COSM Weekly Issue 87

THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

COSM WEEKLY

What’s Inside: Stay connected with the latest on COSM’s strategic priorities, leadership insights, faculty and staff accomplishments, collaboration opportunities, operational updates, upcoming events, and news from the James H. Oliver, Jr. Institute for Coastal Plain Science (ICPS).

ASSOCIATE DEAN’S CORNER The COSM Research Metrics Sheet is now fully updated through FY2026, providing a comprehensive picture of the College’s research activity and external funding.

FY2026 Awards — $1.53 Million Approximately $1.2 million in federal funding $915,000 from NIH, an increase from approximately $708,000 in FY2025 $174,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce $60,000 from NOAA $32,270 from NSF, a significant decrease from approximately $3.14 million in FY2025 FY2027 is already off to a strong start, with approximately $632,000 in awards recorded to date. Importantly, this total includes only the first-year allocation of approximately $280,000 from a new $1.6+ million NIH research and training grant awarded to Dr. Sara Gremillion.

These awards currently represent six unique PIs. We have not yet recorded an NSF award in FY2027, highlighting an important opportunity for the College as we move into the new proposal cycle.

Swainsboro Field Station Development Planning continues for the development of a new research field station on the Swainsboro Campus. This fall, we plan to submit a proposal to the NSF Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSML) program for a $25,000 planning grant to support development of the station and its long-term research, education, and training mission. If you are interested in being involved in the field station or the NSF planning proposal, please reach out to me. We are especially interested in building a multidisciplinary group of faculty who see opportunities to use the site for research, student training, courses, or long-term environmental monitoring.

The Office of Research has indicated that the next NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) solicitation is expected to open sometime this fall. Faculty interested in pursuing major research equipment should begin thinking now about potential instrumentation needs and collaborative teams.

NIH Bootcamp Opportunity Kristen Beales in the Office of Research will be leading an NIH Bootcamp for faculty preparing NIH proposals. The program will include: Monthly NIH-focused trainings and workshops Proposal development support Access to proposal reviews and feedback The Bootcamp is intended primarily for faculty targeting NIH submissions in January or February. If you are interested in participating, please let me know by September 1.

Have a Research Question or Want to Meet?

If you would like to meet with me this semester, discuss a research or funding idea, or have a specific research-related question you would like answered, please complete this short form.

Stephen Greiman Associate Dean of Research & Ext Affairs

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DEPARTMENT CHAIR UPDATES GATA is in our DNA Year two has seen rapid, “mitotic” growth!

The Department of Biomedical Sciences is entering its second year, and we have seen substantial growth.

Our undergraduate B.S. program is booming with 286 majors, and we celebrated our first two graduates this past summer: Avery Tyler (Armstrong) and Madison Hevesy (Statesboro) Welcoming our First Assistant Professor!

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Chad Brambley, the Department of Biomedical Sciences’ very first assistant professor! Dr. Brambley is joining us after completing an NIH F32 postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Notre Dame. His research leverages deep learning, artificial intelligence, and molecular modeling to decode how T cells recognize diseases, aiming to accelerate the development of next-generation immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Please join us in giving Dr. Brambley a warm GATA welcome!

Launching the Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences This fall marks a major milestone for both our department and the college as we launch our new doctoral program in Biomedical Sciences. Please join us in welcoming the inaugural class of eight Ph.D. students to the Biomedical Sciences family: Amanda Jansch • Samin Yasar • Akashara Oruganti • Thuthu Haythi • Waylan Callaway • Grace Bennet • Sandra John • Kathryn Swindle

Collaborating Partners: Biomedical Sciences Affiliate Faculty We extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible affiliate faculty across the University! Our new graduate program wouldn’t be possible without their generous dedication to mentoring our students. We deeply appreciate: Drs. Gang Chen, Sandra Ordonez, Mark dela Cerna, Abid Shaikh, and Shainaz Landge (BCP) • Drs. Cristina Roman, Yong Zhang, Lisa Brown, and Josh Gibson (Biology) • Drs. Joe Kardouni and Bryan Riemann (Kinesiology) • Dr. C. Williams Chukwu (Mathematics).

