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Nandi A. Marshall, DrPH, professor and associate dean for Georgia Southern University’s Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, has been named president of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the nation’s oldest and largest organization of public health professionals. Marshall began her presidential term on Nov. 5, following a year as president-elect. She will serve a three-year term on APHA’s executive board, including her current presidential year and a subsequent year as immediate past president. With more than two decades of experience in community-engaged public health, Marshall is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing maternal and child health equity, and for her dedication to preparing the next generation of the public health workforce. She holds a bachelor’s in religious studies from Spelman College, a master’s in public health from East Stroudsburg University and a Doctor of Public Health from Georgia Southern. “Dr. Marshall’s appointment to lead APHA is a tremendous national recognition of her contribution to public health — and a reflection of Georgia Southern’s growing impact on the global public health landscape,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her commitment to community partnership, workforce development and health equity exemplifies the values we strive to instill in every graduate of our distinctive public health college.” Marshall’s work has centered on bridging lived experience and scientific research to drive equitable health outcomes. “I’m deeply honored to serve as APHA president,” Marshall said. “Public health calls us to listen to communities, honor their wisdom and work together to build the equitable systems that recognize health as a human right. Equity is not an outcome — it’s a commitment. And I’m grateful to continue this work with purpose, courage and love alongside partners across the country.” Founded in 1872, APHA represents more than 25,000 members nationwide, serving as a convener, catalyst and advocate for equitable health and well-being for all. The association connects practitioners, researchers, educators and policymakers to advance evidence-based public health initiatives. Looking to know more about Georgia Southern University or connect with Dr. Marshall — simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
One AI-based advancement at a time, UF leaders are transforming the sports industry
As emerging technologies like AI reshape sport industries and professional demands evolve, it is essential for students to graduate with the expertise to thrive in their future careers. To ensure that these students are set up for success, the UF College of Health & Human Performance has launched a new sports analytics program. Led by Scott Nestler, Ph.D., CAP, PStat, a professor of practice in the Department of Sport Management and a national analytics and data science expert, the program ties back to the UF & Sport Collaborative – a five-part project intended to elevate UF’s presence on the global stage in sports performance, healthcare and communication. “Tools and insights that previously were only available to professional sports teams are now coming to the college level, and it makes sense for universities to begin using these data, technologies and new analytic methods,” Nestler said. The sports analytics program fosters collaboration between academic units, such as the Warrington College of Business and the University Athletic Association, helping bridge the gap between sport research and innovation and empowering students to address real-world challenges through data and AI. For example, the program offers opportunities to leverage technology and analytics for strategic decision making in player acquisition, team formation and in-game decisions. Beyond performance metrics, the program also explores marketing strategies and revenue analytics, providing a well-rounded understanding of the field. “When you have enough data and a large enough sample of individuals, AI can help make predictions that otherwise would take prohibitively longer for a human to accomplish with traditional methods,” said Garrett Beatty, Ph.D., the assistant dean for innovation and entrepreneurship and an instructional associate professor in the College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. “Because those data volumes are getting so large, AI models, machine learning, deep learning and other strategies can be leveraged to make sense and glean insights from sport and human performance data in ways that have never been done before.” The program seeks to offer several educational opportunities, such as individual courses, certificate programs and potentially a full degree program. In the long term, Nestler envisions the program evolving into a center or institute, beginning with establishing a research lab in the spring. Additionally, the program will leverage the university’s supercomputer, HiPerGator, to analyze larger data sets and use newer predictive modeling machine learning algorithms. “As faculty and staff move from working with box score and play-by-play data to using tracking data, which contains coordinates of all players and the ball on the field or court tens of times per second, the size of data files in sports analytics has grown tremendously,” Nestler said. “HiPerGator, with its large storage capacity and multiple central processing units/graphic processing units, is ideal for using in sports analytics work in 2025.” Nestler also aims to increase student involvement by enhancing UF’s Sport Analytics Club and hiring research assistants to work on projects for the University Athletic Association. “We need to take a broader view of what AI is and realize that it incorporates a lot of what we’ve been calling data science and analytics in the form of machine learning models, which came more out of statistics and computer science. Those are types of AI and those that I think will largely continue to be used in the coming years within the sports space,” Nestler said. “Also, we’re continuing to see growth in the number of people interested in working in this space, and I don’t foresee that changing. Fortunately, we are also seeing the number of opportunities available to those with the appropriate skills increase as well.”
