First TEACH Class Graduates, Improving the Piedmont Educator Pipeline
Posted on April 21, 2026
Asheboro City Schools will hold a ceremony for its first graduates of the new TEACH program on April 21. For the last two years, UNCG’s Institute for Partnerships in Education have worked with aspiring educators, helping them complete college credits and network with community partners so they can get to work in local classrooms.
Lt. Col. SaQuang Lam, assistant director of Student Health Services, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his exceptional service and leadership with the 60th Troop Command.
Presented by the Department of the Army, the award honors Lam’s contributions as Chief Information Officer from March 2020 through July 2023. During this period, he played a pivotal role in strengthening knowledge management systems and enhancing operational readiness across the command.
According to the official citation, Lam demonstrated “critical thinking and anticipatory planning,” enabling senior leaders to navigate complex challenges and make informed, timely decisions. His efforts directly improved efficiency, ensured data accuracy, and supported mission success at scale.
Colleagues describe Lam as a steady, disciplined leader with a unique ability to translate complex information into actionable strategy. His approach to leadership reflects a quiet commitment to serving others first, ensuring that teams, leaders, and missions are set up for success.
The medal was formally presented on April 16 at Headquarters 60th Troop Command in Raleigh, North Carolina, by Colonel David Walliser. Fellow service members, colleagues, and supporters gathered to recognize Lam’s accomplishments and service.
For UNCG, Lam’s recognition underscores a broader narrative. Members of the University community continue to serve and contribute beyond campus, impacting the local community, the state, and the nation. His leadership reflects enduring values of honor, service, integrity, and commitment, principles that resonate across both military and academic environments.
The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves through sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For Lieutenant Colonel Lam, it marks a period of leadership defined by foresight, discipline, and an unwavering dedication to those he serves.
Honors College students who are selected for the program receive a stipend and funds for supplies. They each have a mentor for their projects, and the cohort meets online every other month to share process and progress, and to receive feedback.
A Percussionist Presents a Novel Idea
Second year student Madison Karan hopes to challenge modern-day narratives with her multimedia novel. Karan is a percussionist and music in performance major who plays “anything you can hit,” but primarily the marimba.
Last spring, prior to her decision to apply for the Pubantz Artist in Residence, the symphonic band played Karel Husa’s “Apotheosis of the Earth,” about the destruction of humanity through their own means. She thought to herself, “What would this look like if it was fictionalized?”
“My story, entitled ‘Apotheosis,’ centers around three human characters and their interactions with a rapidly evolving AI,” says Karan. “Through forces outside of their control, the Earth is destroyed, and only the AI is left to reflect on the events that led to this point. Uniquely, the AI is the narrator of ‘Apotheosis,’ and we follow its point of view as it transforms from a simple machine into a complex, sentient being.”
Although Karan’s novel does not directly address the human impact on Earth’s ecosystem like Husa’s score does, the two pieces are similar in tone. “While there are moments of lightheartedness; the bulk of the novel is solemn and reflective,” she says.
The novel includes features such as jewelry created by Karan. All her characters represent a type of media she works with — music, writing, and jewelry.
“For instance, one of my characters is a musician, and at one point in the story, he discusses a composition he made,” she says. “The QR code I put there directs to a piece I wrote, but in-universe, it is his.”
“The arts are a fundamental part of the human experience that cannot be replicated by a machine,” says Karan. “While there are necessary uses for AI, that place is not within art. When people see my work, I want them to consider their own beliefs about the topic at hand. Of course, I would love to see the reader enjoying the experience, but the questions ‘Apotheosis’ asks the reader are the most important part of it all — in this way, the story is a vehicle to inspire reflection.”
A Sustainable Design Project for Grandmother’s Furniture
Interior architecture major Sophia Weaver commits to a theme of sustainability by repurposing her grandmother’s furniture. The 1900s furniture is mostly dark, solid wood and some of it is quite ornate. There are unique features we do not see anymore, like tile on top of wood.
“I thought ‘What if I take all these pieces of furniture and give them a new life instead of them going to a landfill?’” she says.