From our undergraduate majors to our inaugural doctoral researchers and proud alumni--GATA is in our DNA.

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STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE Straight to the Source: Welcome to Straight to the Source, our new weekly Q&A section dedicated to keeping communication open, honest, and timely across the College of Science and Mathematics. In our recent employee engagement survey, many of you shared a desire for clearer insight into the "why" behind college-level decisions, as well as more prompt updates on key developments. We heard you. Moving forward, leadership will use this space each week to address your questions directly via our new permanent feedback link.

Have a question about a recent decision, an upcoming initiative, or overall strategy? Submit your question below, and check back here every week for direct answers straight from CSM leadership.

QUALTICS SURVEY This week’s question (paraphrased): As our departments continue to grow and evolve, what is the College's vision for involving faculty in decisions about department chair search processes? When leadership transitions arise, can we establish a framework where faculty and administration collaborate to determine whether an internal search or an open, external search—where internal candidates remain eligible—best supports the unit's long-term success?

Leadership Response: The short answer is yes. Both the procedure for determining which route to utilize for identifying a department chair and the ultimate selection itself should always engage faculty and staff via a shared governance process.

While a robust shared governance process and meaningful faculty and staff input are essential to the selection of a department chair, it is also important to recognize that the final appointment is an administrative responsibility. Department chairs serve in administrative leadership roles and are accountable both to their departments and to the dean. Similarly, deans are accountable to the provost, and the provost to the president. Faculty perspectives will play an important role in informing the decision, while the responsibility for making the final appointment ultimately rests with the appropriate administrative leader.

In general, there are three routes for identifying a department chair: Interim Department Chair: This route is used when the transition between leaders does not allow a full search, internal or external. Typically, an associate chair, program coordinator, or senior member of the department is selected to provide transitional leadership while a longer-term solution is identified.

Internal Search: This route is often used when there is a strong internal candidate who has leadership experience. Using this route is generally done when there is robust support from the department and the administration.

External Search: This route is typically used when there are no strong internal candidates. Sometimes an external search is not possible due to budget constraints, such as not having an available, funded position.

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In reality, the choices are complicated, involving a broad range of factors. However, the process should be consistent. Since arriving at Georgia Southern, I have utilized the following process for engaging faculty and staff in these decisions.

Announce to the full department that we are initiating discussions related to the leadership position.

Hold listening sessions to hear directly from the faculty about their thoughts, concerns, and recommendations related to the leadership position.

Offer the opportunity for faculty and staff to schedule 1-on-1 meetings with me to discuss items they may not feel comfortable voicing in open sessions.

Provide a summary of the discussions back to faculty and staff along with my recommendation for how to move forward.

Allow an opportunity for department feedback on the recommendation before moving forward.

Make any adjustments needed based on the feedback.

Implement the determined selection process.

Selecting a department chair is a vital decision that directly impacts the success of both the department and the college, making it essential that we execute the process carefully and thoughtfully. I fully appreciate and respect the strong investments, perspectives, and feelings that faculty and staff bring regarding leadership selection and departmental direction.

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SMART CENTER SMART Center (Armstrong Campus and Online) The Science & Mathematics Academic Resource & Tutorial (SMART) Center offers free tutoring to the Armstrong campus by student tutors in Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, General and Organic Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, and Mathematics.

In-person tutoring: Available on a drop-in basis and does not require an appointment (Science Center room 132).

Virtual tutoring: Appointments can be made through the Penji App. More information about our services, current schedules, and step-by-step instructions to create virtual appointments can be found at the SMART Center website.

