橘子视频鈥檚 Counseling Center has earned a full 10-year re-accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) for its doctoral internship in health service psychology. The re-accreditation follows a rigorous, multi-year review process that included comprehensive self-study, program evaluation and an on-site assessment by APA-appointed reviewers.聽

Mark Taracuk, Ph.D., training director for the Counseling Center, said this achievement underscores the program鈥檚 exceptional training quality and its impact on preparing future psychologists for careers in collegiate mental health. He said receiving the maximum 10-year accreditation term reflects the strength, stability and national recognition of the program.

鈥淥ur re-accreditation is vital to the continued success of the internship and enables us to keep contributing to the field of psychology by training psychologists with the specialized skills, knowledge and experience needed to succeed in collegiate mental health,鈥� said Taracuk. 鈥淭he University鈥檚 strong support throughout this process has been essential and reflects its broader commitment to holistic student development, including mental health, by investing in the training of competent providers in the specialty of collegiate mental health.鈥�

One of only 10 APA-accredited doctoral internships in the state of Georgia and among more than 700 sites nationwide, the program has grown significantly since it was established in 2010. After earning initial accreditation in 2017 with two interns per year, the program now accepts four doctoral interns annually through the National Match Service. To date, 42 interns have completed the program.

Liz Deibel, a Counseling Center intern from Roosevelt University’s Clinical Psychology program, said the variety in cases and responsibilities has been constructive to her career ambitions.

鈥淕eorgia Southern has been a great site for my internship,鈥� said Deibel. 鈥淓veryone at the Counseling Center is very supportive and has helped me in growing my professional independence and getting specialized training prior to graduation. I’ve been able to facilitate group therapy, provide relationship counseling and get more experience with rural populations.鈥�

At Georgia Southern, interns are immersed in a learner-centered, year-long training model that blends instruction with hands-on clinical practice in a collegiate setting. This approach prepares interns to understand and treat the unique mental health needs of college students while working within a multidisciplinary campus environment.

Throughout the year, interns develop proficiency in nine profession-wide competencies required by the APA: research, ethical and legal standards, individual and cultural diversity, professional values and attitudes, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills. Along with supervision from licensed psychologists, interns refine skills in therapy, psychological assessment, crisis intervention, outreach and consultation.

鈥淕raduate students typically complete several practicum experiences, but the doctoral internship is the most essential hands-on training they receive,鈥� said Taracuk. 鈥淥ur program gives interns supportive, comprehensive and formative experiences that help them integrate theory, research, and professional standards into their practice.鈥�

橘子视频 and Coastal Harbor Behavioral Health have teamed up to ensure students who need more comprehensive mental health care can access resources beyond campus. 

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the 橘子视频 Counseling Center and Coastal Harbor will collaborate to establish a framework for communication, referral procedures and ongoing coordination to support students and their care needs.

鈥淭his partnership is particularly beneficial for students because it expands access to care beyond what the Counseling Center alone can provide,鈥� said Ty White, case manager for the Georgia Southern Counseling Center. 鈥淐oastal Harbor offers specialized and extended mental health services, which can be especially helpful for students needing longer-term or more intensive support. Additionally, collaboration between the Counseling Center and Coastal Harbor allows for smoother referrals, shared care coordination and improved overall support for student mental health and well-being.鈥�

Under the MOU, the Counseling Center may refer students to Coastal Harbor for services such as inpatient treatment, crisis stabilization, psychiatric evaluation and other intensive behavioral health interventions when clinically indicated. Coastal Harbor agrees to provide timely assessment, communicate admission decisions and coordinate with the Counseling Center regarding continuity of care, discharge planning and follow-up recommendations.

鈥淏oth Coastal Harbor Behavioral Health and Georgia Southern鈥檚 Counseling Center are dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with mental health intervention and self-care,鈥� said Sneha Patel, CEO of Coastal Harbor Health System. 鈥淭he established MOU outlines best practices for both institutions once a student is referred to and/or elected to receive inpatient therapeutic care at Coastal Behavioral Health. The intention is to serve as a therapeutic blueprint upon discharge.鈥�

This partnership also ensures a continuity of care should a student return to campus with additional needs, as it connects the on-campus and off-campus systems to reduce gaps in care.

