Dr. Fen Yu will become assistant vice chancellor for institutional research, coming from Western Michigan University where she was director of institutional research and data management. She brings experience with strategic planning, predictive analysis for enrollment forecast modeling, and collection of data for accreditation. Yu began her post-doctoral career as a research analyst for the Louisiana Department of Education after completing her Ph.D. at LSU. Details are online.

Dr. Paul Sikkel, associate professor of aquatic biology, is co-author of a paper in Scientific Reports documenting changes in population genetic structure of a marine parasite after back-to-back hurricanes. With National Science Foundation support, the study also examined the impact of major bleaching events in these same organisms on the Great Barrier Reef. The researchers are believed to be the first to document these effects on marine parasites.

Three faculty members in marketing – Dr. Sarath Nonis (right), professor, Dr. Gail Hudson, professor, and Dr. Melodie Philhours, associate professor – are co-authors of an article published in the Journal of Marketing for Higher Education. In "Differentiated: Segmentation for Improved Learning Strategies," they focus on the effect of psychographic and behavioral elements at the learner level to identify student segments and to influence outcomes that lead to retention and ultimately graduation.

Dr. Zahid Hossain, associate professor of civil engineering, is co-author with graduate students Sumon Roy and Feroze Rashid of a paper in the Journal of Construction and Building Materials. They investigated the effects of a rejuvenator while using high amounts of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in paving asphalt. In particular, they examined the surface morphology and stiffness properties of rejuvenated RAP-blended polymer binders by using an atomic force microscope.  Details are online.

Melanie Mata, assistant professor of nursing, was guest speaker recently for the Jonesboro University Heights Lions Club meeting. She addressed issues she has researched regarding the problem of human trafficking in the United States, and the related concerns with children's unmonitored use of cell phones and social media. Mata also discussed warning signs and the importance of self-education for parents and guardians.