Monday Memo, August 12, 2024
August 12, 2024
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Welcome to the threshold of what promises to be an exciting new semester. The College of Arts & Sciences' lineup of culture-building activities this week is intended to set the tone for a successful academic year. Faculty Orientation Week, Welcome Week for Students, the A&S Open House, and the launch of UofL's new website all demonstrate the dedication and energy of our faculty and staff.
Faculty are already hard at work attending a two-day retreat for College leaders, engaging in department meetings, and participating in initial committee meetings for the new academic year. We’re also thrilled to welcome our new faculty members with a special orientation day.
Welcome Week for students is just around the corner, taking place on the Belknap Campus from August 15 to 18. This series of events is designed to warmly welcome our new Cardinals to UofL. Be sure to check out the full listing of events.
This Friday, August 16, is the A&S Open House. From 10 am to 12 noon, the Belknap Academic Building lobby and the surrounding lawn will come alive with activity. Last year’s event saw a huge turnout, and we’re expecting similar numbers this year. Each department or unit should have an information table, there will be games and activities outside, and—best of all—donuts!
Finally, tomorrow, August 13, marks a major milestone in UofL’s multi-year Web Improvement Project with the launch of the new main website. This site reflects years of research and is designed to make it easier for students, faculty, staff, and community partners to find important information. It will also feature overview pages for departments and strategic areas, linking back to their existing sites. All other websites will transition to the new Drupal system by November 22. For more details, visit the Web Improvement Project FAQ page.
We are standing on the brink of an auspicious new semester filled with opportunity, collaboration, and growth. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to our students as we begin this new chapter together!
Sincerely,
Julie Wrinn, Chief of Staff
Research Agenda
New Research on Correlates of Pretrial Jail Stay Length Published in Top Criminology Journal
Kudos to Heather Ouellette, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, and Brian Schaefer, a 2015 UofL Criminal Justice Ph.D. and Associate Professor in the UofL School of Public Health, who recently published an article in Criminology & Public Policy, a top journal in the field. The article examined correlates of pretrial jail stay length in Louisville and St. Louis. Findings demonstrated that race, gender, and poverty were related to longer stays in jail. The article can be accessed free of charge here.
Undergraduate Research
Geography and Fine Arts Students' SROP Experiences
By Audrie Lamb, UofL News
Twenty-nine students participated in UofL’s Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) in 2024. SROP provides UofL undergraduates an intensive 10-week research experience with a faculty mentor in any discipline.
Dominic Laduke, a geography student, participated in summer research to explore his passion of meteorology. “Getting to college and seeing all the research that goes into the different products that we use for meteorology really interested me, and I knew that I wanted to do something like that,” Laduke said.
His project focuses on simulating how severe weather interacts with cities. By creating a detailed computer model of a virtual city, complete with increased roughness to represent buildings and changes in temperature to reflect the urban heat island effect, Laduke’s research examines the impact of aerosols—tiny particles suspended in the air—on these weather events.
Some SROP students are even taking their research global. Gunnar Goshorn, a fine arts and liberal studies student, developed an intensive art program at the University of Rome. Goshorn’s artistic journey began with a performance art experience that sparked a passion for the experimental and the essence of art. This curiosity led him to take a chance and reach out to a professor, a decision that blossomed into a collaborative summer research project.
“What really got me to reach out to my professor was just how open she was in the classroom. I just sent her an email saying I found a scholarship and would really love to try and create an opportunity not only for myself but for her as well,” he said. “A huge part of the creative identity is building connections and the most beautiful thing about those connections is that they can be built between any two creatives.” Read more.
International Education
Empowering Global Citizens: The Essential Role of Financially Accessible Study Abroad Programs
By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director
Kamal Amirneni’s aspiration to one day become a physician who provides compassionate care to his medical patients drives him to double major in both Biology and Spanish, ensuring he’ll be able to communicate clearly with a diverse range of people.
