December 2013
ial c e p S on i t i d E
Community Science
What is ASSET Initiative? The Arkansas ASSET Initiative is a multi-institutional, interdisciplinary, state-wide program. Our current project, ASSET II, is designed to strengthen Arkansas research areas with potential for national significance and with major economic development potential. Our three specialty areas include: plant-based production, solar cell technology, and new power electronics. The Arkansas ASSET Initiative is part of the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR Program. An integral component of the program is entrepreneurial training, support for commercialization of new technologies, and an educational outreach program that targets the STEM pipeline needed to support the advanced technologies workforce.
ASSETs of Arkansas (Editorial Staff) EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dr. Gail McClure SENIOR EDITOR Marta Collier-Youngblood CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jaime Garcia, Emily Devereux, Alison Brown, Kathy Kirk GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Marta Collier-Youngblood & Jaime Garcia WEBSITE http://www.arepscor.org
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Director’s Welcome In this special edition of ASSETS of Arkansas, we focus on Community Science. As we enter a new era of science research, we recognize the need to introduce the younger generation from all diversities how the work of scientists and engineers can improve the world. As “One Community of Scientists,” we perform outreach activities to engage minority students and show them the fun and interactive side of science. To celebrate National Hispanic Month (September 15-October 15), we created this special edition of ASSETs of Arkansas to highlight our Hispanic researchers and to emphasize Community Science. We acknowledge the many global challenges that we all face and recognize that we must draw on the skills and talents of all diversities. Our youth must be informed and our maturing and/or retiring generations of scientists and engineers have an obligation to introduce the future generations to the tools and techniques that can address such challenges, as well as the career options that will improve the world. As “One Community of Scientists”, we perform outreach activities to engage minority students and show the fun and interactive side of science (see pg 6). Such activities illustrate that “science is woven into our everyday lives” and validates that the student, as a future scientist or engineer, can accomplish even challenging tasks. Pages 8-16 share interesting stories of Hispanic/Latino Researchers and STEM educators that are part of the ASSET program. Their background and heritage, combined with their research accomplishments, add breadth and quality to the human interest stories of their personal achievements and hopefully will inspire others. We hope these stories will motivate students that are considering careers as scientists or engineers, for these stories clearly show the joy and personal rewards received as one pursues a career with a strong passion. In this issue we are also showcasing some of the student supported organizations across Arkansas that promote educational opportunities. On page 20, we highlight the mission of some of the national and state organizations that improve economic and educational conditions for Hispanics and Latinos by funding student scholarships and offering networking opportunities. On page 21, “Arkansas on iTunes,” an Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) initiative, is featured. This ADE coordinated effort creates a library of educational content for educators and students. On page 22, we highlight federal research opportunities offer by the USDA, INBRE, and NASA. A site visit to a solar installer training site is featured on page 24 as a part of the Renewable Energy Lab initiative coming out of University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Finally, we are featuring the Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) Program. EAST attracts students to technology and alerts students to issues and problems within their community while providing the opportunity to impact those issues through technology service projects (see pg.26).
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CONTENTS
03
Director’s Welcome
W
06 Feature 08
Researcher Profiles
18
Arkansas MUID
20
Student Support Organizations
22
Federal Research Opportunities
24
Solar Installer Training Program
26
EAST Initiative: Hands On Learning
TECH SCIENCE
s i t a ? h W EM T S
MATHEMATICS ENGINEERING
HNOLOGY
ArkanSals ASSET of H Heritage M ASSET Initiative Brings STEM Activities to Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
O
n Saturday October 27, 2013, the diversity of Northwest Arkansas became “One Community” in arts and learning. Participants in the day’s festivities represented an assortment of Latin American countries such as Ecuador, El Salvador, Peru, and Mexico taking the opportunity to learn different traditions from one another. The Arkansas ASSET Initiative informed parents and students about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with hands-on activities included in the VICTER Power Box program. The VICTER Power Box is designed to draw the interest of children and adults alike. One of the goals of ASSET outreach programs is to give everyone the feeling of what it is like to be a scientist or engineer. While supervising the VICTER Power box activities booth Jaime Garcia, Communications Intern for the Arkansas ASSET Initiative, a National Science Foundation EPSCoR project administered by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, shared information with Hispanic parents about how to find funding to pay for college expenses. “It might be surprising to you, but some parents are not well informed about the steps for pursing a higher education,” said Garcia. “Parents had questions like: What is the ACT test? When can you take the ACT? Where can we find scholarships for students? What is a good ACT score? After hearing about the personal experience of someone who completed his undergraduate degree, parents seemed optimistic and relieved knowing that they can send their kids to college if they helped them work hard in school.”
