e3: exponential impact_measure magazine 2014

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arkansas state university : the measure of success

DISCOVERIES TO CHANGE OUR WORLD

Arkansas State University Mission StatementArkansas State University educates leaders, enhances intellectual growth and enriches lives.

Arkansas State University is an equal opportunity institution with a strong commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its students, faculty and staff. A-Statedoes not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, gender or national origin or any other legally protected status. Any questions regarding the university’s

Affirmative Action policies should be directed to the Affirmative Action Program Coordinator, P.O. Box 1500, State University AR, 72467, telephone 870-972-3658.

WHAT IS MEASURE ?

How do we measure our commitment to research?How do we judge successful scholarship?

How do we place value on creative expression?How do we appraise the impact of service?

• Student engagement?

• Productivity?

• Awards and expenditures?

• Comparison with our peers?

• National and international recognition?

• Influence in the field?

• Solutions to real world issues?

• Economic impact?

• Community enrichment?

The answer is: all of these, and more.

At Arkansas State, we value each discipline and their measures of success. MEASURE is a showcase of A-State success in a variety of disciplines.

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table of contents

ONLINEAState.edu/Research

CHIEF RESEARCH OFFICERAndrew Sustich

[email protected]

EXECUTIVE EDITORRebekah Craig

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSEmily Devereux

[email protected] Cole Pace

[email protected]

UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHERAndrew Ferguson

A-State Digital Creative Media

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSJohn Artim

[email protected] Johnson

GRAPHIC DESIGNA-State Publications & Creative Services

Heath KellyAssistant Director & Graphic Designer

[email protected]

PRINTINGA-State Printing [email protected]

FUNDING STATEMENTS:

Research activities reported in the article Educate: Inquiring Minds Want To Know weresupported by the National Science Foundation, award numbers DRL-0624440 and DRL-1031679.

Student research reported in the article Enhance: Bridge Over Delta Waters was supported bythe National Science Foundation, award numbers ECCS-1150514 and IIA-1148389; the U.S.Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Natural Resources ConservationService (NRCS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA); the Judd Hill Foundation, DeltaPlastics, the University of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and Technologyand the Arkansas Department of Education.

Student performance and scholarship reported in the article Enrich: All The World’s A Stage wassupported by the A-State College of Fine Arts, Music Department and Student Government Association,and the Research and Technology Transfer and Diversity offices; community fundraisers at SageMeadows and First Baptist Church in Batesville, Ark., and the generous gifts of patrons of the arts,as well as family members and friends of the students.

The content of this publication is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarilyrepresent the official views of the above-named funding agencies.

FEATURES:

06 Educate: Inquiring Minds Want To KnowDr. Karen Yanowitz and collaborators are engaging young minds by

presenting science in the context of solving a forensic crime.

10 Enhance: Bridge Over Delta WatersArkansas Delta students are channeling their knowledge, talent and

passion into outstanding research and scholarship.

16 Enrich: All The World’s A StageStudents and faculty in the College of Fine Arts take their creativity and

scholarship to the global stage, inspiring audiences around the world.

This publication was produced by Arkansas State University. Layout and design were produced by the A-State Office of Publications & Creative Services. Printing was providedby A-State Printing Services. The paper used for this publication was produced using ecologically responsible forest management principles. The paper, including the cover, isfrom 100 percent recycled stock. The ink used is cottonseed oil and/or soybean oil-based. The printing plates are 100 percent recyclable.

06 10 16

SPECIAL:

04 e3 = Exponential ImpactResearch and Technology Transfer highlights recent accomplishments, a new structure and campus leaders’ vision for our research future.

20 Create @ STATE : A Symposium of Research,Scholarship & Creativity

Showcasing undergraduate and graduate studentsin all disciplines through poster, oral and creative presentations.

LETTERS:

03 Address from the Chancellor

22 Address from the Vice Provost for Research and

Graduate Studies

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( BLANK PAGE ???) Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am delighted to present the fourth edition of MEASURE : THE RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF ARKANSASSTATE UNIVERSITY. This annual magazine showcases some of the many scholarly activities atA-State. The publication stems from the growing importance of research on our campus,and the desire to highlight the impact of our activities to the A-State community as well asour friends around the globe.

In this issue, we focus on the diversity and excellence of student research activities. ArkansasState has a special responsibility to nurture a culture of creativity and innovation among ourfaculty and students. Our mission, to educate leaders, enhance intellectual growth and enrichlives, forms the focus of this MEASURE edition. The three feature articles highlight research andscholarship by outstanding students.

In EDUCATE, we feature the nationally recognized CSI: Classroom Science Investigationsprogram, which excites regional junior and senior high students using forensic science as thecontext for inquiry-based science lessons. ENHANCE recognizes four outstanding studentresearchers at A-State, along with a group of summer student researchers who are part of aprogram to broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities in scientific research.Global scholarship in the College of Fine Arts is the focus of ENRICH, as their artisticachievements are enriching lives around the world.

