快猫app短视 instructors are always looking for opportunities to bring research into the classroom, even when classes aren’t in session. That’s why Assistant Professor of Biochemistry Mark dela Cerna, Ph.D., jumped at the chance to spend time with the Malate Dehydrogenase (MDH) CUREs Community (MCC) cohort during summer break. 

CUREs (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences) bypass traditional canned lab experiments by bringing a research experience into the classroom. The idea is to engage students in research topics that will pair with their classroom and lab instruction, giving them the chance to contribute to knowledge generation. Dela Cerna says the program focuses on MDH, an essential enzyme found in all living organisms.   

“Dr. Sue DeChenne-Peters, a previous member of the program, looks at MDH in cancers,” he explained. “However, I want to frame it from the biophysicist’s viewpoint and explore the structure-function dynamics.” 

Each member of the cohort is expected to develop and run a CUREs program at their home institution. Dela Cerna intends to pair it with the biochemistry curriculum, specifically upper-level bioinstrumental and biophysics courses on the Armstrong campus.  

“This is an opportunity to modernize our curriculum,” dela Cerna explained. “We have a lot of students in our program who are very interested in research. CUREs allow us to increase our research capacity in the classroom.” 

The program also lowers the barriers to entry for students who might not be able to participate in faculty-led research. Dela Cerna believes it will lead to increased interest in structural biology and molecular biophysics. Implementing the program will come with its own challenges, but dela Cerna said he has his cohort to rely on for support.

“CUREs programs are very difficult to implement properly,” he said. “But the MCC has a great community and support system. They really care about bringing educators who are passionate about research in the classroom, and that’s what matters most to me.”

Incoming freshman Jaida Bedgood won’t be new to Georgia Southern this fall. She’s been part of the Eagle family since high school.

鈥淲hen I was in 10th grade, I started dual enrollment at the Armstrong Campus. I just loved the tight-knit and community-based atmosphere. And I was like, you know what? I’m already an Eagle. This is my school,鈥� she said. 

Graduating at the top of her class from Alfred Ely Beach High School, Bedgood learned she had been chosen for the highly selective scholarship while at work. She recalled the moment she briefly checked her emails, discovering her acceptance. 

鈥淚 was about to take my lunch break, and I realized that I had two email notifications. When I looked further, I noticed the 鈥榗ongratulations鈥� at the top of my screen. My coworker comforted me, because I couldn’t help but cry a little,鈥� Bedgood remembered. 

Launched in 2017 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Scholarship provides total coverage of the cost of attendance for college, including tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, transportation and additional personal expenses. Thousands of students apply each year, only a fraction are selected for the scholarship.

鈥淚 was still in shock when I got home,鈥� Bedgood continued. 鈥淚 remember calmly telling my mom, Ashley, I had been chosen. She was overjoyed. I鈥檝e always been able to call my mom when I need the support. She鈥檚 always there for me whether I need advice or someone to just listen. Both of my parents, my sister and best friend are a major part of my journey.鈥�

Bedgood will officially begin her undergraduate degree in biology in less than a month. But her work in the Savannah community has already begun, serving as an active member of the NAACP. In addition, she鈥檚 already secured her first internship opportunity. Last April, Bedgood attended the Big Tide Summit, earning the opportunity to be a 鈥淏ig Med for the Day鈥� participant. In August, she will shadow physicians at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. 

Bedgood will also enter the Georgia Southern Honors College and be part of the first freshman class to experience the Center for Forensic Sciences. According to Bedgood, the numerous opportunities for learning and networking are both exciting and invaluable. 

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to the internships and undergraduate research opportunities provided by the Honors College. My goal is to become a doctor, and I plan on going into forensic pathology in the future. I saw the announcement of the center on the local news, and it made me even more confident in my decision to choose Georgia Southern 鈥� like it was made for me.鈥�

For other students hoping to follow in her footsteps. Bedgood says it鈥檚 important to remember that your future self will be thankful for the person you are today. 

