University of 91³Ô¹Ï rising senior Katharine Steffes has been awarded a Beinecke Scholarship worth $35,000 in support of her graduate education. She is 91³Ô¹Ï’s 11th Beinecke Scholar overall and third since 2023.

Steffes worked closely with the (CUSE) in applying for the award, which is available to juniors at participating institutions in the U.S.

“At 91³Ô¹Ï, students within the College of Arts and Letters have access to top-tier faculty mentorship as well as research and co-curricular opportunities, allowing them to develop into promising young scholars who are competitive among the finest undergraduate students in the country,â€� Emily Buika Hunt, assistant director of scholarly development at CUSE, said. “Throughout her time here, Katharine has made the most of these resources as she has pursued enriching experiences in her studies.â€�

An anthropology and supplementary French major from Los Angeles, Steffes is a member of the Anthropology Club, Lewis Hall Council and Tutor ND. She is an with the

With , research associate professor of anthropology, she researches transactional networks in vulnerable communities and their relationship to societal cohesion and conflict. She’s also conducted research with , C.S.C., assistant professor of anthropology.

She previously served as an art advisory intern with Filimonov Art Advisory in Los Angeles, and as an undergraduate research intern with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., where, alongside Joshua Bell, chair of the Department of Anthropology, she contributed to the creation of the National Museum of Natural History’s first comprehensive catalog guide to collections associated with the U.S. military occupations between 1898 and 1934.

As an anthropologist, she is interested in provenance research and the politics of cataloging — particularly, how Catholic missions contributed to anthropological knowledge and how museums continue to shape the historical narrative of missionary activity.

“I am incredibly honored to be named a 2026 Beinecke Scholar,â€� Steffes said. “I’m especially grateful to the Anthropology Department at the University of 91³Ô¹Ï, as well as my professors and mentors, for their support and encouragement throughout my academic journey.â€�

Established in 1971, the Beinecke Scholarship seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to “be courageous in the selection of a graduate course of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences.�

For more on this and other scholarship opportunities, visit .

Douglas and Diana Berthiaume have made a transformational gift to the University of 91³Ô¹Ï to advance biomedical research through strategic investments in critical infrastructure. The gift, totaling $35 million, establishes the Center for Biomedical Discovery. It includes $5 million in seed funding for multidisciplinary research teams, promoting new collaborations among biomedical researchers in the Colleges of and .

The Center for Biomedical Discovery is a foundational piece of the (BELS) Initiative, a partnership between science and engineering that emphasizes three strategic research pillars — health foundations, health technologies and health equities.

“Bioengineering & Life Sciences is a key priority in , bringing together researchers from a variety of fields to create transformative solutions for human health,â€� said , the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost at the University of 91³Ô¹Ï. “This exceptionally generous gift will ensure that our faculty and students have access to the advanced instrumentation they need to pursue discovery at the highest level, now and for generations to come.â€�

With support from the Berthiaume family and consistent with the University’s strategic framework, the center will govern strategic investment in biomedical research infrastructure, serving existing faculty while helping to recruit world-leading researchers to join the ranks of 91³Ô¹Ï faculty.

Specifically, the center will support researchers with centralized access to cutting-edge technologies such as high-resolution cryo-transmission electron microscopy, modern flow cytometry and advanced biofabrication capabilities. It will also recruit staff capable of training researchers, maintaining instrumentation and interpreting data.

“Doug and Diana Berthiaume’s extraordinary generosity will accelerate 91³Ô¹Ï’s ability to pursue bold, collaborative discovery at the frontiers of biomedical science,â€� said , the William K. Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science. “By investing in shared, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, the Center for Biomedical Discovery will empower our faculty and students to work with cutting-edge technologies across disciplines, deepen our understanding of human health and disease and translate fundamental insights into real-world impact in service to the common good.â€�

“The Berthiaumes’ gift is a catalyst for a new era at 91³Ô¹Ï, one that enables us to transcend traditional boundaries between engineering and the life sciences,â€� said , the Matthew H. McCloskey Dean of the College of Engineering. “By providing the sophisticated instrumentation and specialized expertise necessary for our engineers and scientists to collaborate fully, this investment empowers our researchers to co-create the next generation of life-saving and life-enhancing technologies.â€�

To date, this is the most significant gift to the BELS initiative, which lays out a vision for an ambitious investment of $165 million and which continues to build momentum toward advancing the frontiers of biomedical research. John Fisher, currently chair of the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, was recently appointed director of the BELS Initiative, effective Aug. 1, and the first instrumentation procurement, a Glacios 2 Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscope, is underway, with installation this spring.

“Diana and I strongly believe the future of disease treatment and prevention is through the precision medicine approach,â€� Douglas Berthiaume said. “Our recent investment in the Center for Biomedical Discovery will be important in strengthening 91³Ô¹Ï’s position in precision medicine research.â€�

Douglas Berthiaume is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts. Until his retirement in 2015, he served as president and chief executive officer of Waters Corp., a global company based in Massachusetts specializing in precision analytical equipment for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. He currently serves as chairman of the board of trustees of Boston Children’s Hospital.

Diana Berthiaume earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bentley College (now Bentley University), a private business school in Waltham, Massachusetts. She oversees the operations of the Berthiaume Family Foundation.

The Berthiaumes previously created an endowment at 91³Ô¹Ï for the Berthiaume Family Professor of Neuroscience and made a gift to the University to establish the . They are members of the University’s President’s Circle and the Provost’s Leadership Group. They also are longtime supporters of the University of Massachusetts and Boston-area health care institutions, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

The Berthiaumes reside in Andover, Massachusetts, and have two daughters, Maggie and Abby, a 2020 graduate of 91³Ô¹Ï.

Mary Cunningham Boyce delivered the keynote address Saturday during the’s annual Commencement Ceremony, encouraging students in this moment of profound change, from rapid advances in science and technology to the increasing threat of global climate disaster, to “set aside any sense of there being a well-worn path to ‘success.’

“Even in the face of urgency, you need to be thoughtful, to have guiding principles, and embrace change, recognize opportunity, and do so with integrity,� said Boyce, provost emerita and professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University.

Boyce, a renowned engineer and scholar, recalled her own winding path to success, marked by false starts, setbacks and pivots but also self-discovery.

“In high school, I loved mathematics and physics, and so I was advised to study engineering in college even though, frankly, I had no idea what engineering was,� she said, adding, “Apparently, physics was just too impractical a choice for this Irish-American girl from a large family�

Counseled by her advisor at Virginia Tech to pursue industrial engineering “because that's what girls do,� she later switched to mechanical engineering after taking a required course in mechanics and learning from the instructor “that I could actually major ... in this field.�

After graduation, she landed a job in the aerospace industry. But realizing she wanted to be on the cutting edge of her field, she decided to go back to school, earning a master’s and then a doctorate in mechanical engineering from MIT. She later joined the faculty there, rising to head of the Department of Engineering before leaving for Columbia, where she has been a champion of interdisciplinary scholarship to confront global challenges through basic research and real-world implementation.

Over the course of a long and illustrious career, Boyce has distinguished herself as a leading researcher of polymeric materials and soft composites, contributing to groundbreaking new modeling methods for commercial products, transportation vehicles and biomedical devices.

Notably, she led an interdisciplinary team of experts tasked by the governor of New York with devising a practical repair strategy for the 14th Street Tunnel under the East River in New York City, which was badly damaged and faced prolonged closure in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

“We toured those gimy subway tunnels at midnight ... to understand their structure and alternate possibilities,� she said, recounting the experience. “It was intense and it was amazing, and I’m happy to say we did find another way. The tunnel was not shut down, and it was repaired in a much more modern way, impacting so many (fewer) lives and businesses."

