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Masoud Davari, Ph.D., associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing, was recognized for his achievements in the field of power electronics control and testing with the IEEE Region 3 Outstanding Engineer Award. He was also granted membership into Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), IEEE’s international honor society. IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, is the world’s largest professional organization for electrical engineers, with its membership numbering over 486,000 in more than 190 countries. Davari has been a member of IEEE since 2008 and a senior member of IEEE’s Region 3 since 2019. The organization’s Region 3 encompasses the southeastern United States and has over 24,000 members. The Outstanding Engineer Award, given annually to one member per region, recognizes those who have advanced knowledge and improved humanity through any of the technical subjects covered by the IEEE societies, councils, and affinity groups. Davari was praised for “outstanding, technical, and professional contributions to synthesizing reinforcement learning optimal controls for power electronic converters, creating robust integration of power electronics considering the impact of cyberattacks on modern grids, and advancing IEEE standards for hardware-in-the-loop testing and education through impactful research and service.” This impactful research and service includes eight years of teaching at Georgia Southern. He currently teaches introductory courses on circuit analysis and power systems fundamentals. He has also served as a chapter lead of the IEEE Working Group (WG) P2004 for testing based on hardware-in-the-loop simulations in the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) and that of the IEEE Power and Energy Society Task Force on innovative teaching methods for modern power and energy systems (TR 120). In addition to being an engaged educator, Davari is also a prolific researcher. He was selected as the finalist for the 2024 Curtis W. McGraw Research Award by the Awards Committee of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE); has also been awarded a research fellowship by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in 2024; was included in Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientist Rankings list; and has received $1.17 million in grants from the National Science Foundation Davari’s work ethic and commitment to bridging the gap between industry and research led Rami Haddad, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Engineering & Computing, to nominate him. “Dr. Davari’s recognition as the IEEE Region 3 Outstanding Engineer and his induction into IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) are truly remarkable honors that reflect his outstanding contributions to electrical and computer engineering,” Haddad said. “Being recognized among more than 24,000 IEEE members across the Southeast is a testament to the impact and excellence of his work. We are proud to have Dr. Davari as a valued member of our college, and we celebrate his achievements as a shining example of the innovation and leadership that define our faculty.” This award marks the first time a Georgia Southern faculty member has received it in its 55-year history. It is a career milestone for Davari, who has published research on advanced technology integration into modern power and energy systems in high-impact-factor IEEE Transactions/Journal venues and has extensively researched the era of grid-edge technologies. “I’m deeply honored by this prestigious award,” Davari said. “Not only does it reaffirm my dedication to my research field, but it also fuels my passion for creating a technologically advanced future. Receiving this IEEE award on behalf of my outstanding team is a privilege. Their relentless commitment and hard work since 2015 have truly made this achievement possible.” Davari’s induction into HKN places him among the best in his field. The membership, which is received through invitation only from HKN’s Board of Governors and is based on the candidate’s record of contributions to the field, demonstrated leadership, and community service. “With a legacy that stretches over a century, IEEE-HKN represents the pinnacle of prestige and tradition in our profession, indicating academic achievements and dedication to research, potential leadership, exemplary character, and a positive attitude. Notably, many of our industry’s most influential leaders initiated their journeys through induction into IEEE-HKN as professional members, so receiving this honor is a privilege.” Davari received his award and was inducted into Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) in March at IEEE Region 3’s SoutheastCon 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you're interested in learning more and want to book time to talk or interview with Masoud Davari then let us help - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Sevki Cesmeci, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering in the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing at Georgia Southern University, has been selected to take part in the 2025-2026 Governor’s Teaching Fellows (GTF) Academic Year Program in Georgia. This program is designed to provide Georgia’s higher education faculty with expanded opportunities for developing teaching skills and innovative pedagogies. “I am grateful to have been nominated by Provost Reiber as Georgia Southern University’s sole nominee,” Cesmeci said. “I have been deeply passionate about both research and teaching during my time at Georgia Southern, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to both.” GTF chose only 16 faculty members from across Georgia’s higher education institutions. Cesmeci’s innovative teaching strategies and methods were integral to his nomination. His work with leading textbook publisher McGraw Hill was one project that garnered recognition, as he worked with professors across the country to create an online, application-based activity (ABA) for fluid mechanics problems. “ABA is a next-generation learning method based on a storytelling-teaching strategy,” Cesmeci said. “Students are challenged with questions and guided through detailed feedback at each step of the solution.” In addition to research accolades, Cesmeci has been recognized for his teaching excellence at Georgia Southern with the 2022-2023 Georgia Southern University Award of Excellence in Student Success and the 2023-2024 Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing Faculty Award for Teaching. Through his participation in GTF, Cesmeci plans to integrate artificial intelligence tools into the mechanical engineering curriculum. “Unlike disciplines such as computer science and electrical engineering, mechanical engineering curricula have been slower to adopt contemporary and innovative tools,” Cesmeci said. “I hope to leverage this experience in the GTF program to enhance curriculum development at Georgia Southern, sharing insights and best practices to advance mechanical engineering education.” Hosted at the University of Georgia, GTF brings together faculty from accredited private and public institutions across the state for a series of interactive seminars focused on teaching practices, faculty development and course design. Throughout the program, fellows will work on a course design or instructional improvement project aimed at enhancing student learning. “I look forward to engaging with fellow educators, refining my teaching strategies and bringing new insights back to Georgia Southern students,” Cesmeci said. If you're interested in learning more and want to book time to talk or interview with Sevki Cesmeci then let us help - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Hiring More Nurses Generates Revenue for Hospitals
Underfunding is driving an acute shortage of trained nurses in hospitals and care facilities in the United States. It is the worst such shortage in more than four decades. One estimate from the American Hospital Association puts the deficit north of one million. Meanwhile, a recent survey by recruitment specialist AMN Healthcare suggests that 900,000 more nurses will drop out of the workforce by 2027. American nurses are quitting in droves, thanks to low pay and burnout as understaffing increases individual workload. This is bad news for patient outcomes. Nurses are estimated to have eight times more routine contact with patients than physicians. They shoulder the bulk of all responsibility in terms of diagnostic data collection, treatment plans, and clinical reporting. As a result, understaffing is linked to a slew of serious problems, among them increased wait times for patients in care, post-operative infections, readmission rates, and patient mortality—all of which are on the rise across the U.S. Tackling this crisis is challenging because of how nursing services are reimbursed. Most hospitals operate a payment system where services are paid for separately. Physician services are billed as separate line items, making them a revenue generator for the hospitals that employ them. But under Medicare, nursing services are charged as part of a fixed room and board fee, meaning that hospitals charge the same fee regardless of how many nurses are employed in the patient’s care. In this model, nurses end up on the other side of hospitals’ balance sheets: a labor expense rather than a source of income. For beleaguered administrators looking to sustain quality of care while minimizing costs (and maximizing profits), hiring and retaining nursing staff has arguably become something of a zero-sum game in the U.S. The Hidden Costs of Nurse Understaffing But might the balance sheet in fact be skewed in some way? Could there be potential financial losses attached to nurse understaffing that administrators should factor into their hiring and remuneration decisions? Research by Goizueta Professors Diwas KC and Donald Lee, as well as recent Goizueta PhD graduates Hao Ding 24PhD (Auburn University) and Sokol Tushe 23PhD (Muma College of Business), would suggest there are. Their new peer-reviewed publication* finds that increasing a single nurse’s workload by just one patient creates a 17% service slowdown for all other patients under that nurse’s care. Looking at the data another way, having one additional nurse on duty during the busiest shift (typically between 7am and 7pm) speeds up emergency department work and frees up capacity to treat more patients such that hospitals could be looking at a major increase in revenue. The researchers calculate that this productivity gain could equate to a net increase of $470,000 per 10,000 patient visits—and savings to the tune of $160,000 in lost earnings for the same number of patients as wait times are reduced. “A lot of the debate around nursing in the U.S. has focused on the loss of quality in care, which is hugely important,” says Diwas KC. But looking at the crisis through a productivity lens means we’re also able to understand the very real economic value that nurses bring too: the revenue increases that come with capacity gains. Diwas KC, Goizueta Foundation Term Professor of Information Systems & Operations Management “Our findings challenge the predominant thinking around nursing as a cost,” adds Lee. “What we see is that investing in nursing staff more than pays for itself in downstream financial benefits for hospitals. It is effectively a win-win-win for patients, nurses, and healthcare providers.” Nurse Load: the Biggest Impact on Productivity To get to these findings, the researchers analyzed a high-resolution dataset on patient flow through a large U.S. teaching hospital. They looked at the real-time workloads of physicians and nurses working in the emergency department between April 2018 and March 2019, factoring in variables such as patient demographics and severity of complaint or illness. Tracking patients from admission to triage and on to treatment, the researchers were able to tease out the impact that the number of nurses and physicians on duty had on patient throughput. Using a novel machine learning technique developed at Goizueta by Lee, they were able to identify the effect of increasing or reducing the workforce. The contrast between physicians and nursing staff is stark, says Tushe. “When you have fewer nurses on duty, capacity and patient throughput drops by an order of magnitude—far, far more than when reducing the number of doctors. Our results show that for every additional patient the nurse is responsible for, service speed falls by 17%. That compares to just 1.4% if you add one patient to the workload of an attending physician. In other words, nurses’ impact on productivity in the emergency department is more than eight times greater.” Boosting Revenue Through Reduced Wait Times Adding an additional nurse to the workforce, on the other hand, increases capacity appreciably. And as more patients are treated faster, hospitals can expect a concomitant uptick in revenue, says KC. “It’s well documented that cutting down wait time equates to more patients treated and more