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Research shows that if parents are not well informed about different options to enhance a child’s education then a child might become less interested in school. “We don’t know where to look for resources. Project boxes like this are better for kids than violent videos games and TV. Kids should play with similar project boxes that will improve their thinking skills and curiosity. It all starts with a simple idea; later in the future these kids will be designing the new world of technology,” said Jose Jua Udaver, one of the parent participants at the event. “Parents need to be aware of STEM summer programs that are available at different universities around the state.” Undergraduate students searching for research internship opportunities stopped by the booth and were pleased to see children play with the snap circuit kits. “It’s a great thing for children to play with circuits,” said Victoria Rodriguez, a Computer Engineering major from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. While the children tinkered with the VICTER Power Box kits, parents as well as undergraduate students shared ideas on how to improve the communication system. “There is a lack of communication within the Hispanic community. We focus on many present things that are going on around us. Yet, we forget to look at the future,” said Antonio Guerrero, a senior from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. “As a community we should work together to inform others about opportunities and ways to improve education. For example, these snap circuits. Little things like this have a great impact on a child’s life. Nowadays, the children learn better by interacting with technology or tools.”
LEARINING IN THE ARTS & SCIENCES
sa: the Hispanic Month
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Cesar M. Compadre, Ph.D. Dr. Compadre has extensive research experience, on the study of bioactive compounds from natural origin, and on the use of molecular modeling in drug design and structure-activity studies, with over 70 publications, 9 US patents related to the development of bioactive compounds, and one FDA approved antimicrobial technology. Dr. Compadre has a BSPharm degree, and obtained his Ph.D degree in medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy. He conducted postdoctoral research on structure-activity relationships studies using molecular modeling at the University of Illinois and at Pomona College working with Professor Corwin Hansch. Additionally, he had a sabbatical experience at NASA Ames Research Center in computer modeling. From his current post at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Compadre established and directs the molecular modeling core facility and is an active collaborative researcher with the NSF EPSCoR-supported Arkansas Plant-Powered Production research center. He has extensive research collaborations with many scientists locally, nationally and internationally. Dr. Compadre coordinates and teaches the COP P3 class “Pharmacognosy and Complementary and Alternative Medicine� and has directed or co-directed over 20 graduate students. Dr. Compadre also serves as Chairman of the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority Board of Directors.
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RESEARCHER PROFILE Professional Experience • 1994 – present Director, Biomedical Visualization Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences • 2008 – present Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences • 1993 – 2008 Associate Professor Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences • 1998 – 1999 Visiting Scholar, Bioinformatics Center, NASA, Ames Research Center, California • 1988 – 1993 Assistant Professor, Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences • 1986 – 1988 Research Associate (Corwin Hansch), Chemistry Department, Pomona College • 1985 – 1986 Research Associate (John Pezzuto) Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago
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Dr. Argelia Lorences Shares her Story
What drew you to this field and ultimately this research? Biochemistry has been a lifelong passion for me. Since I was a kid I was interested in understanding how organisms make all of the amazing molecules found in nature. When I finished my Ph.D. I decided to start doing research in plant metabolic engineering. That interest got me into Prof. Craig Nessler’s Laboratory and while working in his group we discovered a new pathway leading to vitamin C formation. How did you come to your respective institution? I got my education in Mexico: B.S. in Biochemical Engineering from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa (UAM-I), in 1991, M.S. in Biotechnology from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) in 1995 and Ph.D. in Biotechnology also from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) in 1997. I got my first faculty position right after graduating with my PhD at Centro de Investigacion en Biotecnologia (CEIB) of Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos. (UAEM). There I started a research group on plant metabolic engineering. After a couple of years working as an Assistant Professor in Mexico, I came to the U.S. to visit Prof. Nessler’s laboratory for one year. From January to August 2000, I had the opportunity to do research at Texas A&M and then I helped moved the Nessler Lab to Virginia Tech. Year 2000 was a great year, full of learning experiences in all senses. At the end of 2000, I had to decide whether to continue my faculty position in Mexico or to come to the U.S. and work at Virginia Tech. I chose the latter. After three years of post-doctoral work I applied to multiple faculty positions. Four Universities offered me on campus interviews, and the best offer came from Arkansas State University. This is the journey that caused me to join the ASU faculty in the summer of 2005. Tell me about your research (in 3 lines or less using layman’s terms). My group focuses on understanding how plants transform myo-inositol, an abundant sugar, into Vitamin C, a vital antioxidant that is essential for both human and plant health. We apply the knowledge we are gaining to engineer elevated Vitamin C content in crops and in that way develop plants that grow better, faster, that are more nutritious and at the same time tolerate a wide number of common environmental stresses. How is your research important to the general public? In other words, what are the benefits and potential impacts of your findings?
