KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 17, 2021

Kennesaw State University’s Office of Research hosts a one-hour web show every other Friday at 4 p.m. to showcase the varied research being conducted by KSU faculty members. “Research with Relevance” spotlights Kennesaw State researchers in a live interview followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with the virtual audience.

This week’s episode features Brian Moore, an assistant professor of psychology in the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He will discuss his work to better understand the impact that traumatic stressors have on military members and their families, in order to improve their health and quality of life.

What was the defining moment when you realized this is what you wanted to do?

Moore: I always wanted to be involved in research. My first “aha” moment for research occurred when I met some Walter Reed Army Institute of Research scientists and I thought, “These folks are so cool! I want to do that.” I realized while in graduate school that I could make a larger difference for the military community as a civilian scientist than a uniformed, military scientist, so I chose to pursue academia rather than going back to government work.

What do you hope students learn from you in the classroom?

Moore: Passion for research and understanding of the struggles others experience. First and foremost, students should feel free to learn and follow their passions without judgment or a presumptive expectation of “success.”

How are students involved in your research efforts and how do they benefit?

Moore: Currently my lab has four undergraduates and two graduate students. In the past two semesters, they have meaningfully contributed to five manuscripts and seven conference presentations. One manuscript has been published, two are under review and two are in preparation.

As part of this, they are learning how to write effectively, run statistics, analyze output and work on Institutional Review Board protocols. In addition, my doctoral student is learning how to find and write grants.

In what ways has KSU supported your research?

Moore: The most salient has been the generous support for graduate students. I have two outstanding GRAs who have been so helpful in setting up my lab and mentoring the undergraduates in my lab.

The second has been the funding of an Interdisciplinary Innovation Initiative grant. The team I’m on has been phenomenal as has the support from Dr. Evelina Sterling and the team in the Office of Research. Another example is the community. For instance, Dr. Sherrill Hayes in the School of Data Science and Analytics has been instrumental in grant writing collaborations and mentoring/connecting me to resources around campus.

Tune in on Friday, March 19 at 4 p.m. to hear Brian Moore talk about his research and answer your questions. Click here for more information.

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.