News Archives - USA Magazine

Academic Exercises – for a Healthy School

Alex John — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 08:36:51 +0000

by Deborah Anderson, Educator

After more than four decades in education, from busy city schools to private academies, I have seen a lot. I have taught Music, English, Spanish, Social Studies, and more, at both elementary and secondary classes. Also, I have led schools and departments, mentoring teachers across every grade level. Along the way, I have earned seven certifications and pursued doctoral studies, but what I value most are the lessons learned from real classrooms, filled with real kids.

My own scholastic journey began as a student in the strong public schools of Edison and Metuchen, New Jersey, and stretched to communities across the country, including those struggling to stay afloat. These experiences shaped one clear truth: every student deserves the chance to learn in a school that values both the mind and the heart.

Lessons from the Classroom

In my early teaching years, I saw the best and worst of education. One school stood out for its innovation. Students there fluently spoke their newly-acquired world languages, using humor and slang like natives. In another, a teacher penalized sophisticated students for daring to use vocabulary beyond the textbook. The difference? One inspired curiosity. The other rewarded conformity while docking high achievers.

That contrast taught me something I have carried throughout my career: a healthy school does not teach only facts. It nurtures thought, creativity, and respect for all constituents.

A Motto That Still Maters

Back in graduate school, I discovered a quote from Effective Schools reformer Ron Edmonds that still rings true today:

“We can, whenever and wherever we choose, successfully teach all children… We already know more than we need to do this.”

If that is the case, why are so many schools still struggling? The issue has nothing to do with knowledge. It remains fully based on commitment to work within the process. We know what works. We just do not always do it.

When Reform Misses the Point

I once worked in a district that made national headlines for raising teacher pay to one of the highest in the country. It was meant to spark education reform. But while paychecks grew, student achievement continued to lag. Test scores, graduation rates, and reading levels stayed stagnant. The missing ingredient?

Heart – the kind that instills love for academics and passion for student achievement no matter what. Although the system had changed, the focus on students did not continue to grow.

True reform does not come from money alone. It comes from motivation, mentorship, and meaning.

The “School Bakery” and the “School Factory”

Too often, we treat schools like assembly lines, baking up identical “cookie-cutter” students or mass-producing “widgets” on a conveyor belt. But, education is not about manufacturing. It is human work. It takes time.

Students are not products, and staff members are not factory hands. They are people -unique, curious, emotional, and capable of greatness when met with respect and encouragement.

The Real Academic Exercise

If we truly want stronger schools, we must start with people, not programs. Vet the staff along a professional continuum. Support them as you train them to teach and to monitor progress, not just test. Invest in ethics, empathy, and expertise.

Money spent on flashy reforms cannot replace the simple act of caring, of knowing every student by name and helping them to daily connect knowledge to life. That is the kind of exercise schools really need.

The Research Reality

Education headlines can be misleading. Some reports suggest progress, but data tell a harder truth. As Forbes noted, low-performing students continue to fall further behind, even as others improve (Wexler, 2021).

The Nation’s Report Card backs that up. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only:

31% of eighth graders scored proficient in Science,
22% of twelfth graders in Math, and
35% in Reading.

If those were my classroom results, I would celebrate the growth but double down on the rest. Why? Because every percentage point represents a student who deserves better.

What Works and What Doesn’t

So, what’s the fix? Robert Pondiscio of the American Enterprise Institute put it plainly in The New York Post: “Stay with what works. Avoid fad curricula. Follow the science of reading.”

Trendy programs often promise miracles, but lasting success comes from consistent, research-based instruction and support, along with teachers who believe in their students.

Healthy Schools, Healthy Futures

A “healthy school” is about more than test scores. It is about balance, nutritious food, clean water, and strong mental health. The National Library of Medicine confirms that schools promoting wellbeing build students who thrive both academically and personally (Pulimeno et al., 2020).

In the end, I have found three guiding principles that define a truly healthy school:

Open your mind to core values and ethics.
Condition expectations for quality learning.
Live with resolve to see every student succeed.

Schools that live by these ideals are not just places to learn. They are places to grow.

Final Thought

We already have the tools, research, and knowledge to teach every student well. What we need now is courage. The courage to care, to act, and to expect more.

The healthiest schools are not built merely on money or mandates. They are built on acceptance, academics, and meaning.

Works Cited:

Edmonds, R. (1992). Quoted in Education Week.
Pondiscio, R. (2025). “’Vibe-Based Literacy’ and Other Fads Destroyed Education for Our Kids.” New York Post, Sept. 10, 2025.
Pulimeno, M., et al. (2020). “School as Ideal Setting to Promote Health and Wellbeing Among Young People.” National Library of Medicine.
Wexler, N. (2021). “Scores for Low-Performing Students Get Steadily Worse.” Forbes.

The post Academic Exercises – for a Healthy School appeared first on USA Magazine.

Beth Watter and the Continuing Relevance of Purpose-Driven Storytelling in Modern American Literature

Alex John — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:20:07 +0000

Across the modern publishing landscape, stories that reflect perseverance and personal purpose have regained significance among readers searching for meaning in everyday life. In an era shaped by fast communication and social fragmentation, fiction often serves as one of the few remaining spaces for sustained reflection. The U.S. publishing industry’s 2024 figures from the Association of American Publishers noted that print sales in the young adult and inspirational categories increased by more than 11 percent over the previous year, showing continued interest in books that encourage hope and community engagement. It is within this broad cultural trend that Elisabeth “Beth” Watter’s novel Champions, We Are is expected to draw attention for its quiet focus on human resilience.

Watter’s debut novel, released in 2025, follows the story of a young boy named Nik who lives with cerebral palsy and dreams of taking part in competitive racing. His journey is not built around a single dramatic event but around the accumulation of small choices that reveal character, friendship, and determination. The book’s tone is straightforward and unhurried, using simple language to explore how people support one another through ordinary acts of kindness. In doing so, Watter contributes to a wider body of contemporary American fiction that approaches social awareness through personal storytelling rather than instruction.

What distinguishes Champions, We Are within this environment is its attention to community as an essential context for personal growth. The story unfolds through scenes of neighborhood cooperation, school projects, and shared ambitions. These details give the novel a documentary quality that aligns with broader movements in American literature where realism and empathy replace irony and spectacle. Readers encounter not an idealized portrait of difference but an exploration of how people live together, adapt, and encourage one another.

In literary terms, Champions, We Are fits within the tradition of accessible, values-based fiction for general audiences. Its genre placement sits between realistic youth literature and mainstream contemporary fiction, appealing to readers interested in stories about perseverance and belonging. The novel uses the perspective of a young protagonist to navigate social barriers, but its larger focus remains the relationships that make participation and growth possible. The result is a story that reflects a common thread across much of modern American writing, the pursuit of purpose amid ordinary life.

For writers like Watter, whose first publication enters a market crowded with established names and series, sustaining attention requires connection rather than scale. Her approach to storytelling aligns with the slower, more reflective end of digital reading culture, where word of mouth, book groups, and small community networks often play a greater role than advertising.

The publication of the novel in 2025 coincided with growing public interest in inclusive representation across the arts. National literary organizations, including the Children’s Literature Association, reported in 2024 that representation of characters with disabilities or chronic conditions had become one of the most discussed themes in youth literature panels and conferences. Champions, We Are occupies that cultural moment by offering an example of representation approached through normalcy rather than abstraction. Nik’s pursuit of his goals and his collaboration with friends provide a familiar emotional structure that readers can recognize in many contexts, making inclusion a background truth rather than a lesson.

In cultural commentary, Champions, We Are can be linked with community-based reading initiatives that emphasize the shared experience of storytelling. These references will likely illustrate how literature, even when written for entertainment, continues to influence public discourse on empathy and awareness. The use of books as tools for dialogue, particularly in school and library programs, remains a stable feature of American civic life. Watter’s novel may also contribute to that pattern by providing a narrative accessible enough to invite discussion without requiring specialized interpretation.

