The Positive Thinker Collins Airhihenbuwa Makes Data Collection an Uplifing Experience

UNIVERSITY IMPACT IN COMMUNITIES

SPRING 2011

The Positive Thinker Collins Airhihenbuwa makes data collection an uplifing experience

The positive thinker

Dr. collins airhihenbuwa believes cultural empowerment can improve public health

Reclaiming Urban Neighborhoods · Sustainable hospitality practices · Helping International Students Adapt Demonstrated Impact

pring marks the time when the University recognizes a faculty member who has made a significant impact on the community through scholarly engagement work, with the Faculty Outreach Award. S This year’s recipient is Dr. Collins Airhihenbuwa, professor and head of the Department of Biobehavioral Health in the College of Health and Human Development, for his work addressing health disparities and promoting cultural equity in South Africa and several other African countries. “What was remarkable about this collaboration with Professor The letters of support for Dr. Airhihenbuwa was his humility and consistency in ensuring that the students and staff acquired the necessary skills to enable Airhihenbuwa demonstrated his them to work independently using qualitative methodologies in concrete—and often their own projects. … Professor Airhihenbuwa showed leadership moving—contributions. To and humility not only in how he deals with students and men - tors but also the subject or participants in the project. He always the left is an excerpt from a nom- showed concern about the people he was studying. It is his ability ination letter written by Olive to empathize with those who need his emotional support, and at the Shisana, chief executive officer same time keep sufficient distance to unpack their experience in a of the Human Sciences Research scientific manner while imparting knowledge to others that make him a unique collaborator. For an example, at the end of the project, Council (HSRC), who worked he came to South Africa to visit the sites and some of the homes with Dr. Airhihenbuwa on a of support group members of people living with HIV and AIDS project called Capacity Build- who participated at different levels on the project. With compas - sion, Professor Airhihenbuwa shook hands and spoke to families of ing for Research on HIV Stigma people living with HIV and AIDS, encouraging and thanking them for in South Africa. The project - having been part of the project. This act of kindness and apprecia involved students and faculty tion was noted by participants, who are used to research projects members in two South African collecting data and never coming back to provide feedback to the community. Professor Airhihenbuwa has put an emphasis on com - universities, and staff from the - munity feedback sessions, specifically responding to the sugges HSRC, to conduct research on tions of the community advisory board, who drove the vision of the the stigma associated with HIV/ project by making inputs on the communities that we targeted for research during the five years of the project.” AIDS, with a cultural lens. You can read more about his work —Olive Shisana CEO, Human Sciences Research Council on page 2.

—Craig Weidemann Vice President for Outreach

An excerpt of a nomination letter for Dr. Collins Airhihenbuwa, recipient of the Faculty Outreach Award Volume 14, No. 1 CONTENTS

Features COVER STORY: REPURPOSING— EAT THIS WAY PUTTING CULTURE FIRST 2 AND RECLAIMING 5 10 Collins Airhihenbuwa focuses on the common NEIGHBORHOODS David Cranage and his students adopt sustain- customs and beliefs of communities to guide his A landscape architecture course provides able hospitality practices—and hope the food public health research students with meaningful real-life experiences industry will too while also helping marginalized communities in Pittsburgh improve their surroundings THE LANGUAGE OF TIME… ON THE TREETOPS AND PATIENCE 12 8 International students realize their potential through Penn State’s Intensive English Have a love of the outdoors? A school prepares Communication Program participants for a career in arboriculture ASK THE EXPERT: ENERGY TO SPARE 14 Dennis Yablonsky talks about how the Pittsburgh PUTTING CULTURE FIRST: region can be a model for the country—and how A researcher focuses on people Penn State can help 2 instead of the problem

Departments INSIDE OUTREACH EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL · World Campus Student Spotlight 16 · learning English Through 23 · dJ’s Story 29 Creative Writing · Corporate Giving · What’s New Online: TESOL · A Network for Easy Access SCIENCE & · location, Location TECHNOLOGY 30 · best for Vets Ranking · science Education That’s Down to Earth · Science-U · not Your Parent’s Music Lessons · Putting Farmers on the Digital Map ARTS & HUMANITIES 18 · the Learning Factory Expands · Youth Empowerment ENERGY & THE · the Lab at Penn State Berks ENVIRONMENT 26 ENDNOTE · belt It Out · stream Teams · the African American Legacy 32 · How’s My Drinking Water? at Penn State CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES 20 HEALTH · speaking Out · Help for Injured 28 Servicemembers · it: Not Just for Boys

THE ECONOMY & WORKFORCE 21 · Healthy Teamwork · Global Talk

SCIENCE-U: Cover photo by Phillip Mackenzie smart summer fun for kids 30 Putting culture first

Collins Airhihenbuwa focuses on the common customs and beliefs of communities to guide his public health research

By Deborah A. Benedetti

ore than 33 million people are focus on the negative and do not take of the community. Only after that do M living with HIV, but the spread into account that people’s lives are big- we focus on the negative.” of the disease has begun to reverse, ac- ger and more complex than the problem cording to a 2010 United Nations AIDS being studied,” said Airhihenbuwa, Searching for the Positive report. However, the stigma of HIV/ professor and head of the Department of All PEN-3 domains—relationships and AIDS remains for many sufferers and Biobehavioral Health in Penn State’s Col- expectations, cultural empowerment, even those who care for them. In South lege of Health and Human Development. and cultural identity—aim to help Africa, for example, nurses who care So Airhihenbuwa devised a new re- researchers understand people and their for these patients have experienced the search approach—the PEN-3 model behavior in a cultural context by first withdrawal of family and friends as well —which puts culture first in public focusing on the positive. Positive aspects as intimacy issues with spouses because health and health promotion research of culture include beliefs and practices of their work. projects. Airhihenbuwa, who was raised that promote health, such as encourag- To better understand the HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, used the model in his Capac- ing the growing of one’s own food and stigma in South Africa, Dr. Collins O. ity Building for Research on HIV Stigma buying locally grown products—as is Airhihenbuwa used a research model he in South Africa project, funded by the common in many African cultures. began formulating while a graduate stu- National Institute of Mental Health. For example, understanding why dent in health planning and administra- The project sought to understand the nurses who care for HIV/AIDS patients tion and public health education at the notion of acceptance and rejection face stigma—a finding of the HIV University of Tennessee. There, he came related to HIV/AIDS. stigma project—would involve looking to realize the way researchers described For his research model and the at the multiple roles nurses occupy and the populations they studied often breadth of his outreach initiatives span- their interactions at work and home, differed from how the populations ning more than 27 years at Penn State, Airhihenbuwa explained. saw themselves. Researchers typically Airhihenbuwa is this year’s recipient of As part of the stigma project, Airhi- focused on the problem to be solved, the Faculty Outreach Award. henbuwa’s team trained 30 graduate while people were concerned about how “Everyone has a culture, and there is students at two South African universi- the issue affected them, their family something positive in every culture and ties to use the model. By giving these and community. community,” Airhihenbuwa said. “We future health behavior researchers “Conventional research models in our begin by identifying the positive as- firsthand experiences collecting data field are mostly deficit models, and they pects and unique or existential features from the people participating in the

2 · Penn State Outreach Magazine Phillip Mackenzie and AIDS and also to and also studyand nurses’ AIDS who care for HIV with living persons nurses to support an intervention wouldAirhihenbuwa like to develop to care theirhealth responsibilities. addition sisters—in mothers, wives, due to theirmultipleroles— in part Thisis face nurses also these stigma. matizing behavior.” time, the same At that nurses were for blamed being - stig wehenbuwa “Inparticular, found said. family and care health settings,”- Airhi we found the two sites stigma—in of family,tients, and community members. professionals whocare forpa - HIV/AIDS health whohavepeople or AIDS, HIV to from collect data and surveys views focus one-on-one groups, used inter research.based buwa’s cultural for model community- Airhihen - This themultiplies impactof preventive strategiesfor thisdisease. and improvereduce stigma HIV/AIDS them to develop outreach programs to cultural research—preparing context of students to understand better the these isenabling Airhihenbuwa project, Collins Airhihenbuwa,professorandheadoftheDepartmentBiobehavioralHealthinPennState’s CollegeofHealthandHumanDevelopment “In the first our of year research, students project, African In the South -

shared what he learned through the HIV the HIV through shared what he learned and has at hospital apsychiatric gist psycholo aclinical as - Mokwena serves HIV-related projects,” he added. Plus, master’s students whoare workingwith gained more confidencesupervising for patients.“Ihave workingwith also that the training enhanced hisskills said project, pated stigma inthe HIV - doctoralpopo candidate whopartici interactions family and with patients. “ - Jabu Lim aUniversity of Mokwena, a mostl a field our in models a li people’s t neg studied. beingthe problem Con a nd the nd nd more c more nd ke into acc into ke — a v ti Collins Airhihenbuw ention y defi v e a y fo ” v nd do not do nd omplex th omplex es a es c c a it models, models, it us on the the on us ount th ount l rese re bigger bigger re

ar a re a c t n h a of the workof Ido,” he said. was gratifying. It’s onethe highlights of to ahug participants andhands give “For shake talkwith, me to actuallysee, research with buwa met participants. officials. hospital with project stigma belief that teething causes malaria did malaria that causes teething belief However, andteething malaria. the areand swollen for gums similar both Thesymptoms of bypainful mosquitos. iscaused that malaria the knowledge have they even though malaria, causes mothers shared was that teething treatment atAcommon clinics. belief when symptomssought persisted, they and then at pharmacies, local bought already medications they with had or often first treated children at home they she learned inLagos, tient clinic - outpa mothers atwith apediatric her interviews their children. During treatment for malaria make about Nigeria of ing inthe southwest region understand mothers liv the decisions Airhihenbuwa’s,of to the model used Iwelunmor,Juliet adoctoral student Beliefs African At the project’sAt conclusion,- Airhihen Spring 2011 · 2011 Spring - 3 Everyone has a culture, and there is something positive in every culture and community.

