The Pulse: March 2026
Message From The Dean
Spring is upon us — or at least “false spring” as it’s known in Boston. Spring often brings a spirit of renewed momentum. Across our programs, campuses, and partnerships, we continue to see that momentum building in meaningful ways. Faculty are bringing innovative research into new spaces. Students are gaining hands-on experience aligned with emerging workforce needs. And initiatives like PathmakerBIO are demonstrating how education, industry collaboration, and opportunity can come together to create real pathways for career advancement.
This month’s stories highlight the impact of that work. From interdisciplinary research presentations reaching national audiences, to faculty shaping the next generation of communicators and strategists, the CPS community continues to extend its influence well beyond the classroom. We also see this reflected in our students and alumni who are translating learning into leadership, whether through workforce programs, experiential learning, or professional transitions.
As we move toward the spring term and graduation season, we encourage you to stay connected with academic deadlines and campus opportunities. You can always review important upcoming dates on the academic calendar. And for those graduating — congratulations! I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Warmly,
Student Events & Opportunities
AI in Research
Join a faculty-student conversation on responsible AI in educational research, including a student guide for self-assessment and reflection.
Doing primary research and generating new knowledge is an engaging and powerful way for students to learn. As AI tools become increasingly proficient at performing research tasks, it is important for students to understand how, when, and when not to use technology in the research process. Chris Unger, Teaching Professor, and Allison Ruda, Associate Dean, Use-Inspired Research and Development, developed a special topics course for graduate students on responsible AI in education research. This led to the creation of a guide that is available through CPS’s LEARN Lab. In this session, Ruda will share the guide and hold a conversation with students Mike Jones and Felipa Gaudet about their experience.
This session is only open to Northeastern University students, staff and educators. Please use your Northeastern email when registering.
Apply to Present at Impact Launchpad in Boston
Have a breakthrough health solution ready for the spotlight? Pitch to a panel of innovation leaders, experts, and investors at the Impact Launchpad in Boston on Tuesday, May 19 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. Finalists may receive up to $50,000 in funding, along with collaboration opportunities and a Mentor Link invitation. Pitches are evaluated based on real-world impact, innovation, and measurable outcomes.
GSE Students in Seattle: Generative AI Across Education: pre-K–12 Education, Higher Education, and the Workplace
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus (225 Terry Ave), the Graduate School of Education will host a panel discussion on how generative AI is transforming learning across pre-K–12 education, higher education, and the workplace. The event will explore key developments, challenges, and opportunities in AI-driven learning while providing alumni, students, and faculty an opportunity to connect and engage around the future of education.
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.
Planning to Graduate this Year?
Congratulations! Commencement for the College of Professional Studies in Boston is just around the corner! Undergraduate and Graduate students will celebrate on May 1, 2026, and Doctoral students on August 21, 2026. Click the links below for full details.
We also invite you to share your story because we want to celebrate you leading up to and at Commencement! Take a few minutes to fill out this form and your story might be shared on our website or even during the Commencement celebration!
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: Leader Bank Pavilion in the Boston Seaport District
Date: Friday, August 21, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Blackman Auditorium on campus (with a celebratory toast to follow in the Curry Student Center)
Class of 2026 – Here Are The Steps to Commencement
Step 1: Apply to Graduate. It’s required by the Registrar’s Office — whether or not you plan to attend the Commencement ceremony.
Step 2: RSVP for your 2026 Commencement ceremony. Seven to ten days after you’ve applied to graduate, you’ll receive an email invitation to “Register for your 2026 College of Professional Studies Commencement.” You can claim guest tickets and receive a link to order regalia. Please register right away. The last day to order your cap & gown for the May 1 ceremony is March 27.
Step 3: Celebrate Your Achievements! 🎉🎉
CPS News
Partnership Spotlight: PathmakerBIO
The Power of Partnership
The best partnerships don’t just open doors — they change what’s possible on the other side of them.
