Fall 2024 CSBS PechaKucha Series

The College of Social and Behavioral Science (CSBS) at the University of Utah held its Fall 2024 PechaKucha Series this month, spotlighting new faculty research and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. This biannual event, hosted by Dean Michelle M. Camacho, continues to serve as a cornerstone for inspiring research innovation and collaboration across the college’s diverse disciplines.

“Hopefully these PechaKuchas are generating opportunities for collaboration,” said Dean Camacho during her opening remarks. “I truly believe that the frontier of scholarship and scientific advancement emerges from contexts like these, where we can integrate disciplinary perspectives and create new possibilities for our work.”

This fall, five new faculty members delivered engaging 5-minute presentations that showcased their research and emphasized interdisciplinary connections:

Jonathan Fisk, associate professor in the Division of Public Affairs, delivered a compelling presentation titled "From Shale to Sustainability and Back Again." His research delves into the intersections of energy policy, environmental justice, and water equity, aiming to answer pressing questions about trust in environmental systems. A father of three, Dr. Fisk’s interdisciplinary approach underscores his commitment to addressing inequities tied to climate infrastructure and environmental degradation.

Lukas Lopez, assistant professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Studies, followed with "Development and Emotions: A Little Bit of Background." A developmental psychologist, Dr. Lopez studies affective science and communication dynamics in infancy. His work explores how interactions, such as a caregiver responding to an infant’s babbles, influence language development. Dr. Lopez also investigates how financial stress impacts emotional and verbal communication between parents and children. Sharing his own experiences as a new father, he offered personal insights into the practical challenges of parenting and research.

Samantha Moore-Berg, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, presented "Understanding and Overcoming Division in a Divided America." With a master's and Ph.D. in social psychology from Temple University, Dr. Moore Berg’s research focuses on the psychological mechanisms underlying intergroup conflict and resistance to attitude and behavioral change. Drawing from her personal journey and international experiences, she highlighted how misperceptions about opposing groups drive polarization, both ideological and emotional.

Ju Won Park, assistant professor in the Division of Public Affairs, delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled "People Are at the Heart of Everything." A former HR consultant, Dr. Park’s research focuses on human resource management and organizational behavior, with an emphasis on telework, leadership, and motivation. His talk highlighted his belief that people are central to solving challenges in both public and private sectors, sharing lessons from his professional journey in consulting and academia.

Chiara Clio Packard, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, concluded the event with her presentation Punishment, Prosecutors, and Personal Journeys. Dr. Packard, who joined the University from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared her ethnographic research into how prosecutors navigate decisions about charging and plea bargaining. Her findings highlighted the ways in which systems of punishment often exacerbate race and class inequalities. Dr. Packard also reflected on her personal and professional journey, from her transnational upbringing in Santa Fe, Venice, and San Francisco to her experiences conducting fieldwork in district attorney offices.

Dean Camacho emphasized the significance of the PechaKucha Series as a platform for faculty to connect across disciplines: "Our goal is to inspire collaboration and dialogue by showcasing the breadth and depth of the research happening here at CSBS. Events like this remind us of the shared mission we have to address society’s greatest challenges."

For more information about the PechaKucha Series or upcoming CSBS events, visit the CSBS Events calendar.