News Archive - 2026

students helping each other
Franklin sociologist explores the power of brief encounters

A new study by Joseph Hermanowicz, a professor of sociology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, examines how brief encounters between strangers can create a sense of connection and belonging. Hermanowicz calls these moments “evanescent interactions”—fleeting but meaningful exchanges that communicate recognition, empathy, and acceptance. His research explores how such interactions can counter loneliness, strengthen communities, and even…

UVEX device
UGA will join NASA mission to make the first deep ultraviolet all-sky maps

Franklin’s incoming physics department head serves as co-investigator of UltraViolet EXplorer  NASA has passed a key milestone in a new mission to survey how galaxy and stars evolve, and an incoming Franklin College of Arts and Sciences department head will serve as co-investigator on the project.   NASA announced its commitment to the UVEX mission, or UltraViolet EXplorer mission. By 2031, the mission aims to launch a new…


Spring 2027 Publication Internship with the Department of Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy seeks a publication intern for Spring 2027 for approximately 9 hours/week. The Publication Intern will gain hands-on experience engaging the full publishing process surrounding a new online open-access journal devoted to short works of philosophical aesthetics, (Æ) Lab: 999. This Internship is ideal for students pursuing the Publications Certificate or for Philosophy and/or English majors, but applications…

Researchers in the lab
Franklin College invests in collaborative research through 2027 seed grant projects  

A new cohort of promising projects funded by the Multidisciplinary Seed Grant Program was announced this week, representing opportunities from AI in healthcare to a studio for singing actors.   The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences program responds to the need for new paradigms that shape future research, life-long learning, public service, and dynamic entrepreneurship. Projects that receive funding follow one of two paths: the…

Group photo of participants
Racing the Clock: Life science students design DNA solutions during UGA’s first BioMaker Hackathon

Students from across the life sciences gathered at the Miller Learning Center on Friday, Nov. 6, for the university’s first biology-focused 24-hour Hackathon.   Teams represented a broad range of departments and studies – from neuroscience and biochemistry to biochemical engineering and genetics. Participants had just one day to tackle a challenge by designing an engineered biological solution, which was then presented to a panel of…

: Members of the science team prepare a CTD rosette
UGA researchers receive $2.28M to study marine microbes and the carbon cycle

NSF renews support for multi-university coalition studying networks of marine microbes and molecules   UGA researchers will receive $2.28 million from the National Science Foundation to continue investigating the chemical exchanges among marine microorganisms and their influence on the global carbon cycle.   Based at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, the center hosts a multidisciplinary coalition…