“Not so bad for this ordinary girl from New Jersey who once didn't know what engineering was.�

The lesson: “Follow your instincts, take the time to find your fit and pursue what you enjoy.�

Introducing Boyce, , the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost of 91³Ô¹Ï, observed that no matter the discipline, “scholarly discovery begins the same way: someone is curious enough to ask a difficult question and determined enough to pursue it — despite the inevitable challenges.

“That same curiosity and determination are reflected throughout Dr. Mary Cunningham Boyce’s remarkable career — as a scholar, teacher, mentor and academic leader,� McGreevy said.

Saturday’s ceremony took place inside the Compton Family Ice Arena, with 548 students receiving their master’s or doctoral degrees. Another 462 students received their master’s degrees at the ceremony, and 203 at the ceremony.

“Graduates, we congratulate you, we celebrate you, and we wish you every success,â€� he said. “We look forward to hearing how you improve the world with what you have learned at 91³Ô¹Ï.â€�

Following Boyce’s remarks, , oversaw the conferral of degrees and, afterward, delivered the charge to the class.

“From personal experience, I know that the journey of a graduate student can be filled with ups and downs, triumphs and tribulations, periods of clarity and periods of self-doubt. And, as well, moments of insight, but also of murkiness,� Father Dowd said. “You're here though, now. Your persistence and hard work have brought you to this moment.�

Father Dowd thanked the graduates for their contributions to 91³Ô¹Ï, noting, “In your time with us, you have contributed to important breakthroughs, enriched our campus community and, in many cases, built bridges across disciplines, embodying the unity of truth and knowledge in how you live and work together."

“Graduates, we celebrate you, we wish you every success,â€� he said. “We look forward to hearing how you improve the world with what you have learned at 91³Ô¹Ï.â€�

Saturday’s ceremony also featured , associate provost, vice president for graduate studies and dean of the Graduate School, and, the Leo E. and Patti Ruth Linbeck Professor of Engineering in the at 91³Ô¹Ï. Hildreth opened the convocation, welcoming students, faculty, staff and visitors and introducing the platform party. Hu, one of two winners of this year’s , delivered the invocation.

Father Dowd delivered the benediction.

Commencement activities conclude Sunday (May 17) with the undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, where Boyce will be recognized as one of seven honorary degree recipients. For more information, visit .

While widely recognized as the leading global catholic research university, the University of 91³Ô¹Ï is committed to offering an unsurpassed undergraduate experience, one that nurtures the formation of the mind, body and spirit. In fact, undergraduate education and formation is among the University’s four central goals, as outlined in "Notre Dame 2033: A Strategic Framework."

In addition to the teaching and guidance offered by faculty in the classroom, undergraduates enjoy a rich community life, bolstered by opportunities for social, intellectual and faith-based engagement. More than half of all undergraduates participate in original research with a faculty mentor.

Whether examining the causes and conditions of mass atrocities, tutoring local schoolchildren, volunteering at a men’s prison or running to save lives, these members of the class of 2026 exemplify this commitment. Formed by a rich education and possessed of mature faith in service to others, they leave 91³Ô¹Ï prepared to take their places at the forefront of discovery, innovation and human achievement.

Bernice Antoine

Business analytics major Bernice Antoine hopes to establish the first sustainable waste management company in her country of Trinidad and Tobago. She was named a 30 under 30 Caribbean Changemaker and served as a Caribbean Climate Ambassador for the Caribbean Youth Climate Council. A leader in sustainability and service at 91³Ô¹Ï, Antoine founded Planet Plate, a sustainability initiative and is launching Caribbean Development Group, a nonprofit which aims to teach youth practical sustainability skills.

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Lizbeth Cordova Lopez

Lizbeth Cordova Lopez, a psychology major with a supplemental major in education, schooling and society, has made the most of her time at 91³Ô¹Ï. Now, she has one key piece of advice for first-year students: Trust that the things you’re passionate about will lead you somewhere meaningful. For Cordova Lopez, a first-generation college student and AnBryce Scholar, that meant researching incarceration in the United States and how it impacts families, especially children with parents who are incarcerated. “Those children are at a much higher risk of dropping out of school and are much less likely to attend college,â€� she said. “And that’s something I’d like to change.â€�
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Charlie Desnoyers

A McNeill Common Good Fellow with the Institute for Social Concerns, Charlie Desnoyers, a chemistry major from suburban Chicago, has spent nearly as much time in the lab as in the classroom during his four years at 91³Ô¹Ï. “Charlie is everything you’d want to see in an undergraduate research colleague — smart, innately curious and genuinely excited about research,â€� said Paul Bohn, the Arthur J. Schmitt Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at 91³Ô¹Ï. A recipient of the Dr. Norbert L. Weich Award for undergraduate research, Desnoyers will investigate light-matter interactions at the nanoscale as a doctoral student in chemistry at Northwestern University starting this fall.

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Mustafa Hess

Hess, a global affairs major in the Keough School of Global Affairs with minors in peace studies and French, has let curiosity and a thirst for knowledge guide his 91³Ô¹Ï experience. He has explored the myriad events and opportunities offered on campus, all while being deeply invested in his research on genocide and mass atrocities in the Kellogg Institute with professor Ernesto Verdeja. Through 91³Ô¹Ï, he has traversed the United States and Europe, allowing him to connect his investigations with their real-world examples.

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Eva Romero

Economics major Eva Romero hopes that her work studying the causes, mitigation efforts and impact of policy surrounding poverty will enable other first-generation, low-income students to pursue — and complete — their college degrees. She believes that getting a good education is one of the best ways to break the generational cycle of poverty; and, in this effort, she hopes to lead by example. Not only is Romero an AnBryce Scholar, a Cavanaugh Council and President’s Circle Scholar, and a Poverty Research Fellow through the University's Poverty Initiative, but she is also an avid performer in several campus dance troupes including TroopND Dance Team, RitmoND and Ballet Folklórico Azúl y Oro.

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Charlie Desnoyers is not your typical “legacyâ€� student. Sure, his grandpa, Henry Desnoyers, was a 91³Ô¹Ï alumnus. But to a young Desnoyers growing up in south suburban Chicago, Henry Thomas Desnoyers — “HTâ€� to his friends — was just “Pop,â€� second-generation proprietor of Desnoyers Hardware, the oldest family-owned hardware store in South Dakota.

“I didn’t realize he went to 91³Ô¹Ï until I was in high school, because he passed when I was 8 years old,â€� Desnoyers said of his father’s father, who died in 2012 from complications from ALS, which over the course of three long years left the proud family man and lifelong Catholic immobilized and unable to speak without technological assistance. “So, I never really knew much about his history.â€�

Still, he draws considerable inspiration from his grandpa, who in addition to running Desnoyers Hardware managed the family farm among the rolling hills of Clark County in eastern South Dakota.

“He was supposed to go to medical school, but his father passed away so he had to work in the family hardware, and that’s what he did for the rest of his life,� Desnoyers said. “That really inspired me, that level of sacrifice.�

Last fall, in honor of his grandpa, Desnoyers participated in the Chicago Marathon as part of Team ALS, finishing in an impressive 3 hours and 28 minutes. The team raised more than $660,000 for ALS United Illinois. He said he looks forward to running more in his honor.

An aspiring scientist, Desnoyers, who will graduate this month with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of Science, has shown the same level of dedication and passion for his studies, spending nearly as much time in the lab as in the classroom since arriving in South Bend.

A McNeill Common Good Fellow with the Institute for Social Concerns, he has collaborated with Marya Lieberman, the Nancy Dee Professor of Cancer Research, on a testing protocol for fentanyl test strips, and with Paul Bohn, the Arthur J. Schmitt professor of chemistry and biochemistry, on a method for isolating extracellular vesicles, with implications for safe and effective vaccine delivery and high-precision biological measurements.

