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Pope Leo XIV Releases First Encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas"
On May 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV released his first papal encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.” The letter—true to its title’s meaning of “magnificent humanity”—addresses how society, collectively, must preserve human virtues in a time of rapid technological advancement. The 42,000-word document features five distinct chapters, exploring various elements of the broader issue at hand and serving as a guidepost for moral and ethical use of technology, through the lens of Church teachings. It covers everything from the development and principles of Church social doctrine to technological responsibility, the culture of power, building civilization through love and preserving humanity through truth, work and freedom. “In recent years, it has become increasingly evident how rapidly and profoundly digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming our world,” wrote Pope Leo in the encyclical’s introduction. “Technology should not be considered, in itself, as a force antagonistic to humanity. On the contrary… “Over the centuries, technological development has significantly improved the living conditions of humanity. At the same time, each phase of progress has also revealed the ambiguity of tools that can cause harm when not oriented toward the good… The power and prevalence of emerging technologies are interwoven into the fabric of daily life, shaping decision-making processes and deeply affecting the collective imagination: ‘Never has humanity had such power over itself.’ “[Most] people are watching and waiting, observing from afar and merely hoping for the best. For this very reason, crucial questions impose themselves on our conscience and can no longer be avoided: Where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?” What Is a Papal Encyclical? Popes have written more than 300 encyclicals—or “circulating letters”—since the mid-18th century. They were initially used to clearly communicate doctrine and guidance to priests throughout the world who were facing religious, political or social issues, which was especially useful as the world grew more interconnected and the Church grew larger. Beginning with Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum and continuing today, some papal encyclicals have been referred to as “social encyclicals” because they address a pervasive social issue through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and are written not only for those within the Church, but laypeople as well. Some examples of those included Pope Saint John Paul’s 1987 Sollicitudo Rei Socialis on international inequality, and Pope Francis’ 2015 Laudato Si’ on environmental care and social justice. “[Pope Leo XIII and his successors] were developing a new way of teaching the world how to order itself according to Catholic principles, now translated into a vocabulary that would be intelligible to the larger world,” said Patrick Brennan, JD, Chair of Catholic Legal Studies at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, on LiveNow From Fox. “They try to address important social questions in ways that any person of goodwill can read and understand.” “Encyclicals contribute to our collective wisdom for how to live as community,” wrote Sally Scholz, PhD, professor of Philosophy at Villanova, in her recent contribution to Church Life Journal titled “What to Look For in Pope Leo XIV's First Social Encyclical.” “The principles and various themes they discuss offer guidance for day-to-day interpersonal interactions as well as for how to participate as a Catholic and as a “person of good will” at every level of social existence: in our families, our communities, our institutions, our states and in our ‘one human family.’” Observations From Magnifica Humanitas A New Twist on a Longstanding Issue While the types of technology being discussed in the letter—particularly artificial intelligence—are unique to our modern times, encyclicals addressing how to interact with contemporary technology are far from it. “Discussion of the relationship between humans and technology appears in many of the previous social encyclicals,” wrote Dr. Scholz in Church Life Journal. “It is a social phenomenon with so much promise but inspires so much fear for how it will change work and the workplace, communication, global trade, war and the family.” “Technology is integral to evolution. Understanding technology's relationship to human welfare means grasping its role within the flow of biological and human life,” wrote Sister Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD, the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Christian Theology in the 2025 Global Sisters Report. What Pope Leo argues in his lengthy letter, boiled down to a few sentences, is that while technological advancements, and AI in particular, can be beneficial to society, they must never supersede human dignity, moral responsibility and the common good. A society that allows systems to replace human judgment, concentrate power or exploit workers risks dehumanization. For Jaisy Joseph, PhD, assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University, particularly striking was something not written in the document itself, but rather spoken at the official promulgation of the letter in Rome. There, Pope Leo was joined in powerful reflection by Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah. Olah analogized the current reality with bringing a fictional character to life, citing that while technical fields build the machinery of AI, “what character we choose, how it interacts with the world, how it ought to interact with the world— these are more clearly