Dr. Mohammad Alam (left), associate professor of chemistry, and Dr. David Gilmore (right), professor of microbiology, have received a $13,966 grant from the Kays Foundation. They will continue their research on potential antibiotics synthesized in their lab. The award will fund students, equipment and supplies needed to investigate how these novel compounds work against the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, which are leading causes of antibiotic resistant infections.

Dr. Paul Sikkel, associate professor of aquatic biology, and his research team received a National Geographic Society grant to study COVID-19’s effects on marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Philippines. Coastal communities there rely heavily on ecotourism, now virtually non-existent during the pandemic. Many locals, deprived of tourism-related livelihood, have resorted to poaching in some MPAs. Sikkel’s team includes his graduate student, Mary Shodipo, and two Philippine scientists.

The National Association of School Psychologists has selected Dr. Meagan Medley, assistant professor of psychology, to serve on the Praxis® National Advisory Committee (NAC) for the school psychologist test. The 12-15 NAC members will develop or revise the test in their licensed or certified specialty area. The exam is a required component of nationally recognized graduate programs, many state certifications and licenses, and for Nationally Certified School Psychologist designation.

Dr. Sarah Scott, assistant professor of communication studies, provided timely information during an interview last week with a local television station.  Scott was asked about the benefits of the clear N-95 respirator mask produced by Ford Motor Co. The clear mask, for which a patent is pending, will be particularly helpful to those who talk with individuals who have hearing impairment or other communication disorders. The interview is online.

Dr. Alexandr M. Sokolov, assistant professor in engineering management, has been selected by the Office of Assessment and Accreditation to help with evaluating student retention initiatives. His primary goal will be building a statistical model for use in analyzing campus co-curricular units’ impact on student retention. Sokolov is experienced with building multiple regression equations and predictive algorithms. Dr. Eric Atchison of the ASU System Office also will assist.