the island of Koh Yao Yai, where students joined local residents in sorting recyclables as part of the island’s waste management program.

One day, back at Walailak University, students attended an interactive lecture by Professor Ash titled, “The Power of Perception: Seeing Differently,” sparking a rich discussion on how personal and cultural filters shape our understanding.

“This experience expanded my knowledge of international business and sustainability and also showed me the power of cultural understanding in driving innovation and global success,” junior accounting major Avani Vaghela declared.

Making change in Thailand

Then, final presentations brought it all together. Cross-cultural teams of UA and WU students proposed sustainable tourism strategies for the mangosteen farm they visited earlier in the trip. Client feedback was positive, particularly for the fresh perspectives and actionable ideas—especially considering the students had only days to develop them.

"It's amazing that sometimes we've been so accustomed to something that we fail to see its weaknesses,” said Surak Mungsathong, community leader of the Thon Hong Mangosteen Large-Scale Community Enterprise. “But to have students come in just for a few hours and offer such fresh perspectives is truly a great experience for us."

The solutions and plans will be further implemented by WU digital marketing and branding students this fall to continue the impact of this collaboration in Thailand and the students’ established cross-cultural relationships.

The trip ended with a Thai cooking class and a joyful farewell party — complete with dancing and plenty of photos.

"Studying abroad in Thailand allowed me to see the world through a different lens and build connections that will last a lifetime,” said Stephen Parker, a fourth-year marketing student. “I'm glad I took advantage of this amazing opportunity, and I encourage anyone interested to do so as well."

BOYD:

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu.

The University of Akron (UA) is once again ranked No. 1 in the world for polymer science and plastics engineering, according to EduRank.org.

UA was ranked No. 1 in 2022. Subsequent rankings placed UA third behind Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo, both of which are in Japan. UA was still ranked No. 1 in North America and the U.S. during that time.

Now back as the world leader, UA heads a global top 10 that includes Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo, followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan), Harvard University, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg (Germany), University of Manchester (England) and Pennsylvania State University. A total of 1,015 polymer science and plastics engineering programs were ranked.

An international leader in polymers since the founding of the United Synthetic Rubber Program in 1939, the University’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering (SPSPE) is based in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. SPSPE offers cutting edge master’s and doctoral programs. The faculty represent one of the largest concentrations of polymer expertise in the U.S., having invented more than 300 issued and pending patents, including some that have been commercialized worldwide.

"This ranking reaffirms the global reputation of our faculty and programs," said Dr. Craig Menzemer, dean of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. "Our sustained leadership in polymer science is built on decades of innovation, excellence in research, and close ties with industry. I’m equally proud of the national recognition our chemical engineering program continues to earn — reflecting our commitment to advancing critical fields like energy, biomolecular, and advanced materials. We’re proud to be the destination for students and partners around the world who want to advance the field."

UA’s chemical engineering program was also highly ranked in the most recent EduRank ratings. The University is third overall in Ohio, second among the state’s public universities, and No. 49 in the nation.

Overall, UA is ranked No. 8 out of 90 Ohio public and private universities and No. 193 in the U.S. by EduRank. These rankings are based on research output (EduRank's index has 32,967 academic publications and 788,899 citations attributed to the University), non-academic reputation and the impact of 99 notable alumni. UA also scored in the top 50% across 177 research topics.

EduRank.org is an independent metric-based ranking of 14,131 universities from 183 countries. The website utilizes the world's largest scholarly papers database with 115,295,786 scientific publications and 2,964,008,315 citations to rank universities across 246 research topics. In the overall rankings EduRank adds non-academic prominence and alumni popularity indicators.

UA media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476

The University of Akron proudly announces the appointment of Judge Deborah Cook ’74, ‘78, ‘96 to its Board of Trustees. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Cook to a term effective July 2, 2025. Her appointment will fill the vacancy created by the expiration of Trustee Lewis W. Adkins Jr.’s term on July 1.  

 “I welcome Judge Deborah Cook to the Board of Trustees,” said President R.J. Nemer. “As fellow multiple-time UA alumni, we share a commitment to serve the University, and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”

Cook also shared her excitement about the appointment, saying "I am pleased to have this opportunity to help advance the university that launched my career.” 

Cook has served as a U.S. Circuit Court judge since 2003, gaining senior status on Sept. 30, 2021. President George W. Bush nominated her to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Chief Circuit Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton recently appointed Cook to serve on the New Judges Committee.

Prior to her appointment to the Sixth Circuit, she served for more than a decade as an Ohio Supreme Court justice and for several years before that as an Ohio appeals court judge.

Cook earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Akron. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University in 1996 and received a University of Akron Alumni Honor Award in 1997. She was president of UA’s senior class of 1974 as an undergraduate.

Cook is the past president and treasurer of the Akron Bar Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Akron Bar Association, and has also served as an Akron Bar Foundation fellow. She has held a number of Akron Bar Association committee assignments, including ABAF Project, Business & Corporate Law, Common Pleas Court, Community Relations, Continuing Legal Education, Ethics, the Grievance and Investigative Subcommittee, Law Week, Lawyers’ Assistance, Long Range Planning, Member Services, Membership, Sustaining Member, Trial Practice Section and Young Lawyers.

Her honors and awards include the Thomas More Award, Akron Bar Association Judicial Pioneer Award, Delta Gamma National Shield Award for Leadership and Volunteerism, Women’s Network 1991 Woman of the Year, and the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership and Academic Honorary.