questions for the humanities, for religion, for philosophy, for society at large.” On that front, he then enlisted the help of the Church in addressing three pressing concerns related to AI and human flourishing, before ending with a request for the Church to continue to be an unyieldingly moral voice and informed critic. “The dynamic dialogue and discernment between Leo and Olah reflect a significant continuity with the Francis papacy,” Dr. Joseph said, referencing the late pontiff’s encouragement of “theology to adopt a transdisciplinary method that recognized how this discipline is part of a web of relationships among disciplines.” Technology Through the Lens of Augustinian Theology Throughout Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo’s ubiquitous thoughts and guidance on safeguarding humanity—particularly in the context of modern technology—are infused with references to the teachings of St. Augustine. “[Augustine’s teachings say] we need standards to guide our judgements and actions,” said Terence Sweeney, PhD, assistant teaching professor of Humanities at Villanova. “Pope Leo XIV, ‘a son of St. Augustine,’ offers us standards for how we judge our world in the age of AI. “One surprising standard in a document on Big Tech is that ‘a litmus test for social justice today is the treatment of migrants, refugees and those forced to move.’ Why this litmus test? Leo is shaped by Augustine’s rejection of communities of perfection where only the pure, powerful and perfect are welcome.” “Pope Leo beautifully aligns himself with traditional Catholic Social Teaching while grounding his vision in the theology of St. Augustine,” Dr. Joseph added. “The result is a groundbreaking defense of the human person in our new age of artificial intelligence.” Pope Leo, through a scriptural metaphor of the Tower of Babel, “resurrects Augustine’s famous warning that human history is a constant struggle between two loves fighting for our hearts,” Dr. Joseph said. He references how the builders of the tower tried to create “a single language, a single technology, a single direction” without reference to God. “The concluding paragraphs of chapter three highlight Pope Leo XIV’s distinctively Augustinian approach to evaluating the place of technology and scientific progress in the world,” said Emma Kennedy, PhD, assistant professor of Christian Ethics at Villanova University. “What we love, ‘both as individuals and as a society,’ will guide us to participate in ‘the rebuilding of Jerusalem’ or ‘the construction of Babel’––a contrast that hearkens back to Augustine’s ‘two cities.’” “Pope Leo [also] draws on an Augustinian spirituality that highlights fundamental desiring in the shared search for truth,” added Tim Hanchin, PhD, associate professor of Practical Theology at Villanova. “Our desire for truth, or wonder, reflects humanity’s transcendent origin and end. That we are created in the image and likeness of the Triune God (Genesis 1:26-27) distinguishes human knowing from mere data processing.” A Discussion on Slavery, Past and Present Intermixed with Pope Leo’s chapter four thoughts on modern slavery—such as various forms of human trafficking that he says are “directly linked to the digital economy”—he made an historic recognition and apology for the Church’s role in the transatlantic slave trade centuries ago. Tia Noelle Pratt, PhD, special assistant to the Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Villanova University, assistant professor of Sociology, and editor of the Journal of Catholic Social Thought, said that what makes this acknowledgement so important is how it differs from the way previous popes have addressed the issue, which have condemned slavery but remained at the individual level. “They spoke of their papal predecessors and those popes’ actions, but stopped short of invoking the institution itself and the institution's role in the promulgation of slavery,” Dr. Pratt said. Tying it back to current affronts on human dignity fueled by the digital age, Pope Leo penned his own papal version of the famous saying that “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” “If we want to avoid the need to ask for pardon again in the future for having failed to respect the treasure of human dignity that is required by our faith, it falls to us today to denounce, clearly and firmly, trafficking in its many forms,” he wrote. “Pope Leo is telling us today that we cannot have detachment between the past and the present,” Dr. Pratt said. “We must see how these things are connected.” Inspired by Rerum Novarum, but Far From a Repeat Pope Leo XIV signed Magnifica Humanitas on May 15—the 135th anniversary of the release of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum. That was the most famous social encyclical issued by the long-reigning pontiff and is considered to be a foundational text of modern Catholic Social Thought. It addressed numerous issues facing the working class during the time of the Industrial Revolution. On May 10, 2025—just two days after his election—Pope Leo referenced his namesake’s 1891 encyclical in an address to the College of Cardinals, foreshadowing the attention he intended to pay to the modern version of the same issue. “Pope Leo XIII in his historic encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution,” Pope Leo said in that address. “In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor.” Yet, while he was explicitly inspired by the 19th-century pontiff and his text, Pope Leo makes it clear early in Magnifica Humanitas that “While Leo XIII spoke in his time of ‘new things’ (rerum novarum), today we cannot limit ourselves simply to repeating his insightful teachings. “Instead, we must ask God for the wisdom to interpret the great trends of our time, particularly technological advances.”
