BEST BETS
“DISCOVERING ALABAMA” CELEBRATES 40 YEARS — The Emmy Award-winning series “Discovering Alabama” will start its 40th year of showcasing Alabama’s natural history and environment Sept. 7 at 9 p.m. on Alabama Public Television. The series’ latest episode titled, “Alabama Quadricentennial,” looks at potential environmental impacts to the state in coming decades and features the last interview with the late Dr. E.O. Wilson. “Discovering Alabama,” a production of the Alabama Museum of Natural History at The University of Alabama, has completed more than 100 episodes to date, covering all aspects of the state’s natural diversity – geology, forests, rivers, flora, fauna, and related aspects of cultural history.
U.S. RENTS FALL, ALABAMA’S REMAIN CONSISTENT IN NEW RENTAL REPORT — The latest monthly index tracking rent across the country by the Alabama Center for Real Estate and two other universities indicates rent increases are starting to slow down after more than a year of rapid price hikes. However, Alabama stands out because of consistent rent prices compared to the national outlook. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
UA JUNIOR WINS OBAMA FOUNDATION’S VOYAGER SCHOLARSHIP — UA junior Kate Herndon is a recipient of the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship that recognizes college students with a passion for helping others through public service. Herndon, a native of Newburyport, Massachusetts, is one of 100 students from around the nation and first from UA to receive the award also known as the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. According to the Obama Foundation, recipients exude a passion for helping others, experience serving in or building community, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
UA PRE-MEDICAL STUDENTS ACHIEVE 100% MED SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE — The inaugural class of UA’s McCollough Institute for Pre-Medical Scholars achieved 100% medical school acceptance. The institute, endowed by Dr. Gaylon and Mrs. Susan McCollough, prioritizes academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and undergraduate research. The McCollough Institute students were accepted into medical schools and programs all over the U.S. and Zurich, Switzerland. For more information, contact Kellie Hensley, director of college relations for the College of Arts and Sciences, at kellie.hensley@ua.edu, or McCollough Institute Director Dr. Ted Poston at ted.poston@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
DEALING WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL STRESS — “The beginning of the new school year typically creates new stress(ors) for both children and adults,” said Dr. John Burkhardt, associate professor with UA’s department of psychiatry and behavioral medicine. “Stress typically falls into one of four categories: time, situational, anticipatory and encounter. We naturally possess a psychological immune system that typically functions unconsciously that aids us in building resiliency to cope with our stress and anxiety. A few suggestions for how to manage new life stressors include prioritizing the right amount sleep, nutrition and exercise as these areas are important for building resilience and stress management; create and write down a new daily routine to account for the new school year to add structure to your day, help you focus, be organized and reduce feeling overwhelmed; and remind yourself this new change is temporary and research shows we adapt to change quickly with less difficulty than we initially believe.” To schedule an interview, contact Dr. John Burkhardt at jeburkhardt@ua.edu.
EVENTS
GROWING UP WILD: WHAT IS A SCIENTIST? — What is a scientist? What do they really do? Spend some time with your preschooler at the Alabama Museum of Natural History Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon to learn what a scientist actually is, different types of scientists, and the tools they use. Admission is $5 per child/adult pair. Registration is required.
WHY SHARKS MATTER — The inaugural presentation of the John S. Steiner Endowed Lecture Series will feature award-winning marine biologist Dr. David Shiffman visiting UA Sept. 16. Shiffman will give a free presentation titled, “Why Sharks Matter: The Science and Policy of Saving Sharks,” at 11 a.m. in 1001 Math and Science Education Building. Immediately following the lecture, Shiffman will be signing copies of his book, “Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator,” during a reception with light refreshments at the Alabama Museum of Natural History’s Grand Gallery. The presentation and reception are free, but registration is required.
NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? — See our frequently updated experts directory here.
VISIT THE UA NEWS CENTER FOR STORY IDEAS.
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.