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National Academy of Inventors welcomes five VCU College of Engineering researchers

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) recently inducted five Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering researchers as senior members. Chosen for their innovative engineering contributions, the honorees are recognized as visionary inventors whose groundbreaking research and patented technologies are driving meaningful societal and economic advancements across the national innovation landscape. “Invention represents the practical application of knowledge and stands as one of the many ways engineers can make a positive impact on their communities and the world,” said Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc, the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Dean of the VCU College of Engineering. “This year’s honorees exemplify the interdisciplinary nature of our field, leveraging advanced concepts from mechanical, biomedical, chemical and pharmaceutical engineering to address today’s most pressing challenges. We are immensely proud that our dedicated researchers have earned recognition as members of the esteemed National Academy of Inventors.” The VCU College of Engineering NAI inductees are: Jayasimha Atulasimha, Ph.D. Engineering Foundation Professor Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering An internationally recognized pioneer of straintronics, an approach to electrically control magnetism for ultra-low-energy computing, Atulasimha has made significant research contributions to next-generation memory, neuromorphic hardware and emerging quantum computing technologies. He holds four U.S. patents spanning energy-efficient magnetic memory, nanoscale computing architectures and medical tools. Atulasimha’s commercially viable inventions are funded by organizations like the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and he leads multi-institutional collaborations that drive innovation in computing hardware, AI and quantum technologies with more than $10 million in funded research. Casey Grey, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Associate Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Bridging engineering and medicine, Grey’s work spans life‑saving stroke technologies, breakthrough respiratory and neurological care, and sustainable packaging. As a lead R&D scientist at WestRock, he helped create and commercialize the CanCollar® portfolio, a recyclable paperboard replacement for plastic beverage rings now used on five continents, eliminating thousands of tons of single‑use plastic annually. In medical device innovation, Grey’s patent and development work on a novel cyclic aspiration thrombectomy platform, currently in clinical trials, is advancing stroke treatment by enhancing clot removal efficiency and reducing long‑term disability. At the VCU College of engineering, Grey built a research and commercialization pipeline around neurological and respiratory technologies, securing eight provisional patents and leading multidisciplinary teams in neurology, neurosurgery, surgery, pharmacology and toxicology, internal medicine, and respiratory medicine. His work includes developing dry powder inhaler strategies for delivering life‑saving drugs to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a pediatric bubble CPAP system designed to protect brain development in premature infants, and non‑invasive, non‑pharmacological 40 Hz neuromodulation therapies to treat neurodegeneration and conditions with significant central nervous system complications, like sickle cell disease. In collaborations with the VCU Children’s Hospital and VCU Critical Care Hospital, Grey is leading two clinical studies that are translating these innovations to improve patient care. Ravi Hadimani, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Director of Biomagnetics Laboratory Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Hadimani founded RAM Phantoms LLC, a VCU startup company, commercializing anatomically accurate, MRI-derived brain phantoms for neuromodulation and neuroimaging applications. These brain phantoms help test and tune transcranial magnetic and deep brain stimulation technologies, improving clinical safety and enabling personalized therapy for patients. RAM Phantoms is also developing a highly-skilled workforce for employment in Virginia’s growing biomedical device industry. Beyond commercialization, Hadimani maintains a productive research program with more than $4.5 million in funding resulting in 125 original peer-reviewed publications, 17 current and pending patents, a book, and several book chapters. His biomagnetics lab serves as a training ground for undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students to hone their skills in innovation management, intellectual property strategy and startup development. Several students from Hadimani’s lab have engaged in translational research, patent co-authorship and start-up formation, cultivating a new generation of engineer-entrepreneurs equipped to drive future technological advances. Before joining VCU, Hadimani led the development of hybrid piezoelectric–photovoltaic materials that established FiberLec Inc., which commercialized multifunctional energy-harvesting fibers capable of converting solar, wind and vibrational energy into usable electricity. Worth Longest, Ph.D. Alice T. and William H. Goodwin, Jr. Distinguished Chair Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Uniting aerosol science, biomedical engineering and computational modeling, Longest is revolutionizing inhaled drug delivery. Working with collaborators, his lab has developed novel devices, formulations and delivery platforms that precisely target medications to the lungs, addressing conditions like cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. These innovations have resulted in multiple patents. Some of them have been licensed through commercial partnerships like Quench Medical, an organization advancing inhaled therapies for applications like lung cancer. Collaborating with the Gates Foundation and the lab of Michael Hindle, Ph.D., from the VCU Department of Pharmaceutics, Longest’s team developed a low-cost, high-efficacy aerosol surfactant therapy for pre-term infants based entirely on technology developed at VCU. The invention eliminates intubation, reduces dosage by a factor of 10, and cuts treatment costs. Over 9 million infant lives are projected to be saved by this technology between 2030 and 2050. Through a long-term collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Longest’s in vitro and computational methods provide federal regulatory guidance for generic inhaled medications. The VCU mouth-throat airway models developed under his leadership are used globally across the pharmaceutical industry and in government laboratories. Hong Zhao, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Zhao holds 40 patents with innovations spanning additive manufacturing, stretchable electronics, inkjet printing technologies and superoleophobic materials that repel oils, greases, and low-surface-tension liquids. Her research has applications across health care, sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing. Prior to joining the College of Engineering, Zhao served as a senior research scientist and project leader at the Xerox Research Center, where she developed high-performance materials and printing technologies for commercial deployment. Her industry experience makes Zhao’s lab a hub for innovation and mentorship, with students engaging in innovative research and co-authoring publications. Zhao is an invited reviewer for more than 50 premier journals and grant agencies. “Working with distinguished researchers and innovators like those inducted into the National Academy of Inventors is a great honor for me,” said Arvind Agarwal, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering and NAI fellow. “They are an inspiration and showcase the kind of impact engineers can make. Having all five of these innovators as part of our department amplifies the scientific richness of our college and its societal impact. They advance the college’s mission of Engineering for Humanity, with research that brings a positive change to our world.” The 2026 NAI class of senior members, composed of 231 emerging inventors from NAI’s member institutions, is the largest to date. Hailing from 82 NAI member institutions across the globe, they hold over 2,000 U.S. patents.

