“We’re always exploring,” says Xiayo Chen, assistant professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

“We’re curious how the world works,” adds Jason Briner, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Thats how UB’s new public service announcement (PSA) begins. The video goes on to highlight the many ways UB faculty and students push the boundaries of what’s possible. From pioneering robotics and leading AI innovation worldwide to uncovering the secrets of our world, curiosity, ambition and tenacity drive UB forward.

“UB faculty are intensely focused on solving the most pressing challenges facing humankind today,” says John Della Contrada, vice president for communications. “Their work is why UB is one the nation’s top research universities, and that’s what we wanted this video to convey.”

The PSA debuted Aug. 29 during UB’s home opening win against the Lafayette Leopards on ESPN+. It will continue to broadcast nationally during football and basketball seasons, and is currently live on UB’s YouTube channel.

The video is available in various formats — horizontal, vertical and broadcast — and will air in 60-, 30-, 15- and 6-second spots. It will also be utilized across UB’s social media platforms throughout the year and within the university's paid media campaigns.

The concept showcases the impactful research of UB’s outstanding faculty and the talented students who work with them. With shots ranging from the Greenland Ice Sheet to UB’s Nanosatellite Laboratory and UB’s National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, viewers get the chance to see the university’s award-winning researchers and scholars in action as they change our world.

The video ends with PhD student Sahana Rangasrinivasan’s declaration to “Just explore!” and one final dramatic note from violinist Melissa White, professor, College of Arts and Sciences.

Here are the faculty members included in the PSA:

• Xiayo Chen, assistant professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
• Jason Briner, professor, Department of Geology, College of Arts and Sciences.
• Joseph Costa, instructor, Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
• Karthik Dantu, associate professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
• X. Christine Wang, associate dean for interdisciplinary research, Department of Learning and Instruction, Graduate School of Education.
• Chase Murray, associate professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
• Diana Aga, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences.
• LaGarrett King, associate professor, Department of Learning and Instruction, Graduate School of Education.
• Lora Cavuoto, professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
• Cristanne Miller, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences.
• Melissa White, professor, Department of Music, College of Arts and Sciences.