We hope you enjoy this edition of MEASURE and welcome your comments and suggestions.

Warm regards,

Tim Hudson, Ph.D.Chancellor

Dr. Tim Hudson

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e3 = Exponential ImpactTHE WAY FORWARDResearch plays a critical role in the College ofAgriculture and Technology, where faculty areengaged in a wide range of research projects thatinclude sustainable crop production systems,bio-based fuels, geospatial technologies andplant biotechnology.

“The technological revolution occurring inmodern American agriculture brings many excitingopportunities for research, and I am pleased ourfaculty are making a positive difference forArkansas agriculture,” said Dr. Tim Burcham,dean of the college. “I want our college to be at theforefront of research efforts that foster technologyintegration for increased productivity andsustainability in crop production systems.”

College of Business (CoB) new dean, Dr. ShaneHunt, is focused on producing high-qualityacademic research that has a significant impact onboth business theory and practice. Hunt said,“Our goal in the years ahead is to build trulyworld-class Centers of Excellence where ourfaculty and students collaborate to produceinnovative research that advances academicdisciplines and enhances the strategy of businessesthroughout the world.”

Other colleges are purposefully advancing researchand grant-writing among their faculty. Dr. SusanHanrahan, dean of the College of Nursing andHealth Professions, appointed Associate Dean Dr.Angela Schmidt as a research officer for the collegeto facilitate research opportunities and assistfaculty their research endeavors, with an emphasison forming interdisciplinary research teams. Thecollege collaborates with RTT to offer “brownbags” throughout the semester to support facultyresearch and grant opportunities. Hanrahan said,“Our college is now documenting all grantsubmission and research efforts, not only awards,as a consideration in faculty productivity.”

Dr. Cooksey believes the increasing involvement ofundergraduate students in creative and scholarlyactivity “speaks highly of our faculty's commitment

Rebekah Craig

“I am extremely proud of theinnovative approaches beingtaken on so many fronts toadvance the university's cultureof research and scholarship,”said Dr. Lynita Cooksey(pictured with CoB dean,Dr. Shane Hunt.)

Arkansas State continues developing research infrastructure tofacilitate a thriving campus culture of creativity and innovation.Rebekah Craig, director of Research Development, says, “To me,e3 means exponential impact. A-State faculty and students havetremendous dreams of a future that is brighter because of theircontributions. By making those dreams a reality, we exponentiallyincrease the impact of A-State on our world and our future.”

NEW FACES AND NIMBLE STRUCTURESThe Research and Technology Transfer (RTT)office aims to create nimble, adaptableadministrative structures that will promotehigh-caliber research activities and broadeninterdisciplinary collaborations, says Craig, whobrings to her new position a decade oflaboratory-based and health policy researchexperience. In response to faculty, student andstaff requests, RTT expanded programs thisyear by developing new Institutes for ResearchDevelopment for department leveladministrators, faculty with significant grantsexperience, and PhD students in the College ofSciences and Mathematics. Two researchadministration graduate internships werelaunched to enhance the professionaldevelopment of students preparing for careers asfaculty or higher education administrators.

RTT created a new research administrationliaison role fulfilled by Emily Devereux, who is

also the new associate director of ResearchDevelopment. An A-State alumna and formerprogram manager for the NSF-funded ArkansasCenter for Plant Powered Production, Devereuxbrings a deep knowledge of post-award grantmanagement and the challenges that faculty facein administering research programs. Devereuxwill liaise between faculty and administrativestaff to bridge the gaps between our pre- andpost-award grant administration processes.

Another newly created role is that of associatedirector of Foundation Relations in UniversityAdvancement. Jessica Blackburn, also an A-State alumna, will work collaboratively withRTT to assist faculty in pursuing philanthropicgifts to fund their research and scholarship.Research Compliance has a new face this yearas well. Jenny Estes joins RTT this month asdirector of Research Compliance, transitioningfrom her work in fiscal compliance as anauditor and A-State Sponsored Programsaccountant. Estes said, “I am deeply gratefulfor this opportunity to further myunderstanding of research issues and to serveour outstanding faculty in a new capacity.”

Dr. Lynita Cooksey, vice chancellor andprovost, noted, “Just as RTT continues toevolve its role in support of A-State's researchmission, similar change is occurring within thevarious academic colleges.

Nikki Turner, director of Sponsored Programs Accounting, meets with teammembers Rebekah Craig, Jessica Blackburn, Jenny Estes and Emily Devereux.

to A-State's mission to educate leaders, enhanceintellectual growth and enrich lives.” This is centralfor the College of Sciences and Mathematics(CSM). “Our push has been that research is afundamental way of teaching for our college,”noted Dr. John Pratte, dean of the CSM. Researchthat involves students is the type of researchpromoted by the college. “They aren't separateentities. You are teaching students in research.”

Jonathan Merten (L-chemistry) and Zahid Hossain (R-engineering)received prestigious Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards in2014 (pictured with their college deans, John Pratte and Paul Mixon.)

