HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 9, 2019 – Members of the High Point University community frequently conduct, publish and share research and creative works in a variety of ways. Below is a recap of recent research initiatives.
HPU Faculty Research Findings Featured in Global Publication
Dr. Brad Barlow, associate professor of astrophysics and director of the Culp Planetarium, along with collaborators from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, recently published an article titled, “EVR-CB-001: An Evolving, Progenitor, White Dwarf Compact Binary Discovered with the Evryscope,” in Astrophysical Journal. The peer-reviewed article is based on research around an extreme binary star system called “EVR-CB-001.”
The discovery of EVR-CB-001 was made with the Evryscope, the world’s first gigapixel-scale telescope, built by UNC-CH and deployed on Cerro Tololo in the Chilean Andes mountain range and was supported in part by a $349,621 research grant the group received from the National Science Foundation.
“This discovery might help shed light on the formation of some hot subdwarf stars,” says Barlow. “For years, astronomers had theorized that two white dwarf stars could merge to form a hot subdwarf star. Our discovery of the binary EVR-CB-001 represents the first observational evidence this might actually happen.”
Barlow is a member of the Evryscope Science Collaboration and has been working with their team over the past few years to identify and study new variable stars. HPU alumnus Kyle Corcoran and Barlow helped analyze the data for EVR-CB-001, interpret the results, and obtain follow-up measurements with the SMARTS 1.5-m telescope in Chile.
HPU Professor Publishes Book on Religion Research
Dr. Allie Blosser, assistant professor in the Stout School of Education, recently published a book as part of Routledge’s Research in Religion and Education series, which aims to advance public understanding and dialogue on issues at the intersections of religion and education.
The book, titled, “Faith, Diversity, and Education” is based on Blosser’s ethnographic research in a private, Christian school. It utilizes the perspectives of students, parents, teachers and administrators to explore how diversity was conceptualized and taught in the school and how the school’s diversity-related practices impacted students and teachers across different racial and religious backgrounds.
“This book will appeal to educators, researchers and graduate students alike,” says Blosser. “The findings presented in the book raise important questions about how we ‘do’ school, and my hope is that it sparks a productive dialogue in the broader education community.”
HPU Physical Therapy Student Presents Research at National Conference
Morgan Steiner, a second-year doctoral physical therapy student, presented research at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) Conference in Orlando, Florida earlier this year.
Steiner’s case report focused on an innovative approach of using thoracic spine and ribcage joint mobilizations as a treatment for a patient with a 10-year history of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). A hallmark of POTS syndrome is an increased heart rate, in addition to difficulty with blood pressure regulation, when a person changes positions from sitting to standing. Steiner and her co-author, former HPU RAISE fellow, Dr. Stephen M. Shaffer, PT, ScD, FAAOMPT, highlighted in their poster presentation this unique intervention. The authors believe this is the first case report to demonstrate a downward trend in POTS symptoms after manual therapy to the thoracic spine and rib cage.
“Presenting this important research to my future peers was a great experience,” says Steiner. “I’m thankful to the entire Department of Physical Therapy at HPU for preparing me for this opportunity and for my future career.”