MAGAZINE FALL 2007

Reaching to the future Are we doing enough to ensure Inside: sustainability? The planet’s changing thermometer U.N. Messenger of Peace delivers hope Weather program counts raindrops coach & Tom Hilbert, CSU Women’s Volleyball coach Volleyball Women’s CSU Hilbert, Tom & coach CSU Rec Center (www.campusrec.colostate.edu) CSU Rec Center

www.bookstore.colostate.edu Featuring over 300 ways to show your Ram pride. (www.csurams.com); Nomio Rinchinyugder, CSU student. Special thanks to City Park Nine golf course (www.fcgov.com/golf) and the Nine golf course City Special thanks to Park CSU student. Nomio Rinchinyugder, (www.csurams.com); Clockwise from top left: Maggie Folsom, daughter of CSU employee; Joe Klickna, CSU employee; Jen Warden, CSU Women’s Basketball Women’s CSU Warden, Jen CSU employee; Joe Klickna, daughter of CSU employee; Maggie Folsom, Clockwise from top left: MAGAZINE Contents FALL 2007 • NUMBER 46 Features Departments

3 THE VIEW FROM CAMPUS FIGHT FOR LIFE 10 New distinguished professors are A Supercluster project in Mexico named; 2007’s Student Employee of fi ghts health threats posed by the Year. mosquitoes that carry dangerous disease agents like the dengue virus. 7 THE HUMAN PERSPECTIVE A professor of counseling and career development helps the nervously employed become learning agile.

8 INSIDE RAM SPORTS CLIMATE WATCH 14 A former Rams football star who CSU research in sustainability and studied microbiology becomes global climate change ranges from president of the Colorado Rockies. philosophy to Antarctic ecosystems. 12 BEST OF CSU A new, incisive CSU history book spans decades; the University remembers the disastrous 1997 fl ood.

PEOPLE AND 27 RESEARCH HORIZONS The Colorado Forest Restoration LAND 22 Institute helps connect people to forest Scientists in the Warner College of dynamics. Natural Resources keep a close eye on military lands abroad and right here at home. 30 PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS The 1986 nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl is memorialized at CSU’s international poster show.

ON THE COVER MAGAZINE FALL 2007 The future health and security of kids like Galen Cotton, high jumping here in Lory State Park, depends on what the world’s societies do to Reaching to address global climate-change issues. Galen, who is 4½ years old, is the future Are we doing the son of CSU photographer Bill Cotton and Vicki Cotton, both CSU enough to ensure Inside: sustainability? The planet’s changing alumni. thermometer U.N. Messenger of Peace delivers hope Weather program counts raindrops LETTER FROM THE

Editor MAGAZINE FALL 2007 • NUMBER 46

the facts in a very clear way,” says CSU’s Editor David Thompson, associate professor of Paul Miller atmospheric science. “Our job is to gather Project manager evidence and try to understand what Mark Hanson causes climate change. People ask me if I Editorial staff believe in climate change, but I don’t Jeannine Kline think it’s a matter of belief. It’s simply a Senior designers matter of knowing the science. Climate Terry Nash, Sandy Thode, Brad Thomas, change should be independent of the Cathay Zipp political realm.” Intern designers Thompson is typical. In fact, other Ben Booker, Shaelyn Eckles, Beth Machen, Hugh McClearn, Hannah Steiner scientists say they’d welcome evidence to the contrary. Whoever shows that our Staff photographers Bill Cotton, John Eisele, Joe Mendoza planet isn’t warming – and that humans John Eisele aren’t part of the shift – will be famous, Contact Colorado State ne of these days, I’ll start a because they’d be countering not only General information: department for the magazine widely accepted current research, but also www.colostate.edu or call (970) 491-1101. called Items That Didn’t Make the basic physics principles that date back O Alumni programs, services, and benefi ts: Cut. I’ll include offhand conversations, hundreds of years. Alumni Association, Colorado State University, off-subject tidbits, and other esoterica The news on climate change and Fort Collins, CO 80523-7114. Telephone: (800) 286-ALUM (2586) or (970) 491-6533. that didn’t fi t into stories. environmental health tends to be glum, FAX: (970) 491-0798. This issue’s cover story on global but people like Jane Goodall (see Page 21) E-mail: [email protected]. climate change is a good example. While do a world of good lifting us out of our Development and giving opportunities: researching the topic, I gathered informa- funk. Goodall, who visited campus this Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, 521 University Services Center, Colorado State tion from a wide range of sources, but spring, is a renowned primatologist and University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-7115. after a month, I had to stop or risk being conservationist who travels 300 days a Telephone: (866) CSUGIVE or (866) 278-4483. buried in data up to my clavicle. It was year delivering a message of hope. She’s FAX: (970) 491-0234. E-mail: [email protected]. interesting work whittling a half-ton of seen her share of human-caused misery Address changes: detail into a few thousand words. and degradation, but she also sees great Send name and address changes to One item I didn’t include: Scientists I hope in the human spirit. Advancement Services, Colorado State talked to on climate change felt that their “Every single one of us makes an University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-7115. FAX: (970) 491-0234. job was to do the research and present the impact on the world every day,” she said. E-mail: [email protected]. facts without bias. None had hidden “We have choices on how we make that agendas; all were rueful about how impact. political the topic had become. “I believe “Follow your heart and your passion,

scientists have a responsibility to present and help make the world a better place.” Colorado State Magazine is published three times per year by Colorado State’s Communications and Creative Services department. Send correspondence and Nominate your favorite CSU graduate magazine-related inquiries to Paul Miller, Colorado State Magazine Editor, Communications and Creative Services, The Alumni Association is accepting nominations through Oct. 1 for Distinguished Colorado State University, 6025 Campus Alumni Awards. Visit www.csualum.com/daa for information and a nomination form. Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-6025. Telephone: (970) 491-2658. Not all those nominated need to be graduates – anyone can nominate people who FAX: (970) 491-6433. deserve recognition for their hard work in career or volunteer life. ◆ E-mail: [email protected].

© Copyright 2007 by Colorado State University. All rights reserved.

2 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE THE VIEW FROM Campus

Climatologist is leader of the (weather) pack John Eisele

olan Doesken, state climatologist and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS, as a Measurements may be fast, but the at Colorado State, believes in the small local project in Fort Collins soon impact to communities is enormous: Npower of the people. And this after a fl ood in 1997. (See Page 13 for a Data provides important daily and long- spring, the National Oceanic and Atmo- story on the fl ood.) term decision-making information on spheric Administration honored him as Since then, CoCoRaHS has grown and drought and water supply for agricultural, one of 10 Environmental Heroes for now has volunteers in 18 states or regions recreation, utility providers, resource creating an amateur precipitation moni- from Alaska to the District of Columbia. managers, teachers, scientists, and toring network that has 4,000 volunteers Through CoCoRaHS, volunteers of all homeowners. nationally – and which continues to grow. ages document the size, intensity, To volunteer at CoCoRaHS or for more Doesken, senior research associate at duration, and patterns of rain, hail, and information, go to www.cocorahs.org or CSU’s Colorado Climate Center, started snow by taking simple, fi ve-minute contact Henry Reges at hreges@atmos. the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, measurements in their own backyards. colostate.edu. ◆

