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Space suit experiment lands on the moon
University of Delaware research made a moon landing on Sunday along with other experiments aboard the unmanned Blue Ghost spacecraft. These projects will help scientists better understand what it will take to successfully land humans on the moon, and could possibly pave the way for an extended stay. The experiment led by UD researcher Norman Wagner and his company STF Technologies, LLC, aims to determine how moon dust particles stick to different materials exposed to the moon’s environment. These particles, called regolith, are fine and very sharp, similar to volcanic rock or dust found on Earth. Prototype spacesuit materials made by UD and STF Technologies will be tested for their ability to repel this moon dust in experiments strapped outside a lunar lander designed to carry payloads to the moon’s surface. The UD spacesuit shell textiles are treated with multiple nanotechnologies, including shear thickening fluid, a revolutionary material co-developed by UD and STF Technologies that normally behaves like a liquid, but becomes a solid under impact, a useful feature when puncture resistance is a priority. The hope is that beyond puncture protection, the STF-infused spacesuit textiles will offer greater dust deterrence, increasing the material’s lifespan in space. Other RAC experiments will test materials for solar cells, optical systems, coatings and sensors. In other related work, the Wagner lab currently has experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through a NASA collaboration to develop new construction materials for lunar exploration. These ISS experiments, part of a Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) that launched last November, extend Wagner’s previous work on ways to make concrete in space, for such items as rocket landing pads, buildings, roads, habitats and other structures. More recent work in the Wagner lab by undergraduate researchers and doctoral students focuses on methods for curing 3D-printed materials in space, including using microwave technology. “Here we aren’t trying to get rid of the moon dust — we are trying to leverage it to create extraterrestrial cement through additive manufacturing on the moon,” said Wagner, Unidel Robert L. Pigford Chair in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Contact mediarelations@udel.edu to set up an interview.
Villanova Professor Sees Costs and Benefits in Corporate and Federal Return-to-Office Mandates
In early February, federal agencies submitted plans in accordance with an executive order to initiate an estimated 1 million government employees’ full-time return to their duty stations. The departments’ actions are among the latest in a series of RTO moves enacted since the start of 2025. Notably, they follow policy changes by corporate giants Amazon, AT&T and JPMorgan, who in January began requiring five days of in-person work for select staffers, with justifications ranging from strengthening culture to improving performance. With more employers expected to require in-office work in the coming months, some predict that 2025 could be the “year of the RTO mandate.” But, given the arguments from those pushing for these policies, it’s worth asking: Are these return-to-office requirements truly justified? Do they actually improve communication, strengthen teams and boost productivity, as supporters claim? According to Kyoung Yong Kim, PhD, whose research focuses on telework, strategic human capital management and employee-organization relationships, the answer is complicated—and highly circumstantial. Dr. Kim says that, by gathering coworkers around the proverbial water cooler, RTO policies can in some cases facilitate dialogue, promote teambuilding and foster organizational success. Yet, in other instances, work-from-home (WFH) arrangements can significantly boost employee morale, efficiency and output. “In a recent paper, my colleague Ijeoma Ugwuanyi [a professor at Hong Kong Metropolitan University] and I examined how social distancing initiatives, which reduce interactions among people, impact working relationships,” says Dr. Kim. “We found that they can actually help improve negative ones, at least in employees’ minds.” Analyzing data collected on 105 working relationships among 43 full-time personnel at a South Korean healthcare company, Dr. Kim and Dr. Ugwuanyi discovered that, when afforded extended WFH privileges, colleagues previously at odds were given the space necessary to reassess their outlooks and improve their dynamics—especially when the individuals involved were viewed as competent and warm. As a result, these repaired relationships generally empowered more effective collaboration in the long run. Additionally, employees with positive in-person relationships maintained a solid rapport even when geographically apart. “These findings are particularly relevant as corporate and government workers increasingly return to their offices,” says Dr. Kim. “Managers need to remember that, according to the research, employees are willing to reset negative relationships they had previously. That said, returning to the office also offers a chance to strengthen relationships and make them more positive, which is crucial since team dynamics are a key determinant of team performance.” Per Dr. Kim, in order to best position themselves for success on the RTO front, organizations need to take a measured, sympathetic approach in facilitating their in-office policies, with an eye toward mitigating negativity. They need to remain cognizant of the logistical and interpersonal challenges that could emerge in the wake of a return, address their employees’ concerns in an attentive manner and foster a “supportive climate characterized by supportive behaviors.” It’s a situation that Dr. Kim says bears parallels—perhaps somewhat counterintuitively—to the mass shift to telework that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. As he found in his research on that phenomenon, employees responded best to changes in their working arrangements when organizational leaders and managers took the time to explain and actively discuss the reasoning behind them, especially in mission-driven terms. “Essentially, an important implication of the findings is that, to sustain employees’ positive attitudes and behaviors, it is crucial to frame these moves in a way that highlights how working in the office benefits both employees and the organization,” says Dr. Kim. In turn, RTO-focused organizations should recognize that their words and messages have a very real impact, particularly when scrutinized by workers who may not be happy about resuming their morning commutes. “Amazon, for instance, appears to be taking a thoughtful approach by emphasizing the value of collaboration with colleagues and the enrichment of organizational culture,” says Dr. Kim. “One potential drawback, however, lies in their message about the consequences of non-compliance, specifically that failure to adhere to the in-office policy could jeopardize employees’ chances of promotion. “A more positive framing, emphasizing how such policies support professional growth as well as employees’ well-being, could enhance favorable perceptions and work behaviors.” In the event organizations remain attuned to such situations—taking their employees’ perspectives into account, actively communicating their intentions and presenting clear value propositions—Dr. Kim thinks a year of the RTO mandate could potentially be a less daunting prospect. And maybe, with time, the transition back from Zoom to the boardroom could be a beneficial one.
J.S. Held Experts Examine Crypto’s Pitfalls and Potential
The global cryptocurrency market has surged to a staggering USD 3.4 trillion. However, alongside this rapid expansion, significant challenges and risks continue to emerge. The J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report examines the evolving landscape of crypto and digital assets, highlighting both the potential and the pitfalls of this dynamic sector. The explosion of cryptocurrency adoption across industries—from gaming to decentralized finance (DeFi)—has led to increased regulatory scrutiny and security concerns. With the expected growth in the number of users to exceed 107.3 million in the market by 2025, every sector is looking at what crypto and this blockchain technology can do to transform their business. Even the gaming industry has entered the crypto space with bridging services offering “Play-to-Earn” (P2E) games. While anonymity remains a key feature in both the risk and success of cryptocurrency, the concept of “Know Your Customer” on centralized platforms is still required but continues to evolve because not all anonymity is evil. Despite regulatory, environmental, geopolitical, and other business risks, the J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report reveals how the crypto industry continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for businesses and investors around: Enhanced Transparency & Security Regulatory Clarity Education & Compliance Digital Identity Solutions “With regulatory frameworks tightening globally—from the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) law to China’s outright ban—the future of crypto remains at a critical inflection point,” observes J.P. Brennan, Global Head of Fintech, Payments, Crypto Compliance and Investigations at J.S. Held. “As the industry matures, the balance between risk mitigation and innovation will shape the next phase of digital asset adoption,” J.P. Brennan adds. J.P. Brennan examines the crypto risks and opportunities outlined in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report in this video: Cryptocurrency and digital asset risk is just one of the five key areas analyzed in the J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report. Other topics include sustainability, supply chain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data regulations, and managing cyber risk. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss the risks and opportunities outlined in the report, please email GlobalRiskReport@jsheld.com. To connect with J.P. Brennan, simply click on his icon now. For any other media inquiries - contact : Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com
The Staff Wellbeing (SWell) project was carried out in conjunction with Birmingham Children’s Hospital and NHS England Paediatric critical care (PCC) staff experience high levels of moral distress, post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout Two simple, low-resource wellbeing sessions can be delivered by staff for staff without specialist training. The Staff Wellbeing (SWell) project, led by Aston University researchers in collaboration with Birmingham Children’s Hospital and NHS England, has developed two simple, easy-to-deliver sessions to improve the wellbeing of staff in paediatric critical care (PCC) units in UK hospitals. PCC staff are known to experience high levels of moral distress, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout, but often feel little is offered to help them with their mental health. The SWell team at Aston University, led by Professor Rachel Shaw from the Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, realised following a literature review that there are no existing, evidence-based interventions specifically designed to improve PCC staff wellbeing. Initial work by SWell identified the ‘active ingredients’ likely to create successful intervention designs. Together with a team from NHS England, the Aston University researchers set up the SWell Collaborative Project: Interventions for Staff Wellbeing in Paediatric Critical Care, in PCC units across England and Scotland. The aim of the project was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing wellbeing interventions for staff working in PCC in UK hospitals. In total, 14 of the 28 UK PCC units were involved. One hundred and four intervention sessions were run, attended by 573 individuals. Professor Shaw said: “The significance of healthcare staff wellbeing was brought to the surface during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s a problem that has existed far longer than that. As far as we could see researchers had focused on measuring the extent of the problem rather than coming up with possible solutions. The SWell project was initiated to understand the challenges to wellbeing when working in paediatric critical care, to determine what staff in that high-pressure environment need, and what could actually work day-to-day to make a difference. Seeing PCC staff across half the paediatric critical care units in the UK show such enthusiasm and commitment to make the SWell interventions a success has been one of the proudest experiences in my academic career to date.” The two wellbeing sessions tested are low-resource and low-intensity, and can be delivered by staff for staff without any specialist qualifications. In the session ‘Wellbeing Images’, a small group of staff is shown images representing wellbeing, with a facilitated discussion using appreciative inquiry - a way of structuring discussions to create positive change in a system or situation by focusing on what works well, rather than what is wrong. In the ‘Mad-Sad-Glad’ session, another small group reflective session, participants explore what makes them feel mad, sad and glad, and identify positive actions to resolve any issues raised. The key ingredients in both sessions are social support – providing a psychologically safe space where staff can share their sensitive experiences and emotions without judgement, providing support for each other; self-belief – boosting staff’s self-confidence and ability to identify and express their emotions