Spotlight Archive
When it comes to large, federally funded research projects, how can lay organizations – with their myriad interests that may create conflict with the researchers who are directing the projects – peacefully coexist with the scientists?
Because there are so many competing perspectives and stakeholders, that often can be a tough call, said Sabrina McCormick, assistant professor of sociology, who has been studying lay participation in a federal environmental breast cancer research project.
McCormick and several other researchers addressed the issue at a special symposium – “A Crack in the Lab Door: The State of ‘Upstream Engagement’ in Science” – at the recent American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in Boston.
“There is controversy in the scientific community over this issue,” said McCormick, who also is affiliated with MSU’s Environmental Science and Policy Program.
“It’s a question of whether advocates or nonexperts should have a say in forming the research agenda.” The problem, she said, is that everybody has a stake in the work.
BRENDAN MULLAN NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MSU'S ACADEMIC SITE IN DUBAI...
As the recently named executive director of MSU’s academic site in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Brendan Mullan plans on developing strong undergraduate and graduate programs, research and outreach efforts.
Mullan, who was formally introduced at the Dec. 7 Board of Trustees meeting by John Hudzik, vice president for global engagement and strategic projects, said it is critical that MSU’s programs and presence at Dubai International Academic City reflect the university’s values of quality, inclusiveness and community involvement.
Mullan, a 17-year faculty member at MSU, is associate dean of academic and student affairs for the College of Social Science and associate professor of sociology. As executive director of MSU in Dubai, he will be responsible for all academic and research operations. (read on...)
HONORS AND AWARDS RECIPIENTS 2007: STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF
MSU'S FAMILY RESEARCH INITIATIVE TO FOCUS ON AGING...
Dr. Jan Bokemeier, Sociology Department Chair, is also the Director of MSU's Family Research Initiative (FRI), a university-wide effort, which will investigate a host of aging-related family topics such as health care, proper nutrition and family support.
Researchers from various colleges will be hired to study a fast-growing elderly population. (more...)
Deborah Wilson Lowry was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to Michigan with her family at age three. Having Irish citizenship from her father, she grew up with a strong interest in different cultures and societies. Deborah received an undergraduate degree in East Asian studies and sociology at Grand Valley State University and went on to earn a Master’s degree in sociology at Western Michigan University. More...
Sociology graduate, Justin Sailor, will be using his degree in a non- traditional manner. In a few months from now Justin plans to travel to every state in the Union, staying with different people in each state. Justin will document each host and their hometown through photography, interviews, and an extensive blog. More...
Sabrina McCormick uses documentary filmmaking to bridge the gap between the ivory tower and the public. "Many valuable ideas are generated in academic settings, but they often go unnoticed because they are not communicated to broad audiences. The films I make are an attempt to undo that disjuncture." More...
Laurel Hilliker Sociology Graduate Student Laurel graduated in December of 2004 with a B.A. in Sociology from Michigan State University (with honors). She also holds a paralegal certification by the American Bar Association. More...
MSU Research: Global Scope, Local Impact: Old Food Meets New Technologies, Leaves Food for Thought
SAN FRANCISCO — There are big changes driven by small forces in two of the oldest industries of the U.S. economy – agriculture and agricultural production.
From the fields to the grocery store shelves, nanotechnology – technology that allows the control of unique, sub-molecular properties of matter – is revolutionizing the way food is produced, packaged and distributed, leaving many in the industry grappling with nanotechnology’s numerous implications.
Michigan State University professors Sue Selke and John Stone are among a group of experts who will address questions surrounding the union of agriculture and nanotech during today’s symposium, “What is Agrifood Technology?: Technical, Ethical, Legal and Social Questions,” at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting, February 15-19, in San Francisco, CA. (more...)
The XVI ISA World Congress of Sociology was held in Durban, South Africa this summer (July 23-29 2006). It was an ideal location for the Congress as this year's principal theme was "The Quality of Social Existence in a Globalising World." The Department was well represented as participants included faculty members, Alesia Montgomery and Jualynne Dodson, as well as graduate students Juan Bustamante and Cedric Taylor. While in South Africa, Cedric Taylor took the opportunity to document his experiences using a photojournalistic approach. More…