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Researcher Profile
The world population keeps increasing, while the amount of agricultural land is not. Therefore, in order to accomplish agricultural sustainability, we need to develop novel strategies to make crops more productive. Increasing Vitamin C in crops we think is one of the strategies that in combination with others can lead to crops that can adapt to the changing environmental conditions. As a researcher, what has been your greatest lesson learned? The greatest lesson I learned was something that Dr. Rodolfo Quintero, my mentor while in graduate school, taught me: “Always, always, no matter what, you need to do your very best because you are competing for opportunities with the best in the world.” Did you receive your bachelor’s degree of science and/ or Ph.D in the U.S.? If not, how difficult was it to adjust to the language and/or education system? As I described, I got all my education in Mexico. English is the language in which STEM disciplines are communicated. Since college, all the books and papers I read were in English. In grad school I had to learn to write in English and also to speak English in order to be able to communicate with other scientists in the field. How do you think we can improve the number of Hispanics/Latinos in the STEM area? In my opinion support and mentorship are the keys. In my case I have found great support and mentorship at SACNAS, the Society for the Advancement of Hispanic, Chicanos, and Native Americans in Science. While studying and working in Mexico, I was “normal” in the statistical sense. When I came to the U.S. suddenly I started experiencing life as a minority. Adjusting to that change has been challenging, but having a good support and mentoring system has made all the difference. What advice would you give to a student about following a scientific career? Find a subject you are truly passionate about because becoming good in science is going to take a lot of work and you need to stay motivated and focused despite the challenges you will find along the way.
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Fabricio Medina Bolivar, Ph.D. What drew you to this field and ultimately this research? Growing up in Peru, I was always intrigued by the traditional use of plants to treat health-related ailments from the common cold to cancer. I was curious to find out what made these plants so special and what component of the plant was responsible for the benefit. Fortunately, I did my undergraduate thesis in a prestigious research institution in Peru which peaked my curiousity even more and became a strong motivation for me to continue a professional career in science. How did you come to this respective institution? I was recruited by Dr. Carole Cramer, former Executive Director of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI). I had worked with Dr. Cramer while she was at Virginia Tech. I really admired Dr. Cramer and her leadership and I knew that this was going to be a great opportunity for me to grow professionally in an area that I was passionate about. In Virginia, I was proud to have my own laboratory, but it was probably the smallest and in the oldest building on campus. I was impressed with the ABI at Arkansas State University and it was a dream to work in a research facility so advanced and updated. Tell me about your research (in 3 lines or less using layman’s terms). My research is about producing and discovering compounds from plants with applications to human health. I have developed a unique process that utilizes “immortalized� roots from different plants to produce diverse classes of chemicals. When I find a potentially interesting compound in a plant I can manipulate this process to produce large quantities that can then be tested in different biological laboratory investigations for anticancer, neuroprotection and antimalarial uses. How is your research important to the general public? In other words, what are the benefits and potential impacts of your findings? One of the most important aspects of my research is the discovery of natural compounds with applications to human health. These compounds can be the lead for novel pharmaceutical drugs for prevention and treatment of diseases and can also be developed as dietary supplements. Through my research I am finding out how these health-related compounds are produced in the plant and ultimately how they can be enhanced or introduced in foods that we normally eat. As a researcher, what has been the greatest lesson learned? One of the most important lessons that I have learned has been to publish my research. Life as a scientist is hectic, with so many different commitments at work and constant deadlines. Managing our obligations and our publications should be a priority in order for science to continue to advance. How do you think we can improve the number of Hispanics/Latinos in the STEM area? I think it is very important to expose Hispanics/Latinos to STEM areas very early during their education. Outreach activities that target Hispanic groups are important. The Hispanic students will be motivated to pursue a STEM related career when they see successful Hispanics working in this field as well.
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RESEARCHER PROFILE What advice would you give to a student pursuing a scientific career? My best advice is to be involved in research as early as you can. Follow your passion and what really motivates you. You will find gratification in whatever you do if your heart is with it. Remember that you are not alone, and recognize the importance of networking, communication and publishing your research. Did you receive your bachelor’s degree of science and/or Ph.D. in the U.S.? If not, how difficult was it to adjust to the language and/or education system? I received my Bachelor degree in Biology from Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru. In my country, it is required to do an undergraduate thesis to receive the title of Biologist and I was admitted at the International Potato Center in Lima to do my thesis. After working for almost two years on my thesis, I was offered an assistantship to do graduate studies for my Ph.D. degree in Plant Physiology at Pennsylvania State University. This was a huge change for me, not just because of the educational system, but culturally as well. In my country, most students live with their family while they do their undergraduate and graduate studies. When I came to the US, I had to be on my own and very quickly learn about the American way of life. Language was complicated at the beginning. I remember that I was afraid to talk in class because of my accent. I was worried that they would not understand me. Rapidly, I had to force myself to communicate and break the fear to talk. I believe that was one of my biggest challenges.
