CAS Chronicles
Stories
Could 'The Last of Us' really happen? USF mycology expert breaks down the fungus behind the fiction
HBO鈥檚 The Last of Us might be a dystopian thrill ride, but how real is its core concept that a fungus could hijack the human brain? A USF microbiology professor explains what鈥檚 fact and what鈥檚 fiction.
May 1, 2025Research
St. Petersburg poet laureate and USF alumna publishes debut novel
In Gloria Mu帽oz's debut novel, a genre-bending work of young adult climate fiction, Florida is crumbling under the weight of climate disaster, and seventeen-year-old Julieta Villarreal must decide whether to remain on Earth with her friends and family or to leave everything behind and embark on a mission to establish humanity鈥檚 first extraterrestrial settlement.
April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Alumni, Events
USF students make directorial debut
When Hilda Sheridan-Hewlett moved from London, England to Tampa, Fla. to study literature and film, she was so swept away by the natural beauty of the local beaches that she decided to write and direct a short film. The final product, 鈥淟ost in the Current," has so far been screened at five film festivals.
April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Community Engagement, Events
Undergraduate students hone research presentation skills at national humanities research symposium
Ten students from USF鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences were selected to attend the Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium at Johns Hopkins University in March.
April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Research
USF Psychological Services Center filling mental health services gap for community
At the USF Psychological Services Center, anyone in the community has access to evidence-based therapy and assessments on a sliding scale.
April 29, 2025Community Engagement
USF student revolutionizes forensic anthropology with 3D-scanning technology
Anthropology student Aiden Eylward is pioneering innovation in forensic science by using 3D technology to study cancer-induced bone lesions. Through collaborations with IDEx and IFAAS, Eylward is developing new methods to document these complex skeletal changes and transforming how anthropologists tackle challenges in forensic research.
April 29, 2025Research
Study reveals how invasive plants thrive in new environments
Christina Richards, associate professor of integrative biology, co-led an international study exploring how the highly invasive Japanese knotweed has adapted across continents, uncovering evolutionary insights into the plant鈥檚 success in new environments.
April 29, 2025Research
Anthropology in action: PhD candidate Abby Vidmar helps a town tell its story
Abby Vidmar, an applied environmental anthropology PhD candidate, is documenting the powerful grassroots movement in Port St. Joe, Fla., as residents unite to protect their hometown. Through her work, Vidmar blends research with advocacy, capturing stories of resilience and inspiring efforts to protect communities and ecosystems for generations to come.
April 29, 2025Community Engagement, Research
Two CAS faculty honored with research excellence awards
Each year, Women in Leadership & Philanthropy recognizes faculty research excellence throughout USF with six award categories and an accompanying $5,000 research grant.
April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Research
鈥淐ommunication is your currency:鈥� USF global alumni Hiram R铆os Hern谩ndez awarded the Outstanding Young Alumni Award
CAS alumnus Hiram R铆os Hern谩ndez was one of 10 other alumni aged 35 or under recognized for creative innovation and career success. From Puerto Rico to U.S. embassies around the world, he inspires students with his career journey and commitment to national impact.
April 28, 2025Accomplishments
At the height of the pandemic, two programs launched to connect people across generations. Five years later, Health Buddies and TelePals have connected hundreds of older adults with USF students, reducing loneliness and increasing access to health information.
April 25, 2025Community Engagement
College of Arts and Sciences graduate programs shine in U.S. News and World Report rankings
Six of the more than 30 graduate programs considered the best in the country, according to new rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, are housed within USF鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences.
April 24, 2025Accomplishments