TCU Chemistry Researcher Named a Big 12 Faculty of the Year
Kayla Green has built an internationally recognized research program while mentoring the next generation of scientists at Texas Christian University, and her efforts are getting noticed. The chemistry professor and assistant dean of undergraduate affairs at the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering represents TCU among this year’s Big 12 Faculty of the Year honorees. The Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award honors outstanding faculty who excel in innovation and research at each of the athletic conference’s 16 universities. Honorees represent and reflect the best attributes that make a Big 12 college campus a bastion for learning and growth. “In my view, Professor Green exemplifies the fact that student success cannot happen without research, and world-leading research cannot happen without authentic, student-centered experiences,” wrote a nominator when Green was named the 2025 winner of the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. “Professor Green has maintained a vibrant, externally funded research program throughout the past 15 years, a distinction shared by very few TCU faculty.” Green was chosen in part for her international reputation in the field of inorganic chemistry as applied to neurodegenerative diseases and catalysis, as well as her leadership in a growing research program that has brought in more than $2.5 million in external support. This includes work with Ben Janesko, professor and chair of chemistry and biochemistry, and biology professors Giri Akkaraju and Michael Chumley on a grant from the National Institutes of Health. Green’s collaborative work with students highlights her ability to weave together research and mentorship. “Dr. Green’s vision and drive have strengthened the foundation of our college,” said T. Dwayne McCay, interim dean of Davis College. “Her ability to inspire students and colleagues alike reflects the kind of leadership that propels our mission forward.” One of her most impactful initiatives is Chemistry Boot Camp, a program she developed with colleagues Janesko and Heidi Conrad to help incoming students build confidence before their first chemistry class. The Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award is intended to showcase the diversity of research breakthroughs and educational opportunities afforded to students attending Big 12 institutions and helps attract future students. This year’s award recipients stretch across a vast array of departments. “We are constantly looking for ways to highlight how Big 12 faculty continue to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders,” Jenn Hunter, Big 12 chief impact officer said. “From the arts and filmmaking to business and engineering, this year’s cohort showcases the vast opportunities available to students pursuing an education on Big 12 campuses.” Faculty members were nominated by their institutions in conjunction with conference faculty athletic representatives, provosts and other university leaders. “I’m very honored to represent TCU as a Big 12 Faculty of the Year,” Green said. “I hope that I am not expected to exhibit any athletic skill sets but am happy to cheer on the Frogs in all they do in our classrooms and competitions! Congratulations to the honorees from across our great conference. TCU has the best faculty, and I am happy to represent them in this capacity.”
Seeing Green: Chemistry Professor Transforming Undergraduate Research at TCU
When it comes to advancing both student success and world-class research, Kayla Green embodies how the two can go hand in hand. The chemistry professor and assistant dean of undergraduate affairs at the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering has built an internationally recognized research program while mentoring the next generation of scientists and reshaping how chemistry is taught at Texas Christian University. Her leadership weaves together research and mentorship in ways that have elevated the department’s impact. With more than $2.5 million in external funding and a track record of collaboration around the globe, Green’s work has not only advanced the field of inorganic chemistry, particularly as applied to neurodegenerative diseases and catalysis, but also strengthened TCU’s standing as a hub for undergraduate research excellence. “In the summer heading into my junior year, I began working on what would be my research project in Dr. Green’s lab … that would use iron as a catalyst in molecules. I would end up presenting that research in my senior year,” said Jack Bonnell ’24, a John V. Roach Honors College laureate. Iron is more affordable, more available and less societally problematic than preexisting palladium- or platinum-based molecules. “By the end of my senior year, I was able to achieve comparable results with my iron catalyst as you could achieve with palladium or platinum,” said Bonnell, now a second-year medical student at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU. “That was a pretty cool moment in my research, to be able to put it up there in comparison to those.” Since joining TCU in 2010, Green has mentored more than 50 undergraduate students in her lab, many of whom have gone on to publish their work, present at national conferences and pursue medical or doctoral degrees. She has also been instrumental in creating programs that prepare students to succeed in challenging classes and stay the course in scientific disciplines. “Dr. Green’s vision and drive have strengthened the foundation of our college,” said T. Dwayne McCay, interim dean of the Davis College of Science & Engineering. “Her ability to inspire students and colleagues alike reflects the kind of leadership that propels our mission forward.” Lifting Them Up One of Green’s most impactful initiatives is Chemistry Boot Camp, a program she developed with colleagues Ben Janesko and Heidi Conrad to help incoming students build confidence before their first chemistry class. “The boot camp helps lift them up, and it’s really helped with retention of students in pre-health and science fields,” said Timothy Barth, psychology professor and associate dean of graduate affairs in Davis College. “She didn’t have to do this; she created it because of her commitment and dedication to the students.” Green’s innovative use of grant funding has expanded laboratory resources, supported student travel to conferences and strengthened research collaborations. The result is a department that rivals larger institutions in both output and opportunity. “Davis College does a fantastic job on undergraduate research training,” Green said. “We are a powerhouse.” For Green, teaching and research are inseparable. Her classroom and laboratory experiences are deliberately interconnected, allowing students to see how chemistry concepts play out in the real world. “Going into a lot of these complicated diagnoses and being able to break them down into digestible pieces of information for patients is a skill that I definitely can see as useful in my future as a physician,” Bonnell said. As much as the material itself, he credits Green’s mentorship and the opportunities she provided for his preparation for medical school. “I had only taken Dr. Green’s general chemistry course in my first semester as a freshman at TCU. I joined her lab in the spring semester of my freshman year, and I knew only the bare minimum about chemistry. I was in meetings with graduate students who had been working on projects for years,” Bonnell said. “At the beginning, she bounced me around, and I worked with different graduate students to learn all the different things they were doing to find my best fit.” That blend of rigor and encouragement has become a hallmark of her approach and a model for other departments seeking to integrate research more deeply into the undergraduate experience. Building on Success Green’s excellence has earned her wide recognition, including honors from the American Chemical Society (Emerging Investigator and Women Chemists Rising Star awards), TCU’s Deans’ Award for Research and Creative Activity and, most recently, the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. She now brings that same analytical insight and collaborative spirit to her position as the college’s assistant dean of undergraduate affairs, a role she began this academic year. “We’ve already begun to experience her decision-making and analysis as part of the dean’s team,” Barth said. “In a short period of time, she’s proving to be an amazing and remarkable administrator.” Looking ahead, Green continues to build on her success through a National Institutes of Health R15 AREA grant, which supports undergraduate research and provides students with opportunities to contribute to federally funded science. “TCU Chemistry has an incredible record of placing students in medical school, Ph.D. programs and research labs across the country,” Green said. “It’s rewarding to see our students thrive in environments that started with their hands-on experiences here.”
