CLAS in the News, January-February 2011

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences faculty, students and alumni are making the news. From the local paper to Scientific American, read more about how CLAS members are contributing to the conversation on current issues.

Faculty Expertise

  • Akin Ogundiran, Africana studies, was quoted in the Charlotte Observer article, “Letter from NAACP’S Nantambu lashes out at some blacks.” (Feb. 16)
  • Paul Friday, criminal justice, was quoted in the Charlotte Observer articles, “Many 2010 slayings were in one area, northwest of uptown” (Jan. 3) and “Report Shows Jump In Opiate Use In Mecklenburg County.” (Feb. 25) He also appeared on WCNC-TV and WSOC-TV, discussing the same topic.
  • Jonathan Marks, anthropology, was featured on News 14 Carolina for the story “New exhibit looks to promote racial understanding,” and WFAE’s “Charlotte Talks,” discussing “Race: Are We So Different?” Marks was also quoted in The Charlotte Post article, “Ethnicity’s more than skin deep.”(Feb.4)
  • Martha Kropf, political science, was featured on WFAE’s “Charlotte Talks,” discussing, the “2012 Democratic National Convention In Charlotte.” (Feb. 7)
  • Janet Levy, anthropology, was a guest on News 14 Carolina, discussing race in the interview, “In Depth: Deborah Smull and Janet Levy, Discovery Place.” (Feb. 5)
  • Yuri Herrera, languages and culture studies, was featured in the ElPais.com article, “La novela en la era de Internet.” (Jan.1)
  • Beth Bjerregaard, criminal justice, was quoted in the Charlotte Observer article, “Will there be justice for Zahra Baker?” (Jan. 31)
  • Kathryn Johnson, religious studies, was interviewed on WSOC-TV, “Events In Egypt Being Closely Watched In Charlotte.” (Jan. 28)
  • Richard Toenjes, philosophy, was quoted in the Charlotte Observer article, “White nationalists’ conference stymied.” (Jan. 27)
  • Steven Rogelberg, organizational science, was featured for his research in the Animal Sheltering magazine article, “For Better and For Worse.” (December)
  • Greg Gbur, physics and optical science, was featured as a guest blogger on ScientificAmerican.com, “Invisibility: After several years of research, it’s just gotten weirder.” (Jan. 11)
  • Heather Smith and Bill Graves, geography & earth sciences, were featured in Our State Magazine for their book, “Charlotte, N.C.: The Global Evolution of a New South City.”  (January)
  • Paula Gross, botanical gardens, was interviewed on Heritageradionetwork.com in a broadcast called, “We Dig Plants.” The interview focused on Paula’s and Larry Mellichamp’s recently released book, Bizarre Botanicals. (Jan. 16)
  • Eric Heberlig, political science, was quoted in The Charlotte Post article, “The new reality for black N.C. lawmakers.” (Jan. 13) He was also featured on WFAE’s “Charlotte Talks,” discussing, “NC Legislative Agenda.” (Feb. 18)
  • David Goldfield, history, was featured on WFAE’s “Charlotte Talks,” discussing, “The NEW New South: Part One.” (Jan. 24)
  • David Swindell, political science, was quoted in the Style Weekly article, “2010 Richmonders of the Year.” (Jan. 3)
  • Molly Shaw, Charlotte Teachers Institute, was featured in the Charlotte Observer article, “Shaw’s institute teaches teachers.” (Dec. 27)

Alumni and Student Newsmakers

  • Megan Smith, English major and student body President, was quoted in the Charlotte Observer article, “UNC chief takes aim at duplication to cuts costs.” (Jan. 15)
  • Shannon and Paige McCallum, Africana studies, were featured in the Charlotte Observer article, “49ers’ sister act stronger after struggle.” (Jan. 15)