橘子视频 and the University of Belize (UB) signed a memorandum of understanding launching an official partnership, increasing access to research projects and degree programs at both institutions. Georgia Southern will gain access to unique research locations in Belize, opening up opportunities for students and faculty to study marine biology, tropical ecology and natural resource management. UB faculty and students will gain access to master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs at Georgia Southern through streamlined applications and financial aid.

Representatives from the two universities came together for an official signing ceremony on the main campus of UB in Belmopan, Belize. Avinandan (Avi) Mukherjee, Ph.D., Georgia Southern’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs said the partnership marks a great step forward in the University鈥檚 standing as a major research institution with global connections.

鈥淭his partnership with the University of Belize reflects Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to building meaningful global collaborations that expand opportunities for our students, faculty and researchers,鈥� said Mukherjee. 鈥淏y connecting our institutions, we are creating new pathways for discovery, innovation and academic excellence while addressing challenges that extend beyond national borders. Together, we will strengthen research, develop future leaders and create opportunities that benefit both universities and the communities we serve.鈥�

UB faculty will be able to pursue advanced degrees at Georgia Southern through a hybrid format that allows them to continue teaching in Belize. The faculty will spend one academic year in residence at a Georgia Southern campus for foundational coursework and research planning. They will then return to Belize to complete their research and dissertation while maintaining their teaching duties at their own institution. UB graduates who meet Georgia Southern’s core admission requirements will be able to apply to graduate school at Georgia Southern with Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) or in-state tuition for those who do not receive an assistantship. 

Georgia Southern is already seeing interest from UB students, with two recent graduates enrolling in the materials science and environmental science doctoral programs in the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM). Other UB students expressed interest in engineering and applied computing during recent exchange trips where Georgia Southern faculty toured UB facilities and presented their own research at the 2026 annual science symposium in Belmopan.

“It was a great pleasure to host the 橘子视频 delegation, including Provost Avinandan Mukherjee,鈥� said Vincent Palacio, Ph.D., president of the University of Belize. 鈥淭his memorandum of understanding has already proven to be one of our most productive partnerships, with guest lectures taking place and University of Belize students already being accepted into graduate programs at 橘子视频. I am especially encouraged to see that several initiatives have identified potential collaborators who share a passion for advancing their mutual interests. These early successes demonstrate the strength of this partnership, and I look forward to even greater collaboration and impact in the years ahead.”   

The partnership expands Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to hands-on learning by providing a unique international location for students and faculty to conduct real-world research. Through shared research projects, the two universities will tackle common goals such as coastal resiliency and national development.

鈥淚n the College of Science and Mathematics, discovery is in our DNA, and this partnership with the University of Belize is a vital extension of that commitment,鈥� said Michael Huggins, Ph.D., dean of COSM. 鈥淏y establishing joint research initiatives focused on global environmental challenges, we ensure our work has a direct real-world impact. This collaboration also represents a long-term investment in our collective research capacity, strengthening our enduring scientific legacy, through talent and workforce development by preparing technically skilled graduates who are ready to lead in the global scientific community.鈥� 

Georgia native William (Xander) Russell chose 橘子视频 for two reasons: scholarship and friendship.

Russell, a first-generation student, was awarded a full-ride scholarship through the Honors College, allowing him to pursue his dream of one day entering the medical field without the stress of debt. Knowing he鈥檇 have a built-in community through his two best friends, who had also committed to Georgia Southern, made the decision even easier.

鈥淚t was the perfect storm in deciding where I should go,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淗aving the full cost of my tuition covered was a major deciding factor. During my time in the Honors College, faculty mentors, student organizations and campus programs helped create an environment where I felt challenged, supported and encouraged to grow into the person I am today.鈥�

In his sophomore year, Russell became an inaugural Goel Scholar through the Honors College. His on-campus support network was an integral part of his success as a student and this scholarship provided an opportunity to become a leader for other students.