Cook is the co-founder of Collegescholars, Inc., and she has a deep record of community service to state and local organizations. She has served as the chair of the Ohio Commission on Public Legal Education, a member of the Summit County United Way Board of Trustees, president of the Volunteer Center Board of Trustees, Women's Network Board of Directors member, chair of the Junior Leadership Akron Project, Board of Trustees member for Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, and Catholic Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu 330-972-6476

The University of Akron (UA) is proud to announce the appointment of Jordyn Miklinski ’23, a rising second-year student in the University’s School of Law, to its Board of Trustees as a Student Trustee. Miklinski was appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2025. She will fill the vacancy created by the expiration of Student Trustee Nicholas Campana’s term.

In addition to her law degree, Miklinski is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration in UA’s College of Business. She serves as president of the Law Association for Women and secretary of the Federal Bar Association, with further involvement in the Business Law Society and the Federalist Society. Miklinski also participates in the Diamond Graduate Women’s Leadership Xperience, a donor-funded interdisciplinary program dedicated to developing women leaders in graduate and professional programs. 

 “I am thrilled that Jordyn is willing to serve in this capacity,” said President R.J. Nemer. “She is an undergraduate alumna and current law student with an incredible passion for the University. I look forward to her valuable perspective during her term as student trustee.”

Miklinski is currently a legal intern at The J.M. Smucker Co., where she supports the in-house counsel. She plans to pursue a career in business law. 

“As a Student Trustee, I am eager to amplify student voices, promote cross-campus collaboration and support initiatives that enhance the student experience,” she said. “As a law student pursuing a joint J.D./MBA degree and a proud alumna of The University of Akron’s undergraduate program, I am uniquely qualified to represent undergraduate, graduate and professional students alike. I became an Ohio resident because I fell in love with both the city of Akron and the University’s vibrant community, and I am honored to give back through this role.”

Miklinski graduated summa cum laude from UA in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. As an undergraduate, she was a student in the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College, a member of Delta Gamma sorority, and held various leadership positions in the Pre-Law Society and Criminal Justice Association. 

A native of Erie, Pa., Miklinski graduated from Mercyhurst Preparatory School and is the daughter of Mark and Laura Miklinski.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476, media@uakron.edu 

Researchers from the University of Akron (UA)’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science contributed to a recently published paper with findings that will help advance the role that humans play in space exploration, highlighting the School’s role in groundbreaking research around the country.

Dr. Ali Dhinojwala, the W. Gerald Austen Endowed Chair in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and H.A. Morton Professor in Polymer Science, provided expertise for the paper, which was published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer-reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences.

The paper, “Radiation protection and structural stability of fungal melanin polylactic acid biocomposites in low Earth orbit,” examines the need for innovative, lightweight and sustainable materials as humans venture further into space. The researchers evaluated the reaction of melanin-containing polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites that were exposed to the extreme conditions of low Earth orbit. PLA biocomposites are polymers derived from natural sources, and melanin is a natural pigment that plays a role in protecting skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

The paper was co-authored by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., Princeton University and redhouse studio architecture[JW1] , a Cleveland-based firm that has received NASA funding to study the potential of using self-sustaining materials grown from mushrooms – hence, the fungal melatonin – in Mars habitats.

Dhinojwala and Saranshu Singla ’18, who was a senior research scientist in Dhinajwala’s group at the time, contributed research on synthetic and natural melanin and the preparation of melanin-based samples for radiation studies. They also collaborated with redhouse to design the mycelium-based samples that were submitted for radiation testing. Mycelium is the root-like structure of a fungus.

“As part of the follow-up work, we are now working on analyzing the samples to see how radiation affected the melanin and how much the degradation of polymers were slowed down due to melanin,” Dhinojwala said.

Researchers are exploring the use of melanin in polymers because materials in low-Earth orbit can degrade quickly due to radiation, erosion, extreme temperature changes and other factors. The development of lightweight materials that can withstand harsh conditions is crucial for long-term space exploration and potential settlements in other worlds.

The findings revealed that fungal melanin enhances the structure of PLA, which offers protection against space radiation and other environmental stressors. The structural resilience of these biocomposites highlights their potential for supporting sustainable, long-term space exploration.

Biocomposites with fungal melanin were tested outside of the International Space Station for about six months and showed promising results compared to control samples on Earth. The postflight analysis showed reduced loss of mass and reduced surface wrinkle formation, which indicates that the presence of fungal melanin protects against PLA degradation.

PNAS is an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans the biological, physical, and social sciences. The journal is global in scope and submission is open to all researchers worldwide.

UA faculty such as Dhinojwala contribute to research all over the world while also partnering closely with the Northeast Ohio polymer industry. UA is currently ranked No. 1 in EduRank’s list of top universities for polymer science and plastics engineering in the world.

UA media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476

Neurotone AI announced a new collaboration with The University of Akron (UA) that will equip audiology doctoral students in the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium (NOAC) with access to Lace AI Pro, an innovative auditory training platform. This partnership ensures that students gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology designed to improve listening and speech comprehension for individuals with hearing challenges.

By integrating Lace AI Pro into the curriculum, NOAC faculty are providing future audiologists with direct exposure to advanced, patient-driven auditory rehabilitation technology. This initiative reflects a shared dedication to improving aural rehabilitation education through cutting-edge resources and ensuring that doctoral students providing services in UA’s audiology clinic have access to the full scope of audiologic treatment.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Lace AI Pro," said Dr. Erin L. Miller, professor and audiology graduate coordinator at UA. “Our focus at NOAC is to ensure students have the knowledge to provide evidence-based rehabilitative services to patients with hearing difficulties. Having access to Lace AI Pro will help our students appreciate the value of including audiologic rehabilitation in concert with advanced hearing technologies to assist our patients so they remain active and vital members of their communities.” 

