The United States has experienced an unparalleled epidemic of incarceration in the past 40 years, and the effects of that trend have been far-reaching, complex and long-term. Health equity researcher Ricky Camplain, who this year became the first NAU researcher to win a Career Development Award from the NIH’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, is studying one critical piece of this. Her research examines the high rates of anxiety, high blood pressure and poor sleep quality among inmates and looks for simple solutions to reduce those adverse health effects. The answer? Physical activity.

With 6,500 languages spoken worldwide, connecting with global neighbors is a challenge. To help break down communication barriers, Seda Acıkara, a Ph.D. student in applied linguistics, studies real-life language issues and how the writing skills of English language learners develop over time. Can she explain her research in a minute?

That’s OK! In honor of National Coffee Day on Sept. 29, public health student Eason Lillard tells us why we shouldn’t feel guilty having another cup … or four. From its health benefits to the emotional support it provides, coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages for a reason. Get the facts on everyone’s favorite drug and take a look inside of HRM’s student-run café.