Technical Writing Graduates Dig Into UAH Archives to Explore NASA Historical Figures Nov 15, 2023 Graduate students in Dr. Ryan Weber’s Special Topics: Technical Writing at NASA participated in a unique collaboration with UAH Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives to create biographical sketches. Dr. Weber expressed that students searched through scores of NASA materials to create a biographical note based on The National Archives’ parameters. Dr. Weber stated, “in this project, students write biographies of eminent NASA figures from Huntsville, and in doing so, they learn about both NASA personnel and science.” The National Archives create biographical notes to create distinction among historical figures. Typically they include short pieces of information that will enhance the understanding of the figure’s life or significant events. UAH archivist Reagan Grimsley provided students with access to the materials, and the UAH Archival Staff was on hand to assist during the process. When students made an appointment to come into the archives, archivists would guide them on the process of discovering background information and then would assist students based on their needs. Grimsley stated that there are several ways that collections such as NASA’s can be obtained, either directly from the organization or from a third party. The collections vary in their condition and archivists have to check for provenance - which is a method of keeping items in the order they were received if there is an original order. Students visited the archives over several weeks to gather information, learning the process of using the archives. This included everything from completing a visitor registration form to the complexities of constructing material from original sources. Graduate student, Averi Vieira, discussed the research process of gathering information on NASA employee Charles Mauldin stating, “I decided not to describe the technical information besides the names of NASA’s projects and the names of the sections of the project that Mauldin worked on. I chose this strategy because it makes it more accessible to a broader audience.” While learning the archival process, students met with both successes and challenges to their research. For graduate student Heather Alfonso a challenge encountered in the research process was budgeting time for material sourcing. Alfonso stated, “There was not a lot of detail in the archive file about the projects my individual worked on. It was mostly copies of personnel files and conference programs attended. I was able to extract some useful biography information, but it was somewhat tedious.” Overall, students gained a broad insight of the research process and how to adapt for different challenges in order to complete the project. Students also found there was valuable information about NASA in completing the biographical sketches. Student Ethan Trapolino stated “I have a newfound respect for the work that archivists do, like holding the materials in your hand that fall apart. The transcript for the interview [of NASA Engineer, Charles Jones] was particularly interesting as it is something that I am doing in a similar way for my UX course.” Dr. Weber echoed this sentiment stating, “The UAH archives are an incredible resource, and I love giving students an opportunity to engage with the staff and materials there. Because our class focuses on the role of communication within NASA past and present, it makes perfect sense for students to examine the documents that helped make NASA projects a reality.” The UAH Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives collects, organizes, preserves, and makes accessible materials of enduring value that support the research strengths of the university. The unit also works collaboratively with students, staff and faculty to support the creation of, access to, and preservation of digital scholarship.The unit seeks to play a role in the broader research community by building collections in areas not well covered by other repositories. Consequently, Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives draws visiting scholars to the campus, builds digital communities to engage and educate the public, and enhances the overall reputation of UAH as a center for research and scholarship. The English graduate degree program prepares recent graduates and working professionals for careers in research, professional writing, editing, and secondary and higher education. The program’s diverse courses in literature and writing afford students broad cultural learning, dynamic research instruction, and job-transferable writing and media-editing skills. Students also have the opportunity to earn a Technical Writing Certificate that gives students credentials to pursue writing and editing jobs in a variety of industries in Huntsville’s technology and defense communities and beyond. Article by: Nicole McDavid, CAHS Career & Internship Coordinator ... Spring 2024 English 200-Level Courses Oct 20, 2023 Spring 2024 English 200-Level Courses Registering for a 200-level English course for the Spring 2024? Learn more about our exciting courses! EH 208-01 Readings in Literature and Culture: Time in Dr. Colleen Noletto The class will allow you to time travel! View this short interview to learn more. EH 208-02 Readings in Literature and Culture: Fair Tales Dr. Beth Boswell The class is structured around Fairy Tales, including the works of Walt Disney. View this short interview to learn more. EH 246-01 and -02 Speculative Realities: Utopian Dreams and Realities Heather Cross An investigation of the foundation of Thomas More’s Utopian idea and ways it has and has not found expression in reality. Readings: More’s Utopia. Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists. Suits’ The Grasshopper-Games, Life and Utopia. Texts on modern Utopian ideas. EH 242-01 Mythology: “Tell Me a Story”: old texts, modern contexts Dr. Chad Thomas We will examine ancient and modern myths including Theogony, Popul Vuh, Prose Edda, Ramayana, "Cupid and Psyche," Carl Jung on Dreams, "The Hero's Journey," Raven stories from North America, Daniel Boone stories, Stagecoach/Firefly, Vampire stories, and contemporary poetry and short stories in many formats such as movies, graphic novels, video games, YA fiction and emblems of contemporary society. EH 244-03 and H04 Heroes & Monsters: Frankenstein Dr. Joe Conway The class is structured around Frankenstein. View this short interview to learn more. EH 246-03 Speculative Realities: Climate Dr. Ryan Brown Explore the “What If’s” in literature and see where they can lead you. View this short interview to learn more. EH 246-04 and -05 Speculative Realities: Science Fiction: The Art of Cognitive Estrangement Dr. Eric Smith We will explore the form’s evolution from its historical roots and contexts to its contemporary global expressions, primarily with the short story form, but two short novels and two films included. Readings will include: Jeff Vandermeer’s The Big Book of Science Fiction, Vandana Singh’s Of Love and Other Monsters, Vauhini Vara’s The Immortal King Rao. EH 241-01 Literature Without Borders Dr. David St. John Reading, discussing, analyzing, and writing about literature without borders (might include global perspectives, transnational literature, travel memoirs, etc.) This course covers multiple literary genres, at least two historical periods, diverse authors, and explores various cultural contexts; this course is designed for students of all majors. View this short interview to learn more.... UAH Film & Media Arts Program and the Divine Legacy Conservatory team up for 72-Hour Comedy Film Festival Sep 26, 2023 The University of Alabama in Huntsville's (UAH) Film & Media Arts Program within the Department of Music, Theatre, & Film, in an exciting partnership with Divine Legacy Conservatory, recently participated in the 72-Hour Comedy Film Festival. Their collaborative project, "Urban Haunt," takes audiences on a hilarious journey through an abandoned elementary school. Was it all a dream? UAH Film & Media Arts and Divine Legacy Conservatory came together for this unique venture, blending comedy with the supernatural in a mere 72 hours. The result is "Urban Haunt," a horror-comedy short that showcases the creativity and diversity of talent within both institutions. Set in the eerie halls of an abandoned elementary school, "Urban Haunt" introduces viewers to a new security guard who encounters some ghostly tenants with mischievous intentions. The film masterfully balances humor and suspense, offering a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions in just a short runtime. While "Urban Haunt" didn't secure the top prize at the festival, the UAH Film & Media Arts Program and Divine Legacy Conservatory are immensely proud of their achievement. The project underscores the power of collaboration, celebrates diversity in the arts, and highlights the potential of emerging talent. "We are excited to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Divine Legacy Conservatory on 'Urban Haunt.' This project is a testament to the dedication and innovation of our students and partners," said Dr. Joey Watson, UAH Assistant Professor of Theatre & Film. "Urban Haunt" is now available on YouTube, and the team encourages audiences to watch, enjoy, and share their work. To experience the chills and laughter of "Urban Haunt," please visit YouTube. In just 72 hours, the UAH Film & Media Arts Program and Divine Legacy Conservatory brought "Urban Haunt" to life, proving that passion, creativity, and teamwork are at the heart of exceptional filmmaking. For more information on Film & Media Arts at UAH, please contact Dr. Joey Watson at joey.watson@uah.edu. About UAH Film & Media Arts Program: UAH Film & Media Arts is dedicated to nurturing creativity, storytelling, and innovation in film and media. It provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic world of media production, emphasizing collaboration, diversity, and hands-on experience. About Divine Legacy Conservatory: Divine