in response to work; and feedback and monitoring – encouraging staff to monitor what increases their stress, when they experience challenging emotions, and what might help boost their wellbeing in those scenarios. Feedback from staff both running and participating in the SWell interventions was very positive, with high satisfaction and feasibility ratings. Participants like that the session facilitated open and honest discussions, provided opportunities to connect with colleagues and offered opportunities for generating solutions and support. One hospital staff member responsible for delivering the sessions said: “Our staff engaged really well, and it created a buzz around the unit with members of the team asking if they could be ‘swelled' on shift. A really positive experience and we are keeping it as part of our staff wellbeing package.” The team concluded that even on busy PCC units, it is feasible to deliver SWell sessions. In addition, following the sessions, staff wellbeing and depression scores improved, indicating their likely positive impact on staff. Further evaluations are needed to determine whether positive changes can be sustained over time following the SWell sessions. The work was funded by Aston University Proof of Concept Fund and NHS England. Donna Austin, an advanced critical care practitioner at University Hospital Southampton paediatric intensive care unit, said: “We were relatively new to implementing wellbeing initiatives, but we recognised the need for measures to be put in place for an improvement in staff wellbeing, as staff had described burnout, stress and poor mood. SWell has enabled our unit to become more acutely aware of the needs of the workforce and adapt what we deliver to suit the needs of the staff where possible. Staff morale and retention has been the greatest outcomes from us participating in the SWell study and ongoing SWell related interventions.” Read the paper about the SWell interventions in the journal Nursing in Critical Care at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nicc.13228. For more information about SWell, visit the website.
Lingam, Mirsayar, van Woesik Recognized as ‘Top Scholars’ by ScholarGPS
Florida Tech faculty members Manasvi Lingam, Mirmilad Mirsayar and Robert van Woesik were named “Top Scholars” by ScholarGPS for their contributions to academia over the last five years. Lingam, who studies astrobiology in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, was ranked No. 9,562 in the world across all disciplines and nearly 15 million ranked scholars, placing him in the top 0.06% of the platform’s scholars globally. He faired strongly in other areas, including: No. 1,919 (0.1%) among 1.9 million scholars in physical sciences and mathematics No. 491 (0.09%) among 545,000 scholars in physics No. 42 (0.31%) among 13,590 scholars in the specialty area planets ScholarGPS cited Lingam’s strong publication record, the impact of his work and the notable quality of his scholarly contributions. He’s published 50 times since 2020, exploring the possible origins, evolution and future of life in the universe. Mirsayar, who studies aerospace engineering, was ranked No. 35,155 across all disciplines and nearly 15 million ranked scholars, placing him in the top 0.24% of scholars globally. He’s published 11 times between 2020-2023, covering topics such as fracture mechanics and solid mechanics. Other highlights include: No. 6 (0.06%) among 8,601 scholars in fracture mechanics No. 49 (1.7%) among 2,879 scholars in solid mechanics No. 315 (1.8%) among 16,847 scholars in reinforced concrete Van Woesik, who studies coral reef ecology, was ranked No. 58,081 across disciplines, putting him in the top 0.39% of nearly 15 million scholars globally. He’s had 22 publications since 2020, covering topics such as coral bleaching, thermal stress and climate change. Van Woesik, who studies coral reef ecology, was ranked No. 58,081 across disciplines, putting him in the top 0.39% of nearly 15 million scholars globally. He’s had 22 publications since 2020, covering topics such as coral bleaching, thermal stress and climate change. Other highlights include: No. 5,282 (0.32%) among 1.7 million scholars in life sciences No. 336 (0.38%) among 88,930 scholars of ecology and evolutionary biology No. 191 (0.95%) among 19,998 scholars of global change. ScholarGPS uses artificial intelligence and data mining technologies to rank individuals, academic institutions and programs. Scholars are ranked by their number of publications, their citations, their h-index and their ScholarGPS® Ranks, which includes all three metrics. If you're interested in connecting with Manasvi Lingam, Robert van Woesik and Mirmilad Mirsayar- simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Researchers Seek Understanding of Early Life on Earth Following Chilean Expedition
In a discovery that may further our understanding of the early evolution of life on Earth, a research team, including associate professor Andrew Palmer and master’s student Caitlyn Hubric, identified Chile’s deepest and most northern cold seeps—openings in the ocean floor that emit gases and fluids— about 100 miles off the Chilean coast and thousands of feet below the surface. This most terrestrial of discoveries may also yield insights that could benefit future space exploration, Palmer said. Palmer, who runs the astrobiology and chemical ecology lab at Florida Tech, and Hubric, who has studied with him for the last three years, represented the university on Schmidt Ocean Institute’s (SOI) expedition through the Atacama Trench. The trench is a nearly 5-mile-deep oceanic trench in the eastern Pacific Ocean that has remained at the same latitude for the last 150 million years, suggesting an extremely stable and potentially ancient ecosystem. The trench’s seeps, found at a depth of 2,836 meters (9,304 feet), provide chemical energy for deep sea animals living without sunlight, according to SOI. Seeps like this one can help astrobiologists understand how life developed on Earth and how those survival strategies and chemical conditions might sustain life on other planets. Palmer and Hubric were members of