30 Brave Minutes

Each year, the arrival of the 14th day of March, or  3.14, is celebrated as Pi Day, in honor of the number Pi, which has been used by mathematicians throughout history. Pi Day is a time to honor the importance of math through events and conversations such as today’s episode. We are joined by Hillary Sessions, Director of Mathematics at UNC Pembroke, for a conversation about how UNCP is addressing the challenges brought about by the learning interruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic, the development of new math curriculum, her own research into learning strategies, and what UNCP is doing to involve the community in the Pi Day celebrations. We even found time to bust some math myths! Hillary Sessions was raised in Richmond County, NC, attended Richmond Senior High, and earned her B.S. in Mathematics from UNC Wilmington. She taught math at Scotland High School in Laurinburg, NC, where she fell in love with teaching and coaching volleyball. After working as a mathematics teacher, instructional coach, technology

This month we welcome Professor Brandon Sanderson of UNCP's Department of Art, who shares his work as an artist and educator. Entering his 22nd year as a professor and 28th as an exhibiting artist, Professor Sanderson currently serves as the sixth Director of the Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity Center and as Professor of Art teaching Printmaking and Drawing. Supporting undergraduate research across the campus including everything from scientific and humanities-based research to jazz composition, the Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity Center holds a yearly Symposium showcasing student work. In our conversation, Professor Sanderson shares his own story, from growing up on the farm, to work in computer science, which led to development as a printmaker, and his work with arts organizations such as the Artnauts Collective, combining art and social justice initiatives in Ukraine, Sarajevo, South Korea, Bosnia, Columbia, and many other locations. Since 2013, Professor Sanderson has serve

We start off the new year by welcoming Dr. Joseph Van Hassel, Chair of the UNCP Department of Music, and Kalem Graham, Director of the 'Spirit of the Carolinas' Marching Band, for a conversation about musical activities on campus and beyond. We discussed what brought each of them to music as a career, and what they studied along the way. We learned more about what research and scholarship looks like in the performing arts, and the two shared how their work in the classroom informs growth as performers, and in the study of education and teaching. As educators monitor the long-lasting changes in public school programming brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, more is learned about how to respond at the university level.  As one of the major performing ensembles in the department, the 'Spirit of the Carolinas' Marching Band not only entertains, but has been a training ground for student leadership for decades. Students work in all aspects of the ensemble's organization, including music, technology, personnel, and f

This month we celebrate conservation and sustainability through this intriguing conversation with Dr. Jerry Griffith, Associate Professor in our Department of Geology and Geography. Dr. Griffith shares his experience tracking timber for the U.S. Forest Service through efforts to engage members of the community in conservation. This citizen science work educates and involves the general public with plant and forest health, and assists with efforts to prevent poaching of valuable woods such as black walnut, much prized for its decorative grain and durability. Dr. Griffith shares how he engages students at UNCP, and how, through the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other methods, these efforts keep watch on tree health and development. The conversation showcases how any of us can partner in these activities, which come with the additional benefit of fresh air and exercise.  Born and raised outside Reading, Pennsylvania, Dr. Griffith’s academic pedigree includes a B.S. in Earth Science from Pennsy

The month of November 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. To learn more, we welcome two UNCP faculty members for a conversation about the political climate of the time, and implications for the decades to follow. We discuss how these themes are taught in classrooms today, and what relevance and lessons the assassination and subsequent killing of Lee Harvey Oswald have for society. Drs. Marineau and Hudson, who met as students at the University of Texas at Austin, both came to UNC Pembroke and reconnected as faculty, sharing interest in twentieth century history and politics. Dr. Josiah Marineau is an Associate Professor of Political Science at UNCP and faculty advisor and coach for the Model United Nations program. He specializes in Comparative Politics and International Relations with a focus on the South Caucasus as well as central and eastern Africa. In addition to ongoing fieldwork in Georgia, he has conducted fieldwork in Uganda, Ma

