My mom had Parkinson’s disease. And so, I regularly fill out surveys for the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative from the Michael J. Fox Foundation. This research study gathers longitudinal information to learn more about how brain disease starts, how it changes, and how to stop it. It is important, and providing my input is one personal way that I can make a difference in health research.

As a research university, UD can also make a difference — and how so! Across so many departments and colleges, centers and institutes, there is a commitment to biomedical research for a wide range of diseases and conditions with a variety of approaches — from COBREs that support approaches to treating human disease, to bioengineering approaches to drug delivery, to collaborative networks such as INBRE, and to the development of an innovative ecosystem anchored by NIIMBL that fosters the development of biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Such work is just one example of the research and scholarship we do at UD, and our research mission is foundational to who we are.

Central to such research are advocates who garner public support for particular causes or policies. Strong advocates have compelling voices that communicate need, have a passion and a vision for solutions, and have the ability to foster connections and build collaborations. We are eternally grateful, at UD and throughout the state of Delaware, to have one of the best advocates in our own Senator Chris Coons, who was recognized this past Tuesday at the 2026 Research!America Advocacy Awards with the Edwin C. Whitehead Award for Medical Research Advocacy. The photo above is from that event. This award recognizes exemplary leaders, particularly those in public office, who have shown a long-standing commitment to advancing health research as a national priority and who galvanize others in support of science policy and funding. Indeed.

By championing federal funding through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, through his congressional work on neurodegenerative disease that includes legislative acts in support of research and treatment for Parkinson’s, ALS, Down Syndrome, Autism, and Alzheimer’s, and with his focus on research and development through the NIH's Institutional Development Awards (IDeA), Senator Coons has been a critical champion of UD’s renowned research enterprise. This is the power of advocacy.

Here's the latest from around the Beat:

One of the nicest surprises this time of year is discovering spring flowers that have suddenly appeared from out of the ground, seemingly overnight. Send me a note or photo of your favorite patch of crocuses, snowdrops, tulips or daffodils around campus.

Over the past year, so many of you have taken a moment to write to me to share an idea, tell a story, ask a question, or seek information. Sometimes, the best way to respond is for me to write back and sometimes it is for me to send your note to someone who knows more and ask them to write back. In all cases, please know how valuable I find your notes. Keep writing.

Shout out to our women’s and men’s basketball teams! I attended many games, and I am so impressed with the stamina and determination of our student-athletes, fighting to the very last second in so many close games. Kudos to the players, Coaches Jenkins and Ingelsby, and athletic staff. I also want to wish the best of luck to our spring teams whose seasons are underway. I am visiting practices and competitions and cheering on our Blue Hens, at both the varsity and club levels. If you have time, I hope you can get out in support.

Mark your calendars: The Alison Lecture featuring awardee Professor Wendy Smith will now take place at 3 p.m. April 27 in the Trabant Multi-Purpose Rooms A&B, followed by a reception. This is rescheduled from our recent snow day. Registration is requested.

Requests for participation:

• The new Presidential Committee on Sustainability will meet monthly to provide strategic advice to the Office of Sustainability to advance UD’s sustainability initiatives. The committee will be composed of students, faculty and staff from diverse units to reflect a breadth of interests and experiences. If you would like more information or wish to be considered for one of the committee seats, please reach out to Chris Williams (ckwillia@udel.edu) to express your interest.
• The Faculty Athletics Board is seeking nominations, including self-nominations, for open positions on the board. If interested in nominating yourself or a peer, please complete the nominating form. Feel free to reach out to Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Matthew Robinson (mjrobins@udel.edu) if you have any questions.

Yours in UD,