With Bohn, he worked in 91³Ô¹Ï’s nanofabrication facility, a world-class teaching and research clean room, to create arrays of nanoscopic holes in metal films, which he then used to conduct measurements of individual vesicles. It was a difficult experiment, he said, but one that yielded significant results.

Farther afield, he spent last summer working with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. in southwest rural Alaska — a remote area accessible only by plane.

“I worked on a few different projects there, but the motivation was understanding how we deliver efficient healthcare in low resource and rural communities,� he said.

He was especially interested in vaccine delivery, he said, which due to the inherent instability of many vaccines can be difficult in remote areas.

More recently, he traveled to Cyprus for several weeks to learn about the immigration situation there and efforts on the part of governments and religious and nonprofit organizations to address it.

His current research involves the causes of light-induced phase separation in mixed halide perovskites — a type of semiconductor material used in LEDs and solar cells — and the possibility of engineering these materials to function as tunable light sources.

In recognition of these and other efforts, Desnoyers was given the Dr. Norbert L. Weich Award in 2025. The award, recognizing excellence in academics and undergraduate research in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is given annually to an outstanding junior.

“Charlie is everything you’d want to see in an undergraduate research colleague — smart, innately curious and genuinely excited about research,� Bohn said. “He displays all of the traits that will set him up for a successful Ph.D., and I am truly excited to see what he accomplishes in the next phases of his career.�

Looking ahead, Desnoyers has been accepted into a doctoral program in chemistry at Northwestern University, where he will continue investigating questions regarding light-matter interactions at the nanoscale starting this fall.

He credits 91³Ô¹Ï, in part, for his success.

“91³Ô¹Ï is a great place to learn both inside and outside of the classroom,â€� he said, adding, “It makes great scientists but it also makes great humans.â€�

Surely, “Pop� would be proud.

Among this year’s winners, two are Gilman-McCain Scholars, representing students whose parents are active duty military. One is a STEM enhancement recipient and two are Critical Need Language enhancement recipients. Enhancement recipients submit an extra essay and earn up to $2,000 in additional funding.

The winners worked closely with 91³Ô¹Ï’s in applying for the award.

“When I first began working for 91³Ô¹Ï in 2017, I met with a total of three Gilman applicants throughout the year. I am incredibly happy to see how far we have come as an institution in terms of supporting students who are interested in this award,â€� said Elise Rudt-Moorthy, CUSE’s associate director of national fellowships. “Through the outreach efforts of the Office of Financial Aid and 91³Ô¹Ï Global, the Gilman Scholarship has earned name recognition among students, and through the hard work of Gilman application advisors like Assistant Director Mathilda Nassar and Academic Advisor Grace Song, we made sure last year’s applicants had timely and carefully crafted feedback. I hope to continue improving our offerings to Gilman applicants in years to come.â€�

Chosen as part of a highly competitive selection process, Gilman Scholars spend a year studying abroad. Upon returning to the U.S., they complete a follow-on service project to spread awareness of the program.

The Gilman Top Producer campaign recognizes U.S. colleges and universities for their dedication to providing global opportunities for American students with support from the Gilman Program. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, categorizes Gilman Top Producers by size, with a separate category for two-year institutions.

Established by an act of Congress, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. The award covers tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, airfare and passport and visa fees up to $5,000. Students who study a critical-need language can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000.

For more on this and other scholarship opportunities, visit .

The Key into Public Service Scholarship highlights the wide range of opportunities for arts, humanities, natural and social science and mathematics majors to pursue careers in the public sector.

A global affairs and Spanish double major with a minor in civil and human rights, Bofah worked closely with 91³Ô¹Ï’s (CUSE) in applying for the award.

“I want to congratulate Veronica on being named a 2026 Key into Public Service Scholar,� Mathilda Nassar, assistant director for national fellowships at CUSE. “Her excellent work ethic and deep commitment to justice is inspiring. I am excited to watch her growth as she pursues a career in civil rights law advocating for underserved and misrepresented communities.�

Bofah is a with the . She is a member of the , the , the and Shades of Ebony. She is the DEI commissioner for Ryan Hall and a lifeguard for .

Through , she conducted research on the relationship between AI and human rights in post-dictatorship Chile as part of the Nuestra MemorIA project at Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile. She also volunteered at a community center in Santiago.

Closer to campus, Bofah worked with the South Bend Reparatory Justice Commission to research the history of housing discrimination in South Bend, helping to shape the commission’s recommendations to the city for addressing historical injustices in housing.

Currently, she is a policy and legislation fellow with the League of United Latin American Citizens in Washington, D.C., with the long-term goal of attending law school and pursuing a career as a civil rights attorney.

“I am deeply honored to be named a Phi Beta Kappa Society Key into Public Service Scholar,â€� Bofah said. “To me, this award represents my efforts to connect my academic foundations and my passions to build more resilient, equitable communities. I am incredibly thankful for the guidance of 91³Ô¹Ï’s CUSE office, whose mentorship helped me reflect on how my journey here has prepared me for this next chapter. I look forward to utilizing the society’s expertise to advocate for change and serve as a catalyst for progress in the public sector.â€�

For more on this and other scholarship opportunities, visit .

Tennes, an international economics and Spanish major from Charlotte, Michigan, will study Portuguese.

“This opportunity is particularly meaningful; three years ago, I traveled to Brazil for the first time through Project Global Officer, and I have been driven by the desire to return ever since,� Tennes said. “I am looking forward to continuing my study of Portuguese while further developing my cross-cultural understanding to support my future military career.�

London, a theology and physics double major from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, will study Swahili.

“Through CLS, I’ll advance my language skills and build a bridge between East Africa and the United States in my own career,â€� London said. “I’m grateful to the mentors who have helped me grow toward this goal at 91³Ô¹Ï, including Professors and , of , and of the , , Professor of the , and the incredible advisers at Flatley CUSE — Mathilda Nassar, Elise Rudt and Emily Hunt.â€�

TheÌýassists 91³Ô¹Ï undergraduates with scholarly discernment and pursuits, including research and fellowships.

“I am so happy that Brianna and Joseph will get to have this unique experience and add to their academic trajectories,� said Mathilda Nassar, assistant director of national fellowships at CUSE. “They worked hard and are deeply committed to learning their target language. If anyone is interested in applying next year, I begin the application process in September.�

The Critical Language Scholarship Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to 10 weeks abroad studying one of nine critical languages. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.

This year’s cohort of approximately 315 scholars was selected from a pool of more than 4,500 applicants. The winners hail from 49 U.S. states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. More than 160 colleges and universities are represented.

For more on this and other scholarship opportunities, visit .

As it turns 25 (), the stands as a lasting symbol of trust and shared purpose between 91³Ô¹Ï and its closest neighbors—the many and diverse residents of the Northeast Neighborhood—as well as a source of support and encouragement for those who have passed through its doors.

Starting from its original location in a former shopping center and continuing at Eddy Street Commons, the center, with support from 91³Ô¹Ï and others, has served thousands of men, women, and children across generations, engaged hundreds of volunteers, and distributed tens of thousands of books, promoting service and learning throughout the community.

But the center is also a physical space, and in that capacity, it has served as a hub for events, celebrations, lectures, performances, competitions, and student- and community-organized service projects such as Back the Bend and Turning Over a New Leaf—always with a deep and abiding commitment to the underserved, particularly children, families, and the elderly.

“We have a mission and a passion to serve the breadth of the community; we make efforts to reach the under-resourced and the vulnerable,� said Susan Devetski, an educational consultant and former chief academic officer for the South Bend Community School Corp. who has served as director of the RCLC since 2023.

In that sense, the center’s impact is practically immeasurable.

