Although robots have been designed to do simple repetitive tasks in the home and workplace, there is more research to be done before robots can perform more difficult autonomous tasks. Computer science majors Shane Elder ’21, Osman Celikok ’22, and Marisa Hudspeth ’22 have been working with Prof. Ross Sowell on human-robot interaction research. Also, the students have had their work supported by summer fellowships.

From the courtroom to creative writing to politics and chemistry, Rhodes College offers a variety of summer programs aimed at preparing high school students for their college careers. New this year is the Rhodes to Success course designed to assist students with their personal, professional, and academic transition to college life. English literature major Ethan Morris ’23 participated in Rhodes’ Summer Writing Institute in 2017 and says, “It’s one of the biggest reasons I’m here at Rhodes.”

The Board of Trustees has appointed Carroll Stevens J.D. as interim president of Rhodes College. He will begin serving this summer when President Marjorie Hass departs Rhodes.

Motivated to find a more efficient way to plan a night out, Ben Vickers ’21 hatched the idea for MEET, an app that provides users a glimpse into their favorite bar or restaurant before leaving home and a way to message—and then hopefully meet—other users of the app once there. With the help of co-founder Taylor Smith ’21, Megan Wassef ’21, K’Nori Bone ’21, alum Kerry Love ’20, and DU senior Meier Werthan, the app has been successfully funded and launches in March.

Rhodes environmental science alumna Roberta Moore ’14 is being recognized this month by The Conservation Fund for “Women Who Are Making Conservation History.” The national environmental nonprofit is dedicated to protecting America’s most important landscapes and waterways. “I am doing the work I do now because of the education I received at Rhodes,” says Moore.

Rhodes plans to hold commencement for the classes of 2021 and 2020 in person at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis on Saturday, May 15, 2021. The Class of 2021 will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. and the Class of 2020 ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m.

Native Memphian Zoe Scott’s dual interests of chemistry and baking have led to a creative career path: food science.

Rhodes Professor Karl Erickson and student Gunner Smith ’21 collaborated on a three-dimensional augmented reality project that has since been featured in multiple film and video festivals.

CHOICES, a nonprofit comprehensive care clinic, introduced new executive director Jennifer Pepper ’13 in a press release this week. In The Memphis Flyer, Pepper talks about her career in the nonprofit field that led to leading CHOICES at this critical time for the organization, including how her experiences while at Rhodes influenced her path.