Dr. Lakisha Simmons, associate professor of management information systems, was featured in the Tennessean for her work as founder of the Period Project, which helps provide female hygiene products for girls in Middle Tennessee who might not otherwise be able to afford them.
Simmons’ Nonprofit Work Featured in Tennessean
Volker Presents Composition and Research Paper
Belmont Composition Professor Mark Volker recently presented two of his compositions and a research paper at the 44th International Computer Music Conference held in Daegu, South Korea. The conference is the world’s most prestigious meeting for performance and research in electronic music.
One of Volker’s compositions, “Beyond the Event Horizon,” was featured electronic sound alone, while the other, “Echoes of Yesterday,” is scored for a live clarinet performer interacting with a custom-designed computer program. These were selected from a worldwide submission pool of several thousand musical works, with an acceptance rate of less than 10%.
The research paper assessed the effectiveness and influence of two electronic music works (from 1956 and 1979) on modern practices.
Students Travel to Australia to Study Poisons and Social Justice
A seemingly unexpected combination, a group of Belmont students and two faculty from the College of Sciences and Mathematics traveled to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef this summer to study the poisons of marine animals native to the area and the quantitative reasoning and numeracy applied to the issues of injustice and inequality. While spending time in Australia, students had the opportunity to learn about where and how these native, deadly creatures live, how people co-exist among them and the various threats present to Australian ecosystems–all conversations led by Associate Professor of Chemistry and trip co-leader Dr. Alison Parker through her course, “Chemistry of Poisons.”
Throughout the same conversations, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and fellow trip leader Dr. Brad Schleben engaged students in his “Math of Social Justice” course, an opportunity for students to navigate their ability to question data while confronting the elements of power, privilege and interdependence seen in cross-cultural dynamics. Students had the opportunity to participate in active learning experiences including service projects, discussions with members of both the Quandamooka and Nyawaygi aboriginal communities and exposure to organizations pushing for social awareness and change – all from both a mathematical and human viewpoint.
For Parker, the opportunity to lead students on a short-term study abroad experience creates a chance to impact their lives far beyond their three week trip. “Students learn more about their own worldview and how to recognize cultural difference and interact with people whose worldview is not the same. Lifelong learning isn’t just about your major and what you see and hear in a classroom, it’s about the confluence of experiences that influence every aspect of life.”
The group started their three weeks abroad in Brisbane and spent a few nights on North Stradbroke Island at a University of Queensland marine research facility where they learned about the ecology of local waterways and collected data on living systems. After travelling to Townsville to learn about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and its management processes, the group embarked on their first Reef EcoLogic Day on Magnetic Island where they discussed their responsibility on threats to the reef. Students had the opportunity for hands-on involvement as they pulled algae off rock and coral, quantifying both the plant mass and roots collected.
Continuing north, the group went to Cairns via Mungulla Station, an experience dedicated to protecting wetlands from environmental threats, and planted trees as part of the group’s restoration project. Parker took a group of students to the area last summer for the same project and the team was able to see the progress a year of work has created.
From there, the team spent a day on the reef experiencing the health and beauty of the open ocean. They also explored Daintree Rainforest and River before visiting Green Collar, an environmental data science firm that specializes in collecting, analyzing and modeling data to help agricultural enterprises and land owners maximize sustainable practices.
Belmont student and trip participant Katelyn Bosse said she had been interested in studying abroad since first hearing about the opportunity her freshman year. Though the trip’s countless experiences will forever be some of her favorite memories, Bosse said it was her fellow students and the ways in which they bonded that she’s most grateful for. “I was able to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and hold koalas with people I just met — only two weeks ago,” she said. “We are all from different backgrounds and majors, but we became close so fast, and it will be fun to run into each other on campus and share our stories.”
Beyond her new friendships, Bosse said she also walked away with a new found appreciation for cultures different than her own. “As tourists in other countries, we often visit the building and sites, but we don’t completely engage in the new culture. This trip was so unique in that we dug in and made connections. We were engaged and open-minded. I will talk about these three weeks-snorkeling, surfing, gorge walking with whales and dolphins and learning about coral reefs, marine life and aboriginal culture-forever.”