Expert Q and A: Understanding "Punch," The Baby Monkey That Captured The World's Heart

A tiny Japanese macaque named Punch has unexpectedly become one of the internet’s most talked-about animals. Born at a zoo in Japan and rejected by his mother shortly after birth, the young monkey was hand-raised by staff and given a stuffed toy for comfort—an image that quickly ricocheted across social media worldwide. Videos showing Punch tentatively approaching other macaques, sometimes being pushed away or corrected as he tried to socialize, struck an emotional chord. What began as a local zoo update rapidly turned into international headlines, with audiences from North America to Europe weighing in on what they saw as loneliness, resilience and the universal need for belonging. But experts say the story is more nuanced than a viral clip suggests. The interactions that many viewers interpreted as bullying are, in fact, typical components of macaque social development, part of how young primates learn boundaries, hierarchy and group norms. While Punch’s early maternal separation makes his integration more delicate, gradual acceptance into the troop is a positive sign. As internet users continue to share and comment, the moment has sparked broader conversations about animal emotion, anthropomorphism and the realities of wildlife behavior in managed care settings. Florida Tech's Catherine Talbot offered insight into the complexities of animal behavior.  Catherine F. Talbot is an assistant professor in the School of Psychology at Florida Tech and co-director of the Animal Cognitive Research Center at Brevard Zoo. Her overarching research goal has been to study the ultimate (evolutionary) and proximate (behavioral, biological, and developmental) mechanisms underlying sociality. Q: Is it normal for mother macaques to abandon their babies, or is this an unusual occurrence? What circumstances can cause this to happen?  It’s not necessarily normal, but also not that uncommon in primates, unfortunately. It’s more common in first time mothers that are inexperienced and sometimes lower ranking mothers. A number of factors can increase the likelihood of abandonment including stress on the mother and unfavorable conditions such as limited resources. Q: How does abandonment affect development in young macaques?  Early maternal contact is critical for normal behavioral and emotional development. Infants rely on their mothers for nutrition, warmth, protection and learning how to navigate social dynamics. When infants do not have their mothers during critical developmental periods like infancy, in the short term, they tend to have elevated stress responses and difficulty with emotional regulation. In the long-term, it depends on whether the infant is able to form other types of attachment. In the worst-case scenario, they may have increased aggression, abnormal and/or self-injurious behavior, digestive issues and may lack social skills. But primates are resilient, and with social support and gradual integration into a troop, Punch can form new attachments, learn socially appropriate behavior and ultimately live a fairly normal monkey life. Q: Is it obvious to the rest of the troop when a young macaque has no mother? How does this affect integration?  Japanese macaques have really complex social worlds, so they are really in tune with the relationships they have with one another and recognize the relationships between other individuals. That can certainly make it more difficult for Punch to be accepted back into the troop – he needs to find some friends and possibly even a surrogate parent. With social support, he should be able to recover from the absence of a mother. It’s really great to see that the care staff stepped in to support Punch as he begins to recovery from the stress of this experience. It’s even more important that Punch is around other monkeys of the same species so that he can continue to learn from them and respond appropriately to social communication cues. I’m thrilled to see that Punch is now making friends. Q: Punch is obviously attached to his stuffed orangutan. We can understand how this happens from our own human experience, but can you explain, on a biological level, how he bonded with this stuffed animal? Primates, including humans, are neurobiologically wired to form strong social bonds with a caregiver very early in life. In many primate species, infants are born highly dependent on their mother. Punch’s attachment to the stuffed orangutan reflects this need for attachment. That physical touch – warmth, softness, graspable limbs, a stable physical presence – can partially activate those same calming biological pathways, including the release of oxytocin which regulates stress and promotes feelings of safety. Without activation in those pathways, Punch would likely experience stronger feelings of separation or loneliness and ultimately social withdrawal. These biological pathways are crucial to proper social and emotional development of any primate species. Any way we can help mitigate those effects for Punch is crucial for successful integration back into his troop. Q: How does sociality among Japanese macaques compare to that of similar species? Japanese macaques live in large multi-male, multi-female social groups that can range from roughly 50 to 150 individuals. Like many macaques species, they form stable, female-bonded societies. Females remain in their natal group (or the group they were born into) for life, inherit their mother’s rank, and form strong kin- based alliances whereas males emigrate to a new group at adolescence. Their societies are organized around matrilines or extended female family lines in which rank is very important. They have strong dominance hierarchies and generally high levels of aggression, but levels of aggression and tolerance can vary a good amount from group to group. Entire matrilines can outrank others, which dictates access to food, grooming partners, and coalitions. Within a single troop, you often see multiple matrilines with long-standing dominance competitions. I sometimes compare it to a Romeo and Juliet-style Montague and Capulet dynamic, where beneath the surface of daily grooming and foraging is a complex political landscape structured by kinship and status. Q: What behaviors can Punch expect from the rest of the monkeys as he continues to integrate with the troop? What behaviors can the troop expect to see from him? As Punch continues to integrate into his troop, I would expect to see some social testing by other members of the group to see how Punch responds- they may use mild aggression like open mouth threats or direct stares (which arethreatening is macaques), brief chases, and displacement from resources like food/resting spots. These will help clarify Punch’s rank and help form and maintain a stable hierarchy. Therefore, I hope to see Punch make at least a few strong social bonds (friends), to help defend him against more intense aggression. As long as he makes a few friends, he should begin to receive more affiliative behavior. Integration is usually gradual as these bonds form and strengthen and these skills develop. I would expect to see more play and grooming with conspecifics and less reliance on his stuffed orangutan as real social bonds start to form. Grooming is especially important for forming and maintaining social bonds and there are already videos showing Punch receiving some grooming from older monkeys, which bodes well for him. He also needs to respond in socially appropriate ways, like grooming others and showing submission to higher ranking individuals. Essentially, he needs to understand and follow the rules of Japanese macaque society. Q: What message do you have as people continue to root for Punch?  It's uplifting to see how much support Punch has gained across the world. And while Punch is clearly adorable and so vulnerable that you just want to love him and give him (or other monkeys like him) a home, it’s important to remember that more than anything else, he needs to live with other monkeys so that he can live a life that is true to his species and nature. Unfortunately, many people still have monkeys as pets. The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry, ranking as the fourth largest illegal trade after drugs, arms, and human trafficking. Within the United States, it is estimated that there are more than 15,000 nonhuman primates living in unsuitable conditions. Primates are intelligent, sentient beings that need complex communities and relationships to thrive. There currently is no federal legislation that protects primates from private ownership, but the Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R.3199/ S.1594) has been proposed to prohibit the private possession of nonhuman primates and the sale or transportation of nonhuman primates for the wild pet trade. If you're interested in connecting with Catherine and learning more about animal behavior,  let us help. Contact  Adam Lowenstein, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs at Florida Institute of Technology, at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.

