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Graduate School Newsroom

2026

Raphaela Macanas, Amar Kosovac, Sophia Cochran and Syeda Hyder smiling together outdoors in front of a brick building.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ graduate students shine at 2026 Conference of Florida Graduate Schools

May 15, 2026

This spring, four ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ graduate students carried their research beyond campus and onto a statewide stage. From bacteria-based solutions to Florida's eroding coastline to next-generation diagnostics for tuberculosis, the work these students brought to the 2026 Conference of Florida Graduate Schools reflects the depth and ambition of graduate scholarship happening across ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ's colleges and the kind of impact that doesn't stop at the Jacksonville city limits.

Grad Newsroom

Student presenting research at ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ poster session

Record-breaking turnout marks spring 2026 Student Research Symposium

April 30, 2026

Every semester, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ students step up to share the work they've been quietly building — and this spring, a record number of them did. From clinical trial methodology to cryptozoology, from rural transportation infrastructure to the role of screens in preschool classrooms, the Spring 2026 Student Research Symposium showcased the extraordinary range of research, scholarship and creative work happening across campus.

Grad Newsroom

Sneha Kattari smiling outdoors in a white polka dot blouse.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ graduate student applies data science skills to real-world community impact

April 29, 2026

From building her foundation in computer science as an undergraduate to contributing to a live civic data platform serving the City of Jacksonville, Sneha Kattari has always been driven to turn data into something meaningful. This May, she earns her Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences from the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ.

Grad Newsroom

Alekhya Seelam showing laptop to a professor and Petticoat-Scmitt employee

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ graduate student applies AI and automation to real-world industry challenges

April 27, 2026

When Alekhya Seelam began exploring graduate programs, she had a clear objective: deepen her understanding of core computer science principles and prepare for advanced technical roles.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Naithani Headshot

Driven by purpose, guided by mentorship, a ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ grad student’s path to research excellence

April 20, 2026

Growing up in Northern India, Swarnima "Tina" Naithani watched as her mother lived with epilepsy.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Sayyada Harry headshot

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ graduate student bridges automotive passion and biomedical breakthroughs

April 15, 2026

A decimated car slumped in the middle of the backyard – twisted frame, parts ripped off, paint scorched. As her father moved around the wreck with quiet confidence, Sayyada Harry patiently watched him rebuild the vehicle piece by piece.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Janelle and Julian Hooks posing back-to-back

Mother and son graduate together from ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ

April 13, 2026

When Julian Hooks was young, doctors cautioned that as an autistic child he would struggle socially and with expressing himself.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Student Union pond view at sunset

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Graduate Schools

April 7, 2026

The University of North Florida ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Graduate Schools for many of its graduate school programs and specialties including: 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Coggin College of Business outside view

CEO Magazine ranks ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ among 2026 Best Global MBA Programs

March 30, 2026

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Coggin College of Business MBA and GlobalMBA programs have been ranked Tier One among global business schools by CEO Magazine in the 2026 MBA Rankings.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Brenna Brisson standing in front of Bonn University in Germany

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ’s GlobalMBA program launches alum into international business career

March 24, 2026

A Jacksonville native who once preferred to stay close to home, Brenna Brisson (‘22, ‘23) never imagined her academic journey would take her across the globe. Today, as a graduate of the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ’s GlobalMBA program, she credits the experience with transforming her perspective and shaping her career.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Dr. Vamsi Kalasapudi talking with Sneha Ganupa, Alekhya Seelam and a Petticoat-Schmitt employee

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ and Petticoat-Schmitt advance AI-driven solutions for construction industry

February 23, 2026

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ and Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors are working together to develop AI‑powered tools that can help construction firms manage time‑consuming, inefficient or error‑prone tasks.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

2025

Graduates celebrate at Osprey Fountain

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Celebrates Fall 2025 Commencement

December 12, 2025

Today, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ celebrated 1,286 students earning their degrees during the Fall 2025 commencement ceremonies at the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Arena.  

Randi Corley headshot in white lab coat

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Graduate Student Champions Patient Comfort through Research and Clinical Experience

December 10, 2025

From shadowing health care professionals in high school to earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesiology at the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ, Randi Corley has always been driven to make a difference in patient care. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Biology students in lab looking at petri dish

From Cancer Treatment Advancements to NASA Collaborations - ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ's Year in Research

December 3, 2025

In 2025, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ faculty research ranged from collaborations with NASA to advancing cancer treatments, while students made headlines with innovations in brain injury detection and marine mammal conservation.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

View of the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ sign from the Botanical Gardens

Breaking Records, Building Dreams: ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ’s Year of Impact and Innovation

December 2, 2025

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ faculty and staff have spent the last few years strengthening partnerships across campus and within the community, while enhancing the student experience. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Madison Funk headshot in white coat

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Doctoral Candidate Fulfilling Lifelong Dream of Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist

November 14, 2025

When Madison Funk was in the sixth grade, she told her parents she was thinking about becoming a nurse. That summer, with the urging of her father, a healthcare employee, Funk gained valuable experience volunteering with hospital nurses. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Three ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ students wearing Osprey T-shirts

Inside ‘Swoop’ on What’s New and Upcoming for 2025-26 Academic Year

August 18, 2025

As ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ soars into the fall semester, students and visitors will spot notable upgrades across campus, including major building renovation projects, new academic programs, fresh dining options and exciting events. There will be opportunities for campus engagement and academic and personal growth for all Ospreys joining The Nest this academic year.   

