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Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., has been named the next dean of Georgia Southern University’s Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing. He will begin his role July 1. Bhattacharyya currently serves as the inaugural dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Arkansas State University, where he has led a period of strategic growth focused on student success, workforce development and research expansion. During his tenure, the college launched new academic programs in high-demand fields, strengthened industry partnerships and advanced initiatives supporting student recruitment, retention and career readiness. “I have the honor and privilege to join Georgia Southern at an exciting time in its journey as it soars beyond its current very strong position in the state of Georgia,” said Bhattacharyya. “The energy on campus and within the college was palpable during my visit, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to build on that strong foundation and create a national brand.” Prior to his current role, Bhattacharyya held several leadership positions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, including interim vice provost for Research and dean of the graduate school, as well as associate dean of Engineering and Information Technology. He began his career as a faculty member committed to teaching, research and service, and remains an active scholar with externally funded research from federal agencies. Bhattacharyya earned his Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Rutgers University, along with a master’s degree in applied mechanics. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and serves as an ABET program evaluator. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Avi Mukherjee, Ph.D., said Bhattacharyya’s experience and leadership align strongly with the University’s strategic priorities. “Dr. Bhattacharyya brings a proven record of growing engineering education, advancing academic programs, bolstering research, managing accreditation, strengthening industry partnerships and positioning engineering and computer science for long-term impact,” said Mukherjee. “His commitment to faculty excellence, student success and workforce development will be instrumental as we continue to expand opportunities for our students and elevate the national profile of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing.” Looking to connect with Abhijit Bhattacharyya? Simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Approximately 4,400 degrees conferred during Georgia Southern’s 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies
Last week, approximately 4,400 graduates from Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro, Armstrong, Liberty and Swainsboro campuses received associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctoral degrees in five Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies. Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero welcomed the graduates and their guests to the ceremonies, held at the Allen E. Paulson Stadium and Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro, Enmarket Arena in Savannah and East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro on May 11, 13 and 14. “To our graduates, congratulations,” Marrero welcomed the crowds. “Today we recognize and honor your hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout your academic journey. The road to this moment has not been without its challenges, and your presence here is a reflection of your dedication, resilience and strength. You have every reason to be proud. This commencement is a meaningful milestone not only for each of you personally, but for the entire Georgia Southern community.” The Commencement speakers included: Bob Somers (’83) Nick Westbrook (’20) Berry Aldridge (’15) Kim Hartsock (’20, ’21) Rep. Butch Parrish Somers opened the ceremonies at Paulson Stadium with words of encouragement for the new graduates. “While this day marks your formal education coming to a close, the truth is your education and life is just now beginning,” he said. “When I look out at you, I don’t look at graduates. I see future leaders. And our future is bright because of what you’re going to bring to this world. “Georgia Southern gave me structure, opportunity and people who believed in me. One of my proudest moments was graduating from this incredible institution. Find your north star. What kind of person are you? What are your values? Be genuine with yourself and others. If you’re authentic, people will trust you and they will follow you. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Real leadership requires vulnerability.” Westbrook relayed the importance of service and character alongside leadership. “You will have the opportunity to influence people, organizations, companies and industries,” he said. “Use that influence for good. Your opportunity will not only be for a better job, more income or a higher position. The highest calling of your opportunity will be what you can do for the people who are affected by your influence. In a world that is becoming increasingly transactional, be the leader that goes the extra mile to make your world a little more relational, more kind, more human.” Aldridge enthusiastically challenged graduates to consistently recalibrate the way they think, and to consciously surround themselves with support. “Class of 2026, you’ve accomplished something incredible, but you’ve done it during a very strange and chaotic time in history,” he said. “I’m not breaking any news when I say that we are standing on the edge of a massive change to our jobs, our technology, our society. “I don’t know how AI is going to change the way we work or influence the job market. I challenge you to be skeptical even in your own most passionately