University of Memphis Magazine — Winter 2023 by University of Memphis

UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS MAGAZINE / WINTER 2023

ASCENDING IN RESEARCH Spotlighting dedicated researchers and ongoing innovations as a top-tier research institution

In This Issue

CAMPUS NEWS From a top 10 national ranking to a research center receiving a $9.75 million contract, the UofM has been making plenty of headlines.

1 0 5 Y E A R S YO U N G At 105, Mabel Womack is the oldest living alumnus of Lambuth College, now the University of Memphis Lambuth. Education remained a constant throughout her journey to Lambuth and 44 years spent as a teacher.

FROM DREAM TO REALIT Y The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Mike Rose Aquatics Center served as a celebration of the late Mike Rose and Dick Fadgen, who helped make the state-ofthe-art facility a reality.

A L L I N T H E FA M I LY A legacy of philanthropy for the arts has come full circle with the naming of the Edward and Bernice Humphreys Theatre Building thanks to a generous contribution from their son — James R. “Jimmy” Humphreys.

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ASCENDING IN RESEARCH This edition of the UofM Magazine spotlights some of the most active and accomplished researchers at one of the premier research institutions in the country.

ANSWERING THE CALL As gambling has become more accessible across the country, the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research at the UofM has stepped up as a leader in treating addiction.

EXPLORING OUR S O L A R SYS T E M Associate instructor Joanne Rhodes led an effort to bring a Voyage Solar System model to the UofM, giving students and visitors the opportunity to explore our neighbors in space with a walk across campus.

BEHIND THE STRIPES UofM football center Jacob Likes and women’s basketball guard Madison Griggs share the journey of their remarkable careers as Tiger student-athletes.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS From Memphis’ Crosstown Concourse to Washington, D.C., UofM alumni Nikki Wallace and Isaac Fordjour are making a positive impact on future generations.

Do you have a story idea for the UofM Magazine? Email Trent Shadid at tshadid@memphis.edu.

WINTER 2023

PRESIDENT Bill Hardgrave EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Leah Jones EDITOR Trent Shadid tshadid@memphis.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Madison Griggs Jeff Hulett Leanne Kleinmann Jacob Likes Nia Rincon Nikki Wallace PHOTOGRAPHY Wendy Adams Hannah Gore Brooke Simpson Matthew Smith ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN University of Memphis Division for External Relations

MISSION The University of Memphis is a learnercentered metropolitan research university providing high quality educational experiences while pursuing new knowledge through research, artistic expression and interdisciplinary and engaged scholarship. The University of Memphis is governed by a 10-member Board of Trustees. The Board consists of eight members appointed by the governor of Tennessee, a faculty trustee elected by the faculty and a non-voting student trustee selected by students and appointed by the Board. The University of Memphis’ name, seal, logos and Tigers are registered marks of the University of Memphis and use in any manner is prohibited unless prior written approval is obtained from the University of Memphis. The University of Memphis Magazine (USPS-662-550) is published two times a year by the Division of External Relations of the University of Memphis, 308 Administration Building, Memphis, TN 38152-3370. Postage paid at Memphis, TN 38152. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Alumni & Development Office, The University of Memphis, 120 Alumni Center, Memphis, TN 38152-3760.

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WINTER 2023

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PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Dear Tiger Family,

fter unveiling our Ascend strategic plan last spring, we have made much progress transitioning into the action stages of that plan over the past several months. Together, we are building upon our past accomplishments while setting the University of Memphis on a path to even greater heights in the future. With this action comes change, which can be hard, but it is also essential to progress. The landscape of higher education is rapidly evolving. We must remain proactive to put ourselves in a position to thrive in that environment. With that in mind, we have taken a long look at what we are doing while assessing where we need to be now and where we need to be in our long-term future. It is challenging, but we have shown how very capable we are of creating positive change for our institution through a thoughtful and purposeful process with our strategic plan serving as the roadmap. Strengthening our research efforts is a primary goal within our Ascend plan. The UofM has made tremendous strides in becoming a nationally recognized research institution in recent years, as evidenced by achieving Carnegie R1 status for the first time two years ago. That standing has already benefitted our University greatly, though we must remain diligent to ensure that level of excellence can be maintained and enhanced. This magazine highlights a few of the many UofM researchers who have worked tirelessly to help us achieve our deserved recognition. Behind their hard work, along with our students, staff and supporters, and significant future investments in research infrastructure as part of our

strategic plan, our status as a top-tier research institution can be sustained. We invite you to enjoy these stories of our change-making researchers and much more in this edition of the UofM Magazine.

Thank you for your support!

GO TIGERS GO! Bill Hardgrave President

I hope you all had a wonderful 2023, and wish you the very best in the coming new year. I look forward to the continued success we will share as a Tiger Family.

WINTER 2023

Campus News

Forbes Ranks Online MSW Program in Top 10 Nationally

UofM Wins Major Instrumentation Investment Across Multiple Disciplines

The University of Memphis Master of Social Work program was selected by Forbes as one of its Best Online MSW Programs of 2023. It is the program's highest ranking recognition.

The UofM won three grants from the National Science Foundation’s nationally competitive Major Research Instrumentation Program, an investment valued at more than $2 million.

The list included nine other programs from universities across the country. The publication listed a low tuition rate, high socioeconomic diversity and inexpensive application fee among the “pros” of the UofM MSW program.

The program, which provides research institutions with the resources necessary to acquire cutting-edge instrumentation, limits institutions to three application submissions per year. For the first time in UofM history, the University saw all three of its applications receive awards in the same year, a rarity for any research institution. These projects — led by faculty members in Biology, Civil Engineering and Computer Science — include new supercomputers, a fluorescence-activated cell sorter and technology to create 3D scanning imagery for multiple disciplines.

“The University of Memphis is proud to offer an excellent Master of Social Work program in a flexible format and at an affordable price,” said Dr. Susan Neely-Barnes, professor, director and chair in the UofM’s School of Social Work. “Our MSW program can be combined with other master’s programs at the University of Memphis to create a dual degree. We also offer online graduate certificates in clinical social work, substance abuse, school social work and play therapy that can be easily completed along with the MSW degree.”

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“Improved instrumentation is a key piece of our strategic plan goal to enhance the research infrastructure of campus,” said UofM President Bill Hardgrave. “The support from NSF to acquire this equipment is further evidence of the quality of our research faculty and the importance of investing in the infrastructure to support their work.”

UofM Secures Record $86M in Awards The UofM reached $86 million in research awards during the 2023 fiscal year, setting a new record high for the institution. This remarkable feat, which significantly surpassed the previous record of $50 million, is the direct result of the University’s strategic efforts to foster a thriving research environment. Building upon its Carnegie R1 status as a top-tier research institution, the University has strived to maintain its position as a leading academic institution nationwide. Over the past five years, the University has seen a 273% increase in the total awards earned. For two consecutive years, the UofM has seen a surge in first-time principal investigators, with more than 40 researchers now seeking funding to conduct their groundbreaking work. Every dollar earned by the University is reinvested back into the community. Collaborators receive resources directly through grants, and the wider economy of the region is bolstered through the UofM’s presence and partnership.

School of Public Health Creates Innovate DualEnrollment Opportunity The School of Public Health at the UofM has launched an initiative to empower high school students in the Memphis community and beyond to solve the current and future public health challenges facing communities. Following the 2022 rollout of its pilot project REAIM, which serves as a model for public health education in high schools, the School introduced a public health dual-enrollment opportunity for high school juniors and seniors beginning in fall 2023. Students who later attend the UofM and declare their undergraduate major within the School of Public Health will have the option to apply the credits earned from these courses toward their bachelor's degree. The initiative is among the first of its kind in the country.

