The conference, themed 鈥淭he Power of Story, Mental Health and Representation in Sport,鈥� begins at 10 a.m. and is open to all faculty, staff, students and community members. The conference may be of particular interest to student athletes and students majoring in human service studies, education, psychology, communications and public health.

The conference combines empathy, collaboration, critical reflection, storytelling, advocacy and networking to strengthen mental health for African American or Black identifying individuals and ally community members. The goal of the conference is to highlight wellness, belonging and access to support while elevating the experiences of Black athletes and the communities and identities they represent. The conference sessions will share why mental health matters and connect participants with tools, relationships and resources to encourage healing, growth and success beyond performance.

Participants can take part in breakout sessions, athlete and professional fire chats, gallery walks, community networking, keynote conversations, and workshops.

Featured speakers include NFL veteran and mental health advocate Marcus Smith II, community leader Lorenza Wilkins, Minority Women in Sports founder Andrea Durham, Selfly Enterpirise founder and therapist Adriana Londo帽o and founder of Epiphany-Hill Enterprises Amber Hill.

鈥淭his conference is personal to me,鈥� Cephus said. 鈥淎s a former track and field athlete, I know what it feels like to constantly chase being better and still feel like it is not enough. There were moments where I needed support and reassurance, and I did not always have that. The conference is me creating the space I wish existed for myself and for others, a space where people feel seen, heard and valued beyond what they produce.鈥�

The event provides conversation and practical education for participants to leave not only feeling understood but also equipped. It aims to reduce mental health stigma in athletic spaces, encourage identity development beyond performance, connect students with professionals and mentors, and introduce healthy coping and communication strategies.

The conference is centered in Cephus鈥檚 undergraduate research examining how racialized expectations influence the mental health experiences of Black female collegiate athletes.

鈥淭his research showed me that mental health in athletes cannot be understood without also understanding identity, race and the environments athletes are navigating,鈥� Cephus said.

Through interviews and demographic questionnaires with current and former collegiate athletes, she explored how these athletes experience pressure not just to perform but to represent strength, resilience and success without leaving room for vulnerability.

鈥淲hat I found is that many of these expectations become internalized, meaning athletes begin to measure their worth by how well they meet these narratives, even when it comes at the expense of their wellbeing,鈥� Cephus said. 鈥淭he conference translates this research into practice through guided conversations, workshops and mentorship opportunities.鈥�

Cephus wanted to do more beyond a research paper and created the conference for people to experience, engage with and grow from creating environments where athletes and students feel supported as whole people.

She hopes people walk away from the conference feeling seen and more connected to themselves and others.

鈥淚 want participants to understand that their worth is not defined by their performance, their tasks or what they produce,鈥� Cephus said. 鈥淚 also want them to leave with tools, language and support that they can carry with them beyond the conference.鈥�

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Cephus is a human services studies major from Hoover, Alabama. The conference is hosted by the Poverty and Social Justice Program and sponsored by the Student Government Association.

Butterbach鈥檚 path to research started in a cell biology course taught by Assistant Professor of Biology Efrain Rivera-Serrano, where she consistently asked questions and engaged deeply with the material. This curiosity led her to join the interdisciplinary project.

鈥淚t was a very 鈥榬ight place, right time鈥� circumstance,鈥� Butterbach said. 鈥淭his research was exactly the sort of thing I was looking to get involved in.鈥�

Through her Lumen Prize, Butterbach is working alongside two faculty mentors from different fields of study, Associate Professor of Mathematics Hwayeon Ryu and Rivera-Serrano, to study viral myocarditis, or heart inflammation, that occurs during the infection of many viruses. Her research is focused on examining the pathways that lead to excessive inflammation and how inflammation can be reduced without compromising the immune system鈥檚 ability to clear the virus.

鈥淢y research focuses on creating math out of biological reactions,鈥� Butterbach said. 鈥淯ltimately, the goal is to create a framework that helps us better understand and predict how cardiac inflammation progresses.鈥�

Viral myocarditis occurs when inflammation damages heart tissue, sometimes leading to long-term complications or sudden cardiac failure, particularly in young, active individuals. Although inflammation is a natural immune response, Butterbach鈥檚 research is exploring what causes that response to become excessive.

Butterbach uses mathematical modeling to integrate biology and immunology into a modeling framework to identify factors that most strongly drive harmful inflammation, revealing pathways that could be therapeutically targeted.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a balancing act to use equations to model what鈥檚 happening,鈥� Butterbach said. “If the model is too simple then it is not realistic to the human heart, but if the model is too complex, it becomes difficult to work with.鈥�

Taking an interdisciplinary approach

This research project鈥檚 strength lies in its collaboration and intersection between mathematics, biology and engineering. Mathematics offers the language and tools to create the models, while biology provides the foundation for understanding the disease. Engineering ties it together through design, problem-solving and a systems-level mindset.

鈥淭his project works precisely because it sits at the intersection of all three areas,鈥� Rivera-Serrano said. 鈥淓lise is especially well suited for this work because she is genuinely interested in connecting these disciplines rather than treating them as separate silos.鈥�

Ryu echoed this statement on Butterbach鈥檚 interdisciplinary approach.

鈥淓lise approaches research with a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, maturity and persistence, and she is genuinely committed to understanding how mathematics and biology inform one another,鈥� Ryu said. 鈥淗er ability to engage across disciplines and contribute thoughtfully at that intersection is what makes her such a strong and promising researcher.鈥�

Butterbach, Rivera-Serrano and Ryu meet weekly to refine their model, troubleshoot challenges and discuss literature.

鈥淭he steady back-and-forth is one of the strengths of the project,鈥� Rivera-Serrano said.

For Butterbach, working across disciplines has shaped how she approaches problems.

鈥淚鈥檝e always found that when different disciplines collide, it actually becomes easier to understand complex concepts,鈥� Butterbach said. 鈥淲orking across engineering, mathematics and virology is fascinating because each discipline approaches the same problem in a completely different way. Learning to think adaptively across disciplines and translate between them has been one of the most valuable parts of this experience.鈥�

Butterbach is motivated by the possibility of using interdisciplinary research to better understand human disease.

鈥淭he interdisciplinary nature and the way the team bring together mathematics, biology and engineering is not always easy to achieve, but Elise has embraced it fully and become an essential part of that process,鈥� Ryu said.

Collaborating on this research has been rewarding not only for Butterbach, but for her mentors as well.

鈥淲orking with Elise has been incredibly rewarding,鈥� Rivera-Serrano said. “She approaches a difficult project that requires her to be conversant in multiple disciplines with curiosity, maturity and persistence.鈥�

One takeaway she learned from working in disciplines outside of her major is that discoveries in one field almost always influence others.

鈥淏y learning how to think like a biologist, a mathematician and a physicist, I have become much more comfortable applying ideas from one subject to another, even when they seem unrelated at first.鈥�

She also values the work with her two mentors, Rivera-Serrano and Ryu, as they have helped her grow as a researcher.

鈥淒r. E spends a lot of time looking for resources that I can use to calculate the values of different parameters,鈥� Butterbach said. “Similarly, Dr. Ryu works tirelessly to not just improve my mathematical skills but also teaches me how to see mathematical theory working in the real world. They鈥檙e not just dedicated to this project; they鈥檙e also thinking about what comes next for me.”

Expanding her research

Butterbach was recently selected for a competitive Physical, Engineering and Biology Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at Yale University, focused on physics, engineering and biology. Butterbach hopes to expand her research on the cardiovascular system.

鈥淓lise鈥檚 acceptance is especially meaningful because it reflects national-level recognition of her promise as an undergraduate researcher in an interdisciplinary space,鈥� Rivera-Serrano said.

For Butterbach, the opportunity was surprising and motivating.

鈥淚 tried not to set any grand expectations for myself, so when I received the email I was genuinely surprised to be selected for the program,鈥� Butterbach said. 鈥淚t felt incredibly validating of the hard work and dedication I鈥檝e put into my studies.鈥�

At Yale, the program, like her research, is interdisciplinary covering biology, physics and engineering. She will expand her experience in computational and biological modeling while working alongside researchers.