held beliefs. That’s the only way to keep ourselves in check, and it’s the only way to keep ourselves growing. Nurture three types of relationships — one who lifts you up, another who tells you the truth, and one who will always show up — in order to succeed, he continued. And then be that person for others. Hartsock reflected on the generational impact of earning a degree. “For some of you, this is not just a personal achievement, it’s a historic one,” she shared. “You may be the first in your family to earn a college degree, and that accomplishment carries special significance. You are changing the trajectory of your family and setting an example for generations to come.” She asked them to be intentional about who they learn from. “Seek out people who can teach you things that books never will,” she said. “It’s important to look for leaders whose lives are marked not only by achievement, but also by joy and purpose. “Invest in this university. Join the alumni association. Help recruit future Eagles. Create a scholarship. Create opportunities for students to learn from you and work with you. Stay involved,” she said. “You never know, 25 years from now, you might be standing right here where I am. Congratulations, class of 2026 and Hail Southern!” In the closing ceremony in Swainsboro, Parrish encouraged graduates to continue learning. “Today is by no means an end,” he said. “It’s just the beginning. Your education has prepared you for what lies ahead. Your education allows you to create your own path forward. You have a unique opportunity to define your own path. You don’t have to follow anymore. Education is like insurance for whatever you’ll be facing in the future. “Education comes in many forms. There’s formal and informal, traditional, nontraditional and learned education, just to name a few. So, I encourage you to pursue a career in something that you really have a passion for and something that you really want to do. Whatever you decide to do is up to you, and your future is bright and it’s unlimited.” Video and Photo Links Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony 9 a.m. video on May 11 in Statesboro Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony 6 p.m. video on May 11 in Statesboro Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony video on May 13 in Savannah Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony video on May 14 in Statesboro Spring 2026 Commencement photos here Credit: Courtesy of Georgia Southern University Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 with a Carnegie Community Engagement classification, offers approximately 149 different degree programs serving nearly 31,600 students through 11 colleges on four campuses in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Swainsboro and online instruction. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern is a leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty and a focus on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to soar beyond and take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
ExpertSpotlight - Ebola: What It Is, How It Spreads, and Whether the Public Should Be Concerned
Few diseases in modern history have generated the level of fear associated with Ebola. With graphic symptoms, high mortality rates, and images of overwhelmed treatment centres etched into public memory, Ebola became synonymous with the dangers of global outbreaks long before COVID-19 reshaped how the world thinks about pandemics. But what exactly is Ebola? Where did it come from? How dangerous is it today? And should the public still be worried? A Deadly Virus with a Modern Legacy Ebola virus disease was first identified in 1976 during simultaneous outbreaks in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. The virus was named after the nearby Ebola River, and from the beginning it proved exceptionally dangerous, capable of causing severe hemorrhagic fever with fatality rates that have ranged from 25 to 90 percent depending on the outbreak and available medical care. For decades, Ebola outbreaks were typically isolated to remote regions of Central and West Africa. That changed dramatically in 2014 when the largest Ebola outbreak in recorded history spread through Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, infecting more than 28,000 people and killing over 11,000. The crisis exposed major weaknesses in global health preparedness and demonstrated how quickly infectious diseases can overwhelm healthcare systems and destabilize economies and communities. The outbreak also fundamentally changed international public health policy. Governments, hospitals, and health organizations around the world began investing more heavily in infectious disease surveillance, emergency response planning, quarantine procedures, and vaccine development. What Ebola Actually Does to the Body Ebola begins much like many common viral illnesses, which can make early detection difficult. Initial symptoms often include: Sudden fever Severe fatigue Muscle pain Headache Sore throat As the disease progresses, patients may develop: Vomiting and diarrhea Rash Liver and kidney impairment Internal and external bleeding Multi-organ failure The virus attacks the immune system and damages blood vessels and organs, often leading to shock and death in severe cases. Patients who survive can still face long-term complications including joint pain, neurological problems, eye disorders, and ongoing fatigue months or even years later. How Ebola Spreads - And How It Does Not One of the most important public health facts about Ebola is that it does not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19. Transmission occurs through direct contact with: Blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals Contaminated needles or medical equipment Infected animals Surfaces contaminated with infectious fluids