Charlotte Scientists Prove Bird Flu Evolution, Super Fab Lab, Play Day Next Week and more

The Great Cellular Heist: H5N1 Adapts for a Human Host
H5N1 is no longer just a threat to poultry farms. It’s a fast-evolving virus with a growing ability to infect mammals — including cows and humans — and scientists at UNC Charlotte have the data to prove it.
what you need to know: faculty and staff
- Understanding Immigration Changes: The University has compiled a series of frequently asked questions to provide relevant information to faculty, staff and students about recent immigration changes in the United States.
- Career Collaborator Awards: Congratulations to the winners of the annual Career Collaborator Awards, presented by the Career Center to dedicated faculty and staff for their contributions to career development integration across campus.
- Supervisor Appraisals Due: Supervisor appraisals for SHRA staff are due Friday, May 2. Log into NinerTalent STAKES to get started or finalize the appraisals. Email questions to NinerTalent STAKES.
- Resident Faculty Director Position: The Office of International Programs invites tenured faculty to apply for resident faculty director for the long-standing exchange program with Kingston University London. Applications for the academic years 2026-27 and 2027-28 are due by Friday, May 16. Attend an information session for more information.
what you need to know: students
- Fare-Free Earth Day: Do you have a friend or family member you want to introduce to commuting by bus or light rail? While UNC Charlotte students already ride fare free with the CATS Pass App, non students also may ride the rails and CATS buses fare free Thursday, April 22. Activate your CATS All-Access Pass by signing up with your Charlotte email.
- Super Fab Lab: Faculty and staff toured UNC Charlotte’s Super Fab Lab, one of only six in the world, Tuesday, April 15, during an event designed to introduce them to the equipment and capabilities.
Event spotlight

The Charlotte Parent Organization will host a Family Fun Day from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday, April 21, at the Star Quad to promote community and support Charlotte students and employees who are parents.
upcoming events: students
- EHS Earth Day Event: Join the Environmental Health and Safety Office from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, to plant seeds into a personal flower pot in celebration of Earth Day.
- Clothing Swap Shop: Participate in “Swap Til Ya Drop” from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, in Belk Plaza. Clothing collections will take place during Student Garden Day and Party for the Planet.
- Senior Send-Off: Celebrate becoming an official member of the Alumni Association during Senior Celebration! Join the GOLD Alumni Network and the University Career Center for free food, games and door prizes from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 28, at Armored Cow Brewing Co. Space is limited; register today.
additional news, events and announcements: faculty and staff
- EHS Earth Day Event: Join the Environmental Health and Safety Office from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, to plant seeds into a personal flower pot in celebration of Earth Day.
- New ACUE Course: Project Kitty Hawk and the Association of College and University Educators are offering “Effective Teaching 101: Starting the Semester Strong,” a self-paced course designed to equip faculty with powerful, evidence-based teaching practices. Fill out the interest form to get started.
- Try Public Transit: In celebration of Earth Day, LYNX light rail and CATS buses will operate fare free Thursday, April 22. As a reminder, UNC Charlotte employees may purchase discounted CATS All-Access Transit Passes year-round.
- TIAA Webinar: Register for the TIAA webinar, “Financial Strategies for the Caregiving Squeeze,” at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 24. Learn how to manage caring for your aging parents while supporting your adult children.
- Join Green Dot: Staff and faculty are invited to join the Green Dot team and become a nationally certified trainer. Apply by Friday, May 2.
only at charlotte

Faculty and staff toured UNC Charlotte’s Super Fab Lab, one of only six in the world on Tuesday, April 15, during an event designed to introduce them to the equipment and capabilities. Learn more about the facility from Terence Fagan, associate teaching professor of mechanical engineering and the lab’s founding director.

Enjoy tie dye T-shirts and totes, line dancing, aromatherapy and more at the ninth Play Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the CHHS/CoEd Plaza!
around campus

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Spring Commencement ceremonies in May! Get to know Joe Rick , director of academic budget for the Division of Academic Affairs, who is committed to making this special day run smoothly for students and their families.

Charlotte softball has four straight home games starting today, Thursday, April 17. Don’t miss out on special game promotions including Bark at the Park, Friday, April 18, and Softball Bingo, Tuesday, April 22.
campus resources
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