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Universities Space Research Association’s Council of Institutions Elects New Members to the Board of Trustees

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Three distinguished leaders bring diverse expertise to guide the Association’s mission in space science and technology

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Universities Space Research Association (USRA), a nonprofit organization of 121 member universities chartered to advance space science and technology, today announced the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees:

Dr. James Garrison, Trustee for Region VI

Dr. Moriba Jah, Trustee for Region VII

Dr. Vernon Morris, Trustee for Region VIII

Elected by USRA’s Council of Institutions, comprised of 121 University members, the new Trustees bring a wealth of experience across academia, space research, and innovation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Drs. Garrison, Jah, and Morris to the USRA Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Elsayed Talaat, President and CEO of USRA. “Their deep expertise and visionary leadership will be invaluable as we advance our mission in the rapidly evolving space science and technology landscape.”

The USRA Board of Trustees plays a vital role in guiding the Association’s strategic direction, ensuring sound governance, and supporting USRA’s collaborative efforts with government, academia, and industry. They are elected for a term of 3 years and represent each of the 10 geographical regions of USRA’s member universities.

Dr. James L. Garrison
School of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Purdue University

James L Garrison is a Professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University with a courtesy appointment in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Ecological Sciences and Engineering Interdisciplinary programs. Prior to his academic position, Prof. Garrison was with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), first at the Langley Research Center and later at the Goddard Space Flight Center.

His research interests include remote sensing using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and signals of opportunity. As the Principal Investigator for SNOOPI, Prof. Garrison led an inter-center (JPL and Goddard) NASA technology mission that provided the first demonstration of reflectometry with P-band (240-380 MHz) signals of opportunity. This new technique may enable the first global mapping of sub-surface soil moisture with applications in agriculture and wildfire risk modeling.

Prof. Garrison has a long history of leadership and service to Purdue and the broader research community- in many leadership positions. At present, he serves on the Remote Sensing Technical Committee (RSTC) of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Hydrology Section (since 2024).

Prof. Garrison is a fellow of the IEEE and the Institute of Navigation (ION). From 2018 to 2022 he was the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Magazine and in 2024 he was selected as a distinguished lecturer for the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society. He has published 54 peer reviewed journal articles, given 242 conference presentations and holds 7 U.S. patents.

Prof. Garrison earned a PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1997 and holds a BS from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MS from Stanford University.

Dr. Moriba K. Jah 
Professor of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics
University of Texas at Austin
Professor | Space Environmentalist | Celestial Steward

Dr. Moriba K. Jah is a globally recognized expert in decision intelligence, astrodynamics, and space environmentalism, with a career spanning academia, government, and industry. His research is broadly focused on decision intelligence leveraging agentic AI and knowledge graph technology, applied to sustainability and social justice issues on Earth and in space.

He is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin, where he holds the Mrs. Pearlie Dashiell Henderson Centennial Fellowship in Engineering. As Chief Scientist at Privateer and Orbital Insight, Dr. Jah is pioneering AI-driven approaches to space object behavior modeling, space traffic management, orbital sustainability, and earth observation data fusion and analytics. He is also a co-founder of GaiaVerse Ltd., advancing causal inference and knowledge curation to empower data-driven planetary stewardship.

A MacArthur Fellow and National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Jah has been a key advisor on U.S. and international space policy, providing expertise to NASA, the United Nations, NATO, and the U.S. Congress on matters of space governance, sustainability, and responsible satellite operations. Prior to academia, he was a Spacecraft Navigator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and led space situational awareness programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Dr. Jah is an International Member of Scotland’s National Academy of Science, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, as well as a Fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the American Astronautical Society (AAS), and the Explorers Club. His thought leadership has been featured in CNN, BBC, The New York Times, National Geographic, and Bloomberg.

A TED Fellow and vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, Dr. Jah integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into space sustainability. He is dedicated to ensuring that space remains a shared and sustainable resource for future generations.

Dr. Vernon Morris
Foundation Professor & Associate Dean, Knowledge Enterprise and Strategic Outcomes
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
Arizona State University

Dr. Morris is a Foundation Professor and Associate Dean of Knowledge Enterprise and Strategic Outcomes in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University. He holds appointments as a Senior Sustainability Scientist in the Julie Ann Wrigley School of Sustainability, an Affiliate Faculty in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE), and an Associate Scientist in the Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology (CGEST). He was recently recognized with the inaugural (2024) Stanlee James Legacy award, an honor for outstanding contributions to the advancement of social justice, inclusion, and community engagement.

Dr. Morris is a geophysical scientist whose current research focuses on two environmental regimes: the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the densely populated urban zones in the United States, in sub-Saharan Africa, and in the Philippines. He has led 28 observational field campaigns in seven countries and in three ocean basins over the past 25 years. One of his multi-year field campaigns, the AERosols and Ocean Science Expeditions (or AEROSE) has led to the generation of the most extensive set of in situ observations of the Saharan Air Layer in the tropical Atlantic. These data have been used for improved satellite retrievals of ocean properties; data assimilation for hurricane and tropical storm forecasts; validation of NOAA, US Department of Defense, and European numerical weather prediction models; and improved parameterizations for atmospheric chemistry models.

