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ChristianaCare Plans to Build Health Campus in Georgetown, Delaware
At a time when there is uncertainty about the future of heath care in the U.S., ChristianaCare is doubling down on its investments to expand access to care in Delaware. As part of $865 million in new investments in Delaware over three years that ChristianaCare announced last July, ChristianaCare today submitted a Notice of Intent to the Delaware Health Resources Board to develop a new health campus in Georgetown. The proposed campus will bring more comprehensive care closer to home for residents of Sussex County, an area experiencing rapid population growth and long-standing gaps in access to essential health services. Designed to Meet the Needs of a Growing Community Similar to ChristianaCare’s West Grove Campus in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania, and its upcoming campuses in Springfield and Aston in Delaware County, the new campus will feature a health center offering primary care, specialty care, behavioral health and other outpatient services and a neighborhood hospital with eight emergency beds and eight inpatient beds. This facility is designed to make it easier for residents to receive timely, high-quality care in their own community. “Sussex county is home to a growing and aging population and is designated by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) as a Medically Underserved Area,” said Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “This new campus will help close gaps in access by bringing high-quality, equitable and more convenient care directly into the community that needs it most. Our goal is simple: ensure that every Delawarean can access the care they need, in the right place at the right time.” Expanding Access While Strengthening Regional Care This new ChristianaCare campus will add local outpatient care, emergency and inpatient care, creating a closer network of services connecting residents to advanced specialty care at ChristianaCare’s regional hospitals. ChristianaCare is partnering with Emerus Holdings, Inc. with respect to the neighborhood hospital component. Emerus is the nation’s leading developer of this care delivery model, partnering in the operation of more than 45 acute care facilities nationwide. This partnership reflects ChristianaCare’s commitment to bringing nationally recognized, high-quality care to Delaware. “We are proud to continue our partnership with ChristianaCare to bring sustainable, compassionate and high-quality health care to the residents of Sussex County,” said Vic Schmerbeck, CEO of Emerus Holdings Inc. “Together, we are building a next-generation model of care designed around the needs of the community—today and for the future.” The 42,000-square-foot Georgetown campus is expected to open in late 2028. The campus is planned for 20769 DuPont Boulevard in Georgetown. The campus is estimated to cost $65.1 million. Planning for Today’s Demand and Tomorrow’s Growth ChristianaCare already offers a range of services in Sussex County—including primary care, specialty care, virtual care and home health and hospice services. However, Sussex and Kent counties are projected to see an 8% population increase by 2030, with a significant rise in residents age 65 and older. As demand for emergency, primary and specialty care grows, this new campus is designed to make care more local, more connected and more responsive to community needs. In addition, ChristianaCare will continue to explore opportunities to expand access to care in other areas of Delaware, including in Kent County.
How AI can improve poor leadership writing and boost productivity
Poor written communication from leaders can create the kind of confusion it intended to avoid. University of Delaware career expert Jill Gugino Panté suggests using AI to sharpen emails, clarify expectations and reduce unnecessary calls. Getting through to employees with strong messaging can boost productivity by saving time and reducing unwanted meetings, she says. Panté, director of UD's Lerner Career Services Center, says that good leadership writing should be direct and outcome-driven, with no fluff, and offered the following advice for improvement. ✅ Don’t bury the lead. Start with what decision needs to be made, what action is required, and the deadline. If your writing doesn’t reduce ambiguity, it’s going to add to it. Vague communication can create interpretation gaps which, in turn, can create more meetings. When ownership isn’t defined, decisions aren’t documented, or outcomes aren’t clear, teams default to “Let’s hop on a call.” Meetings then become the fallback for unclear thinking. ✅ Generative AI can be a powerful clarity tool if it’s used intentionally. When used well, it can sharpen your ask and structure communication for action. The key is prompting it to refine your message, not just polish it. Leaders can use prompts like: • “Rewrite this message so the action, owner, deadline, and success metrics are explicitly stated" • “What assumptions or ambiguities exist in this message?” ✅ Good writing can replace unnecessary meetings. If communication is not direct, outcome-driven, and structured for action, it will cost you time somewhere else. Here are some practical actions that leaders can make in their writing: • Start with the Ask - Be explicit about what decision or action is needed. Don’t make people search for it. • Define Outcomes - Clarify deliverables, timelines, budgets and state what success looks like. • Clarify Ownership - Identify who is responsible for the request. • Document Decisions - Write down what has been decided and reiterate next steps, owners, and deadlines. To connect with Panté directly and arrange an interview, visit her profile and click on the "contact" button. Interested media can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.
