Metamorphosis Undergraduate education at CBS is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by scientific advances, growing interest and career opportunities, the U’s molecular and cellular biology initiative, and national trends in biology education. Page 9

RESEARCH NEWS • ‘MUSCLE MAN’ • CAMPAIGN COUNTDOWN FROM THE DEAN

On the front line of science education As part of a large, public research university, the College of Biological Sciences’ primary role is to advance the boundaries of knowledge and train the next generation of scientists. But there’s another—perhaps equally important—role that supports that goal: training biology teachers for Minnesota’s and the nation’s secondary schools.

These teachers are vital to our success because they inspire and pre- pare middle and high school students to pursue science careers. The Robert Elde, dean fact that our students, most of whom are from Minnesota schools, con- WINTER 2003 ■ Vol. 2 No. 1 tinue to be more qualified every year is a tribute to these dedicated individuals on the front line DEAN of science education. Robert Elde Aspiring to be a science teacher at a secondary school may not seem like a lofty goal. But EDITOR many alumni have found teaching a very stimulating and rewarding career. And as the amount Peggy Rinard of scientific knowledge continues to expand, it becomes more challenging as well. ADVISERS Janene Connelly Kalli Binkowski (B.S. ’95), profiled on page 15, had planned to pursue a career in genetics Director of Development and External Relations research. But after teaching an undergraduate class while working on her Ph.D., she became Judd Sheridan hooked on teaching. Now a teacher at the Spring Lake Park high school she once attended, Associate Dean she is very satisfied with her decision. “Having the chance to light a spark in a young person’s John Anderson mind is very gratifying,” she says. Associate Dean We want teachers like Kalli to know how much we appreciate their efforts. This fall we asked Department Heads our freshmen to nominate high school science teachers who played a key role in their deci- David Bernlohr Biochemistry, Molecular sion to major in biology. And at our annual Recognition and Appreciation Dinner, we honored Biology, and Biophysics those who earned the most praise. Robert Sterner Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Earlier this year, CBS received a $1.7 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Kate VandenBosch to provide training for science teachers. I’m proud of this grant because it enables us to do more Plant Biology for teachers like Kalli and for young people who may one day cross our threshold. Even better, Brian Van Ness our own Itasca Biological Station will be the primary campus. The site was chosen because it is Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development central to schools in greater Minnesota, where there is a shortage of science teachers.

CONTRIBUTORS The program adds an important new dimension to CBS undergraduate education. As the meta- Lija Greenseid morphosis of our undergraduate education continues, we will add other courses that allow stu- Emily Johnston dents to learn by discovery and experience. This reflects an emerging national trend to move biol- Justin Piehowski ogy education from a fact-based discipline to one that focuses on concepts and learning by doing. GRAPHIC DESIGN I hope you enjoy this issue of BIO. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome. Shawn Welch U of M Printing Services PRINTING U of M Printing Services Robert Elde, Dean Address correspondence to: College of Biological Sciences e-mail: prinard@.umn.edu [email protected] Visit our Web site at www.cbs.umn.edu.

COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES IN THIS ISSUE

IN EVERY ISSUE

2 Abstracts Fungi family tree, lion kings, rainforest biodiversity, plant genomics, biodegradation… 4 College News 7

Cargill building nears completion, donors and scholars 7 E

recognized, U Legislative Request, CBS People… G A

16 Alumni News P Volunteer opportunities, networking events, Class Notes… ‘Muscle man’ Dave Thomas 18 Calendar of Events Check out the line-up of winter events.

COVER STORY

9 Metamorphosis

Undergraduate education at CBS is undergoing a profound transfor- 9 9

mation driven by scientific advances, growing interest and career E opportunities, the U’s molecular and cellular biology initiative, and G A

national trends in biology education. P Undergraduate education

FEATURES

6 FIELD NOTES — Monarchs bring citizen scientists out of cocoons.

7 BIOCHEMISTRY — ‘Muscle man’ pumps iron in the lab.

13 STUDENT LIFE — Biology House makes the U smaller & friendlier. 5 1

14 CAMPAIGN COUNTDOWN — Carol and Wayne Pletcher Fellowship. 1 E

15 ALUMNI PROFILE — Alumna trades lab for classroom. G A P Science teacher Kalli Binkowski

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, BIO is published three times a year by the age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. University of Minnesota College of Biological Printed on elementally chlorine-free recycled paper containing 20 percent post-consumer waste. Sciences for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the College. It is available in alternative for- On the Cover Undergraduates Joline Lushine and Erek Lam work with researcher Karen Oberhauser in her mats upon request; please call 612-624-0774 laboratory. Providing undergraduates with more research opportunities like this one is a key goal of the or fax 612-624-2785. transformation in progress at CBS. See story page 9. Oberhauser, who is nationally known for her monarch research and outreach programs, is profiled in a separate story on page 6. Photo by Richard Anderson

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 1 Fewer bugs, more money NSF taps CBS professor to chart George Weiblen, plant biology, helped fungal family tree prove there are roughly 25 million fewer We’ve called them scum, lifesavers, and along with Duke, Oregon State, and Clark bug species on the earth than previously even hors d’oeuvres, but only since 1995 universities — to sort out relationships believed. His findings, published in Nature, has anyone called them relatives. That among this diverse group of organisms. were based on associations between The four-year grant is part of NSF’s insects and plant families. Now he has won Assembling the Tree of Life program. a $625,000 Packard Fellowship to continue David McLaughlin, professor of plant studying biodiversity in tropical rainforests. biology, is principal investigator for the Weiblen gathers ecological and genetic university’s $510,000 share of the grant. data to study the evolution of species in Several widely used drugs, including tropical rainforests, using fig trees and penicillin, are made from fungi. The study insects that interact with them as a model could point researchers to species of system for testing theories of co-evolution. fungi that may produce new drugs or He combines natural history with molecu- DAVID MCLAUGHLIN DAVID other useful products. Fungi perform a lar techniques in his research. Hygrocybe conica, photographed by David very useful role in the environment, help- McLaughlin at Cedar Creek. See the UM fungi The highly competitive Packard Fellowship collection at www.fungi.umn.edu. ing to form soil, recycle leaves and wood, allows the nation’s most promising young and enable trees to absorb nutrients was the year scientists determined that scientists and engineers to pursue more efficiently. McLaughlin says the mushrooms, yeast, mildews, and other research with few restrictions. Claudia evolutionary line leading to fungi split fungi are more closely related to animals Schmidt-Dannert, BMBB, received a from lines leading to plants and animals than to plants. Now, the National Packard Fellowship last year. ■ more than 1.5 billion years ago. Only 5-10 Science Foundation has awarded $2.65 percent of an estimated 1.5 million million to the University of Minnesota — species are known. ■

Cynthia Weinig wins NSF Young Investigator Award Cynthia Weinig, new faculty member in the Department of Plant Biology, has received a Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation’s Plant Genomics Research Project (PGRP) for $1.7 million over five years.