There are student-facultyresearch teams across the A-State disciplines. “What ourfaculty do, our students do,

whether that is marinebiology in the Caribbean,

environmental research inNepal, or laboratory

collaborations in anotherstate,” said Dr. John Pratte.

INVESTING FOR IMPACT IN 2014

2 = Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards fromOak Ridge Associated Universities, a prestigious award onlybestowed on 30 researchers nationally each year

2.5 = million dollars from the National Science Foundation insix awards to faculty from three colleges

19 = million dollars in A-State research expenditures in FY14

20 = number of undergraduate students who applied forand were awarded competitive funding for mentoredresearch experiences

277 = thousand dollars awarded from the NationalEndowment for the Humanities

475 = thousand dollars awarded from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

arkansas state university : the measure of successarkansas state university : the measure of success

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THE MYSTERY OF “POCO” THE PIGThe CSI project uses environmental crimescenarios rather than violent to teach basic researchskills such as developing hypotheses, planninginvestigations, making observations and drawingconclusions. Forensic science requires students toutilize each of these skills and allows teachers tocreate lessons with a “real-life” context. McKaydescribed an entomology module, “We give them ascenario and ‘crime scene’ photos, for example amysterious event with a pet pig named Poco thatwas found dead behind a hotel.” Prior to thelesson, CSI staff bury a carcass and collect insects atdifferent stages of decomposition. “Students thenuse their research skills to determine the age ofdecay for Poco, based on insect succession patternsthat allow them to estimate time of death.”

One challenge in using this approach is that manyteachers lack experience with scientific research orwith using inquiry-based lessons. Teacherpreparation traditionally focuses on directinstruction and “experiments” for which the

outcome is already known. In CSI, teachersparticipate in a year-long program starting with anintensive summer workshop and continuing overthe academic year. Each summer 25-30 teachersspend two weeks at A-State, becoming studentsduring the first week to experience the modulesfirst-hand and thus teach them more effectively.About 50 students join them in the second weekwhen the teachers teach the modules with thementoring and assistance of CSI staff. Theteachers are then required to implement inquiry-based lessons throughout the academic year andhost a family science night at their school.

Wendy Jones, a junior high school science teacherat Ridgefield Christian School, reported usinginquiry-based modules was somewhat new for her,but it felt liberating. “Students will be spoon-fedfor as long as teachers will do it, but when youturn them loose they get excited and lessons comealive to them because they experience it.” Sheobserved her students were very excited and by theend of one CSI module, they were able to explainthe laws of thermodynamics. “CSI gave me aspark in my classroom,” said Jones.

FUTURE STEM WORKFORCEWhen the CSI project began, only one-fourth ofstudents in Arkansas were enrolled in at leastone upper-level science course, compared tonearly half of students in top performing states.Drs. Yanowitz, Ross and McKay hope andexpect the CSI model will help change thatstatistic for our state. They are tracking theprogress of students who received this type ofinstruction as they matriculate into college todetermine the impact of the CSI program onstudent career choices.

Their innovation was enthusiastically supportedby two National Science Foundation (NSF)grants totaling nearly $2.5 million across sevenyears (NSF 05-621 Information TechnologyExperiences for Students and Teachers –ITEST). The program was cited by NSFDirector, Dr. Subra Suresh, in his March 2012testimony before a U.S. Senate Committee, asan example of NSF-funded research designed toachieve excellence in U.S. STEM education.Over the past seven years, the program hastrained over 175 teachers and engaged morethan 500 7th-12th grade students directly in thesummer camps, with thousands more studentsimpacted by teachers implementing the newapproach in their classrooms. The reach of theCSI program has extended far beyond Arkansaswith teachers and students attending from over10 states, building student interest in STEMcareers across the nation.

Karen Yanowitz

Students learn a varietyof scientific disciplines asCSI program participants.

CULTURALLY RELEVANT SCIENCEThe CSI: Classroom Science Investigationsprogram is a collaborative effort of the Collegeof Education, College of Sciences andMathematics, and the A-State Rural and DeltaSTEM Education Centers. It immersesparticipating junior and senior high schoolteachers in learning novel, inquiry-basedteaching methods with forensic science as thecontext. A diverse group of teachers andstudents are recruited each year with the aims ofimproving the quality of science, technology,engineering and math (STEM) education,developing students’ self-confidence that theycan succeed in STEM fields, increasing thenumber of Arkansas students entering theSTEM workforce, and building parentalinvolvement in their child’s science education.

Dr. Karen Yanowitz, professor of Psychology andprincipal investigator of the grant, said the ideacame from the popularity of the “Crime SceneInvestigation” television show. “It was really goodat getting people talking about science. Beforethat show aired you didn’t really see people in thecommunity talking about DNA analysis andother forensic science concepts.” Yanowitz andher co-investigators Drs. Tanja McKay, associateprofessor of Entomology, and Ann Ross,associate professor emeritus of TeacherEducation, decided to utilize this pop culturephenomenon to create an exciting new approachto traditional science education.