Motivated to Inspire KIDS in Mathematics
I started my post secondary education at the University of Arkansas in engineering. After a few years, I changed over to mathematics in hopes that I could make a difference as a math teacher. I wanted to teach students that there’s more to math than computations and memorization of formulas. Not only can math be seen in nature, music, and in the arts, but it can be used to foster creativity. Now that I have been teaching for almost 6 years, STEM has been a big part of developing that joy of learning for mathematics. Students see math in application and how it helps with problem solving, critical thinking, and innovation. As an aspiring artist, I’ve always been fascinated by artists who applied mathematical components to their art. I am particularly fond of M.C. Escher’s use of tessellations. Not only has his work inspired me to teach art in my curriculum, his work has also motivated me to use my skills as an artist to create new patterns and designs never before seen. Of late, my most recent design as a UofA Razorback crafter is a tessellated Razorback. Tessellations can be helpful teaching specific common core standards in the classroom but it can be practical, efficient, and economical in application. It can help streamline mass production of products with little or no excess material. It is also unique in that it can be used to create patterns for tire tread, puzzles for kids, bricks for construction, magnets, and many other products. Ultimately as a teacher and artist, my goal is to develop a curriculum that motivates & inspires my students to work to their potential, but after years of teaching, I never expected that their creativity would inspire me, too. by Willard Keirn
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Giuliana Medrano, DVM, PhD. What drew you to this field and ultimately this research? My passion for vaccine research began with my B.S. thesis in Veterinary Medicine consisting in development and evaluation of a vaccine against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in albino lab mice. During my doctoral stage in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, I was fascinated with my research topic on detection and vaccine development of Sarcocystis, a parasite that affects almost 100% of alpacas in Peru. My work experience at International Potato Center and during my post doctoral research assignment was focused in plant biotechnology and transgenics. The interdisciplinary education and expertise I achieved helps me to explore the interplay between plant and animal field and foresee potential animal and clinical trials within a critical vaccine development area. How did you come to your respective institution? Following a competitive national search, I was recruited to the U.S. based primarily on the strength of my medical, molecular biology expertise, and my research experience in plant biotechnology. I was initially hired in 2006 as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate. In 2009, I was promoted to the position of Research Assistant Professor at the Arkansas Biosciences Intstitute, located at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. Tell me about your research. My work has focused on improving vaccines by producing biological proteins that help stimulate and guide immune responses. We have demonstrated that plants can produce a fully functional mouse protein that can be used to stimulate an antitumor immune response. The proteins will be produced in plants to reduce the cost while increasing the amount produced. How is your research important to the general public? In other words, what are the benefits and potential impacts of your findings? To use exogenous cytokines is considered a novel therapeutics or vaccine adjuvants in diseases and cancer prevention. However the use of this cytokines is cost prohibit for use in the general population. We use cytokines made in plants as a cost-effective, safe, and rapid production system to prevent viral diseases and tumors which has significant implications in veterinary and human applications. For example we recently demonstrate antitumor activity of our murine Interferon-gamma produced in plants against mammary cancer cells and against lymphoma cells. As a researcher, what has been your greatest lesson learned? If you were not born a genius‌.work as hard as you can, and keep working harder. Did you receive your bachelor’s degree of science and/or Ph.D in the U.S.? If not, how difficult was it to adjust to the language and/or education system? I did not received my degrees in U.S. Before coming to the U.S., I studied English for few years in Peru. Once in the U.S., it still took months for me to understand complete sentences due to the difference in accents.
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RESEARCHER PROFILE How do you think we can improve the number of Hispanics/Latinos in the STEM area? I think many Hispanic/ Latinos outside this nation would like to come to U.S. for a better future, but they may not be aware of the STEM opportunities. It may need more diffusion of the program. What advice would you give to a student about following a scientific career? Working in sciences gives you some freedom and autonomy when planning and performing experiments. At the end, the results are usually rewarding.
WALTER ACOSTA (P3) Walter Acosta, a Costa Rican native, graduated with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in December 2012, from Arkansas State University. His interest in genetic engineering and microbiology began in high school after reading an article about the world’s first successfully cloned sheep, Dolly. The suggestion of increased global crop production through genetic engineering caused Acosta to shift his educational focus toward agricultural sciences. As part of the Plant Powered Production (P3) research team at Arkansas State University, his research revolved around the treatment of a genetic disorder called Lysosomal Disease. Lysosomes are the “trash cans” of a cell, and these organelles get rid of cellular waste. According to Acosta, there are over 40 different Lysosomal Diseases affecting about 1 in 10,000 people. His research focused on just two of the forty types: 1Gaucher’s Disease and 1Hurler’s Disease. A patient suffering from Lysosomal Disease must turn to pharmaceutical companies to provide enzyme supplement for their body’s insufficient production and until recently, the process for generating these enzymes has been extremely costly and potentially unsafe. For his research, Acosta inserts human genes into fully developed tobacco plants, after which the plants can produce these therapeutic enzymes in an astonishing 48 hours. To accomplish this, he dips the entire tobacco plant into agrobacterium; this bacterium contains the desired enzymes, as well as his team’s unique carrier proteins, plant lectin. He then vacuum infiltrates the plant, takes the plant out of the agrobacterium, and two days later the leaves are full of the desired enzymes and carriers. The team then freezes the leaves until they are ready to process. Because of such advanced technological procedures, patients need no longer wait the traditional weeks and months for the plants to grow into maturation. Acosta has come to understand the importance of academic research, and in particular governmental support of that research. When he first began studying biology, friends questioned his reasoning for not going into medical school, to which he replied, “Being a doctor, you might see 1,400 patients a year, [roughly] 60,000 over the course of your life. But, with a discovery like this, I can help thousands and possibly millions of people. That’s what I want, to help people…millions if possible.” In the future, Acosta plans to continue his research in academia or the private sector.