The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. inside 91³Ô¹Ï Stadium. , will confer the master’s and doctoral degrees and deliver the charge to the graduates, in addition to the benediction.

“We are honored to have such an outstanding scholar and academic leader to help us send our graduates out into the world to do good,� said Michael Hildreth, dean of the Graduate School and vice president and associate provost of graduate studies. “Her rich and diverse experience will provide a distinct source of advice for them as they seek to flourish in their future careers.�

A champion of interdisciplinary scholarship to confront global challenges through basic research and real-world implementation, Boyce is provost emerita and professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University. She joined the faculty at Columbia in 2013, serving as dean of the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. She was appointed provost in 2021 and oversaw the return to campus following the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to her tenure at Columbia, Boyce was a faculty member at MIT for 25 years.

A leading researcher of polymeric materials and soft composites, her groundbreaking contributions include creating new modeling methods for use in commercial products, transportation vehicles and biomedical devices, among others. Boyce’s contributions to the field led to her election as a fellow of the American Academy of Mechanics, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and her election to the National Academy of Engineering. She is the recipient of numerous honors, including the 2024 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Mechanical Engineering, the 2020 Timoshenko Medal and the 2015 Engineering Science Medal.

“These students have elected to deepen and broaden their knowledge during a time of rapid advancement and change. I hope that sharing some of my own journey will help students embrace opportunities along their own paths to bring their talents to benefit society.�

In addition to delivering the Graduate School commencement address, during the on May 17.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from 91³Ô¹Ï and for the opportunity to address the graduates at the Graduate School Commencement Ceremony as they cross this important milestone,â€� Boyce said. “These students have elected to deepen and broaden their knowledge during a time of rapid advancement and change. I hope that sharing some of my own journey will help students embrace opportunities along their own paths to bring their talents to benefit society.â€�

The following alumni, faculty and student will also be recognized during the Graduate School ceremony:

Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award: Marlene L. Daut (’09 Ph.D.), professor of French and Black studies at Yale University.

Rev. James A. Burns, C.S.C., Award: , the Leo E. and Patti Ruth Linbeck Professor of Engineering in the at 91³Ô¹Ï.

Rev. James A. Burns, C.S.C., Award: , the Wanzek Family Foundation Collegiate Professor of Engineering in the at 91³Ô¹Ï.

Dick and Peggy Notebaert Award: , professor of and associate dean for graduate and postdoctoral affairs in the at 91³Ô¹Ï.

Eli J. and Helen Shaheen Award in Engineering: Hannah Rose Spero, doctoral candidate in the Department of .

Eli J. and Helen Shaheen Award in Humanities: Benjamin J. Young, doctoral candidate in the .

Eli J. and Helen Shaheen Award in Science: Dailin Gan, doctoral candidate in the .

Eli J. and Helen Shaheen Award in Social Sciences: Hannah Early Bagdanov, doctoral candidate in the .

Social Justice Award: Emma M. Thrift-Cahall, doctoral candidate in the .

Contact: Erin Blasko, associate director of media relations, 574-631-4127, eblasko@nd.edu

Established in 1952, the Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides financial and other support to students in NSF-backed STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) disciplines to participate in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs at accredited institutions in the U.S.

Applicants work closely with their advisers to create compelling personal statements and research plans. 91³Ô¹Ï students can also consult with experts from the (CUSE) or its counterpart, the , in the Graduate School.

Jeffrey Thibert is the Paul and Maureen Stefanick Director of CUSE.

“Being recognized by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program is in part a marker of past achievement and in part a predictor of the applicant’s capacity to contribute to STEM fields in a way that both demonstrates intellectual merit and produces positive broader impacts,â€� Thibert said. “It’s wonderful to see another strong showing from 91³Ô¹Ï, and the CUSE team encourages any undergraduates and recent alumni considering graduate school in a STEM field to reach out to us to discuss the NSF GRFP and other fellowship programs.â€�

In addition to congratulating the winning students, Thibert thanked the faculty mentors and advisers who assisted them throughout the application process — particularly Emily Buika Hunt, the CUSE assistant director of scholarly development, who works with undergraduate and alumni applicants.

Michael Skalski is the associate program director in the Graduate School’s Office of Grants and Fellowships.

“Navigating the NSF application process is a rigorous intellectual exercise that requires students to envision the long-term impact of their work,� Skalski said. “We are thrilled to see so many of our applicants recognized for their hard work, and we look forward to the contributions they will make to the global STEM landscape.�

The fellows are:

Undergraduate

• Jonathan Lewis (engineering)

• Dongwhi Kim (computer science)

Undergraduate alumni

• Thomas Barbera (physics and astronomy)

• Levi Cherek (chemistry)

• Caitlin Cunningham (psychology)

• Matthew Doty (physics and astronomy)

• Caroline Hoy (engineering)

• Carmelina Komyatte (life sciences)

• Matthew LaCapra (engineering)

• Isabella Weiner (engineering)

• Victor Williams (engineering)

Graduate

• Akash Narayanan (mathematical sciences)

• Sarah Shibuya (life sciences)

• Zachary Toth (engineering)

The alternates are:

Undergraduate

• Adriana Baniecki (physics and astronomy)

• Charles Desnoyers (chemistry)

• Thomas Reimer (chemistry)

Undergraduate Alumni

• James Galante (life sciences)

• Giorgi Kharchilava (chemistry)

• Molly Quan (life sciences)

Graduate

• Jacob DiBiase (geosciences)

• Emma Page (psychology)

• Allison Portaro (chemistry)

• Ilya Sniff (engineering)

• Maggie Stephens (engineering)

• Andrew Yeomans-Stephenson (physics and astronomy)

The Indiana Catholic Conference, composed of the state’s five bishops, has issued a pastoral letter on integral ecology with key contributions from ., assistant teaching professor in the at the University of 91³Ô¹Ï.

Published April 2 to coincide with Holy Thursday, “Integral Ecology: A Sacramental Vision� invites Catholics and all people of goodwill to consider a deeper, faith-filled understanding of humanity’s relationship with creation — one that recognizes the world as a gift from God and calls for responsible stewardship grounded in the sacramental life of the Church.

The letter, reflecting on issues ranging from biodiversity and habitat loss to water, agriculture and energy, was written in close collaboration with Father Ehrman, a theologian with a background in biology and aquatic ecology whose research focuses on the theology of creation, science and faith, and watershed theology.

Originating with a conversation between Father Ehrman and Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, nearly a decade ago, the letter closely reflects the Theology and Ecology course that Father Ehrman has taught at 91³Ô¹Ï since 2018. Father Ehrman also supplied nearly all of the photographs in the letter, from images of Indiana’s natural resources to artwork representing all five of the state’s cathedrals. With support from environmental consultants Mundell & Associates, he also contributed a pair of maps that the letter overlaid with the diocesan boundaries: one featuring the state’s 12 natural areas and the other its various watersheds.

Supplementary to the images and text, the maps help situate the reader in an “ecological place,� said Father Ehrman, whose interdisciplinary interests bring together faith and reason to better understand and develop a Catholic vision of who God is as Creator, who humans are as creatures and what their relationship is to God, themselves and the natural world.

“We belong to some watershed, we belong to some ecosystem,� Father Ehrman said. “So how do we think of ourselves as ecological citizens, as Pope Francis called us, but also as Church citizens or ecclesiastical citizens?�

Father Ehrman is a graduate of 91³Ô¹Ï, having earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and his master’s degree in divinity from the University. He has a master’s degree in aquatic ecology from Virginia Tech and a doctorate in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America. In addition to his roles as professor and priest at 91³Ô¹Ï, he has served as a foundational and collaborative thought partner for the University’s sustainability efforts.