When it comes to transforming how organisations produce, consume, and reuse resources, Dr Luciano Batista, professor of operations management at Aston University, is a global pioneer. His research sits at the crossroads of innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability, tackling one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: our overconsumption of the planet’s resources. Reimagining the economy around renewal Dr Batista’s work focuses on circular supply chains —a model he helped establish at a time when 'closed-loop' systems dominated sustainability thinking. His early research laid the foundation for how businesses could move beyond recycling and linear take-make-dispose models, instead designing systems that reuse, restore, and regenerate. View his profile here From theoretical frameworks to real-world applications, his studies—such as comparative analyses of circular systems implemented by Tetra Pak in China and Brazil—demonstrate the measurable economic and environmental benefits of circularity in action. His 2022 Emerald Literati Award-winning paper introduced a methodology for mapping sustainable alternatives in food supply chains, earning international recognition for its real-world impact. A global voice for industrial symbiosis and circular innovation The influence of Dr Batista’s work reaches far beyond academia. He has advised the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and contributed insights to policymakers through the UK All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group. His expertise continues to inform national and regional strategies for sustainable production and industrial symbiosis —where one company’s waste becomes another’s resource. Today, he extends that impact globally as a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), conducting research at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics on circular supply chain innovations, supported by Aston University’s study-leave programme. He also mentors future leaders in sustainability as part of Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). Driving the next wave of sustainable transformation Looking ahead, Dr Batista is spearheading collaborations through Aston’s Centre for Circular Economy & Advanced Sustainability (CEAS), working with the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) on projects developing biochar-based clean energy systems for urban districts. He is also advancing the social dimension of the circular economy—ensuring that the move toward sustainable production is inclusive and equitable. His Symposium on the Socially Inclusive Circular Economy, held at the 2025 Academy of Management Conference, has sparked new international research partnerships with Monash University (Australia) and the Vienna University of Economics and Business. A vision for a regenerative future At the heart of Dr Batista’s work is a simple but urgent truth: humanity is consuming resources at a rate our planet cannot sustain. Through his research and global collaborations, he is helping organisations, policymakers, and communities move toward a future where growth and sustainability coexist. “The transition to a circular economy is not optional—it is essential,” says Dr Batista. “Our goal must be to redesign systems that allow people, businesses, and ecosystems to thrive together.”
Life-changing study abroad experiences help students find themselves, UF research shows
Studying abroad is about more than just enrichment for college students; it’s often about personal transformation, UF researchers have found. Every year, UF sends nearly 2,600 students overseas to become immersed in diverse cultures, gain international perspectives, and create social bonds with fellow Gators – experiences so profound that UF researchers recently published a study about their long-term impact in Leisure Sciences. And this week, the UF International Center is hosting a Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 on the Reitz North Lawn to generate even more interest in these life-changing programs. “You’ve got to look at travel as not a frivolous thing because it’s part of your life story,” said Heather Gibson, Ph.D., a professor in the UF College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management, who co-authored the study. “The impact isn’t just for the semester when they return; it’s now shown to be over 20 years or more. Very few studies focus on this formative phase of adult development, and these emerging adults are very malleable to be shaped. They’re searching for different sources of identity and different directions.” Conducting this research with Gibson was Hongping (HP) Zhang, Ph.D., a UF graduate of 2020 and clinical assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management. Zhang said that, in 2019, tourism literature began focusing on memory theories, but research primarily looked at memorable tourism experiences and how to better attract tourists. Zhang wanted to dive deeper into how travel memories affect a person’s development and identity. This retrospective longitudinal study examined 115 alumni who traveled as part of the College of Health & Human Performance’s South Pacific program, or the Florida Down Under Program, from 2007 to 2019. The program, led by Gibson, brings students to Australia for four weeks, New Zealand for four weeks, and/or Fiji for 10 days to study sustainability, with trips including a snorkeling expedition to the Great Barrier Reef and to Mungalla Station (a land occupied by the Nywaigi Aboriginal Land Corporation). These students’ memories of studying abroad proved to be positive and an “important building block to enhance the existing feeling of self,” Zhang said. For example, one study participant shared that reflecting on her experience in Australia was a conversation starter that sparked an initial social connection with her now husband, who had also traveled to Australia on a separate trip. Other students said the program impacted their travel behaviors such as spending money, as well as their eco-conscious behaviors like using coral-reef-friendly sunscreen. Overall, Gibson believes that experiential learning like studying abroad plays a significant role in helping students find themselves at pivotal times in their lives. In fact, research from the Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education shows that students who participate in study abroad programs may earn higher grades, be more likely to graduate, and be better positioned for the global workforce. “Getting students out of the classroom and pushing them out of their comfort zone is where they learn,” Gibson said. “We need to think about the undergraduate experience as more than earning credits for a degree. Study abroad provides students with friends, experience, and direction, and that’s very crucial, especially at a large university. Study abroad allows students to find their tribe.”