the expedition’s microbiology team and were specifically searching for biosignatures. That meant looking out for novel microbes and chemical signatures, like proteins or carbohydrates, which may have existed in the region for millions of years. The benefits of their research extend beyond life on Earth. They could also shape future space exploration. A big part of why they’re investigating water ecosystems is because of the popularity around Saturn’s moon Enceladus and Jupiter’s Europa, Hubric said. She said it’s not a perfect analog, but it’s close enough that they can look for patterns in how life’s chemical processes might operate at these sites. “We hope that some of the questions we answer here find will help us in future endeavors when we do finally go explore the solar system,” Hubric said. Back on campus after the expedition, which ran from May 24 to June 6, they’ve started working to solve those questions by both identifying molecules that guide the search for life and by understanding the limitations of the instruments that can detect metabolites, or early signatures of life, Palmer said. “If [the instruments] can’t successfully identify traces of life on Earth, where we know there’s lots of life, how are they going to be successful in a place where it’s less likely than a needle in a haystack?” Palmer said. “It’s the bigger question of, what do we need to do in order to be successful in the search for life?” For Palmer and Hubric, research has only just begun. They’ll test water and sediment samples and the filtrate that they’ll remove from their water filters and investigate for microbes of interest. Searching for novel metabolisms will be an even more extensive process, Palmer said. “It’s weird doing something where you won’t be able to see the results for weeks or months,” Palmer said. “This is just the beginning.” Looking to know more about the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s (SOI) expedition through the Atacama Trench and Dr. Palmer's research? Then let us help. Dr. Andrew Palmer is an associate professor of biological sciences at Florida Tech and a go-to expert in the field of Martian farming. He is available to speak with media regarding this and related topics. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview.
Astrobiologist Manasvi Lingam, assistant professor of aerospace, physics and space sciences at Florida Tech, authored a new astrobiology textbook to serve as a resource for the rapidly growing multidisciplinary field. “From Stars to Life: A Quantitative Approach to Astrobiology,” published by Cambridge University Press, is primarily geared toward upper-level undergraduate and graduate students studying astrobiology, Lingam says. Co-authored by astrophysicist Amedeo Balbi (University of Rome), the book’s 15 chapters cover topics from the Big Bang theory to planetary habitability to the future of humankind. The book also includes practice problems that involve modern developments like GenerativeAI (e.g., ChatGPT). Lingam explained how he came up with the new textbook and why it can help shape astrobiology programs like Florida Tech’s. What inspired this textbook? Manasvi Lingam: [Florida Tech] was the first university in the whole world to start an undergraduate astrobiology major. We have a strong connection to the field. But it turns out, every time I teach the subject, I don’t have a textbook to use. I have my first book, which is “Life in the Cosmos,” but it’s 1,100 pages. It’s for graduate students. It’s not going to work for them. Every time I was trying to cobble together resources from different places. My co-author has the same problem except that he’s been teaching [astrobiology] for even longer, for 20 years. He doesn’t have a textbook either. There’s this old saying in English: if you want something done right, do it yourself. We decided, well, might as well just try to write it ourselves. That’s how it came to be. How does this textbook bridge the gap between introductory readings and graduate-level material? ML: Right now, there’s pretty much only one class of textbooks for astrobiology, and those are written for freshman- or sophomore-level undergraduates. There’s this emphasis on a broad overview but at an extremely qualitative level and sometimes offering somewhat weak explanations for various specific phenomena, such as, “Why did Mars lose its atmosphere? It just got eroded over time.” These kinds of limitations. Graduate literature is very specialized, oriented towards whatever subfield one is studying in astrobiology. You can have a whole book on the origin of life. You can have a whole book on just Mars. You can have a whole book on Titan and so on. The aforementioned introductory textbooks that exist are very broad, but they don’t really offer a tool to actually get started doing research in the more specialized field. There was this vital need to bridge the gap. That’s what this book is meant to do. How did you decide what content to include and what not to include? ML: This field begins almost with the Big Bang – the start of the universe – which is when the first elements were formed, including elements that are widespread in life like hydrogen. This tale begins almost with the beginning of the universe. It is a tale that is still ongoing and is going to unfold for trillions of years into the future. But, there was so much material to include in principle. We had to be quite selective about what topics to include. There are a number of courses that are taught around the world on this topic. We looked at dozens of them to find the common core within all of them, and then expanded on that core. That’s what constitutes our table of contents. While writing the textbook, how did you grow as a researcher and an educator? ML: There’s this implicit understanding in academia that if you can write something down clearly, and if you can articulate something clearly, that’s when you can really say you understand it. Often you can’t articulate what you need to say coherently and succinctly if it’s something very big. That’s what, of course, astrobiology is. In the process of writing the book as an educator, I think I