Inside USF: The Podcast

USF welcomes new College of Engineering dean

Levi Thompson is a chemical engineer who brings extensive teaching, research and administrative experience to USF. In this episode, he discusses his passion for learning and mentoring and some of his goals for the college, which include expanding interdisciplinary collaborations, creating more experiential learning opportunities for students and growing the research enterprise.

Provost focused on shaping what’s next for USF’s bold trajectory

One of the greatest highlights of the 2024-25 academic year was the record-shattering $40 million gift from alums Arnie and Lauren Bellini to establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. In this episode, Provost Prasant Mohapatra describes the extensive efforts underway as the college gears up to welcome its first students next fall. He also reveals plans for a high-profile AI-cybersecurity conference and dives into several other transformational initiatives, including new degree programs in aerospace-aeronautical engineering and design and construction management.

The debut of women’s lacrosse

After more than two years of preparation, women’s lacrosse – the first new women’s athletics program at USF since women’s soccer began play in 1995 – launches its inaugural season on Feb. 7 at Corbett Stadium. In this episode, Coach Mindy McCord discusses some of the keys to developing a program from scratch, including recruiting student-athletes, the culture she has established within the team and what fans can expect from this fast-paced sport. A first-generation college graduate, McCord stresses the importance of academics to her players (the team’s fall semester GPA was 3.75), noting that “mentoring has always been at the heart of what I do” as she helps them prepare for successful and meaningful careers following graduation.

Meet the new dean of the College of Public Health

Dr. Sten Vermund brings decades of infectious disease epidemiology and prevention experience to the USF Health College of Public Health, which he will lead beginning in January. He also is the president of the Global Virus Network, which recently relocated its international headquarters to USF. In this episode, Vermund shares his perspective on a variety of topics, including what attracted him to public health and to USF, his plans to continue building the college’s reputation, opportunities to grow the college’s partnerships throughout the Tampa Bay region, public health issues that keep him awake at night, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Bold Vision for USF’s Future

President Rhea Law’s fall address celebrated many of USF’s recent accomplishments – including student success, record research funding and a growing national reputation – that are advancing the university into a bold new era. She also shared priorities for this year that are designed to position USF for the future. Following the address, she sat down to discuss those priorities – including enhancing and expanding community partnerships and opportunities to grow the research enterprise -- in greater detail. (The conversation begins at the 1:05 mark in the recording.)