Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Phoenix Chapter Advancing Science in America ARCS WORLD Volume XII, No. 3 Spring 2009 Board of Directors Agnes Johnson Jane Lawson, President Sophann Schleifer Nancy Spetzler Anna Maria Matteucci ARCS Light 2009 Irene Douglas Eileen Haga Cathy Fitch Our chapter is always flu epidemic. She remembers Barbara Berman pleased when a member summer trips to a dude ranch Agnes Johnson transfers from another ARCS in Montana where she “horsed Joan Jugloff Carol Wagner chapter. And we were lucky around” with the Hemingway Carolyn Evani indeed when Agnes Johnson, boys, even socking one of them. Melanie Brewer Penny Papadopoulos this year’s ARCS Light, Agnes met her future Diane Might arrived! She transferred to husband Richard the summer Terry Wilhoit the Phoenix Chapter from Los Marge Mehagian before she left home for UC Betty Van Denburgh Angeles in 1996 with her Berkeley. After one year away, Mary Ann Cavness cousin Mary Martha Barkley. Lynne Sonntag she missed caddying for Rick on Margie Freeze Since that time, Agnes has the golf course so much that Vianne Kucera been Parliamentarian and she moved back to Louisville to their four children: Carol; Christine Hawes Recording Secretary and has marry him. They bought a car Richard, Jr.; Craig; and Carol Craig Holly. The Johnsons moved Bettie Crawford served on the Membership wash business together, and Elizabeth Culley and Fund Development Agnes was left to run the to Phoenix in 1993; sadly, Stevie Eller Rick passed away last year. Anita Galvin committees. She was the business alone while Rick went Betty Hayes Phoenix Chapter President in to Welfare Island to complete Agnes will be recognized Alison Johnston 2003 and this year is serving with the other chapter ARCS Sandy Kennedy his medical internship. Soon Lois LeMarr as Corresponding Secretary. she sold the business and Lights at the National Sandra Matteucci Agnes has certainly been a moved to New York to be with Annual Meeting in San Peg Moseley Kathey Plenge dynamic addition to the him, working at Lord & Taylor Francisco. Many thanks to Mimi Prentice Chapter! while attending Gibbs this year’s Light Committee: Phyllis Stern Anna Maria Matteucci, Peg Maureen Tensfeldt Agnes was born in San Secretarial School. During Francisco and raised in Rick’s military service the Moseley, Elizabeth Culley, Louisville, Kentucky, living at couple lived in Atlanta; San Carolyn Evani, Sandra the Brown Hotel with her Francisco; Washington, D.C.; Matteucci, and Jane Lawson, Upcoming Events father and Aunty after her and Hawaii. After the Army for their selection of this mother and infant siblings they chose to live in Los year’s Light. passed away during the 1929 Angeles, where they raised

April 6 Board Meeting, Home of Alison We gratefully acknowledge the following donors of full scholarships for 2009-2010: Johnston Mrs. Shreve Archer Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lawson Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wilhoit April 24 Awards Dinner The ARCS Foundation The Marley Foundation (3) Endowments: Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Burton (2) Mr. and Mrs. Tom Might May 4 Board and General The Crawford Endowment (2) Membership The Family of Nadine Carson Dr. and Mrs. Stephen The Johnston Endowment Meeting, Papadopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Richard The Louis Jugloff Memorial Installation of Douglas Mrs. Spelman Prentice (2) Endowment Officers Drs. Karl and Stevie Eller (2) Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence The LaFollette Endowment Shapiro May 27-30 National Annual Mr. and Mrs. David Haga The Lauber Endowment (2) Meeting—San Dr. and Mrs Volker Sonntag Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hobbs The Libby Endowment Francisco Dr. and Mrs. Robert Spetzler Mr. Bill Hulings The Ralph Matteucci June 1 Transitional Board Mrs. Louis Jugloff The Steele Foundation Memorial Endowment Meeting and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kucera Mrs. John Van Denburgh The Templin Endowment (2) Luncheon Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lakin The Family of Kathryn The Windrow Endowment Johnston West VOLUME XII, NO. 3 ARCS WORLD PAGE 2

