The Kays Foundation approved a $6,164 grant to Dr. Amanda Lambertus, associate professor of mathematics education and department chair. She plans to use the grant to support a proposed conference, "Nurturing Young Women Interested in Launching STEM Careers."  Lambertus, who joined the mathematics faculty in 2000, earned her Ph.D. at North Carolina State University. Details are in an online news release.

Dr. Shivan Haran, associate professor of mechanical engineering, has been awarded a $5,278 grant from The Kays Foundation to support his proposed project, "Robotics Initiative for Elementary Schools."  Haran, who came to A-State in 2002, completed his Ph.D. at the University of Houston. More information about Kays Foundation and the grant is in an online news release.

Dr. Patricia Guy-Walls, associate professor of social work and department co-chair, represented the Department of Social Work to cut the ribbon Monday for the opening of the Simulated Training and Research (STAR) House on Quapaw Circle. She was joined by Karen Fullen, Title IVe grant director, Dr. Evi Taylor, assistant professor, Dr. Susan Hanrahan, dean, and Chancellor Kelly Damphousse. Details are in an online news release.

Dr. Manu Bhandari, assistant professor of strategic communication, is first author of an article in International Journal of Advertising: The Review of Marketing Communications. Using an experimental design, researchers examined a brand's or business's written response (brand feedback) to negative online product reviews to determine the effects on prospective online buyers who visit an online shopping site. The article is online.

Dr. Michael B. Dougan, distinguished professor of history emeritus, made a presentation titled "From Prehistoric Pots to Modern Bins," a survey of Arkansas's agricultural processing history. He spoke during the 39th annual conference and equipment display sponsored by the Mid-South chapter of the Grain Elevators and Processors Society at Brinkley.  Two A-State agricultural students also received scholarships during the society's conference.