UTA In The News — Monday, May 2, 2022
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international students remain determined to graduate from college, the Dallas Morning News reports. UTA student Pavani Rambachan spent her entire freshman year in 2020 taking classes online from her home in Trinidad and Tobago. Despite that, she joined student government and honors programs while becoming a UTA Ambassador. “A big thing that really took top priority besides my grades,” said Rambachan, “was to be really involved in campus so I could still be there without physically being there.”
Americans Being Held in Russia
In the wake of the release of American Trevor Reed, Brian Whitmore, UTA assistant professor of practice and expert in Russian affairs, spoke with WBAP on the cases of two other Americans being held in Russia. Whitmore expects that the Russian government will try to exchange Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner for “other people whom they see as high-value assets that they would like returned to Russia.”
Supporting Victims
Local leaders learned how to better support male survivors of sexual abuse as part of the Tarrant County Sexual Abuse Council’s annual conference, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Jaya Davis, council chair and associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, said that “every victim needs a strong support system, from family and friends, as well as medical, law enforcement people and social service personnel.” One in six men has an unwanted or abusive sexual experience by the time he is 18 years old, according to advocate organization 1in6.
Nursing Burnout
More nurses are choosing to leave the profession due to burnout, the Victoria Advocate reports. Meagan Rogers, UTA clinical assistant professor and associate chair for undergraduate nursing, said that the industry was understaffed before the COVID-19 pandemic worsened what was already a difficult situation.
Slithering Snakes (Or Lack Thereof)
While this time of year typically means more snake sightings in North Texas, the region may see fewer this year, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Gregory Pandelis, herpetology researcher at the UTA Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center, said that the current severe drought in Texas is causing fewer snakes to appear. Texas tends to get more snake activity through a combination of consistent rain and heat.