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Dr. Matthew Robinson

Dr. Matthew Robinson quoted in Los Angeles Times article on capital punishment
Oct 12, 2026

Matthew Robinson, a criminal justice professor at Appalachian State University and author of a book on U.S. capital punishment titled “Death Nation,” said he was “appalled” by the plans.

Faculty & Staff
A biologist holds an Eastern hellbender, which can grow up to two and a half feet. USFWS

App State biologist Michael Gangloff featured in Grist coverage of endangered species protections
Oct 12, 2026

According to Michael Gangloff, who studies freshwater life at Appalachian State University, human development is the biggest threat to hellbenders. But, he said, they’re also fighters. 

Faculty & Staff
Studio portrait of a long-haired man with a thick beard, wearing a bright yellow, blue, and green knitted scarf over a checked shirt, against a black background.

App State neuroscience project partners with new $19 million national connectomics initiative
Oct 8, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — An Appalachian State University-led effort to bring cutting-edge neuroscience research into undergraduate classrooms will partner with a new $19 million national initiative focused on mapping and analyzing the brain's intricate structures.

College News, Faculty & Staff, Grants & Research
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Studio portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair and patterned glasses, wearing a charcoal cardigan and olive top against a black background.

Gwendolyn Zugarek receives Excellence in Academic Advising Award
Oct 8, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — Gwendolyn Zugarek, lecturer in the Appalachian State University Department of Sociology, is the recipient of the 2025–26 Excellence in Academic Advising Award.

Awards & Honors, College News, Faculty & Staff
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By Giada Copersito

2 years after Helene, local organizations fear aid is in jeopardy [faculty featured]
Oct 2, 2026

Wayne Pitts, associate professor in App State’s Department of Government and Justice Studies and former executive director of Ashe County’s Habitat for Humanity, also expressed concern about FEMA intersecting with politics.

Faculty & Staff
Dr. Ellen Key

UNCA students navigate mixed opinions on voting ahead of the midterms [faculty featured]
Oct 2, 2026

“If you want politicians to take you seriously, you need to make your voice non-ignorable. The best way to do that is by voting,” said Ellen Key, a professor of political science at Appalachian State University.

Faculty & Staff
Studio portrait of a bearded man with long brown hair and black glasses, wearing a blue-and-white checked shirt against a dark background, smiling gently.

Dr. Andy Davidson leads study on temperature, predator-prey interactions
Oct 1, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Andy Davidson, teaching assistant professor in Appalachian State University’s Department of Biology, is the lead author of a new peer-reviewed study published in the September 2026 issue of Biology Letters.

College News, Faculty & Staff, Grants & Research
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CAS Dean's Office staff recognized with shout-outs in September 2026
Oct 1, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — In September, three members of Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean's Office were recognized with staff shout-outs.

Awards & Honors, College News, Faculty & Staff