In a review of my 2009 book, The Beautiful Tree: A Personal Journey Into How the World’s Poorest People Are Educating Themselves, I’d been described as “a 21st-century Indiana Jones”, who travelled to “the remotest regions on Earth researching something many regard as mythical”. I liked that image of myself: an intrepid, adventurous academic. Indiana […] … learn more→

In Australia approximately one student in five is bullied at school every few weeks or more often. Many of these students suffer serious emotional and psychological harm, such as persistent anxiety, depression and suicidal thinking, and are unable to concentrate on their school work. It is clear they need help. Teachers routinely inform students that […] … learn more→

Phosphorus is an essential element which is contained in many cellular compounds, such as DNA and the energy carrier ATP. All life needs phosphorus and agricultural yields are improved when phosphorus is added to growing plants and the diet of livestock. Consequently, it is used globally as a fertiliser – and plays an important role […] … learn more→

Is it possible to be political and nonpartisan simultaneously? It’s a question likely as old as the Republican and Democratic parties themselves. The short answer is yes. According to Merriam Webster, one definition of political is “of, relating to, involving, or involved in politics and especially party politics”. To be political is to be involved […] … learn more→

With student loan debt on the rise and more borrowers struggling to make their monthly payments, many people are anxiously awaiting the direction President Trump’s administration will take on student loans. Those hopeful for the new administration’s approach to student loan debt look to campaign promises demonstrating favorable repayment plans and student loan forgiveness.  Others […] … learn more→

People who apply for a loan from a bank or credit card company, and are turned down, are owed an explanation of why that happened. It’s a good idea – because it can help teach people how to repair their damaged credit – and it’s a federal law, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Getting an […] … learn more→

  You may not have thought about applying spiritual principles or practices to your dissertation or thesis. I can hear you snorting: “What! Academics and religion/spirituality, like ice cream and boiled kidney, don’t mix!” This is your right, of course. But . . . as you wrestle with your Major Work, do you crave less […] … learn more→

Academic sentences are often lengthy. They make a point and then add multiple caveats and embellishments. Some people think there is an ideal sentence length. I have read for instance that the ideal newspaper sentence is somewhere around twenty words. Perhaps a little more, perhaps a little less. But around the twenty word mark. I’ve also read […] … learn more→

On April 22 scientists around the world are downing microscopes, pipettes and lasers and declaring it’s time take a public stand and be counted. Standing shoulder to shoulder with their scientific kindred, they’ll raise fists to the sky, united with one voice and shouting “science is… [insert message here]!” The question is: what is the […] … learn more→

“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.” “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master—that’s all.” –I’m quoting Lewis […] … learn more→