How mitochondria shape brain health from childhood to old age
From the first spark of neural development to the challenges of ageing, Dr Lissette Sánchez Aranguren is uncovering how the cell’s powerhouses — mitochondria — hold the key to a healthy brain across the human lifespan. Her pioneering research at Aston University explores how these microscopic energy generators safeguard the brain’s communication network and how their dysfunction may underlie conditions such as dementia, stroke, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Mapping the brain’s energy defence system Dr Sánchez Aranguren’s work focuses on the partnership between brain cells and the blood vessels that nourish them — a relationship maintained by the blood–brain barrier. When mitochondria fail, that protective interface can weaken, allowing harmful molecules to penetrate and trigger inflammation or cell loss. Her team’s studies show that mitochondrial malfunction disrupts the dialogue between neurons and vascular cells, an imbalance seen both in the developing and ageing brain. To counter this, she and her collaborators have engineered a mitochondria-targeted liposome, a nanoscale “bubble” that delivers restorative molecules directly where they are needed most. By re-balancing cellular energy and communication, this innovation could one day reduce brain injury or slow neurodegenerative decline. From heart cells to the human mind Originally trained in cardiovascular science, Dr Sánchez Aranguren became fascinated by how mitochondria regulate energy and stress in blood-vessel cells — insights that ultimately led her toward neuroscience. View her profile here “Mitochondria do much more than produce energy. They send signals that determine how cells communicate and survive.” That realisation inspired her to trace mitochondrial signalling across the continuum of life — linking early brain development to later-life vulnerability. Her research now bridges traditionally separate fields of developmental biology, vascular physiology, and ageing neuroscience, helping identify shared molecular pathways that influence lifelong brain resilience. Global collaboration for a healthier brain Her work thrives on multidisciplinary and international partnerships. At Aston, she collaborates with scientists from Coventry University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Lincoln, alongside research partners in the Netherlands, Italy, Malaysia, and China. Together they integrate chemistry, biology, and computational modelling to understand mitochondrial function from molecule to organism — and translate discoveries into practical therapies. Towards mitochondria-targeted brain therapies The next frontier is refining these mitochondria-targeted nanocarriers to enhance precision and efficacy in preclinical models, while exploring how mitochondrial signals shape the brain’s vascular and neural architecture from infancy through adulthood. Dr Sánchez Aranguren envisions a future where protecting mitochondrial health becomes central to preventing brain disease, shifting medicine from managing symptoms to preserving the brain’s natural defence and repair systems. “If we can protect the cell’s own energy engines,” she says, “we can give the brain its best chance to stay healthy for life.”
