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
Have you heard of TOMS Shoes: One for One or Warby Parker: Glasses for the Needy? Perhaps you’re familiar with STATE Bags: Give. Back. Pack. 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 … [Read more...] about Businesses with a cause
“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
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
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
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