鈥淵ou have to think about where you came from and where you want to go,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hat do you want out of life? You’re doing this for your future self, and your future self will thank you.鈥�

As summer heat settles across the region, students in the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) at 快猫app短视 are completing research projects from the laboratory to the salt marsh. 

A window to the future

Kenadee Jones is working on smart window technology in the labs inside the Nursing/Chemistry Building on the 快猫app短视 Statesboro Campus. Using advanced materials like vanadium dioxide, Jones is researching how windows can adjust to allow different amounts of infrared (IR) radiation into a room without changing how much visible light comes through. The result would be windows that control how much of the sun’s natural heat enters a room without changing how bright it is inside. 

鈥淥nce the outside reaches a certain temperature, let’s say 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it optimizes to allow visible light through, but it reflects a lot of IR radiation back,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淭hat means we don’t get as much heat through the window, which gives the feeling of a cooler room. It would also work in the reverse by allowing more IR radiation into the room to warm it back up if the room became too cool.鈥�

This kind of hands-on research is exactly why Jones chose the Applied Physical Science program at Georgia Southern for her master鈥檚 degree.

鈥淒uring my undergrad, I realized that I had a really big passion for chemistry, but specifically materials and coatings,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淲hen choosing a master’s program, Georgia Southern was kind of a no-brainer because they have a specific concentration for materials and coatings. I was super interested in this specific project because it’s so applicable to everyday life, and it’s also something that has a lot of potential to help with energy conservation, which is a really big topic right now.”

Growing a new discovery

Environmental science doctoral student Sara Ward spends her summer days in the greenhouse on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah nurturing Spartina grass. While the grass is known to grow in two distinct strains (tall and short) it is unknown whether they are distinct genetic species or if environmental factors cause the grass to grow differently in different areas.

鈥淲e were doing a lot of background research on Spartina in class and we found a big gap in the existing research,鈥� said Ward. 鈥淚 kept asking all these questions to Dr. Heather Joesting and she said 鈥業 think this could be a project for you to be the first one to figure this out.鈥� I realized that nobody had answered the question. Nobody had written anything yet.”

That kind of support from faculty made all the difference in Ward鈥檚 education. Originally an undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee, Ward struggled and thought a college degree might not be in her future. She transferred to Georgia Southern, earned her bachelor鈥檚, then continued on to the Ph.D. level.

鈥淚 was feeling really uninspired about school until I transferred to Georgia Southern,鈥� said Ward. 鈥淚 felt like the professors cared about me being here and that did so much for me. I took plant ecology with Dr. Joesting and it inspired me. Then I did a semester-long research project that launched me into wanting to do this Spartina project. I literally would not be doing any of this if it wasn鈥檛 for coming to this school and being in her classes.鈥�

Supercharging Spartina

Biology students Kayla Koory and Dex Bloodworth trek through the marshland surrounding historic Fort Pulaski every week to monitor the native Spartina grass that grows there. Koory is studying the effects of carbon-capturing additives like olivine to see if the marsh can become a turbocharged pollution cleaner without damaging the delicate ecosystem. The work is part of Koory鈥檚 thesis in the Master of Science program while Bloodworth, a Bachelor of Science student, is assisting through the COSM Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). 

Bloodworth says the unique opportunities provided through SURF are a huge enhancement to a typical bachelor鈥檚 degree.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really cool to have an opportunity like this as an undergraduate,鈥� said Bloodworth. 鈥淵ou usually hear about master鈥檚 and Ph.D. students doing all the heavy fieldwork, so getting to join them to be part of it early on is great and sets me up for what I want to do in the future.鈥�

Koory loves that Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to coastal resiliency and the support from faculty to pursue passion projects converged into a dream scenario of conducting original marshland research.

鈥淲hen I started looking into going back to grad school, I knew I was interested in the environment and I鈥檝e always had a big passion for the salt marsh,鈥� said Koory. 鈥淭his was the perfect project for me to get started in my own research.鈥�

Bloodworth says students and faculty create a shared environment that makes learning exciting.