Beth Watter’s Champions, We Are stands as one example of how contemporary American storytelling continues to explore resilience, belonging, and identity through grounded human experience. In an era when cultural dialogue often moves too quickly to pause for empathy, her work offers a reminder that quiet stories can still sustain public reflection on what it means to be part of a community.

The post Beth Watter and the Continuing Relevance of Purpose-Driven Storytelling in Modern American Literature appeared first on USA Magazine.

The Science of Barrel Rifling: How Precision Impacts Firearm Accuracy

Alex John — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:03:36 +0000

In the world of firearms, accuracy often defines the difference between success and failure. Whether for sport, hunting, or tactical use, shooters depend on precision to achieve consistent and reliable performance. While many factors contribute to accuracy, few are as critical as barrel rifling. Sonoran Desert Institute reviews the science behind rifling, offering insights into how it directly impacts bullet trajectory, spin stability, and overall firearm performance. As an accredited institution through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), SDI emphasizes the importance of understanding rifling for those pursuing precision gunsmithing.

At its core, rifling refers to the helical grooves cut into the interior of a firearm’s barrel. These grooves impart a stabilizing spin to the bullet as it travels down the barrel and exits the muzzle. This spin helps maintain the bullet’s stability in flight, reducing yaw and wobble, which ultimately enhances accuracy over both short and long distances.

The Basics of Barrel Rifling

Rifling refers to the series of helical grooves machined into the interior surface of a firearm’s barrel. These grooves are designed to impart a stabilizing spin to the bullet as it travels down the bore and exits the muzzle. The spin helps maintain the bullet’s stability in flight, much like how a quarterback spins a football to keep it on a straight path.

Without rifling, a bullet is more susceptible to wobbling, veering off course, or tumbling mid-flight. This instability significantly reduces accuracy and predictability. Rifling allows shooters to achieve tighter groupings and hit targets at greater distances with improved consistency.

Types of Rifling Patterns

Several rifling patterns are available, each offering distinct advantages depending on the firearm’s intended use. Traditional rifling features sharply cut lands and grooves, producing a defined and uniform spin. Polygonal rifling uses a smoother, rounded interior profile that can reduce barrel wear and potentially offer higher muzzle velocities, due to a better gas seal.

Hybrid rifling designs combine characteristics of traditional and polygonal patterns. They aim to balance barrel life, accuracy, and ease of maintenance. Different manufacturers often select rifling types based on the firearm’s caliber, application, and performance goals.

The Science Behind Spin Stabilization

When a bullet exits the barrel, it must remain stable in flight to maintain accuracy. This stability depends heavily on gyroscopic forces generated by the bullet’s spin. The faster and more uniform the spin, the better the bullet resists external forces, such as wind or gravity, that can alter its trajectory.

Twist rate, or the distance the bullet travels in the barrel to complete one full rotation, plays a central role in spin stabilization. Expressed as a ratio (for example, 1:10 means one full turn in 10 inches of barrel length), the ideal twist rate depends on the bullet’s length, weight, and velocity. Heavier or longer bullets often require faster twist rates to achieve proper stabilization.

Matching Twist Rates to Bullet Types

Selecting the correct twist rate is crucial for optimal accuracy. If the twist rate is too slow, the bullet may not spin fast enough to maintain stability, resulting in erratic flight paths. Conversely, an excessively fast twist rate can over-stabilize lighter bullets, potentially affecting accuracy and causing premature barrel wear.

Manufacturers typically test various bullet weights and lengths to determine the best twist rate for each caliber. Shooters who handload their ammunition also consider these factors to fine-tune their loads for specific shooting scenarios, whether long-range precision or close-quarters tactical situations.

Barrel Length and Its Relationship to Accuracy

Rifling is key to bullet stability, but barrel length also influences accuracy and velocity. Longer barrels give the propellant more time to burn, which can boost velocity, but it’s the rifling twist rate that primarily determines spin stability.

That said, longer barrels are not always better for every application. Tactical firearms, for example, may benefit from shorter barrels for maneuverability. In these cases, matching the appropriate rifling and twist rate to the shorter barrel length remains essential to maintain accuracy.

The Role of Barrel Maintenance

Consistent performance depends not only on the precision of rifling but also on proper barrel maintenance. Fouling from copper, lead, and carbon can build up in the grooves, altering the bullet’s engagement with the rifling and impacting accuracy.

Regular cleaning helps preserve the barrel’s performance. Shooters should follow manufacturer guidelines and use appropriate solvents and tools to prevent damage to the rifling during maintenance. Even minor neglect can lead to cumulative fouling that compromises accuracy over time.

Environmental Factors and Real-World Performance

While rifling sets the stage for accuracy, external factors also play a role. Wind, temperature, humidity, and elevation can all affect bullet trajectory. A well-rifled barrel ensures that the bullet starts its journey with optimal stability, giving shooters the best possible foundation to compensate for these environmental variables.

Competitive shooters and military snipers often account for these factors through ballistic calculations and real-time adjustments. The precision offered by quality rifling gives them the confidence to make these adjustments effectively.

Advancements in Barrel Rifling Technology

Research continues to explore ways to refine rifling techniques and materials. New barrel coatings, advanced steel alloys, and manufacturing innovations contribute to barrels that offer longer service life, reduced fouling, and improved accuracy.

One area of interest involves 3D-printed barrels and non-traditional rifling profiles, which may offer new performance characteristics for specialized applications. While these technologies are still being studied, they represent ongoing efforts to push the limits of barrel manufacturing precision.

Education for Precision Gunsmithing

Understanding the science behind rifling requires more than hands-on experience; it demands a solid foundation in ballistics, materials science, and machining. Sonoran Desert Institute explores these technical aspects as part of its comprehensive curriculum, providing students with the education necessary to understand barrel rifling and its role in firearm performance. Through its comprehensive gunsmithing programs, it equips future professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain and produce precision firearms that meet the highest standards of accuracy.

The Continued Pursuit of Accuracy

As firearm technology progresses, the importance of precision barrel rifling remains constant. From recreational shooters to elite professionals, those who understand and appreciate the science behind rifling gain an edge in achieving consistent, reliable performance. Whether building custom rifles or fine-tuning existing firearms, attention to rifling details allows shooters to maximize their equipment potential and confidently hit their targets.

The science of rifling is not just about the grooves inside a barrel. It represents the intersection of physics, engineering, and craftsmanship that continues to define accuracy in the world of firearms.

The post The Science of Barrel Rifling: How Precision Impacts Firearm Accuracy appeared first on USA Magazine.

Joe Kiani’s Digital Therapeutics Vision: Filling the Gaps Between Clinical Visits

Alex John — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 07:58:46 +0000

Doctor visits are often brief and widely spaced, especially for those managing chronic conditions. Between appointments, patients are left to manage their care, navigating medications, symptoms, diet, and stress with limited support. This in-between time, where most health decisions happen, has long been overlooked in traditional healthcare models. That is where digital therapeutics are stepping in. Joe Kiani, founder of Masimo and Willow Laboratories, has spent his career developing technologies that enhance patient safety and promote continuous care. With Nutu, his latest digital health platform, Kiani is helping transform how care is delivered by filling the space between clinical visits with intelligent, responsive support.

These new tools are reframing health as a continuous experience, not just a series of appointments, and helping patients stay on track in the moments that matter most. To understand their impact, it helps to look at how digital therapeutics differ from traditional models and what makes them effective between clinical visits.

What Makes Digital Therapeutics Different

Digital therapeutics go beyond wellness apps and health trackers. They are evidence-based tools designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions using behavioral and data science. Many are regulated and validated through clinical studies, and doctors even prescribe some as part of formal care plans.