UF expert answers questions about local risk of bird flu
Consumers may have noticed the rising price of eggs and even some shortages at grocery stores lately due to H5N1 avian influenza, but as cases of human and animal infections continue to rise, how concerned should you be about the virus? Benjamin Anderson, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions’ Department of Environmental and Global Health and lead for UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute bird flu response team answers some questions about the risk of infection to humans and animals from bird flu and how to protect yourself. Who is at risk? Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk to humans is low. “That is correct on an overall level,” Anderson said. There is no human-to-human transmission right now. Anderson said that while there have been an “alarming” number of human cases, the number of infections is still fewer than 100. Of those, most have resulted in mild illness and were in people who had direct exposure to infected animals. So far, there has been only one death attributed to the current outbreak of H5N1, known more commonly as bird flu – a man in Louisiana who was infected by a backyard flock. “We do have a lot of people who keep chickens,” Anderson said. “Because of the situation in Louisiana, this has, I think, piqued the concern even more so among folks who might have backyard poultry to recognize that is a potential pathway for transmission.” If you see a dead chicken, do not touch it or try to investigate yourself. Instead, report it to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Report dead wildlife, including migratory birds, to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Anderson said while the risk to the public is currently low, the future risk, including human-to-human transmission that could result in a pandemic, is still uncertain. Right now, he said, “Unless you’re handling poultry or working with or near dairy cattle, where bird flu outbreaks have been ongoing, your risk is relatively low.” Can I catch the virus from my backyard bird feeder? Gainesville is on a major flyway for migratory birds – a draw for birdwatching enthusiasts, particularly in the winter. This may be how bird flu has made its way into backyard flocks, since infected migratory birds shed the virus in their waste. So far, there is no data that suggests bird feeders could pose a significant transmission risk to people, and no reported human cases of bird flu have been traced to feeders. “However, when I say there’s no data, that means there’s no data. It hasn’t been investigated,” Anderson said. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese are more likely to carry the virus than songbirds. But if backyard birdwatchers are concerned, he said, take precautions such as wearing gloves and disinfecting bird feeders. And whether there’s an elevated risk of bird flu or not, always take care to avoid touching bird feces, which can contain salmonella. “Using some common sense, good hygiene practices, is going to be an effective way of protecting yourself,” he said. Are my outdoor cats in danger? Outdoor cats are susceptible to bird flu through exposure to dairy cattle, wild birds and contaminated raw milk. There is also new evidence of some sources of raw cat food being contaminated with H5N1. H5N1 causes severe infection in cats, with neurological symptoms that could mimic rabies. Infected cats may be disoriented, lethargic or disinterested in food. Florida residents can contact the Florida Health Department if they notice these symptoms in their pet. “If you see something unusual, seeking out professional care for that animal is an important thing to do,” Anderson said. As of now, it’s unclear whether cats can transmit the virus to humans, but as it adapts, transmission to other species could become easier and more widespread. What about eggs and poultry from the farmers market? Florida state statutes require sellers to register as a food supplier and meet certain criteria for food handling safety. But the regulations can be unclear to some small, local egg and poultry producers, and others operate under the radar. “I wouldn’t say that if you go to a farmers market, it’s a guarantee that the products you’re buying are produced under the proper regulations,” Anderson said, but the regulations themselves can be unclear. Some things you can do to keep yourself safe are asking the vendor if they’re registered and permitted with the state’s agriculture agency and checking that the products are labeled. Per the statutes, eggs must be refrigerated at all times between packaging and sale to the consumer. And definitely steer clear of raw milk, which has been tied to several human and animal H5N1 infections and always carries a risk of salmonella. “Don’t drink it, and don’t give it to your animals,” Anderson said. Is there a vaccine? How else can I protect myself? There is a vaccine for bird flu. While it isn’t currently being administered to humans in the U.S., Anderson said some agriculture workers in Europe have received it. “There is a potential justification for starting to release some of the stock of the H5N1-specific vaccine,” but it would come with tradeoffs, he said, such as maintaining stockpiles and keeping the vaccine matched well to an evolving virus. In his opinion, though, it makes sense to start the process now, both to protect workers who are already at higher risk of contracting the virus, and to begin collecting data on how well the vaccine is working. The idea that the U.S. should hold off on releasing a vaccine until bird flu becomes a pandemic is contrary to protecting public health, he said, adding that the tipping point for him was seeing the virus start to show up in backyard poultry. “That’s the rationale that I base my opinion off of,” Anderson said.