鈥淚 learn a lot from the people I work with and everybody is really awesome to me,鈥� said Bloodworth. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like I finally found my community. Being able to get out there and do all of this, especially while I鈥檓 still an undergraduate, I know that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life and I know that I鈥檓 not wasting my degree.鈥�

Tyler Cyronak, Ph.D., an assistant professor at 快猫app短视鈥檚 School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, is leading a group of 20 students from universities across the U.S. on a trip to New Zealand. The trip is the conclusion of a multiyear National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program that has enabled students to do hands-on coral reef research. This final trip will take students to the International Coral Reef Symposium this month where they will learn from top experts and share their own discoveries.

鈥淭his is quite a large conference with thousands of attendees,鈥� said Cyronak. 鈥淚t is the place where everybody goes who works on coral reefs every four years, so the students will get to network with scientists from around the globe.鈥�

Georgia Southern environmental science doctoral student Alejandra Daniel is looking forward to taking part in the adventure. Having joined a previous trip to Australia that focused on field research, Daniel is excited for a new travel opportunity that focuses on presenting findings.

鈥淭hese will be two completely different experiences,鈥� said Daniel. 鈥淭he first one in Australia was all about going to this incredible research station and learning field techniques from some of the best researchers in the world. This New Zealand trip will allow us to share our own research, watch others present their own, and then have the opportunity to talk to them about it and ask questions.鈥�

In addition to formal presentations, Cyronak says students will gain invaluable perspective from immersing themselves in a new place while they learn.

鈥淭hey will come home having seen how broad the scope of science can be and expand their own horizons,鈥� said Cyronak. 鈥淭here will be people at the conference from every country you could imagine, so they will get to meet experts from all over the planet who share their interest in science and build a professional network.鈥�

Cyronak says he knows exactly how important it is for students to get outside of the classroom because of the impact field research made on his own journey.

鈥淚 was able to do a three-month course on coral reef science in Curacao going from my undergraduate to my master鈥檚 degree,鈥� said Cyronak. 鈥淚t opened my eyes to doing research in the field. Being immersed for such a long time gave me a better mastery of all the techniques of research. I wanted to give that opportunity back to students because it was so pivotal in my career.鈥�

Daniel agrees that the experiences offered through grant programs give students opportunities to grow that they cannot get anywhere else.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so incredible to step outside of the classroom and see places truly on the opposite side of the world,鈥� said Daniel. 鈥淓verything I have done through the program has been a beautiful reminder of why I want to be part of this field and it has gotten me through the hard parts of the degree. There鈥檚 no way I would have been able to have these experiences without it.鈥�

快猫app短视’s College of Science and Mathematics assistant professor Wenjie Li, Ph.D., will spend 10 weeks at the Georgia Institute of Technology as part of the 2026 Energy Faculty Fellow Program. Li is joined by undergraduate student Joshua Parker. Together, the duo is working closely with other research groups at Georgia Tech on major energy projects. 

“My research topic is energy efficiency,” explained Li. “If we burn fuel at higher temperatures, engines become more efficient. But right now, materials crack and break at those temperatures. I’m focused on finding solutions for problems like these.”

The stakes are high. Almost two-thirds of the energy used to generate electricity is lost as waste heat, while only one-third is effectively used, he said. Power generation creates significant carbon dioxide emissions, leading to major environmental challenges. Increased demand on the country’s already aging energy infrastructure is only making matters worse. 

“There are a lot of challenges surrounding this field,” he said. “When it comes to fundamental research like this, it’s high risk, high reward. You can never guarantee the results you want. But programs like this are meant to bring researchers together, to build this network of collaboration so that our studies continue long after the program ends.”

Those long-term benefits apply to students as well. Li says the next generation of students who will carry forward sustainable technology development needs to be ready.   

“The research is important, but the education of young people is equally important,” he explained. “The two cannot be separate. We, as instructors, need to be able to transfer our knowledge to the following generations.” 