Neurotone AI is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with The University of Akron and the NOAC program to support the next generation of audiologists,” said Dr. Miles Aron, Neurotone AI chief operating officer. “By making Lace AI Pro accessible to students early in their clinical training – both in the classroom and in the clinic – we’re helping bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world patient care.”

For more information about Neurotone AI and Lace AI Pro, visit laceauditorytraining.com. To learn more about The University of Akron’s role in the NOAC program, visit noaudc.org.

About Neurotone AI

Neurotone AI is at the forefront of developing artificial intelligence-driven auditory training solutions. By combining cutting-edge technology with evidence-based research, Neurotone AI aims to improve the auditory experiences of individuals, from those with hearing loss to those seeking cognitive hearing therapy. With products like Lace AI Pro, Neurotone AI is revolutionizing auditory training and rehabilitation worldwide.

About the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium

The University of Akron and Kent State University, in affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, offer the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree through the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium (NOAC). NOAC merges the strong assets of two university programs that focus on the scientific and clinical bases of audiology with the Cleveland Clinic Section of Audiology to provide students with exposure to the breadth and depth of diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology. We are dedicated to providing world-class education in audiology. 

UA media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476
Neurotone AI contact: Alana Christou, alana.christou@neurotone.com
 

Fontus Blue, an Akron-based company founded by Dr. Chris Miller, former University of Akron (UA) associate professor of civil engineering, has been acquired by the company USALCO, a national leader in high-performance water treatment chemicals.

Founded in 2011 with support from the UA Research Foundation (UARF), Fontus Blue evolved from university research into a cutting-edge provider of decision support software for water utilities. Its core product, Decision Blue®, is a cloud-based platform that uses advanced algorithms to help water treatment plants monitor source water, optimize chemical dosing, and achieve regulatory and operational goals with precision.

Fontus Blue’s solutions are currently used in 15 states, supporting hundreds of treatment plants and impacting the drinking water quality of millions of people. The software helps utilities address a broad range of water quality issues including haziness due to suspended particles, known as turbidity, disinfectant byproducts (DBPs), corrosion, softening and harmful algal blooms.

“From day one, Fontus Blue was about empowering water professionals with better data and tools to improve public health,” Miller said. “This acquisition by USALCO validates the role digital innovation plays in water treatment and marks an exciting new chapter for expanding our impact across the country.”

Miller, who retired from UA in May 2025, spent three decades in the Department of Civil Engineering, focusing his research on drinking water treatment optimization, water quality modeling and regulatory compliance.

Although UA no longer holds intellectual property in the company, Fontus Blue's roots in UA research highlight the university’s role in fostering commercial innovation.

“Fontus Blue’s success is a powerful example of how university research can translate into real-world impact,” said Dr. Suzanne Bausch, UA’s vice president of research and business engagement. “Seeing a company founded on The University of Akron’s innovation acquired by an industry leader like USALCO is a proud moment for our institution. It reflects the strength of our research enterprise and our commitment to solving critical challenges such as water quality and treatment solutions.”

Fontus Blue participated in UARF’s I-Corps program, a nationally recognized initiative that helps researchers and entrepreneurs validate business models through customer engagement and mentorship. The company also received legal and business formation support from the UA School of Law’s SEED Clinic, further anchoring its early growth in the university ecosystem.

“It's exciting to see how Fontus Blue’s dedication in the past 14-plus years is now paying off with this acquisition,” said Kelly Bialek, UA director of technology transfer and UARF executive director. “The Office of Technology Transfer and UARF worked closely with Fontus Blue from the beginning to take the research Chris developed and helped transform that single idea into a practical, market ready solution. It underscores the immense value of bridging innovation with implementation and turning vision into measurable outcomes. We are very happy for the company.”

Headquartered in Baltimore, USALCO is a leading supplier of aluminum-based water treatment solutions. The acquisition marks a strategic expansion into digital water technologies. Together, USALCO and Fontus Blue aim to advance the future of water treatment—integrating chemical expertise with digital intelligence to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water across the U.S.

“This acquisition represents a transformative step forward in USALCO’s mission to deliver innovative and efficient water treatment solutions,” said Ken Gayer, CEO of USALCO. “Fontus Blue’s digital expertise complements our core product offerings, enhancing the value we bring to utilities nationwide.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476

The Department of Chemistry in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Akron has received $400,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to pilot two one-year research training programs for undergraduate students. The program is part of the DOE’s Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) initiative and is offered in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the nation’s premier science and energy research facilities.

Each year, four students are selected to help develop a new class of chemical compounds designed to bind and isolate uranium and other radioactive elements — a process known as radionuclide sequestration, which involves capturing, isolating and safely containing these materials. This work is essential not only for preventing environmental contamination but also for enabling the mining and reuse of radioactive substances in nuclear energy. These substances, known as radioisotopes, are also widely used in modern medicine, where they play a vital role in everything from diagnostic imaging to targeted cancer treatments.

The research will focus on isoindoline-based molecules, a group of inexpensive, nontoxic compounds commonly found in dyes and pigments, explained Dr. Chris Ziegler, professor of chemistry and chair of the department. While these molecules have shown promise for binding metals, their potential with uranium and other actinides remains largely unexplored. Under the mentorship of Dr. Alex Boika, associate professor of chemistry, researchers will also study the molecules’ electrochemical behavior, which is important for efficiently separating radioactive substances in both energy and medical contexts.