FALL 2007 3 THE VIEW FROM CAMPUS

University’s top professors hit new heights of achievement

University Distinguished Professors

olorado State University added compacting DNA. Luger’s research has led four new University Distinguished to an extraordinary scientifi c CProfessors and two University Dis- breakthrough that effectively solved the tinguished Teaching Scholars during three-dimensional structure of the ceremonies this spring that honored the nucleosome, work now cited in nearly recipients’ outstanding accomplishments every modern textbook of biochemistry in research, teaching, and scholarship. and molecular biology. Nominators noted “The quality of our research and that “Karolin stands high among the very teaching is driven by the talent of our best research scientists in the world in faculty,” said CSU President Larry Edward Bill Cotton quality, originality, and quantity of Penley. “They ensure that we contribute to Jan Leach, professor of plant pathol- discovery.” the development of new and useful ogy in the Department of Bioagricultural knowledge – in keeping with our Sciences and Pest Management, is a mission – but also expand recognition of microbiologist and authority on the Colorado State. We congratulate them on molecular biology of how plants and their achievements.” pathogens interact. She joined the Univer- A maximum of 12 current faculty sity in 2004 after serving as a University members hold the rank of University Distinguished Professor of plant pathol- Distinguished Professor, which is a ogy at Kansas State University. permanent designation that carries into She is recognized internationally by retirement. University Distinguished peers for her innovative research, John Eisele Teaching Scholar designations, also scientifi c contributions, teaching skills, Jorge Rocca, professor of electrical capped at 12, remain with recipients until and depth of service in prestigious engineering and physics in the they leave the University. Each University science organizations. Department of Electrical and Computer Distinguished Professor receives a special Engineering, is a world leader in the medallion and a permanent base-salary development of compact X-ray lasers and increase of $7,500. University their applications. He is director of the Distinguished Teaching Scholars receive a CSU-based National Science Foundation permanent base-salary increment of Engineering Research Center for Extreme $7,500 and an annual $2,500 operating Ultraviolet Science and Technology, a account from their home colleges for collaborative effort with the University three years to pursue instructional of Colorado-Boulder and the University improvement and innovation projects. of California-Berkeley. For the names of all distinguished John Eisele New laser technologies developed at professors and teaching scholars, visit the Karolin Luger, professor of the center impact applications such as Offi ce of the Provost and Senior Vice biochemistry in the Department of next-generation integrated circuits, President’s Web page at http://www. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is nanofabrication, high-resolution provost.colostate.edu and click on one of the world’s foremost authorities in imaging, spectroscopy, and diagnostics “University Distinguished Faculty.” nucleosome structure, the basic unit for of dense plasmas.

4 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE THE VIEW FROM CAMPUS

University Distinguished Teaching Scholars Bill Cotton

John Sofos, professor in the Depart- ment of Animal Sciences, is internationally recognized for his

research in animal food safety including John Eisele Bill Cotton detecting and controlling bacterial pathogens in food as well as addressing Douglas Hoffman in the Nancy Levinger in the resistant bacteria. Department of Marketing is known Department of Chemistry is an Nominators recognized his standing as a leader in advancing teaching energetic and engaging scholar and as the world’s foremost authority on practices at CSU. He is an innova- teacher who is dedicated to pro- specifi c food-borne pathogens, his tive teacher, course developer, and moting young people in science research excellence, and his commitment noteworthy contributor to the through teaching, mentoring, to international cooperation and scholarship of teaching in the mar- national service, and leadership in communication in the fi eld. He also is a keting discipline. Peers admire his the University’s student programs. prolifi c author and serves extensively on dedication to advancing the art of She actively incorporates novel committees and panels on food safety. ◆ teaching for the benefi t of both teaching methods in CSU’s chemis- students and colleagues. try courses and is a strong advocate Since joining the University in of undergraduate research and “The quality of our 1997, Hoffman has won at least one advising undergraduate research and teaching major teaching or advising award researchers. is driven by the talent of per year, including the Board of Colleagues describe Levinger as Governors Excellence in Under- a teacher who is dynamic, creative, our faculty. They ensure graduate Teaching Award in 2006. fl exible, and focused on student that we contribute to the He also has been honored by major learning and the student learning development of new and marketing academic professional community. ◆ useful knowledge – in organizations. keeping with our mission – but also expand recognition of Colorado State.”

FALL 2007 5 THE VIEW FROM CAMPUS

A legacy in the making Student employee is awarded top honor by Paul Miller nh Ha, a junior in technical journalism at Colorado State, is Acreating an admirable legacy at the University – and she still has a full academic year left before she graduates in

Spring 2008. Ha, who works part-time at Bill Cotton Communications and Creative Services, was selected CSU’s Student Employee of ing Anh’s sisters, Trang Le and Loan Le, behind, and my mother misses them.” Ha, the Year, an award given to only one and her brother, Hung Ha, moved to Den- who speaks Vietnamese fl uently, may join student per year by Student Employment ver, where they still live. Anh has been her mother on the next trip to the place of Services. living in Fort Collins while attending CSU. her birth. In presenting the award, Robin Brown, Families are a very important part of vice president of Enrollment and Access, Vietnamese culture, Ha says. In fact, noted Ha’s admirable work ethic and “It’s rare when you when people are introduced to each other responsibilities in performing a wide come across a student for the fi rst time, last names are spoken range of duties at CCS. Mark Minor, CCS with the combination of before fi rst names to emphasize family director, adds, “It’s rare when you come ties. across a student with the combination of diligence, competency, For a career, Ha is interested in diligence, competency, and willingness to and willingness to take graphic design in advertising or public take on challenges that Anh has demon- on challenges that Anh relations. For enjoyment, she plays fi eld strated in her time here. She’s truly a has demonstrated in her hockey and celebrates events such as Tet, great help to us and a remarkable time here. She’s truly a an important observance in late January person.” or early February that marks the begin- Ha is involved with the Key Academic great help to us and a ning of the lunar new year and the Community, the Key Plus Community remarkable person.” beginning of spring. In the days prior to program, and Asian/Pacifi c American Tet, families cook enough food to last Student Services, or A/PASS. In addition days, pay off all debts, and make amends to being a member of the Marketing Club “My mother brought us to the United to rid bad feelings. Cleaning is frowned and the Korean student club, she is work- States because she wanted better lives for on during Tet so that good luck isn’t ing on starting an Asian-interest sorority, us,” Ha says. “I was too young to remem- swept away. The celebration of family, the fi rst of its kind at CSU. ber much about Vietnam, so I consider friends, food, and happiness lasts for Ha was born 21 years ago in Da Nang, this my home.” She adds that her mother, three days. Vietnam. Mai Le, her mother, moved the who is divorced from her father, visits Anh’s parting thoughts? “Chúc may family to the Philippines when Ha was 3 Vietnam frequently to be with her ma˘´n vay phát tài” – wishing you good years old. A year later, the family, includ- extended family. “We left a lot of family luck and prosperity. ◆

6 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE THE HUMAN Perspective

Nervously situations and schemes to successfully negotiate today’s employment world. employed or In my book (with Judy Whichard), Knowledge Nomads and the Nervously learning agile? Employed, these agile workers are described as technology-profi cient, economically savvy, and self-directed learners unhindered by geographic Commentary by Rich Feller constraints and focused on adding value eynote speeches, TV sound bytes, to projects. Tethered to cyberspace, they and self-help books entice us into respond 24/7 to employment demands Kbelieving that fi nding the best job from any location. Independently, they and the path to riches can be learned in cultivate their ideas, skill sets, and minutes. We avoid complexity in search learning opportunities, and they offer of simplicity to cope with the dizzying competitive advantages rather than speed of a technologically enhanced waiting for employers to identify such global workplace. The pressure is daunt- opportunities. ing to perform and be more accountable “Help Wanted” signs are their impera- Bill Cotton as the world shrinks and becomes more tives to work faster, smarter, or cheaper to improving fi nancial and health competitive. circumvent the proliferation of out- prospects to more productive While many experience great wealth sourced jobs. They are innovative, employees, an educated work force is creation, the average worker has not seen creative, highly adaptable, and noted for a country’s best investment. a raise in many years. The question of assessing honestly their abilities, perfor- • An educated populace supports long- how to fi nd better ways to share in the mance, and choices. term economic development and global economy is a question I’m often Moreover, knowledge nomads inspires research activity and asked by many people who face compen- measure success by nontraditional discovery that spawns innovation. sation cuts, automation, or outsourcing. standards. They see chaos and ambiguity We cannot change past bad judgment Making ends meet is increasingly diffi - as opportunities demanding innovation and policy about investing in talent and cult – rising bankruptcy rates, consumer and creativity, and they recognize the human capital, but we must accept debt, and nominal savings illustrate value of becoming global citizens who are responsibility for managing our careers America’s poor fi nancial health. Fewer of responsible for worldwide stewardship. and promoting learning agility for all. us work 9-5 for companies providing They are driven by economic, social, and When we look past immediate gratifi ca- health benefi ts, and more of us work as political equality; natural resource tion, we are free to create more options “free agents,” or temporary employees. sustainability; and ethical business for ourselves and others. Our rewards are Derailed by the speed of change and practices. As more competitive work and a more meaningful and signifi cant life for apprehensive about corporate instability, school environments nudge us to be more ourselves and a more promising future more workers feel “nervously employed.” learning agile, we are reminded of our for our children – as productive, adapt- On the contrary, learning-agile responsibility to create and take able citizens and lifetime contributors to workers understand the impact of a advantage of learning opportunities that the prosperity and sustainability of results-only workplace and embrace will guide our children’s future. society. ◆ responsibility for their careers and We can begin turning our learning Rich Feller is a University Distin- personal choices. Unwilling to be at the into work as we consider that: guished Teaching Scholar and professor of mercy of unstable work environments, • Higher education investments benefi t counseling and career development in the they create their own employment individuals as well as society. From School of Education.

FALL 2007 7 INSIDE RAM Sports Photos: John Eisele

From Rams star to Rockies’ main man by Jayleen Heft ow does a former Rams football football – and that choice led to even McGregor was drafted by the Denver star who studied microbiology more success as a college athletics Broncos in 1985 and played for Hand who considered a career as a administrator, professional sports busi- Indianapolis and Seattle before retiring. large-animal veterinarian become presi- nessman, community leader, and family He stayed in the game, though, coaching dent of a Major League baseball team? man. football at the University of Florida for The answer, it turns out, requires a close As an All-American tight end while at two seasons from 1988-89 while earning look at the life of Keli McGregor, a 1984 CSU in the 1980s, McGregor set school an advanced degree in education with an CSU graduate and president of the records with his accuracy, speed, block- emphasis on athletic administration. Colorado Rockies. ing, and big-play ability. Not bad for a guy After four years as associate athletic Although he may well have succeeded who considers himself a late bloomer – director at the University of Arkansas, he in veterinary medicine, McGregor instead he joined the team as a walk-on his joined the Rockies in 1993 as senior decided to capitalize on his time as a sophomore year. But that was just the director of operations, moving into Rams athlete by pursuing a career in beginning.

8 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE INSIDE RAM SPORTS

higher levels of responsibility before “I’m proud of the strong sense of the CSU football team have transferred being named president of the Rockies in humility Colorado State and Fort Collins into my everyday life,” he says. 2001. gave me,” McGregor says. “Coaching happens in all areas of life. Married to Lori, a 1985 alumna, You don’t have to play or sit on the bench McGregor is quick to emphasize that his to coach. And the qualities of a good Foundation for path to success has always been some- team-mate – paying attention to others success thing he and Lori did together from the and understanding your role – are valued time they met as teenagers. As a former in other roles we all play.” ◆ McGregor, who was born in Primgahr, Boettcher Scholar and business major, Iowa, but raised in Colorado, chose CSU Lori understands the challenges – and so for its veterinary medicine program. But does her husband. “I wouldn’t be where once McGregor reached 6 feet, 6 inches I am today without Lori,” McGregor says. and 225 pounds, he found the courage to “We did it all together.” walk on to CSU’s football team, where he ultimately discovered his knack for competition and leadership. All in the family McGregor is quick to credit two people who infl uenced him: CSU head As a father of four, how does football coach Sonny Lubick, who was McGregor balance his demanding work offensive coordinator when McGregor and family life? was a player; and the late Fum McGraw, “The key is to get outside of your the University’s athletic director in the world and into the family’s world. You Keli McGregor early 1980s. make conscious choices individually and at a glance “Sonny Lubick cares deeply about professionally to balance your life – and • 1984 CSU graduate in each of his players as athletes and as I fi nd ways to get away from baseball,” microbiology. people who have lives outside of football,” McGregor says. “For relaxation, I’d often • Second on the CSU record books McGregor says. “You knew he cared about rather watch something on TV with my for most receptions in one season (69); third on the CSU all-time you. Coach Lubick also has a very unique family than go somewhere. However, my reception list (153). ability to put things in perspective. He son, Logan, is a Nuggets fan, so we • Colorado State’s All-Century Team became a valued friend.” occasionally attend a game.” He adds that (1992). “From the fi rst time I met Keli, he was another passion is cheering for his • CSU Hall of Fame (1996). an impressive individual because of his beloved CSU Rams. • Wife Lori (at left in photo above), convictions, his dedication, and his As a respected businessman, 1985 business graduate and Boettcher Scholar. Daughters desire,” Lubick says. “You could see that McGregor knows about the role sports Jordan, 17; Taylor, 14; and Landri, whatever Keli chose to pursue, he was play in our culture and how the strategies 11. Son Logan, 9. going to succeed.” for winning in sports mirror strategies • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation board McGraw also played a key role in that can lead to success in other areas of member. • President and co-founder of McGregor’s life. “Fum was a great exam- life. Reaching Out to Youth (ROY) ple of what I wanted to be. He had a “In sports, you talk about team work, Foundation. tremendous presence, and his leadership sacrifi ce, and preparation. Winning in life • Denver Metro Chamber of skills had a great infl uence on me. He requires a lot of the same. So many Commerce board member. gave me his time, showed personal elements of sports are the common • Recipient of the 2007 William E. Morgan Alumni Achievement interest, and became a mentor I greatly elements of building quality in life. The Award, the highest honor given admired. leadership skills I developed as captain of by Colorado State’s Alumni Association. ◆

FALL 2007 9 FIGHTING DISEASE

Fragile mosquitoes carry infectious disease agents by Paul Miller Photos: Bill Cotton

The bottom line for CSU On a given day in Mérida, the capital and largest city of the state of Yucatán in researchers is to help people Mexico, tourists and residents alike can visit magnifi cent cathedrals and Mayan ruins who need it the most. and enjoy the rich cultural ambiance of the city. Founded in 1542 by a Spanish conquistador, Mérida, which is about 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, is ranked 13th among the most populous Mexican cities. Mérida also is an area where mosquitoes can carry dangerous disease agents like the dengue virus. However, Colorado State’s new Infectious Disease Supercluster will fi ght dengue and other infectious diseases in Mérida and throughout the world. During a recent trip to Mérida in early 2007, Barry Beaty, professor of virology at CSU, continued ongoing work with colleagues at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán to study dengue fever and an especially severe disease manifestation called dengue hemorrhagic fever. Beaty, a University Distinguished Professor and director of the Infectious Disease Supercluster, says that dengue hemorrhagic fever started appearing in Mérida in about 1995 and that the disease ranges throughout the tropical world. “Dengue fever affects probably 50 million to 100 million people a year,” Beaty says. “It can affect so many people in a community that it has major socio-economic impacts.” Research into disease requires intricate lab He adds that there is no cure and no vaccine to treat the disease once a person has been work (above) and innovative projects such as infected. The disease can cause high fever, joint pain, and bleeding from the skin, nose, insecticide-treated curtains (above right) to keep mosquitoes out of houses. and gums.

10 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE Mosquito-gathering techniques are discussed between Barry Beaty, University Distinguished Professor of virology (left), entomologist Julián García Rejón (center), and a helper during a research project in Mérida, Mexico.

