Kent State Magazine: Spring 2017

ON THE COVER:

Get Smart: Multitasking is a myth, says MIT neuroscientist Earl Miller, BA ’85, who is researching technologies that may one day increase the capacity of the brain’s working memory. In the meantime, he’s got a few tips to help focus your mind. Read more about Earl Miller's research.

Photo:

Features

Dangerous Buzz

by Beth Skwarecki

The Zika epidemic may have peaked, but it will play out for years as researchers learn more about how the virus is transmitted and how long it remains viable. Kent State experts are using past and present experiences with mosquito-borne diseases to prepare public health students for future outbreaks. Plus, how you can protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Fostering Hope

by Keri Richmond '17

Senior public relations major Keri Richmond was in and out of the foster care system almost from birth. Now she’s fighting for other foster kids to have a better experience.

Attention, Please

by Adam Piore

With his research into the brain’s prefrontal cortex, MIT neuroscientist Earl Miller, BA ’85, may someday be able to increase the capacity of our conscious minds. Until then, he has advice on why multitasking doesn’t work and how to focus on the task at hand.

DEPARTMENTS

Feedback

Readers respond to magazine content or comment on KSU–related topics.

Presidential Perspectives

President Beverly Warren points to Kent State's path forward.

Flash Forward

Student Approved | Cool Course | A Brand New Gameday | March Madness

KSU Collections

Reinberger Children's Library Center: Selections from the University Library's collection of children's pop-up books, picture books, ephemera and more

Alumni Life

Mildred Dixon, DPM '44 | Jon Ridinger, BS '08 MA '09 | Alumni Day of Service | Class Notes | In Memory

Flashback

by Lauren Rathmell '17

Disc Jockeys: Looking back on the 40-year history of Kent State's Ultimate Frisbee team with Jerome Wachholz, BS '79

Giving Voice

Mary Greer, MEd '84, of Shalersville, Ohio, shares her poem, "Here in the Vineyard of Provision."

Take Note

Empowerment and discovery are themes that characterize the university’s six-year vision, titled . These themes are reflected in the lives and contributions of the Kent State students, faculty, staff and alumni who appear in the pages of this issue.

Kent State’s focus on community-engaged research is exemplified by faculty and students in public health and geography who are contributing to the worldwide fight against mosquito-borne illnesses through research, public education and empowerment.

From the passionate advocacy of senior public relations major Keri Richmond, who is making a difference for foster children, to the boundary-breaking discoveries of alumnus Earl Miller, BA ’85, in the field of cognitive neuroscience, these stories are intended to inform and inspire you. And we invite you to share your stories of rising trajectories and broken boundaries.

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