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Eleven undergraduate students and two faculty at �����鶹are playing a hands-on role in one of the largest soil microbiome studies ever attempted. Dr. Jennifer Kerr and Dr. Sayumi York lead a team of student researchers were co-authors of a December 2025 article on the BioDIGS research in Nature Genetics, a leading peer-reviewed journal for high-impact research on how genetics impact human disease, biological function, and evolution. The �����鶹 team worked on the project with a Johns Hopkins University scientist who is one of the world foremost experts in genomics research.

Sara Morales had two top priorities when she first began her college search: a well-regarded education program to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a teacher, and an opportunity to play both lacrosse and soccer. �����鶹 checked both of those boxes, and Morales will walk across the stage for a second time during the 2024 Commencement Ceremony at the Baltimore Convention Center after completing the School of Education five-year bachelor and master degree program.

What started with an AP Psychology class in high school became a lifelong calling for Rebecca Becraft '25. At �����鶹, she built a foundation for empathy and understanding. Now Rebecca is ready to make an impact in mental health care and inspire the next generation.

For close to three years, Amelia King worked a 4:30 to 9:30 a.m. shift at Amazon before heading to �����鶹 for her classes. She also mixed in a second job selling insurance for State Farm on the side. All in all, King worked six days a week for a majority of her college career, using her one �off day� to catch up on coursework and her personal life. Her perseverance, however, paid off in the end, as she already has a full-time job lined up at an accounting firm downtown where she interned this semester.

Students at �����鶹 will have the opportunity to access funds for academic research with the development of a new Notre Dame Endowed Student Research Fund � the University largest-ever fund dedicated solely to student research. The fund, which currently stands at more than $100,000, will support interdisciplinary research expenses for students. Students will be able to use the funds to cover conference fees, travel, publication, and other necessary expenses to engage in meaningful research experiences. �����鶹 President Marylou Yam spearheaded the establishment of the fund to promote experiential learning.

For Jennifer Connelly, adding a master degree while continuing to work full time as a clinical educator at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital initially felt like a daunting task. As she progressed, however, through �����鶹's Leadership in Nursing Education program, Connelly realized that it was not just moving her career forward, but the University emphasis on caring science was also helping her strengthen her love for the profession.

�����鶹 School of Education is partnering with three public school districts to combat the teacher shortage with a $4.9 million initiative funded by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) � making it �����鶹 largest academic grant. More than 70 pre-licensed professionals from the public schools in Charles, Montgomery, and Worcester counties will enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in education program � earning the degree in just three years through �����鶹 distinctive teacher apprenticeship.

Mackenzie Lookingland will be graduating early from �����鶹, needing only three years to complete the undergraduate portion of a program which will allow her to earn both a bachelor and master degree in elementary education. Despite the shortened timeframe, Lookingland has filled her schedule with more activities than most students could manage in a typical four-year experience, serving as vice president of �����鶹 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, president of Gators Teach, and a Resident Advisor in Doyle Hall. In recognition of all her efforts on campus, she was the recipient of the University Legacy Award in February.