鈥淢y experience at Southern was shaped by an incredible support system of mentors, faculty, staff, peers and friends,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淚 had moments where I doubted whether I truly belonged in certain academic or professional spaces. However, these challenges ultimately became some of the most transformative parts of my experience because they taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of seeking mentorship and community support. Becoming a part of this cohort truly bridged my relationships, allowing me to be both a mentee and mentor, passing on knowledge about university life to others.鈥�

A key supporter for Russell was his honors research mentor , assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics.

鈥淒r. P茅rez invested in my growth as both a researcher and student from very early on, allowing me to develop my thesis, present research at conferences, and grow tremendously as a scientist,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淧resenting my research at conferences showed me that the work I had spent years developing could contribute to larger scientific conversations and collaborations.鈥�

While research was a core focus of his academic experience, Russell didn鈥檛 limit himself to the lab or the classroom.

鈥淐oming into college as a first-generation student, I knew I wanted to fully take advantage of every opportunity available to me because I did not always know what pathways or experiences existed unless I actively sought them out,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淕etting involved helped me build confidence, friendships, mentorships and a sense of belonging very early on in my college career.鈥�

From serving as development chair for the to founding , completing the Sustainable Leadership Certificate, earning $75,000 in grants for Sustain Southern, and more, Russell was determined to experience every opportunity for growth that Georgia Southern had to offer.

鈥淩esearch taught me persistence and analytical thinking, sustainability work taught me advocacy and systems thinking, and student organizations taught me how to collaborate and support others effectively,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淚 learned how interconnected different disciplines and communities can be. More than anything, involvement transformed Georgia Southern from simply being the university I attended into a community that genuinely felt like home.鈥�

Having now graduated with his bachelor鈥檚 in biochemistry and a minor in social science and medicine, Russell will continue working toward advanced medical degrees with the goal of becoming a physician-scientist.

鈥淎t Georgia Southern, I learned how to believe in my own potential,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淚 aim to continue contributing to research that improves patient outcomes while also practicing medicine in a way that emphasizes empathy, accessibility and advocacy for underserved communities. Ultimately, I want my career to combine scientific innovation with patient-centered health care so that I can contribute both in the laboratory and directly within clinical settings.鈥�

He encourages future 橘子视频 to make the most of their time at Georgia Southern, too.

鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to take up space and pursue opportunities even if you initially feel underqualified or intimidated,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淐ollege moves much faster than people realize, so allowing yourself to explore different interests and take chances is incredibly important. As a first-generation student, I came into college uncertain about where I would fit, but I am leaving with lifelong mentors, friendships, leadership experiences, research accomplishments and confidence in my future goals.鈥�

Lily Pavliscsak did not wait to have a diploma in hand to start putting her interest in sustainability science into action. The Honors student took her work outside of the classroom by hosting Statesboro Campus cleanups and creating free little libraries. Pavliscsak said she could not wait to get involved the moment she arrived at 橘子视频.

鈥淚 really wanted to get hands-on,鈥� said Pavliscsak. 鈥淏efore I even attended Georgia Southern, I followed the Sustain Southern Instagram page and had been interested in working with them. I found them at a tabling event and asked how I could get involved. 鈥淭hey told me about 橘子视频 for Sustainability, and I jumped right in by going to meetings and working on Sustainability Week.” 

Pavliscsak hails from a Georgia Southern family. Her parents and brother are all alumni, but her decision to follow their footsteps was not guaranteed. 

Spending a lot of time outdoors as a child and working in a plant nursery in high school solidified her desire to pursue a career in environmental science. As she searched for a place to turn her passion into a degree, she thought she might have to break the Eagle tradition to find a place that fit. That鈥檚 when a new offering from Georgia Southern鈥檚 College of Science and Mathematics became available at the perfect time.

鈥淎bout a month before I made my college decision, I saw that Georgia Southern opened up the sustainability science degree, and it was the first time it was being offered anywhere in Georgia,鈥� said Pavliscsak. 鈥淚 thought 鈥榯his feels like it was meant for me鈥� because it was so perfect.鈥�

While earning a sustainable leadership certificate to enhance her bachelor鈥檚 degree, Pavliscsak created her own projects to improve student life. She improved the community garden by adding a 鈥渓ittle library鈥� where students could pick up pots, seeds and gardening tools to grow their own food. Unable to build a structure to house the items, she got creative.

