News from the Chronicles - July 2020

photo of two people on opposite site of lab table, with gloves, coats and masks
Resuming research

Under Phase 1 reopening protocols, the UGA research enterprise is up and running, marking the end of three anxious months for researchers across the university who had to suspend their work as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic: With its 17 schools and colleges spanning hundreds of scholarly and creative disciplines, UGA’s research enterprise is nearly as varied as its faculty. Anticipating the issues and concerns…

painting of three men at a table, two seated, with papers and window
Happy Independence Day

On May 9, 1754, Benjamin Franklin published the political cartoon “Join, or Die” in the Pennsylvania Gazette, a Philadelphia-based newspaper that he owned. One of the oldest known political cartoons, this image was originally designed to rally the American colonies to behind the British cause in the French and Indian War (1754-1763). The pro-Britain cartoon is usually attributed to Benjamin Franklin himself, and yet, just twenty two years after…

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Krause receives IOM honor

The International Organization of Mycoplasmology has selected Duncan Krause as the 2020 Emmy Kleineberger-Nobel award for research in Mycoplasmology. The award for Dr. Krause, Professor Emeritus in the department of microbiology, was announced by the IOM in June.  Emmy Klieneberger-Nobel (February 15, 1892 – September 11, 1985) was a German Jewish microbiologist and a founder of mycoplasma bacterial research. She…

photo of sunflowers growing in desert sand, with sky, day
Research unlocks genetic key to sunflower resilience

How do sunflowers grow in the desert? Wild sunflowers display extensive variation, both between and within species, and scientists have now reported that variation is preserved by blocks of “supergenes” that permit adaptation to different environments. Such evolutionary changes are normally broken apart across generations of mating. Considered one of the world’s most important oilseed crops, this finding should improve breeding of the…

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EMPOWER Lab receive $1 Million SAMHSA Grant

The EMPOWER Lab in the department of psychology - Engaging Minorities in Prevention Outreach Wellness Education and Research – is an important new development within our campus community. Racial stressors, the verbal, behavioral, or environmental stressors that individuals experience because of their race, may include being ignored or insulted by White coworkers, not being considered for jobs or positions, being told that…

aerial photo of coastline in daylight
Ancient oyster shells provide historical insights

An interdisciplinary team of scientists studying thousands of oyster shells along the Georgia coast, some as old as 4,500 years, has published new insights into how Native Americans sustained oyster harvests for thousands of years, observations that may lead to better management practices of oyster reefs today. Their study, led by University of Georgia archaeologist Victor Thompson, was published July 10 in the journal Science…

illustration with person at computer and heads of people over map of US
Students pursue summer research through virtual REUs

REUs or Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs, funded by the National Science Foundation, typically offer students hands-on research experience through campus-based programs dedicated to a variety of topics. Shady Kuster is participating in an REU focused on genomics and computational biology that’s led by Jonathan Arnold. Additional REUs hosted online at UGA this summer include programs on nanotechnology and biomedicine, led by…

photo of a mural of man painted on side of a building
John Lewis (1940-2020)

One of the greatest Americans of his or any other time, U.S. Congressman John Lewis passed away at the age of 80. Lewis represented Georgia's 5th congressional district since 1987 and has positively impacted American life in countless ways. We are indebted for his selfless acts of courage, perseverance and generosity in service of fulfilling our nation's highest ideals. Lewis presented the 2011 Mary Frances Early Lecture at UGA.…

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New leadership in UGA plant sciences

University strengths in plant sciences, genetics and across the life sciences attract world-renown expertise to campus that has built the UGA Plant Center into a research powerhouse. This summer, the plant sciences community welcomed two new leaders, as Jim Leebens-Mack and Wayne Parrott were named directors of the Plant Center and the Integrated Plant Sciences program, respectively, effective July 1: Taking over from interim director C.J.…

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2020 40 Under 40: Ginny Barton Bowen (BS '04)

The University of Georgia Alumni Association unveiled its 40 Under 40 Class of 2020. This annual recognition program celebrates the personal, professional and philanthropic achievements of successful UGA graduates under the age of 40. This year’s honorees work in a variety of industries and include 12 UGA alumni with Franklin College degrees. Today we feature Ginny Barton Bowen (BS '04), Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Centers for Disease…

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