Academics & Ales started as an initiative to raise public awareness of the research conducted by faculty in Kendall College of Arts & Sciences. It has since evolved into a genial event among faculty and staff at The University of Tulsa as well as the larger Tulsa community.
This biannual event, spearheaded by Associate Professor of Political Science Ryan Saylor and an interdisciplinary committee of faculty members, began in spring 2023 as an informal symposium to allow faculty to share their research in flash presentations with their peers and the public. “This was an initiative developed by faculty members who were looking for a chance to socialize and learn about each other’s research,” Saylor said. “The events have been great fun.”
The inaugural presenters included faculty members in social sciences like anthropology and fine arts like the School of Art, Design, & Art History. Attendees learned about topics like capital punishment in 18th-century China and England, how virtual reality games can reduce psychological distress in cancer patients, and more.
“Being able to present my research to a public audience was an amazing experience! It was so much fun to think through my academic research from a new lens and explore why 20,000-year-old hunter-gatherers matter in a contemporary context,” said Associate Professor of Anthropology Danielle Macdonald. “It is also wonderful to hear about my colleagues’ research and learn about all the innovative work happening in the College of Arts & Sciences.”
This spring’s presenters include Applied Assistant Professor of Film Studies Jennifer Jones, Associate Professor of Political Science Gaurav Kampani, Fulbright Visiting Scholar Patrick Pedersen, and Professor of Spanish & Comparative Literature Bruce Willis. The spring 2024 Academics & Ales will be held at Heirloom Rustic Ales from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 5. This event is free and open to the public.