Charles Weiss, PhD, professor emeritus of environmental sciences and engineering at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, passed away on Dec. 17.

Steve Matson, dean of The Graduate School and biology professor, was instrumental in his success as a doctoral student. In addition, Nobel Laureates Aziz Sancar, of UNC-Chapel Hill, and Paul Modrich, of Duke University, served on his Ph.D. thesis committee.

The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) has announced that Dr. Steven W. Matson, dean of The Graduate School and professor of biology, is the 2018 recipient of the Debra W. Stewart Award for Outstanding Leadership in Graduate Education.

“With this new endeavor, we are excited to showcase the scholarship of our students while cultivating conversation with our broader campus community,” said Kathy Wood, co-director of Diversity and Student Success.

First-year doctoral students Bryan and Kenneth Guzmán began their doctoral studies in biological and biomedical sciences in fall 2018.

Over the last four years, the Diversity and Student Success Program has changed and expanded and is now a national model.

Ten finalists presented their research to judges and an audience — with a three-minute time limit. Jessica Barrick won second place and William Green won People’s Choice honors.

LaVoya Woods-Dionne first learned about doctoral degrees when she was 6 years old. Since that time, pursuing her own post-secondary education has been a major goal.

Victoria Moy’s Nov. 8 talk, was titled “Fighting for the Dream: Voices of Chinese American Veterans from World War II to Afghanistan.”

Carolina F1RSTS and Carolina Grad Student F1RSTS participate in national First-Generation College Celebration.