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CLAS alumni shine on UF’s 40 Gators Under 40 list

UF Alumni Association recognizes 13 alumni from the college

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The UF Alumni Association’s annual 40 Gators Under 40 program honors and celebrates alumni who have made significant impact on their communities, professional organizations, and the Gator Nation at large. The honorees exemplify the values of leadership, innovation, and service that define the UF spirit. This year, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences proudly announces that 13 of its alumni have been selected for this prestigious recognition.

Brock Hankins, Billy Greene, Erin Gillaspie, and Anna DeCerchio doing the gator chomp with Dean Richardson.
From left to right: Brock Hankins, Billy Greene, Erin Gillaspie, Ann DeCerchio, and Dean Richardson. Photo by Michel Thomas.

Please join us in celebrating the following outstanding CLAS alumni:

Avan Armaghani
Assistant Manager of the Department of Breast Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center
Location: Tampa, FL
UF Degrees: BS ’09, HS ’09, MD ‘12

Avan Armaghani, a triple-Gator graduate, specializes in breast cancer treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. She is also a core faculty member at the University of South Florida and the Moffitt Cancer Center’s hematology/oncology fellowship program.

Armaghani is also an active member of the medical community, serving on committees like the Hillsborough County Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American College of Physicians. She is known for her advocacy of new medical technologies, helping develop the first mobile app for clinical trials at Moffitt Cancer Center. In addition to supporting girls in STEM through her volunteer work with Girls Inc, Armaghani also created a photography exhibit called ‘Portraits of Hope,’ a gallery showcasing the strength, courage, and resilience of breast cancer patients.

Brian Aungst Jr.
Shareholder for Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen
Location: Clearwater, FL
UF Degrees: BSTEL ’05, BA Political Science ’05, JD Law ‘08

Brian Aungst Jr. graduated from UF in 2005 with degrees in Political Science and Telecommunication, then earned his JD in 2008. Since then, he has devoted his career to improving the lives of Floridians across Central Florida.

Aungst has contributed to numerous advisory boards, including the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. He has been a staunch advocate for issues such as collective bargaining rights, domestic abuse, and affordable housing. Notably, he successfully obtained approval for over 500 much-needed affordable housing units in St. Petersburg.

Devin Bustin
Chief Medical Officer of OvaryIt LLC
Location: Jersey City, NJ
UF Degrees: BS Psychology ’07, MD Medicine ‘11

Devin Bustin boasts a BS in Psychology and an MD in Medicine from UF. Now, he wears many hats, serving as the Chief Medical Officer for OvaryIt, a company he co-founded with his wife. Additionally, he serves as the Head of Clinical Informatics at Atria Health, Associate Director of Clinical Informatics at Sollis Health, and works as an attending physician in the Mountainside Medical Center Emergency Department.

Bustin has a passion for ethical entrepreneurship centered on utilizing technology and novel healthcare delivery approaches to increase quality, efficiency, and access to care. In his various leadership roles, he remains committed to driving change and innovation within the healthcare sector.

Sirikanya Chiraroekmongkon
Psychiatry Resident Physician at Yale University’s Department of Psychiatry
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
UF Degrees: BA International Studies ’15, BS Chemistry ’15

Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Sirikanya (Sanya) Chiraroekmongkon completed her undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and International Studies at UF in 2015. However, her academic journey didn’t stop there. Chiraroekmongkon has since studied at Fudan University in China, the University of Central Florida, and Yale, honing her medical expertise.

Chiraroekmongkon is a champion of mental health, working as a physician for individuals with serious mental illnesses. She founded a nonprofit organization called Rising Youth, which aims to support high school students in maintaining their mental wellness. She has also been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Order of Pegasus, UCF’s highest honor.

Anna DeCerchio
Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Location: Tallahassee, FL
UF Degrees: BA History ’12, BA Political Science ‘12

Anna DeCerchio left her home of Tallahassee to attend UF, earning degrees in History and Political Science before returning home to FSU for law school. Since graduating, she has held various positions within Florida’s state government. She worked as a Legislative Aide for Future Speaker of the House Paul Renner and has held several key policy roles in the DeSantis administration.

As a senior policy advisor to Governor DeSantis, DeCerchio played a pivotal role in securing funding for preservation projects in the Everglades, statewide toll relief initiatives, and the state’s response to red tide. Currently, she serves as the Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, where she oversees over 3,000 employees and the largest environmental budget in agency history.

