Short Talks from the Hill

Leading up to the total solar eclipse on April 8. Daniel Kennefick, professor of physics and a researcher at the Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences, discusses the science and history of eclipses.

William Schreckhise, professor of political science at the University of Arkansas, discusses a study about the relationship between civility and legislative productivity. 

Mervin Jebaraj, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam Walton College of Business discusses inflation, consumer sentiment and economic growth in Northwest Arkansas.

Ivan Vargas, assistant professor of psychological science and director of the Sleep and Stress Research Laboratory, discusses the causes, treatment and prevention of insomnia.

Musicologist Christa Bentley discusses her research and contribution to a new collection of essays about pop star Taylor Swift.

Caleb Rawson, assistant professor of accounting, discusses his research on corporate insiders China and the timing and impact of firms’ strategic communications.

Patrick Stewart, professor of political science, discusses his book on presidential debates.

Mike Malone, Vice Chancellor for Economic Development, discusses university-led economic development and the U of A’s economic impact to the state.

Jennifer Acuff discusses her research on food safety, including the new, popular cooking method.

Mary Beth Brooks, director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas, discusses how the center helps small businesses.

Erica Westerman, associate professor of biological Sciences and a self-described “integrative animal behaviorist,” discusses the visual systems of butterflies.

Distinguished Professor Alan Mantooth defines semiconductors and discusses why the University of Arkansas is uniquely positioned to be a semiconductor research and fabrication hub in the heartland of the United States.

Renae Merrill, doctoral student in the public policy program at the U of A, discusses the association between social media use, personality structure and depression.

Jill Wieber Lens, professor and associate dean for research and faculty development at the School of Law, discusses legal ramifications of pregnancy loss, including abortion. 

Jason Burrow, associate professor of musical theater, discusses being on tour with Hamilton.

Curt Rom, interim dean of the Graduate School and International Education, discusses the impact of the Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships and Doctoral Academy Fellowships.

Kartik Balachandran, associate professor of biomedical engineering, describes how microphysiological systems, or "organs-on-chips," are changing the study of human health.

Architecture professor and American Institute of Architects Gold Medal-recipient Marlon Blackwell discusses his projects and design philosophy.

Danielle Weatherby, professor of law at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, discusses Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act and the polarizing effect of speech narcissism.

Min Zou, professor of mechanical engineering, explains nano-surface engineering and her effort to develop low-friction, lubricant coatings and surfaces for mechanical systems and biomedical implants.

Ranu Jung, executive director of the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, discuss her vision for the institute, made possible by a $194.7 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation.

Kevin Murach, assistant professor of health, human performance and recreation, discusses how his muscle research could help people live healthier for longer. 

Michael Wilmot, assistant professor of management in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, discusses his research on the relationship between the Big 5 personality traits and success at work.

Cameron Murray, assistant professor of civil engineering, discusses his research on rapid-setting and pre-stressed concrete and a $140,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to study the most effective soil-cement mixtures for use in waterway structures.

Jacquelyn Wiersma-Mosley, professor of human development and family sciences, talks about her research on NFL player violence.