Dr. Argelia Lorence, professor of metabolic engineering, will make an online presentation Sept. 15 in the Project Scope series produced by the Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA). Lorence, an ARA Academy member, will discuss her research into stress on rice production resulting from high night air temperatures. She and her colleagues are collecting data and developing solutions. While the series is open to everyone, registration is required.

A-State welcomes several new faculty members this semester, including Dr. Shuo Yan, assistant professor of strategic communication. She completed her Ph.D. in media and communication studies last year at Florida State University, where she also earned a master’s in integrated marketing communication. Her research interests include advertising, marketing and consumer behavior. She will devote most her time to the online program in strategic communication.

Welcome to Dr. Jonathan Stubblefield, assistant professor of computer science, another new faculty member. As a researcher with the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, his work focuses on machine learning as applied to healthcare, which also was his dissertation topic when he earned a Ph.D. in molecular biosciences at A-State. Stubblefield previously completed his MD degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Another new A-State faculty member is Dr. Colleen McNickle, assistant professor of music education and associate director of choral activities. She recently earned her Ph.D. in music education, with choral cognate, at Michigan State University.  Previously she taught high school choir, class piano, ukulele and advanced placement music theory in Illinois. McNickle’s research interests include wellness in music education, interdisciplinary education and student teacher mentorship.

Congratulations to Katey Provence, director of student engagement, who was recognized as St. Jude Higher Education Professional of the Year. Provence serves as adviser to A-State’s Up ‘til Dawn organization, whose ongoing mission is raising financial support for the children’s hospital. Allysa Weaver, former Up ‘til Dawn executive director, was named St. Jude Student Leader of the Year. She has joined University Housing as a residence education coordinator.