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A new study by Notre Dame researchers—and a former Notre Dame postdoctoral scholar—reveals how forest resources can dramatically reduce food insecurity in rural households. Forests can reduce hunger in rural households while also capturing carbon and advancing sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, according to new research by University of Notre Dame experts.  

Read More about Using forest resources strengthens food security, study finds

Once a graduate student at Notre Dame, Jennifer Burke Lefever has gone on to become a leader in child psychology—now helping guide one of the University’s most ambitious responses to the mental health crisis and turning research into real-world support for children and families. Jennifer Burke Lefever has worked her entire career in the field of child psychology. Yet, nothing compares to being a parent who needs resources for their own child. That personal experience is what drives her passion as she transitions from managing director of the Shaw Family Center for Children and Families to her current role at the University, helping lead the Mental Health Initiative as managing director of the Wilma and Peter Veldman Family Psychology Clinic.

Read More about Mental Health Initiative leader driven by personal experience to serve others

At the inaugural Notre Dame Postdoc Spotlight, held on November 6, 2025, Dr. Khushi Bhatt was…

Read More about Bhatt honored with Community Choice Award at Notre Dame Postdoc Spotlight

NSL graduate student Fabio Rivero served as director for the inaugural run of the University of Notre Dame chapter of PING (Physicists Inspiring the Next Generation) in summer 2025. Five high school students from the greater South Bend area participated in a two-week summer program designed to introduce them to what physics research is and how it is carried out in practice.

Read More about Graduate student leads first PING summer physics program at Notre Dame

The venous blood test is the gold standard for biomarker detection in blood but it's painful, invasive, and does not enable continuous monitoring of blood contents. Blood is taken out for analysis, and the results leave patients with mere snapshots of their health condition instead of the ability…

Read More about Bio-nano interface design for multiplexed wearable biosensors

“My passion is to establish community education and cancer prevention based on the current research that is being done, especially bringing that education to underrepresented communities. I want to fight a bigger battle–the disconnect between research and clinical care.” Brighton Miller, doctoral…

Read More about Bridging the gap: Brighton Miller’ fight to unite cancer research and community care

The Graduate School is excited to announce the launch of information sessions for the 2026 Shaheen Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition. The event offers graduate students an incredible opportunity to enhance their research communication skills. In the competition, graduate students are challenged…

Read More about From practice to podium, it’s almost Shaheen 3MT® season

Alec Houpt, who earned his doctorate from the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME) at the University of Notre Dame in 2020, will collaborate with Sergey Leonov, research professor in AME, to pursue the development of a supersonic nozzle designed to freeze and capture carbon dioxide and water from industrial exhaust.

Read More about Alumni founder of carbon-capture start-up receives NSF funding to collaborate with Notre Dame researchers

When early signs of forest decline go undetected, the consequences can be devastating. Research involving Notre Dame graduate students and postdoctoral scholars is helping scientists identify those warning signals sooner—before ecosystems reach a crisis point. A new study from researchers at the University of Notre Dame, published in Nature: Communications Earth & Environment, uncovers a more comprehensive picture of forest health. Funded by NASA, the research shows that spectral reflectance—a measurement obtained from satellite images—corresponds with the expression of specific genes.

Read More about How light reflects on leaves may help researchers identify dying forests