The Asbury University Brown Bag program is a periodic forum (3 times a semester) specifically designed to feature academic presentations to the faculty by current AU faculty who are preparing material for academic conference presentation and/or scholarly publication. These gatherings are intended to meet two different objectives. First, they serve our institution’s liberal arts identity by exposing other faculty not only to the questions, methods, and findings of other disciplines, but also to the nature and manner of the interpretations of the material as given by the presenting colleague. Second, they provide a supportive ‘in-house’ setting for AU faculty to share their work with their fellow colleagues and hopefully gain helpful feedback from the exchange.
Sept 12 – Laura Dryjanska
The Role of Faith in Resilience of Human Trafficking Survivors
Drawing from qualitative data gathered from interviews with human trafficking survivors in Florida, this talk will explore the role of faith and religion in fostering resilience. Participants experienced complex trauma, both prior to and while they were exploited in prostitution. Subject to objectification and dehumanization, they have been striving to reclaim their autonomy and freedom, building on the foundation of dignity.
Oct 10 – Marvin Ruffner
Creation Stewardship, Why and Why Not
God commissioned humans in Genesis to be creation stewards, but this has generally been neglected by the church with a variety of effects. For example, recent psychological studies reveal how time in nature correlates with improved cognition, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Some Christian organizations are educating and advocating for increased integration of science and faith. In this presentation, the “whys and why nots” will be explored around our biblical responsibility to engage in creation stewardship.
Nov 14 – Jim Shores
Inspiration in the Galapagos Islands: Characterizations of Awe, Wonder, and Sublimity
This recent study describes and investigates the relationships among inspiration, awe, wonder, and sublimity as experienced in response to natural landscapes in the Galapagos Islands. These factors were often associated with proximity to wildlife, direct experience of landscapes, views/vista, beauty, and new/novel experiences. The findings of the study and their implications for planning outdoor experiences will be addressed.
Jan 30 – Joy Vaughan
Phenomenal Phenomena: Biblical and Multicultural Accounts of Spirits and Exorcism
While demons and spirits seem relegated to horror films and the fringe of the church, a new intersection of credibility is recognizable between global perspectives of spirit phenomena and similar biblical accounts in Lukan literature. A survey of illness, violence, and vocalic activity among demonic testimonies from transcultural settings—accompanied by their interpretive options—engages a global perspective that potentially offers a mutual validation between social science and scriptural testimony.
Feb 27 – Jong Hyun Kim
Unraveling the Mechanism of AuPhos: A Quantum Chemical Approach to Understanding its Anticancer and IBD Efficacy
This study investigates AuPhos, gold complexes with potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) properties. We aim to uncover the mechanisms behind AuPhos’s therapeutic effects using quantum chemical calculations to analyze molecular interactions and electronic properties. Our research seeks to develop a novel hypothesis explaining AuPhos’s drug function, potentially leading to improved drug design and treatment strategies for cancer and IBD.
April 10 – Sean Gaffney
Image Systems in Playwriting
Playwrights can use image systems through language and metaphor to deepen their storytelling. Too often writers leave the images to the designers or assume that image belongs to film. This presentation will examine the ancient tradition of building image systems through dialogue, as well as how scenic and lighting elements could be baked into the DNA of plays. The talk will include several examples, as well as Biblical and theological uses of image systems to support the tradition of the power of the image.