UL Lafayette Ray P. Authement College of Sciences

10/02/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹! 🏁

As part of Homecoming 2026, nearly 100 students, faculty, alumni, industry partners, and friends joined us Thursday evening for the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences Dean’s Reception at James R. Oliver Hall.

The evening was truly about connection and engagement—our students visiting with alumni and representatives from industry, faculty reconnecting with former students, and members of our broader College community coming together to build relationships and celebrate Homecoming.

We were also delighted to welcome President Ramesh Kolluru and other members of University leadership, who stopped by to visit and engage with our students, faculty, alumni, and guests.

It was wonderful to see Oliver Hall filled with conversation, new connections, and Ragin’ Cajun spirit. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success, and to the UL Lafayette Alumni Association for helping plan the event and for bringing our University community together throughout Homecoming week.

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆. 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶. 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆. 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘆 𝗣. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀!

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

09/23/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Brian Schubert!

The Ray P. Authement College of Sciences is proud to celebrate Dr. Brian Schubert, Professor and Director of the School of Geosciences, on being named to the inaugural 50 Under 50 list recognizing North America’s leading mid-career geoscientists.

This national recognition honors geoscientists making significant contributions through research, education, leadership, service, and mentorship.

Dr. Schubert’s internationally recognized research in paleoclimate, stable isotope geochemistry, and environmental change—along with his commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists—reflects the excellence and impact of the College.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Schubert on this well-deserved recognition!

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

Dr. Brian Schubert of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Ray P.

09/16/2026

What a wonderful few days connecting with alumni across California!

UL Lafayette President Dr. Ramesh Kolluru and Dr. Azmy Ackleh, Dean of the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences, recently joined other University administrators and friends of the University for a series of alumni gatherings across California.

The trip began in the Bay Area with a special gathering hosted by one of our alumni at his home, bringing together fellow alumni and members of the UL Lafayette delegation. The connections continued with Sciences and Spirits, where the delegation had the opportunity to visit with alumni and friends of the College and University. Altogether, the Bay Area gatherings brought together more than 50 alumni and friends, many of them graduates of the College of Sciences.

From there, alumni joined the delegation in Los Angeles to cheer on the Ragin’ Cajuns against USC. While the final score was 49–30, our Cajuns put up a great fight, and it was special to share the experience with members of our UL Lafayette family.

President Kolluru and Dean Ackleh then continued south to San Diego for another opportunity to meet with alumni and supporters before heading home to Lafayette.

Throughout the trip, what stood out most was the passion our alumni have for their alma mater. Whether they graduated recently or decades ago, their pride in UL Lafayette and the College of Sciences remains strong. It was especially encouraging to hear from so many who are eager to reconnect, become more engaged, and help support the College, the University, and our students.

We returned to Lafayette energized by the conversations, the relationships renewed, and the opportunities ahead.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed us, spent time with us, and helped make this California trip such a success.

Once a Ragin’ Cajun, always a Ragin’ Cajun! 🌶️

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

Geaux Cajuns!

09/04/2026

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

The Ray P. Authement College of Sciences congratulates Dr. Erez Aghion, Principal Investigator and faculty member in the Department of Physics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, on leading a $124,123 NASA-supported research project focused on advancing autonomous satellite capabilities. The project also includes Dr. Farzad Ferdowsi from the College of Engineering as Co-Principal Investigator.

Dr. Aghion is directing research that combines physics, machine learning, and satellite technology to improve situational awareness and response in the power systems of Earth emissions-monitoring satellites.

A central component of the project is the development and analysis of a digital twin of UL Lafayette's CubeSat. Using this virtual satellite environment, the research team will develop a physics-informed machine learning control scheme to identify, classify, and mitigate anomalous power system behaviors.
The research seeks to enhance satellite resilience, reduce the need for ground intervention, and improve the reliability of greenhouse gas monitoring. By enabling satellites to better recognize and respond autonomously to potential power system anomalies, the project supports NASA's mission to advance autonomous satellite capabilities while strengthening opportunities for future research collaborations.

Through this work, Dr. Aghion is helping position UL Lafayette research at the intersection of space science, artificial intelligence, and autonomous technology.

Congratulations to Dr. Aghion and the research team on this exciting NASA-supported achievement!

08/27/2026

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

Congratulations to Dr. Wu Xu of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on receiving a $542,999 award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) to advance computational approaches for understanding proteins and molecular structures.

Through this three-year project, Dr. Xu will develop a new TSR algorithm designed to represent protein sequences alongside the three-dimensional structures of nucleotides and molecular complexes. The goal is to provide researchers with new tools for understanding the fundamental relationships between protein sequence and structure - knowledge that is essential to understanding how biological molecules function.