“We’ve estimated that more than 70 to fi ve years, so it would be a very good Tiny insect, planet-sized percent of the people in Mérida and the solution to a serious threat. It’s an problem Yucatán have had contact with the virus,” exciting idea to be able to use available Mérida is not the only place with says Dr. Jose Farfan from the Yucatán technologies.” deadly infectious diseases. Beaty notes University. Researchers also are using current that, once detection and prevention technology to develop systems to better Mosquitoes are right systems are integrated into Mérida’s track infectious diseases. “We’re putting public health programs, health offi cials at home together what we call a Dengue will want to use the approach elsewhere The dengue virus is carried by the Information System,” says Lars Eisen, to control the disease. Aedes aegypti mosquito, which favors assistant professor in CSU’s Department Better yet, the methods used to fi ght houses for its life cycle. “That mosquito is of Microbiology, Immunology, and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes also may work very well adapted to humans,” Beaty says. Pathology. “It’s a computer-based system for other diseases. “It’s an intervention The research project in Mérida seeks incorporating GIS and analytical software that potentially goes beyond just one to attack dengue in two ways. One is to that will help map locations of the cases disease,” Beaty says. work with medical clinics in the colonias, and ultimately calculate how often The collaboration between CSU and or neighborhoods, and monitor when disease occurs within populations in the Yucatán University also is helping to and where infections occur; thus, early certain parts of the city.” create a new generation of researchers warnings can be given in case of The key is to make this new tool and scientists. epidemics. Another approach is a simple, inexpensive, and easy to fi t in “These problems really do exist on a preemptive strike to keep mosquitoes with existing control efforts, says Saul global scale, and if we’re going to make a from living and feeding in houses. This Lozano-Fuentes, postdoctoral research difference, it’s critical to train and develop approach, called Casa Segura (safe associate at Colorado State. cadres and networks of scientists house), uses insecticide-treated curtains, This year, mapping showed a cluster worldwide,” says Tony Frank, CSU’s senior a simple but effective method that Beaty of dengue cases in neighborhoods vice president and provost. Moreover, the is anxious to see succeed. surrounding a large cemetery in Mérida. bottom line for CSU’s researchers is to “We’re trying for better dengue Local mosquito control personnel know help people who need it the most. control by instituting Casa Segura – that standing water in cemetery fl ower “In some of the very poor areas,” stopping the mosquito from biting people pots can become breeding grounds for Beaty says, “people may be bitten 100, 200 in houses by hanging insecticide-treated Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. While times a night by mosquitoes. Just curtains. We think we can protect a honoring their dead, Mérida’s residents controlling that would be wonderful – but typical house for several years for less unknowingly support a dangerous then to go to the next step and help them than $5. The curtains are effective for up disease. in their health and happiness is a very laudable goal.” ◆

FALL 2007 11 BEST OF CSU

Colorado State’s rich history comes to life or years, emeritus history Profes- voices and stories that make the institu- sor James Hansen has been sifting tion’s rich history come to life. The last Fthrough a mountain of material lines of Democracy’s University speak best about Colorado State’s past, and now a to that ideal: second volume of his invaluable work has “For more than 135 years, intelligent, been published. creative, hardworking people have Democracy’s University: A History of produced something special. Together Colorado State University, 1970-2003, they have fashioned and preserved which picks up where Hansen’s fi rst book eternal truths and new knowledge of a left off, begins with a recounting of the high order in ways that serve catastrophic fl ood of July 1997 that tore humankind’s needs. Few institutions can through campus and caused millions of claim as much.” dollars in damage. To order a book, call (970) 491-6198, Throughout the next 24 chapters, e-mail [email protected]. Hansen presents an incisive and meticu- edu, or visit 115 General Services Build- lously researched narrative about the ing on CSU’s main campus. Cost is $27, tumultuous times, successes, and special not including tax or shipping. Hansen’s challenges at the University. fi rst volume of CSU’s history, Democracy’s Hansen’s work over the years to docu- College in the Centennial State, also is ◆ John Eisele ment CSU’s heritage helps preserve the available for $40.

Our long reach

hile on patrol in March 2006 in a small town in Wnorthern Iraq, Army Staff Sgt. William Dressel, a Fort Collins native, came across an Iraqi boy wearing a CSU sweatshirt. “As he approached our patrol, I had to stop him and get a picture with him,” Dressel says. “I will say it scared the hell out of him. He had no idea why I wanted to take the picture.” No interpreter was available at the time, so Dressel wasn’t able to fi nd out where the boy got the sweatshirt. Dressel, who says he grew up loving the CSU Rams as a kid, served with the 101st Airborne Division when this photo was taken. ◆

12 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE BEST OF CSU

Ten years after disaster 1997 fl ood creates opportunity out of crisis by Paul Miller ain can be very soothing – or it conference participants resumed events can be a torrent of destruction. three days after the fl ood. RThe rain the evening of July 28, “It was overwhelming,” says Julie 1997, was eerie enough to catch the atten- Wessling, assistant dean of University tion of Nolan Doesken, who now is state Libraries. “No building, no electricity, no climatologist. The rain was so thick, he computers or network connections, no remembers, that it was like breathing working phones, and no safe access to water. He also noticed another sound – parts of the collection not damaged by sirens. “I sensed I was experiencing a the disaster.” disaster, but I had no idea what it was.” And tons of books soaked to the By morning, the disaster was very spines. Damaged books were quickly clear. The rain had turned ugly with fl ash removed and frozen in special trucks, fl oods, fi ve people in Fort Collins had then shipped to warehouses for repair. died, and CSU had catastrophic damage Major projects included replacing to buildings and personal property. The volumes with gifts and repurchasing storm dropped more than 10 inches of items damaged beyond repair. One post- water in places, making it one of the fl ood innovation was the creation of largest documented rainstorms in RapidILL, a nationally recognized interli- Colorado’s recorded history. brary loan/document delivery service. Damage on campus was quickly The library had an especially mean- assessed at more than $100 million, with ingful celebration in September 1998. A 500,000 volumes in Morgan Library dedication was held to celebrate the end destroyed or damaged, 39 buildings of a campaign, started in 1994, to reno- damaged, and hundreds of faculty, staff, vate and build an addition onto the and graduate students directly affected. library. The event, originally scheduled a Water had smashed into the lower level of year earlier, also served to mark the end Lory Student Center, destroying of fl ood recovery efforts. restaurants, a bowling alley, student At the student center, the staggering media offi ces, and the entire $5 million task of replacing textbooks began with a fall inventory of textbooks. The historic temporary store and rush orders stream- Oval, a beautiful, tree-lined centerpiece, ing out to publishing companies. By the Photos: CSU Archives Morgan Library in the days following the fl ood (top turned into a swamp fi lled with stinking fi rst day of classes, the facility was ready two photos) and as it looks today (bottom). debris – the same fate as basements in with about 85 percent of the needed text- many buildings surrounding the Oval. books for more than 22,000 students. emeritus history Professor James Hansen, Working in sauna conditions, Redesigning and rebuilding 107,000 “but people in the University community Facilities Management crews mopped up square feet of the lower level – typically a and throughout the region jumped in and the mess alongside faculty and staff. fi ve-year job – was done in 18 months. helped in every way possible. Summer classes resumed after being “The fl ood was one of the greatest “Our mettle had been tested, and we canceled only two days, and 5,000 natural disasters our school faced,” says passed.” ◆

FALL 2007 13 A participant in a national Step It Up campaign in Old Town, Fort Collins, airs her views along with other citizens (Page 16).

14 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE The planet’s

thermometer

by Paul Miller he good news about global swung to support the belief that humans climate change is that play a substantial role in global warming, civilization won’t disappear any and that it’s going to be humans who time soon. But the more thought- must help stem or decrease the impacts Climate change provoking news – we can’t call it bad of that change.” news quite yet – is that the need to issues heat up a address issues of human-induced climate BBuildinguilding oonn ppastast change is becoming more urgent every spectrum of day. ddiscoveriesiscoveries For most of history, the notion that The causes and effects of global discussion and humans could affect natural processes on warming aren’t new discoveries. In the a global scale was inconceivable. The 1890s, Svante Arrhenius, a Swedish action planet was too vast and our impact chemist, saw the emerging industrial seemingly minimal. But we now know revolution pouring increasing amounts of that oceans can be overfi shed, waterways carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. He can be polluted, grasslands can be found out that doubling the load of CO2 overgrazed, and the air itself can be in the atmosphere would warm the planet unhealthy to breathe. by about 8 degrees F – and those By and large, we know how to fi x numbers aren’t far off current estimates. those problems. Fishing limits can be Computer models generally indicate imposed, water-quality regulations global temperatures may rise about 5.4 enforced, and so on. But now we’re facing degrees F on average by the middle of potential problems from a planet whose this century, given current trends. The top thermometer is stuck on high – and the part of the range has been estimated as key question is how to deal with it. high as 8 degrees F. “An overwhelming majority of the Greenhouse gases are largely the scientifi c community agrees that climate source of this warming. The greenhouse change is real, that the data seem to be effect, fi rst discovered in 1829, is a supporting a change that’s more rapid process that warms Earth’s temperature than it has been in the past,” says Bill when atmospheric gases such as carbon Farland, Colorado State’s vice president dioxide, ozone, methane, nitrous oxide, for research. “I think the pendulum has chlorofl uorocarbons, and water vapor

