Diane Stopyra
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Articles by Diane Stopyra
For the Record, Oct. 9, 2026
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry held a symposium honoring chemistry professor Cecil Dybowski on Sept. 26, 2026, celebrating his 50 years at the University of Delaware and his 80th birthday. Dybowski is renowned internationally for his work in spectroscopy, particularly nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, of solid and solid-like materials.
How to watch TV in your yard, just in time for a Phillies playoff fight and Eagles season
It shouldn’t make sense. Watching TV outside comes with a host of challenges: Humidity. Mosquitoes. Glare so fierce you risk losing sight of Jalen Hurts at the goal line. And yet, people are increasingly heading to the backyard for movies, sitcoms, and sports. One industry report values the global outdoor TV market at more than $400 million in 2026 and projects annual growth of nearly 12% through 2035. The Philadelphia region? Right on trend.
Leaning Into Growth
How Angelo Villarreal’s past jobs—and travels—inform his employment practice Published in 2026 Northern California Super Lawyers magazine By Diane Stopyra on June 26, 2026 When bullets ricocheted nearby, Angelo Villarreal ducked behind a building in a dense Brazilian neighborhood. Crouched between concrete walls in a stark hillside community, the then-21-year-old felt something unexpected: motivation.
Cracking the ice age code
Scientists aboard the research vessel during the International Ocean Discovery Expedition 383 collected seafloor data that helped University of Delaware researchers uncover what drove a major shift in Earth’s glacial cycle roughly 1 million years ago. UD research discovers the driver behind global glacial pacing To understand where the Earth might be headed, it’s important to know where it’s been.
It takes a village
“We looked at 174 pairs of co-parents, most of whom were no longer living together, asking them questions about how they felt about their own parenting and that of their co-parent, as they worked together to raise their child,” said Kwan, who teaches research methods and program evaluation in the College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS).
The Circle of Life and Law
Johnny Kornegay transformed his funeral parlor past to an estate administration present Published in 2026 South Carolina Super Lawyers magazine By Diane Stopyra on April 24, 2026 When he wasn’t riding scooters with friends in the parking lot, Johnny Kornegay’s childhood chores included hauling flowers and holding doors for grieving servicegoers.
Laura Carlson inaugurated as UD’s 29th president
Laura Carlson (left) was formally inaugurated as the University of Delaware’s 29th president in a tradition-filled ceremony on The Green on Friday, April 17. Angela Downin (right), vice president, general counsel and university secretary, carries the University’s mace, a symbol of power and authority that signifies the dignity of an institution.
6 things to do at Ag Day
The University of Delaware Ag Day 2026 is just around the corner. The decades-old University of Delaware tradition hosted by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) brings thousands of people to campus to experience the very best of what CANR has to offer. More than 90 attractions, demonstrations, exhibits and activities show off agriculture and natural resources in a fun and educational way. Join CANR’s celebration 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at 531 S. College Ave.
Unlocking earning potential of V2G-enabled electric vehicles
The University of Delaware, Exelon Corporation/Delmarva Power and collaborators have released a new report showing that electric vehicles equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology can be profitable for private owners and businesses alike, with data from real electricity markets to back up the claims.
Going the distance
As UD’s 29th president, Laura Carlson sets the course for the University’s bright future. When it comes to running things, UD President Laura Carlson puts community first The Boston Marathon’s most electric moment comes near the end, around mile 25.8: right on Hereford, left on Boylston. The final 900 meters stretch like eternity, but it’s there: everything the athletes have trained for, pushed for and earned. Laura A. Carlson feels most alive at the race’s beginning.
20 things to know about UDance
In the immortal words of Canadian pop band Men Without Hats: We can dance if we want to. And at the University of Delaware, we really, really want to. On Sunday, April 12, more than 4,700 people descended on the Bob Carpenter Center for a pulsing and purpose-driven dance marathon. A culminating event for UDance, the largest student-run philanthropic effort on campus, this kinetic celebration raised $1,724,679.30 for pediatric cancer patients and their families. And it wasn’t a one-off.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
University of Delaware women’s basketball alumna Elena Delle Donne will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026, the organization announced today. She will be the first Fightin’ Blue Hen to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Wilmington, Delaware, native is one of the most recognized and accomplished student-athletes in the history of the Fightin' Blue Hens.
Ice breakers | UDaily
A women's hockey puck at the collegiate level typically travels between 70 and 80 miles per hour. At 8:37 on a recent Wednesday morning, Kaitlin “Finny” Finnegan took one to the hip. She winced through her facemask and peeled away from the bulldog drill, a two-on-two activity that looks equal parts elegant choreography and feral improvisation. A moment later, the team captain shook it off and skated back into the action.