Legacy Conservatory is a minority-owned acting conservatory committed to nurturing and developing acting talent. Focused on inclusion and empowerment, they provide aspiring actors with the training and opportunities required to excel in the entertainment industry. ... UAH Psychology & Philosophy Student Chinenye Sunny-Odio awarded law scholarship to Berkley Jul 20, 2023 The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the Department of Philosophy, and the Department of Psychology would like to congratulate Chinenye Sunny-Odio (‘23 B.A. Psychology and Philosophy, Pre-Law Certificate) for her acceptance and scholarship into The University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Sunny graduated this past spring term with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Psychology. She minored in English and completed the Pre-Law Certificate. Achieving a 3.9 GPA and excellent LSAT, Sunny received several scholarship offers from top law schools. Her current award from Berkeley is $135,000 for all three years. Sunny credits the strong undergraduate foundation for potential success in law school. “Being an arts and humanities major helped me, especially when preparing for the LSAT, because close reading is integral to most CAHS projects and an essential feature of the LSAT reading and comprehension section. I suspect this close reading skill will be especially helpful because my law school advisors have shared how reading-intensive law school is. There is a logic section on the LSAT, and the introduction to logic class was quite helpful as it provided general insight into logic terms and how they function.” In addition to being active within the college community as an Ambassador and Lancer, Sunny believes that her time at the Student Success Center as a PASS Leader will also be helpful. “I think being a PASS leader and ambassador has prepared me for the socialization and public speaking aspect of law school because I believe many law school classes will employ the Socratic method, and a law student will need to be somewhat comfortable speaking to the whole class. Being a PASS leader has also taught me valuable lessons and skills involved in curating proper study methods.” Sunny hopes to use her law degree to help provide legal aid to minority women and children, specifically through practicing family law. For questions about the Department of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, or our Pre-Law Certificate program, please contact our college at dean-ahs@uah.edu.... College & Career Fair Leads to Opportunity for CAHS Alum Jun 22, 2023 Julia Cleland took an opportunity at a Career Fair and turned into a brand new career path. In January of 2023 Cleland was working at the Space and Rocket Center and hoping for a career move that would connect her closer to work within her degree. Cleland graduated from The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) in 2021 with a Major in Communication Arts and a Minor in Sociology. Despite a terrific college record, Cleland found that the professional field was difficult to navigate due to Covid restrictions. Cleland moved outside of the state but her love of space led her back to Huntsville and to a position as a groups coordinator with the Space and Rocket Center. Cleland greatly appreciated her time at The Space and Rocket Center and the customer service and organizational skills she learned on the job. However, in 2022 Cleland began looking for work that was more closely aligned with her Communication Arts degree. Cleland applied for several different opportunities and reached out to Communication Arts Senior Lecturer, Nicole McDavid. Nicole, who is the current Career & Internship Coordinator for The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHS), responded with multiple event and networking opportunities that were available for both current students and alumni through CAHS’ new Career and Internship Program. After a few exchanged emails and a Zoom meeting, Cleland decided to take the leap and attend the CAHS College & Career Fair in February 2023. The CAHS College & Career Fair featured over 25 tables of professionals and organizations who are connected to the College. One of those organizations was WAAYTV. Cleland met with WAAYTV, spoke with them about their career opportunities, and left them her resume. WAAYTV followed up within the next few weeks about a potential job opportunity as a Digital Content Producer. Cleland spoke about the approach of WAAYTV about entry level positions stating “It was refreshing to hear people say that it was okay that I didn’t have the training, but they were looking for people to have potential that they [WAAYTV] could develop further.” During the interview process Cleland came into the station and was able to meet with reporters and broadcast representatives. She spoke about the transparency of the station in each step of the hiring process, and it showed that they really cared about people, not just interviews. After about a month (with WAAYTV updating her