Julia Furnari
Executive Director of Tapestry, Inc.
Location: Tampa, FL
UF Degrees: BS Marketing ’15, BS Psychology ‘15

After graduating summa cum laude with degrees in Marketing and Psychology, Julia Furnari went on to obtain a master’s degree from Columbia University in Nonprofit Management. Her love of philanthropy would drive her to join the Tapestry Foundation in 2017, a New York-based house of modern luxury lifestyle brands including Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman.

Over the years, Furnari progressed within the organization, ultimately assuming the role of Executive Director. In this capacity, she wields significant influence over the company’s philanthropy and donations. Since taking on this role, she has awarded thousands of scholarships to underprivileged and underrepresented students across the globe, and is responsible for executing over $200 million in donations. She also pioneered the establishment of the $50 million Tapestry Foundation.

Erin Gillaspie
Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Associate Professor at Creighton University Medical Center
Location: Omaha, NE
UF Degree: BS Microbiology & Cell Science ‘04

Erin Gillaspie earned her first college degree while still in high school, foreshadowing her subsequent professional success. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science at UF in just two years, after which she began medical school.

After finishing a general surgery residency at Bassett Medical Center and a thoracic surgery fellowship at Mayo Clinic, she joined Vanderbilt as an Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery, where she dedicated her time to mentoring students and developing new programs, like a robotic education program and new tools for educating patients about lung cancer. Subsequently, Gillaspie assumed roles of Chief of Thoracic Surgery and an Associate Professor with Tenure at Creighton University Medical Center, making her one of the few women to achieve the prestigious position.

Jennifer Goetz
Director and Inpatient Psychiatry/Eating Disorder Clinical Care Consultant at Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital/Mass General
Location: Cambridge, MA
UF Degrees: BS Psychology ’09, MD Medicine ‘13

Jennifer Goetz earned a BS in Psychology from UF in 2009, marking the beginning of her journey toward specializing in caring for patients with eating disorders. After earning her MD in Medicine in 2013, she began working for Harvard Medical School and the nearby McLean Hospital, where she played a key role in opening a new child and adolescent unit in an underserved area of the state.

Goetz’ dedication and expertise earned her recognition from colleagues, resulting in referrals locally, regionally, and nationally. Her exceptional clinical care for pediatric patients with eating disorders at Johns Hopkins Hospital led to her being recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Baltimore Magazine. Currently, she is engaged in addressing service gaps in eating disorder care across the Mass General Brigham system, aiming to enhance mental health support for her patients.

Raleigh “Billy” Greene
Managing Partner/Attorney for Greene & Greene, Attorneys at Law
Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
UF Degrees: BA Criminal Justice ’07, JD Law ‘11

Raleigh “Billy” Greene, a native Floridian, graduated twice from UF, earning a BA in Criminal Justice and a JD in Law. Specializing in family law, including both litigation and collaborative divorce, he practices as a managing partner alongside his wife and father at Greene & Greene.

Throughout his career, Greene has garnered numerous awards and honors. In 2017, he was awarded the Canakaris Family Law Inn of Court “Young Lawyer of the Year” award and was bestowed the Distinguished Citizen Award by Boy Scouts of America for his community and philanthropic contributions. He has also achieved an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell and has been designated by both Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. As Chair of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, he has led transformative projects including joint development with the School Board for a health facility and magnet school.

Brock Hankins
Deputy General Counsel and Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer at the Department of Defense
Location: Orlando, FL
UF Degrees: BA Interdisciplinary Studies ’10, BA Economics ’10, JD Law ‘14

Brock Hankins graduated with degrees in Economics and Interdisciplinary Studies in 2010, and would later graduate with his JD in Law in 2014. He now serves as Deputy General Counsel for the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping AI adoption and regulation nationwide.

Outside of work, Hankins is deeply engaged in community leadership. He holds the position of Secretary for the UF Law Alumni Council, was elected to the Board of Governors for The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division representing out-of-state attorneys, provides pro bono legal counsel for Florida Diabetes Camps, serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida House on Capitol Hill, and is an advisory board member for Orange County’s Citizen Commission for Children.

