91吃瓜

How to ATS-Proof Your Resume

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Camille Dumont

If you鈥檝e been applying for jobs and not hearing back, your resume may not be making it past the first review. In many cases, that review happens before a hiring manager ever sees your name. Understanding how applicant tracking systems work is one of the most important resume tips you can apply. When you know how your resume is being evaluated, you can present your experience clearly, use language intentionally, and position yourself more聽strategically.

What Is an ATS?

An ATS, or applicant tracking system, is software employers use to collect, organize, and sort job applications. Instead of manually reviewing every resume from the start, organizations rely on these systems to manage volume efficiently. Although applicant tracking systems were once more common among , organizations of many sizes now use them. Their purpose is not necessarily to eliminate candidates immediately, but to categorize applications and highlight those that most closely align with the job聽description.

What Do Applicant Tracking Systems Look聽For?

Although each ATS is different, most are programmed to scan resumes for alignment with the job posting. They recognize structured sections, specific terminology, and consistent聽formatting.

This means clarity matters. The way you label sections, describe responsibilities, and present skills influences how your information is categorized within the聽system.

Most applicant tracking systems look聽for:

Skills that match the job聽description
Relevant terminology used in the聽posting
Job titles and level of聽responsibility
Education, certifications, and聽credentials
Clear section headings, such as Work Experience and聽Education
Accurate spelling and consistent聽formatting

Keywords should only be used when they reflect real experience. The strongest resumes use language to validate what you have actually done, not to suggest qualifications that are not聽there.

5 ATS-Friendly Resume Tips to Help You Stand Out

Optimizing your resume does not require complicated design. In fact, simplicity works in your favor. These resume tips focus on alignment, structure, and accuracy so your qualifications are recognized by both applicant tracking systems and hiring聽managers.

Resume Tip 1: Align with the Job Description

Review the job posting carefully and identify the skills and responsibilities that genuinely match your background. Use the same terminology when it accurately reflects your experience. If you have led projects, say that. If you have not, do not force language into your resume. Tools like can help you see where your resume aligns, but no tool replaces thinking carefully about your experience and tailoring your resume with聽intention.

Resume Tip 2: Use Standard Section Headings

Applicant tracking systems are designed to recognize common headings such as Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Creative titles may confuse the system and cause information to be miscategorized. Keeping your structure straightforward ensures your resume is parsed correctly and organized in a way a hiring manager can easily聽review.

Resume Tip 3: Keep Formatting Simple

Avoid text boxes, graphics, multiple columns, and unusual fonts. Many ATS platforms cannot read complex designs accurately. A clean single-column format with standard bullet points improves readability and helps ensure that your information is captured聽correctly.

Resume Tip 4: Focus on Results

Instead of listing responsibilities alone, highlight measurable outcomes. Quantifiable results such as improved efficiency, increased enrollment, or reduced processing time demonstrate impact. Results strengthen your resume for both applicant tracking systems and hiring managers because they show evidence, not just聽activity.

Resume Tip 5: Proofread Carefully

Spelling errors and inconsistent terminology can prevent important skills from being recognized. Review your resume thoroughly before submitting it. Reading it aloud or asking a trusted colleague to review it can help catch mistakes that software and hiring managers will聽notice.

3 Pitfalls to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what to include is understanding what can weaken a resume. These common mistakes can limit how effectively your application performs within an applicant tracking聽system.

Pitfall 1: Using Graphics or聽Images

Visual elements such as logos, icons, or charts may look polished, but most applicant tracking systems cannot interpret them. If critical information is embedded in a graphic, it may not be processed at all. Keep essential content in text聽format.

Pitfall 2: Overusing Keywords

Including keywords without demonstrated experience can create problems later in the hiring process. Repetition alone does not strengthen your application. Use terminology strategically and only when it accurately reflects your聽background.

Pitfall 3: Ignoring Instructions

Employers may specify preferred file types or formatting guidelines. Failing to follow directions can create unnecessary barriers. Review application instructions carefully before submitting your聽resume.

Your Resume Is Only One Part of the Strategy

Optimizing your resume for an ATS is important, but it isn鈥檛 the only factor in securing an interview. Networking, thoughtful follow-up, and connecting with professionals inside an organization can increase your chances. When possible, consider identifying someone within the company who can offer insight into the role. Your resume opens the door; professional outreach and relationship building often help you move through聽it.

Start Your (Next) Career with Excelsior

A strong resume matters, but expanding your knowledge and skills can also increase your opportunities. For more than 50 years, 91吃瓜 has helped working adults earn degrees through flexible programs designed to fit real聽life.

Whether you鈥檙e looking to start a career in a new field or strengthen your position in your current one, Excelsior offers more than 40 flexible, career-focused programs. Students have access to comprehensive Career Readiness resources that support resume development, interview preparation, and professional聽growth.

Whether you鈥檙e considering going back to school or exploring different areas of study, the right education can strengthen your qualifications and position you more competitively in today鈥檚 job聽market.

Ever Upward: Brian Pervis and the Power of Teaching

Posted on March 17, 2026March 24, 2026 by Jenna Kerwin

During his capstone project in his 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 program, Brian Pervis realized something important: Education, when done well, has a lasting impact on direct practice. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I realized I wanted to teach,鈥� he says. 鈥淣ot just content鈥攂ut confidence, competence, and critical thinking.鈥�

In January 2022, Pervis joined 91吃瓜 as a part-time faculty member, then transitioned to full-time teaching, and now serves as a department chair in the School of Nursing. Now in his fifth year, he oversees several important associate nursing courses that hundreds of students take each year.

Pervis earned his Associate of Science in Nursing in 2009 and passed the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse on his first attempt. Leveraging transfer credit from his associate degree, he also earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with Excelsior in 2009, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2011. The journey to becoming a department chair began more than 20 years ago when he became an emergency medical technician at his mother鈥檚 suggestion.