Entering Second Year of Papacy, Pope Leo XIV Faces Both Historic and Novel Challenges
In his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV shared with the world a message of hope, communion and reconciliation, emphasizing the need to “build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.” Throughout the last 12 months, the Pontiff has placed these values at the forefront of his work and ministry, pairing active collaboration with prayerful contemplation in his leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. In the coming years, that emphasis is likely to continue, as the Pope addresses longstanding rifts and evolving challenges within the Church and beyond. Asked to consider the most striking aspects of his early papacy, and to reflect on the most pressing issues he currently faces, Villanova faculty members studying the pontificate had a wide variety of responses. Jaisy A. Joseph, PhD Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies For Dr. Joseph, Pope Leo’s first year has been defined by a spiritual vision centered on unity, listening and shared responsibility. “From the beginning of his papacy, Leo emphasized that we are a synodal Church working towards peace and moving forward together. Leo’s Augustinian formation will absolutely leave its imprint on what Pope Francis started. While the two have distinct personalities and styles, there is a fundamental continuity with Francis that Leo has signaled. Leo stresses that at the core of the Church is a deeper desire for a spirituality of ‘we’—a Church rooted in deep listening and bold speaking. This is where the Augustinian charism makes itself known. “This unity does not erase differences. Instead, it asks, ‘How do we create friendships that are strong enough to bear the tensions of our differences?’ In a world shaped by ‘us versus them,’ Leo insists on recognizing Christ in the completely different ‘other.’ “Finally, his leadership style is marked by discernment. Listening is so critical to him, and any caution he displays is not out of fear but wanting to listen before speaking. In a noisy world, he insists that we just need silence—trusting that through shared listening, the Church can move forward together.” Luca Cottini, PhD Professor of Italian Studies For Dr. Cottini, Pope Leo’s first year has been marked by a clear effort to position the Church in active dialogue with the modern world—especially in response to emerging global challenges, migration and an increasingly interconnected faith community. He draws parallels to the priorities of Leo XIV’s namesake, Pope Leo XIII. “Catholic social doctrine is a doctrine that the Church established to address subjects that are not directly written about in the Gospel. This doctrine was important for Pope Leo XIII and is increasingly important for Leo XIV as well. ‘Leo’ is a name that relates back to Catholic social doctrine and the need to read the changing signs of the times. By choosing the name ‘Leo,’ the Pope signaled his desire to respond to contemporary issues. “Leo XIV has also harkened back to Leo XIII in his first year by viewing migration and immigration not as a plight, but rather as an opportunity to enter into contact with new worlds. This approach connects to Leo XIV’s own background and perspective, which includes both proximity to and distance from the United States, giving him both an outsider and insider perspective as well as a critical thinking lens on these issues. “Lastly, Leo XIV has used his first year to elevate this idea of a universal Church that is much needed, shaped by his global exposure and an ability to see the world through the lens of others. He sees that we can dialogue with the world, approaching modernity not as an enemy but as something to engage with.” Patrick McKinley Brennan, JD John F. Scarpa Chair in Catholic Legal Studies According to Professor Brennan, “One of the issues that is on the Pope’s radar and has been from before the conclave is the question of the traditional Latin Mass,” a cause championed by various cardinals, bishops, priests and lay faithful around the globe. As he shares, it is a matter of great interest to a small but growing number of Catholics who recall Pope Benedict XVI’s statement that the traditional Mass—the Mass as it was celebrated by most Catholics since 1570—was “never juridically abrogated” following the Second Vatican Council. “Pope John Paul II in the 1980s, and then Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, liberalized access around the world to the traditional Mass. But Pope Francis revoked most of those permissions, citing ‘facts’ that have subsequently been called into question by investigative journalists and others. Pope Francis issued a document called Traditionis custodes, which [went against] the permissions that Benedict XVI gave in a document called Summorum pontificum in July 2007. “Now, the leadership of the Society of St. Pius X [an anti-modernist priestly fraternity] have announced that they’re going to ordain new bishops, the exact thing that got some of their predecessors excommunicated in 1988, so that the traditional Mass can continue to be celebrated and other sacraments can continue