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COSM KUDOS This July, the Coastal Carbon Laboratory's NSF International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program supported 20 graduate students from across the United States to attend the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) in Auckland, New Zealand. The students presented research, engaged with scientists from around the world, and participated in one of the largest global meetings focused on coral reef science and conservation.

The experience was part of Dr. Tyler Cyronak's (SEES) NSF-funded effort to provide immersive international research and professional development opportunities in coral reef science.

The Biomedical Sciences PhD program welcomed its newest students for their first gathering as a cohort.

The orientation provided an opportunity for students to get acquainted with one another, learn more about the program, participate in essential training, and connect with faculty and staff. The group also enjoyed lunch together, providing time for informal conversation and community building as they begin their journey in the Biomedical Sciences PhD program.

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CENTERS & INSTITUTES UPDATES The role of the James H. Oliver, Jr., Institute for Coastal Plain Science (ICPS) is to understand the physical and biological resources of the Southeast Atlantic Coastal Plain in order to develop solutions that promote environmental sustainability, economic growth, and community resilience. Our mission is to promote interdisciplinary research and education directed toward understanding the physical and biological resources occurring in the SACP and their sustainable use and management. Since the Institute’s inception, it has housed the US National Tick Collection, supported undergraduate and graduate research, led the development of two new degree programs in Environmental Science, and facilitated research of affiliate members.

This past year has been no different. The ICPS continues to support affiliate research. In FY 25, 18 external research proposals were submitted through the institute, requesting $4,834,681, and 8 were awarded - totalling over $720,818. In FY 26, 23 proposals were submitted, requesting $8,341,988 and 4 were awarded for a total of $246,501. Submitting proposals through the institute provides additional benefits, as the ICPS was able to fund undergraduate researchers in support of two Georgia Sea Grant funded projects: Neonicotinoid presence in coastal waters and potential impacts on the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica and Exploring the potential for aquaculture product diversification with macroalgae to help these projects meet cost-match obligations. These research awards also allowed the ICPS to increase and expand summer funding for graduate students.

This past summer, the ICPS was able to support 5 graduate students with research support, including stipends which are awarded annually, and for the first time, research supplies. Congratulations to the following awardees who were able to make progress toward their research goals in support of the ICPS mission this summer: Summer Fellowship Alyssya Raczkowski, MS Biology (Advisor: Risa Cohen): Physiological, Behavioral, and Reproductive Effects of Tetracycline Exposure on Blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus).

Lindsey Grimes, MS Biology (Advisor: Isaac Park): Pollinators, their interactions with flowering plants, and their role in pollen movement in geographically isolated wetlands in southwest Georgia.

Summer Supplies: Ayush Pokharel, PhD ENVS (Advisor: Jianzhou He): Mineral Controlled Abiotic Transformation of PFAS in the Subsurface.

Oluwatunmise Akanmu, PhD ENVS (Advisor: Edward Lo): Sediment geochemistry and environmental contaminants along the Mackay River, Georgia.

Tanvir Moin, PhD ENVS (Advisor: Jianzhou He): Chemically Enhanced Pyrolysis of PFAS-Impacted Biosolids to Produce Safe Biochar for Coastal Plain Agriculture.

The ICPS, in partnership with the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, also oversaw continued growth in the ENVS graduate programs - we are proud to have 4 new PhD students joining our program this fall, including our first student from our new partnership with the University of Belize as well as our first student using TAP funds for the program. We also had another student awarded a Presidential Fellowship. In all, our PhD program now stands strong at 26 students. We also saw an increase in enrollment in our ENVS MS program, welcoming 13 new students.

This is also an exciting time of transition for the ICPS. The coastal plain hosts a rich biodiversity, including high rates of endemism and many rare and threatened species, unique and critical ecosystems, such as long leaf pines, cypress swamps, and expansive salt marshes, tremendous cultural heritage, and ever-expanding economic viability. The SACP is also entering a period of unprecedented regional change - rapid population growth and industry expansion, coupled with changing climate conditions - which is threatening the natural resources and resilience of low country communities. Conservation and effective management is crucial for sustaining the natural resources, capital, and heritage of the region. The ICPS is well positioned to be a regional leader, fostering broader, interdisciplinary and mutliinstitutional projects to understand and solve future challenges in the region.

