Erica Hillsnipe, senior lecturer of physics in the College of Science and Mathematics’ Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics at ������Ƶ, is one of only 16 candidates selected to participate in the in Georgia. The program equips higher education faculty members with the knowledge and skills to leverage the latest technologies and instructional tools to develop innovative teaching strategies for diverse classrooms.

“I am pretty excited about the opportunity,” Hillsnipe said. “I was unsure, at first, if I would have a chance to be part of the program with so many knowledgeable and talented applicants, but I do care a lot about teaching. With support from my colleagues and our Faculty Center, I was honored to be chosen by Georgia Southern as well as the program.”

Each year, GTF selects outstanding higher education faculty members from institutions across Georgia for the program. Hillsnipe’s dedication to teaching before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic highlights her commitment to creating unique, innovative teaching methods throughout her decade of service to the University. In 2024, Hillsnipe worked with multiple University faculty members to publish research on student learning outcomes in a post-pandemic world,

“The pandemic was challenging for both students and teachers in the classroom,” Hillsnipe said. “It made me rethink the methods I used to help each student understand complex physics topics remotely. However, it also pushed me to continue creating custom teaching strategies for each new group of students every year. I thought, ‘How can I make a discipline with such an intimidating reputation something palatable and approachable?’ and learned how to adapt quickly.”

In addition to publishing student-focused research, Hillsnipe also has been recognized for her teaching excellence at Georgia Southern with the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Science and Mathematics.

Starting September 2026, Hillsnipe looks forward to participating in the GTF program and continuing to build a greater understanding of classroom management and student learning opportunities to better accommodate the University’s growing student population.

“I love having a student-centered approach to teaching, and I want to learn more about how instructors are approaching larger classroom sizes without sacrificing that individualized approach to supporting students,” Hillsnipe explained.

Hosted by the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia, GTF unites faculty from across Georgia to redesign frequently taught courses, develop leadership skills and master emerging technologies in their unique fields to enhance their understanding of the classroom.

“I am thrilled to meet with other faculty members who share my passion for teaching,” Hillsnipe added. “I want to keep my future students excited and engaged – even if there are a lot more of them than there are of me.” 

������Ƶ Professor of Geography Amy Potter, Ph.D., has been elected president of the (SEDAAG). 

“In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as treasurer of SEDAAG, vice president, honors chair and Georgia’s state representative,” Potter explained. “It has served me well in terms of my career as an academic. I really look forward to the challenge of beginning this new position with the organization.”

Along with her new role in SEDAAG, Potter was also honored with the Excellence in Research Award for her work documenting historic communities throughout coastal Georgia. Her research has provided valuable insight into overlooked regional geographies. The award is presented annually to outstanding professionals in the field of geography. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized with such a prestigious award,” said Potter. “I was actually nominated by my colleague Derek Alderman, Ph.D., who’s at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I consider him to be the premier cultural geographer in our field. Derek is also an alumnus of Georgia Southern, so it’s fantastic to see our alumni thriving in our field.” 

She notes the University has a close connection with the organization as students get real world experience through many of its programs.   

“Georgia Southern students have quite a legacy at SEDAAG,” Potter said. “Our students have won the Geography Bowl twice and have received numerous awards recognizing the quality of their research. Each year, we bring both graduate and undergraduate students to the conference, where they engage with peers from other programs as well as with academics and professionals in the field. They have also gained valuable networking opportunities that have led to research collaborations.” 

Ultimately, Potter hopes her newly elected position will allow her to continue supporting students who are interested in studying and pursuing a career in geography. Focusing on opportunities for her students is the most important part of her job as an educator, she said.

“Georgia Southern is a special place, it really is,” said Potter. “The students are truly the best, and I love teaching them. I genuinely feel energized being surrounded by such brilliant minds.” 

������Ƶ has entered into an impactful collaboration with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc., a leading provider of analytical instrumentation, through the Shimadzu Partnership for Academics, Research, and Quality of Life (SPARQ) program. Representatives from ������Ƶ and Shimadzu announced the partnership after signing the official agreement this week. This strategic partnership will significantly expand the University’s research capacity, promote cutting-edge scientific exchange, enhance hands-on student learning, and help advance Georgia Southern’s pursuit of Carnegie R1 research classification.

Under the agreement, Shimadzu will provide state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation, in-kind financial support, multi-year service plans, and specialized training and information exchange to support research in environmental science, biomedical science, materials science, and water quality. These instruments are among the highest specifications in their class and will be housed across Georgia Southern’s advanced research facilities, including within the College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics, the Institute for Coastal Plain Science, and the Institute for Water and Health. 

