Dr. David Lyons, professor of mathematical sciences, published an undergraduate textbook, “Introduction to Groups and Geometries.” According to the MathVista project website, “This free, online test is designed for a one-semester undergraduate mathematics course that combines an introduction to group theory with an introduction to modern geometries using the Kleinian paradigm.”
Dr. Laura Eldred, assistant dean and director of Constellation LVC, and Dr. Robert Machado, chair of humanities and director of English, were quoted in the recent “Recruitment and Strategies for the Humanities,” article published by InsideHigherEd.com.
Dr. Christopher Dolan, professor of political science, published an opinion piece, “Normalizing our relations in the Middle East is reflective of broader geopolitical and geo-economic concerns,” in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. He notes, among other points, that “Biden’s decision to re-enter nuclear talks with Iran will drive Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states toward one another as the U.S pursues diplomatic relations with all major players in the region.”
Dr. Kimberlee Josephson, associate dean of the Breen Center for Graduate Success & assistant professor of business administration, discussed two of her recent publications with the co-hosts of the Consumer Choice Radio Show, whose founding office is in Belgium. One of the articles she discussed, Why Competition is the Antidote to Big Tech’s Bad Behavior, Not Politicians, was published Feb. 13, by the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE).
Dr. Stephen Williams, professor emeritus of biology, published “Pollination of Dionaea Muscipula, The Venus Flytrap,” in the current issue of the Carnivorous Plant Newsletter. With his co-researcher, Bill Scholl, they describe in detail the timing of stages in flower opening and shedding of pollen. Bumblebees and solitary bees were found to be the pollinators. Dr. Susan Verhoek, professor emerita of biology, and Dr. Allan F. Wolfe, professor emeritus of biology, consulted on the study.
Dr. Grant Taylor, professor of art & art history, joined Emilie Shuler, an outpatient recreation therapist, to design an online art therapy program for veterans coping with isolation and depression during COVID-19. The virtual Vantage Point: Telehealth Photography Program focuses on COVID-related issues through personal phone camera photos. Taylor is teaching two groups of veterans through the Veterans Affairs video connect platform to center them on successful coping skills and increased social connection during a period of significant isolation. An online presence and exhibit will publish later this spring.
Dr. Will Delavan, associate professor of economics, was interviewed for the Pittsburgh Business Journal’s story “Pennsylvania fossil-fuel industry received $37 billion in tax breaks in 2019 says report.” Delevan’s analysis of the report appeared across Pennsylvania in outlets such as the Pennsylvania Capital Star, Pittsburgh Business Times, and Pittsburgh City paper.
Dr. Christopher Dolan’s, professor political science, “Republican Flirtation with Extremism Began More Than a Half-century ago ($$)” was published by PennLive on Feb. 22. The article rejects the argument that conservative extremism is a contemporary phenomenon that began with Donald Trump and traces to the 20th Century origins of elected Republicans using extremist sentiment to build political support.
Dr. Justin Morell, associate professor of music, will release All Without Words on April 30 . The album is a jazz/orchestral trumpet concerto featuring John Daversa, a multi-Grammy winning soloist from the University of Miami. Morell wrote the composition based on his experience as a parent of a non-verbal autistic child. It’s a theme and variations, the theme of which is a transcription of his son Loren’s vocalizations.