鈥淚 was driving behind the Statesboro Herald office and saw they had old newspaper stands piled up,鈥� recalled Pavliscsak. 鈥淚 talked to someone I knew at the paper and explained my plan. They let me get two of their newspaper boxes and I upcycled them into a seed library and a book library where students can drop off and pick up what they need.鈥�

While Pavliscsak once wondered if she would be able to attend Georgia Southern at all, she now has a new goal: Double Eagle. She has been accepted into the environmental science master鈥檚 program and will continue her journey in Statesboro after graduating in Spring 2026. 

鈥淚 loved the experience so much that I couldn鈥檛 help myself. I had to come back and play student just a little bit longer,鈥� said Pavliscsak. 鈥淢y special interest for my master鈥檚 is going to be water quality. I got to do some research on that as an undergrad with Dr. Rocio P茅rez, and I鈥檓 really excited about the next level where I hope to get into a fieldwork research lab.鈥�

Pavliscsak has a head start on her master鈥檚 coursework. Through her Honors College requirements, she has completed upper-division classes that can count toward her graduate degree. 

鈥淚 could take up to nine credit hours and apply them to a graduate degree, which was a huge benefit,鈥� said Pavliscsak. 鈥淚 thought, 鈥榯his 100% makes me want to stay at Georgia Southern.鈥� It gives me a jumpstart, so it will only take about a year instead of two years for me to complete the program.鈥�

When she thinks back on her time as an undergraduate, she appreciates how much she was able to do outside of the classroom.

鈥淚 really think the experiences are where you learn and grow the most,鈥� she said. 鈥淕etting that diverse range, meeting new people and finding ways to get involved are really important to me. I think I will always carry that outlook wherever I go.鈥�

橘子视频鈥檚 Statistical Consulting Unit (SCU) in the College of Science and Mathematics has been selected as the Census Bureau Higher Education Consortium – Southern Hub. The partnership places the University as an access point between regional experts and the public to make the vast data of Census reports usable for research, business and individual discovery.聽

SCU director Divine F. Wanduku, Ph.D., says that cooperation is the key element of the program.

鈥淲e want to facilitate high-level access to this data and the tools to apply it,鈥� noted Wanduku. 鈥淲e are the liaison between other universities, the government and those who could use this information if they can learn how it works.鈥�

As a regional Census hub, Georgia Southern will host a series of webinars. Experts from Georgia Southern, partner universities and the Census Bureau will address specific methods to access and analyze otherwise overwhelming data. Wanduku says the partnership opens up development opportunities for everyone involved.

鈥淭his will help students prepare for jobs in the federal government or anywhere that uses government data because they get to try it out themselves,鈥� said Wanduku. 鈥淚t also helps to show how faculty are able to impart knowledge of research and then make recommendations to the Census Bureau about what works. So the federal government helps higher education institutions provide access to the raw material and then we help the Census Bureau by making recommendations on where our research is going and what data is most useful.鈥�

Beyond the webinar series, Wanduku sees the partnership as a stepping stone to future collaborations.

鈥淭his expands our network with everyone from other universities to contractors,鈥� said Wanduku.鈥漌e get to meet each other and find out what we鈥檙e all working on separately and turn it into projects we can work on together.鈥�

The next session in the series,鈥淔aculty and Researcher Training: Curated Academic Support,鈥� will be held April 30 at 4:30 p.m. No registration is required. The session can be accessed at:

Elizabeth Hennessy, Ph.D., from the University of Wisconsin鈥揗adison will headline the next installment of the Georgia Southern Department of Biology鈥檚 Bill Lovejoy Darwin-Lyell Distinguished Lecture Series. Hennessy will address the delicate balance of tourism and conservation in the Gal谩pagos Islands on April 13 at 7 p.m. in the Nessmith Lane Center in Statesboro.

