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This video provides a brief sample of research, scholarship, and creative activity of the University of Michigan faculty. The program points out that UM faculty are involved in projects of many kinds and gives four members of the faculty a few minutes to discuss their particular areas of inquiry.
David Anderson, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, describes the newly created Center for Neural Communication Technology and the research and development efforts involving "microprobes" that send and receive electrical signals in cells. This research is helping scientists understand cellular communication as well as providing the basis for treating sensory disorders such as deafness and epilepsy.
Sandra Graham-Bermann, assistant professor of psychology, describes her research aimed at understanding the effects of distressed family situations on children. She is trying to find out what children learn about human relationships when they are raised in family settings where emotional and physical abuse occurs. Graham-Bermann is also testing an intervention program that she developed to help children cope with the emotional and behavioral problems that evolve from their family settings.
Tobin Siebers, professor of English Language and Literature and Comparative Literature, discusses his studies of "images" in our culture. He wants to understand the "representational process" that allows an object to become "psychologically captivating." He is examining images from nineteenth century painting and twentieth century advertising in this project, while drawing from psychology, history, and cultural studies to make his analysis.
Peter Sparling, associate professor of dance, discusses the Martha Graham Festival held on campus during the fall of 1994. This festival included performances, workshops, and activities involving young dancers, all meant to explore and celebrate the artistry of dancer and choreographer Martha Graham.
In addition, the video briefly mentions projects underway in astronomy, remote sensing, gene therapy, survey research, the Middle English Dictionary, and the new Kelsey Museum of Archaeology preservation facility.
Copies of the videotape are available from the Office of the Vice President for Research, 313-764-1185.
Produced by Biomedical Communications, University of Michigan
Writer/Producer: Lee Katterman
Director: Stewart White
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