“This partnership provides our faculty and students with access to world-class technology and training, accelerating innovation and discovery across multiple disciplines,” said David Weindorf, Ph.D., Georgia Southern’s vice president for Research and Economic Development. “Shimadzu’s commitment to education, experiential learning, and research will help us address some of today’s most pressing scientific challenges while preparing the next generation of leaders in science.”

In addition to equipment and technical support, Shimadzu will co-sponsor open house events, scientific seminars and symposia- including a Forensic Science Symposium held last September, and student engagement opportunities, including a Summer Research Candidate and Shimadzu Distinguished Professorial Endowment. Faculty and students will also benefit from priority access to emerging technologies and the chance to be among the first in the nation to publish findings using Shimadzu’s latest equipment innovations.

“Georgia Southern is doing remarkable work in applied research and their commitment to preparing tomorrow’s leaders today is best in class. We’re proud to support their vision and join them on this journey of scientific and academic progress,” said Patrick Fromal, President, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. “By combining our technology with the expertise of their faculty and the energy of their students, we’re building a foundation for impactful discoveries that improve quality of life.”

The partnership reflects Georgia Southern’s commitment to expanding its research infrastructure, deepening industry collaborations, securing external private funding, and fostering innovation and student experiential learning. Along with Shimadzu, this partnership was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Georgia Southern’s College of Science and Mathematics, Office of Research and Economic Development, and Office of Business Engagement.

About ������Ƶ
������Ƶ, a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 public university with more than 29,000 students, offers over 140 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. With campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville, Georgia Southern serves as a catalyst for regional growth while preparing students to lead globally.

About Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) is the North American subsidiary of Shimadzu Corporation’s Analytical and Measuring Division. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, SSI offers a comprehensive portfolio of analytical and testing solutions for a broad range of applications in science and industry. Through its SPARQ program, SSI partners with academic institutions to enhance research capacity, foster scientific discovery, and educate the next generation of scientists.

A freshman chemistry major from Hinesville, Georgia, Geovanii Pacheco already has his sights set on a career in pharmacy. His ambition is rooted not just in a love for science, but in personal experience.

Growing up, his family spent countless hours navigating prescriptions and insurance coverage for his older brother, Devin, who has autism. During those moments, one pharmacist consistently stood out. This was someone who advocated for his family, helped them through paperwork and made sure Devin got the medication he needed.

“It really resonated with me,” Pacheco said. “As a pharmacist, I’d like to embody what she did for us, for others as well.”

That goal brought Pacheco to ������Ƶ where he is now supported by the National Science Foundation’s S-STEM Scholarship Program Award. This is a nearly $2 million grant designed to support Pell-eligible students pursuing degrees in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, physics or sustainability science. For Pacheco, the program has been nothing short of life-changing.

“I can say that I’m not going to college with any financial stress,” he said. “I have no money coming out-of-pocket.”

Administered through Georgia Southern’s College of Science and Mathematics, the federally funded program provides last-dollar scholarships that cover remaining costs after Pell Grants and other aid are applied. In addition to financial support, the program pairs students with dedicated faculty mentors and offers structured programming aimed at retention, professional development and long-term success.

Sara Gremillion, Ph.D., professor of biology and principal investigator on the grant, said the goal is to ensure that students don’t just enroll in college, but that they also thrive once they arrive.

“They may not have a strong expectation about what to expect in college,” said Gremillion. “This program not only removes financial barriers, but it also surrounds students with the support they need to navigate college and plan for their future.”

Pacheco has felt that impact from day one. Thanks to the program, he moved into his residence hall a week early to attend a one-week Basebamp program to jump start his college experience. There, he met fellow scholarship recipients and connected with his faculty mentor before classes even began.

His mentor, Shainaz Landge, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, has helped connect Pacheco with opportunities from joining the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society to learning about upcoming pre-pharmacy organizations and undergraduate research.

“Students such as Geovanii serve as prime examples of the fulfillment derived from mentorship and teaching,” said Landge. “Their growth and engagement highlight the critical role that effective mentorship plays in fostering both academic development.”

That blend of mentorship and financial support is exactly what the grant was designed to provide. Over five years, the program will serve dozens of students in eligible majors such as chemistry, biology, biomedical science, biochemistry, physics, mathematics, sustainability science and geoscience. Each student receives individualized scholarship support, up to $15,000 per year, based on need, along with a faculty mentor who stays with them throughout their undergraduate journey.

For Pacheco and his family, the scholarship brought immediate relief. He vividly remembers opening the acceptance email with his mother and scrolling down to see the financial aid details.

“She was tickled, let me tell you,” he said. “It lifted so much stress off her shoulders. It was life-changing.”

Applications to be part of the next cohort of COSM S-STEM Scholars are open until Feb. 1, 2026. Eligibility requirements, necessary documentation and other information can be found at this .

Gracie Allen, a biochemistry major, has had quite the journey leading up to her ������Ƶ graduation.

The feature twirler with the Southern Pride Marching Band, a national champion baton performer and the reigning Miss ������Ƶ, Allen has become a recognizable face on campus. However, long before this, her path toward medicine started at home. 

When Allen was a little girl, her grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching a beloved family member go through treatment inspired her to pursue a career in medicine at a young age.

“I always said I wanted to be a ‘baby doctor,’” she recalled. “That’s what I said when I was very little. I always knew I wanted to work with kids in medicine.”

Allen explored colleges beyond her Savannah hometown, but something kept pulling her toward Georgia Southern. From the beginning, Eagle Nation felt like home.

Throughout her days at South Effingham High School, she was able to shave off nearly a full year’s worth of college credits thanks to dual enrollment classes through Georgia Southern. This allowed Allen to graduate with her college degree halfway into her senior year of college.

Additionally, she was able to join Eagle Nation early thanks to being selected as a featured twirler for the Georgia Southern football team.

Allen’s mom is a dance studio teacher, and that put her on big stages where she competed and won national competitions. However, her love of dancing never compared to her passion for baton twirling, and that talent has taken her places she never thought she’d be able to go.

She began twirling at 11 and rose quickly, becoming the Southern Pride Marching Band’s feature twirler as a high school senior. Now in her fifth and final season, she’ll take the field one last time at a bowl game this month.

This role proved to be pivotal to her college success.

“Twirling taught me a lot of the hard work and determination and multitasking that was needed throughout college,” said Allen. “It’s also allowed me to travel to multiple places for competitions and with the team. Those life lessons have been so valuable.”

Her involvement with the band quickly became one of the defining experiences of her college years. From daily rehearsals to performing in front of thousands at Paulson Stadium, Allen said the discipline and time management she learned through twirling has shaped her academic and professional development.

“It can all definitely be challenging at times, for sure,” she said with a laugh. “And it hasn’t always just been the perfect experience. But I’ve always loved education. Earning my biochemistry degree and doing well in my classes allowed me to reach the full career goal.”

Her performance background also opened the door to the state’s pageant circuit.

Despite very little background in pageantry, Allen passionately worked for the title of Miss ������Ƶ as an opportunity to spread awareness and support for adoption and foster care systems, which is a platform she cares about.

“I was adopted at the age of six months from Kazakhstan,” she said. “It’s a huge and crazy part of my life. My parents went overseas, and it led them to the agency that worked with Kazakhstan, and I was the first one that they were shown. So it’s just really cool to see how all those pieces come and work together, and then to be brought here.”

This year, Allen was crowned Miss ������Ƶ and competed at Miss Georgia, which became one of the highlights of her time as a student. Her twirling skills helped her win the Preliminary Talent at this competition.

During her year of service, she continued volunteering with organizations she already loved, including Royal Family Kids Camp, a Statesboro-based program for children in foster care.

“It’s been a huge honor to be able to represent this University,” said Allen. “I’ve grown so much here over the past years. I’ve met some of my best friends. I’ve been able to grow both education-wise and personally. Being able to represent the school has meant so much, truly.”

Through all of this, Allen has pursued a career in pediatric oncology and has already completed both pre-med and pre-PA requirements. Inspired by her parents’ belief in never turning away a child in need, she hopes to support young patients and their families through some of the toughest battles of their lives.

Allen said her time at Georgia Southern has been fast-paced and marked by opportunities she embraced wholeheartedly. But above all, she describes this season with one word: thankfulness.

Professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics Will Lynch, Ph.D., has been re-elected to the (ACS) board of directors. This marks his second three-year term on the board. With ACS serving as the largest science organization in the world, Lynch says the society’s work impacts lives every day.

“We support the scientific enterprise by advocating for everything from research funding to laboratory safety,” said Lynch. “That work strengthens scientific integrity that ACS champions and ultimately shows up in the things that people rely on daily. Bottled water, medicines, cellphones and computer screens all come from chemistry. Many people do not realize how deeply science shapes their world.” 

