Most people can tell you why Bruce Wayne became Batman. After witnessing his parents’ murder, he created a vigilante alter ego — someone who could hold the bad guys accountable. Then there’s Norman Bates. His unhealthy relationship with his abusive mother sent him spiraling down a delusional path of violence. And Charles Foster Kane, who so desperately missed the freedom … [Read more...] about Family, media, culture: Three forces behind human behavior
“I don’t even know who I am anymore.” This sentiment is often expressed by people who are grieving the loss of a spouse. “Identity is complex,” said Dr. Erin Wehrman, associate professor in the department of communication, media, journalism and film at Missouri State University. “We don’t have just one singular identity.” External factors, such as the people we … [Read more...] about Identity and grief: Navigating loss and change through rebuilding your personal identity
Dr. Daniel Goering’s path to academia was not a straight line. There were twists and turns along the way. Then, he found his career fit in 2018 — as a faculty member in the department of management at Missouri State University. “Missouri State attracted me for many reasons, one of them being it is balanced. I wanted to teach and do research, and I felt I could do both … [Read more...] about What career attitudes lead to success?
Understanding the intricate relationship between a child’s social and emotional growth and the influences of their parents and caregivers is crucial. Dr. Hailey Hyunjin Choi, assistant professor in Missouri State University’s School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences, focuses on unraveling these intricate dynamics. She sheds light on how children’s … [Read more...] about Understanding the growing mind: How mentalization shapes a child’s development
Physicist Dr. Tiglet Besara doesn’t just study compound elements — he’s literally creating new ones. The associate professor in the physics, astronomy and materials science department at Missouri State University is an element explorer of sorts, specifically in a field known as novel materials exploration. This is the process of discovering new materials with unique … [Read more...] about Compound Creator: How one professor is rattling cages and harnessing energy
Imagine going on a run one spring afternoon. You pass by a vibrant garden. This flourishing scene is made possible by antioxidants and amino acids — essential nutrients that nurture not only our bodies, but also the soil we depend on. Like skilled gardeners, these compounds support our immune systems, reduce inflammation and aid protein production. Unfortunately, recent … [Read more...] about Advancing the plant nutrition analysis process
In the mid-2000s, several residents of Clyde, Ohio, including children, developed cancer at an alarming rate. Then, in 2012, nine feet of toxic sludge was discovered under the basketball court at a recreational park donated to the community by Whirlpool, the town’s largest employer. Several affected individuals filed a lawsuit against Whirlpool, claiming these illnesses … [Read more...] about Navigating risk in a cancer cluster town
In a world teeming with religious narratives and expectations, what happens when lived experiences do not align? Dr. Philippa Koch, Missouri State University associate professor of religion, explored this question through her research on how Christians in colonial America held onto the doctrine of providence. This is the belief that God oversees everything and sometimes … [Read more...] about The untold stories of faith, childbirth and women’s realities
In the complex world of corporate finance, tax compliance stands out as one of the trickiest areas to navigate. Here is where financial strategies and regulations meet. In this environment, companies are like tightrope walkers. They must balance their desire for tax savings with the need to satisfy regulators. Dr. Mollie Adams, assistant professor in Missouri State … [Read more...] about Unraveling the complexities of corporate tax
As an infant, Dr. Ashlea Cardin came into the world with many bone and joint abnormalities. This meant undergoing plenty of surgeries, therapies and rehabilitation throughout her childhood. While she received high-quality care, it was not geared toward kids or their families. “My therapy looked very much like a younger version of adult therapy,” said Cardin, associate … [Read more...] about From patient to practitioner: impacting lives through occupational therapy
No surprise that Jin A. Seo, associate professor of art and design at Missouri State University, counts herself among those inspired. However, Seo, an art jeweler, approaches landscapes differently. Her work breaks the confines of traditional jewelry-making. Pushing past an outfit accessory, her jewelry serves as a sculptural exploration of the body. Seo’s work asks the … [Read more...] about Enamel, cloth, grass, bones: Exploring the body as landscape
Narrative transportation is the result of a book you cannot put down. It’s the process where you start to relate to the character, imagine the setting and wonder: what will happen next? Can you experience that same feeling through advertisements? Marketers incorporate narrative transportation into their advertising to connect and persuade their consumers. Researchers … [Read more...] about Marketing with moving stories: A picture is worth a thousand words
“The first few years are a crucial time in the development of novice teachers,” said Davis, associate professor of childhood education and family studies at Missouri State University. “They need mentorship and support to help guide them so they’re not navigating it all alone.” Evidence shows formal mentorship provides teachers with the support they need for their … [Read more...] about Mentorship: Will it solve the teacher shortage?
As an associate professor in the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership at Missouri State University, Barreda uses consumer research to help independent hoteliers navigate the market. “My research is theoretical, but it’s also very practical. It needs to be,” he said. “Academics are operating in a theoretical sense, a different time frame. Hoteliers are … [Read more...] about More than Room and Board: What hoteliers offer versus what consumers perceive they want
Standing in the middle of a running stream, golden sunlight dapples the surface of the water. Gravel underfoot provides a slightly uneven texture. The sound of running water fills the air. But a disturbance such as a flash flood can turn a shiny stream into a muddy mess of churning gravel in an instant, displacing what lives beneath the waters. Yet, the streams still … [Read more...] about Deciphering the disturbances