CAS Chronicles
2026 Stories
How eye movements and brain activity shape reading comprehension
Reading seems like a straightforward process, but it’s not always that simple. Readers regularly skip words, sometimes without realizing it. New research from USF shows how the brain processes those skipped words using peripheral vision, even as the eyes move past them.
June 15, 2026Research
USF expedition to Antarctica advances research on potential melanoma treatment
A remote Antarctic expedition has brought USF researchers back to a decades-old discovery: A tiny marine organism containing a compound that kills melanoma cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Now, scientists are racing to unlock its potential for future cancer therapies.
June 15, 2026Research
70 years of discovery: How USF built a research powerhouse
Since its founding in 1956, USF has built its identity around a thriving research culture. As USF marks its 70th anniversary, that vision has grown with the institution from modest labs with limited technology into an R1 university and membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities.
June 15, 2026Research
Longtime USF St. Petersburg professor’s book, Catching Sight, reveals what it means to be seen
Longtime USF St. Petersburg ethics professor Deni Elliott has written her first memoir, Catching Sight, about low vision, guide dogs, and what it means to be truly seen.
June 10, 2026Accomplishments, Featured
Local ecosystem becomes living field laboratory for USF students
A four-phase, multi-year partnership between USF and Siesta Key Chapel combines student learning, environmental stewardship and community impact to restore a vital maritime hammock.
May 22, 2026Community Engagement
Building on Fulbright: Taylor Herman’s next chapter abroad
Political science major and Fulbright recipient Taylor Herman spent a year in Moldova teaching English and fostering a classroom grounded in open conversation and curiosity.
May 19, 2026Community Engagement
Memorial funds honor USF anthropologist Curtis Wienker, support student research
Created by his family, the funds support the biomedical anthropology program and establish the Curtis Wienker Viva Cuba Memorial Fund — each reflecting a distinct dimension of Wienker’s decades-long career as an educator, researcher and mentor.
May 13, 2026Community Engagement
Z News earns first place in international competition, setting new standard for USF student journalism
USF’s student‑run newscast, Z News, received the Broadcast Education Association’s Dr. Marjorie Yambor Television Signature Station Award, taking first place in this year’s international competition. This marks the program’s third time placing — and its first time earning the top distinction.
May 13, 2026Accomplishments
17-Year-Old USF Graduate Zayd Nayeem Accelerates Path to Medicine and Service
In spring 2025, Nayeem joined the Department of Chemistry as an intern under the mentorship of his professor, Jhon Figueroa. Over the course of a semester, he helped test new laboratory equipment that is now used in general chemistry courses. Figueroa said Nayeem stood out for both his intellect and work ethic.
May 12, 2026Accomplishments
'Strongest' issue yet: 'Saw Palm' celebrates 20 years of Florida literature and art
Managed and edited by students in USF’s creative writing MFA program, “Saw Palm” is both a literary journal with global reach and a hands-on learning laboratory that offers students direct experience with the publishing process — from soliciting submissions to evaluating and selecting work for publication.
May 12, 2026Community Engagement
Internship grant opens doors for humanities students
Arielle Kessler grew up hearing stories about her great-grandmother’s experiences in Nazi-occupied Europe. When the history major came across an opportunity to intern at the Florida Holocaust Museum, she saw it as a chance to honor the many millions of people who did not survive the genocide.
May 12, 2026Community Engagement
With life sciences solutions in high demand, U.K.-Florida Innovation Corridor is thriving
Department of Molecular Biosciences Chair Marcus Cooke highlighted the importance of universities and research institutions in supporting life science companies, noting that strong academic partnerships create opportunities for commercialization, workforce development and scientific advancement.
May 12, 2026Community Engagement