Joe Mendoza FALL 2007 15 96 percent CO2 and the surface tempera- IPCC scientists, “There’s no question that ture is more than 750 degrees F. global mean temperatures are warming.” refl ect and trap energy from the sun. Fortunately, we’re not in immediate Solomon, a senior scientist at the Almost a hundred years after that danger of hitting temperatures hot National Oceanic and Atmospheric discovery, Guy Stewart Callendar, a enough to melt lead. “Climate change is, Administration, discussed other fi ndings British engineer, was one of the fi rst more than anything, a problem of the by the international panel, which scientists to suggest that human- future,” Denning says. “People tend to be assessed scientifi c, technical, and socio- produced greenhouse gases were likely distracted by a very small minority who economic information relevant for the the link to increasing global question whether the Earth is warming understanding of climate change, its temperatures, a phenomenon already and whether people are causing the potential impacts, and options for under observation at that time change. The science is clear: Basic physics adaptation and mitigation. Greenhouse gas isn’t completely a bad tells us that the more CO2 you load into thing, though. “If we didn’t have the the atmosphere, the more warming you’ll downward radiation from CO2 and other get. The real concern is the next 50 years gases – if not for the greenhouse effect – and beyond. the Earth would be too cold to live on,” “We talk about the rise in CO2 from says Scott Denning, associate professor of about 270 parts per million 250 years ago atmospheric science. In fact, without to about 380 ppm today. That current greenhouse gases, the aver- number is far, far higher than any time age temperature of the over the past 650,000 years, according to earth would be an unin- ice core samples, and possibly the highest habitable zero degrees. right now that the Earth has seen in 20 On the opposite end of million years. But it’s still only a 40 the spectrum, too percent increase over pre-industrial

much CO2 can cook a times. The trouble is that we think by the John Eisele Noted scientist Susan Solomon visits Fort Collins to planet like a smelter. end of this century, CO2 may hit 700 ppm present fi ndings from the Intergovernmental Panel Witness Venus, to 1,000 ppm, and that represents a 300 on Climate Change. where the atmo- percent increase. That’s what we should sphere is about be concerned about.” Some of the panel’s fi ndings show that the amount of snow and ice is decreasing, IInternationalnternational ppanelanel the sea level is rising, and extreme events sspeakspeaks outout such as heat waves, droughts, and fl oods are expected to change as the Earth’s One of the nation’s noted climate changes. scientists on climate change visited These events and others, scientists Rocky Mountain High School in say, are now setting the stage for signifi - Fort Collins for a talk this spring as cant changes in the landscape that could part of an outreach program co- affect human societies and fl ora and hosted by CSU’s Center for fauna worldwide. In National Geographic, Multi-Scale Modeling of for example, staff member Tim Appen- Atmospheric Processes, or CMMAP. zeller notes that rapidly melting glaciers Susan Solomon, who co-chairs a working could leave “millions of people in coun- group for the Intergovernmental Panel on tries like Bolivia, Peru, and India who Climate Change, said that, in the view of now depend on meltwater from moun- 0

tain glaciers for irrigation, drinking, and Joe Mendoza Joe 16 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE 100 hydropower … high and dry. Meanwhile, ways to generate energy. “Not just if global warming continues unabated, driving ourselves around – it’s the coasts could drown. If vulnerable also electricity, heating and parts of the ice that blankets Greenland lighting our homes, and Antarctica succumb, rising seas manufacturing our goods – our could fl ood hundreds of thousands of whole economy is tied very square miles – much of Florida, Bangla- tightly to energy being generated desh, the Netherlands – and displace tens by CO -emitting fossil fuels.” 2 Bill Cotton of millions of people.”

PPuttingutting wwedgesedges ttoo wworkork So far, very few of the SSustainingustaining thethe futurefuture One compelling strategy to reduce options available to reduce That’s the bad news. But there is good global emissions was devised by two global emissions – news: Humanity already has the technical Princeton University scientists, Stephen and scientifi c tools needed to address Pacala and Robert Socolow. “A portfolio including energy climate change problems and, with skill of technologies now exists to meet the conservation and and a bit of sweat equity, to turn things world’s energy needs over the next 50 alternative transportation – around. years and limit atmospheric CO2 to a “Climate change is slow, and the trajectory that avoids a doubling of the are a pipe dream or an potential consequences are pretty bad, preindustrial concentration,” Pacala and unproven idea. but they’re out farther than we realize,” Socolow said in a Science magazine Denning says. “The sky’s not going to fall article. Some of those strategies, called CCloselose ttoo hhomeome next year. The serious consequences are stabilization wedges, include: coming up one or two generations from • more effi cient vehicles and reduced At Colorado State, research and now. To prevent that, we have some use of vehicles; outreach from the sciences to the diffi cult technological and economic • more effi cient buildings and coal-fi red humanities are advancing on multiple choices to make in the short term. We power plants; fronts to explore climate change can’t wait 20 years then do something • increasing the use of natural gas to phenomena and fi nd solutions. about it: The CO2 we keep pouring into replace coal; One of the latest efforts to address the atmosphere will stay there over a • carbon capture and storage; climate change began with the creation of geologic time frame.” • major expansion of renewable energy a sustainability advisory committee. Vice Estimates put the total amount of CO2 technology such as wind, photovoltaic, President for Research Bill Farland and humans are adding per year to the hydrogen, and biofuels; Vice Provost Lou Swanson, who leads atmosphere at 26 gigatons, with the • nuclear fi ssion; and Outreach and Strategic Partnerships United States contributing far more than • changing forest management and programs at Colorado State, were any other country. And Solomon says agricultural soils practices. appointed co-chairmen of the committee, that, although China has more people, “None of the options is a pipe dream a task they both welcomed. their per capita emission currently is or an unproven idea,” the scientists noted. “One of our goals is to establish an about four times less than the United “Today, one can buy electricity from a offi ce that works both on and off campus States; most European countries emit wind turbine, PV array, gas turbine, or to advance sustainability in all its about half as much CO2 per capita than nuclear power plant. One can buy manifestations,” Swanson says. “We the United States. hydrogen produced with the chemistry of should help people understand that, to The main ways to address global carbon capture, biofuel to power one’s car, become a more sustainable campus and warming, Denning says, should be and hundreds of devices0 that improve to make climate change issues more 0 conservation of energy and alternative energy effi ciency.” integral to our curriculum and our 102 112FALLFFALALL 2007 17 interdisciplinary research efforts, we TTowardoward a bbetteretter futurefuture cannot simply continue doing what we’ve Both Farland and Swanson emphasize always done. We have to change our the importance of engaging faculty, staff, behavior. and students in multiple ways to face the “The good part is that most people on challenges of climate change. Students, campus already believe these goals are especially, are the key, Farland notes: important and truly want to be part of “How do we build an understanding of the solution.” Joe Mendoza sustainability into the curricula so English Professors John Calderazzo and SueEllen Farland also sees the same strong Campbell are leading a campuswide charge to students leave with a better grasp of these sustainability ethic on campus. He adds bring climate change issues to students and faculty. global issues and a basis upon which to that the advisory committee is just one make personal choices about how to “It’s important for students to hear part of the University’s ongoing efforts better conduct their lives and interact about climate change from a wide range that include the signing of the Talloires with the community?” of disciplines,” Calderazzo says. “As Declaration in 2001, a commitment teachers, we’re training citizens, and signed by universities throughout the those citizens need to exercise critical world to increase the awareness, We’d like the world to know thinking not only in climate change knowledge, technologies, and tools for an that, when you come to issues, but in every aspect of their lives.” environmentally sustainable future. CSU, you walk into a In the short term, Calderazzo and “CSU’s strong heritage in Campbell envision a series of seminars in environmental stewardship includes culture of sustainability that which faculty and staff from departments green building practices, use of values the environment. throughout campus learn about global alternative fuels, better management of climate change and then consider how its the power grid, solar power research, and One answer is already under way. implications might fi t into their own many other efforts,” Farland says. English professors John Calderazzo and disciplines. “Coming up is a major wind-farm project SueEllen Campbell have proposed to the The couple tried thinking of any that will potentially generate more power president’s sustainability committee discipline that wouldn’t be affected by than the campus consumes.” several ideas to engage students and climate change. “We couldn’t do it,” teachers alike in across-the-curricula Campbell says. “Every discipline you can educational opportunities. The couple’s name is now or will be affected, either initiative is Changing Climates @ CSU. directly or indirectly.” “We’re now building an information “We’ve been encouraged by the results pool of and for CSU folks who are so far,” Calderazzo says. “Of course, the especially interested and committed to time for all this is now – or yesterday.” issues of climate change,” Campbell says. “The institution – as all others – has “We’re also collecting a small sub-group to make it clear that sustainable values of faculty to plan a series of ‘educate should be proclaimed and implemented,” ourselves fi rst’ events for the coming fall.” Swanson says. “And we’re dependent on individuals to internalize these values – Student research not just because they’re told to, but helps advance projects such as because they really want to. the effort to refi ne John Eisele “We’d like the world to know that, oil from certain species of when you come to CSU, you walk into a algae. culture of sustainability that values the 0 environment. That’s an integral part of how we pursue our many goals. ◆ 18 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE 116 Taking pulse