What sets them apart is how they work between visits. Digital therapeutics platforms engage users daily, responding to symptoms, tracking trends, and offering interventions rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational reinforcement, or adaptive goal setting. They do not just collect data. They coach users through the choices that influence outcomes.

In this way, digital therapeutics extend the clinician’s reach, filling in the gaps with support that adapts to real-world circumstances.

Continuous Support Between Clinical Moments

Most patients leave appointments with good intentions, but once back in their routines, motivation can waver. Digital therapeutic tools help reinforce goals in those everyday moments, offering feedback, nudges, and context that turn advice into action.

If a user forgets to log meals or shows signs of irregular sleep, the system can respond with prompts tailored to that pattern. If stress increases, it might offer mindfulness exercises or suggest adjustments to the activity. This daily interaction helps users course-correct early rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Over time, this ongoing connection builds confidence and consistency, two ingredients that clinical care alone often cannot sustain.

Personalized, Real-Time Adaptation

One of the greatest strengths of digital therapeutics is their ability to personalize. Algorithms adapt recommendations based on user behavior, preferences, and progress. It is especially powerful for chronic conditions like diabetes, where needs fluctuate based on meals, movement, stress, and rest.

These platforms use artificial intelligence to analyze these factors and deliver timely and relevant insights. A suggestion to walk after a meal, drink water, or adjust to a sleep schedule may sound simple, but when tied to a user’s own data patterns, those cues carry more weight. Instead of generalized advice, users receive guidance that is specifically attuned to how their body and behavior interact over time.

A Trust-Building Layer of Care

Trust in healthcare is built through consistency and understanding. Digital therapeutics support this by showing up daily, not just when symptoms peak. They validate effort, recognize small wins, and offer encouragement during setbacks. This mindset of ongoing, supportive care is central to Nutu’s mission. Joe Kiani, Masimo founder, notes, “Willow’s number one priority is to revolutionize diabetes care.” That revolution, as Nutu demonstrates, does not happen only in high-tech labs or exam rooms.

It unfolds in kitchens, bedrooms, offices, and sidewalks, where everyday decisions shape outcomes. By guiding these moments, digital therapeutics become a trusted part of the care team, not just a digital tool. This trust helps users stay engaged over the long term, especially in conditions that require daily vigilance.

Empowering the Patient Voice

Another critical role of digital therapeutics is empowering patients to better understand and communicate about their health. By tracking symptoms, responses to food, medication adherence, and mood, these tools help patients clarify their medical conversations.

Instead of vague updates during appointments, users can share concrete trends: “This meal spiked my glucose,” or “I sleep better on the days I exercise.” This level of insight strengthens collaboration between patients and providers, leading to more precise treatment adjustments. In this way, digital therapeutics turn patients into active partners in their care.

Addressing Access and Equity Gaps

While doctor shortages and systemic barriers can make it difficult for some communities to access consistent care, digital therapeutics help extend their reach. They are available anytime, adaptable to individual schedules, and can be deployed on a scale.

This accessibility is especially important for people who live in rural areas, have transportation limitations, or face other obstacles to in-person care. While not a replacement for providers, digital therapeutics platforms help level the playing field by providing support when and where it is needed most. As adoption grows, these tools can also reduce unnecessary emergency visits and hospitalizations by catching problems early.

The Clinical Backing Behind the Screens

Skeptics may wonder whether software can profoundly influence outcomes. But research is catching up. Multiple studies have shown that digital therapeutics can lower HbA1c levels, reduce blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and support behavioral change in conditions like anxiety and obesity.

These results are not from flashy features or surface-level engagement. They come from consistent reinforcement of behavior and data-informed adjustments, something even the best clinicians struggle to provide between visits. By embedding clinical thinking into everyday routines, digital therapeutics make treatment more continuous and effective.

From Gaps to Guidance

Doctor visits will always play a significant role in diagnosis and treatment, but they are only one part of a larger continuum of care. What happens between those visits, how people eat, sleep, move, and manage stress, is just as important.

Digital therapeutics close this gap by translating medical goals into daily actions. They offer support when people need help deciding what to do next. And they do it without judgment, at a pace that respects real life. This quiet, consistent guidance helps users stay aligned with their care plans, even when life is unpredictable.

Where Connection Becomes Care

Healthcare is most effective when it meets people where they are. Digital therapeutics do just that. They turn intentions into habits, data into decisions, and gaps into guidance. For chronic disease care, they represent not just an innovation but a necessity.

As digital health platforms continue to develop, they show what is possible when the connection is continuous. It is not just a series of visits, but a living thread of support that moves with the user. It is a model built on consistency, responsiveness, and trust, qualities that patients need between appointments just as much as during their time.

The post Joe Kiani’s Digital Therapeutics Vision: Filling the Gaps Between Clinical Visits appeared first on USA Magazine.

Translating Science into Impact: Steven Quay’s Blueprint for Bridging Research and Real-World Medicine

Alex John — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:53:13 +0000

For most researchers, publishing a paper is the finish line. For Steven Quay, it has always been the starting point. In the scientific world, breakthroughs often get lost between the lab bench and the bedside, but Quay has built a career out of moving ideas into action. His story is less about prestige and more about persistence. It is about finding ways to translate complex science into accessible, effective tools for patients.

Understanding the Gap Between Discovery and Delivery

In biomedical research, the journey from innovation to application is notoriously difficult. Countless promising therapies stall before reaching clinical trials. Even fewer secure FDA approval. Part of this is due to the complexity of biological systems, but another part comes from how the research ecosystem is structured. Academics are often rewarded for publishing, not for commercializing or scaling their work.

Steven Quay recognized this early in his career. After completing his medical and doctoral training at the University of Michigan and working under Nobel laureate H. Gobind Khorana at MIT, Quay was acutely aware of how much knowledge sits unused. He knew that impactful science must do more than deepen understanding. It must reach people in tangible ways.

Salutar: Imaging as a First Frontier

One of Quay’s earliest ventures was Salutar, Inc., a company focused on improving MRI diagnostics. During the early 1980s, MRI technology was gaining traction, but there were no available contrast agents for this new imaging modality. Quay invented and helped develop the first nonionic gadolinium-based agents, which became widely adopted for their improved performance and lower toxicity.

This wasn’t just a technical improvement. It was a clinical one. Better contrast agents meant earlier and more accurate diagnoses, especially for multiple sclerosis and brain cancers. For patients, this translated to faster treatment and better outcomes. By the time Salutar was acquired by a leading medical technology company, GE Healthcare, Quay had already demonstrated that academic research could become a viable product with broad medical utility.

Moving into Ultrasound: A New Medium, Same Mission

After Salutar, Quay didn’t rest. He founded SONUS Pharmaceuticals in the early 1990s, focusing on contrast agents for ultrasound imaging. The company developed the patents for Optison, a microbubble-based agent that helped clinicians visualize blood flow and organ structures with much greater clarity. Once again, the science was strong, but what made the difference was the follow-through. The product secured FDA approval and was later marketed by GE Healthcare.

SONUS wasn’t just about imaging. It was about making imaging better for clinicians and more useful for patients. That focus on practical impact has remained consistent throughout Quay’s career.

Atossa Therapeutics: Applying Science to Prevention and Treatment

In 2009, Quay founded Atossa Therapeutics, shifting his focus more directly toward therapeutic interventions. Atossa’s mission is rooted in breast cancer research, particularly the development of treatments for estrogen-receptor positive cancers and high-risk pre-cancerous conditions. The company was named after Princess Atossa, the wife of Darius the Great and the first woman in recorded history with breast cancer.

One of its leading drugs, (Z)-endoxifen, is a direct, active metabolite of tamoxifen. Unlike tamoxifen, which requires metabolic activation in the body, (Z)-endoxifen is already pharmacologically active. This could be significant for patients who do not metabolize tamoxifen efficiently, making standard therapy less effective.

The science is important, but again, what distinguishes Quay’s approach is how that science is moved forward. Atossa has conducted clinical trials in collaboration with institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Karolinska Institute in Sweden. These partnerships ensure that research is clinically grounded, ethically managed, and statistically sound.

Device Innovation: The MASCT System

Not all of Quay’s contributions come in the form of drugs. He also oversaw the development and FDA clearance of the MASCT System, a device that collects nipple aspirate fluid for early detection of breast abnormalities. Breast cancer screening still faces limitations, particularly for younger women or those with dense breast tissue. The MASCT System offers an alternative method that may help identify risk earlier.

This invention highlights Quay’s broader perspective. For him, innovation doesn’t belong to one category. Whether it is a compound, a device, or a delivery system, the goal remains the same: to improve patient care.

Infrastructure and the Role of Entrepreneurship

Much of Quay’s success comes from his ability to build the infrastructure around an idea. He does not stop at discovery. He develops companies, raises capital, assembles research teams, and navigates regulatory frameworks. These steps are often overlooked in public discussions about scientific progress, but they are essential. Ernst and Young has recognized two of his companies in their ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ program.

At Salutar, SONUS, and Atossa, Quay functioned not just as a scientist but as a business leader. He understood that without a viable path to market, even the most groundbreaking science could sit idle. His approach demonstrates that bridging research and real-world application is as much about systems as it is about insight.

What Makes Translation Possible

Translating science into medicine requires more than innovation. It takes regulatory expertise, persistence, and the willingness to engage in iterative problem-solving. Quay’s work across three decades reflects all of these traits. He has not always taken the fastest path, but he has consistently chosen the one that leads to meaningful, patient-centered solutions.

His career also points to a broader lesson for the next generation of researchers. Scientific success should not be measured by publications alone. It should be judged by the ability to change the way medicine is practiced and how lives are improved.

Looking Ahead

Steven Quay continues to lead Atossa Therapeutics, but his broader legacy is already clear. He has shown how a scientist can also be a builder, turning discovery into delivery, and ideas into impact. In an era where biomedical research often feels siloed or inaccessible, Quay’s path offers an alternative, one grounded in integration, integrity, and purpose.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the value of translational science will only grow. And in that space, leaders like Quay offer not only a model but a roadmap.

The post Translating Science into Impact: Steven Quay’s Blueprint for Bridging Research and Real-World Medicine appeared first on USA Magazine.

Dr. Christine Charyton: Engineering a Creative Revolution in Mental Health and Innovation

Alex John — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:35:31 +0000

Introduction: A Polymath for the People

Whenever Dr. Christine Charyton enters a room—whether it’s a lecture hall, a therapy session, or even a cozy barn on her Ohio farm—you can expect more than her impressive credentials. She brings a unique perspective shaped by a variety of disciplines that rarely overlap. As a licensed psychologist, neuroscientist, published author, farmer, music theorist, and even an Independent U.S. presidential candidate, Dr. Charyton represents a mix of curiosity and public service.

Her work weaves together creativity and cognitive science, connects neurological health with jazz improvisation, and links rural sustainability with public policy. Her mission is clear: to make a positive difference in lives by exploring how we think, feel, innovate, and heal. But her journey to get there is anything but typical.

She doesn’t believe in limiting herself to just one field or title as she believes the world doesn’t fall into neat compartments, and our thinking shouldn’t either.

The Visionary Path: Where Thought Becomes Action

Dr. Charyton’s academic path began in Pennsylvania, where her early passions for psychology and music inspired her to pursue a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Music at Shippensburg University. She further advanced her education by earning both a M.Ed. and a Ph.D. from Temple University, specializing in educational psychology and counseling.

Even during her student years, she was recognized for her interdisciplinary approach. She has always been fascinated by how patterns appear—whether in musical compositions, brain imaging, or emotional reactions. Dr. Charyton started noticing common links quite early on. Her curiosity about connecting different fields shaped a career that spans neurology, psychotherapy, education, and creativity research. She served as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Neurology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where her research often challenged traditional boundaries.

In addition to her scientific credentials, Dr. Charyton is also a trained musician and composer, blending her artistic intuition with neurological research.

Her early work posed compelling questions like: What drives innovation? How can creativity be quantified? Is it something that can be taught? The insights gained from these inquiries have greatly contributed to her most impactful scholarly work.

From Labs to Leadership: Measuring Innovation with CEDA

Recognizing a need for better tools to assess creativity, Dr. Charyton developed the Creative Engineering Design Assessment (CEDA). This innovative tool measures how students in STEM fields approach open-ended challenges. It was among the first assessments to combine qualitative insights into creativity with quantitative metrics, providing educators and institutions with a practical way to encourage innovative thinking among future engineers. Since its introduction, CEDA has been adopted by numerous academic institutions both in the United States and internationally. Its design represents Charyton’s fundamental belief: that creativity is beyond a personality trait; it’s an essential cognitive skill that drives progress in science, engineering, and society. For her, the idea that creativity belongs only to the arts is now outdated. It’s at the core of problem-solving, innovation, and discovery across all disciplines.

Cognitive Risk Tolerance: The Psychology of Breakthroughs

Building on her research into how people navigate uncertainty in problem-solving, Dr. Charyton developed the concept of Cognitive Risk Tolerance. In a 2013 study published in the International Journal of Creativity and Problem Solving, she and her colleagues discovered that creativity combined with emotional resilience is a strong predictor of a person’s ability to stick with complex tasks, even when success isn’t guaranteed.

Most people tend to think about risk in terms of money or physical danger, but the real risks are mental — like being willing to take action when everything seems uncertain. This idea has broad implications for education, leadership, and mental health. It can help most of the employers spot innovative talent, assist educators in designing more effective curricula, and even shape therapy approaches for clients who struggle with decision-making or perfectionism.

Inside the Therapy Room: Psychology as Practice

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Charyton runs a private practice where she brings her research directly into her work with clients. She focuses on anxiety, trauma recovery, cognitive training, and mental health issues related to epilepsy, blending neuroscience insights with hands-on therapeutic techniques. The goal should be to help people who feel they’ve lost their rhythm find it again.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she quickly shifted to offering teletherapy, reaching clients not just across Ohio but beyond. Her sessions often include creative exercises, mindfulness practices, and even music analysis to enhance therapy. For clients dealing with neurological conditions like temporal lobe epilepsy or cognitive decline, she customizes interventions based on her published research, ensuring her approach is evidence-based.

For Dr. Charyton, bridging research with real-world practice isn’t just a concept — it’s part of her daily life.

Music, Brainwaves, and Mental Healing

Dr. Charyton’s broad and integrated approach bridges the worlds of music therapy and neurological health. Her research with epilepsy patients discovered that the brain activity in the temporal lobe for those with epilepsy shows measurable similarities to that of trained musicians. This discovery has sparked new discussions about how rhythm and sound could be used to support neural stability in individuals living with seizures. One of her most well-known studies involved applying fractal analysis to John Coltrane’s improvisational solos. The results pointed to consistent mathematical patterns that might align with brain rhythms, suggesting a potential therapeutic link. Her idea is that listening to well-structured improvisational music might help regulate neural activity and lower the frequency of seizures. She states “Coltrane wasn’t just playing notes, he was creating patterns that reflect how the brain makes sense of chaos.”

Her work has been featured in outlets like WebMD, Fox News, Science Daily, and The Toronto Star, helping to promote conversations around alternative, non-drug methods for managing epilepsy. Additionally, Nature and the APA Monitor highlighted her impact on the intersection of neuroscience and creativity.

Women in STEM: Research and Representation

Dr. Charyton has built a notable career not only through her research but also through her dedicated advocacy for gender equity in science and engineering. Her 2011 research on female Nobel laureates challenged common perceptions about gender and intellectual achievement, sparking important conversations. She has contributed to this field with numerous publications, including articles in the Journal of Creative Behavior and Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. In her leadership roles, she has chaired diversity committees and served on editorial boards for APA Divisions 10 and 1. Through her mentorship, she has actively helped increase the number of women pursuing careers in engineering and STEM research in Ohio and beyond.

