FIU researchers are presenting their work on a national platform during “FIU Week” on The Academic Minute, a radio show and podcast running from January 5-9. The program features three-minute segments in which experts from Florida International University (FIU) discuss their latest research on health, technology, child development, and brain science.
On Monday, Jaclyn Tanenbaum, faculty director of the Master of Science in Marketing Program at FIU Business, shared findings that dissuasive framing—telling non-target consumers that a product is not for them—can be more effective than traditional persuasive advertising. “Her research challenges a foundational belief in marketing: that persuasive messages aimed directly at target customers are the most effective.”
Tuesday’s segment featured Amanda Thomas, clinical assistant professor in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She discussed her study showing that children with upper limb deficiencies can achieve significant improvements in strength, coordination, and independence through an exercise program using a body-powered 3D-printed prosthetic hand.
Tana Carson, assistant professor of occupational therapy in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, addressed drowning as a leading cause of death among disabled children in the United States during Wednesday’s broadcast. She explained how “a five-day adapted swim program improved safety skills for children with disabilities.”
On Thursday, Karinna Rodriguez, doctoral candidate in FIU’s Department of Psychology Developmental Science program, highlighted research from the Center for Children and Families focused on helping parents support early learning through simple activities like puzzles and blocks to build spatial reasoning. “It’s backed by science and surprisingly simple: puzzles, blocks, and spatial words. It’s aimed at developing spatial reasoning.” More information about her research is available via The Conversation.
Friday’s episode featured Marcelo Bigliassi, assistant professor of psychophysiology and neuroscience in the College of Arts, Sciences & Education. He explained how mental factors might hinder people from starting or maintaining workout routines: “your brain, not your body, may be what’s holding you back. And it can be trained to help you push through.” Further details about his research can also be found on The Conversation.
Later this month on The Academic Minute, additional FIU researchers will present studies including early detection methods for Alzheimer’s disease and new battery technologies.
Tomás Guilarte, dean of the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work at FIU has researched TSPO biomarkers for thirty years; his recent discovery suggests TSPO could allow Alzheimer’s disease to be detected years before symptoms appear.
Bilal El-Zahab, associate professor at FIU’s College of Engineering and Computing along with his team have developed advanced battery technology beyond lithium-ion batteries which may eventually improve electric vehicle ownership convenience.
The Academic Minute is produced by WAMC Northeast Public Radio and hosted by Lynn Pasquerella. It airs on 70 stations across the U.S. and Canada; episodes are also available via Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