not deter them from seeking proper other international treatment from physicians at the clinic. agencies. Iwelunmor found the PEN-3 cultural At Penn State, he model useful because “it places culture partnered with Dr. at the core of understanding beliefs Michael Adewumi, and practices and is anchored in Afri- vice provost for can ways of knowing.” She also noted Global Programs, that “advances in malaria diagnosis and Dr. Luis Ayala, and the possible elimination of this associate professor major disease may have no effect if of petroleum and the same vigor isn’t applied to under- natural gas engi- standing the cultural context guid- neering, to develop Photos on this page courtesy of Juliet Iwelunmor ing diagnosis and treatment-seeking a new framework behaviors.” for global health in Since coming to Penn State in 1984, collaboration with Collins Airhihenbuwa (left, in back) and South African students and Airhihenbuwa has mentored students, the University of faculty members during a tour of Freedom Square in Kliptown, just at involving them in his research and Ibadan in Nigeria. the edge of Soweto outreach activities. He also was princi- The project in- pal consultant to two research networks volved creating a course that addresses in Africa on HIV/AIDS treatment, African health issues. It was jointly prevention and patient rights; headed a taught by behavioral health and mining Global team that developed a global HIV/AIDS and petroleum engineering faculty at framework; and is a consultant Penn State and the University of Ibadan Health to WHO, UNAIDS, UNESCO and to students at both universities. “Professor Airhihenbuwa’s deep un- Minor derstanding of the critical link between culture and the format in which public Giving Penn State under- health is best received provides him graduates an opportunity to with a potent weapon to combat some explore health issues affect- of the most challenging issues in Africa, ing people in other countries especially AIDS stigma,” Adewumi said. is the goal of the new Global “He also strongly believes that build- Health Minor. ing local capacity is the best means of Championed by Dr. Collins empowering people to take charge of O. Airhihenbuwa, the 18-credit their own lives, thereby enhancing the minor includes supervised chances of sustainability of the out- fieldwork. Beginning in May, reach efforts beyond the funding cycle.” 12 students will spend six Currently, Airhihenbuwa is work- weeks at South African sites, ing with the Wildflowers Institute thanks to funding from the in San Francisco on strengthening University Office of Global community organizations and building Programs. youth leadership capabilities among American youth from diverse national For Information: and cultural backgrounds across the Dr. Melina T. Czymoniewicz- United States. “I’m very excited about Klippel: [email protected], helping people reconnect with their 814-865-4672, http://bbh.hhdev. Collins Airhihenbuwa (left) and students community. That’s very central to what celebrate the success of a project. psu.edu/globalhealth I do,” he said.

4 · Penn State Outreach Magazine Repurposing— andReclaiming Neighborhoods A landscape architecture course provides students with meaningful real-life experiences while also helping marginalized communities in Pittsburgh improve their surroundings

By Sara LaJeunesse

Beltzhoover neighborhood The of southeastern Pittsburgh has seen better days. Once a pleasant community with annual “prettiest-yard contests,” the area now is marred with dilapidated houses, vacant lots and graffiti. But Belt- zhoover now is becoming known for its motivated citizens who are doing their best to improve their neighborhood. And with help from Ken Tamminga, Penn State professor of landscape architecture, and Dr. Deno De Ciantis, director of the Penn State Center: Engaging Pittsburgh, they are succeeding. Tamminga and De Ciantis lead the Pittsburgh Studio, an initiative supported by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sci- ences, Extension, Outreach and Department of Landscape Architecture that aims to in- stigate change within Pittsburgh’s economi- cally depressed areas while simultaneously Students take a break from their design studio to participate in Beltzhoover’s Haberman giving Penn State’s landscape architecture Avenue clean-up day, fall 2009. students real-world design experience.

Spring 2011 · 5 some of the urban problems facing the communities not only of Beltzhoover, but also of Larimer, The Hill District, Sheraden, Elliot and Coraopolis. The students meet with community members to identify their desires and needs. They then generate ideas for improving the community, focusing on re-greening and sustainable place- making: transforming empty lots and other open green spaces into community gardens, rain gardens and amphi- theaters; repurposing vacant buildings as greenhouses and community centers; and reclaiming underutilized spaces, such as civic places and skate parks. In their final design projects, students present the community with a cache of concepts that are intended to catalyze environmental, social and economic regeneration. “Nothing is quite so profound as the interchange of ideas and creation of bonds, as shown in this photo,” said Tamminga. Josh Lippert, a fifth-year Penn State landscape architecture student, took Now, just three years after its incep- The 12-hour per week, 5-credit Pitts- the course during the fall 2010 semes- tion, the studio has been named the burgh Studio is part of the required ter. “Working in the Pittsburgh Studio winner of the 2011 Penn State Award capstone sequence of the accredited was a unique experience because I had a for Community Engagement and five-year professional landscape archi- strong interaction with the clients and Scholarship. The award recognizes a tecture program at Penn State and is the projects, if implemented, could have project that best exemplifies Penn State intended to help students transition lasting effects on the communities in as an “engaged institution,” which the Pittsburgh,” he said. Kellogg Commission defines as an Lippert’s project was based in West institution that has redesigned teach- “The residents know Pittsburgh, where eight distinct neigh- ing, research, and extension and service their neighborhoods borhoods recently have been united as a functions to become even more sym- single entity in order to become a more pathetically and productively involved better than the appealing place to live and work. “The with its communities. students ever will. community wants to establish an arts corridor at the main entry point from Finding Possibility But the students show the central business district as a sort According to Tamminga, the work that the residents how to of gateway to the neighborhood,” said students do as part of the initiative Lippert. “Our goal was to help design provides them with meaningful real-life see the possibilities in the corridor so it will act as a ‘zipper’ experiences. “Students come to realize their neighborhoods that will unite the West Pittsburgh that an inner-city, low-income neigh- communities as well as engage the city borhood—while struggling with a slate with fresh eyes.” of Pittsburgh.” of problems—isn’t hopeless,” he said. Lippert, who now is working on “Despite the scars, they are places with —Ken Tamminga an independent study with the Penn heart, with genuine histories, and with State Center: Engaging Pittsburgh to pockets of culture and vibrancy. The into professionals. So far, approxi- design a green streetscape and gateway residents know their neighborhoods mately a dozen students per year have for Sharpsburg, added, “Through the better than the students ever will. But enrolled in the Pittsburgh Studio and, Pittsburgh Studio, I learned the skills the students show the residents how to thus, have had the opportunity to to engage community members in the see the possibilities in their neighbor- work with community stakeholders to design process in order to achieve their hoods with fresh eyes.” develop sustainable design solutions for goals, while using the design skills I’ve learned here in Penn State’s accred- can leverage the talent and enthu- ited landscape architecture program.” siasm students bring to community workshops and on site,” he said. Community Collaboration Tamminga added that Pittsburgh Although the studio ultimately is is “a perfect, gritty living laboratory. intended to benefit students, it also is And the people we work with— a priceless asset to Pittsburgh’s strug- neighborhood stakeholders, agency gling communities. “It’s no exaggera- partners and others—are really eager tion to characterize the relationship to collaborate.” between relatively affluent suburban Penn State students and inner-city More Than Just a Class Pittsburgh residents as ‘cross-cultural,’ While students of landscape archi- yet the relationship between the two tecture take studio courses through- groups is extremely functional,” said out their curriculum, Tamminga Tamminga, adding that both groups says the Pittsburgh Studio and learn to get past stereotypes and real- several other advanced studios like ize the power of collaboration. it are unique because they provide Genie Beckom, president of the students with hands-on learning Beltzhoover Neighborhood Council experiences. “The students and the Inc., wrote in a note to Tamminga residents work together to solve and De Ciantis, “I was so very proud real problems; they are concurrently of the great work you did for our learners and teachers,” he said. community. Not only did you get Indeed, the students who have that we are truly ready for change in participated in the Pittsburgh Studio Beltzhoover, you were able to capture appreciate the combination of com- a lot of our vision in your presenta- munity service and application of tion. … Thank you, thank you, thank theory and problem-solving skills you for helping us take our vision and acquired through classroom study turn it into a plan!” that the course provides. Taryn Dowl- According to De Ciantis, the ing, a student who participated in the Photos courtesy of Ken Tamminga relationship is highly beneficial to fall 2009 Pittsburgh Studio and who residents because it not only provides now is in her fifth and final year in them with design ideas for their com- the landscape architecture program munities but it also provides them at Penn State, worked in the Larimer with a sense of empowerment to neighborhood. There, she and her continue the process of community classmates proposed community civic

development even after the students Top: Norene Beatty of the West End-Elliott space plans that would allow neigh- have moved on to other courses and Citizens Council provides insights on West bors and visitors to gather and inter- careers. “Residents and community Pittsburgh during a fall 2010 site analysis trip. act. In particular, Dowling and two of leaders alike cannot believe the time Center and bottom: Screen-shot excerpts from her peers proposed ways that Larimer student work and energy these students put into could expand its existing community their work,” he said. garden, build a green technology Sam Wright, a community leader employment hub and inject addi- in Beltzhoover, said that he carries Tamminga said that the success of tional amenities—such as a multi-use around the students’ plans with him. the Pittsburgh Studio has much to do performance/farmer’s market area “As I meet with different organiza- with De Ciantis and his center, which and a community oven. tions and officials,” he said, “I use has a goal of developing and strengthen- “It felt great to see the local people these [plans] to show them what we’d ing partnerships between Penn State get excited about their community like our community to look like. These and Pittsburgh’s leaders, business and and about what it could become,” she are ideas we have for our community, residents. “Deno and his staff have deep, said. “And we benefited, too. Through and I think we will be able to get robust networks that reach well into the visits, talks and volunteering, we funding from some different places to inner city. They know where the needs forged friendships with these incred- get some of these ideas started.” are, and they know the individuals who ible people.” Spring 2011 · 7 On Treetopsthe

Have a love of the outdoors? A school prepares participants for a career in arboriculture

By Sara LaJeunesse

Safe climbing skills can increase earning potential.

