Research and Instruction Librarians Claire Wiley and Judy Williams recently published an article in the NACADA Journal, the journal of the National Academic Advising Association. The article, “Librarian as Advisor: Information Search Process of Undecided Students and Novice Researchers,” explores the similarities between students who are undecided about a college major and those who are in the beginning stages of learning how to do research, and applies Kuhlthau’s model of the Information Search Process to both groups.

To read the full article, click here.

Belmont’s China study abroad program has a record of innovating new components for short-term study abroad, and the summer 2015 trip was no exception.  A team a psychology majors, including Iris Chiang, Heather Dudley, Joseph Kenkel and Matthew Maloney, collected data for a psychology research project while at Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, China.

The research team has been working with Department of Psychological Science Professor Dr. Pete Giordano on developing and validating questionnaires to measure two constructs. The Global Dominance Inventory assesses social dominance orientation and domineeringness, while The Traditional Gender Roles Inventory measures beliefs about traditional masculine and feminine gender roles.

The team has worked together for a year and a half and has collected data for two semesters from Belmont study participants. The chance to cross-culturally validate the questionnaires with a sample of Chinese students at Zhengzhou University was a unique and challenging opportunity. Students worked with Dr. Giordano, as well as Assistant Professor of Chinese and Asian Language Dr. Joan Li to translate the questionnaires into Chinese.

Dr. Li coordinated with administrators in the School of Foreign Languages of Zhengzhou University to set up the research project on site. The students were able to collect data from 101 Zhengzhou University students, who completed eight questionnaires. The Belmont research team also gave a brief presentation to the students after they completed the questionnaires. The statistical analyses from this cross-cultural study thus far are very promising and provide further support for the validity and reliability of the questionnaires.  The research project was funded in part by a Bass Asian Studies Research Grant.

Belmont Professor of Philosophy and Director of Asian Studies Ronnie Littlejohn was named “Concurrent Professor” in the School of Foreign Languages of Zhengzhou University in Henan Province on June 17.

Zhengzhou University is the flagship university of Henan Province with over 50,000 students.  It is the only one of China’s national “100 key universities” in Henan. Littlejohn has given lectures several times at the university and Belmont’s China trip itineraries have included the campus and opportunities for engagement with its students and faculties since 2010.

The “Concurrent Professor” appointment is an honorary recognition of the university awarded to distinguished foreign professors of international reputation. In expression of his appointment, Littlejohn offered the invited lecture, “Confucianism in America,” to a plenary session of Zhengzhou faculty and students.

Dr. Steve Murphree, professor of biology and entomologist, gave a presentation titled “Insects & Disease in the War Between the States” to the Dr. J. B. Cowan Camp #155 Sons of Confederate Veterans in Tullahoma on July 14.

A few days prior, Murphree was a “Science of History” camp leader for insects and wildlife at The Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation. The camp focuses on the plantation’s natural resources and features engaging, hands-on activities designed to inspire campers to take a closer look at the world around them. Activities for the event include a creek stomp, meadow safari and getting an insider’s view on Tennessee’s wildlife.

During June and July, Murphree has been hosting his Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies Summer Day Camps for elementary school children at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art. During Wednesdays, the campers enjoy an interactive “Bug Day” with Murphree to learn about insects in the garden during Nature Explorers camp.

Murphree was recently interviewed by Ms. Cheap (Mary Hance) in her Tennessean column about the “Insects of the Night” program held at Warner Park Nature Center on Friday, July 17. Murphree will be giving an introductory presentation at the event and will help with a variety of stations.

To read the article, click here.