Upcoming Events
Friday Tea with the FRDC
Time: Fridays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: The Living Center (110 Henderson)
- September 18, 2009
- Skin as Interface: Exploring the Biological and Social Aspects of Human Skin Dr. Nina Jablonski, Professor and Head of the Department of Anthropology, Penn State Abstract: Our skin is the primary interface between our bodies and our physical and social environment. In this lecture, I will discuss the evolution of human skin, and the many functions that our skin serves, from physical protection to communication.
- November 6, 2009
- Understanding Risk and Protective Factors at the School-Level: Links to Adolescent Substance Use Dr. Michael J. Cleveland, Research Associate, The Methodology Center, Penn State Abstract: The current study used a subgroup-based approach - Latent Class Analysis (LCA) - to examine if meaningful subgroups of school contexts can be identified based on school-level prvelance of risk and protective factors for adolescent substance use. Using data from a nationally representative database, the results suggested four types of school contexts: Low Risk Schools (45%); Poverty Risk Schools (24%); Harmful Peer Culture Schools (18%); and Multiple Risk Schools (13%). Implications for schools in diverse contexts, such as diverse racial and ethnic groups and rural/urban differences will be discussed
- January 29, 2010
- A Culture-Centered Approach to Studying HIV and AIDS Stigma in Africa Dr. Collins Airhihenbuwa, Professor and Head of the Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State Abstract: Approaches to addressing inequity in health have focused on selected indicators of disparities between resource rich and poor regions and nations. New strategies call for an examination of cultural contexts and social determinants of health. In this conversation, I offer a new approach to global health, drawing lessons from the recently completed 5-year capacity building research on HIV and ADS stigma in south Africa. The key message will focus on the centrality of culture and identity in addressing health issues globally and Africa in particular.