In the next few weeks, the duo will present their findings to fellow researchers. Li said he’s excited to bring what he’s learned back home to the students at Georgia Southern. 

“I have a responsibility to my students,” he said. “It’s my responsibility to teach them and lead them to resources like this program, so they can make their own decisions when they go to build their future.”

Amy Potter, Ph.D., professor of geography in 快猫app短视鈥檚 College of Science and Mathematics, is the latest 快猫app短视 faculty member to serve as a Fulbright Specialist. Part of the broader Fulbright Program, the specialist designation supports short-term, project-based collaborations between U.S. scholars and international institutions.

Earlier this year, Potter traveled to the Northern Colombian city of Monteria as a Fulbright Specialist and contributed her expertise to 鈥淐olombia鈥揢.S. Dialogue on Global Water & Sustainability,鈥� a collaborative, online, international learning (COIL) experience 鈥� an educational model that connects faculty from international institutions to design courses around shared topics. 

It examines the effects of economic growth on environmental and cultural sustainability. The idea originated with Aura Garcia, a faculty member at Pontifical Bolivarian University鈥揗onter铆a (UPB鈥揗onter铆a). 

Garcia chose Potter as her collaborator after being impressed by her previous work in cultural sustainability.

鈥淚 wanted Amy after seeing her work in tourism and her efforts in Ireland trying to preserve the culture of the family farm,鈥� she said.

Culminating in a four-week class for Potter and Garcia鈥檚 students this fall, the COIL experience will focus on southeast Georgia and members of the Indigenous Zen煤 community, whose pre-Columbian roots are in and around present-day Monter铆a.

Potter spoke specifically about the reality in southeast Georgia, acknowledging .

鈥淒evelopment brings incredible opportunities, including much-needed jobs for a region like ours, but it also creates pressure, especially on our water resources,鈥� she explained. 鈥淭he key question is whether our water systems can sustain that growth over time.鈥�

Garcia painted a similar picture for the city of Monteria.

鈥淭he population has grown, and we鈥檝e seen increased revenue and improved infrastructure,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he Zen煤 people are definitely feeling pressure. They are still trying to figure out how their culture fits in this development.鈥�

Potter saw this firsthand when she visited the town of Tuch铆n. Located about 30 miles northeast of Monter铆a, the town has a predominant Zen煤 population. It serves as a production site for the sombrero vueltiao. The headwear, which has been made by Zen煤 artisans for centuries, is known for its vibrant color and intricate design.

鈥淚 had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with artisans who make this sombrero,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n 2004, it was designated a national symbol of Colombia.鈥�

Made from a native plant called ca帽a flecha, Potter said this beloved cultural symbol is under threat from 鈥渄ifferent kinds of water issues,鈥� including .

Despite these challenges, the community and its traditions are still enduring, according to Potter. She recalled her visit to the Association of Producers for the Rehabilitation of Agricultural Productivity as an example of this endurance. The agricultural group, located roughly 47 miles north of Monteria, replicates the canals and the ancient hydraulic systems created by the Zen煤 people. 

鈥淭he raised land protects the crops from floods and creates food security for Zen煤 families,鈥� she explained. 鈥淭hese tried-and-true ancestral practices are what鈥檚 creating resilience today.鈥� 

Reflecting on her time in Colombia, Potter noted how meaningful it is to learn from different cultures, perspectives and histories.

鈥淗aving the opportunity to interact with and learn from the Zen煤 people in this epicenter of Colombian culture was deeply moving,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 also pretty excited about the viewpoint we鈥檙e going to bring.鈥�

Potter hopes the students will have a similar experience in the class later this year. 

