MONDAY, AUG. 17 – SUNDAY, AUG. 23, 2015
BEST BETS
WETLAND FLOODING RESEARCH TAKES NEW APPROACH – A warming world could result in sea levels rising by as much as a meter by the turn of the century, according to estimates. This could, among other things, drastically alter coastal wetlands, impacting their roles as a last line of defense against storm surges and as sanctuaries for various species. A group of scientists, led by a UA researcher, developed a new, low-cost method for studying potential impacts of rising sea levels on wetlands. And, in research publishing today, these authors show how materials available at the local hardware store are central to the new approach. Contact the lead researcher, Dr. Julia Cherry, UA associate professor of New College and biological sciences, at 205/348-8416, Julia.cherry@ua.edu. For assistance, contact Chris Bryant, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8323 or cbryant@ur.ua.edu.
RIPPLE EFFECT – UA’s Center for Service and Leadership is giving students a chance to meet fellow students before classes start while giving back to the community. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, students will volunteer their time to help out the Tuscaloosa area in a program called Ripple Effect. Service projects will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Buses will depart from the Ferguson Center at 8 a.m. Sites are: Central Elementary School, 1510 Dinah Washington Ave; University Place Elementary, 3834 21st St; Woodland Forest Elementary, 6001 E. Hargrove Road; and Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, 3701 Loop Road East. Contact: Richard LeComte, UA Media Relations, rllecomte@ur.ua.edu, 205/348-3782.
CURRENT COMMENT
GOP RISKING A LOT IF IT DISASSOCIATES WITH DONALD TRUMP – “Trump can remain in the race as long as he wants. And because he does represent an important constituency in the GOP (albeit not a majority), the eventual nominee will need his endorsement to have a chance to win the general election. If Trump decides to run as an independent, this could all but seal the election for the Democrats, much like Ross Perot¹s candidacy did in 1992. This is the Republicans¹ worst nightmare right now.” —Dr. Richard C. Fording, chair of the UA department of political science. For an interview, contact Fording directly at rfording@ua.edu. For assistance, contact Bobby Mathews, UA Media Relations, 205/348-4956 or bwmathews1@ur.ua.edu.
UA EXPERT TIPS
UA MATTERS: CREATING A ‘WOW FACTOR’ IN SCHOOL LUNCHES – For many families, back to school means back-to-school lunches. Gone are the days of a brown bag lunch of a PB and J sandwich with fruit and milk. With an increasing prevalence in food allergies, bringing lunch and snacks from home has grown in popularity. The University of Alabama’s Sheena Quizon Gregg offers a few tips for adding the “wow factor” to your child’s next packed lunch in this week’s UA Matters. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
EVENTS
UA’S RURAL SCHOLARS PROGRAMS HOLDS ORIENTATION AUG. 18 – UA’s College of Community Health Sciences works to address the shortage of primary doctors in Alabama through its Rural Medical Scholars Program. The program admits its 20th class this year and will celebrate the milestone with special events throughout the year. Orientation for the 2015-16 Rural Medical Scholars and Rural Community Health Scholars (master’s degree candidates in Rural Community Health) is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Camp Tuscoba Retreat Center in Northport. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
BOOK COVER DESIGNS ON DISPLAY – Cover designs of books by 34 faculty authors in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences are on display through Aug. 28 at The University of Alabama Gallery in the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center in downtown Tuscaloosa. The exhibit, “Cover to Cover: Authors from the College of Arts and Sciences,” features authors who are internationally recognized scientists, writers, artists and scholars. They represent 18 academic disciplines in three divisions: social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, and humanities and fine arts. Contact: Stephanie Kirkland, communications specialist, College of Arts and Sciences, 205/348-8539, stephanie.kirkland@ua.edu, or Lucy Curzon, director of education and outreach, UA’s Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art, lcurzon@as.ua.edu.
LOOKING AHEAD
UA’S UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER-NORTHPORT CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING – University Medical Center’s new Northport location, which is operated by The University of Alabama, will hold its grand opening Aug. 26. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. at University Medical Center-Northport, located in the Fitness One building, 1325 McFarland Blvd., Suite 102. It will be followed by an open house for the community. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.
UA’S CHILD DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES HOSTS CONFERENCE – UA’s Child Development Resources is hosting its first Early Learning Child Development Conference “Building a Good Foundation” later this month. The conference, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Bryant Conference Center, is open to UA faculty, child care providers, students and anyone who works with children. The cost is $15, which includes lunch. Contact: Kim Eaton, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu.