Florida State University hosted its largest ever New Graduate Student Orientation on Aug. 18 at the HCB Building, welcoming more than 500 new students pursuing professional certificates, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Students spent the morning learning about various resources available to them on campus, including information about the libraries, safety protocols, health services and opportunities for teaching, professional and career development.

“Graduate student orientation is a critical part of the graduate student’s journey,” said Greg Bell, the new dean of FSU’s Graduate School. “We connect them with those resources now so that they know that they’re there in the future.”

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After six years of raising their family in California, the next chapter for Prince Harry and Meghan includes returning to the U.K. for an extended period at a non-royal residence. Their six-year estrangement from the Royal Family — and the possibility of reconciliation — reflect dynamics that are relatable to many non-royal families.

Family estrangement is becoming common in American families. Last year, a YouGov poll found that 38% of Americans adults say they are currently estranged from either a sibling, a parent, a child, a grandparent or a grandchild. Included in that poll, which surveyed 4,395 U.S. adult citizens, 16% of respondents said they are currently estranged from a parent.

Florida State University’s Nari Jeter is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an associate teaching professor in human development and family science. She has become a nationally recognized relationship expert who has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, SELF Magazine, HuffPost, Fox News and more.

In 2020, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ estrangement from the Royal Family began due to several factors, including lack of palace support and constraints within the family that led to their decision to leave for the United States. According to Jeter, family dynamics where there is disagreement are relatable to families outside the spotlight.

“What’s especially familiar is the in-law dynamic,” Jeter said. “When a family doesn’t fully welcome a new partner, the person in the middle feels torn — to protect their spouse and translate actions on both sides. Often, that person feels like they can never win and keep both sides content, so they give up. This is where estrangement follows; it’s a way of reducing the immediate conflict within them and their family.”

Within the same YouGov Poll, individuals estranged from a child (70%) or grandchild (66%) were more likely to say they would consider reconciling with their family member. For Prince Harry, he remains estranged from his brother, William — The Prince of Wales. The Sussexes are expected to remain private citizens while in the U.K. However, there is a possibility of healing the family rift with his father, King Charles III.

The pathway to reconciliation, according to Jeter, often begins with humility and acceptance.

“Most reconciliation that I’ve seen starts with someone recognizing that wanting to be ‘right’ isn’t working,” Jeter said. “There is humility in recognizing that they could have done some things wrong or hurtful, even unintentionally. They don’t completely give up their views, but they accept that the other person can see things differently and it doesn’t have to be a threat to the relationship.”

Media interested in understanding family estrangement and reconciliation through the lens of the Royal Family may reach out to Nari Jeter via email at nari.jeter@fsu.edu.

Nari Jeter, licensed marriage and family therapist, Florida State University

Family estrangements involving notable figures can be quite different from everyday situations because they play out in front of the public. But in a situation like the Royal Family, what are some relatable concepts?

“It’s a common story that one person decides to step away from the family they come from to protect the family they made. That’s a pattern I see in my office every week. This kind of estrangement typically doesn’t come from one single blow-up, but from many moments where someone doesn’t feel seen, heard, or respected when it comes to their new family boundaries. This is especially true when that family member feels pressure to choose between being loyal to themselves (and their new family) or the family they come from.”

“Contrary to popular belief, estrangement isn’t about an absence of love. Many people who are cut off from their families feel grief, sadness and longing long after estrangement happened. Estrangement happens when love doesn’t feel safe, protected and respected.”

The pathway to reconciliation can be a long process. When you see families reconcile, what are some of the things that often lead to that final step?

“Another step usually comes with an apology or acknowledgement without justification or excuses. This is where emotional validation goes a long way. “I’m sorry I hurt you” or “I can tell I really disappointed you” isn’t an agreement on how they saw it, but it’s recognizing impact. People feel seen and heard when we accept their feelings. Most estranged family members aren’t looking for grand acts in reconciliation. One good apology or acknowledgement can really push the door open to reconnection.”

“Lastly, it’s common to see a significant life event cracking the door open: family sickness, a wedding, a birth, a death. Time and separation won’t heal estrangement, but an event that brings shared purpose or meaning to the family can motivate families to try. It’s important to not jump back into old roles and routines. Family members need to clearly communicate what wasn’t working before and talk about new expectations and boundaries. Small, sustainable, successful changes are the target. Short visits and weekly phone chats are a good starting point to rebuilding trust and connection. Reconciliation takes effort on both sides. It requires grace and humility, and the ability to see past our own hurts to the landscape of someone else’s life.”

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Florida State University students, faculty and staff are getting an in-depth lesson on artificial intelligence and its applications in research, courtesy of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, part of the College of Arts and Sciences.  

The 2026 AI Bootcamp series kicked off Aug. 6 on campus and runs through Oct. 9. 

The free educational series, organized by Cottrell Family Professor of Chemistry Oliver Steinbock and Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Wen Zhu, features guest lecturers, interactive workshops, panel discussions and guided debates. The bootcamp programming covers a comprehensive range of topics throughout the fall, from agentic AI and data analysis with large language models, to mental health considerations and career planning in the AI landscape.  

The series, which takes place in the Kroto Auditorium at FSU’s Chemical Sciences Laboratory, has drawn in faculty, staff and graduate and undergraduate students from departments across campus who are interested in diving deeper into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, in the research laboratory, the classroom and beyond. 

Featured speakers for the series include experts from FSU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Interdisciplinary Data Science Master’s Degree Program, Department of Scientific Computing, Department of Computer Science, FSU Libraries, Information Technology Services and the School of Information in the College of Communication and Information. Visiting speakers include guests and returning FSU alumni from Emory University, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Florida, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Google X and AI-driven platform Synfini. 

To view the complete AI Bootcamp program or register for the series, visit the bootcamp website.

For more information on events at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, visit chem.fsu.edu. 

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The Florida State University College of Law welcomed its most academically accomplished entering class to date. The Class of 2029 arrives as FSU College of Law celebrates its 60th anniversary and sets a new law school record with a median LSAT score of 169. The 116-member class also enters with a median undergraduate GPA of 3.93.

“The academic strength of this incoming class reflects the remarkable momentum we are seeing at FSU Law,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the FSU College of Law. “These students had many options when choosing where to pursue their legal education, and we are thrilled they chose Florida State. We look forward to seeing what they contribute to our classrooms, our community and, ultimately, the legal profession.”

FSU Law received 3,265 applications, a 20% increase from the previous year, with only 13.7% of applicants admitted, making this one of the most selective entering classes in FSU Law history.

The record-setting class arrives as FSU Law continues to earn national recognition for its academic programs, student experience and value. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, FSU Law ranked No. 34 overall and No. 14 among public law schools. The Princeton Review also recognized FSU Law as the No. 1 Best Value Law School, No. 4 for Best Student Quality of Life and No. 6 for Best Professors.

“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2029,” said Jessica Dworkin, dean of admissions at FSU Law. “Their academic credentials are exceptional, but that tells only part of their story. They bring experiences and perspectives from across the country and around the world, along with a genuine enthusiasm for becoming part of the FSU Law community. We are excited to watch them learn from one another and see the many ways they will contribute during their time here.”

“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2029. Their academic credentials are exceptional, but that tells only part of their story. They bring experiences and perspectives from across the country and around the world, along with a genuine enthusiasm for becoming part of the FSU Law community. We are excited to watch them learn from one another and see the many ways they will contribute during their time here.”

– Jessica Dworkin, dean of admissions at FSU Law

The class represents 28 U.S. states and 11 international countries, with 28% of students from outside Florida. Eighty-eight percent are first-generation law school students. As travelers and global learners, they have collectively studied in or visited 91 countries.

Members of the Class of 2029 attended 37 different undergraduate institutions and pursued 35 different majors, including business administration, economics and legal studies. The cohort spans ages 20 to 39, encompassing recent graduates, mid-career professionals, parents, a veteran, former educators, software engineer, realtor, hairstylist, government employees, and even a professional dancer and choreographer.

Outside the classroom, members of the class bring an equally wide range of interests and experiences. Among their hobbies are jujitsu, skiing, volleyball, yoga, fencing, cheerleading, golf and participating in the FSU Circus, to name a few.

The Class of 2029 began orientation Aug. 17. Classes start Aug. 24.

For more information about FSU College of Law Admissions, visit the FSU Law admissions website.

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The Florida State University School of Dance will bring new choreography, creative research and artistic collaboration to the stage during its 2026-27 production season, “Unbound.”  

The season features performances and special events that showcase the range of creative work and inquiry taking place across the School of Dance.  

The season opens Oct. 6 with the Tallahassee premiere of “Adele Myers and Dancers: a world gone FABULOUS” at the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre, presented in partnership with Opening Nights. 

“We are especially pleased to have our students featured as part of this Opening Nights performance,” said James Frazier, dean of the College of Fine Arts. “The evening will open with a newly commissioned work performed by our senior dance majors. It gives our students the chance to bring their work to a broader audience and gain valuable experience performing alongside professionals.” 

“Unbound” combines longtime-favorite productions, including Days of Dance in the fall and Evenings of Dance in the spring, with new opportunities for creative exploration. Among this year’s additions is the inaugural Meridian Dance Film Festival, a juried event that promises to feature work from filmmakers from around the world.  

“This season reveals the depth and range of creative work within our community,” said Helanius J. Wilkins, chair of the School of Dance. “At its core, ‘Unbound’ honors our rich legacy while creating space for reinvention. It invites curiosity, rigorous artistic inquiry and new perspectives while expanding opportunities for collaboration among our students, faculty and distinguished guest artists.” 

Visit the FSU Dance website to purchase tickets. For more information about the FSU School of Dance, visit dance.fsu.edu.   

