Research Archive

Homegrown answers for Africa

February 15, 2010  |   International, Research

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.

News

Aiming at you: Advertisers hit the mark with targeted messages

February 11, 2010  |   National, Research

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?

News

What romance novels tell us about society and the changing role of women

February 10, 2010  |   Faculty, Research

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.

News

Making sense of the census: Sociologist explains the 2010 Census and why it matters

February 9, 2010  |   Community, Research

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.

News

Energizing the future

February 1, 2010  |   National, Research, Sustainability

Wake Forest University is bringing together business leaders, leading researchers, entrepreneurs and scholars for a two-day conference to address America’s growing energy problem and to lay the groundwork for solutions. Columnist and best-selling author Thomas Friedman will deliver the conference’s keynote address.

News

David Coates’ latest book and new blog examine today’s hottest policy issues

January 26, 2010  |   Research

With the political temperature rising again as we move towards crucial mid-term elections, a new book by political science professor David Coates aims to raise the quality of public debate on key issues, and to help progressive candidates avoid the fate of Martha Coakley in Massachusetts.

News

Researching first ladies

January 20, 2010  |   Arts & Culture, Faculty, Research

Michelle Obama may be the first African-American first lady, but in other respects she’s not that different from her predecessors, says Professor of Political Science Kathy Smith, who studies first ladies. “Michelle Obama offers continuity to the past with her traditional interpretation of the first lady role,” says Smith, the author of a chapter on Rosalynn Carter in the book “American First Ladies” and co-author of two books on the American presidency.

News

Animated film tells the “Cell Side Story”

January 20, 2010  |   Community, Research, Student, Wake Forest College

A new animated film to teach students about the inner workings of cells — made by students at Atkins High School in cooperation with Wake Forest professors — had its premiere on campus this week.

News

Chemistry professor’s new book shines light on understudied areas

January 13, 2010  |   Research

Few researchers today study how light interacts with electrons in atomic and molecular systems, which is why chemistry professor Akbar Salam’s new book is shining new light on an old subject.

News

Tips to get you going

December 23, 2009  |   Research

Adding 30 minutes of daily physical activity should top your list of New Year’s resolutions, says professor Peter Brubaker, who offers 10 tips to get you moving toward a healthier lifestyle in 2010.