鈥淭o me, this program represents the opening of new doors,鈥� Butterbach said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity to continue growing as a researcher, meet people working at the forefront of interdisciplinary science and explore new directions that I may not have encountered otherwise.鈥�

When Yidi Wu talks about Argentine tango, her face glows with the same energy she brings to the dance floor. Growing up in China, Wu learned choreographed dance, like ballet, modern dance and Chinese folk dance, but not partner dancing. Choreography is structured and dancers know the next moves in the routine. In tango, however, each step is improvised, which made Wu fall in love with the dance.

Wu discovered tango while studying to be a China historian at the University of California, Irvine, where she took partner-dance classes at the university gym. She gravitated toward tango and joined a student club for social dancing, where she eventually joined the Bay Area鈥檚 wider tango community. More than 10 years later, she still dances regularly 鈥� both for pleasure and for work. She describes herself as a historian by day and a dancer by night.

In addition to teaching courses on China, East Asia and world history, Wu also teaches a Winter Term Argentine tango course, which blends her academic expertise with her passion for dance. The course, which she has taught twice, combines history, film and, of course, dance. The course also gives students a broad understanding of tango鈥檚 global history. Each class, Wu introduces new vocabulary, emphasizing that tango functions as a language in its own way.

鈥淭he Argentine tango course is one of my favorite classes to teach because it is so different from what I usually teach and how I teach,鈥� said Wu, an associate professor of history and 黑料不打烊鈥檚 O鈥橞riant Developing Professor. 鈥淭ango is a social dance, and it is for everyone.鈥�

Because tango is a partner dance, Wu invites her local tango friends from Durham, Chapel Hill and Greensboro to join each class and help teach. Wu said she is very appreciative of the local tango community.

The Winter Term course concludes with a milonga, a tango dance party, that is open to the community and features musicians. Wu says milonga is an important part of her course on the history and culture around Argentine tango because the tango is meant to be enjoyed in a social setting.

鈥淭his course is very unique, and there are few courses like it in the United States,鈥� she said. 鈥淭eaching tango and combining dance with history is very interdisciplinary.鈥�

Students from a variety of majors have enrolled in the course. In fact, Wu said, the first year she taught it, none were dance majors, though many students grew up dancing or enjoyed movement.

If you are looking for Wu outside of the classroom, you can find her dancing at a local tango club in Durham.

Approximately 1,200 attendees visited campus from March 21-22 for the 2026 黑料不打烊 District Competition.

鈥淥ur university community supports events that develop students’ STEM skills and promote teamwork, problem solving and perseverance as they carry out their project work,鈥� said Scott Wolter, associate professor of engineering and chair of the Department of Engineering. 鈥淲e encourage learning at all levels as students explore what discipline of study excites them most.鈥�

In addition to matches and practice sessions, attendees toured campus, enjoyed an ice cream social and explored the engineering learning spaces in Innovation Hall and Founders Hall.

Eastbots (Team 4795) won the competition and will advance to the FIRST North Carolina Championship in Greensboro from April 10-12, 2026.

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a part of , a nonprofit organization devoted to helping young people discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology and math.

黑料不打烊 was selected as a host site after a nonprofit representative reached out to gauge the university鈥檚 interest in hosting the regional competition. Following internal discussions and planning, the Department of Engineering partnered with organizers to bring the event to campus.

鈥淔or the students who participated, we hope we conveyed 黑料不打烊鈥檚 support of educational activities and academic offerings as we see tremendous growth in our engineering program,鈥� Wolter said.

The performance, held in a concert hall regarded as one of the most prestigious stages in classical music, was the culmination of months of practice by the musicians and faculty.

For ensemble members, the opportunity to perform in the same venue as well-known musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan and Etta James was both an honor and milestone.