Weinig uses Arabidopsis to study the

genetic basis of adaptation. She and JUSTIN PIEHOWSKI collaborator Julin Maloof at UC Davis, Cynthia Weinig with Arabidopsis seedlings in growth chamber. who will share the award, are interest- ed in understanding how selection acts settings. However, little is known about on crowding responses in agricultural the genetic basis of adaptive evolutionary settings. More specifically, plants can responses. Characterizing the loci target- modify their phenotype (for instance ed by natural and artificial selection is a shape or form) in response to crowding primary aim of their research. and the onset of competition for sunlight. Weinig, who arrived at CBS this fall, There is now strong evidence that flexible earned a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology George Weiblen studies developmental responses to crowding, biodiversity in a Costa from Indiana University and served a post- such as stem elongation, confer a fitness Rican rainforest. doctoral fellowship at Brown University. ■ advantage to individual plants in natural

2 COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Dark manes attract female lions and the media Arabidopsis 2010 Male lions with long, dark manes suffer males with darker manes,” West said. John Ward, plant biology, and collabora- more from the African heat, but when Packer added that “the lion’s mane func- tors at the University of Maryland and rival males threaten or females are tions much like the peacock’s tail; it’s a Baylor College of Medicine, will receive checking out potential suitors, they are visual cue indicating a male’s health and $2.8 million over four years for their role in the coolest cats in the jungle, according fitness.” Arabidopsis 2010. The goal of the effort, to a study by Peyton funded by the National Science West, graduate stu- Foundation, is to learn the function of all dent in the Arabidopsis genes by the year 2010. Department of Arabidopsis is the primary model organ- Ecology, Evolution, ism used in plant genomics. The research and Behavior, and will provide insights into how to make crop adviser Craig plants more productive and more resistant Packer, to pests and climate variations. Distinguished The group’s project, “Arabidopsis 2010: McKnight University Discovering transporters for essential min- Professor. erals and toxic ions in plants,” will focus PEYTON PEYTON WEST When West and on understanding the functions of 57 Packer examined genes that are homologous to cation the data on several dozen males that West’s study was covered by media out- antiporters—membrane proteins that had been sedated and had blood sam- lets around the world, including the Star export cations such as sodium and calcium ples drawn, they found a strong correla- Tribune, New York Times, Washington from plant cells. Several of the genes are tion between blood testosterone levels Post, Chronicle, London known to have important roles in resist- and mane color. Telegraph, Independent Online (South ance to salt stress, which is an important Africa), National Geographic, MPR, NPR, and growing concern for agriculture, and “Dark color tends to be found in high- The BBC, WPVI (Philadelphia), WFAA for cellular calcium homeostasis. testosterone males. So it isn’t surprising (Dallas), BAYN(Tampa), KSWB (San that females would prefer darker manes Ward is also working on a bioinformatics Diego), and CNN. ■ and males would be intimidated by project to characterize all Arabidopsis mem- brane proteins on a genome-wide scale. ■

Microbial biochemistry and biodegradation

Larry Wackett, head of BMBB’s division of atrazine. Previous research has revealed and biocatalysis, study underlying mecha- microbial biochemistry, recently received the metabolic pathways and the evolution- nisms by which bacteria transform chemi- two grants. The first, $224,000 from the ary steps that allow bacteria to degrade cals in their environment. This work Department of Energy, will enable him to atrazine in soil and water. Wackett and his helps scientists understand how identify microbial genes with novel bio- colleagues will also look at the regulation nature recycles compounds and chemical reactions. While genomes of sev- of the atrazine genes in Pseudomonas how microbial metabolism can eral hundred microorganisms have been ADP, a bacterium they isolated from an be harnessed to generate sequenced, the function of many genes abandoned agricultural chemical dealer- commercial chemicals remains unknown. ship in Little Falls, Minnesota. via environmen- tally-friendly The second grant, $200,000 from the U.S. Wackett, who is also a member of the processes. ■ Department of Agriculture, supports Biotechnology Institute, has published 10 research on the bacterial breakdown of s- papers so far this year. Researchers in his triazine compounds such as the herbicide group, which focuses on biodegradation

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 3 CBS donors meet scholarship and Cargill Building for fellowship recipients Microbial and Plant Genomics Donors who contribute to CBS recipients. Elde and Professor Pete scholarships and fellowships met Snustad, plant biology, presented the grateful recipients of their an Outstanding Achievement Award generosity at the annual CBS to Julie Kirihara (B.S.’81 and Ph.D. Recognition and Appreciation ’88 Biochemistry). Kirihara, founder Dinner, held October 10 in the of ATG laboratories and president of McNamara Alumni Center. Dean MNBIO, received the award for sci- Elde spoke on investing in the next entific contributions and her efforts generation and introduced this to promote Minnesota’s biotech year’s scholarship and fellowship industry. If you would like informa- tion on establishing or con- tributing to a CBS scholar- Construction of the Cargill Building for Microbial ship or fellowship fund, or and Plant Genomics is nearing completion. The making a gift to the building, funded by a $10 million gift from Cargill, College, contact Inc. and a matching grant from the state, will be Janene Connelly at home to more than 22 principal investigators and connelly@biosci. 175 supporting researchers. Research will focus cbs.umn.edu. ■ on using microorganisms to clean up the envi- ronment; making agricultural plants more resist- ant to disease, pests, and climate; and devel- Julie Kirihara received the Outstanding Achievement oping new drugs for cancer and other life-threat- Award from Dean Elde and ening diseases. An opening celebration is Professor Snustad. planned for spring, 2003.