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Campus News

Institute for Public Service Reporting Wins National Awards for Civil Wrongs Civil Wrongs, a journalism and academic initiative exploring racial injustice and unsolved and unresolved murders of the civil rights, includes an academic course and a seasonal podcast produced by the UofM's Institute for Public Service Reporting in partnership with NPR-affiliate WKNO-FM public radio. The first season focused on the 1917 police torture and lynching of Ell Persons and how the case reverberates today in the form of false confessions, police brutality and racial injustice. The season won three national honors — the audio award from Report for America’s Local News Awards and awards in the “Series” and “Special Feature: Underrepresented Communities” categories from the Public Media Journalists Association. During the spring 2023 semester, The Institute's Laura Faith Kebede developed a class that gave students the opportunity to produce the second season of Civil Wrongs, which was released the following summer. The 13 students in the class researched the Memphis Massacre of 1866 and its ties to present-day failures by law enforcement to investigate and resolve rape cases.

UofM Leads Tennessee in 2024 College Free Speech Rankings The UofM is the top-ranked institution in Tennessee for free speech rights, according to the 2024 College Free Speech Rankings by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. The rankings were developed based on survey information provided by 55,102 undergraduate students from 254 of the top universities across the United States. The UofM is 39th overall with a score of 56.14. Among the specific areas measured, the UofM ranked 16th in Comfort Expressing Ideas and 36th in Administrative Support.

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CAESER Awarded 5-Year, $9.75M Contract to Continue Studying Memphis Aquifer The Center for Applied Earth Sciences and Engineering Research (CAESER) at the UofM has been awarded a fiveyear, $9.75 million contract to continue research on water quality for the Memphis Aquifer from the City of Memphis and Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). In 2018, MLGW had grown concerned about impacts to water quality for the Memphis aquifer and the condition of the clay confining layer, or aquitard, protecting it. Through a rate increase, MLGW awarded CAESER a five-year, $5 million contract to conduct extensive research addressing these concerns. The results of this study, which were released in Sept. 2023, show the concerns to be valid. The study increased the knowledge of known and suspected breaches from two to six and from six to 36, respectively. Though research is showing that the clay layer is not as continuous as previously thought, Dr. Brian Waldron, CAESER director, says that the water is safe for now. He urges the need to continue being proactive through the further research.

Dasgupta, Parish Receive Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards UofM professors Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta and Dr. Ryan Parish received 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program awards. Dasgupta’s Fulbright Iceland-National Science Foundation (NSF) Distinguished Scholar Award in Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure is one of the most prestigious appointments in the Fulbright Scholar Program. It is awarded to a senior academic scholar who has significant research achievements and educational experience in their discipline or area of expertise. Dasgupta is the Hill Professor in Cybersecurity and director of the Center for Information Assurance at the UofM. Parish, an associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, received an award to conduct collaborative research on ancient hunter-gatherer groups in the Andes Mountains in South America while also teaching graduate archaeology students at the Universidad de Tarapacá in Arcia, Chile.

WINTER 2023

Lambuth News

By Leanne Kleinmann

Mabel’s late husband was Richard E. Womack Jr., son of former Lambuth President Richard E. Womack, who led the college in the early 20th century when the board threatened to close the school because of declining enrollment. “Dr. Womack said not over his dead body,” said Mabel of her fatherin-law. “He moved his family into the main building, which had a dorm in it, and they ate with the students in the cafeteria. Then he traveled and got more students.

hen you meet Mabel Womack, it’s not surprising to discover that she spent her career as an educator. Her mind is sharp, and she’s as full of questions for you as you are for her.

“My mother was a teacher, too, before she married,” she said. “There were only about two professions a woman could do and the other was nursing. I didn’t care about that. So, I ended up teaching for about 44 years, in all.” What’s more surprising to learn is that, at 105, she’s the oldest living alumnus of Lambuth College, now the University of Memphis Lambuth. “I was so surprised,” she said about a ceremony honoring her as the oldest living Lambuth alum earlier this year. “Dr. Reddick got up and told all of those stories about the Womack family.” Dr. Niles Reddick is the chief operating officer and dean of the UofM Lambuth. 10 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

“He saved it back then, and it got saved again,” she said, referring to when the University of Memphis took over the school in 2012. Mabel Bonner Womack’s journey to Lambuth was a little less straightforward. Growing up, she and her family criss-crossed the South, from her birthplace in Hernando, Mississippi, to Alabama to Starkville, Mississippi, where her father went to college at thenMississippi A&T (now Mississippi State). When Mabel was in high school, the family moved back to the farm they owned on land that is now Wolfchase Galleria in Memphis, then called Ellendale. Education was her constant. After graduating from Bartlett High School, she went to a junior college in Holly Springs, Mississippi, before enrolling at Lambuth. How did she choose Lambuth? “Back in those days, your parents decided for you,” she said. “My father was having problems with farming at that time and my

mother came up with cancer, so Lambuth was close. I rode the train home every weekend.” Her mother died the day she was supposed to start her senior year. “My dad was distraught, of course, but he managed to get me to Lambuth for my last year, which was a blessing.” The Lambuth dean told her she couldn’t miss a single class and expect to graduate. “So, I did it — I graduated in 1939.” She met her husband at Lambuth — after all, his father was president of the college for 28 years — though Richard Jr. had already graduated and begun teaching and running schools as a principal. After his military service, they headed west — “Richard had read all the Zane Gray stories” — including to Colorado and California, following teaching and other career opportunities. Along with raising her two sons, “I was teaching all the time,” Mabel said. And traveling, first with her husband and family in the summers; later with a friend after her husband died in 1988 (her sons have died, too, one in 2012 and the other in 2022). Mabel said she’s visited 70 countries in all. Switzerland is a favorite, and she regrets she never got to South Africa. “But there’s also so much to see in our country,” she said. “I think parents should show children our country first. And our government in Washington and all.” Her travel fit right in with her teaching. “It was really an experience that I was able to use by having, in those days, slides to show to the children,” she said. People ask her all the time how she lived so long, and she’s not really sure. “It all sort of happened suddenly … life went so fast after I retired,” she said. Her family gave her a strong Methodist foundation — “there was no smoking or drinking in my family” — and taught her to serve others. “I’d go home from school and tell my dad and mother about seeing a boy who didn’t have shoes in school,” she said. “They’d say, ‘Now, don’t you criticize him. If anybody needs shoes, let’s go out and get some for them.'" Is there a secret to living such a long life? “Not really,” said Mabel. Do you feel lucky? “Oh, yes.” WINTER 2023

FROM DREAM TO REALITY

By Nia Rincon The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mike Rose Aquatics Center at the University of Memphis in April 2023 served as celebration of many things, including the city, the UofM, the Memphis swimming community and water safety. In particular, it served as an opportunity to pay homage to two people who were largely responsible for the $12 million renovation becoming a reality — the late Mike Rose and Dick Fadgen.