Why Nick Cave’s First Public Outdoor Sculpture Found Its Home at Meijer Gardens

The permanent installation of Amalgam (Origin), Nick Cave’s first public outdoor sculpture in the world, marks a major moment for contemporary art in the Midwest and a defining milestone for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. As the curator who guided the project from concept to completion, Suzanne Ramljak offers essential insight into why this work matters now, how it fits within Cave’s evolving career, and what it signals about the growing role of public art in shaping cultural identity. The sculpture’s installation in October coincides with a pivotal period in Nick Cave’s career. On Feb. 13, he debuted “Nick Cave: Mammoth,” a monumental new body of work on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum through Jan. 3, 2027. Not only is it Cave's first solo exhibition in Washington, D.C., but it is the museum’s largest ever single-artist commission. And this spring, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago opens with a major, immersive installation by Cave, placing his work at the center of a national cultural moment. Against this timely backdrop, Meijer Gardens’ installation stands as a quiet but powerful first: the artist’s inaugural permanent outdoor public sculpture. Understanding the Significance of Nick Cave's Work The sculpture reflects the evolution of Nick Cave’s artistic practice, rooted in his groundbreaking Soundsuits series, a body of work first developed in response in the wake of Rodney King’s 1991 assault by police and designed to challenge viewers’ perceptions of identity, race, and community. Over decades, Cave’s work has moved from wearable performance art into public sculpture, allowing his socially engaged visual language to occupy shared civic space. The permanent presence of Amalgam (Origin) at Meijer Gardens highlights the institution’s commitment to showcasing art that resonates with broader cultural dialogues about resilience, protection, and collective identity. “Nick Cave’s art is deeply rooted - in his family, in community, in craft, and in nature. His work is also grounded in concerns of social justice. The power of Amalgam (Origin) stems from this fertile mix; a blend of the personal and communal, exceptional and traditional.” Suzanne Ramljak, Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Suzanne Ramljak is Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park where she oversees the acquisition, siting and curation of engaging sculptural exhibitions. View her profile The timing also highlights Cave’s deep Midwest ties. He lives and works in Chicago and earned his master's degree at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The Meijer Gardens installation connects those regional roots to a global artistic trajectory, reinforcing the Midwest’s influence on contemporary art at the highest level. Media Attention, Coverage and Cultural Momentum Since the installation was announced and unveiled, the sculpture has drawn significant regional, national and arts-focused media attention, underscoring its cultural weight and public resonance. Coverage has highlighted the work’s monumental scale, its distinction as Nick Cave’s first permanent outdoor public sculpture, and Meijer Gardens’ role as a national destination capable of supporting ambitious and timely contemporary art. Media narratives consistently framed the installation as both a major moment for Grand Rapids’ cultural landscape and a signal of Meijer Gardens’ growing influence within the national arts conversation. The range of coverage points to interest from music, arts, lifestyle, and cultural outlets, suggesting the installation’s appeal to a variety of audiences. That level of attention reflects not only the significance of the work itself, but also the curatorial vision guiding its placement and permanence, a process led by Suzanne Ramljak. Expert Insight: As Curator of Collections and Senior Curator of Sculpture, Ramljak brings expert perspective on: Why Meijer Gardens was the right home for Cave’s first outdoor public sculpture How this work fits within Cave’s broader artistic practice, particularly his engagement with performance, movement, and public space What permanence means in contemporary art, especially for works often associated with temporality and performance How landscape, scale, and audience interaction shape the experience of outdoor sculpture Her expertise situates the installation within both Cave’s career arc and Meijer Gardens’ long-standing commitment to presenting ambitious contemporary sculpture in dialogue with nature.

‘Love Island’ isn’t real, but it might reflect the way we date

For millions of viewers, “Love Island” has been a summer obsession – a chance to peek in on a sunny villa full of beautiful singles looking for love. But according to Andrew Selepak, Ph.D., a media professor at the University of Florida, the reality show isn’t really about romance. “The reality of reality TV is that it doesn’t reflect reality,” Selepak said. “These are people who were selected; they were cast just like you would cast a movie or a scripted TV show.” Still, what happens on the island isn’t completely disconnected from real life. The show's format, which is built on snap decisions, physical attraction, and frequent recouplings, mirrors the current dating landscape in unsettling ways. “I think it's reflective of the current culture that young people are experiencing with dating, which is very superficial and doesn't lead to long-term lasting relationships because a long-term lasting relationship can't be based on superficial qualities,” Selepak said. Selepak compares “Love Island” to “TV Tinder.” Much like on dating apps, contestants size each other up based on looks and vibes rather than values or long-term compatibility. And while the show promotes the idea of finding “the one,” the numbers tell a different story. “It’s like less than 12% of the couples actually remain together for any period of time,” Selepak said. “At some point, you would think people would realize it’s fake.” However, viewers continue to watch, and contestants continue to sign up. Why? Because the point isn't necessarily to find love. It's about visibility, likes and followers. “This is where you have the social media aspect playing in, where people are looking to become influencers and to gain fame, notoriety, likes and follows,” Selepak said. “The people who are on the shows, these are people who intentionally have gone out and said, 'I want my dirty laundry to be on TV.’ There's a narcissistic aspect of wanting to be on a show like that. Most people, I think, would be hesitant to tell their deep, dark secrets – or tell the things about themselves that they would normally only share with a select few – to a large audience.” For contestants, this often means performing love rather than experiencing it – a behavior that echoes real-world dating on social media. For audiences, “Love Island” gives them the dissatisfaction of watching beautiful people experience the same dating struggles they do. In the end, “Love Island” may not teach us how to find lasting love, but it might explain why so many people are struggling to.

Natural defenses: UF researchers use living infrastructure to protect Florida’s shores