Steil Honored with Doc E Award for Long Time Service to Diabetes Camp
Professor in the College of Pharmacy Dr. Condit Steil was recently honored with the Doc E Award, a recognition given for long-term service and a strong interest in the welfare of campers that come through Camp Seale Harris, a diabetes camp for children held in Alabama each summer. Steil has been volunteering with the camp for the last 20 years.
As a staff member at camp each summer, Steil is responsible for assisting in the growth and development of young people with diabetes as they acquire the skills and understanding to achieve stronger control of their lives.
Thinking back over his years at camp, it’s the opportunity to watch campers further develop the ability to care for themselves that sticks out the most to Steil. “Young people come to camp with very few skills as their parents provide the care at home. But by the end of the week, many of our campers are carrying out several self-care steps independently,” he said. “Beyond that, several campers have never spent time in nature because their parents did not think it would be safe. It’s so powerful to provide that experience for these children.”
But Steil’s experience at camp doesn’t stop with his own time on staff. He also provides an opportunity for fourth-year Belmont College of Pharmacy students to participate as an advanced pharmacy practice experience. Seeing his students interacting with the campers he’s spent years serving provides a meaningful experience that Steil says he’s grateful for. “This provides an opportunity for my students’ confidence to grow as they provide support an care in a different surrounding that what they’re used to,” he said.
Moving forward, Steil plans to serve as a staff member at Camp Seale Harris for as long as he can.
Cates Named Winner in ‘Women in Music City’ Awards
Sarah Cates, director of development and industry relations for the Curb College and a Belmont alumna, was recently recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as one of the top women who is helping shape Nashville’s music industry. Now in its fifth year, the Women in Music City Awards honors women from all walks of the music industry — from agents to songwriters, and from entertainment lawyers to music venue executives.
Alumna Falvey Signs Publishing Deal
Nashville-based music publishing company, SMACKSongs, has signed songwriter Emily Falvey to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. Falvey joins a roster of writers, producers, and artists, all led by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.
Falvey is a recent graduate of Belmont University, who earned a BA in Songwriting and a BBA in Music Business. During her time at Belmont, Falvey interned at SMACKSongs, as well as at other companies in the music industry.
“I can think of no greater honor than signing my first publishing deal with SMACKSongs, and to be able to join this extraordinary family of writers and industry leaders,” shares Falvey. “I am especially grateful to Robin Palmer and Lee Krabel at SMACK for believing in me, Mark Abramowitz and the entire Kobalt team, Leslie Roberts and MaryAnn Keen at BMI, Matt Cottingham at Ritholz Levy Fields, the Songwriting department at Belmont University, Emily Weisband, Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally for their mentorship and vision. I am excited to be a part of the changing landscape of Nashville and to be able to make music every day!”
“Over the last year we have absolutely loved getting to know Emily as our intern and resident cheerleader for SMACK,” said McAnally. “Her positive energy and budding talent caught our attention early, and we’re so excited to have her as our newest writer at SMACK. We look forward to her bright future ahead.”
During her time at Belmont, Falvey also participated in a Make Music Nashville event that allowed her to write a song with a local senior citizen.
Dapp Presents at Nashville 48 Hour Film Project Panel
Motke Dapp, who teaches directing 
in Belmont’s motion pictures program, presented last night as part of a panel for the Nashville 48 Hour Film Project. Dapp has previously won the Nashville version of this competition as well as won the best film in the United States for the 48 Hour Film Festival.
Occupational and Physical Therapy Students Swim with the Nashville Dolphins
Belmont University students from the Schools of Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) performed aquatic exercises with the Nashville Dolphins under the direction of Dr. Natalie Michaels, professor of both PT and OT at Belmont, and Dr. Timothy Jones, associate professor and aquaticS specialist in the Department of Human Performance and Sports Science at Tennessee State University. The Nashville Dolphins, under the direction of Megan Kelly, is a group of children, teens and young adults, many with Down Syndrome, who enjoy swimming.