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The strategic goal for the ICPS and SEES is to develop a robust, collaborative, and interdisciplinary culture through impactful research and scholarly engagement. In the next 5 years, the Institute will identify and build collaborative teams with integrated research themes while improving our regional and national impact. To address these goals, I have realigned the ICPS into 3 main research themes that fit the mission with a goal of doing a better job facilitating collaborative research between faculty within the ICPS as well as to identify other institutional and end user partners for project development. The three new research themes for the ICPS are 1) Natural Systems, 2) Human-Environmental Interactions, and 3) Resilient Solutions. Current and future research should fit within one of these broad themes:

To further our new goals, the ICPS leveraged the COSM Summer Research Showcase as an opportunity to invite regional partners to visit campus and discuss research goals and collaborations. The ICPS hosted 7 faculty from three regional universities - USC Beaufort, Savannah State, and Georgia College and State University, for facilities tours and research talks. The goal of this visit was to explore ways to leverage our collective resources to build broader collaborations in the region. During the visit, we discussed opportunities, and I plan to visit with USC Beaufort later this Fall, including Pritchard’s Island, to explore how ICPS affiliated faculty and students can access this pristine field site. I also plan to visit GCSU in the spring to explore their newly renovated facilities, including their Aquatic Research Center, to discuss collaborations leveraging our collective resources. We additionally hosted staff from the US Army Corps of Engineers, University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and the Ogeechee Riverkeeper. Two of our visitors will be returning this fall: Dr. Melissa Rocker of Savannah State will be returning to Statesboro in October to give a seminar in the Department of Biology, and Dr. Kaitlyn Murphy-Wefel of the USACE will return in November for an informal career pathways seminar.

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I wanted to give a special thanks to everyone who helped with these visits, including Lisa Brown, Josh Gibson, Johanne Lewis, Lance McBrayer, Danny Gleason, Dmitry Apanaskevich, Edward Lo, Heather Joesting, Divine Wanduku, Georgianne Moore, JZ He, Christine Hladik, Helen Rosko, Checo Colon-Gaud, Raymond Kidder, Bailey Crane and Henna Gavem. These visits were highly successful, and required a great team effort.

The future of the ICPS is bright - by building new and strengthening existing collaborations and partnerships, while realigning our focus, the ICPS will be more competitive for funding, address critical management needs in the region, and continue to provide opportunities for student training. The ICPS recently was the lead for an NSF REU proposal, and we continue to seek funding to support our graduate programs. The ICPS will continue to work with the Dean’s office to develop the relationship with The University of Belize, and will work closely with the Coastal Sustainability and Resilience Interdisciplinary Cluster of University Excellence to explore research and teaching opportunities, including in Ireland.

There are several benefits for being an ICPS affiliate, including advising PhD students, student eligibility for summer funding, access to matching funds, and higher F&A return rates to PIs and Departments when submitting grants through the Institute. It is expected that affiliates will designate the ICPS as the lead unit on external grants that support the mission, support the ENVS grad programs, collaborate with other affiliates, and represent the ICPS in outreach events. Current affiliates can expect to receive a google form to fill out soon so we can track products. If you are not a current affiliate, and are interested in becoming one, please reach out to me: jcarroll@georgiasouthern.edu

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COSM EVENTS CALENDAR Stone Distinguished Lecture Series

Hosted by The Department of Mathematical Sciences Monday August 24, 2026 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Math Department Lecture Armstrong Campus UH 120 Using Math to Invent Solutions to Large-Scale Human Problems in Education and Healthcare Why are we learning this? — the dreaded question often received by math professors. The speaker will share his story of using his math-professor background to devise new solutions to two practical problems that affect our whole society: disease control and education. His original research specialty was combinatorics, and both graph theory and game theory feature as inspirations in his work. During the COVID lockdown, he invented an app (Novid) which solves the incentive misalignment problem intrinsic in contact tracing: in the traditional approach, people are asked to isolate to protect others against infection, not to save themselves.