Armed with a $7 million grant from the Army Corp of Engineers, University of Florida researchers are working to bolster shoreline resilience and restore troubled wetlands in St. Augustine through nature-based solutions. “The idea of nature-based solutions is to build what we sometimes refer to as green infrastructure, to use living, natural components as the building blocks,” said Andrew Altieri, Ph.D., an assistant professor with the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment and interim director of the Center for Coastal Solutions, also known as CCS. Instead of building man-made structures to protect wetlands, for example, restoration crews can move dredged natural sediment otherwise destined for costly disposal to increase wetlands’ size and elevation, restoring their ability to protect shorelines from storm surge, keep pace with sea-level change, filter toxins, store carbon and provide habitats for wildlife.  The project is in concert with the Army Corps of Engineers’ goal to naturally reuse and repurpose at least 70% of dredged sediment into other natural areas to benefit habitats and restoration by 2030. “It is critical to understand, test and model how natural processes can be harnessed and strategically implemented to sustainably meet the challenge of rapidly intensifying coastal hazards while also providing environmental, economic and social benefits,” Altieri wrote in the project’s technical summary. Overall, the multi-disciplinary project closely examines patterns and processes of change in coastal landscapes. That includes wetlands — marshes and mangroves — and beach/dune systems. The project comes as these coastal areas are facing threats both natural and human. These areas are essential to wildlife, air quality, native vegetation, storm protection and the overall health of the ecosystem. A 2008 study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported a net loss of about 361,000 acres of wetlands in the coastal watersheds of the eastern United States between 1998 and 2004 — an average net decrease of 59,000 acres each year, with experts citing sea-level rise as one of the primary factors. “We're trying to understand the patterns of that loss and what's leading to it,” Altieri said. “These systems are essentially the first and sometimes last line of defense against coastal hazards, risks that include storm surges and coastal flooding. They are forming a buffer, this kind of protective layer on our coast. But they're changing, generally for the worse and are in danger of being lost.” With this project, the CCS-led research team plans to advance the science, technology and engineering principles of nature-based solutions. With marshes, the primary concern is elevation loss, which can drown the vegetation critical to the ecosystem. They are sinking, eroding and succumbing to sea-level changes, Altieri said. “The plants are really important for trapping sediment and holding sediment,” he said. “You lose some of the plants, then you get more erosional loss and a lack of the accumulation of sediment.” Sediment is natural muck on the bottom of water bodies. “If we can add sufficient sediment to increase the elevation to a level where the plants thrive, then they will retain that sediment that's been added to hopefully trap more sediment and accumulate more biomass through their growth,” Altieri said. “It’s something that may need to be done periodically. You may stop that decline, but you may even reverse the process of loss and change the trajectory.” As a bonus, this process saves the cost of disposing of dredged sediment, which is usually piped offshore or to a materials-management area. This project is the next step for CCS-led coastal resilience efforts in St. Augustine. In 2024, CCS and WSP Environment & Infrastructure Inc. launched a coastal wetlands-restoration project to keep pace with sea level change and erosion. The 2025 work is a standalone project with separate funding, Altieri said. The current project also has more research disciplines and project partners, including UF researchers from Landscape Architecture, Geological Sciences and the School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatic Sciences. “Storm surges, wave energy, coastal flooding – all of that can be slowed or reduced because of wetlands,” Altieri said. “They are basically like shock absorbers. These wetlands, beaches and dunes can be lost or eroded to some degree, but the upland area behind them is essentially protected.” Researching the resilience of dunes comes with a different set of dynamics. Here, they are looking at the plants that support the dunes – sea oats and panic grass, for example. That vegetation also provides a habitat for animals such as beach mice, turtles and birds. On the beach, the team also is looking at water energy and how grain size affects the stability of dunes. “It’s understanding water movement, water energy. How is that interacting with depositing sediment, moving sediment around, sorting sediment? With water, you tend to carry finer particles further than coarser materials,” he said. What does success look like after the award’s five years end? “We'll have an understanding of what's changing on our coasts and why,” Altieri said. “We'll have an understanding of how we can work within this system to modify the natural components and utilize the natural processes. And we will hopefully be working with partners through additional funding mechanisms to actually apply that towards implementation of solutions to increase coastal resilience.” The team also includes Peter Adams, Department of Geological Sciences; Julie Bruck, Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Landscape Architecture and Planning; Maitane Olabarrieta, ESSIE; Alex Sheremet, ESSIE; Nina Stark, ESSIE; Ben Wilkinson, Geomatics Program, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences; and Xiao Yu, ESSIE.

ENLIGHTENing the Holidays: How Meijer Gardens Turned Art and Nature Into a Year-Round Attraction

