Face off: Beating hackers at their own game, gift from SPIE endows $1M scholarship fund, off-campus housing fair and more

January 26, 2026

Categories: Niner Insider

A woman in a green shirt examines a series of 3D-printed facial models mounted on mannequin heads in a research lab at UNC Charlotte, with monitors and lab equipment visible in the background.

Editor’s Note: The University is in Condition 2 (suspended operations) until 11:59 p.m., today, Monday, Jan. 26. Stay tuned for an update via NinerAlerts later today.

Charlotte Biometrics Pioneer Fights Identity Crime With AI Hacker Know-How

At the Center for Identification Technology Research, Stephanie Schuckers leads a team of local and international tech wizards to beat hackers at their own game. Utilizing a world-class database of spoof faces, irises, fingerprints and AI-powered deepfakes, Schuckers’ team develops and trains algorithms to better identify cyberattackers.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Learn to enhance your courses with professional media production from the Center for Teaching and Learning, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
Measles Information: Measles cases are increasing nationally, including in the Charlotte region. Understand symptoms, vaccination and immunity, and what to do if you are exposed.
New Punch-out Catalog: A new punch-out catalog in 49er Mart has been activated for Action Plus Ideas.
State Health Plan Webinar: The free webinar series, “Understanding Your Medical Plan Options When You Become Medicare-Eligible,” starts Thursday, Feb. 5, and runs through Thursday, April 30. This series is for active members who will soon be 65, are already 65 or older, and retirees getting ready to turn 65.
Canvas Portfolio Change: Canvas portfolios will be discontinued Tuesday, June 30, and replaced with a new Portfolio tool. If you have an existing portfolio, export it now to preserve your work before the deadline.

what you need to know: students

Measles Information: Measles cases are increasing nationally, including in the Charlotte region. Understand symptoms, vaccination and immunity, and what to do if you are exposed.
Off-Campus Housing: Considering living off campus next year but not sure where to start your search? Stop by the Off-Campus Housing and Resource Fair from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center, Food Court.
Engaged Scholarship Symposium: The 2026 UNC Charlotte Engaged Scholarship Symposium will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City. Co-sponsored by urbanCORE and CO-LAB, this event showcases how faculty, students and community partners are advancing social innovation through engaged scholarship.
Explore Summer Courses: The summer 2026 schedule is now available. Registration for the semester opens Friday, March 30.

the difference is charlotte

UNC Charlotte receives a $500,000 gift from SPIE

UNC Charlotte received a $500,000 gift from SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. The gift, fully matched by a $500,000 contribution from the UNC Charlotte Foundation, will fund the SPIE Emerging Innovators in Optical Science and Engineering Scholarship.

Image from upcoming PBS Kids show Phoebe and JAy

The UNC Charlotte Mebane Early Literacy Center will co-host a screening of the upcoming PBS Kids show “Phoebe and Jay” this Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14. The event will begin with an introduction by Kelly Cartwright, Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy, who served as the lead curriculum advisor for the show.

upcoming event: Students

Glide across the ice under twinkling lights, and warm up with a hot cocoa at CAB on Ice from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, at Hauser Alumni Pavilion.

Professional development: faculty and staff

Perceptive Content Replacement: UNC Charlotte is moving from Perceptive Content to Softdocs — a modern, cloud-based platform designed to streamline forms and workflows. Attend an upcoming virtual information session today, Monday, Jan. 26, or Tuesday, Jan. 27, to learn more about the transition.
Engaged Scholarship Symposium: The 2026 UNC Charlotte Engaged Scholarship Symposium will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City. Co-sponsored by urbanCORE and CO-LAB, this event showcases how faculty, students and community partners are advancing social innovation through engaged scholarship.
LEADING What’s Next Certificate: This cohort-based leadership curriculum designed for Charlotte supervisors and managers focuses on enhancing critical leadership soft skills, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge they need to be successful and impactful leaders. Apply for the spring 2026 cohort.

to-do list: faculty and staff

Thursday Trivia Results: Last week we tested your knowledge of campus landmarks. Safe to say you know your way round the University; the majority received perfect scores! Check in Thursday for Grammy’s Trivia!
Select Your Primary Care Provider: Update your primary care provider to experience cost savings and coordinated care in 2026. Log into eBenefits to select your provider.
Stay Informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

Thursday Trivia Results: Last week we tested your knowledge of campus landmarks. The trickiest question was Cauble Quad — which was dedicated to Bo ’99 and Angie Cauble in October. Check in Thursday for Grammy’s Trivia!
Wear Green Wednesday: Submit a photo of you wearing Niner Green for a chance to be featured on the Niner Insider Instagram.
New Semester, Working Tech: If your tech didn’t survive last semester, NinerTech can help! Visit the NinerTech store in the Popp Martin Student Union for Apple, Dell and iPhone repairs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online.