Each semester, some of Ursinus’s faculty step away from teaching in order to work on research of their own. We here at The Grizzly bring you this article to let you know what a few of your favorite professors will be working on away from campus this upcoming semester.
Dr. Roberts:
Dr. Rebecca Roberts is a professor in the biology department. Next semester she will be working on a host of projects such as editing a special edition of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Journal. This special edition will address the current state of practices in biochemistry and molecular biology education as well as opportunities for reform that have emerged. Additionally, she will be continuing research with her research student, Grace Olivio, and will be presenting at a conference in DC in March. She will also be spending some time at Washington State University to work with a collaborator, Erika Offerdahl, on additional research. Finally she’ll be organizing and facilitating workshops nationally as part of her work with BASIL (Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Laboratory).
Dr. Berry:
Dr. Brie Berry is an Environmental Science professor. While not technically on sabbatical as it’s pre-tenure leave, Dr. Berry will not be here next semester all the same. She will be working on a book surrounding the future of secondhand markets, such as clothing, textiles, and other material goods. This book will tie together research she did in rural reuse markets in Maine, as well as ongoing research that she has been doing with online resale platforms. She was inspired to write this book in part by the old Toni Morrison quote “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Dr. Berry teaches a class on circular economies and has researched the subject for years. She was never quite able to find a book that captured what she wanted to teach, so she has decided to write it.
Dr. Edwards:
Dr. Lynne Edwards is a professor in the Media & Communications department. She will be researching the role of TikTok memes in the most recent presidential election. More specifically, looking at what particular memes seemed to resonate with people. One of the goals is to find out why some took off and others did not. Edward will also be investigating if any particular styles of meme appeared and stayed after the election. Dr. Edwards took on this research as it is a different kind of research than her usual work on cyberbullying.
We wish each of these professors luck on their endeavors and look forward to seeing them again in the new year!