Called to Education

He enjoyed the fast-paced atmosphere of being an EMT and helping others, but he wanted to pursue a different career. So, he became a licensed practical nurse in 2001 and began working for various health care networks in New Haven, Connecticut. Still, the urge to learn and grow nagged at Pervis. A visiting representative of 91吃瓜鈥攖hen College鈥攖o Pervis鈥� workplace convinced him to 鈥済ive it a shot.鈥� Three degrees later, Pervis not only supervises but also teaches several nursing courses, like NUR 104 and NUR 105.

鈥淭he part that I like about teaching 鈥� is the students,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e trying to get better and better themselves鈥擫PN students that are going up to become RNs 鈥� [and then] going further to get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. We鈥檙e also seeing paramedics that are transitioning to becoming nurses.鈥� He adds that it becomes personal when students reach out to thank him for his mentorship and teaching.

That connection is especially evident during Commencement ceremonies, which Pervis describes as his favorite moments of the year. In a mostly asynchronous learning environment, Commencement is where virtual relationships become personal. 鈥淲hen you see students, they say, 鈥楬ey, you鈥檙e Dr. Pervis.鈥� It鈥檚 that personal connection. And they鈥檙e so thankful. They鈥檙e so grateful,鈥� he says.

Having attended multiple Commencement ceremonies as a student, he also understands the excitement. 鈥淚t gives me butterflies,鈥� he admits. 鈥淚 know what they鈥檙e going through. I know how meaningful this is.鈥�

Adult learners, Pervis also notes, often juggle work, family, and school, so he says it鈥檚 important to believe you can get to that finishing line. In fact, he says, dedication is a defining trait of successful Excelsior students. He tells his own: 鈥淏e dedicated to your studies. Don鈥檛 take the shortcut. Take the long way. 鈥� Students who are truly dedicated, that show up every day, they put the work in鈥攜ou鈥檙e going to leave Excelsior better than [how] you came in.鈥�

Meeting Students Where They Are

Pervis鈥� deep understanding of the adult learning experience has helped him reimagine how clinical and laboratory skills are taught in the distance-learning model. For instance, in the nursing lab courses, students demonstrate skills such as head-to-toe assessments or IV administration by recording themselves practicing on consenting family members or friends. Faculty members then provide detailed feedback aligned with structured rubrics.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 see too many people doing that right now because it meets the student where they鈥檙e at,鈥� explains Pervis. 鈥淚t allows the students [to perform] in the comfort of their home.鈥�

Pervis鈥� commitment to teaching also shapes how he views higher education鈥檚 future. For instance, the use of artificial intelligence continues to expand, and today鈥檚 students must learn how to responsibly interact with it. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more about responsible AI use because health care systems are using AI,鈥� Pervis says. 鈥淎nd if we don鈥檛 adapt to that, our students are going to be behind. So we have to kind of understand that and kind of gear ourselves towards that.鈥�

Needing to adapt is why Pervis believes lifelong learning is essential, not optional. 鈥淲e have to get better. We have to adapt to the changes. So, you have to be a lifelong learner.鈥�

Preparing the Next Generation of Nurses

Believing in lifelong learning means putting ideas into action, and Pervis takes that message straight to students. Recently, Camille Dumont, associate director for Career Readiness at 91吃瓜, featured Pervis in a Career Caf茅鈥攁n interactive webinar connecting students and alumni with career resources and professionals across industries.

During the session, Pervis challenged attendees to think intentionally about their futures. 鈥淲hat kind of nurse do you want to be remembered as?鈥� he asked. 鈥淒o you want to be this nurse or that kind of nurse? So, just answer that question. It鈥檚 going to help you determine your career path.鈥�

Pervis talked about how nursing careers are layered and that growth requires planning, humility, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. He touched on how depth matters more than speed; it鈥檚 important not to rush your development. Pervis also discussed how success in nursing also means building your reputation thoughtfully, exploring entrepreneurship strategically, and protecting your well-being.

Pervis reminds students that learning is not confined to degrees earned or titles achieved. It is a mindset and a belief that growth is always possible. And with education, you can transform not only your career but also lives. 鈥淸Students] are going to be the future leaders. My job is going to be gone,鈥� he reflects. 鈥淪o, dedicate yourself to your studies and everything that you鈥檙e doing. 鈥� You can make an impact on education, society, and your family鈥攁nd just change it right the way you want to see it be changed.鈥�

Career Spotlight: Registered Nurse (RN)

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Jenna Kerwin

What Is a Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed health care professional who works alongside other physicians and health care professionals to treat and educate patients and their families with the best care. Nurses can work in a wide range of specialties and in various settings. Many nurses begin with entry-level nursing roles and advance to higher聽positions.

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Some people consider RNs the backbone of health care because they provide essential patient care and work closely with physicians. Their duties vary depending on their specialty and where they work, but some of their responsibilities聽include:

Performing exams and health聽assessments
Recording medical histories and聽symptoms
Monitoring vital聽signs
Using clinical skills to administer and monitor medicine and聽treatments
Preparing patients for exams, procedures, or聽surgeries
Developing and implementing care聽plans
Operating and monitoring medical聽equipment
Admitting and discharging聽patients
Providing basic care and聽comfort
Offering emotional聽support
Educating patients and聽families
Supervising and onboarding new nurses and聽students

Where Do RNs Work?

Registered nurses are found in a . They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities, doctor鈥檚 offices, prisons, and other health care facilities. Travel nurses move around the country or even the world to serve in areas where health care workers are scarce. Public health nurses can work in schools, community centers, and other public sites. It all depends on what you want to do, but that鈥檚 one of the best parts about being a nurse: You can specialize in almost any area 测辞耻听飞补苍迟!

What Are Some Important Skills an RN Needs?

To become a registered nurse, it takes more than just an education. It takes certain qualities and skills鈥攂oth hard and soft. Hard skills are specific, testable abilities and knowledge that can be taught and measured. Soft skills are nontechnical, interpersonal abilities that can smooth interactions, build relationships, and cultivate a positive workplace. The following are some hard and soft skills you need to enter the nursing聽field:

Hard Skills

Patient care 鈥� monitoring heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and other vital signs, as well as managing medications and infection聽control
Urgent and emergency care 鈥� responding quickly to medical needs and managing urgent聽situations
Technology skills 鈥� proficiency with electronic medical and health聽equipment
Medication administration 鈥� safe and accurate delivery of聽medications
Anatomy and physiology knowledge 鈥� applying clinical skills to patient聽care

Soft Skills

Ethics and confidentiality 鈥� upholding patient privacy and following ethical聽standards
Compassion and empathy 鈥� providing holistic, patient-centered聽care
Emotional resilience 鈥� managing stress while providing compassionate聽care
Teamwork and dependability 鈥� collaborating with health care teams and supporting聽staff
Communication 鈥� verbal/nonverbal communication, active listening, and clear聽documentation

RN Salaries and Job Outlook

The median annual pay for all registered nurses, according to the , was $93,600 in 2024. The actual salary you can expect, however, will vary depending on multiple factors, including your level of education, experience, and region. The BLS also reports that RN employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024-2034, which is faster than the average growth rate of all聽occupations.

How Excelsior Prepares You to Become an RN

If you鈥檙e looking to become a registered nurse, 91吃瓜 offers multiple degree paths. Our Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program offers a flexible, competency-based path that combines online courses with in-person practicums, putting you on the path to earning your degree. Designed for LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, and certain military personnel, the program builds on prior experience to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN and real-world patient care. Graduates can also seamlessly transition into 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 RN to BS in Nursing program, applying earned credits toward a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚聽degree.

For Florida residents, Excelsior also offers our hybrid BS in Nursing program. Students from all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome to enroll in this prelicensure program, including beginners who have never worked in health care. The curriculum is a combination of online coursework; in-person labs at 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 site in St. Petersburg, Florida; and immersive clinical experiences with clinical partners in the greater Tampa Bay area. Graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pass the NCLEX-RN and start their careers as registered聽nurses.

Ready to start on your path toward a career as an RN? Check out the School of Nursing鈥檚 application requirements or contact our admissions team to learn more. With our flexible courses, experienced faculty, and robust support resources, 91吃瓜 is here to help you realize your dream career in聽nursing.

Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No.聽12928.

The Energy That Propels Faculty Member Richard Cole

Posted on March 13, 2026March 30, 2026 by Jenna Kerwin

Richard Cole鈥檚 career has been defined by not only his technical expertise but also his lifelong commitment to helping others learn and succeed. From a one-room schoolhouse in rural Iowa to submarine operations in the U.S. Navy to the online classrooms of 91吃瓜, Cole鈥檚 choices reflect his commitment to teaching.

At Excelsior, Cole teaches courses in the Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Professional Studies in Information Technology Management, and Bachelor of Professional Studies in Technology Management programs, including Capstone courses. Many of his students are active-duty sailors or Navy veterans whose backgrounds mirror his own. Cole earned his degree from Excelsior while on active duty, as well. Their shared experience enables Cole to connect with students on a deeper level and guide them through the next phase of their careers.

鈥淚 see this as my opportunity, both as an alumnus and a teacher, to help them advance in their careers鈥攅ither in the service or when they go on,鈥� he explains. 鈥淧retty much the same thing that I did.鈥�

After retiring from the Navy, Cole transitioned into commercial nuclear power, working at utilities like Exelon (Constellation), NextEra Energy, and Duke, and at plants in Iowa, Illinois, and South Carolina, followed by years in consulting at companies like the PPL Corporation, Luminant, Fluor, Xcel Energy, and INPO. When he joined 91吃瓜 as faculty in 2017鈥攁fter serving on the Nuclear Engineering Technology Industry Advisory Committee鈥攈e saw it as both a career opportunity and a chance to give back to the institution that supported his own education.

Education Amid Service

Cole spent 1976鈥�1997 with the Navy鈥檚 nuclear power program, operating and maintaining submarine reactors. His job required precision, discipline, and a strong focus on safety. During these years, Cole and his wife moved frequently, raising four children born in four different states. Despite the demands of military life, education remained constant.

Cole earned his 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree in 1983 through the Regents External Degree Program (now 91吃瓜). Regents was the right choice for Cole, accepting his many credits from previous schools and the . He then earned a 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 degree in trade and industrial education in 1993 and a doctorate in adult and career education in 1996.

Cole鈥檚 interest in teaching, however, began long before his time at Excelsior. His early education was in a one-room country schoolhouse. When he was in seventh or eighth grade, he began helping the younger students with their studies. 鈥淲hen my own classwork was done, I did things like work with them in reading, phonics flash cards, and other tools to help them in their beginning education,鈥� Cole says. 鈥淚t was fun for me at that time.鈥�

Cole discovered that he genuinely enjoyed helping others reach milestones. The experience stayed with him. Years later, after completing training at the Navy鈥檚 Nuclear Propulsion Training Unit in Idaho, Cole remained as a staff trainer鈥攁n opportunity that solidified teaching as his calling.

鈥淚 found I really enjoyed helping others attain their goals,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 stayed in one form or another of training 鈥� in the Navy.鈥� Even near the end of his naval career, Cole taught college-level courses offered on military bases, balancing instruction with full-time service, graduate studies, and family life.

Teaching for the Real World

Cole鈥檚 teaching philosophy emphasizes practical knowledge and usage. In the BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology program, students use a pressurized water reactor simulator like one found in commercial nuclear plants. The simulator allows students to see how changes in how heat is produced and moved can affect an operating system. Cole says, 鈥淚t gives them a very good grounding, I think, in what [the situation is] going to be like later on. 鈥� They can see how their theoretical knowledge is put to application.鈥�

Also important to Cole is helping students understand that in nuclear operations, the primary mission is not power generation but public safety. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing in their license they get from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that says they鈥檒l make electricity,鈥� he notes. 鈥淲hat it says is they鈥檒l operate a reactor safely to protect the public.鈥� That focus on responsibility, ethics, and courage鈥攕peaking up when something doesn鈥檛 seem right鈥攊s important in Cole鈥檚 teachings.

Cole also encourages students to think beyond traditional career paths by highlighting the versatility of nuclear training. Graduates can find opportunities in power generation as well as in data centers, cybersecurity, robotics, medical technology, national laboratories, and even space exploration. Cole notes the transferability of the skills he helps impart to students. 鈥淸Students are] getting that background, you know, and they may be IT specialists, but 鈥� we鈥檙e continuously reimagining our programs so we can keep up and make sure we are meeting the needs of the future.鈥�

Although Cole helps students enter careers in technology, his involvement in the Excelsior community extends beyond the courses he teaches. Cole is an active alumnus and regularly participates in Excelsior events, including speaking with prospective students and employers at 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 site in St. Petersburg, Florida. He also gives back to his broader community as a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, where he helps coordinate awards for outstanding Junior ROTC students at local high schools to recognize leadership and service in the next generation.

At the heart of everything Cole does is a simple motivation: helping others reach their goals. For him, teaching is not just a profession; it鈥檚 a lifelong commitment to sharing knowledge, opening doors, and ensuring that those who follow are prepared to succeed. Cole sums up his philosophy with the following: 鈥淭he difference [is to] build a relationship with students while they鈥檙e doing asynchronous online [learning]. 鈥� The main thing is still to keep the focus on the students.鈥�

Nuclear Power as a Solution to AI鈥檚 Soaring Energy Needs

Posted on March 12, 2026May 6, 2026 by Richard Cole

Key Takeaways

U.S. data center electricity use was around 4.4% of total demand in 2023 and could climb to 6.7%鈥�12% by 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Big Tech is signing long鈥憈erm nuclear energy agreements: Google/NextEra (Duane Arnold restart), Meta (Vistra/TerraPower/Oklo), and Microsoft/Constellation (Three Mile Island Unit 1) to secure 24/7 clean power.
SMRs and microreactors offer modular, scalable power (鈮�1鈥�20 megawatts for microreactors, 鈮�20鈥�300+ megawatts for SMRs), aligning with large AI campus loads.
Near鈥憈erm risks include timing mismatches (AI load grows in cycles of three to five years, while new nuclear energy can take longer), regulatory hurdles, and community concerns around siting and grid impacts.
Software鈥憃rchestrated AI workloads can make data centers flexible grid resources that reduce stress during peaks.

Artificial Intelligence鈥檚 Energy Problem

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding rapidly, and with it, global electricity consumption.聽Several major analyses project that data center electricity use could聽, driven聽largely by聽AI workloads. According to聽the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, U.S. data center consumption could grow from about 4.4% of national electricity in 2023 to聽. Utilities are now assessing whether projected AI load growth is realistic, with analysts noting that duplicate or speculative interconnection requests create uncertainty and could lead to . Local officials in multiple states have raised concerns as some proposed AI campuses request聽聽of daily capacity鈥攃omparable to the electricity use of midsize cities.

Why Nuclear Energy Is Returning to the Conversation

Wind and solar energy are essential to decarbonization, but their intermittency makes it challenging to support AI systems requiring聽round-the-clock,聽high-reliability聽electricity. Research from聽聽indicates聽that nuclear energy offers a聽high-capacity-factor,聽carbon-free聽source capable of meeting AI鈥檚 24/7 power needs. The聽聽notes that nuclear power facilities provide unmatched uptime and stability, making them聽well suited聽to digital infrastructure with strict reliability requirements.

Firm, clean power sources鈥攅specially nuclear鈥攚ill be essential to聽maintaining聽grid reliability as聽AI-driven聽demand accelerates.

Big Tech Begins Direct Investment in Nuclear Energy

A clear shift is emerging across the energy and tech sectors: Major technology companies are no longer acting only as electricity consumers but are beginning to function as full partners in energy development. I saw this transition firsthand while attending the (ANS) annual meeting in the summer of 2024. Developers of advanced reactors emphasized their need for substantial capital to move projects forward, while data center representatives鈥攆acing unprecedented AI鈥慸riven demand鈥攅xpressed an urgent need for as much reliable power as they could secure.

When I attended another ANS meeting just six months later, the tone had changed noticeably. The conversations had moved from concepts and needs to concrete partnerships, as nuclear energy developers and AI鈥慸riven data center operators openly discussed joint projects, coinvestment strategies, and long鈥憈erm power commitments. What had been parallel challenges only months earlier had rapidly evolved into coordinated solutions:

are partnering to restart the 615-megawatt Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Iowa by 2029, securing 24/7 carbon-free energy for Google鈥檚 AI and cloud operations.
Meta has with Vistra, TerraPower, and Oklo that could unlock up to 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035 through a combination of existing reactors and next-generation designs.
Microsoft is supporting the restart of as Constellation Energy鈥檚 , aiming to ensure firm, clean electricity for its AI-driven data center fleet.

By making long-term power purchase agreements, Big Tech is mitigating risk in nuclear projects and accelerating deployment timelines that would otherwise take far longer.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Next-Generation Designs

Small modular reactors are emerging as ideal partners for large-scale AI facilities. Whereas microreactors typically generate 1鈥�20 megawatts, SMRs generally deliver 20鈥�300 megawatts, aligning well with the demand profiles of AI campuses. And a 聽analysis notes that聽next-generation聽designs could deliver聽50鈥�500 megawatts聽per module, allowing scalability as AI load expands.

The DOE鈥檚 implementation of the (ARDP) is directly shaping the landscape for SMRs and聽next-generation聽reactor designs by creating structured pathways that move promising technologies from concept to deployment. Through three coordinated tracks鈥攆ull reactor demonstrations within seven years, targeted聽awards for risk reduction to resolve technical and regulatory gaps, and (ARC-20) funding for innovative designs aiming for commercialization in the 2030s鈥攖he ARDP provides a development architecture聽well suited聽to the modular, scalable nature of SMRs and advanced systems. The program鈥檚 partnership with the further supports this progress by offering test beds,聽siting聽resources, and聽national lab聽expertise聽needed to聽validate聽components, fuels, and integrated system performance.

Together, these implementation mechanisms accelerate the maturation of SMRs and advanced designs by reducing financial risk, enabling iterative testing, and strengthening domestic supply chains鈥攁ll essential steps for deploying reactors capable of producing the potentially hundreds of megawatts of energy needed for聽next-generation聽digital and industrial infrastructure.

One of the most innovative approaches comes from聽Deep Fission, which is developing a聽15-megawatt underground borehole reactor聽placed聽roughly聽one聽mile deep. This design leverages natural geologic pressure for passive safety while reducing construction costs by up to 80%. Recent and聽digital infrastructure聽partnerships illustrate .

Timelines, Risks, and Community Considerations

AI-driven聽electricity demand is rising in聽cycles of three to five years, while licensing and constructing new reactors鈥攅specially聽first-of-a-kind聽SMRs鈥攃an take significantly longer. Analysts warn of a potential聽, which may increase reliance on聽natural gas聽generation in the short term.

Tech sector observers also note long-standing regulatory, financial, and聽public perception聽 that continue to slow new nuclear energy deployment.

are rising, as well. Activists and local governments across multiple states have questioned the siting, water use, and grid impacts of聽multigigawatt聽AI campuses, prompting developers to prioritize community engagement and transparency.

However,聽forward-looking聽grid studies show that data centers themselves can :聽AI workloads can be flexed in real time聽to reduce stress on transmission systems during peak events.

A STEM鈥慣rained Workforce: Critical to Both Sectors

A thriving聽ecosystem integrating clean energy聽and artificial intelligence depends on聽people, not just technology. Nuclear power facilities聽require聽nuclear technicians, operators, and instrumentation and controls specialists; AI data centers聽require聽experts in cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and advanced computing.

Reports from聽听补苍诲听聽stress that a robust聽STEM-educated聽workforce聽is essential to scaling both聽clean energy聽systems and AI data center operations.

is therefore not an 鈥渙utput鈥� of these industries鈥攊t is the聽core enabler, powering both聽next-generation聽energy infrastructure and the digital systems that rely on it.

Bottom Line

AI is transforming reliable electricity from a background assumption into a聽strategic constraint and competitive advantage. In the near term, nuclear energy restarts and uprates offer the fastest path to more firm, clean power; in the medium term, SMRs and advanced reactors promise scalable solutions tailored to聽the demand of the AI era.

Success will聽require聽long-term聽investment, regulatory modernization, meaningful community partnership, and鈥攃ritically鈥攁聽厂罢贰惭-迟谤补颈苍别诲听飞辞谤办蹿辞谤肠别聽prepared to聽operate聽at the intersection of聽clean-energy聽engineering听补苍诲听AI computing.

Gettin’ Stuff Done in Higher Education

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Scott Dolan

Scott Dolan, executive dean of Excelsior’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was the featured guest on Episode 14 of the podcast Gettin鈥� Stuff Done in Higher Education. Dolan spoke with podcast hosts Fritz Vandover, Kelvin Bentley, and Kevin Shriner about Excelsior’s history and its long-standing focus on serving adult learners. The conversation explores how institutions serving working adults think about access, flexibility, and innovation. The discussion also touches on what hybrid education might look like in the future and why strategic partnerships and physical locations are important, even for institutions that are primarily online.

AI-Powered Cyberthreats and Defenses: A Systems Approach to Securing Trust

Posted on March 9, 2026February 25, 2026 by James Tippey

Artificial intelligence is transforming聽nearly every聽aspect of our digital lives, and cybersecurity is no exception. Early conversations about AI in cybersecurity often focused on tools鈥攈ow machine learning could improve threat detection, automate responses, or analyze large volumes of data. While those capabilities聽remain聽important, they no longer tell the full聽story.

Today, AI is reshaping cybersecurity at a systems level. It influences how attacks are designed, how defenses respond, how decisions are made, and聽ultimately how聽trust is built or eroded in digital聽environments.

At 91吃瓜, and particularly within the School of Technology, we view this shift as more than a technological evolution. It聽represents聽a fundamental change in how cybersecurity must be understood, taught, and practiced in an AI-enabled聽world.

What Are AI Systems?

Thinking about artificial intelligence solely as a tool, something turned on or off within a product,聽limits our understanding of its real impact. That framing聽suggests that聽AI is passive, predictable, and easily controlled. In practice, AI rarely聽operates聽in聽isolation.

Instead, AI functions as part of a broader sociotechnical system that includes data pipelines, infrastructure, organizational policies, human decision-makers, and institutional goals. These elements interact continuously, shaping how AI behaves and how its outputs are interpreted and acted聽upon.

Within cybersecurity, AI systems influence what information is surfaced to analysts, how threats are categorized and prioritized, and which actions are automated versus escalated to human review. Over time, these systems shape analyst workflows, risk tolerance, and organizational responses. As a result, artificial intelligence does not merely affect outcomes;聽it influences how decisions are made, who makes them, and how responsibility is聽distributed.

How Do AI-Driven Systems Work in Cybersecurity?

Artificial intelligence is a globally transformative technology, utilized by black hats, white hats, and everyone in between. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of AI systems in cybersecurity necessitates examining their role from the perspective of both attacker and聽defender.

AI-Driven Systems in Cyberattacks

On the offensive side, attackers increasingly rely on AI-driven systems rather than isolated techniques. can produce phishing campaigns that adapt in real time based on user behavior, language patterns, and response rates. Automated malware frameworks can test, refine, and redeploy code at a pace that outstrips traditional, signature-based聽defenses.

In these scenarios, AI聽operates聽within聽a continuous feedback loop,聽collecting data from each interaction, adjusting tactics, and聽optimizing聽future attacks.聽This transforms聽cyberattacks from discrete events into evolving systems designed to learn, persist, and聽scale.

