College of Science Media Center  

The American Chemical Society, or ACS, one of the world's largest scientific societies with over 200,000 members globally, has named Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy, Associate Dean for Academic Innovation & Engagement for the College of Science and Ron and Dr. Mary Neal Distinguished Associate Professor of Chemistry Education, a 2024 ACS Fellow. The prestigious honor recognizes Wilson-Kennedy's outstanding achievements and contributions to science, the profession, and the community.

LSU Geology and Geophysics PhD student Danielle Noto joined the NSF-funded IODP Expedition 401 aboard the JOIDES Resolution. The 60-day mission studied ancient water exchanges between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, aiming to understand their impact on local and global climate. Noto's work continues at LSU, focusing on palynology to uncover more about Earth's climatic history.

Two faculty members from the College of Science, Sophie Warny and Joseph Giaime, have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), joining the distinguished 2023 class of 502 honorees. The AAAS, renowned as the world's largest general scientific society, recognizes individuals for their significant scientific and societal contributions across 24 disciplines.

LSU Assistant Professor Igor Schneider has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to investigate the genetic mechanisms behind limb regeneration, a trait present in some animals but lost in humans over evolution. Supported by the NSF EDGE program, this groundbreaking research aims to uncover the genetic toolkit for limb and fin regrowth. Collaborating with Harvard and UC Irvine, the team will identify key genes and regulatory elements to understand the loss of regenerative capacity in humans and explore new avenues for regenerative medicine.

All vertebrates, including humans, share a common ancestor with fish, with lungfish being our closest living relatives. Assistant Professor Igor Schneider and a team of 25 international researchers share exciting new findings in a study published in the journal Nature, shedding light on how our four-legged ancestors transformed fins into limbs to conquer land.

Assistant Professor Patricia Schneider is leading a study on the four-eyed fish to understand how vision evolves. With a nearly million-dollar NSF grant, she will investigate the genetic and neural mechanisms behind the fish's unique dual vision. By comparing its eye structure to humans and other animals, Schneider aims to uncover fundamental principles of vision development and processing.

LSU's "Bird Lunch" event brought together researchers across campus to share their avian-focused studies. From penguin diets to the evolution of red eyes in birds, the lunchtime presentations highlighted the breadth of bird research at LSU. The event fostered collaboration among researchers and discussions are underway to expand the audience to include undergraduates and the general public.

Explore Christian Foti's journey from an uncertain freshman to a dedicated student researcher. As a first-generation college student majoring in chemistry, Christian navigated early career uncertainties. Yet, a pivotal summer job ignited a passion for scientific exploration. Through the MARC program, Christian delved into medical physics, collaborating with Professor Wayne Newhauser to advance cancer treatment. Christian's story highlights the diverse paths to scientific discovery and the transformative power of hands-on research experiences.

Discover the story of an undergraduate filmmaker tackling environmental injustice in Cancer Alley through the lens of science. The documentary blends artistry with advocacy, exploring crucial issues and inspiring dialogue for change.