A compendium Biodiversity of grasslands of CSU research Biology Professor Alan Knapp is in sustainability directing a 15-year study on the effects of global warming on grasslands in the and global climate United States. Knapp’s research has change shown that some U.S. grasslands will become more diverse but less productive as predicted changes in precipitation Carbon sequestration and patterns related to global warming take agriculture place. Reduced production of grasslands John Eisele Bill Parton, senior research scientist at the Natural Keith Paustian, soil and crop would have a negative economic impact Resources Ecology Laboratory, and Michelle Betsill, on ranchers. associate professor of political science, represent sciences professor and senior research ongoing climate change research at CSU from the scientist at the Natural Resources Ecology sciences to the humanities. Laboratory, is looking into changes in Biofuels and greenhouse agricultural practices across the nation gas emissions reductions Antarctic ecosystems that could offset up to one-seventh of William Parton, NREL senior Diana Wall, biology professor and current greenhouse gas emissions in the research scientist, studies how different senior research scientist at the NREL, is United States. Emissions could be further crops used for biofuels have varying researching how soil biodiversity reduced by replacing fossil fuels with effects on decreasing the amount of contributes to healthy, productive soils. biofuels made from agricultural crops. greenhouse gas emissions into the Wall examines how soil food webs and A combination of carbon sequestration atmosphere. Parton’s expertise centers on ecosystem processes respond to global in agricultural soils and a reduction in global warming effects on the eastern change in the Antarctic Dry Valleys and nitrous oxide and methane emissions plains of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, how the changing global climate is from agricultural sources could reduce and western parts of the Dakotas. affecting Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems current greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity. by 6 percent to 14 percent. Atmospheric processes Atmospheric science Professor David Environmental governance Randall, a coordinating lead author for Michele Betsill, associate professor the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate of political science in the College of Change, is director of the Center for Liberal Arts, focuses her research on Multi-Scale Modeling of Atmospheric global environmental governance with Processes, a new center at CSU that particular emphasis on the politics of sponsors educational resources for public climate change. She teaches courses in schools and teachers regarding weather, international relations and global climate, and educational and environmental politics. Bill Cotton employment opportunities in the fi eld.

FALL 2007 19 Religion and Center for renewable environmental ethics energy Holmes Rolston III, widely CSU researchers are playing an recognized as the father of environmental integral role in the state’s push for more ethics as an academic discipline, has renewable energy innovation. The new shaped the essential nature, scope, and Colorado Center for Biorefi ning and issues of the discipline. A University Biofuels, the fi rst research center created Distinguished Professor of philosophy under the new Colorado Renewable and noted author, Rolston has seen an Energy Collaboratory, was announced evolution of clergy concerned about Joe Mendoza this spring by Gov. Bill Ritter. Partners at better stewardship of the Earth. He the center also include the University of teaches environmental ethics at CSU. Wind power Colorado, Colorado School of Mines, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Through the Green Power Project, Tips for teaching Colorado State University is developing a sustainability wind farm in northern Colorado that will Sustaining the future A team of CSU educators including generate more power than the campus Sustainability programs at CSU Brett Bruyere, Brian Dunbar, Gailma- consumes. The project – to be completed include the Green is Gold campaign, an rie Kimmel, Peter Newman, and Bill within eight years – also will serve as a energy-saving program of mandated and Timpson, with local sustainability coor- unique outdoor lab for researchers rang- voluntary measures to reduce energy and dinator Hillary Mizia, have published ing in areas such as clean energy water use. Other efforts include recycling, 147 Practical Tips for Teaching Sustain- technology development to a variety of the use of biodiesel, retrofi ts for more ability (Atwood Publishing). The book is related environmental impact studies. effi cient lighting, bioremediation wet- a guide for faculty and other educators to lands, more effi cient use of infrastructure enhance the ability of higher education Worldwide pollution such as steam turbines and plumbing and related fi elds to make sustainability reduction fi xtures, and vending machines that cycle the goal of learning and practice. off when not in use. Envirofi t International Ltd., a In addition, several buildings on cam- company that originated in CSU’s pus have been certifi ed by the Green Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory, is retrofi tting ineffi cient two- stroke motorcycles overseas with fuel-effi cient engines that dramatically reduce emissions. Bryan Willson, director of the lab, received the inaugural World Clean Energy Awards in recognition of innovative practices and leadership in implementing broad-based energy Building Council’s Leadership in Energy solutions such as Envirofi t. and Environmental Design program. LEED is a voluntary, market-driven national standard for developing high- The Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory performance, sustainable buildings. is delivering signifi cant solutions to meet global energy challenges, such as the worldwide project More information and environmental (left) to clean up air pollution by retrofi tting millions reports are on the Web at http://www. of two-stroke engines with cleaner, direct-injection ◆ Bill Cotton technology. fm.colostate.edu/sustain/index.htm.

20 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE Jane Goodall presents A Reason to Hope at CSU

ane Goodall, world-renowned conservationist and U.N. Messenger Jof Peace, visited campus in April to deliver her special message of hope as part of the Monfort Lecture Series at Colorado State. Goodall began her work studying chimpanzees in Tanzania in 1960 under the mentorship of anthropologist Louis Leaky. Her work at what was then called the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve has served as a foundation of primatological research. The Jane Goodall Institute, founded in 1977, continues her pioneering research of chimpanzee behavior. Today, the institute is a global leader in protecting chimpanzees and their habitats. During her visit, Goodall met with student members of CSU’s Roots & Shoots chapter (photos at top), a Jane Goodall Institute youth program that supports young people involved in service projects that are educational and benefi cial to people, animals, and the environment. ◆ Dr. Jane Goodall, who spoke on campus in April, is in good company with Mr. H. (for hope), in her left hand and Mr. H. Junior in her right hand. Mr. H. has traveled throughout the world with Goodall to spread a messageFALL of hope. 2007 21 Photos: Joe Mendoza RESEARCH Horizons In Defense of the Environment by Kathy Hayes I

22 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE RESEARCH HORIZONS

The thumb-sized, yellow-bellied toad in Bavaria is the subject of CEMML studies along with many other species of fl ora and fauna found throughout 30 million acres of land in the United States and overseas.