鈥淭here is a certain tension between this ideal of the pristine natural laboratory and the reality of a modern tourism industry on these islands,鈥� Hennessy said. 鈥淗ow do you square those two things together? In some ways, the islands are a case study in sustainability.鈥�

Hennessy hopes that modern audiences see Darwin as more than a figure from history, but as someone whose legacy still holds lessons for how we approach conservation today.

鈥淚n some ways, Gal谩pagos is a parable for the world at large,鈥� said Hennessy. 鈥淗ow do we find a way to live in our modern economic reality while protecting the nature that is so valuable to us?鈥�

Taking lessons from the work of Charles Darwin, who studied the animal species on the Gal谩pagos, and Sir Charles Lyell, and applying them to current topics is a founding principle of the lecture series. Endowed by Bill Lovejoy, Ph.D., a former professor of biology at Georgia Southern who shared a birthday with Darwin and studied historical figures in biological research, the series is part of Lovejoy鈥檚 legacy of encouraging discussion on nuanced topics.

鈥淗e had great respect for Darwin and Lyell and how their work was discussed by others in the field,鈥� noted Georgia Southern Professor of Biology Steve Vives, Ph.D. 鈥淲e look for topics that hit home with students and faculty so they can start their own conversations in that spirit.鈥�

The exchange of ideas and forming future partnerships to address issues is one part Hennessy is most looking forward to on her first trip to Statesboro.

鈥淚’m really curious to hear more about what the people at Georgia Southern are working on and what parts of my work are most interesting to them,鈥� said Hennessy. 鈥淚t’s always fun to think about potential collaborations in the future and to find common themes in our research.”

Romanian lecturer Mihaela Udristioiu, Ph.D. has returned to 橘子视频 for her second time as a Fulbright research scholar fellow.

“I was always a curious child,” said Udristioiu. “I love questions. The answers we find help us better understand the beauty of nature and the laws that govern our universe.”

That curiosity is what encouraged the Romanian lecturer to apply for the Fulbright research scholar program to work on physics education and environmental science with 橘子视频 associate professor of physics Dragos Amarie, Ph.D. 

The two first met during a study abroad program in Romania in 2017, during the Science and Culture Study Abroad program. Amarie said the teaching style of Romanian universities was different from what he was used to.  

Udristioiu was especially interested in learning how university faculty in the U.S. engage with their students and create active learning environments.

“How students understand physics is very important to me,” Udristioiu said. “My American colleagues have shown me how much better teaching is when it is interactive and involves students.”

Things are a little different in Romanian universities, she says.  

“Romanian universities teach differently than how we do in the States,” Amarie said. “The lectures are formal, and you’re doomed if you miss a single one.”

“I prefer a more student-centered approach, especially when it comes to teaching difficult science courses,” he explained. “Classes should be interactive. Students should be encouraged to ask their professors questions. Having them engage and question what we teach, that’s how a student learns.”

Udristioiu, impressed by his teaching style, hoped to join Amarie in the States in 2020. COVID-19 had other plans. The study abroad program stopped, but their collaboration continued. Then, in 2022, she was awarded a Fulbright research scholar grant, joining Amarie in the classroom at Georgia Southern. 

“She did such a great job while she was here,” said Amarie. “The Fulbright Romania encouraged Dr. Udristioiu to submit a new application to strengthen the collaboration.” 

That’s why she applied for the Fulbright grant again. She’s back in the states now, working on a research project focused on air pollution monitoring, modelling, making predictions and forecasting. 

“Science crosses borders, and collaboration helps us open new doors to knowledge,” she said.

橘子视频鈥檚 Armstrong Campus will welcome more than 500 attendees to the Spring Southeastern Sectional Meeting of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) March 28-29. The two-day event in Savannah brings together top experts from across the region for presentations ranging from AI to finance. The annual event provides opportunities for students and faculty alike to explore new topics in math. Department of Mathematical Sciences Chair Tricia Brown, Ph.D., notes that events like this provide the backbone of collaborative work that defines modern mathematical research.

