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North Dakota State University , Fargo

‘ice people’ premieres p.3

Science & Math i Startup funds: $100,000 Erin Gillam, assistant professor of biological sciences, The costs alumni cover needed startup funds to continue her research on bats. She $50 – provides a biological sciences student with an doesn’t have a lab yet, but is gathering equipment. What your $250 $100,000 Outstanding Student award Using microphones and a speaker capable of recording $100 – covers a coffee house rental for a community Science Café and projecting ultrasonic frequencies, she can observe bat $250 – helps with expenses for a student to present research calls and how they react to recordings of other bats. She is $250 at a conference researching bats’ contributions do $5,000 $500 – pays expenses for Darwin Days, an across-campus ability to maneuver celebration of Darwin’s science in changing $1,000 – brings a faculty member’s mentor to campus to ease environments. his or her transition from student to professor “If the$5,000 Navy The NDSU College of Science and Mathematics $5,000 – adds to department endowment for supporting had sonar systems depends on alumni contributions to provide a students, faculty and staff that are even half $1,000 $10,000 – endows a scholarship to provide $400 a year to as sophisticated as wide variety of services that benefit students. attract new students bat echolocation, it Each of these services acts as a puzzle piece that, $500 $10,000 $50,000 – remodels a laboratory in the coatings and polymeric would be above and when assembled, paints a picture of a college materials department $1,000 beyond anything they $100,000 – endows a graduate student stipend to attract the Erin Gillam have now,” she said. constantly striving to provide the best education best students Similarly,$500 Katie Reindl, an assistant professor of biological$10,000 to its students. While scholarships are by far the $500,000 – endows a professorship in the college, increasing the sciences, received a start up package to purchase new equipment $100 chances of keeping an award-winning faculty member and laboratory supplies, support undergraduate research biggest benefit of alumni contributions, here are $1,000,000 – provides a building addition to support undergraduate assistants and support part of her work in the summer. “I am $50,000 some other services your funds help provide.$500,000 science labs able to spend the funds on a variety of different things Donations to the College of Science and Mathematics are administered as opposed to just equipment$100 or just supplies,” she by the NDSU Development Foundation. said. “This flexibility allows me to make the best $50,000 $500,000 use of the money.” Start-up funding to attract new faculty like Gillam Guest lectures: and Reindl comes, in part, from alumni contributions. The College of Science and Mathematics brings in top They also spend time in classrooms so students get a “Anybody who’s anybody in this field presents at scientists from all over the country as well as sends out its close-up look at an internationally known scientist. this conference,” he said. A quick look at how departments use own top professors for guest lectures. Whether bringing in or Each department also works to bring in their own guest The $2,500 cost of attending this conference was sending out, guest lectures require alumni funding for support. speakers. Psychology runs a colloquium series on Friday partially offset by funding provided by alumni. alumni contributions: This year, the afternoons, and mathematics conducts a workshop each year Attending conferences is a crucial part of graduate Biological Sciences: This past year the department gave college started the for young girls called Sonia Kovalevsky Day, which includes student education as well as an important opportunity for out more than $12,000 in awards, both undergraduate and Science Café series national speakers. undergraduates. Getting to conferences around the country graduate. Some awards are monetary; others are a combination (see page 5) to take “We couldn’t run all these series without alumni would be an undue burden for many students. Alumni of research funds and a stipend. the value and contributions,” McCaul said. contributions work to bridge that gap between NDSU and other Chemistry and Molecular Biology: scholarships and awards fascination of parts of the country. Undergraduate students are able to meet for undergraduate students; award for one graduate student; science to the local Student travel: potential graduate-school advisers at these conferences as well travel support; interviewing expenses to recruit faculty community. One of Jeremy Brown, a Ph.D. student in computer science, as see other scientists presenting their work. For example, the Computer Science: student scholarships; student travel to the most important traveled to Washington, D.C., in December 2007, average cost of attending a geosciences conference is $900. professional conferences events that funds to participate in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Alumni contributions can help cover $300 of that. Coatings and Polymeric Materials: newsletter costs; sponsor, according Engineers Global Communications Conference. He presented The Geo-Alumni Endowment is the funding vehicle of the Industrial Advisory Board meetings; student recruitment; to college dean a paper on wireless sensor networks —small computers with geosciences department. Only interest from the fund is used new student orientation; visiting scholars and guest lecturers; James Coykendall spoke on the Rubik’s Cube Kevin McCaul, is wireless capabilities. from year to year. While most of it is used for scholarships, research collaboration meetings; faculty startup during a Science Café in February. the Science and This particular alumni funds also help get geosciences students into the field Geosciences: scholarships; travel to conferences; field visits Mathematics Community Lecture Series. Now in its third year, conference is for course work. Almost all geosciences students benefit from to different parts of the country; student internship support this series brings in top researchers from across the spectrum of the flagship of the funds. This spring, they participated in field courses in Mathematics: Contributions not for a specific scholarship science and math to give a community talk at the Fargo Theatre. conferences for Colorado and Utah. They have traveled to Death Valley, Calif.; fund help support the Pythagoras Award scholarships and Rao The first, Lonnie Thompson, covered climate change. The students like Brown, Ontario, Canada; and northern Minnesota. They also were able Exam awards and scholarships. second, Brigit Stuchberry, spoke about songbirds and migration. who will depend on to take advantage of internships by working with a geologist Statistics: student scholarships; faculty development This year’s speaker was Daniel Gilbert (more on page 5). such resume builders for a day on a drill rig in western North Dakota. through workshops and conferences “These are internationally known speakers who have an and networking to For Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat, the benefit of alumni funds Physics: Alumni contributions are distributed to a number uncanny ability to take their science to the community in a find employment in is to give students the ability “to see the science in real life as of student scholarships. way the community appreciates,” McCaul said. the future. opposed to a picture on a PowerPoint or a sample in a box in Psychology: The department handed out 17 awards a lab. You really can’t understand the three-dimensional aspect during the past academic year, including scholarships, research Jeremy Brown of the Earth and its structures without physically being there.” fellowships and graduate student conference travel.

Science & Math Science & Math ii 1 President’s message college news

NDSU is an institution of choice for In my State of the University Address, I outlined a number students, and the College of Science and of goals, including: Mathematics is an important player as • NDSU will further raise the caliber of its research we move forward. enterprise. NDSU’s official fall enrollment • NDSU will be among the top 15 computer centers stood at 13,229 undergraduate, graduate in the world. and professional students, which was • NDSU will continue to be one of the leading a record for the ninth year in a row. agricultural research programs in the world. A truly exciting development was the • NDSU will make advancements in the arts, unprecedented 23 percent increase of humanities, health sciences, material science first-year students. and science, and engineering and mathematics Advancement is coming on many fronts across our educational programs. university. We are working to diversify our faculty, staff and • NDSU will become one of the top 100 universities student body. I believe our students will not be fully prepared in the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled. for a diverse, global work world if they are not part of an NDSU is an institution that continues to advance and inclusive university environment. So, we are creating an Equity succeed. Our stature is growing, our programs are being and Diversity Center and the President’s Council on Global recognized across the nation and the best is yet to come. Outreach. By building partnerships around the world, we can further expand our research, enhance our educational offerings - Joseph A. Chapman and help the economy of our great state.

Dean’s message

We are working on a new strategic Adam Lewis, Anne Aghion and Allan Ashworth were on hand at the Fargo premiere of the documentary film that plan for the college, including the covered the faculty members’ research in Antarctica. development of new mission, values and vision statements. Although we have just “Ice People” shines at Fargo Theatre premiere initiated this process, it is already clear to me that our leadership team highly Well-wrapped audience members stepped gingerly on that contain fossils of the plants values service and that service to the slippery paths among Emperor penguins sculpted from snow and insects that colonized the community in particular will be part to attend the premiere of “Ice People” at the Fargo Theatre in landscapes. Together the soils and fossils are of our strategic planning. early March. The life-sized penguins were a special treat for a rich source of information about the Earth’s history and Our faculty members are already the premiere, created by three landscape architecture students global climate change. In their discoveries, Lewis and Ashworth involved in such service, of course. who do competitive snow sculpting. “Ice People” seeks to are rewriting part of Antarctica’s history. Among other things, Many of us, for example, followed Don Schwert’s flood page capture the experience of living and working in Antarctica’s they have opened up our understanding of a major climate this spring (www.ndsu.nodak.edu/fargoflood). And we began a extreme environment. The film focuses on staff and students change at 14 million years ago. For example, the leaf fossil new service of monthly events this year to take science to the from NDSU’s geosciences department, as they camp in the we see uncovered in the film was only the second time a community: the Science Cafés (described in this issue). mountains during an Antarctic summer and collect fossil leaf of a southern beech tree has been found in What you will not see here are multiple pictures of our samples from ancient glacial deposits in their the interior of Antarctica. wonderful students, staff and faculty members who committed search for fossils. Meanwhile, at home, the wives of the scientists keep to community service in preparing for (and, for the most part) “Ice People” was produced and watch over the mundane. The seasons are reversed so surviving the flood. But I had to include at least one: I promise directed by Anne Aghion who, along with a while it is summer in Antarctica, the chores of winter you that at least some of the hard-working volunteers in the cinematographer and sound technician, spent fall on their shoulders, along with paying the bills and picture to the right are proudly representing our college and four months filming in Antarctica to capture the minding the family. Hazel Ashworth is retired and the North Dakota State University. experience of living and working in an extreme film provided some unique rewards for her: attending Please let us know any ways in which we can serve you! environment. Much of their time involved living film premieres in San Francisco, Paris and New York. with and filming the NDSU geology team. But, because of friends, family and students, she said In their studies, distinguished professor - Kevin D. McCaul Faculty, staff and students of NDSU joined the larger community at the the Fargo premiere was the most fun of all. More than Allan Ashworth focuses on the fossils and Fargodome to fill sandbags during the spring flood. 800 people attended the Fargo showing, an audience assistant professor Adam Lewis focuses on tills. which she described as being “as sophisticated as Till is made of clay, sand, gravel and boulders any of them.” laid down by glaciers. When the glaciers retreated, lakes and rivers deposited sediments continued on page 4

Science & Math Science & Math 2 3 college news

interviewers asking loads of questions but never really understanding because they didn’t stick around to experience Gilbert presents “Stumbling On Happiness” as part the process and lifestyle of deep research. The Aghion team was unobtrusive, but always there. “Anne was absolutely 100 percent of community lectureship series organic,” Lewis said. “She would just sit and talk with us. They Daniel Gilbert, and economics shows people routinely mis-predict how they just became these other field party members.” Her ethnographic professor of psychology will feel when they do and don’t get what they are seeking, approach shows and has garnered overwhelmingly positive at Harvard University, overestimating both the pleasures of success and the pains of reviews for the film. presented “Stumbling on failure,” Gilbert wrote in his abstract. Lewis has made 10 research trips to the Dry Valleys starting Happiness” May 3 at the Gilbert has won numerous awards for his research and as a student. Ashworth has completed five expeditions, some Fargo Theatre, as part of teaching. In 2008 he was elected to the American Academy the third annual NDSU of Arts and Sciences. His 2007 book, “Stumbling on Happiness,” College of Science and was on the New York Times bestseller list 25 weeks, translated “Anne [Aghion] was absolutely Mathematics Community into 30 languages and awarded the Royal Society’s General Lectureship Series. Prize for best science book of the year. Daniel Gilbert The presentation He is a contributor to Time, The New York Times and NPR’s 100 percent organic. She Photo by Marilynn Oliphant described the science behind “All Things Considered” and has been a guest on TV and radio Allan Ashworth, junior Spencer Salmon, alumna Jane Willenbring and why people seem to stumble “on” happiness rather than “upon” shows including “The Today Show,” “Charlie Rose,” “20/20” Adam Lewis show their Bison pride during the 2008 trip to Antarctica. would just sit and talk with it. “Most people think they know what creates happiness and and “The Colbert Report.” He will host the PBS NOVA series the only problem is getting it. But research in psychology “Human Nature” in 2010. Colleen Lewis is a speech language pathologist with West us. They just became these Fargo Public Schools and has two young children. Having her husband away is hard because they don’t live near their other field party members.” Science Café brings science to F-M community extended family and because he misses so many moments in the Would you like a little science with your coffee? In a Duncan particularly enjoyed the discussion triggered by lives of their children, frustration he also expressed and hopes manner of speaking, that’s the idea behind NDSU’s new his talk, which he sees as a vital element to a Science Café. “I to remedy by staying home this year. She is happy that he loves – Adam Lewis Science Café program, sponsored by the College of Science hope, in the long run, we are able to get people involved and his work and said she was really pleased with the film because and Mathematics. excited,” he said. “I hope of the insight it provided into her husband’s work. “I was glad working in the Dry Valleys with Lewis but also researching Encouraged on campus by Kevin McCaul, dean of science we develop a culture to see that because I don’t really know what he does there,” she in more remote locations closer to the South Pole. Two of and mathematics, a Science Café is an academic presentation of interaction that said. “It’s nice to get that visual and see how they are excited Ashworth’s NDSU undergraduate students, Andrew Podoll and about a topic of public interest made in an informal, encourages everyone to about the research they are doing. I think he does have a good Kelly Gorz, were involved in the movie. During the past field comfortable setting. be a participant in the time there.” season, Spencer Salmon, a junior majoring in geology, assisted NDSU’s first Science Café, “North Dakotans Matter More work of the sciences.” When Aghion approached him about filming the NDSU the expedition. A person who loves snow, Salmon was surprised than Californians: Your Power and the Electoral College,” was The Science Café team, Lewis was reluctant: “I told her you can’t screw it up. You that the mountains of the area called the Dry Valleys, which timed in conjunction with the fall general election, and was was developed through can’t mess with us. You have to camp parallel to us. You do is the site of much of the documentary, really are dry and full held at Fargo’s Hotel Donaldson. The second, “What Motivates a committee comprised your thing and we’ll do our thing.” of the “true silence” of a place where nothing is living. Only Suicide Bombers? The Psychology of Terrorism,” was hosted of McCaul; Duncan; Ashworth, the principal investigator on the project, also the wind and the tools and machines of the human inhabitants by Babb’s Coffeehouse in downtown Fargo. Other recent topics Gregory Cook, professor had to be convinced that having a film crew along was a good provide sound and color. The yellow cone of the professor’s were “How Glass Changed the World,” and the mathematics of of chemistry and molecular biology; Erika Offerdahl, assistant thing. It took Aghion’s direct assurances for Ashworth to feel double-walled tent and the blue, red and yellow of the research Rubik’s Cube. professor of chemistry and molecular biology; and Keri Drinka, comfortable with the arrangements. assistants’ slug-shaped canvas shelter are bright spots in a “To me, a Science Café is like bringing science into director of college advancement. Lewis does most of the logistical planning for the trips and brown and gray landscape. someone’s living room. Getting science out to the community as Offerdahl was previously involved with a successful Science said he didn’t want to be responsible for a potentially flaky During the 2008 field season Jane Willenbring who often as we can is part of my thinking,” McCaul explained. Café program when she was at the University of Arizona. “One film crew who might not understand the hazards of Antarctic graduated from the NDSU geology program in 1999 joined Science Café is a concept that is gaining momentum of my goals is to create an atmosphere where community camping. The two teams camped a few feet apart and Lewis Ashworth, Lewis and Salmon. She is a postdoctoral researcher at at campuses across the country, and there’s even a national members feel welcome to interrupt, question, challenge and quickly discovered his prejudices were unfounded. the German Research Center for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany. organization (see sciencecafe.org). While several universities discuss important science-related issues with experts and other Past experiences with filmmakers were stressful and Earlier, she had worked in Antarctica with Adam Lewis when hold their versions of a Science Café at museums, McCaul wants members of the community,” she said. distracting, with camera operators staging shots and they were both students at Boston University. NDSU to focus on bringing science-related topics to locations NDSU’s talks have attracted audiences of 25 to 35 people, where the participants can relax, enjoy the presentation and and McCaul sees that as a sign that the project can develop into ask questions. an important, and lasting, connection with the public. Left: Allan and Hazel Ashworth. Benton Duncan, assistant professor of mathematics, who “Although the College of Science and Mathematics is Center: Hazel Ashworth and gave NDSU’s first Science Café talk, shares that vision. “One sponsoring this first year, ultimately I hope to bring scientists Colleen Lewis. Right: Adam and of the most important jobs scientists have is to invite others from across the university into it. NDSU has many scientists, Colleen Lewis. to see the beauty in their subject. Too often, people think of social scientists, applied scientists in agriculture — we have scientists sitting in their lab doing abstract stuff that nobody much to offer,” McCaul said. “We’d like to some day be a else understands. I think it’s important to break down that monthly series that is part of the fabric of our community. stereotype,” he said. “The Science Café can serve as an We hope people will say, ‘Did you hear about last month’s opportunity to present the excitement of science, as well as Science Café?’ ” connecting research with everyday life.”