Justin Kintz
Senior Vice President at Peloton
Location: Arlington, VA
UF Degree: BA English ‘07

Justin Kintz has spent the 16 years since graduating with a BA in English working with governments around the world, beginning with an appointment to the Bush administration in 2007. From there, he transitioned to the Transatlantic Business Council as a multinational advisor, before joining Uber. With his help, this small company established itself in all 50 states and 70 countries globally, becoming the most well-known name in ridesharing. In 2021, Kintz left Uber to join Peloton as a Senior Vice President.

Kintz serves as an advisor for numerous institutions, joining the Board of The Internet Association in 2015, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association from 2016-2018, The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., and the Board of Directors for the University of Florida Gator Boosters. He also volunteers his time by advising aspiring political candidates and startup founders, and serves as the editor of his community newsletter.

Donovan Thompson
Research and Technology Manager for Albemarle Corporation
Location: Prairieville, LA
UF Degree: PhD Chemistry ‘14

Donovan Thompson graduated from the Department of Chemistry in 2014, where he spent his time studying and performing research in the Butler Polymer Lab under Professor Kenneth Wagner. Since setting out on his own, Thompson has released more than 20 publications, scientific presentations, patents, and three commercial products. In his current role at the Albermarle Company, he has led the commercialization of New Products in Food Safety.

His hard work has been recognized many times, such as the Colgate-Palmolive and SMART Science Awards, AkzoNobel 2017 Early Career Scientist Award, the 2020 New Brunswick (NJ) Alumni Mentorship Service Award, and even an appearance on Georgia Southern University’s 40 Under 40 list in 2018.

Gordon Van Owen
Lead Teacher for the New York City Department of Education
Location: New York, NY
UF Degrees: BA English ’06, BSJ ’06, MAMC ‘08

Gordon Van Owen arrived at UF in the early 2000s as a closeted gay man. Over time, he became a champion for LGBTQIA+ students, both as a student and after graduating with a BA in English in 2006. Having received major support from his peers, he wants to ensure that future LGBTQIA+ students have a similar positive experience. To this end, he has served on the Gotham Gators, helped re-launch the Association of LGBTQ+ Alumni, and connected students and funded scholarships.

During his time at UF, Van Owen also discovered a love of teaching, primarily through his time teaching at the College of Journalism and Communications. He has since transitioned to the New York City Department of Education, where he contributes to writing AP English curricula and mentors emerging educators.

Congratulations to all the honorees for their remarkable achievements and contributions.

For more information about the “40 Gators Under 40” program and to view the complete list of this year’s honorees, please explore here.

UF’s Carter Conference examines Africa’s future

Center for African Studies propels insight and collaboration on contemporary African studies

The University of Florida’s Center for African Studies hosted its annual Gwendolen M. Carter Conference, uniting leading experts, scholars, students, and community members to address pressing issues facing Africa’s people and environments.

Held on March 21 and 22, the conference served as a platform for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange as participants examined the continent’s future challenges and opportunities. The two-day event featured presentations, workshops, and discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics, from environmental sustainability to public health and education.

Presenters from nine states and six countries joined dozens of UF faculty members to showcase their expertise and engage in robust discussions. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with scholars in the field and participate in sessions that examined the complexities of contemporary African topics.

“We wanted to bring the very best minds in African studies to the University of Florida — experts who are addressing the continent’s greatest challenges, helping its peoples meet their opportunities, and working with them to overcome injustice and inequalities,” said Miles Larmer, the center’s director and professor of history.

This year’s conference, themed “CAS @ 60: New Directions in African Studies,” explored the evolving landscape of African studies. Larmer underscored that the center’s future will be shaped by the ‘new directions’ of Africa and Africans, emphasizing the pivotal role of the continent’s youthful and expanding population in addressing urgent global challenges.

“The center will engage with them, provide educational opportunities and meaningful research that addresses their hopes and ambitions, and do everything we can to contribute to the positive future development of the continent and its peoples,” Larmer said.

Many of the conference’s speakers, including Zainab Usman of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Bright Gyamfi from the University of San Diego, recently completed their doctorates. Larmer praised their fresh insights, which complemented those of more established scholars.

“Innovation requires us to listen and learn from the newest generation of African Studies scholars, many from the continent itself, who are challenging everything we thought we knew about African studies,” Larmer said.

The conference’s theme of ‘new directions’ is fitting for the times. As the center looks toward its seventh decade, Larmer’s arrival during the fall semester of 2023 has ushered in a new chapter. With a distinguished career spanning over a decade at the University of Oxford and a robust portfolio of research in the modern history of southern and central Africa, Larmer brings expertise as a leading authority in the field to his new role.