鈥淭here is so much history at Carnegie Hall and the fact that we are now part of that history, is quite remarkable,鈥� said Jonathan Poquette, Fletcher Moore Distinguished Emerging Scholar and director of bands. 鈥淚 am truly grateful for all that the students, community and university have done to make this possible. It still doesn鈥檛 feel real.鈥�

The program featured five pieces, including 鈥淭he Arc of the Helios and the Celestial Dial鈥� composed by Associate Professor Todd Coleman. Another performance piece was 鈥淯nfrettered鈥� by composer Jim Stephenson, who attended the performance.

The Wind Ensemble performance concluded the 24th Annual New York Wind Band Festival. Poquette said he enjoyed seeing the students鈥� excitement and sense of pride before, during and after the performance.

鈥淲hile we were performing, I was trying to remain in the moment,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hen the emotions shifted to a sense of pride for the students, and joy for all of their work.鈥�

For many of the student performers, the trip to New York City and the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a defining moment in their college career.

Reflections from student performers:聽

• 鈥淏eing able to perform on such an iconic stage was truly extraordinary. I have been playing the clarinet for around 10 years and have never been in such awe of a space I was performing in. The music we were able to create in that space is unlike anything I have ever done before. It was a product of all the hard work we put in as an ensemble.鈥� – Astrid Hughes 鈥�27, a statistics major from Long Valley, New Jersey
• 鈥淚t means the world that I was able to end my college band career with such an incredible performance playing on a Carnegie Hall Steinway & Sons grand piano. I remember standing backstage and seeing a schedule for those working the event and 鈥榩iano tuning鈥欌�� was scheduled before the concert started. At that moment, it really hit me that I would be playing on a near perfect piano for possibly the only time in my life. I will remember the look at Dr. Poquette鈥檚 face when we finished playing our last piece, 鈥淢achu Picchu.鈥� I played my last chord, looked at the piano, then looked at him, and I have never seen such a huge smile on his face. I felt so proud of us for our performance in that moment.鈥� – Faith Almond 鈥�26, a creative writing major from Apex, North Carolina
• 鈥淚t was so special to play at Carnegie Hall with my best friends. The moment I will remember most is when we finished our last song on Carnegie stage and the audience gave us a standing ovation; it was very emotional. I will cherish this trip forever.鈥� – Chloe Hyatt 鈥�27, a secondary English education major from Ann Arbor, Michigan
• 鈥淚 have never played on a stage as world renowned as Carnegie Hall and to be in New York City for the first time and play trumpet is such a wonderful experience. I am so grateful to 黑料不打烊 for this experience.鈥� – Andrew Pipeling 鈥�29, an applied mathematics and music performance major from Durham, North Carolina

• 鈥淚t means a lot to me to have the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall. I played in a small band in high school and Dr. Poquette was my trumpet teacher so getting to go to New York City and play with somebody who was such a big mentor figure is such an honor. I visited Carnegie Hall last summer and loved it so much, but I had no idea that I would have the opportunity to pay there.鈥� – Kalyn Faille 鈥�29, a history, political science and music in the liberal arts major from Burlington, North Carolina

Inspiring Young Musicians

While on the trip, the ensemble also shared its music with younger musicians through performances at Middletown High School in Delaware and Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island, New York.

“Having the opportunity to perform at these high schools was a tremendous benefit for the ensemble,鈥� Poquette said. 鈥淣ot only did it allow us to continue refining our performance, but it gave our students confidence before they took the stage at Carnegie Hall, while building relationships with colleagues in other parts of the country.鈥�

The visits provided the Wind Ensemble an opportunity to perform for student audiences and connect with high school band programs.

鈥淎 lot of my students have never seen or heard a professional wind ensemble in person,鈥� said Emily Poll, the band director at Middletown High School. 鈥淭o be able to experience the quality of sound and dedication to the craft was truly a special experience for my students. They were able to see that you can still play in band post-graduation from high school and that music can only keep growing in your life.鈥�

The high school students appreciated having the Wind Ensemble on their own stage and were in are of the power and sound during the performance, Poll said.

