Month: December 2014
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Stephen Stearns, Yale University – Continuing Human Evolution
Have we reached a pinnacle in our evolutionary development as a species? Dr. Stephen Stearns, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Yale University, is studying the factors that influence contemporary evolution. Prof. Stephen Stearns specializes in life history evolution, which links the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, and in evolutionary medicine. He…
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Joni Finney, UPenn – College Completion
Not everyone takes the traditional four-year path through the university system. Joni Finney, professor at The University of Pennsylvania, discusses some non-standard routes toward graduation. Dr. Joni Finney is Director of the Institute for Research on Higher Education (IRHE) and Professor of Practice at the Graduate School of Education of the University of Pennsylvania.…
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Richard Lachmann, University at Albany – The Tonality of Textbooks
The tone of a written passage can fully influence how it is comprehended. Dr. Richard Lachmann, a political sociologist at The University at Albany (SUNY), is studying the shifting tonality of textbooks especially in their treatment of war. Richard Lachmann (Ph.D. Harvard 1983) is professor of sociology at the University at Albany, State University of…
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James Hanna featured on The Best of Our Knowledge
As always, host Bob Barrett selects an Academic Minute to air during The Best of Our Knowledge. Each week this program examines some of the issues unique to college campuses, looks at the latest research, and invites commentary from experts and administrators from all levels of education. For this week‘s edition (#1265), Bob has selected Dr.…
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Volker Thoma, University of East London – Recognizing Faces
The way the brain processes faces, especially familiar faces, is still something of a mystery. Volker Thoma, a psychologist at The University of East London, is working to improve our neurological and psychological understanding of facial recognition. Dr Volker Thoma FHEA received an MSc (Dipl. Psych) from the University of Regensburg, Germany and worked as…
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Leah Levac, University of Guelph – Community Vitality Index
How can we best improve communities as a whole? Dr. Leah Levac, a political scientist at The University of Guelph, is attempting to answer that questions through the creation of a vitality index that measures well-being. Dr. Leah Levac is an Assistant Professor of Community Engaged Scholarship, based in the Department of Political Science at…
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Steven Barger, Northern Arizona University – Relationships & Depression
Do the people who surround you have sizable impact on your mental health? Dr. Steven Barger, a psychologist at Northern Arizona University, details the connection between depression and personal relationships. Dr. Steven Barger is a professor of psychological sciences at Northern Arizona University. His research shows that higher-quality relationships and more frequent social contact with…
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William O. Stephens, Creighton University – Stoic Philosophy & Death
The fear of death is one of the most gripping and palpable sensation humans feel. Stoic philosophers like Epictetus, however, have a different view of our inevitable end. Dr. William O. Stephens, professor of philosophy and classical & near eastern studies at Creighton University, details the thinking of Stoic philosophers. William O. Stephens was born…
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James Pivarnik, Michigan State – GPAs & Gym Memberships
How deep does the mind/body connection go? Dr. James Pivarnik, an epidemiologist at Michigan State University, profiles a specific correlation between hitting the gym & hitting the books. Dr. James Pivarnik is a professor at Michigan State University, in the Departments of Kinesiology and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and has been president of the American College…
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Brian Southwell featured on The Best of Our Knowledge
As always, host Bob Barrett selects an Academic Minute to air during The Best of Our Knowledge. Each week this program examines some of the issues unique to college campuses, looks at the latest research, and invites commentary from experts and administrators from all levels of education. For this week‘s edition (#1264), Bob has selected…