The fellows will work with the Center for Media Design's research team developing and testing new approaches to incorporating interactivity into advertising, news, weather and other TV content. They will also serve part-time as professionals-in-residence, lecturing and making classroom presentations.
"Each of our new research fellows brings unique skills and experience to assist in our research efforts. Together they make up something of an interactive media team. Our students and faculty will benefit and so will our research efforts," Bloxham said.
William Bock, professor of physiology and health science
Bock was quoted in a Nov. 15 article in The Indianapolis Star about coping with work-related anxiety.
As with many public health problems, there are four key steps to a solution, Bock said.
"First, make sure you're aware of the problem. Then develop an interest in solving it. Third, get motivated to make a difference and fourth, have a plan of action," Bock said.
Michael Goldsby, professor of marketing and management
A Nov. 10 Washington (Ind.) Times Herald article quoted Goldsby on the results of Ball State's Entrepreneurial Community Assessment Program (ECAP) in Daviess County.
The program's aim is to determine what Daviess County can do to attract business, assess the county's entrepreneurial climate and give potential entrepreneurs a jump start into the business world.
"I think it went well because we had people involved in every step. People are eager, and that's not always the case. Instead of being reactive, this community is being proactive and taking action when it will have a difference," Goldsby said.
Jo Ann M. Gora, Ball State president
Gora was interviewed Nov. 16 by Gerry Dick for an InsideINdianaBusiness.com report about the brainstorming session that 75 economic development leaders attended in Indianapolis to discuss a new strategic plan for the state.
"We were concerned about delays that seem to be inherent in our current system in terms of developing degree programs. So we talked a lot about developing certificate programs tied to employers' immediate needs," Gora said.
David Haber, professor of wellness and gerontology
A Nov. 10 article in the Bradenton (Fla.) Herald quoted Haber about the fitness changes men need to make as they age.
One element that should not be ignored is the social aspect of exercise, which becomes increasingly important for older men. Mental health, he said, becomes entwined with physical health.
"Although some men aren't social creatures, even walking regularly with friends can stave off isolation and loneliness," Haber said.
The story also appeared in The Arkansas Democrat Gazette and on NorthJersey.com.
David Johnson, professor of art
Johnson's work was featured Nov. 6 in the Dayton Daily News, the day "David Johnson: Prints, Drawings, Books" opened at Wright State University's Art Galleries. The show runs through Jan. 8.
The exhibit includes Johnson's sketchbooks to show how the printmaker's drawings become finished prints.
"All my work begins with drawing," Johnson said.
Ron Kaitchuck, professor of physics and astronomy
Kaitchuck was quoted in a Nov. 2 article on AScribe Newswire about the new observatory Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is planning to build in Australia.
"[The telescope will be] especially advantageous because of the longitude difference. It will allow observations when it's daytime in Indiana. There is no doubt that faculty and students will benefit greatly from the access to this remote telescope," Kaitchuck said.
Joseph McKinney, chairman of the department of educational leadership
An Oct. 31 article in the South Bend Tribune quoted McKinney about the growing trend to not celebrate Halloween in schools because of students' religious objections.
According to McKinney, schools citing numerous religious objections should legally be able to celebrate the holiday.
"Halloween signifies nothing more than a secular celebration. I think as far as courts are concerned, that's settled it. I believe any court would recognize that," McKinney said.
Judy Merritt, director, bursar and loan administration office
Merritt was quoted in a Nov. 5 article in The Indianapolis Star about Ball State's new online tuition payment system.
"Not only will students be able to view their bills and make online payments from their checking or savings accounts, they will have access to view their current account information and statement history," Merritt said.
The story was also featured by the Associated Press, WTHR and the Decatur Daily Democrat.
Robert Papper, professor of telecommunications
A Nov. 13 article in the (Albany, N.Y.) Times Union quoted Papper on the crowded TV market in the Albany area.
Currently the Albany-Troy-Schenectady TV market has five channels with newscasts.
"Are five (news-gathering) channels a lot for a market the size of Albany? Yes. It's an unusual market from several standpoints. It wouldn't surprise me if you lose one of the outlets," Papper said.
Walter Smith, professor of biology
Smith was quoted in a Nov. 4 Associated Press article about his students' project to create an edible lunar vehicle.
"The moon is like a junkyard with everything our astronauts left behind. It's a nice theory to think some of that could have been eaten before they left," Smith said.
Tom Taylor, vice president, enrollment, marketing, and communications
Taylor was quoted in a Nov. 10 USA Today article focusing on the variety of paths students take on their way to earning their degrees. An important question is whether or not they will be able to graduate in four years.
With only 45 percent of traditional-age college students graduating within four years, academic guidance can be a crucial factor.
"I think it's really important for parents to ask about the institution's approach to advising," Taylor said.
Tom Weidner, coordinator of athletic training programs
Weidner was quoted in the December issue of Runner's World magazine about running with a cold.
Weidner conducted a study that looked at the length and severity of the common cold in persons who were sedentary and persons who ran 30 to 40 minutes per day for a week.
"The two groups didn't differ in the length or severity of their colds," said Weidner.
He concluded that running with a head cold - as long as you don't push beyond accustomed workouts - is beneficial in maintaining fitness and psychological well-being.
His findings were also published in a Nov. 8 article in The (London) Times.