“The main idea of this document, like Laudato si’, is ecological conversion: How do we see the world with a broader vision where we don’t just see the stuff around us as raw material that we can use indiscriminately, but as God’s creation?�

Building upon the bishops’ previous teachings on care for creation, including their 2000 pastoral letter, “Care for the Earth,� this newest letter outlines the social and ecological challenges facing mankind. It calls on Hoosiers to cultivate an attitude of “serene attentiveness to God, ourselves, (our) neighbors and creation� and to open their hearts to “communal responses to caring for our common home.�

“The main idea of this document, like Laudato si’, is ecological conversion: How do we see the world with a broader vision where we don’t just see the stuff around us as raw material that we can use indiscriminately, but as God’s creation?� Father Ehrman said. “Fundamentally, how do we develop a sacramental vision where we see the world and the first thing we do is think of the Trinity — I think of Christ, I think of God — because that’s going to affect how we relate to these things.�

The letter notes with concern the historical loss of wetlands in Indiana, the degradation of the state’s waterways and the state’s use of fossil fuels at the expense of cleaner sources of renewable energy. It also advocates for farming that meets both human and ecological needs, noting that “good farming does not degrade farmers and farmland nor animals and livestock. Rather, it restores relations and treats people, land and animals in accord with their God-given way of being.�

A key concept of Laudato si’, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on climate change, is integral ecology, which recognizes that our interactions with the environment are woven into the fabric of economic, political, social, cultural and ethical dimensions.

“The concept of integral ecology helps us see more clearly how human life and the natural world are deeply interconnected,� said Most Rev. Charles Thompson, archbishop of the Diocese of Indianapolis. “Here in Indiana, we delight in the beauty of creation — from our Great Lake and winding rivers to forests, prairies, wetlands and farmland. As people at home in this land and pilgrims journeying toward our true home in heaven, we are called to receive creation as a gift and to care for it with gratitude and hope.�

The letter also notes with encouragement 91³Ô¹Ï’s ongoing commitment to sustainability — . The University gets about 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. It also has four geothermal systems for heating and cooling, and it converts a portion of its food waste to energy. The University stopped burning coal in favor of natural gas in 2019.

“This document offers a thoughtful contribution to the Church’s ongoing reflection on the relationship between integral human development and care for creation,� Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., prefect for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, said on behalf of the Vatican. “May (it) assist the local Church throughout the United States in advancing a deeper sense of responsibility for our shared home and for the people who inhabit it.�

A record-tying four University of 91³Ô¹Ï students, all from the , have been named 2026 Goldwater Scholars in recognition of their exceptional promise as future leaders in the natural sciences, engineering and/or mathematics. Juniors Charles Sander, Katherine Sopko, Ian Talty and Oliver Wardhana each will receive $7,500 for tuition and other expenses for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year.

This is the third consecutive year that 91³Ô¹Ï has had four Goldwater Scholars.

“At 91³Ô¹Ï, we seek to form scientists who are driven by curiosity, grounded in purpose and committed to serving others through scientific discovery,â€� said Holly Goodson, interim associate dean for education and undergraduate programs in the College of Science. “The Goldwater Scholarship affirms those same ideals by supporting students who aspire to research careers that advance the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. Charles, Katherine, Ian and Oliver exemplify this alignment of mission by balancing intellectual excellence with a desire to make a difference. Their achievements reflect the very best of a 91³Ô¹Ï science education.â€�

Charles Sander

Sander is an honors biological sciences, economics, and applied and computational mathematics and statistics (ACMS) triple major from Sacramento, California. He is a , a early inductee and a . At 91³Ô¹Ï, Sander conducts neurobiology research in the lab of , the John M. and Mary Jo Boler Assistant Professor of . His work with Patzke has led to research collaborations under the mentorship of , the Fritz Duda Family Professor of ; , the Jane Schoelch DeFlorio Collegiate Professor of , and others at 91³Ô¹Ï. He has also conducted neuroscience research on Alzheimer’s disease under Nobel laureate Thomas Südhof at Stanford University. Currently, he is involved in bioinformatics research with , professor of at 91³Ô¹Ï. He is also writing a review paper on the therapeutic properties of psychedelics under the mentorship of , assistant teaching professor of biological sciences. Outside of his research, Sander does community health work with the . He also serves as director of academic affairs for , is a teaching assistant in the introductory biology lab, and is associate chief of staff of Scientia.

Katherine Sopko

Sopko is an honors biochemistry major from Waltham, Massachusetts. She conducts research in the lab of , the Huisking Foundation, Inc. Assistant Professor of at 91³Ô¹Ï. In the Morimoto Lab, Sopko contributes to research around the development of chimeric molecules to promote cancer cell elimination through immune response modulation. She is co-president of the Biotechnology Club, a chemistry tutor, a peer tutor for first-year chemistry and biochemistry students, and a member of both Farley Hall Council and the program.

Ian Talty

Talty is an honors chemistry and mathematics double major from Haddonfield, New Jersey. He conducts research with , associate research professor at 91³Ô¹Ï, in the . Talty contributes to research around the formation rate of transition metal oxides. He is vice president of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club and treasurer of the Curling Club. In his free time, he volunteers around South Bend through .

Oliver Wardhana

Wardhana is an honors biological sciences and ACMS double major from Arcadia, California. A Glynn Family Honors Scholar, he conducts research in the lab of , the John M. and Mary Jo Boler Collegiate Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at 91³Ô¹Ï. In the , Wardhana is involved in a benchmarking study comparing single-cell RNA sequencing cell type annotation methodologies, algorithms and tools. The study is also his thesis project. He is president and co-founder of iGEM@ND, a student-run synthetic biology team. The team won a gold medal at the 2025 iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris. In his free time, he volunteers at Holy Cross School in South Bend through Mercy Works.

In applying for the Goldwater Scholarship, Sander, Sopko, Talty and Wardhana all worked closely with the (CUSE), which supports the intellectual development of 91³Ô¹Ï students via scholarly engagement, research, creative endeavors and the pursuit of fellowships.

Emily Buika Hunt is assistant director of scholarly development for CUSE.

“Congratulations to Charles, Ian, Katherine and Oliver on the well-deserved recognition of their hard work and accomplishments. Each one of them has chosen to take advantage of the opportunities available to them at 91³Ô¹Ï, including research, mentorship and rigorous coursework,â€� Buika Hunt said. “Many 91³Ô¹Ï faculty and staff members have played an important role in their development thus far, and will continue to do so as they move forward into their future studies and careers.â€�

CUSE works with dozens of aspiring Goldwater Scholars each application cycle, Buika Hunt said, supporting them through the application process by offering guidance on writing, content framing and reference choices. A faculty nomination committee reviews the materials and selects the nominees. Rising sophomores and juniors who are interested in applying for the 2027 application cycle should reach out to CUSE by September to learn more.

Named for former U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, the Goldwater Scholarship seeks to foster and encourage outstanding sophomores and juniors to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. It is the preeminent undergraduate award of its type in these fields.

For more on this and other scholarship opportunities, visit .

The Reisenauer Institute for Rare Diseases will help to bridge the gaps between scientific understanding and the daily experiences of those living with rare conditions, consistent with the University’s Catholic mission and strategic framework. In doing so, it will take a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, with connections to the University’s strategic framework — specifically, the and the subsections of the .

In the United States, a rare disease is defined as a medical condition impacting fewer than 200,000 people. However, aggregated across the landscape of the nearly 10,000 known rare diseases, ; as many as half are children.

“This extraordinary gift from the Reisenauers will enable 91³Ô¹Ï to more effectively prepare the next generation of educators, patient advocates and researchers in a collaborative effort to prevent, treat and cure rare diseases,â€� said , the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost. “Such important work is central to 91³Ô¹Ï’s as articulated in our .â€�

91³Ô¹Ï’s efforts in the rare disease space began more than a decade ago with the establishment of the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare Diseases, and continued with the creation of the distinctive program and the .