along the way), Cleland was offered the position of Digital Content Producer. She is currently learning all the different aspects of the role and she stated that she can see how it connects to many aspects of her Communication Arts degree including aspects of social media management, and other communication courses. Cleland stated that she is “grateful for the training she is receiving right now, and is so appreciative of the job.” She highlighted the great advice of the University of Alabama in Huntsville for encouraging her to build an online portfolio and update her LinkedIn. Cleland stated “It was great that alumni from UAH also have access to these [Career & Internship] resources. You need to ask for help because the resources are there.” The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is working on a strategic plan to assist our students in becoming career ready. Through career-connected workshops, events, advising, and courses our students will graduate with a toolkit of information that will help them not only during the search for that first job, but throughout their entire career. Want to learn more about what we are doing, or find out how you can contribute to student success? Contact cahs-careers@uah.edu for more information. Article by: Nicole McDavid... The second annual Huntsville Human Rights Film Festival will take place September 14-16, 2023. Jun 05, 2023 The second annual Huntsville Human Rights Film Festival will take place September 14-16, 2023, on the campus of The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Sponsored by the UAH Humanities Center, UAH Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, City of Huntsville Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and United Women of Color, the Festival showcases films, documentaries, and dialogue with community members and advocates from Huntsville, the region, and the state of Alabama. The Festival also shines the spotlight on national issues with local impacts. This year's Festival theme, Community Health is a Human Right, focuses the lens on the collective health and well-being of a community, elevates human rights as a public good, and exposes threats to safe, healthy communities across four dimensions: Community Mental Health Policing Environmental Health Food Insecurity These are voices and experiences not often heard, and the Festival opens the door for memorable film experiences and eye-opening, first-person interactions among diverse people groups. Festival Schedule The complete Festival schedule is viewable HERE. A limited number of souvenir programs will be available each day of the festival. Festival Highlights: Thursday, September 14 The M. Louis Salmon Library will offer a dedicated screening of Ethereal Films, Angel of Alabama, The Story of Brenda Hampton. For access to the screening, visit libguides.uah.edu/angelofalabama. About: If you’ve heard about PFAs, or forever chemicals, in our water supply, it’s likely because of Lawrence County native, Brenda Hampton. Brenda’s work for environmental health and justice led to permanent water solutions for her community, and policy change in government and corporations. Brenda Hampton was born first of ten to a family in rural Alabama. Her mother taught her to think critically and always fight for justice, so she left for Boston to become an investigator. When her mother fell ill, she returned to Alabama to donate her left kidney. Eventually Brenda’s remaining kidney began to fail and triggered her realization of a larger problem. With her expertise and passion for justice, she identified the source of massive environmental contamination in Alabama. Her efforts have even pushed international progress including a policy change by the largest fast-food company in the world: McDonalds. Friday, September 15 6:00 PM Film Festival Opening Reception 7:00 PM Chosen for Change. An evening with Michael Brown Sr. 8:00 PM Film Screening: Ferguson Rises Hosted by David Person. Lakeside United Methodist Church, 3738 Meridian Street, Huntsville, AL 35811. Michael Brown, Jr. was killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014. His death sparked national debate on law enforcement responses in Black and Brown communities. Mr. Brown, Sr. established Chosen for Change to empower, engage, and build leadership and self-determination in grieving fathers, children and youth and families regardless of religious preferences, ethnic background, gender and race. This event is held at historic Lakeside United Methodist Church. Local advocate and journalist David Person will moderate the conversation about the intersections of faith, justice and policing. Saturday, September 16 Festival Main Day 9:00 AM-6:00 PM at Morton Hall Requiring Justice: Faith and the Coverage Gap Alabama is one of only 10 states that has refused to expand Medicaid. Requiring Justice: Faith and the Coverage Gap is a new short film from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network that explores how expanding Medicaid could make a difference for more than