University of St. Thomas

Anna Brennan ’26 grew up as social media was coming of age, shaping how she saw herself and the world around her. Now, the newly crowned Miss Minnesota 2026 is drawing on those experiences and her journalism education at the University of St. Thomas to make media literacy the focus of her statewide platform.

Manjeet Rege, a professor in the College of Engineering, spoke with KARE 11 and FOX 9 about how technology could help address safety concerns after hundreds of electric scooter and e-bike riders gathered in downtown Minneapolis. Rege explained how geofencing could create virtual boundaries that slow or stop scooters from entering highways and other restricted areas.

Chelda Smith Kondo, an associate professor at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KARE 11 about St. Paul’s efforts to close its largest homeless encampments. Smith Kondo said long-term solutions should prioritize stable housing, noting that clearing encampments can disrupt access to health care, outreach workers and other essential services. From the conversation: Chelda Smith Kondo: Let’s just be really clear. This is a societal public health problem.

John Abraham, a professor in the College of Engineering, spoke with KARE 11 about growing concerns over artificial intelligence after researchers found AI models could exploit weak cybersecurity protections to complete assigned tasks. Abraham said the rapid pace of AI development has outstripped existing safeguards, raising questions about how to balance the technology’s capabilities with accountability and safety.

Kristi Rollwagen, an instructor in the Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management program at the University of St. Thomas, wrote an op-ed for MinnPost examining how the field of emergency management must evolve to address increasingly complex and interconnected crises. She argues that emergency managers should embrace strategic foresight, cross-sector collaboration and emerging technologies to better prepare communities for future disasters.

Sam Larson ’27 MBA didn’t have to wait until he finished his Master of Business Administration to put what he learned into practice. During a four-week January course at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, he developed an artificial intelligence application his employer is now actively exploring.

Not long ago, Quantell Crawford ’20, ’23 MA faced a difficult choice: give up his job to complete unpaid student teaching or walk away from becoming a teacher altogether. For many would-be educators who can’t afford time away from a paying job, that's where the path ends.

Leila Renee, assistant professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas, had her novel "Soft Spots" published Aug. 4 by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing. "If there's a book you want to read, then you should write the book," said Renee, who cited her favorite author Toni Morrison at her book launch.

Rachel Moran, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, was featured in a Times Herald-Record investigation examining how gaps in New York’s police certification system can allow officers with histories of misconduct to remain eligible for law enforcement positions. From the article: ... Brady memos raise concerns the Orange County District Attorney’s Office would have if DeAngelis testified in a case that Orange County would prosecute.

John Abraham, a professor in the College of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas, joined WCCO Radio to discuss extreme weather, climate change and renewable energy.