News
Kung Gives Math Talk at Coastal Carolina Univ.
Associate Professor of Math David Kung, with violin in hand, presented "How Math Made Modern Music Mad Irrational," at Coastal Carolina University on January 26. Kung played passages from classical and modern composers to illustrate mathematical principles of musical sound. Kung has written many scholarly articles on harmonic analysis.
Williams Says Friday 13th is Lucky
MSN Health and Fitness interviewed Libby Nutt Williams, associate professor of psychology and dean of the core curriculum and first year experience, about Friday the 13th bringing bad luck. Read the article.
Brodsky is Co-Editor of Journal
With Monique Balbuena, Adriana Brodsky (associate professor of history) co-edited the
Journal of Jewish Identities 5:1 (2012) special issue, “Jewish Latin American Identity and Cultural Production.”
Bright Gives Talk on Financial Aid for College
On Jan. 11, Caroline Bright (director of financial aid) gave a talk about financial aid planning for college at the Charlotte Hall branch of the St. Mary's County public library system.
Book on China Studies its Contradictions
A book on the paradoxes of China by Haomin Gong, assistant professor of Chinese, "Uneven Modernity: Literature, Film, and Intellectual Discourse in Postsocialist China," has been published by the University of Hawaii Press. The monograph talks of the economic boom, political conservatism, and cultural complexity of modern China. “‘Uneven Modernity’ makes a significant contribution to the burgeoning field of China studies,” says one review. “It addresses some of the most popular, yet understudied, cultural phenomena in contemporary China.”
Gilbert Named to ACUHO-I Position
Clinton Gilbert, area coordinator (multicultural initiatives) has been named chair-elect of the ACHUO-I multicultural network.
Van Abbema Completes Management Institute
Director of the Career Development Center Dana Van Abbema completed the Donna M. Bourassa Management Institute in January 2012.
Eberly Talks Politics on WBAL
On January 20, WBAL radio's Clarence Mitchell interviewed Todd Eberly, assistant professor of political science, about the South Carolina primary on WBAL's "The C4 Show."
Gijanto Earns Dissertation Award
Liza Gijanto, visiting assistant professor of anthropology and instructor of SMCM’s PEACE program in The Gambia, was presented the Society for Historical Archaeology Dissertation Award on January 4, 2012, in Baltimore. As part of the award, the society will facilitate the publication of Gijanto’s dissertation, “Change and the Era of the Atlantic Trade: Commerce and Interaction in the Niumi Commercial Center (The Gambia).”
Eberly Quoted in ABC's "The Note"
Assistant Professor of Political Science Todd Eberly was quoted in ABC's "The Note" on January 9 in the article, "Independent Voters on the Rise but Do They Matter?" Read the article.
SMCM Photo Exhibition Goes on the Road
An exhibition of stunning photographs of atmospheric conditions conceived and produced by St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Boyden Gallery’s Director, Mary Braun, and Dr. Charles Adler, St. Mary’s physics professor, has opened at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Arlington, Virginia. “The Atmosphere Exposed: Photographs of Halos, Mirages, Iridescent Clouds… and more!” began as a juried exhibition of photos taken by scientists, meteorologists, and amateur photographers in conjunction with the 10th International Light and Color in Nature conference held at the college in June 2010. See details.
Why We Call Elections ‘Races’
An article exploring gambling in early America by Kenneth Cohen, assistant history professor, “The Entreaties and Perswasions of Our Acquaintance: Gambling and Networks in the Early Republic," ran in the December issue of the Journal of the Early Republic and was short-listed in Boston Globe columnist Kevin Lewis’ list of relevant scholarly research at National Affairs, a leading political magazine. The article outlines the history of election gambling, traces its origins to horse racing (which is why we call elections "races"), and argues about the important role sports and entertainment played in creating American democracy.
Goldwater Makes the Cover
Joanne Goldwater, associate dean of students/director of residence life,
was profiled on the cover of the January issue of the Mid-Atlantic
Association of College and University Housing Officers (MACUHO) magazine
in honor of the organization’s 40th anniversary.
Pianist Brian Ganz Performs in Cartagena Festival
Artist-in-residence Brian Ganz is participating in the 6th International Festival of Music in Cartagena, Colombia, January 5-14. He will perform with cellist Alisa Weilerstein.
Silberschlag Conducts in Sardinia
Professor of music Jeffrey Silberschlag conducted the Sassari Chamber Orchestra in Sassari and Alghero, on the island of Sardinia, on December 28 and 29. The concert in Sassari was in celebration of the University of Sassari’s 450th anniversary. Silberschlag was awarded the university’s seal for his participation.