Dr. Morris has published over 80 refereed publications, book chapters, and technical reports and garnered over $75M in research funding as principal investigator. He has served on numerous technical advisory committees and currently serves on the National Science Foundation Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and the National Climate Security Roundtable. Other recent recognitions include the 2020 American Geophysical Union Presidential Citation for Science and Society, a 2022 Flinn Foundation Distinguished Scholar, and the 2023 AGU Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity and Inclusion.

Dr. Morris is passionate about broadening the participation and success of racialized and marginalized groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).                                                          

About USRA Governance

USRA governance is grounded in the university community. USRA is an association of 120 universities engaged in space- and aeronautics-related research and education. University representatives compose the Council of Institutions. The Council establishes the corporate bylaws and conducts elections for members of the Board of Trustees. The Board has sixteen members including ten regional trustees (one for each of ten geographic regional groups of universities), four at-large trustees, the Chair of the Council of Institutions, and the President and CEO (who is appointed by the Board).

About USRA

Universities Space Research Association operates scientific institutes and facilities and conducts other major research and educational programs under federal funding. USRA engages the university community and employs in-house scientific leadership, innovative research and development, and project management expertise.

Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering.

More information about USRA is available at www.usra.edu.

PR Contact:
Suraiya Farukhi
sfarukhi@usra.edu
443-812-6945 

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HelloNation Article Examines Full Coverage Auto Insurance With Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow

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The article explains what full coverage auto insurance typically includes, what it excludes, and how coverage limits affect Iowa drivers.

URBANDALE, Iowa, June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does full coverage auto insurance actually include for drivers in Iowa? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow of Buenzow Insurance Group in Urbandale, Iowa.

The HelloNation article explains that full coverage auto insurance is a commonly used phrase that many drivers misunderstand. While the term suggests broad protection, it usually refers to a combination of liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage within an insurance policy. Understanding what these components cover helps drivers avoid gaps in protection and unexpected costs after an accident.

Liability coverage forms the legal foundation of auto insurance in Iowa. The article explains that liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage that a driver causes to others in an accident. State law requires Iowa drivers to carry minimum liability limits, and full coverage auto insurance policies include at least those required limits. However, liability coverage does not pay for damage to the driver’s own vehicle, which is why additional protection is often necessary.

Collision coverage is the part of a policy that helps pay for damage to the driver’s own vehicle after an accident. The HelloNation article notes that collision coverage applies when a vehicle hits another car, a guardrail, or a stationary object. In most cases, the insurer pays the actual cash value of the vehicle or the repair cost minus the policy’s deductible. Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow is featured in the article as a source of insights on how deductibles influence both insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs during a claim.

Comprehensive coverage addresses a different type of risk. According to the article, comprehensive coverage protects against damage caused by events other than collisions. This includes hail, theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or animal-related incidents. For Iowa drivers, weather-related risks such as hailstorms can make comprehensive coverage an important part of a full coverage auto insurance policy.

The HelloNation article also explains that deductibles apply to both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. The deductible is the amount the policyholder must pay before insurance coverage begins. Drivers can often choose higher or lower deductibles depending on their financial preferences. Higher deductibles typically reduce premium costs but increase the amount paid out of pocket if damage occurs.

Another important takeaway from the article is what full coverage auto insurance does not automatically include. Standard policies usually do not provide roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or gap coverage unless these features are added separately. The article explains that roadside assistance covers towing or emergency services, while rental reimbursement helps cover the cost of a temporary vehicle during repairs.

Gap coverage is another optional feature highlighted in the article. It is often recommended for drivers who finance or lease newer vehicles. Gap coverage pays the difference between the remaining loan balance and the vehicle’s actual cash value if it is declared a total loss after an accident.

The article also discusses the importance of understanding coverage limits within an insurance policy. Coverage limits determine the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered loss. If damage or liability exceeds those limits, the driver may be responsible for the remaining costs. Reviewing coverage limits carefully helps drivers ensure their policy reflects both the value of their vehicle and their financial risk.

Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow is again referenced in the article as part of a broader discussion about how drivers can make informed decisions about Iowa car insurance. The article encourages drivers to evaluate deductibles, coverage limits, and optional protections based on their individual needs.

The HelloNation article concludes by emphasizing that drivers should periodically review their insurance policy. Changes in vehicle value, financial circumstances, and driving habits can all affect the appropriate level of coverage. Understanding the components of full coverage auto insurance helps drivers maintain adequate protection and prepare for unexpected events on the road.

Iowa Auto Insurance: What Full Coverage Includes and Excludes features insights from Ben Buenzow, Insurance Expert of Urbandale, Iowa, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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HelloNation Clarifies Ohio Waiver Waiting List Classifications For Adults With Disabilities, Featuring Home Healthcare Expert Kellan Roberts Of Canton, Ohio

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The article explains immediate need and current need categories and how families can navigate Medicaid waiver programs.

CANTON, Ohio, June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should families of developmental disabilities know about the Ohio waiver waiting list and how immediate need and current need classifications affect access to services? HelloNation provides guidance in an article featuring insights from Home Healthcare Expert Kellan Roberts of R House Home Health Care Services in Canton, Ohio.

