When Dr. Marnie Watson’s career as a novelist didn’t pan out, she sought a new path where she would unveil truth about humanity and culture. As a cultural and medical anthropologist, Watson immerses herself in her research, where she draws close to people in extreme circumstances. She asks questions to better understand, “how they deal with life in difficult … [Read more...] about Uncovering the truth and the trauma
From a young age, Cristina Pippa felt emboldened by the power of storytelling. She wrote and performed plays for any captive audience, even when her puppy was the only co-star. In more recent years, she developed a talent scripting for screen and stage. Her resume now boasts more than 30 theatrical productions. “For playwriting, the writer must convey so much through … [Read more...] about Defying expectations: Scripts inspired by extraordinary circumstances
There are laws in place to hold businesses accountable. But our interpretation of these laws can have unseen consequences. In 2017, the Trump administration altered the legal interpretation of the word “take” under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, creating a legal debate. Dr. Carol Miller, distinguished professor of business law at Missouri State University, found this new … [Read more...] about Save one to save them all
But many children's books do not portray Native Americans accurately. As a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Lewis is particularly passionate about spreading awareness of Native American history. "So many books depict Native Americans with the same stereotypical characteristics and misconceptions. Meanwhile, they ignore the unique customs and traditions of over 550 federally … [Read more...] about Children’s books for change
This is a question Dr. Gary Webb, department head of animal science at Missouri State University, has been researching for nearly a decade. Throughout the years, the number of animals infested with internal parasites – or as some call them, worms – has increased dramatically. This is especially true in horses. Webb hoped to gain a better understanding of how animal owners … [Read more...] about From education to protection
Many mathematical processes depend upon this ability to sort information or attributes, and it’s a big part of machine learning, too, according to Dr. Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi. “The great thing about machine learning is it allows us this discovery of knowledge but also prediction,” Obafemi-Ajayi said. She is an associate professor of electrical engineering in Missouri State … [Read more...] about Pattern recognition enhances biomedical research
These forms of literature reflect unnerving realities of violence and crime, forcing many to migrate to the United States to escape the dangers they face. Some never make it. Dr. Judith Martínez is an assistant professor for the department of world languages and cultures at Missouri State University. Her dialectical research focuses on the coexistence of neoliberal violence … [Read more...] about Forced migration and the glorification of cartel culture
These companies are cause-driven businesses, created to tackle social challenges while selling goods or services. As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus said, a social enterprise is, “The new kind of capitalism that serves humanity’s most pressing needs.” How do consumers feel? Social enterprises have been the focus of Dr. Josh Coleman’s research since he started his … [Read more...] about Businesses with a cause engage consumers
Get ready for the sound of brass, percussion and wind. The sight of students forming shapes, one step at a time. Maybe the buttery taste of stadium popcorn and the touch of a crisp, October breeze whispering across your cheek. But months before, in the muggy heat of a summer day in southwest Missouri, the first thing Dr. Brad Snow notices at Wehr Band Hall is the smell – … [Read more...] about Building leaders, one step at a time
“This is one of the reasons you become a geologist if you grew up in the 1980s,” Dr. Matthew McKay said as he displays a video of him standing atop Mt. St. Helens. McKay, associate professor of geology at Missouri State University, mixes old school techniques of mapping and “disappearing into the woods” with the latest technology. It’s a passion, but there’s also important … [Read more...] about Connecting the rocks to tell the Earth’s story
It may erupt suddenly and violently terrorizing the town nearby, setting forth panic and destruction. It might slowly ooze. And another volcano might lay dormant for several more years – centuries even. It’s nearly impossible to predict. That is one of the goals of Dr. Gary Michelfelder’s research. For the last 15 years, Michelfelder, associate professor of … [Read more...] about A big one: Forecasting future volcanic eruptions
Soils can be enriched with nutrients to grow strong, healthy grass for livestock to consume. Many of the nutrients transfer to your plate when you eat meat, or the fruits, vegetables and grains harvested. Dr. Melissa Bledsoe, associate professor in the Darr College of Agriculture at Missouri State University, has conducted many research projects focused on the chemistry and … [Read more...] about From the ground up: Nutrition starts with soil
Perhaps a third item should be added to the list, Dr. Gabriel Ondetti says: People believing they pay too much in taxes … especially in the United States. “When you tell them what the data says – that they’re very lightly taxed compared to people in other countries – they’re astounded,” Ondetti said. An expert in Latin American politics and taxation, Ondetti has published … [Read more...] about Taxes in Latin America: More than dollars and cents
However, this animal struggles to survive through harsh winters. Tracking the population size and location of this mouse can serve as a “bellwether for climate change,” said Dr. Sean Maher, associate biology professor at Missouri State University. “My graduate advisor shared his research on the animal, and got me hooked on small mammals,” Maher said. Maher studies … [Read more...] about Mice population models much bigger picture
For Dr. Lawrence Yang, an associate professor of information technology and cybersecurtiy at Missouri State University, they go together smoothly. He explains that artificial intelligence and machine learning can predict human purchasing behavior. One example he uses is how the amount of frosting purchased will drop in conjunction with the spike in cake prices. “I am … [Read more...] about Innovating decision-making