Once a Marine, Always a Marine
Steve Ray looks back on his time in the service Published in 2026 Colorado Super Lawyers magazine By Diane Stopyra on March 19, 2026 Oorah! For members of the United States Marine Corps, it’s a spirited battle cry—and a reminder to keep going, even when circumstances seem bleak. And, as personal injury lawyer and retired Marine Corps Col. Steve Ray knows, the mantra works both in and out of uniform.
Small state, big breakthroughs
The newest issue of UD Magazine shines a spotlight on a disease that reshapes families. This special edition explores how University researchers are working to stop Alzheimer’s before it starts through groundbreaking science, early detection and community-based prevention efforts putting the First State on the national map.
Jordan Skolnick Named Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation
“I am deeply committed to our student-athletes' success in the classroom, having a world-class experience that prepares them for life after graduation, and winning championships,” Skolnick said. “The best is yet to come, and I could not be more excited to continue as a Fightin’ Blue Hen!” Blue Hen student-athletes have thrived in the classroom. UD student-athletes finished the fall 2025 semester with an average 3.3 GPA, the 24th-consecutive semester with a 3.0 GPA or better.
Student-athlete academic success
University of Delaware student-athletes continue to shine in the classroom with a 3.315 grade point average (GPA) for the fall 2025 semester, marking the 24th consecutive semester logging a 3.0 GPA or better and seventh straight at 3.2 or better, the department announced Tuesday. “Our student-athletes’ commitment to their academics is exemplary, and their collective GPA is an incredible achievement,” Interim Director of Athletics, Community and Campus Recreation Jordan Skolnick said.
Pioneering principals
Mabel Boutte, now a principal at Etta J. Wilson Elementary School in Pike Creek, Delaware, joined the University of Delaware’s Principal Preparation Program in 2016 hoping to make a greater impact at her school.
Nominate outstanding alumni
Know a Blue Hen who is knocking it out of the park professionally or through volunteer efforts — or both? Help us recognize their work. The University of Delaware Alumni Association (UDAA) is accepting nominations for its Alumni Wall of Fame Awards and Outstanding Alumni Awards through Feb. 27, 2026. Recipients will be honored during a ceremony this spring and their names will be engraved on the walls of the Alumni Circle, located between the Carpenter Sports Building (Little Bob) and Old College.
A Blue Hen playbook
The New England Patriots, headed into their first postseason game this Sunday, are enjoying a banner year. Analysts point to young star power, an elite offense and inspired coaching — but that’s only part of the story. Behind this record-breaking campaign is another, unsung force: Blue Hen magic.
For the Record, Jan. 9, 2026
For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni. Recent appointments, grants, publications and memorials include the following: The College of Engineering’s Mark Blenner and Kevin Solomon are among seven new members appointed to the inaugural Early Career Researcher Editorial Board of Biotechnology and Bioengineering.
Rooted in conservation
One of Mark Richardson’s proudest achievements is the restoration of an heirloom apple orchard. The University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources alumnus devoted years to the restoration project. “The collection was started in the 1930s by Stearns Lothrop Davenport, a trustee of the Worcester County Horticultural Society,” Richardson said of the orchard.
In Memoriam: Jerome R. Lewis
“Jerome Lewis exemplified what it means to be a consummate colleague, consistently generous with his time and thoughtful in his advice. His unwavering commitment to the state of Delaware, as well as to the students at the Biden School and the staff of the Institute for Public Administration, was evident in all aspects of his work. Jerome frequently took the time to mentor students, offering guidance that helped shape their academic and professional journeys.
Fifty States, No Objections
Debra Saltz’s experiences in countrywide marathons hardened her legal resolve Published in 2026 Maryland Super Lawyers magazine By Diane Stopyra on December 18, 2025 After braving extreme temperatures, venomous wildlife and—perhaps most harrowing of all—intense chafing, Debra Saltz ran a marathon in all 50 states. “For me, nothing has matched the difficulty of this,” says the Annapolis attorney. “And I try murder cases.” Her journey began in 2006.
Delaware Football wins first FBS Bowl Game
The University of Delaware football team defeated Louisiana 20-13 at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Wednesday in the 68 Ventures Bowl. The Fightin' Blue Hens close their first FBS season at 7-6, 4-4 CUSA, while the Ragin' Cajuns end at 6-7, 5-3 SBC. Delaware became the second team all-time to win a bowl game in its first FBS season, joining Conference USA foe Jax State in 2023.