Breakthrough with first disease-resistant wine grapes shows hope for a Florida wine renaissance
In a milestone for Florida agriculture, researchers have grown and harvested wine grapes that are resistant to the main bacterial disease that has long prevented the state from establishing a large-scale wine industry. Researchers successfully grew five grape varieties in Citra, Florida, that are resistant to Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that kills the vines and shrivels the grapes. The effort, led by Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor in the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticultural sciences department, produced a harvest of grapes that resulted in 13 cases of wine. “This could be the start of a new chapter for Florida wine.” — Ali Sarkhosh, associate professor in the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences horticultural sciences department While Florida has a thriving muscadine grape industry, the global market for muscadine wine is small compared to wine made from Vitis vinifera, the species of grapes behind world-famous wines such as cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and merlot. Florida is already the nation’s second-highest wine-consuming state, behind only California, with an industry valued at $15 billion in 2022. Yet most of the wines served are produced elsewhere, primarily in California, Oregon and Washington. Sarkhosh said he hopes this research will offer a potential additional crop for muscadine grape farmers. As of 2017, there were 547 Florida vineyards, growing muscadine and hybrid grapes. “This could be an enormous opportunity for vineyards in Florida to expand into additional types of wine for a wider market,” he said. “This could be the start of a new chapter for Florida wine.” UF researchers worked with Château Le Coeur, a winery based in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, to make the wine from their harvest. The wine was crafted with 75% Florida-grown fruit and blended with 25% cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The grape used in the wine collaboration is a hybrid called “Erante Noir” and was developed at the University of California, Davis. It carries the genes of sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon. John Choquer, the owner of Château Le Coeur, emphasized the potential for this collaboration. “If we are successful in growing in the area and combating Pierce’s disease effectively, it will be a strong growth industry and emerging market for agri-tourism,” he said. Early tastings point to a dark, fruit-forward wine. Château Le Coeur named this debut wine “Genial,” a French expression for something new and innovative. He said he is also planting a variety of traditional wine grapes, red and white, at his vineyard. He said his winery is grateful for UF’s support and collaboration as he works to create a Florida-based traditional wine industry. “This is not a short-term experiment,” Choquer added. “We plan to test more Pierce’s disease-resistant and traditional vinifera varieties, refine vineyard practices and build a new type of wine industry here in Florida. There will be challenges, there will be setbacks, but the potential is also so great. There is such a strong market potential here in Florida.”
UD physicists track one of the most powerful solar flares in nearly two decades
A massive solar flare – possibly the strongest recorded in nearly 20 years – has unleashed a wave of charged particles toward Earth, sparking radio blackouts across parts of Africa and Europe and triggering measurable increases in radiation levels worldwide. At the University of Delaware, physicists Pierre-Simon Mangeard and John Clem are closely monitoring the event through UD’s neutron monitor network, a global system that tracks cosmic radiation from observatories in Newark, Greenland, Canada, Antarctica and Hawaii. “This is a significant event, still in progress,” said Mangeard. The physicists are seeing a roughly 65% increase in ground-level radiation, which is possibly the largest since 2006. These elevated readings are known as a Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) – a rare occurrence caused by high-energy particles accelerated by solar flares that penetrate Earth’s magnetic field and reach the surface. The data being collected now will help researchers better understand how such bursts of solar activity impact Earth’s atmosphere, communications systems and even aviation safety. Clem and Mangeard’s work at UD’s Bartol Research Institute and Department of Physics and Astronomy contributes to global efforts to monitor and predict space weather events, including solar storms and coronal mass ejections. The team’s continuous, real-time data help scientists worldwide assess potential disruptions to satellites, power grids and high-altitude flights. As analysis of this flare continues, UD’s neutron monitor network will remain a key resource for understanding how space weather events ripple through our planet’s systems. Experts available for interviews: • Pierre-Simon Mangeard, research associate, Department of Physics and Astronomy • John Clem, associate professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy To contact Mangeard or Clem, email mediarelations@udel.edu.