2026-27 School of Dance performance schedule 

Oct. 6 — Adele Myers and Dancers: a world gone FABULOUS: Presented in partnership with Opening Nights, the Tallahassee premiere features Adele Myers and Dancers, with senior dance majors opening the evening with a newly commissioned work. 

Nov. 6. 7, 13, 14 — Days of Dance: This annual mainstage production brings together works by faculty with a juried selection of pieces by students and staff, performed by School of Dance students.  

Dec. 3 — Sketches: This new, scaled-down dance production emphasizes experimentation and student-driven perspectives, featuring a range of dance styles and creative approaches.  

Jan. 22 — Emerging Voices: A Graduate Showcase: This new showcase presents original works by graduate students in the School of Dance, inviting audiences to explore the questions, processes and possibilities shaping their creative work. 

Feb. 5 — Festival of the Creative Arts: Part of FSU’s annual celebration of interdisciplinary creativity, “Into the Deep” brings together oceanography, dance, music, poetry and other disciplines, with an emphasis on student-created work. 

Feb. 6-7 — Young Dancers Workshop: The annual Young Dancers’ Workshop gives about 200 dancers, ages 10 to 18 the opportunity to participatein a weekend of master classes with School of Dance faculty, including Suzanne Farrell, and invited guest artists.  

Feb. 6 — Meridian Dance Film Festival: This inaugural juried dance film festival features works selected from filmmakers around the world, givingaudiences an opportunity to experience diverse approaches to dance that extend beyond the boundaries of the stage. 

April 9-10 — Evenings of Dance: The School of Dance’s annual spring mainstage production features student performers in works created by School of Dance faculty and distinguished guest artists, highlighting the creative exchanges that emerge through mentorship, collaboration and artistic practice. 
April 13 — Senior Capstone: The Senior Capstone showcases culminating creative projects by graduating students, who bring together their artistic, technical and scholarly development through original work presented to the School of Dance community. 

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Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the Florida State University-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory have designed new quantum computing architecture that uses magnetic levitation to smooth over design flaws in the intricate bits necessary to run a quantum computer.

Quantum bits, or qubits, can be as small as a few nanometers, and manufacturing them inevitably introduces random flaws onto their surface. By using superconducting magnets to levitate neon particles, the research addresses a challenge in electron-on-neon qubit devices: the tendency for electrons to become trapped by random tiny bumps on the neon surface, making them function unpredictably.

The study, published in the American Physical Society journal PRX Quantum, could help pave the way for more reproducible and scalable quantum computing technologies.

“Instead of hoping that the right nanoscale feature appears in the right place, we want to decide where each electron qubit sits,” said study co-author Wei Guo, a professor at Florida State University, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, or MagLab.  “Magnetic levitation gives us a way to place a clean neon carrier above the chip, while the chip still provides the circuitry needed to control and read the qubit. In this architecture, the qubit is no longer found by chance. It is built by design.”

What they made: A new design for electron-on-neon qubits

The researchers proposed a chip design that uses superconducting loops to magnetically hold tiny solid-neon particles above the chip surface. Instead of placing a solid-neon film directly on the chip, where it can inherit roughness from the substrate underneath, the new architecture uses nearly spherical neon microparticles as carriers for electron qubits.

“A simple way to think about it is that we give the electron a tiny, clean, floating island to sit on, rather than asking it to find a good spot on a rough landscape,” said study co-author Yinghe Qi, a MagLab postdoctoral researcher. “The chip underneath still provides the microwave circuits needed to control and read the qubit.”

Why it matters: Engineering a better chip

The work opens a path toward a new class of hybrid quantum devices, where clean quantum materials are integrated directly with chip-based control circuits.

“We have not built a full quantum computer in this paper, but we showed that the essential ingredients can work together in a realistic design: clean electron confinement, tunable qubit energy levels, strong coupling to microwave circuits and a way for neighboring qubits to communicate,” Guo said.

Technological advantages

Unlike the bits in ordinary computers, which store information as 0s or 1s, qubits use the rules of quantum mechanics to process information that can represent multiple possibilities at the same time until it is measured. To build a useful quantum computer, researchers need qubits that are clean, stable, controllable and practical to arrange in large numbers on a chip — a mix of properties that is difficult to achieve.

Electron-on-neon qubits, which use a single electron held above solid neon, are a promising platform for qubit design because of their accuracy and their ability to maintain their quantum information long enough to perform calculations. The electron sits in a clean environment, while the chip underneath provides the microwave circuits needed for control and readout.

The design shown in this study preserves the advantages of these qubits while using levitation to remove the randomness of a bumpy surface. 

“The main advantage is reproducibility,” said study co-author Yiming Xing, an assistant professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “Right now, useful electron-on-neon qubits depend on random nanoscale surface features, almost like hoping the right defect appears in the right place. Our approach replaces those random traps with designed, clean neon carriers placed at intended locations on a chip. If demonstrated experimentally, this could make electron-on-neon devices more predictable, reduce unwanted charge noise and make it easier to build larger arrays of qubits.”