Science & Math Science & Math 4 5 college news Think spring – but not too early STEM Education doctoral program launched Study reveals ecological consequences of warming up too soon In January, the Science, Technology, Engineering and The faculty and program work in collaboration with existing Mathematics (STEM) Education doctoral program was launched educational research programs in the STEM disciplines, the Ahhh spring — snow melting, birds Four main conclusions surfaced: through the School of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies. College Teaching Certificate Program and STEM educational chirping, trees budding — for most people • Spring temperatures in the Northern Great Plains have This interdisciplinary program is one of the first discipline-based research projects already established at NDSU. the sights and sounds of spring can’t gradually increased during the past 100 years. educational research programs in the United States. come soon enough. • The flowering phenology of many plants native to the “There has been a significant amount of interest for this That’s not the case for Steve Travers, region is closely tied to climate, particularly temperature. sort of degree program,” said Erika Offerdahl, one of three “There are very few assistant professor of biological sciences. • Many local species are flowering earlier than they ever did faculty hired for the STEM education program. “There are very Along with researchers across the in the past century. few programs that train people to do educational research in programs that train people globe, Travers is working hard to reveal • Further shifts in climate their discipline. That is why NDSU is so special. It is really the costly ecological effects of rising toward earlier springs in the visionary.” temperatures. He’s spreading the Fargo area are predicted to The purpose of the program is to prepare future college to do educational research Steve Travers message — careful what you wish for. result in significant changes faculty who can successfully teach in their discipline and “We’re not only seeing things get warmer,” Travers said, in local flowering phenology conduct research focused on teaching and learning at the in their discipline. That is “but plants and animals are changing what they are doing in and could have important collegiate level. Mila Kryjevskaia, another faculty member Student Kelsey Dunnell stands response to it.” ecological impacts. next to passive warming cone for hired for the STEM education doctoral program, says that why NDSU is so special. To demonstrate this, Travers and his graduate assistant, Travers and Dunnell have experiments on warming effects. nationally there is a higher demand for faculty who will Kelsey Dunnell, analyzed the relationship between climate hypothesized about several conduct educational research. “These faculty tend to work in It is really visionary.” variables and the flowering time of native plant species in the negative ecological impacts. Pollinators might not shift causing isolation within their department, but here at NDSU there is Northern Great Plains over the past century. reproductive issues; plants may flower and then be destroyed by a collaborative interdisciplinary team dedicated to student – Erika Offerdahl They started with two primary questions: 1) Is Fargo a freeze; and crop diseases, which traditionally couldn’t make it learning and discipline-based research in education,” she said. warming up? and 2) Are plants changing when they flower? through short growing seasons, may spread. Possible research projects of students in the STEM education Travers and Dunnell used climate data collected in Fargo But to Travers, this study is all wrapped into a bigger doctoral program might involve studying large-lecture learning Interdisciplinary faculty established three required courses as part of the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (a question — will the time shifts of some events disrupt others in environments, technological tools used for formative assessment, to coincide with students’ diverse educational backgrounds. collection of 67 networked weather stations across the state). the ecological world? The snowballing effect to the environment development of the understanding of the nature of science, They ensure a strong understanding in education, research and Historic flowering data wasn’t as immediately available. could be dramatic, requiring everything from reproduction gender issues in learning or characterizing barriers to knowledge expertise within a student’s discipline. Discipline-based courses When Travers joined NDSU in 2007 he had heard that cycles to migration patterns to adjust. For plants and animals integration in science and math. will complement the students’ research interests as they conduct former professor O.A. Stevens had recorded flowering dates for that can’t adapt, extinction is imminent. The founding faculty members have joint appointments research for their dissertation to complete the program. several plant species in the area. Armed with this information, Travers plans to continue gathering flowering data and in the Colleges of Science and Mathematics (80 percent) Organizers are in the process of hiring one more faculty Travers went digging in the library archives and struck gold. He hopes to get more people involved. and Human Development and Education (20 percent). The member for the STEM Education doctoral program. The first found 51 years of handwritten notes from 1910 to 1961. They “One of things we are trying to do is to get amateur expectation is that future STEM education faculty also will be student began in Spring 2009 with several more beginning in detail the precise flowering dates of more than 700 plant species botanists or anyone who likes to go and just look at things scientists with primary appointments in STEM departments. Fall 2009. in the Northern Great Plains. outside, keep their eyes open and let us know through our Web Travers and Dunnell were able to compare the first site (www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/phenology) when things are flowering. flowering dates of native plant species in spring 2007 and The more people who are looking at it the better data we get.” 2008 to the flowering dates of the same species in the years Despite the negative trends he is uncovering, Travers stays Biological sciences professor author of most-cited article 1911 to 1961. optimistic. “There are certainly a lot of aspects about it that can They then compared the flowering data to climate variables, make you get really depressed. But there are also glimmers of Charles Darwin, Stockwell, an such as median daily temperature, snow fall and last freeze hope that things can change,” Travers said. “There’s a value to commonly known as the evolutionary conservation during each year. showing people the real data.” father of evolutionary biologist, has studied biology, said evolution would the response of wild fish only be observed over long populations to novel selection periods of time. He also pressures. He applies scientific acknowledged that evolution principles of evolutionary could occur due to artificial biology and ecology to his selection. According to Craig research subject to discover Stockwell, associate professor how evolution contributes of biological sciences, this to species persistence and means that Darwin recognized endangerment. In February that evolution could happen 2003, Stockwell was lead rapidly. “What Darwin author on a journal article, probably didn’t anticipate was titled “Contemporary Left: A photograph of a cemetery in Lowell, Mass., taken on May 30, 1868. Right: a photograph of the same location on May 30, 2005, taken by the degree to which humans Evolution Meets Conservation Dr. Primack. The year 1868 was not the coldest for New England, but the tree branches were still bare at the end of May. In 2005, the leaves could become novel and Biology,” that was published were out and the flowers in bloom. Compared with Thoreau’s observations in the mid-19th century, blueberry bushes in Concord, Mass., important selective agents for in Trends in Ecology and are now blooming more than a week earlier. Craig Stockwell wild populations,” he said. Evolution. In June 2008, continued on page 8

Science & Math Science & Math 6 7 college news

Thomson Reuters Essential Science Indicators, a journal and studies have dramatically increased. In fact, Stockwell and his clearinghouse that provides summaries of information, identified colleagues have documented three case studies during the past College celebrates 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth the article as the most-cited paper in its field of research. 15 years. Managers of Sciencewatch.com also selected the paper as a Fast Stockwell, who joined NDSU in 1998, wrote the article with The event was held in the Century Theater in the NDSU Moving Front article in the field of plant and animal sciences. Andrew Hendry from McGill University and Mike Kinnison from Memorial Union and included a panel discussion with experts In the paper, the authors reviewed literature and tried to the University of Maine. The men all had documented separate on evolution, philosophy, and science and religion. The panel draw on major areas of rapid evolution. “For example, insects case studies of contemporary evolution and were familiar with consisted of members from departments across NDSU, including evolve resistance to pesticides. In the medical field, viruses each other’s work. biological sciences, geosciences, entomology, mathematics, and evolve in response to vaccines,” Stockwell said. “Our areas of “Our work is taking the large number of new studies in philosophy. Attendees included faculty, students and community interest focus on factors that can promote evolution, such as the basic literature and asking: What does it mean in the applied members and numbered near 130 people. The celebration introduction of non-native species or the harvest of game and sense?” Stockwell said. “I think that is where the field is starting continued following the panel discussion with the showing fish species. For instance, harvested fisheries, have been shown to move — in applying evolutionary principles in the management of the PBS Evolution Series, documenting Darwin’s life and to evolve toward smaller fish.” of wild populations.” journeys. This was followed by a true birthday celebration, Stockwell and colleagues also looked at exotic species He currently is working with a collaborator in New Zealand complete with cake, punch and balloons. including mosquito fish, rainbow trout and zebra muscles, to examine the role of evolution in the establishment and The Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science and discovered that besides habitat change and overharvest, invasion of an exotic species. He also is considering the role (COPUS) has designated the year 2009 as the Year of Science. exotic species are major factors that drive evolution as well as of evolution in the new field of restoration ecology. Within the Year of Science celebration, February was designated extinction. He says that exotic species often eliminate native Stockwell enjoys the outstanding opportunities for for celebrating evolution across the nation and by scientists species by preying on them and competing with them. continual learning and conducting global research. “Professors around the world. This grassroots effort focuses on celebrating A relatively young discipline, conservation biology has are continually pressing their own boundaries and trying to science and understanding. Hundreds of groups across the been around only about 30 years. In the 70s and 80s there explore new areas within their disciplines,” he said. “You are United States and the globe celebrated “Darwin Day” in honor were few documented cases of rapid evolution. Since then, case paid to be curious, to ask questions and to learn.” of the discoveries and life of the man who famously described biological evolution via natural selection. Evolutionary theory overarches and underlies the modern, scientific understanding Forensic DNA Facility open for business of all biology, from ancient fossils, to microscopic bacteria, to human disease, all the way to rain forest ecology. Perhaps “If this had been other places I’ve worked, it probably no other ideas have impacted our views of the living world would have taken an extra six months to a year,” Henry says. so profoundly as the core evolutionary concepts of common The facility is the first in the country to combine teaching William Bleier was one of the professors on hand for the celebration of ancestry and natural selection. with a functioning forensic DNA lab. The showpiece of the lab Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday. The Darwin Day Celebration started with one event is a Zeiss P.A.L.M. MicroBeam Laser Catapult Microscope, which in 1995. Last year there were more than 850 Darwin Day makes possible research and casework analysis that other labs The Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science events world-wide. Darwin Day festivities include debates, can’t perform. Such equipment costs too much for government and Mathematics, and the Biological Sciences Graduate Student lectures, essay contests, film festivals, museum exhibits, art labs that wouldn’t use it enough to justify the $250,000 price Organization at North Dakota State University hosted an shows and even an “Evolution Banquet” with “Primordial Soup” tag. This specialized microscope allows analysts to capture cells event on campus in celebration of the 200th anniversary of followed by a “Darwin Fish Fry.” We look forward to expanding from mixed samples containing cells from two or more donors. Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the 1859 our Darwin Day celebration next year to include more Because DNA testing may destroy samples, the Zeiss LCM can publication of Darwin’s “The Origin of Species.” outreach opportunities. Forensic DNA analysts use science to help determine guilt or provide the edge needed in cases where little evidence is left. “Darwin Day promotes understanding of evolution and - Peggy R. Biga, innocence in crimes. Only a handful of labs in the country have this technology. the scientific method,” said Larry Jones, president of the assistant professor Criminal investigators across the country have a new ally Besides taking on cases for criminal and civil investigations, Institute for Humanist Studies, which administers The Darwin of biological sciences in fighting crime. The NDSU Forensic DNA Facility officially Henry and Wahl study new ways to maximize results from the Day Celebration. “This celebration expresses gratitude for the opened in September 2008 after receiving accreditation from smallest amount of DNA. Government forensic labs are able enormous benefit that scientific knowledge has contributed to the International Standards Organization. Accreditation was the to send scientists and technicians to NDSU for training. Stuart the advancement of humanity.” final step in the two-year process of creating the facility, which Haring, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and is already taking on cases to assist the criminal justice system Molecular Biology who specializes in DNA metabolism and with investigations that can determine the guilt or innocence cell cycle regulation, was hired to teach biochemistry doctoral of the accused, civil litigations and familial analyses. students who want to add an emphasis in forensic DNA — the Berch Henry, program and laboratory director, and Thomas first such program in the nation. Wahl, senior forensic DNA analyst, came to NDSU in July The facility serves as another piece of Sen. Byron Dorgan’s 2006 to create the facility using a $3.5 million grant from the vision for a biotechnology corridor between Fargo and Grand National Institute of Justice. Henry and Wahl are long-time Forks. Over time, the lab can pull in research grants, train a pool veterans of forensic DNA analysis and have helped build several of employees for high-tech and biotechnology industries and labs for law enforcement, universities and private entities over raise NDSU’s profile. the years to examine DNA — deoxyribonucleic acid — the miniscule Under the terms of the grant, the facility must be self- molecule in cells that contains genetic information unique to sustaining in three years and will do so through a mix of each individual life form. Opening a forensic DNA facility in casework, consulting revenue and new grants. two years is an accomplishment, Henry said. Labs can take three The facility’s Web site is www.ndsu.edu/dna. For more on to five years to get up and running. He credits a large part of the Forensic DNA Facility and the people who work there, see Panelists discussed evolution and scientific method. Hundreds of groups around the world celebrated Darwin Day. that speed to the university. the fall 2008 issue of NDSU Magazine.

