Dr. Fabricio Medina-Bolivar, professor of plant metabolic engineering, was invited to give a plenary address at the fourth annual Conference on Food for Health, held in Fargo, N.D.  The title of his talk was "Unearthing the Health Benefits of the Peanut: A Tale from Hairy Roots." The event was organized by the Global Institute of Food Security and International Agriculture and North Dakota State University.

Dr. Dale Clark, instructor in music, was invited to serve on the artist faculty for the Saarburg International Chamber Music Festival and School in Saarburg, Germany, this summer. The Red Wolves Bassoon Quartet, comprised of four A-State students, also attended as the Festival Bassoons, performing at the mayor's reception and nine other concerts around Saarburg. This was Clark's third year on the festival bassoon faculty.

Dr. Jody Long, assistant professor of social work, has been elected to a two-year term as chair of the Northeast Arkansas branch of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).  NASW involves educators along with professionals in clinical and administrative practice.  The branch's goal is to unite social workers to advocate for the vulnerable, champion social justice, and assist individuals and families.

Kristin Leitterman, a new instructor in music, comes to A-State from Auburn University, where she was assistant professor of double reeds. This week she is in Spain, where she will perform in recital Friday at the International Double Reed Society's annual conference. Her first book, on the music of Gustave Vogt, was published this summer. Leitterman is a native of southeast Missouri.

Annie Everett is a new academic success coach with Transition Studies, previously known as first-year studies. The Transition Studies program is part of Undergraduate Studies. Her duties include mentoring, advising, instructing and facilitating workshops for students. With a Master of Social Work, an addiction studies certificate, and Bachelor of Social Work, she previously was employed as a medical social worker and mental health therapist.