With the completion of its second season, ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens has moved beyond the idea of a seasonal attraction to become a defining example of how cultural institutions can transform the off-season into a destination experience. The program’s exceptional year-over-year growth, combined with national recognition in only its second year, signals a turning point in how Meijer Gardens engages audiences year-round. At the center of that evolution is Carol Kendra, whose leadership perspective connects ENLIGHTEN’s creative ambition, production scale, and audience growth to a broader strategy of experiential cultural programming. As Chief Operating Officer at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Carol Kendra provides strategic oversight for daily operations, guest experience, programming and long-term planning across the organization’s 158-acre campus.  It washer leadership and strategic vision helped shape ENLIGHTEN from concept to a growing cultural phenomenon. View her profile Meijer Gardens has long been active outside traditional peak seasons, regularly hosting programs such as Fall at Meijer Gardens, Spring at Meijer Gardens, and its longstanding holiday tradition University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions. These initiatives established a foundation for shoulder-season engagement and demonstrated that audiences were willing to experience the Gardens beyond summer months. ENLIGHTEN marked a deliberate step forward, not simply another seasonal offering, but a fully immersive evening experience that invited visitors to experience Meijer Gardens in a new way during the winter months, using light, sound, and landscape to create a sense of wonder and discovery. The annual event has also garnered attention from media across the country: Taking the Experience to the Next Level What distinguishes ENLIGHTEN is its production and experiential ambition. The program was produced in collaboration with Lightswitch and Upstaging, firms recognized internationally for creating world-class immersive environments and technically sophisticated experiences. Their portfolios include large-scale botanical light installations, major theme park productions, and live and recorded projects for globally recognized, award-winning artists. That expertise elevated ENLIGHTEN into a carefully choreographed, multi-sensory journey that integrates light, sound, landscape, and movement in a way that complements — rather than overwhelms — Meijer Gardens’ art and horticulture. This approach reflects a deliberate investment in experience design, audience flow, and emotional impact. The result is an experience that: Extends engagement well beyond traditional daylight hours Encourages repeat visits across a single season Attracts audiences who may be new to Meijer Gardens ENLIGHTEN reflects how cultural institutions are responding to changing audience expectations. Visitors are increasingly seeking experiences that are immersive, emotionally resonant, and worth traveling for — even during traditionally slower seasons. By building on its history of seasonal programming and elevating it through design, technology, and collaboration, Meijer Gardens demonstrates how institutions can grow without losing authenticity. Expert Insight: As a senior leader involved in shaping Meijer Gardens’ visitor experiences and institutional strategy, Carol Kendra brings expert insight into: How ENLIGHTEN was conceived as both an artistic and operational response to seasonality Why immersive seasonal experiences resonate with broad, multigenerational audiences How art and horticulture can be activated together What measurable growth means for long-term institutional planning and cultural relevance Her perspective helps journalists and industry professionals understand ENLIGHTEN not simply as a holiday event, but as a case study in cultural innovation and audience development.

Covering Venezuela? We Can Help.

The situation in Venezuela is fluid, and new details about the operation, its planning and execution, the future of the country and how the world is reacting is all happening in real time. Journalists covering Latin America, global politics, migration, energy, or human rights are encouraged to connect with experts who can provide context on Venezuela’s evolving political landscape, economic indicators, humanitarian conditions, and regional implications. Expert insight is critical for moving beyond headlines and understanding what the next phase of Venezuela’s crisis could mean—for its people and for the region. Looking for an expert to help? Connect with our experts: www.expertfile.com

Designing Reflection: An Expert’s View Inside Michigan’s Japanese Garden

As public gardens increasingly become spaces for artistic expression, cultural exchange, and mindful reflection, Steven LaWarre, Senior Vice President at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, recently offered his expert insight to Homes and Gardens Magazine into how world-class garden design can shape human experience, invite contemplation, and connect visitors with nature in deeply meaningful ways. With decades of experience in professional horticulture and garden planning, LaWarre has played a central role in creating and nurturing Meijer Gardens' Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, guiding its interpretive programming, and curating visitor interaction with seasonal changes and design elements. Steve LaWarre is the Senior Vice President at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where his visionary leadership and passion for botanical excellence have been instrumental in shaping the Gardens' stunning landscapes and ensuring operational excellence. He leads efforts to sustain the Gardens' exceptional standards in landscape design, sustainable gardening practices, and the care of diverse plant collections. View his profile here The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, an eight-acre landscape inspired by centuries-old Japanese horticultural principle, has rapidly evolved into one of the Midwest’s most beloved cultural destinations. Beyond aesthetic beauty, the garden embodies philosophical traditions that encourage visitors to slow down, observe impermanence, and appreciate harmony between the human spirit and the natural world. As audiences seek spaces that offer quiet reflection, seasonal observation, and cultural resonance, LaWarre’s expertise bridges horticulture, design intention, and visitor experience. Read the Homes and Garden Magazine article 'Beyond Wild Expectations: Michigan’s Very Own Slice of Japan – Where Ancient Garden Design Provides a Deep Connection to Nature' below: Expert Insight Steven LaWarre on the Japanese Garden Experience On Winter’s Quiet Presence “It’s just beautiful covered in snow. You hear the waterfalls differently, you see ice sweep over the pond. Everything feels a bit more muffled in the winter, but it somehow puts you at ease,” LaWarre explains, highlighting how seasonal change reveals structure, silence, and contemplative calm. On Spring’s Renewal “The first flush of leaves on the trees is a joyful sight after winter. The small chartreuse green buds contrast to the dark stems,” LaWarre observes, describing the ephemeral nature of bloom and the reminder of restoration that seasonal transformation offers visitors. On Core Garden Elements “The conifers create a backbone of the garden, recognizable in all four seasons… they have been pruned and shaped over time to really create the caricature of a tree,” LaWarre notes, outlining the horticultural artistry behind traditional practices like niwaki pruning. On Cultural Immersion and Mindful Reflection LaWarre describes the garden’s traditional teahouse experience as more than cultural spectacle: “It’s a way to really quiet the senses and participate in mindful reflection, aided by the serenity of garden views… It’s an opportunity to connect with the people you’re with, but also to connect with yourself.” On Design Intent and Human Experience “It’s taught me to look at things differently. As humans, we can be focused on achieving neat lines and symmetry, but taking a moment to observe your surroundings will reveal this isn’t usually how things are in the natural world,” LaWarre reflects, capturing how garden design can subtly reshape perception. In a cultural moment where audiences increasingly seek restorative outdoor experiences, cultural depth, and mindful engagement with public spaces, LaWarre offers perspective and insight into: How garden design influences perception, supports wellness, and fosters cross-cultural appreciation How public gardens are not solely as spaces of beauty, but also living environments that shape emotional and philosophical engagement with the natural world Steve can bring this perspective for media interviews and speaking engagements.

