The Tech Talk 5.4.17

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VOLUME 91 • ISSUE 22

STEAM after school program launched

VISTA partnership combines science and art JOHN STACK Staff Reporter | jes062@ latech.edu

Photo by Danny Do

Francis Reaves, a junior special education major, helps a student build a dinosaur wash machine as part of the PIPES STEAM program.

KACIE KAUFMAN News Editor | kjk019@ latech.edu Egg cartons, plastic containers, and other recycled and repurposed materials were constructed into “pet washes” by third through fifth graders during the PIPES Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) After School Academy in Woodard Hall.

The project was employed to help encourage inquiry-based, hands-on science as some A.E. Phillips students learned about water conservation.

The goal for the students was to create a design which was able to effectively wash off “Dino the Dinosaur,” a blue model dinosaur, all while conserving as much water as possible.

Julie Holmes, director of the after school program, said the intention

of the six-week pilot program was to provide an opportunity to encourage further learning in science for elementary students and to allow Louisiana Tech teacher candidates to interact with elementary students while teaching science.

“It’s been a pretty amazing six weeks,” she said. “It’s very interesting to see how the children process the different activities that we have asked them to do. My teacher candidates worked with the curriculum, but they were also encouraged to add and be creative with it, and some of them have come up with some very interesting ideas to add to the content. I’m really proud of them, they’ve worked really hard with working with the children and really getting to know them.

I think we’re all going to be a little sad on Wednesday when we have our final presentations and everything is

finished and done.”

Holmes said the pilot program was conducted with hopes of expanding the program in the future.

“We’re hoping to open it parishwide to third through fifth graders next year,” she said.

Bryan McCoy, department chair for curriculum, instruction, and leadership in the College of Education, said the program had two goals.

“One (goal) was to provide a place where our teacher candidates could have full control of the curriculum and learn how to impart inquiry-based science,” he said.

McCoy said the other initiative was to provide additional science-based learning opportunities for elementary-age students beyond what they received in a classroom.

Abigail Hagerhjelm, a junior elementary education major, said the

program allowed her to better understand how children approach science.

“I’ve learned a lot about kids and how they learn science and just that it has got to be hands-on,” she said.

“They have to see it and do it in order to better retain information.”

Hagerhjelm said participating in the program gave her and her peers a chance to learn how to support elementary students as they delved deeper into science.

“I think it’s given us an understanding of how to teach science in an effective way,” she said. “It’s a lot more than just looking at an experiment and saying, ‘This is how this happens, the end.’ It’s letting them go exploring and just figuring things out on their own, so it’s good practice for us to see how much help is too much help, and when to back off and when to support them.”

ANS students and faculty members recognized for contributions ANDREW BELL Staff Reporter | agb022@ latech.edu Top performing students from the College of Applied and Natural Sciences presented, and were awarded for their hard work at ANS Day April 20.

Students and faculty members were awarded for their contributions to the college in the event, which featured students for not only academic measures, but also campus involve-

ment and overall representation of the program.

Faculty members were recognized for outstanding performance in instruction, research and service.

Along with ANS Day, a research symposium was held, consisting of 10 oral presentations and 43 poster presentations. All events were in held in the student center.

Gary Kennedy, dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, helped

coordinate the event. He said he was satisfied with the results of the event and symposium.

“We were all very pleased at the turnout,” he said. “Both in terms of numbers of academic posters submitted by faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students. The quality of the presentations was excellent.”

Kennedy said the success and accomplishments of the students and faculty

members embodies the work that the college has put in over the course of this year and foreshadows their bright futures.

“The success of the students, faculty and staff is a direct reflection on the college of (ANS),” he said.

“ANS is made up of bright, hard working students, faculty and staff, and I am proud to be associated and represented by them. I think their success is pretty much a predictor of their

future. They are driven to do great things.”

Senior biology major Eva Edinger was showcased as a Featured Student in the department’s bachelor’s program.

Edinger said she was honored to be awarded in a college where the faculty and staff are so helpful and dedicated to propelling students’ careers.

> see ANS page 6

There is a new collaboration at Louisiana Tech, VISTA (Visual Integration of Science Through Art), which seeks to offer students a unique opportunity to blend their passion for art and science, interact with clients, and learn how to develop a set of professional skills that will enable them to build a successful career in the future.