Her process has been to take the furniture apart, lay out all the pieces, and then combine them in unusual ways. For instance, she took a bed frame and side tables and turned them into an armoire.
In her grandparents’ house, she not only found old furniture, but also tools like finishes and wood glue to use for her project. “The whole purpose of the project was that I didn’t want to spend any money on buying something new,” says Weaver.
She is producing 10-12 pieces of furniture, but not all of it will be on display. The goal is to have one completed set, and the rest will be proposed later.
Using Palm Leaves to Push the Boundaries of Linguistic History
Senior Sheza Khurram knew from the beginning that her work would be reconstructive and linguistic in nature. Her project, “The Write Way — Re-evaluating Writing in Palm Leaf Manuscripts,” is an experimental archaeology project merging historical linguistics and language reconstruction. It is based on the theory that Latin letters look blocky because they were originally made with wax, and South Asian letters are curly because they were written on palm leaves.
Khurram engaged in two different methodological practices. She reproduced existing palm leaf manuscripts in the Hindu script, then she inscribed English letters from the Latin alphabet on palm leaves.
“After this process, I do a cross-sectional analysis to measure the incisions and other details and see how that matches up to museum artifacts,” she says.
“I wanted to do something original and push boundaries in my field,” says Khurram. “This program allowed me to do that.”
In addition to some creative craftwork and student workshops in the School of Education’s makerspace, Khurram is an officer of Make Cool Stuff, which offers opportunities for students to create on campus.
“This is the first opportunity I’ve had to do my own research on an entirely independent project, so it’s been huge,” she says. “It’s a feeling of success and triumph because I’m getting to branch out into my field in a way that’s self-led, but then there’s also the pressure of ‘I want this to turn out well, and I want to prove that I can succeed in this field.’”
‘A Southern Love Letter’ Inspired by Italian Sculpture
Shaye Scales, a senior with a double major in painting and arts administration, is serious about her work.
“Art is a craft. I hope to shock the audience at the Undergraduate Research Expo and inspire them to take a second look and take it seriously at least for a moment,” she says.
Scales’ work “A Southern Love Letter” centers on Christianity and being Black in the American South. She says she got inspired last year during a trip to Florence, Italy.
“I saw Renaissance and Baroque sculptures about Catholicism, and I thought ‘What if I did that, but I did it about being Black in the South?’” she says.
Her focus is on the positive aspects of growing up in the Black church. She hopes to combat, or at least challenge, some of the negativity of how Christian nationalism is manifesting in the country right now.
When not in class, Scales plays rugby and is the art director of the Coraddi, UNCG’s art and literature magazine. Off campus, she volunteers at least once per month at the Tiny House, where she gives people experiencing homelessness space to create art.
“Helping to bridge the community and the arts is an experience that I really enjoy,” says Scales.
Her project includes paintings, prints, multimedia, and wood sculpture. She says working on the Pubantz project is similar to working on any type of art.
“You go through a bunch of turmoil, you go through inspiration, motivation, a bunch of lulls, and then you actually start to see the piece come alive,” she says, “and you get excited again, and then you start working again and then it happens—the piece is done.”
Late Night Breakfast is back, and Spartan Dining is looking for volunteers to help make it a great experience for students.
On Wednesday, April 29, they will serve up a fun night of breakfast favorites once classes end and before exams begin. Volunteers will assist with serving, stocking food and beverages, and engaging with students throughout the event.
Volunteer shifts run from 6:30–9 p.m. The event starts at 7 p.m.
Science Everywhere Festival creates fun for all ages on UNCG Campus
Posted on March 31, 2026
Experience science like never before — talk to robots, witness honeybees in action, dive into colorful chemistry, and explore the fascinating science of anesthesia using a live cricket model.
These are just a few of the fun activities available to visitors who attend this year’s Science Everywhere Festival at UNC Greensboro. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. It features over 50 stations of interactive experiments, tours of science research labs, presentations by student and faculty scientists, a cardboard robot parade, food trucks, and more.
