UA Preview — Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2026

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Four engineering faculty win NSF CAREER Awards

Four University of Alabama engineering faculty recently received National Science Foundation CAREER Awards, a prestigious national award for early-career research that will advance knowledge and enhance the educational experience.

Why This Matters: The NSF CAREER Award honors researchers who push the boundaries of science, engineering and technology and who demonstrate leadership in education or community outreach. These awards provide funding for ground-breaking research, fostering innovation in science and technology and enhancing the connection between fundamental research and national priorities.

Study explores new approach to lupus treatment

UA researchers have found that a combination of an existing immunosuppressant drug and a compound derived from dietary sources showed greater benefit than either treatment alone in a preclinical model of lupus.

Why This Matters: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, and existing treatments, like cyclosporine, are often taken with steroids to manage inflammation. This study explored whether molecules like urolithin A, a compound naturally metabolized by gut bacteria from precursors in pomegranates, berries, and nuts, but administered here as a synthetic compound, could eventually manage that inflammation with fewer side effects.

For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at [email protected].

Department of theatre and dance hosts high school festival

The UA department of theatre and dance will host the High School Theatre and Dance Festival Sept. 12 at 8:30 a.m. at Bryce Main on the UA campus. Registration is $25.

Why This Matters: Through a theatre track, a dance track, or combined disciplines, the day will be filled with masterclasses, tours of the historic Bryce Main facility, headshot sessions and more. Students in grades 9-12 will explore new possibilities in the performing arts world, grow their creative skills, and make new friends along the way.

For more information, contact Savannah Golden at [email protected].

CURRENT COMMENT

Dr. Nancy Brinson, associate professor of advertising and public relations, is available to discuss Metas recent settlement with the state of Alabama. Brinson researches the psychological and policy dimensions of personalized advertising in digital media. She has also presented on children, privacy and social media to a state commission. Brinson can be reached at [email protected].

With classes underway at UA and other colleges across the state, Dr. Adam Knowlden, associate professor of health science and director of the SLUMBRx Lab, can discuss his research on how poor time management can lead to poor sleep health in college students. Knowlden can be reached at [email protected].

EVENTS

OLLI: Mini Medical School

Sept. 1; Bryant Conference Center

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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.