Features
25 Years Later, Harry Potter Still Enchants Villanova Students
The magic of Harry Potter first flew in (on broomstick, of course) to homes everywhere nearly 25 years ago. Debuting in 1996 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for American publication in 1997) J. K. Rowling’s fantastical world of witches and wizards both captivated and enticed readers of all ages, assimilating itself into every facet of popular culture.
Neuroscience of Sleep Course Investigates the Impact of Sleep
Less than 10 percent of college students get eight hours of sleep per night. Healthy sleep schedules are a huge concern for college students. So, Irene Kan, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, created the course, “Neuroscience of Sleep,” to delve into the many facets of sleep and how it impacts our behaviors.
Villanova Nursing Professor Publishes Recommendations to Raise Awareness of Lifelong Risks for Individuals Born Premature
November is Prematurity Awareness Month and November 17th is celebrated as Prematurity Awareness Day. In the United States, one in ten babies are born preterm, defined as being born before 37 weeks. Many of them will go on to receive medical care and assistance throughout their lives without ever being asked if they were born preterm.
Villanova to Officially Attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference for the First Time
Attendance at COP conferences are limited to official representatives of the UN countries and observers from non-governmental organizations, including colleges and universities, and businesses. For the first time, Villanova applied to be an observer this year and has been tentatively approved. A full approval will take place during the COP26 meetings.
From the Pitch to the Classroom: New Course Connects History and Data Analytics to Explore the World of Soccer
On Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso, star player Dani Rojas proclaims, “Football is life.” Football meaning soccer in American English. Regardless of the language, the euphoric feeling remains when you step into the classroom of a new multi-disciplinary course at Villanova.
Spotlight on Scholarship: A Look at Faculty Scholarship Focused on Indigenous Peoples and Native American History and Law
The second Monday of October—which in 2021 falls on Oct. 11—marks Indigenous People’s Day in the United States. At Villanova University, the work of faculty scholars across several disciplines focuses on the areas of Indigenous studies, Native American history and law.
Drones Take Flight in Geography and the Environment
A new one-credit offering to teach students the basics of drones and how to fly them. The course will provide valuable experience as students prepare research projects and their professional careers.
Villanova University’s Department of Geography and the Environment Receives More Than $1.1 Million in Grants from NOAA, NSF
Faculty from Villanova University’s Department of Geography and the Environment were recently awarded four grants totaling more than $1.1 million. Three grants were received from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and one from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Stained Glass Window Memorial Remembers Villanovans Lost on 9/11
A stained glass window memorial in Villanova University’s Corr Hall Chapel, installed in Nov. 2006, offers a loving tribute to those who died in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001—including 15 Villanova alumni. The window’s left pane depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Orate (prayer) position. The right panel shows the World Trade Center buildings, the Pentagon and the field near Shanksville, Pa., the sites where the hijacked planes crashed.
Extracting Value from the Air
The air we breathe is made up primarily of oxygen and nitrogen, both of which are widely recognized as having a variety of essential uses ranging from medical purposes and steel production to preserving food and supporting plant processes. Argon is air’s third most abundant component, making up about 1% of the Earth’s atmosphere.