Michaels started the Aquifit program nine years ago to provide aquatic exercises for wellness, socialization and enjoyment to members of the community. Exercises are performed pool-side, to music, by physical therapists, occupational therapists, aquatic specialists and OT/PT students while community members exercise in the water. Michaels said, ” Once again, the community was extremely impressed by the professionalism, kindness and intellect of the Belmont students.”
Students from the DPT program included Hunter Pickens, Mallorie Sweat, Emily Averitt and Courtney Alama. Students from the OTD program included Emma Mace and Sally Widmann. Hunter Pickens and Mallorie Sweat also served as song leaders. Approximately 12 members of the Dolphins participated. They reported that they “had a blast,” and really seemed to enjoy their interactions with the Belmont students.
Students, Faculty Travel to South Korea & Japan for Maymester
Group spends time with U.S. Ambassador to Japan while abroad
The Maymester Japan & South Korea program was first introduced this year to provide Belmont students with a unique global learning experience while visiting professional and cultural places in Tokyo and Seoul. A team of 29 students from The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and The Jack C. Massey College of Business traveled with four faculty members including Dr. Amy Crook (Management), Dr. Don Cusic (Music Business), Dr. Rush Hicks (Music Business), and Dr. Doyuen Ko (Audio Engineering) on this year’s trip.
The purpose of the experience was to learn Asian music copyright policy, artist management system, business etiquette and the latest audio technology on-site with businesses and institutions in Tokyo and Seoul. After more than a year of preparation and dedicated coordination efforts by the faculty members, the team was able to visit several important sites including The US Embassy in Tokyo, the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers, Warner Music Japan, Tokyo University of the Arts, Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, Seoul Art Center and The World Association for Hallyu Studies.
The U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty invited the entire team into the Embassy and shared his role and experience as a diplomat to one of the country’s most important allies. Hagerty is a native Nashvillian, and he served as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development from 2011 to 2014. Students also met top executives in the music industry and saw the inner workings of J-Pop and K-Pop which dominate Asian popular music.
Up ’til Dawn Team Earns National Program of the Year Award
Belmont University’s Up ’til Dawn team recently won the organization’s Program of the Year Award. The annual event, which raised more than $140K last year, supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with funds as students across the country stay awake all night on college campuses to raise money for childhood cancer research.
The Program of the Year Award recognized the St. Jude Up ’til Dawn school that implemented the most outstanding overall program, exceeding expectations in all aspects of the event. This includes how the Executive Leadership Team worked together, awareness and public relations efforts, recruitment, fundraising efforts, side events and the main Up ’til Dawn event.
The team received their award at the Collegiate Leadership Seminar in Memphis, held each year to support the students who lead Up ’til Dawn on their campuses.
When the award was presented, a number of Belmont’s Up ’til Dawn accolades were read from the podium including:
- Belmont has been the national leader in National Recruitment Day efforts for three years in a row, consistently recruiting 400+ participants each year
- By the end of September last year, the team had recruited 650 participants for their February event
- Belmont’s team sold a unique National Recruitment Day sponsor who committed to donating $2 for every participant registered during the two days
- The team hosted numerous social events to match their tailgate theme including strong call-to-actions requiring registration or fundraising actions to participate
- They hosted a Greek Life No More Cancer Rally that raised $10,000 in 72 hours
By the time their Up ’til Dawn event day rolled around, the Executive Board had recruited 872 participants and raised $148,000 — a new school record. Their impressive fundraising total was revealed live on national television when Fox & Friends featured the story and allowed the group to share their efforts with the country, a first in St. Jude Up ’til Dawn program history.
Belmont alumnus and Executive Director of last year’s Up ’til Dawn Executive Board Joe LaMartina was proud to hear of the group’s honor. “The award is a culmination of the amazing hard work from the Up ’til Dawn team this year and the passion of the Belmont community for St. Jude,” he said.