New faculty boost research enterprise Hiring new faculty with the combined High school science teachers honored resources of the Molecular and Cellular John Stangl, who teaches biology at importance and brilliance of nature…” Biology Initiative and reallocation has had a North St. Paul High School, was and that he “put every ounce of his transforming impact on the research enter- among five teachers honored at the energy and soul into his AP biology prise, as evidenced by a dramatic surge in Recognition and Appreciation Dinner. class.” Stangl also helped Kuehl get new grants awarded to faculty in the core departments. In the Department of Plant Honorees were selected from among a full scholarship to the U. ■ more than 100 high school Biology, 10 new faculty hired in the past two science teachers nominated by years have obtained 12 grants (from NSF, freshmen for their inspiration USDA, DOE, NIH, and the Packard and guidance. Freshman Matt Foundation). In the Department of Kuehl said Stangl taught Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and students that “Biology is Biophysics (BMBB), eight faculty hired in not just a class, but is part the past three years have been awarded 11 of us, and emphasized the multi-year national grants (AHA, NIH, NSF). And in the Department of Genetics, Cell John Stangl, biology teacher at Biology, and Development, nine new faculty North St. Paul High School, with student Matt Kuehl. have brought in 11 grants from national and local sources. ■

4 COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES U Legislative Request PEOPLE The University is asking the 2003 Minnesota BMBB and Legislature for $96 million for the 2004-05 Victor Bloomfield, Biennium. The budget breaks down into Dean of the Graduate School, estab- four categories: lished a graduate fellowship in molecular biophysics with a $50,000 ■ $26 million for implementing academic inheritance from his mother that directions was matched by the 21st Century ■ $88 million for supporting talented faculty Graduate Fellowship Endowment. and staff Ben Mueller, a student in the ■ $20 million for helping students realize M.D./Ph.D. program, is the first educational goals recipient of the fellowship. The two ■ $58 million to build and maintain academic were featured on the cover of the fall infrastructure issue of Legacy, the University of The U will contribute $96 million through reallo- Minnesota Foundation’s magazine. cation and tuition increases. Unlike in previous years, no programs or projects are specified Irv Liener, professor emeritus of because lawmakers will need to address the biochemistry, was awarded the budget deficit before awarding new funds. ■ 2002 Sterling B. Hendricks lectureship. The Hendricks lectureship recognizes senior scientists in industry, university, ‘U’ third among or government positions who have made important contributions to the chemical science of agriculture. Liener received a B.S. degree in food tech- research universities nology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1941 and a Ph.D. in For the second year in a row, the University of biochemistry and nutrition from the University of Southern California in 1949. Minnesota – Twin Cities was ranked third In1949 he joined the Department of Biochemistry at the U of M, where he among public research universities in the taught and did research on soybeans until his retirement in 1985. nation. The study, conducted by the University Henrietta Miller, retired BMBB administrator, with a newly installed of Florida, is based on quantitative measures plaque in the Henrietta Miller Garden, of performance rather than opinion and repu- located in front of Gortner Laboratories. tation, which are used in other well-known The garden was dedicated to Henrietta rankings. Only the University of Michigan and on her retirement in 1983, after more the University of California, Berkeley scored than 40 years of dedicated service to the higher than the U. The report can be viewed department. Henrietta and her husband, at http://thecenter.ufl.edu. ■ Phil, have remained very involved with CBS at the State Fair the CBS community. Herbert Jonas, professor emeritus of botany, passed away on September 13 at the age of 87. After emigrating from Germany in 1934, Jonas did research for the U.S. government and the University of Virginia before becoming a professor of pharmacognosy at the University of Minnesota. In 1968, he moved to the Department of Botany, where he remained until 1985. His interests included mineral nutrition and chemotaxonomy.

The Lake Itasca Biological Station received $50,000 from the estate of Thomas Morley. Morley received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in botany from the University of California, Berkeley during the A colorful new display and hands-on activities attracted 1940s. He joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota in 1949. Morley lots of visitors to CBS’ booth at the State Fair this summer. was widely recognized as an expert on Minnesota native flora and a charter Activities included a biology computer quiz, isolating salmon DNA, learning about the role of fermentation in member of the Nature Conservancy. He was also very active in the Minnesota biocatalysis, and looking at a variety of microbes through a Native Plant society. microscope.

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 5 Monarch project brings citizen scientists out of their cocoons

Project (MLMP), a citizen science archs in the Mexican mountains, effort directed by ecology, evolu- and everyone wondered what the tion, and behavior assistant pro- impact would be on summer fessor Karen Oberhauser. The populations. project is providing scientists “Monarch numbers were lower with valuable insights into the than average, but not the lowest ecology of what is likely we’ve seen during the six years America’s most charismatic—and of the project,” Oberhauser says. enigmatic—butterfly. “Monarch population dynamics Monarchs are unusual among are driven by events that occur insects in that, rather than going during the winter, the spring and dormant in winter, they go south. fall migrations, and the summer Western monarchs migrate to breeding period. The MLMP will California. Those east of the help to understand how all of Rockies fly a thousand miles or these interact.” more to mountainside forests in The MLMP also benefits partici- central , where they hud- pants by giving them a taste of dle together, covering the trees the scientific method and a like orange, antennaed shingles. chance to observe the intricacies In spring they head north again, of nature. “They’re learning about taking two generations to reach ecological interactions occurring the furthest part of their range. in ecosystems close to their

RICHARD ANDERSON The MLMP, begun by Oberhauser homes,” Oberhauser says.

Karen Oberhauser is well known in classrooms and fields throughout and EEB grad student Michelle “They’re really seeing how com- Minnesota and the U.S. for her outreach programs on monarch butterflies. Prysby in 1997, is an attempt to plex and wonderful nature is.” She was recently featured in . improve understanding of the The MLMP is an offshoot of an migration and corresponding educational program called population fluctuations. “They’re learning indy Petersen knows the Monarchs in the Classroom that Volunteers select sites where perfect way to spend a Oberhauser initiated more than a about ecological milkweed, monarch caterpillars’ Csummer day: walking a decade ago as a way to teach sole food source, abounds. They interactions occur- transect through a big open field, children about insect biology and scout their sites weekly during counting milkweed plants, and scientific methodology. ring in ecosystems searching their surfaces for the breeding season, recording the “Monarchs are a perfect organ- close to their pinhole-sized eggs and tiger- number of eggs and larvae of ism to use in classrooms,” striped caterpillars that various stages they find on the Oberhauser says. “They’re easy homes. They’re announce the presence of milkweed plants. They send their to rear in captivity, and they’re really seeing how monarch butterflies. tallies to Oberhauser’s lab, where they are combined and analyzed. not scary.” Petersen, a Chanhassen middle complex and won- For more information on MLMP, school teacher, is one of hun- This past year scientists were check out www.mlmp.org. derful nature is.” dreds of volunteers across North particularly interested in the America who gather data for the MLMP observers’ reports. A freak —Mary K. Hoff —Karen Monarch Larva Monitoring frost had killed millions of mon- Oberhauser