The Making of a Polymath: From Radio Booths to Research Labs

Dr. Charyton’s early years were influenced by a mix of creativity, challenges, and a deep desire to learn. Growing up in Pennsylvania, she kept careful journals from a young age—one of which was later published as her memoir, Chrissie’s Diary: February 20, 1978 to May 26, 1981. The book offers a heartfelt glimpse into her personal journey through change and spiritual exploration. As a teenager, she hosted a radio show on WSYC FM, an experience that helped her develop the knack for connecting with audiences through rhythm and authenticity—skills that continue to benefit her in public speaking and media interactions. Her career path has been anything but straight. She has worked as an ESL teacher, academic advisor, therapist, and adjunct professor before founding her private psychology practice and research consultancy. She has always been open to new beginnings. Every role she has taken on has been a source of something valuable that she carries forward.

Books That Build Bridges: From Memoir to Method

Dr. Charyton is also a prolific author. Her books span academic manuals, memoir, visionary essays, and even futuristic nonfiction.

Creative Engineering Design Assessment (CEDA) provides the theoretical framework and scoring manual for her creativity tool.
Pilgrimage: A Mindful Journey blends philosophy, science, and personal reflection.
The Biography of a Polymath: Emperor of Tomorrow explores visionary leadership through a speculative lens.
My Memoir: I Love Horses is a heartfelt tribute to her personal sanctuary: Josef and Ranger, her horses.

Each of these books reflects a different side of her intellect and emotion. Together, they form a body of work dedicated to integration—of art and science, memory and analysis, past and future.

A Champion for Ukraine: Civic and Cultural Leadership

As a Ukrainian-American, Dr. Charyton has been deeply involved in community efforts and advocating for foreign policy issues. She played a key role in organizing peaceful protests in Columbus during the Crimea crisis, co-hosted flag-raising ceremonies at the Ohio Statehouse, and has spoken extensively about how war impacts civilians’ mental health. She’s appeared in outlets like The Lantern, Columbus Dispatch, and Gabriel’s Trumpet Radio, urging for a more strong American response to Russia’s invasion. Her advocacy focuses on strengthening democracy internationally and providing trauma-knowledgeable support for displaced and immigrant populations. She often emphasizes that identity and action are intertwined for her and that Ukraine is a core part of who she is—and a reason she is committed to this cause.

Veselka Farms: Healing the Land, Healing the Mind

In 2016, Dr. Charyton co-founded Veselka Farms, a sustainable agriculture project based in Pataskala, Ohio. What began as a personal retreat has grown into a community-centered business offering fresh produce, wellness education, and agricultural updates through VeselkaFarms.com.

Named after the Ukrainian word for “rainbow,” the farm reflects her dual heritage and integrative worldview. It’s also an extension of her belief in holistic well-being.

She has always advocated that farming is deeply psychological. It requires patience, intuition, and long-term vision—just like therapy.

From the Clinic to the Campaign Trail

In 2024, Dr. Charyton made a bold move: she entered the U.S. presidential race as an Independent Candidate, receiving over 2,500 votes. Her platform emphasized mental health reform, evidence-based policy, education equity, and international human rights.

Now preparing her 2028 campaign, she brings a scientifically informed, compassion-led platform that defies political orthodoxy.

She assures that there are no easy answers, rather she will lead with evidence and empathy and that is the future we deserve.

Voices in the Media: Podcasts, Panels, and Public Influence

Dr. Charyton’s voice reaches far beyond academia. She has spoken on All Sides with Ann Fisher, led seminars on creativity and trauma recovery, and chaired scientific conferences from New Orleans to London.

She’s a reviewer for top journals including PNAS, Epilepsy Research, and Psychomusicology, and sits on editorial boards shaping the next generation of cross-disciplinary psychology.

Policy without psychology is guesswork and that leaders who understand how people think—especially in times of crisis, is the need of today.

A Legacy of Integration and Impact

Dr. Christine Charyton is not just a scholar or entrepreneur—she is a bridge builder. A bridge between disciplines, between the rational and the intuitive, between what we know and what we dare to imagine.

Her career proves that science, creativity, public service, and empathy are not competing values—they are complementary forces. And when unified, they have the power to transform lives, institutions, and nations.

Dr. Christine Charyton offers one message, which would be to stay curious, stay ethical, and never stop connecting ideas. That’s where real innovation lives.

As we look toward the future of leadership, healing, and creativity, Dr. Charyton’s voice rises as a resonant chord—measured, bold, and unmistakably original.

The post Dr. Christine Charyton: Engineering a Creative Revolution in Mental Health and Innovation appeared first on USA Magazine.

How Two Wrasslin’ Cats Became a Haven for Inclusion and Advocacy

Alex John — Thu, 22 May 2025 05:50:40 +0000

At first glance, Two Wrasslin’ Cats (TWC) looks like the kind of place you’d stumble upon during a leisurely Sunday drive through the Connecticut countryside—a charming blue coffee house nestled in an 18th-century post-and-beam home, complete with a cat fountain, outdoor seating, and sandwiches whimsically named after famous felines. But spend a little time here, and you’ll realize that TWC is far more than a café. It’s a statement. A community. A sanctuary.

Founded in 2013 by former molecular biologist Mark Thiede, Two Wrasslin’ Cats started as a cat-themed coffee shop with great food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Over the years, it evolved into something much greater: a hub for social justice, inclusion, and activism. In May 2024, TWC officially became a nonprofit, cementing its commitment to causes that had already been at the heart of its mission—LGBTQ+ rights, racial and social justice, women’s reproductive freedom, and feline welfare.

How did a quirky café known for its “Catprese” sandwiches and espresso drinks end up leading social justice efforts in its community? The story is as heartwarming as it is inspiring.

From Science to Sandwiches

Before he was a café owner, Mark Thiede spent decades as a molecular biologist, retiring from Pfizer in 2012. But rather than settle into a quiet retirement, he took a sharp left turn—straight into the world of food service. After training as a barista and learning the ins and outs of hospitality, he transformed an antique house into a vibrant, cat-themed coffee shop.

The name “Two Wrasslin’ Cats” was inspired by Thiede’s late feline companions, Bruno and Larry, who were named after legendary wrestlers Bruno Sammartino and Larry Zbyszko. Their playful, sometimes chaotic antics mirrored the energy Thiede wanted to bring to the café—lively, welcoming, and full of personality.

But while coffee and cat-themed decor were the initial draws, it quickly became clear that TWC was about more than just food and ambiance. It was about people—creating a space where everyone felt safe, respected, and at home.

A Safe Space for All

TWC’s commitment to social justice didn’t emerge overnight. It was always embedded in its DNA. In 2017, following the inauguration of Donald Trump, the café hosted one of Connecticut’s three Women’s March vigils, standing in solidarity with those fighting for gender equality. And every Saturday morning after that—until the pandemic halted in-person gatherings—TWC held weekly vigils for justice, standing with marginalized communities in times of political and social upheaval.

Beyond activism, TWC has long been a space for support and healing. It has hosted Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings free of charge, provided a stage for local musicians and poets, and sponsored school and civic programs. In a time when public spaces often feel polarized or unwelcoming, TWC has remained steadfast in its mission: to be a home for those who need one.

That commitment was officially recognized in July 2024, when TWC became one of only four private businesses in Connecticut to be designated as a Safe Place—a location where victims of hate crimes, domestic violence, or discrimination can seek immediate assistance and protection. For many, this designation didn’t change much—it simply confirmed what the community already knew: Two Wrasslin’ Cats is a refuge.

The Cat Connection

Despite its serious mission, TWC never loses sight of the fun and lightheartedness that made it special in the first place. After all, at its core, this is still a place for coffee, conversation, and, of course, cats.