With a budget close to $900 million and a global community of over 200,000, planning is essential to the success of ACS. Lynch is proud to have chaired the committee that created the society’s next five-year strategic plan. Lynch hopes that his work will continue to put the society’s vast resources to use helping advocate for scientists around the world.

“My focus now is implementing , which envisions a world built on science and setting up the indicators to measure our success,” said Lynch. “We want to make sure we support chemists whether they are in academia, industry, government labs or retired.”

Serving in a leadership role for a world-renowned scientific organization is part of Lynch’s calling to help others. He began his service with ACS over 40 years ago when he volunteered at a regional meeting while pursuing his bachelor’s degree. He began making connections immediately and grew his professional network from the local to the national level. Forming friendships in the scientific community and witnessingthe ways their work changed lives inspired Lynch to continue to grow his own knowledge so he could do more for others.

“Getting to do research as an undergraduate pulled me in, and I knew that chemistry was where I could make a difference. I realized I had a path to help society through science and I never looked back.”

When Alejandra Daniel crosses the graduation stage with her master’s in biology, she will be one step closer to a childhood dream some said was impossible. As an exceptional dancer growing up, many people saw a future for her in ballet. 

When Daniel expressed interest in science, some tried to stop her from pursuing it, going so far as to tell her she could not handle an academic career and should stick to dance where she was naturally gifted. She began her college years as a dance major, but quickly realized that her hobby was not her career.

“I had worked really hard at dance my whole life, and I had a crisis thinking ‘is this really what I want to do?’” said Daniel. “I did not feel like I was making a difference. I did not think I was going to have an impact on the world.”

Casting the words of her skeptics aside, Daniel transferred to Georgia Southern and enrolled as a biology student where she took the work ethic she built as a dancer and applied it to the classroom. Late nights at the studio became study sessions at the library. The names of French ballet techniques gave way to Latin words for species classifications. Headphones were no longer for dance track rehearsal, they were for locking in on class notes.

Daniel quickly became hooked on science. Most importantly, she realized she excelled at it. She completed her bachelor’s degree and moved on to a master’s program. The moment she knew she had what it takes to be a professional scientist happened nearly 100 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean after Professor of Biology Danny Gleason, Ph.D., encouraged Daniel to learn scuba diving so she could study the coral species of Gray’s Reef firsthand.

“I was scared because I was going to be underwater carrying so much gear and it was a lot to handle,” said Daniel. “Then I got down to the seafloor and realized I was really good at it. All of the dance practice, the hours of training myself to control each part of my body, came back to me and I was right at home with the current.”

The health of coral reefs became Daniel’s favorite topic. Her research on corals gave her the experience of a lifetime when she visited the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. She spent three weeks living on an island, diving the reef and examining the vibrant sea life there. Daniel credits the support she received from faculty like Tyler Cyronak, Ph.D., assistant professor and manager of the Coastal Carbon Laboratory, with helping her build the confidence to seize these opportunities she once dreamed of.

“Dr. Cyronak is incredibly encouraging,” said Daniel. “He is very open to my ideas and is excited about discussing the projects I take on.”

Even before receiving her master’s degree, Daniel’s next chapter of scientific discovery is already underway. She is enrolled as a Presidential Doctoral Research Fellow at Georgia Southern to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental science, on track to become a Triple Eagle. Daniel’s goal is to continue studying coral reefs to create a healthier ocean, and in turn, a healthier world. As she works to build her own dream career, she wants young women to know that there is a place for them in whatever field they choose, no matter what detractors might say.

“I understand why it feels like you are not good enough, but do not believe that feeling,” said Daniel. “With enough hard work, dedication and passion, you can achieve anything you dream of.”

������Ƶ’s College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) received approval from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) to launch a Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical sciences degree. The Board of Regents approved the academic program during a meeting on Oct. 14. Pending final approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), classes will begin in fall 2026 on both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses.

“This new Ph.D. program creates an invaluable educational pipeline, completing the continuity of training we envisioned when we launched our undergraduate program,” said Michael Huggins, Ph.D., COSM dean. “Now, students can begin their journey with us as freshmen, engage in mentored research throughout their bachelor’s degree and seamlessly transition into a terminal degree that accelerates their progress toward becoming independent researchers.”

The Ph.D. in biomedical sciences program will cover a range of topics including immunology, virology, neuroscience and genetics. After completing core courses, students will select advanced courses with their faculty mentor, tailoring the students’ research to their areas of interest. The addition of the degree brings fresh opportunities for students and faculty alike to pursue research in a variety of fields under the biomedical umbrella.