In today's discussion we are joined by Dr. Laura Hakala of UNCP's Department of English, Theatre and World Languages, who discusses her research and teaching of 19th and early 20th century children's literature, especially those books which focus on southern girlhood. Dr. Hakala reads from three selections she is currently using in her Southern Literature class, the first, published in 1905, is Floyd's Flowers, by African American author Silas Floyd (1869-1923). Dr. Hakala chose an excerpt from the short story "Mary and Her Dolls," which introduces readers to a smart young female character and her father. The book Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, was published in 1977 by African American author Mildred D. Taylor, and was the 1977 winner of the Newberry Medal, also illustrating a moment between a young daughter and her father. Dr. Hakala also shares the inspiring story Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom, published in 2006 by Tim Tingle, with beautiful illustrations by Native artist J

In today's episode we are joined by Dr. Erik Tracy, of UNCP's Department of Psychology, to discuss his research into how we process information when we listen to speech. Dr. Tracy shares how we assume personality characteristics of a speaker, based on a variety of elements in the voice, such as variation of pitch, timbre, and other characteristics. These assumptions cause us to automatically attempt to categorize what we hear, based on characteristics such as gender and sexual orientation. Dr. Tracy studies how words, and even smaller divisions of sounds within the words, are perceived by research subjects. This study of speech is part of the larger field of cognitive psychology, which studies how humans perceive and process information, such as language and physical characteristics.  Dr. Tracy supervises research students in the Psychology Department and teaches courses including Introductory Psychology, Sensation and Perception, and History and Systems of Psychology. A native of Buffalo, New York, Dr. Tra

Join us as we welcome Ana Cecilia Lara and Milagros López-Fred from our Department of English, Theatre, and World Languages, to discuss the inspiring experiences students receive through Study Abroad. The opportunity to see and experience new countries and cultures broadens perspectives and enriches student learning. Not simply a fun vacation, Study Abroad is a class that the students take, which incorporates learning before the trip, coordinated educational outreach during the trip, and concludes with reflection upon return. Our conversation looks at logistics such as cost, and the availability of payment plans, grants, and scholarships to ease this burden. Listeners will learn about the student and faculty teams who set out on these adventures, if they ever get lost, and what popular food of Spain became a favorite. In addition to Study Abroad, UNCP students interact with various programs across the department, including Acto Latino, a student club which presents theatre productions. The Fall Festival is a

Join us as we welcome Dr. Namyeon Lee of our UNCP Department of Mass Communication, to discuss her research into communication practices used to support healthcare initiatives. Dr. Lee studies how different approaches best engender support for clinical trials, and what variables seem effective in developing trust. Her research looks at design elements of printed flyers and TikTok videos which center the opinions of doctors or previous trial participants, and how the race of each spokesperson changes the trust of viewers. Dr. Lee discusses how she involves her public relations and mass communication theory and research students in these efforts. Originally from Korea, Dr. Lee earned three degrees in Journalism from the University of Missouri, where her Ph.D dissertation studied the communication of messages related to substance use. Her experience as an International student drew her to communication as a career, and became the focus of her publications and research projects which center design practice and e

Listen as we join the UNCP Rocket Team live from the NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This episode is a continuation of our April episode where Dr. Steven Singletary, of UNCP’s Department of Chemistry and Physics, discussed 3D printing on campus. In that episode we learned of the student work designing and printing parts for this rocket competition and the team that Dr. Singletary leads. Now, we join the team live from Huntsville and hear about the various required aspects of the competition, the students’ visit to Cummings Aerospace, and presentations given by UNCP students to NASA and other top corporate aerospace engineers. Through UNCP’s 3+2 Engineering Program with NC State University and via the experience of work such as this, alumni of the UNCP Physics program are working professionally in a variety of engineering roles.  Spoiler alert! This episode was recorded the day before the competition in April, and the launch day arrived with clear, blue skies and perfect conditions

