CAS in the Media | Washington State University

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Young musician exhibits more than extreme talent; recital Nov. 8

November 1, 2013

“‘Exceptional’ is an understatement” when describing student Eric McElroy, said music professor Gerald Berthiaume who has worked with students more than 35 years. “With his breadth of knowledge about so many things in so many areas, he is something new and different.”

A senior majoring in piano performance, McElroy is a WSU Regents scholar, member of the Honors College, and recipient of the 2013 Presser Award, the School of Music’s most prestigious scholarship, among other awards and scholarships.

“He’s exceptional and unusual in many different ways—from his piano performance to his knowledge of music history. His ability to conduct is at an unbelievable level for someone his age, and he’s also a terrific composer,” Berthiaume said.

McElroy will perform his senior piano recital free to the public at 4:10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, in Kimbrough Concert Hall at WSU Pullman.

Washington state GMO labeling may be decided by relatively few voters

October 31, 2013

Voting strictly by absentee ballots, citizens of Washington state soon will decide, among other, lower-profile issues, whether the state will adopt Initiative 522 to label foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMO). The theory behind the state’s unique, all-absentee-ballot system is that more people will participate if it’s more convenient.

However, it hasn’t entirely worked out that way, says Travis Ridout, WSU professor of political science.

“Most studies show that vote by mail increases turnout a little bit just because of the convenience factors but maybe not as much as supporters of it would hope,” Ridout said. In an off-cycle election with little on the statewide ballot, like the one this year, about 30 percent of the state’s residents are likely to vote, he predicted. Thus, the decision of whether to become the first state in the country to require GMO labeling on food, which could encourage other states to do the same, might come down to roughly 1.2 million votes.

Oct. 24: Black masculinity, gender, popular culture to be explored in free lecture

October 24, 2013

Race, popular culture and masculinity are the topics of a free, public presentation at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, in Todd Hall 276, WSU Pullman.

Speaker, author and news commentator Mark Anthony Neal will present “Looking for Leroy: (Il)Legible Black Masculinities” – also the title of his most recent book. It explores the cultural meaning and significance of Jay-Z, Luther Vandross, Barack Obama and R. Kelley.

“Mark Anthony Neal is one of the nation’s foremost experts on black masculinity, particularly as it relates to media and popular culture,” said David Leonard, professor and chair of the Department of Critical Culture, Gender and Race Studies, which is hosting the event. The talk will help attendees better “interpret images and identities and engage popular culture critically,” Leonard said.

Oct. 24: Final faculty series concert of fall presents ‘Art Songs of England’

October 24, 2013

“Art Songs of England” will feature Brian Carter, tenor, and Gerald Berthiaume, piano, performing music by Henry Purcell, Benjamin Britten, Gerald Finzi and Ralph Vaughan Williams, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, in Bryan Hall.

It is the final fall concert in the Faculty Artist Series whose proceeds support the School of Music scholarship fund.

Effect of toxins shown to skip generations, DDT linked to obesity

October 23, 2013

Michael Skinner portrait — Michael Skinner

“What your great-grandmother was exposed to during pregnancy, like DDT, may promote a dramatic increase in your susceptibility to obesity, and you will pass this on to your grandchildren in the absence of any continued exposures,” says WSU professor Michael Skinner.

Research shows ancestral exposures to environmental compounds like the insecticide DDT may be a factor in high rates of obesity. The finding comes as DDT is getting a second look as a tool against malaria.

Read the full story at WSU News

Read latest research finding in the
current issue of the journal BMC Medicine.