Understanding attacks as adaptive systems, rather than one-off incidents, is essential for effective defense. Without this perspective, organizations risk responding tactically to聽symptoms while missing the underlying dynamics that allow attacks to evolve and succeed over聽time.

AI-Driven Systems in Cyber Defense

Defensive applications of AI increasingly integrate machine learning across monitoring, detection, response, and governance workflows. These systems help security teams process vast amounts of data, surface patterns that would otherwise be missed, and act more quickly in high-pressure situations. As a result, AI can significantly improve both efficiency and聽responsiveness.

At the same time, this integration introduces new dependencies. AI-driven systems influence what analysts see first, which alerts receive attention, and when automated actions are triggered. Errors, blind spots, or poorly governed models can therefore propagate risk at scale, making human oversight聽essential.

In this environment, AI reshapes the role of cybersecurity professionals. Rather than simply operating tools, they become system stewards, responsible for聽validating聽automated insights, understanding system behavior over time, and ensuring that defensive actions聽align with聽organizational values, risk tolerance, and ethical聽obligations.

Ethical and Societal Implications of AI in Cybersecurity

When AI聽operates聽at a systems level, ethical and societal considerations are no longer optional鈥攖hey are built into how cybersecurity functions. Automated security decisions can reflect hidden biases in data, misclassify legitimate behavior as malicious, or obscure accountability when systems act without clear human intervention. As these systems scale, small design choices can produce large, unintended聽consequences.

AI-enabled monitoring and surveillance technologies further complicate this landscape. While they may enhance protection, they can also blur the line between security and intrusion, raising critical questions about privacy, proportionality, and consent. Who is being watched, why, and with what safeguards聽in聽place becomes just as important as whether a threat is聽detected.

Cybersecurity is no longer only about stopping attacks. It鈥檚 about governing complex, intelligent systems in ways that protect people, institutions, and public trust. Ethical judgment, transparency, and accountability are therefore not peripheral concerns;聽they are core requirements for responsible cybersecurity in an AI-enabled聽society.

How Excelsior Prepares You for a Systems-Level Future

As artificial intelligence becomes embedded across cyber operations, technical聽skills聽alone are no longer sufficient. Cybersecurity professionals must be able to reason聽about聽systems鈥攈ow AI-driven decisions unfold over time, how automation interacts with human judgment, and how governance and policy shape real-world聽outcomes.

贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 and 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 degree programs in cybersecurity emphasize adaptability, ethical reasoning, and systems awareness. Students are prepared to evaluate not only how AI-enabled security technologies function but also how they聽behave at聽scale, where they introduce risk, and how their deployment affects people, organizations, and society. This approach reflects the reality聽that聽graduates will face聽environments where intelligent systems evolve faster than policies and where responsible leadership matters as much as technical聽expertise.

Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and now must factor in the role of AI in cybersecurity. Today, attack prevention is only one aspect of a more comprehensive strategy. Modern cyber defense is about designing, governing, and sustaining intelligent systems that secure trust and ensure that emerging technologies serve the public good. That is the challenge聽and the responsibility facing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, and as a ,聽91吃瓜 is dedicated to preparing them to lead the聽way.

Modernizing Support for Military Learners

Posted on March 3, 2026 by David Schejbal

91吃瓜 President David Schejbal spoke with Presidents Forum about ways institutions can serve active duty military and veteran students and the need to modernize tuition assistance for military learners.

Rarely Idle: Kylie Ackerman鈥檚 Journey to Student Advocacy

Posted on February 27, 2026March 30, 2026 by Jenna Kerwin

On any given day, Kylie Ackerman鈥檚 life looks a lot like the lives of many Excelsior nursing students. The Excelsior faculty member could be studying at her desk for her doctoral degree; taking her 7-year-old son to afternoon jujitsu, baseball, or basketball practice; squeezing in a couple sets of weightlifting for herself; or answering student messages and grading assignments.

鈥淚鈥檓 rarely idle,鈥� she says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 always something happening.鈥�

She understands having a busy life is something many people share, and she brings it to her teaching approach at 91吃瓜. Her flexibility and emphasis on student advocacy are shaped by a wide diversity of career experiences.

A Winding Path to Nursing Education

Ackerman鈥檚 nursing career began far from the traditional hospital floor. She started as an infusion nurse in a holistic practice and from there moved briefly into rheumatology, gaining knowledge in disease management. When the practice she worked at closed, she faced an unexpected pivot point. Ackerman decided to pursue what had long been her goal鈥攚orking in the operating room.

Ackerman transitioned to robotic surgery and eventually became the charge nurse for the robotic surgery program while also working in other operating rooms, including cardiothoracic surgery. The role required constant prioritization.

鈥淢anaging the complex needs of the robotics suite, including staffing, surgeons, and anesthesia, while delivering patient-centered care to often anxious patients, taught me to prioritize effectively, with the patient always at the forefront,鈥� she recalls.

At the time, she didn鈥檛 realize how much those skills in coordination, communication, triage, and composure would shape her future as an educator.

Ackerman began her 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 degree in nursing education at 91吃瓜 in 2015, after she learned of the school鈥檚 partnership with her employer. At the same time, she decided to change from the OR to outpatient care, a change that allowed her more time to concentrate on her studies. She also focused her 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 Capstone project on an orientation program for outpatient offices.

鈥淲hen I presented to the stakeholders at the organization, I was able to create an ambulatory nurse educator role position that I assumed upon degree completion,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat position still lives on today because of my Capstone project!鈥�

She became the registered nurse for cardiothoracic surgery and eventually covered a wide range of ambulatory practices, including breast surgery, primary care, neurosurgery, and neurology.

Finding Her Place at Excelsior

Ackerman describes her experience in the nursing education 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 program as deeply affirming. 鈥淸The faculty] support and encouragement made me want to be like them,鈥� she says.

