MONDAY, JULY 29 – SUNDAY, AUG. 4
RESEARCH
RESEARCHERS TO STUDY IRRIGATION’S IMPACT ON SOUTHERN FARMS — Unique research led by UA will study whether more irrigation-fed farms in the Deep South could lead to a more robust agriculture industry, potentially increasing its economic impact. With a four-year, $1.75 million grant, UA researchers will examine how a transition from rain-fed farming to irrigation-fed farming in the Deep South could impact harvests and water use. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA communications, 205-348-4328 or adam.jones@ua.edu.
COLD-TOLERANT BUMBLE BEES FOCUS OF UA RESEARCH EFFORT – Researchers at UA will lead a genetic investigation into whether the environment influences cold tolerance in bumble bees. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA communications, at 205-348-4328 or adam.jones@ua.edu.
BEST BETS
UA TO HOLD SUMMER COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE AUG. 3 – UA will hold its summer commencement exercise Saturday, Aug. 3, at Coleman Coliseum. All colleges and schools will participate in a single ceremony that begins at 9 a.m. UA has more than 1,600 degree candidates, including undergraduate, doctoral and master’s candidates. For more information, contact David Miller, UA Strategic Communications, at 205-348-0825 or david.c.miller@ua.edu.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE SUMMER BUGS – Alabama is one of the most biodiverse states in the nation, and bugs play a tremendous part in the circle of life here. That’s according to Dr. John Abbott, chief curator and director of museum research and collections for UA Museums. Abbott said most of Alabama’s more than 20,000 arthropod species – invertebrates with segmented bodies and jointed limbs such as insects and spiders – don’t cause problems for people. But, some can, and summer is the most likely time for humans and arthropods to clash. For more information, contact Jamon Smith, UA Strategic Communications, at 205-348-4956 or jamon.smith@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL FIELD TO THIN – The second round of Democratic presidential debates is scheduled July 30-31, and the result of the verbal fray will thin the record-breaking number of Democratic presidential candidates significantly before the next debate, said Dr. Regina Wagner, UA assistant professor of political science. Wagner said multiple reasons are behind the large field, including Democrats’ energization at the prospect of defeating President Donald Trump. It’s also a battle of ideologies, with Democratic candidates vying to prove whose liberal viewpoint and accompanying strategy is the best formula. Best times to link with Wagner are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. To arrange a Skype, email or phone interview between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. July 30, first email her at rlwagner1@ua.edu. Her Skype name is regwag2003. For more information, contact Jamon Smith, UA Strategic Communications, at 205-348-4956 or jamon.smith@ua.edu.
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