CAS Chronicles

Stories

Flooding from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans

ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ professor leads push for hurricane scale to include storm surge, flood risk

A new study by ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬'s Jennifer Collins finds that current hurricane warnings, which focus only on wind, fail to capture the true dangers from storm surge and rainfall. The researchers developed a system that combines wind, rain, and surge to better communicate overall risk.

August 26, 2025Research

Noyce Master Teaching Fellows

Elevating Educators: ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ celebrates next generation of STEM teacher leaders

Leadership from ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬, the Coalition for Science Literacy and HCPS welcomed the recipients of the 2025 Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship and celebrated the accomplishments of the 2024 cohort, who earned their master of education in curriculum and instruction from ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ this summer and completed a professional development series in mechatronic principles.

August 21, 2025Accomplishments, Alumni, Community Engagement, Events, Research

Cuban sandwiches being prepared in a Tampa restaurant in the 1960s [Photo courtesy of ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Memory Program]

The Cuban sandwich story: How ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ played a surprising role in its rise to fame

The University of South ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ has played a major role in shaping the Cuban sandwich's legacy — from researching its history and refining Cuban bread baking methods to inspiring the creation of National Cuban Sandwich Day, now celebrated worldwide every August 23.

August 20, 2025Community Engagement

overhead shot of group of new ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ faculty

Meet the new faculty helping power ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s future

From AI-driven discovery to cutting-edge medical research, ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s newest faculty are advancing bold ideas and preparing students for the future. Their arrival reflects the university’s continued momentum as a hub for world-changing innovation and academic excellence.

August 13, 2025Research

ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ faculty and students partnered with community organizations to introduce Irish heritage to Tampa Bay youth. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Ricketts-Jones)

Inaugural ‘Gael Scoil ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™ event shares Irish traditions with the Tampa Bay community

This summer, the University of South ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ introduced Tampa Bay youth to Irish heritage through its inaugural ‘Gael Scoil ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™ event, inviting grade schoolers to engage with Irish culture firsthand through baking, dancing, sports, storytelling, and other immersive experiences.

August 13, 2025Community Engagement

Geosciences Field Station in Mackay, Idaho with mountains behind (Photo courtesy of Paul Wetmore)

A decade in the making: ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Geosciences Field Station celebrates grand opening with alumni reunion

After a decade of collaboration between ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ faculty, staff, and alumni, the Geosciences Field Station in Mackay, Idaho officially opened this summer. The launch was marked by a reunion of more than 30 alumni, representing four decades of shared experience and support for Geosciences students and their capstone work.

August 11, 2025Alumni, Community Engagement

Aiden Jaskolka-Brown Boundless Bulls

Aiden Jaskolka-Brown

Like most future doctors, Aiden Jaskolka-Brown chose his career path out of a desire to save lives. But Jaskolka-Brown didn’t wait until he became a doctor to save lives. In 2023, he donated a segment of his left liver to a 5-month-old baby.

August 4, 2025Community Engagement

Boundless Bulls Trent Ferguson

Seeing beyond sight: A ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ blind student’s journey into broadcasting

As a mass communications major, with a concentration in broadcast program and production, Trent Ferguson has not allowed blindness to become an obstacle in pursuit of his dream of becoming a sports radio broadcaster.

August 4, 2025Community Engagement

Jim Strange and a staff member excavating at Sepphoris in Israel, the site where he spent the bulk of his career. (Photo courtesy of Joanna Strange)

Late ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ professor continues to impact students

Seven years after his passing, James Strange’s legacy continues through the donation of his archaeological collection for student use.

July 31, 2025Research

The archives within the herbarium include extensive research and texts, many of which have been authored by former ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ faculty. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

Uncovering ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s deep roots in botany

Established in 1958, the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Herbarium is one of the University's oldest and most distinctive research collections.

July 31, 2025Community Engagement, Research

University of South ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬: A Preeminent Research University

Creative writing summer camp empowers high school students to bring their ideas to life

Thirty high school students visited ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬â€™s Tampa campus this summer to explore various forms of creative writing — such as fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction — at the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Creative Writing Summer Camp.

July 30, 2025Alumni, Events

University of South ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬: A Preeminent Research University

Award-winning professor uses artificial intelligence to track world’s deadliest animal

Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ faculty are developing a trap that uses artificial intelligence to identify the disease-carrying insects.

July 30, 2025Accomplishments, Featured, Research

About CAS Chronicles

CAS Chronicles is the monthly newsletter for the University of South ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬'s College of Arts and Sciences, your source for the latest news, research, and events at CAS.