BEST BETS
RISE CENTER’S BUY FOR RISE NOV. 4-5 — The UA RISE Center will host its annual BUY for RISE fundraiser Nov. 4-5 featuring bargains from numerous local retailers on everything from clothing to home décor. New items will be offered at deep discounts. Local retailers include Effie’s, JnJ, Lou and Co, Bossi, McStitches Embellished Goods, Woods and Water, Confetti Interiors, Hudson Poole Fine Jewelers, Part Two, The Locker Room and more. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
NEW MRI FACILITY READY FOR TRANSFORMATIVE RESEARCH — The next breakthrough in human development and health research could come from UA. Several projects are lining up to take advantage of the capabilities offered by a recently installed MRI, helping researchers gain a deeper understanding of how the human brain works and future studies could involve orthopedic and sports medicine. With access to participants from rural, underserved communities, UA’s new MRI Research Facility will also expand the diversity of research data that could impact national studies. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
PROVOST FORMALLY INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE — Executive Vice President and Provost James Dalton was formally inducted into the National Academy of Medicine during a ceremony Oct. 15 in Washington, D.C. A member of the 2019 class, Dalton is UA’s first and only member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Dalton’s induction was driven by his prolific career in drug discovery and the pharmaceutical sciences. Prior to joining UA, he served as dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
TRANSITION TO SHORTER DAYS CAN BE A STRUGGLE FOR SOME — “The effects of daylight savings time, or DST, are more than just seeing less sunlight,” says Dr. John Burkhardt, associate professor with UA’s department of psychiatry and behavioral medicine. “It can disrupt an individual’s circadian rhythms altering their sleep/wake cycle, which can cause sleep debt, and hormone levels. For individuals living with major depression, seasonal affective disorder or other mood disorders, this can be an unwelcome long, dark period. These disorders are known to have effects like increasing depression and anxiety, fatigue, isolation, decreased drive, and in some cases suicidal ideations. A few recommendations to combat DST’s effects include using a light box or being outside in the morning throughout the time change to offset reduced sunlight exposure, maintaining your current sleep schedule and daily routines, practicing good sleep hygiene, staying physically active, and tracking your personal experiences during this time to make other necessary adjustments.” To schedule an interview, contact Burkhardt at jeburkhardt@ua.edu.
EVENTS
HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA — Families are encouraged to come for Halloween fun at the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event, which is free, includes trick or treating, games and the chance for children ages 13 and under to meet UA student-athletes. Everyone is encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable food items to donate to Beat Auburn Beat Hunger.
GROWING UP WILD PRESCHOOL FRIDAY — The Alabama Museum of Natural History is hosting Growing Up Wild Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to spend time together and explore the museum to learn about nature through activities, crafts and stories. The cost of the program is $5 per child and includes up to two caregivers. Registration is required. For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson, UA Museums, at rljohnson8@ua.edu.
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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.