Dr. Paul Sikkel, associate professor of aquatic biology, is one of the co-authors of an article recently published in Parasitology Research. The authors reported on their study of gnathiid isopods, common external parasites that feed on the blood of marine fishes, collected in the Philippines. They documented the first observation of gnathiids feeding on the blood meal of other gnathiids. The article abstract is online.

Dr. Summer DeProw, interim assistant vice chancellor of academic affairs and director of assessment, was selected to give the keynote address at A.T. Still University’s assessment series next week. She and Dr. Shawn Drake, professor of physical therapy and chair, will conduct workshops on student-learning assessment and its documentation. DeProw also was appointed to a four-year term with the Higher Learning Commission Peer Corps.

Dr. Lonnie R. Williams, special assistant to the chancellor, was honored as “Inclusive Excellence Champion” by the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business during the Black Alumni Society Reunion. Williams, a UA alumnus, was recognized for his long-term efforts toward a diversity and inclusion agenda at the university and beyond. His work includes presentations, writings and mentoring of students and professionals.

Congratulations to Jason Stewart, director of the civil engineering program and adviser to the campus chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). At the Deep South competition among ASCE chapters from 14 universities, A-State's teams won first place in the steel bridge competition for the fifth time in the last seven years, and first place in surveying. More details are online.

Dr. Lauri Umansky, professor of history and director of the Heritage Studies Ph.D. program, was quoted in a recent article published by Forbes. The article, "When Things Go Wrong, Why Do Mothers Get the Blame?," cites a book co-edited by Umansky, "Bad" Mothers: The Politics of Blame in Twentieth-Century America. The author examines issues related to assessing parental involvement. The article is online.