The boy and his grandfather enter the woods through a the tree climbing school is a weeklong program, usually held small opening in the trees just behind the house. They come in October at a location in southeastern Pennsylvania, that upon a birch tree lying across the path, its thin branches teaches students the basics of tree climbing, including how gleaming white like the exposed bones of a bird. But it is to climb safely, how to select and use the proper equipment, the next fallen tree that they find—a mighty oak tree—that and how to tie various types of knots. Students also learn stops them in their tracks. Raising his ax in the air, the about tree biology and best pruning practices. grandfather shouts, “Stand back!” Thwack! “Without trained arborists, our trees would not be No longer a boy, Gene McMillen is a certified arborist and properly cared for and the number of accidents, both to production manager at Shreiner Tree Care Specialists in tree workers and to the general public, would increase King of Prussia, Pa. Now it’s his turn to wrestle an ax out of significantly,” said Kris Edson, a lead tree surgeon at Penn a tree and hoist it over his head for another hit. He is remov- State who also is one of the instructors at the tree climbing ing the tree because it is infected with oak wilt, a disease school. “The goal of the tree climbing school is to teach stu- that could spread to other trees. dents to climb safely to the top of a tree so they can prune McMillen had dreamed of becoming a logger since he was it or cut it down, if necessary.” a child growing up on his grandparents’ 419-acre forested property in New Jersey. “I have wonderful memories of Learning to Climb Safely chopping firewood with my grandfather,” he said. Although Climbing safely to the top of a tree was a skill that McMil- he did receive formal training as a logger and even opened len lacked before he attended the school, for which he now his own business, he didn’t fully realize his dream until serves as a guest instructor. “I found that I often had to turn 2003, when he attended and graduated from the Southeast- away customers because, although I could fell whole trees, ern Pennsylvania Tree Climbing School. I did not have the skills to climb trees and take them down Co-sponsored by Penn State Extension and the piece by piece, a necessary strategy when removing trees Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter of the International Society that are adjacent to homes, for example,” he said. of Arboriculture (McMillen is the chapter’s president elect), According to Cheryl Bjornson, a Penn State Extension

8 · Penn State Outreach Magazine educator, the school provides the first level of education for someone who is interested in working in the arboriculture Farming 101 industry. “Everyone who attends the school is taught the basics of arboriculture and the proper skills necessary for entering the industry,” she said. “The program often helps people to increase their earning capabilities and even can help them to change careers altogether.” David Jones is one person who used the tree climbing school to change careers. “I always had been interested in horticulture, but I was working in retail,” he said. “I decided it was time for a change, and the program helped me get on the correct track.” Jones, who graduated from the program in January 2010, now works as an integrated pest management technician at the Bartlett Tree Company located just outside of Philadel- phia in the Bala Cynwyd community. He said his goal was to become an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist. An ISA certified arborist must pass a rigorous exam and work in the field for at least three years. Since the tree climbing school was established in 1975, it Class participants learn how to use a water wheel transplanter. has graduated about 800 students. “All of our students seem to really care about trees and their surroundings, in general,” Nearly half of all farmers in Pennsylvania are older said Edson, who noted that he learned to love trees from than 55, while just 7 percent are younger than 35, notes his father who operated a small family tree service north of Tianna DuPont, a sustainable agriculture educator for Pittsburgh. “Personally, I feel like I only know a small frac- Penn State Extension. “At the same time,” DuPont added, tion of what I would like to know about trees, so my desire “there is increasing interest in starting new agricultural to expand my knowledge of trees never seems to wane.” enterprises.” This interest is perhaps due to the popularity of local farmers’ markets and share buying through CSAs (community-supported agriculture). Yet, many of these aspiring farmers come from non- Photos courtesy of Cheryl Bjornson farm backgrounds and face four huge hurdles: lack of training, land, capital and equipment. DuPont is the leader of a new program—called Start Farming—that aims to train new farmers and help them get access to land and equipment. Led by a team of Penn State Extension educators in collaboration with Pennsylvania Farm Link and the Seed Farm, a Lehigh County Agricul- tural Incubator Project, the program provides information, nondegree classes and hands-on training in production, marketing, financial management and land/resource acquisition. “The program gives beginning farmers the tools they need to succeed on their own,” said DuPont. Funded in part by the USDA, the program includes Recognitions courses held throughout southeastern Pennsylvania on topics such as organic vegetable production, fruit production, beekeeping, sheep shearing, raising poultry and pas- ture management. “Classes provide an open atmosphere in which people interact with experts, team members and other participants to help develop connections in which to share knowledge and experience,” said DuPont. More information about the program is available at: Participants learn to tie various types of knots. www.extension.psu.edu/start-farming. Eat This Way

David Cranage and his students adopt sustainable hospitality practices—and hope the food industry will too

By Liam Jackson

Stand in front of Café Laura, on the north side of Penn State’s University Park campus, and you’ll get a glimpse into one of the restaurant’s new sustainability practices. Herbs grow in a garden, and students take those herbs and put them to use in dishes that they design, cook and serve at Café Laura. The practice is part of an initiative led by Dr. David Cranage, associate professor of hospitality management, which not only gives students a chance to gain hands-on experience with practical “green” ideas, such as gardening and composting, but also brings together local organizations to form a sustainability community. Locally Grown Food One of the prevalent criticisms of today’s food industry is that it uses too many resources, most of which are attributed to transportation. For example, a report conducted by Iowa State University’s Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture estimated that locally grown food travels, on average, 50 miles from the garden to the grocery stand, whereas nonlocal food travels nearly 1,500 miles. “Restaurants and hotels have a tremendous opportunity to increase their sustainability because they generate so much waste,” Cranage said. “Not only will changes such as using locally grown food save energy and natural resources, but they also will help reduce the hospitality industry’s carbon footprint.” As part of his initiative, Cranage and faculty from the Department of Horticulture are using several plots of fertile land at the University Park campus’ Center for Sustainability, a unit of Outreach, and the Rus- sell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, about 10 miles southwest of University Park. In these plots, Cranage and his hotel, restaurant and institutional management (HRIM) students grow and pick produce and herbs, including broccoli, tomatoes,

10 · Penn State Outreach Magazine Sharyn Morrow Sharyn idea to reach across the country,” said Penn State professor of vegetable crops Dr. Michael Orzolek, who helped establish the gardens and continues to consult on the project. Van Essen is hoping that the experience can give her an edge in the job market. “The green initiative has exploded in the past few years in the hospitality industry. It’s something we’re going to be working with in the future, so this work we’re doing now is helping us stay competitive.” Working With Industry Another component of Cranage’s initiative is engaging industry in sustainability practices. He and Peter Nyheim, senior instructor in hospitality management, have fostered communication among local individuals and organizations that The initial planting at the community gardens can improve their business and the Earth by getting involved in sustainability. A Sustainability Symposium held in October cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce and eggplant. The 2010 on the University Park campus brought together local harvest from these plots is used in the meals students serve at farmers, food distributors and sellers, restaurants, and the Café Laura, part of two core HRIM classes in which students local solid waste authority to see how they can work together take charge of the restaurant and rotate through numerous to reduce waste. roles—from kitchen manager to server to cook. Jamie Moore, director of sourcing and sustainability for “It’s fascinating to know that the food we serve didn’t just Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, said the symposium was en- come off a truck; it’s something we handpicked,” says HRIM lightening. “One of the things Penn State was doing that I was student Katelyn Van Essen. interested in was growing crops to make canola oil, then tak- Students also monitor Café Laura’s composting and recy- ing spent fry oil and using it for biodiesel fuels,” he said, refer- cling operations, ensuring that their staff of peers is following ring to the work of Glen Cauffman and Dr. Doug Schaufler in good sustainability practices. The introduction of composting the College of Agricultural Sciences’ Farm Operations and Ser- has even spurred new products being used in Café Laura, such vices unit. “Penn State is innovative—its direction is to really as compostable paper towels and napkins. get more and more local oils produced in the region. I think that’s something that has some very good staying power.” Sanitation Audit Ultimately, Cranage hopes introducing this way of thinking will result in restaurants and hotels diverting organic waste (“anything that was once alive,” Cranage explained) into something useful for farmers. In 2010, Cranage, his students and the Centre County Solid Waste Authority conducted an unofficial audit of the contents of dumpsters used by five State College hotels. They found that nearly 60 percent of gar- bage in the dumpsters, previously destined for landfills, could be reused in a more ecofriendly way. Sending organic waste to a compost pile can help it decompose and transform it into future fertilizer to help more plants grow, Cranage said. “It’s an eye-opening experience for students,” added Scott King, general manager of Café Laura. Students can take this exposure with them as they embark on their careers in hospitality. “The current students will take David Cranage (in the center, kneeling) and the team prepare the herb garden at Café Laura. this concept of recycling food waste [and] help expand this

For More Information Dr. David Cranage, associate professor of hospitality management, aims to host the Sustainability Symposium annually. The symposium, which was held for the first time last fall, received start-up funds from Penn State’s Institutes of Energy and the Environment and the College of Health and Human Development. For more information, contact Cranage at [email protected]. the Language of Time…

International students realize their potential through Penn State’s Intensive English Communication Program

By Karen Cavaliere Zitomer

Four years ago, Qais AlKhazraji had just arrived from Iraq with a master’s degree in nuclear and mechanical engineering. His country dangerous and chaotic, his profes- sors and fellow students scattered, his official transcripts unobtainable, AlKhazraji arrived at Penn State wanting to pursue doctoral studies but with no idea of how the U.S. graduate system worked. And he spoke almost no English. Like thousands of others who have come to University Park from around the globe, AlKhazraji turned to Penn State’s Intensive English Communication Program (IECP), and it was here that he found the footing he needed to begin the uphill journey toward his goals. While the IECP is one of about 1,000 such programs in the United States, it is one of fewer than 100 accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation. For more than 30 years, the program—an Outreach unit—has been helping nonnative speakers of Eng- lish learn the language skills necessary for academic success. AlKhazraji is now a teaching assistant in his second year of a dual Ph.D. program in industrial engineering and opera- tional research at Penn State. He is also working toward a mi- nor in computational science and optimization engineering. “First, the IECP helped me to understand this world, because I learned from the IECP environment how to think and Courtesy of Lidor Levkovitch deal with others,” he said. “Second, it was the most fun and enjoyable time I had in my entire life.” Lidor Levkovitch came from Israel, where he served in the army and had Frustration at First a professional water polo career. IECP students are placed in one of the program’s four levels, based on an initial assessment test. The levels range from the formal, academic communication students will need to beginning students, who may have limited comprehension succeed at the college level. and are working to understand English at the sentence level, “Sometimes students may not have an appropriate calcula- to advanced students, who seek to function effectively with tion of where they need to get in terms of proficiency,” said academic English by the time they complete the program. Dr. Ann Frentzen, IECP director. “We very much want to be In small, multinational classes of those with similar profi- supportive of these students.” ciency, students take four courses offered at each level. These Now looking forward to starting her master’s degree in psy- courses emphasize both informal, casual communication and chology, Takhmina Nurmagambetova from Kazakhstan recalls IECP from a cousin who had gone through the program and found it very beneficial to getting accepted to Penn State. Like so many other IECP students, Levkovitch credits the and patience constant support of caring instructors and staff with helping him succeed. He gives the example of speaking in public, something that he feared but saw as crucial. “My instructors sat with me and taught me how to prepare myself for a presentation,” he said. “By the end of the semester, I made a 20-minute speech about the damages that alcohol does to your body. That was a huge accomplishment for me.” Having lived and worked abroad, IECP instructors are language learners themselves and have a special understanding of the sometimes-difficult cultural adjustments students have to make. “Within IECP, instructors and the staff are students’ first resources in all things, from help with how to rent an apartment, to how to open a bank account, to where to shop for clothes,” said Frentzen. The IECP also views experiences outside the classroom as vital to the language-learning process. Each year, the program hosts a fall trip to Niagara Falls, a spring trip to Washington, D.C., and a summer trip to Hersheypark. These outings offer real-world communication challenges and an opportunity to interact informally with Americans. In addition, the IECP keeps its students apprised of events on campus or in the community that might offer insights and language immersion. An IECP student committee also produces a newslet- ter, holds movie nights and organizes seasonal parties for

