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
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
It’s true. Teamwork can elevate a project and produce successful results. But it’s also common to hear – or feel – an exasperated groan at the mention of group projects. They can be laborious and frustrating. “I love exploring these team or workplace interactions – both good and bad,” said Dr. Stephen Spates, assistant professor of communication at Missouri State … [Read more...] about Working through differences
Human beings use personal beliefs and experiences to elect presidents, spread misinformation and make choices that help and harm the world. So, how can we use science to make sure humans act in ways that are beneficial to society and the planet? How can we influence and manipulate human behavior? These are the questions Dr. Jordan Belisle, assistant professor of … [Read more...] about What’s behind the psychology of changing behavior?
Dr. Ron Malega, associate professor of geography at Missouri State University, found this to be the case when growing up in metropolitan Detroit. His time spent working as a police officer reinforced the perspective. “Much of my interest in people and places stems from trying to understand this,” Malega said. “I’ve always questioned how could your race or ethnicity make … [Read more...] about Mapping the geography of opportunities
Growing up, Dr. Julia Troche loved watching the History Channel. Documentaries on ancient history particularly fascinated her. So, it was only natural that Troche, an Egyptologist, chose to study history in college. She delved deep into the realm of ancient Egypt and Assyria in graduate school. Over the years, she has visited the region several times to conduct research … [Read more...] about Relating stories of the ancient world
Now, people are developing new languages to discuss common interests on online platforms. Dr. Kewman Lee calls these platforms “global online affinity spaces.” “In these spaces, people with common interests communicate with each other across national borders and linguistic and cultural backgrounds,” Lee said. He is an assistant professor in Missouri State University’s … [Read more...] about The language of a common affinity
Early on in his career, public health expert Dr. Kip Thompson focused on fish and aquatic systems. But he switched to human health when he joined the Army Reserves in 2001. He got the job of an Environmental Science and Engineering Officer. A broad role, it covered areas such as industrial hygiene, environmental health, vector control and food service. “After doing all … [Read more...] about Military health: Detecting and controlling disease