6 COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES ‘Muscle man’ Dave Thomas pumps iron in the lab

n ex-wrestler who tried out for the 1972 Olympic Sharing the A team, David Thomas has built a career as a different type of excitement of muscle man. He has long been fascinated by the motions of large discovery, proteins found in assemblies, and Thomas has when he turned to muscle pro- teins, he was hooked. Now a pro- welcomed a fessor of biochemistry, molecular long list of biology, and biophysics, Thomas is unlocking secrets of muscle pro- undergraduates teins that hold the keys to muscu- lar dystrophy, some forms of heart into his lab. RICHARD ANDERSON disease, and other maladies. Professor Dave Thomas, a former collegiate wrestler, studies muscle proteins Getting hooked is more than a associated with muscular dystrophy, heart disease, and related disorders. Undergraduates Andrew Jensen and Erika Helgerson work in his lab. metaphor when the subject is myosin, the muscle protein that nance technique to “tag” myosin Erika Helgerson, has received a does most of the work of contrac- so its motions could be followed. scholarship from the Lillehei tion. When the signal to contract In 1982 he overturned then-cur- Foundation and is working with arrives in a muscle cell, myosin rent theory when he found that Osha Roopnorine, an assistant molecules hook onto strands of a during contraction, myosin spends professor in Thomas’ research neighboring protein called actin. only 20 percent of its time doing group, on mutations in myosin that They pull the whole assembly actual work. The “recovery cause thickening of heart muscle tighter, then let go, grab actin stroke”—when myosin is in (cardiomyopathy), the leading again, and tug in a repeated ratch- between tugs—eats up 80 percent cause of sudden death in young eting motion. Individual cycles last of the time. Also, it has long been athletes. less than a thousandth of a second, known that energy for muscle con- Lately, Thomas and colleague yet are too slow for the standard traction usually comes from the LaDora Thompson of the Medical techniques of magnetic resonance splitting of a small, energy-rich School have found a molecular and laser spectroscopy to catch. molecule called ATP. Thomas dis- explanation for muscle aging: covered that the energy released “This is kind of a blind spot for Myosin changes its structure so from ATP is used to pry myosin most physical techniques, but it that during contraction, it spends away from actin. That is, ATP seems to be the most important even less time doing actual work drives the recovery stroke, not the time frame for all kinds of molec- while consuming the same actual work. ular machines,” Thomas says. amount of energy as younger Such machines include the tiny Sharing the excitement of discov- muscle. motors that move chemicals ery, Thomas has welcomed a long Still active physically, Thomas across membranes, transport list of undergraduates into his lab. maintains several more muscle- materials within cells, and power Among the first was Christine related projects. Thanks to him, the whip-like flagellum that pro- Wendt, a CBS student who went CBS is doing some heavy lifting in pels a sperm cell. on to Medical School at the the fight against debilitating condi- University and is now a pulmonary More than two decades ago, tions that strike people of all ages. Thomas modified a magnetic reso- specialist in the department of medicine. A current CBS student, —Deane Morrison

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 7 Undergraduate Jolene Lushine assists with research in the lab- oratory of Karen Oberhauser, who studies monarch butterflies. Creating more research oppor- tunities for undergraduates is a key part of the transformation. RICHARD ANDERSON

8 COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Undergraduate education at CBS is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by scientific advances, growing interest and career opportunities, the U’s molecular and cellular biology initiative, and national trends in biology education.

f you were an undergraduate student But the metamorphosis isn’t complete. being part of a community, and more aca- at CBS more than a few years ago, you Robin Wright, new associate dean for demic and career guidance than they did I might be surprised to drop in on a faculty and academic affairs, who arrived in the past. class today and see how much has just after the first of the year, is planning The biological sciences reorganization changed. a College-wide effort to take CBS to the unified similar basic sciences depart- next level. Her goal will be to capitalize Since you’ve been gone, several forces ments that had evolved separately on the on all the positive changes that are tak- have converged to reshape the undergrad- and St. Paul campuses to ing place and make CBS one of the top uate experience: the U’s reorganization of support health sciences and agriculture. places in the U.S. to get an undergradu- the biological sciences and molecular and The result was fewer but much stronger ate biology degree. cellular biology initiative, the continuing departments poised to seize opportunities explosion of knowledge in biology, a grow- How it all began generated by the revolution in the biologi- ing interest in biology and career opportu- cal sciences. The molecular and cellular Change had been brewing at CBS for a nities for biologists, and national trends in biology initiative took the reorganization long time, but in retrospect, two events biology education. a step further, by allocating state and mark the beginning of a new era: the University funds to hire 41 new faculty and So, if you did come back to the U today, admission of freshmen to the college in build a home – the $80 million Molecular you might be sitting in a classroom in a 1997 and the reorganization of the biologi- and Cellular Biology Building – for three new $80 million building, learning some- cal sciences in 1998. of the consolidated departments. thing that hadn’t been discovered when Freshman admission was an important you were an undergrad, getting more Each of the new departments took over step because CBS and students alike can opportunities for hands-on research responsibility for education, which focused accomplish a lot more when they are than you had before, working with a new and strengthened undergraduate pro- committed to a four-year relationship. crop of talented young faculty, living in a grams and increased the number of facul- Students have more course and research special residence hall for biology stu- ty who taught undergraduate classes. opportunities, a better chance to get to dents, and feeling pretty optimistic about Faculty in the Medical School, who had know each other and faculty, the feeling of your future. previously taught only medical students,