more than 220,000 Alabamians caught in the coverage gap. The film is the cornerstone for a conversation with Alabama faith leaders including: Reverend Carolyn Foster, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and the Alabama chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign. Fisher Humphreys, professor of Divinity, Emeritus, at Samford University, residential Scholar at St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church in Birmingham, and chairman of the board of Christian Ethics Today. Father Manuel Williams, C.R., CFRE, M.Div., Th.M., director of Resurrection Catholic Missions of the South, Inc., and pastor of Resurrection Catholic Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Veterans, Mental Health and Policing: An intersectional conversation with the family of Crystal Ragland Crystal Ragland was killed by police while she was experiencing a mental health crisis. The Ragland family and panelists discuss her life, special mental health needs for veterans, and humane policing for people in crisis. The film, Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops, will be screened during this session. Alabama Rivers Alliance - Southern Exposure Films “Takeover” Southern Exposure Films will “takeover” the Festival’s Environmental Health track, with a slate of short films, documentaries and dialogue Alabama’s waterways Film: Hungry to Learn: The Highest Cost of College Might Be Your Health The hidden faces behind an American crisis, some college students are so strapped to pay tuition that they don’t have enough money to eat or a place to live. A lack of food is just a symptom of a bigger problem. The American Dream of a college education is slipping out of reach. This documentary is not just about the devastating hunger crisis unfolding on American campuses. It is about what can — and should — be done about it. Community Resource Fair Community partners are invited to host resource tables on Saturday’s main Festival Day. The Huntsville Human Rights Film Festival is possible through the generous support of The University of Alabama in Huntsville Humanities Center. United Women of Color, City of Huntsville Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, City of Huntsville Human Rights Commission, and the UAH Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Partners include the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, North Alabama School of Organizers, Southern Fried Film Festival, Southern Exposure Films, and Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Noelle Hunter at noelle.hunter@uah.edu or 256-824-2397. ... 2023 Annual Juried Student Exhibition Award Winners Apr 24, 2023 The Department of Art, Art History & Design’s annual juried student exhibition showcases exciting work from students across the disciplines. The show includes studio artwork in Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture as well as Graphic Design and Animation. Awards selected by guest juror Laura Biasden. We thank all our award sponsors for their continued donations and support to our college and department encouraging our students to grow as artists. 2023 Award Winners Huntsville Museum of Art Award Rain Lau – “Shroom Town” Art Club Award Sylvia Cortés – “Mis Padrinos” Advertising Illustration in Graphic Design Award Sol Knuble – “Endangered Alien Dog Show” Advertising and Marketing Materials in Graphic Design Jiana Bianca Sy – “Jossa Cosmetics” Chris Taylor Sculpture Award, 2nd Place Madison David – “Don’t Play with Your Food” Chris Taylor Excellence in Sculpture Award, 1st Tiffany Hawkins – “Growth” Ceramic Sculpture Excellence Award Mayte Aubel – “Wonderland” Excellence Mixed Media Award Lindsay Pritchard – “Smog in Nature” Excellence in Digital Illustration Award Shay Rascoe – “Untitled” Erzulie Johnson-Veasey Painting Award Maritza Gonzalez-Mojica – “Numb Inside” Katie Baldwin Excellence in Printmaking Award Sean Berry – “Dave” Nick Lavenant Peasant T-Shirt Shoppe Printmaking Award Ruben Barrio – “Passion Drives Success” Michael Crouse Excellence in Printmaking Award Maddie McMeans – “Untitled” Frances Robb Historic Photography Award Jacob Chatfield – “Speak & I Will Question” Southerland’s Photo Excellence in Photography Award Mikayla Hawkins – “Damage” Nick Lavenant Peasant T-Shirt Shoppe Photography Award Summer Goode – Mortal Relic Huntsville Photographic Society Photography Award Adam Lott – Through All the Stops Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies Award Kay Cook – Modern Coition Media Fusion Digital Animation Excellence in Modeling Award 2nd Place Jaylah Alford – “Destiny 2 Hawkmoon Recreation” Media Fusion Digital Animation Excellence in Modeling Award 1st Place Sophia Stephenson – “1995 Polly Pocket Princess Palace” Media Fusion Digital Animation Excellence in Animation Award 2nd Place Jennifer Atchison – “Cabin at Dusk” Media Fusion Digital Animation Excellence in Animation Award 1st Place Celeste Davis – “HRSW69TH” Intuitive Digital Animation Award for Best Video Game Amaree Moore – “Game Design