鈥淭his will be a unique experience,鈥� Garcia added. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the first time we are offering collaborative classes with an American institution, and students are eager to learn how other places address water sustainability.鈥�

The newly established Center for Forensic Sciences (CFS) in Georgia Southern鈥檚 College of Science and Mathematics is primed to make the University鈥檚 experts available to an expanded range of law enforcement agencies across the Southeast. The Center will bring faculty from all corners of the University together to assist law enforcement agencies while giving students real-world experience as they work alongside investigators in the lab.聽

Ed Mondor, Ph.D., the interim director of the CFS, says that the multidisciplinary approach will be crucial to its success.

鈥淭he forensic sciences draw on a wide range of disciplines from anthropology to chemistry,鈥� said Mondor. 鈥淗ere at Georgia Southern, we鈥檙e bringing those fields together to tackle complex problems in a more unified way.鈥�

As the only forensic entomologist in Georgia, Mondor has worked with both local and state investigators for almost 15 years to solve homicide cases using insect evidence. Now he is bringing together the full resources of the University so that investigators can quickly access specialized knowledge only an advanced research university can provide.

鈥淭he new Center opens up a lot of opportunities for collaboration since we鈥檙e no longer working independently,鈥� said Mondor. 鈥淚f a case requires a botanist, an anthropologist and an entomologist, we can bring those experts together to work on it simultaneously.鈥�

Student involvement and education is an essential part of the Center鈥檚 mission. Mondor says the experiential learning students will get from working on cases will make them competitive for forensic careers.

鈥淲e want students to be ready for the challenges they鈥檒l face in these fields,鈥� Mondor said. 鈥淲orking on real cases gives them experience that goes far beyond the classroom. It prepares them to make an immediate impact when they鈥檙e hired.鈥�

Mondor鈥檚 ultimate goal is to showcase how Georgia Southern鈥檚 unique resources and cross-disciplinary expertise position it to tackle even the most complex cases. 

鈥淚 want Georgia Southern to be the first call law enforcement makes when they need help with a case,鈥� said Mondor. 鈥淣o matter the field, we have the expertise to get the job done.鈥�

快猫app短视 and the University of Belize (UB) signed a memorandum of understanding launching an official partnership, increasing access to research projects and degree programs at both institutions. Georgia Southern will gain access to unique research locations in Belize, opening up opportunities for students and faculty to study marine biology, tropical ecology and natural resource management. UB faculty and students will gain access to master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs at Georgia Southern through streamlined applications and financial aid.

Representatives from the two universities came together for an official signing ceremony on the main campus of UB in Belmopan, Belize. Avinandan (Avi) Mukherjee, Ph.D., Georgia Southern’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs said the partnership marks a great step forward in the University鈥檚 standing as a major research institution with global connections.

鈥淭his partnership with the University of Belize reflects Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to building meaningful global collaborations that expand opportunities for our students, faculty and researchers,鈥� said Mukherjee. 鈥淏y connecting our institutions, we are creating new pathways for discovery, innovation and academic excellence while addressing challenges that extend beyond national borders. Together, we will strengthen research, develop future leaders and create opportunities that benefit both universities and the communities we serve.鈥�

UB faculty will be able to pursue advanced degrees at Georgia Southern through a hybrid format that allows them to continue teaching in Belize. The faculty will spend one academic year in residence at a Georgia Southern campus for foundational coursework and research planning. They will then return to Belize to complete their research and dissertation while maintaining their teaching duties at their own institution. UB graduates who meet Georgia Southern’s core admission requirements will be able to apply to graduate school at Georgia Southern with Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) or in-state tuition for those who do not receive an assistantship. 

Georgia Southern is already seeing interest from UB students, with two recent graduates enrolling in the materials science and environmental science doctoral programs in the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM). Other UB students expressed interest in engineering and applied computing during recent exchange trips where Georgia Southern faculty toured UB facilities and presented their own research at the 2026 annual science symposium in Belmopan.

“It was a great pleasure to host the 快猫app短视 delegation, including Provost Avinandan Mukherjee,鈥� said Vincent Palacio, Ph.D., president of the University of Belize. 鈥淭his memorandum of understanding has already proven to be one of our most productive partnerships, with guest lectures taking place and University of Belize students already being accepted into graduate programs at 快猫app短视. I am especially encouraged to see that several initiatives have identified potential collaborators who share a passion for advancing their mutual interests. These early successes demonstrate the strength of this partnership, and I look forward to even greater collaboration and impact in the years ahead.”   

