Technovations Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Alice Camuti, interim dean of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Tennessee Tech, talks about her research on the text messaging habits of young people, including native Arabic speakers. She also discusses a study of the process and language used in the TennCare managed healthcare program, and its effects.

Andrew Smith, instructor of English in the Department of English and religious studies in the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, discusses his scholarly work regarding the intersection of pop culture and spirituality, as well as what happened to those involved in the progressive evangelical and social movements of the 60s and 70s. He also talks about how he uses blogs, zines and social media to reach out to newer generations.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Gunter, professor of political science in the College of Arts and Sciences at Tennessee Tech, discusses his ground-breaking research into the Kurdish people and their place in Middle Eastern history and current events. He also discusses his opinions on United States policy with regard to the current situation involving Iraq and Syria.

Bedelia Russell, assistant professor in the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing at Tennessee Tech University, talks about her recent research involving online coursework in nursing education. In addition, she discusses how nursing educators handle ever-changing technology and the trend of non-traditional students seeking new 'second life' careers in nursing.

Dr. Justin Murdock, assistant professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Tennessee Tech, discusses his research involving algaes and healthy waterways. He talks at length about Didymosphenia geminata, an algae that is forming cottony mats in some Tennessee waterways. 

In this episode, Vince Pitelka, professor of art and head of the clay studio at Tennessee Tech University's Appalachian Center for Craft, discusses his current work creating vessels, including stylized storage jars using ancient techniques and a series of slab built oil cans. He also talks about designing ceramics that announce their intentions to be used. 

Dr. Holly Anthony, professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education at Tennessee Tech, discusses her work regarding STEM education in middle and high schools in rural Tennessee. She also talks about her experiences with Common Core curricula. 

In this episode, Dr. Allen Driggers, assistant professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences, talks about his studies into the history of medicine and chemistry. He discusses how early 1800s doctors researched urinary tract stones and pathologies with regard to previous theories involving the humors.

Dr. Alfred Kalyanapu, assistant professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering program, discusses the use of computer modeling to study the interaction of water with urban areas and how it affects infrastructure and sustainability. He also talks about his TechWARMS program that involves TTU students researching computer simulation and water resources.

Dr. Wonkak Kim, assistant professor of clarinet in the College of Education, discusses his scholarly work as a soloist and member of chamber groups, including one in which he is co-founder, enhake. Two musical works are featured, one a solo work and one performed by enhake. 

In this episode, Dr. Chad Luke of the mental health counseling program within the counseling and psychology department at Tennessee Tech University talks about neuroscience and counseling, the focus of his new book. He also discusses the higher education of counselors and the importance of empathy education.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Pascal of Tennessee Tech University's chemical engineering department talks about the mathematical and computational modeling of fascinating cancer treatments still in development. She also discussees the importance of engineering education, especially for underrepresented groups.

Dr. Michael Best, professor of agricultural economics, discusses small and family farming, the importance of heirloom fruits and vegetables and how Tennessee Tech is working to research and preserve heritage varieties. 

In this episode, Dr. Russ Witcher of the Communication Department in the College of Arts and Sciences discusses the changing world of journalism and his latest research focus: literary journalism. He also talks at length about his research of President Richard Nixon and media coverage of the events within and after his presidency.

Dr. Martha Howard, assistant professor in the department of early childhood, special education and child and family studies, talks about her research regarding the assessment and education of young children with learning challenges, the Healthy Start for Upper Cumberland Children and Families project and how children's literature can be used to also teach math and science concepts.  

Dr. Jordana Navarro, assistant professor of sociology in Tennessee Tech University's Department of Sociology and Political Science, talks about victimology, cyberbullying and cyberharassment, and her current research involving the Tennessee Tech community.

Dr. Matthew Yarnold, assistant professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in Tennessee Tech's College of Engineering, discusses his recent and ongoing research involving the examination, monitoring and assessment of the structural health of bridges, and how his work on temperature-based data is providing new options for engineers. 

Dr. Terezie Tolar Mosby, of the Food, Nutrition and Dietetics program within the College of Agriculture and Human Ecology, discusses the role of nutrition in the prevention of disease, working with illiterate populations and why education and trained nutrition professionals are necessary to a healthier world future.

In this episode, Dr. Ted Pelton, chair of the English Department at Tennessee Tech, compares and contrasts 19th century and modern American contemporary literature, and also discusses small press publishing and the effect of the internet on up-and-coming novelists.

In this episode, Dr. William Eberle of the Computer Science Department talks about data mining, how your information and movements around the internet are used by companies and governmental agencies, and how fraud is investigated in computer data.