Alison Carr-Chellman is professor of Instructional Systems and Head of Learning and Performance Systems at Penn State. A former third-grade teacher, Carr-Chellman is widely published on topics related to school change and innovation. Her research looks deeply into the alarming statistics surrounding boys' disinterest in traditional classroom education and suggests methods for making schools more innovative as well as more "boy friendly" in their instructional design practices. In this video clip -- excerpted from Carr-Chellman's hour-long "town and gown" discussion in State College, as part of the University's Research Unplugged series, she discusses the implications of "zero tolerance policy" for boys.
In the first edition of "Did They Get It Right?" (DTGIR), postdoctoral research fellow Crystal Sanders of the Penn State Africana Research Center examines the historical accuracy of the film "Red Tails," a 2012 Lucasfilm offering. "Red Tails" is drama, based on true events, that details the struggles and triumphs of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black aviators to fly in the U.S. Air Corps. (more)
For generations, nearly every image made of Penn State's iconic Old Main building -- paintings, sketches, photographs -- has included the two majestic elm trees that grace its front corners. Now elm yellows, a disease that has already claimed many American elms on the University Park campus, has so infected one of the trees that it must be removed. Weather permitting, the University's Office of Physical Plant has scheduled the removal for the week of spring break, which will minimize security risks to pedestrians. The following video acknowledges these environmental landmarks' significance across several generations of Penn Staters. (more)
Penn State scientists in the College of Agricultural Sciences have developed an inspiring collaboration that may cure leukemia. Sandeep Prabhu, associate professor of immunology and molecular toxicology in the Department of Veterinary and Medical Sciences, specializes in the health benefits of fish oil. Robert Paulson, associate professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences, is studying the stem cells that cause leukemia. They connected their seemingly separate study areas during a weekly faculty lunch. The result? A possible cure for leukemia. To watch the video about their inspiring collaboration, visit http://live.psu.edu/youtube/r-1VmeJAtWI online. To read more about their collaborative work, visit http://live.psu.edu/story/56944 online. (more)
Three students in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently were recognized for their research and design of a short video for the Milking the Rhino: Innovative Solutions Showcase competition. (more)
A new 2011 Volt, Chevrolet's electric automobile, was donated by General Motors to Penn State's Center for Sustainability to further the University's research of new transportation technology. The car will permit researchers to collect and track data that will help to prove the efficiency of solar-generated electricity for cars, motorcycles and daily commuters. The automobile donated to Penn State is one of only two Volts that Chevrolet donated to institutions of higher education, and the only one donated for the purpose of sustainable energy research. (more)
Penn State mobile journalist Cassidy Kavanagh, a special education major at University Park, also is an active member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered population on campus. Listen as she talks candidly about life as a gay student here at Penn State. (more)
Forensics experts can't always retrieve fingerprints from objects, but a new coating process developed by Penn State professors may change that. The process reveals hard-to-develop fingerprints on nonporous surfaces without altering the chemistry of the print. A coating application suggested by Robert Shaler, founding director of the Penn State forensic science program, and Ahklesh Lakhtakia, Charles Godfrey Binder professor in engineering science and mechanics, uses the physical properties of the fingerprint, not the chemistry of the substances left behind. (more)
People with dementia resist care when they feel threatened. In general, these patients cannot care for themselves and need help. Nurses who care for patients with dementia now have a tailored approach to dental hygiene for their charges, thanks to a pilot study by Rita A. Jablonski, Penn State assistant professor of nursing, and other nurses. (more)
Another year has passed and this weekend another group of proud, eager and enthusiastic seniors will be taking a walk down the commencement aisle, but in this video several take a walk down memory lane. In this Mobile Journalist Report, Penn State student reporter Samantha Hatfield listens to the remembrances of some soon-to-be Penn State grads and also some of their advice for current students about taking the time to enjoy their college experience. (more)
