The newsletter for the WKU community
November 4, 2019
WKU professor's research illuminates impact of light pollution on birds
Most animal species utilize a biological clock to synchronize with the Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark to govern activities important for reproduction, growth and sleep. However, with increased urbanization and industrialization across the globe, there is growing scientific evidence that artificial light at night can have harmful effects upon humans as well as wildlife. Such effects include weight gain and sleep disruption in humans, and reduced cognitive performance, sleep and survival in birds. 

In a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports , Dr. Noah Ashley, associate professor of Biology at WKU, Dr. Ila Mishra of Case Western Reserve University and colleagues have identified another negative effect of light pollution -- disruption of the rhythms that regulate the immune system. They showed that exposure to 10 days of extremely dim light at night (similar to light produced from a single “night light”) in captive zebra finches can significantly alter or abolish the daily rhythms of cytokines -- chemical mediators that regulate immunity as well as sleep, in many animals, including humans.
CLIMBING HIGHER
WKU graduate student Lamario Moore came from Jackson, Mississippi, to WKU for one reason. His one reason will ultimately benefit not only his academic career, but the success of many other WKU students. “I chose WKU because of the unique opportunities that they afforded,” Moore said. Learn More
WKU students showcase ideas in entrepreneurship event
From custom classroom decor subscription boxes for teachers, to an all-in-one wedding venue stocked with creative entertainment activities for guests, to an app styled to look like social media but intended to be used to discreetly notify the police in emergency situations, the students at WKU have some big ideas. Eleven student teams presented their business ideas Friday in the annual TOP IDEAS Entrepreneurship Challenge, which included a trade show and pitch competition.
Five student teams were named finalists in the TOP IDEAS Entrepreneurship Challenge and will have the opportunity to advance in state and national competitions.
WKU Libraries forgives fines during November food drive
WKU Libraries is accepting non-perishable food items and toiletry donations to benefit the WKU Food Pantry in exchange for overdue library fines. Donations should be brought to Cravens Fourth Floor at the Circulation Desk to have fines forgiven. The food drive will end Nov. 22.
Dr. Shadowen to present Lancaster-Puckett Lecture
Dr. Rebecca Shadowen, infectious disease and travel medicine specialist at Med Center Health, will present WKU’s 2019 L.Y. Lancaster-D. Hugh Puckett Lecture at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Ogden College Hall Auditorium. In The Most Important Thing You Can Do , Dr. Shadowen will discuss the importance of what the individual can do to limit the spread of disease.
Spotlight: Remembering Ebla
From the Kentucky Museum blog: While cleaning out old file drawers, we came across an interesting pamphlet. The title was in Italian, and had been written by Professor Ron Veenker of WKU with Professor David I. Owen. It was presented at the 3rd International Ebla conference in 1987…and to our surprise, the pamphlet was about one of the cuneiform tablets in our collection!
Nominations being accepted for 2019-2020 Faculty Awards
The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is accepting nominations for the 2019-2020 Faculty Awards . Alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, community members and students are invited to nominate full-time and part-time members of WKU's faculty for college and university awards for teaching, research/creativity, public service, student advisement and part-time. Nomination forms should be submitted by Nov. 15 to Academic Affairs . For information, contact Tonya Johnson at (270) 745-2121.
Lost River Sessions LIVE!
The next Lost River Sessions LIVE! concert begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at the  Capitol Arts Center . Featured artists include old-time string band  Whiskey Bent Valley Boys  and special guest  Willie Huston . Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. and  tickets  are $12.50 general admission and $10.50 for students.
November
5
Tuesday
Hilltopper Basketball

Hilltopper Basketball will open the 2019-20 regular season against Tennessee Tech at 7 p.m. at Diddle Arena. More Info
November
6
Wednesday
Presentation

Raymond "Twi Light" Stewart will present How Philosophy and Religion Saved My Life at 6 p.m. at Gary Ransdell Hall Auditorium.
November
6
Wednesday
Lecture

Thomas S. Logsdon, one of the innovators of GPS technology, will present a lecture at 6 p.m. at The Gatton Academy’s Great Hall in Florence Schneider Hall.
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101