One example of that partnership pathway is our PathmakerBIO program which exists because of the relationships we have formed with life sciences and workforce development organizations.
What that looks like in practice is David Thuku: a Kenyan transplant who spent 15 years in human services before COVID created the space to finally pursue a long-building curiosity about where the products changing people’s lives actually come from. And Darius Peyton: a former nonprofit leader who recognized that PathmakerBIO was doing something genuinely rare — opening access to a field that has historically closed its doors to the communities it’s meant to serve, and providing students a stipend to make it possible for them to attend class. While this program is meant for non-degree seeking students, we want to invite you to think about those in your network who might benefit from the opportunity as applications are now open for a new cohort of learners scheduled to start in May. Meanwhile, read more about David and Darius and then check out this short video to learn more about the power of partnership and our PathmakerBIO program.
Faces of CPS: Darius Peyton
Darius Peyton’s journey illustrates how access to workforce-focused education can create new professional trajectories. His experience highlights the value of applied learning environments that prepare students to contribute immediately in fast-moving industries.
Faces of CPS: David Thuku
David Thuku’s story reflects the global reach and impact of CPS workforce initiatives. Through PathmakerBio, he gained skills and connections that are helping shape his next professional chapter in the life sciences ecosystem.
Faculty and Staff
Assessment Hour: Three Strategies for Assessing Learning in the Age of AI
Calling all faculty, especially part-time colleagues. AI is already shaping how students learn and complete coursework. This practical session April 24 1:00–2:00 PM EST explores strategies for designing assessments that maintain academic integrity while preparing students for an AI-enabled future.
Participants will review the assessment cycle and available teaching resources, explore AI-smart assignment design approaches that promote authentic learning, and examine real examples from across disciplines. Whether you are rethinking a single assignment or redesigning an entire course, the session offers actionable ideas you can implement immediately.
Hosted by the Decision Support & Academic Quality Assessment Unit and facilitated by CATLR and CPS faculty Assessment Champions. An email invitation will be coming shortly, but to pre-register please click here.
May Institute: Quantitative Mass Spectrometry–Based Proteomics
The May Institute offers an immersive program focused on the computational and statistical foundations of quantitative mass spectrometry–based proteomics. Participants engage in keynote lectures, foundational talks, hands-on training, and interactive discussions led by internationally recognized experts.
Instructors are leading experts, who have contributed numerous experimental and computational methods and software. May Institute is for both beginners and experienced scientists, who would like to strengthen their computational and statistical expertise. We also welcome computer scientists, bioinformaticians, data scientists, statisticians and engineers interested in learning about working with data from modern biotechnologies. Participants will have many opportunities to ask questions, and will be able to present their research.
Participants who successfully complete the program may earn a digital badge recognizing hands-on expertise in quantitative mass spectrometry–based proteomics and imaging. Learn More.
Faculty and Staff Congratulatory Video Submission – Class of 2026
Faculty and staff are invited to record a short 10–15 second congratulatory video message for the Class of 2026 to be featured during the upcoming Commencement ceremonies. Please submit one video per entry.
Faculty Spotlight: Umesh Hodeghatta Takes Research to National Stage
CPS faculty member Umesh Hodeghatta recently presented at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Tech-Talks virtual conference, a notable forum for emerging technology research within the defense community. His presentation, Autonomous UAVs for Crop Monitoring in the State of Maine, explored how autonomous drone technology can be applied to agricultural monitoring, bringing an interdisciplinary perspective to an audience more accustomed to defense applications. It’s a powerful example of how CPS faculty expertise travels beyond traditional academic boundaries and opens new conversations across industries.
Supervising for Success: Communication and Meeting Strategies
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
Host: Alex Fronduto, DHS, M.Ed ’13, Associate Teaching Professor & Academic Lead
Have News for The Pulse?
As this college-wide monthly newsletter evolves, we look forward to hearing from you. Please send an email to [email protected] with a summary of content and links to the full story.
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