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adgen laid the foundation for Memphis swimming. He was a six-time AllAmerican swimmer in college who broke the world record in the 220-yard breaststroke in 1954. After he missed qualifying for the USA’s 1956 Olympic team by only one-tenth of a second, Fadgen became an alternate for the Summer Games in Melbourne. He went on to become an accomplished triathlete who never strayed too far from the water. One of his biggest career accomplishments was the legacy he built as founder and coach of the Memphis Swim Club, later named Memphis Tiger Swimming. Fadgen, who passed away in 2022 at 86, began teaching at the University of Memphis in 1963 and launched the swimming club in 1971. His history of excellence built the reputation of the Memphis swimming program into one of the most respected in the country. To date, Memphis Tiger Swimming has produced five

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Olympians and 24 Olympic Trials participants with many more athletes recruited to collegiate swim teams. Having coached and mentored thousands of swimmers throughout a career that spanned more than 30 years, Fadgen instilled the values of dedication, integrity and inclusivity to a generation of Memphis youth, including two children of entrepreneur and philanthropist Mike Rose. As with Fadgen, swimming was an instrumental part of life in the Rose household. Mike’s daughter, Gabrielle, was particularly drawn to the sport and developed into a two-time Olympian, participating in the 1996 and 2000 Games. Mike witnessed first-hand the positive impact swimming had on his daughter, so when the opportunity to renovate the outdated natatorium on the UofM’s campus came his way, he didn’t hesitate to lead the charge. Now newly renovated, the state-ofthe-art Mike Rose Aquatics Center is a

testament to the individuals who were dedicated to enhancing the Memphis community through swimming. It features a new lap pool dedicated to Fadgen, who was instrumental in the development of the pool and envisioned many of the recent updates. Renovations included increasing the pool length, improved mechanical and water handling systems, handicap access and expanded seating. The increased seating and upgrades make the facility appropriate for regional swimming competitions and the only one of its kind in the Memphis area. Mike Rose and Fadgen had a passion for both the wellness benefits and the community impact of swimming. With these ideals in mind, the aquatics center is dedicated to promoting water safety among diverse populations by offering free low-cost swim lessons to the community.

The project was so important to Mike that he remained dedicated to the fundraising efforts despite battling pancreatic cancer. He sent a voice message to FedEx founder Fred Smith and AutoZone founder Pitt Hyde, two of Rose’s closest business associates, explaining his vision for the facility. “Fred and Pitt, I wanted to wish you well and tell you about one last project that I have gotten myself involved in,” he said. “It involves the swimming community and the University of Memphis, two things I’ve always had a lot of interest in.” Mike emphasized the facility could be used by students, competitive swimmers from across the MidSouth and local organizations dedicated to teaching all Memphians about water safety to reduce accidental drowning. Mike passed away in 2017 at 75 before the project was completed.

In the wake of his passing, Gabrielle took the reins in seeing the project through by reaching out to her father’s associates, foundations and individuals. A unique partnership between the UofM, Memphis Tiger Swimming, Splash Mid-South, YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South, the State of Tennessee, Shelby County Government, FedEx, the Belz Foundation and the Rose Foundation, as well as other private and individual philanthropic support, helped make the center a reality. “My dad was so involved with this project because it involved two things he believed in — the University of Memphis and swimming,” Gabrielle said. “My dad started the Rose Foundation in 1990 to give back to Memphis. He felt strongly about this … his last project. And

he worked on it until the very last weeks of his battle with cancer.” During the grand opening ceremony, Gabrielle was sure to credit the two people who had done so much to bring the new facility to life. “Today, we honor the city, the University, aquatics and teamwork. Today is also about two men — my dad, Mike Rose, and an important father figure in so many lives, Dick Fadgen. Both of them shared a love of sports and of family, and I know that their spirits are very much with us today.”

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By Nia Rincon A legacy of philanthropy for the arts has officially come full circle. The formerly nameless Theatre Building at the University of Memphis was given a distinguished title thanks to a generous contribution from James R. “Jimmy” Humphreys. The building has been named in honor of Humphreys’ parents, Edward and Bernice, who are both UofM graduates. The couple were longtime supporters of their alma mater. Humphreys recalled that his parents rarely missed a home game for Tiger football or basketball. The Humphreys were also members of the Columns Society, a giving group that celebrates individuals who have included the UofM in their current or deferred planned giving. Working as farmers, the Humphreys instilled the values of community and hard work into their son. Jimmy graduated from Vanderbilt University and worked as a real estate investor. His passion for giving is sparked by the joy he feels when he supports organizations that work to make a difference in the Memphis community. His involvement with the UofM has made an impact on the lives and careers of many students. In 2005, he created a scholarship opportunity for students in honor of his parents. The Edward G. and

Bernice A. Humphreys Fellowship is currently open to all undergraduate and graduate students from any major. “How could I not become involved? The UofM is the preeminent University in our city,” Jimmy said. “There is a lot of poverty in our city and the UofM offers students a way out and an opportunity to change lives.” Jimmy was exposed to philanthropy early, but he learned the true value of giving through doing. He figured out the best approach for himself and began making small contributions. He gradually expanded the number of organizations he supported and the size of the gifts he bestowed until he was an established patron of the arts in the community. He believes that arts and entertainment enhance the lives of people living in Memphis and that when the culture is supported, the city thrives. By supporting students in the arts, he leaves the door open for them to discover and pursue their passions. When the opportunity to officially name the Theatre Building came up, he felt called to act. The Edward and Bernice Humphreys Theatre Building will stand as a lasting honor to his parents for decades to come. “It felt wonderful to name the Theatre Building in memory of my parents,” he said. “It’s gratifying to recognize them because of their long-time support of UofM.”

“How could I not become involved? The UofM is the preeminent University in our city.” – James R. “Jimmy” Humphreys

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F A M I L Y The Department of Theatre & Dance has been recognized among the best dance programs in the country. The theatre program presents professional, compelling plays and musical theatre productions each year that are open for the entire community to enjoy. The planned gift in honor of Edward and Bernice ensures the program offerings that bring so much joy and entertainment to the local community endure. With the building’s prominent location on campus at 3745 Central Avenue, the renaming draws attention to the various arts programs offered at the University and pays forward the love the Humphreys had for their school.

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ASCENDING IN

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he University of Memphis Research in a Minute series spotlights some of the most active and accomplished researchers across various disciplines at the UofM. As an R1 university according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the UofM is proudly among the top tier of

research universities nationally. This status, first achieved in 2021, has helped solidify the UofM as one of two flagship public research institutions in Tennessee. Research in a Minute provides a glimpse into the work of dedicated researchers who have helped the UofM achieve and maintain top-tier research status.

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DR. EDDIE JACOBS E LE C TR I C A L

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Dr. Eddie Jacobs’ research involves the use of drones and sensors working together to collect information over a large area, which can be applied to assist in precision agriculture, environmental assessments, military applications and more. Jacobs is a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Herff College of Engineering and a senior researcher for Drones and Advanced Sensors with the UofM’s Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research. He has more than 20 years of combined experience in the modeling, analysis and development of military sensing systems across private industry, government and academic perspectives. In 2021, a group of researchers led by Jacobs secured a

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$2.7 million grant from the U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory to develop unmanned aerial systems, or drones, to detect and identify potential threats and items of interest across a specific area. The project involves sensors, communication between multiple drones, artificial intelligence and machine learning. “If a drone sees something of interest, an interrogator drone can go take a look,” Jacobs said. “Then, it may also be advantageous to have a third drone come and look at it. Now, you’ve gained a potentially significant amount of information about an area through strictly unmanned systems.”

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DR. DIPANKAR DASGUPTA CY B E R S E C U R IT Y

Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta’s research focuses on using artificial intelligence machine learning techniques in cybersecurity. He is a professor in the Department of Computer Science and the director of the Center for Information Assurance (CfIA), which he founded at the UofM in 2004. The research conducted and concepts developed through the CfIA are used to educate, inform and produce training materials on cybersecurity for various agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The work led by Dasgupta through the CfIA makes the UofM one of the leading universities in the country in regard to transforming cybersecurity research into an educational tool.

As new technology continues to emerge, cybersecurity becomes increasingly critical for safety, security and privacy. “Students are greatly benefiting from pursuing the emerging area of cybersecurity, where there are a significant number of job opportunities with high salaries,” Dasgupta said. “These jobs come to them because there is a critical need across many industries, whether it be in education, government, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, utilities, legal or criminal justice. The global market for trained individuals in cybersecurity is projected to increase by 35% between 2021-31, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The University of Memphis’ computer science department provides a great opportunity to pursue this booming industry where available jobs outnumber qualified candidates.”