The 橘子视频 Counseling Center provides comprehensive mental health support to enrolled students through free, confidential counseling services and wellness programs. Services are designed to empower students to manage personal challenges, promote emotional resilience and support academic success. Counseling services are available at no additional cost to all enrolled Georgia Southern students aged 18 and older. 

The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) has selected a 橘子视频 leader for national honors. Ken Gassiot, Ph.D., associate vice president for student development, is the recipient of the , recognizing his leadership and service within the student affairs profession. 

Gassiot was selected for this same award at the regional level in June 2025 by NASPA Region III at their conference in Savannah. NAPSA Region III is the largest region in NASPA and stretches from Texas to North Carolina.

Gassiot will be honored for his work, which demonstrates an outstanding commitment to student success, the development of impactful programs, the creation of campus environments that promote student learning and development, and active engagement in NASPA. He will be recognized at the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference in March in Kansas City, Missouri.

鈥淏eing selected for this national award by peers and other leaders around the country is truly humbling,鈥� said Gassiot. 鈥淪erving at Georgia Southern along with the service opportunities gained through NASPA have been, without a doubt, the most fulfilling time during my career in higher education. I hope this award brings added spotlight to the incredible work happening at Georgia Southern, where our heartbeat is to create an unparalleled student experience. I’m thankful to be in a position and on teams that help shape that.鈥�

The University has won several awards and national recognition from NASPA in recent years, and has earned a reputation for its use of analytics and assessment to improve all aspects of campus life for students. 

Gassiot said that legacy is built on a culture of student programming, engagement and support. 

鈥淔ull credit to the people and leadership across all of our campuses that embrace collaboration and are fully dialed in to meet the unique student and campus needs that change over time,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 that culture that maximizes student involvement, care and belonging.鈥�

Gassiot’s involvement in NASPA includes serving as the 2025鈥�27 chair of the NASPA AVP Steering Committee and co-chair of the 2026 NASPA AVP Symposium, in addition to extensive prior service across NASPA leadership, faculty roles and planning committees.

Morgan Kieffer, a 橘子视频 sport management master’s student, is proof that classroom lessons can launch students into life-changing, real-world experiences.

Born and raised in Sharpsburg, Georgia, she grew up playing soccer and describes herself as naturally competitive. While she continues to compete on a semi-pro team out of Dublin, Georgia, she looks for ways to grow professionally on the administrative side of her favorite sports.

That lifelong passion for athletics eventually steered her toward a career in sports nutrition. After completing her bachelor鈥檚 degree in nutrition and food science at Georgia Southern, Kieffer immediately transitioned into the University鈥檚 sport management master鈥檚 program. 

鈥淚 go watch a ton of sports anytime I can, and then I just got really intrigued with nutrition and how nutrition really affects the body and performance,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, I put two and two together, and thought to myself 鈥� that’s what I want to do.鈥�

That passion for performance led her to an international opportunity that few students experience. While researching internships and global networking programs, Kieffer discovered Women in Football, a U.K.-based organization that supports women pursuing careers in the sports industry. When she learned about the group鈥檚 annual Women in Football Conference at Wembley Stadium, she applied for both the conference scholarship and a travel grant offered through the Georgia Southern Graduate Student Organization. She was awarded both.

鈥淚 thought, 鈥業 might as well just sign up for one of the free tickets, even though I probably won’t get it,鈥欌�� she laughed. 鈥淎nd then I got it.鈥�

At the conference, Kieffer joined panels led by international sports leaders and executives from Spain, England and Norway. Speakers discussed topics such as breaking industry barriers and career development for women in football. The experience expanded Kieffer鈥檚 understanding of how sports organizations across the world are working to create more equitable opportunities.

Of course, no trip to England is complete without taking in a match. Kieffer attended a national team game at Wembley, where she experienced international soccer culture firsthand.

Not just that, but the second-year graduate student was finally able to watch the sport she loved in one of the game鈥檚 most famous venues.

