"Rock Bottom,” a wind ensemble composition by Dr. Derek M. Jenkins, assistant professor of music theory and composition, was awarded first place in the World Association Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) composition competition after a performance of all the finalists' works by the Czech National Concert Band in Prague. Commissioned by A-State Bands to commemorate its 90th year, "Rock Bottom" was premiered in 2020 with Dr. Steven Riley conducting.

Dr. Scott Bruce, associate professor of athletic training, received a grant of $26,495 from the Kays Foundation for his research, “Effects of Concussion on Pupillary Metrics in the Acute and Chronic Stages.” Using REACT Neuro virtual reality units for measuring pupillary responses, he will analyze data from ROTC cadets to determine if a concussion has occurred, and from military veterans, whose head injuries have been associated with depression and anxiety.

An article co-authored by Dr. Amanda Carpenter, assistant professor of occupational therapy, with a colleague from Rutgers, has been published by Southern Communication Journal. They examined depressive symptoms, information and relationship assessments, and efficacy as predictors of disclosing mental health information. Their findings pointed to increasing support for those sharing mental health information, as well as strategies for practitioners working with mental health patients.

An invited perspective by Dr. Mohammad A. Alam, associate professor of chemistry, was published in Current Organic Chemistry. In “Domino/Cascade and Multicomponent Reactions for the Synthesis of Thiazole Derivatives,” Alam discusses the development of various domino reactions to synthesize thiazole derivatives. Also, Alam and Dr. David Gilmore, emeritus professor of microbiology, are co-authors of an article in Antibiotics, in which they reported the development of pyrazole derivatives as potent antibacterial agents.

Jeff McLaughlin, associate professor of theatre design and technology, was elected director at large of communications and web services for the Heart of America Chapter of the United States Institute of Theatre Technology. The Heart of America chapter serves members in six states: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. USITT promotes dialogue, research and life-long learning opportunities among practitioners of theatre design and technology.