Much of what shapes an ecosystem happens underground—out of sight and, until recently, largely out of reach for scientists. Chris Vito, a PhD candidate in Environmental Life Sciences at Arizona State University, is focused on bringing that hidden world into clearer view.
“I study ecosystem ecology, which means thinking about... Read more
When Logan Kavanaugh left college after her first year, she wasn’t sure she’d ever return. The first-generation student had earned a spot in a biology program, but financial strain and personal hardship forced her to step away. For four years, she worked as a bartender, uncertain if she’d ever... Read more
Shanjida Khan’s PhD research at Oregon Health & Science University focused on building imaging systems that allow scientists to see the front part of the human eye.
“The imaging systems use a noninvasive imaging technique, optical conference tomography, which is similar to ultrasound,” she explains. “But instead of using sound... Read more
Anyone who wants to become a Navy pilot must meet several criteria and pass multiple tests.
“My virtual reality research explores physiological and cognitive abilities that may provide insights for future pilot selection and training, help mitigate a lot of the safety and cost barriers involved in selection and training... Read more
On December 2nd, the ARCS Foundation community proved once again that when people unite behind a shared purpose, remarkable things happen. Giving Tuesday 2025 was more than a day of generosity—it was a nationwide celebration of the individuals and organizations who believe deeply in the power of discovery.
The 2025 ARCS Annual Report delivers a clear and timely message: ARCS Foundation continues to stand strong with science, even as federal research funding faces new challenges and uncertainty. When national funding cuts were announced during the ARCS National Board meeting in February, chapters across the country responded with renewed... Read more
From pesticides to psychosocial stress, the environments we experience before birth may influence our health for years to come, and Atlanta ARCS Scholar Sarina Abrishamcar is working to uncover exactly how.
At Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, Abrishamcar is investigating how prenatal environmental and psychosocial exposures affect child... Read more
ARCS Foundation was saddened to learn that one of our Hall of Fame honorees passed away unexpectedly in August 2025. David Mangelsdorf, PhD, will always be honored by ARCS for his research and contributions to science.
Mangelsdorf was an ARCS Scholar in 1985 while at The University of... Read more
David Baker was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in chemistry. He celebrated the one-year anniversary of that honor by giving the keynote speech at the annual fundraising event for ARCS Seattle Chapter, aptly called “A Night to Ignite Science.”
In early 2025, a sub-group of the ARCS National Scholar Relations Committee came together to plan the first networking event for ARCS Scholar Alumni at the Biomedical Engineering Society - BMES Conference, held October 8–12, 2025, in San Diego.
San Diego Chapter members Kathe Albrecht and Ingrid Benirschke-Perkins... Read more