to be provided to Catholics according to the traditional rites. Reading between the lines, I think the Society of St. Pius X is trying to force Pope Leo’s hand on the Latin Mass. He’s been biding his time, working out how to respond to this hard question, and I think they’ve just decided that it’s an all-or-nothing situation. “It’s an example of how Pope Leo inherited some big problems, and I think most of the cardinals who elected him thought that they had chosen someone who, because he can listen and is committed to unity, will try his very best to find a solution that remains faithful to Catholic doctrine while bringing in as many voices as possible. Ironically, Pope Francis reduced legitimate diversity in Catholic liturgy, and while Pope Leo has a chance to restore that diversity, he has to do so in a way that addresses the irregular situation of the Society of St. Pius X.” Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Christian Theology Looking ahead, Sister Delio says one of the most significant social developments Pope Leo must face is the rise of advanced technologies—in particular, increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence models. “Our theological anthropology needs a bit of updating, as it does not currently meet the needs of our very complex world today. There are a lot of discussions on artificial intelligence and advanced technology, but the problem is that these technologies are already here and rapidly advancing. “So, we have to face this reality, not by asking ‘What is happening to us?’ but ‘What are we becoming with our technologies?’ and ‘How best can we remain human in an AI world?’ I think Pope Leo is asking similar questions, considering what makes the human person the image of God, what makes us distinct and whether there are human values that cannot be downloaded or reproduced in a digital medium. “At the same time, we must ask: Can technology deepen the human spirit by enabling a new level of collective life? Can AI technology empower the Body of Christ?” To speak with any of these faculty experts, please contact mediaexperts@villanova.edu.
Delaware emerges as a test bed for the future of AI in health care
Delaware is positioning itself as a “living lab” where academia, health systems and government collaborate to shape the future of artificial-intelligence-enabled health care. The latest issue of the Delaware Journal of Public Health, guest edited by University of Delaware computer scientists Weisong Shi and Yixiang Deng, brings together 16 articles from researchers, clinicians, policymakers and industry leaders examining how AI and big data are reshaping health care. The issue, debuting this month, balances Delaware-specific topics with broader perspectives, highlighting three levels of impact: what Delaware can expect in the coming years, what other states can learn from Delaware’s approach and how UD research is advancing AI for health through collaborations. “At UD, we don’t work in isolation. We’re working closely with health care systems so that innovation happens together from the beginning,” says Shi, Alumni Distinguished Professor and Chair of UD’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences. Highlights from the issue include: The nation’s first nursing fellowship in robotics – ChristianaCare, Delaware’s largest health system, created an eight-month fellowship to train bedside nurses to conduct applied robotics research. Nurses who completed the program reported higher job satisfaction, improved well-being and greater professional confidence, suggesting programs like this may help retain the bedside workforce and reduce nationwide staffing shortages. Wheelchairs that navigate hospitals on their own – UD researchers developed a prototype autonomous wheelchair that combines onboard sensors and computing with software that interprets spoken directions from users, a step toward moving beyond systems that only work in controlled environments. To operate effectively in health care settings, the researchers say, wheelchairs must be able to navigate crowded hallways, interact with doors and elevators and recover safely when sensors or navigation systems fail. Smarter insulin dosing for type 1 diabetes – Researchers are developing computer models to predict blood sugar (glucose) trends and guide insulin delivery, but must address issues such as noisy data, reliable real-time prediction and the computational limits of wearable devices. A review by UD researchers and colleagues emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, standardized datasets, advances in computational infrastructure and clinical validation to turn these models into practical tools that improve patient care. To interview Shi about AI in health care and the new DJPH issue, click his profile or email MediaRelations@udel.edu. ABOUT WEISONG SHI Weisong Shi is an Alumni Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Delaware. He leads the Connected and Autonomous Research Laboratory. He is an internationally renowned expert in edge computing, autonomous driving and connected health. His pioneering paper, “Edge Computing: Vision and Challenges,” has been cited over 10,000 times.