Science & Math Science & Math 8 9 alumni news Class notes Obituaries 40s 70s Jeremy Zwinger, BS Rapids, Minn. For four years, president of Frost Paint & Oil Wood established the Wood was a member ’97, biological sciences, she has been working in the Corporation, Wood held many Lowell Wood Polymers and of the American Chemical I.J. Wilk, BS ’42, Louis Ogaard, PhD ’79, chaired the 2008 World human service field providing offices in the Northwestern Coatings Graduate Scholarship Society, the Federation chemistry, was named botany, recently returned from Rice Commerce Conference after care with youth and Society over the years. Fund at NDSU to help of Societies for Coatings senior scientist for Neohydro two years in Bolivia to head in Chiang Mai, Thailand, their families and in-home His relationship with aspiring chemists with their Technology, and the Polymers Technologies Corp. in an alternative fuels research in October. He is the first family services. NDSU began when he and education costs. Thousands & Coatings Industrial Advisory Houston. A world-renowned and development project American to chair the Eric Ruhland, BS ’03, his wife, Irene, came to Fargo of dollars were donated by Committee for NDSU. chemist in the field of for the Center of Excellence conference, which attracted zoology, joined the Hastings, from Pennsylvania so he this foundation directly by Wood was a railroad electrolysis, he will assemble for Hazardous Materials brokers and growers from Minn., Veterinary Clinic. The could earn his master’s degree. Wood and were supported enthusiast and antique engine and manage the company’s Management, a non-profit more than 30 countries. His practice covers the treatment Five minutes after his last by the Northwestern Society. collector. He also enjoyed chemical and microbiology organization funded by the brokerage company, Farm and care of a wide range exam in 1937, Western Paint He established this fund with traveling overseas. team. He oversees the Department of Energy and and Trade Inc., is located in of animals. and Varnish Co. of Duluth, $100,000 in 1994. In 2008, He was preceded in company’s research and the state of New Mexico. He Lowell F. Wood, 94, MS Colusa, Calif. Caleb Getz, BS ’04, Minn., hired him. He left the he gave the bulk of his estate death by wives, Irene and development in all waste- has a staff of scientists and ’37, polymers and coatings, Ben Hinsperger, BS biological sciences, joined company for Frost Paint in to NDSU, which when finished Dorothy, and a daughter. water treatment applications, engineers working to convert a long-time supporter of the ’98, microbiology, was Litchfield, Minn., High School 1942 and stayed there until will provide the university He is survived by a brother, leads the company in algae into biodiesel. He lives Department of Coatings and recently promoted to major as a chemistry and physical retiring in 1989 at the age more than $1.1 million a son, two stepdaughters, obtaining approvals for in Carlsbad, N.M. Polymeric Materials, died and assigned to Buckley Air science teacher. of 75. in funding. two granddaughters and sterilizing medical devices June 8, 2008. The former vice Force Base in Denver. His Lynelle Anderson, five great-grandchildren. for the medical industry and 80s job is a flying staff position BS ’06, psychology, was directs the company’s “green Mark Ehrmantraut, BS for an Air Force intelligence promoted to business banking initiative” using electrolysis ’89, psychology, became program. A senior flight assistant at Western State to eliminate the spread of pastor at North Highland Share your news with other college alumni by sending an e-mail to [email protected] instructor and evaluator with Bank of West Fargo. She has salmonella and E coli for the United Methodist Church in more than 3,000 flight hours, been with the bank since food industry. Aberdeen, S.D. He worked in he saw combat time during 2007 as a customer service special education for 15 years both Operation Iraqi Freedom representative and consumer what have you been up to? prior to entering the ministry. 60s and Enduring Freedom. loan assistant. Dr. Allen Van Beek, BS Danielle Fraser, BS Here’s what to include: Your full name, the year you graduated, your degree(s), your current e-mail address, work telephone number, the city/state/nation where you now reside, your current employer and position, plus any news you’d like to share, including promotions, honors, awards, major projects, volunteer activities, important family news, etc. ’64, bacteriology, received 90s 00s ’06, zoology, joined the the University of North T.J. Schmitt, BA ’95, Dr. Brian Gatheridge, Pfeffer Chiropractic Clinic, Updates will be in next year’s “class notes” section. And, if you’ve been doing something really big, exciting or unusual, we might contact you about appearing in a feature article. Dakota Alumni Association’s zoology, joined the teaching BS ’01, MS ’04, psychology, Osakis, Minn. She specializes Sioux Award recognizing his faculty at Barnesville, Minn., is a clinical psychologist at in exercise and nutritional medical career. Van Beek, who high school. He is teaching MeritCare Clinic in Detroit coaching. earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and life science. Student news Lakes, Minn. He and his Jess Wiemann, BS ’06, medicine from UND in 1966, Roxana Uttermark, wife, Melisa (Satterlund) zoology, joined AgCountry is most noted for reattaching BS ’97, psychology, was BS ’03, psychology, and Farm Credit Services as an A letter from the College the arms of John Thompson, named South Dakota School their daughter, Tatum, associate business analyst what a teenager injured in a farm Psychologist of the Year by live in Detroit Lakes. serving customers in the of Science and Mathematics accident in 1992. Van Beek is the South Dakota Association Dr. Nicholas Bakkum, BS Fargo area. She previously a clinical adjunct professor at of School Psychologists at ’03, biological sciences, joined was a property manager Ambassadors the University of Minnesota. their annual conference in Cornerstone Dental Group in with Goldmark Property Roger Worner, BA ’66, September. She has worked I would like to say a big hello to everyone from the College Fargo. He is a graduate of Management, Fargo. science and mathematics, for the North Central Special of Science and Mathematics Ambassadors and want to talk a the University of Minnesota Scott Ayash, BS ’07, retired in June as the Education Cooperative in little bit about all of the happenings in our organization this School of Dentistry physics, joined the University superintendent of Centennial Aberdeen, S.D., for the past year. in Minneapolis. of North Dakota Energy and The College of Science and Mathematics student ambassadors are: Schools in Circle Pines, Minn. past nine years and has The year started on a good note with a large number of John Goering, BS ’03, Environmental Research front row left to right Kate Kirby, Alexis Krier, Kit Wong, Rebecca He has spent 44 years as been a school psychologist new members. Thanks to all the faculty and staff who helped MS ’08, chemistry, teaches Center as a research scientist. Iwanicki and Breanna Siegler; back row left to right, Isaac Kelsey, an educator, and plans to since 1999. Originally in nominating these great new members. physical science, chemistry Katy Gilderhus, BS ’07, Andrew Nyhus, Mark Spanier, Jarrett Failing, Shane Ewert, Drew continue his adjunct teaching from Bucharest, Romania, As an organization, we meet on a bi-monthly basis with and physics at the Barnesville, psychology, was promoted Gehring, Jordan Boe, Nicholas Galt position at St. Cloud State she considers Fargo Dean Kevin McCaul and our adviser, Keri Drinka. In addition Minn., high school. to lead teller at the Choice University. her hometown. to our bi-monthly meetings, we are kept busy by activities associate professor of biological sciences. This award goes to a Jennifer Jerome, BS ’03, Financial branch in such as helping out at Discover NDSU day, volunteering at faculty or staff member chosen by our members. psychology, joined Northland south Fargo. the Dorothy Day Food Pantry, helping set up for talks given in As we go into the future, our organization plans to Counseling Center in Grand the community, working at graduation, and judging for science continue serving the College of Science and Mathematics in fairs and Science Olympiad. various forms and providing a student’s voice in the college. Last year the ambassadors awarded the first College of Science and Mathematics Award of Excellence to Gary Clambey, - Mark Spanier, president

Science & Math Science & Math 10 11 student news Beekman earns Undergraduate Research Fellowship Three-across is ‘success’ for senior Andrew Sand Conducting research at a university is often a perk of age Andrew Sand finds pleasure (and want them to have a challenge to get there. Our goals are the and experience, but educators have come to understand that some cash) in seven-letter words starting same — solve the puzzle,” Sand said, noting it takes three to four early exposure to hands-on research both inspires students to with “S.” The NDSU senior, who is hours to form a crossword. aim high and improves their academic performance. Such is the majoring in chemistry and mathematics, Sand’s personality may hold a key to his interest in case for Leah Beekman, a freshman nursing and psychology loves crossword puzzles. crosswords. For him, competition or a race against the clock is major from Eagan, Minn. Beekman is one of the first students “I’ve always enjoyed them; I do two to be savored. “I like tests when you have a limited amount of to be awarded an Undergraduate Research Fellowship in the or three every day,” said Sand, who starts time,” Sand said. “And I always do puzzles as fast as I can.” Department of Psychology. his mornings with the New York Times An outstanding student, Sand has reached senior status at Beekman was picked for the award while still in high puzzle. “Last year, I decided to write the age of 19. Now in his second year at NDSU, he accumulated school based on her academic record and her expressed interest some just to see if I could do it.” more than 80 credits taking Jamestown College courses while Andrew Sand in psychology. Having watched friends struggle with anorexia, A native of Jamestown, N.D., he still in high school. she is deeply interested in eating disorders education and discovered a knack for the brainteasers, and creating 15 x Sand conducts research in a group led by Uwe Burghaus, was considering a career as a clinical psychologist or a 15 square puzzles became a part-time job. Sand produces assistant professor of chemistry and molecular biology, and is forensic psychologist. two puzzles each week for The Spectrum, the NDSU student the co-author of four papers. He also leads problem sessions Like other students in the program, Beekman picked the newspaper. He’s also sent several to magazines, which have three times per week for an organic chemistry class. research she was interested in and set up interviews with faculty come back for revisions. With a career goal to earn a doctorate in chemistry and in order to fit the fellowship to her interests and schedule. She Leah Beekman spent time running participants through psychology “First, I need a theme. The long answers, the 15-letter ones, teach at a university, Sand plans to pursue his sidelight. “I’ll picked associate professor Michael Robinson and his mindfulness studies to help further research in the field. can be clever, words that sound the same or anagrams,” Sand definitely try to get published in a major newspaper,” he said. studies because of the wide variety of his projects. She liked Paul Rokke, chair of the psychology department, said explained. “I build a grid around that.” “I’d really enjoy that.” that he had a distinct point of view as well as the flexibility though students may ultimately choose another major, time His most fun comes in those pesky clues, the ones that Sand is the son of Erik and the late Vicky Sand. His to let her focus on school work. She spent about four hours spent learning research methods and participating in projects purposely mislead and confuse the person with the pencil. father, an assistant professor and chair of computer science a week in the laboratory where she ran participants through will never be wasted. The purpose of the research fellowship is “Clues are the best part. You want people to solve it, but you at Jamestown College, earned his master’s degree at NDSU. studies, attended lab meetings, and met with the project team to get freshmen excited about psychology and encourage bright to help design experiments. “It really opened my eyes to what students to attend NDSU. the research really is and how much work goes into it,” Beekman The College of Science and Mathematics offers many said. “I’d definitely like to continue. You get a process going and research opportunities to undergraduates, but giving that get these ideas flowing and it’s kind of hard to give up.” While experience to incoming freshmen is uncommon. A generous she now plans to become a pediatric oncology nurse instead donor funded the program, and high school seniors with Student receives NASA fellowships for wireless sensor networks of a psychologist, she said her study of psychology and her an interest in psychology can apply for the fellowship Graduate student “There can be hundreds or thousands of nodes interacting fellowship experience will play an important role in her for 2009 – 2010. Phillip Reindl doesn’t let his NASA as a unit, but each one is independent from the others. The future choices. awards cloud his desire for an earth- nodes are often in inhospitable areas — NASA has a network bound career in computer science. monitoring a volcano — so it’s difficult to change batteries,” he Reindl received four NASA space explained. “On the other hand, you have security issues. If the grant fellowships, including two as an network has a military use, you wouldn’t want the enemy to On NDSU: undergraduate student. intercept communications or take over a node. That provides Bresin works in the research labs of both assistant professor “It’s great,” said Reindl of the honors. an interesting challenge.” Clayton Hilmert and associate professor Michael Robinson. “My dad is the only person I know who Reindl appears ready to meet that test. He helps run research volunteers through tests, fine tune watches the NASA channel, so he is “Mr. Reindl is an intelligent student. I was very impressed programs and design studies. He was listed as third author Phillip Reindl pretty proud of me. He likes to watch the with his preparedness and willingness to take on new research of one of Robinson’s papers in the past year. shuttle launches and docking with the space station. My brother, activities,” said Du. “He has clearly demonstrated academic Dennis, kids me that I’m now the favorite son.” potential.” On related work: Reindl’s fellowships came in fall 2007, spring 2008, fall Reindl, who grew up in Farmington, Minn., envisions a Bresin also works in a local residential facility for young 2008 and spring 2009 semesters. They are based on his work career with a technology-based company. His current research people with behavior problems. “We take the worst of on wireless sensor networks with Xiaojiang “James” Du, may eventually have applications in space, but he’d like to work the worst — kids that don’t work in other places. It’s more assistant professor of computer science. in a much more grounded setting, perhaps with a local firm. interesting to see someone interact in an environment. The networks are a series of small computer nodes that “I prefer making devices, rather than designing software. I like to keep ties with real people because you can get communicate wirelessly with each other. The uses for such I like tangible things that I can point to and say, ‘I made that,’ ” more ideas.” systems are varied and complex. For instance, NASA uses one he said. On psychology: to monitor ocean temperatures and currents. The agency has a Reindl is the son of Nick Reindl of Brainerd, Minn., and “I just think I’m interested in people. Everybody’s so long-range goal for sensor networks orbiting the Earth, moon Myna Lewis of Hot Springs, S.D. His wife, Katie, is an NDSU different, but there’s so much of the same from biology.” or Mars to study topology or chemical composition. assistant professor of biological sciences. On the future: Reindl’s work primarily involves critical issues of power Konrad Bresin Bresin has applied to many doctoral programs and is and security, as he studies data and lends a critical perspective Senior psychology major waiting to hear from them. to ongoing research in this area.

