Martina Nieswandt
Welcome to the latest edition of Forward.
We are delighted to present you a collection of fascinating stories highlighting the innovative and impactful work taking place at Chapman University. This issue brings together inspiring articles that reflect the curiosity, rigor and creativity that define our faculty and student achievements across disciplines.
Chapman’s research and scholarly community continues to excel in securing competitive extramural funding from organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and renowned private foundations, including the John Templeton Foundation, the Spencer Foundation and the American Heart Association. These awards not only validate the exceptional quality of research and scholarship but also provide vital resources to propel transformative projects that address societal challenges. This ongoing success is a testament to the dedication, expertise and collaborative spirit of Chapman’s academic community. It underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering impactful discoveries, advancing knowledge and contributing solutions to pressing global issues.
Our cover story, “Chapman University Emerges as a Leading Hub for Quantum Innovation,” offers an in-depth look at Chapman’s pioneering efforts in quantum studies. It celebrates the opening of a new home for our Institute for Quantum Studies and the launch of a Quantum SoCal Hub, showcasing our unique interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to quantum studies. This piece also highlights the incredible research opportunities available for undergraduate students, who are an integral part of this groundbreaking work.
In “The Struppa Effect,” we reflect on the extraordinary leadership of President Daniele C. Struppa and his transformative impact on Chapman University as a thriving research institution. A researcher in his own right, he created and leads a vision that has paved the way for a vibrant academic community to continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and discovery.
Marking a decade since the widely discussed “Fear Study,” we revisit how Chapman researchers have illuminated the nation’s greatest fears and how these concerns have evolved over time. Professors Christopher Bader, Ann Gordon and Ed Day’s work continues to resonate, providing valuable insight into the psychology of fear and its societal implications.
In “Does Your Seafood Label Look Fishy? You May Be on to Something,” Professor Rosalee Hellberg uncovers the surprising truth about seafood labeling, bringing critical awareness to food safety and authenticity, impacting both consumers and industry practices.
Finally, in “Engineering Students Build Custom Arcade From Scratch, Featuring 3,000+ Classic Games,” we spotlight the creative opportunities available to Chapman’s undergraduates. Fowler Engineering students have constructed a fully functional arcade, complete with hundreds of classic games. This project exemplifies the creativity, innovation and collaborative spirit that thrive at Chapman.
This issue is more than a celebration of accomplishments—it is a testament to the passion, dedication and ingenuity of our faculty, students and collaborators. Together, they redefine what is possible, forging new horizons for research, scholarship and creative activities. We invite you, our readers, to join us in celebrating and engaging with the extraordinary work that defines Chapman’s academic community.
Warm regards,
Martina Nieswandt, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and Graduate Education
