Two University of Alabama students to compete for Miss America title in Atlantic City
Al.com – Sept. 4
Though each state only gets one contestant to represent it in the upcoming Miss America pageant, the University of Alabama will have two of its own vying for the crown on Sept. 15. Chandler Champion and Haley Williams — Miss Alabama and Miss Michigan, respectively — are both juniors at the University of Alabama, according to a recent media release, and will compete for the $50,000 scholarship prize. Champion, a native of Leeds, Ala., is a dance and broadcast journalism major at UA and hopes to pursue a career in broadcast after graduation, according to her Miss America competition information. Williams, from Saline, Mich., is studying public relations and hopes to obtain a master’s degree in public administration. “As a student at UA, it has been a priority to expand my knowledge and obtain the best education possible,” Champion said in the release. “I have been able to apply the same drive and work ethic that I use in my education to reach my goal of becoming Miss America.” Both women have currently taken time off from school to prepare for the upcoming pageant and promote their philanthropic platforms.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Sept. 4
UA professor writes book on fantasy sports
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Sept. 4
If you enjoy fantasy football, you may want to check out a new book from a University of Alabama professor. Dr. Andrew Billings co-authored The Fantasy Sport Industry: Games Within Games. Billings says the motivation for people to play fantasy sports like baseball, football, and basketball could come from the friendships involved or just a love of the game. Billings told WVUA that the draw for fans could also be the crossover with cheering for their favorite teams.
Measuring progress in nanotech design: Team uses laser spectroscopy to size-up band offset
Phys.org – Sept. 4
Engineers working in the nanoscale will have a new tool at their disposal thanks to an international group of researchers led by Drexel University’s College of Engineering. This innovative procedure could alleviate the persistent challenge of measuring key features of electron behavior while designing the ever-shrinking components that allow cell phones, laptops and tablets to get increasingly thinner and more energy efficient … The study, which was funded primarily by the National Science Foundation, also included researchers from Lehigh University, National Research Council – Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM-CNR) and the University of Salento in Italy, Weizmann Institute of Science and Negev Nuclear Research Center in Israel and the University of Alabama. Each group added a key component to the project…Patrick Kung, from the University of Alabama, analyzed the composition of the nanowire at the atomic level, and Tsachi Livneh, of Negev Nuclear Research Center, contributed to the analyses.
Science Daily – Sept. 4
Wireless Design and Development – Sept. 4
The man behind ‘Celebrating Achievement’
Crimson White – Sept. 5
While “Celebrating Achievement” is a common tune to many students at The University of Alabama, for one, it is more than just familiar. Amir Zaheri, a doctoral student, is the man behind the music. Aside from being a doctoral student, Zaheri is an instructor of music composition and theory in the School of Music and the director of the University’s contemporary ensemble. He came to the University in fall 2011 because he was drawn to the School of Music for its renowned instructors and excellent academics … In 2012 Judy Bonner, then the provost, commissioned him to compose what is now known as “Celebrating Achievement.”
Smith Hall home to ancient, rare artifacts
Crimson White – Sept. 5
Built in 1909 and named after Eugene Allen Smith, appointed state geologist in 1873, The University of Alabama’s Smith Hall has housed the Alabama Museum of Natural History for more than 100 years. The museum is home to some of Alabama’s rare pieces of history. It has items that date back millions of years ago, including Basilosaurus cetoides, Alabama’s state fossil and a shrunken human head. “A museum is like a library, where people go to learn, or like a park, where people can go to enjoy,” Randy Mecredy, director of the Alabama Museum of Natural History, said. “It’s a great source of natural history and a great timeline for the rich history of Alabama,” Dalton Bryant, a sophomore and museum employee, said. One of the most noticeable attractions is the full Basilosaurus fossil hanging from the ceiling in the main gallery. “A lot of the times people stop in here to see the Basilosaurus fossil, which is one of the most popular attractions,” Bryant said.
Growth comes to UA greek system
Crimson White – Sept. 5
As the fall semester begins at The University of Alabama, the Inter-Fraternity Council and Panhellenic Association have welcomed new growth to the greek system by means of construction and the intake of new groups on campus. Since 2002, the greek community has seen continued expansion, Kat Gillan, director of Greek Affairs, said. “The community hopes to continue that trend, adding new chapters and councils to best fit the needs of our students,” Gillan said in an emailed statement. Currently, there are a number of construction projects taking place on the campus. The cluster of new houses going up along University Boulevard and Paul W. Bryant Drive stem from a need for larger houses to accommodate student growth and to remain compliant with current safety and fire regulations. Cathy Andreen, director of media relations, provided renderings of the new sorority houses. They show multi-storied buildings with the red brick and white roofing synonymous with the architecture of the campus.
Fitness Tips for Moms and Dads on the Go!
Parents and Kids Magazine – Aug. 28
As a parent, sometimes the last thing on your mind is yourself. Taking care of kids is hard work, and sometimes moms and dads neglect to take care of themselves. As a parent, you want to be around for your children, as much as possible, and for as long as time allows. This is why physical health is really something mommies and daddies should neglect no longer. The healthier the parents are, the healthier their children are. (Katy-Whitten Davidson lives in Columbus, MS with her new baby boy, Zooey-James. She is an English/Creative Writing major at the University of Alabama, where she plans to graduate next May.)