President’s Corner by Jane Lawson

It’s spring! cycle of supporting science education highlight of our calendar. A r r i v i n g at our three state universities. We’ve On May 4 we will be voting to elect early in the raised scholarship funds and have new leadership. The Phoenix Chap- desert, it’s matched university scholars to our ter’s greatest asset is the women to the nicest donors. This year we will be granting who make up our membership. They part of the year for most of us. Time the most scholarships ever--42! Pres- volunteer their time and resources to to enjoy the desert flowers, meals on ently we’re in the process of planning a great cause. This makes it possible the patio, and a great Sunday Social a wonderful evening to honor these to put together strong slates year af- with our ARCS friends and family. young men and women. Our Awards ter year. The 2009-2010 nominees are Sandra Matteucci opened her home to Dinner will be held again at the dedicated and talented women who us, and we had a wonderful afternoon Phoenix Art Museum on Friday, will work to further our chapter’s playing bocce and visiting. Big thanks April 24. You will see why we are mission of strengthening scientific to Sherry Rader and Christy Burton proud of the work our scholars are education. I’m very excited to be for taking care of the arrangements! performing when you meet them at working with these women next year. the dinner. This event is always the It’s also time to complete our yearly Nominating Slate Announced Voting on the following nominees for the 2009-2010 Board of Directors will take place at the May membership meeting: President Jane Lawson Fall Benefit Director Susan Woodrow President-Elect Anna Maria Matteucci Fall Benefit Director Effie Theodore Vice President Field Trips Anne Kunkel Historian Mary Ann Cavness Vice President Field Trips Peg Moseley Hospitality Director Lynne Sonntag* Vice President Fund Development Kathey Plenge Hospitality Director Vianne Kucera Vice President Membership Diane Might Printing Director Eileen Haga* Vice President Public Relations Joan Jugloff* Newsletter Director Christy Burton Vice President University Relations Agnes Johnson* Directors at Large: Vice President University Relations Maureen Tensfeldt Carol Craig Bettie Crawford* Recording Secretary Barbara Berman Elizabeth Culley* Irene Douglas* Corresponding Secretary Elizabeth O’Rourke Stevie Eller Cathy Fitch Treasurer Carol Wagner Anita Galvin Betty Hayes* Assistant Treasurer Christine Hawes Alison Johnston Sandy Kennedy Endowment Fund Chairman To be appointed Lois LeMarr Sandra Matteucci* Parliamentarian To be appointed Mimi Prentice Nancy Spetzler* Past President Carolyn Evani* Betty Van Denburgh Terry Wilhoit Web Master To be appointed Alumni Scholar Relations Director Penny Papadopoulos Awards Dinner Director Pat Elder *Indicates Past President

The March meeting of the Board of Directors took place at Harris Trust ROSTER following the regular meeting of the Endowment UPDATE Committee. A lovely luncheon was served compliments of Harris. New e-mail for Christine Hawes: Members of the Endowment Committee: Carol Wagner, Betty [email protected] Van Denburgh, Betty Hayes, Jane Lawson, Joan Jugloff, and Chairman Anna Maria Matteucci. VOLUME XII, NO. 3 ARCS WORLD PAGE 3

ARCS Social The annual social for members, families, and guests was held on February 20 at the home of Sandra Matteucci. Thirty attendees enjoyed a beautiful afternoon and a lovely party thanks to planners Sherry Rader and Christy Burton.

Bocce players strategize during a close game.

Below left: Carol Wagner and Christy Burton. Below center: Elizabeth Culley and Lois LeMarr. Below right: Betty Van Denburgh.

Phoenix Chapter Annual Meeting—May 4 Tea at Two The chapter annual meeting will be held at Montelucia The annual tea for members Resort in Paradise Valley. The meeting will begin at and guests was held following 10:45; the program will begin promptly at 11:00. Our the February board meeting at scheduled program, “Why We Eat What We Eat—the the home of Sandra Matteucci. Good, the Bad, and the Fattening,” will be presented by Provost Capaldi, ASU Vice President. Charming floral arrangement sent by Martha Knight to Sandra Matteucci for the tea. News from National The ARCS National Board returned to Phoenix for the A new logo was approved at the National Board meeting January Board meeting held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. held in Phoenix. Chapters may continue to use their Sandra Matteucci, Advisory Council member of the existing stationery with “The Thinker” until depleted. National Board, opened her home to welcome the visitors Minnesota has been approved as a new chapter, and work to a Mexican fiesta complete with mariachi music, continues to develop chapters in Florida and Utah. The outdoor seating, and buffet. The guests enjoyed the 2009 National Annual Meeting, “Some Like it Hot,” will evening immensely. Ten Phoenix members joined the be held at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco, California, Board members for the evening and graciously provided May 27-30. transportation to the Matteucci home.

