The cultural juggernaut aired on NBC for seven seasons, amassing a loyal fanbase and living on in pop culture fandom. The show spawned countless memes, inspired young girls to go big, launched Galentine’s Day into the national lexicon and continues to live on in rerun glory. Dr. Holly Holladay, associate professor in the department of communication, media, journalism and … [Read more...] about How studying what we like can show us who we are
On a hot summer day in Hanoi, Vietnam, colleagues toss ideas back and forth. There are drawings on a chalkboard. Concepts bounce off each other. Rules bend, break or are cast aside entirely. Ideas that aren’t working are shelved in favor of exploring more solid options. Finally, a creative breakthrough. Clearly, this is a room full of mathematicians. Steven Senger, associate … [Read more...] about Counting shapes for the future
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
“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