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 9 Growing interest in biology Interest in biology, driven by the sequenc- ing of the human genome and other high- ly publicized achievements, has grown dramatically. Over the past five years, the size of the entering freshman class has increased from 113 to 351. The caliber of students is also increasing. Half of the students in this year’s freshman class were in the top 10 percent of their high school class. And a record number of prospective University students are requesting information from the Admissions Office about majoring in biol- ogy. In fact, biology is now among the top five majors in which students express an interest, along with pre-med, engineer- ing, communications, and psychology. SARAH HUHTA At the same time, biologists at the This summer CBS piloted a new program for 30 freshmen at Itasca Biological Station. The purpose was to national level are rethinking the way biol- help students get acquainted with each other, faculty, and the curriculum before starting school. The pro- gram will be extended to all freshmen next year. ogy is taught. This is driven in part by the growing volume of knowledge and in part by concerns that curriculum tends to be AWARD WINNERS began teaching courses for undergradu- based on memorizing facts rather than ates. understanding concepts. Last year, an CBS faculty who have been recognized “There’s a deeper understanding of the issue of Science was devoted to revamp- by the University for distinguished importance of quality undergraduate edu- ing undergraduate science curriculum to teaching since 1990.* cation now than there was before the make it both more conceptual and more John Anderson Douglas Pratt reorganization, says Robert Elde, dean of hands-on. Franklin Barnwell Palmer Rogers the College of Biological Sciences, who, From facts to concepts and John Beatty Murray Rosenberg along with Medical School Dean Alfred images David Bernlohr Leslie Schiff Michael, spearheaded the effort. David Biesboer Janet Schottel A curriculum that is experiential and When he became dean seven years ago, Iris Charvat D. Peter Snustad based on discovery is a much more effec- Elde adopted the philosophy that if you William Cunningham Thomas Soulen tive way to learn, says Elde. “We are put students first, everything else will fall Margaret Davis Anthony Starfield struggling as biologists with how to break into place almost naturally. The approach Richard Hanson David Thomas through the mountain of facts and distill Alan Hooper Susan Wick is espoused by Stanford President Donald to concepts and in some cases images, Norman Kerr Amy Winkel Kennedy in his book Academic Duty. Over as with the mountain of data produced by Willard Koukkari Clare Woodward the past few years CBS has added numer- genomics.” P.T. Magee Val Woodward ous programs that put students first, John Anderson, interim associate dean Robert McKinnell Robert Zink including Freshman Seminars taught by for faculty and academic affairs, adds that Richard Phillips distinguished faculty; Biology House, a areas of biology need to be taught togeth- special residence for CBS students; er. “We need to integrate topics so we * For a complete list of teaching award BioBuds, which matches freshmen with don’t talk about biochemistry, cell biolo- winners, visit http://www.cbs.umn.edu upper class students; the Alumni Mentor gy, and genetics in isolation,” he says. /1ab_cbs/1eii_teachwinners.html Program; and the CBS Career Center. “We need to weave them together This summer CBS will launch a three-day because they are all interrelated. And we orientation camp for all freshmen at need to be more cognizant of whole- Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. world implications.”

10 COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Anderson teaches a Freshman Seminar Over the past five years, Wright says, the today’s undergraduates called “Six Billion and Who’s Counting?” National Science Foundation has been need more math to handle which focuses on consequences of global changing the way it reviews grants to large amounts of data pro- population growth from an ecosystem reflect this trend. While funding decisions duced by genomics as well as modeling perspective. used to be made based on research merit ecosystem processes. Adding courses alone, the NSF and other funding agen- to help students strengthen their writing “When is the system going to crash? cies now want to know what else they’ll skills is also a national trend, as is Even students interested in molecular get for their money besides research, integrating technology into learning. issues need to be aware of global Wright says. issues,” he says. Yet another sign that the topic is hot, the “Even if the research plan is excellent, National Academy of Sciences recently Teaching is being rewarded the grant may not be funded if the published a book called BIO 2010: “Undergraduate biology education is defi- researcher doesn’t include a plan for Transforming Undergraduate Education nitely on the radar screen around the impact of the research on teaching and for Future Research Biologists. country,” says Robin Wright, new associ- outreach,” she adds. “This is a dramatic ate dean for faculty and academic affairs, change that affects all researchers Still room for improvement who just arrived from the University of because everyone needs to get grants in With all the changes at CBS over the past Washington. “There have been big order to carry out their research.” few years, there is still room for improve- changes lately. It used to be that teaching ment. Some of the most immediate Another trend Wright sees is the addition didn’t make a difference to a biologist’s needs are revamping the core curricu- of math courses to the curriculum. research career, but that’s no longer the lum, getting faculty more involved in Historically, biology has been a descrip- case.” mentoring students, and making it easier tive rather than quantitative science, but

A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

lthough undergraduate education at them from there,” he says. “Periodically, ACBS is new and improved with more I introduce a little humor, which is par- good things to come, CBS has always ticularly effective if it’s self deprecating. been known for its outstanding under- That gets the message across that I’m graduate teachers. just an ordinary person who happens to be familiar with the material. I’m One of them is John Anderson, profes- approachable and I won’t take offense if sor of biochemistry and interim dean for they don’t get it. I also set high expecta- faculty and academic affairs. Anderson, tions and make it clear what those who has taught undergraduate educa- expectations are.” tion on and off during his 35 years with the College, has garnered every distinc- One recent example of Anderson tion the College and University give to meeting students where they are is recognize excellence in teaching, as well his Web-based course in biochemistry, as a ”Nobel Prize for Excellence in which was the College’s first Web-based Teaching” given to him by his students class. When he learned of the need for in 2002. such a course, he readily agreed to adapt his for that audience. And he is What’s his secret? now meeting students from all over RICHARD ANDERSON “It’s understanding where the student is the United States and beyond via the John Anderson has received many awards for distinguished on their educational journey so that I Internet to bring them along on their teaching. He is shown here with students in his Freshman can meet them where they are and take educational journeys. Seminar, called “Six Billion and Who’s Counting?” which addresses the impact of population growth on the Earth’s ecosystems.

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 11 for students to become level course will teach lab safety, tech- ■ Strengthening quantitative and computa- involved in research labs. niques, the scientific process, and how to tional skills to prepare students for develop a research project. genomics and other emerging areas The CBS core curriculum has ■ long been an issue, says Janet Schottel, Integrating biology curriculum with What lies ahead other sciences and the liberal arts, so chair of the Educational Policy Committee Figuring out how CBS undergraduate pro- students will have a better idea of how and Director of Undergraduate Studies grams need to change to better serve stu- biology fits into the big picture for the Department of Biochemistry, dents and reflect national trends is ■ Molecular Biology, and Biophysics. CBS Increasing diversity and building a com- Wright’s top priority. As the College’s new munity that celebrates the success of used to have a core curriculum for all associate dean for academic and faculty individuals majors, but over the years it has evolved affairs, she will be responsible for working ■ to allow more specialization within Encouraging faculty and teaching assis- with departments, faculty, staff, and stu- majors. While students now have more tants to approach teaching with the dents to shape undergraduate education same rigor and creativity as they do flexibility, some faculty are concerned that programs. research their education may not be as broad- based, Schottel says. One solution under It’s an assignment that she is passionate “I accepted the position because I believe consideration is a consolidation of several about, saying that her goal is to make CBS CBS has the potential to be a national previously required core courses into a the best place in the United States to leader, and because I want to help the two-semester sequence that all students teach and learn biology. College realize that potential,” she says. would be required to take. “When the National Schottel says she and other faculty are Academy, the Carnegie looking forward to discussing the plan Foundation, research with Wright. societies, and funding agencies discuss excel- Another improvement in progress is lence in biology educa- involving more faculty as mentors and tion, I want the delineating the roles and responsibilities University of Minnesota of faculty mentors and advisers in the to be at the top of their Student Services Office. list,” she says. As per a new plan, Student Services Wright adds that col- advisers will be responsible for guiding leges like CBS are rare first-year students, and faculty mentors in the U.S. because bio- will take over after students declare a logical sciences are typ-