鈥淚 was wearing a jersey of one club and someone came up to me and they were just like trying to talk smack about the club,鈥� Kieffer recalled. 鈥淪o, it was kind of funny how passionate everyone is. It was really cool.鈥�

橘子视频鈥檚 East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro will soar to new heights with the announcement of the campus鈥檚 new athletics name and logo. At the start of the next East Georgia Campus athletic season, student-athletes will compete as the Georgia Southern Golden 橘子视频. The program is working toward National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) membership.

The Golden 橘子视频 represent a culture built on earning success through hard work and perseverance. The program embraces the grind that reveals true commitment to sport and turns that reality into a competitive advantage. More than a team, the Golden 橘子视频 are a family 鈥� fostering a campus environment where relentless student-athletes are known, supported and developed as whole people. As a four-year NAIA program, the Golden 橘子视频 will be built to fly, transforming the campus from a stepping stone into a launchpad where student-athletes can build continuity, recognition and something lasting. 

鈥淭he launch of the Golden 橘子视频 marks a defining moment for our East Georgia Campus. This new identity reflects the resilience, determination and pride that already exist within our student-athletes and our Swainsboro community,鈥� said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. 鈥淎s we pursue NAIA membership, we are not simply changing a name 鈥� we are expanding opportunity, strengthening our commitment to student success, and building a program where student-athletes can grow, compete and leave a lasting legacy.鈥�

The new name was selected following information and branding sessions with East Georgia Campus students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, campus leaders and community held over the last several months. 

The Golden 橘子视频 logo showcases a left-facing eagle head with a fierce determination echoing the dedication that the coaches, staff and student-athletes exhibit each and every day. The design glistens with a golden foundation creating a focal point of distinction while adding to the rich tradition of Georgia Southern鈥檚 proud Eagle Nation. The new logo is an extension for Georgia Southern, representing how the institution continues to grow and impact more communities. 

Joe Heikkinen has been selected to direct East Georgia Campus athletics. Heikkinen is a former Division 1 football scholar athlete at Rice University. He has coached at the collegiate, high school, youth and professional levels with experience in strengthening academic and athletic outcomes. With more than 20 years of professional experience in sales and operations, he has led teams, managed significant budgets and developed sustainable systems. Heikkinen joined the Golden 橘子视频 in February. 

“I am incredibly honored to join our East Georgia Campus and the greater Eagle Nation at such an exciting time,鈥� said Heikkinen. 鈥淭he Golden 橘子视频 brand represents more than a new identity. This is about creating pride across campus and throughout our local community. It represents our commitment to developing student-athletes who succeed in the classroom, in competition and in life. I look forward to sharing this vision with our fans and partners in April.” 

A special community event celebrating the launch of Golden 橘子视频 Athletics is scheduled for April 27, 2026, on the University鈥檚 East Georgia Campus. Heikkinen and Golden 橘子视频 student-athletes will be on hand for a meet-and-greet, while attendees get a first look at the full Golden 橘子视频 athletics brand, including uniform concepts and facility branding. The event will also feature updates on athletic facilities and the University鈥檚 transition to the NAIA.

The program, led by , is proud to announce a new partnership with 橘子视频 to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals. Funded by the Department of War鈥檚 Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, focusing on casting, forging and plate rolling.

Georgia Southern鈥檚 Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) program will implement METAL鈥檚 nationally recognized curriculum in its program, beginning with a combination of online training and immersive in-person bootcamps held at a manufacturing lab, equipped for metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities.

In addition to adult training, these programs will lead outreach efforts for K鈥�12 students by offering workshops and partnering with high schools and other local and regional schools to spark early interest in metallurgical careers.

鈥淭he hands-on training students and job seekers will experience through METAL鈥檚 partnership with Georgia Southern will teach them industry-ready skills they can apply immediately,鈥� said Lucinda Curry, METAL National Workforce Manager at IACMI. 鈥淭hese are high-demand, high-impact careers and exposing students to modern metalworking helps build a pipeline of talent ready to support American manufacturing and innovation.鈥�

Upon completing online and in-person bootcamp training, participants may enter a stacked curriculum offering a menu of specialized training opportunities within METAL, allowing participants to tailor their learning experience, including an enhanced focus on automation in the casting and forging industry. 