“As 91³Ô¹Ï parents and as the parents of two children with an ultra-rare disease, our hope is that this transformative gift leads to real breakthroughs in the rare disease space, in terms of research as well as patient and family advocacy, support and care.â€�

The new institute will build on those efforts but with a fresh approach — one that, consistent with the University’s Catholic mission and values, centers patients and their experiences and aims to make a difference for the rare disease community through intentional integration of research, advocacy and education, guided by a deep commitment to ethical engagement and to honoring the dignity of patients and their families.

To that end, the institute will invest in the people, programs and tools required to achieve positive momentum in the rare disease space, emphasizing scalability, reproducibility, collaboration and cross-functional partnerships.

As a key first step in launching the institute, the College of Science is currently undertaking an international search for its inaugural director with support from the executive search firm Spencer Stuart.

Ultimately, the institute aims to be a beacon of hope for the rare disease community, revolutionizing care by uniting patients and experts to accelerate therapy development, empower organizations and train the next generation of advocates for lasting impact.

“We are deeply grateful to Dave and Cathleen Reisenauer for their extraordinary generosity,� said , interim dean of the College of Science. “Their gift will allow us to unite research, education and patient advocacy in a way that reflects our Catholic mission and commitment to serving the most vulnerable, and to pursue this work with integrity and respect for the families who place their trust in us.�

Cathleen Reisenauer is a member of the 91³Ô¹Ï College of Science Advisory Council. Dave Reisenauer, now retired, is the former director of digital transformation for Nvidia, the world’s leading artificial intelligence chipmaker.

The couple has three children: Peter, Cayla and Andrew. Peter and Andrew are both 91³Ô¹Ï graduates and are now practicing attorneys. Peter and Cayla both live with Cori disease/GSD type IIIA, a genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of glycogen in the body’s cells, leading to impaired organ and tissue function, particularly affecting the liver and muscles. Cathleen is a full-time caregiver to Cayla, who is severely disabled.

The experience of navigating Peter and Cayla’s diagnoses has shaped and inspired their philanthropy, which includes previous gifts to 91³Ô¹Ï to establish and strengthen the Reisenauer Excellence Fund for GSD and Related Disease Research; support the ; endow the director of patient advocacy education and outreach position within the Patient Advocacy Initiative; and support an associate director for external engagement for the Patient Advocacy Initiative.

“Our experience working with the College of Science in support of patient advocacy has only reinforced our belief in 91³Ô¹Ï’s capacity to improve the lives of those living with rare diseases,â€� Cathleen Reisenauer said. “As 91³Ô¹Ï parents and as the parents of two children with an ultra-rare disease, our hope is that this transformative gift leads to real breakthroughs in the rare disease space, in terms of research as well as patient and family advocacy, support and care.â€�

Proud graduates of Gonzaga University, the Reisenauers have also made gifts to their alma mater, for both learning and athletics. Recently, they have also lent their support to a program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Reisenauer Precision Gene Therapy Fund, aimed at developing therapies for ultra-rare disorders and engaging with the patients and families affected by these diseases.

For more information, visit .

Twenty-two 91³Ô¹Ï students, including 18 undergraduate students and four graduate students, were awarded Fulbright Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, ranking 12th among U.S. doctoral institutions. Slightly more than 30 percent of the 91³Ô¹Ï students who applied to the program were accepted, exceeding the respective rates for the 11 schools ahead of 91³Ô¹Ï in the rankings.

91³Ô¹Ï has been a top producer of Fulbright students 13 times since the 2009-10 academic year. Full results are available online at the Chronicle of Higher Education.

“Last year's Fulbright process was unusually challenging due to shifting federal funding priorities. Many countries lessened the amount of awards they offered halfway through the process,â€� said Elise Rudt-Moorthy, associate director of national fellowships with 91³Ô¹Ï’s . “However, our students worked incredibly hard to earn their placements and then displayed great patience amid uncertainty. It was a pleasure and honor to serve them alongside my colleagues Mathilda Nassar, Emily Hunt, Michael Skalski and Veronica Vos.â€�

, a professor of biology and associate dean for professional development at the , offered similar praise.

“Fulbright awards are highly competitive and recognize academic excellence, leadership potential and a strong commitment to global engagement and public service,â€� McDowell said. “The continued success of 91³Ô¹Ï students earning Fulbright awards reflects their remarkable talent, dedication and drive to make a meaningful difference in the world. I am sincerely thankful to the exceptional teams in the Graduate School’s Office of Grants and Fellowships and the Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement, whose guidance and expertise are instrumental in supporting students throughout the Fulbright application process.â€�

Established in 1964, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the U.S. government’s flagship educational and cultural exchange program, offering students the opportunity to study, teach or pursue research or other projects abroad.

For more information on this and other scholarship opportunities, visit (undergraduate students) or (graduate students).

The University of 91³Ô¹Ï hosted its annual candlelight prayer service Monday (Jan. 26) as part of , a weeklong series of events that invites the 91³Ô¹Ï community to foster a deeper sense of belonging and inclusion, and build the Beloved Community on campus and beyond. This annual observance is rooted in 91³Ô¹Ï’s mission as a Catholic university and in the principles of Catholic social teaching, which call us to live in solidarity with all people, particularly the most vulnerable, and to honor the God-given dignity of every person.

, presided over the evening of prayer and reflection. ., vice president for belonging, engagement and mission and advisor to the president, offered the keynote reflection.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from , rector of the , thanking those in attendance for joining with University leadership in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “one of the great civil rights leaders in the history of our nation, and also a person who was driven deeply by his faith and trust in the Lord.�

Father Dowd, in his opening prayer, appealed for guidance, saying, “Help us, we pray, as we look back at the life and words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., so that we may always look forward with determination. May our prayer tonight and throughout this Walk the Walk Week propel us to serve others. May it motivate us. May it energize us. May it unite us in a commitment to respect and admire and learn from what makes each of us unique and beloved and chosen by you, our beloved and merciful God.�

Page, in his remarks, focused on the theme “Living, Loving and Thriving Together on the Jericho Road.�

Referencing the Parable of the Good Samaritan, he noted that King took seriously the biblical ideal of “agape� — “an outwardly focused, all-encompassing love extended to everyone� — returning to it again and again in his speeches and writings as a form of what he called “redemptive goodwill.�

“So, what might Dr. King’s reflections on love of enemies and the Samaritan on the Jericho Road suggest for us during Walk the Walk Week 2026?� Page asked. “Here are a few thoughts. First, we have to look — unflinchingly, critically, prayerfully and collectively — at our current and emerging social and geopolitical realities. In a real sense, there are Jericho Roads everywhere that require our interventions and the application of what Dr. King called a ‘universal altruism’ in addressing their complexities. This is intellectual and spiritual work we should undertake together. Second, we must not allow self-interest, hatred or fear to negatively impact our common efforts — however modest — to build a ‘beloved community.’�

The evening included music by the Voices of Faith choir and concluded with a candlelight procession to the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, followed by a reception at the in LaFortune Student Center.

Watch the full service:

A 2025 Goldwater Scholar, Finley is an honors track physics-in-medicine major from Kentucky with research and clinical interests in radiation oncology — an orientation shaped by witnessing family members and hospice patients undergo cancer treatments.

He will pursue a Master of Philosophy degree in pathology next year at the University of Cambridge, where he will conduct research under the tutelage of David Fernandez-Antoran in the School of the Biological Sciences.

“I feel both blessed and humbled to be selected as a Churchill Scholar — an opportunity through which I intend to carry forward 91³Ô¹Ï’s commitment to being a ‘force for good’ by advancing cancer treatments for patients who need them,â€� Finley said.

