It’s abundant: Approximately 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, and 96.5 percent of it is in the oceans. The other 3.5 percent of the water supply fills lakes, streams, ponds and aquifers; forms icecaps and glaciers; and evaporates or exists inside lifeforms — like us. For a resource that is so in-demand, it’s important to consider how long it will … [Read more...] about Trouble under the surface
Their work and stories intrigued him, ignited his passion for agriculture and led him to study agricultural economics in the United States, which changed the course of his career. "Agriculture brought me to real people and their problems," said Rimal, a professor of agriculture and interim department head of agribusiness, education and communication in the Darr College of … [Read more...] about Sustaining local agriculture for economic growth
As a biology professor, Kim is interested in studying cellular processes that have the potential to one day better explain disease progression. Dynamin is a tie that binds his four studies together. Internal recycling In the body, some plasma membrane proteins are internalized via small sack-like vesicles formed at the plasma membrane. Then, they’re delivered to internal … [Read more...] about Protein packs a powerful punch in studies of cell processes
Graphic designers are charged with delivering those messages in an effective way. Do it wrong, and there may be unintended consequences. "If I design a sign which tell you, ‘Turn right,’ but actually you need to turn left, you can kill yourself!" That’s Cedomir Kostovic, a professor in the department of art and design. He came to the U.S. in 1990 from Bosnia and … [Read more...] about Inspiring people to action through informed design
Dr. Brett Garland, head of the department of criminology and criminal justice at Missouri State University, has been studying the criminal justice system for over a dozen years. He’s published more than 40 journal articles, book chapters and other scholarly works, mostly on topics pertaining to correctional issues. One primary area of research for Garland is prisoner … [Read more...] about Keeping parolees out of jail
Enter mathematics Mathematically, such laws are expressed through differential equations or, more generally, dynamical systems. Dr. Shouchuan Hu, professor of mathematics at Missouri State University, has devoted his career to the study of differential equations, dynamical systems and nonlinear analysis. This area of mathematics largely asks theoretical questions. More … [Read more...] about Prove it: Math makes the world go ‘round
"I think everybody is creative to some degree, whether they're creating artistic products or finding new ways to be an accountant or a building contractor," said Prescott, professor of music at Missouri State University. "Creativity is part of the human persona," he said. "People will say, ‘Well, I'm not creative.’ They just aren't realizing that creativity lies in a lot of … [Read more...] about Making a statement through the creative process
But art and design professor Sarah Perkins has mastered a process that turns plain material into a shimmering work of art. She begins with a thin sheet of metal, which she cuts and hammers into three-dimensionality. She uses fire to enhance the metal’s malleability. After many rounds of hammering, the sheet of metal has become a completed vessel. Next, Perkins showers the … [Read more...] about Transformation
"Post-millennial generations are going to be incredibly visually oriented," he said. "If we don’t captivate their interest with this type of a digital humanities project, the humanities are going to fade away into being insignificant in the public’s mindset." That’s why Chuchiak, professor of history and director of the Honors College, and Missouri State alumnus Justin … [Read more...] about Developing cultural competence in tomorrow’s leaders
Analyzing a portion of a federal financial law In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was signed into federal law in response to the meltdown of ’08. Many people involved in creating that legislation looked at how companies were controlled. "Corporate governance was under the microscope at financial institutions," Hines said. "People … [Read more...] about Do recent regulations help the banking industry reduce risk?
"When I told him I was coming back to teach at Missouri State, he said to make sure that the students understand what the industry is really about, because it is a challenging industry," said Hein. Hein took this advice to heart and early on was interested in how to improve her own teaching and abilities in the classroom. In 2008, she began developing a program review … [Read more...] about Five-star service starts with a better curriculum
Moving the needle for middle schoolers The class – now a required course for all psychology majors – also involves presenting Diversity Pep Talks at local middle schools. Since middle schoolers are at such an impressionable age, Young-Jones and her students lead discussions and activities in hopes of teaching the children to celebrate diversity – of skin color, race, religion, … [Read more...] about Mirror, mirror: Self-reflections on hidden prejudice
Throughout the better part of the next three decades, Protestants engaged in iconoclasm, or the destruction of religious images and relics, as they believed their reverence was a form of idolatry. In the process, they demolished a multitude of sites and artifacts sacred to Catholics. But what happens after the dust settles? "My real interest isn’t in the smashing of the … [Read more...] about History and memory: Making peace after religious conflict
One such species is the alligator snapping turtle which, after decades of population declines, has been petitioned for federal listing as an endangered species three times. The most recent petition is currently under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These large turtles are of particular interest to Dr. Day Ligon, associate professor of biology at Missouri State … [Read more...] about A turtle’s tale of survival