income. Previous research shows that reducing service time by 15 minutes per 30,000 patient visits translates to $1.4 million in extra revenue for a hospital.” In our study, we calculate that staffing one additional nurse in the 7am to 7pm emergency department shift reduces wait time by 23 minutes, so hospitals could be looking at an increase of $2.33 million per year. Diwas KC This far eclipses the costs associated with hiring one additional nurse, says Lee. “According to 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average nursing salary in the U.S. is $83,000. Fringe benefits account for an additional 50% of the base salary. The total cost of adding one nurse during the 7am to 7pm shift is $310,000 (for 2.5 full-time employees). When you do the math, it is clear. The net hospital gain is $2 million for the hospital in our study. Or $470,000 per 10,000 patient visits.” Incontrovertible Benefits to Hiring More Nurses These findings should provide compelling food for thought both to healthcare administrators and U.S. policymakers. For too long, the latter have fixated on the upstream costs, without exploring the downstream benefits of nursing services, say the researchers. Their study, the first to quantify the economic value of nurses in the U.S., asks “better questions,” argues Tushe; exploiting newly available data and analytics to reveal incontrovertible financial benefits that attach to hiring—and compensating—more nurses in American hospitals. We know that a lot of nurses are leaving the profession not just because of cuts and burnout, but also because of lower pay. We would say to administrators struggling to hire talented nurses to review current wage offers, because our analysis suggests that the economic surplus from hiring more nurses could be readily applied to retention pay rises also. Sokol Tushe 23PhD, Muma College of Business The Case for Mandated Ratios For state-level decision makers, Lee has additional words of advice. “In 2004, California mandated minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals. Since then, six more states have added some form of minimum ratio requirement. The evidence is that this has been beneficial to patient outcomes and nurse job satisfaction. Our research now adds an economic dimension to the list of benefits as well. Ipso facto, policymakers ought to consider wider adoption of minimum nurse-to-patient ratios.” However, decision makers go about tackling the shortage of nurses in the U.S., they should go about it fast and soon, says KC. “This is a healthcare crisis that is only set to become more acute in the near future. As our demographics shift and our population starts again out, demand for quality will increase. So too must the supply of care capacity. But what we are seeing is the nursing staffing situation in the U.S. moving in the opposite direction. All of this is manifesting in the emergency department. That’s where wait times are getting longer, mistakes are being made, and overworked nurses are quitting. It is creating a vicious cycle that needs to be broken.” Diwas Diwas KC is a professor of information systems & operations management and Donald Lee is an associate professor of information systems & operations management. Both experts are available to speak about this important topic - simply click on either icon now to arrange an interview today.
Georgia Southern’s Shainaz Landge receives Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award
For Shainaz Landge, Ph.D., pushing boundaries in the classroom and the laboratory isn’t just a professional pursuit, it’s a passion. As an associate professor of organic chemistry at Georgia Southern University, Landge has spent more than a decade inspiring students to soar beyond traditional learning by blending research, mentorship and hands-on experiences that extend far beyond textbooks. That commitment to innovation has earned Landge the Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, an honor from the University System of Georgia (USG) that recognizes faculty who contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning through research, leadership and instructional excellence. “Receiving the Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award is a true honor,” said Landge. “It reinforces my passion for teaching and research, inspiring me to strive for excellence every day. My goal is to cultivate an engaging, positive learning environment where students are actively involved and genuinely excited about the learning process.” Landge’s work is grounded in synthetic organic, medicinal and supramolecular chemistry. Her research focuses on developing novel synthetic methodologies with applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science, creating compounds with potential therapeutic properties and supramolecular systems with unique functionalities. “This award is a reflection of Dr. Landge’s deep passion for education and research, and her ability to inspire students to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around them,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Carl Reiber, Ph.D. “At Georgia Southern, we are dedicated to fostering an environment of discovery and innovation, and her work continues to elevate that mission, both in and out of the classroom. We are fortunate to have her as part of our academic community.” This isn’t the first time Landge’s dedication to student engagement and scientific inquiry has garnered recognition. Previously, she earned a University Award of Excellence for Student Success in 2021 and the College of Science and Mathematics Award of Excellence in Research in 2023. “This award is a testament to Dr. Landge’s exceptional contributions to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,” said Michael Huggins, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “Her innovative approach has not only deepened our understanding of effective teaching but has also led to measurable improvements in student outcomes across the College of Science and Mathematics.” In addition to her research and teaching, Landge has served as a Service-Learning Faculty Fellow (2023-2024) and is a current Research Advocate, reinforcing her commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world problem-solving. For more information about the Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, visit : If you're interested in connecting with Shainaz Landge and learning more about her work then let us help - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Do We Need to Worry About Safety at the United States' Busiest Airports?