Microcosm of global landscapes Paradoxically, military lands are not wastelands but unique landscapes supporting abundant resources including rare, historic artifacts and a rich

assortment of plant life, animals, birds, Photo: CEMML insects, and water creatures. The activities that military lands support, however, are markedly different military use good land management The research team, led by CEMML from those that occur on National Park practices and also comply with state and founding father and natural resources Service, Forest Service, and other federal laws so as not to inadvertently Professor Robert Shaw, also rediscovered federally managed lands. destroy cultural and natural resources.” Tetramolopium arenarium, a member of So that troops can best prepare for As a research and service unit within the aster family that was presumed to be whatever challenges they might face, it the Warner College of Natural Resources, extinct. Samples of T. arenarium and each behooves them to train in areas that CEMML is strategically positioned to of the other plants growing at Pohakuloa mirror environmental conditions from provide the military with a full range of comprised the beginnings of the CEMML around the globe, Doe says. “The military Universitywide expertise and services herbarium, a collection now numbering needs very diverse environments, and it’s from ecologists, statisticians, and data- 30,000 plants. important that those lands be available base managers to GIS modeling and CEMML personnel worked and maintained. Our job is to help the cultural resources management support. cooperatively with federal land management staffs to develop integrated management plans to preserve the area’s Protecting fragile natural and cultural resources. species Consequently, the military redirected its training activities, including abandoning In the late 1980s at the Pohakuloa the use of a newly constructed $24 Training Area in Hawaii, for example, million fi ring range. Army personnel engaged in training Today, CEMML researchers remain on activities noticed an array of fragile site, involved in environmental monitor- plants growing among the area’s lava ing activities that include building fences formations. Military operations ceased to protect native fl ora and fauna from while CEMML scientists conducted an their greatest threats: non-native goats, extensive botanic study that yielded 270 sheep, and pigs. CEMML’s assistance in plants – 23 of them rare and endangered. the Pohakuloa Training Area project led Photo: CEMML

FALL 2007 23 Nancy Hastings, research associate, and Bob Brozka, associate director at the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands, review plant species locations on the Pohakuloa Training Area in Hawaii.

predictive archaeological model of the Warren explains that certain military installation’s cultural and historic activities may mimic natural resources before the military started new disturbances that now are more development. controlled, such as wildfi res, or no longer “With this modeling, we were able to occur, such as thundering herds of bison. look at constellations of known sites and Military and natural disturbances tend to project where other sites might be,” be heterogeneous in their nature and Joe Mendoza Zeidler says. The valuable planning tool spatial distribution, thus providing provides Army land managers and habitat for species that prefer pristine to a Military Conservation Partner Award, soldiers with reliable information on areas as well as those that depend on which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service areas to avoid as well as ways to identify disturbed habitat. “The best populations presented to the Army earlier this year. potential sites where future of some amphibians in Europe – toads, in archaeological survey work is warranted. particular – are found in tank tracks,” Warren says. “Some insects love exposed Relics of civilizations sand, which results from the destruction past Surprising of vegetation.” discoveries Warren and his team are continuing Paleoamericans who roamed the studies to determine precisely the kinds, Central and Southwestern plains 12,000 One of CEMML’s key functions is to sizes, ages, frequencies, shapes, and years ago thrived largely because of their provide information and tools that will distributions of disturbances that prove keen observations of nature. Traveling help minimize the military’s damage to benefi cial. with the seasons to capitalize on food and the environment, notes Steve Warren, a Such research eventually translates favorable weather, these early humans CEMML restoration ecologist. GIS into new knowledge that is shared with also buried their dead and invented models, for example, present scenarios of the military as well as with students, spears with stone points, enabling them how military activity will affect the colleagues, and other environmental to hunt for food. watershed and, consequently, other constituents. Telltale remains of this intriguing aspects of the environment. “As part of our land-grant institution, population are scarce, but 10 feet below “If you impact one area of the water- CEMML participates in all three facets of the ground at Fort Riley, Kansas, lies clear shed as opposed to another, what will be the University’s mission – teaching, evidence of Paleo Indian occupation, says the effect on soil erosion?” Warren asks. research, and service,” Doe says. While the archaeologist James Zeidler, CEMML’s “We use these models to help the military center’s focus is applied land associate director for cultural resources. choose the right time and location for its management, CEMML scientists also Excavations at one Fort Riley site activities to mitigate the impact on the teach courses and provide guest lectures, prompted CEMML archaeologists to environment.” incorporating many examples from what recommend it for listing on the National While large portions of military lands they’ve learned in the fi eld, and work Register of Historic Places. The site now remain untouched, Warren and his closely with other University faculty and is protected as a green zone, leaving research team have conducted rigorous researchers who can provide expertise on surrounding areas available for military scientifi c studies on military training projects of mutual interest. Moreover, development. areas in Bavaria that suggest that some students working for CEMML, both on CEMML researchers also worked with degree of disturbance may benefi t certain campus and on site, gain unparalleled other experts in archaeology, geomor- species. hands-on learning experiences. ◆ phology, and GIS modeling to develop a

24 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE The Competitive Edge is a monthly, online business The Competitive Edge examines issues including: newsletter from Colorado State University President ■ economic forecasts for Colorado ■ and Chancellor Larry Penley that covers the most business start-ups ■ innovations and partnerships making a global difference current issues, research, and resources that affect ■ university student projects addressing real-world problems Colorado’s economy and quality of life. ■ research that affects the state, the nation, and the world

FALL 2007 25 Have You Included Colorado State University “It takes a noble person to plant In Your Will? a seed to grow a tree that will It’s never too early to start thinking about the kind of legacy you want to leave at Colorado State University. Through your one day provide bequest to the University, you can make a great impact and shade to those ensure a successful future for the students, faculty, and staff of CSU whom one may never meet.” Bequests can be directed to help support scholarships or students, provide funding for outstanding faculty and state- – Dr. David E. Trueblood (Earlham College, Indiana) of-the-art facilities and equipment for teaching and research, build and maintain library collections or memorialize a family member, friend or favorite teacher ~ your gift can benefi t all areas of Colorado State University

To leave your legacy, contact the CSU Offi ce of Planned Giving Bill Sheets (970) 491-4679 Marianne Blackwell (970) 491-7862 www.plannedgiving.colostate.edu26 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE RESEARCH Horizons

Connecting people to forest dynamics

by Kay Rios he silence of forests refl ects a calm and solid stature, giving off a Tsense of stability. But in reality, changes occur every day as thousands of species interact in the forest and undergo transformation. The cycle of life works its magic, but gradual changes can be dis- rupted by sudden changes such as infestation, fi res, or major droughts – and of course there’s the human factor. What may appear to be a healthy, thriving forest may instead be a stage for pending disaster. That’s where the Colo- rado Forest Restoration Institute, or CFRI, comes in, says Dan Binkley, the institute’s director and professor in the Warner Col- lege of Natural Resources. “We provide people with information on what the changes are in their landscape. We can advise them on forest health issues and help them see a forest as part of a dynamic, changing landscape.” After several devastating fi res, Congress created the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfi re Prevention Act in 2005. As a result, CFRI was created as part of the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes formed by the governors of Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico with the mission of restoring the health of forests and reducing severe wildfi res in the three states. “With a century of citizens interacting with the land, the forest has changed a lot Students in a Natural Resources Ecology for example, in density. Regular fi res used and Measurements class hike through a burn area near CSU’s Pingree Park campus. Photos: Bill Cotton to clean the forest out, but once we began

