Harriet Tubman

OK, fine. Let’s talk about “Harriet.”: Buzzfeed News – Nov. 6

It is not unusual for dramatic license to be taken when a writer or director is creating a narrative based on actual events. However, with Harriet, the recently released biopic of the iconic historical figure Harriet Tubman starring Broadway star Cynthia Erivo and directed by Kasi Lemmons, such creative license has come under scrutiny. Though Lemmons has been criticized for including a black “slave catcher” within Tubman’s tale, her choice isn’t an ahistorical one. According to Joshua Rothman, a history professor at The University of Alabama, there were indeed black slave catchers, he recently told Slate.
The Grio – Nov. 8

Opioid Addiction Treatment

University of Alabama will study opioid addiction treatment with millions in grant money: Fox 6 – Nov. 6

Researchers from The University of Alabama want to help people better recover from the opioid crisis. The school announced this week they’re receiving money for studies that could do just that. “And we will be training 12 psychology graduate students to do brief screening intervention and group individual treatment,” Dr. Rebecca Allen explained. She described one of two studies the university will conduct over the next few years to find more efficient ways to treat opioid addiction. Allen and Dr. Mercy Mumba were awarded more than $3.8 million in grant money to fight opioid disorder.
WVUA
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“The Pirates of Penzance”

Comedy-drama, comic opera share rich backstories: Tuscaloosa News – Nov. 7

To stage left, a contemporary comedy-drama written; stage right, one of the most famed comic operas by a beloved 19th century duo. There’s not much in common between Theatre Tuscaloosa’s production of “Love, Loss and What I Wore” and The University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” except human bodies moving about, doing things, on stage, as crafted by famous writing duos.

In-Space Manufacturing

NASA, UA strengthen relationship for work on in-space manufacturing: ABC (Huntsville) – Nov. 8

NASA is teaming up with the brightest minds among the Crimson Tide. The University of Alabama and the space agency agreed to a collaboration. Jody Singer, the director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and University president Stuart Bell signed an agreement this week. Students and researchers from the University will work with NASA and offer solutions to leading-edge challenges. The program focuses on additive manufacturing and its potential application with in-space manufacturing. Singer earned her engineering degree at Alabama and said this is an exciting opportunity to get fresh ideas and encourage aerospace workers of the future.