Linda Wesley, IECP Linda Wesley, IECP Linda Wesley, IECP Linda Wesley, students to come together as a community. The IECP student community can, in fact, be described as a mosaic of cultures, a global community. During the fall 2010 semester, the pro- Qais AlKhazraji, left, and Takhmina Nurmagambetova, above, at an event that gram hosted students from 23 different countries. brought together IECP students and Humphrey Fellows, professionals from Although students can walk into their IECP experience designated countries undergoing political transition feeling daunted, they describe quickly becoming inspired. “As I get ready for my graduate study,” said Nurmagambetova, “I her frustration with learning English when she started IECP. will always remember the days when I had problems that were “My first experience was of reading an English book for pre- solved in Ann Frentzen’s office. And I will always remember school. I gave up after 15 minutes. However, after six months, the atmosphere there and her confidence that told me, ‘It’s I took a Dale Carnegie course because I had read his books in only a matter of time.’” Kazakhstan and was inspired by his ideas. The class was, of To learn more about the IECP program, visit http://www. course, in English, with all Americans!” outreach.psu.edu/intensive-english. Frentzen said most who start at level one can finish the program in four to five semesters. She added that most students enroll in IECP because they KOREAN TEACHER TRAINING are looking to matriculate into American higher education, and over the past 15 years, approximately one-third of them have gone on to Penn State as undergraduate or graduate students. During the summer of 2010, Penn State’s Inten- sive English Communication Program (IECP) hosted a Support From All Sides Korean Teacher Training program for the seventh year in Take, for example, Lidor Levkovitch. Now an accounting ma- a row. During this program, Korean teachers of English, jor in his junior year with his eye on Wall Street and someday sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education, spend owning his own broker dealership, Levkovitch came from Is- one month at Penn State focusing on American culture, rael after serving in the Israeli army and having a professional language teaching pedagogy, teaching materials develop- water polo career. Levkovitch’s goal was to attend a university, ment, native speaker interaction, and language proficiency but he did not know where until he heard about Penn State’s development. Penn State is one of three universities in the United States to offer this summer program. ASK THE EXPERT Interview by Melissa W. Kaye Energy to Spare

Dennis Yablonsky talks about how the Pittsburgh region can be a model for the country— and how Penn State can help

ennis Yablonsky, a former Pennsylvania Depart- ment of Community and Economic Development Dsecretary, is now the chief executive officer of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. The conference is a private sector leadership organization that focuses on creating a more competitive business climate, and marketing the Pittsburgh region— a “model for 21st-century economic transformation”—to business leaders and talented workers. We spoke with him recently about some of the opportunities and challenges in the Pittsburgh region and what Penn State can do to help. M. Wylie

14 · Penn State Outreach Magazine In your current posi- What’s being done to sup- pushing for a comprehensive public Q: tion, you’re working to Q: port the growth of these policy approach, meaning not only rules elevate the profile of the Greater industries? and regulations that allow for economic Pittsburgh region nationally with development but also rules to protect regard to energy. As an expert on We’re thinking globally about and enhance the environment. We’re energy, what’s your opinion on A: energy but acting locally. Our optimistic that the new administration deregulation? The rate caps are regional energy supply chain opportu- in Harrisburg is like-minded. expiring, and Pennsylvania resi- nity is significant, and it’s growing, due, At the grassroots level, Penn State dents are concerned about their in part, to impressive levels of govern- Extension, for example, is doing a ter- energy bills. ment, and academic and corporate R&D rific job of explaining to people the pros under way here, including R&D at the and cons of leasing their land for gas Generally, deregulation is a century-old National Energy Technol- exploration, allowing them to be more A: good idea. It creates compe- ogy Laboratory (NETL) in suburban engaged in the process and to make tition, which allows people to make Pittsburgh. More than $1 billion in informed decisions. choices about their energy providers. research funding is invested annually by In some states, deregulation has cre- NETL, the only federal research facility You’ve got your finger on ated large increases in energy prices. devoted to carbon capture technology. Q: the region’s pulse and have We’re keeping a close eye on it in stated that Penn State’s profile has Pennsylvania. Energy prices are be- Your organization prides been elevated due, in part, to the coming an important consideration Q: itself on collaboration. Give work of the Penn State Center: in companies’ location decisions. an example of how collaboration, in- Engaging Pittsburgh. cluding with Penn State, is advanc- Describe how Pittsburgh ing opportunity. Thanks to Deno De Ciantis’ Q: can help with the skyrock- A: group [De Ciantis is the direc- eting demand for energy. An unprecedented partnership tor of the Penn State Center: Engaging A: of traditional and alterna- Pittsburgh] and the five Penn State Pittsburgh’s where the world tive energy companies, global leaders campuses in the region, a lot has been A: can turn for energy solu- in materials science and intelligent accomplished, including Penn State’s tions. We’re the birthplace of the building technologies, researchers from active participation in the Energy energy industry when considering academia—including Penn State—and Alliance of Greater Pittsburgh. coal, natural gas, alternating current from government and supply chain The Penn State Center is also electricity and nuclear power—all providers have formed the Energy Alli- involved in green building training with roots here. Today, the region’s ance of Greater Pittsburgh. This unique and research on the Green Innovators rich portfolio of energy-related as- collaboration cuts across industries project, which includes the redevelop- sets, coupled with its historic manu- that often compete and brings industry ment of the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ facturing expertise, is poised to drive leaders together to identify the future’s former Vo-Tech school into a regional economic growth. best possible energy solutions, which sustainability center. we’ll proudly say came from the Pitts- How does that translate to burgh region. Do you have any advice Q: what’s happening now in Q: for Penn State? Pittsburgh, business-wise? The Marcellus Shale has Q: been praised for its economic In a word, teach. Producing edu- Pittsburgh’s the only region opportunities for Pennsylvania, yet A: cated and motivated students— A: in the country that’s a top there’s some controversy. What are the region’s workforce of tomorrow—is employer across energy-related your thoughts about tapping this critical. Across industries including industries including traditional natural gas reserve? advanced manufacturing, business and sources (coal, natural gas and nucle- financial services, energy, health care ar), alternative sources (solar and The Marcellus Shale natural gas and life sciences, and information and wind), and energy-saving technolo- A: reserves present an exceptional communications technology, we’ve got gies. Already 700–plus global supply economic opportunity, but there are 22,000 available jobs in the region right chain providers are here, supporting also implications. Drilling’s impact on now. Our regional pipeline must be full 105,000 direct/indirect jobs and the environment needs to be care- of outstanding talent so that employers generating $13.7 billion in annual fully addressed. Industry, along with keep their roots here, and new business- economic activity. a number of other entities, has been es will be attracted to the region. INSIDE OUTREACH world campus student spotlight

Margaret Smith is the first recipient of the World Campus military scholarship

U.S. Army Sgt. Margaret Smith

has always wanted to become a lawyer, Penn State Outreach Marketing Hummer, Trish but finding a military-friendly school where she could complete an undergraduate degree presented a challenge. That is, until she enrolled at Penn World Campus scholarship recipient Margaret Smith, an Army sergeant, is a spring ’11 graduate. State’s World Campus in 2009, 11 years after she began her studies at a have defined the greater portion of traditional college. my adult life,” said Smith, the married mother of a 2-year-old daughter and corporate “What attracted me to the World Campus was that it was an SOC 7-year-old stepdaughter, who is as- school,” said Smith, referring to the signed to the Washington, D.C., region. Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Completing her course work proved designation that to be a lesson stipulates an in patience and giving institution be stamina—some- flexible when “Deployments and thing that Smith Both Pennsylvania and national corpora- working with has applied in tions and foundations have offered support for servicemembers. military duties the achievement local programs that put Penn State expertise “The online have defined the of another goal, to work for local businesses and communities: option allows running the • Extension’s Marcellus Education Team, me to remain an greater portion of 2010 Boston which provides workshops and seminars for active-duty sol- my adult life.” Marathon. landowners and others affected by natural dier and a part- Smith’s efforts gas drilling, supported by: Credit Suisse, PNC —Sgt. Margaret Smith time student. It’s have resulted in and Fulton Financial Corporation been great.” a 4.0 grade point • PennTAP’s (Pennsylvania Technical As- It’s taken 13 average and a sistance Program) sustainable energy years, but this spring, Smith will gradu- stint as a teaching assistant during training and assessments pilot initiative with ate with a bachelor of arts in law and the spring semester to Caren Bloom- Charleroi-based World Kitchen Inc., spon- society. The World Campus’ new Logue Steidle, a lecturer in the Department of sored by the West Penn Power Sustainable Family Scholarship helped with educa- Sociology and Crime, Law and Justice. Energy Fund tion expenses. Smith is the first recipi- Smith is currently applying to grad • A pilot program allowing Penn State Informa- ent of the scholarship, which honors school in public policy and business, tion Sciences and Technology and Smeal the service of World War II submariner with plans to eventually pursue an College of Business students to perform Robert “Bobby” Logue, who died aboard environmental and public policy website assessments for small and mid-sized the submarine USS Wahoo. law degree. Pennsylvania businesses alongside PennTAP “Deployments and military duties —Marlee Kattler technical specialists, sponsored by Highmark —Elizabeth Bechtel a network for easy access best for vets When Lori Seitz of Spring Grove An art history course held last ranking was laid off, the single mother con- summer was the first to unite sidered it “a blessing in disguise.” students at two different campuses. The layoff was an incentive to go This spring, 14 courses are be- to college, something she always ing offered in the evenings and on wanted to do. Penn State’s new weekends in a seven-week format. Video Learning Network (VLN) will The accelerated format is being enable Seitz to complete an associ- used initially with certificate pro- ate degree close to home. grams, including nursing manage- Dr. Wayne Smutz, executive di- ment, business essentials, and labor rector of Penn State World Campus and employment relations. By fall and associate vice president for 2012, degree programs will be added. Academic Outreach, created the Two Penn State New Kensington Video Learning Network “to give students were able to take Introduc- adult learners easy access to a tion to Management Information Penn State’s online World Campus Penn State degree.” Systems with instructor Jeff Warner is among 101 colleges and universi- Annette Fetterolf, VLN associate at Penn State York because of the ties included in the first-ever Best for director, added, “The network will VLN. Warner, director of Continuing Vets: Colleges 2010 ranking of the maximize limited faculty and facili- Education at the campus, found it “Military Times EDGE.” ties resources at the campuses.” easy to teach via the VLN because “Penn State is committed to helping By July 1, there will be 15 VLN the technology provides the ability veterans and military servicemembers classrooms. Eleven classrooms to network learners in geographi- achieve their educational goals,” said currently are equipped with high- cally separated locations. “The Dr. Wayne Smutz, executive director definition viewing screens, document VLN connects the students in a of World Campus and associate vice cameras and other technologies for rich learning experience through president for Academic Outreach. live interaction among faculty and natural real-time interaction,” “These students account for more than students at the course origination explained Warner. 2,600 online course enrollments, or 11 site and up to three other sites. —Deborah A. Benedetti percent of World Campus enrollments.” “Military Times EDGE,” an education and career magazine for “Military Times” newspapers distributed free on military bases, evaluated higher education institutions on financial assistance, academic flexibility, campus culture and support services. The list is online at http://militarytimesedge. The Susquehanna Photographic com/projects/best-for-vets- colleges-2010. For information about Penn State’s online services for military and veteran students: http://www.worldcampus. psu.edu/BestforVets. —Deborah A. Benedetti

Jeff Warner teaches a course to students at two locations with the Video Learning Network. Spring 2011 · 17 ARTS & HUMANITIES

youth EMPOWERMENT How the performing arts can be an outlet for girls

”I’m fat. I’m ugly. I’m nobody without a boyfriend—even if he hurts me.” Such statements, unfortunately, are commonplace among today’s preteen and teenage girls. And so are the unre- alistic images of beauty and body size that are portrayed in the media. That’s why Penn State theatre professor Dr. Susan Russell created the Body Lan- guage project, a program that seeks to empower today’s youth through writing and performing. “The Body Language project is about giving young people a voice in their culture,” said Russell. “There is a communication gap between adults and the younger set of ears. This program serves as an avenue for communication.” After addressing body image during its first year, Body Language 2011 focused on violence against middle school girls. The initiative is now the core pro- Susan Russell with students in Penns Valley gram of Cultural Conversations—a Feb- ruary play festival founded and directed Respect, a program sponsored by the engage with young people “through by Russell—which features new works Centre County Women’s Resource a socially energized and personally with themes of local and global diver- Center. The work culminated in a play focused artistic lens.” sity. The theme of this year’s festival about teen dating violence, which She used the project as a model last was global violence against women. they wrote and performed as part of spring when she helped Penn State For the Body Language project, Rus- Cultural Conversations. student and Sri Lanka native Ruth sell collaborates with Centre County Other collaborators include Roots Canagarajah get a youth playwrit- school counselors and teachers, who of Life, an African dance ensemble ing award off the ground as part of select students to participate. composed of State College middle and Paalam, a playwriting initiative Canag- high school students led by Kikora arajah founded in her native country. What Real Princesses Do Franklin, assistant professor of dance. Cultural Conversations and Body In 2010, as part of the project, three “Susan and I are both committed to Language 2011 were supported by third-grade girls wrote a story about providing young people with opportu- various Penn State entities. For more a “real princess” who led a mission to nities to create, express and empower information, including details on Rus- Haiti, while older girls wrote mono- themselves through the performing sell’s book, “Body Language: Cultural logues about their female identity. arts,” explained Franklin. Conversations, Reaching Out and This year, Russell worked with 13 Russell said she wants Body Lan- Reaching In,” visit http://cultural- Penns Valley middle school students guage to serve as a tool for teachers conversations.psu.edu. who are participating in Expect and administrators to help them —Amy Milgrub Marshall

18 · Penn State Outreach Magazine The Lab Belt it Out at Penn State Berks “C’mon, belt it out.” To the untrained Penn State Berks launched the singer, that means a Greg Grieco Laboratory for Public Scholarship and voice that’s big and Democracy last fall for faculty members loud. But there’s more who plan to integrate service learning to “belting” than, well, or community-based undergraduate belting it out. That’s research into their curricula. Penn State why voice faculty from Berks is the first campus outside of the School of Music University Park to launch the lab. will lead a University Led by Dr. Laurie Grobman, profes- Park workshop on the sor of English and women’s studies, art of musical the- the lab at Berks campus (http://tinyurl. atre singing—which com/4h99fvj) will serve to create long- includes belting—in term relationships with community August 2011. organizations. “For example, we’re con- “Bel Canto/Can tacting local organizations to see if they Belto” was conceived have any research or service needs, and by Mary Saunders- Healthy singing: Penn State’s 2009 production of “The Wiz” then we can help make matches with Barton, head of voice faculty,” explained Grobman, whose instruction for Penn State’s B.F.A. leagues Beverly Patton, Norman Spivey own students are working with the Jew- Musical Theatre program, to help voice and Raymond Sage, is an extension of a ish Cultural Center of Reading to write instructors teach and sing for musical seminar she has presented by invitation a comprehensive local history of the theatre. “Belting as a singing quality across the United States and Europe. Jewish community. has been the subject of scrutiny and The three-day workshop at Penn State, University Park’s Laboratory for Public concern in classical circles because it which was offered for the first time in Scholarship and Democracy serves as has not been fully understood,” she ex- 2009, will include about 30 teachers of the umbrella organization that facilitates plained. “Teachers may feel concerned singing, mainly from the college level. a civic and community engagement mi- about the possible harm to the voice “We teach the participants how to use nor at the campus, as well as workshops because of the lack of understanding of their speaking voice in a healthy way, and discussions for faculty. the crucial relationship between speak- which is crucial to successful musical “We’re delighted to include Berks as ing and singing.” theatre singing,” said Saunders-Barton. a partner in the meaningful challenge According to Saunders-Barton, the “Everybody has a chance to try belting of working with students on issues of teaching of musical theatre begins with in a safe and supportive environment.” public scholarship,” said Dr. Jeremy the same training used in classical sing- The schools of Theatre and Music are Cohen, associate vice president and se- ing, with speech-centered techniques currently developing a master of fine nior associate dean for undergraduate specific to the art form added later. “The arts in musical theatre singing, tenta- education and professor of communica- belt quality is just one color among the tively scheduled to launch in fall 2011. tions. Last year, 40 students completed many sounds musical theatre singers Students accepted into the program the intercollegiate minor in civic and are required to make. It is produced the will participate in the workshop before community engagement, and the lab same way a calling sound is made in beginning their studies. The workshop presented seminars in conjunction with speech, the way you might summon the will take place Aug. 12–15, 2011. Reg- campuses on topics ranging from the kids from the yard for dinner.” ister online at http://belcantocan- Constitution to social justice. The workshop, which Saunders- belto.com. —Melissa W. Kaye Barton teaches with voice faculty col- —Amy Milgrub Marshall Spring 2011 · 19 Children, Youth & Families By Sara LaJeunesse Speaking Out

In the 1960s, the civil rights move- University have created a ment and the Vietnam War prompted new website intended to thousands of American youths to inspire K-12 students to protest publicly or to write angry letters “speak out” as members of a to politicians. Today, while there is still democracy. Called Voices of plenty to be upset about, civic partici- Democracy, the site (http:// Famous speeches provide inspiration. pation among young people is at an voicesofdemocracy.umd. all-time low. edu) includes audio and video record- women’s suffrage to the Vietnam War “Many young people lack even a basic ings, as well as texts, of many famous and the ‘war on terror’—brings history understanding of America’s history and and not-so-famous speeches in U.S. to life for many students and can even democratic traditions; therefore, they history. Each speech is accompanied inspire some to speak out themselves,” have little sense of their own rights and with an analysis written by an ex- said Hogan. responsibilities as citizens,” said Dr. Mi- pert scholar and curricular materials, Hogan and his colleagues are work- chael Hogan, a liberal arts research pro- including questions for classroom dis- ing to get the word out to teachers fessor and co-director of the Center for cussion and ideas for research projects. about their resource through various Democratic Deliberation at Penn State. “Studying the actual words of those listservs and websites. They also plan Hogan and colleagues from the who have debated the great issues in to add more audio and video, along University of Maryland and Baylor American history—from slavery and with materials, to help teachers.

tion Sciences and Technology and the Equal Opportunity Planning Commission, the camp, IT: not Just which originally focused on video-game design, recently added a section on movie making—where girls can design their own 3D avatars. for Boys “The camp was a great learning experience and helped me to realize that technology Move over Mario. A new cast of video- isn’t only for boys,” said 13-year-old Janelle game characters is in the works thanks Bullock, who attended the camp last sum- to the Penn State Tech Savvy Girls Camp, mer. “Now I know another one of my many a weeklong summer camp that teaches strengths that I would really like to stretch.” middle-school girls in central Pennsylvania to According to Mahar, Bullock’s change of make video games and movies. heart is not unique. “We give pre-camp and Only 18 percent of 2008 computer science post-camp surveys,” she said, “and afterward and information sciences undergraduate significantly more students say they would be degree recipients were women. “The Tech interested in a career in technology.” Savvy Girls Camp is attempting to change Last summer more than 100 girls attended that statistic by exposing young girls to infor- the video game and movie-making camps, mation technology (IT) and to opportunities roughly three times the number that attended that exist for women in the IT field,” said Jan when the Tech Savvy for Girls program first Mahar, a professor of practice in the College began in 2008. This summer, the camp will be A camp participant and instructor talk tech. of Information Sciences and Technology. held in June; go to http://ist.psu.edu/summer- Led by Penn State’s College of Informa- camp to register. THE economy & workforce

A collaborative approach to teaching medical and Teamwork nursing students

Penn State has become a leader in advancing a simple notion: If medical students and nursing students train together, they will work better as part of a team once they graduate. Thanks to a grant from the IHI Open School for Health Pro- fessions and the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, faculty at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center have developed a collaborative approach to teaching medical and nursing students in order to reduce medical errors and improve quality. Dr. Mary Beth Clark, assistant professor of nursing and one of the project leaders, thinks it makes good sense to train the groups together. “Education should mirror the practice environment as closely as possible,” she said. Co-directed by Clark and Dr. Paul Haidet, director of medical education research at the Penn State College of Medicine, the initiative places nursing and medical students in the same room to solve problems as teams. The goal: to create a foundation for thinking about clinical issues, not from an individual viewpoint but from a systems viewpoint. The project began in the fall of 2009 with 50 nursing students and 150 medical students. The uneven number of students resulted in some teams being all medical students while Rural Expansion others were split half and half. A survey of the students after the workshop shows that the all-medical teams did not see an The Penn State School of Nursing will be expanding its increase in the value of solving problems as a team. But both nurse practitioner program in fall 2011. Designed to help bring the nursing and medical students in the mixed teams reported health care to more rural, medically underserved areas, the that the exercise did increase their perceptions of the value of master’s program will be offered at the Penn State Mont Alto team problem solving. and Worthington Scranton campuses. Full-time students who Participant Emily Barlett, now an RN at the Penn State Her- serve rural communities may be considered for free tuition and shey Medical Center, said without the workshop she would books under a grant received from the Health Resources and not feel as comfortable sharing her concerns about patients Services Administration. with physicians. “This gift of communication has given me “With health care reform, our country will see an increased the ability to initiate teamwork and have a huge impact on demand for nurse practitioners to provide health care, espe- improving patient outcomes,” she said. cially in areas with an underserved population that has limited The workshop was repeated in the fall of 2010, and de- access to health care,” said Carranda Barkdoll, coordinator for spite the grant ending in December 2010, plans are for it to nursing programs. continue again this fall. A new workshop on interdisciplin- The program is designed to take four semesters to com- ary communication while providing end-of-life care has been plete and is open to RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. added to the curriculum as well. For more information call Barkdoll at 717-749-6205 or e-mail —Roger Sands at [email protected].

Spring 2011 · 21 the economy & Workforce global TALK

For the U.S. to thrive in a global economy, government and business leaders say that Americans should acquire proficiency in foreign languages. A new four-year federal grant of $1.285 million will enable Penn State experts in language ac- co-directs CALPER with Dr. Karen E. Johnson, Kirby Profes- quisition to conduct research on how native speakers use their sor in Language Learning and Applied Linguistics. language in informal and professional settings and develop Since CALPER’s establishment eight years ago, it has sup- materials to better help students learning that language. ported language educators throughout the United States in Faculty at the Center for Advanced Language Proficiency such activities as developing innovative teaching materials Education and Research (CALPER), part of the Center for Lan- for less commonly taught languages, such as Chinese, Korean, guage Acquisition in Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts, Russian and Japanese. However, the popularity of these lan- are recipients of the grant. guages is increasing. See below box. CALPER already develops innovative ways to teach and —Kay Shirk assess languages, in addition to conducting research and outreach. For example, CALPER has developed software to help teachers determine how well their students are learning a language, so lessons can address specific skill levels. Popularity in Languages “Because CALPER’S projects are designed to provide instructional and assessment materials and methodologies Results of a survey from the Modern Language aimed at advanced language proficiency,” explained Dr. James Association (MLA) show a significant growth of enrollments P. Lantolf, Greer Professor in Language Acquisition and Ap- in languages other than English at U.S. institutions of higher plied Linguistics, “most of what we do focuses on university- education since 2006. “It’s satisfying to know that the level programs, although we do have some projects … adopted number of university students studying foreign languages by secondary and even primary school teachers.” Lantolf continues to increase,” said Dr. James P. Lantolf, Greer Professor in Language Acquisition and Applied Linguistics. “Our task is to contribute teaching materials and teaching practices that will help more students attain higher levels of proficiency in these languages.” Here are some highlights from the MLA survey:

• Enrollments in Arabic language courses grew by 46.3 percent between 2006 and 2009, surpassing Russian. • Other languages showing strong increases in enrollments include Korean (up 19.1 percent), Chinese (up 18.2 percent), Portuguese (up 10.8 percent) and Japanese (up 10.3 percent). • Since 2006, American Sign Language (ASL) has ranked 4th in enrollments—a result of the increasing demand for ASL interpreters in education, government and business. Jim Lantolf, center, with Hongyin Tao and Gabi Appel EDUCATION Learning english Through Creative Writing

In essays, personal histories, journal entries and letters to family and friends they left behind, immigrants who have relocated from a United Nations’ refugee camp in the Himalayas to the shores of Lake Erie have been exploring and improving their proficiency in English through writing. Eugene Cross, who teaches creative writing at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, won $5,000 from Michigan-based Dzanc Books to fund a one-year series of writing workshops for these immigrants, most of them ethnic Nepalese. The prize is given annually to a writer who is interested in literary community service. Cross’ work as a volunteer conversation partner for the refugees’ weekly English as a Second Language class led him to craft his award proposal funding the workshops, which ended this winter. “The series of workshops served as both an outlet for their incredible stories, as well as a means to improve their spoken and written English,” said Cross. Eugene Cross, center, focuses on literary community service. —Christine Palattella

What’s New Online: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

For foreign-born immigrants, tificate program. “There is a huge demand In the United States, the Bureau of Labor the ability to learn and master the English globally for English language instructors but Statistics projects a 15 percent growth rate language can be key to finding a job and as- not enough teachers to meet the demand.” through 2018 for teachers of adult literacy similating into American culture. The new graduate certificate in TESOL, and remedial education, which includes “English is the language of globalization,” delivered online through the World Campus, TESOL teachers. said Dr. Karen E. Johnson, Kirby Professor in aims to prepare people who have college For more information, visit http://www. Language Learning and Applied Linguistics degrees but little or no teaching experi- worldcampus.psu.edu/TESOLOnline or call and lead faculty for the Teaching English to ence to become teachers of English to adult 814-867-4284. Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) cer- language learners. —Deborah A. Benedetti

Spring 2011 · 23 education Location, Location

Penn State Abington’s campus is situated in a residential neighborhood about three blocks away from Route 611, a major corridor through the center of Abington. Since location is everything, Penn State Abington Continuing Educa- tion saw an opportunity. “We wanted to create a new learning environment with a strong corporate atmosphere for our clients in an easy-to-find location with plenty of parking,” said Dr. Jane Owens, senior director of Continuing Education. The campus’ newest facility, Penn State Abington@611, situated right on Route 611, does just that. The interactive learning, meeting and planning facility offers a convenient suburban location for community members to attend “Lion Lectures” on everything from the arts to history, as well as to take courses on green building, among others—all taught by

current campus and emeritus faculty. Michael Levin For more information, go to http://www.abington.psu. edu/psasite/ce/611/index.html. —Melissa W. Kaye A new learning facility in Abington sits right on Route 611.

Science Education That’s Down to Earth

“Earth and space science has an inferiority complex within Earth and Space Science Education, serves to provide training and middle and high school science education,” as Dr. Scott McDonald, professional development on the subject for teachers of grades four Penn State associate professor of education, puts it. “It’s often the through nine. course taught to students who are not expected to succeed in sci- Theresa Lewis-King, an eighth-grade teacher in Philadelphia who ence—or even school.” is on the project’s leadership team, said that the program will give Yet, McDonald explains, the events that take place in the Earth’s teachers the tools needed to effectively engage their students. She complex systems are among the most critical things for any sci- added that the partnership “has the potential to directly impact how entifically literate person in this country to understand. That’s why middle school students view Earth science as a career option.” The McDonald and a multidisciplinary team of faculty representing other urban school districts involved in the project include Harrisburg, three campuses (Dr. Tanya Furman, geosciences and assistant vice Reading and York; three participating rural school districts include president and associate dean for undergraduate education, University Bald Eagle, Bellefonte and Penns Valley. Park; Dr. Laura Guertin, Earth sciences, Brandywine; Dr. Chris Palma, The professional development activities will focus on energy pro- astronomy, University Park; and Dr. Jason Petula, education, Har- duction, climate change, plate tectonics and solar system astronomy, risburg) have teamed up with several urban and rural underserved with the first workshops offered this summer. Call the Earth and Space Pennsylvania school districts on a new, five-year National Science Science Partnership Office at 814-867-4598 or write to [email protected] Foundation-funded project. for more information. The project, Targeted Math-Science Partnership: Middle Grade —Melissa W. Kaye Not Your Parent’s Music Lessons Faculty combine Google Earth files, Smithsonian audio clips and photos to help increase children’s understanding of the world around them

”What did you do in music class today?” a mother asks her 9-year- old. “We sang ‘Yankee Doodle,’” he responds. “And then we got on the computer and listened to the song being played on a banjo. And then we saw a map of Africa and learned how banjos came from Africa and were carried to America on slave ships. And then …” The boy is describing a new Penn State program that aims to help elementary school children in Pennsylva- nia learn not only the words to favorite childhood songs, but also to understand the historical and cultural underpin- nings of that music. “Many elementary school music lessons consist of a series of discon- nected facts about music and geography of the world,” said Dr. Laura Guertin, associate professor of Earth sciences at Penn State Brandywine, a creator of the program. “But we feel that it’s important for children to get a complete and Undergraduate Labanya Mookerjee helped create the modules. streamlined picture of the world around them, especially because we now live in a global society.” Guertin explained there is a general computer with an Internet connection Guertin, along with her undergradu- lack of geography proficiency that and speakers, are freely available ate student Labanya Mookerjee, as well needs to be addressed. She cited a 2006 at http://tinyurl.com/ as Dr. Ann Clements, an associate pro- survey commissioned by National googleearthmusic to teachers fessor of music at University Park, and Geographic stating that only 50 percent and come with a tutorial. her graduate student Theresa Yerger, of respondents between ages 15 and The team is sharing the new program have created 10 educational modules 25 could find New York on a map. “By with Pennsylvania teachers at the using Google Earth files, audio clips using 3D representations of buildings, Pennsylvania Music Educators Asso- (all from the Smithsonian Folkways museum tours and interactive street ciation Conference in Hershey, Pa., in website), photos, videos and cultural views, for example, our program shows April and the International Society for information to help students learn to children the connections between loca- Technology in Education Conference in increase their understanding of people tion, culture and music.” Philadelphia, Pa., in June. around the world. The modules, which require only a —Sara LaJeunesse

Spring 2011 · 25 ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT Stream Teams

Youth play a big role in the future of the Chesapeake Bay

A young girl crouches Because the Conewago down beside a stream to peer Creek is polluted, it contains under a rock. Around her, just a tiny fraction of the fish the branches of willow trees and aquatic insects that it dangle from the earthen once did. By joining a stream bank, and field grasses tangle team, kids can help improve in the sluggish current. It is the state of the Conewago a pretty pastoral picture, yet Creek and its downstream the reality of the scene is not waterways. so pleasant. The girl, 12-year- old Anna Byrnes, is here to Getting Involved collect water samples from “Kids can become involved in a waterway that is polluted a team through their exist- with sediment and nutrients ing 4-H club or other youth from the activities of nearby group, through their school landowners. Kids collect samples from a polluted waterway. classroom, or by forming a Byrnes is a member of brand new group of youth one of the Conewago Stream Teams, a “In addition, getting youth engaged in led by a willing adult volunteer,” said program begun in 2010 that engages hands-on science education experiences Fetter. “They then have the opportu- youth living in Dauphin, Lancaster like this is important because America nity to participate in hands-on water and Lebanon counties in the effort to has a staggering shortage of youth go- conservation activities, meet people improve the water quality of the Cone- ing on to science careers.” from other organizations and profes- wago Creek. The creek is a waterway sional agencies that are also engaged that drains into the Susquehanna River Drinking Water Safety in watershed studies, learn more about and, ultimately, into the Chesapeake Byrnes is one of more than 160 children science careers, and develop important Bay. Led by Penn State Extension’s 4-H to be involved in a stream team (to life skills such as decision making, com- Youth Development Program, Cone- date, nine stream teams have formed, munication and critical thinking.” wago Stream Teams currently is in the each with between five and 15 mem- In a related effort, called the Cone- pilot stage and will run until 2012. bers) since the program’s inception. wago Creek Collaborative Conservation “Youth play a large role in the future “I wanted to get more acquainted with Initiative, Penn State is working with of the Chesapeake Bay and its water- what is happening in our streams, in local, state and national partners to find shed because they will someday be land- terms of how various activities affect new and innovative ways to improve owners, business leaders and decision our drinking water, and I wanted to small local watersheds, as well as to find makers in this watershed,” said Jennifer learn more about the critters in the the best ways to implement existing con- Fetter, a Penn State Extension educator. water,” said Byrnes. servation practices more effectively.

26 · Penn State Outreach Magazine By Sara LaJeunesse

How’s MY Drinking water? Extension helps homeowners near Marcellus Shale drilling sites

Steve Williams, Penn State review water-quality reports

Bryan Swistock, senior Extension associate

Imagine receiving a letter from a gas-drilling company presence of coliform bacteria, E. coli bacteria (abundant in identifying more than a dozen chemicals that have been de- feces), iron, manganese and low pH,” he said. tected in your well water before the company even has begun If post-drilling reports identify other types of contamina- to drill. “What are these chemicals?” you wonder. “Are they tion that did not exist prior to drilling, Swistock recommends dangerous to my drinking water?” that residents contact the Pennsylvania Department of Envi- Bryan Swistock, a senior Extension associate, along with ronmental Protection to initiate an investigation to determine a team of seven county Extension educators, is helping resi- if nearby gas-drilling activity is responsible. dents in Pennsylvania who live near natural-gas drilling sites In addition to helping individuals interpret their reports, to interpret the results of their water-quality reports. “The Swistock and other members of the Extension water-resources tests can be very difficult to understand with many chem- team have given seminars to groups of water-system owners in ical names, units, standards, methods and notations,” Bradford, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wyoming, Luzerne, Lycoming explained Swistock. and Elk counties as part of a new program called “How to In- Swistock, who has helped private water-system owners terpret Pre- and Post-Gas Drilling Water Test Reports” (http:// interpret water-quality reports since the late 1980s, says the extension.psu.edu/water/marcellus-shale). He also hosted demand for this type of assistance has increased dramati- a statewide webinar in September 2010. cally in the past year along with efforts to drill in the Marcel- lus Shale. That’s because in order to get at the natural gas reservoirs contained within the Marcellus Shale, companies must drill through the aquifers and groundwater that supply Legal Eagles drinking water to many rural residents. So far, thousands of homeowners have had their water tested, either by a Students from Penn State University, The Dickinson gas-drilling company or voluntarily through state-accredited School of Law have been gaining valuable experience from testing labs, to document the quality of their drinking water. helping Pennsylvania citizens navigate the legal issues involved with leasing their land to gas-drilling companies. Dur- Common Drilling Issues ing the spring semester, clinical professor Ross Pifer, director Nearly 2,000 wells have been drilled in the Marcellus Shale in of the school’s Rural Economic Development Clinic, and law Pennsylvania this year; however, so far, Swistock mostly has students worked with Extension to provide lease reviews for been evaluating pre-drilling water-quality reports. He says he individual clients in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale region. will compare these results with post-drilling reports as they For more information, contact Pifer at [email protected]. come in. “The most common pre-drilling problems are the

Spring 2011 · 27 HEALTH By Deborah A. Benedetti Help for INjured Marine Corps personnel Servicemembers receive inclusive recreation training

A few years ago, Penn State re- sponded to the military’s need to develop and provide recreation services that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including severely injured servicemembers, known as Wounded Warriors. Now the U.S. Marine Corps wants to train more staff and has in- vited Penn State to help. “The Marine Corps wants to assist their Wounded Warriors and all of their Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) customers who have disabilities,” said Tammy B. Smith, lead faculty for this program and for the original Inclusive

Recreation for Wounded Warriors William D. Moss (IRWW) program created in 2007. Smith is referring to the integration of Wounded Warriors into the military’s Army Staff Sgt. Jake Kessler prepares for rock-climbing with the heels of his prosthetic feet. MWR services on installations. More than 300 recreation personnel have Community Services, attended the on the road earlier this year in the first completed training on how to include prototype IRWW program and worked of 13 sessions to be delivered at Marine Wounded Warriors in recreation activi- with Smith on the new program. Morsi bases in the United States and Japan, ties and how to make facilities ADA- is hopeful that the program will be including three trainings each at camps compliant during the four-day IRWW successful and wants “members of our Lejeune and Pendleton, which are major program, funded by the Department of Marine Corps community to feel con- gateways for Marines deploying to and Defense and held at the University Park nected and welcomed and trust that returning from war zones. Participants campus. An e-training version of the opportunities will exist for everyone.” will simulate disabilities to better program is being created to reach even understand the needs of people with more military recreation personnel. Inclusive Recreation Model disabilities. They also will develop an For the new program with the Marine Smith and Kleban, both instructors action plan for their facility. Corps, “we’ve broadened our focus to in the College of Health and Human To help participants network and cover veterans wounded in previous Development’s Department of Recre- share successes and challenges, Smith wars, those who develop disabilities as ation, Park and Tourism Management, has created an online portal for col- they age, and children living on installa- have developed the WAMMER model laboration, Inclusion by Design. Penn tions,” added Smith, co-facilitator with of inclusive recreation, which stands for State partners for the Marine Corps Patricia Kleban of the two-day program. Welcome, Ask, Modify, Monitor, Evaluate program include the School of Hos- D. Seabrease Morsi, supervisory and Refer, to train recreation personnel. pitality Management and Outreach’s program manager for the Marine Corps Smith and Kleban took the program Business Solutions.

28 · Penn State Outreach Magazine By Helene Bludman of social services. “No how one knows services. social of treme poverty, unemployment and lack to facilitate theirsocialization.” and then transferred to afoster home in achildren’s home for three months voices. stayed They unarticulated some rather but gestures used and speak, maintaineye contactnot and did not were“they could afraid people, new of horror was discovered. that this veterinarian by alocal visit daughter. achance was onlythrough It hiswife and abused olderand sexually physically have onlyfemale offspring, workers, the father,social to unhappy resided According inthe house. to local ther, sister— and mother 14-year-old - whilethe restpigs, theirfamily—fa of were forced to play sleep, and eat with They area Serbia. in arural western of whowereyoung inapigsty girls locked youth and families. children, disadvantaged on empowering focused work interventions and social on juvenilea leading justice authority regardedwhere highly he hadas been DJ, as known isanative Serbia, of Stakic, to close hisheart. the world very of Europe,in distress apart inEastern his life the course lives of to changing at Penn devoted State has Brandywine, developmenthuman and family studies Dr. DjuradjStakic, professor of country home reconnects his to How one professor Story DJ’s Eastern Europe isanareaby ex Eastern beset Ievaluated them,” said, Stakic “When There twoof isthecase, for example, - vision, energy and charisma have and charisma energy vision, attributes, “[His] personal Stakic: about Belgrade,tion officer said atUNICEFin work andcial counseling professionals. four published he has for manuals - so Inthe process, child protection expert. UNICEFjuvenilesenior justice and Europe a as insoutheastern rights UNICEF.through and Montenegro, managed Serbia both reform the juvenile of justice system in protection system for children, and multiyear projects: reform the social of for and multimilliondollar two major affairs. social hadHe responsibility of to adviser the ministry aspecial as Work Social of and School and served Belgrade’s Education Special of School at the University of taught Stakic awardUnder aFulbright in2002–03, Children’s Rights Promoting doors,” closed behind Stakic. explained many children and youth are victimized Dusica Vujacic-Richer,Dusica achild protec He continues to promote children’s -

Laura’s Eye future,” he said. and to for make something the connect my my pastwith present to me anopportunity would give “That students on onehistrips. of processes that aimto protect children. and changes methodologies inlaws, professionals to understand the recent business.”had unfinished and Irealized I needed, they services children allthose of receiving not the Ithought to helping children at risk. guilty. Ihad devoted my life inBelgrade Milosevic. tal dictatorship Slobodan of the repressivefamily escaped - and bru He thisregion. challenges of and his theappreciation cultural of mores and children.” of rights continued of advancementslysts the of cata as - tostudents, themselves serve manysectors, whom were of his former from and governmental nonprofit both greatly moved numerous professionals

Stakic hopes to hopes take hisPennStakic State His work continues thisyear, training “We made here,” it Ifelt “But he said. understanding adeep has and Stakic Dobri Dejano UNICEF disadvantaged youthinEasternEurope. Djuradj Stakic(left)focuseson Spring 2011 ·29 Spring Internat iona l SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Science-U:

Creating “Ah-ha!” moments— one summer camp at a time

If Michael Zeman had his way, there The Eberly College would be a Science-U Land built on the of Science originally outskirts of University Park. offered summer “We’d have characters walking around, camps in 1999 under just like Disney World. There would be the name Action people like Einstein and other histori- Potential Science cal figures of science,” said Zeman, who Experience. Until holds both bachelor’s and master’s de- 2007 it consisted of grees from Penn State and is director of up to six summer Penn State’s Science-U summer camps. camps. The program went dormant in Courtesy of the Eberly College Science A Science State of Mind 2008 but returned For now, Zeman and his colleagues work in 2009 under the Penn State camps spark an interest in a science career. creatively without that theme park to name Science-U and lure young students into a science state now offers up to 15 hands-on camps for and other art forms. Then there’s Dr. of mind through summer camps. children entering grades two through 12. Walter Winkel in the “Science of Toys” “We try to create these ‘Ah-ha!’ mo- The weeklong camps run Monday camp, which debuts this summer. ments for campers,” explained Zeman, through Friday from mid-June to early “It’s a fascinating challenge to take referring to that split second where they August and host both commuter and the science subjects that I love and make a discovery during an experiment. residential campers. Camp curriculum package them in a way that is un- “That’s what sparks the fire to get kids in- is developed and taught by University derstandable and interesting for an terested in pursuing a career in science.” faculty who are assisted by researchers, elementary student,” said Van Hook. And for 10-year-old camper Kayleigh local area teachers, and both graduate Go to http://www.sciencecamps. Matthews, those moments are working. and undergraduate students. psu.edu for more information. She has attended nine camps in three Dr. Stephen Van Hook, a Penn State —Jamie Curott Hogshead years and wants to be a marine biolo- physics lecturer and Science-U teacher, gist when she grows up. said it takes a true collaboration to “What I like most is that they make it make Science-U happen—using the so much fun. You don’t even really real- better part of a year to brainstorm with In 2010: ize that you’re learning,” said Matthews. a team and develop activities for two of Jessica McNutt, a Penn State gradu- his camps. In “Science Gets Creative,” • Science-U hosted 576 camp- ate student and Science-U mentor, campers enter a world where science ers from 18 states and four added: “Science outreach is important, and art collide, and character Lizzy da different countries because we all should know science to Vinci helps the students use both sides • More than 42 percent of some extent. It’s a part of every aspect of their brains to explore the physics campers were female of our lives.” and mathematics of sculpture, paint • Science-U campers participated in pre- and post-tests for each camp; scores 30 · Penn State Outreach Magazine improved by 35 percent from Monday to Friday Putting Farmers on the Digital Map

Nine Penn State information sciences and technology (IST) students have put Schuylkill County’s farms on the map—literally. Led by Dr. Elinor Madigan, a program coordinator in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, the students created a Google map that highlights Schuylkill County’s farms. “Before this map, there really was no way for consumers to know what the farmers in Schuylkill County have to offer,” said Madigan. “Other counties already had a digital farm map, but Schuylkill County did not.” The map, which went live on the Internet in May 2010, links to the farms’ websites and provides information about the produce that each farm grows. The map can be accessed through search engines, and its Web address is printed on a physical map of the county’s farms. “I was pleased to see the number of growers who signed up for the map,” said Andy Beck, the horticulture educator at Schuylkill Extension. To view the map, go to http://sl-community.sl.psu.edu/Schuylkill_Ag_Map. Madigan also is getting students involved in similar expe- riential learning projects with Extension. “Last fall, a group of my students began to work on a Web page about the trees on the Penn State Schuylkill campus,” she said. She hopes the project will bring awareness about the commemorative trees planted on the campus. Schuylkill students assist farmers. From left: Ben Pope, Darryl Beamon, —Sara LaJeunesse Aaron Kustan (in the back) and Rachel Bendetti

The Learning factory expands

University Park’s College of implemented industry-sponsored engineering same project as students from University Engineering has been offering its students design projects at its campus. Park to design a city powered by hydrogen, opportunities to work on industry-sponsored Last fall, Elizabeth Wiggins-Lopez, an sponsored by Air Products, an international engineering design projects since the engineering faculty member from Penn State company with corporate headquarters mid-1990s through the Learning Factory for Berks, took best practices from the Uni- in Allentown, Pa. In the fall, students will seniors and Client-Centered Design Program versity Park programs and rolled it into one be asked to determine patterns that add for freshmen. Now a Penn State Berks cam- Learning Factory initiative offered for the first strength to ceiling tiles, for Armstrong, a pus team of engineering faculty, members time to Berks campus engineering students. ceiling and cabinet manufacturer with of- of the campus’ Industry Advisory Council This spring, Berks campus freshman fices in Lancaster, Pa. and staff from Continuing Education has engineering students are working on the —Melissa W. Kaye ENDNOTE The African American Legacy at Penn State How one alumnus decides to search for stories and share the history Former Penn State President John Oswald with Darryl Daisey in 1983

Calvin H. Waller was the first African Penn State community. especially Penn State students. There American admitted to Penn State. “I believed that sharing more than were no more hard copies of the booklet; Almaria Eberhardt was the first African 110 years of the rich contributions, they were already distributed at the American elected as Penn State’s Home- struggles and successes of African reunion. So Daisey decided to create an coming Queen. Penn State graduate American Penn Staters could help informal website that would eventually Guion S. Bluford was the first African empower students, faculty and staff to be linked to Penn State’s main Web page. American to venture into space. reconnect African American alumni to Terrell Jones, vice provost for Edu- And with help from a variety of the University,” said Daisey. cational Equity, had been supporting sources, Darryl Daisey, a 1983 alumnus, The process of documenting this Daisey from the beginning of this proj- was the first person to compile the sto- history was not an easy one, as Penn ect. And once the research was online, ries from Penn State’s African American State did not keep records of race before Jones approached Penn State Public history into one comprehensive record. 1970. Using archives from the Univer- Broadcasting and producer Cheraine sity, “The Daily Collegian” and “La Vie, Stanford with an idea to create a more Finding Inspiration The Penn State Yearbook,” as well as official and interactive website that After registering to attend the 2008 interviews and individual leads, Daisey would not only recount the authentic Black Alumni Reunion, Daisey learned undertook the daunting task of creating history of African Americans at Penn that a collective documentation of a document. Daisey was encouraged by State, but would also hopefully lead to African American history at Penn State University officials and decided to follow inspiration and a sense of belonging for did not exist. He’d been asked to sit up with more people so that he could the University’s minority students. on a panel about the legacy of black add their stories to the document. “You need to appreciate the struggles students at Penn State for the reunion, “I didn’t want an urban legend to be- of those who came before you to know and he wanted to prepare himself. But come a history. I wanted to make sure I what your own obligations are,” Daisey in his search, Daisey found only a few had some evidence to prove what I had said. With funding from the Office of magazine articles on the subject in old written was true,” Daisey said. the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, “Penn Stater” magazines. Daisey’s research resulted in a 50- Penn State Public Broadcasting created Surprised by this fact, Daisey was page booklet that was presented at the the new interactive website (http:// inspired to create a living document—a 2008 Black Alumni Reunion. www.blackhistory.psu.edu) titled comprehensive history—not just for The booklet was a success. However, “African American Chronicles: Black his own reference, but for the entire Daisey wanted to reach more people— History at Penn State.”

32 · Penn State Outreach Magazine By Bianca Barr and Katelynn Levanduski

PENN STATE OUTREACH A Virtual Tour EDITORIAL STAFF The site, which launched at the 2010 Black Alumni Reunion, takes visitors Vice President for Outreach on a virtual tour through history along Dr. Craig D. Weidemann an interactive timeline that allows Executive Director them to scroll through decades, meet Outreach Marketing, Communications, people and experience events from Recruitment and Admission Services Penn State’s past and present. Archival Tracey D. Huston photos and videos unearthed from News and Communications Director the Penn State archives and personal Dave Aneckstein collections and interviews with some Editor-in-Chief of the University’s noteworthy alumni Melissa W. Kaye and faculty pay tribute to the past. “These stories are a source of enrich- Art Director Tara Tallman Sollman

Penn State Public Information ment,” said Stanford, who shared one of her favorite examples from Senior Writer the Chronicles: Deborah A. Benedetti Mildred Settle Writers Bunton was the Elizabeth Bechtel first “colored” Jamie Curott Hogshead female student Sara LaJeunesse Creative Images Creative Kay Shirk admitted to Penn State in 1929 Proofreader and became the Kay Shirk first “colored” Production Assistant female gradu- Selma King ate in 1932. She came from extreme poverty Penn State Outreach is published by Penn State Outreach Marketing and worked to and Communications.

pay her way Penn State Outreach Marketing through Penn and Communications The Pennsylvania State University State. While The 329 Building, Suite 408 University Park, PA 16802 here, she was Phone: 814-865-7600 Fax: 814-865-3343 Darryl Daisey and family consistently on E-mail: [email protected] the Dean’s List despite name-calling Website: http://www.outreach.psu.edu

from students. She said she was This publication is available in alternative media on request. never mistreated but that most of the Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, The Credits students had never seen a “colored” and the diversity of its workforce.

The African American Chronicles is woman before. U.Ed.OUT 11-0682tdh/dxa/mwk/tts Payne Printery part of the Penn State Black History The African American Chronicles Project, a joint effort of Penn State’s website has been well received by © 2011 The Pennsylvania State University. For permission to reprint text from Penn African American alumni, the Office staff, students and alumni alike, said State Outreach, contact Selma King (814-865-7600; [email protected]). of Educational Equity, the Africana Stanford, adding that many alumni Research Center, the African and have even come forward wishing to African American Studies Depart- add their memories to the project. ment, the Paul Robeson Cultural “We cannot become better people or a Center, the Alumni Association, and better University unless we build upon other organizations. The effort aims to lessons from the past,” said Stanford. create a collective memory of African American history at Penn State. Penn State Outreach Marketing and Communications Nonprofit Org. The Pennsylvania State University U.S. Postage The 329 Building, Suite 408 P A I D University Park PA 16802 State College, PA Permit No. 1

The Pennsylvania State University saved the following resources by using Sappi Flo Cover and Text (FSC), manufactured with 10% recycled content. Resource Calculations: Trees: 5 fully grown Water: 1,939 gallons Energy: 4 million BTUs Solid Waste: 321 lbs Greenhouse Gases: 591 lbs Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator. For more information visit http://www.papercalculator.org.