2025 Momentum Report

Welcome Message from the Vice President for Research

"At Florida Atlantic, a future is being shaped where discovery knows no boundaries, collaboration drives innovation, and education transforms lives. Today’s challenges demand bold solutions and Florida Atlantic is leading the way.

This year, nearly 70 faculty members were recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists — a testament to global research impact and extraordinary talent across disciplines, from engineering and medicine to the humanities and beyond. As one of only 21 institutions in the nation to earn both Carnegie R1 status and the Opportunity University designation and ranked among the top 100 public universities nationwide, Florida Atlantic continues to rise.”

Gregg B. Fields, Ph.D., Vice President for Research

Colleges Drive R1 Research

Michael Horswell, Ph.D.
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Michael Horswell, Ph.D.
“At the College of Arts and Letters, our research and creative achievements reflect a commitment to innovation, societal impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In the past two years, we have increased funded research by 50%, advancing projects that span from analyzing the future of AI and consciousness, to tackling the affordable housing crisis, to architectural design for climate change, to cultural research that addresses the human condition. Our faculty are earning recognition at international conferences and events, and right here at home. Through competitive grants, collaborative centers, and influential publications, performances, and exhibitions, we are driving discovery and shaping the future of research at Florida Atlantic.”
Daniel Gropper, Ph.D.
College of Business
Daniel Gropper, Ph.D.
“We are proud of the tremendous impact our College of Business faculty and doctoral students have had in advancing Florida Atlantic University’s research mission over the past five years. With nearly 500 publications in leading journals, 200 editorial roles, and millions secured in research funding, our research activity continues to grow. Our Ph.D. student research output has nearly doubled during this time with over 60 graduates and 121 doctoral students currently enrolled. We are excited to keep building on this momentum.”
Naelys Luna, Ph.D.
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Naelys Luna, Ph.D.
“The College of Social Work and Criminal Justice has helped propel FAU to R1 status with $16 million in funded projects and historic highs in research submissions and expenditures. Our faculty expertise translates research into impact across critical areas of social innovation, including health, mental health, crime prevention, reentry and reintegration, neuroscience, substance use disorders, and the intersection of AI and emerging technologies. In alignment with FAU’s strategic priorities, our students benefit from an environment rich in purposeful scholarship, community-centered research, real-world application, and cross-disciplinary exploration – fortifying Florida Atlantic as a top destination for tomorrow’s changemakers and the next generation of competent, compassionate professionals.”
Charles Duke, Ph.D.
College of Education
Charles Duke, Ph.D.
“Florida Atlantic University’s rise to Research One status reflects a steadfast commitment to producing groundbreaking research that addresses critical issues of our time. This achievement has been fueled by the expertise of highly qualified faculty and the energy of dynamic emerging scholars in our doctoral programs, whose innovation and dedication drive discovery forward. Importantly, this milestone was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the entire university community, demonstrating the collective strength of FAU. With this foundation, the university is poised for continued success and an even greater impact on our local community and the broader global society.”
Stella Batalama, Ph.D.
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Stella Batalama, Ph.D.
"The College of Engineering and Computer Science is proud to be at the forefront of Florida Atlantic’s R1 achievement. Our faculty and students are pioneering advances in AI, biomedical engineering, ocean engineering, and resilient technologies that strengthen industries and benefit communities. Over the past eight years, our research expenditures have grown by more than 230%, alongside a significant increase in student research engagement, fostering innovation at every level. Through our specialized research centers and interdisciplinary collaborations, we are driving engineering and computer science forward, empowering our students to lead, discover, and create the technologies of tomorrow."
Robert Stackman Jr., Ph.D.
Graduate College
Robert Stackman Jr., Ph.D.
"Florida Atlantic’s R1 designation reflects the dedication of our graduate students and faculty whose research drives innovation and discovery. At the Graduate College, we proudly support scholars across disciplines, addressing global challenges while enriching our local community. Through collaborations such as the Sloan Foundation initiative, we are expanding opportunities and pathways for graduate students. Our commitment to mentorship, professional development, and collaborative research ensures FAU remains a top choice for transformative graduate education. Together, we are shaping a future defined by curiosity, creativity, and meaningful impact."
Justin Perry, Ph.D.
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Justin Perry, Ph.D.
"The Wilkes Honors College is thrilled to be a part of FAU's historic achievement in the research enterprise. Given the world-class biomedical and life science institutes on the Jupiter campus, FAU truly is a paradise for driving innovation and excellence among faculty, staff, and our undergraduate student body, including the impressive number of Goldwater Scholars, National Merit Scholars, and alumni who go on to earn professional and graduate degrees. It's been a privilege to witness the kind of growth and scholarly activity we've seen here over the past five years. The future looks very bright."
Lewis S. Nelson, Ph.D.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Lewis S. Nelson, Ph.D.
"Florida Atlantic University's R1 status reflects powerful university-wide collaboration across disciplines. The Schmidt College of Medicine contributes through research in neuroscience, genomics, substance use disorders, and infectious diseases – work that directly addresses critical health challenges. Our faculty advances medical knowledge while training future physician-scientists. As we transform from a community-based medical school into a comprehensive academic health hub, our research enterprise positions Florida Atlantic as the destination for students committed to improving human health through discovery and innovation."
Cameron G. Duncan, Ph.D.
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Cameron G. Duncan, Ph.D.
"Earning the R1 Carnegie Classification is a tremendous achievement that underscores our university’s growing impact in research and innovation. At the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, this distinction reflects our deep commitment to advancing caring science and addressing the most pressing challenges in health care through rigorous, evidence-based research. I’m proud of our faculty, students, staff and partners who are driving this mission forward in studies that will improve quality of care and patient outcomes."
Valery E. Forbes, Ph.D.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Valery E. Forbes, Ph.D.
“Our scientists at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science are at the forefront of discovery, pursuing research that addresses humanity's most pressing challenges. They are making significant contributions to the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer, to advances in cybersecurity and astrophysics, to studies supporting the conservation of sea turtles and other charismatic fauna, as well as practical applications in urban planning and the impacts of climate change. We are proud to be home to some of the university's most popular degree programs, producing the future policymakers, leaders, and scientists who will shape our society.”