Science & Math Science & Math 12 13 student news The man behind the mask—Thundar reveals himself Marissa Detschel With seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the Despite the disparity, becoming Thundar wasn’t difficult Graduate student in the Department of Physics last home football game, Thundar, the NDSU mascot, stepped for Childress. onto the field during a break. While game rituals usually He was the mascot for his high school in Rugby, N.D. He include T-shirt slinging and stunt performing, this time it was also was a cross country runner, which helped him endure six On NDSU: was published in the April different. In front of the packed Fargodome, for the first time hours straight inside a bulky suit that could reach 100 degrees. Detschel conducts research with 2009 issue of the Journal of in four years, Thundar walked onto the field without the Bison “It requires a bit of agility ... being able to bounce around and Ken Lepper, assistant professor of Luminescence. Detschel presented suit. Instead fans got to meet the person behind it — Geoffrey hop into the stands. But it’s just as much about good nutrition geosciences. They are researching the paper at the annual meeting Childress, a graduate student in applied statistics. The reveal as it is athleticism. You need to plan ahead and make sure you how sunlight on the surface of of the American Physical Society was because Childress was retiring. He had just turned in his don’t get dehydrated.” Mars affects a measurement process in Pittsburgh on March 20. final performance at home. Childress’ theatre experience also made him eager to create that is used to determine how long Childress didn’t expect much fanfare, a couple claps at a persona for Thundar, which had never been firmly established sediments have been buried on the On research: best. But what he got was a long-lasting standing ovation and before. He didn’t want Thundar to do anything too ridiculous or planet. The work was supported “I have always had an interest some surprised faces. “It takes you out of your comfort zone to cartoonish. Instead, Childress added nobility and professionalism by a grant from NASA’s Mars in physics and geology and this realize this wild and crazy person you see on the field wears a to the character. Fundamental Research Program. cross-disciplinary project allowed calculator on his watch,” Childress said. At first, respect was hard to come by. When he started me to be able to utilize both of Publications and But he isn’t bothered by stereotypes, instead he enjoys as Thundar in fall 2004, NDSU was still in the beginning these fields of science.” presentations: breaking them. “It does shatter some expectations,” Childress stages of transitioning into Division I athletics. Apprehension Detschel and Lepper’s article On the future: said. “It does everyone a bit of a service to realize, everyone and skepticism were prevalent. To add fuel to the fire, a new “Optically Stimulated Luminescence Following graduation, Detschel plans has talent … maybe something you wouldn’t even expect.” Thundar suit looked more like a horse than a bison. People Dating Properties of Martian to return to the work force. “I plan Admittedly, Childress’ personality is nothing like the alter- didn’t react well to the mascot. Sediment Analogue Materials to obtain a position with the federal ego he created on the field. He is a soft-spoken, academic-type The suit was quickly replaced. Respect came gradually. By Exposed to a Simulated Martian government that will utilize my who enjoys the solitude of small-town North Dakota living. He’d fall 2008 Thundar was recognized as one of the top Division Solar Spectral Environment” scientific experiences.” rather silently observe from the back corner than make the news. I mascots in the nation by being selected to Capital One’s All Thundar, however, is outgoing, confident and energetic. American team. After several weeks of online voting, Thundar Childress talks about Thundar in the third person, finished second out of 12 mascot finalists. just like actors speak about roles. But the national credit wasn’t as important to Childress “He’s not afraid to be the center of as the gratitude he received at home. “I think what I am most attention and act ridiculously for proud of was how many people appreciated and liked what the sake of a practical joke.” I was doing,” Childress said. “I didn’t even realize how many Lybeck finds passion for educational psychology people cared until that football game.” When she started studying at North and my future plans, he suggested classes that he thought would Dakota State University, Alyssa Lybeck satisfy me and my interests.” sought a degree in business. She prides Hinsz taught Lybeck to prepare for the future. When she herself on her leadership skills and loves decided to go to graduate school, he encouraged her to begin working with people, so she assumed that research in child development. “He helps you figure out how to business would be a good fit. But then make your future successful,” she said. math happened. Last summer, Lybeck got a glimpse of what life is like for After taking a psychology course an educational psychologist. While living in Jamestown, she Lybeck said, “I fell in love with how the worked as a preschool teacher at the YMCA. There were some brain works and why we do what we do.” three-year-old girls who were having difficulties learning their Alyssa Lybeck The 20-year-old junior now looks forward ABCs. Each day, Lybeck played an alphabet puzzle game with to a future career in educational psychology. the girls and by summer’s end they knew the alphabet. Lybeck grew up in Cando, N.D. Inspired by her mother, a “It really inspired me and helped me realize that I was fifth grade teacher, she has a vested interest in the educational meant to do this,” she said. “I felt like I was making a difference system and learning patterns of students. Whether a child is and I am not even in my profession yet. Teaching those girls the gifted or struggling with a learning disability, Lybeck wants alphabet helped them with their speech and it helped them relate to make a difference by helping to meet the academic needs to people.” of all students. Lybeck says her family is her biggest support system, Lybeck enrolled in more psychology classes and met Verlin specifically her mom. “My mom has taught for 33 years and she Hinsz, an NDSU professor, who became her adviser. “It was great is my best friend. She has always pointed out my good qualities to get advice from him,” she said. “After getting to know me and encouraged me to do what I wanted to do,” she said.

Science & Math Science & Math 14 15 student news

the National Science Foundation, that if you apply you have a Swanson’s career plans include graduate school Local student plans career in area oil industry pretty good shot at getting one someplace.” and pursuing a doctorate. Eventually, he’d like to work The way Dillon Dolezal figures it, “I guess I’m a naturally curious person. I’m interested in Swanson maintains a 4.0 grade-point average in his studies at a university. he’s getting the best of both worlds. He how the earth works. It’s interesting to me how things can be in physics, an area of science he enjoys because of its “logical plans a career in a field that intrigues formed and changed over millions of years, and how there can solutions to problems.” him, and he gets to work near his be oil two miles underground,” Dolezal said. “I’m sure the oil In addition to his outstanding academic record, Swanson “Applicants come from all hometown. industry will be crazy for a few years yet in my home area, also participated last year in the GraSUS (Graduate Student- Dolezal grew up on a ranch so I may as well take advantage of it.” University-School) project. NDSU undergraduate and graduate over the country, so I’m near Grassy Butte, N.D., and is now Dolezal said the friendly people of western North Dakota students are placed in schools throughout the Fargo-Moorhead a sophomore at North Dakota State also draw him back to his home area. area, where they work with science or mathematics teachers to glad I got this internship.” University. He hopes to work as a If the plan works out for him, Dolezal will be among the develop projects that enhance the experiences of students. NDSU geologist in the North Dakota oil fields. many NDSU graduates who remain in the state to begin their students gain communication expertise as they bring innovative – Mason Swanson Dillon Dolezal “I’ve always been fascinated with careers. According to the NDSU Career Center 2007 annual ideas into the classroom. geology, and all around western North Dakota there is oil field employment report, 69.1 percent of recent graduates who said “That was an eye-opening experience,” said Swanson, work and drilling,” he said of his career choice. “I’ll get to stay who assisted math teacher Michelle Bertsch at Fargo North “Take every opportunity that you can find. Don’t shy close to home, and do something I love to do.” High School. “I got to see the classroom from a entirely away from them,” he said. Dolezal transferred from Dickinson State University, different perspective. I never knew how much preparation He clearly follows his own advice. attracted by NDSU’s respected geosciences department. He “We’d walk across a field, goes into lesson plans and lectures.” follows in the footsteps of his brother, Justin, and father, Bob, who both attended NDSU. and you’d be picking It’s a choice he’s glad he made, noting that it’s fun to be around faculty and fellow students who share his interest in [fossils] off your feet … geology. When asked about his studies, Dolezal quickly describes a field trip in April that he and other NDSU geology students very cool.” took to several communities in southern Minnesota. Along the Jarrett Failing way, they explored land comprised of tiny, ancient shells from – Dillon Dolezal Junior in biochemistry and molecular biology sea creatures called brachiopods. “We found shells of brachiopods that are way older than the North Dakota is their original home state reported accepting Hometown: dinosaurs, they are about a half-billion years old. That’s cool,” employment in the state. Hallock, Minn. he said. “We’d walk across a field, and you’d be picking them “I’d like to go back home, and work with the oilrigs for a off your feet. That’s what the soil was — it was made up On picking a major: few years. Maybe I’ll make a career out of it; it depends on how of fossils. Very cool.” Failing’s interest began in high school anatomy and physiology I like it,” Dolezal said, noting that future opportunities could For now, Dolezal has his near-term career sights focused on classes. “I found it very interesting to see how things work in take him nearly anywhere in the world. “There’s oil, minerals the Bakken shale formation in western North Dakota and eastern our bodies’ smallest levels. The complexity of the human body or gold all over. I’m intrigued by that, and I’m interested in Montana. The area is estimated to hold as much as 400 billion fascinated me and I wanted to study it more thoroughly.” traveling the world.” barrels of oil. On research: Failing works on projects with Glenn Dorsam, assistant professor of chemistry and molecular biology. Failing’s individual project focuses on apoptosis, or the body’s natural process to eliminate Student interns at Oak Ridge National Laboratory unneeded cells. He is trying to break cancer’s immunity to apoptosis and restore balance of white blood cells in leukemia Mason Swanson is looking for big With about 1,500 scientists and engineers and a total staff patients. In April, Failing attended the international Experimental Biology 2009 Conference in New Orleans. He presented results from very small things. of 3,800 people, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a sprawling his research at the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Undergraduate Student Research Poster The North Dakota State University research facility covering 58 square miles. Established in 1943 Competition and was awarded honorable mention based on the quality of his research and presentation. senior interned during fall semester at the to work on the World War II Manhattan Project, the laboratory Center for Nanophase Materials Science now develops new energy sources, technologies and materials. On what makes him good at what he does: at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory The cutting-edge work comes in a variety of areas: biological, “I’ve been doing this for two years. It’s hard to measure your progress unless you look back at what you’ve done and see near Knoxville, Tenn. His assignment chemical, computational, engineering and environmental. your path. It’s not like one day you wake up and you discover the cure for anything. You’re just one step on the way to get was to help researchers work in the Managed for the U.S. Department of Energy by UT-Battelle LLC, there, one person out of a bunch of people all working together.” microscopic world of nanoscale materials. the laboratory has an annual budget in excess of $1 billion. On what he does for fun: A physics major from Minot, N.D., “The lab is unlike a university in that research is its only “I enjoy making movies. I’ve been doing that since I was in junior high. I started with simply playing around with the video Mason Swanson Swanson worked on the next generation focus,” said Swanson. camera and that evolved into writing scripts and making actual films.” of computer memory devices, the new step of development after Swanson is a self-starter who sought out internship On the future: the familiar hard discs currently found in computers and smart opportunities on the Internet. This one, sponsored by the U.S. Failing plans to attend medical school. However, he is undecided whether he will practice medicine or focus on research. phones. “They’re looking for semi-conducting materials that Department of Energy, proved successful. “Applicants come have special magnetic properties,” Swanson said. “The research from all over the country, so I’m glad I got this internship,” he is in the early stages.” said. “I found there are so many internships offered through

