“Rock Bottom,” a wind ensemble composition by Dr. Derek M. Jenkins, assistant professor of music theory and composition, has been named a finalist in the World Association Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) composition competition​. The three finalists will be performed at the International WASBE Convention in Prague. Commissioned by A-State Bands to commemorate their 90th year, “Rock Bottom” was premiered in 2020 with Dr. Steven Riley conducting.

Dr. Robert Shields, assistant professor of microbiology, has secured a two-year research R03 grant of $270,393 from the National Institutes of Health. In this project he will investigate an essential gene that regulates expression of a mobile genetic element that helps transfer DNA from one bacteria to another. Essential genes represent the most critical components of a bacterial genome and are required for survival.

Dr. Ibrahim Duyar, professor of educational leadership, is editing a special issue of the journal Frontiers in Educational Leadership, which will be published in June. The issue topic is titled “Leadership, Organizational Stressors, and Employee Work Attitudes in Educational Organizations.” He serves as the topic editor for the special issue and is leading an international editorial team of four established scholars. Details are online.

Dr. Po-Lin Pan (right), professor of strategic communication, and Shelby King, former graduate student in communication studies, are co-authors of an article published in Health Marketing Quarterly. Their study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on senior living communities, along with communication strategies utilized, by looking at situational factors on the institutions’ websites. They also provided insight into how strategic health communication is effectively conducted in senior living communities during a health crisis.

Dr. Rodney Carmack, assistant professor of accounting, is lead author of an article accepted for publication in Issues in Accounting Education. The article provides insights on the publications relative to the promotion dates of assistant accounting faculty in programs outside of the top 200 research institutions. The results are helpful for faculty at these institutions to inform their research efforts and inform promotion and other decisions for faculty and administrators.