Project” Pinnacle Solutions Best in Digital Animation Award Vaughn Oeth & Allison Jowers – “Purple Hours” Mayor’s Purchasing Award Sydney Hardenstein – “Raising Chaos” Dean’s Award for Painting Michael McGinley – “Over the Top” Jeffrey Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award Gabriel Schwepler – Body of Work – “Light” & “Body” Student Excellence in Art Award Dylan Coleman – “Mélissende” Provost’s Award Ben Hornyak – “Ranger Bits” Evans Best of Show Award Stevie Evans – “Wheeler Wildfowl” Photos from Awards and Exhibition ... The Revolutionists Apr 20, 2023 The Revolutionists by Lauren Gundersen Directed by Amy Guerin In a country divided between the haves and the have-nots, and facing the threats of domestic terrorism and civil war, four women come together to unite as a sisterhood and fight back using the magic of theatre. When deposed queen Marie Antoinette, playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, and freedom fighter Marianne Angelle join forces, the Reign of Terror will cower and a free France will rise. They hope. Fingers crossed. A comedy based on true stories, The Revolutionists is a play that will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you cheer: Vive la Femme! “…a sassy, hold-on-to-your-seats theatrical adventure… Presented by the UAH Theatre Program THE REVOLUTIONISTS PROGRAM ... The final event of the 2023 Dance and the Humanities series was held last week and focused on Ballet Apr 18, 2023 The final event of the 2023 Dance and the Humanities series was held last week and focused on Ballet. In contrast to the previous events, this time attendees gathered off campus at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall in downtown Huntsville. Thursday night’s event was an up close and personal experience at the dress rehearsal of Huntsville Ballet’s 2022-2023 season culminating show, Cinderella. The event began with Huntsville Ballet Artistic Director Phillip Otto leading an on-stage ballet class. The dancers stretched and practiced steps to classical music as well as instrumental versions of popular songs. During the class, Mr. Otto explained to the gathered students, faculty, and community members not only what movements the dancers were doing but also the meanings of the many French words he was using to direct them. Following the class, attendees were invited on stage to meet the dancers and pose for pictures. Moving back stage, UAH Theatre Professor and Director of Theatre David Harwell introduced the attendees to Backstage Crew members who are UAH students or graduates. He explained that UAH partners with Huntsville Ballet to provide students with professional experience working for a theatre Union. Attendees asked questions of Harwell, Otto, and the Crew that spanned the new wireless headsets the Crew were wearing to how the large sets were moved on and off the stage to how they apply material learned in the classroom to their work at Huntsville Ballet. “I think it’s extremely important for people to know what goes in behind the scenes!” said one attendee; “When you understand something as complex as dance a little bit more, it is a lot easier to appreciate, especially because it always looks so easy.” Dance and the Humanities was sponsored by the UAH Humanities Center. The goal of the three part series was to bring together global and local artists to explore the intersection of dance and the human condition with a particular focus on underrepresented dance forms and artists. The series was co-organized by Dr. Dylan Baun (dylan.baun@uah.edu) and Dr. Jennifer Sims (jennifer.sims@uah.edu).... Senior Psychology Student Grace Oswald awarded NSF REU Mar 23, 2023 Congratulations to Grace Oswald (Senior Psychology and Biology Major) for being awarded a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU). For this research internship, Grace will be able to apply her Human Factors research experience from Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld’s ATTAC lab to conduct research in the Sociomobility REU at Michigan State University. The National Science Foundation (NSF), one of the largest research funding agencies in the U.S., offers summer research internship opportunities for undergraduates in the STEM fields at universities across the U.S. These internships are highly selective, as they generally consist of 10 undergrads across the country per research project. Students have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research within their area of study under the mentorship of a Principal Investigator (PI); receive a stipend of around $5000 [differs among internships and universities] and housing. Students will also participate in professional development sessions outside of the research and can participate in a regional conference to present their research findings by the end of the summer. In addition to research, Grace is an Honors College Prevost Scholar, the Senior Resident Assistant at Frank Franz Hall, and a CAHS FYE-Peer Instructor.... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