Science & Math Science & Math 16 17 faculty awards Research award split by Burghaus and Du McCourt awarded Hogoboom Endowed Professorship Uwe Burghaus, assistant professor a nomination letter. “His research Mark McCourt, professor of He was selected because of his excellent achievement of chemistry and molecular biology, and productivity and contributions at the Psychology, earned the Dale Hogoboom in all three areas of teaching, research and service. President Xiaojiang “James” Du, assistant professor cutting edge of his field have brought Endowed Professorship Award for Joseph A. Chapman noted that receiving the professorship is of computer science, are the College of him international recognition from the 2009 – 11. The professorship carries with an indication of the highest esteem in which the recipient is Science and Mathematics 2009 Research surface science research community.” it a salary stipend of $5,000 for each of held by his colleagues and the institution. Award Recipients. Du’s research is primarily focused the next two years and $1,300, also for Burghaus’ research interests lie on various aspects of wireless networks, two years, for expenditures related to in the nature of interactions between security, computer networks, systems academic endeavors. molecules and surfaces and how the and computing. Since arriving at NDSU properties of those surfaces modulate the Uwe Burghaus Xiaojiang “James” Du in 2004, he has been awarded more than chemical reactivities of small molecules $855,000 in extramural research grants, Mark McCourt with which they interact. Since arriving at NDSU in 2002, and written 67 publications and 60 proposals. He is an editor of he has built a cutting-edge surface-science laboratory for his four international journals and has been chair of the computer research, which yielded more than 35 peer-reviewed journal and network security symposium of the IEEE/ACM international publications. His work appears in high-impact journals, and conference for four years. he has been invited to speak at three international conferences “Dr. James Du writes a paper or a proposal at a rate of about in the past three years. He also uses his facilities to perform one every two weeks. And he has maintained that pace for over outreach activities, most notably with the Native American four years,” read a nomination letter from the Department of Gordon honored for teaching community in North Dakota. Computer Science. “Several words spring to mind as ways to Robert Gordon, assistant professor while at the same time providing them with the resources they “Dr. Burghaus has succeeded in developing a highly characterize that level of sustained production. They are words of psychology, received the College need to succeed in the class and in their overall mastery of the productive, vibrant and well-funded research program,” like ‘prodigious’ and ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘extraordinary.’ ” of Science and Mathematics 2009 material,” wrote psychology graduate student Kari Visconti in a wrote professors Kenton Rodgers and John Hershberger in Teaching Award. letter of support. Gordon most often teaches Gordon often helps students outside the classroom, and he Psychology 351, Research Methods serves on the department’s curriculum committee. II, a required course on experimental “He has demonstrated concern for the quality and breadth of design and statistical analysis. Teaching training that our students receive, that it represents the core and a required and numbers-heavy course contemporary features of the discipline of psychology, and did Robinson earns mentoring award like this can be difficult, but Gordon much to help the rest of us keep the students’ best interests in Robert Gordon consistently gets high ratings from mind,” wrote professor Paul Rokke, chair of the department, in a Michael Robinson, associate “He is the reason I was able to discover my true passion, his students. nomination letter. professor of psychology, received the social psychology,” wrote Brian Meier, a former student who is “He has developed a teaching style which sets the bar high, College of Science and Mathematics now an assistant professor of psychology at Gettysburg College. challenging students to think about and engage in the material, 2009 Mentoring Award. Undergraduate to graduate students regularly receive credit from Robinson, both in published papers and in his “He is the reason I was vita, where he lists the awards his students have received before his able to discover my own accomplishments. Michael Robinson His influence on the faculty true passion ...” has been equally profound. He publishes with many faculty Sheridan earns Engberg Endowed Professorship members from different subdiciplines of psychology and – Brian Meier Mark Sheridan, professor of He was selected because of his excellent achievement spends time with younger faculty on grant applications former student biological sciences, is the recipient in all three areas of teaching, research and service. President and manuscripts. of the Jordan A. Engberg Endowed Joseph A. Chapman noted that receiving the professorship is “Dr. Michael Robinson has pushed me to a level that I never Professorship Award for 2009 – 11. an indication of the highest esteem in which the recipient is thought I was capable of achieving and continues to do so,” The professorship carries with it a held by his colleagues and the institution. wrote graduate student Adam Fetterman. salary stipend of $5,000 for each of the next two years and $2,000 also for two years, for expenditures related to academic endeavors.

Mark Sheridan

Science & Math Science & Math 18 19 faculty UPDATES Du and Nygard receive grant to secure wireless sensor networks NDSU chemistry professor receives CAREER Award

Xiaojiang “James” Du, assistant Wireless sensor networks have many Uwe Burghaus, assistant professor “The activities are fun and concern modern concepts for an professor, and Kendall E. Nygard, applications in the military, such as of chemistry and molecular biology, alternative energy production,” Burghaus said. In addition, professor, both in the computer science battlefield surveillance, target tracking received a $426,000 CAREER Award nanoscience-related experiments are conducted as part of a department, have received a three-year and security monitoring. Sensor networks from the National Science Foundation. regular physical chemistry laboratory class, which is a joint $358,748 grant from the Army Research are expected to have an increasing The award will support Burghaus’ effort with Darin Ulness (associate professor of chemistry) at Office to secure military wireless number of applications in the military, research to characterize the absorption Concordia College. sensor networks. and will become a critical component of dynamics of small molecules on copper In 2007, Burghaus, Ulness and the students published In the project, “Designing Robust the future digital battlefield. and gold model nano array catalysts, a peer-reviewed article about carbon nanotubes in a and Secure Heterogeneous Sensor As part of the project, Du and which are pertinent for the petroleum scientific journal. Networks,” Du and Nygard will design Nygard will train highly skilled Xiaojiang “James” Du Kendall E. Nygard Uwe Burghaus industry and the cleaning of exhaust Burghaus’ most recent educational project is developing a effective and efficient secure protocols undergraduate and graduate students. pollution. With molecular beam class about surface science, nanoscience and materials, which and algorithms for military sensor networks. A sensor network “Under this grant, within the context of wireless networks, scattering, the research will clarify the catalytic activity and will be offered by NDSU Distance and Continuing Education. consists of a large number of tiny, smart sensor nodes that we are developing and testing new and important security- particle size, as well as support effects, in the carbon monoxide The class was offered during Spring 2009 – 10 and was open for are deployed in a wide geographical area, and can provide oriented protocols for the management of encrypted messages, oxidation reaction mechanism. undergraduates, graduates and senior colleagues. unprecedented opportunities to sense, instrument, manage and synchronizing the actions of distributed sensors, and multi-hop According to Burghaus, this reaction is one of the most The foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development control large environments. routing of information packets,” Nygard said. “These topics important prototypes of bimolecular surface reactions. “The Program recognizes and supports the early career development In this project, Du and Nygard have adopted a new and provide the research basis for several doctoral dissertations knowledge gained will promote catalyst improvements,” he of faculty who show remarkable potential to become academic more realistic network model to study security issues in sensor and master’s theses of computer science graduate students.” said. He also recently received a Department of Energy grant leaders. CAREER awardees are selected on the basis of networks. The model is called a Heterogeneous Sensor Network According to Du, the project will significantly enhance for studying desulfurization catalysts. creative, integrative and effective research and education that consists of different types of sensor nodes with varying the research capabilities and infrastructures in security and Burghaus is active in many diverse programs. He has been development plans. capacities. Du also received a research infrastructure grant from networking areas at NDSU. “The success of this project will have active in the Nurturing American Tribal Undergraduate Research the Army Research Office in May 2007. This grant has been great impacts on the military and national defense, and build and Education (NATURE) program since 2005. used to set up a large sensor network testbed for performance strong ties between computer science researchers and the Army He also has created hands-on activities for the Sunday evaluations for the project. Research Office,” he said. Academy, an American Indian teaching project organized by Chad Ulven, assistant professor of civil engineering.

Jayaraman receives CAREER award Schroer named pre-medicine adviser Sivaguru Jayaraman, assistant researcher,” said NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman. “Through Julie Schroer wants pre-professional Schroer said NDSU does not have a specific pre-med or professor of chemistry and molecular this award, the National Science Foundation has recognized the students to know that she is there to pre-dental major, so she acts much like “information central” biology, received a Faculty Early Career quality research conducted at NDSU.” help. Schroer, adviser and lecturer of for NDSU students preparing for furthering their education Development award, (also known as Jayaraman’s research plan integrates scientific research, biological sciences, has been named the in the medical field. Her biggest difficulty so far has been the CAREER award) from the National educational training and public outreach. The research program adviser for students in pre-medicine identifying those students who need assistance. Science Foundation. He will receive a will help train graduate and undergraduate students, while areas of study. “I’m trying to get the word out, getting the students five-year, $575,000 award to conduct involving high school students and their parents through She assists students in such things to know that I am here to answer questions and provide research outlined in his proposal titled Jayaraman’s program called PICNICS (Parents’ Involvement in as their course planning and gathering information,” Schroer explained, noting she also plans to begin “Imprinting Molecular Chirality in Children, Nurturing Intellectual Curiosity in Science). information on admission requirements tracking the progress of NDSU’s pre-med students, discovering Solution During Photo-Transformations.” The program teaches parents and students about recent for specific professional schools they are things like how many students are accepted for professional Julie Schroer Sivaguru Jayaraman The CAREER program recognizes advancements in science and it encourages young students to considering following their graduation programs versus how many apply. and supports the early career-development activities of scholars consider science as a career path. from NDSU. In addition, she hopes to build a network of area medical who are likely to become academic leaders. Recipients are Jayaraman joined the faculty at NDSU in 2006. He “First and foremost, I meet with students. I find the answers professionals, allowing students to participate in volunteer chosen on the basis of creative career development plans that completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University, to pretty much anything they have questions about, because it’s experiences in their fields of interest. integrate research and education within the context of their New York, after earning a doctorate from Tulane University, important they know what they are getting into,” said Schroer, A native of Perham, Minn., Schroer earned her bachelor’s university’s mission. New Orleans. He earned a master’s degree in chemistry from the who joined the NDSU faculty this fall after teaching at Bismarck degree at the University of Minnesota-Morris and her master’s “This is a highly-prestigious award that recognizes a faculty Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India, and a bachelor’s State College for 10 years. degree in botany from NDSU. She also is co-owner of a member’s work and potential to become a leading national degree in chemistry from St. Joseph’s College, Trichy, India. The students she advises usually come from the four greenhouse called Jean’s – The Right Plant Place in major fields of pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-chiropractic Perham, Minn. or pre-optometry. But, Schroer said she also has met with Schroer can be reached at 1-9789 or [email protected]. students who are in pre-physical therapy and, in one case, pre-mortuary science.

Science & Math Science & Math 20 21 new faculty

complex that participates in different DNA processes essential Erin Gillam for cell growth and survival. Adam Lewis Erika Offerdahl Assistant professor NDSU objective: provide instruction to students about the Assistant professor Assistant professor of biological sciences importance of DNA and how DNA can be used and manipulated of chemistry and in our society to solve everyday problems. His research objective of geosciences Education: bachelor’s degree Education: bachelor’s from Idaho is to identify and understand how factors that affect DNA molecular biology from University of Maryland, College State University, Pocatello; master’s in processes can contribute to cellular defects and disease. Education: bachelor of arts and Park; doctorate from University of quaternary geology from University of bachelor of science from Montana Tennessee, Knoxville Maine, Orono; doctorate in earth sciences State University, Bozeman; doctorate Activities: member of Animal Wei Jin from Boston University. in biochemistry from University of Behavior Society and North American Activities: research centers on the Arizona, Tucson Society for Bat Research Assistant professor role of Antarctica and its ice sheets in Earth’s climate evolution. Previous experience: research on teacher cognition Previous experience: postdoctoral researcher at University of computer science He has spent nine austral summers working from remote tent in higher education, faculty professional pedagogical of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Education: earned bachelor’s from camps along the ice sheet margin. beliefs and practices, and students’ pre-instructional beliefs. NDSU objective: research focuses on the behavioral University of Science and Technology, Previous experience: postdoctoral fellowship at the Other involvement includes the Science & Mathematics ecology of bats. She also is interested in the ecological and Beijing; M.E. from the Computing Byrd Polar Research Center at The Ohio State University, Education Center (SAMEC), the National Science Foundation evolutionary basis of behavior in all animal groups. She Institute of Technology, Chinese Columbus. A National Science Foundation-funded GK-12 fellowship program and the Life and Planets studies how behavioral, ecological and evolutionary factors Academy of Sciences; master’s and postdoctoral fellowship followed. Astrobiology Center at the University of Arizona’s influence the structure of animal communication signals. Is a doctorate in computer science from State NDSU objective: continue paleoclimate research using NASA Astrobiology Institute. major proponent of conducting experimental research in a field University of New York, Buffalo both glacial geologic and biological indicators of climate NDSU objective: research centered on three areas: setting, as such studies provide robust information about the Previous experience: was a teaching/research assistant for change; introduce as many graduate and undergraduate assessment for understanding, undergraduate student learning behavior of animals in their natural environment. five years in the Computer Science and Engineering Department students as possible to field research. in biochemistry, and science faculty and graduate teaching at State University of New York at Buffalo. She also has two- assistants’ pedagogical beliefs. Will also support the new years’ industry working experience in software engineering and STEM Education Ph.D. program at NDSU. Kathryn Gordon testing. She has been conducting research in the area of data Juan Li Assistant professor mining and knowledge discovery, information retrieval and Assistant professor of psychology extraction, and social network analysis. Katie Reindl NDSU objective: excellence in research and undergraduate in computer science Education: bachelor’s of psychology Education: earned bachelor’s Assistant professor and graduate teaching, grant proposal writing and application and master’s and doctoral degrees in from Northern Jiaotong University, of biological sciences clinical psychology from Florida State Beijing; master’s in computer science Education: earned bachelor’s degree University, Tallahassee Mila Kryjevskaia from Chinese Academy of Sciences, at University of Minnesota, Morris; Activities: teaches abnormal Beijing; doctorate in computer science doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences psychology course and advanced Assistant professor from University of British Colombia, at NDSU psychopathology course; clinical supervision of clinical of physics Vancouver, Canada Previous experience: received psychology graduate students; provides research experience Education: doctorate in physics Activities: research interests are in distributed systems, additional training in a postdoctoral for undergraduates from University of Washington, Seattle especially P2P network and distributed search. position with the Department of Biological Sciences at NDSU. Previous experience: graduated in August 2008. The Activities: teach physics courses and Previous experience: reviews several conferences and NDSU objective: research interests are in cancer cell assistant professor position at North Dakota State University is conduct research that focuses on how journals, published more than 20 papers in various areas of proliferation, motility and survival. her first position following graduation. students learn physics. The objective is distributed systems. Worked as a software engineer for Sinosoft NDSU objective: establish a productive and meaningful to conduct an investigation that allows in Beijing. program of research that illuminates causes of suicidal behavior for identification of conceptual and reasoning difficulties that NDSU objective: to establish herself as a successful and eating disorders. students encounter in studying physics. The results of this researcher in the field of distributed systems and an ideal investigation then inform the development of instructional teacher and educator to guide undergraduate and strategies designed to address specific student difficulties graduate students. Stuart Haring identified by research. Assistant professor NDSU objective: continue conducting research on student of chemistry and understanding of physics concepts; engage and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in this type of research. molecular biology Education: bachelor’s degree from University of North Dakota, Grand Forks; doctorate in biology from University of Iowa, Iowa City; postdoctoral fellow in biochemistry at University of Iowa Previous experience: previous research and teaching interests were in molecular and cellular biology and genetics. His postdoctoral work centered on understanding a protein