On this pre-med track with a minor in public health, Kamal (pictured above and below) has personally experienced the transformative impact of studying abroad, so much so that he is now pursuing an all-new language, Hindi, to make sure that he can speak fluently with an even wider range of diverse patients whom he will one day serve.
Originally from Aldie, VA, Kamal is a Brown Fellows scholar who participated in a medical Spanish immersion program in Buenos Aires, Argentina last summer—a pivotal experience that would have been unattainable without multiple scholarships from UofL, including those from the Classical and Modern Languages department, the Brown Fellows program, and the David Hershberg Scholarship.
"Being in a hospital where people spoke only Spanish was crucial for understanding how words are used in real life. Shadowing in another language would only be possible while abroad," Kamal shared, highlighting the unique opportunities study abroad programs offer. The real-life application of his language skills in a medical setting allowed him to grasp medical terms and colloquial language that are essential for effective patient care. Read more.
To support making study abroad programs accessible for all students, consider making a donation by clicking here.
DIGGING IN: UofL student researchers unearth history at Portugal dig site
By Tony Piedmonte, UofL News
Where can the University of Louisville lead you? For sophomore anthropology major Bailey Wilson, it was a cave in Portugal, where she spent the summer unearthing the mysteries of early man as part of an archeological dig.
Each day, Wilson and her classmates would hike a half-mile to the cave in Mira de Aire, Portugal, where they’d dig alongside UofL researchers and graduate students, tracking and recovering artifacts from the site.
“Archaeology is an especially hands-on field, so my experience helped me to visualize my future career and see if I was truly up for the job,” Wilson said. “I think I came back to campus with a much better understanding of what I wanted to do in the discipline and what I didn’t, which is so valuable for determining your next steps in life.”
Led by anthropologist Jonathan Haws, the team worked to find and catalog animal bones, charcoal, stone tools and soil samples that could reveal where, when and how early humans lived. The annual digs, part of a three-year project sponsored by the National Science Foundation, have led to groundbreaking discoveries about the movement of early humans, for example, that modern humans arrived in the westernmost part of Europe about 5,000 years earlier than previously known, at a time when most believed there were only Neanderthals.
“That discovery completely changes the way we understand early human history, where they lived and when,” said Haws, a professor and chair of the UofL anthropology department. “Now, our team is working to paint a fuller picture of what that life looked like — how they cooked, how they hunted, how they lived. Being involved in something like that is just a huge opportunity for students.”
Below: Jonathan Haws (at left) with researchers at an archeological dig in Portugal.
Here and Beyond
Cishella Durling, B.A. 2024, Disability Studies and Advocacy
If there’s a recurring theme to Cishella Durling’s past, it’s not feeling seen or heard. That’s probably why she ended up in advocacy – so she could finally use her voice. The incoming graduate student created her own undergraduate degree through UofL’s individualized major program, centering in on disability studies and advocacy in order to make sure that all voices – including those of disabled persons like Durling herself – are prevalent on campus and in society.
Durling noticed early on that something was different with her body. It ached. A lot. After several – 25, in fact – procedures, including three ACL reconstructions and two hip surgeries, doctors determined Durling has a connective tissue disorder, possibly Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and possibly genetic. In Durling’s case, along with the pain, the disorder affects her mobility. Flare-ups can be devastating, making it hard for her to walk and requiring a cane or a mobility device.
She originally came to Kentucky after a difficult divorce and landed under the same roof as her sister, who is deaf, has Down Syndrome and has symptoms of the same connective tissue disorder Durling has. When Durling decided to attend UofL as a single mother, she thought she wanted to be an interpreter and enrolled in UofL’s American Sign Language program.
“As somebody who’s experienced marginalization because of my status as a disabled person, it has been frustrating to see people that I truly love and truly care about who exist even on the further margins, just not have the access,” she said. “And so, I thought if I can create a program that allows me to understand disability, I can gain insight on how to help create policy changes that will impact the community in ways that will empower them.”