VISTA is an interdisciplinary partnership between the College of Liberal Arts, College of Applied and Natural Sciences and College of Engineering and Sciences designed to prepare students for graduate school and careers in medical illustration and overall enhance science communication.

Nick Bustamante, an associate professor of studio art, explained the inception and his role in this project.

“I started working with Dr. Mary Caldorera-Moore and Dr. Jamie Newman three years ago, and they asked me to create an illustration for a textbook chapter they were writing,” Bustamante said. “While working together we realized how much our respective disciplines could benefit from each other how great it would be to bring this interdisciplinary experience to our students.”

He said he started teaching a digital painting course the next year and asked Caldorera-Moore and Newman to collaborate on the final project for the class.

“The final took the form of a scientific Illustration where Doctors CaldoreraMoore and Newman interacted with students as professional clients,” Bustamante said.

> see VISTA page 6

NEWS

2 • The Tech Talk • May 4, 2017

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International Day returns to Tech IMANI COLEMAN Staff Reporter | itc002@latech.edu The different cultures on Tech’s campus were on full display April 25 at the International Day event.

The event allowed Tech students to represent their home countries and to also earn money as they sold samples of their native foods.

Dan Erickson, director of the International Student Office, spoke about all the countries involved.

“We have 60 different countries at Tech and today is a big day for those international students because they get to cook and show off their cultures,” he said.

The event had raffle tickets and people were also allowed to buy tickets to buy foods from the different vendors.

“The raffle tickets raise money for the International student office,” he said. “We have a great grand prize this year, it’s a drone and we also have gift certificates.”

Erickson also said that the event showed the importance that students get to see authentic foods from different countries.

“I think this event is interesting to all people that attend,” he said. “You get to see the real deal from the different countries; an example is how students can visit China’s table and compare the authentic food to what we buy from restaurants.”

Christiane Olinga, a senior medical technology student who represented Cameroon, said what the event meant for her.

“It’s an occasion to display a bit of my

Tech students represented their home countries by selling samples of their native foods at the International Day event. culture where I get to cook foods that I don’t usually cook because it’s time consuming and also because it is food that is meant to be eaten with friends,” she said. “This event is very important because it symbolizes all the different cultures at Tech and how we all get along.”

Gloria Mwebaza, a junior civil engineering major who represented Kenya, said she

culture shock she experienced when she first moved to America.

“The food was definitely the biggest culture shock and also the weather, back home we don’t have foods like pizza so eating that for the first time was kind of weird,” she said. She also said how pizza has become her favorite American dish now.

Dori St. Amant, a French professor, said

Students reveal projects at Great Maker Show JONATHAN SHAUL Staff Reporter | jds103@latech.edu

conditions, because you’re doing it in the face of uncertainty of payoff, following a gut instinct and your own belief that the University Hall was turned into a maker work is important,” Prather said.

One of the students who submitted a gala April 28 by the Innovation Enterprise project was Alaycia Moore, who ended up Center.

Kyle Prather, director of the Thingery winning the overall prize for her cookbook. at Louisiana Tech, said this was the first Moore is a double major in graphic design and studio art.

Great Maker Show and the “I created a project to purpose was for students to digitally paint the main inmake self-directed works. “Self-directed work Prather also helped organize is important because gredients and the recipes and merge my graphic dethe event. it requires students sign degree with my studio ”Students were encourart degree,” she said. aged to submit made works, to give themselves Moore said this opportuwith little to no constraints permission, and is nity has made her want to to material and process se- based on inner imcreate another book. lection,” Prather said. “This “I feel accomplished; I was to encourage students perative in addition wasn’t planning on winning to direct their own work, and to any externalized anything,” Moore said. “I to submit projects according notion of what is just wanted to show off my to what they believed is inter- important.” book. It became a big project esting and important.” for me and it makes me feel He said the students really grateful.” chose their own projects to KYLE PRATHER She said it was one of work on to show any point Director of Thingey the biggest projects she ever of view or something that completed and it is one of meets a human need.

“Self-directed work is important, be- the largest in her portfolio. Moore said she cause it requires students to give them- didn’t know about the event until a few of selves permission, and is based on inner her professors said she should enter.

Nick Bustamante, an associate profesimperative in addition to any externalized notion of what is important,” Prather said. sor of studio art, was one of those profesHe said The Great Maker Show is also sors. He has also been her adviser for the an opportunity for students to add things past four years.

