March 2010 Faculty Focus
Categories: Research & Discovery
Medical school study looks at fat, sleep
Not getting enough sleep may lead to more problems than just a lack of energy. It also could lead to an increase in fat accumulating around vital organs, according to a study by researchers at the School of Medicine.
Categories: Research & Discovery
Professor waits to hear from Chile
Professor Peter Siavelis, who used to live in Chile, is waiting to hear if former colleagues there are safe after a massive earthquake hit the country on Saturday. The University is not aware of any faculty or students who were in the country at the time of the earthquake.
Categories: Global Wake Forest, Research & Discovery
An environmental threat: Biologist makes the case for banning mountaintop mining
Selenium pollution from mountaintop coal mining is causing permanent damage to the environment and poses serious health risks, Dennis Lemly, a research professor of biology, told U.S. Senators in a briefing in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 23.
Categories: Research & Discovery
Being human: Professor’s new book explores perfection
Michael Hyde, University Distinguished Professor of Communication Ethics, will sign copies of his new book, "Perfection: Coming to Terms with Being Human," Feb. 25 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Wake Forest Bookstore.
Categories: Research & Discovery
Homegrown answers for Africa
Associate Professor of Economics Sylvain Boko, an expert in economic development in Africa, worked with more than 20 other development experts for his newest book, "Back on Track: Sector-Led Growth in Africa and Implications for Development." The book advocates a new approach to fight poverty in Africa from the inside out, rather than rely on outside financial assistance.
Categories: Global Wake Forest, Research & Discovery
Aiming at you: Advertisers hit the mark with targeted messages
PepsiCo's decision to launch an online cause-related marketing program rather than advertise during the Super Bowl has generated tremendous interest. The program centers around Pepsi's pledge to donate millions of dollars to social causes voted on by Pepsi "fans." Social networking appears to be providing a more cost-effective way to reach a larger audience with greater long-term impact than television. But is it a trend that's here to stay?Categories: Research & Discovery
What romance novels tell us about society and the changing role of women
Nearly 75 million people read a romance novel in 2008, 90 percent of them women. Harlequin, the largest publisher of romance novels, publishes 120 titles a month in 25 languages.
Scholars have recently started to examine this popular, but much maligned genre, and how it reflects the changing roles of women in society.Categories: Research & Discovery
Making sense of the census: Sociologist explains the 2010 Census and why it matters
It's time again for Americans to stand up and be counted. In mid-March, census forms will be mailed or delivered to households across the country. Associate Professor of Sociology Ana Wahl, who studies housing patterns and racial integration in neighborhoods, explains the importance of the census, why fewer people may complete this year's survey, and how she uses census data in her research and teaching. Categories: Community Impact, Research & Discovery
History professor Stephen Vella dies
Assistant Professor of History Stephen Vella died in New York on January 30 after an illness. He was 34.
Categories: Research & Discovery