Alumni

Merle the tuxedo cat eats grass that’s likely to snag fur in his stomach. Photo by Nicole Hughes

Gold-covered hairballs may reveal why cats eat grass [alumni, student featured]
Sep 22, 2025

Of the many mysterious behaviors cats exhibit, one of the biggest is also one of the most disgusting: Why do they insist on eating grass, when it only seems to make them throw up? Scientists have proposed many theories over the years, but the latest may be the one that sticks—literally.

Alumni, Students, Grants & Research
Hannah Woodburn '19 '23

Biology alumna Hannah Woodburn '19 '23 named inaugural Upper New Riverkeeper
Sep 3, 2025

Boone, NC — MountainTrue is proud to announce the appointment of Hannah Woodburn as the first Upper New Riverkeeper, a new full-time position dedicated to safeguarding the headwaters and tributaries of the New River in North Carolina’s High Country.

Alumni
UCalgary paleontologist Darla Zelenitsky and PhD candidate Jared Voris, left, helped identify the dinosaur species using fossils found in Mongolia. Photo by Riley Brandt, University of Calgary

Jared Voris '16 identifies second new dinosaur species
Jun 18, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University alumnus Jared Voris '16 is the lead author of a new Nature study identifying a new species of dinosaur.

Alumni, College News, Grants & Research
Brewer Logan '14 '18

Wilkes company creates new opportunities [alumni featured]
May 22, 2025

A North Wilkesboro-based company plans to soon start large-scale pilot production of a material that makes soil more productive, reduces carbon dioxide when used in various products and could provide a significant new market for wood byproducts from logging and sawmilling.

Alumni
Dr. Beth Davison and Jesse Barber ’22 ’24

Dr. Beth Davison and Jesse Barber ’22 ’24 featured on Appalachian Excellence podcast
Mar 20, 2025

On this episode of Appalachian Excellence: Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity, Karen Fletcher, director of grants resources and services in the Office of Research and Innovation, interviews Dr.

Alumni, Arts & Cultural, Faculty & Staff, Outreach & Community Engagement
Sam J. Massey

Oh, the places you will go!: Sociology graduate success and advice
Feb 26, 2025

App State sociology offers a research-driven, impact-focused curriculum that prepares our students for success. Don't just take our word for it. Consider the success and advice our alumni students have provided below.

Departmental News, Alumni, CAS Corps
Jane Grimson Medal of Excellence awardee Savannah Devine

Savannah Devine '22 awarded Jane Grimson Medal of Excellence
Feb 16, 2025

Research Ireland has awarded the prestigious Jane Grimson Medal of Excellence to UCD PhD candidate Savannah Devine.

Alumni, CAS Corps