This means Ebola is highly contagious in healthcare settings and among close family caregivers without proper protective equipment, but far less transmissible in casual public settings than many people assume. Funeral practices involving direct contact with deceased individuals have also historically contributed to outbreaks in some regions, making culturally sensitive public health education critically important during containment efforts. Treatments and Vaccines Have Changed the Outlook For years, Ebola was viewed almost as a death sentence. That perception has begun to change. Major advances in medicine and outbreak response have significantly improved survival rates, including: Rapid testing and surveillance systems Specialized isolation units Improved supportive care and hydration Monoclonal antibody treatments Effective vaccines for certain Ebola strains The development of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine represented a major breakthrough and has helped contain several recent outbreaks before they expanded into international crises. Global health organizations are now far better equipped to identify and isolate cases quickly compared to the early years of Ebola response. Should the Public Be Worried? Ebola remains a serious and deadly disease, but experts generally emphasize that widespread public panic is not warranted. Most outbreaks remain geographically limited and are aggressively monitored by national governments, the World Health Organization, and international health agencies. Countries with advanced healthcare systems also have far stronger infection prevention and containment capabilities than existed during earlier outbreaks. Still, Ebola continues to command attention because it highlights how interconnected global health has become. International travel, fragile healthcare systems, political instability, climate pressures, and human interaction with wildlife all increase the risk of future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. In many ways, Ebola serves as both a warning and a lesson: deadly viruses can emerge unexpectedly, but rapid science, coordinated public health measures, and global cooperation can dramatically reduce their impact. The world’s experience with Ebola helped shape many of the outbreak response systems now used to confront emerging diseases today, and public health experts continue to view it as one of the clearest examples of why pandemic preparedness remains essential. Connect with an expert:
LI’s Rising Costs and Housing Market Pose Challenges
Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, talked to Newsday and News 12 Long Island about the region’s economic challenges and housing market. For an article on the high cost of living, Levy explained that Long Island’s many layers of government, including 124 school districts, and residents’ expectations of quality services — from police protection and garbage pickup to senior programs — drive high property taxes. “In other areas of the country, statewide broad-based taxes pay for a lot of services that we rely on the property tax to pay for, such as public education,” he said, adding that about two-thirds of a Long Islander’s tax bill goes to fund public schools.
From Amateur Passion to Global Science: How Meteorites Tell the Story of Our Solar System
A recent article in Texas Highways traces how Oscar Monnig, a Fort Worth businessman with no formal scientific training, built one of the most significant meteorite collections in the United States. Beginning in the 1930s, Monnig identified and acquired rare space rocks, often working directly with scientists and collectors, ultimately assembling a collection that would later be donated to Texas Christian University. Today, that legacy is carried forward, and elevated, by Rhiannon Mayne, curator of the Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Collection and Gallery. Mayne frames Monnig not just as a collector, but as a foundational figure in modern meteoritics whose contributions continue to enable global research. As she notes, his collection ensures that “decades from now” scientists worldwide will still be able to study these materials. “He was definitely one of the most important meteorite collectors of the 20th century,” says Rhiannon Mayne, the curator of the Oscar Monnig Meteorite Collection and Gallery at TCU. She adds that, although he was not a scientist, his gift enables ongoing research in meteoritics. “Decades from now, people all over the world will get to request samples to study because of him.” Expert Insight: Turning a Private Collection into a Global Research Engine Mayne’s role is central to transforming Monnig’s passion project into a living scientific asset. Under her leadership, the collection, now one of the largest university-based meteorite repositories in the world supports both cutting-edge research and public engagement. Her work highlights a key insight: meteorites are not just curiosities, but critical records of planetary formation. By studying them, scientists can access information about the early solar system, and even Earth’s own origins that is otherwise impossible to obtain. Rhiannon Mayne is the curator of the Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Collection, one of the world’s largest university-based meteorite collections, which also includes a world-class museum. View her profile The article ultimately becomes a story about continuity—how individual curiosity evolves into institutional impact. Monnig’s amateur pursuit laid the groundwork, but it is experts like Mayne who translate that legacy into ongoing discovery, education and global collaboration. In that sense, Mayne embodies the bridge between past and future: preserving a historic collection while ensuring it remains scientifically relevant, accessible and inspiring for the next generation of researchers.