“I’m constantly delighted — and only occasionally intimidated — by the responsibility of guiding one of America’s most important centers of excellence in African studies into an exciting but always uncertain future,” Larmer said.

In his new role, Larmer will spearhead initiatives to promote interdisciplinary research, foster academic collaboration, and elevate the study of Africa within the university community and beyond. His vision for the center includes engaging in critical conversations about Africa’s past, present, and future while uniting a robust population of over 100 affiliated teaching and research faculty.

At the conference, UF students, faculty, and former directors of the center made notable contributions. Agnes Leslie, senior lecturer in the Center for African Studies, convened a panel focused on creative ways of teaching about Africa.

“Thanks to the center’s decades of outreach to local communities and K-12 schools, we’re able to discuss cutting-edge issues alongside educators who explain how schools here and nationwide are innovating in teaching about Africa,” Larmer said.

In another session, Leonardo Villalón, professor of African politics, led a roundtable on collaborative research in conflict-affected areas, drawing lessons from the Sahel in partnership with members from the Sahel Research Group and the International Crisis Group.

“We have world-leading experts here,” Larmer said. “UF’s Center for African Studies and the university’s Africa-related programs are delivering cutting-edge research that is positively impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions of African people.”

For over thirty years, the center has honored the legacy of renowned scholar Gwendolen M. Carter with annually organized lectures or conferences. Carter’s work focused on the politics of inequality in southern Africa, significantly advancing African studies as an academic discipline.

“Key issues, themes, and priorities will come and go,” Larmer said. “What remains true is that the best way to address our challenges and problems is to meet, talk, and listen together to diverse voices and perspectives.”

Learn more about the Center for African Studies here.

Mellon Foundation grant recognizes UF Women’s Studies Department strengths

In a testament to its dedication to academic excellence and community engagement, the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at the University of Florida has been selected as a recipient of a prestigious ‘Affirming Multivocal Humanities’ grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The funding, awarded during the fall 2023 semester, marks an important milestone for the department and underscores its contribution to innovative scholarship in the humanities.

The ‘Affirming Multivocal Humanities’ grant will advance the department’s mission by supporting various curricular and co-curricular initiatives over the next two years, including community-engaged student research, a career pathways series, and efforts to promote public understanding of the field.

“We’re thrilled that the Mellon Foundation is recognizing and supporting the work that we’re doing here at UF,” said Bonnie Moradi, chair of the department and professor of psychology. “Experiential learning and community engagement have been longstanding strengths of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. This grant builds on these strengths to provide students with rich research and career readiness opportunities that serve communities and benefit the social good.”

Annually, the department places over two hundred students in more than thirty internship and practicum sites. With the grant’s support, the department plans to establish an alumni mentoring network for students, further expanding its experiential learning program.

According to Moradi, students have responded enthusiastically to grant events and opportunities. Through Mellon grant events, students are engaging with scholars, practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and alumni across various fields.

Moreover, students have joined research teams funded by the grant, collaborating with faculty on community-engaged research projects. These mentored projects allow students to develop critical skills while providing service to community centers, education programs, health clinics, victim services, and other settings.

“Students are telling us that these experiences are a distinctive part of their UF experience that they will remember and carry forward,” said Moradi.

The grant will also help the department elevate platforms for students and alumni to share the impact of their education in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.

Women’s Studies majors engage in a panel in fall 2023. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Zucker.

“Our students have inspiring stories about what they’re learning as Women’s Studies majors and how they’re benefiting communities in Florida and beyond,” said Moradi.

Through project activities, participants will reflect on their learning and create accessible and public communications using narrative-building and storytelling techniques. These narratives will not only serve to highlight the personal and professional growth of those involved but will also underscore the significance of their education in fostering positive change within the communities they serve.

Moradi looks forward to leveraging the funding to enhance the department’s intellectual environment and promote broader advancement of knowledge in the field.

“The legacy of this grant will be to capture and share our students’ stories about their learning, accomplishments, and professional pathways as Women’s Studies majors,” said Moradi. “We are thrilled about the student opportunities we can create and we’re proud of our students’ work.”

The Mellon Foundation has granted over $18 million to 95 public colleges and universities across 66 institutions through its ‘Affirming Multivocal Humanities’ initiative. This funding supports activities advancing the study of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Grants were awarded based on institutions’ contributions to gender and ethnic studies. Explore the initiative here.