What makes the NFL's biggest game so Super?
Why would someone pay $10,000 for a Super Bowl ticket? Why does the big game serve as a reason for a party – perhaps the only event to do so on a national level? How do teams lock in and play their best while the whole world is watching? University of Delaware experts can deliver answers to those and other questions long before the first chip hits the dip. Amit Kumar, an assistant professor of marketing and expert on happiness, said that part of the reason people derive hedonic benefits from buying tickets to sporting events like the Super Bowl is because of the memories they provide and the conversational value they generate. He pointed to his study on consuming experiences, which found that consumers derive more happiness from purchasing experiences than from buying possessions. Kumar can also talk about the benefits of Super Bowl parties and the psychology behind the social connections that take place at sports-related gatherings. Other UD experts who can comment on the Super Bowl include: • Kyle Emich, professor of management: The inner-working of teams, decision-making and how emotions influence cognitive processing. • John Allgood, instructor of sport management: Fan engagement and the economics of sports. • Nataliya Bredikhina, assistant professor of sport management: Athlete branding and event sponsorships. • Tim Deschriver, associate professor of sport management: Topics related to sports economics, finance and marketing. • Karin Sabernagel, professor of physical therapy: Specializes in lower extremity musculoskeletal injuries, sports medicine and tendon injuries (ankle, knee). To reach these experts directly and arrange interviews, visit their profiles and click on the "contact" button. Interested reporters can also contact MediaRelations@udel.edu.
Training champions: University of Delaware experts prepares students Olympic success
University of Delaware students, alumni and experts are very involved with this year's Olympics. The following are available for interview. Alumni Attending Olympic Games Shannon Colleton is a 2022 graduate of UD's Physical Therapy Sports Residency Program heading to the Winter Olympics with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team. She's specifically working as a PT for the women's speed skiing team (Super G and the downhill competitions). Students Covering Olympics Cris Granada, a senior communication major and member of UD's soccer team, has parlayed a summer internship with NBC Sports into a position as a production assistant with the network at the Winter Olympics. Professors with Olympic Expertise Matthew Robinson, professor of sport management in Lerner, is an all-around Olympics expert. He can talk about the host city, Milan, and the IOC's evolving model of hosting games in multiple locations. He can also talk about the idea of sport as a unifier despite what's going on in the world around us. Robinson can also talk about the burden the NHL faces, having to pause its season so players can compete on the world stage. While it's an honor to have an athlete represent their country on the world stage, it's also a risk to the professional team if they get hurt. The NBA feels similarly about the Summer Games. Soccer also pauses for the World Cup. Jeffrey Schneider, clinical instructor of kinesiology and applied physiology, has worked with Olympic figure skaters in the past and can speak as an expert on this sport. Thomas Buckley, professor of kinesiology and applied physiology, is an expert in ice hockey and bobsledding. He can talk about common injuries, risks/benefits. He noted that bobsledding has a surprisingly high rate of concussion and repetitive head trauma due to the speed of the sport. To contact Robinson and Buckley directly, visit their profile pages and click the "contact" button. Interviews for all the experts featured here can also be arranged by contacting mediarelations@udel.edu.
Univ. of Delaware child expert appears on Good Morning America to discuss latest book
Parents have a new manual for raising their young ones courtesy of child experts Roberta Golinkoff and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek. Their new book, "Einstein Never Used Flash Cards, Revised Edition", is all about how to give children their best shot at success while also making sure children don't feel the pressures of the world. Golinkoff, a professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware. The pair appeared on Good Morning America to discuss play, children's development and how parents can thrive in a new digital age. Golinkoff spoke about the 6 C's that everyone – children and adults alike – need to be productive humans: Collaborate Communicate Content Critical Thinking Creative Innovation Confidence ABOUT Roberta Michnick Golinkoff is a professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware. She also holds joint appointments in the Departments of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Linguistics and Cognitive Science. Golinkoff is also founder and director of the Child’s Play, Learning, and Development Lab.