New ARCS logo approved by the National Board at the January meeting VOLUME XII, NO. 3 ARCS WORLD PAGE 4

Congratulations, 2009-2010 Scholars! Join us in honoring our recipients at our Awards Dinner on April 24

Arizona State University

Gregory Apker Spetzler Scholar Gregory received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and his M.S in Bioengineering at . His Ph.D. research is the study of the mechanisms and strategies employed by the brain to perceive and interact with the world around it and will investigate the way in which our minds combine sensory signals to produce complex movements. These insights will be integral to the development of systems designed to mimic human behavior. Such technology could be in the form of artificial intelligence, brain-machine interfaces used to repair/replace neural systems damaged by trauma, or prosthetic devices.

Ariel Arndt Nadine Carson Memorial Scholar Ariel received her B.S. in Biology from the University of New Mexico and her M.S. in Microbiology from Arizona State University. Her proposed research is to identify antiviral targets and gain insight into potential vaccine design. The data from her research will aid in educating fellow scientists to allow for a multidisciplinary approach to combating human pathogens. Antivirals and vaccines directed toward the virus focused on in her proposal will aid in the treatment and prevention of respiratory and enteric infections.

Michael Baran Burton Scholar Michael received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. His research is working on sensor development and analysis of motor functions in post-stroke patients to develop a reliable and portable rehabilitation system that can be used at home. By integrating multiple sensing technologies and forms of feedback, he hopes to create immersive systems to allow patients to practice motions relied upon for daily life. This type of technology development not only furthers sensor fusion understanding, but it also provides a learning tool for scientists to begin unraveling the physiological questions still unanswered about stroke.

J.D. Benton Lawson Scholar J.D. received his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from Arizona State University. His Ph.D. research focuses on oversubscribed automated planning, a subfield of artificial intelligence in which a machine must reason about and select courses of action to take based upon the costs and benefits of each action when resources are scarce. He is currently working on a project that involves applying these techniques for scenarios such as search and rescue situations.

Lydia Bilinsky Ralph Matteucci Endowment Scholar Lydia received her B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Michigan. Her current dissertation work is on the development of realistic, computationally intensive models of the brain. Lydia is using analytic techniques known as asymptotic and perturbative methods along with traditional computational methods to investigate and further develop detailed realistic modes of neural architecture. A realistic model of the neural architecture impacted by Parkinson’s Disease and other neurodegenerative conditions would have tremendous clinical value.

Arianne Cease Marley Foundation Scholar in memory of Mr. Milton “Bud” Webb Arianne received her B.S. in Zoology from Oregon State University. Her research lies at the interface of physiology and the environment, specifically in invasive and pest species. She wants to apply knowledge of the biology of these organisms to developing integrated pest management strategies to help mitigate the devastating effects these species have on human and ecological communities. In particular, she is studying genetic and environmental factors that affect locust and grasshopper outbreaks that have devastating impacts today, particularly in developing parts of the world.

Sáylisse Davila Louis Jugloff Endowment Scholar Sáylisse received her undergraduate and Masters degrees in Industrial Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico and Arizona State University respectively. Her doctoral research focuses on the application of data mining techniques to the early detection and prevention of disease outbreaks. Her research will draw on successful techniques in the manufacturing sector and apply them to the needs of the health care sector. The goal is to disseminate relevant information to the public in a more timely fashion.

Benjamin Green Wilhoit Scholar Ben received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Brigham Young University. He received his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. His current Ph.D. research is on the development of a novel design in superluminescence diodes and multi- wavelength laser diodes for optical coherence tomography and other biomedical applications. This biomedical imaging technique is used for noninvasive skin and retina scans in the research and diagnosis of several diseases and cancers.

Reid Juday Jugloff Scholar Reid received his B.S. in Physics and Astronomy from Ohio State University. His current research concerns the characteristic optical properties of the InGaN alloy family. This material is ideal for multi-junction solar cells and high efficiency LEDs. To investigate these materials his use of the scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope provides for accurate analysis due to their ability to image the crystalline lattice at the nanoscale level. VOLUME XII, NO. 3 ARCS WORLD PAGE 5

Richard Kirian Hobbs Scholar Richard received his B.A. degrees in Physics and Astronomy from the University of California Berkeley. His research is on developing a general technique of protein structure determination with the use of serial e-ray diffraction. Existing techniques offer only partial solutions to this problem and the need is urgent for development of new techniques and technologies that apply to non-crystalline samples. Understanding of the mechanisms responsible for life and disease depends crucially on knowledge of protein structure.