UNC Greensboro has hosted Science Everywhere for 12 years. The event contributes to the North Carolina Science Festival, a month-long, statewide celebration of science in April designed to engage youth with interactive activities and experiments and to encourage their pursuit of science-related careers.
“Science Everywhere is an opportunity for UNCG to welcome neighbors of all ages to our university to experience hands-on science and technology,” says Dr. Jerry Walsh, UNCG professor of chemistry and biochemistry and director of Science Everywhere. “Active engagement in science activities has been shown to lead young people to consider careers in science. We want kids to get involved, to perform experiments, and to learn some of the accomplishments of science — to inspire the next generation of scientists.”
Something for everyone
The Science Everywhere Festival draws thousands of attendees to campus each year and includes activities and exhibits for all ages and interests. Activities cover fields of study representing nearly all of UNCG’s colleges and schools including biology, chemistry, earth science, health, nursing, kinesiology, human development and family studies, art, and nanoscience.
Middle school and high school students enjoy designing and programming robots and touring chemistry or biology labs. The event also gives older students a taste of a college campus and the resources available to UNCG students. Favorite activities for elementary school children include taking part in an obstacle course that teaches them how their muscles work, learning about “creatures of the night,” and bringing home origami from a DNA learning activity or seeds to attract honeybees to their yards.
A particularly popular activity over the last four years has been the Cardboard Robot Parade, run by Teaching Resources Center Assistant Director Matt Fisher in the School of Education. In this arts experience, kids engineer wearable cardboard robot costumes with the help of UNCG students and then take part in a parade and a robot dance party at the end of the festival.
Festival attendees receive stamps for participating in activities in different sections on campus. Those with fully stamped cards receive t-shirts as prizes.
The UNCG Native American Student Association will also host its annual Spring Powwow on campus on the same day this year. The free event, which includes intertribal dancing and indigenous vendors selling crafts and food, will include its own Science Everywhere display.
While most Science Everywhere activities take place April 11, Greensboro residents will have one more opportunity on April 17 to get their science on at the Star Party at the Three College Observatory, where participants will get to peer through the 32-inch telescope, listen to a one-of-a-kind storyteller, and learn about the night sky.
Community Building, Career Building
Science Everywhere would not be possible without hundreds of UNCG faculty, staff, and student volunteers. Fourth-year chemistry student Jasmin Grillo, who is completing her third year as the festival’s student co-director, says the big lift is worth it.
“I’m one of the kids who went to programs similar to Science Everywhere, and it’s the reason I chose chemistry as my career goal. I’m giving back to the community something that will literally carry me throughout my lifetime.”
She says it is important for kids to engage with science outside of the classroom, in a more approachable context.
“We must give kids opportunities to see how science isn’t this super daunting thing. It’s everyday life, and it’s cool and fascinating.”
UNCG Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Sherine Obare agrees, adding that the rich community event is particularly important in Greensboro. “As STEM and advanced manufacturing companies expand in our region, investing in workforce development is key to driving economic growth, strengthening communities, and preparing the next generation for high-impact careers,” says Dr. Obare.
“Inspiring kids by giving them hands-on opportunities with science and introducing them to working scientists is the first step in a pipeline that goes from elementary and high school to college education to careers in STEM. Building and strengthening that pathway is one of the reasons UNCG exists.”
by Sangeetha Shivaji and Becky Deakins, University Communications photography by Sean Norona, Martin Kane, and Jiyoung Park, University Communications
UNCG Names Dr. Morgan Chitiyo the New Dean of the School of Education
Posted on April 08, 2026
Chitiyo, who has served as interim dean, will assume the permanent role on May 1. The internationally recognized scholar was also chair of the Department of Specialized Education Services, and before coming to UNCG, he held leadership positions at Duquesne University’s School of Education.
Bassoon Professor Retools Concert To Help Young Musicians
Posted on May 22, 2026
A comment made by an alum to his former UNCG professor, Dr. Ryan Reynolds, got the latter thinking how he might put more instruments in the hands of young, eager students. He delivered on that goal with his most recent winter concert.
