Missouri State Journal

Under rocks and logs, in burrows and underwater, Dr. Alicia Mathis finds fascinating creatures to study. Mathis, head of the biology department at Missouri State University, focuses her research on the behaviors of tiny amphibians and fish. 

One of the most common things these animals need to communicate about is predation risk. It’s been understood for awhile that alarm cues are received and understood by animals of the same species and of different species – imagine a minnow and a stickleback – but her lab has uncovered some surprising results.

  Education is an area of concern for citizens in Missouri. More specifically, locally, early childhood education and poverty have remained red flag areas for years.  Dr. David Hough, dean of the College of Education at Missouri State University, talks about the intersection of poverty and education. He also brings to light current trends and ways that the system can be reformed to give more individualized attention to the students who many not have as much – or any – support at home.

How much do you know about the Dead Sea Scrolls? On Sept. 10-12, the Springfield community will have the opportunity to learn about their storied past and significance as Missouri State University will be hosting the Midwest Jewish Studies Association conference. Dr. Vadim Putzu, assistant professor of religious studies at Missouri State, is helping to coordinate the conference.

Dr. Lawrence Schiffman will give a free public lecture entitled “The Bible and its Interpretation in the Dead Sea Scrolls” on Sept. 11 in the Plaster Student Union Ballroom.

When you think about the Ozarks – what image do you conjure up in your mind? When the late Dr. John Keiser, former Missouri State University president, dreamed of the Ozarks Celebration Festival about 20 years ago, he wanted a festival that celebrated the many facets of the Ozarks. The goal of the festival was to give festival goers - and new faculty and students - a sense of place.

Barb Jones, director of special events for the College of Arts and Letters at Missouri State University would like to invite the entire community to participate in this free festival Sept. 9-11.

Nonprofits exist to feed, shelter and help; but also to boost economic growth. And, they’re making a tremendous impact. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, approximately 1.41 million nonprofits were registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2013, the most recent numbers available.

Dr. Christina Ryder, coordinator of Go Lead: Professional Development for the Nonprofit Sector at Missouri State University, director of Community Based Research and instructor in the sociology department shares about Go Lead's programming.