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HARVARD DCE DEAN NANCY COLEMAN RECEIVES UPCEA’S HIGHEST HONOR FOR ONLINE LEARNING LEADERSHIP

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Coleman Named 2026 Ray Schroeder Leadership Award Recipient at SOLAR Conference in Boston

BOSTON, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nancy Coleman, Dean of Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE), today received the 2026 UPCEA Ray Schroeder Leadership Award for the Advancement of Digital Learning at the SOLAR conference, held at the Westin Seaport Hotel in Boston. The award, presented annually by UPCEA, the leading association for professional, continuing, and online education, recognizes exemplary leadership in advancing digital and online learning.

Coleman was appointed Dean of DCE in 2020, becoming the first woman to serve in the role. She leads an institution whose engagement with distance and online learning spans more than six decades, from the first extension course broadcast on television in 1956 to the launch of Polaris University in 1960 that delivered coursework to Navy submarine crews, in-house hybrid learning technology that improved student persistence rates by four percent and was credited with enabling DCE to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic without emergency adaptation.

“I’m thrilled to share this award with the Harvard DCE staff who make it possible, and with the students whose lives have changed through online education,” said Coleman. “The tools keep changing — television, submarines, the internet, now AI-driven classrooms — but the mission hasn’t: real rigor, real access, real outcomes.”

Under Coleman’s leadership, DCE serves more than 25,000 learners annually from over 120 countries, in programs spanning from the Extension School, Harvard Summer School, to Crimson Summer Academy, which has served high-achieving students from Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston public schools for 40 years, with 99.8 percent of graduates enrolling in a four-year college since the program’s inception, to retirement learning through the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement. Professional and executive development programs designed in partnership with employers saw 74 percent of 2026 clients return for additional engagements.

Coleman is also the author of a recent book chapter, “Yes, That Harvard,” tracing the history and future direction of DCE and its role in shaping continuing education nationally.

About the Ray Schroeder Leadership Award

The UPCEA Ray Schroeder Leadership Award for the Advancement of Digital Learning recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions to the advancement of digital and online learning through sustained commitment to quality, access, and innovation. The award is presented annually by UPCEA at its SOLAR conference.

About Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education

Founded in 1910, Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education offers more than 900 open-enrollment courses and programs annually, serving learners from age 16 to well past 90. DCE encompasses Harvard Extension School, Harvard Summer School, Harvard Professional and Executive Development, the Crimson Summer Academy, and the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement. As one of Harvard’s twelve degree-granting schools, DCE operates on an ‘earn your way in’ admissions model, prioritizing demonstrated academic ability. More information is available at extension.harvard.edu.

Media contact: Trent Spiner, (917-502-8079), tspiner@gmail.com

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SOURCE Harvard University Division of Continuing Education

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Creality Launches SPARKX i7 Nano: Bringing Compact Multi-Color Printing to $299

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HOUSTON, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Creality, a global leader in the 3D printing industry, today announced the availability of the SPARKX i7 Nano, the latest addition to its i7 series. This desktop 3D printer saves space while delivering premium print quality across up to four colors. With a minimalist design that fits easily on a desk, the i7 Nano makes multi-color 3D printing more compact, affordable, and accessible.

Following the January debut of the i7 Color Combo, the i7 Nano is also built for smarter, more effortless 3D printing. It integrates AI-powered capabilities that simplify both creation and printing, including CubeMe for automatically turning 2D portraits into multi-color 3D models. A built-in 720p AI camera monitors prints for common failures such as spaghetti and air printing, while vibration compensation and dynamic pressure adjustment help maintain consistent print quality.

Beyond these shared features, the i7 Nano comes with an integrated spool holder and optimized filament layout, taking up less desktop space and making it easier to fit into compact workspaces. The spool holder mounts directly onto the printer body with a convenient snap-on design, eliminating the need for an external CFS Lite. This compact solution keeps the printer’s footprint small while maintaining a clean appearance without compromising printing performance.

Paired with the new CFS nano Kit, a small unit mounted on top of the printer, the i7 Nano enables vibrant multi-color printing with automatic filament switching for up to four colors. The CFS nano features a dual-motor system, with one motor controlling filament channel switching and the other handling filament feeding and retraction. This ensures smooth and efficient color changes while keeping the overall setup streamlined. The CFS nano also allows quick installation without complex disassembly or modifications and is compatible with existing i7 units.

The i7 Nano features a build volume of 260 × 260 × 255 mm and a maximum printing speed of up to 500 mm/s. It supports a hardened steel nozzle with a maximum temperature of 300°C and multiple nozzle diameters, including 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm. It is also equipped with automatic bed leveling, RFID filament reading and automatic filament refill to deliver an easy-to-use and reliable printing experience for beginners.

The SPARKX i7 Nano with CFS nano Kit will be available starting from August 15 for $299 in the U.S. at the Creality US Store.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creality-launches-sparkx-i7-nano-bringing-compact-multi-color-printing-to-299-302851758.html

SOURCE Creality

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CATL and Quinbrook Build on Supernode Partnership Following Stage 2 and Stage 3 Major Milestones

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BRISBANE, Australia, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quinbrook’s Supernode battery energy storage project has completed Stage 2 commercial operation and reached financial close on A$469 million financing for Stage 3, marking a further milestone in the phased development of Australia’s largest operational BESS campus.

With planned capacity expected to exceed 3 GWh, Supernode is supported by CATL as its core energy storage system supplier for all three stages, providing advanced storage solutions and lifecycle support to enable reliable long-term operation.