鈥淭his opportunity is a great way to promote arts education and the value of wind ensembles at both the collegiate and K-12 levels,鈥� Poll said. 鈥淭he collaboration between college students and high school students allows both parties to grow as musicians and is the most exciting part about being in the field.鈥�

While in New York City, the ensemble also visited Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, attended a Broadway show and interacted with composers and guest soloists.

鈥淭his was a collaborative event, and I am so proud of the students and all their hard work,鈥� Poquette said. 鈥淭hey represented themselves, the band program, the Department of Music and the university with the highest level of professionalism and class.鈥�

The Mock Trial program is housed in the Department of Political Science and Public Policy as part of the Legal Professions program and is coordinated by Elisha Savchak-Trogdon, associate professor of political science and public policy.

Political science and public policy double major Isabel Schimpff 鈥�29 and public health and public policy double major Lydia Credle 鈥�27 took home outstanding witness awards. Elementary and special education major and Teaching Fellow Natalie Marmelstein 鈥�29 was named the tournament鈥檚 top-ranked witness, receiving a perfect score of 20 ranks.

Marmelstein said she felt nervous going into the tournament after spending聽 Winter Term away from campus and competing for the first time as an expert witness. She described her surprise at the result, calling herself 鈥渕y own toughest critic.鈥�

鈥淲hen they announced a perfect score, I was genuinely speechless,鈥� Marmelstein said. 鈥淚 had gone into the ceremony just hoping I鈥檇 made my coach and team proud; I never anticipated that kind of validation. I鈥檇 made a few mistakes and had mentally taken winning off the table. To come away with a perfect score was a surreal reminder to never count yourself out.鈥�

Schimpff also recounted her Regionals experience, highlighting the supportive energy that the Mock Trial team members bring to one another at competitions.

鈥淏eing able to walk up onto the stage and represent 黑料不打烊 felt amazing, but what felt even better was that every single member of the team congratulated me in some way after,鈥� Schimpff said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 solidified what I had already known, which is that this team is something special.鈥�

Adjunct competitive teams coach Kristen DelForge reflected on the program鈥檚 success during this year鈥檚 competition season. In addition to three wins at Regionals, several students in the program won awards at invitational tournaments. Public policy and strategic communications double major and Mock Trial president Alexa Jimeno 鈥�27, and political science and strategic communications double major Olivia Villanueva 鈥�28 earned outstanding attorney awards. Political science major Matthew Almonte 鈥�28 earned an outstanding witness award.

At the Davidson College invitational tournament, the entire team was recognized for displaying fair play, civility and justice, an award voted on by peers.

鈥淲hen I say we are a mock family, we mean it. But not just this team 鈥� our entire network of 黑料不打烊 Mock alums,鈥� DelForge said. 鈥淲e also say mock love is real love, and we mean that too. The team takes care of one another, inside and outside of the courtroom 鈥� during and after their mock trial competition years. My students mean the world to me, even after they graduate and I love every bit of being 黑料不打烊’s mock trial coach.鈥�

黑料不打烊 competes in the American Mock Trial Association, which creates a new case each year for mock trial students. Teams prepare both sides of the case and attend tournaments where they compete againstother universities and colleges. This year鈥檚 criminal case, called State v. Charlie Martin, circulates around whether the Defendant, Charlie Martin, intentionally killed a fellow game show competitor.

DelForge describes mock trial as a varsity academic sport because of the significant amount of time and effort students need to put in to maintain their team鈥檚 success. The program teaches them how to prepare opening and closing arguments, direct examinations, cross examinations and witness roles. Students also learn how to communicate arguments grounded in case law and rules of evidence.

鈥淢ock trial not only prepares you for law school, but also reinforces many life skills like working in team and individual settings, honing public speaking skills and learning how to disagree in a respectful manner,鈥� DelForge said.

Each year, the Mock Trial program competes in invitational tournaments in the fall and the regional tournament in February. Students who advance from Regionals move on to the Opening Round Championships. While they did not advance this year, DelForge noted that the program did last year and in previous years.

While in the city, the ensemble also had the opportunity to meet with 黑料不打烊 alumni currently performing on Broadway.