Global Honors Highlight J.S. Held’s Unmatched Technical and Advisory Expertise

J.S. Held proudly celebrates the numerous industry and expert recognitions earned throughout 2025. As a global consulting firm, J.S. Held continues to be acknowledged for its deep financial, technical, and scientific expertise, with leading outlets highlighting the firm’s capabilities across investigations, risk advisory, forensics, turnaround and restructuring, business intelligence, and litigation support. The firm’s curated team of entrepreneurs — each with an unrivaled understanding of both tangible and intangible assets — reflects a collective strength that is recognized worldwide. Beyond organizational achievements, J.S. Held’s experts received individual distinctions that further demonstrate their standing as leaders within their respective fields. Industry publications and ranking bodies honoured these specialists for excellence in arbitration, construction and engineering, environmental consulting, forensic accounting, investigations, litigation support, intellectual property, specialty finance, and a wide range of other highly specialized domains. Together, these recognitions underscore J.S. Held’s commitment to delivering trusted insight and unparalleled expertise as clients navigate increasingly complex challenges. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the firm remains dedicated to providing informed, innovative, and practical solutions that enable organizations to move forward with confidence. Click on the link below to learn more about our recognition and respective areas of expertise: Expert recognition by notable organizations serves as a further testament to J.S. Held's agile, collaborative, creative, and client-centric team, reflecting the trusted advisor role the firm has earned over the last 50 years. For any media inquiries, contact: Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com

LSU Experts Break Down Artificial Intelligence Boom Behind Holiday Shopping Trends