One summer, said Ross, the A-State museum brought in coffins with skeletal bonesfor the students to examine. “Students from northwest Arkansas were studying aunit on black bears and their teacher found a hunter with a black bear carcass inhis freezer. He donated the bones and CSI students were able to use their researchskills to distinguish between the human and bear bones. Representatives from theState Crime Lab came in as guest speakers and informed the students thatdistinguishing human and animal bones is one of their biggest challenges.”

BEAR-BONED SCHOLARSHIP A program like this involves theexpertise of many people.A-State faculty members who substantiallycontribute to the program include Drs. DavidGilmore, Ron Johnson, Marty Huss,Ed Hammerand, Diana Williams, Julie Grady,Cynthia Miller, Staria Vanderpool and RichardWarby. Invaluable support for the program comesfrom program manager, Renee Carroll and sciencespecialists Debbie Rogers and Linda Kellim.

Tanja McKay

Ann Ross

It’s so easy to take conceptyou’re teaching and put it

into the context of solving aforensic crime.

Lessons come alive to the students because they experience it.

Learn more about theCSI project. Scan this QRcode to watch a video.

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Groundwater from the alluvial aquifer, theprimary irrigation source for agriculture in theLower Mississippi River Basin, is being pumpedat an unsustainable rate. Austin Lewis, agraduate student in the College of Agricultureand Technology, is doing something about it.Using advanced technologies, Lewis determinesthe size of irrigation pipes, number and size ofholes for each pipe, and time needed touniformly irrigate each field. Lewis and hisfaculty mentor Dr. Michele Reba (USDA-ARS),are tracking furrow irrigation advance to verifythe performance of the irrigation planning tool.“We place sensor units in the center and end ofthe furrows. This allows us to have sensors inseveral fields at one time and is an unstaffed wayto measure the advance,” Lewis explained.

Incorporating the use of irrigation planningtools will allow producers to decrease waterusage and increase profits. For his master’s thesis,Lewis is testing 14 sensor units in three cottonand three soybean fields. His work is funded bya Conservation Innovation Grant from theUSDA Natural Resources Conservation Service(with Drs. Michele Reba and Tina GrayTeague), with matching funds from the JuddHill Foundation, Delta Plastics, University ofArkansas and University of Arkansas Division ofAgriculture and Technology. Lewis and Rebaemphasize that collaboration is crucial to thesuccess of their research. They have extensive

collaboration with producers at the field sitesand with other students, including Yin Lin“Jack” Chiu, an environmental sciences graduatestudent who designed the sensor units, and CoryWhitehurst, an undergraduate biology majorwho helps Lewis in the field.

Lewis’s interest in science developed as ateenager when he was recruited by Dr. TinaGray Teague for a summer job helping with herfield research. His experience with Dr. Teaguewas the first time he had been in the field andsaid, “It awed me. Then I spent two years as anintern with Bayer Crop Sciences and thoseexperiences solidified that I wanted to pursue acareer in research.” In the future he hopes to doresearch for corporations similar to Bayer. Ofhis career choice, Lewis comments, “Research isfun for me. It’s challenging, but it’s a goodchallenge and I like challenges.”

Learn more aboutAustin. Scan this QRcode to watch a video.

“As an intern, my time in thefield with Dr. Teague awed me... those experiences solidified

that I wanted to pursue acareer in research.”

Austin LewisStudent Researcher

A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE

Electrodynamics explores the relationships andinteractions of light and matter. Once theseinteractions are understood, researchers canmodel the conditions in experiments and in thedesign of emerging nanotechnologies. Onesuch emerging technology is invisibilitycloaking – the idea of bending light around amoving object to make it seem invisible, whilethe object continues in its original path, forexample a stealthier bomber. Graduate studentCheyenne Sheppard is using theoretical physicsto model and understand the forces responsiblefor the bending of light.

Sheppard, who excels in theoretical modeling,has a B.S. in Mathematics, and is currentlycompleting both a B.S. in Physics and an M.S.in Mathematics. His faculty mentor, Dr.Brandon Kemp (College of Engineering), usedan analogy for their research, “When youshoot a gun it recoils because it carriesmomentum. It’s the same when you turn on aflashlight because light has momentum, butthe force is so small you can’t feel it. In thepast few years the science of nanotechnologyhas matured and we now recognize that thesesmall forces are very important.” However,modeling these forces of light has been thesubject of debate among scientists from the eraof Einstein until today. “At that time thedebate was theoretical, but now it is a practicalengineering design problem.”

The implications of Sheppard’s research arecrucial and will direct the design of newnanotechnologies. Forces of light can now beused to trap and push nanoparticles, butSheppard’s research will answer whether theycan also be used to pull on the particles,creating a sort of “nanotechnology tractorbeam.” His research was recently published inPhysical Review, a leading physics journal.Kemp said, “Cheyenne was able in just a fewmonths to solve a problem in relativisticelectrodynamics. The reviewer comments onhis manuscript were incredible and were thebest reviewer comments I’ve ever received. Sonow I have him working on a much morecomplicated problem.” Sheppard said if he hadall the funding and support needed to tackleany scientific problem, he would continueworking in this area. “It is an amazing field andvery stimulating.”

