Florida Atlantic Research

05/05/2026

Research Takes Center Stage 🔬

More than 200 researchers recently gathered at the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute for the annual Research Renewal event aimed at showcasing the variety of research and potential collaboration opportunities across the university.

With the Indian River Lagoon as a backdrop, 22 speakers represented 10 colleges and four research institutes, alongside opening remarks from university leadership. In addition, more than 20 student researchers showcased their work in poster sessions.

Florida Atlantic University

View more photos of the Research Renewal event at https://bit.ly/49d8f5c

04/29/2026

At the edge of space, engineering becomes art 🚀✨

Mechanical engineering student Sky Rueff captured the exact moment a research balloon bursts nearly 20 miles above Earth — earning third place in the Art of Science contest.

What started as a mission to study extreme near-space conditions revealed something unexpected: the beauty of systems pushed to their limits.

“Good engineering is an art,” Rueff says—and this image proves it.

04/27/2026

Eight faculty researchers honored by FAU Chapter of National Academy of Inventors

This month, the FAU Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors hosted its annual member recognition luncheon. During the ceremony, four new chapter members were inducted, five were recognized for issued patents, and one became an NAI Senior Member — a national honor for rising stars who foster a spirit of innovation within their communities and institutions while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors.

The National Academy of Inventors was founded in 2010 to recognize and encourage inventors with patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative students, and translate the inventions of its members to benefit society.

National Academy of Inventors
Florida Atlantic University

04/15/2026

A rare glimpse inside a sea turtle egg reveals more than beauty — it’s helping solve a critical conservation challenge 🐢✨

Doctoral student, Gabby Carvajal, captured a striking image of a late-stage embryo, earning second place in the Seventh Annual Art of Science contest. But beyond the artistry, her work is driving a breakthrough: finding a fast, humane way to determine a hatchling’s s*x.

Why it matters: Rising temperatures are producing overwhelmingly female populations — putting the future of sea turtles at risk. Carvajal’s research is helping give them a fighting chance.

with mentor Jeanette Wyneken, Ph.D.

04/10/2026

New FAU innovation could save sharks from accidental fishing incidents 🪝🦈

Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D., from Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, has been awarded a $15,000 Innovation Pilot Award to advance a patent-pending shark-repellent method that’s practical, affordable and effective.

His device pairs zinc and graphite on a fishing line to create a tiny electric field that sharks can sense - and want to avoid - without affecting catches of valuable fish like tuna and swordfish.

Read more at https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/shark-deterrent-device.php

04/08/2026

Catch a glimpse into the hidden world of octopuses! 🐙✨

From discovering "parachute" behaviors on night dives to analyzing over 4,000 arm movements, Dr. Chelsea Bennice is uncovering the secrets of how these intelligent creatures interact with our oceans. Her work highlights octopuses as vital ambassadors for marine conservation and the health of our reefs.

See it in person: Explore her research and other stunning research photography at the Ritter Art Gallery on Boca Raton campus now through April 20.

Photography by Chelsea Bennice and Roger Hanlon.

03/03/2026

From under the sea to outer space, discover science like you’ve never seen it before at the 7th Annual Art of Science gallery opening 🎨🔬

See how Florida Atlantic University researchers turn real research into jaw-dropping visual art in this one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes look at discovery across disciplines. These standout images were selected by a panel of judges as part of a university-wide contest celebrating creativity, curiosity and innovation.

Why You Should Go:
- Incredible science-meets-art visuals
- Cool gallery-opening vibe
- Free food, drink, music and swag
- Immersive experiences with VR and AR

Opening Night: Tuesday, March 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Location: Ritter Art Gallery
Second floor of the Breezeway
Boca Raton Campus

Register now and bring a friend.

Come be inspired. Come be amazed. Come experience the Art of Science.

fau.edu/art-of-science

02/20/2026

A grid of colorful cross-sections may look like abstract art, but the image is actually a series of MRI scans of everyday fruits – including kiwis, tomatoes and mangoes.

The image, titled “Orchard Architecture”, created by Refaat Gabr, Ph.D., MRI physicist and director of FAU’s MRI research services, earned a top staff in Florida Atlantic University’s annual Art of Science contest for transforming a medical imaging tool into an accessible visual experience.

Visit this year's winners photographs on display at the Ritter Gallery at 4 p.m., March 31.
Register Today: https://bit.ly/3M8gZ4e

https://www.fau.edu/research/research-daily/2026/deciphering-dissected-fruit/

Deciphering Dissected Fruit

02/18/2026

Some corners of the internet may be hiding more than we think.
 
A new FAU study finds that adults who report using the dark web also report much higher rates of depression and paranoia than those who use only the surface web.  

These findings suggest mental health struggles, not just privacy, may drive some people into these hidden online spaces. 

Understanding this link could help mental health professionals, caregivers and policymakers reach people in need, even in online spaces we rarely see.  

02/16/2026

What lies beneath the surface matters.  

FAU’s Harbor Branch team has created the autonomous system called CAROSEL — the Chamber Array for Observing Sediment Exchanges Long-term — which continuously tracks how nutrients move from sediments into water in real time.  

Because when bottom sediments release nutrients, they can fuel harmful algal blooms, degrade water quality and upset ecosystems.