Science & Math Science & Math 22 23 DEPARTMENT NEWS

Renovation of our teaching facilities continues. Ladd professor Don Schwert’s indelible imprint on so many students Biological Sciences 309, one of three general chemistry teaching laboratories, was Computer Science and colleagues during the years as he transitions to a more Students gain experience in renovated in spring and summer of 2008 and re-opened in fall Large grant awarded in computer science permanent administrative role at the university. Visit our Yellowstone research 2008. This room is primarily used for Chem 122L and some It has been a year of minor growth and consolidation Web site at www.ndsu.edu/geosci. Chem 121L laboratory sections. Replacement of deteriorating for our department, with potential for future increases from a This October, students in environmental science will have bench work, floors and plumbing provide an improved and number of sources. It also has been a “year of assessment” as an opportunity to be involved in a four-day field experience at modernized work area for students. An improved bench layout the department simultaneously underwent annual assessment, Yellowstone National Park investigating reintroduction of the Mathematics and relocation of the glass shop to a nearby room resulted in program review and accreditation self-study — the rare trifecta. gray wolf. All students in the class of more than 300 can submit Grants awarded to assistant professors a substantial increase in enrollment capacity for laboratory Assistant professor Anne Denton and plant science questions for the participating team to investigate. Eleven Assistant professor Marian Bocea was awarded a three-year sections held in this room. We now serve more than 1,000 associate professor Shahryar Kianian recently have been of those students will accompany assistant professor Gerald research grant in applied mathematics from the National Science students in general chemistry laboratories each fall semester, awarded a $3.1 million National Science Foundation grant Ketterling to the park. They will talk with researchers, observe Foundation that will support his work between 2008 and 2011. and more than 600 each spring. for wheat genome research, among the largest grants won wolves, make observations on how the park has changed, and Assistant professor Sean Sather-Wagstaff received a two- by a computer science faculty member. talk with ranchers to get a complete picture of the complex year research grant in homological algebra from the National Two new faculty joined us at the beginning of the academic issue. Students will give a multi-media presentation to the class Security Agency from January 2009 until 2011. year. Assistant professor Juan Li from the University of British when they return. This project is the result of a professional Coatings and Polymeric The department hosted an undergraduate mathematics Columbia specializes in distributed systems, semantic Web development grant to Ketterling to seek ways to engage students conference on April 24. Doug Anderson, Concordia College, technologies, information retrieval and knowledge discovery. in real world issues and research while enrolled in a large Materials Moorhead, Minn., and Scott Chapman, Trinity University, Assistant professor Wei Jin from the State University of New lecture class. Big awards earned at coatings conference San Antonio, were the guest speakers. York, Buffalo, specializes in data mining, information retrieval, Assistant professor Lisa Montplaisir is principal investigator Many of our students and faculty attended the principal Azer Akhmedov and Robert Hladky will join the department machine learning and bioinformatics. on a $743,516 award from the National Science Foundation. North American coatings conference, FutureCoat! 2008, in in tenure-track positions. Akhmedov is a visiting professor at Three graduate students were awarded North Dakota Space The Robert Noyce Scholarship Program was created to enhance Chicago. We maintained our prior success rate by winning a NDSU from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Grant Consortium research assistantships in September. Later the quantity and quality of secondary science and mathematics significant fraction of the awards for papers and presentations. Hladky is currently at the University of Rochester, N.Y. that month, former astronaut Col. Al Worden from the Apollo teachers across North Dakota and adjacent states. Recruitment Faculty and students won the Roon Award for papers and also 15 moon mission visited NDSU. He met with students and their of talented Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fared well in other categories. Our graduate students dominated advisers to shake hands and pose for photos. students into a quality teacher preparation program will improve the poster session awards by winning first place in the Psychology Assistant professor Yan Gu left NDSU to take a position student achievement in classrooms and increase the likelihood undergraduate/master/young Ph.D. section and all the awards in at Auburn University. Clinical psychologists join department for successful matriculation of high school students into STEM the senior Ph.D./post-doc level. Professor Kendall Nygard traveled to China in November The Department of Psychology welcomes two new faces programs in college. NDSU’s program has two components: 1) Professor Gordon Bierwagen served on a National and met with university officials at several institutions to the faculty. Assistant professor Kathryn Gordon earned her STEM scholars receive $12,000 awards to enroll in dual majors Research Council committee that produced a report on the to discuss a new twinning agreement. Assistant professor Ph.D. from Florida State University, Tallahassee, in 2008. She leading to teacher certification with commitment to teaching state of corrosion education. The principal recommendations Dianxiang Xu also visited China in January as part of a joint is a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and two years in a high needs school, and 2) STEM internships were that corrosion science should be more widely taught and NDSU and Campus Development Group delegation to plan for suicidal behavior. Keith Donohue is also a clinical psychologist available to first and second year college students for six weeks the government should provide resources to universities to a Fergus Falls development in 2010. from Florida State. He teaches clinically related courses and is of summer funding for a research experience. Information accomplish this. Since the department already teaches corrosion working on his dissertation. His research examines the influence on the program is available at www.ndsu.edu/csme/noyce. science, we anticipate increased interest in our offerings. of alcohol intoxication on emotions and attention. Professor Co-principal investigators are assistant professor Angela Hodge, Not only does the department operate a North Dakota Geosciences James Council is back in the department after spending a couple associate professor Canan Bilen-Green, assistant professor Erika Center of Excellence to promote industry and jobs in North of years as dean of libraries. Offerdahl, assistant professor Gerald Ketterling, professor Donald Dakota by helping companies here, but also we seem to be Film debuts and activities increase Despite difficult economic times, students in our program Schwert, professor Dogan Comez, and professor William Martin. regaining more general industrial collaborations, particularly Assistant professor Adam Lewis joined our faculty this year. have benefitted tremendously from the generosity of friends with our new faculty. Assistant professor Victoria Gelling Lewis, an outstanding teacher and researcher of glacial geology and alumni. Recent donations to the Department Research Fund recently started a project with Toyota and another with PPG. and long-term climate change, and distinguished professor Allan have supported two incoming freshmen. Mary Morth, Wheaton, Chemistry and Assistant professor Andrej Voronov anticipates successful Ashworth completed another successful Antarctic expedition Minn., and Leah Beekman, Eagan, Minn., were awarded $1,000 negotiations over intellectual property with a European in 2008. Undergraduate Spencer Salmon was part of that trip. research fellowships to get them involved in the laboratory early Molecular Biology company and that the project will start soon. Ashworth and Lewis were featured in a film, “Ice People,” in their college studies. Erin Doerner and Konrad Bresin were Labs renovated and faculty added The first college Science Café was presented in February directed by an Emmy Award-winning producer (www.icepeople. named the E.V. Estensen outstanding psychology majors. Each 2008 with help of the local American Chemical Society chapter. com). The film was shown to a large audience, including Several new personnel were hired, and multiple ongoing received a monetary award and their names were engraved on Howard Killilea of Valspar gave a presentation on paint at a numerous alumni, on opening night of the Fargo Film Festival. faculty searches were completed. We welcomed two new a permanent recognition plaque in the department. They both large local hardware store that was well attended. This initiative Our student numbers continue to grow, and senior lecturer tenure-track faculty to our department: Stuart Haring, plan to attend graduate school in psychology. New endowments will be the subject of an article in Chemical & Engineering Elaine Hatzenbuhler has her hands full with intro labs. The assistant professor, specializes in the molecular biology of to benefit student research and travel were named in honor News, the national weekly journal of the American department complexion is changing with more emphasis on DNA metabolism and cell cycle regulation; and Erika Offerdahl, of William Beatty and Kevin and Harriette McCaul. Thanks to Chemical Society. graduate study. Assistant professor Ken Lepper and assistant assistant professor, specializes in chemistry and biochemistry everyone for being so generous with your support. We were sad to learn that Lowell Wood, long-time professor Peter Oduor have each shepherded two graduate education. Two staff scientists also were welcomed: Raj Murthy, supporter of our department, died at the age of 94. He funded students through their labs, with more on the way. Associate director of the Core Synthesis Laboratory; and Jodi Haring, a scholarship in the department and recently was very active professor and chair Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat is involved in director of the Core Biology Laboratory. Both laboratories are in the our Industrial Advisory Board. We often met him collaborative research on the origin of naturally high levels funded by our NIH-funded Center for Protease Research and at Education Night of the Northwest Society for Coatings of heavy metals in North Dakota soils. And we recognize provide common instrumentation and training for users Technology in Minneapolis, where he had been vice president at NDSU. for Frost Paint and Oil Corporation.

Science & Math Science & Math 24 25 2008-2009 Scholarship Awards All are from North Dakota, unless indicated.