SENSING FOR SUSTAINABILITY CLOAKED IN LIGHT

The implications of Sheppard’sresearch are crucial and will

direct the design of newnanotechnologies.

Lewis received an award forhis presentation at the 2014Beltwide Cotton Conferenceand the College ofAgriculture and TechnologyGraduate Honors Award forhaving a 4.0 GPA.

“It’s critical to conserve ourgroundwater, since 80 pecent of our land inEastern Arkansas is usedfor growing crops thatoften require irrigation.”

Cheyenne SheppardStudent Researcher

Using a glass of water andpencil, Shepherd explains

how matter exerts a force onlight that causes it to bend

around the matter. Thisproduces refraction, makingthe pencil appear bent when

actually the light is bent.

“I always had an interest intaking things apart and

seeing how they worked, anddid this a lot at home. Mydad had an active role in

encouraging me anddeveloping my passion by

taking me to the library andscience shows.”

Dr. Malathi Srivatsan, professor of Neurobiology and assistantdirector of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, recently received$750,000 in grant funding from the National Sciences Foundation(NSF) for her program, Bridging the Divide. The program providessupport and mentoring to strengthen STEM education at threeinstitutions: A-State, Philander Smith College (PSC, collaborator Dr.Nastassia Jones) and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff(collaborator Dr. Anissa Buckner). Their ultimate goal, Srivatsan

said, is to “produce a well-trainedworkforce of scientists and engineers whocan innovate and become job creators.”

This summer, five students from PSC and two from A-State areparticipating in mentored summer research experiences, supported bythe Bridge program, Arkansas’ ASSET Initiative (both NSF-funded) andthe A-State College of Sciences and Mathematics.

“To foster economic growth inArkansas we must produce a well-trained workforce of scientists andengineers who can innovate andbecome job creators.”

– Dr. Malathi SrivatsanBridge program students discover neuron structureusing a BD Pathway confocal bioimaging system

in an ABI laboratory.

Learn more aboutCheyenne. Scan this QRcode to watch a video.

Lean more about the Bridgeprogram by scanning this QR Code.

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Having just finished his freshman year at PSC, Ji’Vone Freemanfrom Chicago’s south side, is now exploring genetics in an A-Statelaboratory. He said, “If I just read something in a book I’m morelikely to forget it. But in this program, I’m learning advancedgenetics hands on, without reading a book.”

PSC student Zana Robinson from Garfield, Ga., says she isn’t verygood at chemistry, but in the Bridge program she is learning

applied science, hands on, to complement her classroom studies atPSC. Her classmate, Toria Holland from Detroit, Mich., commented,“Before I came to the Bridge program my lab skills were not up to par,but I’m developing those skills here.” PSC student Breiona Hamiltonfrom Raytown, Mo., summed up her experience by saying, “I workwith a ‘family.’ They are so encouraging. I really like seeing how eachperson has a different expertise and I can learn different techniquesfrom them. It is amazing to see how it works.”

BRIDGING COLLEGE & COMMUNITIES

Harnessing plant compounds to benefit humanhealth is the topic of Aaron Tollett’s research inthe laboratory of Dr. Fabricio Medina-Bolivar.Tollett specifically works with “hairy roots” fromplants such as peanut. In response to fungal attackin the field, peanut plants produce defensecompounds called stilbenoids. These naturalmedicinal compounds that protect plants couldbe neuroprotective for humans as well. Plant-based foods can be bioengineered to containlarger quantities of stilbenoids. “Perhaps in thefuture, eating the peanuts we engineer would helpprotect a consumer from Parkinson’s disease or toprevent some cancers,” Medina-Bolivar suggested.

Tollett, a sophomore double-major in Biologyand Chemistry, said there weren’t many scienceactivities in his small, rural high school insouthwest Arkansas. However, “my high schoolclass visited A-State and toured the ArkansasBiosciences Institute (ABI) labs and greenhouse.During the tour, one of Medina-Bolivar’s labmembers explained the hairy root system. Thereason I came to A-State was because I wasinterested in the work I saw at ABI.”

While most students do not embark on“authentic” research experiences until their junioror senior year, Tollett explored researchpossibilities at ABI during his first semester ofcollege. He began working in the Medina-Bolivarlab in January 2013 and after only two months,

presented a poster of his independent research ata scientific conference. Medina-Bolivar observed,“Aaron became independent right away. I don’tlike to micromanage my students and want to seethem develop critical thinking skills. Aaron hasdone that in a short time.” In March 2014, Aaronwas selected as one of only six students fromaround the nation to present an invited talk tothe American Chemical Society conferenceattended by over 10,000 researchers. He was theonly student who did not come from a majorresearch institution, and he received first place inthe competition.

