Dr. Zahid Hossain, associate professor of civil engineering, presented his research findings on the sustainable use of rice husk ash in flowable fill concrete at the 2019 summer conference of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Committee on Resource Conservation and Recovery. His presentation is online. The workshop was at the National Academies of Science in Washington, D.C. Hossain also serves as a committee member.

Dr. Justin Castro, associate professor of history and department chair, has been invited by the University of Nebraska's Institute of Ethnic Studies to give a guest lecture next month. He will present "Revolutionary Frustrations: Modesto Rolland and the Engineering of the Mexican Revolution." Castro also will meet with students and faculty in the university's ethnic studies and history programs about the history of science and technology in Mexico.

Congratulations to Erika Krennerich Chudy, who has been appointed interim vice chancellor for University Advancement by Chancellor Kelly Damphousse. She succeeds Dr. Jason Penry, who has accepted another position. Chudy joined the Development staff in 2011 as director of planned giving, working with those who commit support through a will, trust or other means. She also will continue in that role. More details are online.

Welcome to Jayne Schack, who has joined the faculty as temporary assistant professor of physical therapy.  Schack holds a BS in physical therapy from Boston University, an MA from Emerson College, and currently is enrolled in the PhD in physical therapy program at Central Arkansas. Newly relocated to Jonesboro from central Massachusetts, she has a varied background as a “hands on” clinician and in business.

Steven Riley, director of athletic bands and assistant director of bands, directed the inaugural World Scout Jamboree Band during the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, the first time in more than 60 years the event was hosted in the United States. The band, comprised of Scouts and guides from 26 countries, performed more than two dozen times for the Scouts, who represented 160 countries.