Arkansas Tech University faculty members Dr. Zach Moran, Dr. Daniel A. Belongia and Dr. Phoebe Robertson were the featured speakers at the April 2026 edition of Pints and Professors in Russellville Downtown.
Held at Point Remove Brewing Company, Pints and Professors is organized by the ATU Graduate College as one aspect of its endeavors to highlight faculty scholarship, support graduate education and foster meaningful engagement between ATU and the Russellville community.
“Events like this remind us just how much curiosity and engagement exist in our communities,” said Dr. Michael Bradley, dean of the ATU Graduate College. “To see a packed house, with people standing and leaning in to learn, ask questions and connect, it’s exactly what Pints and Professors is all about.”
Moran, ATU assistant professor of fisheries science, spoke about alligator gar, the largest species of fish found in Arkansas waterways.
Working in collaboration with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Moran is helping advance understanding of gar populations in state waters, an effort that has implications for conservation, fisheries management and public perception of the species. His presentation offered attendees a look into the ecological impact of gar and the work being performed to study them.
Belongia, ATU professor of music and director of bands, and Robertson, ATU assistant professor of music, discussed the cultural influences behind “Amerykahn Graffiti,” a 2025 composition for wind band by Katahj Copley.
“Amerykahn Graffiti” was described by Belongia and Robertson as a modern homage to “Pictures at an Exhibition,” reimagined through the lens of modern African American artistic expression. The composition draws inspiration from large-scale graffiti installations by African American artists across major United States cities.
During their presentation, Belongia and Robertson invited attendees to consider the intersections of music, visual art, culture and identity. The discussion provided both context and insight into how contemporary composers are reshaping classical traditions to reflect broader and more inclusive narratives.
The next Pints and Professors gathering is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at Point Remove Brewing Company in Russellville.
For more information about Pints and Professors or graduate studies at Arkansas Tech, send e-mail to gradcollege@atu.edu.