Mehlika Kiser Kucera Scholar Mehlika received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and her M.S. in Environmental Engineering at the University of Nevada—Las Vegas. Her research goal is to improve understanding of the potential fate of engineered nanoparticles (eNPs) in the environment in an effort to minimize the uncontrolled spreading of cytotoxic eNPs in our water, soil, and air. Mehlika is quantifying removal of eNPs from wastewater, developing microscopy techniques for visualizing eNPs in complex biological matrices, and developing a model to predict eNP fate in the environment.

Jamie Lukos Sonntag Scholar Jamie received her B.S. in Movement Science from the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on behavioral neuroscience with specific emphasis on anticipatory control of the hand during grasping. She hopes to contribute to the understanding of the unconscious decision-making processes of the brain as they relate to our ability to control and manipulate objects. Her research can be applied to neurological disorders or neuropathies such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease and to neural prosthetics and robotics.

James Martin Papadopoulos Scholar James received his B.S. in Biochemistry from Brigham Young University—Hawaii. He is currently researching and investigating a specialized molecular motor essential to biological energy formation called the F1FO ATP synthase (F1FO). Although F1FO is the smallest known molecular motor, it synthesizes nearly all of the chemical energy needed for the cell. Leigh syndrome, a disease characterized by degeneration of the central nervous system, results in death by the age of 6 or 7 and is a prominent example of the result of damage to genetic DNA specific to F1FO.

Troy McDaniel Johnston Endowment Scholar Troy completed his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Arizona State University. The goal of his Ph.D. thesis is to develop a wearable assistive device for individuals who are blind that will enable users to feel objects from a distance. This work will make contributions beneficial to the blind and visually impaired, providing algorithms and systems to aid in remote object perception and navigation. It will improve systems for telesurgery, providing more realistic haptic feedback, and is also useful for teleoperation (space exploration, underwater exploration).

Gary Moore Might Scholar Gary attended Evergreen State College where he received his B.S. in Chemistry. His current research focuses on the design and assembly of bio-inspired constructs for solar energy conversion. One approach involves the mimicry of the key steps used by photosynthetic organisms to convert solar energy into chemical potential. The ultimate goal is to further enhance the understanding of energy flow in biological systems and using these insights to provide energy transduction schemes to meet human needs.

David Pettit Douglas Scholar David received his B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. His current research involves applying radiation hardening techniques to improve high speed digital microelectronics. Due to the radiation-rich environment in space, the electronics used there tend to rely on older technology, greatly limiting their processing power. Using-radiation-hardened-by-design (RHRB) techniques, current high speed (›1GHz) electronics can be used in space.

Celeste Riley Shapiro Scholar Celeste received her B.S. in Bioengineering from Oregon State University. Her current research is aimed at developing an improved embolic material for the treatment of aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. Using the reactive properties of a particular polymer system, material that begins as a liquid will cross-link to form a solid material in a predictable and controllable manner. The research focuses on characterizing and analyzing the properties of this polymer system in vitro and in vivo such that it can be optimized for clinical use.

Sean Williams Mary Anne White Memorial Scholar Sean received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee State University and his M.S. in Computer Science from Vanderbilt University. His current research involves investigating the advantages of linear network coding and applying it to authentication and anonymity/privacy issues. Network coding and its benefit for wireless technology can reduce overhead and assist in the area of multimedia and other high bandwidth constraints and in providing secure anonymous communication.

Northern Arizona University

Veer Bala Chaudhary Burton Scholar Bala received her B.A. in Biological Sciences from the and M.S. from Northern Arizona University. Bala is currently pursuing a Ph.D. with a research emphasis in the ecology of mycorrhizae, beneficial plant-fungal symbioses. Her graduate research will provide insight into mycorrhizal ecology, ecosystem restoration, and the potential spread of non-native microbial organisms. Her research will have immediate practical application in ecosystem restoration.

VOLUME XII, NO. 3 ARCS WORLD PAGE 6

Rebecca Colman ARCS Scholar Rebecca received her B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Linfield College. Her Ph.D. research in Biology focuses on examination of the molecular diversity and epidemiology of Yersinia pestis, the caustic agent of plague. Her research aims to provide insights in the fields of molecular epidemiology and population genetics and help to provide an understanding of how plague is sustained in nature.

