New Magazine Showcases Faculty Research

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas has launched a new magazine to highlight faculty research and show its state and national constituents the quality of scientific and intellectual work being done at the institution.

The 36-page magazine, called University of Arkansas Research Frontiers, should arrive in mailboxes this week. Circulation will approach 20,000 across the state, nation and world.

The first issue highlights the work of assistant professor of health science, kinesiology, recreation and dance Lori Turner, who studies the onset of osteoporosis in young women; distinguished professor of chemical engineering Jerry Havens, whose work with gas dispersion at low-wind speeds has earned him an international reputation in his field; professor of chemistry and biochemistry Derek Sears and associate professor of biology Tim Kral, whose high-profile research focuses on the question of life on Mars; and Lisa Williams, Oren Harris Chair of Logistics and professor of transportation logistics and marketing, whose research into e-commerce has influenced businesses worldwide.

With an introductory message from Chancellor John A. White, the magazine also includes news from all the University's schools and colleges, the library and continuing education division in the form of research briefs, book and CD reviews. In addition, the Field Notes stories will showcase the impact of work done by U of A researchers off campus, both in the United States and abroad.

The UA Q &A features questions answered by University of Arkansas professors. Secondary school students and their teachers, in particular, are encouraged to submit questions. This feature will be updated regularly on the web version of the magazine.

"It's a great way for students to learn, and to become connected to university faculty," said Melissa Blouin, science and research communications manager and editor of the new publication.

Research Frontiers will be produced twice a year in the office of university relations, said Roger Williams, associate vice chancellor for university relations.

The magazine receives funding from all of the schools and colleges, the library and continuing education, plus the Division of University Advancement. In addition, it has an exclusive sponsor, TIAA-CREF, a retirement fund for educators. As a result of this sponsorship, TIAA-CREF has been given a back cover full-page advertisement.

"We could think of no better sponsor for such an endeavor than an organization like TIAA-CREF that has dedicated itself to the support of the higher education professionals," Williams said. "We are especially grateful to Mario Ramirez, a University of Arkansas alumnus who is a senior trust consultant for TIAA-CREF. His enthusiasm for a partnership between TIAA-CREF and the research magazine made this project possible."

To request free copies of the magazine, please call (479) 575-5555 or send e-mail to blouin@comp.uark.edu.

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Melissa Blouin, science and research communications manager, (479) 575-5555, blouin@comp.uark.edu