Essay Archive
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April 20, 2026
Trump sidelined Congress’ authority over war on Iran – and lawmakers allowed it, extending a 75 year trend
The Conversation features an analysis from Sarah Burns, associate professor of political science, examining Congress’ limited oversight of U.S. military action in Iran, highlighting historical patterns of presidential power in war-making.
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April 14, 2026
Antibiotics can trigger bacteria to release bubbles of inflammation tinder, making it harder to treat infection
The Conversation features research from Panteha Torabian, biomedical and chemical engineering Ph.D. student, examining how certain antibiotics can trigger bacteria to release particles that may increase inflammation, with implications for treating severe infections.
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April 13, 2026
Artemis II crew brought a human eye and storytelling vision to the photos they took on their mission
The Conversation publishes a column by Christye Sisson, director and Gannett Chair for the photographic arts and sciences program, exploring how astronaut photography from the Artemis II mission highlights the importance of human perspective in an era of AI-generated images.
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April 2, 2026
Bypass the Strait of Hormuz with nuclear explosives? The US studied that in Panama and Colombia in the 1960s
The Conversation features an essay by Christine Keiner, chair of the Department of Science, Technology, and Society, discussing historical proposals to use nuclear explosives to build canals and their broader technological and environmental implications.
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March 11, 2026
Oil isn’t just fuel: Iran conflict could disrupt markets for everything from plastics to fertilizers
The Conversation publishes a column by André Hudson, dean of the College of Science, explaining how conflict involving Iran could disrupt global oil supplies and affect markets for petroleum-based products such as plastics, fertilizers, and chemicals.
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March 5, 2026
Researchers are combining drones and AI to make removing land mines faster and safer
In an article for The Conversation, imaging science Ph.D. student Sagar Lekhak explains how using drones, sensor data, and AI can make detecting land mines safer and more efficient.
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March 4, 2026
Congress once fought to limit a president’s war powers − more than 50 years later, its successors are less willing to assert their authority
In an article for The Conversation, Sarah Burns, associate professor of political science, compares past and current reactions from Congress when a U.S. president unilaterally declares war.
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February 23, 2026
Algorithms that customize marketing to your phone could also influence your views on warfare
Justin Pelletier, a Professor of Practice and director of the GCI Cyber Range and Training Center, discussed how AI systems are becoming tools for strategic influence in an article for The Conversation.
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February 11, 2026
Local governments provide proof that polarization is not inevitable
An essay by Lauren Hall, associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts, published by The Conversation.
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January 12, 2026
I wrote a book on the politics of war powers, and Trump’s attack on Venezuela reflects Congress surrendering its decision-making powers
The Conversation interviews Sarah Burns, associate professor in the Department of Political Science.
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November 13, 2025
The shutdown has ended – but this economist isn’t rejoicing quite yet
An essay by Amit Batabyal, the Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics and head of the Department of Sustainability, published by The Conversation.
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October 16, 2025
Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary: How a technological marvel for trade changed the environment forever
An essay by Christine Keiner, chair of the Department of Science, Technology, and Society, published by The Conversation.