major. Faculty mentors will be assigned RICHARD ANDERSON ically fragmented over to students based on majors or areas of Jen Sandmeyer, who grew up in St. James, Minnesota, graduated from multiple departments interest. Advisers will still do some of the CBS last spring. She is now a student at Harvard Medical School. More housed in a college of than half of this year’s freshman class graduated in the top 10 percent paperwork, but faculty mentors will get to arts and sciences. But of their high school class. know students and help them plan their the unified structure futures. created by the U’s reorganization uniquely “I couldn’t be more pleased that Robin has Providing opportunities to work in positions Minnesota to move into a nation- joined us,” Dean Elde says. “The search research labs has always been a strength al leadership role in undergraduate biolo- committee did a great job of identifying at CBS, but with freshman admission and gy education. excellent candidates around the country growing enrollments, the need for student As she works with the CBS community to and of getting Robin to come to Minnesota research opportunities, particularly for build a vision, some of her priorities will to help us achieve our goals.” freshmen and sophomores, is increasing. include: Many faculty are reluctant to take on —Peggy Rinard younger students because they don’t have ■ Building inquiry and discovery into the the time to train them. To address this, a curriculum so students will think like new course in laboratory techniques is biologists rather than just thinking about being planned, Schottel says. The two- biology

12 COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Biology House makes the U a smaller, friendlier place here are few things as in Biology House last year as intimidating as freshman freshmen. year at the University of T “We help our residents with Minnesota. Especially if you are classes and issues that arise for one of more than 700 freshmen freshmen. More importantly, we assigned to Frontier Hall—the U’s hope to be friends,” Lawson largest residence. But if you are a said. biology major, there is hope. New friendships are essential for It’s called Biology House— two adjusting to University life. corridors of massive Frontier Hall Amanda Munzenmeyer, a where 60 biology students cur- Biology House freshman study- rently live in suite-style rooms. ing genetics, cell biology, and CBS set up Biology House in 1997 development, says making to create an environment where friends comes easily at Biology freshman biology majors could House, get to know each other more quickly. It also makes study “There is always someone groups easy to organize and very around you can study with or popular. walk with to class,” she said.

Each year, a community adviser Alumni also connect with stu- (C.A.) lives with and supervises dents through Biology House. In students in Biology House. This December, the board of the JUSTIN PIEHOWSKI year’s C.A. is Liz Bentzler, a jun- Biological Sciences Alumni Students in biology house often take advantage of close quarters to form ior in CBS. Liz is responsible for Society hosted a pizza party at biology study groups. helping students with academic, the residence. personal, and social issues as Biology House emphasizes aca- students who live, or have lived, With all these well as larger University and demics as well as socializing. there are eligible to play for the community issues. She also han- This year staff are sponsoring house’s soccer team, appropri- connections, dles emergencies and enforces “Biopoly,” a contest where stu- ately named “The Bio-Hazard.” University and hall regulations. dents turn in a test score of 75 Biology House percent or higher—or two tests With all these connections, Liz became a C.A. because she makes the remembers all the questions she where the second test shows sig- Biology House makes the had as a freshman. “I wanted to nificant improvement—to the ‘U University feel more like a mole- University feel answer all those questions and Crew’ students. For each sub- cule than an ecosystem. more like a help first-year students get mission, the student gets a “Being in a house like this, as adjusted,” she says. chance to win a gift certificate to part of the College of Biological molecule than places that are vital to freshman Liz is assisted by two ‘U Crew’ Sciences, makes the University a life; Subway, Chipotle, U of M an ecosystem. students—Ashley Lawson and much smaller place,” Lawson Bookstores, and so on. Melissa Goetter, who also live in said. Biology House. Ashley and And Biology House residents —Justin Piehowski Melissa, both sophomores, lived have a chance to exercise their bodies as well as their minds. All

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 13 CAMPAIGN MINNESOTA CAMPAIGN COUNTDOWN

ALUMNA USES MATCHING FUNDS TO CREATE A FELLOWSHIP TO SUPPORT A WOMAN GRADUATE STUDENT AT CBS

than only competing for opportunity to support the University that herself. “Of course, I we saw,” stated Carol. would like her to be bril- The Pletchers plan to create fellowships at liant and do great bio- other schools; however, the University of chemistry and all that, too,” she added. Carol wants the fellowship to Remembering her own two pregnancies in grad go to a woman who is inter- school, “it was clearly an ested in helping and sup- adjustment for the faculty to have a pregnant porting other woman, rather woman running around,” she recalled. “It adds a than competing with them. whole new dimension to being a student.” Minnesota was the first because of the Carol describes being a 21st Century Graduate Fellowship grad student and studying Endowment. “Once the matching funds with John Gander and from the University became available, it other colleagues as one was the obvious thing to do,” she said. of the most exciting and While Carol is the University of Minnesota happiest times of her life. alumna, she said this fellowship is a fami- Carol often jokes that she ly effort. She and her husband are pas- used some of the money sionate about education. from the AAUW fellowship “We believe in the power of education. We TIM RUMMELHOFF to pay parking tickets. “I believe in the power it gives you personal- Carol and Wayne Pletcher at home with Queen Elizabeth, their poodle. was known for creative ly for your own well-being and your own parking,” she said. enjoyment of life. We believe in the power arol Pletcher knows how impor- Besides excelling in creative parking, of education and what it gives you in your tant support can be to women in Carol and her husband know how to lever- professional life, the ability to have excit- Cgraduate school. During her years age opportunities. ing, interesting, and rewarding jobs. We at CBS in the late 1970s, she had two sons Because the Pletchers started the fellow- believe in the power of education and what yet managed to earn a fellowship from the ship during Campaign Minnesota, the it does for society. An educated society, in American Association of University University of Minnesota’s 21st Century our mind, has a whole different set of Women (AAUW). Graduate Fellowship Endowment matched options than an uneducated society.” “This fellowship served as a bridge to my every dollar. Additionally, Carol and The Pletcher fellowship will help pay for last year, which was very, very wonderful,” Wayne’s employers, Cargill and 3M the education of a female graduate stu- she said. Now, Carol and her husband, respectively, matched each dollar the dent studying biological sciences for years Wayne, want to be sure other young Pletchers contributed. After all the to come, but hopefully not too many park- women have the same kind of support by matching, the Pletcher Fellowship totals ing tickets. offering their own fellowship. $50,000. —Justin Piehowski In particular, Carol wants the fellowship to “What we discovered was that by leverag- go to a woman who is interested in help- ing, the Fellowship came together easily. ing and supporting other women, rather We hope that others will see the same