UF honors legacy of William and Grace Dial with renaming of Dial Center

The University of Florida proudly announces the transformation of the Dial Center into the William & Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies. Formerly recognized as the Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication, this renaming reflects the center’s expanded scope and its commitment to interdisciplinary approaches. The new name aligns with the center’s dedication to fostering advanced interpersonal skills, effective listening habits, persuasive argumentation, and public speaking.

The shift also revitalizes a tribute to the enduring legacy of Attorney William H. Dial and his wife Grace. Emily Rine Butler, the director of the center, expressed enthusiasm for the renaming, seeing it as a pivotal moment in the center’s evolution.

“We strive to honor the Dials’ legacy every day by empowering students, faculty, and staff to find their voices,” said Butler. “At the center, we actively use communication as a means to put something good out into the world.”

Grace and William H. Dial.

The history of UF’s Dial Center dates back to 1996 when its establishment was made possible by the Dial family’s generous endowment. William Henry “Billy” Dial, a UF law school graduate in 1932, left an indelible mark on the state’s history, particularly in downtown Orlando’s development and the introduction of I-4. His influence extended beyond law to banking, where he transformed First National Bank into the thriving SunBank, a legacy now continued by Truist.

Dial’s eloquent communication skills were inherited by his eldest daughter, Joan Dial Ruffier, who became the first female Chair of the Florida Board of Regents. It was her commitment to education that led to the establishment of the Dial Center.

“It’s crucial to recognize the impact of investing in communication skills across all fields,” Butler said. “Joan has always been forward-thinking in this regard.”

In response to evolving needs, the center has expanded its offerings over the past decade. Butler, who assumed leadership in 2021, embraced the challenges of the pandemic as opportunities for growth.

“We knew that students’ interpersonal skills were getting rusty,” she said. “So we rebooted and reenergized our efforts.”

The team wasted no time, expanding their range of offerings within the four main pillars of the center, the ever-popular Minor in Communication Studies, competitive and public Speech and Debate teams, the two-year Ambassador Leadership Program for undergraduates, and the Public Speaking Lab. In 2022, the Public Speaking Lab moved to a larger space on the 5th Floor of Rolfs Hall, enabling it to offer more appointments for those looking for help developing their communication skills and establishing itself as a central hub within the campus.

“A lot of people think we only focus on public speaking,” said Amy Martinelli, the center’s associate director. “Public speaking may be our bread and butter, but once you move beyond, you’ll find a whole four-course meal.”

Amy Martinelli, Gil Carter, Congresswoman Kat Cammack, and Emily Rine Butler pose for a photo in front of a speech and debate poster in the Dial Center. Photo by Michel Thomas.

The center has diligently cultivated more robust partnerships both within and beyond the campus community. Increasingly frequent public events engage a wider audience from across the campus. Public workshops spanning conflict management, building confidence, and civil discourse have expanded the center’s reach. In an exciting development, the center will also co-sponsor TEDxUF’s 15th Annual Conference next month, further amplifying its influence and involvement.

“We are fortunate to have incredible resources here at UF,” said Butler. “You need people who act as bridge builders, connecting these resources to collectively benefit and uplift everybody. We want to be those people.”

The liberal arts lie at the epicenter of this endeavor, she explained, possessing an advantage in fostering these connections compared to another discipline.

Looking ahead, Butler remains steadfast in the center’s core mission. Guided by the vision of the Dial family, the center ensures that future generations possess the skills to effectively share ideas, bridge disciplines, and advocate for themselves and others.

“It’s a legacy that harmonizes with our own, continuously evolving,” she said.

Central to this mission is the goal of enhancing individuals’ ability to communicate articulately and express themselves effectively — a principle cherished by the Dials and embraced by the center.

“We won’t stop pushing forward until we can connect with every individual at UF,” Butler said. “Every effort counts in moving the needle.”

Explore the Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies’ offerings, including upcoming events, here.

New study finds a significant relationship between partisan politics and consumer sentiments

Hector Sandoval’s findings reveal that Floridian consumers exhibit greater confidence about economic conditions when their favored political party is in charge.

A new study from UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) has found that national elections have a greater impact on consumer sentiment and spending intentions than previously thought, especially during transitions of power between political parties. Led by Hector Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program and research assistant professor at the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), the study draws on years of meticulous observation and analysis of monthly sentiments data collected by the UF Survey Research Center.