Be Part of Something B1G: Volunteering for NAV1GATE
Posted on April 08, 2026
NAV1GATE is a high energy, campus-wide event designed to welcome and engage incoming students as they begin their first year at UNCG. This year’s NAV1GATE will take place on Monday, Aug. 17, and we are currently searching for students, faculty, and staff to serve as NAV1GATORS.
NAV1GATOR volunteers play an important role in creating a warm, welcoming environment for our new Spartans. By completing the NAV1GATOR interest form, respondents will be added to the contact list and receive follow-up communication from New Student Transitions & First Year Experience about assignment details, time, and location. Assignments may involve standing for long stretches and being stationed outdoors, so volunteers should make sure they are comfortable with these conditions before completing the form.
In addition to the rewarding experience of helping our new students feel at home, volunteers will receive a NAV1GATOR t-shirt, rally towel, and lunch in Fountain View Dining Hall on the day they work.
It’s time to make NAV1GATE a day to remember together!
And the Winner Is… Best University Libraries Research Projects
Posted on April 08, 2026
General refreshed images of campus landmarks and locations taken during summer of 2023. These photos feature the Jackson Library.
The University Libraries Research Award winners for 2026 have been announced. These awards are given annually in recognition of outstanding original paper or projects in any media.
UNCG Welcomes Bestselling Author Casey McQuiston to Greensboro Bound
Posted on April 06, 2026
Each spring, Greensboro Bound brings together thousands of book lovers looking for new stories. Over the course of three days, they get to mingle with hundreds of authors who entice them with fun, quirky, and stimulating tales encompassing fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
McQuiston
For years, UNC Greensboro’s University Libraries has set the scene for the weekend-long book festival by hosting a headliner event with one of its acclaimed authors to talk about their work, answer questions, and sign books for eager readers.
The library continues that tradition this April with a much-anticipated author of bestselling works, Casey McQuiston, taking the stage at Elliott University Center Auditorium on Thursday, April 9.
McQuiston’s niche is fitting for Greensboro Bound’s 2026 theme “American Kaleidoscope,” which coincides with the United States’ 250th birthday. All the authors this year, each in their own way, reflect upon America’s past, present, and potential for the future. McQuiston is the author of Red, White & Royal Blue, One Last Stop, I Kissed Shara Wheeler, and The Pairing, heralded as funny and heartfelt stories about love, identity, and contemporary life.
Their work has already leapt off the page and onto the screen. Red, White & Royal Blue follows the son of a U.S. president and a prince of Wales who are engaged in a feud but are forced to feign a friendship to preserve diplomatic relations between their countries, only for it to turn into a real romance. The book was adapted to film in 2023, starring Uma Thurman, Taylor Zakhar Perez, and Nicholas Galitzine, and a sequel is in the works.
Author Percival Everett spoke at UNCG, introduced by University Libraries Dean Michael Crumpton (left).
Author James McBride signing books following his headliner panel.
“Greensboro Bound has been an ongoing and strong partner of University Libraries for many years now,” says Dean Michael Crumpton. “We initially saw this as a way to realize our community engagement strategy to embrace the larger community outside of campus. We feel our continued investment in this partnership has proven a benefit for the community, including our students and faculty, and has embraced a greater good for celebrating literacy.”
This year’s Greensboro Bound runs from April 9-11.
Historical perspectives told through color
UNCG’s part in the book festival does not end there. On Saturday, April 11, the Weatherspoon Art Museum will sponsor another of Greensboro Bound’s featured authors, National Book Award winner Imani Perry, who will speak at the Greensboro Cultural Center about her newest work Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People.
Dr. Imani Perry is a National Book Award winner and MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow whose work explores the deeply complex history of Black thought, art, and imagination. Her book traces the color blue across time and experience, from indigo fields to the music of Louis Armstrong, revealing how art, history, and culture intertwine. Through this layered exploration, Perry captures a portrait of America shaped by memory, creativity, and resilience, reflecting the many perspectives that form our American Kaleidoscope.
Dr. Perry will be in conversation with Dr. Lalenja Harrington. Hear them speak at the Van Dyke Performance Space on April 11, 3–4:15 p.m.
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications and courtesy of Casey McQuiston