Dr. Briana Schrage, radiochemist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Promising molecular candidates will be shared with Oak Ridge for further evaluation, strengthening the bridge between academic research and national laboratory innovation. The collaboration also highlights a unique connection between Akron and Oak Ridge: Dr. Briana Schrage ‘21, a radiochemist at the lab, is a UA alumna who trained under Ziegler.

Beyond the lab, the program’s training component is designed to expand the future workforce in nuclear chemistry and related fields, while also preparing some students for admission into graduate-level chemistry programs. A tiered mentoring model will foster collaboration among the undergraduate cohort, faculty and graduate students. Participants will also take part in workshops on scientific writing, ethics and literature review, and will present their findings at local and national conferences. Dr. Nidaa Makki, professor of education, will collaborate with the team on the assessment of program outcomes.

The 2025 cohort has begun its six-week summer research experience, which includes hands-on training and a two-week research visit to the national laboratory, located in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Clara Hoffert

Clara Hoffert, a senior majoring in chemistry and one of the students in the current cohort, said the program has helped solidify her goal of pursuing a career in nuclear science. “The chance to participate in the RENEW project is a great boost toward the kind of career I’ve always imagined,” she said. 

Hoffert said she’s especially excited to visit Oak Ridge, which was founded in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project and played a central role in enriching uranium-235 for the atomic bomb used in World War II.

“As a certified science and history nerd, this research ‘work’ trip is practically my dream vacation,” she said.

• Story by Lisa Craig, BCAS Marketing, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.
• Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu.

Global spotlight shines on Main Campus

Hundreds of thousands of fans around the world tuned in May 22–25 to watch livestreamed content straight from The University of Akron (UA). The reason? UA played host to the inaugural Streamer University, an innovative, four-day event led by global social media superstar Kai Cenat.

Cenat, who boasts more than 17 million followers on Twitch and 14 million on Instagram, had teased the event for months, keeping its location secret until participants arrived on campus last Thursday. His idea was novel, fresh and innovative: bring together rising content creators and offer them the opportunity to learn from established, top-tier influencers. And the idea paid off, as Cenat’s team estimates that viewers watched 23 million hours of Streamer University footage, making it the second most-watched stream ever on Twitch.

When Cenat opened applications earlier this month, more than 1 million people applied in just a few days. Ultimately, more than 200 streamers, producers and video crew members made the cut and traveled to UA for a one-of-a-kind experience.

A Picture-Perfect Setting for Streamer University

Cenat’s team was on the hunt for a beautiful, quintessential college campus that could also meet many significant logistic requirements, and they found that vibe at The University of Akron. With state-of-the-art facilities, a welcoming environment and a location that blends city energy with campus charm, UA was the ideal choice.

And when the call came? UA answered with speed, skill and spirit.

With less than a month to prepare, the University’s Conference and Event Services team sprang into action. Just before spring commencement, a core group of dedicated staff from departments across campus came together to assess feasibility, map out event flow and anticipate every possible scenario.

“Our team is committed to helping the greater Akron community and beyond take advantage of all UA has to offer by hosting successful events on our campus,” said Brandon Alexander, director, student union and conference and events services. “As we establish campus as an incredible option for large-scale conferences, it only serves to benefit the region.”

Over four dynamic days, Streamer University offered a full slate of programming: structured class schedules, meals at Robertson’s Café, a pep rally, off-campus excursions and a grand finale awards ceremony featuring a virtual message from none other than rap superstar Drake. After the awards, Cenat left from the Akron campus to his next big gig — presenting at the AMAs.

Meet the Akron Zip Behind the Scenes

But how did The University of Akron end up on Cenat’s radar? That’s thanks to Michael Matthews, an Akron native and former Akron Zip, who now works on the production and creative team at Kai Cenat LLC, helping execute content that reaches millions.

So Matthews began reaching out to contacts at his alma mater, including a simple direct message to President R.J. Nemer.

“When I saw the content and engagement on [President Nemer’s] Instagram page, I thought maybe he would be interested in what we were building,” said Matthews.

That spark, coupled with an energized campus and community feel, set the arrangement in motion.

Today, Matthews credits his career success to his decision to get involved in ZTV and WZIP while a student at UA. The connections he made as a student producer led him to meet Chad Welker, director, multimedia services for Akron Athletics.

“I learned how to direct, create graphics, everything from Chad,” said Matthews, who studied media production in UA’s School of Communication. “UA gave me the foundation I needed to get where I am today. Bringing this event to my hometown campus felt like everything coming full circle.”

Saying “Yes” to What’s Possible

Streamer University’s success highlights something that’s growing stronger every day at UA: the willingness to say “yes” to bold, new ideas. Whether it’s hosting a first-of-its-kind event or supporting students on unexpected paths, The University of Akron meets opportunity with positivity, collaboration and confidence.                                 

“UA is an incredible institution with invested colleagues,” said President R.J. Nemer. “This past weekend was a showcase of place and people. We are happy to propel creativity, provide a venue for community and ultimately, generate possibility.”

And if this week proved anything, it’s that when the spotlight hits, UA shines.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, media@uakron.edu 330-972-6476

The new solvent-free, spaghetti-like version of BEVA 371 Akron before it is trimmed into pellets and packaged for distribution. Photo by Nita L. Roberts.

Researchers at the University of Akron (UA), along with partners at the Getty Foundation and New York University (NYU), have developed a revolutionary formulation of an adhesive that will be used by art conservators around the world and highlights UA’s place as an international leader in polymer research.

The breakthrough is the result of a major conservation science research grant funded by Getty, a Los Angeles-based foundation that supports individuals and institutions committed to advancing the greater understanding and preservation of the visual arts in Los Angeles and throughout the world. Getty, UA and NYU announced the development of the adhesive and presented results of the research project at the annual American Institute of Conservation conference May 27-31 in Minneapolis, Minn.