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RESEARCHER PROFILE
Carlos Avila
What drew you to this field and ultimately this research? My great motivation has always been to improve the agricultural production system. My research interests are based on the premise that plant genetic constituency determines the crop’s performance in the field. It establishes the limits for quality and quantity of the harvested products. It also defines the line between resistance and susceptibility to abiotic and biotic stresses. Plant breeding and molecular biology has given me the opportunity to solve agricultural and biological problems. How did you come to your respective institution? I came to the University of Arkansas to get my M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Originally, I was interested in traditional plant breeding, but my research work directed me to the use of plant molecular techniques which turn out to be an interesting area. As a Post-Doctoral Associate at University of Arkansas, I have had the opportunity to apply molecular biology techniques in combination with plant breeding to study plant stress signaling more effectively. Tell me about your research. My research efforts are focused on understanding the plant defensive mechanisms in response to insect attack. Particularly, I am studying plant defensive response to aphids, a group of pierce-sucking insects that cause yield lost in many crops. Currently, I am investigating the role of plant fatty acid composition, plant hormones, and resistance genes in plant defensive signaling. How is your research important to the general public? In other words, what are the benefits and potential impacts of your findings? In the future, I expect that my work will lead to the effective manipulation and selection of plants with enhanced resistance or tolerance to pest and diseases. Ultimately, this will benefit farmers to increase yield and profit. As a researcher, what has been your greatest lesson learned? Responsibility, discipline, and work ethic play a fundamental role in research. These values are equally or more important than knowledge and skills. Did you receive your bachelor’s degree of science and/or Ph.D in the U.S.? If not, how difficult was it to adjust to the language and/or education system? I received my bachelor’s degree at my home country Honduras. After graduating, my goal was to continue graduate school in the U.S. The education system in Honduras is very similar, so I did not have any problems adapting to it. During my first semester, I worked on expanding my vocabulary and learning the technical language associated with my area because my English was very basic. How do you think we can improve the number of Hispanics/Latinos in the STEM area? I think different approaches need to be attempted to increase Hispanics/Latinos scientist in STEM fields. Initially, it will require increasing the access of Hispanics/Latinos to higher education. In order to accomplish this, new policies oriented to give access to education must be pursued, including but not limited to increase number of scholarships to exceptional Hispanic/Latino students. Unfortunately, this strategy per-se will not necessarily reflect a higher number of students pursuing STEM related education, since other areas, such as business, might be more favored. Therefore, STEM fields need to be promoted earlier at the public education system and college levels. It is very important to be exposed to science at an early stage. An exceptional way to do this will be through the establishment of mentoring programs where Hispanic/Latino researches serve as role models. What advice would you give to a student about following a scientific career? The most precious skill that a scientist needs to cultivate is the ability to learn. Since science is a changing field, we need to adapt to new challenges constantly.
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Supporting Sites ARKANAS STEM COALITION
What Is STEM?
The Arkansas Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Coalition is a statewide partnership of leaders from the corporate, education, government and community sectors which plans, encourages, coordinates and advocates policies, strategies, and programs supportive of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning in order to expand the economy of Arkansas and produce higher paying jobs.
What is Research.gov? Research.gov is the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) grants management system that provides easy access to research-related information and grants management services in one location. Research.gov is the modernization of FastLane, providing the next generation of grants management capabilities for the research community.
www.arkansasstemcoalition.com
Science360 is brought you by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Science360 gathers news from wherever science is happening, including directly from scientists, college and university press offices, popular and peer-reviewed journals, and dozens of National Science Foundation science and engineering centers. Articles, videos and podcasts feature NSF-funded research. • Access the Science360 website for breaking news and in-depth reports. • Use Science360 RSS feeds to view news in your RSS reader or display news on your website or blog. • Subscribe to our Science360 News daily email blast. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Science360 is an up-todate view of breaking science news from around the world.
