NASCAR Success for Local Alum
Layne Riggs, a recent graduate from UNC Charlotte, secured another victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on October 9 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. This win marked his seventh of the season and completed a sweep of the races held in Charlotte. With just four races remaining, Riggs is now only 17 points away from the championship lead.
University Recognition
For the fourth consecutive year, UNC Charlotte has earned a spot among the top 100 public universities in the country, ranking 87th overall and 39th for value to in-state students. This continued recognition highlights the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and the value of its degrees.
NIH Funding for Research
The Truman Lab in Charlotte has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. This funding will support research into how cells maintain healthy proteins, a study that could enhance the understanding of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Honoring a Community Leader
Joyce Waddell, a distinguished alumna of UNC Charlotte and dedicated public servant, was recently honored with the unveiling of a portrait at the student health and wellbeing center named after her. This event recognizes her significant contributions to both the university and the Charlotte community.
Insights into Evolutionary Biology
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature, UNC Charlotte bioinformatics professor Laurel Yohe contributed to research that explores the evolutionary history of bats. By examining genomes from 103 different bat species alongside 44 fossil records, the team traced the origins of bats back 65 million years, providing new insights into the development of flight and echolocation.
Source: UNC Charlotte