When asked about his future aspirations, Tollettsaid, “I’m thinking about education in thesciences because I like working with youngerpeople. I am currently a mentor for the UpwardBound program to teach math and science to highschool students.” He reported one source ofinspiration is his experience with Medina-Bolivar.“He’s been a great mentor and has taken the timeto explain everything in depth. He gives me a lotof information to explore further on my own. Ireally can’t envision working with anyone else.”

“The reason I came to A-Statewas because I was interested in

the work I saw at ABI.”

UNEARTHING THE PROMISE OF THE PEANUTFictional literature isn’t just for our readingpleasure. When it flows from the pen of a skilledwriter it can be used to propel social movementsand change. Emily Hill, a spring 2014 graduatein English, explored this power of literature in herundergraduate honors research thesis. Hillexamined the notion of marital entrapment inthree works by the Brontë sisters: Tenant ofWildfell Hall, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.Of her subject matter, faculty mentor Dr. KateKrueger noted, “Those novels show the pulse ofthe social moment and how women changedwomen’s rights. Representing their traumas infiction versus court reports was powerful and ledpeople to reexamine their situations. It led togreater equality.”

Hill hadn’t read any of the Brontë works until shetook two courses taught by Krueger. “I reallydidn’t like Victorian literature until I came tocollege but then learned to like it. It is reallyunique that there’s a whole family of womenwriters in that time period.” With her interestsparked, Hill pursued and was awarded fundingfrom the Arkansas Department of Education tocomplete a Student Undergraduate ResearchFellowship – one of only four awarded in the statefor English/Philosophy research. Of her analysisof the books, Hill said, “I think they are arguingthat the courtship and marital practices of theirtime should be changed. Their practices are suchthat they have no real means to get to know their

future mate. They are encouraged to marry formoney and security, not for love. It had a negativeeffect on men too. The male characters wereclearly unhappy with their circumstances. It wasall-around bad for society.”

“Emily is really unique in terms of her socialconsciousness,” Krueger said. “She has a verypowerful way of looking at the world and is veryaware of the way we impact the world andinteract as a society. It seemed natural to me thatshe would gravitate toward those texts becausethey are about using literature to impact society. Ithink that will make Emily a great teacherbecause she has a passion to make the worldbetter by leading her classroom and students.”Beginning in Fall 2015, Hill will teach highschool English in the Osceola School District.She plans to replicate things she’s learned fromher high school and college teachers as she usesliterature to spark dialogue and social change forthe next generation.

When fictional literature flowsfrom the pen of a skilled writer,

it can be used to propelsocial movements and change.

WORDS THAT SHAPE SOCIETY

Aaron TolletStudent Researcher

“The problem in nature issustained and variableproduction. We are trying toproduce the stilbenoids at asustainable rate and preventthem from being degradedtoo quickly.”

“We trick the hairy roots toproduce these defensecompounds (stilbenoids)without a fungal attack. A lotof the defense compoundsfor the plant also haveimportant applications forhuman health.”

Emily HillStudent Researcher

Hill’s 9th grade Englishteacher, Ms. Jennifer Woolard,

in Corning High School washer favorite. “We wrote

essays once a week, which shecritiqued. I didn’t realize how

much writing that is until Icame to college. She made me

a better writer.”

Hill will be presenting twopapers at this year’s National

Conference for UndergraduateResearch in Kentucky.

“If we provide students withearly, intensive mentoring andhands-on research experience,over time they will form a large,diverse pool of graduates thatshine as stellar scientists in theSTEM workforce.”

– Dr. Malathi Srivatsan

Learn more aboutAaron. Scan this QRcode to watch a video.

Bridge program students discuss plant genetics inthe ABI greenhouse.

Learn more aboutEmily. Scan this QR

code to watch a video.

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student choir performed a six-concert tour incities across Spain, and four A-State studentsingers and musicians were among those selectedfrom around North America to participate inOpera Maya, an international summer musicprogram in Mexico.

Dr. Neal Bartee, professor of music (trombone),recently performed in France and Hong Kong;a trombone student ensemble performed at aninternational conference in Alabama. Dr. ChrisWilson, assistant professor of music (trumpet)has participated in the Orvieto Musica Festivalin Italy for several years as invited faculty. Lastyear, 12 A-State students accompanied him as apart of the largest trumpet group in thefestival’s history; all of the pieces theyperformed were original compositions byA-State faculty and alumni.

These trumpet ensemble members found theirperformance in Italy to be a career- and life-changing experience. “I’m a future musiceducator and in order to be an excellenteducator I must perfect my craft,” said onestudent. “We had the opportunity to do that atthe festival.” It was a career-defining experiencefor another student who said, “I learned somuch more and determined this is really what Iwant to do with my career,” while another said,“To become well rounded, we shouldexperience as much of the world and othercultures as we can. People tend to becomenarrow-minded and for us to take thisopportunity in college while our time is flexible,I think it makes us better people and shows usthe American way isn’t the only way.”

