CAS Chronicles

Stories

The Hurricane Histories project will feature the experiences of those impacted by the 2024 historic hurricane season, providing a rich account of the natural disasters.

June 2, 2025Community Engagement, Research

For anthropology professor Elena Lesley, what started as an interest in political systems soon evolved into a deep commitment to understanding how trauma and mental health care intersect in post-conflict societies.

Enhancing mental health services in low-resource settings: A USF anthropologist’s impact

Elena Lesley, an anthropology professor at USF, is researching how digital mental health care—especially telehealth—is transforming access to treatment in Cambodia. Her work explores how digital tools can bridge gaps in mental health services, offering new possibilities for care in post-conflict communities. Through her research, she aims to highlight innovative strategies that could improve mental health care in low-resource settings worldwide.

May 29, 2025Community Engagement, Research

The Gladfelter Award was presented to Jose Garcia, the CEO of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida. (Photo courtesy of Kiley Mallard)

Power in partnership: School of Public Affairs presents Gladfelter Award to local nonprofit, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida

Every year, the School of Public Affairs presents the Gladfelter Award to an organization that addresses quality of life issues for the direct benefit of those who live, work and play in greater Tampa Bay.

May 27, 2025Community Engagement

During her time with Seniors in Service, Garling has helped develop and improve programs to better serve the community. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

Alumna creates community impact by putting anthropology in action

Aria Garling credits USF for influencing her nonprofit work and helping her design meaningful, intergenerational programs.

May 27, 2025Alumni, Community Engagement

Lorena Madrigal, professor, (left) with Jonathan Bethard, associate professor, (right) — who nominated her — during the American Association of Biological Anthropologists awards ceremony in March 2025. (Photo courtesy of Lorena Madrigal)

Professor's contributions to the field of biological anthropology earn national honor

Anthropology professor Lorena Madrigal received the Gabriel W. Lasker Service Award for her pioneering work in the field of biological anthropology.

May 19, 2025Accomplishments, Community Engagement, Research

graduates in caps and gowns standing below USF seal

USF to confer more than 7,700 degrees during commencement ceremonies May 8-11

Graduates include a mother and son earning their degrees, a cancer survivor who never gave up on her educational goal and twin sisters who created thriving startups, winning awards along the way to fuel their entrepreneurial journeys.

May 5, 2025Community Engagement

ɫɫÑо¿Ëù: A Preeminent Research University

USF students make directorial debut

When Hilda Sheridan-Hewlett moved from London, England to Tampa, Fla. to study literature and film, she was so swept away by the natural beauty of the local beaches that she decided to write and direct a short film. The final product, “Lost in the Current," has so far been screened at five film festivals.

April 29, 2025Accomplishments, Community Engagement, Events

Graduate students work with patients under the oversight of the clinic’s supervisors and directors. (Photo by Corey Lepak)

USF Psychological Services Center filling mental health services gap for community

At the USF Psychological Services Center, anyone in the community has access to evidence-based therapy and assessments on a sliding scale.

April 29, 2025Community Engagement

Abby Vidmar in Port St. Joe, Fla., where her research takes place. (Photo courtesy of Abby Vidmar)

Anthropology in action: PhD candidate Abby Vidmar helps a town tell its story

Abby Vidmar, an applied environmental anthropology PhD candidate, is documenting the powerful grassroots movement in Port St. Joe, Fla., as residents unite to protect their hometown. Through her work, Vidmar blends research with advocacy, capturing stories of resilience and inspiring efforts to protect communities and ecosystems for generations to come.

April 29, 2025Community Engagement, Research

At the height of the pandemic, two programs launched to connect people across generations. Five years later, Health Buddies and TelePals have connected hundreds of older adults with USF students, reducing loneliness and increasing access to health information.

April 25, 2025Community Engagement

A new partnership between USF and the city of St. Petersburg will bring an industrial-sized composter to campus, with the goal of reducing tons of food waste from landfills and creating compost for community gardens and urban farms.

April 21, 2025Community Engagement

The interactive Creekshed 2.0 map is a collaboration between artists and writers that explores the human and natural stories flowing through Tampa Bay’s watershed.

April 17, 2025Community Engagement, Research

About CAS Chronicles

CAS Chronicles is the monthly newsletter for the ɫɫÑо¿Ëù's College of Arts and Sciences, your source for the latest news, research, and events at CAS.

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