Located at Brendale, north of Brisbane, Supernode is adjacent to the South Pine substation, a key hub in the Queensland power system and the regional reference node for marginal loss factors (MLFs). This location provides a favourable MLF position and approximately 4,000MW of available connection capacity for phased expansion. The project’s development coincides with Queensland’s accelerating energy transition and the infrastructure investment cycle.

Stage 3 has reached financial close on A$469 million in debt financing, bringing total project financing across Supernode Stages 1, 2 and 3 to approximately A$1.2 billion. Across its first three stages, Supernode is set to reach 780MW / 3,074MWh. Capacity across the three stages has been contracted under long-term offtake arrangements. 

The long-term value of such assets depends on the continued availability, operational efficiency, safety and reliability of their energy storage systems. CATL has provided EnerC Plus systems for Stages 1 and 2 and will supply TENER S systems for Stage 3, establishing a consistent technology platform across the campus.

In close collaboration with Quinbrook, CATL has supported project-specific design optimisation to enable high-density deployment within the constraints of available industrial land. EnerC Plus supports back-to-back installation, reducing the required site footprint by approximately 20% compared with EnerC. Its integrated liquid-cooling system maintains an internal container temperature differential within 5°C and is designed to deliver reliable operation over a 20-year lifecycle.

CATL’s contribution extends beyond equipment supply. Under a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA), CATL will further support the full lifecycle of the energy storage asset through condition monitoring, performance tracking, fault response and preventive maintenance to help ensure reliable long-term operation. CATL’s proven product performance, scalable delivery capabilities and lifecycle service model provide greater confidence in the long-term reliability and performance of the energy storage asset.

Tim Hornemand, Managing Director and Regional Lead, Australia, at Quinbrook, said:
“Achieving commercial operations for Stage 2 means we’ve successfully delivered both Origin-contracted stages on schedule, an outcome we’re incredibly proud of given the complexity of commissioning utility-scale battery storage projects in Australia. With Stage 3 now fully financed, we’ve reached another important milestone in Supernode’s continuing development. The ongoing support of our banking partners also reflects confidence in the Supernode project, our delivery track record and the long-term outlook for battery storage in Australia.”

Tan Libin, CCO and Co-President of Sales & Marketing at CATL, said:
“Energy storage is evolving from a standalone technology deployment into a strategic energy asset. The next stage of industry development will depend not only on technological advancement, but also on the ability to create long-term value through collaboration, innovation and scalable deployment. At CATL, we are committed to working with partners to unlock the full potential of energy storage assets and support the transition toward a more flexible and resilient energy system.”

CATL and Quinbrook are also working together on EnerQB, an eight-hour battery storage solution being considered for future stages of the Supernode development. The initiative builds on CATL’s role as energy storage system supplier across Supernode’s first three stages. CATL will continue to work with partners worldwide to deliver reliable technologies, scalable solutions and lifecycle support.

SOURCE CATL

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Nocpix Nature Launches Rovex, a Large-Screen Thermal Solution for Faster Bird Discovery

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LONDON, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nocpix Nature today introduced Rovex, a lightweight large-screen handheld thermal imaging camera designed to help birdwatchers, wildlife observers, and outdoor nature enthusiasts find birds more easily in challenging viewing conditions.

Rovex brings a new approach to bird search by combining a 5-inch large display, wide-field thermal imaging, and AI-assisted tracking in a lightweight handheld design. Rather than replacing binoculars or other birdwatching optics, Rovex is designed to help users locate birds faster when low light, dense vegetation, or complex surroundings make visual searching more difficult.

A Wider View for Faster Bird Discovery

Finding a bird is often the first challenge. Rovex’s 5-inch screen and 17.5° × 13.1° field of view allow users to scan a broader area with each sweep while viewing thermal information on a larger display. The open viewing experience makes it easier to search for potential wildlife activity without being confined to a narrow viewing window.

AI-Assisted Search for Faster Discovery

Rovex’s AI Smart Tracking helps highlight potential bird heat sources and guide attention toward areas of interest. By supporting the search process rather than simply displaying thermal imagery, Rovex helps birdwatchers identify where to look and spend less time scanning areas where nothing is happening.

Thermal Imaging When Nature Gets Harder to See

When birds blend into dense cover or become difficult to spot as light fades, thermal imaging can provide another way to search. Rovex combines a 384 × 288 @ 12μm thermal sensor with advanced image processing, including R+ Super-Resolution, smart denoising, and target highlighting, to help thermal signatures stand out against complex backgrounds.

With a lightweight design of less than 290g, Rovex is built for comfortable outdoor use and extended searching. It gives birdwatchers a practical tool for finding wildlife that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Rovex marks Nocpix Nature’s first step toward making wildlife observation smarter, easier, and more rewarding — Smart Ways to Discover.

About Nocpix Nature

Nocpix Nature is designed for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking more from their outdoor experiences. Powered by proprietary sensor technology and advanced AI image algorithms, Nocpix Nature develops intelligent, user-friendly observation tools that make it easier to discover, identify, record, and share wildlife moments. We believe observation goes beyond simply seeing—it is about building a more meaningful relationship with the natural world.

For further information:
Nocpix Nature Marketing Team
Email: info@nocpixnature.com
Website: www.nocpixnature.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nocpix-nature-launches-rovex-a-large-screen-thermal-solution-for-faster-bird-discovery-302852250.html

SOURCE Nocpix Nature

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