Future research: Building a working prototype

The researchers plan to use their design to build a working prototype of an electron-on-neon qubit.

The main components of their design — superconducting loops, microwave resonators and patterned chip structures — are compatible with fabrication methods already used in quantum-device research, which will help researchers move from design to prototype and beyond.

Collaborators and support

Co-authors on this study included FSU postdoctoral researchers Sosuke Inui and Charles Peretti. Dafei Jin, an associate professor at the University of Notre Dame, was also a co-author.

The project received support from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and the Florida State University Quantum Initiative. The FAMU Center for Quantum Science and Engineering supported contributions by Xing and supported the Notre Dame team through the National Science Foundation ExpandQISE grant administered by Florida A&M University.

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Florida State University will welcome its latest incoming class of nearly 6,000 first-year students this fall as the new academic year begins Monday, Aug. 24.

The Class of 2030 arrives as Florida State celebrates its 175^th anniversary and builds on momentum in student success, entrepreneurship, research and FSU Health, FSU’s integrated academic health system.

“Florida State University has never had more momentum,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “We’ve set records every year over the last five years in student success, research and impacts on our community, and this freshman class will be an integral part of that continued success and momentum. It’s one of the best times of the year to see all the students moving in and the campus populated by so many people. It’s just so fun to be here at Florida State University.”

FSU received more than 96,000 applications for its first-year class, a 12% increase from the 2024-2025 application cycle. The admitted class included students from all 50 states, all 67 Florida counties and 55 countries, representing more than 2,700 U.S. high schools.

This year’s admitted students posted an average core GPA of 4.5, average SAT score of 1430 and average ACT score of 32. Additionally, 92% ranked in the top 10% of their high school classes, and 80% earned A/B grades. The five most popular areas of study among admitted students were business, engineering, biology, exploratory and political science.

Florida State continues to break its own graduation and retention rate records, strengthening its position as a national leader in student academic success. Last year, the university retained first-year students from their fall to spring semester at a record 99.2% rate, among the highest in the country. FSU also ranks among the nation’s top four public universities for its first-year retention rate, with 97% of students returning for their second year.

FSU offers a variety of pathways for first-year students. More than 600 students will start their FSU experience at Tallahassee State College through FSU Next, and approximately 300 students will begin their studies abroad at one of FSU’s four study centers through First Semester Abroad or First Year Abroad.

The start of the academic year also brings new faculty and academic leaders, expanded programs and continued investment in the student experience. Some notable items:

Students

• FSU’s graduate programs will enroll about 3,200 new students this fall, bringing total graduate enrollment to nearly 11,000 students across the university. The university received more than 16,000 graduate applications for the fall semester.
• This year, 6,300 students will live in one of FSU’s 18 on-campus residence hall complexes, including nearly 4,550 first-year students. University Housing offers a variety of living options for undergraduate and graduate students, including 11 Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) that will house more than 700 first-time-in-college students this year. Students living in LLCs are advised by faculty from one of the colleges or FSU’s Division of Undergraduate Studies. Earlier this year, FSU started construction on the northwest side of campus for a new residence hall, dining hall and parking garage.
• FSU continues to invest in programs for high-achieving students. The Presidential Scholars Program, FSU’s premier undergraduate merit scholarship, will welcome a cohort of 60 first-year students, while more than 780 students will join the University Honors Program. Nearly 700 Honors students will live in on-campus residence halls this academic year.

Faculty and academics

• For the fourth consecutive year, more than 200 new faculty have joined FSU since the start of the previous academic year.
• FSU also welcomed several new academic leaders this summer. Gregory Bell joined the university in July as dean of The Graduate School. Kirk Foster began serving as dean of the College of Social Work on Aug. 17. Assistant Provost and Marketing Professor Mike Brady has been appointed interim dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, the university is searching for its next dean of the College of Law as Dean Erin O’Hara O’Connor prepares to step down.
• Florida State University continues to expand its academic offerings with several new programs this fall, including new online MBA majors in Healthcare Administration and Alternative Investments and Finance through the Wertheim College of Business, an undergraduate program in Interdisciplinary Design through the College of Fine Arts, an undergraduate degree in Civics and Liberty Studies, a one-year graduate program in Data and Society and new undergraduate majors in Intelligence Students and Emergency Management through the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, and FSU Panama City’s undergraduate Clinical Professions major through the College of Medicine.