Serving students who are homeless
With a new book titled Serving Students Who Are Homeless: A Resource Guide for Schools, Districts, Educational Leaders, and Community Partners, University of Delaware Associate Professor Ann M. Aviles and her co-authors share guidance to help educators support students facing barriers to school success due to housing instability. We sat down with Aviles, who studies social policies and services in UD’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), to learn more.
Winter break schedules
With limited exceptions, University of Delaware offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 22, and will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2. UD facilities will move to an adjusted schedule, outlined below. For students attending Winter Session, residence halls will reopen for check-in from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, and dinner that night is the first meal scheduled to be served in UD dining halls. Winter Session classes will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
From Delaware to New Zealand — and back again | UDaily
“I had my dad in mind when I chose Auckland, New Zealand, as my freshman study abroad site because he had traveled through the country countless times on his way to Antarctica for research,” Marsh said.
Meet the fans | UDaily
It was also the perfect setup for romance. Not one — not two — but three Double Del couples fell in love on this trip and eventually married, including Liz and her now-husband, Kenneth Hoadley, a 2016 Ph.D. graduate. Today, they are both marine science educators living on Alabama’s Dauphin Island. While recent years have been filled with career-building and raising their two young children, game day will be about reconnecting with their Blue Hen roots.
A bowl game love story
Now the Blue Hens have come full circle. At the bowl game against Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns on Wednesday, Dec. 17, two of their grown children will be cheering by their side. And one of these sons, Drew, is the CEO of development company 68 Ventures, the event’s title sponsor. “It’s almost surreal,” said Don, Class of 1980 and cheerleading co-captain turned vice president in the commercial flooring industry.
Creating third spaces on college campuses
The weekend-long event welcomed over 130 students, faculty and staff from 54 colleges and universities across the United States. Fall 2025 marks the fifth installment of national civil discourse event hosted for college students Over 130 students, faculty and staff from across the United States were welcomed to the First State for the fifth annual Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Ithaca Initiative National Student Dialogue hosted by the Joseph R.
Fall harvest | UDaily
Investing in agritourism, especially autumn events including pumpkin patches, hayrides and inflatables, helped this small family farm succeed. Middletown’s favorite pumpkin patch: The Blue Hen alumni behind Filasky's Produce and Farm Market As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, the Filasky family breathes a sigh of relief. “Everybody’s happy in the fall,” said Cindi Filasky, co-owner and operator of Filasky’s Farm in Middletown, Delaware.
UDAA honors student spirit
Feeling at home at the University of Delaware required effort for Michael DiPascale. The cognitive science and Spanish studies major with a philosophy minor learned to embrace his Blue Hen spirit when he was introduced to the UD Student Alumni Ambassador (UDSAA) program.
For the Record, Oct. 17, 2025
University of Delaware community reports new publications, presentations, honors For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni. Recent publications, presentations and honors include the following: Sanford Student, assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) School of Education, has published several articles.
From Newark to the newsroom
Blue Hen Journalists, from left to right: Richard Jones, Alex Keating, Morgan Winsor and Patrick Gillespie Blue Hens are rewriting what it means to be a journalist today In a world saturated with headlines, these Blue Hens remind us why storytelling still matters. From the streets of North Philadelphia to the heart of Argentina, their disparate journeys reveal a shared mission: to elevate truth, give voice to the voiceless and refelct the enduring impact of a UD education.
News literacy 101
UD tips to tackle your day In an era of endless headlines and hot takes, being news-literate isn’t about tuning out — it’s about tuning in with intention. Here’s how to build smarter habits from morning to night, so you can stay informed without getting overwhelmed or misled. Diversify: Peruse multiple sources to grasp what’s being emphasized and how. Sticking to one outlet (no matter which!) leads to gaps in understanding. AllSides.com helps parse media bias.
Stop the scroll | UDaily
Put down the phone and slowly retreat from your newsfeed. So-called doomscrolling — continually absorbing negative news in rapid-fire fashion, typically on social media — has become an increasingly popular pastime. But research suggests the habit is wreaking havoc on your health. From an evolutionary perspective, zeroing in on threats is helpful; if cave-dwelling ancestors could see a saber-toothed predator coming, they were more likely to keep their limbs.