was really able to see how various domains linked to each other. For instance, modulations of, say, the Earth’s climate that were driven not just by changes on Earth (including life itself!), but also by changes in the sun, by changes in the orbits of other solar system planets, but also phenomena that were taking place hundreds of light years away in the galaxy. You really see that everything is connected – there are hidden links to each other. I think that helped me discover the magic of the universe, so to speak, even more. From a research standpoint, there were some areas that I have not worked in a lot, but by writing this book, I’ve gotten a better understanding of those areas, like, say, Mars, and also certain microbiological and astrophysical aspects as well. I think that has provided new ideas that I hope to explore in the future. What do you want readers to learn throughout the book, and what should they walk away with? ML: What we want to do is build a holistic integrated understanding of different phenomena pertaining to life in the universe, but at a quantitative level, and still retain breadth without sacrificing depth in the process. It won’t necessarily make students ready for research because it’s still primarily an undergrad textbook, but it will give them a comprehensive understanding of how various processes are intertwined with each other. We want people to see the big picture without missing out on the detail, and to appreciate the beauty of life, Earth, the solar system, the Milky Way and the universe. Lingam plans to start teaching from this textbook in Spring 2025. The textbook is available for purchase on Amazon. Looking to know more about Astrobiology and the work Manasvi Lingam is doing at Florida Tech? Then let us help. Astrobiologist Manasvi Lingam, assistant professor of aerospace, physics and space sciences at Florida Tech and author is available to speak with media regarding this and related topics. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview.
I Was 33 Years Early to the ADU Party
The early 1990s were tough for many Canadians, including my partner and me. The recession of 1990-1991 hit us hard, leaving both of us without jobs and staring at an unemployment rate that had climbed to a record 10.23%. With bills piling up and options dwindling, we had to get creative—and fast. That’s when we found an unexpected lifeline in an unlikely place: my partner’s grandmother’s house. Grandma, a 90-year-old fireball from Newfoundland, was sharp as a tack and fiercely independent. However, her home was starting to feel too large for her to manage on her own. Meanwhile, we needed a place to live that wouldn’t drain our limited savings. Over cups of tea at her cozy kitchen table, a plan started to take shape: we would build a basement apartment in her house, move in, and exchange affordable rent for assistance around the house. It was a perfect win-win. I didn't know it, but I was an ADU pioneer Today, this living arrangement may be recognized as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), a secondary housing unit on a single-family property. However, in 1991, this concept was far from mainstream. For us, it was simply a matter of survival—a practical solution born from necessity. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. With a few friends and determination, we transformed Grandma’s basement into a modest but functional living space. It was basic, even a bit wonky—you had to walk through the bedroom to get to the living room-kitchen combo—but it was ours. We managed most of the construction ourselves, and hired an electrician for the wiring and a plumber to handle the pipes. The rest was pure sweat equity. Living in that basement was an adjustment, to say the least. Space was tight, and our DIY craftsmanship wasn’t exactly HGTV-worthy. However, it provided us with a fresh start. But as ADU pioneers, we got much more than we could have imagined. A much closer connection to family. Grandma’s wit and energy were the heart of the house, and we grew closer to her than we ever imagined. Her stories about growing up in Newfoundland in the late 1800s mesmerized me. I would sit there, wide-eyed, as she recounted winters so cold that tea froze before it hit the cup and evenings illuminated by whale oil lamps. We laughed constantly, and she quickly became the grandmother I never had since my grandparents had passed before I was born. Grandma and I stayed close even after my relationship with my partner ended. I couldn’t imagine life without our Friday lunches, which became a cherished tradition. Every week, I’d visit, and she’d share more stories or critique my cooking attempts with her quick wit and that unmistakable Newfoundland twang. She continued to be a beacon of joy and wisdom in my life. Grandma thrived on independence, which she held onto with great determination. At 90 years old, she re-tarred her driveway by herself, much to the neighbours' surprise and my immense admiration. The tar application was as wrinkled as her skin, and she couldn't care less. She beamed with pride while I took her picture! She loved having visitors, and the parish clergy were frequent guests. She always welcomed them with a twinkle in her eye and a sharp sense of humour. Once, when the parish priest asked her if she ever thought about "the hereafter," she shot back, “Oh, I think about it every day when I go into the basement and ask myself, ‘What am I here after?’” That was Grandma: quick-witted, strong, and full of life. Our basement apartment was more than just a place to live; it was a lifeline. The benefits extended beyond us. Grandma stayed in the home she loved until she passed away peacefully at 96 years old, sitting at her kitchen table on my birthday. It was a poignant moment that reminded me how much she had shaped my life. The modest basement apartment not only sheltered us but also added value to her home. We inadvertently enhanced the property’s functionality and appeal by converting unused space into livable quarters. This represents a key advantage of ADUs in today’s economy. Given the housing shortages and rising costs, ADUs provide a practical