Six University of Delaware online graduate degree programs are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 U.S. News Best Online Programs, released Jan. 27, 2026. Both UD’s online master’s in education and online MBA ranked among the top 10% of their respective programs, at No. 25 and 26, respectively. Announced on Jan. 6, the online MBA program recently rose nine spots to No. 32 in the Poets&Quants 2026 Online MBA rankings. UD’s online master’s in nursing program ranked No. 35 out of 209 programs, rising 99 places over the past year. New for UD, the online master’s in educational/instructional media design program was recognized by peers at No. 11 in this education specialty ranking. UD’s online master’s in computer information technology program and online master’s in engineering ranked No. 64 in their respective areas. “These latest rankings recognize the expertise and dedication of our faculty and staff in delivering UD’s outstanding online graduate programs,” Interim Provost Bill Farquhar said. “We are committed to continually enhancing these programs and all the transformative opportunities that enable our students to meet their educational and career goals throughout their lives.” U.S. News selects several factors, known as ranking indicators, to assess each program in the categories outlined above. A program's score for each ranking indicator is calculated using data that the program reported to U.S. News in a statistical survey and from data collected in a separate peer assessment survey. This year’s edition evaluates more than 1,850 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings include only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by institutions with accreditation from recognized commissions. While the overall rankings methodology remains largely unchanged, U.S. News reported increased participation in this year’s data collection cycle, with more programs submitting statistical data and completing peer assessment surveys. According to U.S. News, this broader participation may reflect continued growth in online education nationwide. The University of Delaware offers over 35 online credit and non-degree professional programs. An online program from UD offers the same quality and rigor as an on-campus program and provides the flexibility to accommodate your busy schedule. UD is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and its online and on-campus degree programs have rigorous curricula delivered by experts, offer affordable program options, and provide students access to student support services, career fairs, recruiting opportunities and graduation ceremonies to celebrate student success. “UD's high-level rankings are in large part due to the positive outcomes that our students experience as a result of taking one of our online degrees or programs,” said Associate Provost for Online Learning and Innovation George Irvine. “Students tell us how much they enjoy learning from our accessible faculty and doing so in engaging and interactive online courses.” For more information about UD’s online degree programs, visit online.udel.edu. A complete listing of UD’s high-profile rankings is available on UD’s Institutional Research and Effectiveness Rankings webpage. Please note that the programs and specialties used in rankings may differ slightly from the names of UD’s degree programs.
A team of researchers from ChristianaCare and the University of Delaware has uncovered a key early step in how colorectal cancer begins. Their new study shows that a common genetic mutation in colorectal cancer disrupts the colon’s normal tissue renewal process, causing immature cells to build up, tissue structure to break down and early tumors to form. Their findings were published in the journal Cancers. “This finding changes how we think about the very first steps of colon cancer,” said Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., senior author of the study and a senior researcher at the Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute. “Instead of cancer starting because cells grow too fast, we found that it may start because the normal tissue renewal process slows down, creating a backup of cells that should have moved on. That backup sets the stage for tumors to grow.” The study was led by a multidisciplinary team of engineers, mathematicians, pathologists and tumor biologists from four research institutions. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.9 million people are diagnosed each year, and about 930,000 people die from the disease annually. How healthy colon tissue renews itself The lining of the colon is constantly renewing itself. Every day, billions of cells are shed and replaced to keep the tissue healthy and working properly. This process depends on a steady cycle. New cells form at the base of tiny pockets called crypts, mature as they move upward, and are eventually shed. The new study shows how this natural process breaks down when a mutation occurs in a gene called APC, which is altered in about 90 percent of colorectal cancers. Rather than speeding up cell growth, the APC mutation creates a slowdown, or bottleneck, in the colon tissue’s renewal cycle. According to Boman, this slowdown causes dividing cells to pile up instead of moving through the system as they should. The result is a kind of tumor cell “traffic jam” that leads to distorted tissue and the formation of adenomas, early growths that can become cancerous. What APC-mutant tissue looks like To see these changes up close, the team compared healthy colon tissue with tissue from patients who have familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP, an inherited condition caused by APC mutations. The differences were clear: APC-mutant crypts contained more immature, rapidly dividing cells. Fewer cells matured into specialized cells needed for healthy tissue. The zone where cells divide extended higher than normal. The overall renewal cycle took longer. “These findings