During the week, students attended performances of 鈥淎laddin鈥� and 鈥淭he Book of Mormon.鈥� Alumni currently performing in the productions took time to meet with the students after the shows to share stories of their experiences on Broadway.

Michael Callahan 鈥�13 and Campy Rodriguez 鈥�26 welcomed one group of students following the March 10 performance of 鈥淎laddin鈥� for photos and a backstage tour. Callahan is cast as a swing 鈥� covering multiple ensemble roles, dance captain, fight captain and understudy to Iago and Omar. Rodriguez is making his Broadway debut as a henchman, ensemble member and understudy to Aladdin.

Callahan and Rodriguez gave the students a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre, offering students a rare look backstage at the production. Students were able to see props and technical elements used in the show and learn more about what it takes to bring the Broadway production to life each show.

鈥淕etting to meet Michael and Campy made such a big city feel like a small world, knowing I had an 黑料不打烊 connection to people doing such amazing things on Broadway,鈥� said Alana Driver 鈥�27, a flutist in the Wind Ensemble. 鈥淚t was inspiring to hear about their journeys and see how their experiences at 黑料不打烊 helped lead them to where they are now. 鈥� Standing on the stage and realizing 黑料不打烊 alumni are part of what makes those productions possible was incredibly meaningful.鈥�

Andrew Stevens Purdy 鈥�20 invited another group of students onto the stage for a photo following a March 10 performance of 鈥淭he Book of Mormon鈥� where he is making his Broadway debut in the ensemble cast.

鈥淢eeting an 黑料不打烊 alumni on Broadway showed me that with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve the seemingly unattainable goals you set for yourself,鈥� said Ian Wong 鈥�28, a flutist in the Wind Ensemble. 鈥淎t one point, he was in the exact position I am in now 鈥斅燼 first-year student at 黑料不打烊, striving to work hard and make a name for myself. Being able to go backstage and walk on a Broadway stage was an incredible experience. Seeing first-hand the complexity of the props, lighting and all the details that go into making a show run smoothly was really eye-opening.鈥�

The Broadway shows were one of several experiences the Wind Ensemble enjoyed during their trip in New York City, culminating in their performance at Carnegie Hall, the first time an 黑料不打烊 ensemble has performed at the venue.

The alumni were excited for the opportunity to meet current 黑料不打烊 students and share a part of their world with them.

鈥淚 had a wonderful time meeting this group of 黑料不打烊 students and, hopefully, helped them bridge the gap between dream and reality in some small way,鈥� Callahan said. 鈥淚 remember the 黑料不打烊 alumni who were, and still are, resources for me as I graduated and pursued a career in New York City. I鈥檓 honored to pay it forward.鈥�

The Unreal Academic Partner is an initiative by Epic Games that recognizes universities committed to providing ongoing, high-quality educational opportunities through experienced faculty and well-developed curricula. It highlights programs that create meaningful learning experiences and prepare students for professional opportunities in interactive game media.

鈥淭his recognition reflects the overall strength of our curriculum, our development philosophy and the opportunities we create for students,鈥� said Pratheep Paranthaman, associate professor of computer science. 鈥淚t speaks to the way our minor is structured from teaching core design systems to offering studio-based capstone courses where students work in cross-disciplinary teams and experience a production pipeline similar to what they would encounter in professional studios.鈥�

Unreal Engine, a game engine and software used to develop video games and real-time 3D creation, is used as a development tool for building games, studying core game systems and exploring professional production workflows within the minor.

Paranthaman sees Unreal Engine not just as a software tool, but a platform where students can practice core concepts and apply the knowledge they gain across the program’s courses.

The recognition follows an application process in which Paranthaman submitted details on curriculum structure, facilities, hardware resources, faculty qualifications and examples of student work that met standards for integrating Unreal Engine into the program.

Students and faculty can now gain access to learning resources, development tools and creative assets at no additional cost, including training opportunities, digital production resources, professional subscriptions and more.

鈥淭he partnership broadens learning opportunities, strengthens industry awareness and equips students with tools that support both creative development and long-term professional growth,鈥� Paranthaman said.