Consumers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence tools for holiday shopping—especially Gen Z shoppers, who are using platforms like ChatGPT and social media not only for gift inspiration but also to find the best prices. Andrew Schwarz, professor in the LSU Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems, and Dan Rice, associate professor and Director of the E. J. Ourso College of Business Behavioral Research Lab, share their insights on this emerging trend. AI is the new front door for search: Schwarz: We’re seeing a fundamental change in how consumers find information. Instead of browsing multiple pages of results, users—especially Gen Z—are skipping to conversational AI for curated answers. That dramatically shortens the shopping journey. For years, companies optimized for SEO to appear on the first page of Google; now they’ll have to think about how their products surface in AI-generated recommendations. This may lead to a new form of “AIO”—AI Information Optimization—where retailers tailor product descriptions, metadata, and partnerships specifically for AI visibility. The companies that adapt early will have a distinct advantage in capturing consumer attention. Rice: This issue of people being satisfied with the AI results (like a summary at the top of the Google results) and then not clicking on any of the paid or organic links leads to a huge increase in what we call “zero click search” (for obvious reasons). For some providers, this is leading to significant drops in web traffic from search results, which can be disconcerting due to the potential loss of leads. However, to Andrew’s point of shortening the journey, it means that the consumers who do come through are much more likely to buy (quickly) because they are “better” leads. This translates to seemingly paradoxical situations for providers: they see drops in click-through rates and visitors/leads, yet revenue increases because the visitors are “better.”  There is a rise in personalized shopping journeys: Schwarz: AI essentially acts as a personal shopper—one that can instantly analyze preferences, budget, personality traits, or past behavior to produce tailored gift lists. This shifts power toward “delegated decision-making,” in which consumers allow AI to narrow their choices. Younger consumers are already comfortable outsourcing this cognitive load. However, as ads enter the picture, these personalized journeys could be shaped by incentives that aren’t always transparent. That creates a new responsibility for platforms to disclose when suggestions are sponsored and for users to develop a more critical lens when interacting with AI-driven recommendations. Rice: This is also a great point. The “tools” marketers use to attract customers are constantly evolving, but this seems in many ways to be the next iteration of the Amazon.com suggestions that you find at the bottom of the product page for something you click on when searching Amazon (“buy all x for $” or “consumers also looked at…,” etc.), based on past histories of search and purchase, etc. One of the main differences is that you can now create virtually limitless ways to compare products, making comparisons less taxing (reducing cognitive load and stress), which may, in some cases, increase the likelihood of purchase. These idiosyncratic comparisons and prompts lead to the truly unique journeys Andrew is discussing. You no longer have to be beholden to a retailer-specified price range. You could choose your own, or instead ask an AI to list the products representing the best “value” based on consumer reviews, perhaps by asking to list the top ten products by cost per star rating, etc.  Advertising is becoming more subtle and conversational: Schwarz: With ads woven directly into AI responses, the traditional boundary between content and advertising blurs. Instead of banner ads, pop-ups, or clearly labeled sponsored posts, recommendations in a conversational thread may feel more like advice than marketing. This has enormous implications for consumer trust. Retailers will likely see higher engagement through these context-aware ad placements, but regulatory scrutiny may also increase as policymakers evaluate how clearly sponsored content is identified. The risk is that advertising becomes invisible—something both platform designers and regulators will need to monitor carefully. Rice: This is definitely true. I was recently exploring an AI-based tool for choosing downhill skis, but the tool was subtly provided by a single ski brand. I’m not sure the distribution of ski brands covered was truly delivering the “best overall fit” for a potential buyer, rather than the best possible ski in that brand. At least in that case, it was somewhat disclosed. It does, however, become an issue if consumers feel misled, but they’d have to notice it first. Still, the advantages are big for retailers, and the numbers don't lie. According to some preliminary Black Friday data, shoppers using an AI assistant were 60% more likely to make a purchase.  