The Pulse: August 2026
Message From The Dean
This is CPS at its best: people building real expertise while living real lives. This week we confer doctoral degrees on students who researched, wrote, and defended their dissertations over several years. Many of whom doing so while working full-time and raising families. Or while building careers across countries and continents, navigating new languages, systems, and cultures along the way. It’s proof of what’s possible when rigorous research meets lived experience. You can explore their work, along with student research from across the college, on our Student Research page.
That commitment to research with impact stems from the Northeastern belief that learning grounded in practice is essential, and that practice is strongest when it builds community. Sometimes that means showing up to a space built for you, like new students meeting their classmates at virtual orientation on August 22. And sometimes it means building that space yourself, the way graduate student Krithika Murugesan is doing as she shapes what AI literacy looks like, in this quick conversation.
No matter how you find community, know I am so grateful you are a part of the CPS community and wish you a wonderful end of August as we ramp of to the start of a new academic year.
Student Events & Opportunities
Orientation on August 22nd
Are you starting in a CPS undergraduate program for the Fall Semester 2026? Welcome – we’re so happy you’re here! You are invited to meet their classmates, faculty, and advisors at our virtual orientation on Saturday, August 22, 2026 – be sure to check your Northeastern University email inbox for details!
Get Connected with Student Engagement
Want to stay in the loop on all CPS student events? Check out the CPS Student Engagement website! Not sure where to start or just want to talk to someone who gets it? Chat with a CPS Student Ambassador in your field or on your campus. Scroll to “Chat with our Ambassadors” Click “See More Profiles” on the lower right Click “Ask me a question” on the profile that is right for you and start chatting!
Tap Into The Northeastern Network
Whether you’re a current student, recent grad, or alum, we all have something in common: a desire to connect and help each other. Unique job opportunities, career support, a chance to mentor or seek mentorship, and countless resources are all available to you here, in one place. With over 350,000 alumni worldwide, NUsource makes it easy to find and connect with alumni in your industry.
2026 CPS Doctoral Commencement
On August 21st, we celebrate one of the most significant milestones in academia: the conferral of the College of Professional Studies doctoral degrees. Fewer than 2% of the population ever earns a doctorate — and this class did it while working full-time careers, raising families, and showing up for their communities. Every dissertation defended this year was written in early mornings, late nights, and the in-between moments of already full lives. As we prepare to celebrate this milestone, here’s what you need to know.
Dean’s Medal Winners
The Dean’s Medal honors exceptional academic achievement — recognizing innovation, the significance of the doctoral work to its field, and the caliber of the writing. This year, we’re proud to recognize two recipients:
Melody Su (EdD, Integrative Studies) — Her doctoral research produced a practical framework for integrating AI within small and mid-sized education organizations, now the backbone of EpNex, the cross-border education consultancy she founded. A native of California who has built her career across Beijing, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan, Su brings a global lens to edtech and academic advising.
Jennifer Stockton (DLP) — Her dissertation, Governing Artificial Intelligence in Individualized Medicine, tackled how to responsibly govern AI when no single organization holds authority over it. Stockton is VP of Corporate Strategy at Hyland and will next begin a Juris Doctor in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Law — continuing her work shaping the legal frameworks for responsible AI adoption. She’ll also deliver this year’s student commencement address: “The Spaces Between.”
Graduates and Alumni Stories
Student Research
CPS News
AI Literacy Is Here — And You’re Invited
In just five minutes, graduate student Krithika Murugesan sits down to unpack how she and Professor Joseph Reilly are building AI literacy across the CPS community — one conversation, one workshop, one curious mind at a time. From the classroom to the workplace, AI is reshaping how we learn and work, and this growing community is figuring out what that means together.
Curious how you can get involved? Hit play to hear Krithika’s take on where AI in education is headed — and how you can be part of shaping it.
🎥 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uez4Y3PPWSg
2026 EdD Boston Residency: What does this residency mean to you?
The Doctor of Education program at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies is a powerful example of where rigorous research meets meaningful action. The two-day in-person residency is a key part of that doctoral journey. Get a quick look at how 2026 participants expressed what it meant to them.
🎥 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haFdQsrZChk
Faculty and Staff
Save the Date: 2026 CPS Faculty Development Conference!
Join us virtually on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 12–5 p.m. ET for the CPS Faculty Development Conference:
Teaching Forward: Relevance, Rigor, and Distinction in Professional Education
This year’s conference will explore practical strategies for meaningful change in teaching and learning, with a focus on:
- Practice-Focused, Career-Connected Learning — preparing students through applied, experiential learning and industry connections
- Authenticity and Automaticity in Learning — evolving course design, assessment, and learning experiences
- What Differentiates Us? — defining and communicating the unique value of CPS education
Applications Open: Become a TEA Ambassador
We’re excited to announce that applications are still open for the fourth year of The Engagement Ambassadors (TEA) program! If you’re interested in joining, submit your application by Friday, August 21st.
This opportunity is open to the entire CPS community—no need to be on campus in person to participate. As a TEA Ambassador, you’ll help bring engagement activities to life across CPS, collaborate with colleagues across departments, and connect with people you might not otherwise cross paths with day to day.
Don’t miss your chance to get involved—apply today!
Thank You for a Great ABE MA Summer 2026 PD Institute!
Thank you for all who took part in a great couple of days at the ABE MA Summer 2026 PD Institute. If you haven’t already, please complete our post-PDI survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve future trainings and support you throughout the upcoming academic year in the ways you need.
As you head back into classroom mode, here are a few important items:
- ABE MA 2026–2027 Scheduling Request — Please complete ASAP; this closes this Friday, August 21.
- PDI Folder — Includes photos, PDP certificates (still being added), shared curriculum resources, and more.
- Contact Directory — Includes emails for the ABE, NU, and external partners you connected with during the Institute.
Thank you again for your participation—not only during our PDI, but throughout the year. Your ABE MA team, working across systems at Northeastern University, MBL, and our new partner, Westfield State University, remains committed to supporting you, your learners, and their communities as we strive to grow the scientists (and citizens) we must be.
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Global Campus Network News
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