The Community Scientist
October 19, 2022
In his 40 years at UNC-Chapel Hill, the late Ken Jacobson transformed the world of microscopy — and helped countless students and peers along the way.
Alyssa LaFaro
- On any given day, Alyssa can be found photographing the effects of climate change, digging up long-lost information in the University Archives, or writing furiously in her Bynum Hall office. As the editor of Endeavors, she’s mastered the art of “wearing many hats.” When she’s not behind a camera or a computer, she’s meeting regularly with communicators, students, and faculty from across campus to learn about the latest research projects and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.
Posts by Alyssa LaFaro:
Crouching Researcher, Hidden Sparrow
September 27, 2022
Four students spent their summer in Colorado stalking Lincoln’s sparrows in search of answers to fundamental biological questions.
Championing Public Health
September 26, 2022
The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health has been addressing the world’s biggest challenges for more than 80 years.
Bringing Bivalves Back
August 18, 2022
Oysters have been dying off for the last century, and PhD candidate Mark Ciesielski wants to know why — and how to stop it.
The Coastal Engineer
August 16, 2022
Since 1987, Rick Luettich has been building systems to protect the coast from environmental hazards and extreme weather events.
Slowly, Then All at Once
June 20, 2022
Shekinah Elmore’s road to radiation oncology was long, exhausting, and unexpected.
Infusing Hope for Hemophilia
June 14, 2022
A gene therapy clinical trial for hemophilia shows promise and could be approved by the FDA later this year — a feat made possible, in part, by UNC-Chapel Hill's 70-year-old research program
Capturing the Lives of Sea Creatures
May 16, 2022
Liah McPherson records the lives of dolphins and whales — from Hawaiʻi to Antarctica.
Thirst for the Search
May 9, 2022
How Brian Coffey’s love for hunting objects unearthed a dinosaur in Durham and led him to a career in the energy sector.
Microscope Magic
April 12, 2022
Since middle school, Michelle Itano has been mesmerized by the power of microscopes. These seemingly familiar pieces of technology can do so much more than simply capture images of small things. They can unveil a world beyond our imagination — one Itano strives to show as many people as possible.