Kent State Today will be following a group of Golden Flashes for the 2025-26 academic year, chronicling their efforts and successes during the fall and spring semesters. The group of students is at various places in their Kent State University academic careers and will share their experiences throughout the year as they take part in our distinctive programs, research and global experiences.When we first met Julia Michalak (read our first interview with Julia here), a senior in the Physical Education and Sport Performance program, in November 2025, she shared how the dread she felt going to gym...

 Congratulations to Dr. Kathleen Casto who was just announced as a 2026 Frank A. Beach Early Career Award Winner from the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology. Dr. Casto, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University, was chosen for this award for her significant contributions and innovations to the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology and for her advances to the field through service to the society, her commitment to mentorship, and by promoting a lab culture of inclusivity. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kathleen Casto...