“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
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
The associate professor of biology at Missouri State University makes his research and teaching understandable by comparing scientific processes to items you probably have lying around your house. A garden hose. Bottles of perfume. A paper towel roll. It’s all in the name of working toward a solution that could save people who are born with congenital heart and vascular … [Read more...] about Go with the flow
Meadows, professor of anthropology and Native American studies at Missouri State University, works with many Native American tribes and cultures. He also studies Japan. From a military family, early in his career he became interested with the military experience of indigenous peoples. As he unearthed more about the ceremonies, music and art associated with these veterans, … [Read more...] about Code talking: Shining a light on war-time heroes
If you ask Dr. David Claborn, you’ll learn they have more influence than you think. Disruption of land affects inhabitants’ health Throughout his career, Claborn, director of the Master of Public Health program at Missouri State University, has studied the public health implications of disrupted environments, which are land or populations damaged by disasters. They create … [Read more...] about Going viral: Surveying the risk of transmitting disease