Five ways Jane Goodall lives on at UD
“Her impact is immeasurable,” said Erika Fleury, Class of 2003, whose professional path crossed with Jane Goodall’s on numerous occasions. “There is so much to learn from someone who never stopped speaking out for what she believed in.” At right, Cy is one of the chimps rescued through the Chimpanzees in Need fundraiser, with the help of Fleury and Goodall. Blue Hens carry her torch into a new era Scientists rarely ascend to celebrity status.
Crossing the aisle
Moderated by Timothy Shaffer, Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) chair of civil discourse and director of the SNF Ithaca Initiative, Cox and Johnson shared the story of their successful collaboration style and years-long effort to recognize Smalls officially. “As we so often hear about the dysfunction of those in elected office and the deep polarization and partisanship that exists everywhere, it’s helpful to be reminded of what’s possible,” Shaffer said.
UD team shines in national naval competition
Dhoke shared an example of that planning. The Dynamos replaced the boat’s original metal frame with a lighter polycarbonate version, increasing payload capacity without sacrificing strength. They further reduced weight by fabricating small components on 3D printers. “Naval robotics isn’t just putting a drone on water,” said Andrew Bryceland, a robotics graduate student who had worked mostly with ground and aerial vehicles before joining the team.
For the Record, Aug. 8, 2025
Mikayla Jackson, a doctoral student in the College of Engineering, has received the 2025 George W. Laird Merit Fellowship, created to honor the memory of George W. Laird to encourage recipients to engage in intellectual pursuits that may extend beyond their chosen fields of study. Jackson will continue her commitment to outreach through her work with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where she is developing a low-cost, 3D-printed microscope for its use in K-12 schools.
Chasing butterflies
Monarchs are famous for their migration across North America, traveling up to 3,000 miles to Central Mexico. Their numbers have sharply declined since the 1990s. Monarchs are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species is protected in Canada and Mexico. In 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch butterfly as threatened under the United States Endangered Species Act; the final decision remains outstanding.
What's with all the jellyfish?
Or, as 2025 graduate Jackson Donnelly, a member of the Bethany Beach Patrol for seven seasons, put it: “This is the worst I’ve seen. On a recent Saturday, my partner and I kept a tally of all the people who approached us about stings: 26.” No, this isn’t the plot of a briny horror film — for First State beachgoers, it’s the (pulsating, gelatinous) reality. Brainless, boneless and heartless in more ways than one, the jellies have landed. So what’s going on?
Partners in healthy aging
“The common denominator,” O’Hanlon said, “is the importance of supporting healthy aging in this state.” Jillian Orellano, a 2025 graduate of the Health Behavior Science program, spent hours interviewing program participants like Dyer. “In talking to people, it’s surprising how much the senior center means to them in terms of the friends and connections they've made,” said Orellano.
Ag in the family
Stephanie began working with the MDA in 1998, a few months after graduating from UD. She works with farmers and landowners to identify objectives, identify soil issues, and inventory resources, like water sources, on their property. “Our projects can range from building a waste storage structure to stabilizing a ditch bank with either rock or grass buffers,” Stephanie said. She also assists landowners interested in increasing wildlife habitat on their farms.
For the Record, Friday, June 27, 2025
For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni. Recent publications, presentations, service and honors include the following: Tarang Parekh and Daniel Harris, assistant professors of epidemiology, recently published a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Survey.
A novel place | UDaily
For many Blue Hens, Hugh M. Morris Library is the heart of campus. Morris Library is integral to every student story Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the spring 2025 issue of UD Magazine, which celebrates iconic campus spaces. Club Morris may feel like an odd choice for a library nickname. It conjures techno music and tequila shots — not stern-faced librarians shushing patrons over stacks of dusty periodicals. But the University of Delaware’s Hugh M.
Efficacy of plastic bag bans
Plastic shopping bags, which have low recycling rates and often become litter when they blow away in the wind, are among the biggest culprits of plastic pollution in the ocean and along shorelines. Once there, they can entangle animals and break down into harmful microplastics. As awareness of this problem has grown, more than 100 countries have instituted bans or fees on plastic bags.
Opening a new window into the universe
An ambitious, multinational project to survey the entire Southern Hemisphere’s night sky over a 10-year period has thousands of astronomers, astrophysicists and data scientists on the threshold of a dream.
Out of the ashes
They’re not first responders or civil engineers. They’re not trained counselors or shelter operators. But when a series of deadly fires ravaged southern California communities in January, killing 30 people, displacing more than 200,000 and destroying thousands of structures, University of Delaware alumni Madison Brockman and Margalit Schindler found an important way to help their neighbors address some of the extraordinary challenges left behind.
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