Krondorfer, Guest Editor
Bjorn Krondorfer, professor of religious studies, guest-edited a themed volume for the December 2011 issue of the journal CrossCurrents called “Embattled Masculinities in the Religious Traditions.” The 150-page volume presents a diversity of scholarship from South Africa, The Gambia, India, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Mexico, The Netherlands and the United States; it covers Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, African traditional religions, and interreligious encounters.
Two from St. Mary's Elected to Maryland Humanities Council
Joseph R. Urgo, president and professor of English at St. Mary's College of Maryland, and Michael S. Glaser, professor emeritus at St. Mary's and former Poet Laureate of Maryland, were elected to a three-year term on the board of directors of the Maryland Humanities Council.
Studying Lab Animals
“Distinguishing performance and learning in laboratory animals,” written by Aileen Bailey, associate professor of psychology, was published in the December issue of the “Journal of Behavioral and Neuroscience Research.”
Colleges and Suicide Prevention
M.J. Raleigh, director of St. Mary’s counseling services and president of the American College Counseling Association, was quoted in a recent Associated Press article on the responsibilities of a college and a suicidal student. Suicide, the article said, is the second leading cause of death for college students, behind automobile accidents, half the rate of similarly aged people not in college.
The Story behind the Ship
President Joe Urgo tells us how he is reminded of Bob Dylan's "When the Ship Comes In" as he describes in University Business the story behind the cruise ship being used as a residence hall last semester. The magazine is one of the most widely read publications by higher education leaders. The piece was published Jan. 2.
Brodsky Earns Research Award
Adriana Brodsky, associate professor of history, has earned a research award for her project, "Helping to Create New States: Argentine Sephardim at Home and in Israel, 1956-1976" from the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute.
Charlebois Gives Keynote Address
Elizabeth Charlebois, associate professor of English, was the keynote speaker at a symposium at The Shakespeare Theatre Dec. 11 that gathered experts to give a closer look at Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece, “Much Ado About Nothing.”
Art by Johnson and Patterson in C2 Fine Art Exhibition
Paintings by art faculty Sue Johnson and Carrie Patterson are on exhibition in St. Petersburg, Florida, at C2 Fine Art. The show, "Printed, Painted, Pressed," runs through January 6, 2012.
Baltimore Sun Op-Ed for Eberly
In an op-ed in the Nov. 27 Baltimore Sun, Todd Eberly, assistant professor of political science, points to the demise of the Congressional committee system as contributing to why the debt-cutting super committee failed. See full story.
Robbins Takes First Prize in Photography Contest
Sandy Robbins, Kent Hall office associate, took first prize in the St. Mary's County Camera Club's annual photography competition for her entry, "Marsh Sunrise." The photo was also printed in the spring 2011 issue of Avatar.
Brodsky Named Co-Chair
Adriana Brodsky, associate professor of history, has been named co-chair of the “Sephardic Studies Caucus” of the Association of Jewish Studies. The term is two years.
Hiris Article in the Journal Perception
Alum Aaron Mirenzi '11 and Eric Hiris, associate psychology professor, recently published an article in the journal Perception, demonstrating that the well-known Margaret Thatcher illusion extends to biological motion displays. See article.
Research Presented to Society for Neuroscience
Students and alumnae of the college’s psychology department and neuroscience minor presented at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C., (Nov. 12-Nov. 16). The projects were mentored by department chair and associate professor Aileen Bailey.
Eberly Interviewed in Bethesda Magazine
Todd Eberly, assistant professor of political science, was interviewed in Bethesda Magazine's Nov/Dec 2011 issue for an article about the 2014 governor's race. Read the article.
Ben Toll Named to College Board Leadership Academy
Ben Toll, assistant director of admissions, was nominated and selected to participate in the College Board Enrollment Leadership Academy. Toll was selected out of 70 nominations to be a part of the first national College Board class of 15 young admissions professionals in discussion on topics such as leadership and enrollment strategies.
Jeff Smith on NACAC Committee
Jeff Smith, associate director of admissions, sits on the NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counseling) Inclusion, Access, and Success committee which was historically the NACAC Human Relations Committee. Smith just finished his presidency for the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admissions Counseling.
Eberly Named VoteSmart Adviser
Todd Eberly, assistant political science professor, has been named one of five Maryland advisers to Project Vote Smart, a national, non-profit political research organization that offers voters nonpartisan information on candidates and key legislation at the state and national level. Advisers come from across the political spectrum; Project Vote Smart's founding board members include former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. See its website, www.votesmart.org., with a new interactive tool that allows voters to compare their views with the presidential candidates on 13 major issues. A similar tool for congressional candidates will be available in the spring.