http://news.science360.gov/files/
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ARKANSAS MULTI-USER INSTRUMENT DATABASE A
rkansas has one of the best kept secrets in the nation, our universitybased research. This is a secret we are more than happy to spill by inviting more academic collaborations with research colleagues both foreign and domestic. Placed strategically around the state are significant resources designed to expand the Natural State’s research infrastructure. Just as Arkansas’ geographic location makes the state a transportation and logistics hub for the nation’s trucking enterprise, Arkansas also offers researchers access to significant research tools within driving distance for fueling innovation and technology. The Arkansas Multi-User Instrument Database (AMUIDB) was commissioned as an outreach project of the ASSET Initiative and launched July 1, 2012, as an online tool to aid researchers in locating and scheduling the use of instrumentation needed for cutting edge research in renewable energy, advanced power grid design and plant biotechnology. This database provides information on multi-user research and educational equipment housed among 11 educational institutions across the state, including: Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences & the Arts, Arkansas State University, Henderson State University, Philander Smith College, Southern Arkansas University, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas at Monticello, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and University of Central Arkansas. Researchers and educators can reference this site to find highly specialized tools for conducting thin film deposition, quantum efficiency and electron beam lithography experiments in addition to several educational resource kits designed to integrate our ASSET research themes into Arkansas’ K-12 classrooms. The AMUIDB allows users to quickly identify the equipment’s location and specific uses, as well as who to contact to arrange use of the equipment for one stop research collaboration shopping. Having effective tools at your disposal to enhance learning is a key part of Arkansas’ strategy for improving STEM education. Arkansans, and those wishing to partner with our researchers and educators, can now locate and utilize equipment previously unavailable to them unlocking potential for greater expansion of knowledge and its applications. To learn more, visit www.amuidb.org.
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Querétaro, Mexico Delegation visits Jonesboro for talks on ASU sister-school The governor of the State of Querétaro, Mexico, and a group of government officials and businessmen toured Arkansas State University and Jonesboro over the weekend of September 26th. Governor Jose Eduardo Calzada Rovirosa led a delegation that included Querétaro’s secretary of education, General Director of Science and Technology, along with the General Director of the Association for the Advancement of Education in Mexico (AIEM) and the president of the private conglomerate, GRUPO PROYECTOS, whose representatives also visited Jonesboro last May as a part of the exploratory process. During a weekend of activities, the Mexican delegation participated in discussions with Chancellor Hudson and university officials regarding an initiative that could perhaps result in Arkansas State University establishing a sister campus in Mexico. Multi-national corporations such as Bombardier Aerospace, Samsung Electronics, Colgate-Palmolive, General Electric, New Holland, Proctor & Gamble, and Nestle’ have located in Querétaro and moved top level executives there. The international business presence has led private sector representatives to explore the expansion of educational opportunities for all citizens of Mexico in the form of an “American-style” university. They have found strong support from Governor Calzada, who has identified enhancing educational access as a cornerstone of his administration. “ASU has an unprecedented opportunity for global leadership and unmatched access to the rapidly growing, increasingly affluent, and academically prepared Mexican higher education market,” explained Dr. Hudson. “We now have reached a major juncture in the due diligence of this project that, if fully realized as a sister campus operation in Querétaro, could ultimately transform the trajectory of higher education in Mexico and position Arkansas State as a leader in innovative global education delivery.” According to Chancellor Hudson, if established, the sister campus in Mexico would align with the university’s globalization mission, provide ASU students, faculty and staff with collaborative research and exchange opportunities, and elevate Arkansas State’s standing in the important perceptual evaluations among peers. Recruitment of U.S. students who are seeking international engagement as part of their academic career could also be enhanced. Any campus in Mexico would be completely self-supporting financially and generate revenue for ASU-Jonesboro. ASU would own no assets; rather, it would install an academic program in facilities owned by a Mexican foundation, with all initial expenses underwritten by local investors. This partnership would provide ASU access to a burgeoning market of qualified students. “A campus in Queretaro will give A-State a major opportunity to improve the university’s outreach,” commented Dr. Lynita Cooksey, interim vice chancellor and provost. “Access to new internships and exchange activities for Jonesboro students and faculty will be invaluable, and would not be possible without this partnership.” While in Jonesboro, Governor Calzada will be presented a “key to the city” from a representative of Mayor Harold Perrin’s office during a welcoming meeting with city officials and Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce representatives. Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe attended a reception and dinner with the visitors Friday evening. The distinguished guests got a full tour of the ASU-Jonesboro campus Saturday morning, and then participated in the annual Legislative Day luncheon and reception at the Chancellor’s Residence. Excerpt from Arkansas State University http://tinyurl.com/d94964x
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t r o p p u ns S o i t t n iza e d n u a t S rg O
La Oficina Latina
As part of the University of Arkansas’ Diversity Affairs, the Office of Latino Academic Advancement and Community Relations’ main purpose is to help develop campus wide coherent and effective policies and initiatives for Latinos, in terms of recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff, community outreach, and advocacy. We also serve as the main liaison between the University and the Hispanic community. For more information visit: http://tinyurl.com/op6o6eh
LULAC’s mission statement is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States. Here at the University of Arkansas, we want to specifically continue promoting education by contributing to the approximate 1 million dollars that LULAC awards yearly in scholarships through several fundraisers, and by facilitating the extent of resources on and off campus in order for students to have a successful year. More information of our national organization can be found on http://lulac.org/ or to contact our council, email lulac761@gmail.com.
