Five Things with Kevin Smith

In his theater career, Andy Park has worked with puppets and whales. He writes musicals and started his own theater company. Now, he brings his life experience to the stage at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In this episode of Faculty 101, find out how UNL students earn professional experience in theater and why Andy Park recommends you leap before you’re ready. Show Notes: Learn more about the Nebraska Rep ›› nebraskarep.org; Learn more about Andy Park ›› arts.unl.edu/theatre-and-film/faculty/andrew-park

Social media is a driving force in our world and a place to express our opinions. But does freedom of speech exist on social media platforms? Kyle Langvardt is a First Amendment scholar and a member of the Nebraska Technology and Governance Center at the University of Nebraska College of Law. In this episode, Langvardt talks about the complex issues related to free speech and governance of social media and why it’s important for students and universities to study them. Show notes: Learn more about Kyle Langvardt at law.unl.edu/kyle-langvardt; learn more about the Nebraska Governance and Technology Center at ngtc.unl.edu; learn more about Tech Refactored at ngtc.unl.edu/tech-refactored.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Americans look back on where they were on that tragic day. A University of Nebraska-Lincoln broadcast journalism professor was working as a reporter in Columbus, Ohio on September 11, 2001. When the attacks happened, Barney McCoy and his news crew headed for New York City. In this report, he looks back on that difficult time. Show notes: Learn more about Barney McCoy at journalism.unl.edu/barney-mccoy.

She teaches students about the history of pandemics. Her work is known all over the country. And a book she wrote was used as a reference for a popular series on HBO. Deirdre Cooper Owens is the Charles and Linda Wilson Professor in the History of Medicine and Director of the Humanities in Medicine program at UNL. In this episode she explains why African Americans don’t always trust the medical system and steps she’s taking to make a change. Show notes: More about Deirdre Cooper Owens ›› history.unl.edu/deirdre-cooper-owens; More about Humanities in Medicine ›› www.unl.edu/hmed

Americans are feeling the stress of a contentious national election. University of Nebraska-Lincoln political scientist Smith says genetics and environment play a role in how we react to political polarization. | Show Notes: Read a Q&A with Kevin Smith ›› https://bit.ly/3jsOk5z; Learn more about Kevin Smith ›› polisci.unl.edu/kevin-smith

When she first came to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Susan Levine Ourada thought she’d be in Lincoln for a year. But the temporary position turned into an academic career that has lasted 16 years. As head of the dance department at Nebraska, Ourada has watched the program flourish in its goal to provide serious dance training to students. In this episode of Faculty 101, we take a tour of the new dance space at the Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts. And learn how this native New Yorker found her home at UNL. Show Notes: Learn more about UNL Dance ›› arts.unl.edu/music#Dance; Learn more about Susan Levine Ourada ›› arts.unl.edu/music/faculty/susan-levine-ourada

Jordan Soliz provides research-based insight into how a diverse background shapes a person’s identity. In this episode of Faculty 101, a look at the communication studies professor’s own background and the challenges of communication in a mixed-race family. | Show notes: Learn more about Jordan Soliz ›› comm.unl.edu/jordan-soliz; Read his research ›› bit.ly/2RUnp7k

Millions of Americans could face eviction from their homes this fall. As unemployment benefits run out and bans on eviction begin to lapse, those who lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic will struggle when the rent comes due. Daniel Tannenbaum is an assistant professor of economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research into eviction helps shed light on the causes and consequences of eviction. | Show Notes: Learn more about Daniel Tannenbaum ›› business.unl.edu/people/dtannenbaum

The race is on to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. But work is also underway at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to find a better, longer-lasting vaccine for influenza, another global threat. Leading the way is Eric Weaver, associate professor of biological sciences. In this edition of Faculty 101, Dr. Weaver talks about his new research collaboration and why he’s hopeful about the future. | Show Notes: More about Eric Weaver ›› biosci.unl.edu/eric-weaver; more about the Virology Center ›› go.unl.edu/yeb7

Diversity and inclusion are common buzzwords. But what’s the difference between the two? And what’s the benefit to creating an inclusive workplace? Helen Fagan is director of Leadership Engagement for the University of Nebraska Rural Futures Institute. She is an associate professor of practice in agricultural leadership education and communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. And her research focuses on how inclusive leadership helps transform organizations. Show Notes: Learn more about Rural Futures ›› ruralfutures.nebraska.edu; learn more about Dr. Fagan ›› alec.unl.edu/helen-fagan