Active in research, Finley is an assistant to , professor of physics and astronomy, in the , where he contributes to research related to various aspects of radiation. He is also a junior scholar-in-training with the Radiation Research Society.

He previously worked as a CPRIT CURE fellow under Steven Lin, professor of radiation oncology, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and as an Amgen Fellow under Todd Aguilera, assistant professor of radiation oncology, at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Around campus, he is an associate news editor for , the undergraduate journal for scientific research for the College of Science; president of the Quiz Bowl Club; a member of the College of Science Council and the College of Science Honor Code Committee; and a resident assistant at Morrissey Hall.

“Beyond his impressive accomplishments, (Finley) actively stimulates and motivates our scientifically grounded discussions that often extend to broader aspects of college life, continually pushing me to be a better professor. Working with him has been both a privilege and an inspiration.�

In his free time, he volunteers for Heartland Hospice and Saint Joseph Mishawaka Medical Center. He has completed extensive medical shadowing across various specialties, experiences that further affirmed his desire to aid those afflicted with cancer.

“Receiving this scholarship would not be possible without the loving support of my family and the invaluable tutelage of my professors and research mentors,� Finley said. “I am especially grateful to Sylwia Ptasinska, , Steven H. Lin and Todd Aguilera for stoking my love of science while equipping me with the skills necessary to initiate real change.�

He also thanked Emily Buika Hunt with the (CUSE) at 91³Ô¹Ï “for her assistance with navigating my future goals and with applying for the Goldwater and Churchill scholarships.â€�

“It has been a pleasure working with Jacob over the past two years as he applied for the Goldwater Scholarship and the Churchill Scholarship,� said Buika Hunt, assistant director of scholarly development at CUSE. “His dedication to research and improving the experience of those undergoing cancer treatments is evident.�

She continued, “Conducting a year of research with Dr. David Fernandez-Antoran at Cambridge University prior to pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. is an unparalleled opportunity to expand on the research training he has received at 91³Ô¹Ï. I look forward to following his career and witnessing the positive impact his research will have on countless lives.â€�

Ptasinska expressed pride in “Jacob’s achievement in receiving such a prestigious scholarship,� calling him “an exceptionally capable young individual with remarkable intellectual ability and a strong work ethic.�

“He is a distinguished student with multifaceted capabilities and a strong foundation in the core sciences, consistently demonstrating outstanding dedication and academic excellence,� Ptasinska said. “Beyond his impressive accomplishments, he actively stimulates and motivates our scientifically grounded discussions that often extend to broader aspects of college life, continually pushing me to be a better professor. Working with him has been both a privilege and an inspiration.�

Established in 1963, the Churchill Scholarship fulfills its namesake’s vision of deepening the U.S.-U.K. partnership while advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic. It encompasses 18 scholarships — 16 Churchill Scholarships in science, math and engineering and two Kanders Churchill Scholarships in science policy.

The award covers tuition, roundtrip airfare to the United Kingdom, visa fees and health surcharge, plus a stipend exceeding the UK Research Council standard. Recipients can also apply for a $4,000 special research grant.

It is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive international fellowships available to American graduate students, alongside the Marshall, Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, Fulbright and Mitchell scholarships. Eight Churchill Scholars have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

For more on this and other scholarship opportunities, visit .

Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant will be used to support children’s literacy by expanding the number of individuals connected to schools, from tutors and aides to parents, who are trained in the science of reading.

The award positions Indiana as one of just 10 states receiving an EIR grant this cycle.

“We are thrilled that Indiana has been selected for this highly competitive federal award,� Gov. Mike Braun said. “Through a partnership between the state of Indiana, higher education and community-based organizations, we can ensure more Hoosier students, in every corner of our state, are building the foundational literacy skills that prepare them for lifelong success.�

Building on the successful model developed by researchers at 91³Ô¹Ï, IDOE will scale the Tutor Cognitive Science Connection Hub (Tutor-CogSci), a capacity-building model integrating high-impact tutoring with workforce development, to serve additional students — particularly in rural and underserved areas of the Hoosier state.

“The Tutor-ND program reflects the University’s long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunities through data-driven practices and partnerships that strengthen communities,� said “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Department of Education, which will allow Tutor-ND to broaden its crucial support for educators and students across Indiana.�

Tutor-CogSci supports college and high school students, aides and other school-connected adults through interdisciplinary learning design teams connected to university researchers and teacher educators. These teams then partner with schools, bolstering schools’ capacity to sustain effective literacy support while contributing to ongoing learning about what works.

Together, 91³Ô¹Ï, IDOE and WestEd will build the human infrastructure needed to meet Indiana’s reading goals at scale; develop the youth-serving workforce, especially aspiring teachers, pediatricians, cognitive scientists and parents; and ensure continuous improvement through data-driven, design-based implementation.

“Helping children learn to read is a universal good, and that’s what brings so many Hoosiers together to do this work,â€� said , professor of psychology and the Sweeney Family Director of the and Action at 91³Ô¹Ï’s , which will manage the day-to-day aspects of the project. “Indiana is demonstrating what’s possible when leaders value research evidence and invest deeply in early literacy. We’re honored to support the educators who are leading this work.â€�

WestEd, a nonpartisan research, development and service agency that works to promote excellence, improve learning and increase opportunity for children, youth and adults, will serve as the project’s independent evaluator to ensure the project yields high-quality evidence to guide practice and policy.

“As evaluators, we’re excited to support this initiative that fundamentally rethinks how we scale effective tutoring,� said Jodi Davenport, vice president of learning sciences and technology at WestEd. “By grounding tutors in cognitive science and engaging college and high school students as tutors themselves, this project creates a multiplier effect: improving third-grade reading outcomes today while building the educator workforce of tomorrow.�

“This grant will help us accelerate student learning through targeted, high-impact tutoring, deepen our commitment to the science of reading and better support educators and students across all 92 counties.

Indiana is uniquely positioned to tackle one of the most urgent challenges in education: ensuring that every student receives effective, relationship-focused literacy instruction tailored to individuals’ needs.

Tutor-CogSci has been refined and tested over four years, producing gains in school readiness and reading achievement. Unlike outreach programs that deploy untrained “reading buddies� or “homework helpers,� it connects tutors directly to cognitive science, preparing them to support the full developmental literacy trajectory.

University partnerships are central to this strategy, supplying well-trained, mission-aligned tutors while advancing research and workforce development, prioritizing formation, relationships and learning outcomes over profit, ensuring fidelity, replicability and scalable impact. Tutor-ND currently partners with the to support summer enrichment and learning at the .

“Central to our state’s continued improvement in literacy is bringing everyone to the table to identify and deploy solutions,� said Katie Jenner, Indiana secretary of education. “This grant will help us accelerate student learning through targeted, high-impact tutoring, deepen our commitment to the science of reading and better support educators and students across all 92 counties. We are grateful for this opportunity and eager to get to work for Indiana students!�

Since its inception, Tutor-ND has worked with schools and community organizations to build capacity for high-impact tutoring through cognitive science. Its literacy partnership with the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) began in 2021-22 with two pilot schools and a small group of students in grades two to four. The following year, the model expanded to nine SBCSC schools that collectively served about 1,600 students in grades two to four. In 2023-24, with AmeriCorps support, Tutor-ND added on-demand training, curriculum inserts and assessment guides, supporting new partnerships with Catholic schools, community centers and universities, including Boston College and the University of Dayton.

Today, the program supports high-impact tutoring across nine SBCSC schools during the school day, provides on-demand assistance for community-based and after-school tutors, trains school staff to lead summer programs and shares science-of-reading-aligned materials with families. , a national collective organized by Deans for Impact that brings together educator-preparation programs and nonprofit tutoring initiatives to strengthen the formation of future educators through high-impact tutoring.