Recently named a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International, Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering, received one of the organization’s highest honors. The designation recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary and sustained impacts on the mobility industry through technical excellence, leadership, innovation and dedicated service to the profession and to SAE International. “SAE Fellows – whose leadership and technical contributions strengthen our organization embody the highest level of professional achievement,” said Carla Bailo, 2026 SAE International president and chair of the board of directors. “Election to SAE Fellow reflects an individual’s lasting influence on mobility engineering and reinforces the standards of excellence that guide SAE’s strategic direction.” Selected through a comprehensive review process led by the SAE International Fellows Committee and approved by the SAE International Board of Directors, SAE Fellows exemplify the organization’s mission to advance mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity. “It is a great honor to receive this distinction from an organization that is so essential to the advancement of the automotive industry,” said Eskandarian. “I hope to continue collaborating with engineers, researchers and other professionals who share a vision for the great work we can do to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation.” Numerous scientific and technical contributions to automotive safety, academic programs, workforce development in crashworthiness, collision avoidance, advanced driver assistance systems, intelligent vehicles, and autonomous driving have stemmed from the more than 40 years of work Eskandarian has pioneered. His research on intelligent and autonomous vehicles includes the development of novel methods for driver safety systems. As an academic leader, Eskandarian’s enduring commitment to education, mentorship and service led him to start impactful academic programs at several universities. This includes robotics and autonomous systems programs and new master’s concentrations at the VCU College of Engineering, a graduate academic program in intelligent transportation systems and an undergraduate concentration in transportation engineering at George Washington University, and an automotive engineering concentration at Virginia Tech. Eskandarian is also a Fellow of two other technical societies, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Recently named the nuclear program director at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering, Gennady Miloshevsky, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, answers some questions about the direction of VCU Engineering’s nuclear program and what he hopes it can accomplish. What are your top priorities for the nuclear program at the VCU College of Engineering? I want to focus on student development, innovative research and our rankings in best program lists, but that is not everything. Strategy is important. We need to align ourselves with the country’s national energy needs. There are many new developments in the energy sector, like small modular reactors or fusion energy systems, and having the right faculty to engage with these advancements is important. Providing students with a well-rounded education and good opportunities for gaining experience benefits the College of Engineering’s public and private sector partners. Nuclear subject matter is complex, so higher education is very important for workforce development. We want to build partnerships, like the one we have with Dominion Energy, that support this goal. A priority for me is continuing to establish relationships with Commonwealth Fusion Systems, which seeks to build and operate the first commercial grid-scale fusion plant in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Our workforce partners will benefit from VCU’s well-trained nuclear engineering graduates joining the workforce. So, aligning our strategy with national energy needs, hiring the right faculty to support our programs and building industry partnerships that benefit our student’s education and career opportunities are important things for VCU Engineering’s nuclear program. Where would you like to see the College of Engineering’s nuclear program 10 years from now? I would like to see growth in the nuclear program. For example, some new graduate courses on topics like nuclear materials or fusion energy. In 2024, I developed a general course for fusion energy, so building out a curriculum that goes more in-depth would be good. When you look at small modular reactors and micro reactors, current energy policy does not allow private companies to build their own. However, as energy demands increase, policy could change to where you see these compact devices installed in places like data centers, for example. A more in-depth curriculum allows VCU Engineering students to step into industry roles that lead growth of the energy industry while also ensuring students are capable of adapting to the changing field and taking advantage of new developments. What sort of cross-disciplinary opportunities are there for the College of Engineering’s nuclear program? Nuclear engineering and nuclear science are very interdisciplinary fields. You have physics that covers the nuclear reaction and the radiation it generates, for example, then chemistry is needed when talking about nuclear fuel cycles and nuclear waste. You also need materials science because good materials capable of withstanding radiation and high temperatures are needed in nuclear fission and fusion energy systems. This science then connects to engineering, building the reactors, the energy distribution systems like a power grid. It is a small sample of the overall work, but you see how mechanical and electrical engineering are key to this part. All these disciplines come together to solve the same problem. One researcher might be figuring out how to confine plasma and make it stable, then another researcher is looking at how plasma can disrupt the containment wall and how to make materials to protect the wall. Within our department, we are making connections between mechanical-focused faculty working on high-temperature ceramics or additive manufacturing techniques and those of us researching nuclear energy systems in order to make joint proposals. We are also collaborating outside VCU. As an example, I am involved with an alliance founded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) comprised of 17 universities, research labs and military centers. Coordinated through DTRA, we work together on many of the same problems.Through this partnership, my Ph.D. students do summer research rotations with national labs like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California and The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. We also bring cadets and midshipman into VCU from other institutions, like the DTRA Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Center, United States Military Academy West Point and the Virginia Military Institute, whose students have been part of research experience for undergraduates programs in the summer. How is artificial intelligence impacting the field of nuclear engineering? So, the United States is sponsoring the Genesis Mission, which seeks to transform science innovation through the power of AI. One area of the Genesis Mission is nuclear fission and fusion