MONDAY, AUG. 26 – SUNDAY, SEPT. 1, 2013
BEST BETS
UA STUDY WITH TROUBLED YOUTH USES TECHNOLOGY, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT – Dr. Randy Salekin, UA psychology professor, is channeling the power of positivity to counsel boys in the Department of Youth Services system. Salekin and a team of UA graduate students have developed a system that combines science education, technology, positive psychology, and positive reinforcement that has been more effective at reaching troubled youth at the facility than typical methods, like empathy training or strict discipline. Salekin and his team have had the positive interventions with more than 70 boys, ages 12 to 18, since the spring. The boys typically have conduct disorder or oppositional defiance, along with criminal or serious behavioral issues, Salekin said. The interventions, though, are impacting behavior, according to DYS staff members. The positive aspect to the message is “there’s something I can do about this,” said Salekin. “It gives them a tremendous amount of confidence. Their eyes are wide open at that point.” Salekin said positive psychology interventions are typically used with emotionally troubled adults, making his study with oppositional defiant youth the first of its kind. For more information, contact David Miller, media relations, 205/348-0825 or dcmiller2@ur.ua.edu.
LEADER IN HIGGS BOSON DISCOVERY TO VISIT AUG. 28 – A scientist who had a leading role in last year’s discovery of the Higgs boson – touted as one of the top findings of this generation – will discuss the particle’s detection during an Aug. 28 public talk at U A. The talk by Dr. Albert de Roeck, a senior research scientist at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in Gallalee Hall, room 227. The newly discovered subatomic particle, for which scientists had searched for decades, gives other particles their mass and confirms what’s known as the standard model, a theory of physics that describes how the universe works. For more information, see this news release or contact Chris Bryant in media relations, 205/348-8323, cbryant@ur.ua.edu.
UA STUDENTS’ WORK INSPIRED BY ITALIAN ADVENTURE – What better way to create Italian-inspired fashion and interior design concepts than to actually explore those very cities? A group of students from the department of clothing, textiles and interior in the UA College of Human Environmental Sciences, spent a month in Italy this summer as part of a study abroad program. As part of their class, the students were tasked with completing different projects based on their major. The key – they had to incorporate Italian themes, concepts and inspiration into those projects. A sampling of their completed work will be on display today (Monday, Aug. 26) on the third floor of Doster. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA media relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
SOFTWARE TO SIMULATE BEHAVIORS WITHIN CELLS, AID IN HEALTH RESEARCH – A new research grant will aid a UA math professor in developing a software package to simulate biochemical reactions within cells – an effort that could pave the way for new therapies to target disease. The National Science Foundation awarded Dr. Roger Sidje, an associate professor of mathematics and a newly appointed associate dean in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, an approximate $200,000 grant for the research. The software package would feature a mathematical model that seeks to accurately mimic behaviors associated with key molecules within cells during specific situations. Computer modeling of cellular processes allows researchers to avoid costly trial-and-error laboratory experiments in live cells. For more information, contact Chris Bryant, UA media relations, at 205/348-8323 or cbryant@ur.ua.edu. Contact Sidje directly at 205/348-7007, roger.b.sidje@ua.edu.
UA PROFESSOR’S NEW BOOK EXAMINES COLD WAR’S IMPACT ON SOUTH – A new book by University of Alabama history professor Kari Frederickson explores how the Cold War changed the American South in ways that are just now being understood. “Cold War Dixie” (University of Georgia Press, 2013) examines the impact of the military-industrial complex on the small town of Aiken, S.C. For more information, contact Frederickson at kfrederi@as.ua.edu or Bobby Mathews, UA media relations, at bwmathews1@ua.edu or 205/348-4956.
UA PROFESSOR TO STUDY ALABAMA BARBECUE – University of Alabama history professor Dr. Joshua Rothman is using a new grant to examine the cultural phenomenon of barbecue in the South, and particularly in Alabama. For more information, contact Bobby Mathews, UA media relations, at bwmathews1@ur.ua.edu or 205/348-4956.
3-MINUTE THESIS TEACHES GRAD STUDENTS HOW TO SHARE THEIR WORK – A new program embraced by The University of Alabama Graduate School is teaching doctoral students how to lose academic language to make their work accessible to everyone. For more information, contact Bobby Mathews, UA media relations, at bwmathews1@ur.ua.edu or 205/348-4956.
EVENTS
UA PRESENTS WEEK OF WELCOME 2013 – The University of Alabama’s Week of Welcome 2013 continues through Thursday, Aug. 29. The two-week series, featuring more than 50 events, is designed to help first-year and transfer students transition to academic and student life at the Capstone by learning about campus life and the Tuscaloosa community.Contact LaToya Scott at scott060@sa.ua.edu or 205/348-7525 or Bobby Mathews, UA media relations, at bwmathews1@ua.edu or 205/348-4956.
SATURDAY IN THE PARK CONTINUES AT MOUNDVILLE — Park visitors will have an opportunity to tour the museum exhibits and learn how archaeologists know how Mississippian Indians looked and dressed during this weekend’s Saturday in the Park program at UA’s Moundville Archaeological Park. They will see what the Moundville Indians looked like and find out what researchers think different symbols mean. Afterward, they can meet Chip Wente, a longtime Moundville volunteer from Livingston, as he discusses how Mississippian Indians adorned themselves. Children will also be able to make themselves a shell necklace the old-fashioned way. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. Also, Warrior resident Cat Sloan, who is of Cherokee descent, will teach a Native American Crafts Class – The Basics of Beading from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee and registration is required. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA media relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
LOOKING AHEAD
OPENING THE GRADUATE DOOR – UA’s Graduate School will host a symposium titled “Opening the (Graduate) Schoolhouse Door at UA,” from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, in the Ferguson Center Theatre. The panel discussion, which will focus on national leadership in African American graduate education in the 21st century, features two early African American graduate students, including the first to earn a doctorate, along with current students and several faculty members. The symposium is part of “Through the Doors,” a year-long series of activities and events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of UA in 1963. For more information, visit http://www.throughthedoors.ua.edu/index.html. Contact: Richard LeComte, media relations, 205/348-3782, rllecomte@ur.ua.edu.