CAS Chronicles
Stories
Tracking Giants: How a Department of Integrative Biology professor’s research is rooted in conservation and community
Lucas Griffin, an assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Biology, is dedicating his research to uncovering how marine life navigate their habitats, overcoming both natural and human-induced challenges. His goal is to contribute to sustainability initiatives that protect marine ecosystems while supporting the communities that rely on them.
A legacy restored: former USF professor brings posthumous Zora Neale Hurston novel to light
Convinced of its literary and anthropological value, Hurston continued to revise the unpublished manuscript until her death in 1960. When a handyman tasked with clearing out her home set fire to her trunk, the manuscript was almost lost forever.
March 26, 2025Accomplishments, Featured, Research
$4.8M Mellon Foundation grant opens internship opportunities for USF humanities students
For the first time, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation — the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities — invited the University of South Florida to submit a proposal last spring for one of its humanities internship grants. The foundation awarded the college a five-year, $4.8 million grant that will support up to 900 students each year in otherwise unpaid internships. The beneficiaries will be undergraduate students majoring in humanities.
January 15, 2025Accomplishments, Community Engagement, Featured
Going green: Teaching lab earns certification for sustainability efforts
The USF Sarasota Manatee teaching lab has earned My Green Lab Certification, joining a growing community of laboratories certified for implementing more sustainable practices to dramatically reduce environmental impact.
November 20, 2024Accomplishments, Community Engagement, Featured
Volunteers support the USF Botanical Gardens’ ongoing recovery efforts ahead of fall festival
After Hurricane Milton caused significant damage and forced the closure of the USF Botanical Gardens, dedicated staff and the Tampa Bay community united to restore the gardens and prepare for one of the year’s biggest events.
Interdisciplinary field school research in Costa Rica examines wastewater management systems and aims to address sanitation issues
Dr. David Himmelgreen and Dr. Nancy Romero-Daza of the Department of Anthropology are co-leading an interdisciplinary field school in Costa Rica examining wastewater management systems and associated sanitation issues.
September 20, 2024Alumni, Community Engagement, Featured, Research
Meet Dean Elizabeth Spiller
Dean Elizabeth Spiller joined USF in July. Learn more about her and why she’s excited to be Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
August 29, 2024Featured
Physics research team makes new progress on renewable energy project in Botswana
USF students interested in sustainable energy participated in an NSF-funded project in Botswana to implement a new concept to bring a new portable, renewable energy source to rural Africa.
CAS students shine as Golden Bull Awardees
This year 13 College of Arts and Sciences students were named winners of the Golden Bull Award, one of USF’s highest honors awarded to undergraduate and graduate students each year who “encompass the spirit of USF and have demonstrated its values.”
June 18, 2024Accomplishments, Featured
From campus to careers: CAS graduates reflect on their time at USF
Among the 7,000 degrees conferred during spring commencement, the College of Arts and Sciences accounted for more than 2,500 of the total degrees awarded. Now, several students are reflecting on their unique experiences and sharing their advice for incoming students.
May 28, 2024Accomplishments, Featured
CAS student finds calling in environmental stewardship
Dharsh Saravana, an environmental science and policy student and vice president of the USF Agrarian Club, has found their calling in environmental stewardship with hopes to one day address urban food resilience, diversity of food systems, and food sovereignty for vulnerable populations in urban spaces.
April 24, 2024Community Engagement, Featured
Women in Leadership and Philanthropy choose dynamic group of CAS students as this year’s scholars
Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) have chosen a dynamic group of College of Arts and Sciences students as this year's WLP Scholars. WLP is dedicated to making a different in the lives of women throughout USF and the community.
March 26, 2024Accomplishments, Community Engagement, Featured