Research Institutes

Jim Sullivan, Ph.D.
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Jim Sullivan, Ph.D.
"FAU Harbor Branch is proud to play a vital role in sustaining Florida Atlantic University's R1 status by pairing groundbreaking marine research with hands-on opportunities for students. From exploring ocean health and aquaculture to engineering solutions for global challenges, our work inspires discovery and innovation at every level. Harbor Branch is where students not only learn science but also live it, gaining the skills, mentorship, and vision to become leaders who will shape the future of our oceans and our world. These opportunities make FAU a top choice for students seeking meaningful impact."
Jason Hallstrom, Ph.D.
Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering
Jason Hallstrom, Ph.D.
“At I-SENSE, our mission is to support FAU’s culture of research excellence through world-class research in sensing and AI-based smart systems. Our faculty, postdocs, staff and students drive innovation with high societal impact — from creating smarter cities and healthcare solutions to strengthening national security and weather preparedness and beyond. With a strong pipeline of doctoral students, a collaborative faculty network and a record of consistently growing competitive federal funding, we deliver a strong ROI for the university and the region and one-of-a-kind training experiences for students. By translating academic innovation into solutions that bolster communities, we are priming the next generation of research leaders.”
Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute
Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
“In pursuing the goal of reaching R1 status, the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute realized the 2015 Strategic Plan mandate to work closely with academic leadership and community sponsors to identify and recruit talented neuroscientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, whose inspired efforts have propelled FAU to a leadership position in brain science and health on the “Brain Coast”. To increase the competitiveness of their research, we acquired and staffed critical new technological platforms and shared-use core facilities. Lastly, we created a cross-college and multi-campus Neuroscience PhD program whose graduates will bring honor to FAU for years to come.”
Gregg Fields, Ph.D.
Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention
Gregg Fields, Ph.D.
“From advancing precision medicine and developing breakthrough treatments to improving public health and disease prevention, I-Health is transforming the future of human health. Through collaborative research, transformative training and partnerships with clinical and community leaders, the university’s discoveries are accelerating to improve lives and elevate Florida Atlantic’s impact on the world. Researchers, postdocs and students are at the forefront of solving some of the most pressing health challenges of this time — driving innovation that helped propel Florida Atlantic to R1 and shaping a healthier tomorrow for all.”

Points of Pride

Florida Atlantic is one of only 21 institutions in the nation to earn both Carnegie R1 top-tier research status and be named an Opportunity University for creating greater student access to college and higher earnings after graduation.

Top
100
PUBLIC
UNIVERSITIES
U.S. News & World Report
OPPORTUNITY UNIVERSITY
HIGHER ACCESS AND HIGHER EARNINGS
R1
TOP-TIER
RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
Top 30
SOCIAL
MOBILITY
U.S. News & World Report
Top 25
Best-in-Class
Washington Post
Top 40
Best Colleges
for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars,
Washington Post
Top 5
Best Bang for the Buck
in the Southeast,
Washington Post
Top 25
PELL GRANT GRADUATION PERFORMANCE
U.S. News & World Report