Why do humans age? How does the brain work?

These are what Biochemistry Professor Roc Ordman considers to be the biggest questions in science, and for years he has been trying to answer those questions by researching vitamin C’s role in nutrition and aging.

The Beloit College board of trustees approved on Friday the tenure and promotion of five faculty members.

They are Carla Davis, in the department of sociology; Scott Espeseth, in the department of art and art history; Beatrice McKenzie, in the department of history; Benjamin Newton, in the department of mathematics and computer science; and Britt Scharringhausen, in the department of physics and astronomy.

Issues of self-image, oppressed sexuality and familial separation are explored in Pretty Theft, a play directed by John Kaufmann, an assistant professor of theatre, dance and media studies.  Performances will take place from Thursday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, Feb. 25 and from Thursday, March 1 through Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m. in the Neese Performing Arts Complex’s Kresge Theatre.

Two students set to graduate in May already have post-Beloit plans in place. They will be joining Teach for America, a non-profit organization that recruits recent college graduates to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools.

From a young age, assistant professor of psychology Kristin Bonnie knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. “Animal behavior has always been my first love,” she says. Specifically, Bonnie has a strong interest in primate cognition and behavior.

Around Beloit College he’s known as the author of the popular weekly column, Fridays with Fred, but archivist Fred Burwell’86 is also the author of a novel, his first.

After months of rehearsal, a December Dance Workshop performance, adjudication, and extensive preparation, Beloit College student choreographers and dancers will showcase their work alongside faculty and guest choreographers at Chelonia.  

The Beloit Rotary Club has named Beloit College Professor of History and Anthropology Rob LaFleur its “Teacher of the Month.” An award ceremony is scheduled to be presented Tuesday at noon in the Rotary River Center, 1220 Riverside Dr.

Examining key terms in the field of women’s and gender studies is the concept behind a new book edited by Beloit professors Diane Lichtenstein and Catherine Orr. “Rethinking Women’s and Gender Studies,” published by Routledge, was released earlier this month.

The United States has suffered one of the largest declines in economic freedom in the world over the last decade.

Local author and Beloit College alumna Ann Bausum will discuss her latest book with the campus and community on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. in Pearsons Hall’s Moore Lounge. Marching to the Mountaintop, Bausum’s latest historical work for the National Geographic Society, will be released Jan. 10 and tells the story of the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike and how it figured in the final days of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life.

Beatrice McKenzie’s latest project focuses on one of the first women to enter the U.S. Foreign Service. Given that McKenzie herself spent part of her career in foreign service, it’s an area of particular interest to the assistant professor of history.