TCU Chemistry Researcher Named a Big 12 Faculty of the Year
Kayla Green has built an internationally recognized research program while mentoring the next generation of scientists at Texas Christian University, and her efforts are getting noticed. The chemistry professor and assistant dean of undergraduate affairs at the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering represents TCU among this year’s Big 12 Faculty of the Year honorees. The Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award honors outstanding faculty who excel in innovation and research at each of the athletic conference’s 16 universities. Honorees represent and reflect the best attributes that make a Big 12 college campus a bastion for learning and growth. “In my view, Professor Green exemplifies the fact that student success cannot happen without research, and world-leading research cannot happen without authentic, student-centered experiences,” wrote a nominator when Green was named the 2025 winner of the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. “Professor Green has maintained a vibrant, externally funded research program throughout the past 15 years, a distinction shared by very few TCU faculty.” Green was chosen in part for her international reputation in the field of inorganic chemistry as applied to neurodegenerative diseases and catalysis, as well as her leadership in a growing research program that has brought in more than $2.5 million in external support. This includes work with Ben Janesko, professor and chair of chemistry and biochemistry, and biology professors Giri Akkaraju and Michael Chumley on a grant from the National Institutes of Health. Green’s collaborative work with students highlights her ability to weave together research and mentorship. “Dr. Green’s vision and drive have strengthened the foundation of our college,” said T. Dwayne McCay, interim dean of Davis College. “Her ability to inspire students and colleagues alike reflects the kind of leadership that propels our mission forward.” One of her most impactful initiatives is Chemistry Boot Camp, a program she developed with colleagues Janesko and Heidi Conrad to help incoming students build confidence before their first chemistry class. The Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award is intended to showcase the diversity of research breakthroughs and educational opportunities afforded to students attending Big 12 institutions and helps attract future students. This year’s award recipients stretch across a vast array of departments. “We are constantly looking for ways to highlight how Big 12 faculty continue to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders,” Jenn Hunter, Big 12 chief impact officer said. “From the arts and filmmaking to business and engineering, this year’s cohort showcases the vast opportunities available to students pursuing an education on Big 12 campuses.” Faculty members were nominated by their institutions in conjunction with conference faculty athletic representatives, provosts and other university leaders. “I’m very honored to represent TCU as a Big 12 Faculty of the Year,” Green said. “I hope that I am not expected to exhibit any athletic skill sets but am happy to cheer on the Frogs in all they do in our classrooms and competitions! Congratulations to the honorees from across our great conference. TCU has the best faculty, and I am happy to represent them in this capacity.”
Ninety-three percent of patients with a new cancer diagnosis were exposed to at least one type of misinformation about cancer treatments, a UF Health Cancer Center study has found. Most patients encountered the misinformation — defined as unproven or disproven cancer treatments and myths or misconceptions — even when they weren’t looking for it. The findings have major implications for cancer treatment decision-making. Specifically, doctors should assume the patient has seen or heard misinformation. “Clinicians should assume when their patients are coming to them for a treatment discussion that they have been exposed to different types of information about cancer treatment, whether or not they went online and looked it up themselves,” said senior author Carma Bylund, Ph.D., a professor and associate chair of education in the UF Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics. “One way or another, people are being exposed to a lot of misinformation.” Working with oncologists, Bylund and study first author Naomi Parker, Ph.D., an assistant scientist in the UF Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, are piloting an “information prescription” to steer patients to sources of evidence-based information like the American Cancer Society. The study paves the way for other similar strategies. Most notably, the study found the most common way patients were exposed to misinformation was second hand. “Your algorithms pick up on your diagnosis, your friends and family pick up on it, and then you’re on Facebook and you become exposed to this media,” Parker said. “You’re not necessarily seeking out if vitamin C may be a cure for cancer, but you start being fed that content.” And no, vitamin C does not cure cancer. Health misinformation can prevent people from getting treatment that has evidence behind it, negatively affect relationships between patients and