New around Tallahassee and upcoming events

• From everyday travelers to fans arriving for FSU gamedays, campus tours or move-in week, anyone passing through Tallahassee International Airport can now step onto the turf and snap a photo with a 7-foot, hand-painted aluminum replica of FSU’s flaming spear. #PlantTheSpearTLH
• The FSU Health Research and Collaboration Building will open later this fall on the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus, providing space for clinical research, laboratories and a family medicine residency clinic, creating new opportunities for education, patient care and scientific discovery.
• “Welcome FSU” offers events and activities to kick off the fall semester through Saturday, Aug. 29. These events give students opportunities to learn about campus resources, get involved and make FSU and Tallahassee feel like home.
• FSU Nite, Florida State University’s official welcome event and pep rally, kicks off the academic year at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Langford Green with performances by the Marching Chiefs, FSU Golden Girls & Company Dance Team, FSU Cheer, other spirit groups and DJ Demp.
• The FSU football team opens its season at Doak S. Campbell Stadium against New Mexico State at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Students are invited to the first Garnet & Gold Tailgate of the season from 4-6 p.m. at the Union Green.

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Dawn C. Carr, director of Florida State University’s Claude Pepper Center and Mildred and Claude Pepper Professor of Sociology in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, has been elected to the board of directors of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), one of the world’s largest interdisciplinary organizations devoted to the study of aging.

Carr will begin her term Jan. 1. GSA’s more than 6,000 members include researchers, educators, clinicians and policy professionals working across disciplines to advance research, education, practice and policy related to aging.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve GSA and contribute to an organization that has played such an important role in advancing the study of aging,” Carr said. “As our population ages, it is increasingly important that we bring together researchers and professionals across disciplines to better understand what helps people remain healthy, active and engaged throughout their lives.”

Carr’s research focuses on identifying factors that help older adults remain healthy and active as long as possible. Over the past decade, she has studied the connections between health and active engagement in the second half of life, including how employment, retirement, volunteering, caregiving, social relationships and major health events affect health and well-being.

Her recent research also examines how early-life experiences and exposures can affect outcomes later in life and how psychological resources can help people remain resilient as they age.

As director of the Claude Pepper Center, Carr leads a center dedicated to advancing research and policy aimed at improving the lives of older adults. The center focuses on issues affecting older people and their families and works with policymakers, agencies and researchers to promote evidence-based policymaking.

Founded in 1945, GSA brings together experts from a range of disciplines involved in the study of aging. The organization’s work spans biological, medical, behavioral and social research as well as education, practice and public policy.

Carr joined FSU in 2016. Before coming to Florida State, she was a researcher at the Stanford Center on Longevity, a postdoctoral fellow in the Carolina Program for Health and Aging Research at the Institute on Aging at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a researcher at the Scripps Gerontology Center.

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Florida State University is bringing one of college football’s most iconic traditions to the Tallahassee International Airport. In the FSU Welcome Center, a new interactive display gives travelers an opportunity to “plant the spear” and commemorate their time in Tallahassee.

Created through a collaboration between University Marketing, FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio and FSU Athletics, the display features a 7-foot, hand-painted aluminum replica of FSU’s flaming spear anchored in turf against a floor-to-ceiling backdrop of Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. The installation builds on FSU’s expanded university and FSU Health presence throughout the airport.

“As a vital gateway to Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee International Airport is the perfect place to highlight FSU’s momentum across education, research and athletics,” said Dennis Schnittker, assistant vice president for University Communications and interim chief marketing officer. “This installation stands as a powerful symbol of our deep connection to the region, offering all travelers a memorable welcome that celebrates both our university and the community we call home.”

To construct the piece, Master Craftsman Studio adapted design elements from previous university projects, including the marquee spear outside the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Studio artists precision-cut metal feathers, hand-wrapped the spear’s shaft in leather and applied a specialized resin-layering technique to give the flame a realistic appearance.

“Our goal at University Marketing while creating this space was to provide an immersive experience that brings Florida State’s most storied traditions to life,” said Jared Milligan, FSU’s project manager for the space. “With the turf and stadium backdrop, the installation gives travelers a fun opportunity to share their connection to Tallahassee and Florida State University with an iconic pose.”

In addition to the spear installation, the refreshed Welcome Center features new furniture and displays highlighting FSU’s academics, research and athletics. Together, the updates strengthen the university’s presence throughout the airport.

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As GLP-1 drugs become increasingly common for weight loss, researchers are beginning to examine what these medications may reveal about eating behavior beyond the scale, including why some people experience persistent urges to binge.

Florida State University’s Pamela Keel, the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology, has developed emerging research suggesting GLP-1 drugs may help reduce binge-eating symptoms in some patients by addressing a biological factor rather than simply targeting willpower or behavior.

Keel led the research team whose work last summer established that overlooked biological components in bulimia could be targeted by FDA-approved treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Their research concluded that in addition to targeting psychological factors in treatment, screening patients for biological conditions like high weight suppression — the difference between highest and current body weight — can help clinicians identify who might benefit most from GLP-1s.

The finding could help explain why certain patients experience improvements in bingeing when treated with GLP-1 drugs, and why binge eating should not be framed simply as a lack of self-control.