COLLEGE-WIDE SCHOLARSHIPS Outstanding Botany Student Award Coatings and Polymeric Materials Rao Exam Scholarship Statistics Physics Fred A. Bristol, Jr. Scholarship* Freshman Award Albert C. Bean, Sr. Foundation Nathaniel Schuette, Dayton, Minn. Erich Wilkerson, Clear Lake, Minn. Ryan Sterns, Valley City N.D. Scholarship* Mark Spanier, Sauk Centre, Minn. Students conduct sports research Long-time faculty member retires Dean’s Scholarship Outstanding M.S. Student Award Drew Pavlacky, Vergas, Minn. Warren E. Shreve Scholarship* The department is considering an option with emphasis Associate professor Charles Sawicki will be retiring in Leah Beekman, Eagan, Minn. Laurel Moulton, Austin, Texas Erin Saville, Maple Grove, Minn. Songjiao Chen, Nanjing, China on sports and recreational statistics. Several undergraduate August 2009. He has been on the physics faculty for 30 years Jarrett Hart, Delano, Minn. Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award Coatings Industry Education Foundation Mathilda B. Thompson Mathematics Derek Miller, Bismarck, N.D. Scholarship* Scholarship* and graduate students have expressed interest in this area over and has served the department in just about every capacity. Sujan Henkanaththegedara, Dehiwala, Allan G. Fischer Governor’s School Sri Lanka Sheyann Dunn, Surrey, N.D. Monica Petersen, Mora, Minn. the years. Students and their advisers have written papers or Sawicki has always been here for us, and we will miss him. Scholarship in Laboratory Science Hanna Fischer, Fargo, N.D. Outstanding Undergraduate Research Physics presented talks in statistics related to a variety of sports and He won’t stop being involved in physics, however. This summer Rupa Patel, Dickinson, N.D. Student Award Jeffrey Garty, Maple Grove, Minn. Daniel Neveaux, Maple Grove, Minn. Eivind Horvik Memorial Award for games. Associate professor Jeff Terpstra and alumnus Nick he will be doing science education outreach at Yunker Farm. He Governor’s School Scholarship Nicholas Galt, Carrington, N.D. in Mathematics Michelle Gastecki, Wadena, Minn. Kevin Scott, Watford City, N.D. Scholarship in Physics* Schauer, BS ’01, MS ’04, wrote a paper on predicting track and will conduct a Kidcology session in June, and install two new Michaela Groninger, Douglas, N.D. James Schanandore, Mandan, N.D. George A. Nichols Scholarship (endowed Jason Grimm, Fergus Falls, Minn. by DeSoto)* Filipe Betzel, Plymouth, Minn. field world records that appeared in 2007. Schauer was also a hands-on demonstrations about the physics of hybrid cars and Graduate School Research Award Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award Drew Pavlacky, Vergas, Minn. Sinha Family Scholarship* Darci Block, Fargo, N.D. Marie Miller, Fargo, N.D. member of the NDSU track team. Tharemy Hopkins, BS ’08, and diamagnetic levitation. Carlton L. Rydstrom, Sr. Memorial Liisa Locker, Chelsea, Mich. Graduate School Teaching Award Outstanding Zoology Student Award professor and chair Rhonda Magel, wrote a paper on slugging As a result of President Joseph A. Chapman’s initiative Scholarship* Elliott Johnson, Mandan, N.D. Bethany Kubik, Warba, Minn. Freshman Award percentages in differing baseball counts. Both papers appeared to introduce a doctoral program in STEM-Education, a new Jeffrey Garty, Maple Grove, Minn. Duane E. Hinsz Scholarship Drew Gehring, Garrison, N.D. Daniel Neveaux, Maple Grove, Minn. Psychology in the Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports. faculty member has joined our department. Assistant professor in Mathematics Teaching* Sophomore Award Urban Polymers and Coatings Dr. Patricia Beatty Scholarship* Chelsea Hageman, Lisbon, N.D. Two of our alumni conducted research in the area of Mila Kryjevskaia earned her Ph.D. in physics education at Jenna Nelson, St. Michael, Minn. Scholarship Fund* Eric Seamands, Hettinger, N.D. Harvey L. Hinsz Scholarship Kyle Walker, West Fargo, N.D. (Polymers and Coatings option) Michelle Winings, Fargo, N.D. football. Michael Burak, MS ’08, wrote his thesis on “A Strategy the University of Washington, Seattle. Mila’s husband, NDSU in Science Teaching* Junior Award Erin Saville, Maple Grove, Minn. E.V. Estensen Outstanding Psychology for Drafting Players for a Fantasy Football Roster.” Geoffrey research assistant professor Andrei Kryjevski, is a theoretical Michael Kaiser, Ellendale, N.D. Heather Bergan, Bismarck, N.D. Major Award* Childress, BS ’07, is working on a model to estimate the physicist working on a number of problems involving Strongly McCarthy Science Teacher Education Michael Kunstle, Luverne, Minn. Computer Science Erin Doerner, Bismarck, N.D. probability of a professional football team winning the Interacting FermiSystems. Our physics education program will Scholarship* Scott Nei, Maple Grove, Minn. Microsoft Undergraduate Scholars Bresin Konrad, Fargo, N.D. Bridget Kilen, New Salem, N.D. Lucas Swanholm, Moorhead, Minn. game based on the turnover margin. Magel was adviser be even stronger next year with the recent hire of Warren Edin Alic, Fargo, N.D. Faculty Award for Excellence Lucille McMahon Heggeness Memorial Senior Award Han Jin, Fargo, N.D. in Psychology for both students. Christensen. He earned his Ph.D. at Iowa State, Ames, and is Scholarship* Matthew Thompson, Fargo, N.D. Alex Mahrer, Mandan, N.D. Amanda Benz, Mounds View, Minn. John DeHaan, MS ’05, conducted research on the statistical currently a research associate at the University of Maine, Orono. Matthew Anderson, Moorhead, Minn. Ries and Startz Family Scholarship* Trevor McDaniel, Bismarck, N.D. Tim Kronebusch, West Fargo, N.D. Casey Johnson, Bovey, Minn. Morgan Dew, Harwood, N.D. Craig Stenger, Herman, Minn. Eric Seamands, Hettinger, N.D. analysis of golf course ratings. Both professor emeritus M.B. Rao Assistant professor Terry Pilling, who had been with the Natalie Verworn, Warroad, Minn. O.A. Stevens Memorial Scholarship* Senior Academic Achievement Award and Magel served as his advisers. department for more than four years, has taken the position William McMahon Memorial Scholarship* Geosciences Sarah Iverson, Bismarck, N.D. in Psychology Sarah Isaak, Jamestown, N.D. Agassiz Scholarship David Richardson, BS ’08, conducted research as part of vice president of operations and technology at Crownbutte Dr. A.D. Stoesz Memorial Scholarship* RaeAnn Levang, Grand Forks, N.D. Bridget Kilen, New Salem, N.D. Chad Crotty, Ramsey, Minn. of his capstone project on the amount of money spent for Wind Power in Mandan, N.D. Hunter Hubrig, Hankinson, N.D. Sophomore Academic Achievement Ralph L. Pitman Memorial Award* Brophy Family Scholarship Award in Psychology Warren C. Whitman Outstanding Botany each team roster versus their record of wins and losses. His Finally, associate professor Sylvio May received our Amanda Benz, Mounds View, Minn. Student Award* Michael Ginsbach, Hankinson, N.D. Sasha Hoffman, Fargo, N.D. research included football, baseball, basketball and hockey. college’s Outstanding Research Award last spring, an exceptional Steinhaus-Rhinehart Scholarship* Kelsey Dunnell, Harwood, N.D. “Green Hammer” Scholarship Nicholas O’Rourke, Fargo, N.D. Magel served as his adviser. honor so early in his career. Heather Bergan, Bismarck, N.D. Kelsey Forward, Oakes, N.D. Junior Academic Achievement Award Chemistry and Molecular Biology Warren D. Kress Undergraduate Travel in Psychology Current student Casey Jones is doing his capstone Biological Sciences Donald Bolin Memorial Scholarship* Kelly Gorz, Fargo, N.D. Wyatt Brossart, Lansford, N.D. project on estimating the probability of winning given certain Gary K. Clambey Scholarship* Tarik Nurkic, Fargo, N.D. Tom Stewart, Fargo, N.D. Erin Doerner, Bismarck, N.D. conditions in a Pinochle game. Jones plans to graduate in May Tracy Clapper, Bowman, N.D. Jarett Failing, Casselton, N.D. Emily Sturn, Bismarck, N.D. 2009. Magel served as his capstone adviser while Jones taught Robert H. Levis II Cross Ranch Fellowship Curtis Engelhardt, Bismarck, N.D. Mathematics Junior Research Achievement Award Kelsey Dunnell, Harwood, N.D. Phyllis and Robert Anderson Scholarship in Psychology her about Pinochle. Chemistry Department Honor Benjamin Geaumont, Hillsboro, N.D. Scholarship* in Memory of A. Glenn Hill* Erin Doerner, Bismarck, N.D. These students represent some of the students in the past Sharmila Sunwar, Nepal Katrina Gellerman, Bismarck, N.D. John Xu Xing, Casselton, N.D. Kayla Kuntz, Dickinson, N.D. few years who have been interested in and conducted research Innovis Health Pre-medicine Scholarship* Erich Wilkerson, Clear Lake, Minn. Fred Haring Scholarship* Eric Seamands, Hettinger, N.D. Nicholas Galt, Carrington, N.D. Chemistry Graduate Student Award* Haley Rollings, Sartell, Minn. Psychology Undergraduate Research related to sports or recreation. Other students in the past also Award Sheila Kath Award* Rane Digamber, India Lonnie Hass Scholarship* Mary Morth, Wheaton, Minn. conducted research in this area. Shannon Gaukler, Fargo, N.D. Yoko Takahashi, Japan Songjiao Chen, Nanjing, China Leah Beekman, Eagan, Minn. Michelle Petersen, Sioux Falls, S.D. Lawrence M. Debing Memorial Hill-Tidd Scholar’s Award* G. Arthur Larson Scholarship* Scholarship* Nathan Hansen, Rushford, Minn. Statistics Lana Christine Erickson, Columbus, N.D. Kenneth Kildahl, Apple Valley, Minn. Mathematics Scholarship* H.P. Kuang Scholarship* Oliver LaVoy Memorial Scholarship* Joshua Lechner, Redwood Falls, Minn. Mark Spanier, Sauk Centre, Minn. Travis Dockter, Linton, N.D. William Clark, Ellensburg, Wash. Ralph E. Dunbar Memorial Scholarship* Ronald M. Mathsen Mathematics Lindsay Harris, Bismarck, N.D. Harvey K. Nelson Scholarship* Bridget Kilen, New Salem, N.D. Scholarship* Daniel McEwen, Moorhead, Minn. Derek Miller, Bismarck, N.D. Yi Zhang, Guangdong, China GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS Outstanding Biological Sciences Joshua Swoyer, Andover, Minn. Gil Nelson Scholarship* Lillian Goettler N.D. Space Grant Award Rylan Wolfe, Bismarck, N.D. Education Senior Award Lindsay Harris, Bismarck, N.D. Katrina Gellerman, Bismarck, N.D. Dr. Harold and Mary Ann Klosterman Naomi Harr, Mandan, N.D. James H. Olson Scholarship* Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Merit Scholarship Fund* Outstanding Biology Student Award Jay David Miller, Plymouth, Minn. Katrina Gellerman, Bismarck, N.D. Darrin Koubsky, Alexandria, Minn. Freshman Award Lloyd Olson Scholarship* McNair Scholarships Roy Milde Fellowship Award* Nathan Braun, Bismarck, N.D. Daniel Ingebretson, Glyndon, Minn. Deq Ahmend, Fargo, N.D. – Zoology Chris Heth, Westhope, N.D. Patricia Bailey Maher, Fargo, N.D. Pythagoras Award John Fielding, Fargo, N.D. – Geology James and May Sugihara Scholarship* Sophomore Award Krisen Anstadt, Fargo, N.D. Kelly Gorz, Fargo, N.D. – Geology Marie Natalie Gilles, Glyndon, Minn. Robert Haaland, Mandan, N.D. Scott Langlie, Mayville, N.D. Andrew Sand, Jamestown, N.D. Junior Award Eric Roethel, Detroit Lakes, Minn. Awards marked with an asterisk (*) are Kelli Syltie, Brookings, S.D. Victor Schuring, Andover, S.D. Deborah Wald, Venturia, N.D. funded with earnings from a permanent Richard Glenn Wedel Memorial Jasen Walker, West Fargo, N.D. endowment established with and Scholarship* managed by the NDSU Development Kristin Keller, Barney, N.D. Foundation.

