Featured Speakers

Abstract

Artist Sarah Wagner discussed her most recent work which explores her neighborhood in the inner city of Detroit and the “invisible” strata, of which she has become increasingly aware. She has developed advanced patterning and sewing methods to create complex organic forms. Wagner's exhibit was hosted by the Friends of the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery.

Abstract

A panel presentation discussed the importance of good nutrition and clean water in the first 1,000 days of a child's life. The panel presentation was led by Chris Elias, president of the Global Development Program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation;  Joan Lombardi, former deputy assistant secretary and inter-departmental liaison, early childhood education, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Nurper Ulkuer, former head of the Early Childhood Development Unit and senior adviser for early childhood development at UNICEF. 

Panel moderators were Marjorie Kostelnik, dean, UNL College of Education and Human Sciences, and Helen Raikes, Willa Cather professor, UNL Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies.

A recording is available.

Abstract

Robert Crosnoe, The Elsie and Stanley E. (Skinny) Adams, Sr. Centennial Professor in Liberal Arts Departments of Sociology and (by courtesy) Psychology, presented “Adolescence, Peers and the Challenges of High School.” Crosnoe addressed how social marginalization affects teenagers’ development from multiple perspectives, and how it can disrupt long-term trajectories of educational attainment regardless of academic abilities and family background.

Abstract

Sue Swearer, professor Dept. Educational Psychology, presented, “Creating a Kinder World: Empowering Youth to End Bullying,” as part of the Talley Distinguished Lecture at Indiana University.

Swearer reviewed her research on bullying prevention and intervention and the Born Brave Experiences study. She presented preliminary data from the Born Brave Bus Tour (BBBT), a signature project of Lady Gaga’s, Born This Way Foundation (http://bornthiswayfoundation.org).

Abstract

Donato Romagnolo, professor member of the University of Arizona Department of Nutritional Sciences and the University of Arizona Cancer Center, presented a talk entitled, “You AhR What You Ate: Linking Diet with Cancer Risk.” His presentation was part of the Nebraska Gateway to Nutrigenomics Seminar Series.

Abstract

Robert Murphy,  University Distinguished Professor, Deptartment of Pharmacology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, presented, “Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Biosynthesis and Metabolism in Human Health and Disease as Revealed by Mass Spectrometry.” Murphy's talk was part of the NGN Seminar Series.

Abstract

Yong Zhao, Presidential Chair and Associate Dean for Global Education, College of Education, University of Oregon, presented, "Catching Up or Leading the Way: American Education in the Age of Globalization." Zhao's talk was part of the E.N. Thompson Forum 2013-2014. Zhao addressed the need to redesign our educational system for a global society.

Abstract

Joan Mudget, current vice president of global product quality at Lululemon, discussed her business experiences with major fashion and merchandizing firms as part of the Big Idea Seminar, including JCPenney, The Walt Disney Company, the Nordstrom Product Group, and Lands’ End.
Watch the seminar at http://bigideaseminars.unl.edu/recorded-videos

Abstract

Paul Taylor, owner of Long Splice Design, an apparel development and sourcing company, spoke with students as part of the Big Idea Seminar. Taylor also founded Arborwear, an outdoor work wear company, which he headed for 12 years.
Watch the semiar at http://bigideaseminars.unl.edu/recorded-videos

Abstract

Amy Bellmore, associate professor School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison, gave a talk, "Using Social Media Data to Understand Bullying." Bellmore discussed how social science and computational science methods can answer questions about bullying.