Join us as we chat with Dr. Tracy Vargas, Assistant Professor in our Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. Dr. Vargas is a 2023 recipient UNC Pembroke Outstanding Teaching Award, and it is easy to see why after our conversation. A native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Vargas attended University of Pittsburg, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She then earned her Master of Arts Sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Ph.D from Syracuse University, where she began the research discussed in this episode.  Since arriving at UNC Pembroke, Dr. Vargas has continued her research and teaching activities surrounding the sociology of work, specifically to do with dollar stores. Join us as we discuss this fascinating topic with Dr. Vargas, and hear how UNCP students are advancing research through their participation in service-learning projects, and finding their voice as scholars, using their lived experience to advance knowledge of work and society.  More information on the

Join us as we chat with 3D printing expert Dr. Steven Singletary of the UNCP Department of Chemistry and Physics. A native of Tar Heel, N.C., Dr. Singletary served in the U.S. Marine Corps before earning a degree in Math and Computer Science from UNC Pembroke. He then earned his Master of Science in Geology from Texas Christian University and his Ph. D in Geochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Back home after his time at MIT, Dr. Singletary is an integral part of his home department, and spends his time leading UNCP’s Rocket Team, who have established themselves as a group to watch after successful competitions and achievements at the national level.  Dr. Singletary has presented and published for over sixty-five leading international journals and conferences and has earned over $2.6 million in successful grant funding to date. He is licensed as a Senior Parachute Rigger by the Federal Aviation Administration and works as an Accelerated Free Fall Instructor for the United States Parach

Join us as we chat with Dr. David Nikkel, Professor and Chair of the UNCP Department of Philosophy and Religion. Dr. Nikkel shares his love of teaching, and his work with our students, helping them practice thinking critically as they are introduced to the writing of leaders and philosophers across the world’s religions. An active Pastor, Dr. Nikkel earned his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University, a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School (Delaware, Ohio), and his Doctor of Philosophy from Duke University.  A University of North Carolina Board of Governors’ Award for Teaching Excellence recipient, Dr. Nikkel has published twenty peer-reviewed journal articles or chapters, in addition to his book, Radical Embodiment. More than 1000 libraries hold copies of this book, which discusses embodiment in religion, and the concept of panentheism. From the original Greek meaning ‘all in God,’ this idea illustrates the belief that the divine is found in all aspects of creation, which Dr. Nikkel discusses i

In a sunny spot on the north side of UNC Pembroke’s campus, visitors to the Campus Garden and Apiary are greeted by an array of colorful plants and a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and bugs. This garden is home to the Kids in the Garden program, a creative hub for students, faculty, and community members who meet to learn, and share research and scholarship. Join us as we welcome our guests from the Departments of Biology and Geography & Geology, pollen-studying palynologist Dr. Martin Farley, insect expert entomologist Dr. Kaitlin Campbell, and science educator and program director Dr. Rita Hagevik, who chat about their work. UNCP’s Campus Garden and Apiary is a valuable campus resource sharing the love of garden plants and insect life with students on campus, and across the community. Follow them on Facebook to see this great work in action, and keep up to date about events and activities happening in the garden.  Find the episode transcript here   Follow UNCP’s College of Arts and Sciences  on

We are delighted to share our latest podcast episode, Freshwater Ecosystems on Campus and Beyond with Dr. Amber Rock, from our Department of Biology. This episode showcases Dr. Rock’s research studying water in campus ponds and local waterways, and her work helping students learn about the plants and animals in this ever-changing landscape. Dr. Rock shares how a high school career survey somewhat surprisingly launched her into a career in freshwater ecology, and the joy she finds as she develops leaders and critical thinkers through this work with our students, right in our own backyard. Find the episode transcript here   Follow UNCP’s College of Arts and Sciences  on Facebook, Twitter@uncpcas and Instagram@uncpcas