Science & Math Science & Math 26 27 development

$50,000 or more Donald and Evelyn Koenecke Robert and Susan Gammill Yongli and Tingting Ning Tioga Machine Shop Inc. Gregory and Jamie Eslinger Galen and Verla Kihle Cris and June Miller Darrol and Jean Schroeder Dennis and Sandra Whitson Anne Lambert John Gilmore Neerav and Charu Nisheeth TMI Systems Design Corp. Paul Kingsley Marlyn and Sharrell Miller Gregory and Jill Schuer Ronald and Halima Wieland Individuals William and Jeanne Etheridge Oreste and Beulah Lantero David Givers Keith E. Nygaard Aleaha J. Fettig Michael and John and Peggy Mittelsteadt David and Kristen Schultz Roxann and Richard Williams Lowell Wood* Deceased 6/28/08 Kenneth and Rhonda Magel Elisabeth M. Goff Kendall and Gloria Nygard Less than $100 Allan and Nicole Fettig Anne Klinkhammer Fredric and Jackie Modrow Brent and Denise Schumacher Jon and Tanya Winter $10,000 to $24,999 Gregory and Denise McCarthy Elisa R. Goldade Paul and Angela O’Connor Individuals Joseph and Dorothy Fischer Dean and Mary Ann Knudson Mark and Pamela Molitor Rebecca and James and Bonnie Winters Bradley and Gail Morlock Bethany and Robert Grommesh Leroy and Janice Odegaard Kathleen and Robert Ford Francis and Kay Koch Donald and Janice Montonye Jeremy Schumacher Willard and Jean Witteman Individuals Eric Abraham Matthew and Kendra O’Brien Dixie and Richard Grossman Bruce O’Gara John Abraham Julian and Nijole Fossen Patsy and Leonard Koser James A. Moore James and Mary Scott Kimberly and Todd Wold Karen A. Olson Bradley and Louise Richards Kirk Groth Stephen Olson Jeffrey and Linda Ackerman Rodney and Jennifer Freed Wade and Katie Kragtorp Karen Moore and James Libby Carl and Barbara Seneker Chun and Yick-Fun Wong Lewis J. Thompson David Schmitz Elnore and Ronald Grow Kirsten and Paul Orvik Steven and Karen Adamek Gary and Dixie Gapp Gary and Madeline Krapu Sara J. Moreland Stephen and Sharon Seneker Darya Zabelina Frederick and Helen Turner Julie A. Gudmestad Joonbum Park Benzir Ahmed Carol J. Gellner Carrie C. Kubacki Cheryl and Robert Motily Katherine and Steve Shark Gary and Ann Zander Organizations Horace and Laura Whitman Harold Haag Kenneth and Claudien Payne Tom Allison David and Judy Gingrey Dominic and Marla Kunz Shaun and Steven Muzzy Iris and Stephen Shively Zhili and Jianning Zhang Coatings Industry K J Wu Jeffrey and Melissa Hall David and Jennifer Pennings David and Cristine Allmer Diane M. Goede P. R. and Ooma Lakshmanan Tim and Arlene Nelson Douglas and Margaret Sillers Yunhe Zhao Education Foundation Larry and Teri Hall Steven Petersen Karl and Sarah Altenburg Gary and Connie Grittner Peter and Sheri Lambertz Carroll and Davilyn Nelson Brandi and David Sillerud Abbott Laboratories Organizations George and Julie Hamer Mike and Joyce Podetz David H. Anderson James and Linn Grohs Gerald and Carole Lamoureux Joan Nicol-Hoium Sharon M. Skunes Matching Gift Bobcat Company Jeffrey Hanggi Howard and Bonnie Postovit Jarett and Eileen Anderson John Grunewalder John and Roxanne Landon Denny and Karolyn Olson Gregory and Jane Smestad Companies $5,000 to $9,999 Cargill Financial Service Center Richard and Edith Hansen Syed Rahman and Rhonda and Scott Anderson Holly and David Gulland Linda K. Langley Julie and Timothy Olson James and Karen Smith 3M Company Individuals Cargill Inc. Wayne and Wynona Harris Zinat Ferdouf Steve and Sheila Anonsen Vicki Gustafson and Lana and Cory Lappi Linda S. Olson Steven and Carol Smith Abbott Laboratories Robert Cederberg Stacy and Ron Haugen Les and Gloria Reister Ramkrishna Anugula David DeKoeyer Donna J. Larson John and Kelli Opgrande Marsha Sovada and Alcoa Foundation Verlin Hinsz $100 to $499 Lingyun He and Yuhuan Li Richard Rezanka Michael Avery Michael Haagenson Joe Latimer Bruce and Betty Opheim Raymond Greenwood BASF Corp. Monika R. Smith Individuals Robert and Linda Hendrickson John and Sarah Ries Marvin and Michelle Bachmeier Jean and Scott Hagen William Lauenroth and Chriss Oseland Ronald and Shirley Stammen The Boeing Company Louis and Catherine Hendrickx Rachel A. Roen Ingrid Burke Scott and Carla Paintner Jerome and Donna Stockrahm Cargill Jurgan E. Almlie Linda and Terry Bathen Tim and Karen Halliday Robert Heninger John and Susan Roseberg Wendy J. Leach Ralph and Elizabeth Parkhouse Craig Stockwell Chevron Texaco Corp. $1,000 to $4,999 Linda J. Almlie Mark and Patricia Bauer Gary and Janice Hanson John Hershberger Jason and Shannon Ruen Elizabeth J. Lee Jeffrey and Faith Pawelski Jason and Mary Sullivan ConocoPhillips Company Individuals David B. Anderson Michael Reich and Patricia and Roger Hartsoch Loren and Norma Hill Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat Jennifer Harvester Marvin and Janice Leidal James and Susan Pederson Rudy Sultana and Siti Irawati Cytec Industries Inc. Denise and Michael Barrera Rob and Lori Anderson Cherish Bauer-Reich Travis W. Hjelle Sandra Saufferer Lonnie and Mary Hass Daniel and Sharon Lerfald Stephen Peng James and Eli Lilly & Company William and Cindy Bleier Philip and Annette Anfinrud Jamie and Holly Baxter Janet and Mark Huss Steven Schatz Gregory and Rebecca Hauge Douglas and Lori Lexvold Claire and Kathryn Peterson Josephine Summerville ExxonMobil Foundation Philip and Gertrude Boudjouk Ray and Diane Argyle Patricia A. Berg Paul and Heather Jarski Debra A. Schell Kelly and Lance Haugen Mark and Kimberly Loock Sandra L. Phillips Kelly and Carolyn Sundquist GlaxoSmithKline Larry and Jane Brandenburger William and Sharon Barker Mark and Barbara Bibelheimer Bryan Johnson Joe and Cheryl Schmit Brian and Sylvia Heath Gerald and Mary Jo Lothspeich Mark and Stacy Plencner Jeffrey and Nancy Suttle HSBC - North America David and Cheryl Brant Stephen and Mary Barna Kenneth and Bonnie Black Morris and Catherine Johnson Denis Severson Thomas and Lucille Helfter Barbara and Brian Lunde Vince and Thelma Powers Elampiraii Thamizh Pandian Hunter Douglas Inc. Gerald and Beth Cross Dennis Berg Garrett and Katherine Bladow Michael and Kara Johnson Roberta and Warren Shreve Harold Herbst Jackie L. Lundstrom Thomas and James and Heather Thiel I B M Corp. Arden and Donna Hetland Steven and Darlene Berndt Robert and Glenda Blom Milton and Constance Johnson Mukund P. Sibi Martin and Linda Hoag Larry and Janet Luttmers Mary Ann Pritchard Melanie and Craig Thielke SC Johnson Fund Inc. Clarence and Jeanette Hottman James and Debra Billigmeier Peter Boudjouk Carolyn K. Juell Brian and Rita Slator Waylon and Shelley Hoerner Jessica J. Mack Jodie L. Ramsay Connie and Rodney Thompson Masco Corp. Eleanor and Frank Hung Bernard Biren Kari Boyce Ronald and Donna Just Thomas and Catherine Sly Albert and Sharon Horejsi Shankar Manyem and Charles and Natalie Ramsett David and Mary Ann Thrane Medtronic Foundation Mark and Carol Kiemele Paul and Ronda Bliss Deen and Darlene Brecht Monte and Debra Kaelberer Susan M. Snyder Jon and Denae Horn Sreelatha Anugonda Randy and Evy Ressler Karen M. Tripp Merck & Company Lawrence and Edward and Agnes Boulger Curtis and Susan Bring Craig and Debra Kapfer Jacki and Kellie Spriggs Erik J. Inman Piyasiri Marasinghe James and Cynthia Richburg Bryan and Andrea Tungland Microsoft Corp. Sandra Klosterman Jan Branthaver Robert and Verdus Broschat Justin and Stephanie Kappel Levi M. Stanley Robert and Beverly Jacobsen Ronald and Lillian Mathsen Tami and William Roder Allan and Bergliot Turmo MoneyGram International Inc. Culver Ladd Robert Breid Valerie and Paul Budd Angshu Kar Tracy and Mark Starnes Robert O. Jacobson Phyllis and Steven McArthur Robert and Elaine Rohloff Valerie and Scott Updegrave Pfizer Foundation George Linz John and Peggy Brophy Jeanette Buerkle Michael and Elizabeth Kaytor Lawrence E. Steininger Mike and Marguerite Jarvis Jerry McCarty Travis and Jessica Rossow Lyndsi J. Vanderwal PPG Industries Richard and Cheri Martin David and Jane Bruckner Julie and Scott Burgess Warren and Donald and Leeann Stieha Kyle and Jan Joersz Michael and Kathleen McInerny Upasiri and Gary VanDeStreek Saint Gobain Corp. Jerrold and Carol Mayer Dean and Barbara Bruhn-Ding John Bursack Deborah Keammerer William Stoll Keith and Bonnie Johnson Paul and Elizabeth McNutt Indrani Samaraweera Susan and Mark Verwest Shell Oil Company Foundation Kevin and Harriette McCaul Lucie Bryant Lynn A. Buschette Christina Keller and Gary and Rosa Stolzenberg Eunice R. Johnston Kenneth and Darlene Meath Jean and Robert Santjer Kari Visconti The Sun Microsystems Sonja Mulvane Charles and Elizabeth Buck Larry and Margaret Campbell Gary Larson Darrell and Carol Strobel Roger and Cheryl Jordheim Roxane F. Meidinger Gundu and Nirmala Sastry Carsten A. Wagner Foundation, Inc. Gilbert and Carolyn Nelson Xiaotao Cai and Sujun Qian Dan Carlson Bruce Klosterman Jamie and Rhianna Sundsbak James D. Jorissen Marty and Donna Melchior Randal and Kristine Sauer Elaine S. Walker Travelers Corp. Harvey and Gene Nelson Jeffrey and Jeanne Carlson Manny and Maria Carneri Julie Klosterman and Orven and Deborah Swenson Scott and Pamela Jung Shelley and Jay Metzger James and Denise Scheer Shelly and Scott Washburn UBS Carl and Jerri Pfiffner Bonnie and Stanford Case Julie and David Carr Donald Bolgrean Dennis and Kathleen Tallman Timothy and Carol Kachel Robert Mikkelsen Peter K. Schlater Chad M. Weisenburger Yahoo Inc. James and Kelly Rask Benjamin and Chun Lin Chan Carolyn F. Chaffin Chad and Laura Knutson Robin D. Thompson C. Thomas and Jane Kangas Allan Miller James and Becky Schonberger Terence and Roxanne West Donald and Charlene* Schwert William and GayAnn Colliton Paul and Amy Chasco Harold and Anne Korb Ronald Thorsrud Charlene deceased 2/22/09 Thomas and Carol Coudron Carisa and Terry Christensen Daniel M. Kroll Vincent and May Ting Harry and Joan Snyder Downey and Gary and Susan Clambey Anne and Steven Kummer Vernon and Debra Tomanek Eunice Toussaint Verna Cunningham Beverly and Dale Clausen Donations to the College of Science and Mathematics are administered by the NDSU Development Foundation. Clark and Elizabeth Kurz Paul and Amy Tronsgard Craig and Tari Webster Daniel DeChaine Armin and Juanita Clobes Raymond and Candace Lambert Darrell and Dena Vanyo Dallas D. and John Dell Ross F. Collins Kelvin and Patricia Landeis David and Teresa Vaske Eileen Zimmerman Benjamin Dick Kerry and Stephen Cornwell David A. Larson Maurice Walters Shelly and Adam Dirstine James and Susan Council Paul and Susan Lemke Xianping Wang Hyunsook Do Bethann and Chuck Crary Organizations Lorrie A. Lendvoy Irvin Wangsness Trent and Christine Doering Sara L. Crowston Albert C. Bean Sr. Foundation William and Sharon Lipp Jim and Patricia Weinlaeder Landis and Janet Doner Dean and Donna Dahlvang Director of College Advancement’s message Basin Electric James and Phyllis Lofgren Duane Weisshaar Roger and Polly Dorsey Correen G. Dammen Power Cooperative Jianliang Lu and Hongjia Fan Aric Welch and Nicole Keri Drinka and Gerry Riley Kristie and Kevin Davis Greetings from North Dakota State University! I encourage you to come back Chemical Coaters James Lukach Hansel-Welch David and Helen Duncan Cristine and Brian Deaver Association International Wayne and Barbara Lunsetter Olyn and Carleen Wernsing Today NDSU is larger and stronger than ever before. to campus for a visit. The 2009 Daniel and Melissa Enebo James and Lu Ann Deibert Great River Energy Karen and Gary Mailloux Dan and Pat Whitman Joseph and Deborah Evenstad Anne and Alan Denton Our growth is due to the talent and dedication of our staff, Homecoming is set for the week of NW Society for Steven and Rebecca Malme Brian and Carol Wienhold Paul and Rosanne Fairweather Thomas DeRung faculty, students, alumni and friends. Our faculty and staff Sept. 28 through Oct. 3. It is a week full Coatings Technology Peter and Paulette Mariner Meryl and Julie Willert Terence Faller James and Jana Dewar Valspar Foundation Jill and Gary McKenney Mark and Joan Wolters continue to provide top-quality service and education to our of activities. Whether you attend a fine Edith C. Ferguson Amanda Dillard Brian P. Meier Joseph Workman and Jim and Susan Finke Philip and Sherry Dingmann students who in turn receive a great education. While attending arts event, a faculty lecture, or cheer for $500 to $999 Prakash and Padma Melachuri Afsoon Bahrami Gary and Dorothy Foley Jerrold and June Dodd NDSU, students participate in research projects, join student the Bison in the football stands, I hope Individuals Lonnie and Cindy Mettler Brandon J. Wyman Martin and Monica Folk Laura and Anthony Dodge Michael T. Burton Martin and Susan Michael Gerald and Lynnette Zeiszler government and volunteer in the community. Did you know you will continue your involvement Dick and Julie Fraser Keri Drinka and Gerry Riley Fu-Chih Cheng Carol J. Mikkelsen Leroy and Carol Zinsli William Fraser Pamela and Mark Dryer that thousands of volunteer hours are donated to the Fargo- with NDSU. Eileen H. Conway Best Amelia R. Nash Ron and Pauline Fredrickson Bohdan and Marietta Dziadyk Moorhead area and surrounding communities every year? It is an exciting time at NDSU. Stop John and Janice Daly Rex Bierley and Leissa Nelson Lynn and Ellen Fredrikson Organizations John and Lina Eide Robert Gutowski Robert and Ardell Nelson After graduation, these same students become our alumni by the dean’s office next time you are on campus. I’d welcome Min Fu Dickinson Ready Mix Co. Melissa and Joseph Eiter Bruce and Connie Hammond Tyler J. Nelson Gary and Monica Fulton Minnesota State Peder and Linda Engebretson and they go on to become active in their community and place the opportunity to give you a guided tour and share a cup Kenneth Hoefs Bradley Nesemeier Barbara and University Moorhead Steven and Lisa Engen of coffee. Gregory Jacobs and Heidi Nichols-Johnson and of work. With a graduation placement rate of more than Theodore Galambos Pedigree Technologies LLC Laura and Todd Erickson Margaret Hanegraaf Ryan Johnson Phoenix International Terry and Krista Erickson 98 percent, we know that our graduates are in high demand. Have a great year! — Keri Drinka

Science & Math Science & Math 28 29 Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Fargo, ND Permit 818

2009 Office of the Dean Dept 2700, PO Box 6050 North Dakota State University Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Don’t forget to visit our Web site at www.ndsu.edu/scimath

How to reach us: Kevin McCaul Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics Phone: 701-231-7411 Fax: 701-231-7149 E-mail: [email protected]

Published by the College of Science & Mathematics, North Dakota State University, in cooperation with the Office of Publications Services.

Newsletter coordinator: D.K. Srivastava College liaison: Keri Drinka Editor: Joel Hagen Writers: Sadie Anderson, Laurie Baker, Steve Bergeson, Linsey Hegvik Designer: Katie Elenberger Photographer: Dan Koeck Copy Editor: Kathy Laid

North Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, Vietnam Era Veterans status, sexual orientation, marital status, or public assistance status. Direct inquiries to the Chief Diversity Officer, 205 Old Main, (701) 231-7708.