Category Archives: Archive

Faculty accomplishments

Jeff Karnicky publishes book
The University of Nebraska Press has released Jeff Karnicky’s book Scarlet Experiment: Birds and Humans in America, an investigation of the intersections among environmental control policy, ornithology, and literature. The book—explicitly written “for the birds”—focuses on cultural, scientific, literary contexts shaping human interactions with five species of birds in North America: the blue jay; the European starling; the red knot; the Canada goose; and the titmouse (both black-crested and tufted). In Scarlet Experiment, Karnicky, associate professor of English, uses his experience as a birdwatcher and bird enthusiast as the starting point for examining the larger ethical and ideological implications of how we conceptualize our avian neighbors as both individuals (friends, pets, and so on) and as populations (to be counted, studied, and managed), arguing that even our most pedestrian interactions with birds are shaped by layers of cultural, scientific, historical, and personal meanings.

Karnicky teaches courses in contemporary literature and critical theory. Scarlet Experiment is Karnicky’s second book; his first, Contemporary Fiction and the Ethics of Modern Culture, was published by Palgrave-MacMillan in 2007.

John Rovers receives Principal Financial Group Global Citizenship Award
John Rovers, professor of practice in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, recently was honored with the second annual Principal Financial Group Global Citizenship Award.

The award recognizes one Drake faculty or staff member who has made “outstanding contributions to global engagement and internationalization of the campus and curriculum.” A selection committee appointed by the provost reviews all nominations and makes an award recommendation to the provost. Read more about Rovers’ work in the Drake Newsroom.

Michael Haedicke receives award from the American Sociological Association
Michael Haedicke, associate professor of sociology, recently was selected as the recipient of a Fund for the Advancement of the Discipline (FAD) award by the American Sociological Association (ASA). Haedicke will receive $8,000 to support his research on the social and political organization of coastal restoration initiatives in southeastern Louisiana. Learn about Michael’s work in the Drake Newsroom.

Calling all bookworms!

We are happy to announce the fourth book of the University Book Club! We will be reading The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney this fall—a New York Times bestseller and debut novel about a spectacularly dysfunctional family and their joint trust fund, “The Nest”.

Cowles Library has a number of copies available to check out on a weekly basis (hint: ask for the book on reserve at the circulation desk). The book is also available in audio format from Audible.com, at various Des Moines-area public libraries, and Amazon.

Contact Sara Heijerman if you have any questions or interest in discussing; the face-to-face discussion session will be Oct. 17 at 4:45 at Louie’s Wine Dive. Happy reading!

—Sara Heijerman, Manager, Campus Card Office

Drake Writers’ Night

Drake English Department will host the first Drake Writers’ Night for the 2016–2017 school year on Sept. 29, 7 p.m., in Medbury Lounge. Writers are invited to share their work or come to see what their classmates and colleagues are up to. This event is free and open to the public.

—Yasmina Madden, Visiting Instructor of English

“The Innovation Ecosystem”

Drake Law School’s Intellectual Property Law Center will host the first-ever Big IDEA Speaker Series this fall to bring intellectual property law experts to campus.

The first lecture is “The Innovation Ecosystem” featuring Dan Cosgrove of Pioneer on Sept. 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m., in the Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center. During the lecture, Cosgrove will speak about the ecosystem needed for innovation, how technology will be impacted by innovation, and where lawyers fit in the process.

Cosgrove is vice president of business development for the DuPont Agriculture Biotechnology Group at Pioneer. He leads the strategic approach in research business development by establishing alliances with technology providers and out-licensing technology. Cosgrove joined Pioneer in 2001 as leader of the Intellectual Property Group and corporate counsel. He previously practiced in the area of litigation and licensing at Zarley, McKee, Thomte, Voorhees & Sease in Des Moines.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

—Kayla Choate, Law School Alumni Affairs & Communications Coordinator

Want in to intern in Washington, D.C.?

If you’re interested in spending a semester in Washington, D.C., for an internship, check out The Washington Center (TWC) for Internships and Academic Seminars. On Thursday, Sept. 29, Brian Bar, a representative with The Washington Center, will hold a campus-wide information session at 3:30 p.m. in Meredith Hall, Room 238.

The Washington Center offers students an opportunity to live and work in Washington for either a semester-long internship program (students work 30 hours per week, supplemented with policy seminars, professional skills training, and academic coursework) or shorter academic seminars (offered in January and May on specific policy questions or for special events). Internship and coursework options span a large number of fields of study and TWC programs are appropriate for any student. Their course offerings include everything from “From Ideas to Action:  The Anatomy of Entrepreneurship” to “Bioethics” to “Forensic Psychology” to “The Mass Media and National Politics:  Explaining Washington to the Public” to “Philosophy of Law, the Supreme Court and the U.S. Constitutional Tradition” to “The National Mall and America: Symbols and Memory.”

If you are unable to attend the information session, but would like to find out more or meet with the TWC representative, please feel free to contact Professor Rachel Paine Caufield (rachel.caufield@drake.edu).

—Rachel Paine Caufield, Associate Professor of Political Science

Students forming new Arabic Club

Due to increasing interest, those who previously attended Arabic Language Hour and new members are interested in forming an Arabic Club.

There are several areas of interest for those forming the club, including visits to the Islamic Center of Des Moines. The group’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. in Meredith Hall, Room 207. Anyone interested in participating in a new Arabic Club should contact Kelanie Crosswait at kelanie.crosswait@drake.edu.

—Dorothy Pisarski, Associate Professor, Advertising & Global Communications Liaison

Education Abroad Fair

Drake International offers more than 500 education abroad programs in 70+ countries. Whether you’re studying accounting or history, want to study for a semester or just a few weeks, you’ll find an option for you. Explore your opportunities at the Education Abroad Fair on Oct. 4, 4–6 p.m., in Olmsted Center.

Affiliated study abroad providers and Drake faculty will be available to talk about study abroad options for Drake students. You can also talk with students who have participated in programs and discuss financial aid and scholarship options while enjoying an afternoon treat.

—Breanne Ellis, Study Abroad Advisor

Health Professions Graduate School Fair

As part of Health Professions Week, students interested in health professions are welcome to attend a Health Professions Graduate School Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 5–7 p.m. in the Cline Atrium. Learn more about your career of interest and speak to program representatives from the following Midwest universities:

  • Creighton University (Physical Therapy)
  • University of Iowa (Physician Assistant)
  • Palmer College of Chiropractic
  • Des Moines University (all programs)
  • Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Drake University Law School
  • Drake University College of Business & Public Administration
  • Drake Professional and Career Development Services (information about applying to graduate school, résumés, interviewing, etc.)

—Katie Shields, Interim Coordinator, Student Programs

Academic Fair

Not sure about your major and want to explore options?
Thinking about adding a major or minor and need more information?
Want to start exploring careers?

Join us for the Academic Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 28, in Parents Hall North, 3:30–5 p.m.

For more information, please contact Marina Verlengia at marina.verlengia@drake.edu. Hope to see you there!

—Marina Verlengia, Director, New Student Programs