Each month, Capital University takes immense pride in showcasing the remarkable accomplishments of our faculty, staff, and students. These achievements, ranging from groundbreaking research and innovative projects to significant contributions in various fields, reflect the vibrant intellectual community and commitment to excellence that define our institution. Join us in applauding these milestones and the individuals who are not only advancing their respective disciplines but also shaping the future of our university and community.
Congratulations to Dr. Tracey Murray (chemistry and biochemistry) who presented two talks at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education in late July at the University of Kentucky. One was called Vicky Minderhout: Teacher, Community Builder, Change Agent, which was a biography of the guest of honor at the symposium. The other talk, with co-presenter Rodney Austin, was titled Use of a Concept Inventory to Assess Long-Term Conceptual Change in Biochemistry. Both talks were presented in a symposium that Murray chaired titled: Biochemistry Education in Honor of Vicky Minderhout. Vicky Minderhout was honored for her work in adapting POGIL to Biochemistry and leading biochemists from around the country to make biochemistry education more student-centered.
Kudos to Dr. Jody Fournier (provost) and Dr. Deanna Wagner (associate provost)! They presented Gateway Course Redesign for Equity and Success: A Replicable Model at the Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference in Chicago, IL. This work was a case study of a multi-year, multi-course, faculty-led, taskforce-driven process to redesign first- and second-year gateway courses at Capital University. Fournier and Wagner discussed the implementation process, lessons learned, initial results, and next actions associated with the large-scale campus process.
Dr. Jody Fournier (provost) and Dr. Deanna Wagner (associate provost) also presented Scaling Undergraduate Student Success Supports for Graduate Student Equity at the Graduate Student Experience Conference in Ashville, NC. When the University’s decentralized approach to graduate student support produced lackluster results, a university-wide group worked together to create more equitable student support structures around this specific population. The group focused on sharpening communication methods for support, increasing services available to graduate students, and expanding opportunities for graduate assistantships on campus in various fields. The presentation provided a replicable and scalable model of extending existing undergraduate supports and initiating new services for graduate students. Congratulations to both Fournier and Wagner.
Congratulations to Dr. Jud Murray (religion) who presented two papers. The first paper, Validating Inconsolable Grief: Lessons from Cross-Cultural Case Studies, was presented at the 18th Annual Midwest Conference on Chinese Thought held in April at Indiana University. Murray reported: “It was exciting to join the largest group of scholars to present at this regional conference. The first ever concurrent-panels format for the conference was a great success.” Murray’s second presentation, Contemplative Pedagogy, Student Learning and Wellness, and Contemporary Social Issues, was given at the 2nd Annual Conference of the International Society for Contemplative Research held in June at the University of Padova, Padova, Italy. Murray found the conference to be “an exhilarating and invaluable experience to present at and collaborate with this international and interdisciplinary gathering of scholars working in all areas of Contemplative Studies.” Nicely done!
Congratulations to Professor Greg Belliveau who published the novel Blood Clan (Rogue Phoenix Press)! This is a gothic thriller set in post-Civil War Ohio River Valley.
Kudos to Dr. Christine Anderson (biology) who had two papers accepted for publication and received a grant award. The first paper, co-authored with student Crystal Miner, is titled Occurrence of Frogs and Toads in Relation to Habitat Quality at Capital University’s Primmer Outdoor Learning Center in Hocking County and will be published in Ohio Biological Survey Notes. The purpose of this project was to collect accurate and detailed information on the presence of frogs and toads at Capital University’s Primmer Outdoor Learning Center in Logan, OH. Anderson remarked “By participating in community science, we can learn more about amphibian biodiversity and make progress towards protecting them and their habitats.” This acoustic monitoring project adds to our understanding of the occurrence, distribution, and ecology of amphibian species in Ohio.
Dr. Christine Anderson’s (biology) second paper, co-authored with Maclain Teeple, is titled Survey of Mushroom Biodiversity in Hocking County, Ohio and will be published in the Ohio Journal of Science. This is the first extensive mushroom inventory completed on Capital University’s Primmer Outdoor Learning Center in Logan, OH. Mushrooms play an important role in nutrient cycling, food sources for other organisms, and symbiotic relationships, and mushrooms are one of the most diverse taxonomic groups in forest biomes. However, there is a lack of awareness about the importance of macrofungi. Assessments of mushroom biodiversity can inform researchers of the current conditions of plant and animal populations within forested ecosystems of Ohio and provide management recommendations to protect high quality natural areas in the southeastern portion of the state.
Dr. Christine Anderson’s (biology) grant, Education and Outreach with American Chestnut Plantings at Capital University’s Primmer Outdoor Learning Center in Hocking County, was awarded by the American Chestnut Foundation. This work is relevant to American chestnut restoration in the state of Ohio since with proper maintenance the state will have a grove of chestnut trees that can flower, pollinate each other, and produce viable fruit suitable for further propagation. In addition, children, youth, university students, and the general public will learn more about restoration and management, extirpated hardwood species and blight disease, and how to get involved in what they can do to positively impact the environment where they live. The activities described in this grant support the mission of The American Chestnut Foundation by advancing education and public awareness using the growing chestnut demonstration test planting plot at Primmer in Hocking County. This work will also provide future opportunities for research on site. Excellent work, Dr. Anderson!
Congratulations to Dr. John Mersfelder (biology) who published Microbiology Lab Manual with Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. The lab manual for students taking General Microbiology and Immunology
or Principles of Microbiology and is more interactive and costs less than previous lab manual. Thank you, Dr. Mersfelder!
Kudos to Dr. Andrea M. Karkowski (psychology) who published the chapter Dr. Christine Iijima Hall: Advancing Mixed-Race Studies in Early Psychological Research Contributions from Women of Color, Volume 2(Routledge).The chapter describes Christine Iijima Hall’s life, dissertation, and contributions to psychology. The chapter includes information about how faculty can use Hall’s work in course activities.