Faculty talk research on the air

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Two Radford University faculty recently discussed their research in interviews aired on the With Good Reason radio program.

Lisa Onega, a Radford University School of Nursing professor, is exploring whether exposure to bright light that mimics the sun's light can relieve those who suffer dementia-related symptoms like depression and agitation.

In addition to relieving those symptoms, Onega hopes to find a way to relieve society from the high cost of medication, the current tool-of-choice for healthcare providers.

Her research results show bright light therapy significantly reduced depression and agitation in the test group, using standardized measurements. Patients' families noticed the difference and now research partner Commonwealth Care of Roanoke (CCR) is exploring ways to implement bright light treatment at its facilities.

In addition to Onega, the research team included Psychology Professor Thomas Pierce and Radford University alumnus Lora Epperly, who serves a director of Business Development and Care Innovations at CCR.

Onega’s interview aired in November and is available as a podcast under the show heading “Advances in Heart Failure Care” at withgoodreasonradio.org.

Diane Hodge, director of the School of Social Work in Radford University’s Waldron College of Health and Human Services, is working with colleagues to study women’s leadership in academia.

The group recognized the need for this research while serving on the national Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education.

The council is responsible for the development of educational resources relevant to women's issues within social work education. This “women’s council,” Hodge said, is part of the advising bodies under the Council on Social Work Education, the accrediting body for all social work programs.

“The glass ceiling in the ivory tower is real and frustrating to women’s aspirations, particularly for women in a woman majority field of study,” Hodge said. “However, its implications go beyond the field to the higher education environment as a whole.”

Hodge’s interview can be heard on the With Good Reason website under the heading “The Glass Ceiling in the Ivory Tower.”

With Good Reason is produced by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities for the Virginia Higher Education Broadcasting Consortium and is broadcast on public radio stations in Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

With Good Reason has won five Gabriel Awards for Best Documentary or Public Affairs Programs, and is the recipient of top honors from the Public Radio News Directors, Radio and Television Digital News Association and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters.

Dec 6, 2016
Chad Osborne
540-831-7761
caosborne@radford.edu