“This new Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences is a testament to ������Ƶ’s commitment to advancing health care innovation,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D. “By fostering top-tier research and cultivating skilled professionals, we are directly contributing to the economic vitality and robust health of our region and the broader health care industry.”

The addition of a terminal degree in the field of biomedical sciences will complement the Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences degree added in 2025 and build on COSM’s strong research foundation. 

“The biomedical sciences Ph.D. is a major step forward, fundamentally strengthening our research enterprise,” said Huggins. “This program is specifically designed to address complex, cutting-edge challenges in biomedicine, which will attract top-tier faculty and secure greater external funding, solidifying our standing as a leading research institution.”

The new doctoral program adds to COSM’s degree program portfolio to now include three Ph.D. programs: biomedical sciences, environmental science and materials science. COSM offers state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, including geospatial technology labs, an aquatics lab, microscopy and mass spectrometry suites and Core Research Laboratory. Additional resources such as animal care spaces, greenhouses, a herbarium and an insectary further support faculty and student projects. The college also operates an undergraduate research office that encourages students to compete for grants and present at research symposia.

First year biomed student Ivy Nash said the Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences  program was a perfect fit when she looked for options to start her college career.

“I wanted to be a doctor, but I didn’t know what to major in at first,” said Nash. “So I did research and found the biomedical program. I love biology and I also love medicine at the same time, so putting those two together, I fell in love with the programs they have and what I can do with it.”

Since the program launched in fall 2025, demand for the Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences degree at ������Ƶ’s College of Science and Mathematics has been high with over 130 students enrolling in the program. It has proven to be popular with both newly enrolled students and upperclassmen who changed majors.

As the first group of students advance toward graduation, COSM leadership is working to support their next steps with a new pathways course. The class is designed to help students identify their specific interests in the field and chart a course to achieve a career or graduate level education to meet those interests. A portfolio course will also make its debut to make sure students are able to immediately enter the workforce or graduate school as soon as they receive their degree.

Program director Scott Mateer, Ph.D., feels a personal drive to help his students succeed. As a first generation college graduate, he found himself in uncharted waters after earning his bachelor’s degree. He decided to go on to earn his doctorate and begin teaching so he could help the next generation of scientists find their own path in life.

“At the end of the day, it’s about the students figuring out what’s important to them,” said Mateer. “Everything I do comes back to the students because they are always going to come first to me.”

To help students make connections and discover career opportunities in the field of biomedicine, Mateer hosts “meet and mingle” events where students can ask questions of professors and each other. Current biomed student Anya Bull appreciates the special attention the faculty have put into connecting with students.

“I’ve been introduced to a lot of new organizations that really get me ready with shadowing and now with research opportunities,” said Bull. “I’ve been getting more involved with my professors to have a more personal connection with them. Overall, I’ve found myself taking my education a lot more seriously now that I know how to plan for the future.”

The Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences degree is available in person at both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses.

When Professor Worlanyo Eric Gato, Ph.D., watches his students walk through the iron gates of Cape Coast Castle for the first time, he doesn’t say much. He doesn’t have to.

“They feel it,” he says. “You can see it in their faces.”

That moment — walking the same stone floors where generations of enslaved Africans once stood — is just one of many that define ������Ƶ’s Study Abroad Program in Ghana, a three-week immersive experience blending public health research, cultural engagement and emotional growth. Led by a multidisciplinary team of faculty from the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH), the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) and the Institute for Water and Health (IWH), the program gives students more than academic insight. It gives them perspective.

Originally founded by the late Evans Afriyie-Gyawu, Ph.D., the Ghana Study Abroad Program has evolved into a high-impact educational model under the direction of JPHCOPH faculty members Bettye Apenteng, Ph.D., and Samuel Opoku, Ph.D., along with Gato. Their shared mission is clear: foster cultural awareness and empower students to address complex global health challenges — starting with those rooted in Ghana’s communities.

Real research, real impact

The program’s 2025 cohort took part in a collaborative research project centered on occupational and environmental exposures, particularly in illegal mining zones in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. Funded by Georgia Southern’s Internal Seed Funds, the IWH and the Office of Research and Economic Development, the project explored the relationship between water and soil-borne contaminants and chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome.

“This wasn’t a simulation, this was the real thing,” said Nick Guerra, a graduate student studying public health. “We were in the field, collecting water samples, interviewing residents and working side by side with Ghanaian students.”