Access to high-quality 3D assets and portfolio platforms will allow students to elevate what they are able to create and present.

鈥淲hen they have access to broader tools and professional platforms, it not only supports their development process but also gives them opportunities to document and share their thought process during the development cycle,鈥� Paranthaman said. “Through portfolios, they can showcase how they approached a problem, iterated on solutions and shaped their creative vision.鈥�

The goal of the partnership is not to follow or react to trends, but to support and complement the foundations the program has already built, explained Paranthaman. The recognition reflects the work of 黑料不打烊 students, whose capstone projects and creative work were essential to the application.

鈥淲hile the partnership provides important resources, what truly defines our game design program is the community and interdisciplinary collaboration, our students, our faculty, participating departments and the broader university support,鈥� Paranthaman said.

The course examines the basic concepts of biological form and function through evolutionary relationships and diversity. Students investigate the natural history of local species and their role in community dynamics.

鈥淕etting outside the classroom lets students connect with professionals in a wide variety of fields, which can introduce students to career options many have never realized existed before,鈥� Chunco said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also a great way to see a variety of different habitats that we don鈥檛 have on campus.鈥�

The first trip in February took the class to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. There, students took a private tour of the research collections and research laboratories. The class met with Brian O鈥橲hea, collections manager of ornithology and Lisa Gartens, collections manager of mammalogy, who showed specimens of extinct species, demonstrated principles of geographic variation in color and body size, and discussed how museums play a critical role in understanding environmental change. Roland Kays, head of the biodiversity research lab, shared his work using technology, from radio telemetry to artificial intelligence, to conserve biodiversity across the planet.

鈥淩oland Kays also gave students advice on finding internships and careers in conservation biology,鈥� Chunco said.

In March, students will visit the University of North Carolina Botanical Garden, where they will observe how prescribed burns help promote biodiversity. During the trip, students will see a wide variety of native plants growing in a natural setting that they previously studied in class.

The final field trip in April will take students to the Duke Lemur Center. There, students will hear from curators about the threats to biodiversity facing lemurs and other island species. They also will practice observing and studying animal behavior among these species.

鈥淲atching lemurs in the woods or seeing green frogs calling is way more impactful than just reading about these species in a textbook,鈥� Chunco said. “When students meet other professionals, it gives them a broader exposure to topics from the leading experts in the field.鈥�

Throughout this course, students learn the ecological and evolutionary principles essential for future environmental professionals, with a strong focus on conservation biology and habitat restoration.

鈥淚 think field trips are an essential and fun part of learning,鈥� Chunco said.

To entice donors, the Sydney F. & Kathleen E. Jackson Professor of Chemistry and department chair promised he would shave his eyebrows, live on the 黑料不打烊 College, College of Arts and Sciences鈥� Instagram feed, if the goal was met.

That鈥檚 how much Karty believes in the Department of Chemistry鈥檚 impact on students and how $20,000 can enhance learning by 鈥済iving students the best education and the best experiences and preparing them for success.鈥�

And wouldn鈥檛 you know it? One day after 黑料不打烊 Day, the university鈥檚 annual 24-hour day of giving that raised more than $3.5 million this year, Karty found himself on the patio of McMichael Science Center, the home of the Department of Chemistry, at 1:45 p.m. waiting for the fate of his eyebrows.

It took approximately seven minutes, one trimmer and聽two razors to shave off his eyebrows. Students in attendance cheered and recorded as the eyebrows disappeared.

“I thought he was nuts for actually going to do it,鈥� said Associate Professor Justin Clar, the director of the Undergraduate Research Program who volunteered his time and talents with the trimmer. 鈥淗is commitment to the university and to the students is wild.鈥�

What an audience it was on March 6, 2026.

“Raising this money gives us more flexibility in doing the things we do best, such as providing instrumentation for labs, undergraduate research, student travel and more,鈥� Karty said. 鈥淭hat was the whole reason for setting up this challenge in the first place. It was just a question of what I was willing to sacrifice.鈥�

Karty鈥檚 wife predicts that his eyebrows will grow back by Monday. Karty said time will tell.