So Durling switched to an individualized major, built her disability studies and advocacy program and set out to spread the word. “I want this institution to really take so seriously that disabled voices need to be in the room,” she said. “I’m grateful that they’ve allowed me to have the conversations, be raw, be vulnerable, and say my experience has been adverse in some ways and we can’t just leave the bar here and be compliant. I want to challenge that bare minimum.” Read more.
Kudos
Dewey Clayton, Professor of Political Science, was recently interviewed by "The Hill," a top political website based in Washington, D.C., covering Congress and politics.
Andreas Elpidorou, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Liberal Studies Program, was interviewed for a National Geographic article on boredom's relationship to creativity. Elpidorou discusses the complex role that boredom plays in our lives, emphasizing that while boredom itself may not directly spark creativity, it can, under the right circumstances, encourage individuals to engage in meaningful activities.
Karen Freberg, Professor of Strategic Communication and Director of The Bird's Nest student agency in the Department of Communication, was interviewed for two industry articles about current topics in the strategic communication profession. She was interviewed for a PR Daily story related to changes brands are implementing related to their DEI policies and The Drum's article about the backlash facing Google for their Olympics commercial for Gemini AI.
A new book by Lauren Freeman, Professor of Philosophy, entitled Microaggressions in Medicine (Oxford UP, 2024), was recently featured on the substack, New Works in Philosophy. Additionally, her essay, “Microaggressions in Black Maternal Health,” was featured in Bioethics Today.
Ann Hall, Professor of Comparative Humanities, was invited to speak on August 1 at the Spencer County Library in Taylorsville on Kentucky novelist Fenton Johnson’s Scissors, Paper, Rock as part of the Kentucky Humanities Council’s “Kentucky Reads” series. The novel concerns a Kentucky family’s struggles from 1942-92, focusing on a character's discovery of his homosexuality and subsequent AIDS diagnosis. Next, Hall will be speaking in October at the Scott County Library on horror films.
A community-engaged research project led by Tom Jennings, Associate Professor, Director of Center for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, was the subject of an article and video by Spectrum News. At Eastern Cemetery, researchers are helping families identify their loved ones, uncovering the hidden past of a Kentucky cemetery. A 1980s court case revealed that LCI, a company that managed the cemetery, used harmful and inhumane practices since the 1850s. Researchers estimate 100,000 to more than 130,000 people are buried in the 29-acre cemetery, eight times the burial regulation. The research team is working with the nonprofit Friends of Eastern Cemetery to help keep alive the memories of those buried. Read more and view a videofeaturing Jennings and student researchers Codi Goodwin and Emily Roth.
Michael Johmann, Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Humanities, and UofL alumnus (B.A., 1983), became the first swimmer from Kentucky to complete a 10K marathon in the frigid waters off Sitka, Alaska on July 28. Competing in "Change Your Latitude," Alaska's only open-water marathon, Johmann finished fourth in the 10K, non-wetsuit division. This year's race follows Johmann's successful solo swims of Loch Ness and Loch Lomond, Scotland in 2022 and '23. A UofL flag accompanies him on each of his adventures, as pictured below.
Community Engagement
Stories Behind the Signatures: Premiere of the Elwood and Roxanne Sturtevant Collection
An enlightening conversation was held at the Anne Braden Institute during the week of Juneteenth, featuring Elwood Sturtevant and Dr. David Anderson celebrating the dedication of a book collection generously gifted by Elwood and Roxanne Sturtevant. This collection, now housed within the institute, features signed copies and special editions of works authored by esteemed scholars and activists.
Attendees had the opportunity to delve into the stories and significance behind the books, exploring their profound impact and relevance for the future. The event served as a poignant reminder of the power of literature and scholarship in advancing social justice and understanding. The collection is available at the Anne Braden Institute and open to the public, with limited access as all ABI books are a part of special collections.
Department Fact Sheet of the Week
Geared primarily for students, department fact sheets are terrific pieces that display the depth and breadth of each of our stellar departments. The Monday Memo will feature a different one in each upcoming edition. Today's feature: Women's, Sexuality, and Gender Studies!