energy. I see this playing out with the Department of Energy encouraging national labs, universities and industry to work together on applying these AI advancements to solve the research problems of nuclear energy. It is a great opportunity for students, who we can involve in this work to give them real-world experience with topics they will see after graduation. Last semester I taught a course at VCU on the practical applications of AI on nuclear engineering problems. It is not something like ChatGPT or anything like that. What we did is take Google’s TensorFlow platform that is a library of AI models and machine neural networks. Using Python scripting students learn how to apply these AI resources to about 30 problems in mechanical and nuclear engineering. They create scripts, use data sets and run analytics. We have a nuclear reactor simulator and I have some ideas to create AI-based software we can pair with the simulator, then give the software a data set and let it control the operation of the simulator in a safe way. Tell us about your background. What brought you VCU and the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering? Actually, I am not a mechanical or a nuclear engineer. My background is in physics. I graduated from the Belarusian State University in 1990 and continued to a Ph.D. in physics from the Heat and Mass Transfer Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus working on topics related to fusion plasmas and nuclear weapon effects. In space, nuclear weapons produce shockwaves and radiation. I computationally model these effects in my research to determine how something like a nuclear warhead detonation in orbit will impact the materials a satellite is made of, for example. My research also crosses over into nuclear fusion, specifically thermodynamic and optical plasma properties, fusion plasma disruptions, melt motion and splashing from plasma facing components. Accelerating Next-Generation Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography (ANGEL) is my most recent collaborative project, supported by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences. It involves two national laboratories, three universities and a private-sector company focusing on advancement of future micro-electronic chips, EUV photon sources, mitigation of material degradation and plasma chemistry. Prior to joining the VCU College of Engineering I worked at Purdue University at a DOE-funded center investigating nuclear fusion and the effects of plasma on materials. Around 2019 I wanted to develop my own lab, so I came to VCU with startup funds from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and DTRA. My first priority after joining the VCU College of Engineering was continuing my fusion research, the second was collaborating with an alliance of universities focused on work for DTRA and DOE.
Why Nick Cave’s First Public Outdoor Sculpture Found Its Home at Meijer Gardens
The permanent installation of Amalgam (Origin), Nick Cave’s first public outdoor sculpture in the world, marks a major moment for contemporary art in the Midwest and a defining milestone for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. As the curator who guided the project from concept to completion, Suzanne Ramljak offers essential insight into why this work matters now, how it fits within Cave’s evolving career, and what it signals about the growing role of public art in shaping cultural identity. The sculpture’s installation in October coincides with a pivotal period in Nick Cave’s career. On Feb. 13, he debuted “Nick Cave: Mammoth,” a monumental new body of work on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum through Jan. 3, 2027. Not only is it Cave's first solo exhibition in Washington, D.C., but it is the museum’s largest ever single-artist commission. And this spring, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago opens with a major, immersive installation by Cave, placing his work at the center of a national cultural moment. Against this timely backdrop, Meijer Gardens’ installation stands as a quiet but powerful first: the artist’s inaugural permanent outdoor public sculpture. Understanding the Significance of Nick Cave's Work The sculpture reflects the evolution of Nick Cave’s artistic practice, rooted in his groundbreaking Soundsuits series, a body of work first developed in response in the wake of Rodney King’s 1991 assault by police and designed to challenge viewers’ perceptions of identity, race, and community. Over decades, Cave’s work has moved from wearable performance art into public sculpture, allowing his socially engaged visual language to occupy shared civic space. The permanent presence of Amalgam (Origin) at Meijer Gardens highlights the institution’s commitment to showcasing art that resonates with broader cultural dialogues about resilience, protection, and collective identity. “Nick Cave’s art is deeply rooted - in his family, in community, in craft, and in nature. His work is also grounded in concerns of social justice. The power of Amalgam (Origin) stems from this fertile mix; a blend of the personal and communal, exceptional and traditional.” Suzanne Ramljak, Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Suzanne Ramljak is Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park where she oversees the acquisition, siting and curation of engaging sculptural exhibitions. View her profile The timing also highlights Cave’s deep Midwest ties. He lives and works in Chicago and earned his master's degree at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The Meijer Gardens installation connects those regional roots to a global artistic trajectory, reinforcing the Midwest’s influence on contemporary art at the highest level. Media Attention, Coverage and Cultural Momentum Since the installation was announced and unveiled, the sculpture has drawn significant regional, national and arts-focused media attention, underscoring its cultural weight and public resonance. Coverage has highlighted the work’s monumental scale, its distinction as Nick Cave’s first permanent outdoor public sculpture, and Meijer Gardens’ role as a national destination capable of supporting ambitious and timely contemporary art. Media narratives consistently framed the installation as both a major moment for Grand Rapids’ cultural landscape and a signal of Meijer Gardens’ growing influence within the national arts conversation. The range of coverage points to interest from music, arts, lifestyle, and cultural outlets, suggesting the installation’s appeal to a variety of audiences. That level of attention reflects not only the significance of the work itself, but also the curatorial vision guiding its placement and permanence, a process led by Suzanne Ramljak. Expert Insight: As Curator of Collections and Senior Curator of Sculpture, Ramljak brings expert perspective on: Why Meijer Gardens was the right home for Cave’s first outdoor public sculpture How this work fits within Cave’s broader artistic practice, particularly his engagement with performance, movement, and public space What permanence means in contemporary art, especially for works often associated with temporality and performance How landscape, scale, and audience interaction shape the experience of outdoor sculpture Her expertise situates the installation within both Cave’s career arc and Meijer Gardens’ long-standing commitment to presenting ambitious contemporary sculpture in dialogue with nature.