In 2022, the café introduced the New Wrasslin’ Cats Lounge, home to six sibling rescue cats who provide customers with what can only be described as purrfect therapy. Whether you’re sipping coffee with a tabby curled up next to you or enjoying a meal under the watchful eye of a particularly judgmental feline, the presence of these cats adds a unique charm to the space.

And TWC’s commitment to feline welfare goes beyond its café walls. As part of its new nonprofit mission, the organization actively supports feral cat spay and neuter programs, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the feline community are cared for.

Sustaining a Mission-Driven Café

Running a coffee house is hard. Running a nonprofit coffee house that also serves as a community hub and activist space? Even harder. But Thiede and his team have made it work by weaving their mission into every aspect of the business.

Revenue from food and drink sales helps sustain the nonprofit’s outreach efforts, while community donations and grants provide additional support. But the real secret to TWC’s success is its people—the customers who come not just for a cup of coffee, but to be part of something bigger.

“People need a place where they feel seen, where they feel safe,” Thiede has said. “We’re not just serving coffee—we’re building community.”

What’s Next for Two Wrasslin’ Cats?

With its new nonprofit status and expanding advocacy work, TWC is looking ahead to even greater impact. Future plans include strengthening partnerships with local organizations, expanding its feline welfare programs, and continuing to be a vocal advocate for social justice.

But at its heart, the mission remains the same: to be a place where love, kindness, and a really good cup of coffee can change the world—one customer at a time.

So whether you come for the sandwiches, the activism, or just the cats, one thing is certain: at Two Wrasslin’ Cats, you’ll always have a seat at the table.

The post How Two Wrasslin’ Cats Became a Haven for Inclusion and Advocacy appeared first on USA Magazine.

The Prophetic Vision of Everett Triplett: A New Age After the Fire

Alex John — Wed, 21 May 2025 05:26:51 +0000

Everett Triplett grew up in the State of Nevada, which is 80% public lands. He loved the freedom as he roamed the open country, explored mining caves, rode fast dirt bikes, hunted and fished in the Northern Sierra’s foothills. It was the late sixties, Vietnam War, Woodstock, hippies, drugs, rock’n’roll, and alcohol. His father owned a bar, and he had access to alcohol. He was wild and crazy in his youth and eventually dropped out of high school. He worked as a laborer at minimum wage construction jobs. Then, along came the Jesus Freak movement, and he gave his life to Jesus. With the hand of God directing his life, he passed the GED test, worked at the county Assessor’s office, and became a State Certified Property Appraiser.

He applied that knowledge to his own real estate investments, with time, developing all the skills required to be a home builder. He became a licensed general contractor and a general engineering contractor, and built his own house in which he later raised his family. He has never moved or left the house he built. It stood as a quiet monument to a life of persistence and steady improvement. Always working with God’s blessings, he became a licensed Real Estate Broker and a property developer. From operating heavy equipment to welding, plumbing, roofing, and carpentry, Everett worked with his hands, guided by God, the Bible he read, and the church he faithfully attended. He eventually acquired title to 38 separate pieces of property free and clear.

He worships and praises God who has blessed him so much. His professional and spiritual lives ran side by side, each reinforcing the other. He later ran for the Nevada State Legislature, and he traveled on church missions to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Argentina, where he helped construct places of worship. He attributes every accomplishment to the grace of God.

Then, one day, his work came to an abrupt stop. As he stepped up onto the eave of a newly installed metal roof, his foot suddenly slipped, he fell fall to the hard concrete below. The impact shattered his left wrist and left ankle. In great pain, he prayed, seeking answers from God about why this had happened. When they handed him the brand-new Bible, he randomly opened it to the verse “As for you, lie down on your left side” (Ezekiel 4:4) “and put the sin of the House of Israel upon yourself, you will bear the punishment for their sins for 390 days.” And as he lay there on his left side, he knew God was speaking to him. That passage marked a turning point. The physical stillness required for his healing became the posture through which he began receiving what he now considers a prophetic understanding about the end that is coming. His awareness of the world’s instability grew every day as he watched the continuous bombing of Yugoslavia for 78 days, and he began connecting what Scripture seemed to be revealing about a larger, unfolding crisis.

Birth Pains and the Approach of Sudden Destruction

God’s message focuses on preparation in the face of specific prophetic indicators. He believes the world is entering the stage described in Matthew 24, where Christ lists the signs that precede His return. These include wars, rumors of war, famines, and earthquakes. These are not vague warnings, but clearly measurable developments. He emphasizes that such events are not isolated. They form a pattern, described in the Bible as the beginning of birth pains. “Nation will rise against nation. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:7–8). Accordingly, these early contractions result in the birthing of a glorious New Age of a thousand years of peace on earth.

He believes a targeted nuclear strike against NATO will begin this period.

A day of sudden disaster is coming on unsuspecting people. In his view, this moment represents the release of the first of the Four Horsemen described in Revelation with the voice of thunder. “I looked, and behold, a white horse, and its rider had a bow. He was given a crown, and he came out conquering” (Revelation 6:2). Thunder is a huge explosion sound that represents a nuclear bombing. He connects this imagery to Ezekiel’s account of a whirlwind coming from the north,

I looked, and I saw a whirlwind coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, Ezekiel.1.4 He believes Ezekiel was describing a nuclear mushroom cloud. They have been foretold, and they are now visible to those who are willing to read Scripture without filtering out its harder truths.

He draws particular attention to Isaiah 33:1. “Woe to you, destroyer, who have not been destroyed. When you stop destroying, you will be destroyed.” This verse, he believes, refers to the United States, which has historically used its military power abroad, but has not seen significant opposition. He sees the winding down of the War on Terror and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan as indicators that the “destroyer” has begun to stop. The promise that follows in Isaiah is not ambiguous. Once that cessation begins, destruction comes to the one who once wielded it.

The Silence of Collapse and the Failure of Systems

Triplett’s research has led him to believe there exists no greater vulnerability to modern society than the electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, that will bring down the modern power grid. He describes a scene in which all the land is dark, the power grid is down, there are no vehicles on the roads, no functioning banking systems, no internet, and no working communications. In his view, the attack will be swift, and the effect will be total, long-lasting paralysis. The absence of light, sound, and motion will mark the first hours of the judgment. This stillness, he says, is not peace. It is the silence that follows the collapse of human invention.

He references Isaiah 33:8 to support this interpretation. “The highways are deserted, there are no travelers; treaties are broken, and cities are despised.” The verse is not placed in isolation. It follows a progression that speaks of the Lord’s exaltation and the destruction of those who act treacherously. He believes the prophecy is not about abstraction. It offers precise consequences for precise actions.

He also points to Isaiah 26:20 as a call to personal action. “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.” He draws a parallel with the Israelites in Egypt during the final plague. They remained indoors, covered by the blood of the lamb, while the judgment passed over. Everett recommends the same principle today. He believes that those who heed this call and prepare by securing food, shelter, and clean water will endure the disruption. He repeatedly cites Ezekiel 4:9, which speaks of storing food made from wheat, barley, beans, and lentils. In his view, this is not a metaphor. It is an instruction.

The Purpose of Judgment and the Promise of Peace

Despite the severity of what he describes, Everett does not call for fear. He speaks instead of purification. He sees the coming events not as punishment without purpose, but as a means of refining. Like fire that burns away impurities in metal, judgment clears the way for restoration. The examples he gives are not only biblical. He includes real-world moments like the bombing of Yugoslavia and the invasion of Iraq, showing how past violence sets the pattern for what is now being allowed to unfold.

The end goal, however, is peace. Everett says the Bible speaks of a thousand-year period that will follow the judgment. During this time, he believes there will be no more war. Swords will be turned into tools for cultivation. Nations will not rise against each other. He draws from Isaiah 2:4, which says, “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” The future he anticipates is not endless strife, but enduring world peace. It is restored prosperity, following obedience.