“I have had her in a number of painting to their portfolios and to find a sense of self-confidence to be able to come up with and drawing classes, but it wasn’t until this last year when she took my digital painting projects on their own.

“It takes a lot of courage to perform class where everything came together and high quality, high effort work under these clicked,” Bustamante said.“She excelled.”

Photo by Brian Blakely

how the event teaches students a lot through their tastebuds. “I think there’s nothing like tasting your way through the world, to expand your palate and your mind,” she said.

She also spoke about her favorite food and booth. “I have to go French all the way,” she said. “The French booth is my favorite and I can’t wait to get my hands on my favorite French cheese.”

College of Engineering welcomes Women in Science Empowerment MORGAN BERNARD Staff Reporter | mrb056@latech.edu A new student organization has begun to form in the College of Engineering and Science. Women In Science Empowerment (WISE) is a group open to students of all majors, but specifically stands for empowering and supporting women in the sciences.

Mary Anne Burlette, a junior chemistry major and vice president of WISE, said they wanted to form a group that gave all types students some representation at Louisiana Tech.

“We feel like there are not a lot of majors that are represented publicly or have many organizations,” she said. “I do not see as much on political science, chemistry or psychology as I see on engineering or a more popular major. A lot of majors in general, and with women specifically, are not represented, so we wanted to make something that could support a lot of different people.”

Burlette said she is excited to see how their organization grows and hopes to see an assortment of members in WISE. “I think that with a diverse group comes a wider range of perspectives,” she said. “Different people with different backgrounds will all have unique ways of solving a problem. We hope that with a variety of people we can get great ideas from all walks of life rather than from a single major or organization.”

Jenae Arceneaux, a junior biology major, said she is looking forward to the activities the organization has planned for its future.

“There are a lot of the fun things we have planned for our members, but we also want to host events for anyone who is not in WISE that wants to participate or see what it is about,” she said. “There are going to be seminars, movie nights and even Lambright nights where we will participate in classes like self-defense which I am really excited about.”

Arceneaux, public relations officer of WISE, said she was pleased by the turnout of their interest meeting and hopes to see even more involvement from students as they continue with the group.

“We had a pretty good amount of people show up for it being our very first meeting,” she said. “I liked talking with the people who came, and loved how they asked questions and were involved in our conversation. I am definitely excited to see what comes in the future of WISE.” Sarah Pazos, a junior physics major and president of WISE, said that although the name of the group is about encouraging women, it is for anyone to join.

“What we stand for is the support and empowerment of women but that does not mean WISE is for only women to join,” she said. “We welcome allies of all kinds as long as that is what they believe in as well, or they want to learn more about what we stand for.”

Pazos said she hopes students who join the club also gain new relationships with other students.

“I want people to gain new friends from all different disciplines and feel they have a safe place with us,” she said. “It makes a huge difference.”

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

•“Rumors” 7:30 p.m.

Howard Center for the Performing Arts (HCPA)

•Guatemala Benefit Concert 7:00 - 9 p.m.

A.C.T.S.

•“Rumors” 2 p.m.

Howard Center for the Performing Arts (HCPA)

•No Calendar Events

•No Calendar Events

•Black Student Union First Gala 7- 10 p.m.

Davison Athletic Center

•Louisiana Tech Spring Choir Concert 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Howard Center for the Performing Arts (HCPA)

•“Rumors” 7:30 p.m.

Howard Center for the Performing Arts (HCPA)

NEWS

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May 4, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 3

CODOFIL awards scholarships to students JOHN STACK IV Staff Reporter | jes062@latech.edu Two Louisiana Tech French majors have been awarded CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana) scholarships to study French this summer in Canada.

Both of these students are eagerly awaiting to arrive at their summer destinations.

Collin King, a freshman French and Spanish double major, said through going to learn afar, he hopes to have his French skills honed when he returns home.

“As far as the scholarship goes, I was thrilled to receive it,” King said. “From what I can gather, the immersion program at Sainte Anne in Nova Scotia is one of the most effective in the world in terms of creating a truly French-only environment.”

He said it will be a lot like going to summer camp but with no English.

“I think this will be the fastest possible way to improve my spoken French, as well as my listening comprehension,” King said.

“The fact that everything but the airfare will be covered by CODOFIL is just icing on the cake.”

Peter Lebouef, a sophomore French and engineering major, said he is committed to utilizing this opportunity.