solution by offering affordable rental options, increasing property values, and creating opportunities for intergenerational living. In recent years, governments have acknowledged the importance of ADUs, making it easier and more affordable for families to construct them. Changes to mortgage lending policies have been introduced to promote ADU construction. For instance, insured loans now cover up to $1.5 million, and the amortization period has been extended to 30 years, enhancing financing accessibility. Furthermore, the federal government has announced new refinancing options to allow up to 90% of the property’s value. At the same time, low-interest loans for ADU construction have doubled to $80,000, with repayment terms of 15 years. These welcome changes will lower financial barriers and assist homeowners in creating secondary housing units, addressing both affordability and housing shortages. This intergenerational arrangement we set up over three decades ago was a win-win in every way. It provided mutual support, strengthened family bonds, and created a housing solution that benefited both generations. Seniors can age in place with dignity and companionship while younger generations gain access to affordable housing and the chance to learn from their elders. The laughter, shared meals, and stories crafted memories that will last a lifetime. Moreover, ADUs can help ease housing shortages and increase the availability of affordable rentals. They represent a practical, cost-effective method to utilize existing properties better. For families, they offer flexibility—a space for aging parents, adult children, or even potential rental income. For communities, they supply essential housing stock without necessitating large-scale development. For a deeper dive into ADUs, here's a link to a post we shared last year https://expertfile.com/spotlight/10346/additional-dwelling-units--adus- What's Old is New Again It's often said that many things come back in style if you wait long enough. This may hold for ADUs, simply an old concept whose time has come again. Nonetheless, ADUs empower our younger generation to afford housing and achieve homeownership. They also provide vital support for our older generations, enabling them to age in place while generating much-needed income for a dignified retirement. Reflecting on the past, I often ponder who saved whom. Grandma’s indomitable spirit and sharp humour made every bump in the road worthwhile. She would tease me about the crooked shelves we installed and joke that our kitchen was so small we could stir the soup without getting off the couch. In truth, she gave me more than I ever gave her. Her strength, love, and unwavering sense of humour helped me navigate one of the most challenging times in my life. The quirky basement we built in 1991 may not have been perfect, but it served its purpose. Today, as ADUs gain popularity, they represent more than just housing; they embody connection, resilience, and finding creative solutions to life’s challenges. Whether it’s a basement apartment, a backyard cottage, or a garage conversion, ADUs can foster connection and help families thrive—just as we did all those years ago. And as for Grandma? She demonstrated that a touch of humour, plenty of love, and the occasional jab at a priest could keep anyone young at heart. Every time I think of her now, I can’t help but smile and wonder if, somewhere, she’s still re-tarring driveways and asking herself, ‘What am I here after?’ Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue
Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Summary: In a previous post, I wrote about the need for more creative solutions to the cost of housing. I also spoke to the housing shortage and the steep downpayment rules we continue to face. At the same time, the need for retirement income and an increased focus on "aging in place" has more and more property owners looking for solutions. Here, we explore why adding secondary living spaces to their properties, commonly referred to as Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), is something you may want to consider. What Are ADUs? ADUs are fully equipped residential units situated on the same lot as a single-family home. They offer a distinct and private living arrangement while maintaining proximity to the main house. These living spaces may be integrated into the primary residence—such as a transformed garage or basement—or exist as independent structures, including small cottages or apartments. Why ADUs Are Gaining in Popularity ADUs can fulfill a broad range of needs, from accommodating aging relatives or adult children to creating a valuable source of rental income for homeowners. This income could assist seniors with cash flow and substantially boost their property's overall value. But is an ADU right for you? Before answering this, let's first take a brief look at their advantages and the rules and regulations governing the conversion or construction of such structures. Types of ADUs ADUs encompass a variety of secondary suites or dwelling units, primarily categorized as attached, detached, and semi-detached structures. Attached ADUs arise when homeowners convert existing spaces, such as basements, into livable areas. In contrast, detached ADUs consist of separate structures built apart from the principal residence. Laneway Houses / Laneway Suites: These small, detached units are constructed in the backyard or along the laneways of existing properties, maximizing the use of available space. Garden Suites: Similar to laneway houses, garden suites are secondary residences in the primary home's backyard. They offer self-sufficient living environments and are increasingly favoured for boosting housing density in urban settings while preserving the character of residential neighbourhoods. Basement Apartments: Self-contained living spaces in the basement of a residential property. These usually have a distinct entrance. In-law Units (In-law Suites, In-law Flats) are separate living sections within a single-family home that cater to relatives, providing a comfortable space for parents or in-laws. Detached Garages: These standalone structures are separate from the main house and traditionally store vehicles. They can also serve as storage areas or workshops. Adding a second-story apartment above garages is popular. Parking is premium in cities, and these structures provide the best of both worlds: keeping parking, storage, and adding living quarters above. Carriage Houses and Coach Houses: Originally designed as outbuildings on larger estates to store horse-drawn carriages, carriage houses, and coach houses have often been repurposed as living accommodations, guest houses, or rental units while maintaining their historic architecture. The Benefits of ADUs Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are indispensable in alleviating housing shortages and addressing affordability challenges within various communities. They also offer a wide range of personal and economic advantages for homeowners and tenants searching for budget-friendly rental options. Some key benefits include: An Aging-in-Place Option for Seniors: ADUs can allow elderly relatives to stay in their community and maintain an important sense of connection with neighbours, friends, and family. Rental Income: Homeowners can establish a dependable revenue stream with an ADU. These units represent a highly appealing affordable housing alternative. Accommodation for Adult Children: An ADU can provide temporary living arrangements to adult children who may not be able to buy into the housing market or who want to be closer to their aging parents. Dedicated Office/Creative Space: With more people working from home part-time or going entirely virtual, ADU can provide a more professional and comfortable work environment But There's Another Payoff for ADUs Beyond these apparent benefits, I'm also struck by how ADUs can help us cultivate a stronger sense of community and intergenerational connection. Let me unpack this more and list some unique attributes of ADUs that make them so vital to our housing strategy: Affordability: ADUs can also be more affordable than standalone houses, making them increasingly attractive for individuals or small families looking for budget-conscious living options. Connection: ADUs are much closer to the primary residence. This allows younger renters to forge more meaningful relationships and interactions with their homeowners (many of whom are seniors). Equity: For renters who want to move beyond an apartment or condo but lack the financial means, ADUs could present a great alternative. They also provide a unique way to give renters access to neighbourhoods where housing availability is a challenge. For young families, renting an ADU could allow them to place their children in better schools that require residency in the school district. Support: As we age, we are more likely to need help maintaining our homes. For example, help with yard work and snow removal could be traded for reduced rent. There is much to be said about the comfort and safety of having someone live a few steps away for our older generation. ADUs are a Key Part of the Government's Housing Strategy The Federal Government just announced the expansion of the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program. Here's what you need to know: The loan amount has been increased to $80,000, and it has a 2% interest rate and a 15-year repayment term. In addition to the Secondary Suite Loan Program, homeowners can refinance with insured mortgages to help cover the cost of adding a secondary suite, starting January 15, 2025. Lenders and insurers will begin allowing mortgage refinancing of up to 90 percent of the post-renovation value of their home up to $2 million, amortized for up to 30 years. Homeowners can use this loan program and mortgage financing to help cover the cost of adding a secondary suite. These developments should get us all thinking more about the possibilities of ADUs. The benefits for many people and the clear intergenerational win-win exchanges are compelling. Given the impact they could yield for seniors in unlocking the value of their home equity and the compelling social benefits they offer for communities, I'll be exploring ADUs in much more detail over the coming year. Stay tuned. Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue
Georgia Southern cuts ribbon for Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center
Georgia Southern University officials cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, affectionately known as “The Hill,” in a celebration on Dec. 4. At 95,000 square feet, it is the largest event venue space between Savannah and Macon and serves as the signature building on the University’s south campus, fronting Veterans Memorial Parkway (US 301 Bypass). “It’s more than a building; it’s a place of opportunity,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “Inside ‘The Hill,’ our students will learn, our athletes will compete and our community will come together. From classrooms to research labs, from strength and conditioning spaces to media rooms, every inch of this facility is designed with our future in mind.” The exterior of the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, which evokes the image of a soaring eagle’s wings, illustrates the University’s commitment to supporting students as they soar beyond. Inside the center, there is approximately 8,000 square feet of new space for a Waters College of Health Professions sports psychology lab, a satellite research lab, faculty offices, a conference room and classrooms. The community will be afforded space for community activities and access to a new strength and conditioning area for research and other programs. The arena, which will serve as the new home court for Georgia Southern Eagles NCAA basketball games, provides more than 5,500 in seating capacity, a 50% increase over Hanner Fieldhouse. The arena has chairback seats along both sidelines and behind one baseline, and allows future opportunities to add additional programming to the building, such as more premium seating, suites and club areas. “It is an honor to officially welcome all of Eagle Nation to the gorgeous Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center with today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Chris Davis told the crowd. “We look forward to christening the facility with women’s and men’s basketball games on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. I especially want to thank Gov. Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, Dr. Kyle Marrero, the University leadership and our generous donors for this unprecedented opportunity to elevate the stature of our basketball programs with this outstanding facility that will provide an exciting venue to watch the Eagles soar on the court. Hail Southern!” The center also houses the men’s and women’s basketball program and includes spaces for coaches’ offices, locker rooms, laundry/training room, equipment room, strength and conditioning space, fueling station, media room, visiting team locker room and a media green room. Senior Grace Drawdy, who is a multimedia journalism major, member of the swimming and diving team and president of the Georgia Southern Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, is grateful for this contribution. “If I could describe my time here at Georgia Southern, both individually and as a student-athlete, the one word I would use is transformational,” said Drawdy. “Through the opportunities and resources provided to me by Georgia Southern, I have transformed from a young girl who was unsure of her future to a confident woman who is poised for success wherever she may go. I’ve also had the pleasure of watching the University transform while I’ve been here. And what I’m most excited for is the transformation of our athletic training and physical therapy programs. “This space will enhance athletic training and sports psychology for students within the major, but also the student-athletes who access these services every single day. I’m so thankful to be a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony today, but I’m even more thankful to be a part of a University that continually helps me grow and be successful as a student, as an athlete, and most importantly, as a person.” The new Hall of Fame for Eagle Athletics is located in the building’s concourse. The seating capacity for the events space is more than 5,900 (including nearly 970 seats on the floor). Event-level space also includes a ticketing office, security command center, a Coca-Cola micro market featuring checkout-free technology, and four dividable classrooms that can convert into additional flexible spaces. Marrero thanked the partners who helped to make this impressive $64.4 million two-story complex a reality. “We express our deepest gratitude to Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, with the best legislative delegation in the state of Georgia, led by the Speaker of the House Jon Burns, the Board of Regents, and University System of Georgia leadership under Chancellor Sonny Perdue. Your vision and willingness made this project a reality.” He also thanked the University Foundation Board, the Athletic Foundation Board and donors for their generous gifts and unwavering support of such a meaningful addition to the institution. The building is named for Jack Hill (‘66), who was the longest-serving Georgia senator when he died in April 2020. He was a senator for 30 years, serving as chairman of several crucial committees, including Appropriations, which has broad jurisdiction over legislation involving budgeting and spending state and federal funds. With Hill’s support, Georgia Southern reached new heights as an institution serving the southeast region and the state of Georgia. Hill was instrumental in helping the University expand its programs and build several new state-of-the-art facilities, including the Engineering and Research Building, which opened for classes in January 2021. Hill’s wife of 48 years, Ruth Ann, focused her life on public education and retired as principal of Reidsville Elementary School. She was a Triple Eagle, earning degrees from Georgia Southern in 1973, 1990 and 1991. “We’re here to celebrate the great legacy of two individuals who made a difference,” Ga. Rep. Jon Burns enthusiastically shared with the audience. “They were both faithful public servants, because they cared more about their neighbors than they did about themselves. That was very clear. This University and this state could not be what it will be and what it is without the contributions and the foresight of people like Jack Hill. What he endowed this University with was an opportunity for a better life, for a better education for all Georgians and all people who wanted to attend this University. His fingerprints are all over this place. We all know that with the buildings, with the opportunities for these students, for these young people, they’re boundless. Because of the foresight and the work of Jack and Ruth in this place, we are privileged to sit here. Today was a dream of Senator Hill.” Marrero also reflected on the outstanding legacy of Jack and Ruth Ann Hill. “As Senator Hill once said, ‘The power of education is the ability to produce knowledge, character and skill in a way that is beneficial to society,’” Marrero shared.” His legacy embodies that ideal. Today is a celebration of what we’ve achieved together, but it’s also a look to the future. “The Hill” stands as a symbol of our University’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students and community. “So, today, let us cut this ribbon and open the doors to a new era at Georgia Southern,” he concluded. “Together, we will continue to honor the legacy of Jack and Ruth Ann Hill while building a brighter future for Eagle Nation.” Construction for the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center began in early 2023 and finished late 2024. The program manager for the project is BDR Partners; the architect/engineer is LS3P-AECOM; the site/civil engineer is Hussey, Gay, Bell; the mechanical engineer is Dulohery Weeks; the general contractor is Whiting-Turner. Additional partners are GSFIC and Board of Regents USG. If you're interested in learning more about Georgia Southern University then let us help - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