Opportunities
Call for proposals: Fall 2024 Research Mentoring Awards
The Graduate School is now accepting research proposals for the fall 2024 Research Mentoring Awards. These awards foster the development of research experiences of graduate students trained in effective mentoring for undergraduate students across the curriculum and are designed to support undergraduate and graduate student pairs participating in research. Proposals for these awards require limited research information, but specific information about mentoring practices. Graduate students are encouraged to learn more and submit a research proposal online by Wednesday, Aug. 14. For more information, visit the webpage.
Wanted: Faculty Testimonials for Recruitment Efforts
The Office of Admissions is gathering faculty testimonials for communications with prospective students. Don't let your department be unrepresented! Faculty from every department are asked to complete a testimonial form highlighting your experiences of what A&S—and a degree from your department—can offer students.
MakerSpace Available to A&S Students
In the heart of the Engineering Student Success Building, a new 9,000 sq ft. makerspace will host countless opportunities for students across our community to work together to create something special. The space contains:
- Large communal maker area with shared workbenches, overhead services, and access to hand tools.
- Dedicated additive manufacturing 3D printing studio.
- State-of-the-art machine shop with full CNC capabilities.
- Prototyping and development lab.
- Studio for industry relations, student entrepreneurship, and startup ventures.
- Individual breakout spaces for engineering competition teams.
The makerspace will:
- Enhance Learning Experiences: Provide students with practical, project-based learning opportunities that complement their academic studies.
- Foster Innovation: Encourage creativity and innovation by giving students access to resources and support for developing their ideas and projects.
- Strengthen Community Engagement: Connect students with industry professionals, alumni, and local businesses through collaborative projects and events.
- Boost Student Success: Equip students with the skills and experience needed to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
We invite you to explore partnership opportunities, including joint projects, workshops, and events. Reach out to Sean Johnson, Director of Makerspace, to discuss how we can work together to make a positive impact on our students’ educational journeys. sean.johnson.3@louisville.edu or 502-432-1702 and see flyer below.
Call for Papers: LCLC52
The 52nd Annual Louisville Conference on Literature & Culture will take place on Feb. 17-18 (virtual) and Feb. 20-22 (in-person) with a thrilling new line-up of nationally and internationally renowned keynote speakers: Rachel Kushner, Ben Lerner, Jahan Ramazani, and Jorge Medina!
LCLC52 welcomes critical papers and full panel discussions about literature from the 20th and 21st centuries and its connections to other art forms and academic fields. The conference also welcomes creative submissions, such as literary compositions, videos, or hybrid genres. Additionally, critical-creative submissions exploring poetics, crafts, or writing practices are welcomed.
Deadline for submissions is 11:59 P.M. EST on September 16, 2024. Read more for submission guidelines or contact Emily Ravenscraft, Conference Coordinator, at lclc@louisville.edu to learn how you can be a part of LCLC52.
Human Resources
Remote Work
The remote work period for the Fall semester is August 12 through December 14, 2024, and staff who wish to work remotely during this period should update their remote work agreements accordingly. Please forward completed copies of the agreement to ashumres@louisville.edu. The policy and the form are provided here.
As part of that process, please also take a few moments to answer some questions about how the A&S remote work policy performed during summer 2024. This will help us evaluate the policy, as well as guide supervisors in considering best practices for remote work during the fall semester. The summer remote work survey is here. Please submit your response by August 15. This survey is not anonymous, but anyone who wishes to provide anonymous feedback may do in the usual manner at this link.
A&S Events
ABI Graduate Student Social and Open House, August 15, 1-3pm
Graduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences and those interested in social justice research are invited to attend a social and open house at the Anne Braden Institute (ABI). Learn more about the ABI, network with the ABI's faculty affiliates, and fellow graduate students. Refreshments will be served. RSVP on Engage UofL. See flyer above.