14 COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Alumna trades lab for a middle school classroom

alli Ann Binkowski was Binkowski is now in her sixth one of those kids who year of teaching science at K know just what they Spring Lake Park High want to be when they grow up. School—the same school she As a sixth grader at Kenneth attended as a budding scientist Hall in Spring Lake Park, she a dozen years ago. decided she would become a “It’s a tremendously challeng- scientist and study genetics. As ing and interesting career,” a teen she began researching she says. Particularly gratify- plant cell regeneration in the ing is the chance to light a College of Biological Sciences spark in young people’s minds. through a mentoring program “The kids are growing and for high school students. After changing and you get to influ- completing her undergraduate ence that,” she says. degree at the University of Wisconsin, she returned to the The first few years of teaching University of Minnesota to earn were “tremendously difficult” her Ph.D. She spent her days as she got the hang of manag- looking for the gene responsible ing 35 kids in a classroom, for a gangly mutant of planning lessons, and carrying Arabidopsis thaliana as a Ph.D. out administrative duties, student under plant biology fac- Binkowski says. She laughs ulty member Neil Olszewski. that one of the toughest things “We isolated the gene, and it was learning to call her former was very, very cool,” she says. instructors by their first names. “I spent the whole Then life changed dramatically. summer practicing,” she says. RICHARD ANDERSON As part of the price one pays for Though she has no regrets for Kalli Ann Binkowki, M.S. ’95, finds teaching getting a Ph.D., Binkowski had to science a very satisfying career. her career shift, Binkowski says teach an undergraduate class. “That’s when it She found herself spending her teaching has one major one spare time thinking, not about down side: the lack of apprecia- standing of biological concepts hit me. I realized the latest puzzle in the lab, but tion educators receive. along the way,” she says. “I can about better ways to get course “Teaching is not looked up to as that I liked a really respectable position. see the big picture because I’ve content across to her students. teaching a lot People say you get the summer seen so much of the picture.” “That’s when it hit me,” she off so it’s an easy job, or there’s —Mary K. Hoff more than I liked says. “I realized that I liked no money in it, so you’re not teaching a lot more than I like worth it,” she says. “As teachers doing research.” doing research.” After lots of we know better.” soul-searching and introspec- —Kalli Ann Through it all, Binkowski tion, she decided to go into edu- Binkowski cation. She finished her master’s remains grateful for the solid in plant biological sciences, then foundation she received in CBS. earned a teaching degree. “It’s given me a good under-

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 15 So many ways to volunteer at CBS Volunteer Events Career and Internship Fair Alumni are invited to participate in the Career and Internship Fair by volunteering a few hours between 11 a.m and 3 p.m. on February 28 to review resumes, provide interview tips, offer job search strategies, answer questions about their career, and help students participate in mock inter- views. If you are interested in helping, please e-mail [email protected] or call Emily at (612) 624-4770. This is a wonder- ful opportunity to help students as they begin to think about their life after college.

Alumni Lost & Found

EMILY JOHNSTON EMILY The University of Minnesota Alumni Side by side with 13 other alumni volunteers, Rebecca Marrs-Eide ‘01, Steve Schulstrom ‘84, and Mike Association conducted a search for U of M Coyle ‘72 review resumes at the 2002 CBS Career and Internship Fair held in the McNamara Alumni graduates this summer that resulted in Center. CBS alumni volunteered a total of 929 hours last year, which equals a cash contribution of $14,910 as determined by Independent Sector. finding more than 52,000 missing alumni. More than 900 are graduates of the College of Biological Sciences. If you were lost and hether you want to help others, new members. The Mentor Program have been found, welcome back! We’re very give back some of what you matches undergraduate students with happy to be reconnected with you, and received at CBS, or connect alumni who hold jobs related to a student’s W would love to hear from you. Please let us with other alumni, there is a place for you field of interest. The Career Network is a know what you’ve been up to. E-mail at the College of Biological Sciences. Just group of individuals who talk with students [email protected] with an update. ask Dan Liedl ’96, who volunteers for CBS about career-related issues. Job shadow- because he wants to meet people of simi- ing allows CBS students to spend a day lar interests, to learn about advances in his at work with an individual who shares their field, and because it’s the right thing to do. career interests. The Career and “I wish I had started sooner,” says Dan, Internship Fair is a chance for alumni to Networking Events who finds that volunteering gives his life interact with students and help them plan Join us at Northern balance. “Time is valuable, but giving a few for a career. Alumni are asked to review Vineyards Winery hours a month can make a difference in resumes, talk with students about Join the deans, alumni, faculty, and staff at someone’s life,” he adds. By volunteering job search strategies, and provide inter- Northern Vineyards Winery in Stillwater for your time and talents you, like Dan and view tips as well as answer questions networking, tours, and tasting on January 30 other CBS volunteers, can help students about their own careers and assist in prac- from 6-8 p.m. Guests will take a tour of the and the College and enrich your own life. tice interviews. The Speakers Bureau cellar and have a chance to taste five of the invites alumni to campus to talk with stu- There are many different ways you can vol- best wines hosted by the winemaker, as well dents about life after graduation. unteer your time. The Biological Sciences as a delicious array of bread, cheese, fruits, Volunteers are also needed to help plan Alumni Society Board meets monthly to spreads and chocolates. Cost is $20 per per- and implement Homecoming festivities strengthen the relationship among the son. You can register by calling (612) 624- each fall. To learn more about these College, alumni, students, and the com- 4770 or e-mailing [email protected]. opportunities, contact Emily Johnston munity. Board committees meet every Feel free to invite a friend or colleague to (612-624-4770 or [email protected]). other month to plan activities and recruit join with fellow alumni and taste some of Minnesota’s finest wines.

