News from the Chronicles - April 2021

photo of man walking next to small river, with plants
New UGA center to combat global human trafficking

Each year, an estimated 800,000 people are trafficked globally, though the true number may be higher. In a quest to arm officials and stakeholders around the globe with more accurate and trusted data to better understand and address this global problem, the University of Georgia has established a new interdisciplinary center to combat human trafficking through research, programming and policy development: The Center on Human Trafficking Research…

graphic with photos of two people getting vaccinated, red background
Vaccination 'One Great Step'

The UGA Athletic Association is making a strong statement about vaccinations, working with the Georgia Department of Public Health to promote the increased availability of the COVID-19 vaccines in the state and encourage those that wish to receive it to make an appointment. This past Saturday, dozens of UGA Athletic Association coaches and staff members received their first dose: Among those that have now received at least one dose of the…

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Birch, Sahakian, receive 2021 Russell Awards

Three UGA faculty members, two from the Franklin College, have been named recipients of the Richard B. Russell Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, which recognize outstanding instruction by faculty members early in their academic careers. The Russell Foundation established the Russell Awards during the 1991-1992 academic year to honor the late U.S. Sen. Richard B. Russell. The awards include a $10,000 cash award: The 2021…

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Under the skin: How social and environmental factors affect health

Man Kit “Karlo” Lei came from humble beginnings in Macau, China. His mother was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease and died five years later when Lei was a teenager. It was a difficult time, but fortunately, he had good support through school and from friends. He thrived despite the challenges, earning degrees in law and sociology at National Taiwan University and then the University of Georgia. Lei’s studies led him to a question: Why do…

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Franklin Works Leadership Team Interviews

Search committees for leadership positions within the newly established Franklin Works structure are bringing in several candidates for virtual “on-campus” interviews this week. Today, two candidates for the Research Enterprise Support Team Manager position participated in faculty open forums via zoom. Our thank to the candidates, Ryan Fugett and Jane Worley, as well as all attendees for their participation in these…

photo of people in the stands awn game day
UGA COVID-19 vaccine panel discussion

Four University of Georgia experts answered some of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines in a recent virtual panel discussion held on campus. Moderated by Dr. Shelley Nuss, dean of the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, the panelists discussed a variety of topics related to vaccine safety and efficacy. And they shared their thoughts on why it is so important for everyone who is eligible and…

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Teaching physics via Zoom

When she started her stint as head teaching assistant in the Physics and Astronomy Department in August 2019, Lauren Sgro’s life was pretty well mapped out. The Ph.D. candidate had time to work on her dissertation – concerning dust around red dwarfs – while keeping up with head TA duties, such as teaching the new TAs how to do their once-a-week labs and helping anyone with questions. Then the pandemic hit. “After COVID-19, the position…

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Traveling with a pack of trombones

Josh Bynum, professor of trombone in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, took home a UGA Creative Research Medal last year for his album Catalyst, a collection of classical pieces inspired by classic works of art, music and literature. In this interview with our Office of Research colleague Michael Terrazas, Bynum discusses his approach to music pedagogy and research, as well as his love for that most epic of orchestral…

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Whistling in the Dark: UGA MFA at the Athenaeum

The Lamar Dodd School of Art presents the annual MFA Thesis Exhibition, displaying works by students graduating with their Master of Fine Arts Degree. The exhibition Whistling in the Dark runs from April 12 through May 15 and premieres the University’s newest contemporary art space, the Athenaeum, located at 287 West Broad Street. Whistling in the Dark features the work of seven MFA students working in a…

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Focus Group Updates

The first two position evaluation process focus groups were held via zoom the week of April 5. Our colleagues on the project team report positive conversation, feedback, and perspectives from participants. There has been some reluctance, but overall response thus far has been positive. The need for more details about the process outcome was both broadly shared and will guide the results of these discussions. Other comments…

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