MAES - Latinos in Science and Engineering is the foremost Latino organization for the development of STEM leaders in academic, executive and technical communities. Our MISSION is to promote, cultivate, and honor excellence in education and leadership among Latinos in Science and Engineering. Please visit: mymaes. org to view our online MAES magazine, subscribe to our Newsletter and to learn more about who we are and our various programs. We look forward to welcoming you to the MAES Familia! For more information about MAES visit: http://mymaes.org/
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Arkansas iTunes U What is Arkansas on iTunes U? Arkansas on iTunes U is an Arkansas Department of Education initiative creating a library of educational content for educators and students. ITunes is one of the many universities, state agencies, and not-for-profit institutions distributing content to the world through iTunes U, the world’s largest repository of free instructional media.
How do I find Arkansas on iTunes U? Click on the link below to open iTunes U and go directly to the Arkansas section. You must have the free iTunes application installed (or, if you are on an iOS device, you’ll be prompted to open the iTunes U app. If you are already an iTunes user, use the iTunes U tab in the iTunes navigation bar, click the K-12 link, and select Arkansas from the provider list.
What material will I find on iTunes U? The Arkansas section of iTunes U features lessons and complete courses from educators, students, and the Department of Education. Plus, you can search the entire iTunes store to see how experts across the globe approach a topic.
Will iTunes U require significant bandwidth? Downloading files from iTunes U will use bandwidth. However, once files are downloaded to the user’s iTunes library, they can be played without using bandwidth. Users can download iTunes U materials during off-school or off-peak hours and use them during school without using bandwidth. http://arkansasitunesu.com Arkansas ASSET Initiative | www.arepscor.org | 21
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management. The USDA’s mission is to expand economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production sustainability that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve and conserve our Nation’s natural resources through restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands. For more Information visit: http://www. usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome
For more information about Arkansas INBRE click http://www.brin.uams.edu/default.asp Find out more about NIH EPSCoR? click http:// www.epscorideafoundation.org/about/agency/nih/
The Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (Arkansas INBRE) is funded by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences under the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The IDeA program was established for the purpose of broadening the geographic distribution of NIH funding for biomedical and behavioral research. Currently NIGMS supports INBRE programs in 23 states and Puerto Rico. The Arkansas INBRE builds on the successful Arkansas Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) program that was established in 2001 under a grant from the NIH. The Arkansas BRIN established a statewide network that links Arkansas institutions of higher education to establish a statewide infrastructure in support of a growing effort to build a biomedical research capacity in Arkansas.
NIH EPSCoR Arkansas INBRE
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Arkansas Space Grant Consortium
Learn more at http://asgc.ualr.edu/
The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium mission is to increase Arkansas higher education institutions’ involvement in NASA activities by providing research infrastructure grants to faculty to promote networking between those faculty and NASA scientists. Provide additional “seed” support as necessary to promote a continuing program for those faculty and NASA scientists. Increase the number of students interested in pursuing careers in aerospace related areas by providing graduate fellowships and undergraduate scholarships to qualified students, which involve direct interaction between NASA and the students.
George D. Zamka George Zamka was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1962. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy in 1984. In 1997 , he graduated with a Master’s degree of Science in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology . On his first flight, Zamka served as the pilot on the Shuttle’s STS-120 mission to the International Space Station in 2007. Also in 2009, he served as the commander for STS-130.