A&S Open House
This year's A&S Open House, part of Welcome Week, will be held on Friday, August 16, 10 am to 12 noon, in the Belknap Academic Building lobby and the surrounding lawn outdoors. Last year we had a huge student and department turnout, and we expect similar numbers this year. There will be information tables for each department or unit, as well as games and activities outside, and best of all: donuts! Use this link to sign up and share with your student organization members. Keep in mind that anyone from your department can attend. Many thanks to Sr. Coordinator Nuriya Raimberdieva for spearheading this fun and essential recruitment event!
Discover Louisville's rich history: Destination tour for new faculty
Join us on Saturday, August 17, for an exclusive tour led by Tom Owen, UofL community historian and archivist. Explore iconic sites like Muhammad Ali's childhood home, the revitalized Russell neighborhood, Old Louisville and NuLu. Hosted by the A&S Office of International Engagement and Equity Programs, the A&S Office of Faculty Affairs and the Office of Community Engagement, this event is a great chance to connect with colleagues and explore the city's cultural heritage. Light refreshments will be provided. Seats are limited; RSVP today. For more information, contact LaRee Shontee, 852-3042.
UofL Events
UofL’s New Blackboard Ultra Course View
Get ready for teaching in Blackboard Ultra this fall by participating in a virtual training or pop-up session, and make sure to enroll in Duo, UofL's two-factor authentication system, before logging in. Learn more here.
Upcoming Delphi Center Courses
Using G-AI to Review Your Syllabus, Tuesday, August 13, 10-11:30 a.m. in the TILL. Participants will be guided through the process of using Generative AI (G-AI) to review and update their syllabi to include the creation of a G-AI policy. Through a combination of presentation, discussions and hands-on activities, educators will leave with an understanding of how to effectively use G-AI tools as well as a draft syllabus ready for further refinement. Learn more and register here.
Course Syllabi: Peer Review Workshop, Tuesday, August 13, 12:30-2 p.m. in the TILL. This 90-minute peer review workshop provides an opportunity for participants to collaboratively refine drafted syllabi. Participants will exchange their syllabus drafts and offer constructive feedback, drawing on diverse perspectives and best practices to enhance the clarity and effectiveness. Learn more and register here.
Welcome Week for Students
Welcome Week, a series of events designed to welcome new Cardinals to UofL, will take place Aug. 15-18, on Belknap Campus. See a full listing of events here.
Inclusive Excellence and Belonging Symposium
All are invited to the inaugural Inclusive Excellence and Belonging Symposium, an event dedicated to exploring and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within our academic and local communities. This symposium aims to bring together scholars, practitioners, students, campus and community members to share research, best practices, and innovative ideas that foster an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all. August 26 – 30, 2024 which includes the President's Forum on Inclusive Excellence on August 28. Multiple locations: Belknap, Health Sciences Campus, virtual, and participating community locations. Participant registration information and session details will be shared early August.
Majors Fair on September 19
The Majors Fair helps new students explore their academic options and connect with faculty and staff in their areas of interest. This year it takes place on Thursday, September 19, until 1 pm in the Humanities Quad (SAC Ballroom W215). Plan to have your table set and ready to go no later than 10:45 am and be prepared to talk with students until the event ends at 1 pm. We'll want to be ready to engage the students leaving class at 10:45 and others arriving for their 11:00 classes. We expect to be busiest during the 12:15-1:00 break. To earn free lunch, students will be required to get their passport stamped by visiting at least three different tables. The SSC will provide you with a stamp on the day of the event. Faculty and staff working the event may also take a free lunch. Estimated attendance: 700-800 students. Complete a Participation Form to let us know whether your department plans on being there. Questions: firstyear@louisville.edu.
Save the Date: Delphi Center's 2025 Celebration of Teaching and Learning
On Friday, February 7, 2025, the Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning (Delphi) will host the next UofL Celebration of Teaching and Learning Conference at the SAC on Belknap Campus. This annual event is a cornerstone of our shared commitment to educational excellence, bringing together educators from across the university to share insights, innovations, and best practices in teaching and learning. We look forward to your support and participation.