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DR. AMBER JENNINGS B I O M E D I C A L

Dr. Amber Jennings’ research is focused on biomaterials for infection prevention. The Jennings lab at the UofM uses natural biomaterials, such as shrimp shells, to create wound bandages or injectable pastes to prevent traumatic injuries from leading to infection and further complications. “We can use sponges that soak up a therapeutic biomaterial and deliver it to the tissue or even create an injectable material to serve the same purpose,” Jennings said. “The goal is to translate this into a product and commercialize it at some point in the near future.” Jennings studied Biomedical Sciences at the University of Alabama, followed by graduate studies in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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She began her graduate studies researching the effects of direct current electrical fields on cells involved in the wound healing response. In her postdoctoral work, she investigated local drug delivery systems for preventing infection. Jennings has co-edited a two-volume series of books on chitosan-based biomaterials and has co-authored six book chapters, 50-plus peerreviewed journal articles, five commentaries and more than 150 conference presentations. She has mentored more than 30 undergraduate students, with several winning honors and advancing to professional schools, graduate school or industry positions.

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DR. THOMAS GOEBEL S E I S M O LO GY

Dr. Thomas Goebel’s research is focused on the analysis of induced seismicity, fault structure and earthquake source processes. An assistant professor in seismology at the Center for Earthquake Research and Information, Goebel aims to improve the documentation of fault hydrology and crustal stresses using laboratory experiments, analytical and numerical models and statistical analyses. At a larger scale, he is interested in what controls earthquake behavior and interaction. The significance of this work, particularly lab experiments, helps us understand the difference between earthquakes — foreshocks, mainshocks and aftershocks. The goal is to better predict and prepare for earthquakes.

“We connect our observations from the natural system to laboratory scale experiments to explore the underlying physics and try to understand the overall earthquake frequency in an area,” Goebel said. “This informs how we should adjust our infrastructure and building codes. All of this requires a more in-depth physical understanding of the underlying processes.” In addition to scientific research, Goebel’s current and former roles include science communication and outreach through news outlets, scientific articles and conference presentations. His work is further enriched through teaching programming and data analysis classes to undergraduate and graduate students as well as through advising and mentoring.

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DR. XIAOHUA HUANG B I OA N A LY TI C A L

Dr. Xiaohua Huang's research focuses on the development of advanced nanomaterials and related technologies for cancer detection and laser treatment, particularly bloodbased early cancer detection and metastasis prediction. “Obviously, cancer is such a major health problem, so this is very important research,” said Huang. “If we don’t catch it early, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat, and metastasis causes more than 90% of cancer deaths. After treatment, patients always have that worry that the cancer will come back. So, in addition to helping with early detection, we are working to predict the chances it will come back and improve overall outcomes.” Huang has published more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles with over 35,000

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citations. She has received several honors, including the Dunavant Professorship and the Early Career and Research Award from the UofM College of Arts & Sciences; the Women in Cancer Research Brigid G. Leventhal Scholar from the American Association for Cancer Research; and the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from the Oak Ridge Associated Universities. Huang earned a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Georgia Tech in 2006. After postdoctoral training at Georgia Tech and Emory University, she joined the UofM as an assistant professor in 2010, became tenured and was promoted to associate professor in 2016 and to full professor in 2021.

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DR. RANGANATHAN GOPALAKRISHNAN M E C H A N I C A L

Dr. Ranganathan Gopalakrishnan’s research is focused on dust particle behavior in plasmas with an overarching goal of contributing to the realization of nuclear fusion to produce limitless clean energy. In a broad sense, his research is aimed at understanding how particles behave in diverse systems of interest in science and technology. A UofM faculty member since 2016, Gopalakrishnan is an associate professor and the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 2013 after earning a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Tiruchirappalli, India, in 2008.

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The work of Gopalakrishnan and his team at the UofM primarily involves analyzing problems related to aerosols, plasmas and ionized gases. Notably, they have developed and patented a highly efficient powder dispersion method that uses ultrasonic waves to disperse dry powders as aerosols. “We use both experimental and modeling techniques to understand how particles behave from the molecular scale to the micron scale to the millimeter scale,” Gopalakrishnan said. “What makes this interesting is at every scale the type and the strength of the forces that act between particles keeps changing. That makes the research fascinating, but also challenging.”

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DR. FRANCISCO MULLER-SANCHEZ P H YS I C S

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Dr. Francisco Muller-Sanchez’s research focuses on the regions around supermassive black holes in order to observe how they are fueled and influence their host galaxies. “It is our current understanding that all galaxies in the Universe have a supermassive black hole at the center,” said Muller-Sanchez. “Our research goal is to characterize the environments around these supermassive black holes to understand and discover the physical processes that drive the evolution of galaxies.” Muller-Sanchez joined the UofM's Department of Physics and Materials Science in 2018 to help expand the astrophysics program. Through the introduction of new astronomy and astrophysics courses, the University

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implemented an astronomy concentration in 2019. In January 2023, MullerSanchez and a team of scientists discovered a pair of supermassive black holes growing simultaneously near the center of a newly coalescing galaxy. These “dining” giants are closer in proximity than any black holes scientists have ever observed in multiple wavelengths. The discovery revealed that binary black holes and the galaxy mergers that create them may be surprisingly commonplace in the Universe. The results of the research were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters and presented in a press conference at the 241st meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle, Wash.

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A SCE NDING

RE SE ARCH

DR. BRANDT PENCE H E A LTH

Dr. Brandt Pence’s research focuses on how metabolism impacts the immune system in aging and age-related diseases. Pence, an associate professor of Health Sciences, is currently working on a project funded by the National Institutes of Health to determine if a particular dysfunction in the mitochondria causes impaired immune responses during aging, and if healthy mitochondria can be transplanted to improve immune function. He is also working on an American Heart Association-funded project aimed at defining mitochondriatargeted treatments for atherosclerosis, the most common type of cardiovascular disease. His ongoing research includes examining the impact of exercise on immune function, as well as the impact of various

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metabolites and metabolic inhibitors on inflammation. Pence earned his PhD in exercise physiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before completing postdoctoral studies in nutrition at the same institution. His main field of focus is immunophysiology. He focuses on identifying how physiological stressors, such as diet and exercise, impact immune function. He is especially interested in inflammatory processes, such as wound healing, and how they can be regulated by metabolic changes in immune cells. In 2021, Pence was awarded a University Research Professorship.

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A SCE NDING

RE SE ARCH

DR. ALEXANDREA GOLDEN C LI N I C A L

Dr. Alexandrea Golden’s research focuses on sociocultural factors that promote positive development and resilience among racially minoritized youth exposed to racism. Her research areas include school racial climate, racial socialization, critical consciousness and more. With many publications to her credit, Golden depends on qualitative and quantitative research, as well as a collaborative work culture, to move her work forward. “I really focus on sociocultural factors that I can encourage or promote that will help youth who experience racism do well with various outcomes such as their academic functioning and mental health,” Golden said. “Racially minoritized youth experience up to five discriminatory events a day,

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P SYC H O LO GY

which is obviously a lot. The repercussions of this are both immediate and far-reaching in their lives. How successful youth can be throughout their lives is directly impacted by their experiences of discrimination now. “It’s really important that in addition to examining the ways we can change systems to improve these youth experiences that we also identify protective factors since we know that system change is very slow.” Golden has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spelman College, a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and a doctorate in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina.