The partnership expands Georgia Southern鈥檚 commitment to hands-on learning by providing a unique international location for students and faculty to conduct real-world research. Through shared research projects, the two universities will tackle common goals such as coastal resiliency and national development.

鈥淚n the College of Science and Mathematics, discovery is in our DNA, and this partnership with the University of Belize is a vital extension of that commitment,鈥� said Michael Huggins, Ph.D., dean of COSM. 鈥淏y establishing joint research initiatives focused on global environmental challenges, we ensure our work has a direct real-world impact. This collaboration also represents a long-term investment in our collective research capacity, strengthening our enduring scientific legacy, through talent and workforce development by preparing technically skilled graduates who are ready to lead in the global scientific community.鈥� 

Georgia native William (Xander) Russell chose 快猫app短视 for two reasons: scholarship and friendship.

Russell, a first-generation student, was awarded a full-ride scholarship through the Honors College, allowing him to pursue his dream of one day entering the medical field without the stress of debt. Knowing he鈥檇 have a built-in community through his two best friends, who had also committed to Georgia Southern, made the decision even easier.

鈥淚t was the perfect storm in deciding where I should go,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淗aving the full cost of my tuition covered was a major deciding factor. During my time in the Honors College, faculty mentors, student organizations and campus programs helped create an environment where I felt challenged, supported and encouraged to grow into the person I am today.鈥�

In his sophomore year, Russell became an inaugural Goel Scholar through the Honors College. His on-campus support network was an integral part of his success as a student and this scholarship provided an opportunity to become a leader for other students.

鈥淢y experience at Southern was shaped by an incredible support system of mentors, faculty, staff, peers and friends,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淚 had moments where I doubted whether I truly belonged in certain academic or professional spaces. However, these challenges ultimately became some of the most transformative parts of my experience because they taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of seeking mentorship and community support. Becoming a part of this cohort truly bridged my relationships, allowing me to be both a mentee and mentor, passing on knowledge about university life to others.鈥�

A key supporter for Russell was his honors research mentor , assistant professor of chemistry in the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics.

鈥淒r. P茅rez invested in my growth as both a researcher and student from very early on, allowing me to develop my thesis, present research at conferences, and grow tremendously as a scientist,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淧resenting my research at conferences showed me that the work I had spent years developing could contribute to larger scientific conversations and collaborations.鈥�

While research was a core focus of his academic experience, Russell didn鈥檛 limit himself to the lab or the classroom.

鈥淐oming into college as a first-generation student, I knew I wanted to fully take advantage of every opportunity available to me because I did not always know what pathways or experiences existed unless I actively sought them out,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淕etting involved helped me build confidence, friendships, mentorships and a sense of belonging very early on in my college career.鈥�

From serving as development chair for the to founding , completing the Sustainable Leadership Certificate, earning $75,000 in grants for Sustain Southern, and more, Russell was determined to experience every opportunity for growth that Georgia Southern had to offer.

鈥淩esearch taught me persistence and analytical thinking, sustainability work taught me advocacy and systems thinking, and student organizations taught me how to collaborate and support others effectively,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淚 learned how interconnected different disciplines and communities can be. More than anything, involvement transformed Georgia Southern from simply being the university I attended into a community that genuinely felt like home.鈥�

Having now graduated with his bachelor鈥檚 in biochemistry and a minor in social science and medicine, Russell will continue working toward advanced medical degrees with the goal of becoming a physician-scientist.

鈥淎t Georgia Southern, I learned how to believe in my own potential,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淚 aim to continue contributing to research that improves patient outcomes while also practicing medicine in a way that emphasizes empathy, accessibility and advocacy for underserved communities. Ultimately, I want my career to combine scientific innovation with patient-centered health care so that I can contribute both in the laboratory and directly within clinical settings.鈥�

He encourages future Eagles to make the most of their time at Georgia Southern, too.

鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to take up space and pursue opportunities even if you initially feel underqualified or intimidated,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淐ollege moves much faster than people realize, so allowing yourself to explore different interests and take chances is incredibly important. As a first-generation student, I came into college uncertain about where I would fit, but I am leaving with lifelong mentors, friendships, leadership experiences, research accomplishments and confidence in my future goals.鈥�

Lily Pavliscsak did not wait to have a diploma in hand to start putting her interest in sustainability science into action. The Honors student took her work outside of the classroom by hosting Statesboro Campus cleanups and creating free little libraries. Pavliscsak said she could not wait to get involved the moment she arrived at 快猫app短视.

鈥淚 really wanted to get hands-on,鈥� said Pavliscsak. 鈥淏efore I even attended Georgia Southern, I followed the Sustain Southern Instagram page and had been interested in working with them. I found them at a tabling event and asked how I could get involved. 鈥淭hey told me about Eagles for Sustainability, and I jumped right in by going to meetings and working on Sustainability Week.” 

Pavliscsak hails from a Georgia Southern family. Her parents and brother are all alumni, but her decision to follow their footsteps was not guaranteed. 

Spending a lot of time outdoors as a child and working in a plant nursery in high school solidified her desire to pursue a career in environmental science. As she searched for a place to turn her passion into a degree, she thought she might have to break the Eagle tradition to find a place that fit. That鈥檚 when a new offering from Georgia Southern鈥檚 College of Science and Mathematics became available at the perfect time.

鈥淎bout a month before I made my college decision, I saw that Georgia Southern opened up the sustainability science degree, and it was the first time it was being offered anywhere in Georgia,鈥� said Pavliscsak. 鈥淚 thought 鈥榯his feels like it was meant for me鈥� because it was so perfect.鈥�

While earning a sustainable leadership certificate to enhance her bachelor鈥檚 degree, Pavliscsak created her own projects to improve student life. She improved the community garden by adding a 鈥渓ittle library鈥� where students could pick up pots, seeds and gardening tools to grow their own food. Unable to build a structure to house the items, she got creative.

鈥淚 was driving behind the Statesboro Herald office and saw they had old newspaper stands piled up,鈥� recalled Pavliscsak. 鈥淚 talked to someone I knew at the paper and explained my plan. They let me get two of their newspaper boxes and I upcycled them into a seed library and a book library where students can drop off and pick up what they need.鈥�

While Pavliscsak once wondered if she would be able to attend Georgia Southern at all, she now has a new goal: Double Eagle. She has been accepted into the environmental science master鈥檚 program and will continue her journey in Statesboro after graduating in Spring 2026. 

鈥淚 loved the experience so much that I couldn鈥檛 help myself. I had to come back and play student just a little bit longer,鈥� said Pavliscsak. 鈥淢y special interest for my master鈥檚 is going to be water quality. I got to do some research on that as an undergrad with Dr. Rocio P茅rez, and I鈥檓 really excited about the next level where I hope to get into a fieldwork research lab.鈥�

Pavliscsak has a head start on her master鈥檚 coursework. Through her Honors College requirements, she has completed upper-division classes that can count toward her graduate degree. 

鈥淚 could take up to nine credit hours and apply them to a graduate degree, which was a huge benefit,鈥� said Pavliscsak. 鈥淚 thought, 鈥榯his 100% makes me want to stay at Georgia Southern.鈥� It gives me a jumpstart, so it will only take about a year instead of two years for me to complete the program.鈥�

When she thinks back on her time as an undergraduate, she appreciates how much she was able to do outside of the classroom.

鈥淚 really think the experiences are where you learn and grow the most,鈥� she said. 鈥淕etting that diverse range, meeting new people and finding ways to get involved are really important to me. I think I will always carry that outlook wherever I go.鈥