At a glance, The University of Memphis may look like just another urban college. However, to the analytical thinker, a philosophically rationalist approach may be in order. That is: To judge the whole, one must widen the scope and examine the value of its parts.
At The U of M you’ll find arts and sciences, business and law, theater and music — just to name a few examples. The range of expertise may fall anywhere from counseling or communications to earthquakes, international relations, political thought or biomedical research.
While research ventures remain among The U of M’s most prestigious acclaims, most are unaware of the non-traditionalist avenues also explored by members of the campus community.
Looking between the books and shuffling through the bios will turn up a few professors with their noses in curious places.
Adjunct physics professor Gerrit Verschuur has been hard at work since 1973, pioneering the search for radio evidence of extraterrestrial life. Verschuur, a part-time instructor in astronomy and physics, knows quite a bit about the existence of intelligent, alien life — or, in his opinion, the lack thereof. His studies in the late ‘60s on the wavelengths of hydrogen gas in space, which at the time were believed to hold extraterrestrial “signals,” fueled his interest.
Following his groundbreaking paper, “Icarus,” in 1973, Verschuur has taken a skeptical stand.
“I find it absurd to expect another planet has been inhabited,” Verschuur said. It is important to consider the “luck” involved in the existence of life on our own planet, according to Verschuur. “What if the ice age hadn’t ended? Or what if the asteroid missed?”
Verschuur’s realm of study includes asteroid impact, and he said his research continues today in educational capacities as well as for personal reasons.
Another physics professor, Robert Marchini, gathers evidence in the field of parapsychology, debunking paranormal claims as no more than illusion. Marchini is a university-listed expert and recognized authority on the paranormal and occult beliefs.
An army intelligence student got him hooked on the “unexplainable,” and today, Marchini conducts experiments in a classroom setting, allowing students to guide his discussion.
Marchini’s studies focus on magical beliefs versus basic physics. He’s been attacked for his skepticism, but said he has little faith to spare for “paranormal” explanations for that which remains unexplained by science — as well as for many things which science can and does explain.
“A totally open mind is an empty mind,” Marchini said. “Go to the fun shop and those guys will have you believing supernatural events.”
Recently, Marchini has lectured on the “Magic of Physics.” He said he keeps up with his paranormal studies to an extent and occasionally applies his work in the classroom.
Jumping from astronomy to a more earthly kind of star, not only is U of M Communications and Fine Arts Dean Richard Ranta an expert in the Grammy Awards, he has been with the Academy since the mid ‘70s, and is currently producing its 83rd program.
When Janet Jackson stormed off the set, Ranta was there. When Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Bob Dylan gave the presentation speeches, they were speaking Ranta’s words.
Ranta has been behind the scenes editing scripts for years, and he’s currently working on the Latin Grammys — the first ever prime-time Latin entertainment show.
“The feelings are good to be part of a history-making event,” Ranta said.
He said he tries to bring his legacy to the front of the room, so to speak, occasionally giving lectures that feature his own mementos and memories.
So as students find their seats and take their notes from day to day, keep in mind — there may be just a bit of excitement beneath that health lecture or that general sociology lesson. The U of M has the power to attract gifted, talented, curious and fascinating professors from all over the world.