“Most treatments for eating disorders focus on psychological factors,” Keel said. “Our much-needed research allows clinicians to better understand what biological factors to target when treating patients with eating disorders.”

Keel’s study recently gained attention in the Wall Street Journal for a feature on how GLP-1s assisted one person who was battling bulimia — an illness marked by uncontrolled episodes of bingeing and purging. The article highlighted the research team’s finding that some people with bulimia experience a reduced release of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone after eating — the same hormone these drugs are designed to mimic. The finding suggests that the persistent urge to binge may stem not from psychological weakness, but from a measurable hormonal deficit that medication could help address.

Keel, who conducts translational research in eating disorders, confirmed that her research provides a possible pathway for bingeing improvements for some individuals targeted with GLP-1s.

“These findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs might help some women stop bingeing by correcting problems with lower GLP-1 release while eating,” Keel said.

“These findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs might help some women stop bingeing by correcting problems with lower GLP-1 release while eating.”

– Pamela Keel, Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology

A recent Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index shows the percentage of U.S. adults currently taking GLP-1s for weight loss has risen to 11% in 2026. Keel’s emerging research supports studies testing GLP-1s for their potential efficacy in individuals with bulimia and related syndromes.

Media interested in learning more about Keel’s research and its importance in navigating treatments for eating disorders may reach out to her via email at keel@psy.fsu.edu.

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The Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) will present “Floating Metal: UNDERcurrents In My Father’s Garden” beginning Aug. 27, an immersive performance exhibition bringing together the work of two artists and FSU faculty members, father and daughter Ed Love and nia love.

Conceived by School of Dance Professor and Guggenheim-winning choreographer nia love and co-curator Benin Ford, “Floating Metal” brings love’s choreography and dance films into conversation with the work of her father, Ed Love, a sculptor, fellow Guggenheim recipient and celebrated member of the Black Arts Movement. Known for transforming discarded scrap metal into powerful sculptures, Ed Love served as an FSU professor of visual arts from 1990 until his death in 1999.

“One of the central ideas of ‘Floating Metal: UNDERcurrents In My Father’s Garden’ is that our understanding of an artist is never complete. Knowledge unfolds as new works, memories, archives, relationships, and perspectives are brought into conversation,” said Kaylee Spencer, director of the museum. “By looking at Ed Love’s work through the experience of nia love’s performances and video installations, we can revisit the past with new information and see the present differently. We are excited to share this experience with the Tallahassee community.”

The exhibition will combine dance, live jazz music and video projection with the first museum presentation of images from Ed Love’s 1988 “Beloved” series and a selection of his metal sculptures commemorating Black historical figures.

The exhibition is personal for nia love because it draws on her relationship with her father and her own experiences as an artist.

“My father sent me forth to do the dance,” said love. “What happened to tear us apart is not a small thing. It all crosses the seas, estuaries and rivers. Floating Metal recalls and continues this movement. It is a prayer of memory and healing, and a message of invention and rupture.”

nia love will perform at the museum Aug. 27-29 as part of the exhibition. Performances are free and open to the public, but reservations are requiredbecause of limited capacity. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite.

The exhibition also will feature a live performance camera obscura installation encompassing the museum’s central gallery. The darkened installation will project the movements of performers and audience members as images onto the museum walls.

An opening reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. The event is free and open to the public.

love began developing work related to “Floating Metal” during a 2022 residency at FSU’s Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography, before joining the School of Dance faculty. During the residency, she conducted research and developed choreography that contributed to the exhibition.

The presentation of “Floating Metal: UNDERcurrents In My Father’s Garden” was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and the Mellon Foundation. Additional support comes from FSU’s Council on Research + Creativity.

MoFA is Tallahassee’s only art museum accredited by the American Association of Museums. Home to a permanent collection of over 7,000 objects and works of art, the museum fosters creativity, collaboration and connection in our community. Visit the MoFA website to learn more and plan your visit.

 Performance schedule

Thursday, Aug. 27: 5:30 p.m. 

Friday, Aug. 28: 5:30 p.m. 

Saturday, Aug. 29: 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. 

The post FSU Museum of Fine Arts opens new performance exhibition exploring work of father, daughter appeared first on Florida State University News.

New and returning Florida State University students can expect a warm welcome and nearly two weeks of events and experiences to kick off the fall semester. “Welcome FSU”  begins Monday, Aug. 17, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 29.

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Through “Welcome FSU,” students can explore the numerous clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities, intramural sports and other opportunities offered at Florida State. The university’s official welcome at the start of each semester, “Welcome FSU” features social, well-being, cultural and academic activities designed to help students connect with the FSU community.

“We want students to feel at home as soon as they arrive on campus and immediately know they belong,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “The events and programs during ‘Welcome FSU’ are designed to showcase the many ways students can get involved, build connections, form friendships and introduce students to all that FSU offers.”

For the complete list of “Welcome FSU” information and the full fall schedule, visit welcome.fsu.edu.

