College of Arts and Sciences, American University

Dean Peter StarrFROM DEAN PETER STARR

The College of Arts and Sciences continues to generate innovative programming and initiatives.

In the fall, we launched the Humanities Lab to showcase and enhance the humanities at AU. The lab offers public lectures and symposia, community outreach, new curricular initiatives, and support for faculty and student research projects. The spring 2015 events, which are free and open to the public, focus on media and cultural geographies.

The new Collaborative for Applied Perceptual Research & Innovation (CAPRI) recently hosted two inaugural events. This exciting interdisciplinary initiative provides opportunities for faculty and students to collaborate on new interactive tools in multimedia art, scientific research, and experimental technology.

In fall 2016, the university's new state-of-the-art Don Myers Technology and Innovation Center will become home to computer science, game design, physics, mathematics, statistics, and CAPRI. The building will showcase interactive demonstrations created by AU faculty and students.

Please continue to share your stories with us at casnews@american.edu.

Best,

Peter Starr
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

FEATURED NEWS

Archaeological Research

Great Dismal Swamp fieldworkDaniel Sayers (anthropology) reveals stories of the Great Dismal Swamp in his new book, A Desolate Place for a Defiant People: The Archaeology of Maroons, Indigenous Americans, and Enslaved Laborers in the Great Dismal Swamp. Learn More.

Emerging Leader in the Arts

Adam NataleAdam Natale (CAS/BA '03) leveraged his interdisciplinary studies at AU to become an emerging player in the arts. He is now the director of the SVA Theatre in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Learn More.

Reading in a Digital World

Reading in a Digital WorldIn the new book, Words Onscreen: The Fate of Reading in a Digital World, Naomi Baron (WLC) uncovers the advantages and disadvantages of e-reading and makes a case for educators, parents, and policy makers to slow down the rush to digitize all reading. Learn More.

Alumnus in Congress

Dave BratDave Brat (CAS/PhD '95) is a freshman congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives, a Republican representing Virginia. His interest in economics and ethics drives his plan to focus on addressing the insolvency of some of the United States' largest social programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. Learn More.

New Engineering Program

EngineeringAU now offers students a joint engineering degree program in partnership with Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Students will graduate with a BA from AU in the natural sciences and a BS in engineering from Columbia. Learn More.


CALENDAR

The Lower Depths
March 26–28

Robyn Rafferty Mathias Student Research Conference
March 28

Visiting Writers Series:
Jenny Offill

April 1

AU Museum Exhibitions
April 4–May 24

The Humanities Truck
April 8

Carmel Institute of Russian Culture and History Symposium: The Strength of Cooperation
April 11

More Alumni Events
All College Events

ACHIEVEMENTS

Alida AndersonAlida Anderson (SETH) published Arts Integration and Special Education: An Inclusive Theory of Action for Student Engagement.

Mark Laubach (biology) received a $132,693 NSF award to support research on neural circuits that allow for executive control over action. He also won a $392,704 Klarman Family Foundation award to research neuronal circuits that control food-seeking behavior and may underlie eating disorders.

Zoë Charlton's (art) work was featured in the State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now exhibition at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Alicia Kopfstein-Penk (performing arts) published Leonard Bernstein and His Young People's Concerts.

Eric Lohr (history) published Empire and Nationalism at War: The Russian Empire in WWI.

Michael Robinson (mathematics and statistics) won a $40,000 DARPA award to find improved ways to track moving objects.

Anastasia SnellingAnastasia Snelling (SETH) published Introduction to Health Promotion.

Gay Young (sociology) published Gendering Globalization on the Ground: The Limits of Feminized Work for Mexican Women's Empowerment.

More Achievements

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS?

Please contact Wallis Romzek at 202-885-2435 or wromzek@american.edu.

The AU alumni community numbers more than 115,000 individuals in the U.S. and abroad. We invite you to take advantage of numerous programs, benefits, services, and opportunities available through www.american.edu/alumni.