UNF College of Arts and Sciences

🎉 Congratulations to the Office of Undergraduate Research's May 2026 Researcher of the Month, Shea Leary!

A senior Sociology major, Shea has spent the past two years conducting research on gender attitudes and exploring the experiences of women who have chosen not to have children. Through the SURF program, she has presented her work at conferences across the region and will present at the American Sociological Association meeting in New York City later this summer.

Shea credits strong faculty mentorship and a passion for learning as key parts of her research journey. This fall, she’ll continue her education in UNF’s Higher Education Administration master’s program.

Join us in celebrating Shea and her outstanding accomplishments! 👏

Future scientists, explorers and marine biologists — Join us for Biology Camp! 🧬🌊🔬

Campers will dive into hands-on activities, discover the natural world, explore exciting STEM concepts and experience biology beyond the classroom. From marine life to environmental science, Biology Camp gives students the chance to learn from UNF faculty and explore the incredible world of science at UNF.

Whether your student dreams of studying sharks, dolphins, ecosystems or genetics, this camp is the perfect place to spark curiosity and inspire future careers in science.

Spots are limited — register today!

Learn more: https://biocamp.domains.unf.edu/

For the first time ever, the New Academic Advisor of the Year award ended in a tie — and both winners are from the College of Arts and Sciences! 🎉

Congratulations to Sarah Boudreaux, advisor for Psychological and Brain Sciences and Social Work, on this well-deserved recognition.

Sarah’s dedication to students shines through in every interaction. Through her encouragement, guidance and genuine care for student success, she helps students feel supported as they navigate their academic paths and future goals.

We are proud to celebrate Sarah and thankful for the impact she makes on our students and college every day.

For the first time ever, the New Academic Advisor of the Year award ended in a tie — and we are proud to celebrate that BOTH winners are from the College of Arts and Sciences! 🎉

Today, we congratulate to Angela Burke, advisor for Criminal Justice, French and Spanish, on being named New Academic Advisor of the Year.

Angela’s dedication to student success, thoughtful guidance and commitment to helping students navigate their academic journeys make a lasting impact every day. Her support empowers students to feel confident, connected and prepared for what comes next.

We are incredibly proud of the care, encouragement and expertise she brings to our students and our college.

What an incredible start to the summer for students in our Dolphin Behavioral Ecology field course! 🐬☀️

During their first days on the river, Team A and Team B conducted dolphin surveys throughout Northeast Florida waterways, gaining hands-on experience in marine mammal research and behavioral observation. Students are learning how to identify dolphins, document behaviors, collect field data and contribute to ongoing conservation and ecology research happening right here in Jacksonville.

The course has already brought unforgettable moments, including the sighting of seven newborn dolphin calves during surveys, observations of socializing behaviors among calves and juveniles and even a mating herd of manatees along the river.

Students also documented an entangled dolphin near downtown Jacksonville, helping provide important sighting information to response partners at NOAA and FWC. Northeast Florida has the highest dolphin entanglement rate in the state, and these field observations play an important role in conservation and wildlife response efforts.

If you happen to see an entangled dolphin while boating, please contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or from your cell phone. Please do not attempt to disentangle the animal yourself.

We are proud of our students for combining classroom learning with meaningful field research and conservation work this summer.

(Photos by: Dr. Quincy Gibson)

Meet Dr. John Hatle, whose research explores one of biology’s biggest questions: what regulates aging and lifespan? 🦗 As a 2024 UNF Distinguished Professor, the university’s highest honor recognizing career-long excellence in teaching, research and service, Dr. Hatle continues to make a lasting impact both in and outside the classroom.

Through the study of grasshoppers as a model system, Dr. Hatle and his student researchers investigate how diet and amino acid balance influence longevity, reproduction and overall health care. His work has earned national recognition, including an NIH-funded research grant supporting groundbreaking studies on aging and nutrition.

From the lab to mentorship, Dr. Hatle is helping students gain hands-on research experience while contributing to discoveries with real-world implications for health and aging.

Yesterday, our Chairs and Directors came together for our annual leadership wrap-up meeting. 💙

We spent the day reflecting on the past academic year, discussing our strategic plan and collaborating on goals for the future. Guided by Dr. Georgette Dumont, our leadership team worked through a SWOT analysis to identify our strengths and challenges as we plan for the year ahead.

One of the best parts of the day was hearing every department and school share something positive from this past year — a reminder of the amazing work happening across our college every day.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the collaboration, creativity and leadership that continue to move us forward. ✨

Meet Austin Lightholder

Austin is the 2026 UNF Student Artist-in-Residence at Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, where he will present Alchemy of Perception — a powerful exploration of transformation, emotion and becoming through painting, collage, photography, drawing and sculpture.

Informed by his neurodivergent perspective, Austin’s work invites viewers into layered experiences of thought, feeling and change.

🗓️ January 17 – August 16, 2026

Supported by the Jax Fine Arts Forum and the Cu**er Family Foundation.

Ciao, Italy! 🇮🇹

Our students have arrived in Italy and are beginning a study abroad journey focused on sculpture, public art and digital fabrication.

Over the next several weeks, they will explore sites in Rome, Florence, Massa Marittima and Venice — studying everything from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art at the Venice Biennale.

Through hands-on creative experiences, reflective research and emerging technologies like 3D scanning and printing, this course bridges artistic tradition with innovation in exciting new ways.

We can’t wait to share highlights from their journey abroad. ✨

Campus is buzzing again ☀️ Welcome back, Ospreys! Wishing everyone a great start to Summer A and C sessions filled with new opportunities, fresh goals and a successful semester ahead. Let’s make this summer count 💙🦅