The adhesive, which will be known as BEVA 371 Akron in recognition of the University’s contributions, is a safer and more sustainable substitute for BEVA 371, an adhesive that for decades was used by conservators worldwide in the structural treatment of paintings on canvas and related artistic media. The research for BEVA 371 Akron was done in the lab of Dr. Ali Dhinojwala, W. Gerald Austen Endowed Chair and H.A. Morton Professor in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science at UA.

Where Polymers and Art Connect

UA researchers take on the challenge

Developed in 1972 by Austrian American painting conservator Gustav Berger, the original Berger’s Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (BEVA) formula became a popular adhesive used in the conservation field. Paintings in museums may require a supplemental canvas attached to the back of the artwork, through a treatment called lining, which protects aging artworks so they can continue to be safely displayed. Numerous lining techniques exist, and materials like BEVA 371 are used to adhere new lining canvases to the reverse of the original support. The BEVA 371 adhesive quickly became known for its strength and non-penetrating qualities, which eliminated the risks associated with earlier systems whose components could penetrate through the paint layers and cause them to appear stained and darker than intended by the artist. The first painting in a museum collection to be lined with BEVA 371 was “Paris Through a Window” by Marc Chagall, which is in the collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. Thousands of artworks in institutions worldwide have been repaired with BEVA 371.

The original BEVA 371 formula, which relied on industrial heat seal adhesive technology, was well-suited for artworks due to its long window of viscosity and relatively low melting point. However, a critical ingredient, Laropal K-80, went out of commercial production in 2005 and another component, a phthalate tackifier called Cellolyn 21E, was discontinued in 2020.

As part of its Conserving Canvas initiative, the Getty Foundation awarded a research grant in 2021 to NYU’s Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts, which partnered with the UA College of Engineering and Polymer Science’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, the top-ranked polymer science and plastics engineering program in the world, to develop a solution.

“Without these key resins, a major resource for the field of art conservation was lost,” Dhinojwala said. “Finding a satisfactory substitute that matched the original adhesive’s favorable thermal performance was critical to optimizing the material options available to conservators.”

Dharamdeep Jain ’17 (far right) gives a tour of the labs in UA’s Goodyear Polymer Center to a group of researchers and art conservators from Italy and the U.S. who visited campus in June 2024 to learn about the new BEVA 371 Akron art adhesive. Photo by Jason Miller, The University of Akron.

Moving beyond the original formula

After a multi-year collaboration, the newly reformulated BEVA 371 Akron product successfully matches the original formula’s characteristics, while using resins that were not available during Berger’s development of the original formulation. The new version is phthalate-free, making it safer to handle as phthalates are associated with a variety of health risks and are being phased out. The team also took this opportunity to study BEVA 371 Akron’s chemical makeup in detail to better prepare for potential supply chain issues in the future.

“A powerful takeaway from our research was that we have a much better understanding of how the molecular architecture of the system affects performance, allowing us to tailor properties specifically for the conservation community and articulate best practice for their use,” said Chris McGlinchey, project director at NYU and former senior conservation scientist at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. “We’ve conducted rigorous performance testing of the recipe with leading experts, and we are thrilled with the new, conservation-optimized formulation that will provide conservators more ways to work. It’s a big win anytime you enable a conservator to do their work more safely and effectively.”

Among the most significant achievements with BEVA 371 Akron are its sustainability benefits and the fact that it can now be produced in three different versions depending on needs. In addition to the original premixed version, a new, solvent-free solid formulation has a longer shelf life and will be lighter and less costly to ship. Conservators can dissolve the amount they need in the studio, allowing for greater flexibility to control fumes and use new and improved solvents as they emerge in the field. The team is also developing a solvent-free, non-woven formula in which the fibrous structure is pure adhesive.

“The new forms and sustainable attributes of BEVA 371 Akron are a major win for our field and will help conservators lower their environmental impact as they can mix solvents on demand,” said Matteo Rossi Doria, a Rome-based senior paintings conservator and international expert in lining treatments for paintings on canvas.

Rossi Doria helped the research team test formulations to ensure the new recipe met conservators’ standards. “This project has been a long time coming, and we are so glad the new formula is going into production in multiple forms, making it a strong option for conservations across the globe.”

Premixed versions of BEVA 371 Akron are now in production by distributors Conservator’s Products Company (CPC) in New Jersey and CTS in Italy, and the solvent-free, solid form will be available later this year. The solid version is made by extruding the adhesive into long, spaghetti-like noodles. These stretchy fibers are then hardened and trimmed into small pellets before being packaged for distribution.

Graduate students at the Conservation Center of NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts test out the new BEVA 371 Akron formulation on the building’s rooftop in Manhattan. Photo by Nita L. Roberts.

Learning experience for the next generation

Another goal of the project was to harness the collective expertise of senior conservators specialized in lining paintings to transfer these skills to a rising generation of conservators. Graduate students in conservation from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts and a cohort of early and mid-career conservators from across Europe joined with leading practitioners for hands-on workshops, in which they studied how the original BEVA formulation could be manipulated, tested the new BEVA 371 Akron formulations and learned best practices for its different treatment applications.

“Supporting training that keeps the conservation field strong and adaptable for the future is a core tenet of Getty’s grantmaking,” said Lorinda Wong, senior program officer at the Getty Foundation who oversees conservation initiatives. “Our Conserving Canvas initiative was established in 2018 and we’ve since had the pleasure of having over 250 conservation professionals across the globe participate in our workshops, ensuring conservators receive the resources and latest research required to do their crucial work.”

