Congratulations to Dr. Rasoul Narimani, assistant professor of electrical engineering, who has received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct research that will contribute to the reliability of electrical power systems. Narimani is principal investigator for the two-year project, approved for $175,000 by the NSF’s Division of Computer and Network Systems. The award is partially funded under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Details are online.

Dr. Asela Wijeratne, assistant professor of bioinformatics, submitted a successful research grant proposal to the Kays Foundation. Through his project, funded in the amount of $16,168, Wijeratne is seeking to find a more durable and environmentally friendly solution for sudden death syndrome (SDS), which is a highly destructive soybean disease caused by the fungal pathogen, Fusarium virguliforme.

Dr. Cheryl DuBose (left), associate professor of magnetic resonance imaging, and chair, and Kendall Youngman (right), assistant professor of medical imaging and radiation sciences, presented at the annual Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology (ACERT) meeting in Las Vegas. DuBose addressed professional continuing education requirements for radiographers, and Youngman informed students and working radiographers on protocols and radiation-reducing practices. Faculty Deanna Barymon and Jody Nutt also gave poster presentations.

Dr. Gregory Hansen (left), professor of English and folklore, and Dr. Khem Aryal (right), assistant professor of English, are co-chairs for Delta Symposium XXVII, scheduled for Thursday-Saturday, April 14-16. With a theme this year of “Commemoration and Reunion in the South,” the schedule features a variety of panels and research presentations, leading into the annual Roots Music Festival on the last day. The symposium website has details.

Dr. Alan Utter, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and research, is one of eight recipients of the Award of Distinction for 2021, presented by the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Letter Club. Utter, who lettered in wrestling as a Pitt student, was recognized during the club’s recent awards dinner. The club annually honors letter winners who have distinguished themselves in their profession or community. Details are online.