Musgrove Presents China Paper at Harvard
Charles Musgrove, assistant history professor, presented a paper at Harvard University as part of an international program called “China After Empire: 1911 Remembered.” This conference brought together international scholars to reflect on the 100th anniversary of the 1911 revolution in China and its legacies. His paper was entitled “Nationalist 1911: Building a Founding Myth.”
Brodsky Quoted in Jerusalem Post
Adriana Brodsky, associate professor of history, was interviewed for an article about Jewish agricultural colonies in Argentina. “Jewish Home on the Range,” was published on October 27 in the Jerusalem Post,
Clune-Kneuer Joins NEAIR Committee
Elizabeth Clune-Kneuer, associate director of institutional research at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, has been elected to the 2011-12 Nominations Committee for the North East Association for Institutional Research (NEAIR). She also maintains active involvement in the institutional research community through receiving her graduate certificate from Penn State in institutional research this past summer. She begins her one-year term as president of the Maryland Association of Institutional Research (MdAIR) on October 14th, 2011.
Stover Article Best of the Year
“Portrait of the Artist as a Young Adult: Who is the Real Me,” written by Lois Stover, professor and chair, Department of Educational Studies, with colleague Connie Zitlow, emeritus professor of education at Ohio Wesleyan University, is the winner of this year’s Nilsen-Donelson’s award for best article in “The ALAN Review.” The piece considers the value of literature for adolescents that centers on ways young adults develop their identities as artists and use their artistic abilities to explore their sense of self, as well as ways teachers can use the arts in the classroom.
Patterson's Art Included in ArtStreet Exhibition
Carrie Patterson, associate professor of art, is one of 22 artists whose work is included in "Faction," an exhibition at ArtStreet: Studio D at the University of Dayton. "Faction" runs from October 3-27.
Math and Violin Recital
David Kung, associate math professor, is giving three talks at Winona State University Oct. 12-14, that includes "Closer to Fair: Math and Social Justice," "Abstract Algebra in Classical Music, and "How Math Made Modern Music (Mad) Irrational." He concludes with a recital.
Glidden’s Chapter in Disability Handbook
Laraine Glidden, distinguished professor of psychology and human development, was the author of a chapter, “Family Well-being and Children with Intellectual Disability,” in the recently published “Handbook of Intellectual Disability and Development” (Oxford University Press 2011). In the chapter, Glidden reviews more than a decade of scientific research on this topic, including her own 23-year study of adoptive and birth parents rearing children with developmental disabilities.
Garth Performs in NYC Concert
Pianist Eliza Garth, in collaboration with James Martin Music/Dance, a group of dancers and musicians under the artistic direction of choreographer and composer James Martin, presents “The Enchanted Piano: Dances for Piano with Electronics, Piano Strings, and Amplified Piano” Oct. 21-22 at the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center in New York City. “The Enchanted Piano” features music by major American composers Henry Cowell, George Crumb, Mario Davidovsky, and Maurice Wright; and the dancers utilize classical, contemporary and post-modern dance styles.
Professors Outline Flaws of ‘No Child Left Behind’
Angela Johnson, Lin Muilenburg, Katy Arnett, and Lois Stover of the Educational Studies Department published “Combating Symbolic Violence in Public Schools: Federal Education Policy Must Aim at a Different Target” in the most recent volume of Peace and Justice Studies. The authors outline the flawed premises inherent in two recent federal interventions, “No Child Left Behind” and “Race to the Top,” which inhibit their potential to address the symbolic violence permeating the educational system, with special attention to their effects on teacher education. Read the article.
Wiebers Designs Glimmerglass Costumes
Leon Wiebers, assistant professor in the Department of Theater, Film, and Media Studies, will be designing the costumes for a new production of “The Music Man” for the Glimmerglass Festival’s 2012 summer season in Cooperstown, N.Y. Wiebers, who has designed costumes for English National and San Francisco operas, will work with Tony-nominated director Marcia Milgrom Dodge. Glimmerglass, now under new artistic and general director Francesca Zambello, offers 40 performances of four productions every summer.
Dowla Publishes Chapter in Handbook
Asif Dowla, professor of economics and Hilda C. Landers Endowed Chair in the Liberal Arts published a chapter on higher education and microfinance in "The Handbook of Microfinance" published by World Scientific Publishing. The handbook addresses the issue of mismatch between a limited microfinance menu and the demand for financial services by more than two billion unbanked poor, and includes invited contributions from the top researchers in the field in the United State and in Europe.
Fulbrights Awarded to the Cognard-Blacks
Jennifer Cognard-Black, associate professor of English and Andrew Cognard-Black, adjunct professor of sociology and liberal arts associate, have been named Fulbright Scholars to Slovenia for the spring 2012 semester. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is designed to promote understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
