Issue: Fall 2023

Magnificent Mosaics: In our cover package, learn how an archaeological dig in Israel has revolutionized our understanding of ancient Jewish religious and cultural life. ALSO INSIDE: Heels in Silicon Valley; Water, water everywhere; and an English major’s debut novel.
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Borders and boundaries
Political geographer Banu Gökarıksel directs Carolina’s popular curriculum in global studies while exploring her own research about global and local belonging.

Frey lecturer discusses Bloomberg career, Carolina roots
Bloomberg Chairman Peter T. Grauer stressed the personal and professional value of relationships and the critical thinking skills he gained in his Carolina liberal arts education at the Frey Lecture on Sept. 12.

The Hollywood storyteller
Alumna Rayna McClendon found her love of screenwriting through classes in the department of communication at UNC.

Optimizing optics
Nicolas Pégard’s lab helps neuroscientists tackle research challenges with custom-designed optical technology.

‘One of the kindest persons I’ve ever met’
Tar Heel community mourns the tragic loss of nanoscience researcher Zijie Yan.

Carolina Rolling By
Carolina alumni (from left) Wood Robinson, Joseph Terrell, Libby Rodenbough and Jacob Sharp of the band Mipso have been captivating audiences with their sweet harmonies for over a decade. The band is currently on tour promoting its sixth album, Book of Fools. Terrell shared with “Carolina Arts & Sciences” magazine the handwritten lyrics to “Carolina Rolling By,” the first track released, and it’s a song that Tar Heels will likely be singing on repeat.

Add to your reading list: More books by College faculty and alumni
In addition to our Chapter & Verse feature, enjoy more books by faculty and alumni in the fall 2023 issue.

‘Root shock’
Graduate student Ari Green is studying the experiences of Black people being displaced from their homes and communities in three urban areas.

A new look for the Old Well
The Old Well has been reopened after undergoing renovations, including the installation of a sloped pathway and modifications to lower the drinking fountain, to improve its accessibility for all visitors.

Leibfarth named Institute for Convergent Science fellow
Chemist Frank Leibfarth, who is researching a potential method of recycling that could reshape the industry, has been named the inaugural Institute for Convergent Science faculty fellow.

National Humanities Center taps two for summer residencies
Hugo Méndez in religious studies and Nina Martin in geography were recently selected for summer residencies at the National Humanities Center, the world’s only independent institute dedicated exclusively to advanced study in all areas of the humanities.

Graduate students enhance career skills with King’s College partners
More than 30 Carolina graduate students advanced their research and gained valuable career skills by organizing and participating in academic workshops with graduate students at one of Carolina’s strategic partners, King’s College London, this past summer.

Students turn downed trees into art
Jim Hirschfield and his students collaborate with the Carolina Tree Heritage program to give downed trees on UNC’s campus new life by creating sculptures out of their wood.

A Monumental Synagogue, Magnificent Mosaics
A decade-long, UNC-led archaeological dig at Huqoq in Israel has revolutionized our understanding of ancient Jewish religious and cultural life.

Digital resource helps planners prep for natural disasters
With support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Planning Association, UNC’s Coastal Resilience Center has launched a website to help communities plan for and evaluate natural disasters.