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A SCE NDING

RE SE ARCH

DR. VASILE RUS CO M PUTE R

Dr. Vasile Rus’ research focuses on transforming the learning ecosystem through the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science to better understand how students learn. The overall goal is to improve learning environments that use technologies such as intelligent learning systems. “We work to make the learning ecosystem more effective, efficient, engaging, equitable and affordable,” Rus said. “We have numerous projects, many of them around developing advanced learning technologies while targeting STEM areas such as physics, computer science and data science.” The Jack and Jane Morris Professor of Computer Science, Director of Data Science, and a researcher in the UofM’s Institute for Intelligent Systems, Rus has published more than

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150 scientific articles in premier peer-reviewed international conferences and journals, as well as book chapters. He has received several best paper awards at international conferences, and all of his PhD students have earned research awards for their work under his guidance. He has also mentored students who have received summer internships at prestigious research labs such as the Stanford Research Institute, AT&T Research Labs, Vulcan and IBM. Rus has received research awards to support his work from the National Science Foundation, Institute for Education Sciences, Office of Naval Research and other federal agencies. He has been a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on awards totaling more than $20 million.

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ANSWERING

THE CALL As gambling has become increasingly accessible across the state, the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research at the UofM has stepped up as a leader in treating addiction. BY JEFF HULETT owadays in Tennessee, placing a wager on a sporting event is as simple as downloading an app, registering an account and making a bet from the comfort of your home, office or really anywhere. The ease of accessibility has created booming business. The United States incurred nearly $53 billion in commercial gross gaming revenue in 2021. The Tennessee Education Lottery has grown to more than $2.08 billion in revenue. Another $2.73 billion was wagered in Tennessee on sports betting in 2021. In some cases, that revenue comes at a harmful cost as the ease of accessibility greatly increases the potential for addiction. Creating resources to combat such harmful habits is the mission of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling

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Education & Research (TIGER) at the University of Memphis. Funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, TIGER was formed more than two decades ago to assess and treat individuals dealing with issues caused by gambling. “Gambling has been constantly evolving for the last 25-30 years,” said Dr. Jim Whelan, TIGER executive director. “In the 1990s when states began to legalize casinos across the country, that’s when things really changed.” During that time, long trips to bigger cities turned into short drives to smaller municipalities as easy access to slot machines and table games increased. As accessibility grew, so did knowledge about the damage it could cause. At the time, funding through federal grants wasn’t there to support this work. Since then, Whelan and others have stepped up to lobby for support at the state level.

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In 2005 when a lottery bill was up in Tennessee, Whelan saw an opportunity to pursue a safety net to evaluate and understand the harms of gambling. Fast forward to 2018 when the sports wagering bill passed, and Whelan again reached out for support. This time, legislators thoughtfully allocated 5% of revenue be distributed to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “They partnered with us because of our more than 15-year successful relationship with them, and we highly vaule their confidence in us to provide services statewide,” said Whelan, who was the 2022 International Center for Responsible Gaming Scientific Achievement Award recipient. The latest funding for TIGER included opening an East Tennessee State University Clinic, overseen by Dr. Meredith Ginley. A longtime collaborator with TIGER, Ginley has expertise in addiction services in rural communities. Whelan, Ginley, Dr. Rory Pfund — all three UofM alumni — and the TIGER team work closely on creating sustainable and accessible systems for all Tennesseans experiencing harm due to gambling and gambling issues.

Dr. Jim Whelan TIGER Executive Director

The group ranks in the top .25% of gambling researchers in the world. Their contributions are clearly significant to the whole of gambling research while also helping the UofM achieve and maintain its Carnegie R1 status as one of the top research institutions in the United States.

Top row, left to right: Dr. Rory Pfund, Clinic and Research Director; Mason Weiss, Undergraduate Research Assistant; Abby McPhail, Therapist and Doctoral Research Assistant Second row from top, left to right: Chance Dow, Masters Research Assistant; Marcos Lerma, Therapist and Doctoral Research Assistant; Matthew Andersland, Therapist and Doctoral Research Assistant Second row from bottom, left to right: Bre’Anna Free, Doctoral Research Assistant; Adrianna Valencia, Therapist and Doctoral Research Assistant; Ji wan Son, Master's Research Assistant Bottom row, left to right: Esther Hudson, Systems Coordinator; Dr. Jim Whelan, Executive Director; Halle Smith, Master's Research Assistant

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“The ideas that a person needs to hit rock bottom before they change or that they just need to be a more responsible person are myths.” “Research has repeatedly shown that only one in 10 people with a gambling problem seek treatment and 40% of them discontinue before receiving an adequate therapeutic dose,” Whelan said. “Some come in depressed and that can exacerbate their gambling. If we can identify this type of thing, we can personalize treatment experiences.” In 2023, 85% of TIGER clients were showing up to their appointments, an impressive figure Whelan says is the result of research conducted by his team into specific client needs and providing easy access to the clinic.

Dr. Rory Pfund

“The ideas that a person needs to hit rock bottom before they change or that they just need to be a more responsible person are myths,” Whelan said. “Gambling problems arise for a number of reasons. The person suffering often struggles with being aware of what is really wrong and are lost about how to fix their life.” That change process can be incredibly challenging, so providing a hospitable place for those seeking change is paramount for the clinic. The TIGER staff prides itself on meeting people where they are while creating an environment to bolster their motivation to make change and learn skills to make those changes stick. They also reinforce patients having appropriate expectations for themselves and the process. As for what’s new at the clinic, Whelan is most excited about how their team of peerrecovery specialists can support clients. These specialists have lived experience with addiction or mental health issues. They have struggled through recovery and are trained to help others who are creating their own recovery path.

to bet again or use gambling excessively as a primary escape from day-to-day life. For about 1-2%, gambling can effectively destroy their lives as they develop an inability to stop. They may even want to cut back, but they can’t seem to maintain that effort. They borrow and take risks to secure funds for their habit, sometimes at extreme costs. “We have learned that on average a person with a gambling disorder causes harm to six other people,” Whelan said. “Translating these small percentages means that more than 100,000 Tennesseans will likely experience a gambling disorder in their lifetime, which means that 600,000 others will experience the burden of those harms. Fortunately, therapy that specifically addresses the gambling can reduce those harms and significantly improve a person’s life. We at TIGER are answering the call to help those in need.”

Whelan is a believer that for many people gambling can be an enjoyable stress reliever that is handled responsibly. For roughly 4-7% of people, though, gambling can get out of control quickly. A person might find themselves chasing what they lost and become preoccupied with getting a chance

For more information about how to find treatment or to support a loved one, please visit thegamblingclinic.com.

Dr. Jim Whelan

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EXPLORING our

SOLAR SYSTEM By Leanne Kleinmann

hen Joanne Rhodes was a little girl growing up in Millington, Tennessee, a local bank gave her a coin bank that would change her life.

Rhodes went on to graduate from the University of Memphis with degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering and had a career as an optical physics researcher for various federal government agencies before returning to Memphis.

“It’s called the Plan-It bank,” she said, holding up a small, tin model of the solar system, with a grapefruit-sized sun at the center that includes a coin slot. That small mechanical bank with its planets embedded in rings around the sun captivated the little girl.

She is now an associate instructor at the UofM, teaching Astronomy and Conceptual Physics to undergrads. But she’s never lost her fascination with the solar system; her teaching outfit always includes a T-shirt with the famous “Earthrise” photo on it — the first color photo of Earth taken from space in 1968.

“It’s why I study astronomy today,” she said.

So, in 2021, when Rhodes discovered that the developer of a solar system model had come up with a lower-cost version that could be experienced with only a 15-minute walk, she knew the UofM campus had to have one. She raised money through grants from the Campus Community Fund and the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium, the Memphis Astronomical Society and individual donors, herself included. The Voyage Solar System model opened in February as a project of the Department of Physics and Materials Science. The model is the length of six football fields and stretches across the campus from north to south.