He does not assume that all people will listen. He points to Matthew 24:38–39, where people are described as eating, drinking, and marrying until the flood came. They had no awareness of their vulnerability. Everett believes many today remain just as unaware. Yet, he does not direct anger toward them. His call is for humility. The solution he offers is consistent and repeated. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 7:14). In Everett’s teaching, the act of turning back to God is not optional. It is the only path through what is to come.

A New Beginning and the Role of the Prepared

Triplett’s message is grounded in experience. He worked with his hands. He built homes. He understood supply chains and physical systems before he ever considered prophecy. That background gives weight to his interpretation. He does not speak as a theorist. He speaks as someone who has seen things fall apart and has learned to rebuild. He believes the future will require the same skill.

He teaches that preparation is not an act of panic. It is an act of faith. Those who store food are not acting from fear of hunger. They are obeying the instruction to provide for their households. Those who study the Scriptures are not seeking to avoid trouble. They are seeking to understand the season in which they live. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3). For Everett, prudence is not only moral. It is essential.

The world he describes does not remain as it is, but is transformed into the Kingdom of Heaven that has arrived

He believes the structures we now rely on will be removed, and new ones will be established. The righteous will live in quiet places. They will cultivate the land and dwell securely. “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest” (Isaiah 32:18). The future, in his view, will not belong to those who ignore the signs. It will belong to those who prepare.

The post The Prophetic Vision of Everett Triplett: A New Age After the Fire appeared first on USA Magazine.

The Making of Patrick Collis and the Spartan Standard

Alex John — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:57:37 +0000

In May 2022, Patrick Collis found himself in a gut-wrenching situation. It was one that could potential buckle anyone’s knees. It was a straight on challenge to his loyalty to both family and duty.

His mother, Eugenia Smith, was undergoing emergency brain surgery, a time when most sons would rush to be by their mother’s side. However, Collis was on duty, ensuring the safety of the “Real Georgia Speaks Team Trump Bus Tour” – an endeavor he was personally charged of overseeing.

Even when given the chance to leave, he chose to stay. Senior Advisor Lynne Patton highlighted this sacrifice to President Donald Trump. In response, President Trump penned a touching letter to Collis’s mother, expressing gratitude for raising such a devoted son.

This moment was not just an acknowledgment of service. It was an acknowledgement to the values Collis had upheld throughout his life.

A Calling to Service

Collis’s journey into the security field was driven not by a desire for a career but by a deeply set sense of duty. From a young age, he felt a strong inclination toward service, whether through faith, community involvement, or later, military and law enforcement experiences.

His journey began with a grassroots neighborhood watch program in Norfolk, Virginia. Alarmed by increasing thefts in his area, he and a group of veterans banded together to safeguard their community. What started as a local initiative soon blossomed into something much larger.

This sense of duty went beyond just preventing crime. Collis took on the roles of a bounty hunter and private investigator, pursuing fugitives and making sure justice was upheld. He wasn’t solely interested in catching criminals but headstrong about maintaining safety, order, and trust in the neighborhood. These principles would lay the groundwork for his future firm, Spartan Investigations & Executive Protection.

The Early Days of Spartan

In August 2018, Collis co-founded Spartan with Preston Hocker, another veteran committed to security and protection. What started as a small operation quickly evolved into a reputable security firm catering to high-profile clients in the political, corporate, and entertainment sectors.

From the outset, Collis envisioned Spartan as more than just another security company. He wanted it to be one that operated on principles of integrity, faith, and professionalism. Both he and Hocker, who are ordained pastors, made sure that Spartan upheld a faith-based approach in all its operations, merging moral responsibility with tactical excellence.

Collis’s knack for turning vision into reality was clear from the beginning. He established partnerships with prominent law firms, corporate entities, and influential political figures. His expertise in executive protection positioned Spartan as the preferred choice for those in need of security that was both strategic and personal.

Collis doesn’t just lead Spartan – he truly embodies its mission. His approach to leadership is reflected in mentorship, guiding his team with the same principles that have shaped his own journey.

His choice to stay on duty during his mother’s surgery exemplifies his dedication. However, his leadership goes beyond personal sacrifice. Whether he’s overseeing security for high-profile events, mentoring new protection officers, or ensuring his team receives top-notch training, Collis is always at the forefront.

He has established partnerships with organizations like The Behavioral Panel, training Spartan’s team in body language analysis to improve their security operations. Additionally, he has prioritized ongoing legal education, developing courses approved by the Virginia State Bar to train family law firms in investigative techniques.

His influence reaches beyond Spartan’s employees. By collaborating closely with military veterans, law enforcement officers, and security professionals, he helps those transitioning from service careers find meaningful opportunities in the private sector.

The Spartan Standard

Integrity, dedication, and a client-focused approach define the company’s ethos. Unlike many security firms that concentrate solely on physical protection, Spartan combines risk assessment, crisis management, and preventative strategies to deliver long-term security solutions.

Collis has established Spartan with a strong emphasis on trust. Whether providing security for public figures such as President Donald Trump, David Harris Jr., Coffey Anderson, General Michael Flynn, Eric Trump, or Congressman Matt Gaetz, or safeguarding corporate assets, Collis’ reputation is built on reliability.

A key factor in Collis’ success is his future-forward vision. By utilizing modern technology and partnering with experts like Keith Hanson’s Critical Dynamics, Spartan continues to advance. From improvements in surveillance to law enforcement training, Collis ensures that his company stays ahead of the curve.

Beyond Security

Despite his demanding career, Collis is deeply involved in his community. His work goes beyond security operations to address broader societal issues, particularly in violence prevention and justice.

His engagement with organizations like Guardians “United Against Violence” shows his belief in proactive measures to fight crime and protect vulnerable communities. Whether supporting veterans, mentoring young security professionals, or aiding in disaster relief efforts like Hurricane Ida, Collis’s commitment to service extends well beyond executive protection.

Even in social settings, his work is never truly done.

At a fundraiser in 2023, he encountered General Michael Flynn, who recognized him from a previous protection detail. Their conversation went beyond mere professionalism – it highlighted the connections Collis builds through his work.

Patrick’s legacy

Looking forward, Collis sees Spartan as more than just a security company. He plans to broaden its divisions, forge stronger partnerships, and continue to set industry benchmarks. With a growing emphasis on training, education, and technological advancements, Spartan is set to maintain its leadership in the field.

For Collis, the legacy he aspires to leave is one of steadfast service and integrity. His journey— from organizing a neighborhood watch to leading a premier security firm—illustrates that genuine leadership is not solely about authority; it’s about taking responsibility.

At the core of everything, Collis remains a protector—not just in a professional capacity but in his fundamental values.

Whether he’s safeguarding clients, mentoring his team, or serving his community, his mission is clear: security is not just a job. It’s a calling.

The post The Making of Patrick Collis and the Spartan Standard appeared first on USA Magazine.

Ben Lamm’s Colossal Achievement: Transforming Extinction from Permanent to Temporary

Alex John — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:51:53 +0000

For most of human history, extinction has been understood as permanent—species that disappear are gone forever, their genetic legacy and ecological functions irrevocably lost. Under Ben Lamm’s leadership, Colossal Biosciences is challenging this understanding, suggesting that extinction might sometimes be reversible through advanced genetic technology. The company’s groundbreaking work with the dire wolf represents not just a technological achievement but a philosophical transformation in how we conceptualize extinction itself.

Redefining Extinction’s Permanence

The traditional understanding of extinction as permanent has shaped both scientific approaches to biodiversity and cultural perspectives on environmental losses. This permanence created an asymmetry in conservation: while species could be lost forever, no equivalent process could restore what had disappeared. The result was a one-way trajectory of biodiversity decline that conservation efforts could at best slow but never reverse.