First Female Hispanic Astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa received her bachelor ‘s of science degree in physics from San Diego State University in 1980, and a master of science degree and Ph.D in electrical engineering from Stanford Univeristy in 1981 and 1985, respectively. Dr. Ochoa is a veteran of four space flights (STS-56, STS-96, STS-66, STS-110). Dr. Ochoa has worked throughout her career with optical systems and is a co-inventer on three patents relating to optical systems. As the Chief of Intelligent Systems Technology at Ames Research Center, she supervised 35 engineers and scientists in the research and development of computational systems for aerospace missions. She was also a researcher at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, CA. She is a recepient of NASA awards such as the Distinguished Service Medal, Exceptional Service Medal, Outstanding Leadership Medal, and four Space Flight Medals. Dr. Ochoa has also received other important awards, including the Harvard Foundation Science Award, Women in Aerospace’s Outstanding Achievement Award, and the Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. For more information about NASA’s Hispanic Astronauts visit: http:// lnk.nu/nasa.gov/2ujp.pdf Arkansas ASSET Initiative | www.arepscor.org |23
Solar Power Grid Installaion
n Tuesday October 8, 2013, Professor John Martini (University of Arkansas at Fort Smith) O and his Solar PV Installer class visited Dr. James and Monita Spann’s GREEN POWERED home in Fort Smith, AR to learn and gather information about the benefits of solar power
systems. Bachelors and Associates of Applied Science students from the University were able to learn about the process of installing solar panels including the necessary equipment and safety regulations required to connect solar energy to a house’s electrical system. Sun City Solar manager, John Gerrard, shared information about all the work that is required to install a Solar Power Grid-Tie system with battery backup. At this residential home, the best location for array of 30, 250 watt 3’x5’ solar panels was on the roof of the owner’s workshop. According to Gerrard, it usually takes 1-2days to install the solar power system in a residential home. Solar Panels are wired to 3 energy inverters, the part of the system that helps change the solar energy into power for the home. The inverters change the current from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Then inverters are connected to a power distributor. In this system, the power distributer was also connected to 48--2volt batteries (providing higher amperage) reserved for backup power. According to Gerrard, backup batteries can last from 12 to 15 years if they are not discharge over 50%. A battery controller provides more power to the batteries that need it. “It has been a great experience to learn about the panel’s efficiency .I was able to see how they put it all together,” said Austin Grimes,sophomore. When electrical companies take long hours or even days to fix electrical lines, the GridTie provides power to the main appliances and necessary outlets. The more solar power a residential home uses, the more money the family will save by decreasing the amount of electricity provided by the company. The homeowner can claim 30% federal solar rebate tax credit for having purchased solar panels (arkansasenergy). The solar power system requires little maintenance. Solar panels are wind resistant, and rain usually takes care of the cleaning. Solar panels should not be washed under direct sunlight. http://renewable-solarenergy.com/solar-power-energy.html
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GREEN OUTREACH Solar panels usually come with a 20-25 years warranty. Since solar panels do not have moving parts, they tend to be very durable. A solar panel will keep working while heat and light are provided, and copper and wiring remain undamaged. However, it might be important to consider that there will be a percentage loss of energy depending on the distance from the panels to the inverters. Students said the visit to the Spann’s solar energy house was beneficial. “It is very interesting to see the actual hardware and actually know how to maintain the equipment in good conditions. I have thought about building my own house with a GREEN power system, since I have learned so much about solar power. I know it is a friendly environment system and best of all I will be able to save money,” said Zach Lawson, a Bachelor of Applied Science junior. “Solar power is the future and I would like to be a part of it. I know solar panels have been around for over 40 years. I am very interested in wind and solar power. I wish I had chosen this path a long time ago,” said Randy Tackett, a former Whirlpool Corporation employee. Students have opened their eyes to possibilities of the use of natural, renewable energy. The Department Head for Bachelors of Applied Science, Dr. Leroy Cox, said, “The class enhances the 2- year program. It prepares students with supervisory or managerial skills. Since most of the students work in the industrial or technical fields while pursuing their degree or after graduation.
Students take notes of the inverter and battery charger models to learn and ask question regarding their installation.
Check out Sun City Solar’s website: http://tinyurl.com/mhror7o
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http://tinyurl.com/ksnxet2
BENTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
http://tinyurl.com/kycfllq
http://springdalehb.sharpschool.net/
Hispanic parents should know that EAST is an important course for their children. In EAST, students are able to learn about top technology devices and software programs. At EAST students work as a team to find ways to improve the community and unite leaders of the community to provide guidence to correct problems within the community.
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EASTinitiative East® (environmental and spatial technology) is an educational model focusing on student-driven service projects accomplished by using teamwork and cutting-edge technology. East classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art workstations, servers, software and accessories, including gps/gis mapping tools, architectural and cad design software, 3d animation suites, virtual reality development and more. Students identify problems in their local communities and then use these tools to develop solutions, collaborating with civic and other groups in the process.
The focus, however, is not on the technology itself, but on the unique learning environment of the east classroom, where students are responsible for creating their own projectbased learning experience. There are no lectures and no tests. Instead, the students are guided by an east facilitator (a teacher trained in the east process). This radically different approach to learning yields tremendous results. Students are better-prepared for both college and the business world, and they care more about learning and serving their communities. The EAST® method has been named a model by the united states departments of education and labor and has proven, research-based results.
Each spring, more than 2,000 students, teachers, parents, and communities and business leaders attend the EAST initiative’s largest training event of the year, the National EAST Conference. This three-day event allows attendees to network with other students, share stories and ideas, showcase and celebrate work from the past year and experience an expo-style environment, concluding with a formal banquet.
FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE
http://tinyurl.com/mgy4ke7
http://springdalehtms.sharpschool.net/
VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL
http://teacher.vbsd.us/vbhs/
The EAST National Service Project for 2013-2014 is Health and Wellness. This year the conference will be held in Hot Springs Convention Center on March 19-21, 2014. The general public will be able to look around and see how students are working to improve the community.
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