physicians, and increase the risk of death, research has shown. People with cancer are particularly vulnerable to misinformation because of the anxiety and fear that comes with a serious diagnosis, not to mention the overwhelming amount of new information they have to suddenly absorb. While past research has studied misinformation by going directly to the source — for instance, studying what percentage of content on a platform like TikTok is nonsense — little research has looked at its prevalence or how it affects people. The team first developed a way to identify the percentage of cancer patients exposed to misinformation. UF researchers collaborated with Skyler Johnson, M.D., at Huntsman Cancer Institute, an internationally known researcher in the field. The survey questions were based on five categories of unproven or disproven cancer treatments — vitamins and minerals, herbs and supplements, special diets, mind-body interventions and miscellaneous treatments — and treatment misconceptions. The myths and misconceptions were adapted from National Cancer Institute materials and included statements like “Will eating sugar make my cancer worse?” The team surveyed 110 UF Health patients diagnosed with prostate, breast, colorectal or lung cancer within the past six months, a time when patients typically make initial treatment decisions. Most had heard of a potential cancer treatment beyond the standard of care, and most reported they had heard of at least one myth or misconception. The most common sources were close friends or family and websites, distant friends/associates or relatives, social media and news media. The findings mark a shift in misinformation research, with major implications for the doctor-patient relationship, said Bylund, a member of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences research program at the UF Health Cancer Center. “I still think media and the internet are the source and why misinformation can spread so rapidly, but it might come to a cancer patient interpersonally, from family or friends,” she said. Most patients rarely discussed the potential cancer treatments they had heard about with an oncologist, the study also found. Next, the researchers plan to survey a wider pool of patients, then study the outcomes of interventions designed to decrease misinformation exposure, like the information prescription.
New AI tool matches students with high-impact internships
Finding the right internship can be an important step for students, but it’s not always clear which opportunities will lead to the strongest growth. To help solve that problem, University of Florida researchers have developed an AI-powered tool that helps students identify internships most likely to accelerate their technical and professional development. Unlike traditional recommendation engines, Pro-CaRE not only predicts which opportunities will lead to stronger outcomes, it also explains why each suggestion is a good fit. In testing data collected from the students, Pro-CaRE’s predictions proved highly accurate, accounting for more than 72% of the differences in learning gains among participants. While the pilot is being tested in engineering, the tool could be adopted for other disciplines. “Internships are one of the most critical parts of an engineering education, but students often struggle to know which experiences will actually help them grow,” said Jinnie Shin, assistant professor of research and evaluation methodology in the UF College of Education. “What makes Pro-CaRE unique is that it doesn’t just offer a list of options. It provides personalized recommendations backed by data and it tells students clearly why an opportunity is a good match for them.” Pro-CaRE creates matches by analyzing each student’s coursework, major, background and self-reported interest, confidence and self-efficacy in engineering skills. It then compares that profile with a carefully chosen set of similar peers to refine suggestions. The result is more precise guidance that adapts to students at different stages of their degree programs. “Students shouldn’t have to guess or hope that an internship will be worthwhile,” Shin said. “With Pro-CaRE, they can approach opportunities knowing they’re backed by evidence, whether the role is onsite, hybrid or remote and whether it’s at a startup or a Fortune 500 company.” The system is designed to work across a wide range of companies and contexts, giving students flexibility while ensuring their choices align with their personal and professional goals. Each recommendation comes with a clear “why this?” explanation, so students can make confident decisions and discuss options more effectively with advisors. Pro-CaRE was developed by a cross-disciplinary UF team combining expertise in education and engineering. Alongside Shin, the project’s co-principal investigators include Kent Crippen in the College of Education and Bruce Carroll in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. The team is exploring external funding opportunities to expand the usage and test the efficacy on a larger scale. “Ultimately, our goal is to empower students to invest their time in experiences that will have the greatest impact,” Shin said. “Pro-CaRE bridges the gap between what students hope to gain and what internships can truly deliver.”