Ben Lamm’s vision for Colossal Biosciences fundamentally challenges this understanding. As detailed in their announcement, the company has successfully created animals carrying key genetic traits of the extinct dire wolf—demonstrating that at least some aspects of extinction can potentially be reversed through advanced genetic technology.

This achievement potentially transforms extinction from an absolute endpoint to a potentially temporary state—a philosophical shift with profound implications for how we think about biodiversity, conservation, and environmental ethics.

Beyond Perfect Recreation: The Ecological Perspective

What makes Lamm’s approach particularly significant is the focus on ecological function rather than perfect genetic recreation. Colossal doesn’t claim to have created exact replicas of dire wolves (which would be practically impossible given the degradation of ancient DNA and environmental differences). Instead, they’ve focused on recreating key traits that defined dire wolves’ unique characteristics and ecological role.

This ecological perspective reflects sophisticated thinking about what matters most when a species disappears. Rather than focusing exclusively on genetic uniqueness, Lamm has directed Colossal to emphasize the functional gaps that extinction creates in ecosystems—the specific ecological roles that species played and the consequences of their disappearance.

By defining success in terms of restoring ecological functions rather than perfect genetic recreation, Lamm creates a more achievable pathway for addressing extinction—one that acknowledges practical limitations while focusing on aspects of extinct species that had the most significant impact on their environments.

From Theoretical Possibility to Tangible Reality

While the theoretical possibility of de-extinction has been discussed for decades, Lamm has transformed these discussions from speculative science to tangible reality. The wolves carrying dire wolf traits, featured prominently in Time Magazine’s exclusive coverage, provide concrete evidence that extinct traits can be recreated in living organisms—moving de-extinction from theoretical papers to observable reality.

This tangibility distinguishes Colossal’s work from purely academic discussions and creates unprecedented opportunities for empirical assessment of how de-extinction might actually function as a conservation tool. Rather than relying solely on theoretical predictions, researchers can now observe how animals carrying traits of extinct species actually develop and function—creating an empirical foundation for evaluating de-extinction’s potential contributions to conservation.

Conservation Through Innovation

Lamm’s vision positions de-extinction not as a replacement for traditional conservation but as a complement to it—creating a more comprehensive toolkit for addressing biodiversity challenges. By developing genetic technologies that could potentially restore lost ecological functions, Colossal adds new options to conservation strategies that have traditionally focused on preserving what remains rather than restoring what has been lost.

This integrative vision acknowledges both the continuing importance of traditional conservation measures like habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts, and the potential contributions of newer genetic technologies for addressing dimensions of biodiversity loss that conventional approaches cannot address. Rather than positioning biotechnology and traditional conservation as competing approaches, Lamm’s perspective sees them as complementary tools for addressing our planet’s unprecedented biodiversity challenges.

Technological Capability as Conservation Resource

Under Lamm’s leadership, Colossal has developed sophisticated technological capabilities that themselves represent valuable conservation resources. The techniques created for the dire wolf project—from advanced ancient DNA analysis to multiplex gene editing—have potential applications for currently endangered species, creating tools that might help prevent additional extinctions.

The New Yorker’s profile details how these technologies could potentially help address genetic challenges facing endangered species like the red wolf, which suffers from dangerously low genetic diversity in its remaining wild population. By applying similar genetic analysis and potential modification approaches, conservationists might help vulnerable species maintain genetic health even with limited population sizes.

This technological dimension of Lamm’s vision demonstrates how de-extinction research can generate practical conservation tools regardless of how many extinct species are ultimately restored. Even if perfect de-extinction proves impossible or impractical for many species, the technologies developed through these efforts can help protect endangered species from following similar paths to extinction.

Building Interdisciplinary Teams

One of Lamm’s most significant contributions has been assembling extraordinarily diverse teams of experts at Colossal Biosciences. The dire wolf project integrated expertise from paleogenomics, computational biology, evolutionary genetics, molecular biology, and reproductive science—fields that traditionally operate in separate academic silos.

This interdisciplinary approach creates collaborative frameworks that could benefit conservation biology more broadly. By bringing together specialists who might not otherwise collaborate, Lamm creates opportunities for innovation that wouldn’t exist within traditional research structures—potentially transforming how conservation challenges are addressed across multiple species and ecosystems.

Public Engagement Through Tangible Achievement

Lamm’s approach to de-extinction acknowledges that successful conservation requires not just technological innovation but also public understanding and support. By creating tangible, observable results rather than merely theoretical proposals, Colossal generates public engagement with complex conservation concepts in ways that academic papers rarely achieve.

The company’s extensive educational materials leverage this tangibility, using the dire wolf project as an entry point for explaining broader concepts about extinction, conservation, and genetic technology. This approach potentially builds broader constituencies for conservation efforts that incorporate advanced biological technologies alongside traditional approaches.

Ethical Considerations in Perspective

Any discussion of de-extinction naturally raises ethical questions about humanity’s relationship with extinct species and ecosystems. Rather than avoiding these questions, Lamm has integrated ethical considerations into Colossal’s approach, acknowledging complexities while maintaining focus on conservation goals.

The ecological emphasis in Colossal’s work reflects this ethical engagement—focusing on restoring lost ecological functions rather than creating biological curiosities or entertainment attractions. By positioning de-extinction as a conservation tool rather than a technological showcase, Lamm establishes an ethical framework that prioritizes ecosystem health and biodiversity preservation over novelty or sensation.

From Past to Future: Connecting Biodiversity Across Time

Perhaps the most profound philosophical dimension of Lamm’s work involves connecting past and future biodiversity. By developing technologies that could potentially restore aspects of extinct species, Colossal creates bridges between prehistoric ecosystems and contemporary conservation challenges—suggesting that knowledge from our planet’s evolutionary history might help address present and future biodiversity threats.

This temporal connection distinguishes Lamm’s vision from conventional conservation approaches that focus primarily on preserving current biodiversity. By incorporating extinct species into conservation thinking, he expands the temporal scope of biodiversity preservation and suggests that past extinctions might offer valuable lessons for preventing future ones.

A Global Vision with Local Applications

While the dire wolf project focuses on a North American species, Lamm’s vision for Colossal extends globally. Forbes’ analysis suggests that similar approaches could potentially address extinct species from various regions and ecosystems worldwide, creating a global platform for both de-extinction research and conservation applications.

This global perspective acknowledges that biodiversity challenges transcend national boundaries and require international collaboration. By developing technologies with worldwide applicability while engaging diverse stakeholders, Lamm positions Colossal as a global conservation leader rather than simply a U.S.-based technology company.

The Evolving Vision

As Colossal continues to develop under Lamm’s leadership, the vision continues to evolve based on scientific discoveries, technological capabilities, and emerging conservation priorities. This adaptability represents another strength of Lamm’s approach—balancing clear long-term goals with flexibility about specific implementations.

The dire wolf project provides a foundation for this evolving vision. Each advancement in the project has revealed new possibilities for both de-extinction and conservation applications, suggesting how Colossal’s work might continue to develop in coming years. This iterative approach allows the company to incorporate new scientific information and respond to changing conservation priorities while maintaining its core mission of transforming extinction from permanent to potentially temporary.

A New Conservation Philosophy

Through his work at Colossal Biosciences, Ben Lamm has created not just new technologies but a new conservation philosophy—one that integrates cutting-edge biotechnology with ecological understanding to create more comprehensive approaches to biodiversity preservation. This philosophical innovation potentially transforms how we think about extinction, conservation, and humanity’s relationship with lost species.

By demonstrating that extinction need not always be permanent, Lamm challenges one of the most fundamental assumptions in conservation biology and environmental ethics. This challenge creates new possibilities for both preserving existing biodiversity and potentially restoring aspects of what has been lost—ultimately expanding our conceptual framework for addressing the complex environmental challenges facing our planet in the 21st century and beyond.

The post Ben Lamm’s Colossal Achievement: Transforming Extinction from Permanent to Temporary appeared first on USA Magazine.