FALL 2007 27 RESEARCH HORIZONS

out, other things begin to happen. know how the forest works. And our Smaller trees can grow, and species such understanding of how these particular as bluebirds are attracted to those open forests work is very different than 20 areas rather than habitats that are more years ago.” dense and dark, he says. Romme and Binkley brought in cur- It’s that kind of information that the rent knowledge and information on institute is spreading. “We are not in the updated techniques, Clement says. business of creating new knowledge “They discussed forest treatment and through elegant research,” Binkley says. talked about how we could create eco- “What Congress had in mind with form- nomic opportunities and focus on ing the institute was putting existing ecological needs at the same time. Rather Maria Fernandez-Gimenez (photo above, at left), information into useful packaging.” than take away from the resiliency of the associate professor in the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Stewardship, leads Jessica Clement, Ph.D. candidate and forest, management can add to that resil- a fi eld trip on rangeland measurements and research associate in the Department of iency. Bill Romme explained how monitoring near Red Feather Lakes. Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Stew- harvesting can be benefi cial to a lodge- to suppress those natural fi res, we had an ardship at CSU, stresses the importance pole pine forest and how there is an explosion of trees. Now when there’s a of CFRI’s work. “It helps get this very ecological way to do that. fi re, it’s more severe, and there’s more of a “He and Dan helped us focus on the chance it will run into a house than issues, and they did it in a way that was would have happened a hundred years A key goal of the much more understandable instead of an ago.” Institute is to help people academic or journal write-up. It was very Bill Romme, professor and associate understand the wide successful.” director of CFRI, explains that a major diversity of forests in Institute representatives have been benefi t to restoring the forest to its his- busy since the CFRI was formed. They’ve toric condition is that it reduces fi re Colorado and how fi res established a Web site, offered short hazards. “Previous anti-fi re programs and forest management courses for practicing foresters, spoken at were very successful, but that changed the differ dramatically among meetings and community gatherings, structure of the forest, making it more forests. produced a number of state-of-knowl- dangerous.” Dense clumps of trees of edge reports, and hosted a forest varying height could then carry fi res collaboration workshop in Glenwood. from the surface up into the canopies of important information out to the public By encouraging collaboration, provid- very old trees. and to fi eld and forest managers in a way ing information, and generating “Forest restoration also provides an that is much more accessible. It especially discussion, the true meaning of a healthy improved habitat for many species of helps rural communities connect to for- forest is communicated and efforts to plants and animals, especially those that ests more immediately in both social and restore forests are supported, Binkley prefer sunlight and open space,” Romme ecological ways.” says. says. She’s had fi rst-hand experience with And, adds Romme, “It helps us under- In the historic scenario, Binkley says, how that can happen. She was given the stand our place in the overall system.” ◆ “you can see a deer running through and task of presenting a community wildfi re stopping to fi nd something to eat. But plan in Leadville. “Dan Binkley and Bill where it’s more dense, that may not Romme helped me present the informa- happen.” tion on wildfi re and forest treatment.” The understory of a forest also pro- Citizens needed to be educated before vides good habitat for a number of discussions could begin, she says. “People species, and if it’s more open and cleared live here for generations, but they don’t

28 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE RESEARCH HORIZONS

Cancer research and treatment is a new Supercluster

new Supercluster at Colorado Cancer Supercluster MicroRx State will focus interdisciplinary Stephen Withrow, University Distin- In February, the University A research strengths on cancer guished Professor in the Department of announced the creation of MicroRx, the research and treatment. Clinical Sciences and director of the Ani- business arm of the infectious disease The Supercluster, picked from 15 mal Cancer Center, is director of the new Supercluster known for discoveries proposals throughout the University, was Cancer Supercluster. Robert Ullrich, including diagnostic tests and vaccines recommended for approval after detailed director of research at the Animal Cancer for West Nile virus, leprosy, bubonic review by a committee of faculty and Center and a professor in the Department plague, and tuberculosis. MicroRx is a administrators. Provost and Senior Vice of Environmental and Radiological fi rst-of-its-kind enterprise to speed the President Tony Frank and Vice President Health Sciences, is the Supercluster’s transition of life-saving research on for Research Bill Farland, with input from director of research. Both are in the Col- infectious diseases from the academic President Larry Edward Penley, formally lege of Veterinary Medicine and world into the global marketplace. (See approved the new Supercluster. Biomedical Sciences. Page 10 for a story on the Supercluster at work in Mérida, Mexico.) ◆

Reservations must be made with the Alumni Association in advance.

– plans are subject to change

FALL 2007 29 PERFORMING AND VISUAL Arts

Chernobyl disaster featured in poster show

Artwork commemorates nuclear meltdown

by Nik Olsen

eeing the empty shoes left in the now weed-choked streets and Scrumbling buildings of Pripyat, Ukraine, has stayed with Phil Risbeck. The shoes have been there since April 26, 1986, the day that a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant experienced a massive explosion that led to a nuclear meltdown. “It is as if people just ran right out of their shoes,” says Risbeck, art professor at Colorado State. “It’s a ghost town. The Soviet Union had built housing, playgrounds, a hospital. It is all eerily empty now.”

John Eisele

A poster memorializing the Chernobyl disaster, in the care of art Professor Phil Risbeck, is by Andrei Logvin from Moscow. The poster in the background on these two pages is “XXChernobyl” by Yuri Gulitov from the Russian Federation.

30 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS

These same posters will be included in the 15th biannual Colorado Interna- tional Invitational Poster Show to be held at CSU from Sept. 14 to Oct. 14 in various galleries across the campus and Fort Col- lins. Risbeck helped found the show and remains a co-director. The poster show was founded in 1979 at CSU to bring outstanding examples of visual communication to an American audience. The exhibition is a model for presenting international cultural under- standing and cooperation and provides insights into how the United States is perceived around the world. The show presents a comprehensive look at the Illya Bryavrin, an artist from Moscow, designed the poster (above) in 2006 to commemorate the 20th medium, its aesthetic and social implica- anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster in the Ukraine. tions, and its viability in the digital age. Risbeck notes the Ukrainian word for Children’s toys rested next to swing All in black-and-white, the suite of 25 “wormwood” is “Chernobyl.” One poster sets and carousels. The entire city was posters delivers a quiet but powerful in the suite contains a passage from the cast in a pale of rust. message of sorrow, mourning, and Book of Revelation in the Bible (8:10-11): Risbeck was there two decades to the remembrance, Risbeck says. “And the third angel sounded, and there day after reactor No. 4 failed during a “The posters very much address the fell a great star from heaven, burning as it safety test. He had been invited to judge a Chernobyl disaster,” Risbeck says. “The were a lamp, and it fell upon the third poster show at an event in nearby Kiev human loss; the dangers possessed by part of the rivers, and upon the fountains and was offered the opportunity to see nuclear power. It’s almost like an explo- of waters; And the name of the star is the decaying city. sion when you see them all together.” called Wormwood: and the third part of “It was like going back in time to the the waters became wormwood; and many Soviet era,” Risbeck says. “Aside from the men died of the waters, because they decay, little had changed. Kiev and Mos- were made bitter.” cow don’t have that feeling anymore. This The 2007 Colorado At the Chernobyl site, a long channel place did.” International Invitational diverting waters from the Dnieper River To commemorate the 20th anniver- Poster Exhibition, to the decayed cooling towers still fl owed. sary of the disaster that killed an featuring works from 89 Risbeck says the waters of the canal, once estimated 4,000 people and exposed to massive amounts of radiation, infl icted deadly cancer artists from 31 countries, portrayed in his mind the waters sick- in at least another will be held at Colorado ened by the Wormwood star. 9,000, artists from State University Sept. “We felt it was important for the world across the former 14 to Oct. 14. Visit http:// to see these posters so all people may Soviet empire cre- sota.colostate.edu/ better understand the sad legacy of the ated posters for a Chernobyl disaster,” Risbeck says. “I’m special commemo- ciipe/2007.html for more pleased we can share these with our rative exhibit. details. students and the community.” ◆

FALL 2007 31 Visions

A scene of startling peace in the hours after the July 1997 fl ood was caught by CSU photographer Joe Mendoza. Flood water shown here covered the lawn west of the Lory Student Center.

32 COLORADO STATE MAGAZINE SUPPORT STUDENT PROGRAMS. GET “AROUND THE OVAL” MAGAZINE, “ALUMLINE” E-NEWSLETTER, AND LIST YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MEMBER BUSINESS DIRECTORY! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2007 ● Alumni Center Open House: 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. ● 50-Year Club Hospitality Suite: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. East Ballroom, Lory Student Center ● 50-Year Club Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ($22/$20*) West Ballroom, Lory Student Center ● Class of 1957 Reunion: 5 p.m. ($27/$25*) Cherokee Park Room, Lory Student Center SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2007 ● SAC Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m.-9 a.m. ($5/$3*) ● Parade: 9 a.m. ● Tailgate: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. ($10/$5*) ● Game: 3:30 p.m. ($25) Reservations must be made in advance; please call 800-286-2586. * Price for dues-paying CSUAA members

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