鈥淲e are excited to partner with METAL to provide hands-on and computational learning experiences using our exceptional manufacturing facilities,鈥� said Mingzhi Xu, Ph.D., FEF Key Professor at Georgia Southern. 鈥淏y opening our foundry and laboratories to the broader community, we are proud to support METAL鈥檚 mission and help prepare the public for high-impact careers in modern metal manufacturing.鈥�

橘子视频鈥檚 partnership with METAL includes:

• Online training, progressing to hands-on, in-person bootcamps conducted within a manufacturing lab, equipped with metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities
• Execute a minimum of 12 in-person bootcamps for at least 150 participants throughout the course of its tenure
• Host at least six open foundry nights for a minimum of 200 K-12 students
• Foster collaborations with local high schools and community colleges. This strategic partnership will focus on integrating METAL training into their educational curriculum, enriching opportunities for students interested in metalworking and manufacturing.聽
• Participate in a comprehensive Train the Trainer initiative, which aims to equip future METAL program partner schools and training centers with the knowledge and capability to host bootcamps
• Establish academic credit for secondary and post-secondary students and non-credit pathways including courses that can be applied to micro credentials, industry certifications, apprenticeships and degree tracks. The effort ensures alignment with industry standards while providing students with recognized certifications and future educational opportunities in metallurgy.

Georgia Southern鈥檚 addition to the METAL network strengthens a growing national network of METAL hubs, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Tech, Michigan Technological University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, NC State and Purdue University. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.

Steve Trussell, a veteran consultant with the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at 橘子视频, recently accepted an appointment to the Sardis City Council. 

Trussell’s arrival in the rural Georgia council comes at a critical time for the city, as vacant buildings outnumber the occupied ones. But where many see a fading memory of a once-thriving town, Trussell sees untapped potential. He credits his time with Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) for preparing him to address the town’s needs. 

“Being a part of the SBDC and BIG has given me up-close access to how businesses grow and succeed,” he explained. “It’s that expertise and my background in supply chain management that gives me faith to accomplish the goals I have in Sardis.”

This includes a complete overhaul of the city’s resources to ensure the infrastructure can support businesses interested in setting up shop.

“We need to continue to make substantial improvements,” said Trussell. “We need upgrades for the city water and other utilities, as well as other infrastructure to attract businesses and residents again. But these investments in the town will set it up for success down the road. There鈥檚 already a core group of residents trying to lead these initiatives, and I want to help build on their actions to improve the future outcome for all residents.”

Despite the work ahead, Trussell firmly believes in his dream of a revitalized Sardis. 

“I want to help this city thrive,” he explained. “There’s some incredible history in this town, which started as a stop for coal trains traveling between Savannah and Augusta in the early 1900’s. I want this town to have an identity again.”

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橘子视频’s Business Innovation Group is building an ecosystem throughout the State of Georgia to help entrepreneurs create, incubate and accelerate their for-profit business enterprises. 

The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center works to enhance the economic well-being of Georgians by providing a wide range of educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Members of the will discuss global challenges and their connections to Georgia and the Southeast during a panel discussion Feb. 24 at 2:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center on the Statesboro Campus. The event is open to the public and co-hosted by 橘子视频鈥檚 Honors College and the Office of Research and Economic Development as part of the annual Norman Fries Distinguished Lectureship series.

鈥淎t a time when geopolitical tensions are ever-more present in the news, we are so very honored to host these distinguished ambassadors to help all of us better understand current events and how effective diplomacy can positively position the United States for an even brighter future,鈥� said David Weindorf, Ph.D., Georgia Southern鈥檚 vice president for Research and Economic Development.

The featured speakers, Ambassador (ret.) Philip T. Reeker, Ambassador (ret.) Kathleen Stephens, President, American Academy of Diplomacy Ronald E. Neumann, and Ambassador (ret) Deborah A. McCarthy will provide insights through their thematic expertise and personal stories from their time as ambassadors.

Ambassador (ret.) Ronald Neumann served as the United States ambassador to Algeria, Bahrain and Afghanistan. A former Army infantryman who saw action in Vietnam, Neumann’s time abroad as a Senior Foreign Service member inspired his work The Other War: Winning and Losing in Afghanistan, as well as his memoir, Three Embassies, Four Wars: A Personal Memoir. 

