Melinene is natural sunscreen. It was developed from evolution to protect from ultraviolet radiation, the destruction of DNA, and to prevent breaking down an important molecule called folate. Folate is a molecule that helps fuel cell production,improves reproduction in the body, and should be protected. People in the northern hemispheric environments were at a disadvantage to produce any vitamin D from their skin so to ensure they would be healthy, evolution created lighter skin. People going from low UV to high UV areas in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. People from high UV areas being forced to work in low UV areas cause a Vitamin D deficiency.  I personally don’t understand…

I really did improve with this research team, and I feel like it’s a big step in my future. I enjoyed showing my skills because I can work with 100% confidence since this is my second semester. This research team is what I call my “bread and butter” work because I love the study of situations, people, anything dealing with notes, and articles. This class has been great on so many levels, and to be done makes me emotional, but I can’t wait to see how I can apply myself to solving complex questions and present them in the best way possible for the future. Reads using an appropriate lens…

This semester has been really impactful for me from the new things incorporated into the curriculum, to the research of the archives. This class has introduced me to ethnographic studies, which is the scientific description of the customs of individual peoples and cultures. I have found an interest in this because it makes note taking more interesting when your observing things that are actually happening in real time. I am very satisfied to have experienced everything this course has to offer and hope to keep Dr. Smith as a close professor, one that I feel comfortable with stopping by anytime. Reads using an appropriate lens and can engage in a…

“This report was prepared by the City of St. Louis in partnership with Forward Through Ferguson and United Way of Greater St. Louis, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation and 100 Resilient Cities and guidance from the City University of New York’s Institute for State and Local Governance.” (Equity Indicators). In November 2014, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon assigned the Ferguson Commission to conduct a “thorough, wide-ranging, and unflinching study of the social and economic conditions that impede progress, equality, and safety in the St. Louis region.” (Nixon).  This study was conducted after the death of Michael Brown, which was correlated with racial tension and ongoing racial history in the U.S.…

The difference between dealing with complicated data and cleaning complicated data. Let me begin by explaining the difference. Dealing with complicated data can be difficult. It may contain sensitive information, but is that information worth losing just because it’s bad? Steps can be taken to teach people about history, whether it’s about people, places, or things. Now that we get into the difficulties of spreading this information, a difficulty that may come up is backlash. Backlash is typical when dealing with sensitive information and can be handled in many ways, but one I would recommend is public relations. Speeches, press releases, and updates within the corporation. Another difficulty that can…

One thing I’ve noticed about being here in Edwardsville is the restaurants. I’ve been to a good number of restaurants and ordered from a lot of them. The first thing I noticed was the distance between the restaurants and how they look close on the map from where you are, but they are actually a distance away. An example of this is chipotle. Chipotle looks close on the map, but when you drive there, it feels like it’s taking a really long time to get there because of the highway feel of Edwardsville.  I don’t have a car, so when I look at Google Maps and see how far something…

Some may say teachers may feel uncomfortable addressing such a dark aspect of history, especially when discussing its brutality and long-lasting impact. Slavery is often intertwined with issues of race, power, and privilege, which can lead to discomfort for both educators and students, particularly in diverse classrooms where students may have personal connections to the history of slavery. Teaching about slavery underscores the importance of human rights and the consequences of their violation. It promotes values such as equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. Slavery’s impact continues to raise issues such as racial discrimination, economic disparities, and social inequality. By learning about slavery,…

The abolitionist movement gained momentum in St. Louis, fueled by the efforts of activists and free Black communities who wanted to challenge the institution of slavery and advocate for equal rights. However, the legacy of slavery continued to cast a long shadow over the city long after its formal abolition. Today, St. Louis struggles with the history of it’s slave trade history,  issues of systemic racism, inequality, and social justice. Efforts to memorialize the dark chapter in the city’s past have included the preservation of historical sites, the establishment of educational programs, and ongoing dialogue about race. In summary, while the slave trade in St. Louis may not be as…

Adichie’s concept aligns with the intersectional approach, which recognizes that individuals hold multiple social identities that interact to shape their experiences. Researchers can use this framework to explore how social identities intersect to influence outcomes in areas such as health, education, and employment. By considering the intersection of identity, researchers can paint a better picture of social phenomena and better address the needs of diverse populations. In essence, Adichie’s idea that “many stories matter” can serve as a guiding principle for researchers in the social sciences, encouraging them to embrace diversity, avoid generalizations, amplify marginalized voices, and promote inclusivity in their work.  My name is Jonathan Brown, during my time…