Do the math: We’re awake roughly 16 hours a day. We spend 10 of those hours staring at screens – phones, tablets, computers, TV, gaming devices. That’s 63% of our waking life. The first platform dedicated entirely to digital balance launching today reveals something even more startling: It's not that we lack willpower to change our behavior. It's that we lack confidence. New proprietary research from Offline.now shows that 8 in 10 people are ready to change their relationship with technology, but more than half are so overwhelmed with their digital habits, they don’t know where to start. “If you don’t learn how to manage the screens in your life, they will manage you,” says Eli Singer, Founder of Offline.now and author of Offline.now: A Practical Guide to Healthy Digital Balance. “When people tell us they feel overwhelmed, it’s not laziness. It’s a crisis of confidence. And confidence is something that can be built.” Digital Wellness Experts Address the Struggles No One Else Will These insights come from digital wellness experts in the Offline.now Digital Wellness Directory – a growing community of licensed professionals across North America specializing in ADHD, relationships, family dynamics, high-achievers, and sustainable behavior change. They’re not offering generic advice. They’re addressing specific digital struggles that define contemporary life. Psychotherapist Harshi Sritharan, who specializes in modern anxiety and ADHD, explains: “The biggest mistake people make is reaching for their phone or turning on their computer first thing in the morning. It injects your dopamine full of uncertainty. You’ve essentially told your brain the most important thing you have to do today is put out fires. I tell clients to delay that first scroll as long as possible and never hit ‘snooze’. You’re fragmenting your REM sleep and making yourself more exhausted. These aren’t willpower issues; they’re about understanding how blue light disrupts your circadian rhythm, especially for those with ADHD who already struggle with sleep regulation.” According to Sritharan, the breakthrough happens when people understand the dopamine cycles driving their dependence and “reframe how they connect with all their screens, whether it’s their phone, gaming console, or streaming TV.” High Achievers Can’t Unplug. The ‘Always-On’ Trap is Killing Productivity, Not Boosting It “A lot of high performers think they need better time management,” says Executive Function Coach, Craig Selinger. “But what they actually need are boundaries. They’ve built empires by being available 24/7, and their phones have become permission slips to say yes to everything.” The difference between old and new technology matters,” he explains. “Back in the day with TV, there was a clear demarcation of beginning and end, right? The episode ends and you move on. Now it’s like Minecraft or TikTok – there’s no ending. And mobility makes it sticky, because you’re physically carrying the drug with you, versus a TV that stayed in one room.” The breakthrough happens when they realize being unavailable on purpose isn’t a weakness. “Things like turning off notifications during deep work, or setting ‘do not disturb’ windows? Those aren’t luxuries. They’re the competitive advantages they’ve been missing.” Digital Dependency as a Third Party in a Relationship Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Gaea Woods says digital devices are killing interpersonal relationships, not because tech is evil, but because “we use it unconsciously at the moments when connection matters most. When you’re scrolling at dinner, you’re telling your partner ‘my phone is more interesting and important than you’.” The breakthrough happens when couples set explicit agreements: response times, when devices go off-limits – and even what’s it’s OK with AI companions. “We’ve exited the era of meaningful communication without realizing it, and now we must deliberately rebuild it. Nature isn’t ‘Nice to Have’. It’s the Antidote to Screen Fatigue No One is Talking About After running a tech-free camp for 25 years, Personal Development Coach Mark Diamond says he’s seen what happens when kids get genuine face-to-face time interaction outdoors. “Their brains reset. The beauty and physical activity provide perspective that screens can never replicate. Digital dependency has eroded our ability to develop real human connections across all ages, not just teenagers. Screens should not replace the moments that define our wellbeing.” Why This Matters Now The stakes extend beyond personal frustration. Unchecked screen dependency is linked to rising rates of anxiety, deteriorating sleep quality, relationship breakdown, and what mental health experts call “continuous partial attention”, a state where we’re always connected, but never fully present. The Data Reveals When Change is Possible Beyond the confidence divide, Offline.now’s research uncovers the precise moments when users are most open to shifting their digital habits: Evenings from 6 pm-11:59 pm emerge as the “Go Time” window. 40% of self-assessment responders peak readiness to act. Sunday is “Reset Day, when 43% want to set boundaries for the week ahead. Saturdays offer natural opportunities for self-compassion and rest. Afternoons become the “Overwhelm Window”, with 57% feeling consumed by their screens. Critically, Fridays – despite having the highest overwhelm factor – are the worst time for interventions. Users are depleted and change rarely sticks. The Framework That Powers the Platform At the platform’s core is the Offline.now Matrix, a behavioral framework that maps the confidence and motivation levels of users to reveal their starting point: Overwhelmed, Ready, Stuck, or Unconcerned. Based on Singer’s book, Offline.now: A Practical Guide to Healthy Digital Balance, the approach replaces willpower-based advice with microlearning strategies – each taking 20 minutes or less – that track emotional triggers rather than just screen time totals. It offers 100 real-world alternatives to scrolling, from reorganizing a drawer to visiting a thrift shop, and