For the second time in two weeks, air traffic controllers directing planes into the Newark, New Jersey, airport briefly lost their radar. The outages have sparked travel chaos, with hundreds of flight delays and cancellations after the FAA slowed air traffic to ensure safety. The country's aging air traffic control system is in the spotlight. Media, politicians and the public are demanding both solutions for the system and answers on how safe traveling is at the moment. To provide insight, Florida Tech's Margaret Wallace is lending her expert opinion and perspective on the issue. Margaret Wallace is Assistant Professor of Aviation Management at Florida Institute of Technology, where she teaches Air Traffic Control and Airport Management courses. She spent over 15 years in the industry prior to teaching as an Airport Manager (4 years) at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and an Air Traffic Controller (10+ years) in the U.S. Air Force. “The recent communication failure at Newark Liberty International Airport has raised serious concerns about the safety and dependability of air traffic control systems in the United States. On April 28, 2025, the Newark air traffic facilities lost all radio communication with approximately 20 airplanes for up to 90 seconds due to an equipment breakdown. During the outage, pilots and controllers were unable to communicate. Controllers were unable to maintain aircraft separation during crucial flight phases, and pilots were unable to receive air traffic clearances and instructions. Situations like this, as well as aircraft incidents, bring stress and trauma to the controller's mental state. Most people cannot fathom how much mental stress the controller experiences in everyday job settings. Situations with defective equipment, combined with lengthy work hours due to a scarcity of controllers, appear to have taken their toll based on the fact that several controllers have taken leave for mental stress. This situation posed a safety risk to all planes and passengers. Fortunately, there were no incidents, and everyone remained safe. However, this demonstrated some of the flaws in the outdated air traffic system equipment. Sean Duffy, the new Transportation Secretary, has acknowledged the critical need to improve our current technology. While air travel is generally safe, our current administration must continue to prioritize the upgrade of air traffic systems and increasing the staffing in air traffic facilities. To ensure safety, I believe we should consider having airlines restrict the number of flights available and the Air Route Traffic Command Center to introduce delays to avoid overloading the system.” Margaret Wallace If you're interested in connecting with Margaret Wallace about the ongoing issues at airports across the country, let us help. Contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology, at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
The Hidden Power of Invisible Experts
In a fast-moving landscape shaped by AI, hybrid work, and constant information shifts, organizations can’t afford to overlook their own expertise. Yet many still do — because the most valuable voices are often hiding in plain sight. We call them "invisible experts". These aren’t just the well-known thought leaders or executives quoted in media. They’re the researchers, engineers, clinicians, analysts, and project leads quietly shaping strategy, driving innovation, and influencing outcomes every day. They have deep knowledge, practical insight, and the credibility to build trust — but they’re often left out of the spotlight. And that’s a problem. --- The Expertise Gap Many organizations, both corporate and institutional struggle to define what makes someone an “expert”. Without a clear framework, expertise is often equated with job title, seniority, or public visibility. But in reality, expertise is multidimensional. It includes formal education, yes — but also lived experience, community influence, original research, and the ability to explain complex ideas clearly. If your organization wants to stay competitive, earn media attention, attract speaking engagements, partnerships, or influence your industry, you need a deeper bench of visible expertise. And it starts by identifying who your real experts are — not just the obvious ones. --- 7 Dimensions of Expertise Here are seven ways to think about expertise beyond the traditional credentials: Authority – Known as a go-to source in their domain. Advocate – Actively supports and elevates their professional community. Educator – Shares knowledge through teaching, speaking, or mentoring. Author – Publishes original insights or thought leadership content. Researcher – Contributes new data, analysis, or findings in their field. Practitioner – Applies knowledge in real-world contexts daily. Graduate – Has academic or technical training in a focus area. Not every expert is made for the stage or the media spotlight — and that’s okay. Some are best behind the scenes, helping create compelling content, briefing spokespeople, or surfacing insights from the field. Your job is to recognize the different ways people can contribute and make that part of your strategy. --- Visibility ≠ Seniority In the era of LinkedIn, personal branding, and AI-powered content, professional visibility is no longer tied to hierarchy. A mid-career professional, with a sharp take on current events might be more discoverable — and more in demand — than a long-tenured exec with little digital presence. That’s why organizations need to shift from thinking about expertise as a ladder, to thinking of it as an ecosystem. Not every expert wants to build a personal brand, but many are ready to contribute — if they’re supported and recognized. Here’s the truth: If you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And if you don’t help your experts show up in the right places — search engines, newsrooms, speaker directories, donor meetings — opportunities will go elsewhere. --- Give Your Experts a Digital Home Even after you've identified your internal experts, the next question is: Where do they live online? Too many organizations treat expert content like an afterthought — scattered across bio pages, outdated PDFs, or buried in press releases. To unlock the real value of your expertise, you need to give it a proper home. That means: Expert Profiles that showcase credentials, insights, and media-friendly info Expert Posts that surface their latest research, commentary, and thought leadership Searchable Directories that help media, partners, and the public find the right voice fast Inquiry Management tools that streamline incoming requests and drive results A centralized platform makes it easier for both internal teams and external audiences to discover, engage, and activate your expertise — whether it’s for media interviews, event invitations, donor conversations, or strategic partnerships. Without it, you're leaving visibility and value on the table. --- Is Your Organization Ready? Expertise is one of your most valuable and underutilized assets — but turning it into impact requires more than a list of names. You need to take stock of your internal bench strength, identify the experts who are ready to lead, and invest in the systems that make their voices heard. Start by asking: Who in our organization has untapped insight? Who’s already engaging audiences but flying under the radar? What tools, platforms, and support can we provide to amplify them? Recognizing your invisible experts is just the first step. Giving them a digital home and helping them engage with the right audiences — that’s how you turn knowledge into opportunity. Learn more about how ExpertFile helps organization's shine the light in these Invisible Experts.
Historical Significance of the Papal Name
In the wake of the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy, scholars and observers alike are reflecting on the global, historical and theological implications of his early statements and symbolic choices. His decision to take the name Leo – a name not used for over a century – immediately evokes comparisons to both Leo XIII and Leo I (Leo the Great), popes known for their firm leadership and dynamic engagement with the world. Baylor University’s Elisabeth Rain Kincaid, J.D., Ph.D., director of the Institute for Faith and Learning and an expert on early modern theology and Catholic Social Thought, said choosing the name Leo is significant, especially in today’s world. Through his choice of name, rhetorical style and theological references, the new pope is signaling a clear vision for a Church that is simultaneously grounded in tradition and open to global dialogue, Kincaid said. Kincaid is currently at work on a monograph – “Business Ethics for a Flourishing Life: Catholic Social Thought in the Modern Workplace” – in which she argues for the continued importance of Leo XIII’s thought for modern life. If you're covering the news about Pope Leo XIV and are looking to know why Cardinal Robert Prevost chose that name - we can help. Elisabeth Rain Kincaid is an author, speaker, teacher, and theologian. She has published broadly in peer-reviewed journals and popular publications. She is a frequent speaker at conferences, churches, and professional events on topics including business ethics, virtue and character, Christian engagement with law and politics, and work and vocation. She is currently the Director for the Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor University. In her teaching, she draws upon her years of experience as a white-collar criminal defense attorney and a private equity professional, along with her ministry experience. Elisabeth is available to speak with media about this topic - simply contact Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin, M.A., Assistant Director of Media and Public Relations at Baylor University, Shelby_Cefaratti@baylor.edu or 254-327-8012 to arrange an interview today.
Retirement: For Better, For Worse, and for Much More Time Together
Retirement is supposed to be your golden reward—freedom from alarm clocks, endless Zoom meetings, and performance reviews. But no one warned you about the relationship performance review that arises when you and your partner suddenly find yourselves spending over 100 hours a week together. For some, it’s bliss; for others, it feels like a full-time job without an HR department. While grey divorce (divorce after age 50) is on the rise in Canada, separation isn’t inevitable. However, marital harmony is also not guaranteed. The truth lies somewhere in between—and that’s where things become interesting. Retirement isn't merely a lifestyle change—it’s a complete identity shake-up, which can create stress even in the strongest relationships. Grey Divorce: An Increasing Trend Though Canada’s overall divorce rate reached a 50-year low in 2020, divorce among people over 50 is increasing—this trend is dubbed grey divorce. According to Statistics Canada, this demographic is increasingly re-evaluating their relationships as they retire (CBC News, 2024). The same pattern is unfolding south of the border, with the AARP reporting a steady rise in senior divorces in the U.S. Grey divorce isn’t just emotionally taxing—it can be financially devastating. Women, in particular, bear the brunt. A study by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research found that divorced women over 50 have 45% less wealth than their married peers. In Canada, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries has warned that divorce later in life can significantly erode retirement savings and delay or derail financial plans. Role Confusion One retired executive shared that after decades of being chauffeured to work, he assumed retirement meant his wife would now be his driver. “I thought she’d just take over that role, as he climbed into the back seat,” he said, genuinely confused. She had other plans that did not involve sitting behind a wheel, taking coffee orders, or navigating roundabouts. He had not yet made the emotional or physical shift from being served to becoming equal. That transition is more complicated than it sounds—and more common than you'd think. When one partner’s identity is career-driven and the other manages the home, retirement necessitates a complete recalibration. Power dynamics shift, control issues surface, and resentment simmers if left unacknowledged. Housework ≠ Heartwork If you're home full-time now, guess what? You’re not a guest anymore. The dishes, the vacuuming, the grocery runs—these are now shared responsibilities. Nothing breeds resentment faster than an unequal workload. Retirement doesn’t mean “relax”; rather, it signifies redistributing the work of life. Unspoken truths will find their voice. Let’s face it—decades of unexpressed frustrations don’t remain buried. They begin to comment on how someone folds laundry, stacks the dishwasher, or leaves the cap off the toothpaste. Retirement magnifies everything: the quirks you used to laugh off? Mansplaining! What habits did you ignore because life was busy? Now they’re front and center. And what bad habits did you have before? They don’t improve with age—they get worse. Emotional and Mental Health Insights Relationship difficulties can trigger anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially among men who may have smaller support networks outside their marriages. A 2020 study in the Journal of Gerontology found that post-divorce social isolation is closely linked to declining physical and mental health in later life. Not all couples want to—or need to—divorce to find peace. Increasingly, older Canadians are exploring “Living Apart Together” (LAT) arrangements, where partners maintain separate residences while remaining in a committed relationship. Research by the Vanier Institute and AARP suggests that LAT relationships allow for autonomy while maintaining emotional connection—a potential middle ground for couples who struggle with full-time togetherness in retirement. For many, retirement means the loss of structure, identity, and purpose, particularly for those who have closely tied their sense of self to their professional roles. This loss can create irritability, aimlessness, and tension in a partnership. As Harvard Business Review put it, retirement can be especially tough for men because “so many men are bad at retirement” (HBR, 2021). This emotional void often spills over into the relationship, testing its resilience. Retirement often brings a sudden reshuffling of roles at home. Many men who may have spent decades focused on their careers struggle to adjust to a more balanced domestic lifestyle. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives notes that retirement can expose long-standing gendered inequalities in household labour, leading to friction, resentment, and, at times, relationship breakdown. How to Thrive—Together or Apart The goal isn’t perfection; it’s peace, fulfillment, and ample personal space to breathe. Here’s how to get there: creatively, practically, and honestly. 1. Have the Real Conversations Ask the questions you avoided when life was too busy: • “Are we happy?” • “What do you want out of the next ten years?” • “Are there things we’ve never talked about that matter now?” Unspoken expectations are relationship landmines. Bring them to light—gently and often. 2. Separate Bedrooms, United Front Don’t frown; they are more common than you might think and less scandalous than it sounds. Separate sleep equals better rest, less irritation, and sometimes a more intentional intimate life. Please don’t consider it a breakup; position it as a better mattress strategy. 3. The Basement Suite or In-Law Apartment Plan This represents the sweet spot between staying together and going entirely separate. Living in the same house with clearly defined zones provides each partner with breathing room and independence, especially when you’ve grown apart but don’t want to disrupt finances or family. Ground rules are essential: • Who is responsible for what costs? • Shared meals or separate? • New partners—yay or nay? It’s not perfect, but it can be practical. 4. A Second Space: Cottage, Trailer, or Tiny Cabin A humble trailer or rustic cabin might save your marriage. It’s not about luxury—it’s about space, autonomy, and silence when needed. Whether alternating weekends or solo sabbaticals, having a backup place to go can restore harmony at home. 5. Travel Separately (Sometimes) One of you wants to hike Machu Picchu, while the other prefers to nap in Muskoka. You don’t have to compromise; you can take turns. Alternate between solo trips, friend getaways, or short solo retreats. You’ll both return refreshed—and more engaged. 6. Discover New Purpose (or Income) A restless, lost, or bored partner can quietly sabotage the household. Encourage: • Volunteering • Consulting or part-time work • Mentoring • Taking courses or teaching others • Rediscovering old passions If Divorce Is the Best Option At times, the most honest act is to end a marriage with kindness. If this is the only option, there are important factors to consider: Financial Reality Check • Assets will be divided, including the house, pensions, RRSPs, etc. • Expenses double: two homes, two insurance policies, and two fridges to stock. • Retirement income may not be sufficient for both lives. • Legal costs and timing matter more than ever now—because the time to recover financially is limited. There are no pensions in tears. Therefore, if you choose this route, plan ahead. Family Impact • Adult children might feel shocked—or even angry. • Grandchildren can pose challenging questions. • Long-term friendships may weaken. • Shared traditions may require reinvention. This process can be amicable. A new term has emerged among women caring for their ill or aging ex-husbands: “Wasbands.” These women step up with empathy rather than obligation. Vows no longer bind them; instead, they are guided by compassion. Honestly, humanity wins in these situations. There is still love, respect, and history—even if it’s no longer romantic. That is not failure; it is growth. Rewrite the Rules Retirement is not a dead end; it’s a creative reawakening—if you approach it that way. Retirement is a significant life transition—not just financially, but relationally. Like any other chapter in life, it requires renegotiation, mutual respect, and a willingness to evolve. Some couples find deeper intimacy, while others redefine their relationships entirely. The good news? Whether it's under one roof or two, retirement can still be a time of connection, discovery, and, yes, romance. But it also requires some good, old-fashioned adulting. Yes, *adulting*—that modern word we usually reserve for paying bills, booking dental appointments, and reading the fine print. It turns out it’s equally essential in retirement. Emotional maturity, communication, boundary-setting, and a shared approach to evolving roles are all keys. Think of it like the Sonnet Insurance commercials that cheekily remind us adulting is hard but worth it. Retirement is also a factor, especially when approached with intention and a sense of humour. This is your last chapter. Make it a good one. Whether you stay together, sleep apart, live separately under one roof, or consciously uncouple, do it with clarity, kindness, and courage. The goal isn’t a perfect love story; it’s a fulfilling life for both of you. When in doubt, take a walk (alone if necessary). Share a joke. Communicate like adults. And for the love of long-term care insurance, remember: resentment compounds faster than interest. If you enjoyed this article or thought, “Oh wow, this is exactly what my friend/parent/relative needs to read,” please share it. You can also subscribe to the Retirement Literacy newsletter for more smart, candid, and occasionally cheeky insights on navigating life after full-time work. Let’s make retirement not just the end of work, but the start of something meaningful, fulfilling, and a little fabulous. Don’t Retire…Rewire! p.s. Know someone who’s about to retire?