Canisius University BiologyProfessor Robert Grebenok, PhD, is part of an interdisciplinary team awarded a three-year, $750,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Funding will support research to identify how crop plants can naturally defend themselves against herbivorous insects while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
“Prior to work done in this research area over the past 30 years, crop plants were chiefly protected from insect attack by chemical pesticides, many of which build up in the ground water and are believed to contribute to disease in humans,” says Grebenok. “Through our research, we hope to identify additional ways to assist plants in maintaining their health while reducing or eliminating pesticide use.”
Grebenok’s interdisciplinary team is comprised of faculty researchers, farmers, postdoctoral research associates, graduate and undergraduate students at Texas A&M University and the Cotton Growers Association Inc. Canisius University biology and animal behavior, ecology and conservation (ABEC) students are also active contributors.
“Our undergraduate students are true collaborators in this work,” adds Grebenok. “They are conducting experiments, assisting with data analysis, and analyzing the chemical composition and chemical changes of crop plants. Most importantly, they are learning how to interact effectively as a vital part of an interdisciplinary research team.”
We want to hear from your thoughts about Winter Faculty Development Week 2026 and our sessions! Even if Faculty were unable to attend, we want to hear from you too!
The Survey will also give Faculty a say in what sessions we offer as we start planning for Summer Faculty Development Week!
Missed WFDW but want to see the available recordings/resources? Join the Faculty Development D2L Group. While there, make sure to check out past sessions too!
Canisius University Athletics has teamed up with Legends Global to launch its first-ever retro merchandise collection. Available online through Jan. 26, the lineup of hoodies, quarter zips, and shirts features classic logos and wordmarks that celebrate decades of Griffin pride—from the 1956 Elite Eight men’s basketball team to the Beilein era and the former football program. Select limited-edition items will also be available at the Canisius merchandise stand on game days.
The mini retreat workshop is open to all Canisius students, faculty, and staff and is designed to provide some de-stressing techniques such as simple, restorative yoga poses and mindfulness/reflection activities.
It’s a great week as we welcome students back for the Spring Semester and Canisius Athletics is here to help you celebrate.
Now-Friday: Find hidden Petey’s all over campus for prizes courtesy of Canisius Athletics. Redeem your prize(s) by stopping by the merchandise stands at either the Canisius-Niagara Men’s Basketball game on Wednesday night or Canisius-RIT Hockey game on Friday night.
Thursday: Search the campus for hidden Petey’s and enjoy the updated Canisius Alumni Art Gallery, between the Bouwhuis Library and Old Main.
Friday: It’s another huge rivalry game as Canisius hosts RIT at the LECOM Harborcenter. The first 300 Canisius fans receive a retro Canisius Hockey shirt courtesy of Reimer Home Services.
Stay tuned for one more surprise coming on Wednesday…
Please email Mike Kochczynski with any questions or challenges at kochczym@canisius.edu.
Bird Watcher’s Digest (BWD) Magazine published a feature story on Psychology Professor Jenn Lodi-Smith, PhD, in its winter edition. The article highlights Lodi-Smith’s role as founder and director of The Spark Bird Project, a community science initiative that collects and studies the formative moments that inspire people to become birders. The article explores how these “spark bird” experiences shape lifelong curiosity and connection to nature, while showcasing Lodi-Smith’s research in partnership with the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, where she is scholar-in-residence. Click here to read the story.
The Buffalo News interviewed Julie Anna Golebiewski, PhD, for a January 9 story about the latest unemployment report, which brought good news for the Buffalo Niagara job market. The associate professor of economics noted, “It looks like the market has loosened a little bit in terms of having more people on the sidelines available for work.” Click hereto read the story.
Buffalo Rising published a feature story on Associate Dean and Kinesiology Professor Karl Kozlowski, PhD, in its January 7 edition. The story highlights how Kozlowski’s formative experiences across Buffalo’s diverse neighborhoods instilled in him a belief that “we are all in this together.” From his research developing exercise programs for children with autism to his practice of Ignatian reflection, the in-depth article exemplifies how Kozlowski’s personal values and professional purpose intersect at Canisius. Click here to learn more.
Assistant Professor of Economics Steve Gattuso weighed in with WalletHub for a January 1 story about the best credit cards for students with no credit. Gattuso noted that the earlier students can build good credit the easier it will be for them to obtain credit later in life for larger purchases at more advantageous rate. He also shared some of the biggest credit card mistakes students make. Click hereto read more.
Canisius University Athletics has teamed up with Legends Global to launch its first-ever retro merchandise collection. Available online through Jan. 26, the lineup of hoodies, quarter zips, and shirts features classic logos and wordmarks that celebrate decades of Griffin pride—from the 1956 Elite Eight men’s basketball team to the Beilein era and the former football program. Select limited-edition items will also be available at the Canisius merchandise stand on game days.
