Appalachian’s Belk Library and Information Commons hosted an online book talk on “Junaluska: Oral Histories of a Black Appalachian Community,” a collection of narratives from Boone’s historically Black community edited by Dr. Susan Keefe. The retired Department of Anthropology professor worked closely with the community since the 1970s.

Appalachian’s Dr. Maggie Sugg and Dr. Jennifer Runkle are interviewed about their collaborative research with the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies that found a significant association between low humidity and transmission of COVID-19 in some U.S. cities.

Appalachian’s Dr. Baker Perry, who installs high-altitude weather stations, is interviewed about the 2019 National Geographic expedition to Mount Everest and the premiere of the documentary on their success in setting up the world’s highest weather station at 27,657 feet above sea level. The set of two weather stations he and his team placed on Everest is providing data on global weather patterns.

Rachel Gaines has made history, becoming the first Appalachian State University field hockey student-athlete to be named an Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Caleb Johnson, a visiting assistant professor of creative writing in the Department of English, has published this first-person account of retracing his grandmother’s route to her favorite place on earth — a year after her death in the car she left to him.

Dr. Gregg Marland, a professor at the Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics at Appalachian State University, is quoted in this Associated Press news story on Amazon's 15% increase in its carbon footprint despite launching initiatives to reduce its harm on the environment.

Dr. David Nieman, director of Appalachian State University's Human Performance Lab, is quoted on the benefits of walking regularly to boost one's immunity in this article on how to stay healthy when workout facilities may be closed.

Dr. David Nieman, director of Appalachian State University's Human Performance Lab, says 30 to 60 minutes of near daily brisk walking (at least 3.5 miles per hour, or a 17-minute mile) can improve your body’s defense against germs.

Creative writing professor Josepth Bathanti’s poem “Larimer Field,” about Little Leaguers, is this issue's pick for PQ Poem feature. Bathanti is Appalachian State University’s McFarlane Family Distinguished Professor in Interdisciplinary Education and a former North Carolina poet laureate.