Coinciding with the rollout and expansion of the program, SBCSC’s IREAD pass rate rose from 53.7 percent in 2021 to 70.8 percent in 2025 — the largest gain among comparable public districts in the state. Those partnered with Tutor-ND increased IREAD pass by 26.4 percentage points, five times the state average over the same period. Work with Catholic schools resulted in increases to above 95 percent pass rates for all participating schools.

“Congratulations to Emmanuel Uzobuife, his professors and his family on this impressive accomplishment,â€� , said. “Emmanuel represents the very best of 91³Ô¹Ï, epitomizing the commitment to scholarship and social engagement we seek to instill in our graduates.â€�

Born in Nigeria, Uzobuife, a and , moved to the U.S. at the age of 3, settling with his family in the Bronx section of New York as one of seven siblings.

A science-business major with minors in science and patient advocacy, chemistry and musical theater, his interests revolve around the question of how science can intervene where society has failed, with a particular focus on the development and equitable distribution of life-saving drugs to prevent and combat opioid and other substance use disorders.

“It is my honor to be a recipient of the Marshall Scholarship with which I will use to continue to advance 91³Ô¹Ï’s mission of being a force for good in the world by ‘caring for the least of these,’â€� Uzobuife said. “I’m deeply grateful to my loving family, my professors, mentors and classmates at 91³Ô¹Ï, as well as the Galvin Scholars and for supporting me throughout the years.â€�

A Transformational Leaders Program Scholar, Uzobuife is active in research and other endeavors at 91³Ô¹Ï.

He is an undergraduate researcher in the Lieberman Analytical Chemistry Lab, conducts biological education research with , teaching professor in the , is co-director of Health and Wellness for and is a resident assistant in Baumer Hall. He is a member of the 91³Ô¹Ï Glee Club and the Biotech Club and he worked as an operations supervisor at RecSports for three years.

In his role with the Lieberman Lab, he co-authored a peer-reviewed study evaluating fentanyl test strip efficacy along with the lab’s director, , the Nancy Dee Professor of Cancer Research at 91³Ô¹Ï, and others. He is currently examining the sensitivity of test strips in detecting xylazine, a new and powerful adulterant in illicit opioids.

Away from campus, he is a research intern with the Mayo Clinic Otolaryngology Research Program and in the Walsh Lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In his free time, he volunteers with Our Lady of the Road, a Catholic drop-in center in South Bend.

His interest in substance use stems from his time growing up in the Bronx, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, as exacerbated by factors such as stigma, poverty and structural neglect.

As a Marshall Scholar, he intends to pursue master’s degrees in pharmacology and toxicology (year one) and drug discovery and artificial intelligence (year two) at the University of Liverpool. He will then return to the U.S. to attend medical school and continue building a career at the intersection of pharmacology, public health and equitable medical care.

“Manny brings his passion for science to bear on real problems in our community,� Lieberman said. “In his research, he helped evaluate the quality of lateral flow immunoassay test strips that are used to detect the presence of fentanyl and other harmful opioids in street drugs, which resulted in a co-authored paper in the journal Harm Reduction. After he learned about the risk of opioid-laced pills to the student community, he planned a series of workshops about opioid use, drug stigma and training in Narcan use for pre-professional undergraduates, dorm rectors and RAs. Through these workshops, 107 campus participants received training and free Narcan.�

Established in 1954 to commemorate the Marshall Plan, the Marshall Scholarship supports Americans of exceptional ability to pursue graduate-level studies in the U.K., covering university fees, cost of living, research and thesis grants and travel to and from the U.S., among other expenses.

In applying for the award, Uzobuife worked closely with the , which promotes the intellectual development of 91³Ô¹Ï undergraduates through scholarly engagement, research, creative endeavors and the pursuit of fellowships.

“I am pleased to congratulate Manny on his selection as a 2026 Marshall Scholar, our third in four years,â€� said Emily Buika Hunt, assistant director of scholarly development at CUSE. “At 91³Ô¹Ï, Manny has pursued academic excellence while also demonstrating a deep commitment to serving our community through research, outreach, mentorship and music. His dedication to saving lives is representative of 91³Ô¹Ï's core values and we are excited to watch his continued growth as a Marshall Scholar.â€�

Buika Hunt thanked the Transformational Leaders Program, the Mary E. Galvin Science and Engineering Program, CUSE Associate Director of National Fellowships Elise Rudt-Moorthy “and the many mentors Manny has had both within and beyond the 91³Ô¹Ï community for the advice and mentorship they've offered to him during his time at the University.â€�

For more on this and other scholarship opportunities, visit .

Contact: Erin Blasko, associate director of media relations, 574-631-4127,Ìýeblasko@nd.edu

Today, the City of South Bend’s Redevelopment Commission pledged financial support for the development of Colfax Corner, a new 202,000-square-foot research and innovation hub led by in collaboration with the University of 91³Ô¹Ï. The city’s financial support comes through an Innovation Development District (IDD) bond, which will be repaid by incremental tax revenue generated by the project. The IDD is a novel partnership between the City of South Bend and the State of Indiana that will be an asset for attracting additional jobs and investment into the community.

Colfax Corner represents the first phase of the DTSB Tech and Talent District, and was envisioned by the Downtown 2045 Plan to serve as a catalyst for broader revitalization activities.

The project will feature a restored South Bend Tribune building and an adjoining modern research and office facility. The two will be linked on the second floor, and together frame an outdoor public plaza designed for events, pop-up programming and everyday use. Vertical construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026, with completion expected by summer 2028.

By locating more than 400 high-tech jobs to downtown South Bend and engaging the community with an active calendar of programming and events, Colfax Corner will spark renewed energy in the city, with a projected $750 million direct impact to the local economy over the next 10 years.

“This project shows what’s possible when a university, private partners and a city pull in the same direction — innovation speeds up, talent sticks and opportunity widens for South Bend,� said Josh Parker, chairman and CEO of Ancora, an investment management firm that partners with universities to deliver projects that support academic, research and community goals. Ancora is the development, construction, asset and property manager for the project.

More than a real estate project, Colfax Corner is the product of cross-sector collaboration among 91³Ô¹Ï, Ancora, the City of South Bend, the State of Indiana, Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Judd Leighton Foundation. The announcement follows a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment through its College and Community Collaboration program, aimed at fueling job creation, economic growth and improved quality of life in Indiana’s college towns.

“We are grateful for the support Colfax Corner has received from our public and nonprofit partners,â€� said , executive vice president of 91³Ô¹Ï. “Together with other new developments in downtown South Bend, we look forward to the positive impact this project will have on advancing our region.â€�

“This game-changing project will not only reshape the landscape of our downtown, but also catalyze shared growth in our community.�

91³Ô¹Ï, as the anchor tenant, will work alongside Ancora to attract world-class research and talent while also welcoming educational programs, events, and dining and retail experiences — creating a vibrant district where innovation connects with the broader community. The district will also host ethics and leadership training through Holy Cross College and youth and early childhood programming through South Bend City Church.

“We are proud to partner with Ancora and the University of 91³Ô¹Ï on this transformative investment in the heart of South Bend,â€� South Bend Mayor James Mueller said. “This game-changing project will not only reshape the landscape of our downtown, but also catalyze shared growth in our community.â€�

The Tribune building, acquired by 91³Ô¹Ï in 2023 to preserve it from demolition, will undergo full historic restoration to provide classroom, research and innovation space. The new adjacent building will strengthen downtown South Bend as a hub for technological advancement and collaboration.

Phase Two of the project will expand west across Lafayette Boulevard, further extending the district’s economic and cultural reach.

To learn more about the project, visit .

Contact: Erin Blasko, associate director of media relations, 574-631-4127, eblasko@nd.edu