Dr. Aaron M. Shew, assistant professor and R.E.L. Wilson Chair of Agricultural Economics, is lead author of an article published in the journal Remote Sensing. In the article, the authors demonstrate a new method for mapping rice in Bangladesh using Google Earth Engine and NASA's Landsat satellite imagery archive. Their research will help with understanding cropping patterns and potential for remotely monitoring crop production in underdeveloped countries.

A chapter by Gustavo Iriarte, assistant professor of economics at A-State Campus Queretaro, has been published in the book "NAFTA’s 24 Years of Existence: Challenges and Perspectives." Iriarte's chapter is based on his research into the evolution and inequalities in workers' wages in both Mexico and the United States from 1994, following the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to 2017.

Dr. Marika Kyriakos, professor of music and department chair, has been appointed director of Fowler Center and interim assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication. She succeeds Les Christensen, who recently announced her retirement as director of Bradbury Art Museum and Fowler Center. Succeeding Kyriakos as department chair is Dr. Lauren Schack Clark, professor of music. See more details in the news release.

Congratulations to Jon Carvell, university safety officer, who was elected president of A-State's Staff Senate for the 2019-20 year. Carvell is beginning his ninth year in Staff Senate. Rebecca Oliver, Honors College, was reelected as vice president. Other officers elected were Jeannie Cossey, Academic Affairs and Research, treasurer; Alyssa Wells, Pack Support, secretary; and Angela Daniels, Information and Technology Services, vice president for communications.

Alexis Hurdle has been promoted to associate dean of students, and also will direct the A-State Leadership Center. Her record in developing on-campus student participation, a major contributor to student success, was a key factor in the appointment. Hurdle previously led the Greek Life areas, and will continue as adviser to the Greek leadership organizations. She also has managed the Global Student Leaders program. Details are online.