are significant because they show how cancer-driving mutations change tissues that normally renew themselves nonstop,” Boman said. Pairing patient tissue with computer modeling To see how these changes happen over time, the researchers studied patient tissue and used a computer model that shows how colon cells normally grow and renew. When they slowed this renewal process in the model, it matched what they saw in tissue with the APC mutation. Cells became crowded, the structures lost their normal shape, and early tumor-like growths, known as adenomas, began to form. This confirmed that delayed renewal alone can trigger the earliest changes linked to colon cancer, even before cells appear abnormal under a microscope. “Our findings show that APC mutation does more than turn on growth signals,” Boman said. “It changes the timing of renewal. Once that timing is off, the tissue becomes vulnerable to structural damage and early tumor growth.” Building on earlier research This study builds on earlier work by the same team that mapped how healthy colon tissue renews itself. In prior studies, the researchers identified five basic biological rules that guide how colon cells grow, move and replace one another in a steady, organized way. The new findings show what happens when that system breaks down. A common mutation called APC slows the normal renewal process. Young, stem-like cells begin to build up before they can mature. Over time, that imbalance creates the conditions for early tumor growth. To pinpoint how these changes unfold, researchers Gilberto Schleiniger, Ph.D., and Christopher Raymond, Ph.D., from the University of Delaware’s Department of Mathematical Sciences paired mathematical models with real patient tissue data. Their work shows that even small delays in cell renewal can push healthy tissue toward cancer. “This gives us a clearer picture of how cancer can start long before a tumor is visible,” said Schleiniger. “By understanding the rules that keep healthy tissue in balance, we can see where and how things begin to go off track.” A possible path toward future treatments The findings also point toward a potential new approach to treatment. The researchers found evidence that the disrupted renewal process may trigger a chain reaction that allows pre-cancerous cells to keep copying themselves and fueling tumor growth. By targeting this process, it may be possible to restore normal renewal timing and healthier tissue structure before cancer becomes established. “This study shows that cancer isn’t just about rogue cells, but about a system that’s fallen out of rhythm,” said Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D. “If we can reset that renewal process, we may be able to prevent or slow early tumor growth before it gains momentum.”
Why homelessness is more than a housing issue for students
More than 4,400 students in Delaware were identified as experiencing homelessness during the 2022–23 school year, a number that continues to rise. Ann M. Aviles, associate professor in the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development, studies education equity, social policy and services for children and families. She is co-author of a new book, "Serving Students Who Are Homeless: A Resource Guide for Schools, Districts, Educational Leaders, and Community Partners", which offers practical guidance for educators navigating the challenges of student homelessness. Nationwide, more than 1.3 million school-aged children experience homelessness annually. While housing instability is often viewed as a social services issue, research shows it has direct and profound consequences for student learning, engagement and well-being. Housing instability affects every aspect of a student’s daily life. Students may be worried about where they will sleep, whether they will have food or how they’ll get home after school. That uncertainty makes it much harder to focus on learning, Aviles said. A key recommendation in Aviles’ new book is stronger collaboration between schools and community organizations. She encourages districts to develop community resource maps that identify local food pantries, shelters, health providers and other support services. She also emphasizes the importance of public understanding of homelessness as a systemic issue shaped by policy, affordability and access to services. To speak with Aviles further, email mediarelations@udel.edu.
A year in the spotlight: University of Delaware’s most notable media mentions of 2025
In 2025, the University of Delaware had many exceptional media mentions. Here are some of the most notable. Science coverage dominated Where will the next big hurricane hit? Ask the sharks. (The Washington Post) – Aaron Carlisle, a marine ecologist, was featured for his revolutionary work using sharks to predict major weather events. Scientists could soon lose a key tool for studying Antarctica's melting ice sheets as climate risks grow (NBC News) – Carlos Moffat, an associate professor and oceanographer, spoke about the national budget and how it's impacting climate research. These Katrina Survivors Feel Overlooked. Now, They’re Using TikTok to Tell Their Stories (Rolling Stone) – Jennifer Trivedi, a disaster researcher, spoke about why Hurricane Katrina was such a major story. Malala Yousafzai, Migration and Sustainability (Forbes) – Saleem Ali, a professor of energy and environment, contributed regularly to Forbes on environmental topics. Scientists went hunting for freshwater deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean. What they found could have global implications (CNN) – Holly Michael, a professor of Earth sciences and civil and environmental engineering, spoke about the history of freshwater. Engineering Professor Answers Electric Car Questions (WIRED) – Willett Kempton, a professor of engineering, joined WIRED to answer the internet's most interesting questions about electric cars. Plastic shopping bag policies are actually working, a new study