The trumpet ensemble members also participatein the A-State Marching Band. In 2013, the220-plus member marching band was the largestin A-State’s history. Other CFA performancegroups have also grown. Internally, the CFAproduces more than 300 performances annuallyand students view the performances as animportant recruitment tool. One music studentnoted the Marching Band in particular “couldbe considered the largest support group for thecampus. We represent the university well andhigh school students see us at events and want tojoin. A lot of high school bands come to play onthe field with us.” Another voiced the sentiment

of CFA performers. “We say ‘Red WolvesRising,’ and it’s true,” said the student. “Theuniversity is continually growing. It isn’t just themusic department – it’s everywhere – and thereis growing excitement around the state. Highschool students are catching on to that and eagerto enroll at Arkansas State.”

Under the leadership of Bowyer, globalscholarship is expected to increase even further,for both students and faculty. He hopes tolaunch a study-abroad program in summer 2015that would include all CFA departments in oneinternational location. Bowyer’s owninternational performance background, whichhas spanned the globe, informs and influenceshis plans and reasons for being excited aboutincreasing international opportunities forstudents and faculty. “I learned a lot livingoverseas,” he noted. “It is a huge educationalopportunity to get out and see the world from adifferent perspective. It changes the way youlook at the world.”

Chris Wilson

The Sound of theNatural State

A-State’s 220-plus membermarching band helps

generate statewideexcitement for the university.

College of Fine Arts (CFA) researchers andscholars are expanding their scope to includescholarship on a global scale. In every CFAdepartment, faculty and students are rising inglobal scholarship and recognition. For example,Nikki Arnell, assistant professor of graphicdesign, presented to a design conference inJapan and Kimberly Vickery, associate professorof graphic design, conducted photographyworkshops in Spain. They, along with Dr.William Allen, professor of art history, receivedMiddle East Studies grants to exhibit at theIstanbul Biennial, the world’s most-comprehensive international art exhibition. Dr.Temma Balducci, associate professor of arthistory, and her students spent a summerstudying art history and visual arts in Madrid.Tim Bohn, assistant professor of theatre, haspublished plays that have been performed inother regions of the U.S., while the Departmentof Theatre has helped to bring internationalperformances to A-State’s Fowler Center.

As the Department of Music’s enrollment hasgrown, they have extended their reach farbeyond Arkansas. Dean Bowyer and Dr. MarikaKyriakos, associate professor of music, presentedresearch papers in Buenos Aires. Dr. Dan Ross,professor of music, performs in Poland andFrance and has helped a Polish chamberorchestra develop compositions and organizeperformance tours in the United States. The

Music has the power to notonly stir emotion, but it can

also create change in a person.It’s not just something you

listen to – it affects thedeepest part of who you are.

When asked why the College of Fine Arts is growing so rapidly, students reported being inspired by the national andworld-renown of A-State faculty members, such as Dr. Dan Ross, who frequently lectures at the Julliard School and isknown worldwide for developing a machine used in producing reeds for oboe and bassoon. One student said, “A lotof people don’t get to see just how phenomenal our faculty are. The number one reason I moved here was to workwith these faculty.” “Our faculty were so welcoming and enthusiastic,” another said; “they want to interact with andenfold us, so I chose Arkansas State from a city five hours away.”

CFA students areengaged both locallyand globally in music,theater and visual arts.

PHENOMENAL FACULTY

We say ‘Red Wolves Rising,’ and it’s true …it isn’t just the music department –

it’s everywhere – and there is growingexcitement around the state.

Pictured are faculty and studenttrumpet ensemble members(from left), front row: Joshua Mobley,Hunter Durham, Dr. Don Bowyer,Adonis Finch and Ali Guedea;back row: Cassidy Lucas, Christa Burgess,T.J. Irvin, Seth Jansen, Matt Penny,Dr. Christopher Wilson, Crist Blackwell andJoshua Poff (not pictured: Matthew Bounds).

‘

EDUCATE LOCALLY. PERFORM GLOBALLY.

Learn more about ChrisWilson’s symposium inItaly. Scan this QR codeto watch a video.

AN UPRISING OF ENTHUSIASM

MEASURE : 21


20 : MEASURE

Create @ STATE : A Symposium of Research, Scholarship& Creativity is an annual event dedicated to thecelebration of research, scholarship and creativity bystudents at Arkansas State University. The symposium is anopportunity for both undergraduate and graduate studentsin all disciplines to showcase their accomplishmentsthrough poster, oral and creative/artistic presentations.Faculty members across the A-State campus serve on theAdvisory Board, as student mentors, presentation judges,room hosts and enthusiastic audience members.