“This program at Jonquière is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Lebouef said. “I’ve decided to make a commitment to myself not to speak English at all while there in order to reap the maximum benefits of the program.”

He said this is because his goal is to learn French, as it has been for many years, since he first heard it spoken by his family from South Louisiana.

Dolliann Hurtig, a professor of modern languages, said the settings for the two students will be conducive to their learning.

“Collin King, who won the scholarship

Photo by John Stack

Two Louisiana Tech French majors have been awarded CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana) scholarships to study French this summer in Canada. to study at the Université de Sainte Anne, in Nova Scotia, Canada, this summer is going to be totally immersed in French,” Hurtig said. “I’ve been to the school where he is going to study, it’s in a chateau ― a beautiful place to learn French.”

She said Leboeuf ’s scholarship will take him to the Collège de Jonquière located in Saguenay, Canada, and added he plans to use his French skills in a future position such as with the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dori St. Amant, instructor in the School

of Literature and Language, emphasized the dedication of the students and the opportunities traveling abroad affords the students.

“The scholarships are competitive: the students must write a letter of motivation, in French, and two letters of recommendation from their professors attesting to their abilities in language plus good grades,” St. Amant said. “They are in competition with other students from all over the state 36 this year.”

She said there was only one scholarship

for Sainte Anne and one for Jonquière, both of which were awarded to Tech students.

“These opportunities will facilitate the majors in French and help them to be able to follow through and achieve that major in French,” St. Amant said. “I hope it will help them convey the excitement and opportunities for study-abroad in French programs here at Tech.”

Dr. Hurtig said the students who will be representing Tech abroad are of the best caliber.

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4 • The Tech Talk • May 4, 2017

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A YANKEE’S DOODLE

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Bad apples: everybody’s got them

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AMBER HARRINGTON News Editor | anh038@latech.edu

B

efore I left for college, I was given three very important pieces of advice: have fun, study hard and most importantly, don’t become a liberal.

Unfortunately, I’ve come to realize all of those things are easier said than done these days.

Like most kids who were raised in a church-going, Bible-oriented family, I had been deemed a member of the Republican Party before I even exited the womb. From pro-life marches and election night prayer circles to anti-welfare bills and pro-military movements, all I had ever known was right wing ideology. It was the classic, “Republican: good, Democrat: bad” mindset.

While I very much appreciate my conservative upbringing and still hold steadfast to many of its teachings, I feel recently it has become increasingly more difficult to label myself a Republican while still claiming I respect myself and other women. This is attributed to the simple fact that time and time again, many of those affili-

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publication. Letters should be mailed to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. Emails should be sent to techtalk@latech.edu. You can also submit letters online at www.thetechtalk.org/home/ lettertotheeditor/.

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vestigation, O’Reilly was found to have spent about $13 million (from his own pocket) in settlements to female employees who have accused him of lewd or otherwise abusive behavior toward them.

Since then, O’Reilly’s show was cancelled and he has been dropped

by Fox. So, why then, are many Republicans still holding him completely unaccountable? Can this question be answered without calling these women liars, or is the answer only found in the word “allegations?”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m fully aware the Democratic Party has had its fair share of misconduct — easily more than the Republican Party has. I also recognize that every party has bad apples and to call out all Republicans would be an assumption and overstatement. But as a young woman and a Republican, I just want to know: when will respect for women become part of our ideology?

Amber Harrington is a junior communications major from Arlington who serves as a news editor for The Tech Talk.

THE ISSUE ON THE TABLE

PUBLICATION

The Tech Talk (USPS 535­540) is published Thursdays of the regu­ lar school year, except in vacation and examination periods, by the Journalism Department of Loui­ siana Tech University. Publication office is in Keeny Hall, Room 138.

ated with the Republican Party makes excuses for its male members’ sexual misconduct as political figures.

Take, for example, Donald Trump and Bill O’Reilly — both staples of the Republican Party.

While the report on Trump’s infamous line, “Grab them by the p*ssy” is old news, I was then, and am now, insulted by how quickly the comments were excused and swept under the rug by my fellow Republicans and female friends. “He said it in a locker room,” they would tell me, as if it is acceptable for men, who supposedly represent our beliefs, to speak so vulgarly if no woman is around to hear.