The HelloNation article explains that the Ohio waiver waiting list exists because demand for Medicaid waiver programs often exceeds available funding. To manage this gap, counties use service prioritization categories to determine who receives services first. Understanding how these classifications work helps families plan more effectively and reduce uncertainty.

According to the article, immediate need generally refers to adults with developmental disabilities who cannot safely remain at home without prompt services. This may include individuals who have lost caregiver support or experienced a sudden health crisis. In contrast, the current need applies to individuals who require support but whose living situations remain stable enough to wait for waiver programs to become available.

The article emphasizes that documentation plays a critical role in determining placement on the Ohio waiver waiting list. Families must provide medical records, assessments, and supporting information that clearly demonstrate the level of need. Counties review this documentation carefully and may conduct interviews or home visits to confirm circumstances before assigning a classification.

Accurate and updated records are described as essential for proper service prioritization. Needs can change over time, and families are encouraged to notify county offices if circumstances worsen. A person initially categorized under current need may later qualify as immediate need if conditions shift. Staying engaged ensures that updated information is considered during periodic reviews.

While waiting for Medicaid waiver programs to begin, families may need to explore temporary supports. The article notes that personal care services, homemaker assistance, and community programs can help adults with disabilities maintain daily routines and independent living during the waiting period. These interim solutions provide structure and stability while long-term services are pending.

Family planning is highlighted as an important part of navigating the process. Understanding how waiver programs operate, what services they provide, and how classifications are reviewed allows families to make informed decisions. Planning ahead also reduces stress and prepares adults with disabilities for a smoother transition once services are approved.

The article further explains that service prioritization is not static. Counties regularly reassess waiting lists and adjust classifications based on updated information or changes in resources. Families benefit from understanding review timelines and maintaining open communication with county representatives.

Medicaid waiver programs offer a range of supports, including personal care, homemaker services, transportation, and community engagement. The HelloNation article advises families to consider how these services align with long-term goals related to independence, skill development, and community participation. Preparing in advance allows adults with disabilities to transition into services more efficiently when their turn arrives.

Ultimately, the article presents the Ohio waiver waiting list as a system that requires preparation, patience, and active participation. By understanding immediate need and current need classifications, maintaining proper documentation, and staying involved throughout the review process, families can better advocate for timely care and ensure continued safety and stability.

Immediate vs Current Need: How to Navigate the Ohio Waiver Waiting List features insights from Kellan Roberts, Home Healthcare Expert of Canton, Ohio, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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New white paper on closing the AI fluency gap to support workforce retention published by the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies

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New paper by Dr. Wayne L. McCoy examines how employers can turn AI skill development into a talent retention strategy.

PHOENIX, Ariz., June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has published a new white paper, “The Retention Mandate: Bridging the AI Fluency Gap to Secure the 2026 Workforce,” authored by Wayne L. McCoy, DM, MBA, and released through the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR).

The paper examines a growing workplace challenge: employees are rapidly building artificial intelligence skills, while many organizations are still developing the policies, processes and career pathways needed to support AI-enabled work. Drawing on the 2026 Career Optimism Index® study and research on workplace psychology, technology readiness and organizational governance, McCoy argues that AI fluency is no longer only a productivity issue — it is a retention issue.

“Workers are not waiting for organizations to define the future of AI at work,” said McCoy. “Many are already learning, experimenting and building confidence with AI tools. The opportunity for employers is to create the structure around that energy with clear standards, practical training, manager support and career pathways that help employees see a future inside the organization.”

The white paper identifies what McCoy describes as an AI fluency gap: a disconnect between worker skill development and organizational readiness. It notes that employee-led AI learning can create mobility and confidence, but also uncertainty when job descriptions, policies, training systems and manager expectations do not keep pace.

What the white paper addresses

“The Retention Mandate” examines how organizations can better align people, processes, technology and data as AI becomes more embedded in the workplace. The paper highlights several factors shaping AI workforce retention:

Employee-led AI learning and “shadow learning”AI’s impact on productivity, skills development and professional identityPsychological safety and employee trust during AI adoptionGovernance structures for responsible organizational AI useManager capability as a driver of employee confidence and retention

The paper proposes a four-step roadmap for employers seeking to strengthen AI readiness and retain AI-fluent talent:

Define AI career pathways and standardsEstablish skills assessment systemsExpand training, tools and structured enablementBuild AI capability among managers

McCoy’s analysis positions AI adoption as a socio-technical transformation, not simply a technology rollout. The paper encourages organizations to pair AI implementation with clear governance, workforce development and leadership practices that support employee confidence, adaptability and long-term engagement.

About the author

Wayne L. McCoy, DM, MBA, serves as a dissertation chair and staff faculty member in University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. He brings experience in business leadership, technology, entrepreneurship and higher education instruction. McCoy earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Management from University of Phoenix.

“The Retention Mandate: Bridging the AI Fluency Gap to Secure the 2026 Workforce” is available on the College of Doctoral Studies’ Research Hub.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About the College of Doctoral Studies
University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem® with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

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