KU Libraries to host panel on public scholarship in conjunction with Haricombe Gallery

As an extension of the recently opened “Taking it to the Streets” exhibit in the Haricombe Gallery, KU Libraries will host a panel discussion about public scholarship on Thursday, March 30 in Watson Library, Third Floor West, 3:30-4:30 p.m.  

The panel discussion will be moderated by Samantha Bishop-Simmons, Humanities Librarian and Haricombe Gallery Assistant Coordinator, and features four scholars whose work is highlighted in the gallery — Jomella Watson-Thompson, Mercedes Lucero, Lucas DeCicco and Steven Maynard-Moody. “Taking it to the Streets” debuted on March 9 with a keynote delivered by Monarch Watch founder Chip Taylor. The exhibit highlights efforts to connect communities and universities through publicly engaged academic work. 

“The exhibit explores the platforms used to provide accessible research-based communication and it highlights some of the work being done by KU and community scholars,” Sarah Goodwin-Thiel, Faculty & Community Engagement Librarian and Haricombe Gallery Coordinator, said during the gallery’s opening. “The research presented here is just the tip of the iceberg, in this case, of publicly facing scholarship generated at KU and throughout our community. KU Libraries are honored to celebrate our public scholars and their efforts to broaden the reach of their research, talent and expertise.” 

Watson-Thompson applies behavioral science methods and interventions to improve how communities address issues related to community health and development. She has been a consultant for several community coalitions and community-based initiatives. 

Lucero is a writer, scholar, poet and creative who earned a Ph.D. from KU in English Literature and Creative Writing. Lucero is the founding member of BLACK Lawrence, an arts collective seeking to elevate the dialogue around the meaning of being a Black artist and creating Black art.

DeCicco is a collaborating researcher in the Red-tailed Hawk Project, focused on the ecology and evolution of red-tailed hawks and providing educational resources to the public. He was the first guest of the KU Biological Field Station’s Science Sunday speaker series. 

Maynard-Moody is the author of Pulled Over: How Police Stops Define Race and Citizenship with Charles R. Epp and Donald P. Haider-Markel. In “Pulled Over,” the authors show that who is stopped and how they are treated convey powerful messages about citizenship and racial disparity in the United States. 

Following a set of moderated questions, the panelists will take questions from the audience. “Taking it to the Streets” can be viewed in-person during regular business hours on the third floor of Watson Library, or anytime online at https://lib.ku.edu/exhibits.