Photo of Hector Sandoval, standing in front of a large window with his arms crossed.
Hector Sandoval. Photo by Michel Thomas.

Despite the wealth of data available to economics researchers, studies on these relationships are relatively uncommon. This study, according to Sandoval, is built on similar work performed in Australia back in 2018, marking the first of its kind conducted in the state of Florida.

“Consumer sentiment surveys have existed for nearly 75 years, yet the causal relationship between sentiment and consumption is mixed and scarce,” Sandoval said.

These surveys ask a range of questions, with the primary inquiry being: “Do you think now is a good or a bad time for people to buy major household items?” Following this central query, there are six additional questions probing specific major purchases, like cars, apparel, housing, etc. Sandoval and his team looked at samples of surveys from 1991 to 2019, a time period encompassing seven presidential elections and seven state gubernatorial elections.

The findings indicate a significant boost to consumer morale when their affiliated party won elections, particularly following presidential elections where there was a change in the presidential party, such as those in 1992, 2000, 2008, and 2016. As anticipated, consumer sentiments showed an inverse pattern between Democrats and Republicans. When a Democrat won the presidency, Democrats’ positive sentiments rose while Republicans’ positive sentiments declined, and vice versa when a Republican won.

A chart showing differences in consumer sentiments between Democrats and Republicans.
One of several charts created for the study. This one compares the sentiments of Democrats and Republicans and highlights the changes during election years. Graph courtesy of Hector Sandoval.

While the relationship between national elections and consumer sentiment was clear and significant, the relationship between gubernatorial elections and sentiments was much harder to define. For one, there was only one party shift in the governor’s office during the time periods in which data was collected, so there was not a lot of data to work with. The results were also weak, so Sandoval was not able to determine a statistically significant relationship.

“We did, however, observe a growing partisan divide, and this trend is something worth investigating,” Sandoval explained. “Understanding why the gap between Democrats and Republicans is widening and exploring its social and economic implications are both important avenues for further research.”

In addition to looking at sentiment surveys, Sandoval also analyzed administrative data on actual spending during those time periods to investigate the effect of consumer sentiment on spending. His findings revealed that consumers kept to their beliefs, making fewer large purchases during times when their overall sentiments were low.

While Sandoval believes that all states would benefit from research like this, not every state maintains records of consumer sentiments, and among those that do, none have data going as far back as Florida’s. New York, Nebraska, and California could be the subject of future studies, as their data goes back to 2002, 2017, and 2018, respectively.

“It would be interesting to observe whether similar patterns emerge in other states, especially concerning the impact of gubernatorial elections on sentiment,” Sandoval said.

Read more about the study here.

Rare access to hammerhead shark embryos reveals secrets of its unique head development

An abstract rendering of what gravitational waves might look like if we were able to see them.

Pushing the boundary on ultralow frequency gravitational waves

A team of physicists has developed a method to detect gravity waves with such low frequencies that they could unlock the secrets behind the early phases of mergers between supermassive black holes, the heaviest objects in the universe.

The method can detect gravitational waves that oscillate just once every thousand years, 100 times slower than any previously measured gravitational waves.

“These are waves reaching us from the farthest corners of the universe, capable of affecting how light travels,” said Jeff Dror, PhD, an assistant professor of physics at the University of Florida and co-author of the new study. “Studying these waves from the early universe will help us build a complete picture of our cosmic history, analogous to previous discoveries of the cosmic microwave background.”

Dror and his co-author, University of California, Santa Cruz postdoctoral researcher William DeRocco, published their findings Feb. 26 in Physical Review Letters.

Gravitational waves are akin to ripples in space. Like sound waves or waves on the ocean, gravitational waves vary in both frequency and amplitude, information that offers insights into their origin and age. Gravitational waves that reach us can be oscillating at extremely low frequencies, much lower than those of sound waves detectable with the human ear. Some of the lowest frequencies detected in the past were as low as one nanohertz.

“For reference,” Dror explained, “the frequency of sound waves created by an alligator roar are about 100 billion times higher than this frequency – these are very low-pitched waves.”

An outdoor headshot of Jeff Dror.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Dror.