Thomas Davis Nancy Johnson Templin Endowment Scholar Thomas received his B.S and M.S. degrees in Forestry from Northern Arizona University. His Ph.D. work in Forest Science is centered on tree-killing bark beetles that are a source of biotic disturbance in forests worldwide, producing dramatic and rapid shifts in forest characteristics. The impact and magnitude of these shifts have far-reaching ecological, economic and social consequences.

Jennifer Ginther Lauber Endowment Scholar Jennifer received her B.A. in Biology from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and her M.S. in Biodefense from George Mason University. Her Ph.D. research in biological sciences focuses on the pathogenic evolution of B. pseudomallei, a soil-dwelling bacterium and the causative agent of melioidosis, a major health concern in various regions worldwide. The first case of this disease in Arizona has been recently documented.

Elizabeth Kalies Nancy Johnson Templin Endowment Scholar Elizabeth earned her B.S. in Environmental Science at Cornell University and her M. S. in the same field at Yale University. Focused on the impacts of wildfire and forest management on wildlife in the ponderosa pine ecosystem, her Ph.D. research explores the natural balance of native plants and animals and seeks to understand ways to protect biodiversity through forest restoration.

Valerie Kurth ARCS/Libby Endowment Scholar Valerie graduated from Macalester College with a B.A. in Biology. She received her M.S. in Forestry from the University of Montana. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in forestry at Northern Arizona University, focusing on post-wildfire carbon and nitrogen dynamics in ponderosa pine forests that have undergone dramatic shifts in their stand structure due to a century of land-use changes and active fire suppression. Her studies will contribute to knowledge of how this changing ecosystem responds to changes in fire regime.

Camille Naaktgeboren Lauber Endowment Scholar Camille attended the University of North Florida and the University of Maryland, receiving B.S degrees in Biology and Psychology. She then earned her M.S. in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Camille’s research involves the potential of algae to produce biodiesel fuel that could be used to power engines or heat homes and offices with a natural renewable energy source.

University of Arizona

John Ashton Crawford Endowment Scholar John graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University. His Ph.D. studies are concentrated on investigating the properties of abdominal aortic aneurysms, seeking to apply endoluminal paving as a treatment superior to those presently available. In the future, he will continue to search out treatments and develop mechanical devices for cardiovascular disease.

Ryan Austin The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation Scholar Ryan is pursuing his Ph.D. in agriculture and biosystems engineering, having received his B.S. in the above fields from the . His research focuses on analyzing health and security issues of water distribution. He wants to improve the planning and construction of water distribution systems to ensure water security, health and sustainability.

Benjamin Bitler Archer Scholar Benjamin received his undergraduate degree in General Biology from the University of Arizona. His present research involves optimizing a new therapy for late-stage breast cancer. This treatment has been shown in cell lines and mouse modules to inhibit the growth and spread of breast tumors. He hopes to show that this treatment, combined with another, might permit the use of smaller doses of chemotherapies, limiting unwanted side effects. He is also investigating cancer-promoting protein interactions.

Matthew Callan Haga Scholar Matthew obtained a B.S. in Biology from Colorado State University. His current research involves identifying defects in early brain development that cause abnormal neural function. His studies are of Fragile X Syndrome, but he wants to understand the molecular mechanisms of other neurological disorders such as autism, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to discover new therapeutic approaches for treatment and prevention.

Kyle Flann ARCS/LaFollette Endowment Scholar Kyle received both a B.S. in Microbiology and a Masters in Biology/Exercise Physiology from Northern Arizona University. His Ph.D. research focuses on the role of satellite cells and their activation from a dormant state in response to injury and/or mechanical stress. His studies might lead to treatment of myopathies such as muscular dystrophy. It has been shown that revascularization occurs when angiogenesis and myogenesis occur concurrently. Kyle wants to learn how the signals for revascularization work.

Judith Jenkins ARCS/Windrow Endowment Scholar Judith received her Bachelor’s Degrees in Chemistry and Secondary Education from Knox College. Her doctoral research focuses on the fundamental processes of solar energy conversion in thin film organic photovoltaic cells. She wants to improve these cells, which promise ease of processing and low cost but presently do not match the efficiency of more expensive silicon-based technologies. VOLUME XII, NO. 3 ARCS WORLD PAGE 7

Michael Junkin The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation Scholar Michael received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and an M.S. from the University of Arizona. His doctoral studies involve applying a nanosurface patterning method he developed. He uses this method for cellular study of nanopatterns of different chemicals so as to understand such things as tumor growth. This research could provide a method to construct micro and nano technology devices that could be used in drug delivery systems, medical implants, and new study tools.