Conserving Canvas has supported professionals internationally through training projects focused on individual paintings as well as skill-building workshops that enhance conservators’ hands-on experience and technical knowledge to preserve the thousands of canvas paintings under their collective care.

“Out of all the great things that Getty has done with Conserving Canvas, this project is arguably the most important,” said Paul Ackroyd, conservator at The National Gallery, London. “With its advances in materials innovation and sustainability, the project is a shining example of how successful collaboration can be in a niche industry like ours.”

The Getty Foundation fulfills the philanthropic mission of the Getty Trust by supporting individuals and institutions committed to advancing the greater understanding and preservation of the visual arts in Los Angeles and throughout the world. Through strategic grant initiatives, the Foundation strengthens art history as a global discipline, promotes the interdisciplinary practice of conservation, increases access to museum and archival collections, and develops current and future leaders in the visual arts. It carries out its work in collaboration with the other Getty Programs to ensure that they individually and collectively achieve maximum effect. Additional information is available at www.getty.edu/foundation.

About the Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University

The Institute of Fine Arts is an international leader in research and graduate teaching and is committed to global engagement and advancing the fields of art history, archaeology, and the theory and practice of conservation. New York City, with its incomparable resources and vitality, provides a backdrop and extended campus for the Institute’s activities. Founded in 1960, the Conservation Center is the oldest degree-granting graduate program in art conservation in the United States. The Conservation Center offers a four-year, dual MA/MS graduate program that combines training in conservation with historical, archaeological, curatorial, and scientific studies.

About the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron

The School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering (SPSPE) at The University of Akron (UA) is an international leader in research and education in the field of polymers and is ranked No. 1 in the world in the area of polymer science and plastics engineering. The program offers four-year bachelor’s degrees, two-year master’s degrees and Ph.D. programs in polymer science and polymer engineering. UA introduced the world’s first rubber chemistry course in 1909 and launched the world’s first Ph.D. program in polymer chemistry in 1956. SPSPE has expertise in areas of polymer chemistry, physics, processing and manufacturing. The School’s current research focus is on sustainability and decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels and reducing the carbon footprint in the manufacturing and use of polymers. The UA campus and city of Akron are surrounded by more than 150 companies related to plastics and rubber, creating opportunities for experiential learning and industry partnerships. Learn more at uakron.edu/polymer.

UA media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu
Getty media contact: Cole Calhoun, 310-440-7186 or ccalhoun@getty.edu

At UA, you’ll always have someone in your corner.

Through real stories from students and their mentors, MentorZip highlights the support network that makes UA a place where every Zip thrives — whether it’s a professor igniting a passion for research or an upperclassman helping a first-year student find their path.

Be inspired as we showcase impactful mentorship stories that prove one thing. Here, success isn’t a solo journey — it's powered by mentorship, guidance and a community that truly cares.

For alumna Carrie Tomko, The University of Akron’s (UA) Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College isn’t just where she studied — it’s where she discovered her passions. From student to professor, her journey is one of mentorship, lifelong connections and an enduring commitment to the Honors tradition.

From her first days as an Honors Scholar to her decades-long run as a senior lecturer, Tomko’s journey highlights the power of mentorship and the lasting impact of the Honors College — timely as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025.

When Tomko arrived at UA as an Honors student, she quickly found her place, thanks in large part to her Honors advisor, Distinguished Emeritus Professor Orville Keister, Ph.D., in the College of Business. More than just an academic guide, Keister became a mentor and a lifelong friend.

A mentor who changed everything

Keister’s open-door policy provided unwavering support, and his passion for learning shaped Tomko’s career path. As Tomko recalled, Keister once told her: “If in corporate America, a boss sees you reading a book, he/she would tell you to put the book away and get back to work; however, the dean walks by and sees me reading a book and says, ‘Keep up the good work.’” 

That concept convinced Tomko to pursue a career in education. She admired how he valued curiosity and lifelong learning, a philosophy she carried into her own teaching. Today, she’s a faculty member in the Honors College teaching media and communication courses.

“He wasn’t just helping me pick classes — he was shaping the way I saw my future,” she said. “The Honors motto is ‘A Tradition of Community,’ and that’s exactly what I experienced.”

Now, years later, Tomko strives to offer her students the same guidance and support that he once gave her.

Guiding the next generation

Inspired by the guidance she received, Tomko has spent more than two decades mentoring Honors students, shaping their academic and professional journeys in her classes such as STEM in the News and Humanitarian Social Media.

She takes pride in watching them go on to prestigious graduate programs and successful careers.

“Teaching in Honors has been my beloved career,” Tomko said. “I look forward to coming to campus, knowing I’ll interact with my Honors students — whom I adore. Just arriving at the Honors Complex, it’s my home away from home.”

One of her favorite classroom moments? The time when a student brought giant, wearable bubble suits to class and had two classmates wear them as “atoms.” They then ran into each other to visually demonstrate fusion—turning a complex concept into a notable lesson.

“That’s what the Honors College does — it fosters creativity, critical thinking and a sense of community where students support each other’s ideas,” Tomko said.

50 years of excellence: A legacy written in honors

As UA gears up to celebrate 50 years of honors programming — a milestone the College is marking with an anniversary celebration on Oct. 3 during Homecoming and Family Weekend — Tomko’s legacy stands as a key part of its history.

She has written a book — “50 Years of Honors Education at The University of Akron” — capturing the stories, milestones and the impact of Honors programming on its students and faculty over the last 50 years.

“While writing a book can be a lonely, painstaking process, the memories of events in Honors brought me back in time, allowing me to share my personal and professional experiences in Honors,” she said.