Julian Ku Analyzes International Law in Recent Media
Hofstra Law Professor Julian G. Ku has been featured in multiple news outlets, providing expert legal analysis on global issues and interpretations of international law. In a Newsweek article on China’s cancellation of flights to Japan, Prof. Ku provided commentary on how political pressures could play into fractious China-Japan relations. Prof. Ku also spoke with Dutch daily newspaper Trouw about China’s evolving vision of international law, explaining how Chinese leaders emphasize state sovereignty while downplaying human rights norms — a perspective that resonates in parts of the Global South. In Trouw, he described this selective approach as part of China’s broader effort to reshape the narrative around the postwar legal order. The Maurice A. Deane Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at Hofstra Law and Faculty Director of International Programs, Prof. Ku teaches and writes on international and constitutional law.
Wetlands: Nature’s First Line of Defense for Our Coast and Communities
Since the 1930s, Louisiana’s coastline has been reshaped by the relentless advance of the Gulf, with over 2,000 square miles of land disappearing beneath its waters and representing the largest loss of coastal land anywhere in the continental United States. This dramatic transformation has far-reaching consequences, threatening local economies, delicate ecosystems, and heightening the state’s exposure to hurricanes. In the face of these urgent challenges, LSU’s College of the Coast & Environment (CC&E) stands at the forefront, leading pioneering research and bold initiatives that not only protect Louisiana’s coast, but also build stronger, more resilient communities. Below are just a few examples of how CC&E is driving meaningful solutions for our coastal future. Wetlands are vital to protecting our coast, and CC&E researchers are actively investigating the role of both constructed and natural wetlands in reducing coastal flooding hazards. Through several projects funded through the US Army Corps of Engineers, Drs. Robert Twilley, Matthew Hiatt, and CC&E Dean Clint Willson, along with collaborators across campus, are conducting research on coastal ecosystem design - a framework that leverages the benefits of natural and nature-based coastal features, such as wetlands, environmental levees, and flood control gates – and how that could be integrated into engineering design and urban planning. Through the State of Louisiana’s ambitious Coastal Master Plan, administered by the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, wetland construction and restoration play a huge role in managing the Louisiana coastal region. Such innovative techniques leveraging natural and nature-based features require evaluation to determine the success of such projects, and CC&E researchers are using cutting-edge science to advance this endeavor. Dr. Tracy Quirk and her students are investigating the success of marsh restoration by comparing structural and functional characteristics (e.g., vegetation, elevation, hydrology, accretion, and denitrification) between two created marshes and an adjacent natural reference marsh along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. Wetlands not only serve as a buffer from storms and sea level rise but also play a major role in regulating greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to productive vibrant ecosystems. In large collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation, Dr. Giulio Mariotti is using computer models to forecast how coastal marshes may change in size, shape, and salinity in the future, and how these changes could affect methane emissions. As part of the same project, Drs. Haosheng Huang and Dubravko Justic are creating high-resolution hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models to predict changes in methane emissions in coastal Louisiana. In another project, with funding from Louisiana Center of Excellence, National Science Foundation, Louisiana Sea Grant, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Drs. Matthew Hiatt and John White have established a network of sensors to measure water levels and salinity throughout the wetlands in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, a region that has experienced significant land loss and storm impacts. The goal is to establish an understanding of the drivers of saline intrusion in marsh soils, and to ultimately determine what this means for the ecological resiliency of wetlands experiencing rapid change. CC&E’s leadership in wetlands science is recognized nationwide. It is the only college in the United States to have six faculty members—Drs. John White, John W. Day, Jr., Robert Twilley, William Patrick, James Gosselink, and R. Eugene Turner—honored with the prestigious National Wetlands Award. No other institution has had more than one recipient. Presented annually by the Environmental Law Institute, this award celebrates individuals whose work demonstrates exceptional innovation, dedication, and impact in wetlands conservation and education. CC&E’s unmatched record reflects decades of pioneering research and a deep commitment to safeguarding the nation’s most vulnerable coastal landscapes. Every day, CC&E channels this expertise into action—protecting Louisiana’s coast and, in turn, the communities, wildlife, and ecosystems that depend on it. Through bold research, collaborative partnerships, and a vision grounded in science, the college is shaping a more resilient future for coastal regions everywhere. CC&E is building teams that win in Louisiana, for the world. Article originally published here.