Sarah Leung Steele Foundation Scholar Sarah did her undergraduate work in Bioengineering at Arizona State University. Her doctoral research focuses on the development and characterization of multifunctional nanomaterials for use in imaging and therapeutic applications, particularly in drug delivery. She is studying the use of biodegradable gold nanoshells placed over the surface of liposomes. So far, they can be degradable to a size compatible with kidney clearance. It is hoped that they can be used to deliver drugs to specific sites.

Katherine Lindborg Eller Scholar Katherine received a degree in Health Education and Athletic Training from Gustavus Adolphus College and her M.S. in Physiology from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Her doctoral research involves endocannabinoid receptor antagonists (appetite suppressants) in obesity and insulin resistance. These antagonists have demonstrated peripheral effects such as improved glucose tolerance. Katherine hopes to improve glucose tolerance and prophylaxes for metabolic syndrome, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Kendra Murray Prentice Scholar Kendra received a degree in Geology from Carleton College. Building on her interest in petrology and magmatic processes, her doctoral research focuses on the volcanic arcs of the central Andes where she and others are working to formulate a time scale of mountain evolution. By sampling for certain elements and isotopes, they seek to obtain an overview of shifting tectonic plates and to develop a model of convergent margin evolution relative to thrusting, sedimentation, surface elevation, crustal thickness, and erosion.

Stephen Osborn Prentice Scholar Stephen received a degree in Environmental Science and Soil Science from the University of California, Riverside, and a Masters in Geology from Georgia State University. Stephen’s doctoral research relates to the combined use of aqueous, gas and isotope geochemistry and seeks to understand large-scale fluid migration, gas generation and microbial processes in the Appalachian Basin in order to locate undiscovered natural gas resources.

Alberto Rascon ARCS Scholar Alberto graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a degree in Chemistry. His doctoral work involves studying the digestive processes of the female mosquito which can carry the yellow and dengue fever viruses. The goal is to interfere with the digestive processes and thus with egg production, reducing the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases without use of pesticides that might affect the environment and produce resistant pathogens.

Ann Revill Van Denburgh Scholar Ann’s B.S. in Human Kinetics is from the University of Guelph. Her doctoral research involves the emergence of a theory that “plateau potentials” are properties essential to normal function of motor neurons. She is testing methods to discover if these potentials actually exist and to what degree they are activated in normal movement. If validated, this theory could lead to a better outcome for people with motor neuron disorders through further understanding of normal motor neuron function.

Mark Robertson-Tessi Kathryn Johnston West Scholar Mark received his B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Arizona. His Ph.D. research is modeling tumor evolution and growth. He is working to develop a mathematical model for interactions between a tumor, the immune system, and chemotherapy. The goal is to gain insight into those interactions in the phase immediately following chemotherapy-induced reduction of tumors. He hopes to determine conditions in which the immune system can be used to fight cancer.

Heather Tardif Eller Scholar Heather received her B.S. in Molecular Bioscience and Biotechnology from Arizona State University. Her doctoral research is in mantle cell lymphoma, a specific non-Hodgkins lymphoma that has a low survival rate with conventional treatment. She is studying a chemotherapeutic drug used in clinical trials to see if proteins in the cancerous cells can be targeted to become more sensitive to therapeutic drugs in combination with other drugs that increase the sensitivity.

Kristen Ward Crawford Endowment Scholar Kristen received a B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science from the California Institute of Technology and a Masters in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona. Her doctoral research involves development of new bracing systems for economical earthquake-resistant steel structures using custom-configured cast components. She wants to create complex buildings and be part of the search for creative solutions in cost-effective earthquake engineering.

David You Lakin Scholar David received his B.S. from the University of Arizona in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. He is working to develop a one- person portable field-ready system for E.coli testing. It will be more sensitive than the majority of contemporary biosensors for E.coli, will have a quick response time, a simple user interface, and a reasonable production cost so it will be marketable and beneficial to the field of food safety and water sustainability.

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National Annual Meeting May 27—30 Featuring tours of the Asian Art Museum, UCSF Mission Bay, and California Academy of Sciences ARCS Lights Dinner Friday, May 29

ARCS PHOENIX CHAPTER 3104 East Camelback Road PMB 374 Phoenix, AZ 85016

The ARCS Foundation provides scholarships to academically outstanding United States citizens studying to complete their degrees in science, medicine and engineering, thereby contributing to the worldwide advancement of science and technology.