• Names & the brain
Infants as young as 6 months old can typically recognize and respond to their own names. It’s an important skill for language development and social growth, one that children with autism spectrum disorder often struggle with. A team from the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia wanted to understand what brain activity looks like when typically developing preschoolers and preschoolers with autism hear their name. As it turns out, children in both groups show a preference for their own name and exhibit neural patterns akin to those observed in adult brains experiencing similar stimuli. What’s more, this observation holds regardless of whether the child’s mother or a stranger is calling the name. “We want to get these results out there and get research going on this topic,” said researcher Leah Wang. “Our study is a really nice first step.” (EDITORS: Additional information)
• Destructive pest
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect introduced to the United States in 2014, is poised to wreak havoc on farms, wineries, and forests. Lanternflies feed on a wide variety of tree species but have a particular affinity for ailanthus trees, also known as the “tree of heaven.” A researcher at the University of Pennsylvania is working to understand what other tree species are particularly attractive to these bugs as a way of helping property owners and land managers devise strategies to control the rapidly spreading pest. Working in The Woodlands, a historic cemetery in Philadelphia, graduate student Benjamin Rohr is trapping lanternflies on both ailanthus and other tree species to discern the lanternflies’ preferences, and to evaluate the effect of Department of Agriculture treatment aimed at reducing populations of the exotic insects. (EDITORS: Additional information)
• Diversity training
Does diversity training work? New research from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania included a field experiment that measured actual behaviors rather than how people say they feel or what they say their attitudes are right after completing the training. The study was based on responses from 3,000 employees of a global company who work in 63 countries. Regarding gender bias, the study showed that women in the U.S. responded by seeking out more mentorship. “We expected actually the effect would be for everyone to try to help women more, instead it was women trying to help themselves,” said Katherine Milkman. (EDITORS: Additional information)
• Climate change & banks
The heads of two major European central banks issued an open letter warning that climate change poses a significant financial risk to the global economy. The letter, co-signed by a group of 34 central banks, emphasizes that the economic effects of climate change are already being felt globally. Given that central banks are responsible for financial stability, there is a newfound focus on the issue. Severe financial disruption—including a new financial crisis—could be part of that mix, said Eric Orts of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. (EDITORS: Additional information)
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Colleagues,
The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) has a few announcements for June:
First, we are pleased to announce the release of a number of resources:
Second, did you know that in 1980 Utah ranked 5th nationally in voter turnout; yet, by 2016, the state had sunk to 39th? We are partnering with VOTERISE (a Utah-based nonpartisan, 501 (C)(3) nonprofit) to help change this. Their emphasis is to educate, empower, and engage Utah’s 18-29 year-olds, and they have a special initiative for women called the 2020 Challenge. Their goal is to recruit 1,000 Ambassadors to each commit to registering 20 young women in Utah to vote. If you are interested in being an ambassador, you can go to this link to sign up and get more information.
Third, last call: if your organization (e.g., company, nonprofit, government entity, college) has a formal or informal women’s group and/or network, please reply to this email and let me know. We are compiling a list as we’ll be offering some research-based training for network/group leaders in the future. We are also continuing to compile our list of women experts in the state at this link.
Fourth, check out our May editorials (and one of our partners):
Finally, we’d like to highlight four of our partners.
Enjoy June and July!
Susan
Dr. Susan R. Madsen
Orin R. Woodbury Professor of Leadership and Ethics
Woodbury School of Business, Utah Valley University
Founding Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project
madsensu@uvu.edu
www.utwomen.org
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TODAY: Sen. Lee to Host Affordable Housing Panel with Utah Businesses
WHO:
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
Chris Gamvroulas, President, Ivory Development
Dustin Haggett, Founding Partner, Modal Living
WHAT:
A panel discussion on affordable housing at the Department of Housing’s Innovative Housing Showcase.
WHEN:
2:45 pm to 3:15 pm
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
WHERE:
The National Mall
Livestreamed at:
