Roanoke educators spotlighted for research, innovation and work with students

On the airwaves, in print and at conferences, Roanoke College faculty are being recognized for their incredible work to deepen our understanding of the world. Here's a look at just a few recent highlights:

Visiting Assistant Professor Alysse Baker (Communication Studies) was tapped to present her research paper, “Short Episodes but Fast Friends: Examining the Effects of Parasocial Relationship Quality on Mediated Intergenerational Contact in Grace and Frankie,” at the 75th Annual International Communication Association Conference in Denver, Colorado. Baker’s research examines how the media we watch can shape our perceptions and our willingness to engage with people in real life across intergenerational lines. 

Professor and Director of the Center for Studying Structures of Race Jesse Bucher (History) was spotlighted by the Council of Independent Colleges for his work mentoring student researchers and creating a unique public resource in the Genealogy of Slavery database. The council’s article, “Reframing an Institutional Identity through Undergraduate Research,” explored the thoughtful, interdisciplinary approach that Bucher and his team applied to their work. 

Brian H. Thornhill Professor Rachel Collins (Biology, Environmental Studies) was featured by the Ecological Research as Education Network, a national organization, for her success in helping establish the Environment Center at Roanoke College. The 10-acre center is a habitat restoration project and a living laboratory for Roanoke students. The education network’s article, “From Degraded and Invaded to Restoration and Native,” was shared with an audience of undergraduate college faculty and researchers from around the country.

John P. Fishwick Associate Professor Cheryl Hopson (Literary Studies) was selected to present her research paper, “Regaining Paradise: Alice Walker, ‘Wild Trees’, and Legacy,” at the College Language Association Convention in Vancouver, Washington. Hopson is a writer and poet who draws inspiration from the work of Walker and other African American women of the early 20th century. Her newest book explores the life and legacy of Zora Neale Hurston during the Jim Crow South and Harlem Renaissance periods. She was recently featured on a podcast, "The History of Literature," discussing the biography.  

Lecturer Md Tajuddin Khan (Economics) co-authored a new paper, "Flushed with Success: How Participation in Social Schemes Influences Toilet Adoption in Rural India," which was published in the Journal of Biosocial Science. Khan’s research explored how social programs can influence our household habits and combat health inequities.  

Professor and Director of the Center for Community Health Innovation Liz Ackley (Health and Exercise Science) appeared on "The Rural Health Voice," a project of the Virginia Rural Health Association, to share how her center developed the pivotal Roanoke Valley Community Healthy Living Index and how student researchers can play a part in leveraging data to better understand real-world issues. 

John R. Turbyfill Professor Stella Xu (History) was invited to present her research paper, “Seventh and Twentieth Century in East Asia—A Historical Parallel,” at a symposium hosted by the Soka Institute for Global Solutions in Aliso Viejo, California. The event brings together leading experts on East Asia to explore interdisciplinary approaches to fostering peace, reconciliation and cooperative international dialogue.