鈥淐ollaboration happens not only during the presentations, but in the questions afterward, the discussions in the hallway over coffee or the proverbial back of the napkin at lunch,鈥� said Brown. 鈥淢athematicians use these times to bounce ideas off each other and propose new avenues of research in a way that is hard to do over email. Conversations that start at the meeting lead to more formal back and forth that produce a final written scholarship.鈥�

Georgia Southern faculty will lead several sessions targeting a wide range of mathematical applications. Brown says her faculty鈥檚 depth of knowledge and enthusiasm to host this event shows what makes Georgia Southern the perfect place to hold such a gathering.

鈥淚t is great that the department is wholeheartedly supporting this event and we are lucky to have such strong researchers in diverse areas of pure and applied mathematics and statistics,鈥� said Brown.鈥�

In addition to the wealth of knowledge the conference presents, Brown believes the spring weather and beauty of the Armstrong Campus make this year鈥檚 event a uniquely engaging event for attendees.

鈥淪avannah is a nice destination city for visitors and the Armstrong Campus is located near the historic downtown as well as convenient to the airport,鈥� said Brown. 鈥淥ur robust facilities can handle the influx of mathematicians with comfort and spring is a great time to enjoy the arboretum.鈥�
A full lineup of presentations as well as registration options are available on the AMS website.

Erica Hillsnipe, senior lecturer of physics in the College of Science and Mathematics鈥� Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics at 橘子视频, 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.

鈥淚 am pretty excited about the opportunity,鈥� Hillsnipe said. 鈥淚 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.鈥�

Each year, GTF selects outstanding higher education faculty members from institutions across Georgia for the program. Hillsnipe鈥檚 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,

鈥淭he pandemic was challenging for both students and teachers in the classroom,鈥� Hillsnipe said. 鈥淚t 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, 鈥楬ow can I make a discipline with such an intimidating reputation something palatable and approachable?鈥� and learned how to adapt quickly.鈥�

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鈥檚 growing student population.

鈥淚 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,鈥� 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.

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

橘子视频 Professor of Geography Amy Potter, Ph.D., has been elected president of the (SEDAAG). 

鈥淚n the past, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to serve as treasurer of SEDAAG, vice president, honors chair and Georgia鈥檚 state representative,鈥� Potter explained. 鈥淚t 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. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to be recognized with such a prestigious award,鈥� said Potter. 鈥淚 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鈥檚 fantastic to see our alumni thriving in our field.鈥� 

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

鈥淕eorgia Southern students have quite a legacy at SEDAAG,鈥� Potter said. 鈥淥ur 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.鈥� 

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.

鈥淕eorgia Southern is a special place, it really is,鈥� said Potter. 鈥淭he students are truly the best, and I love teaching them. I genuinely feel energized being surrounded by such brilliant minds.鈥� 

橘子视频 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 橘子视频 and Shimadzu announced the partnership after signing the official agreement this week. This strategic partnership will significantly expand the University鈥檚 research capacity, promote cutting-edge scientific exchange, enhance hands-on student learning, and help advance Georgia Southern鈥檚 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鈥檚 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. 

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

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鈥檚 latest equipment innovations.

鈥淕eorgia Southern is doing remarkable work in applied research and their commitment to preparing tomorrow鈥檚 leaders today is best in class. We鈥檙e proud to support their vision and join them on this journey of scientific and academic progress,鈥� said Patrick Fromal, President, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. 鈥淏y combining our technology with the expertise of their faculty and the energy of their students, we鈥檙e building a foundation for impactful discoveries that improve quality of life.鈥�

The partnership reflects Georgia Southern鈥檚 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鈥檚 College of Science and Mathematics, Office of Research and Economic Development, and Office of Business Engagement.

About 橘子视频
橘子视频, a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 public university with more than 29,000 students, offers over 140 degree programs at the bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, 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鈥檚 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.