While I didn’t expect Trump to be crucified for a “single” comment as he is human and sins as the rest of us, I felt it was curious how quickly the majority of the Republican Party downplayed the comments and shifted the blame away from him. Since when is it wrong to hold a person accountable for their actions against another?

But, Trump’s comments hardly hold a candle to O’Reilly’s many, many recent sexual harassment allegations.

According to a New York Times in-

Trump’s first 100 days BRYN YOUNG Staff Reporter | bjy001@latech.edu

A

pril 29 marked Day 100 for President Donald Trump. The milestone may seem arbitrary, as though it was simply made significant because 100 is a grand number and the media feels they need to categorize things. All presidents since Franklin Roosevelt have had their productivity judged at the 100 day point, after he passed 15 major laws to curtail the Great Depression, which started the precedent. Many presidents try to whip their White House into a frenzy to get things done quick. The same stands for President Donald Trump.

President Trump outlined his plan for the first 100 days in a speech in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, named “Donald Trump’s Contract With The American Voter.” The plan has strategies to clean up Washington, protect American workers and restore rule of law including 10 pieces of legislation.

Trump has struggled to come through with these pre-election prom-

ises on the legislative front. The only Trump-endorsed bill that has come through Congress in the first 100 days has been one that should have been a walk in the park to get passed: the American Health Care Act. The bill met its doom when Republicans cancelled the vote after failing to gain support within the party.

President Trump has had more luck governing with the executive actions he once railed against before the election, attempting to cancel what he called “unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued

by President Obama,” including some affecting climate change, historically black colleges and government contracting.

Other orders from the president have not had such luck. Both of his travel bans have been blocked in courts and his executive order threatening funding to so-called “sanctuary cities” has also been blocked.

The president has followed through on several other pledges such as his hiring freeze on government jobs ex-

cept the military, which was enacted the Monday after the Inauguration and lifted recently; withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership; approving the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines; signing several executive orders to handle trade and climate change practices; and appointing Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, cementing the conservative majority on the court.

He has not lived up to the standard he set for his first days back in November, but to call him a success or failure at this point is impractical. Except for his aptitude for gossip, the president has shown himself unfamiliar with the new world of politics he has found him in.

He has found it difficult to move bills in a Republican-controlled Congress, having yet to master the art of the political deal. There is still many more 100 days to go in President Trump’s first term so we can only wait and see where this administration will go.

Bryn Young is a freshman communications major from Mountain View who is a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.

GUEST COLUMN

Big dreams and a backward hat JOSH MCDANIEL

W

hile cleaning up my garage, I stumbled upon my first Tech ID in an old box filled with newspaper clippings and baseball cards. As I picked it up and held it again for the first time in probably 10 years, I couldn’t help but smile at the awful photo of the kid wearing the backward Cincinnati Reds hat who was too cool to smile in photos. It was the summer of 2001; he had big dreams, he had life figured out, and he was ready to conquer the world.

He came to Tech essentially sight unseen after spending his freshman year wearing purple and gold at a school in southeast Louisiana. He had only been to Ruston one time before he came to campus for transfer orientation, but as soon as he stepped foot on the pleasant walks, he recognized that this place was special. The campus had a different feeling; it felt less like school and more like home. He knew that this was right where he needed to

be. He was destined to be a Bulldog.

Words can hardly do the Louisiana Tech experience justice. This campus is extraordinary. The brick buildings ... The noble trees ... The clock tower ... There’s a charm about the place that is somewhat indescribable. The people are special. Without two amazing ladies in the College of Education, Ms. Tammy Nelson and Dr. Connie Laborde, I would have never graduated in March of 2005. They personally invested in me and made sure I was on the right path. I will never forget their kindness, how much they cared, and how committed they were to me and my future.

I was given the opportunity to return to my alma mater last year in my current role as communications coordinator, and it is a position that I am truly humbled to occupy. Every day, I get to come to work and tell the world how incredible Louisiana Tech University is. I have the honor of sharing the amazing things our students and faculty are doing inside and out-

side the classroom and throughout our community. I tell the story of our alums across the globe, and I work with incredible students whose passion for the ole red and blue shines through on a daily basis. I will never tire of The Quad on a beautiful spring day; the Lady’s open, welcoming arms amongst the flowers and trees let me know, that even on my worst days, I’m part of something special, something bigger than myself.