Monday, Aug. 17

Seminole Dining Foodstock  

Open Hours | Seminole Dining Locations
(This event runs until Aug. 27) 

Grab your Festival Pass to Seminole Dining’s Foodstock at the FSUCard Office, Suwannee Room or Seminole Café and discover dining options across campus. Collect stamps from each stop. Every participating festivalgoer earns a prize; the first 100 to complete their Festival Pass will earn $10 Dining Dollars, and three lucky fans who complete it by Aug. 28 will win one of three grand prizes.

Fitness & Movement Clinic Opens 

11 a.m. | FMC 

Stop by the Health and Wellness Center to start your workout routine as the Fitness & Movement Clinic reopens for the semester.  

Play, Create, Connect 

7-9 p.m. | ASLC 

Get crafty or competitive. Create your own artistic masterpiece with the Art Center, grab a board game in the Cyber Café or challenge a friend to compete in the Garnet Gaming Lounge.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Bowling & Bingo 

7-9 p.m. | Student Union, Lower Level 

Stop by for an evening of bowling, bingo, billiards, board games and snacks.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Cosmic Kick-Off Gaming Event

4-7 p.m. | ASLC Cyber Café 

Blast your way into the semester with Star Wars Battlefront, LEGO Star Wars, HALO, and free access to the Garnet Gaming Lounge. Make slime, origami stars and more in the Cyber Cafe.

Munch and Mingle

4-7 p.m. | Student Union Green 

Get the scoop on meal plans and campus dining and enjoy snow cones, popcorn, yard games and more. Discover valuable student resources and learn about programs and services that can help you make the most of your FSU experience. It’s the perfect chance to reunite with friends, meet new ones and start the semester right.

Karaoke with Inter-residence Hall Council (IRHC)

6-9 p.m. | Club Downunder 

Sing your heart out with friends, old and new, at Welcome FSU karaoke night.

Thursday, Aug. 20

RecFest

7-10 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center 

Explore Campus Rec’s fitness, sports and outdoor adventure offerings at RecFest, featuring contests, express activities, sampler classes, snow cones and smoothies.

FSU vs. Florida Atlantic Women’s Soccer

7-9 p.m. | Seminole Soccer Complex 

Bring your FSUCard and cheer on the reigning national champion FSU women’s soccer team as it hosts Florida Atlantic in its home opener. Space is limited, so get there early.

ASLC Movie: Project Hail Mary 

7-9:30 p.m. | ASLC 

ASLC movies are free for students with your FSUCard.

Stand Up Downunder

8–10 p.m. | Club Downunder 

Kick off your semester with a comedic standup show from Keegan Tindall. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 21

Find Your Classroom Tours

9-11:30 a.m. | HCB Atrium
(Available through Aug. 23) 

Take a brief guided walking tour of campus to help you find your way to class. Tours start at 9 a.m. and leave every 30 minutes, with the final tour departing at 11:30 a.m.).  

Welcome Week Carnival

5-8 p.m. | Union Green

Join fellow students for an evening of carnival activities on Union Green.

FSU Women’s Volleyball: Garnet vs. Gold Match 

6-8 p.m. | Tully Gymnasium

Catch the action and meet the FSU women’s volleyball team after watching an open scrimmage. Admission is free to all FSU volleyball home matches. 

Saturday, Aug. 22

Lounge at the Lake

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | FSU Lakefront Park 

Enjoy the sun and swim, kayak, paddleboard, play sand volleyball or stay in the shade. Entry to the FSU Lakefront Park is always free for students with their FSUCard.

Last Call Before Fall Concert

8-10:30 p.m. | Union Green 

Wrap up summer with our annual fall concert on the Union Green. Enjoy the show, along with activities and food trucks.

Sunday, Aug. 23

Leach Unlocked: Learn the Gym

10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center 

Learn about the Leach through facility tours and equipment demos every hour starting at 10 a.m. Staff will show you around and help you find the best ways for you to get the workout you want at the Leach Center.

Out-of-State Student Mixer

3-5 p.m. | Club Downunder  

Mingle with students from outside Florida and meet our Noles Everywhere student ambassadors during this casual, drop-in event with light snacks. 

Opening Floor Meetings 

Times Vary | Your Residence Hall Floor 

Meet your RA and other members of your community at your Welcome Home floor meetings.

FSU Nite Pep Rally

8-9 p.m. | Langford Green (Unconquered Statue)

Celebrate the start of a new academic year. This high-energy FSU tradition features performances and appearances by the Marching Chiefs, FSU Golden Girls & Company Dance Team, FSU Cheer and other spirit groups, with guest host DJ Demp. Enjoy interactive games, trivia, photo opportunities, free merchandise and giveaways. Admission is free, and complimentary student parking is available.

Monday, Aug. 24

Ask A Nole

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Various Campus Locations
(Also available Aug. 25) 

Ask A Nole stations across campus will offer directions and answer questions during the first day of classes.  