Their new method of detection is based on analyzing pulsars, neutron stars that emit radio waves at highly regular intervals. Dror hypothesized that searching for gradual slowdown in the arrivals of these pulses could reveal new gravitational waves. By studying existing pulsar data,  Dror was able to search for gravitational waves with lower frequencies than ever before, increasing our “hearing range” to frequencies as low as 10 picohertz, 100 times lower than previous efforts that detected nanohertz-level waves.

While gravitational waves with frequencies around a nanohertz have been detected before, not much is known about their origin. There are two theories. The leading idea is that these waves are the result of a merger between two supermassive black holes, which, if true, would give researchers a new way to study the behavior of these giant objects that lie at the heart of every galaxy.

The other main theory is that these waves were created by some sort of cataclysmic event early in the universe’s history. By studying gravitational waves at even lower frequencies, they may be able to differentiate these possibilities.

“Looking ahead, the next step is to analyze newer data sets,” Dror said. “The datasets we used were primarily from 2014 and 2015, and a huge number of pulsar observations have been undertaken since that time.”

Dror also plans to run simulations on mock data using UF’s HiPerGator supercomputer to further unravel cosmic history. The supercomputer can efficiently run large, complex simulations, significantly reducing the time required to analyze data.

Read the full study here.

This study was supported in part by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

 

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UF announces 10th Gates Cambridge Scholar

Floridian sentiment continues upward tick for fifth month

Consumer sentiment increased for a fifth month in a row in February, reinforcing the optimistic outlook set at the beginning of the year.

Five students dressed in yellow and the iconic Two Bits tie hold a "Thank You" sign in front of the Turlington rock.

CLAS celebrates this year’s Gator Nation Giving Day impact

Generosity ignites the college’s continued success and innovation

This year, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences celebrated a successful Stand Up & Holler: Gator Nation Giving Day, highlighting the generosity of our donors who invested more than $1.5 million to support programs and initiatives benefitting students, faculty and staff throughout the college.

Gator Nation Giving Day brings together the UF community, including alumni, parents, students, donors, faculty, and staff, in a spirited 24-hour fundraising campaign. This year marked the university’s sixth event, held on Feb. 15, where supporters were encouraged to contribute to their preferred areas of interest within UF.

Dean David E. Richardson emphasized the importance of Giving Day in not only generating financial support for student success but also fostering a culture of philanthropy within the CLAS community around the college’s many outstanding programs.

Giving Day unites our community in a shared mission of support and generosity,” he said. “It’s more than fundraising; it’s about cultivating a spirit of partnership with our alumni and friends.”

CLAS received over 1,000 gifts from 825 donors and successfully met three giving challenges.

These contributions will help the college in a variety of ways, from providing students with new learning opportunities to funding faculty research and projects across campus. Donor-supported initiatives included:

Enhanced experiential learning opportunities:

  • The Department of Biology’s Experiential Learning Fund will support experimental teaching methods with an intensive Semester of Immersion program, offering hands-on learning through fieldwork, research, and intensive class sessions.
  • Beyond120, the college’s flagship experiential learning program, received tremendous support which will transform learning opportunities outside of the classroom, including internships, excursions, and mentorship connections.

Outreach that makes a difference:

  • The Department of Physics’ Unrestricted Fund, which raised over $2,500, will allow for expanded engagement in physics teaching and research with support for the recruitment of faculty and graduate students, group activities, and community engagement events.
  • The Bud Shorstein Center for Jewish Studies will use funding to host public programs and to help create a warm environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff at UF.
  • The funds raised by the Department of Astronomy will support the enrichment of programming, including colloquia by noted astronomers, career talks by alumni, and recognition awards for outstanding student engagement.

Expanded student experiences:

  • The Bob Graham Center for Public Service will use funding to cultivate civic leadership by immersing aspiring public service professionals in internship pipelines.
  • The Center for African Studies will expand its student and community outreach efforts by engaging in extracurricular activities that promote community building and public programming.
  • The Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies plans to support its student and faculty scholarship programs, creating more opportunities to host public events and travel for conferences.

Support for graduate student and faculty teaching:

  • The Department of History’s Bridget Phillips Term Professor Fund saw over $22,000 raised toward the establishment of a term professorship.
  • The Department of Economics encouraged support for one of their highest awards for doctoral students: the Lawrence Kenny Graduate Student Teaching Award. This award recognizes doctoral students for their impact on undergraduate education and teaching.

