FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – One of the world’s leading authorities on date rape will visit the University of Arkansas on Friday, April 18, to discuss research on rape and implications for prevention. Charlene Muehlenhard, professor of psychology and women’s students at the University of Kansas, will speak formally and informally in a series of presentations hosted by the College of Education and Health Professions and the health science program of the department of health science, kinesiology, recreation and dance.

"It is an honor for us to host Dr. Muehlenhard," said Michael Young, professor and director of the Health Education Projects Office. "She is an outstanding researcher and has made significant contributions to our understanding of human sexuality."

In addition to her academic teaching and research activities, Muehlenhard is past president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, an interdisciplinary organization of researchers, educators, and therapists from the U.S. and around the world, dedicated to advancing knowledge about sexuality and communicating this knowledge to the public.

On Friday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in HPER 311, Muehlenhard will discuss her research related to date rape, including token resistance to sex and the communication and miscommunication of sexual intent. Students in the Introduction to Human Sexuality course have organized the presentation, and all UA faculty and students are welcome to attend.

From 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in HPER room 316, Muehlenhard will discuss her research findings related to rape and the implications for rape prevention. In addition, she will address methodological issues that are especially relevant for this and other research related to human sexuality. UA faculty and students and the public are invited to attend.

In addition to these two scheduled presentations, Muehlenhard will be available for informal discussions about sexual consent and other issues related to human sexuality. For more information, contact Michael Young, Health Education Projects Office, 575-5639.