How do you keep on finding joy in creative writing? What can rhesus macaques teach us about alcohol use? What major historical events are being explored? UNCG faculty and staff have kept busy with new published works, new presentations, and an ever-present desire to inspire others, young and old. These are some of the places where they have appeared in recent media:
Accolades
Dr. Ting Wang, assistant professor of sociology, won Best Book Prize from the Association for Asian Studies for her new book “The Lonely Generation: Unraveling China’s Population Crisis after the One-Child Policy.”
Dr. Diane Gill, professor of kinesiology will receive an honorary degree from her alma mater SUNY Cortland at its 2025 Commencement.
Gill, who is retiring this year, will deliver her “Last Lecture” on April 30.
The lecture will begin at 4 p.m. and a reception will be held afterwards, during which attendees can enjoy refreshments and conversation.
Next Steps in Research and Innovation
Dr. Ayalew Osena, associate professor of biology, helped secure a patent to spur efficient and cost-effective production of the sterile plant miscanthus x giganteus.
Dr. Steve Fordahl, associate professor of nutrition, co-published new research on alcohol use in rhesus macaques in Nature Communications.
Chemistry and Biochemistry’s Director of Undergraduate Studies Pradyumna Pradhan talked with Jim Longworth on “Triad Today” about the importance of Science Everywhere:
Guiding Expertise
Human Development and Family Studies’s Stephanie Irby Coard shared advice on how to raise children of all ages to be independent thinkers.
Dr. John Borchert, director of the Network for the Cultural Study of Videogaming; and Sophie Priest, Assistant Director for Esports Innovation, organized and led a roundtable discussion at the “Accessible Game Jam” in February.
Martha Thompson, community health worker with “Strong Minds, Strong Communities” within the Department of Psychology, participated in a Spanish-language Cafecito and tele-town hall hosted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to help unpack mental health resources.
Dr. Etsuko Kinefuchi, professor of communicaton studies and affiliate faculty for geography, environment, and sustainability was interviewed on the implications of a rapid increase in forest biomass.
Dr. Dena Phillips Swason, chair of human development and family studies, was interviewed on a recent study about the potential health impacts of divorce on children.
Historical Reflections
Dr. James Anderson, professor of history, took part in an event in Washington State reflecting on 50 years since the fall of Saigon.
Professor of History Charles Bolton presented on “Mississippi and World War II” at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson.
Creative Inspiration
Scott Romine, professor of English, co-led a panel at the Virginia Festival of the Book in March called “Southerness and Otherness: Exploring Identity in the U.S. South” drawing from his book “The Zombie Memes of Dixie.”
Art Professor Mariam Aziza Stephan and her work was featured in the Burnaway art magazine
Creative Writing’s Xhenet Aliu provided a reflection on writing life and publishing for LitHub.
Joel Lee, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, is publishing his first science fiction book “The Endless City,” which is expected to be available in May.