— Why not share this worksheet? It’s the best pre-retirement checklist they never knew they needed. 6 Questions to Ask Before Retiring Together Retirement reshapes your schedule, your identity—and your relationship. Before you hand in your keycard, ask these candid questions with your partner. Because the toughest part of retirement isn’t money—it’s time. And you’ll be spending a lot more of it together. 1. What Do You Want This Chapter of Life to Look Like? Dreams misaligned can lead to daily friction. Do you crave adventure while your partner seeks peace and quiet? Map it out—together. 2. How Much Time Do We Really Want to Spend Together? “Always together” sounds sweet—until it feels stifling. Define your ideal balance between shared time and personal space. 3. What Roles Are We Playing Now—And Do They Need to Change? Retirement often means rebalancing housework, caregiving, and emotional labor. What’s fair now that you’re both at home? 4. Are There Any Long-Standing Frustrations We’ve Avoided Talking About? Retirement shines a spotlight on old resentments. It's better to talk than to silently stew over how the dishwasher is loaded. 5. How Will We Handle Money Decisions as a Team? With changing income and more shared expenses, financial transparency and joint planning are more crucial than ever. 6. What Will Give Each of Us a Sense of Purpose—Individually? A restless or bored partner can bring tension into the home. Talk about passions, volunteer work, or part-time pursuits that bring meaning. Want more smart, candid insights? Visit www.retirementliteracy.com to start rewriting your next chapter with clarity and confidence.
The roots of scuba diving lie in exploration. But in an age when advanced instruments can drive research, too, why not stay dry on land? Researchers have used scuba diving as a tool for decades, but as technology evolves, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) can aid, and sometimes replace, divers in the research process. Still, argues Stephen Wood, no existing tools have the full capability of a human. The professor of ocean engineering says the ability to grab items or quickly turn one’s head is difficult to replicate in an ROV. He also argues that although robots can collect and send data, the ability to assess and interpret an environment through a human lens is essential. “The human cannot leave” the research, Wood says. The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) defines scientific diving as “diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks.” With more than 140 organizational members, AAUS supports diving as a research tool and protects scientific divers’ health and safety. Researchers and students must obtain an AAUS certification, which Florida Tech offers, before undertaking a scientific dive. At Florida Tech, any diver who plans to use compressed air or air blends for activity involving teaching or research must comply with AAUS. Robert van Woesik, professor of marine sciences, studies the dynamics of coral reefs worldwide. He and his students scuba dive to examine and photograph coral assemblages, then return with information they can use to predict the impact of local and global disturbances, recovery from disturbances and future growth. The ability to personally identify different species underwater is crucial to understanding coral reef dynamics. He says that without scuba, the necessary training to develop that skill falls away. “I think it’s still worthwhile knowing the species composition of a reef underwater instead of just saying, ‘Okay, we don’t need scuba divers anymore. We just need photographs and ROVs,’” van Woesik says. He learns the most when he can descend to a reef and see the seascape himself. “I think there’s something to be said to just go in the water and ask some questions,” van Woesik says. “That’s the valuable part of being able to scuba dive, getting amongst it to experience the reef, in tandem with analyzing photographs from around the world on the computer.” Assistant professor of marine sciences Austin Fox says in his research in the Indian River Lagoon, diving is essential for operating—and sometimes finding—instruments. “We spend a lot of time trying to figure out ways to do this stuff without diving…but there’s just no replacement for it.” Austin fox, Assistant professor of marine sciences Scientific diving has taken Florida Tech researchers across the globe, from the murky floor of the Indian River Lagoon to the depths of Antarctica’s McMurdo Sound. Rich Aronson, department head and professor of ocean engineering and marine sciences, studies coral reefs in the tropics and subtidal communities in Antarctica. In 1997, he had the opportunity to visit the McMurdo Station to study invertebrate ecology—specifically, who eats what and whether they leave traces of their predatory activity on the shells of their prey. There, he completed 27 dives of up to 130 feet deep. Some were done through ice-cracks in remote areas, he recalls, whereas others were from holes drilled through 10 feet of