Schwarz: This shift is going to reshape multiple layers of the retail ecosystem: Retailers will need to rethink how they show up in AI-driven environments. Traditional SEO, ad bids, and social media strategies won’t be enough. Partnerships with AI platforms may become as important as being carried by major retailers today. Because AI tools can instantly compare prices across dozens of retailers, consumers will become more price-sensitive. Retailers may face increasing pressure to offer competitive pricing or unique value propositions, as AI reduces friction in comparison shopping. Retailers who integrate AI into their own websites—chat-based shopping assistants, personalized gift advisors, automated bundling—will gain an edge. Consumers are increasingly expecting conversational interfaces, and companies that delay will quickly feel outdated. As AI tools influence purchasing decisions, consumers and regulators alike will demand clarity around how recommendations are generated. Retailers will need to navigate this carefully to maintain What I think we are going to see accelerate as we move forward: AI-powered concierge shopping will become mainstream. Within a couple of years, using AI to generate shopping lists, compare prices, and find deals will be as common as using Amazon today. Retailers will create AI-specific marketing strategies. Instead of optimizing for keywords, they’ll optimize for prompts: how consumers might ask for products and how an AI system interprets those requests. More platforms will introduce advertising into AI models. ChatGPT is simply the first mover. Once the revenue potential becomes clear, others will follow with their own ad integrations. Greater scrutiny from policymakers. As conversational advertising grows, transparency rules and labeling requirements will almost certainly. A new era of “conversational commerce.” Buying directly through AI—“ChatGPT, order this for me”—will become increasingly common, merging search, recommendation, and transaction into a single seamless experience. I can speak to this on a personal level.  My college-aged son is interested in college football, and I wanted to get him a streaming subscription to watch the games.  However, the football landscape is fragmented across multiple, expensive platforms. I asked ChatGPT to generate a series of options. Hulu is $100/month for Live TV, but ChatGPT recommended a combination of ESPN+, Peacock, and Paramount+ for $400/year and identified which conferences would not be covered.  What would have taken me hours only took me a few minutes! Rice: On the other hand, AI isn’t infallible, and it can lead to sub-optimal results, hallucinations, and questionable recommendations. From my recent ski shopping experience, I encountered several pitfalls. First, for very specific questions about a specific model, I sometimes received answers for a different ski model in the same brand, or for a different ski altogether, which was not particularly helpful, or specs I knew were just plain wrong. Secondly, regarding Andrew’s point about the conversational tone, I asked questions intended to push the limits of what could be considered reliable. For example, I asked the AI to describe the difference in “feel” of the ski for the skier among several models and brands. While the AI gave very detailed and plausible comparisons that were very much like an in-store discussion with a salesperson or area expert, I’m not sure I fully trust when an AI tells me that you can really feel the power of a ski push you out of a turn, this ski has great edge hold, etc. It sounds great, but where is the AI sourcing this information? I’m not convinced it’s fully accurate. It also seems we’re starting to see Google shift toward a more AI-centric approach (e.g., AI summaries and full AI Mode). At the same time, we’re also starting to see AI migrate closer to Google as people use it for product-related chats, and companies like Amazon and Walmart have developed their own AI that is specifically focused on the consumer experience. I can’t imagine it will be long before companies like OpenAI and their competitors start “selling influence” in AI discussions to monetize the influence their engines will have.