16 COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Class Notes Richard Forbes (B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Zoology, Davies and her husband were recruited by 1964) passed away in July, 2002 at the age Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, they asked of 65. Forbes joined the faculty of Portland Gretchen to join them and run the lab. It State University in 1964 and was professor was an opportunity she couldn’t turn down! Welcome, new emeritus at the time of his death. A popular However, she does plan to move back to board members teacher, he won several awards for out- Minnesota in a few years. standing teaching during his tenure. He was Dan Liedl Hats Off to Todd Lemke (B.S. in Genetics & also widely published as a writer and pho- B.S. Genetics, Cell Biology, and Cell Biology, 1992), Julie Kirihara (B.S. and tographer for scientific and popular publi- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, 1981 & 1988), and Development, 1996 cations. He wrote a regular column for Beverly Schomburg (B.S. in Biochemistry, Urban Naturalist, an Audubon Society Kelly Hadsall 1967) for volunteering at the first Alumni newsletter, and took photographs for B.S. Biology, 1996 Speakers Bureau. They kicked off our Mammals of North America, published by “Exploring Careers in the Life Sciences” the Smithsonian. Forbes was also an active Attention mentors! series on October 2, 2002. volunteer for Oregon naturalist groups and You and your student are invited to attend for public schools. While at the U of M, he Christine Schoenbauer (B.S. in Ecology, Networking Necessities on February 4 at was very active at Itasca Biological Station. Evolution & Behavior, 1994) served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger, West Africa 6:30 p.m. in the McNamara Alumni He is survived by his wife, Orcilia; daughter, Eryn; son, Bryan, and a granddaughter. for two years following graduation. Upon Center. Students and Mentors will learn returning to the U.S., she took a position Alan Price (Ph.D. in Biochemistry, 1968) is helpful hints for networking and try out with the Minnesota Department of currently the Associate Director for their skills with those in attendance. Agriculture for two years in their chemistry Investigative Oversight at the Office of Alumni can build their network as well. lab. Christine is presently employed at the Research Integrity in Rockville, Maryland. Look for more details to arrive soon! Minnesota Department of Health as an William Berg (Ph.D. in Ecology, 1971) Environmental Analyst. retired from the Minnesota Department of Mentors and students are invited to the Aimee (Anderson) Lawson (B.S. in Biology, Natural Resources this summer after 30 Mentor Program Appreciation Reception on 1996) recently married Steven J. Lawson years of service. April 15, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. in the McNamara and moved from St. Paul to Oakdale, MN. Alumni Center. This is an opportunity for Timothy Voller (B.S. in Biology, 1984) is an Aimee met Steven at the University of South mentor pairs to meet one last time before Executive Search Consultant for Alabama during their physician assistant LarsonAllen Search, LLC in Minneapolis. graduate program in 1999. the program officially ends. It's also a chance to meet with other mentor pairs and Ernest Retzel (Ph.D. in Microbiology, 1984) Pam Skinner (B.S. in Genetics & Cell married Catherine Clark in May 2002. They Biology, 1995 and Ph.D. in Pathobiology, find out about their experiences. met during a workshop organized by 1998) accepted a position this fall as assis- Catherine in North Carolina, where Ernie tant professor in the Veterinary was involved as co-principal investigator of PathoBiology Department at the University. an NSF grant in pine genomics. While Jennea Dow (B.S. in Biology, 1999) recently Catherine completes her studies in NC for joined Eli Lilly as Specialty Representative the next 6-12 months, they have discovered in Eli Lilly’s Neuroscience/Retail Sales the joys of 3.5-cent-per-minute phone cards A night at the theatre Division. and discount airfares. Have you ever thought about reconnecting Katherine Himes (B.S. in Neuroscience, Bill Diekman (B.S. in Biology, 1987) is the 1999) married Mark Lescher (B.A. in with other College alumni for an evening on Manager for QC Validation at Protein Design Psychology, 1997) in 2001. Katherine and the town? If so, we have a fun opportunity Labs, Inc. in Plymouth. Mark first met in Comstock Hall in fall for you. You are invited to see “I Love You, Andrew Hudak (B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, 1996 where she was an office assistant and You’re Perfect, Now Change” at the and Behavior, 1990) is a Research Forester worked at the front desk, and he was a Plymouth Playhouse on April 25 at 7 p.m. with the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain resident assistant. Research Station in , Idaho. He is Guests will enjoy a light buffet before the Have any news to share? We’d love to hear working on several projects relating to veg- show. Cost is $25 per person. You can regis- from you. Send your Class Notes to Emily etation ecology at the landscape level. ter today by calling (612) 624-4770 or e- Johnston, [email protected]. And Gretchen Radloff (B.S. in Biology, 1991) just please be sure to let us know if you move. mailing [email protected]. Please feel moved to Cincinnati to work in cancer free to extend this invitation to your family, research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital friends, and co-workers. We hope that you’ll Medical Center. She worked in Stella Davies join us at this fun CBS event. lab at the University of Minnesota. When

BIO ❙ WINTER 2003 17 CBS Calendar Cedar Creek 60th Anniversary Networking Necessities Nearly 300 people made the trip to Cedar Creek Natural History Area on Saturday, Monday, February 3, 6:30 p.m., September 21 to help celebrate the 60th anniversary. Speaking at the program, McNamara Alumni Center. Alumni and Dean Elde said he believes Cedar Creek’s biodiversity research plots are better students are invited to learn and prac- tice networking tips. known outside of Minnesota as a symbol of the U than Northrop Mall. David Tilman, CCNHA director, noted that humans now dominate global ecosystems, a Career and Internship Fair dramatic change from 60 years ago. Consequently, the value of Cedar Creek for Thursday, February 28, 11 a.m. to studying the impact of humans in ecosystems has also increased. And David 3 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center. Alumni are needed to review resumes, Hamilton, Vice President for University Research, called Cedar Creek a “jewel in provide interview tips, offer job search the University’s crown.” Activities, which followed the program, included a research strategies, answer questions about update from Tilman, tour of Cedar Bog Lake, demonstration of radio-tracking star- their careers, and participate in mock ring Goldy Gopher, and nature crafts and games for children. interviews. www.cedarcreek.umn.edu Outstanding Achievement Award Presentation and Lecture Thursday, March 6, 4 p.m., Earle Brown Center. Douglas DeMaster will receive an Outstanding Achievement Award from the University and give a lecture titled, “Impossible Problems, Improbable Solutions: The Life of a Wildlife Biologist in a Federal Regulatory Agency.”

UMAA Mentor Connection Appreciation Reception Tuesday, April 15, 6 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center. For alumni and stu- dents involved in the CBS Mentor Program.

CBS Commencement Saturday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. Northrop Auditorium.

Contact Emily Johnston at [email protected] or (612) 624-4770 for more information about any of the above events. CLARENCE LEHMAN

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