A print by Madeline McMahan, curator at Bradbury Art Museum, was selected for one of six purchase prizes in the 2024 Small Works on Paper exhibition, sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council. Her entry (left) was Familiar VII (Abigail), watercolor on paper. The juried exhibition, which features the work of 39 artists from across the state, is currently at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock. It is scheduled to be displayed at eight additional venues this year.

Dr. Jaein Lee, assistant professor of sociology, was chair of the conference committee and presented a research paper for the International Conference on Sociology of Korea, held at the University of Pennsylvania. A month later, he gave an invited talk at the same school’s Korean studies center. Internationally, Lee recently presented invited talks on his continuing research at Korea University and Chung-Ang University, both in Seoul.

Claire Abernathy (left) and Jeff McLaughlin (right), associate professors of theatre, were designers for the Link Theatre Company’s recent production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. In addition to their collaboration on lighting, Abernathy designed the costumes and McLaughlin designed the scenery and properties. Also, McLaughlin has been elected treasurer for the Heart of America Regional Section of the U.S. Institute of Theatre Design and Technology.

Dr. Angelo Brown, assistant professor of criminology, was a panelist for a session during Duke Law’s Critical (Legal) Collective inaugural convening. He talked about the impact on academic freedom because of newly passed laws in various states. Brown also discussed cross-disciplinary strategies that university faculty members have used to support each other in teaching effectively, especially related to topics considered to be divisive concepts.

Congratulations to Dr. Bernardo Pérez-Zamorano, assistant professor of biotechnology, Campus Querétaro, for his work with a team of CQ students. Led by senior Luisa Fernanda Macías Estrada, the 14-member iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) Bio Wolves team won a bronze medal at the iGEM Design League for their project, which involves using a modified yeast to provide maize with protection against cold temperatures and drought. Projects were evaluated by an international panel of judges.