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“

I hope when people see this, they’ll feel less division and be more likely to work together to keep life livable.

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nlike Rhodes’s treasured bank, this solar system model is exactly to scale — the real solar system is 10 billion times larger than the model, though on campus, the planets are set up in close to a straight line, for easy viewing. “Of course, this is not the way planets really are,” said Rhodes, pointing out that planets don’t align in the universe in a straight line, and that their orbits are elliptical. You can enter the model from either end — the Sun or Pluto — though beginning at the Sun (on the north end of the model behind the Theater and Music buildings) seems most logical. The Sun is the size of a large grapefruit here, mounted above a plaque with everything you might want to know about it; all the planets in the model have similar plaques and QR codes you can click to learn more (a school curriculum is available, too). The Earth is surprisingly far away from the Sun — and tiny, comparatively. Each planet is depicted in three dimensions and encased inside a clear crystal, though you have to squint to see some of them. If you sign up for a tour, your guide may launch a robot at the Sun that moves at the speed of light — to scale. It takes eight minutes for the robot to reach the Earth. “This solar model is for everyone,” said Rhodes, as she guided the robot and led the tour. “People have no idea — there’s nothing like Earth in our solar system. It has everything we need; it’s our little lifeboat. “The solar system model helps us see ourselves better,” she said. “I hope when people see this, they’ll feel less division and be more likely to work together to keep life livable.” To find out more about the Voyage Solar System model, visit memphis.edu/physics/voyager. You will also find a form there to use to schedule a tour. For more about the model itself, go to voyagesolarsystem.org and click on the Community Network page to find the Memphis model.

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Editor's note: These stories were initial published online as part of the Behind the Stripes series featuring first-person stories told by UofM student-athletes. For more Behind the Stripes stories, visit behindthestripes.gotigersgo.com.

MY BY JACOB LIKES

remember being on the field running around during pregame.

It wasn’t just any game, either. It was the Battle of the Bones.

young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of giving back. They’ve always reminded me that what I do off the field is far more significant than what I do on it.

A big rivalry game between Memphis and UAB.

Being from Memphis, it’s an honor for me to have the platform to pay it forward and support a community that has given me so much.

I can’t even recall how old I was, but it was the coolest feeling ever. As I looked around the stadium that held thousands and thousands of people, I knew I was going to play college football someday.

That blue uniform and “M” on my helmet don’t just represent a university and football program — they represent a community that helped shape me into the man I am today.

What I didn’t know was that I’d be playing on that exact field a handful of years later when I signed on to play football for my hometown team.

STAYING HOME

Talk about a full-circle moment. It’s still difficult to wrap my head around it sometimes. I used to watch Memphis games with my dad every weekend growing up. Now, I’m wearing the same helmet and uniform of guys I grew up watching and idolizing. I’ve had a strong passion for football my entire life, but from a

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Like I said, I grew up watching Memphis football and always envisioned playing here, but I also didn’t want to be tied down. When it came time to choose a college, I wanted to leave my options open. See what else was out there for me, you know? Memphis offered me a scholarship, but what stood out to me was that their coaching staff didn’t pressure me to make a decision.

They encouraged me to visit as many schools as possible and make the best decision for me and my future. They genuinely established a connection with me and wanted the best for me. My parents were also unbelievably supportive. I was sitting at the table with them one day and they had me write down five schools I was most interested in. On the back of the paper, they had me write down the five categories I was looking for in a potential school. I knew this would be the case, but Memphis ranked number one in every category. Between the coaching staff, play-calling philosophy, facilities, campus, proximity to home — this was it. I didn’t need any more time to decide. I called up Coach Silverfield and told him I was staying home and officially becoming a Tiger.

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MY BIGGEST INFLUENCES My parents and grandparents have been my source of inspiration throughout my entire life. I’m not lining up at center every Saturday for a Division I program without their constant guidance and encouragement. What I also love about my parents is they understood I was leaving home without actually leaving home. Before I left for college, they told me, you may only be 30 minutes away, but we’re going to treat you like you’re three hours away. They’ve given me the space to learn, grow and make mistakes on my own. I appreciate them so much for that. Another person I’d be remiss not to mention is my high school offensive line coach, Brandon Pearce. He played offensive line at Memphis as well, and he’s become so much more than a coach for me. He’d stay with me after practice for hours, getting additional work in. 50 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

In addition to the extra workouts, he’d take me to football camps and accompany me and my parents on college visits. Outside of my family, he’s been the most influential person in my life, as he taught me the importance of hard work, dedication and resilience. My talent and work ethic may have gotten me to Memphis, but I wouldn’t be here without Coach Pearce and my parents believing in me and pushing me to be the best player I could be.

THE VALUE OF SERVICE As soon as I got to college, giving back was always the plan. In my fifth year now, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in various community service projects and organizations. One of the organizations I work with is MyTown Miracles, which is dedicated to helping those in need.

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WHETHER IT’S THROUGH FOOTBALL OR COMMUNITY SERVICE, I AM DEDICATED TO MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT IN MEMPHIS AND BEYOND.

We do everything from participating in 5K runs to organizing free baby showers for families in our community. Another organization I am passionate about is Madonna, a special needs learning center. I enjoy interacting with the children, whether it’s reading to them, participating

in fun activities or just getting to know them and establishing a relationship.

The thing about being a captain is, it’s not just about me anymore.

Thanks to Lauren Hillman, our director of player relations, I’ve made many visits to local hospitals and schools, talking to kids and getting to know them on a personal level.

I have a responsibility beyond myself, and it’s a tough challenge at times, but it’s a role I fully embrace.

Nothing makes me happier than going back to these same hospitals and schools and seeing familiar faces. They know my name, and I know theirs, and it reminds me how important it is to establish those relationships and make an impact. It’s a blessing to be a part of a program and university that cares so much about the people that support us, and I’m happy that we can return the favor as often as we can.

CREATING LANES OF OPPORTUNITY I was voted to be one of the team captains this season, which has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Being a positive and motivating presence is what I strive to be each and every day, especially for the younger guys. While I’m a fifth-year senior, I care deeply about the success and growth of this program. Memphis football has been near and dear to my heart from a young age, and I want this program to continue to reach new heights long after I’m gone. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in the NFL after this season.

As I continue to pursue my dreams on the football field, I can assure you that giving back to the community and being a part of something greater than myself will always be my driving force. Whether it’s through football or community service, I am dedicated to making a positive impact in Memphis and beyond. I have been blessed with opportunities very few get to experience, and that’s not something I’ll ever forget or take for granted. If I can inspire others to live out their dreams and enjoy a fulfilling and complete life, no matter where my football career takes me, I’ll have done my job. Thanks to a city I’m proud to always call home.

You never know exactly where life is going to take you, but I’m going to continue playing this game I fell in love with as a little boy for as long as I can.

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THAN

BASKETBALL BY MADISON GRIGGS

s is the case with many young women across the world, I spent most of my childhood searching for my niche. I loved being active and participated in various activities at the local community center in my hometown of Memphis. It wasn’t until I was in the fourth or fifth grade, however, that I experienced a game that would, undoubtedly, change my life forever. I joined the Memphis Future Stars and competed in my firstever official basketball game. While the game came very instinctively to me and I seemed to have some natural basketball talent, it was the way that I felt

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when I played that really sparked something inside of me. Up until that point in my life, I had never experienced such joy, passion and exuberance. I knew instantly that this was about far more than just basketball.

JUST FOR FUN While I held my own on the court in those early years and competed hard, I never felt like an overly talented player. I just did it for the love and joy of the game. For me, basketball was about having fun.