Fewer Parents are Reading to Their Kids—and Why It Matters
A dramatic decline in reading for pleasure in the United States has fewer American parents reading aloud to their children — and experts warn the consequences can be dire. “It builds connections,” Carol Anne St. George, an expert in early literacy at the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development, recently told The74 for an article citing a 41-percent decline in parents reading to children daily. “People talk about text to text, text to world,” St. George said, “and those are the kinds of things that help children cognitively think and classify their world around them.” Many young parents grew up in an education system focused on reading as a means to testing and building skills rather than enjoyment. As a result, St. George worries, they often view reading to their young as an obligation rather than a joy and a time to bond. Experts say an increased reliance on screens and digital content and time pressures and competing demands on families have also fueled the decline. St. George notes that children benefit greatly from being read to regularly. The advantages of early literacy include: • Having a more robust vocabulary and stronger communications skills. • Being better prepared to learn in school. • Having a closer relationship with their parents. • Higher academic achievement and better health outcomes later in life. What Parents Can Do St. George advises parents to: • Let children choose books they enjoy. • Make reading part of a daily routine and that bedtime is ideal. • Focus on fun and connection. • Model good reading behavior because children mimic what they see. St. George is available for media interviews and can be reached by contacting Theresa Danylak, the director of communications at the Warner School, at tdanylak@warner.rochester.edu.
As April marks Autism Acceptance Month, journalists looking to move beyond awareness and into meaningful storytelling have access to a diverse group of experts from the University of Delaware. From innovative health technologies to classroom strategies, mental health support and adulthood transitions, these scholars offer fresh, research-backed perspectives on what it means to support autistic individuals across the lifespan — and why the conversation is evolving. Reimagining Health Through Technology and Inclusion Daehyoung “DH” Lee Assistant Professor Dr. Lee is exploring how technology can close health gaps for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His work focuses on mobile health apps and wearable devices — including a gamified intervention designed to improve physical, mental and cognitive health outcomes. Story angles: How gamification and wearable tech are transforming health outcomes for autistic individuals The future of inclusive digital health tools Addressing disparities in physical activity and wellness Why Motor Skills Matter in Autism Anjana Bhat Professor A leading researcher on motor development in autistic children, Dr. Bhat has spent years advancing understanding of how motor challenges impact daily life. She was recently named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow for her contributions to the field and for elevating the role of physical therapy in autism care. Story angles: The overlooked link between motor skills and autism Why physical therapy should be part of early intervention New research reshaping how clinicians and families approach care Centering Lived Experience in Education and Development Sarah Curtiss Assistant Professor Dr. Curtiss examines how to build programs that truly support autistic youth by grounding them in lived experience. Her work spans social development, sexuality education, family dynamics and the transition to adulthood — always with a focus on resilience and real-world context. Story angles: Rethinking how schools support autistic students beyond academics Conversations around sexuality education and autism What successful transitions to adulthood really require Preparing Educators for Complex Needs Sarah Mallory Assistant Professor With expertise spanning the School of Education and the Center for Disabilities Studies, Dr. Mallory focuses on preparing educators to work with students who have significant behavioral and academic needs. Her work also includes empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to make self-protective decisions and navigate complex social situations. Story angles: Supporting students with intensive needs in today’s classrooms Teaching self-advocacy and safety skills Training the next generation of special education professionals Mental Health and Systems-Level Support Alisha Fletcher Director, Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism A licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience, Fletcher leads efforts to support professionals and families across Delaware. Through training and technical assistance, she addresses the mental health and service needs of autistic individuals across settings. Story angles: The growing demand for autism-informed mental health care Supporting families navigating complex service systems Building statewide networks that improve outcomes Why This Matters Now As acceptance grows, so does the need for deeper, more nuanced coverage. Autism is not a single story — it intersects with health care, education, technology, family life and public policy. These experts can help audiences better understand those intersections and highlight solutions that are already making a difference. To contact any of these experts, please email MediaRelations@UDel.Edu.
