The evolution of sports analytics: A Q&A with UNC Charlotte expert Michael Schuckers and UNC Charlotte’s Dasgupta Lab shines light on cancer-related weight loss

October 12, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
A hockey stick and puck on ice

The evolution of sports analytics: A Q&A with UNC Charlotte expert Michael Schuckers

Michael Schuckers, a professor in the School of Data Science with extensive sports analytics experience, has consulted for National Hockey League and Major League Baseball teams. Read his Q&A about sports analytics in baseball, hockey and football.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Nominations for the Provost’s Award and Bonnie E. Cone Awards are due Friday, Oct. 30. Learn more about the awards, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Open enrollment: Open enrollment starts today, Monday, Oct. 12, for benefits-eligible employees and will continue through Friday, Nov. 6. Make elections on both platforms required for enrollment and save a copy of your elections.
  • Sidewalk and stair closure: The sidewalk and stairway on the south side of the Kennedy Building will be closed for construction from Tuesday, Oct. 13, through Friday, Jan. 29, 2027. Heavy equipment will be active in the area. Temporary emergency egress routes will be marked with signage throughout the project. Please use caution and follow posted detours and safety information.
  • Resource for Employees: Human Resources has launched the Employee Success and Development team, a resource focused on employee recognition, wellness, learning and organizational development, new employee orientation, performance management and HR support. Additional information about the team and its services will be shared soon.
  • Guest seminar: Join the Center for Energy Security and Reliability for a seminar featuring Saman Zonouz, associate professor at Georgia Tech, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 16, in Klein Hall, Room 104. Learn how emerging security technologies can protect critical infrastructure, including power grids, transportation and manufacturing systems, from cyber threats.
  • Mandatory IT training: Full-time and part-time faculty and staff must finish their mandatory IT security training by Friday, Oct. 16. Training for student workers and temporary employees starts that same day.
  • National Transfer Student Week: Recognize the University’s transfer students from Monday, Oct. 19, through Friday, Oct. 23, with a week of community-building events, a campus resource fair and the annual Transfer Champion Awards, which honor advocates for transfer student success. Explore the full schedule of events.
  • Women in Education Symposium: Twelve members of UNC Charlotte’s faculty and staff articulated the theme of the 2026 Women in Educational Leadership Symposium through timely presentations, and participation in and facilitation of key panel discussions.
  • Guided learning tools: Google Gems are transitioning to Skills in Gemini, offering improved controls and new guided learning tools to enhance your experience.
  • OutSpoken: Attend OutSpoken, a conversation with two UNC Charlotte alumni on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Get more details and RSVP here.
  • Mentor award: Jean-Claude Thill, professor in UNC Charlotte’s College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences, has received the 2026 Carolyn Merry Mentoring Award for his longstanding commitment to mentoring graduate students and emerging scholars across multiple disciplines.

the difference is charlotte

Dasgupta Lab

UNC Charlotte’s Dasgupta Lab is working to increase understanding of cancer cachexia, a wasting syndrome that affects up to 80% of people with advanced cancer.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Ethics training: Join the Violence Prevention Center and Director Apryl Alexander for “Person-Centered and Inclusive Clinical Documentation,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, on Zoom. Learn about common documentation pitfalls and practical strategies for using person-centered, humanistic language.
  • Concur User Group: Attend the Concur User Group virtual forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 22.
  • 49er Mart users: Attend the 49er Mart virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, and see what will be changing in the 26.3 release/upgrade. Registration is encouraged on the Learning and Development Portal, and additional information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.
  • Digital accessibility clinics: Attend a Digital Accessibility Fix-It Clinic in the month of October to get hands-on support with accessibility challenges in your teaching material. Spots are limited.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Transportation Fair: Attend the Transportation Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Cauble Quad to learn from local organizations and campus groups that provide transportation services, alternative transportation options and research at UNC Charlotte and in the Charlotte region.
  • “Much Ado About Nothing”: Actors From the London Stage bring their unique presentation of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy to Robinson Hall for three free performances, Oct. 15-17, as part of their campus residency. View event and registration details.
  • Niner Grind Pass: Unlock unlimited coffee all semester with the Niner Grind Pass, a sustainable and budget-friendly way to get your daily coffee fix on campus.
  • Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

upcoming: faculty and staff

  • HR Power Hour: The next HR Power Hour will take place from noon to 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26. Learn about new hiring processes, review best practices and ask questions.
  • Perceptive Content migration: Phase 3 of the Perceptive Content to Softdocs migration is complete. The final phases have updated schedules: Phase 4 will take place Nov. 2-6 and Nov. 9-13; Phase 5 is scheduled for Nov. 9-13.