She worked as an ambulatory nurse educator after she earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2018, and then when she saw a faculty opening at Excelsior posted in 2019, she applied immediately. Even while teaching at Excelsior, she wasn鈥檛 done learning. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics in 2024.

Ackerman鈥檚 favorite part about teaching at Excelsior is the nursing students themselves. 鈥淲hat I love most about teaching for Excelsior is the opportunity to support motivated, often working nurses and adult learners who bring rich life and clinical experiences into the classroom,鈥� says Ackerman.

Empowering Nursing Students Through Advocacy

Some of the most formative experiences in Ackerman鈥檚 career came from unexpected places. She learned multitasking, emotional intelligence, and professionalism under pressure while waitressing during nursing school. Her time in robotic surgery taught her how to balance complex systems while staying grounded in patient-centered care.

Today, she draws on those same skills as she balances the needs of students, departments, and the University鈥攌eeping the learner at the center, just like the patient.

Ackerman鈥檚 primary focus at Excelsior is the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program, where she teaches and oversees the final course, Nursing Capstone: Advanced Clinical Practicum. Her approach blends evidence-based practice with active learning strategies: case studies, realistic clinical scenarios, guided discussions, and reflective activities that encourage nursing students to apply concepts to their own experiences.

鈥淭he courses I oversee are designed to be creative, informative, and engaging by intentionally blending real-world application with active learning strategies,鈥� she explains.

In her teaching, she frequently uses an example from when she worked in the cardiothoracic surgery office while pursuing her 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚. In her role, she often answered telephone calls from patients after their procedures. She remembers during one call a patient explained he didn鈥檛 feel right.

鈥淚 immediately told him to go to the nearest ER, as I suspected a pulmonary embolism,鈥� Ackerman explains. 鈥淚 notified the surgeon, who thought I was crazy, but I ended up being right, and he had a huge clot requiring additional surgery. This is a great example of the , so I like to bring it up, as subjective and objective cues are critical to consider when caring for patients.鈥�

Her commitment to the student learning experience has led to her earning a faculty award for innovation for two consecutive years, in 2024 and in 2025. She employs innovative, data-driven teaching strategies to enhance student persistence. For instance, she incorporates varied learning modalities, including structured video reflections, to support different learning styles while maintaining clear expectations. She has also created impactful resources, like a mini-podcast for 鈥渙n-the-go鈥� learning, and has led research investigating the effect of virtual animal observation on students鈥� test-taking anxiety.

Ackerman practices empathetic teaching, supporting student growth. She can quickly pivot and prioritize their needs, including responding to messages, grading, and providing feedback in a timely manner.

She encourages her nursing students to reach out with requests for extensions so they can submit their best work鈥攁nd even suggests that they propose their own assignment due dates. 鈥淭his teaches them to advocate for themselves,鈥� Ackerman explains. 鈥淚 truly believe that if you can鈥檛 advocate for yourself, you cannot advocate for a patient.鈥�

The Torch He Carries: Jatik Gibbs-Judd鈥檚 Poetic Story

Posted on February 13, 2026February 17, 2026 by Jenna Kerwin

The thread that weaves together every chapter of Jatik Gibbs-Judd鈥檚 life isn鈥檛 luck, circumstance, or even resilience鈥攊t鈥檚 writing. Poetry. Putting words on a page became the one steady action he could rely on, no matter how chaotic the world around him became.

Well before Gibbs-Judd served nearly 14 years in the U.S. Navy, before he became a radiological control technician at , and before he earned a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology from 91吃瓜, he was a child navigating instability. Born to a 13-year-old mother, he spent his early childhood moving between homelessness, relatives鈥� homes, and foster care. Stability was something Gibbs-Judd did not have.

What he did have, at age 10, was a notebook鈥攁nd his first poem, 鈥淧ain.鈥�

Writing was never assigned or encouraged; it was survival. The adults in his life were overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed. 鈥淚 never wanted to be the difficult child,鈥� he said. 鈥淲riting allowed me someone to talk to when everyone else was too stressed to hear what I had to say.鈥� Poetry was where he could place his fear and frustration without asking too much of anyone.

As adolescence brought new challenges, the instability continued. He eventually moved in with his father so he could finish high school in one place. He became the president of his senior class, but his high school years were not without challenges. Soon his father was in an unpredictable relationship, and Gibbs-Judd found himself facing homelessness again.

A Home in the Navy

Gibbs-Judd鈥檚 future was uncertain. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to be one of those people that stayed in college forever and was just bouncing around. So, I joined the Navy. To me, that was the best choice that I could possibly have, and it wasn鈥檛 necessarily the best reason for the choice, but it did ultimately save my life,鈥� he recalls. The decision wasn鈥檛 glamorous; it was pragmatic. The military offered structure, income, and a guarantee he would never be homeless. 鈥淚 get that, for most people, they have these big dreams of being like astronauts and things like that. That was not my dream. My dream was to not be homeless ever again,鈥� Gibbs-Judd says.

Gibbs-Judd was with the Navy from 2008 to 2022 as a nuclear engineer. Yet even amid the discipline and demand of service, poetry stayed with him, quietly absorbing emotions he had trouble expressing aloud.

During an early deployment, Gibbs-Judd responded as a stretcher bearer to a violent incident involving mercenaries hijacked by Saudi Arabian pirates. As a nuclear engineer, he did not have experience responding to events in this role, but as he describes it, 鈥渋f everything goes wrong, this is what you鈥檙e supposed to do; you have an assignment during that time that is separate from your actual, normal job.鈥�

The resulting trauma embedded itself in his memory, often resurfacing years later as flashbacks and blackouts. 鈥淚 realized that it did affect me, and so I ended up having to talk to somebody about it,鈥� Gibbs-Judd explains. When he sought treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and later medically retired, writing again became an anchor: a private space where he could make sense of what he had endured.

