Featured Post from University of Delaware

Hidden in plain sight: UD researcher exposes gaps in college application process

Analysis of 6 million Common App entries by Dominique Baker and colleagues reveals disparities in extracurricular reporting, prompting a push for fairer evaluations in the admissions policies.

Jun 11, 2025

2 min

In a groundbreaking study in the American Educational Research Journal, University of Delaware Associate Professor Dominique Baker and others has unveiled significant disparities in how students report extracurricular activities on college applications, highlighting inequities in the admissions process.

Analyzing over 6 million Common App submissions using natural language processing, the researchers discovered that white, Asian, wealthier, and private-school students tend to list more activities, leadership roles, and unique accomplishments compared to their peers from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, when underrepresented minority students did report leadership roles, they did so at rates comparable to their white and Asian American counterparts.

“All students do not have the ability to sign up for eight, 10 or 15 extracurricular activities,” Baker noted, emphasizing that many students must work to support their families, limiting their participation in extracurriculars.

To address these disparities, the researchers recommend reducing the number of activities students can list on applications—suggesting a cap of four or five—to encourage a focus on the quality and intensity of involvement rather than quantity. This approach aims to level the playing field, ensuring that students with limited opportunities can still showcase their potential effectively.

Baker and her colleagues draw attention to Lafayette College, which has recently reduced the number of extracurricular activities it reviews from 10 to six. While data on the impact of such changes is still forthcoming, the move aligns with the researchers’ recommendations and signals a shift toward more fair admissions practices. Other institutions are beginning to take note.

If you wish to delve deeper into this research and explore its implications for college admissions, Baker is available for interviews and has been in a number of national outlets like The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, and Inside Higher Ed. Her insights could provide valuable perspectives on creating a more fair admissions landscape.

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Aug 5, 2026

1 min

Mapping the ancient world with underwater robotics

As audiences flock to theaters for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, University of Delaware professor Art Trembanis is leading a real-life expedition to uncover one of ancient Greece's most important maritime landscapes. Trembanis, a professor in UD's School of Marine Science and Policy and an expert in seafloor mapping, marine robotics and underwater sensing technologies, recently led a team of students and researchers to the ancient harbor of Kenchreai, where they deployed autonomous underwater vehicles, advanced sonar systems and other cutting-edge mapping technologies to document a harbor that has remained hidden beneath the Mediterranean Sea for centuries. The expedition collected geospatial data that will allow researchers to reconstruct the ancient port in remarkable detail and ultimately create a "digital twin" of the site. The virtual model will enable archaeologists, engineers, students and the public to explore the harbor as if the water had been removed, preserving an invaluable piece of cultural heritage while advancing the use of marine technology in archaeology. Trembanis can discuss: Marine robotics and autonomous underwater vehicles Seafloor mapping and underwater imaging technologies The use of digital twins and 3D modeling to study underwater environments Advances in marine geospatial technology and ocean exploration Underwater archaeology and documenting submerged cultural heritage How engineering and marine science are transforming the study of oceans and ancient landscapes The role of emerging technologies in scientific discovery and education To arrange an interview with Trembanis, click on his profile or email mediarelations@udel.edu.

Jul 28, 2026

1 min

How Wildfires Impact Vulnerable Communities, Pets and Public Health Systems

Wildfires burning across the world, now in parts of France and Spain, are forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate. University of Delaware experts are available to discuss wildfire evacuations, vulnerable communities, animal rescue and the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure. Those experts, from UD’s Disaster Research Center, include: Sarah DeYoung Professor of sociology and criminal justice: • How people are forced to make split-second decisions involving horses, livestock and companion animals during fast-moving wildfires. • Why some owners must turn animals loose when evacuation time is limited. • Lessons from past disasters and animal rescue research. Jennifer Trivedi Assistant professor of anthropology: • The unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations during wildfires. • Complications surrounding evacuation decision-making and evacuation needs. • Long-term recovery following catastrophic disasters. Jennifer Horney Chair of UD’s Department of Epidemiology: • Health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure, including respiratory infections. • How wildfire smoke and airborne pollutants affect population health. • The strain major wildfires can place on public health and health care systems. To arrange an interview with these experts, visit their profile page and click on the "contact" button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Jul 22, 2026

2 min

Summer slide isn't just about academics

As summer reaches its midpoint, many parents are wondering how to keep their children engaged without turning the rest of the break into summer school. University of Delaware professors from the College of Education and Human Development say "summer slide" is real. However, preventing summer learning loss doesn't require expensive camps, tutors or educational apps. Instead, simple everyday activities can help children build academic skills, executive functioning and social-emotional development before they head back to school. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, internationally recognized expert in child development and early learning can comment on: Why children lose academic skills over the summer – and why the effects are greatest for under-resourced families Why parents shouldn't rely on "educational" apps Free, research-backed ways to keep preschoolers and elementary-age children learning through play, reading and everyday activities like grocery shopping, puzzles and scavenger hunts Andrea Glowatz, expert in special education and child development can comment on: Why boredom is actually good for children – and how it builds creativity, problem-solving and independence How summer routines help children, particularly those with learning differences or neurodivergence Why chores, calendars and family routines strengthen executive functioning, not just responsibility Sara Goldstein, expert in adolescent development and parent-teen relationships can comment on: Why teenagers experience a version of the summer slide through increased screen time, disrupted sleep and reduced activity Healthy ways parents can encourage independence before college, from managing money to building life skills Research showing that strengthening parent-teen relationships during the summer benefits both parents and young adults These experts can also comment on broader parenting topics including screen time, executive functioning, preparing children for the new school year, supporting neurodivergent learners, and helping teens transition to college. If you're planning back-to-school or parenting coverage and want to speak with any of these experts, click on their profiles or email mediarelations@udel.edu.