Their findings were sobering. Water samples from community wells revealed contamination by fecal bacteria. Soil tests uncovered dangerously high levels of heavy metals — arsenic, lead, copper, mercury — linked to illegal mining activities. And medical surveys showed widespread hypertension, often undiagnosed or untreated.

What made the work even more meaningful was its collaborative nature. Georgia Southern students were paired with their counterparts at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), building not only research teams but friendships.

“We taught each other,” said Tia Taylor, another graduate student in the public health program. “We shared techniques, ideas and stories. They were just as curious about us as we were about them.”

For Gato, the partnerships are central to the program’s success. “It’s not just about coming to Ghana and collecting data,” he said. “It’s about mutual exchange — of knowledge, of culture, of purpose.”

Learning beyond the classroom

Beyond the data and research, the students’ most lasting lessons often came from unexpected places: dinner tables, prayer circles and dirt roads deep in rural Ghana.

One night, when their van got stuck on an unpaved road, a group of local young men came to the rescue. 

“There was no tow truck, no roadside assistance,” Gato recalled. “Just kindness. The kind of kindness that stays with you.”

Hospitality became a theme. Students dined with host families, learned about traditional dishes and participated in household prayer rituals. They shared laughs, tears and silent moments of awe.

“These interactions humanized the experience,” Gato said. “Ghana became more than a destination — it became a network of relationships.”

Taylor agreed. 

“Their warmth was overwhelming,” she said. “Their faith, constant. It made me want to pray more, to be more grounded. It changed the way I see people — and myself.”

Cultural immersion meets academic rigor

In classrooms and research sites alike, students embraced a multidisciplinary lens. Their work spanned biochemistry, environmental science and public health — and was guided by faculty from three academic units. Each stop on the itinerary was carefully chosen, from university campuses to cultural landmarks, to create a holistic picture of health in Ghana.

Aslan, who led the environmental assessment and coordinated teams of students from both KNUST and Georgia Southern during the research leg, carried both personal and scientific aspirations into the study.

“Thirteen years ago, when I began my journey at Georgia Southern as a new faculty member, we launched a water quality and health assessment with the late Dr. Afriyie-Gyawu,” Aslan said. “That project produced an impactful research paper with students — one that still receives high citations today. Now, years later, to be collaborating with an exceptional team of new research partners from KNUST on such a cutting-edge project is beyond exciting. This project is a testament to IWH’s commitment to advancing global water initiatives, as our center continues to make a meaningful impact in Georgia and around the world.”

For Guerra, that meant recognizing how social and economic conditions shape public health outcomes. 

“Some of the people we interviewed looked decades older than they were,” he said. “It hit me — poverty and limited access to health care age you.”

Taylor, whose background is in health leadership, said the trip helped her mature both personally and professionally. 

“It’s one thing to read about global health challenges in a textbook,” she said. “It’s another to sit with someone, hold their hand and ask about their blood pressure.”

Growing the pipeline

The program’s future is just as ambitious as its present.

In its next phase, the Ghana Study Abroad Program plans to expand its reach to students from Georgia Southern’s Africana Studies Program and institutions across south Georgia, broadening access to underrepresented populations. New research partnerships with the University of Cape Coast and the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, Ghana, will allow for more geographically diverse studies. The goal, according to Gato, is to build a sustainable pipeline for interdisciplinary, international collaboration.

“This is more than a trip. It’s a launchpad,” he said.

With strong institutional support from the Director of the IWH and faculty member within JPHCOPH Asli Aslan, Ph.D., the Dean of JPHCOPH Stuart Tedders, Ph.D., and Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Weindorf, Ph.D., the program exemplifies Georgia Southern’s commitment to global engagement. Even the logistical hiccups — missed flights, shifting hotel reservations, slow internet — became part of the learning process.

“We adapted,” Gato said. “We smiled through it. And we came back stronger.”

Advice for other faculty

When asked what he’d tell faculty thinking about launching their own global experiential learning program, Gato’s answer is simple: know your “why,” build your team and lead with gratitude.

“Let your local partners lead,” he said. “Listen more than you speak. And always thank the people who make the experience possible — from bus drivers to tour guides to the students themselves.”

A lasting legacy

For some, like Taylor, the trip was a connection to ancestral roots. For others, like Guerra, it was a journey into a future career in global health. And for faculty like Gato, it was another step in a long walk toward transformative education — one that transcends borders, disciplines and expectations.

“Everything we teach in a lecture hall comes alive in Ghana,” he said.