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News from CLASS

CLASS researcher examines how bilingualism affects language acquisition in children with hearing loss

Dr. Ferenc Bunta, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, examined bilingual (Spanish-English) children with cochlear implants and compared them to their bilingual peers with normal hearing as well as monolingual English-speaking children with cochlear implants. His findings did not align with conventional wisdom on the subject. read more

Adolescent depression in girls offset by presence of 'boomerang fathers'

A study of the impact of “boomerang fathers” — those fathers who cycle in and out of their children’s lives — yielded surprising results for researchers. Daphne Hernandez, assistant professor of Health and Human Performance, served as principal investigator on the study that examined how a father’s presence affected depressive symptoms in adolescent girls. read more

Students have study abroad experience at home

Studying abroad gives students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture while simultaneously earning credit towards their degree. However, for some students, international travel is not possible. Because of this, two CLASS faculty members decided to recreate the travel abroad experience for students unable to leave Houston. Dr. Jessica Brown and Dr. Stella Grigorian developed a course that followed the format of a traditional, study abroad curriculum. read more

Dr. Kenneth Brown researching slave culture at former southeast Texas plantation

Anthropology professor Kenneth Brown is studying slave culture at the former site of the Levi Jordan Plantation. His findings from a previous dig will be featured in the new Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. read more

NIH-funded study reveals long-term emotional effects of poor sleep

Candice Alfano, a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology, says children who experience inadequate or disrupted sleep are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later in life. Funded by a grant from the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the study seeks to determine the precise ways inadequate sleep in childhood produces elevated risk for emotional disorders in later years. read more

Student Spotlight: Philosophy student turns angst into opportunities

Ariana Peruzzi was invited to two prestigious programs this summer — the Summer Program for Women in Philosophy in San Diego and the Summer Immersion Program in Philosophy at Brown University. During the programs she learned about her field of study as well as the value of her education at CLASS when pitted against some of the nation's most prestigious universities. read more

Dr. Rheeda Walker's research connects racial discrimination, thoughts of death among African American adolescents

UH psychology professor Rheeda Walker was the lead researcher on the study “A Longitudinal Study of Racial Discrimination and Risk for Death Ideation in African-American Youth.” The study will be published in the journal, Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior. An op-ed piece written by Dr. Walker on the same subject was published in Ebony magazine. read more

HHP Faculty inducted into SWATA Hall of Fame

Health and Human Performance Chair, Dr. Daniel O'Connor, and HHP research assistant professor, Dr. Mitzi Laughlin, were inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (SWATA) 2016 Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual meeting held last month in Arlington, TX. The SWATA Hall of Fame is the highest honor a member can receive and recognizes dedicated service, past achievements, and professional contributions that have furthered the advancement of the SWATA and the athletic training profession. read more