Featured MSU Engaged Scholars
- David Lowry, Ph.D.
- Professor, Department of Plant Biology
- College of Natural Science
As an art form, graphic novels have a long history of employing colorful images and vibrant text to tell entertaining and compelling stories. Today MSU researchers are drawing on the strengths and appeal of this form to help students better understand complex concepts, especially related to plant biology, by incorporating a comic book into the curriculum in Michigan classrooms.
That’s what field researchers set out to do in the Mystery of the Monkeyflower. The MSU-developed graphic novel follows Maia and William as they ask questions about genetics and evolution of a vibrant yellow flower with markings resembling a monkey’s face—the monkeyflower.
While Maia and William are fictional characters, their field research is based on the scientific work of David Lowry, professor in MSU’s Department of Plant Biology. Lowry’s decades of research and substantial knowledge of monkeyflowers served as a guide for the Mystery of the Monkeyflower ...
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- Leapetswe (Leps) Malete, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor and Coordinator of Global Initiatives, Department of Kinesiology
- Director, International Research on Youth Sport, Physical Activity and Health Lab
- College of Education
The squeak of sneakers on the gym floor means it’s game on at the Don Johnson Fieldhouse in Lansing.
On any given weekday, some 120 Lansing Public School students drop in to play basketball, soccer or volleyball, participate in structured training sessions, lift weights, participate in esports, and more. Kids can also take advantage of tutoring, free weekly haircuts, a meal, and art projects.
But the Lansing Youth Development Program is not just a place for young people to go after school – it’s a place for them to grow. “It’s really a habit development program,” said founder Jon Horford, who sees sports as a gateway to goal setting, teamwork, time management, and overcoming adversity. “We are working to build habits that will be beneficial to these students in all aspects of life.” ...
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- Melissa Fore, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor
- Director, JMC Writing Center
- James Madison College
- John Waller, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor, Department of History
- College of Social Science
Anabelle Sanchez and Margot Kielhorn may be entering different chapters in life, but they share an uncommon bond.
A first-year student at Michigan State University adjusting to life away from home, Sanchez wanted to broaden her circle of friends beyond campus. Kielhorn, a retired editor formerly with the MSU Press, missed the energy and fresh perspectives that student workers had brought to her daily life.
The two had an “instant connection” when they met through an MSU program that pairs students with older adults, said Kielhorn, 74. Sanchez, 18, enjoys meeting Kielhorn for coffee and conversation.
Their intergenerational friendship is one of many formed as part of Generations Connect, a collaboration between the MSU Social Science Scholars Program, MSU’s AgeAlive, and Prime Time Seniors Program of East Lansing ...
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