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Research

graphic for speculative appalachian mini-conference  

The Speculative Appalachian Futures mini-conference asks how we can visualize, imagine, create and enact Appalachian futures that speak to the diverse and innovative cultures of the region and bring them to the forefront of discussions of what it means to be Appalachian. The deadline for proposals for papers for the Speculative Appalachian Futures mini-conference, April 2-3, 2020 in Morgantown, is Nov. 30 at midnight.

Christiaan Abildso  

A native of Morgantown and West Virginia University graduate, beloved actor and comedian Don Knotts hosted a skit named The Front Porch on his 1970s variety program The Don Knotts Show. During the segment, Knotts and his guest sat in rocking chairs on the front porch discussing their philosophies. Now, there’s a new sheriff in town. Nearly 50 years later, the setting is the same but the guests are discussing a different topic – physical activity in rural America.

Kristin Moilanen  

Kristin Moilanen, associate professor of child development and family studies, said the phenomenon of helicopter parenting most often occurs in middle- to upper-class families where stakes are high for parents to be able to show off their children’s success. Her research, which focuses on young adults 18- to 24- years-old, indicates that high helicopter parenting leads to “low mastery, self-regulation and social competence.”

An illustration of a microscope representing the Research category of E-News.  

Participate in a research study with a same-gender friend, co-worker, roommate, or sibling (non-twins) on the Evaluation of Actions. Relationships should be non-romantic. WVU students (undergraduate, graduate, professional) and employees are eligible to participate.

dim light research  

This time of year can cause trouble for people with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that the waning daylight of autumn evokes. But new research by West Virginia University researchers Randy Nelson and Courtney DeVries suggests that getting too much light—instead of too little—may trigger depression, too.