Program and abstractbooklet for the third annualCreate @ STATE: ASymposium of Research,Scholarship & Creativity

The fourth annual Create @ STATE onApril 10, 2014, featured a record numberof participants. Over 300 undergraduateand graduate students presented theirscholarly work, which was mentored by 85faculty members. The day-long symposiumalso featured Three Minute Thesis (3MT©)and Gone in 60 Seconds (G60) Live Pitchcompetitions, and two new events: aDocumentary Film Festival and an ArtGallery Exhibition and Artist’s Talk.

Thirty-seven students received awards fromResearch and Technology Transfer totaling$4,700 in gift cards to the A-State IT Store.In addition, winners were chosen for the3MT© and G60 competitions. Phi KappaPhi awarded the “Phi Kappa Phi Love ofLearning Award” to one undergraduate andone graduate poster presentation forscholarly works that exemplified the mottoof Phi Kappa Phi. Other colleges createdawards specific to their disciplines or

interests as a way of demonstrating theirsupport for student scholarship. The Collegeof Sciences & Mathematics awarded cashprizes for best poster and best oralpresentation in the disciplines represented inthe college, and the College of Agriculture& Technology gave an award for the posteror oral presentation that offered the best useof technology to solve problems in naturalresource management.

Create @ STATE continues to add new andinnovative ways to engage students in theeducational research experience. Deepcommitments, enthusiasm and support fromfaculty and administrators continue to addto this event, providing an expressive outletfor student researchers and scholars that willenhance their professional development. Thefifth annual Create @ STATE is scheduled forThursday, April 7, 2014, in the A-State CarlR. Reng Student Union.

20144th Annual!

•••••

2014 Create @ STATE Documentary Film FestivalA-State students from alldisciplines participate in

the day’s events. 2014 Create @ STATE Art Gallery Exhibition & Artist Talk

The Documentary Film Festival included two student produced short-films examining the impact of the 2013 tornado in Moore, Okla.,and the events surrounding the 1998 Westside School shooting. ZaneWright, son of Shannon Wright, who died in the shooting whileshielding a child, was one of the Westside Shooting studentproducers. Dr. Michael Bowman’s film, The Battle for Freedom,included four A-State student production assistants and aired on theArkansas Educational Television Network.

Artwork by Jessica Corder was featured in the ArtGallery exhibition. Corder presented an Art GalleryTalk to attendees about her work in a seriesentitled ‘Strangers.’

Winners from 2014 Create @ STATE

BEST OVERALL UNDERGRADUATE POSTER PRESENTATION

William Blair, ChemistryHigh Throughput Phenotyping Approaches to Identify Salt

Tolerance Lines within a Rice Diversity PanelFaculty Mentor: Dr. Argelia Lorence, Chemistry & Physics

BEST OVERALL GRADUATE POSTER PRESENTATION

Keitha Keech, Family Nurse PractitionerEffects of Diabetes Self-Management Education and

Teaching on HbA1c LevelsFaculty Mentor: Dr. Lisa Waggoner, Nursing

BEST OVERALL CREATIVE/ARTISTIC PRESENTATION

Cassie Phillips, Biological SciencesThe Role That Gender Plays in Coming Out and the LGBT Community

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kathleen Carrick, Social Work

BEST OVERALL UNDERGRADUATE ORAL PRESENTATION

Ryan Lee, Counseling & Michelle Cebada, CounselingA Service-Learning Approach to Student-Focused

Motivational InterviewingFaculty Mentor: Dr. Gill Strait, Psychology & Counseling

BEST OVERALL GRADUATE ORAL PRESENTATION

Mary Kilmer, Environmental SciencesWater Quality Impairments of the Cache River, Arkansas:

Who’s to BlameFaculty Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Bouldin, Biological Sciences

22 : MEASURE


Friends:

I hope this edition of MEASURE helped you gain a deeper understanding of the many ways A-State’s scholarly activities impact our students and our future. We are proud of theinnovation and drive of our faculty, staff and students, who are educating, enhancing andenriching lives. In research administration, we appreciate our unique perspective gainedthrough supporting the variety and magnitude of intellect, discovery and creativity takingshape across campus. We crafted this edition of MEASURE to share that perspective with you.

Research & Technology Transfer is committed to supporting discovery and innovationthrough research initiatives at Arkansas State. Our office provides support through activitiessuch as our annual student research symposium Create @ STATE, Institutes for ResearchDevelopment benefiting staff, faculty and graduate students, and the MEASURE researchpublication, to name a few.

On behalf of Research & Technology Transfer, along with A-State’s artists, scholars andresearchers, we extend our deepest appreciation to you. Thank you for taking the time toread this issue and we look forward to sharing the next edition with you.

Best regards,

Andrew T. Sustich, Ph.D. Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies

Andy Sustich

Philanthropic investment is critical to advancing researchat Arkansas State University.

Please consider supporting research at Arkansas State by making atax-deductible contribution to the ASU Foundation.

By scanning the QR Code you may give to a program of your choice.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

OFFICE OF RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERP.O. BOX 2760 • STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467

322 UNIVERSITY LOOP CIRLCE • JONESBORO, AR 72401

AState.edu/Research

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