Featured MSU Engaged Scholars
- Mark L. Axelrod, Ph.D., J.D.
- Associate Professor
- James Madison College
Scientific and Religious Leaders Collaborate to Address Disciplinary and Ideological Gaps in Ecological Sustainability
Even before Al Gore sent up his hue and cry with An Inconvenient Truth, climate change and the effect of human activity on the environment have been the subject of much media attention. In crafting a cable news–worthy narrative, scientists and religious leaders are often cast in opposing roles, each denying the others' legitimacy. The actual story is much more nuanced, and the lived experience of many scientists and religious leaders illustrates that religious belief and scientific conviction are not mutually exclusive.
The United Planet Faith and Science Initiative (UPFSI) was created in 2013 to bring representatives from these communities together to work toward a common goal. Launched as a joint project between the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development and the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change, the purpose of the UPFSI is to unite "prominent religious figures and leading scientists to speak out together and mobilize action for ecological sustainability." To that end, the organization's membership includes leaders from the world's major faiths—Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism—and noted scientists who study, among other things, the environment, climate, and human behavior ...
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- Joe Eisenmann, Ph.D.
- Director, Spartan Performance
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
Spartan Performance Provides Integrative Approach to Sports Science for Youth Athletes
MSU's Spartan Performance provides an evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach to research and outreach focused on optimal performance and well-being of the student-athlete. Dr. Joe Eisenmann and his staff at Spartan Performance frequently work with coaches and athletes throughout the mid-Michigan area, as well as nationally and internationally, applying research on the science of sports, physical activity, and nutrition to the needs of the community.
Last winter, Eisenmann began collaborating with Tom Hunt, athletic director of East Lansing High School, to bring an integrated training approach to the school's entire athletic program. An integrated approach, as provided by the Spartan Performance system, allows Hunt to ensure that his young athletes are receiving year-round comprehensive training, not only keeping them in optimal condition and health, but also reducing the risk of injury ...
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MSU Priorities
Community and Economic Development in the 21st Century
- Jayesh Patel, J.D.
- Director, Detroit Food Law Clinic
- Adjunct Clinical Professor
- College of Law
Detroit Food Law Clinic Connects Emerging Entrepreneurs at Eastern Market with Legal and Academic Resources
The MSU College of Law prepares graduates to take on society's challenges. As part of that education, the Detroit Food Law Clinic course offers second and third year students the experience of addressing the urban agricultural problems of low-income citizens and nonprofits.
Administered as part of the Legal Clinic, it offers direct assistance to clients regarding urban agricultural law issues, along with research, education, policy development, and public programming.
The Kresge Foundation's Detroit Program recently granted the Detroit Food Law Clinic a $150,000 two-year grant to foster a collaborative partnership with Eastern Market so that emerging entrepreneurs can access legal advisers and gain information about MSU's academic and community engagement pursuits ...
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