Financial support for students:

  • The Sociology and Criminology & Law Lanza-Kaduce Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students with financial need and preference to first-generation students who have worked in public service or whose families are public servants.
  • The Geology Department Fund will enhance graduate student stipends with the funds raised on Giving Day, improve Department of Geological Sciences facilities, and sponsor distinguished seminar speakers.

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University of Florida buildings

UF moves up to second place in top producer ranking of Fulbright US scholars

The larger of the two observatories opens its roof to allow those inside to look at the sky.

UF’s Rosemary Hill Observatory offers a rare view of the night sky

Far away from the light pollution of big cities, Rosemary Hill is the perfect place to stargaze for residents of North Central Florida.

Located in the heart of the largest dark area of North Florida, the Rosemary Hill Observatory stands quietly in a forest near the small town of Bronson. Tucked away from the bright lights of Gainesville, this UF satellite facility offers students and astronomy enthusiasts alike a rare view of the night sky, unsullied by the effects of light pollution.

Compared to some of the massive observatories designed to peer into deep space, the facilities at Rosemary Hill may seem unassuming at first. There are only three buildings there: two small, domed towers housing telescopes and a small lodge near the main road. These modest structures, however, boast some impressive technology.

While the advanced equipment is primarily used by UF astronomy students for academic purposes, the observatory also serves the greater Gainesville and Bronson communities at large. The Department of Astronomy regularly collaborates with local clubs and astronomy enthusiasts to host stargazing events and meteor shower watch parties on the grounds. The Department has started hosting its own events, too, offering visitors from Bronson, Gainesville, and other nearby towns tours of the towers and talks on astronomical topics like light pollution.

“It is a rare gem in the heart of North Florida,” Elizabeth Lada, chair of the Department of Astronomy, explained. “As one of the few observatories in the eastern US with minimal light pollution, it not only serves a vital learning ground for students, providing hands-on experience and training, but also invites the broader community to connect with the wonders of the cosmos.”

The larger of the two observatory towers stands atop the hill and houses the older and larger of the two telescopes. This 30-inch-wide Tinsley telescope was installed way back in 1967, the same year the observatory was built, and has received regular repairs and upgrades over its nearly 60-year lifespan.

Francisco Reyes, an associate scientist emeritus for the Department of Astronomy, oversees operations at Rosemary Hill. According to Reyes, operating the larger telescope is a team effort, as despite being upgraded over the years, the large telescope still must be manually moved, framed, and focused.

Francisco Reyes explains how the 30-inch telescope works to a group of visitors.
Francisco Reyes explains how the 30-inch telescope works to a group of visitors. Photo by Michel Thomas.

“Students work in teams of three to four to operate it,” Reyes explained. “We usually let graduate students lead the teams to give them a chance to share their expertise.”

Operating a large, manual telescope takes a lot of time and trial and error, but for students, the experience is invaluable. In order to get a photo, they must identify the object they wish to photograph, rotate the telescope to point in that direction, focus the lens on the object, and get the lighting and focus just right.

“It can take up to an hour and a half to get just one great photo,” Reyes said.

The interior of the 30-inch telescope, with a large mirror and several electrical components.
The interior of Rosemary Hill’s 30-inch telescope. Photo by Michel Thomas.

If students are patient, though, the photos they take at Rosemary Hill are stunning. Visitors to Rosemary Hill can find a small gallery of photos from over the years in the larger tower’s lobby. Some of these photos even date back to the 1970’s and 80’s, showcasing the observatory’s rich history.

The second observatory tower is a short walk down the hill, and houses a smaller 14-inch wide Meade telescope within. This telescope, unlike the Tinsley, is brand new, having been installed in 2021 thanks to a Tech grant championed by Astronomy Professor Anthony Gonzalez. Also, unlike the larger telescope, this is a digital telescope and can be turned and focused using a controller. It can even be used remotely, even allowing remote operation from UF’s campus. However, the complexity of its internal components makes regular maintenance and upgrades on the Meade telescope challenging, especially in the humid Florida climate, where mold growth poses a threat.

A black and white photo of Rosemary Hill's larger tower, with the night sky dotted with stars in the background.
Photo by Michel Thomas.

Despite these operational challenges, Lada expresses optimism about the strong turnout at recent public events and hopes to continue fostering a connection between the observatory and the communities it serves.

“I hope that we can continue to share the magic of stargazing under these dark skies with our students and the community for many generations to come,” said Lada.

For more information on the Astronomy Department’s public events, visit their website here:

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