One day, though, I was approached by a former WNBA player, Helen Darling, who sponsored her own AAU team in my region. She wanted me to join that team and play on a more competitive level. I was in complete shock. How could a former WNBA player, who scored over 1,000 points in her career, want someone like me to compete on her AAU team? It didn’t seem possible. So far, I had never dreamed of doing anything other than playing this game locally. Because of the instant connection that my family and I made with Helen, I took a chance and joined the team.

Photo credit: Matthew Smith

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I traveled all over the region and competed against some of the most talented players in the area during those middle and high school years. This entire journey made me realize that I wanted to take this even further. I worked extremely hard to master the fundamentals. I fixated on my shooting ability and put up hundreds, if not thousands, of shots each week in an effort to be one of the most dominant scorers in the game. The blood, sweat and tears ultimately paid off. During my junior and senior years of high school, college scholarships began to pour in from across the country. I was faced with one of the most exciting and difficult decisions of my life.

FAMILY FIRST My family has always been at the center of my world. I have one of the strongest support systems of anyone I know and have an incredible sense of gratitude for all that my family has done to help me get where I am today. So, when the time came to decide where I would spend my college career, the decision came down to them. I had a scholarship offer to play college basketball right here in my hometown at the University of Memphis.

I knew that they had a strong basketball program and a wonderful coaching staff, and just as importantly, I knew that I had a chance to contribute to the team very early on. Those factors, combined with the chance to play in front of my family and friends, were an opportunity that was too good to be true. The decision was made. Home would stay home.

RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS Memphis basketball has now been my constant and it has been everything that I could have ever asked for and so much more. I never entered college with the expectation of breaking records. I came in with the mindset that I wanted to be the best teammate I could be and make those around me better — on and off the floor. Here I stand, as a senior leader on the basketball team, continuing to do just that.

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I WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE BACK TO THIS WONDERFUL COMMUNITY OF MEMPHIS, WHICH HAS DONE EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER TO SUPPORT A HOMETOWN KID JUST LIVING OUT HER DREAM. Navigating the physical and mental demands of this sport and doing all I can to guide my teammates through the challenges that the game throws our way. But I guess some of those records ended up on my resume, too. And I’m proud of my accomplishments, including breaking the program 3-point records for a game, season and career. More so than the physical awards and verbal recognition, though, I am so proud of the hard work that has led to these accomplishments. The countless hours I spent in the gym trying to perfect the art of shooting have paid off. While the future remains largely unknown, I know a few things for certain. I will continue to give back to this wonderful community of Memphis, which has done everything in its power to support a hometown kid just living out her dream. I long to one day play professional basketball in the WNBA and would love nothing more than to be able to give back and support other cities all across the country, just as I have always tried to actively engage with my community right here at home. I know that basketball, regardless of the level of competition, will remain a central focus in my life. I truly love this game. I play for the exhilaration that it gives me each and every single day. After all, that’s what the game is all about. It’s more than basketball.

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Uof M A lu m n i Spot l ig ht

Editor's note: This story was originally published by The74 at the74million.org. The author, Nikki Wallace, is a 2003 University of Memphis graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

n g i m r o ransf T

HIGH SCHOOL E D U C A T I NIKKI O N W By Nikki Wallace

y life as a teacher is dramatically different now than it was five years ago. In my current Memphis high school biology classroom, students are caught in a whirlwind of activity, exchanging ideas and vigorously documenting observations. They’re immersed in an experiment analyzing pollution in local soil and its correlation to cancer rates, an all-too-real issue in our community. These are the moments that affirm my decision to become a teacher.

They are also the moments that make me grateful to still be in the profession and grateful for the path that brought me here.

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Sadly, I know this experience is not typical; not every school generates the conditions that inspire and support educators to design transformative learning experiences for their students. But if we’re going to protect the teaching profession, we need every school to understand what teachers value — and meet those needs — because that’s also the best way to serve students. Before joining Crosstown High in 2018, I felt frustrated after eight years of teaching. I had taught at several different schools in Memphis and did my best to make science as engaging as possible. But my previous schools were part of a rigid system that didn’t allow for the flexibility to meet students’ needs or the freedom and resources to make learning relevant to the real world.

I saw many of my students struggle to stay engaged, and I knew that even when they graduated with good grades, they weren’t leaving high school prepared for college and careers. When I learned about Crosstown High, I sensed that this might be a place where I could rediscover my passion for teaching. It promised personalized courses of study and hands-on work within the community. The school’s founders also created it to be diverse by design, unlike most Memphis high schools, which remain highly segregated by race. I took the leap and joined as a high school biology teacher when it opened in the fall of 2018.

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can’t pretend that moving to Crosstown from a school that did things the way they’ve always been done was easy — for me or my students. Crosstown’s approach to education is very different from what any of us were used to. Students learn through doing; they can spend a whole semester working on a project that combines math and science or English and humanities. They still have to meet state standards, but learning feels more relevant. Through the school’s partnership with XQ, an organization dedicated to rethinking the high school experience, everything is focused on a set of learner outcomes that are designed to ensure students thrive in their lives beyond high school. These include mastering fundamental literacies — a solid academic core — and being an original thinker in an uncertain world.

With these outcomes in mind, I planned a project that I was convinced would excite and engage my students, an exploration of “Life on Mars” to teach core biology concepts. They experimented with plants to determine which ones could produce oxygen on the planet. Students also explored the types of protections needed to preserve life on Mars and travel through space. They made new connections to ecological succession — the process in which plants replace or succeed each other over time — and saw how these trends on Earth could inform a process for creating a “Green Mars.” But it did not go as planned. No matter how engaging the activities were, my students didn’t get the point of spending their time this way. Some didn’t feel like they were learning and wanted what they called “regular work.” Accustomed to memorization and regurgitation, it can be jarring for students to jump into cross-curricular projects that require peer collaboration and real-world applications of concepts. I was frustrated, too, and almost gave up on this new way of reaching my students. I decided to prove to my students, and myself, that this method could be both relevant and rigorous. Ten weeks

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into the school year, I gave the most skeptical group of students a version of the state’s standardized end-of-year science test. I selected about 40 of the questions relevant to the topics covered in the Mars project, and these students scored an average of 90%. They were surprised and overjoyed. They saw how at the same time they were collaborating with each other on projects that demanded their use of critical thinking skills, they were also mastering the core competencies they would need for success in college. At that point, there was no going back to the old way of doing things. But my challenge didn’t end there.

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INNOVATION AND THE SUPPORT TO

'FAIL FORWARD' ARE KEY TO

STUDENT SUCCESS Every educator knows what it feels like to try to make magic happen on your own. We do our best to modify curriculum, design engaging learning experiences and gather the resources our students need. But it’s incredibly difficult work. When you’re designing project-based learning experiences like what we do at Crosstown, I found myself needing extra support after that challenging first year. I learned to look for help and find community partners. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. I was encouraged to partner with experts outside of my classroom and to bring resources back to my students. The summer after my first year at the school, a group of researchers from local universities and research centers approached Crosstown for help in designing a 9-12 curriculum called “Cancer Learning In My Backyard.” As I worked with their doctors, I felt my expertise as an educator was truly

valued. I knew the curriculum we were designing together would have an impact on my students and make a difference in the world far beyond my classroom. Representation and community matter. Having the time and support to work with these local researchers allowed me to continue designing projects while transforming my perspective on teaching. Many of these researchers were women of color in fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; which also opened students’ eyes to aspirations for their futures. Since then, I’ve continued to bring researchers to my science classes and I’m now teaching a different version of “Life on Mars,” which has evolved with the community partners. Innovation and the support to “fail forward” are key to student success. We become educators to see our students succeed, to help our communities thrive and to make a positive impact in the world. Crosstown’s collaborative approach affirmed my belief that teachers don’t need to be burned out, and students don’t need to be bored. It’s critical to give teachers the autonomy to design learning experiences to engage students and create meaningful connections to their community. This can also help schools retain Black teachers, like me, by making us feel valued as professionals. Core academics and real-world relevance are vital for success. The schools where students buzz with interest and educators are fulfilled by their work are also the schools where students thrive academically. In 2022, 95% of Crosstown’s first cohort graduated on time, a higher rate than that of the surrounding district and the state of Tennessee. Our students got better results on several standardized tests — such as the ACT’s college-ready benchmark in English — than their local, statewide and national counterparts. We also had stronger results across the board with students from low-income families and students of color, which is important for a school that aims to be “diverse by design.”

