Category: Feature

Lessons from Shell Mound

When Hurricane Helene tore through Florida’s Big Bend, it didn’t just damage homes and shorelines — it reshaped a 1,000-year-old archaeological site. Discover how UF researchers are restoring Shell Mound near Cedar Key and what this ancient Indigenous gathering place can teach us about resilience, climate change and coastal living today.

UF experts help Tavares cemetery become state’s first to earn arboretum accreditation

When visiting a cemetery, the stereotypical scene is a somber one: stark gravestones adorn the barren ground with not a speck of color in sight. But when people actually visit their loved ones’ graves, they hope for peace, comfort and tranquility — not sterility.

UF/IFAS experts recently partnered with the City of Tavares to bring the solace of nature to a local cemetery by helping it become Florida’s first to earn arboretum accreditation.

Career Influencer Awards nominations due March 15

The UF Career Influencer Awards celebrate the collaboration and innovation of those who had an exceptional impact on career development and career engagements in the preceding calendar year. Nominations will be accepted through March 15, and awards will be presented at the Career Connections Center’s annual Faculty and Staff Career Symposium on April 24.  

It’s tax time — be on the lookout for your W-2 and 1095-C forms 

By Jan. 23, employees who consented to receive an electronic Form W-2 should be able to access it through myUFL or the ONE.UF application.  Those who did not consent or who separated from UF more than eighteen months ago should receive their printed tax forms by mail soon after Jan. 30.  

In addition to filing your W-2, the IRS requires reporting of health insurance coverage information for the 2025 federal income tax reporting year. While it is not necessary to include Form 1095-C with your tax return, you will need to include your insurance information.

UF researchers collaborate with NASA to reduce and repurpose mission waste

Nils Averesch, Ph.D., a member of UF’s Astraeus Space Institute, is collaborating with NASA’s Deep Space Logistics team to explore innovative biomanufacturing techniques for recycling cargo packing materials.

In echo of Jurassic Park, mosquitoes capture entire ecosystems in their meals

According to a new study, mosquitoes fed on 86 different species within a small central Florida area, capturing nearly all the vertebrate biodiversity in the area.

Happy New Year! Find your focus to meet your 2026 wellness goals 

A new year brings new opportunities to focus on your well-being and establish healthy habits. To support you along the way, we invite you to explore these upcoming programs and events. 

Ring in the new year with local fireworks

Sparks in the Park is back for another year at Depot Park to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The free event is open to the public and starts at 5 p.m. with a 20-minute musically choreographed fireworks show over the main pond starting at 6:30 p.m. 

Holiday travel made easy with GatorPerks

Whether you’re seeking snow covered mountains or tropical scenery, the GatorPerks program is here to help with all your travel needs. Explore discounts on transportation, lodging, pet sitting services and more to save time, stress and money this holiday season.

UF community invited to sixth annual Holiday Gator lighting celebration

Faculty, staff, students, families and friends are invited to the sixth annual “Lighting of the Holiday Gator” this Friday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m. on the lawn of the University Auditorium near the corner of Newell Drive and Union Road.

This year’s festivities will feature hot chocolate, apple cider and other holiday treats, as well as performances by members of three UF groups: the Gator Marching Band, the UF Sunshine Steelers and the UF Concert Choir.