We are delighted to share our latest podcast episode “Into the Singing Studio” with Dr. Rebecca Loar. This episode showcases Dr. Loar’s career as a vocalist, and her research into vocal health. We discussed her work with her students in the Department of Music and how we can all take proper care of our voices across our lives. After degrees in vocal and opera performance from Samford University and the Manhattan School of Music, Dr. Loar earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance with a cognate in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina. Her doctoral dissertation was “Singing Voice Specialization, an Essential Bridge Between Two Worlds,” discussing the need for medical arts specialists. An active performing artist, Dr. Loar has performed many opera roles and concert works, and is a former member of the New York Choral Artists where she performed with the New York Philharmonic, the American Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Society of St. Lukes, and the Little Orchestra Society of New

We are delighted to share our latest podcast episode “On the Field with the Cows” with Dr. Nicolas Negrin Pereira. A native of Uruguay, a veterinarian, and member of our Department of Biology, Dr. Negrin Pereira teaches various courses in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Zoology, and Physiology of Reproduction. This episode showcases his work with bovine reproductive health, and we learn about his work with students, in the field and in the lab, and the benefits of teaching animal husbandry to the next generation. Dr. Negrin Pereira discusses his beneficial collaborations between UNC Pembroke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State University, and shares the story of his fascination with animal reproductive health which began for him as a student. The conversation reminds all of us that UNCP’s proud history of animal science continues in good hands with Dr. Negrin Pereira and his students. Find the episode transcript here Follow us on Facebook, Twitter@uncpcas and Instagram@uncpcas Photo Information: The promised Se

We are delighted to share our latest podcast episode, featuring UNCP Associate Professor of Art, Dr. Naomi Lifshitz-Grant. This episode showcases Dr. Lifschitz-Grant’s work mentoring aspiring teachers as Coordinator of Graduate and Undergraduate Art Education, and discusses the local inspiration she finds as a painter. Dr. Lifschitz-Grant earned her Master of Arts and Doctor of Art Education degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. A veteran art educator, Dr. Lifschitz-Grant taught for eighteen years in public and private schools in New York City; Birmingham, Alabama; and in Italy, at the preschool, elementary, middle, and high school levels. Before joining UNCP, she taught at Columbia University, Bank Street College of Education, UNC Charlotte, and Appalachian State University. Her research explores how community-based arts can serve to implement change, particularly in urban, under-served school programs.   Dr. Lifschitz-Grant is a practicing artist who has been awarded a number of fellowships a

We are delighted to share our latest podcast episode “Hydrogeologists and the Science of Groundwater” with UNCP Assistant Professor of Geology, Dr. Madan Maharjan. This episode showcases Dr. Maharjan’s research in the field of Hydrogeology, which studies the movement of groundwater across our landscape. We discussed his work monitoring well water on campus and across Robeson County, and how water interacts with our environment over time. Dr. Maharjan is a native of Nepal, and has been teaching at UNCP for three years. His research interests are in surface and groundwater interactions, heat transport, and variations in water quality and quantity. A graduate of Tribhuvan University in Nepal, Dr. Maharjan earned his Master of Science in Hydrogeology at Kent State University, and his Ph. D in Hydrogeology from West Virginia University. He is primary author of several publications and presentations, and the recipient of multiple grants supporting water research, including the current work with Robeson County disc

In this episode we caught up with Dr. Mary Ann Jacobs (Lumbee), Professor and Chair of the Department of American Indian Studies at UNC Pembroke, to discuss her new book, Upon Her Shoulders: Southeastern Native Women Share Their Stories of Justice, Spirit, and Community. This book was a joint project together with Dr. Cherry Beasley (Lumbee), longtime faculty and Chair in the UNCP Nursing Program and former Interim Dean of UNCP’s College of Health Sciences, and Ulrike Wiethaus, Professor of Religion and American Ethnic Studies at Wake Forest University.  Dr. Jacobs shares the story of their collaboration, the importance of preserving stories of Native women, how she incorporates these lessons in the classroom, and reads selections from the book.    Proceeds from the sales are donated to the American Indian Women of Proud Nations organization, and you will find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Upon-Her-Shoulders-Southeastern-Community/dp/1949467805    Follow the UNCP College of Arts and Sciences on Faceb