Dr. Virginie Rolland, associate professor of quantitative wildlife ecology, is first author of an article published recently in the research journal Waterbirds. In the article, Rolland and fellow researchers analyze the foraging movements of black skimmers in coastal regions of Louisiana. Their work represents the first-time research use of GPS devices to track the birds' movements. The article abstract is available online through BioOne Complete.

Congratulations to Rebecca Cooper, Ecotoxicology Research Facility, who submitted a successful project proposal to the Kays Foundation, which supports A-State projects. She will be principal investigator for a project which seeks to determine heavy metal concentrations in soybean field soils used by native bees. The award amount is $4,786, which will be used for supplies involved in data collection to aid in a larger U.S. Department of Agriculture project.

Katey Provence, assistant dean of students, Student Services, was recognized during A-State’s Distinguished Performance Awards ceremony as recipient of the 2019 Enhancing the Student Experience Award. A student nominator said Provence spends time each day working with students who have a heart for giving back to the community, to Volunteer A-State, and to non-profit organizations such as St. Jude Up 'til Dawn.

Larry Vinson, building supervisor for Health, Physical Education and Sport Sciences, received the STAR Award at the Distinguished Performance Awards ceremony. STAR is the acronym for service, teamwork, attitude and reliability, the qualities on which the award is based and for which Vinson was recognized. His nominators said Vinson cares deeply about the service he provides and the people he serves.

Chad Woodard, pest control and turf management team leader, Facilities Management, was named winner of the Unsung Hero Award, given at the recent Distinguished Performance Awards ceremony. Woodard is known by many as “the bug man” because he is responsible for campus pest and animal control. His nominator said he has rescued numerous students and employees from various insects and other unwelcome animals.