MONDAY, APRIL 20 – SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
BEST BETS
UA GRAD STUDENT PURSUING HER LOVE OF SPORT WITH SUMMER PROGRAM – University of Alabama graduate student Gennelle Chatman has one passion in life — athletics. She has played almost every competitive sport there is and can’t imagine doing anything other than building on that passion. This summer, she will be one step closer to realizing that goal. The 23-year-old Orlando native was recently selected to participate in the United States Olympic Committee’s FLAME program. FLAME — Finding Leaders Amongst Minorities Everywhere — is a highly selective, eight-day program that provides diverse college and graduate-level students with a unique look into the world of elite sport. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
A UA STUDENT WINS ‘PEOPLE’S CHOICE’ AWARD FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR AT 3-MINUTE THESIS COMPETITION – UA graduate student Brandon Chicotsky won the ‘People’s Choice’ award at the regional 3MT conference in New Orleans. Chicotsky is the second straight UA student to win the award. Contact: Bobby Mathews, UA Media Relations, 205/348-4956 or bwmthews1@ur.ua.edu.
STRAN TO CONDUCT WHEELCHAIR STUDY WITH AREA YOUTH – Dr. Margaret Stran, assistant professor of kinesiology and associate director of The University of Alabama’s Adapted Athletics program, has received a $21,362 grant from the Christopher Reeve Foundation to conduct a manual wheelchair study with students in Tuscaloosa City Schools over the next year. Stran, along with colleagues in the kinesiology department, will help address issues of poorly-fitted wheelchairs, like arm length and arm positioning, and length of the back, all of which can lead to poor posture and impact a person’s quality of life, Stran said. UA researchers will make changes to students’ chairs, including axle position, brake position and removal of unnecessary items. For more information, contact David Miller, UA Media Relations, at 205/348-0825 or dcmiller2@ur.ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
ASTRONOMER WHO LED MULTIPLE HUBBLE PROJECTS AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS SPACE TELESCOPE’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY – Dr. William Keel, UA professor of astronomy, recently led a Hubble Space Telescope project. It marked the eighth time Keel has led a Hubble project during its years in orbit. As NASA looks to the 25th anniversary of Hubble’s launch on April 24, Keel is available to give his thoughts on the instrument’s impact on space exploration and research. He may be reached at 205/348-1641 or wkeel@ua.edu. For assistance, contact Chris Bryant, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8323, cbryant@ur.ua.edu.
UA EXPERT TIPS
UA MATTERS: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT – Child maltreatment is a serious issue in Alabama and across the United States. The University of Alabama’s Dr. Tricia Witte, associate professor in the department of human development and family studies, offers valuable insight into what you should know about child abuse in this week’s UA Matters. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA MATTERS: THINKING OF ONLINE DATING? A FEW ITEMS TO CONSIDER – Many people try online dating as a way to meet the person of their dreams – or at least liven up their social life. The University of Alabama’s Dr. Christopher Lynn, assistant professor of anthropology, offers some do’s and don’ts to consider regarding online dating— and, in some cases, dating in general—based on some basic principles of human (and primate) nature in UA Matters. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
EVENTS
UA TO HOST SUMMIT TO ADDRESS CHILD ABUSE – The UA School of Social Work and College of Human Environmental Sciences will host “A Blue Ribbon Event: Leading the Way in Protecting our Children – An Alabama Legacy of Innovation and Leadership” on April 20 at the Child Development Research Center at UA. The summit will take place between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Robert E. “Bud” Cramer, former Alabama congressman and founder of the Children’s Advocacy Center Movement, headquartered in Huntsville, will be the keynote speaker. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Neal Wade, director of the UA Economic Development Academy, will be among four panelists for the discussion “Child Maltreatment and Economic Implications.” Panelists will field questions from audience members. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact David Miller, UA Media Relations, at 205/348-0825 or dcmiller2@ur.ua.edu.
UA LECTURE SERIES HONORS MEN IN NURSING – The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing recently announced the establishment of the Joe Burrage Memorial Lectureship series. Established in honor of Dr. Joe Webb Burrage Jr., who served as the nursing college’s assistant dean of graduate programs until his death on Feb. 19, 2014, the lectureship will celebrate and acknowledge the work of male nurse leaders. The first lecture will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in the Capstone College of Nursing auditorium and will feature James L. Raper, the director of UAB’s 1917 HIV/AIDS Outpatient Clinic. The lecture is open to the public. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA’S HISTORY COMES TO LIFE DURING GUIDED TOUR – The Gorgas family, along with numerous others who played a huge role in shaping UA, the community and state, will share their stories during the University’s first Living History Tour. Hosted by the Alabama Museum of Natural History and the Gorgas House Museum, the event will allow participants an opportunity to travel through time as they tour several significant buildings and learn from fascinating figures who have earned their spot in Alabama’s history. The event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Tickets are $4 and can be purchased that day at Smith Hall. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA MUSEUM’S INNOVATION FAIR LOOKS TO THE FUTURE – The West Alabama community is invited to explore the future of technology and innovation during the first Innovation Fair at the Alabama Museum of Natural History on The University of Alabama’s campus. The event, which will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, is the final installment of the museum’s Science Sunday year-round program. Visitors from campus and the community will be available to share their advances and show some of the research and innovations they have been working on, providing community members a great opportunity to learn about, and become acquainted with, up-and-coming research. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA’S MOUNDVILLE PARK FEATURES BASKET WEAVER – The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park features natural fibers at its Saturday in the Park program on April 25. Park education staff will set up and display how different types of plants were used to make cordage (better known as thread, string and/or rope) or were processed to make other things including slings, baskets, bags, nets and mats. Children can make their own fiber friendship bracelet. The program will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu