Dr. Anahita Izadyar, professor of chemistry, gave the chemistry plenary address at the INBRE (IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence) Conference. With the topic “Multiple Biosensing Platforms for Diagnostics and Bioenergy Applications,” Izadyar introduced a suite of innovative biosensing platforms addressing critical challenges in healthcare diagnostics and energy harvesting. Her work spans four major areas: dry eye disease diagnostics, Alzheimer’s disease detection, glucose monitoring, and enzymatic biofuel cells.

Dr. Stacy Dewald, assistant professor of criminology, and two criminology majors participated in the Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice (SWACJ) conference, presenting research to peers from across the region. Lesleigh Sullivan’s paper examines post-adjudication trajectories and patterns of reoffending among juveniles with sexual offense histories. Dewald and Brooke Oaks presented a project analyzing publicly shared survivor narratives to understand themes of justice, recovery and resilience.

Peer-reviewed research by Drs. John D. Hall, Meagan B. Medley, Kristin N. Johnson, and Wayne W. Wilkinson, Psychology and Counseling, was published in the journal School Psychology Training and Pedagogy. Titled "Content Validity for a School Psychology Measure of NASP Competencies," their research resulted in establishing content validity for an academic and behavior case study scoring rubric designed to assess graduate school psychology candidates' professional competencies, as demonstrated by performance-based skills and positive impact during supervised practicum and internship experiences, and to assist in program evaluation, accountability and improvement.

The orchestral work “Fantasía-Tumbao” by Dr. Luis Mario Ruelas, professor, A-State Campus Queretaro, was premiered with the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico at the prestigious Palacio de Bellas Artes. The piece blends salsa and bolero rhythms with contemporary orchestral music to unite traditional grooves and modern textures. Ruelas’s research focuses on Latin American music, and his creative work explores the convergence of popular and academic traditions.

Dr. Banafsheh Aghayeeabianeh, assistant professor of sociology, presented two papers at the American Sociological Association (ASA) annual meeting. “Political Anomie in the Wake of COVID-19: Government Mismanagement, Public Distrust, and Social Consequences” was co-authored with Dr. Veena Kulkarni, professor of sociology. The other paper was “The Role of Socio-Cultural Factors in Adolescents’ Water-Saving Behaviors: Evidence from Iran,” which she presented with collaborators from that country.