Picking Up the Torch

While stationed in Atlanta in a recruiting role as a nuclear coordinator, he returned to performing spoken-word poetry, gaining traction at local events like the Sweet Auburn Music Fest. 鈥淲riting has always been something that I could depend on, even in my darkest hours,鈥� he says. Even as life grew complex鈥攕upporting his children with special needs, helping care for an elderly family member, and managing a full-time job鈥攚riting never disappeared. It waited patiently, ready whenever he needed it.

That same persistence helped him pursue higher education. For years he didn鈥檛 believe a degree was within reach. Discovering that 91吃瓜 aligned perfectly with his radiological control technician experience felt like a door finally opening, and he earned his 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree in February 2025. At Commencement in July 2025, he was the graduate torch bearer and delivered a poem he wrote called 鈥淭he Torch I Carry.鈥� He explains that the poem is a testament to others that there is hope and that you don鈥檛 have to feel like you鈥檙e in the dark; you can make it through the tough times to accomplish your goals. 鈥淸We鈥檙e] using the torch as that kind of guiding light, almost like a lighthouse in the dark, where you鈥檙e stuck in the middle of the sea,鈥� says Gibbs-Judd.

A Light for Those Still Lost to Save

Since 2022, Gibbs-Judd has worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory, starting as a radiological control technician, checking for potential radiation contamination in locations where specialized work needs to be done, and has recently been promoted to the role of building manager. He鈥檚 proud to say he has a stable home and can show his wife and kids鈥攁ges 13, 12, and 10鈥攚hat hard work and determination can accomplish.

Poetry remains his constant companion. Sometimes, it takes the form of a performance, other times a scribbled line as a quiet reflection after a long day. It is the outlet that shaped him, the bridge between his past and present, and the steady hand that carries him forward.

What Can You Do with a Health Sciences Degree?

Posted on February 11, 2026March 24, 2026 by Rafael Caycho

A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences is a flexible degree that allows students to achieve their professional goals in the health care field. This high-demand degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in health care settings and can also serve as a strong foundation for graduate or professional studies.

What Skills Will You Learn with a Degree in Health Sciences?

Students can develop a wide range of valuable skills while obtaining a degree in health sciences. They can build a strong foundation in health care operations, planning, and policy, which can be used to enter a variety of allied health career paths or to continue education at the graduate level. Students also enhance leadership skills within the health care profession, learn how to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary health care settings, and develop the ability to educate clients, colleagues, and the public on important health-related聽topics.

What Jobs Can You Get with This Degree?

Students who obtain a degree in health sciences can pursue a variety of entry-level or midlevel roles in health care settings. Some of these roles聽include:

Health Services Manager (Medical Office Manager)

A health services manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of health care departments or organizations. In this leadership role, sometimes called a medical office manager, you evaluate and analyzes different situations to make informed decisions that support efficient operations and help ensure high-quality patient聽care.

Patient Care Coordinator

Patient care coordinators serve as the link between patients, their health care providers, and insurance companies. They ensure patients receive appropriate care in a timely manner by scheduling appointments, coordinating services among providers, and helping patients understand the steps involved in their care. You may also opt for the similar role of patient relations coordinator, which involves more patient advocacy and fewer clinical and administrative聽duties.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical research coordinators manage the daily operations of clinical trials and research studies. They assist with recruiting participants, collecting and managing data, and ensuring that studies follow approved protocols and ethical guidelines. This role involves working closely with multidisciplinary research聽teams.

Community Health Worker

A community health worker connects individuals and communities with health care services and resources. They often work with underserved populations to provide education, support, and advocacy, helping improve access to care and overall community聽health.

Health Educator

A health educator develops and promotes health programs that teach individuals and communities how to maintain healthy lifestyles and understand the impact of health behaviors on overall well-being. Health educators also promote policies and resources that support community health and may work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, or nonprofit聽organizations.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a BS in Health Sciences?

The time to complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences can vary depending on several factors. Typically, a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree takes four years to complete for a full-time student. Part-time students may take longer, depending on course load, breaks, or leaves of absence. Some students may be able to shorten the time to completion if their college honors transfer credits from other institutions or relevant professional聽certifications.

What Is the Job Outlook for Health Science Graduates?

The job outlook for health sciences graduates is very strong. Health care positions have been in demand for many decades, and this demand is expected to continue growing. Factors contributing to this growth include innovation in health care, an , and the across the country. The continued demand for health care workers offers both job and financial stability for health sciences graduates. According to the , employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23% from 2024 to 2034, and the median annual wage for these professionals was $117,600 in聽2024.

How Can Excelsior Prepare You for a Career in Health Sciences?

91吃瓜鈥檚 versatile Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program offers a wide array of opportunities for students looking to start or advance a career in allied health. Choose a concentration that aligns most closely with your interests, from Management to Public Health to Health and Wellness. Or if you鈥檙e interested in multiple areas, opt for the Health Science concentration. Build the foundation of knowledge and skills that employers are looking for, all while learning at your pace with flexible online courses designed for busy working adults. And with 贰虫肠别濒蝉颈辞谤鈥檚 experienced faculty and academic advisors behind you, you鈥檒l have the support you need to stay on track and achieve your聽goals.

Earning your 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree in health sciences is a critical step in launching a successful career in health-related fields, but it鈥檚 just the first. Career Readiness at 91吃瓜 supports students and alumni in exploring career paths, building professional skills, and connecting with employers through resources, events, and practical guidance. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, or community involvement can also help you better understand your career goals and strengthen your professional preparation. And when you鈥檙e ready to move into the executive suite, consider earning your 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚聽degree.

Whatever your goals, Excelsior is here to help you build the career you want with the flexibility and support you聽need.

Hybrid Models for Today鈥檚 Learners

Posted on February 10, 2026March 3, 2026 by David Schejbal

91吃瓜 President David Schejbal spoke with Presidents Forum about Excelsior’s hybrid educational model that blends online learning with in-person labs and clinical experiences. President Schejbal details how Excelsior’s new site in St. Petersburg, Florida, expands nursing, cybersecurity, and electrical engineering programs while meeting workforce and military learner needs.