The book, published by the Williams Honors College with assistance from the University of Akron Press, is forthcoming in 2026.

Tomko’s experience is proof that mentorship is part of the Honors experience, offering more than academic prestige with a support system that lasts a lifetime.

“For me, the title of Honors alumna is a way of life,” she said. “As an Honors student, my favorite memory was walking by Dr. Keister’s office, and he would wave me in to talk. I always felt welcomed and ready to engage in any discussion. And I try to emulate that — inviting and ready to engage with my students. I had amazing Honors mentors, and now I get to be one.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or media@uakron.edu.

At UA, you’ll always have someone in your corner.

Through real stories from students and their mentors, MentorZip highlights the support network that makes UA a place where every Zip thrives — whether it’s a professor igniting a passion for research or an upperclassman helping a first-year student find their path.

Be inspired as we showcase impactful mentorship stories that prove one thing. Here, success isn’t a solo journey — it's powered by mentorship, guidance and a community that truly cares.

At 21 years old, Traiana Boyer returned to school as an adult learner after years of working right out of high school. She was uncertain where she fit in when she enrolled at The University of Akron (UA) and being in the classroom was daunting. But her focus was clear: earn a degree and grow.

“When returning to the classroom, I felt unsure about whether college was right for me or even what my goals might be,” Boyer recalled when she became a student in UA’s College of Business in her hometown of Akron.

With the support of dedicated mentors, she found her footing and excelled—first as a marketing student, then as a marketing associate, and now as an MBA candidate at NYU’s Stern School of Business.

“Mentorship profoundly shaped my academic journey and personal growth during my time at UA, particularly as an adult learner,” Boyer said. “It gave me the support I needed to successfully navigate the complexities of academic life, personal growth and career development.”

A chance meeting with Dr. Owens

Boyer’s path to UA began with a serendipitous conversation. While working at a daycare, she met Deborah Owens, Ph.D., a professor and the chair of the Department of Marketing in UA’s College of Business, whose grandson attended the center. A chat about saving for college sparked a relationship that would shape her future.

“I was very impressed by how responsible she was and that she had the long-term perspective to save money for college,” said Owens, now retired “That's when we first started having conversations about her future.”

When Boyer joined the College of Business, Owens became her guide—mentoring her through leadership challenges, career decisions, and hands-on projects with local businesses.

“She did such a great job of motivating the other students,” Owens said. “I remember a case where a student was not feeling valued as a member on a project team and Traiana invited that student to join her team where he excelled.”

Owens remained a steady presence throughout Boyer’s undergraduate journey, even helping her weigh graduate school options that led to NYU Stern.

“Dr. Owens helped me discover my passion for marketing. She challenged me to be a leader and is such a strong example of the impact women can make,” Boyer said.

A second mentor steps in

As an adult student juggling multiple jobs and a demanding course load, Boyer often questioned whether she could keep going.

During one especially tough summer—balancing a supply chain course with a full-time internship at Pfizer—she struggled after a difficult exam. Her professor, Mahesh Srinivasan, Ph.D., took notice and offered help.

“What stood out to me was a hunger in her eyes to succeed and do well,” said Srinivasan, a professor of management. “For a mentee that is a boost, which makes us want to try and do more. Employers tell us that kind of coachability is such an important individual trait they look for in candidates.”

Being open to guidance is all it took to start making a difference for Boyer. Boyer took his advice to heart.

“Dr. Srinivasan genuinely listened to my academic and personal challenges, giving me the confidence to persevere,” she said. “One piece of advice from him that’s always stuck with me is to never count myself out. His belief in me became a mindset I carry with me both personally and in my MBA journey.”

Mentorship is the culture at UA

Boyer graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Business Administration—proof that every late night and side job paid off. Her mentors from UA remain in her corner and that lasting connection reflects a larger culture at the university.

“Mentorship tells us that someone is looking out for us,” said Srinivasan. “I make it clear that each student is an individual with their own unique aspirations, anxieties and backgrounds.”

And Owens sees it that way, too.

“I have students fill out note cards with their hobbies, interests and career goals so I can get to know them beyond the classroom,” she said. “I also share my own personal interests and untraditional path into higher education.”

A mentee-turned-mentor

That kind of commitment helped Boyer grow into a leader—and now, a mentor herself.

She recently returned to UA to lead a professional development workshop for the African American Business Association. She also mentors her younger brother, now a UA student.

“I’ve naturally stepped into a mentorship role for him, and it’s been a really meaningful experience,” Boyer said. “Moments like these remind me why mentorship is so important — I want to continue being a resource for others, just as I’ve benefited from mentorship in my own journey.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.

(l to r) Nathan Smith, Sarah Powell and Kaelyn Kraley. 

In a remarkable collaboration that bridges engineering and medicine, students at The University of Akron (UA) are continuing to refine a first-of-its-kind, 3D-printed, cochlear implant training model. This innovative device is poised to revolutionize how ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons are trained in one of the most delicate procedures in otologic surgery — cochlear implantation.

The origins of the project date back to 2023, when a group of UA biomedical engineering students began designing a simulation system that combines 3D-printed anatomical accuracy, real-time visual feedback and electrode tracking software. The purpose was to give surgeons a realistic, safe and repeatable environment to practice the insertion of cochlear implants, a process that traditionally relies heavily on touch and experience, and carries serious risks, such as facial nerve damage, if done incorrectly. The system is the first of its kind, providing a much-needed training tool where none currently exists.

