Wake Forest News

Agenzia DIRE

Mercury alert in the Amazon, researchers: ‘It’s everywhere.’

Scientists from across the Amazon delivered to Pope Leo XIV a briefing on mercury pollution in the region—documents that include the findings from decades of research at the Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation (CINCIA), established in partnership with Wake Forest’s Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability. “Today we were able to put more than a decade of CINCIA-led scientific evidence…directly into the hands of the pope,” said Luis Fernandez, professor of biology, senior fellow with the Sabin Center, and co-founder of CINCIA. Sabin Center Fellow Claudia Vega joined Fernandez at the Vatican.

Wake Forest News: Wake Forest-CINCIA researchers brief pope on Amazon mercury pollution

The story appeared in 50+ outlets worldwide, including Mongabay, La Republica, and AP Noticias.

October 1, 2026

The Chronicle of Higher Education

To better prepare students for the work force, colleges turn to a new role: the chief career officer

This story highlights Wake Forest University and Andy Chan, who was appointed vice president for personal and career development in 2009. His groundbreaking cabinet-level role signaled a shift in higher education. Here, at last, was evidence that higher education was taking student career development seriously: treating it not as a peripheral service, but as a core part of the student experience, central to the institutional mission. However, ‘just because you’re a vice president doesn’t mean you can do it all on your own—wave a magic wand,” said Chan. “The whole school has to own this.”

September 28, 2026