suggests (CNN) – Kimberly Oremus, associate professor of marine science and policy, was featured in several major outlets on the effectiveness of plastic bag bans. Insects are dying: here are 25 easy and effective ways you can help protect them (The Guardian) – Douglas Tallamy, an entomologist, was featured in dozens of outlets for his expertise. Political news coverage was front and center U.S. Chamber of Commerce sues Trump administration over $100,000 H-1B visa fees (NPR) – Daniel Kinderman, a political science professor, was interviewed for his expertise on a lawsuit involving changes in work visas. The government shutdown is over, but expect more fights and higher insurance prices to come (Delaware Public Media) – David Redlawsk, a political psychologist, discussed the recent government shutdown and what an end to it signals. Wrestling Over Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and the Divide in America (The New York Times) – Dannagal Young, a communications professor, commented on how media reacted to the death of Charlie Kirk. Consequences for colleges whose students carry mountains of debt? Republicans say yes (NPR) – Dominique Baker, associate professor of education, was quoted in multiple national outlets for her education expertise. General expertise came in clutch Why the U.S. struggles with passenger service despite having the most rail lines (NPR) – Allan Zarembski, a professor of railroad engineering, was featured in dozens of national publications for his expertise. From folklore to your front porch: The history of the jack-o'-lantern (NPR) – Cindy Ott, an associate professor of history, detailed the history of this autumn staple in multiple outlets. Nexstar Media Group buying Tegna in deal worth $6.2 billion (AP) – Danilo Yanich, professor of public policy, noted the ways the media giant duplicates work across networks. Warren Buffett hired Todd Combs to take over Berkshire's portfolio one day. Here's what close watchers say about his surprise exit. (Business Insider) – Lawrence Cunningham, director of UD's Weinberg Center, was featured throughout the year for his business and economic expertise. Enlighten Me: How to make your holidays truly happy (Delaware Public Media) – Amit Kumar, a professor of marketing, discussed strategies for finding happiness during the holidays throughout the winter season. Students and their stories shined throughout the year Networking: Is it what you know or who you know? (The Chronicle of Higher Education) – UD's career-development office, which assists students on their job journeys, was featured. U of Delaware Creates Yearlong Co-Ops for Business Students (Inside Higher Ed) – A new partnership with the state of Delaware connects business students to local employers, with the goal of reducing brain drain in the region was featured. Wilmington’s 'STEM Queen' earns national Obama–Chesky honor (The News Journal/Delaware Online) – Jacqueline Means, a management information systems major, was featured for earning a national recognition. Vita Nova Restaurant Gives Culinary Students Hands-on Training (Delaware Today) – The student-staffed restaurant, Vita Nova, was featured. Delaware professor transforms writing class by teaching students to use AI as the technology reshapes the workforce (WHYY) – Matt Kinservik, a professor of English, was featured for teaching students to use AI responsibly, exploring its capabilities and fact-checking tools. Pop culture experts weighed in 'Stranger Things' expert at UD chats about Netflix show's appeal (The News Journal/Delaware Online) – Siobhan Carroll, an associate English professor, sat down with a reporter to discuss the latest season and how the horror genre is often a mirror of our real world. “Horrendous And Insulting”: Backlash Erupts Over “Misrepresentation” In 2026 Wuthering Heights (Bored Panda) – Thomas Leitch, an English professor, said that “literal adaptations of classic novels are exceedingly rare, maybe impossible.” Major changes at UD highlighted University of Delaware appoints interim president to the permanent post (The Philadelphia Inquirer) – News of UD's new president, Laura A. Carlson, was covered throughout the region. Retiree learning center gets boost with $1M gift for downstate OLLI classes (Spotlight Delaware) – a large donation to the southern Delaware chapter of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, was featured. To speak with any of these experts in 2026 on these stories or others, please reach out to MediaRelations@udel.edu. Happy holidays and cheers for a bright and healthy new year!
The holiday season is a whirlwind of joy, lights, and laughter, but sometimes it can also sneak in some added stress. Experts from the University of Delaware are here to remind us that our mental wellness shouldn’t take a backseat during these festive times. By weaving mindfulness into our holiday plans, we can maximize the joy and peace we experience. Prioritizing presence over presents Let's face it: the holiday rush often translates to an avalanche of consumerism. But Amit Kumar, a marketing professor who focuses on the scientific study of happiness, suggests focusing on being present rather than the presents. Carving out mindful time The holidays can stir up complex emotions as families come together. Psychology professors Franssy Zablah and Zachary Meehan offer strategies to support mental well-being this season. Valerie Earnshaw and Raphael Travis, professors who study health and wellbeing, can share guidance for supporting family members with substance use disorders this holiday season. Gifting intentionally this year Education professors Myae Han and Roberta Golinkoff can talk about gifts for children that promote reading or positive play. Keeping the spirts bright year after year Debra Hess Norris offers tips on how to preserve decorations and make them look brand new every year. To contact any of these experts, click on their expert profiles or email MediaRelations@udel.edu.