I’ve learned through Crosstown that high school transformation is possible when educators are part of a larger community of experts, and when the school commits to designing learning experiences that are both relevant and rigorous. It’s not always easy. Teachers often feel like they have to have every minute of the day planned out. But real learning requires us to let go. I don’t have all the answers, and that’s OK. Students should know we’re always learning, always researching, always asking questions. Because that’s the best model for a successful future.

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60 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

FROM

CAMPUS to the

CAPITOL “

By Nia Rincon

I grew up at the

University of Memphis and really learned how to challenge the status quo, raise my voice and make a difference.

Young people’s commitment to political engagement is on the rise. According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, an estimated 50% of young people ages 18-29 voted in the 2020 election, up from 39% in 2016. Despite this upward momentum, the current political landscape has young people struggling to fully understand how to make their voices heard. Isaac Fordjour, a University of Memphis alumnus and the current vice president and head of Federal Government Relations at Walgreens, aims to open the door to knowledge and demystify Washington, D.C., for UofM students. Fordjour is the son of Ghanaian immigrants and a first-generation American. His parents often thought about what they could do in service for others and felt they owed a debt to their community in return for their acceptance. The strong sense of community mindfulness took hold in Fordjour and sparked a vested interest in local politics at an early age.

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“

If I could play a small role in opening doors or giving access to students to help them on their path, then I think that’s a job well done.

“My first memory is when my parents took me to an event and the president of an African country was there,” Fordjour recalled. “I had to be maybe 8 or 9 years old and I was just transfixed with what was happening. I didn't know what they were talking about, but I knew that it was important. It really piqued my curiosity about how individuals who are no more special than anyone else can offer themselves for leadership.”

Fordjour and the fraternity began raising awareness and find a donor match. Their efforts spread from campus all the way to Lifeblood, the Mid-South Regional Blood Center where Fordjour later secured his first job.

When the time came to go to college, Fordjour chose the UofM for its supportive community. Being on campus was Fordjour’s first opportunity to interact with people from completely different walks of life. The diverse community had a large impact on Fordjour, and he began expanding his social circles. He joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and began working with the Black Student Association to organize protests to end apartheid and advocacy campaigns.

Today, Fordjour is a lobbyist that provides strategic counsel to policymakers on Capitol Hill. He describes his work as anything but average with “no two days being the same” as he advocates on behalf of Walgreens and its customers and patients to convey how the government’s decisions impact them.

“I grew up at the University of Memphis and really learned how to challenge the status quo, raise my voice and make a difference,” Fordjour said.

“I think people should know that one of the first rights we have as Americans is a right to petition your government, and, as lobbyists, that's what we're doing,” Fordjour said. “Government officials sometimes have really good ideas but don't know the unintended consequences, and there's no way that they can be experts on everything.”

While studying political science, Fordjour participated in a class with Dr. Don Carson that focused on building leaders. There, he learned about the tenants of leadership and crafted his own leadership philosophy. These lessons were critical stepping stones on his path to Washington.

While working hard to advocate for the future, Fordjour also takes time to remember his past. He’s keenly aware that UofM students are facing the same kind of political challenges that he once faced, and is motivated to support them by highlighting the opportunities that are available in D.C.

Fordjour was selected for an internship in the Tennessee General Assembly working under former Speaker Pro Tempore Lois DeBerry and State Rep. Roscoe Dixon. It was in the State Capitol that Fordjour was able to see the political process up close for the first time. The lessons of leadership and organization came in handy when Fordjour returned to campus to advocate for an issue that would be the springboard to his career.

“I want the young students to know that you can make a difference for the University, Memphis or your hometown,” Fordjour said. “You can do work for them by being here in Washington as well. I want to make sure students know about their ability to be activists.

One of his fraternity brothers was diagnosed with leukemia and in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.

62 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

After Lifeblood, he moved to the national level and began working with the National Bone Marrow Donor Program.

“I hope there are generations of folks from the University of Memphis that will come behind me to let the world know what a great institution it is, the talent that is there and the impact that students can have on the world. If I could play a small role in opening doors or giving access to students to help them on their path, then I think that’s a job well done.”

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UofM CROSSWORD DOWN 2.

Athletics conference

Women’s basketball coach

Football coach

Tailgating

Live mascot

Men’s basketball coach

10.

Costumed mascot

12.

Newspaper

13.

College of Business & Economics

15.

Hall of fame wide receiver

18.

Law School campus

ACROSS 1.

Favorite colors

Hall of fame running back

College of Nursing

11.

Jackson campus

14.

Elementary school

16.

First president

17.

Current president

19.

Tallest campus building

20. Fight song

See answers on page 72 64 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

JUNE 14: Topping Out UofM faculty, staff and supporters sign the wall at the topping out ceremony for the STEM Research and Classroom Building, which is expected to open in spring 2024.

JUNE 22: Welcome, Matt Riser! Following an extensive national search, Matt Riser is introduced as the 18th head coach in UofM baseball program history.

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AUG. 5: Commencement Former UofM men’s basketball forward Joey Dorsey receives his degree 15 years after helping lead the Tigers to a national runner-up finish in 2008.

66 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

AUG. 28: Fountain Run UofM President Bill Hardgrave (right) runs through the fountain at the Student Plaza along with Student Government Association President Ansley Ecker (center) and Vice President Steven Ross.

AUG. 21: Move-in Day UofM students move into the residence halls on campus to begin the fall 2023 semester.

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AUG. 29: Need a Ride? UofM women’s basketball coach Alex Simmons offers students a golf cart ride to class as the fall semester gets underway.

SEPT. 2: Tiger Walk Tiger fans and Pouncer prepare to greet the football team for the Tiger Walk outside Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

68 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

SEPT. 8: Three-Peat! Former UofM tennis star Joe Salisbury (left) wins a third consecutive U.S. Open Men’s Doubles title alongside partner Rajeev Ram. They are the first team to accomplish a three-peat at the event in 109 years.

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SEPT. 14: Career Closet UofM faculty, staff, alumni and supporters donated more than 5,000 items to the annual Career Closet event, which provides free professional clothing to students.

SEPT. 14: Tigers and Grizzlies Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane stands with the UofM football captains during the coin toss before the Tigers’ 28-24 victory against Navy.

70 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

SEPT. 30: Hall of Famer Former UofM running back DeAngelo Williams is honored for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame during halftime of the Tigers’ 35-32 victory against Boise State.

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UofM CROSSWORD

A N S W E R S

ACROSS 1. 3. 8. 11. 14. 16. 17. 19. 20.

BlueAndGray Williams Loewenberg Lambuth CampusSchool Mynders Hardgrave WilderTower GoTigersGo

DOWN

Where's

Pouncer? Pouncer is always up to something at UofM. See if you can spot him!

72 U N I V E RS I T Y O F M E M P H I S M AGA Z I N E

2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 12. 13. 15. 18.

American Simmons Silverfield TigerLane TOM Hardaway Pouncer Helmsman Fogelman Bruce Downtown

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