Sociology's Charisse Levchak publishes book on modern racism

Charisse C. Levchak, assistant professor of Sociology, recently published the book Microaggressions and Modern Racism: Endurance and Evolution (Palgrave Macmillan). The book explores the causes, manifestations, and consequences of microaggressions, macroaggressions, and modern racism within society. Using surveys and interview data alongside examples in mainstream media, Levchak provides an analysis of modern racism on college campuses, in workplaces, and in various media.

Faculty recognized for excellence in teaching, research

The CSCU Board of Regents announced the recipients of its annual on April 5 Faculty Awards to CSCU faculty members for excellence in teaching, research, and creative and scholarly work. Among the campus-based award winners was Dr. Mark Cistulli, associate professor of Literacy, Management Information Systems, who received recognition for teaching; and Dr. Reza Ghodsi, Associate Professor of Engineering, for his efforts in research.

Epsilon Pi Tau chapter announces recent inductees

Epsilon Pi Tau at CCSU inducted a new cohort of students into its membership in late April. Eligibility for the international honor society in technology is based upon academic standing and leadership potential as recommended by faculty members from the various departments within the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. CCSU founded its chapter, Alpha Eta, in 1949.

The 2018 inductees are Julia A. Burch, Allison C. Pratt, Kristopher S. Farley, Ryan D. Nenninger, Michael B. Cole, Corey J. Cusano, Olivia T. Franzese, Derrick Stone, Brey J. Jackson, Gabriel Cassarino, Alex B. Vieira, Chelsea H. Buddle, Melissa Capo, Matthew B. Turner, Nathan D. Wilda, Stephanie E. Willoughby, Adam S. Cooper, John P. Vu, Glynn S. Rockefeller Jr., Mustafa Qari, Hector S. Alvarado Barrera, Zaqir H. Saifi, and Ryan T. Rathke.

Marketing students earn 'Exemplary' status

The CCSU chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) won the Exemplary Chapter Planning and Performance Award at the AMA Collegiate Conference in New Orleans this April. This year was the first time the CCSU chapter attended the conference, which features a series of marketing competitions for students throughout the weekend. Approximately 300 other schools competed at the conference.

Collins wins ASJA award for memoir

The American Society of Journalists and Authors announced the winners of its annual writing awards in early April, and At the Broken Places: A Mother and Trans Son Pick Up the Pieces by Professor Mary Collins and her son Donald Collins won Best Memoir of the Year. The Collinses will be recognized at an awards ceremony on May 18 during ASJA’s annual conference in New York City.

At the Broken Places is a series of essays the Collinses wrote as they processed Donald’s decision to make a gender transition.

Pitch perfect: Business student wins award

Erin Vecsey, a senior Marketing major, won the award for Best Service Business during the 2017 Connecticut Venture Competition. The competition, organized by the Connecticut Consortium of Entrepreneurship Educators, challenges students at Connecticut universities to come up with business plans and present them to mock companies. Vecsey pitched a BMX facility that offers training sessions during the summer. She says she drew her inspiration from her son, who competes at Falcon BMX racing in Meriden.

Students in the School of Business participate in business plan competitions regularly. Vescey’s win marks CCSU’s ninth in 10 years of competition. Up next for the school is the Connecticut Collegiate Business Plan Competition Finals on April 20.

A community collaboration

Geological Sciences Professor Kristine Larsen recently presented a copy of her latest book, “Women Who Popularized Geology in the 19th Century,” to Bill Uricchio, parish historian at St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford. Uricchio contributed research to Larsen’s chapter on Delia Woodruff Godding, who penned a familiar format geological science text and taught at St. John’s in the mid-19th century. 

Dischino recognized for leadership

Dr. Michele Dischino, professor of Technology and Engineering Education, received one of the Connecticut Science Center's STEM Achievement Awards on April 24. Dischino received the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award, which recognizes women working in a STEM field who make significant efforts to support other women and encourage girls’ interests in STEM.