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Bedazzled ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ commencement cap

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Celebrates Summer 2025 Commencement

August 1, 2025

Today, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ celebrates 1,016 students earning their degrees during the Summer 2025 commencement ceremonies at the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Arena. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Pond view of Brooks College of Health Building

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Alum Empowers the Next Generation of Nurses

July 29, 2025

As the world grappled with uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ alum Edward Jones (‘94, ‘99) and his wife Sara Lynn Jones (‘95, ‘99) took action to help others. As the president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Research Institute, Edward Jones knew the importance of frontline healthcare providers, leading the Jones’ to establish the Edward and Sara Lynn Jones Endowed Scholarship for Nursing at ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Mariel German Headshot

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Graduate Student Uses Research, Prevention and Engagement to Improve Community Health

July 28, 2025

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ graduate student Mariel German always knew that she wanted to help people. While enrolled in ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program, German has conducted extensive cancer and COVID-19 research related to underserved communities, both domestically and internationally. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

David Kersey Headshot

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Academic Advisor Encourages Students to Pursue Their Passion

July 14, 2025

As the summer 2025 term is underway and students at the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ begin looking ahead to the fall semester, David Kersey (‘13, ‘15) is hard at work helping Ospreys plan their course schedules for the remainder of the year.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Dr. Jacqueline Meier holding her certificate standing among four other researchers

Three ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Faculty Named Research Mentors of the Year for Supporting Student Success

July 9, 2025

At the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ, faculty achievements extend beyond the classroom, encompassing research, scholarly contributions and mentorship, playing a pivotal role in shaping the academic and professional trajectories of students. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Ruby Cox Headshot

IERE Coordinator Supports Environmental Education Programs

July 8, 2025

For ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ alum Ruby Cox (‘22), serving as the program coordinator for ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ’s Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) is a full circle moment — transforming her student experiences in IERE programs into a career dedicated to empowering others through environmental education. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Andrea Swinehart Headshot

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Grad Student Conservationist Dives Deep into Marine Mammal Research

July 7, 2025

From the savannahs of Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the winding waters of the St. Johns River, Andrea Swinehart’s path to a master’s degree in biology from the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ has been shaped by a wealth of hands-on experience and discovery.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Seven nutrition and dietetic graduates standing together

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Ranked No. 4 in Nation for Best Online Master’s in Dietetics in 2025 by Forbes

July 3, 2025

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ’s Master’s in Dietetics Online program was ranked No. 4 in the nation by Forbes for 2025. The program was also awarded Best Value for Florida Residents. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Ula McCarthy standing by her research poster

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Grad Contributes to Human Freeze Response Research

June 30, 2025

Ula McCarthy, who graduated last semester from the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ with a master’s degree in psychological science, has taken an in-depth look at how the human body reacts to fear and perceived threats as part of her master’s research.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Chase Whiteman Headshot

Osprey Alum Helps Students Navigate the World of Financial Aid

June 18, 2025

Chase Whiteman (‘21), an advisor in the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ’s One-Stop Student Services, loves interacting with students and helping to put their minds at ease. In his role, he primarily assists students with inquiries revolving around financial aid, records and registration, but strives to provide holistic service and find answers even if a topic is outside of his purview. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Bryan Murphy Headshot

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Alum Named Hospital President of Brooks Rehabilitation’s Arizona Campus

May 22, 2025

Bryan Murphy knows the positive impact of mentorship on success. From his father to professors to higher-ups at work, he’s sought valuable feedback to achieve lasting success in healthcare. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Jessica Jin holding winning check

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Grad Student Places 2nd in MIT’s Global Healthcare Hackathon

May 14, 2025

Jessica Jin, a ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ health administration graduate student, recently earned second place in the Transformative Intelligence Track at the 2025 MIT Hacking Medicine GrandHack, one of the world’s leading healthcare innovation events held annually in Boston, Massachusetts. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ undergraduate students Bridget Dunn, Abby Kuba, Ethan Lowe and graduate student Gabriel Pesek working with equipment

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Engineering Students Develop Groundbreaking Technology to Detect Traumatic Brain Injuries in Sports

May 12, 2025

A team of ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ mechanical engineering students is breaking new ground in sports safety with the development of an innovative, low-cost sensor designed to detect traumatic brain injuries.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ students sitting with other graduates

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Celebrates Spring 2025 Commencement 

May 2, 2025

Today, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ celebrates 2,103 students earning their diplomas during the Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies at the ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Arena. Degrees are being awarded from 45 unique combinations of majors in total. 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Gianna Forte and Shekinah Mitchell sitting

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Celebrates First Graduates of New Health Admin and Physical Therapy Dual Degree Program

April 29, 2025

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Brooks College of Health is shaping future leaders in the healthcare industry through an innovative new dual degree program.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Male grad student waving after receiving his diploma

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Ranks Among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools

April 8, 2025

“We are honored to see so many of our graduate programs acknowledged for their excellence and soaring higher in the national rankings by U.S. News and World Report,” said Dr. Michele Moore, dean of ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ’s Graduate School. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff in providing highly sought after advanced degree programs.” 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Nursing student taking notes

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ MedNexus and UF Health Jacksonville Launch Clinical Research Coordination Program

April 7, 2025

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ MedNexus and UF Health Jacksonville are offering a new program that prepares students for careers in clinical research with a focus on research coordination skills. All students in the Clinical Research Coordination Badge program complete internships with either UF Health Jacksonville or Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom

Coggin building from the pond view

CEO Magazine ranks ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ among 2025 Best Global MBA Programs

March 24, 2025

The ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Coggin College of Business MBA program has been ranked Tier One among global business schools by CEO Magazine in the 2025 Global MBA Rankings.  

ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµ Newsroom