5/6/2026
Research Takes Center Stage
Annual Event Focused on Collaboration Across Disciplines
More than 200 researchers recently gathered at the Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute for the annual Research Renewal event aimed at showcasing the variety of research and potential collaboration opportunities across the university.
With the Indian River Lagoon as a backdrop, 22 speakers represented 10 colleges and four research institutes, alongside opening remarks from university leadership. In addition, more than 20 student researchers showcased their work in poster sessions.
As a nationally recognized R1 institution, collaboration across colleges is increasingly driving the university’s research impact, according to Gregg Fields, Ph.D., vice president for research.
Fields introduced the FAU President Adam Hasner, who emphasized the importance of research that extends beyond academic boundaries.
The daylong event also included guided boat and tram tours of Harbor Branch’s campus and the Indian River Lagoon. Researchers discussed ongoing studies in marine ecosystems, environmental change and coastal resilience, giving participants a direct view of field sites where much of this work takes place.
The event created a space to explore opportunities for cross-disciplinary exchange as well as a wider perspective on the breadth of research happening across the academic community.
Speakers included:
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Stacey Balkan, Ph.D.
- Gretchen Suarez-Peña, MFA
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
- Ebow T. Nketsiah, Ph.D.
College of Education
- Sangbeak (Sam) Ye, Ph.D.
- Bryan Nichols, Ph.D.
College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Xingquan (Hill) Zhu, Ph.D.
- Arslan Munir, Ph.D.
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Sondra Bickham Washington, Ph.D.
- Tracy Mincer, Ph.D.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
- Lea Sacca, Ph.D., MPH
- Claudia Rodrigues, Ph.D.
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Beth King, Ph.D.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- William Hahn, Ph.D.
- Simon Pieraut, Ph.D.
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Megan Davis, Ph.D.
- Annie Page, DVM, Ph.D.
Institute for Human Health & Disease Intervention
- Beth Pratt, Ph.D., RN
- Ania Knapinska, Ph.D.
Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering
- Jordon Beckler, Ph.D.
- Luke Rosedahl, Ph.D.
Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute
- Lucia Carvelli, Ph.D.
- Srinivasa Subramaniam, Ph.D.