Dr. Elizabeth King, a Missouri State University College of Education professor, researches the learning environments of early childhood students. One area she investigates is how teachers talk about emotions with young children. King believes gender plays a major role in our social-emotional development. “The ways we talk about emotions with young children is affected by … [Read more...] about Our genders, our emotions
Dr. Cameron LaBarr’s goal for his students in Missouri State University’s choral studies program is that they connect so deeply with a performance that it just clicks, that they feel it in their souls. The question that drives his rehearsals, performances and interactions with students is: What actions can cause those special moments and connections to happen? The … [Read more...] about Finding harmony
Sakidja is a professor in the department of physics, astronomy and materials science at Missouri State University, the nation’s only such combined department. Computational materials science uses modeling, simulation, theory and informatics to better understand materials. Sakidja’s research is varied, but his ultimate goal is the same. “Our overall research goal … [Read more...] about Celebrating collaborative research
Runway models, social media influencers, pageant queens, celebrities and even Barbie purport these troubling ideals. They are almost unequivocally identified as beautiful, as evidenced by the money we spend and who we choose to idolize. You can also see young girls internalizing these standards as cheerleaders scrutinize their bodies, wear revealing uniforms and undergo … [Read more...] about Changing the look
Wandering and bolting are both considered eloping – a term used for leaving an area without permission. It’s a problem behavior, especially for children with autism. That’s why Dr. Megan Boyle, associate professor of special education at Missouri State University, researches the whys behind this largely understudied behavior. She’s a board-certified behavior analyst, runs … [Read more...] about Improving the lives of kids with autism
This is a question Dr. Seth Hoelscher poses to his students when he is teaching investments and disclosures. “You’d give money at a better rate to the one you have more information on,” he said. Hoelscher, assistant finance professor at Missouri State University, was working toward his MBA at West Texas A&M University when the financial crisis of 2008 hit. As many … [Read more...] about Reading between the data
This question fuels the research of Dr. Razib Iqbal, associate professor of computer science at Missouri State University. Much of Iqbal's research revolves around multimedia and the Internet of Things, or IoT. What is IoT? It could be anything connected to the internet — from a smart meter and appliances to smart smoke detectors and wearables. These things are capable of … [Read more...] about Humans as sensors: Making technology more intuitive
One man whose dedication and expertise have advanced the facility’s operations is Dr. Karl Wilker. He serves as manager, winemaker and distiller. He’s also a research professor in the Darr College of Agriculture. The college houses the winery and distillery, which is part of the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station. Creating commercial wines During his horticulture PhD … [Read more...] about Making a name in wines and spirits
Dr. Carrisa Hoelscher, director of graduate communication studies at Missouri State University, sets her target on competent communication to help others improve their skills. This includes finding ways to improve both effectiveness and appropriateness. Being effective and appropriate can feel like they are at odds sometimes. This creates tension — Hoelscher’s research … [Read more...] about Aim for competent communication in collaboration
This reduces the amount of sunlight hitting the ground. If left in such a condition for too long without disturbance, important tree species cannot regenerate. Invasive or shade tolerant species creep in and animals leave the area, in search of better food. Or maybe the trees simply age, produce less fruit and continue to weaken. These scenarios drive the forestry field … [Read more...] about Seeing the forest and the trees
But as the availability of cultivable land diminishes and as climates change, our ability to grow enough food is becoming limited, too. This is the root of Dr. Laszlo Kovacs’ research. He’s a geneticist interested in the agricultural industry. “For most of history, we didn’t have to worry about food,” said Kovacs, biology professor at Missouri State University. “Now, with … [Read more...] about Root of the problem
Should you stop speaking Spanish at home, for example, to help them learn English more easily? Dr. Luciane Maimone, assistant professor of modern and classical languages, says no. “Being an immigrant myself, I can relate to the powerful connection between language, culture and one’s sense of self,” Maimone said. “Maintaining children’s home languages is key to their … [Read more...] about Celebrating multilingualism
Inside her office sit two grand pianos, with a desk pushed up against the corner. The sounds of students practicing drift through the walls. She prepares for performances in between lessons with students. A Juilliard-trained pianist, Choi Witte, assistant professor of piano at Missouri State University, blends her teaching with a passion for performance. She calls music a … [Read more...] about Passing notes: Sharing a universal message through performance
He believes that perspective ignores the attention to the sacred and spiritual on campuses. It also doesn’t account for the intersectionality of religious studies. It overlaps with many other disciplines – from social work to politics. The role of religion in higher education is a dynamic topic right now, he noted. But as a sociologist, he’s always been intrigued by how … [Read more...] about Finding faith in college
“Having friends, even one good one, can separate the well-adjusted child from the at-risk youth,” said Dr. Leslie Echols, assistant professor of psychology. When a child reaches adolescence, the brain develops more and starts sorting qualities differently. Youth begin to worry more about status, Echols notes. This brings about a greater likelihood of bullying behavior, and … [Read more...] about Building friendships and battling bullying