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One hundred years ago today, University of Delaware Professor Raymond Kirkbride led eight students to France for an academic year to promote cross-cultural understanding and peace. It was the first for-credit study-abroad program in the United States and became a model for global education around the world. A century later, UD continues to be a national leader and innovator in global education, with unique programs like World Scholars and a growing community of international students on campus.
Watch this video to learn more about how UD is celebrating and expanding Professor Kirkbride’s bold vision.

July 7, 1923: The Day UD Changed the World

Coastal cities of the future need creative climate change adaptation tools today. University of Delaware disaster researcher A.R. Siders believes managed retreat— the purposeful movement of people, buildings and other assets from areas vulnerable to hazards—can be a powerful tool for expanding the range of possible solutions to cope with rising sea levels, flooding and other climate change effects when used proactively or in combination with other measures. 

Read more: 
https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2021/june/managed-retreat-ar-siders-coastal-cities-future-climate-change

Managed retreat—a powerful tool for future climate change adaptation

The mission of the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research is to support and advance research, education, and clinical training in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. We are interested in supporting researchers in conducting clinical and translational research to improve the timeliness and accuracy of the diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, person-centered clinical care, and quality of life for patients across the continuum from typical aging to dementia and families. We combine clinical, academic, and research experience in medicine, neuropsychology, physiology, and engineering from the University of Delaware and ChristianaCare Health System.

Learn more about DECCAR: https://sites.udel.edu/memory-research/

The Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research

University of Delaware students created a listening device for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to become composers of their favorite childhood songs. The students reached out to Autism Delaware and visited the Sensory Room at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center to pilot the listening device, developed by UD researchers Daniel Stevens, a professor of music theory in the School of Music within the College of Arts and Sciences, Matthew Mauriello, assistant professor of computer and information sciences in the College of Engineering.

They applied for and were awarded $50,000 from the Maggie E. Neumann Health Sciences Research Fund to advance their research. The fund specifically targets interdisciplinary research and innovation that aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

For more information on the project, email asdmusic.ud@gmail.com

Children with autism become composers using listening device

What you plant in your backyard or community can have a significant impact on the ecosystem. In this video, University of Delaware researcher Doug Tallamy shares one simple action we can all take to better support birds and other wildlife. Tallamy, an expert on the science of plant-insect interactions, is the T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UD. He is also a New York Times’ bestselling author of such works as Bringing Nature Home, Nature’s Best Hope and The Nature of Oaks.

Plan for the Planet: Doug Tallamy

Vita Nova is UD's student-operated fine-dining restaurant, offering an award-winning lunch buffet Monday through Friday and an elegant five-course meal. Vita Nova serves as a learning laboratory for students in the University of Delaware Lerner College of Business & Economics Department of Hospitality and Sport Business Management.

Each student gets a diverse educational experience by rotating through 17 different positions both in the dining room and in the kitchen. Students gain invaluable culinary, service and management experience in this learning lab.
https://lerner.udel.edu/centers/vita-nova-restaurant/

Uniquely UD: Vita Nova Restaurant

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A year in the spotlight: University of Delaware’s most notable media mentions of 2025

Experts in science, politics, and pop culture weighed in throughout the year from the University of Delaware.

Associate Professor, Marine Science and Policy

Associate Professor, School of Marine Science and Policy

Assistant Professor, Anthropology; Core Faculty Member, Disaster Research Center

Professor of Energy and the Environment Geography and Spatial Sciences; Biden School of Public Policy and Administration

Director, Delaware Environmental Institute

Professor, Marine Science and Policy

 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!   

mindful-celebrations-university-of-delaware-experts-on-integrating-mental-wellness-into-your-holiday-plans

Mindful celebrations: University of Delaware experts on integrating mental wellness into your holiday plans

Professors provide expertise on happiness, mindfulness and thoughtful gift giving this holiday season.

Unidel H. Rodney Sharp Chair and Professor

Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences

Assistant Professor of Marketing

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. 

experts-share-practical-guidance-for-a-healthier-happier-holiday-season

Experts share practical guidance for a healthier, happier holiday season

UD professors offer guidance on emotional health, meaningful joy and avoiding common seasonal pitfalls.

The holiday season is a time of tradition, connection and celebration – but it also brings its own set of challenges, from food safety concerns to emotional stress. University of Delaware experts are available to speak with reporters and provide practical, research-backed guidance to help audiences make the most of the season.

Avoid common food safety mistakes  Holiday meals are a centerpiece of celebration, but preparing them safely is essential. Diane Oliver, UD Health and Well-being Extension agent, has identified the top five mistakes people make when handling and preparing turkey – and how to avoid them. She can offer timely food safety tips to ensure families enjoy their meals without risk.
 Protect your mental well-being  The holidays can stir up complex emotions as families come together. UD psychology professors Franssy Zablah and Zachary Meehan can provide expert insight into how to maintain mental wellness, manage stress, and set healthy boundaries during holiday gatherings.

Find genuine holiday joy  Beyond checklists and shopping, how do people actually experience lasting happiness during the holidays? Assistant professor Amit Kumar can share research-backed strategies on pursuing meaningful, authentic joy rather than fleeting holiday pressure.

Preserve your decorations for years to come  Family ornaments and decorations often carry sentimental value. Art conservation expert Debra Hess Norris can explain how to properly store and care for holiday decorations so they remain vibrant and intact year after year.

 Connect with these experts  All of these University of Delaware experts are available for media interviews and commentary.
Reporters and editors interested in speaking with them can reach out to mediarelations@udel.edu for a quick response and support.







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