reframes slip-ups as data, not disasters. “The books shows that lasting change doesn’t require deleting Instagram or TikTok tomorrow,” says Singer. “You need to win one personal victory today, and then another tomorrow. That’s how confidence rebuilds.” Propelled by University of Toronto’s Innovation Ecosystem Offline.now is a University of Toronto-affiliated startup, leveraging one of the world’s most powerful innovation networks. U of T is ranked among the top five university-managed business incubators globally and has helped create more than 1,500 venture-backed companies and secured more than CAD$14 billion in investment over the past decade. How Offline.now Works For individuals and families: Take the free self-assessment quiz using the Offline.now Matrix to map your motivation and confidence levels in under three minutes. Receive instant access to practical strategies, curated resources, and a searchable directory of digital wellness experts organized by specialty, location, and insurance coverage. For digital wellness professionals: Join a growing community of licensed mental health practitioners, certified behaviorial coaches, and registered social workers by creating your profile at Offline.now. The platform provides new client leads, professional development opportunities, and visibility in a rapidly expanding market. About Offline.now Offline.now is the first global platform dedicated entirely to achieving digital balance. Founder and author Eli Singer built one of North America’s first social media agencies before seeing technology shift from community-building to attention-harvesting. As a parent, he experienced firsthand the struggle to maintain digital balance. The platform combines proprietary behavioral research, expert guidance and counselling from licensed professionals, and science-backed strategies to help individuals and families build healthier relationships with their screens. Visit Offline.now at https://offline.now Expert Interview Availability Offline.now can arrange interviews with: Eli Singer, Founder – Vision for digital wellness; behavioral data insights Harshi Sritharan, Psychotherapist – Dopamine cycles, ADHD, anxiety and intentional tech use Craig Selinger, Executive Function Coach – Digital distraction in high achievers, family dynamics, ADHD Mark Diamond, Personal Development Coach – Outdoor wellness, sustainable behavior change, happiness, connection Gaea Woods, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Communication, digital third-party relationships, phubbing Additional Resources Free self-assessment quiz - The Offline.now Matrix: https://offline.now/quiz Expert directory and booking: https://offline.now/experts/ Join the directory: https://offline.now/join/ Order Offline.now: A Practical Guide to Healthy Digital Balance: https://offline.now/book/
As sustainability moves from niche topic to boardroom central, companies face an increasingly complex global environment of regulatory divergence, disclosure demands and reputational risk. A recent article by J.S. Held's John Peiserich examines how multinational firms can respond effectively to the “crosscurrents” of ESG compliance, litigation exposure and evolving definitions of corporate responsibility. John Peiserich specializes in environmental risk and compliance. With over 30 years of experience, John provides consulting and expert services for heavy industry and law firms throughout the country with a focus on Oil & Gas, Energy, and Public Utilities, including serving as an expert witness in arbitration proceedings and in state and federal courts. View his profile here Key Insights: Sustainability now touches every major business function — environmental, social, and governance — and must be embedded in strategy rather than treated as an add-on. Regulatory landscapes are diverging: while the U.S. federal approach remains fragmented, individual states like California are moving ahead with mandatory climate and emissions-related corporate disclosures. In contrast, the European Union’s Green Deal and related frameworks promote a more unified regulatory model, creating operational tension for multinational corporations. Litigation and disclosure risk are increasing, with “greenwashing” (overstating sustainability achievements) and “greenhushing” (avoiding or under-reporting ESG performance) emerging as major board-level concerns. Effective risk management now requires scalable data systems, transparent communication, strong governance, and agility to adapt across multiple regulatory regimes. Why this matters: The widening divide between jurisdictions — and intensifying scrutiny of corporate sustainability claims — means ESG compliance can no longer be treated as a checkbox exercise. Organizations that fail to anticipate regulatory expectations or align ESG strategy with business goals risk legal exposure, reputational harm, and missed opportunities for value creation. Strategic Insights for Corporate Leadership on Sustainability Boards and executives must adjust their mindset, seeing sustainability not as a burden but as a catalyst for growth and differentiation. Proactive investment in research, development, and stakeholder engagement will help organizations seize new opportunities and maintain credibility in a fast-changing world. Documentation and transparency are vital defenses against legal challenges, while ongoing monitoring of policy and market trends ensures adaptability. Ultimately, the most successful companies will treat sustainability as an essential tenet of strategy—aligning profit, purpose, and governance to secure their position in the global marketplace. Navigating the crosscurrents of sustainability requires courage, judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning. By embracing these principles, corporations can build a future that is not only profitable but also just, resilient, and worthy of the trust placed in them by shareholders and society alike. Looking to know more or connect with John Peiserich about this important topic? Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