He has also been working for a decade at the intersection of education and technology. His latest creation there is a new, massively-scalable ecosystem for teaching middle school students creative math problem solving, powered by a unique incentive alignment structure that involves professionally trained actors and comedians. He will also share about his journey which led to this discovery, which involved giving hundreds of talks in public parks all around the country.

Tuesday August 25, 2026 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

College of Education Lecture Statesboro Campus College of Education Building Room 2148 Transforming Rural STEM Opportunities For The AI Age Before ChatGPT, conventional wisdom held that learning could be measured by students’ mastery of sequenced knowledge and curricular standards. Today, AI can outperform most students on those same exams and is rapidly reshaping the workforce, particularly for new graduates. The speaker will explore the essential skills needed in a post-AI world, with a focus on developing critical thinking through mathematics.

He will also share his current work bringing practical math opportunities to rural communities through an innovative ecosystem combining livestreaming, math expertise, and professional actors to inspire and challenge students who have reached the limits of locally available resources.

Tuesday August 25, 2026 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Statesboro Campus in the Russell Union Ballroom Building a Thought Full World: Creativity + Love of Humanity AI and technology are pulling people apart. With addictive artificial pleasures. And soon, artificial friends. The basic biology of our human species relies on people loving people. Some to physically create new generations. Some to support them. While thinking for themselves. With creativity to handle the unprecedented. Or else there will be no more people. Meanwhile, technology is advancing at breakneck speed. Without urgent large-scale collective action, society is on the fast track to a dead world. Kept in place by AI. Any world-scale solution must creatively discover win-win situations that align incentives. The speaker, a social entrepreneur, will share his experience innovating an ecosystem which teaches both creativity and love for humanity at the same time. Powered by combining the faraway worlds of professional actors, mathematicians, and Internet live-streaming. He will also discuss the future of AI, and strategies for thriving.

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COUR 2026-2027 Call For Faculty Mentors For COUR Emerging Researchers Program The College of Science and Mathematics Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR) is looking for researchactive faculty to serve as mentors for undergraduate research students as part of our Emerging Researchers Program, which aims to offer up to 13 hours per week of paid research experience to COSM students eligible for federal work-study. The Emerging Researchers Program has funding for 13 student positions for Fall 2026.

To serve as a research mentor for a student as part of the COUR Emerging Researchers Program, faculty should provide the following information through the COUR Emerging Researchers Program Mentor Google Form: An abstract (no more than ½ page) for each project available to students; and 2-3 sentences describing the work students would be doing as part of that project To have a student begin in your lab in the Fall semester, please complete and submit the form

by September 4. Faculty may submit multiple projects, if applicable. For any questions, please email Heather Joesting (hjoesting@georgiasouthern.edu).

RESPONDER LINK Call For Proposals For 2026-2027 COUR Research Grant The COSM College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR) invites proposals for the 2026-2027 COUR Research Awards. These awards are designed to support undergraduate research in COSM by enhancing experiential learning for students. Awards up to $3000 will be made to the best submitted proposals to cover the following: Up to $1000 for supplies/equipment and travel associated with the research project (with the exception of conference travel); Up to $2000 for an undergraduate student stipend; and To qualify, faculty must include plans to mentor a student enrolled as an undergraduate major or minor in one of the departments under COSM. For more information and to view application instructions, visit https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/cosm/cour or email Dr. Heather Joesting at hjoesting@georgiasouthern.edu.

LINK TO 2026-2027 APPLICATION FORM

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