First Day Photos

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Landis Green
(Also available Aug. 25) 

Mark the first day of classes with a photo on Landis Green and share it with your family and friends. #WelcomeFSU #FSUFirstDayPhoto  

Get the Scoop about Health Care on Campus

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Health and Wellness Center 
(Available through Aug. 26)

Enjoy free ice cream and the scoop on services to support your health and well-being at FSU.

Branch Out: Leadership Speed Friending 

3-5 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard

Mash the fun of speed friending with interactive leadership development with this high energy, walk-up social event that bypasses awkward small talk to help you dive right into making connections. Meet new people through quick, fun challenges and activities and discover your unique leadership potential.

Multi-Player Monday

5-9 p.m. | ASLC Cyber Café 

Enjoy board games galore in the Cyber Café.

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Study Season Kickoff

4-6 p.m. | Strozier Library 

Join us at Strozier Library for free food, resources, prizes and more (while supplies last).

Game On with Intramural Sports

7-10 p.m. | Tully Gymnasium 

Jump into pickup games, grab a snack, win prizes and learn about Intramural Sports. Preview our fall schedule of leagues and events and find the perfect sport for a fun, active and social experience.

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Part-Time Job Fair

1:30-4:30 p.m. | Union Ballrooms 

Connect with employers for on and off-campus jobs so you can balance work while taking classes.

Engage TLH: Connecting and Serving in Tallahassee

2-3:30 p.m. | Dunlap Success Center 

Connect your interests and skills with student organizations, campus service opportunities and ways to serve the Tallahassee community. This interactive program will also highlight local festivals, campus spaces and things to do in Tallahassee.

Find Your Focus: Campus Resource Tour

4-6 p.m. | WJB Ground Floor 

Explore the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) to see how our academic support teams have your back. You don’t have to study alone.

Welcome Back BBQ

7-10 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard 

Enjoy an evening of BBQ as you gather and connect with your fellow Noles. University Health Services will also be holding an open house.

Second-Year Social Lounge

7-10 p.m. | Global Center for Engagement 

Stop by and connect with other second-year students and enjoy sweet treats, mocktails, music and conversation.

Thursday, Aug. 27

S’mores on Landis

3-5 p.m. | Landis Green

Check out this fall’s outdoor adventure trips and activities with Outdoor Pursuits while you make your own s’mores (while they last).

Fall Involvement Fair

5-8 p.m. | Tucker Civic Center

Explore more than 300 student organizations, meet with student leaders, learn about our registered student organizations and find ways to get involved.

Party on the Plaza

7-9 p.m. | Westcott Fountain 

Get a sunset photo at the fountain, grab a snack, enjoy music and connect with members of our FSU community.

Friday, Aug. 28

First Week Unwind

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | ASLC Courtyard 

Relax and recharge with activities celebrating the end of the first week of the semester.

Cosmic Bowling

9 p.m. – Midnight | Union Lower Level 

Bowl under black lights and a cosmic glow for $18 per hour for a lane with up to five bowlers or enjoy the billiards tables and game simulator.

Friday Night Racquet

8-11 p.m. | Leach Recreation Center 

Grab your paddle (or borrow one of ours) for pickleball and table tennis. The Leach Center is open late only for this special event so bring your FSUCard and stop by and play.

ASLC Movie Night: 22 Jump Street 

Midnight – 2 a.m. | ASLC 

ASLC movies are free for students with your FSUCard.

Saturday, Aug. 29

Garnet and Gold Tailgate

4-6 p.m. | Union Green 

Enjoy inflatables, games, free food and water at our first Garnet & Gold Tailgate of the season.

FSU vs. New Mexico State Football 

7-10:30 p.m. | Doak Campbell Stadium 

Cheer on the Seminole Football team as they take the field for the home opener game. Get your student tickets in advance. Ticket registration starts Monday, Aug. 24 at noon; details at seminoles.com/feature/students.

About ‘Welcome FSU’

“Welcome FSU” supports the Division of Student Affairs’ year-round “Hello FSU!” campaign that works with campus partners to highlight key campus events, programs, activities and services for undergraduate students:

• The Weekly Top 5 – A curated collection of the week’s biggest events, programs, activities and deadlines. (Debuts every Monday throughout the academic year on #HelloFSU social media and at hello.fsu.edu.)

• How To FSU – Connects students with how-to resources and online guides to help navigate various campus processes.

• Success Tips – Identifies resources and tips for succeeding in and out of the classroom.

• Spotlight FSU – Feature stories on programs, services and people from around campus.

• ICYMI – In Case You Missed It provides an extra reminder for upcoming events, deadlines or other important actions.

• Always On – Highlights the many events that are always happening on campus.

• Ready For – Provides tips on how to prepare for a variety of FSU experiences from getting ready for the first week of class to attending an FSU Noles Athletics event.

To stay up to date with the Division of Student Affairs, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and the FSU Calendar.

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