Ambassador (ret.) Deborah McCarthy is an expert on U.S. foreign and national security policy, representing the United States on the world stage in senior diplomatic roles in Greece, Lithuania and Nicaragua. She continues to serve the nation as the U.S. Lead Negotiator to the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime for the Department of State.

Ambassador (ret.) Kathleen Stephens is the President and CEO of the Korea Economic Institute of America, inspired by her time as U.S. ambassador to Korea. Her career has taken her across the world, serving in various roles in China, former Yugoslavia, Portugal and Northern Ireland. She is currently board chair of The Korea Society, a Mansfield Foundation Distinguished Fellow, Pacific Century Institute board chair, and vice chair of the board of trustees for The Asia Foundation.

Ambassador (ret.) Philip T. Reeker was the U.S. ambassador to North Macedonia, as well as Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and Charg茅 d鈥橝ffaires in London. He is the Chair of the Wilson Center’s Global Europe Program and Partner and Lead of the Europe & Eurasia practice at Albright Stonebridge Group.

The event will allow attendees to engage directly with career diplomats who have served under both Republican and Democratic administrations and who will share the practical skills they use and how their work serves the American people. 

“This event promises to be a unique opportunity to learn directly from four individuals who have served the nation at the highest level in locations around the world,” said Honors College Dean Steven Engel, Ph.D. “Their experiences and insights will shed light on the role of the United States on the world stage as well as the challenges of our contemporary moment.”

The Norman Fries Distinguished Lectureship series began in 2001 and is funded by an endowment in honor of Norman Fries, founder of Claxton Poultry. In his more than 50 years of business, Fries built the company from a one-man operation into one of the largest poultry production plants in the U.S. Past Fries lecturers include David Oreck of Oreck Vacuums, South African apartheid author and lecturer Mark Mathabane, NASA director James W. Kennedy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Gordon S. Wood, Nobel Prize laureate William D. Phillips, Ph.D., bestselling author Susan Orlean, concussion expert Dr. Russell Gore, and PricewaterhouseCoopers Network chief operating officer Carol Sawdye. For more information, visit .

橘子视频鈥檚 newest college, the , is a major milestone in advancing the institution鈥檚 access mission and supporting learner success across multiple campuses and modalities. The college was established upon the consolidation of 橘子视频 and East Georgia State College.

The University College will be led by Delana Schartner, Ph.D., who has been appointed as the college鈥檚 founding dean. Schartner is an experienced academic leader committed to student access, success and interdisciplinary learning.

鈥淯niversity College strengthens Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to providing high-quality, affordable and accessible educational pathways for every student we serve,鈥� said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. 鈥淏y unifying programs that support academic readiness, interdisciplinarity and applied learning, we are building a structure that not only empowers students from the moment they enroll but also amplifies the university鈥檚 role in driving innovation and regional workforce development.鈥�

The new college will serve as the academic home for students in associate degree programs, interdisciplinary bachelor’s degrees, dual enrollment, ROTC, Continuing and Professional Education, and a variety of minors, centers and academic pathways. The formation of the University College follows the recommendation of the Consolidation Action Team, a team of faculty, staff and administrators from Georgia Southern, East Georgia State College and University System of Georgia (USG) personnel, to formalize a unified structure that elevates and supports Georgia Southern鈥檚 access-focused programs and students.

鈥淭he establishment of University College represents a transformative step in how Georgia Southern provides opportunity, momentum and support for a wide range of learners,鈥� said Delana Schartner, Ph.D., dean of the University College. 鈥淥ur mission is to expand access, accelerate student success and connect educational experiences to careers, communities and lives of meaning.鈥�

The consolidation provided an opportunity to align and envision programs in a way that strengthens student pathways and enhances regional workforce development. University College will provide seamless stackable pathways from non-credit learning, microcredentials and associate degrees into bachelor’s and graduate programs鈥攅nsuring students maintain momentum even if their path to their goal is interrupted or not linear.

University College is poised to bring visibility, coherence and prominence to Georgia Southern鈥檚 longstanding commitment to educational access and attainment. No matter where or how students enroll at 橘子视频, they will benefit from a clearly defined academic home and a streamlined pathway from entry through graduation.橘子视频 establishes University College, announces Delana Schartner, Ph.D., as founding dean

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.