This year, UA undergraduate research assistant Nathan Smith ‘25 united with Kaelyn Kraley '25 and Sarah Powell ’25 to continue the work under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Mahajan, professor and associate dean for research and industrial engagement at UA, and Dr. Anita Jeyakumar, professor of surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

At the core of the training model is a transparent cochlear structure embedded with a camera and sensors. This setup not only replicates the inner ear’s anatomy with high fidelity, using ADA resin and patient CT scans, but also provides real-time data and visual feedback as users practice electrode insertion. This feedback is crucial in helping future surgeons understand the subtleties of the procedure, which had been previously difficult to simulate due to the cochlea’s hidden and intricate structure. And the practice on this product promises to significantly improve patient outcomes.

“This model represents the real thing, but it’s clear so you can see what’s going on inside,” said Smith. “The software collects data points and gives surgeons metrics to improve their technique.”

Powell joined the project in summer 2024. She led user testing and helped refine the anatomical structure using advanced imaging and materials science to ensure accuracy. “We interviewed users and made the interface more intuitive. It’s incredibly rewarding to see real surgeons use our model and give positive feedback,” she said. “When we watched an actual cochlear implant surgery it gave the whole project new meaning.”

The project has been tested and validated by a cadre of ENT surgeons, residents and fellows. The initial funding came through Jeyakumar’s earlier affiliation with Bon Secours Mercy Hospital and has already been delivered for use in her surgical training labs. It’s been showcased at major conferences, including a national ENT conference at which it was named one of the top three inventions, and was selected for the 2025 "Choose Ohio for Scholars" Showcase. An abstract has also been accepted to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition in November 2025.

“The learning curve in cochlear implant surgery is steep,” explained Mahajan. “Unlike other procedures, cadavers can’t offer the same experience for practicing cochlear access. This model gives medical trainees that opportunity — and it’s repeatable.”

With an invention disclosure submitted to the University of Akron Tech Transfer Office and publication efforts underway, the team is actively exploring partnerships with medical schools and industry to bring the model to a wider audience.

“This is a success story of interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Mahajan. “When researchers, clinicians and students work together with persistence and purpose, the outcome can truly benefit society.”

As for the student team, the work is more than a résumé boost. For Powell, who hails from Homerville, Ohio, and plans a career in medical device research and development (R&D), and Smith, who is from Braceville, Ohio, and aims to enter R&D and pursue an MBA, the experience has been transformative.

“Talking to people who’ve had implants that didn’t work optimally made me realize our work has real impact,” Smith reflected. “This could help change lives.”

Powell added, “A lot of students do senior design projects. But this is different. This is something novel, something meaningful.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd - cboyd@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476

(l to r) Matthew Flaker, Hailey Essinger and Andrew Martin

What began as a senior capstone project for three biomedical engineering students at The University of Akron has evolved into a powerful innovation with the potential to change lives. And it all started with one student's traumatic experience.

Hailey Essinger ’25, from Arlington, Ohio, survived a catastrophic industrial accident two years ago while working near a three-story manganese furnace. When the furnace unexpectedly collapsed, it triggered an ash cloud explosion that engulfed her in flames. Essinger sustained third-degree burns on over 30% of her body — covering her hands, legs, face, neck and hips. She was life-flighted to Wexford Medical Center, where doctors warned her family that she might not walk again or regain full cognitive function. But through a long and painful recovery — including multiple surgeries and skin grafts — she defied expectations.

As she entered her senior year at UA, Essinger knew exactly what she wanted to do: give back to the medical community that helped save her life. Partnering with Dr. Nicole Bernal at The Ohio State University Burn Center, she and her classmates — Matthew Flaker ‘25 of Wadsworth, Ohio, and Andrew Martin ’25 of Kent, Ohio — set out to develop a more effective, patient-friendly burn dressing system.

The team’s product is a modular, reusable burn bandage that better conforms to the contours of skin grafts and stays in place without slipping — solving one of the most frustrating problems burn patients and health care workers face. Traditional bandaging involves gauze, medication and ACE wraps that often slip off, especially in high-mobility areas like the shoulder and armpit. “The industry standard just isn’t good enough,” Essinger explained. “As a patient, I would have benefitted tremendously from something like this. It’s truly a game changer.”

Martin, who led the structural design and FDA documentation process, emphasized their methodical approach. “We spent the first six weeks gathering information before even considering solutions. Hailey was fluent in the real-world issues, and that grounded our brainstorming. We literally started with a bedsheet to test our ideas.”

The final prototype features Velcro-fastening, skin-safe fabrics — white for hospital use and black for at-home wear — and is easy to apply: just lay it down, place the limb on top, and secure. This design minimizes skin trauma, simplifies dressing changes, and increases comfort and mobility for patients.

Flaker praised the guidance of Burnal, who offered weekly feedback. “She loved the prototype and encouraged us to pursue a patent. What started with a sketch on a whiteboard turned into a product we’re proud to show the medical community.”

The team’s work won second place out of 30 teams and a $5,000 prize at the Northeast Ohio Medical University Bench to Bedside Competition. They have filed for a provisional patent and are now surveying burn units across the region to assess interest and continue development.

“Something like this would have changed my recovery experience,” Essinger reflected. “To take that pain and turn it into something that could help others — there’s no greater honor.”

Each team member recently graduated and is heading into impactful careers. Essinger will serve as a construction project management assistant at Brasfield & Gorrie in Nashville, Tenn. Martin will move to Kalamazoo, Mich., to join Stryker’s instruments division. And Flaker will return to Coltene, where he previously co-oped, to engineer dental products. But the bandage they created together may leave their biggest mark.

Their journey proves that with grit, empathy and engineering, even the deepest scars can inspire innovation.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, cboyd@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476