Dr. Melody Lo becomes the inaugural Neil Griffin Endowed Dean of the Griffin College of Business on July 1. Professor of economics at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and department chair from 2014-2019, Lo was instrumental in development of multidisciplinary concentrations and increasing internship opportunities for students. She earned her Ph.D. and master’s at Purdue, and her undergraduate degree at National Tsing-Hua University. Details are online.

Dr. Hans Hacker, associate professor of political science, delivered a TEDx talk, livestreamed without an audience because of the coronavirus crisis, at UA-Monticello. Hacker's speech, which considered the implications of disconnection for society and politics, addressed the problem of hoarding resources. He encouraged the public to abandon a zero-sum mindset and embrace a collective one, a preferred response to the crisis. His talk is online.

Dr. Argelia Lorence, James and Wanda Lee Vaughn Endowed Professor, and professor of metabolic engineering, was elected to serve on the executive board of the North American Plant Phenotyping Network (NAPPN) for 2021-22. NAPPN is an association of scientists and researchers in the rapidly evolving area of plant phenomics. Among its major goals, NAPPN seeks to accelerate the impact of advanced plant phenotyping research and facilitate research collaboration.

Dr. Scott Doig (left), assistant professor of physical education, and Dr. David LaVetter, professor of sport management, recently conducted a program review and consultation for the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Monterrey, Mexico. Doig and LaVetter, along with other international authorities in health and sport-related fields, assisted in developing an annual report in support of the university’s mission of continued program development and excellence.

Ideas, news tips and feedback for Inside A-State are always welcome, especially during the pandemic and related circumstances. Inside A-State continues to be published each week. If you or someone you know has been engaged in recent professional activity or achievement, please forward details to the Marketing and Communications staff at news@astate.edu or call 972-2985.