sea-ice. He noted that the time to prepare for these dives was extensive—two 30-minute dives took eight hours—and they weren’t without risk. “That was the first and only time I’ve dived under the ice. It’s dangerous because there’s a ceiling above you,” Aronson says. “You jump in the hole and try not to screw it up because if you screw it up, you’re dead.” Though risky, Aronson says scuba diving was crucial to the research. He argues that neither ROVs nor oceanographic sensors could have collected or sampled organisms at fine scales, run transects and made behavioral observations like a human could. Additionally, he says his observations at depth, such as the “sting of subzero water” on his face and “the slowness of reaction of the animals living down there,” are what later inspired a project of his combining deep-sea oceanography and paleontology to project the future of Antarctic seafloor communities in a rapidly warming world. “Science is a lot more subjective than you might think, and feeling the environment helps you understand it.” Richard Aronson, department head and professor of marine sciences The risky nature of scuba diving is why programs like AAUS exist: to standardize safe and responsible diving practices for conducting scientific research. Divers are at risk for a number of pressure-related injuries, such as decompression sickness: a condition in which residual nitrogen can create bubbles in the blood and body tissue upon ascent if the diver rises to the surface too fast. To reduce their risk, divers must plan and track how deep they are going, the time at which they are that depth (and subsequent depths) and how long they need to wait before changing depth. Technology has also evolved since the beginning of scuba to support divers’ safety further. Digital dive computers, developed in the 1980s, help divers estimate how long they can stay at their current depth while underwater (among other things). Additionally, Enriched Air Nitrox (Nitrox) is a gas mixture that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than standard air. Divers who use Nitrox can extend their time at depth and reduce their risk of decompression sickness because of its reduced nitrogen pressure. Van Woesik predicts that dive technology will keep evolving. He imagines there could soon be a system that allows divers to upload data at depth, and a system that aids in species identification without having to decipher an image at the surface. He also believes that innovators will keep working to reduce hazards and prioritize safety, because despite the risks, divers will always get in the water. “Hopefully that technology will get better so we can go deeper, safer, and so we can stay down a bit longer to explore and further understand the natural wonders of the oceans,” van Woesik says. If you're interested in connecting with Stephen Wood, Austin Fox, Richard Aronson or Robert van Woesik - simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Education expert: Delaware needs to reform its education funding system
In the next year, residents of Delaware will have the opportunity to voice their opinions about school funding in support of the students and teachers in the state's public schools. School funding reform is urgently needed. Delaware has an unusually high number of students requiring additional resources to succeed — including students with disabilities, students living in poverty, and English learners. While Delaware spends more than the national average on public education, the funding is not sufficient to meet the needs of these students and their teachers. The evidence is clear. Compared to other states, Delaware ranks near the bottom in reading and math performance, according to the Nation’s Report Card (the National Assessment of Educational Progress). Reading and math scores have been declining for the past decade, with 8th grade reading reaching an all-time low in 2024. Delaware’s spending has not kept up with student needs, and the state struggles to compete with neighboring states for top teaching talent. Beginning teacher salaries are the lowest among nearby states, with even lower salaries in less wealthy communities. Unlike every other state, Delaware does not allocate more funds to districts with less property wealth, further deepening disparities. The stakes are high. Delaware’s students and teachers deserve strong support, and the state’s economy — including businesses, employers, and universities — depends on graduates who are well-prepared for careers and higher education. Delaware’s current school funding system, largely unchanged for 80 years, lags behind reforms enacted in other states. Many states have shifted funding to prioritize student needs and address inequities, resulting in measurable improvements in academic achievement, graduation rates, school climate, and college and career readiness. In the coming months, the Public Education Funding Commission will complete its review and present recommendations to update the funding system. When Governor Matt Meyer — a champion for Delaware’s public schools — sends his recommendations to the General Assembly for consideration, public understanding and engagement will be crucial. –––– Gary Henry is a professor at the University of Delaware and a commissioner on the Public Education Funding Commission. He specializes in education policy, educational evaluation, educator labor markets, and quantitative research methods. He is available for interviews on education funding, accountability and related policy changes, helping ensure Delawareans are fully informed as they prepare to voice their views on this important investment in the state’s future. He has advised various states on education funding including Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas.
