Positive Impact

Few regional campus students at Kent State University are aware of research opportunities through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program. KSU Twinsburg Academic Center biochemistry major Zaniya Houston is an exception.

During summer 2025, this pre-med sophomore gained valuable lab research experience in the eight-week SURE program with the support of a stipend and under the mentorship of two TAC faculty members, Dr. Sanhita Gupta, Professor of Biological Sciences, and Prof. Mahli Mechenbier, Senior Lecturer in the Department of English.

During the Scholarship Luncheon at Kent State Geauga - Twinsburg Academic Center on October 28, 2025, Zariyah Brantley became the first Michael Leposa Memorial Scholarship recipient [pictured below]. A Twinsburg High School graduate, Zariyah is a sophomore psychology major at TAC.

“It was bittersweet but so nice and special,” said Diane Leposa, the mother of this scholarship’s namesake.

A recent articulation agreement between Kent State University’s College of Applied and Technical Sciences (CATS) and the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science provides a seamless pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree. To help industry professionals, educators and students understand the benefits of this partnership, an informational gathering is scheduled for Sept. 29 on the Kent State Ashtabula Campus from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Susan J. Stocker Hall.