Supported from June 2026 through May 2029, this research demonstrates the College of Sciences' commitment to using computational innovation to tackle fundamental questions in the life sciences.

Congratulations, Dr. Xu, on this outstanding achievement!

08/26/2026

UL Lafayette Students, Faculty & Acadiana Community: Join Us Under the Night Sky!

Tomorrow evening (August 27, 2026) the Department of Physics at UL Lafayette’s Ray P. Authement College of Sciences invites you to join us for a special Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party from 9:00–11:30 PM.

Come experience the wonder of the night sky with our Physics faculty as we observe this remarkable astronomical event together.
At a time when space exploration, discovery, and innovation are opening exciting new frontiers right here in Louisiana, there could not be a better moment to look upward, ask questions, and be inspired by the science that connects us to the universe beyond our planet.

From studying the fundamental laws of nature to preparing the next generation of scientists and innovators, space science begins with curiosity, and curiosity begins by looking up!
Join us tomorrow night and explore the universe with us!

📅 Tomorrow, August 27, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:30 PM
🔭 Hosted by the Department of Physics, Ray P. Authement College of Sciences

08/25/2026

Welcome to Acadiana, SpaceX!

The Ray P. Authement College of Sciences at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is excited to welcome SpaceX to Vermilion Parish and to a region where science, technology, energy, and innovation have long been part of our identity.

As SpaceX establishes its presence in Acadiana, our College stands ready to contribute to the tremendous opportunities this investment will create. Across computing and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and mathematics, physics, chemistry, geosciences, remote sensing, and space-related biological research, our faculty and students bring expertise that aligns with the scientific, technological, environmental, and workforce needs of the growing aerospace sector.

As part of an R1 research university located in the heart of Acadiana, the College offers a strong foundation for collaboration through research and innovation, workforce development, internships and experiential learning, and the preparation of the next generation of scientists and technology professionals.

We also thank Governor Jeff Landry and his team for their efforts in bringing this transformative investment to our state and creating new opportunities for innovation, workforce development, and economic growth.

We look forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate with SpaceX and to helping build an exciting new chapter for science, technology, and aerospace in Acadiana and Louisiana.

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

08/25/2026

On August 19, the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences welcomed faculty and staff back to campus for our annual State of the College event as we prepared to begin the new academic year.

We were honored to be joined by University President Ramesh Kolluru, who shared remarks recognizing the College’s accomplishments and broad contributions to the University’s mission. He highlighted the College’s strong record of excellence and leadership in teaching, research, and student success.

We were also pleased to have Interim Provost Dianne Olivier join us and speak about the strength of our academic community, recognizing the dedication and outstanding work of our faculty and staff and their impact on our students and the University.

Dean Azmy S. Ackleh presented the State of the College, highlighting the past year’s achievements, the success of our students, and the productivity of our faculty, while also outlining key areas of focus for the year ahead and the College’s vision for continued growth, innovation, and impact.

As we begin another academic year, we are proud of what our College community has accomplished and energized by the opportunities ahead. Thank you to our faculty and staff for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

08/24/2026

Welcome Back, Ragin’ Cajuns!

The Ray P. Authement College of Sciences is excited to welcome our students, faculty, and staff to a new academic year!

On the first day of classes, Dean Azmy S. Ackleh and Assistant Dean Ryan Simon joined our Student Government Association (SGA) representatives to welcome students back to campus, and hand out some donuts to help start the semester on a sweet note!

We’re looking forward to a year filled with new opportunities to learn, discover, collaborate, and make an impact. Here’s to a great year ahead!

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

08/21/2026

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

Congratulations to Dr. Craig McClain, professor in the School of Biological Sciences, on receiving a nearly $900,000 NSF award as part of a nearly $2 million collaborative research project investigating one of Earth’s least explored ecosystems: the deep sea.

Working with researchers from the University of Georgia, Dr. McClain and his team will study the abyssal plain nearly 2.5 miles beneath the ocean’s surface, using environmental DNA sequencing, traditional taxonomy and molecular phylogenetics to uncover how deep-sea species are distributed - and how many may remain undiscovered.

The project could reshape our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity, inform conservation efforts and provide valuable research experiences for UL Lafayette undergraduates.

Congratulations, Dr. McClain, on this exciting achievement and on putting Ragin’ Cajun science on the front lines of discovery!

Read the full story from UL Lafayette

How far do deep-sea species range, and how many remain undiscovered?