This summer marks the 16th anniversary of that photo, and a lot has changed for me, yet some things have remained the same. I don’t have life figured out, but I definitely have a much better idea of why I’m here. I still have big dreams, not just for myself, but for our University. Tech and the City of Ruston are on the path for greatness, and I get to tell the story with my camera in hand and my hat on backward.

Josh McDaniel is communications coordinator at Louisiana Tech University.

Mental illness and modern media I

t is no secret that today’s entertainment industry relies on the use of “trendy” topics to attract attention and gain viewers. But one popular topic has been met with mixed views: mental illness. While some view the portrayals of mentally ill characters as refreshing and enlightening, others call it insulting, believing it disrespects those who actually struggle by glamorizing the illnesses.

The romanticizing of mental illness is no new act; photos depicting self-harm are posted online, meant to look artistic, and characters in books, movies and television shows are portrayed as if mental illness is a goal which to strive for.

Though it is not the first television show to openly discuss depression and suicide, Netflix’s newest original series, “13 Reasons Why,” broadened the conversation about mental illness in the entertainment industry. The show, based on a novel of the same name, brought waves of backlash and criticism. Critics of the series argue that the storyline downplays the seriousness of depression and romanticizes the idea of suicide by portraying depression in an unrealistic manner.

The show has also been attacked for its graphic visualization of the main character’s death; the scene has been called a trigger for those who battle mental illnesses.

Some viewers argue that in most mainstream media, characters’ illnesses are seen as beauty and are hailed heroes for not seeking or accepting help.

However, some believe the show and others like it are bringing to light an important issue many viewers would otherwise be unaware of and destigmatizing mental illness.

Fans of the show believe it and other series that portray depression or suicidal behavior encourage spreading kindness to all, as no one can see what another person may be dealing with.

The Tech Talk staff believes the entertainment industry does in fact glamorize mental illness to an extent. Though the exposure and awareness gained are important, the often over-dramatized portrayals of illnesses are used as a hook to interest audiences. Television shows, movies and books often downplay the severity of the topic and attempt to make it more appealing rather than realistic.

If the media intends to call attention to a topic as serious as this, it is crucial that the representations are as accurate as possible.

However, mental illness is a sensitive topic that must be approached carefully; accuracy is important, but one must also be mindful of what content may be considered a trigger to those battling a mental illness of any sort.

May 4, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 5

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Peelander-Z returns to Ruston’s Sundown Tavern for another show DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter | djn005@latech.edu Ruston got another dose of Japanese-flavored-fun Saturday as everyone’s favorite punk-rock aliens rocked out at Sundown Tavern.

Peelander-Z, Ruston’s premiere anime-meetscomic-book-styled punk rockers, returned April 26 to entertain and make people smile.

Kengo Hioki, or Peelander Yellow, is the frontman of the group. He said he was glad to be back in Ruston.

“Last time we were here the people, they were crazy, and we loved it,” he said.

“We wanted to see them smile again because we are not from this planet, and we are not human beings.”

Hioki said the band has in-character motivations for returning to places they enjoy playing. He said the race of aliens the band members are a part of feed on smiles.

“Our project is that we play and collect smiles,” he said. “Once we get smiles, we send them back to our people so they can eat.”

Zachary Kaul, a Ruston local, said he missed the last show, but had heard several

Peelander Yellow (foreground) holds the microphone so Peelander Green can sing into it.

good reviews about openers, Gar Gar, and PeelanderZ’s last show here. He said even though Gar Gar’s music was not his favorite style of music, he enjoyed his general aesthetic regardless.

“I’m big into stage art, and that’s what the band was,” he said. “The band members looking like a gumball machine and a mannequin and the lead singer passing out spider

rings was all part of his art, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Kaul said when Peelander-Z got on stage the energy was already high, but the band managed to amp it up even further by interacting

Photo by Brian Blakely

with the crowd.

“They incorporated the crowd right off the bat, and there was a lot of call and response to the show which was all really fun and engaging,” he said. “They played

‘S.T.E.A.K.’ and ‘Selfie,’ which are always fun, and they really showcased the unique angle they have with punk-pop music.”

Taylor Nelson, a cook at Sundown, said hewas also glad he finally got to see the band. He said the band seemed versatile and energetic.

“They were pretty likeable,” he said. “It wasn’t punk like you would normally think about it because, though they did go pretty hard at times, they seemed to have that winning pop sense about themselves.”

Nelson said the band’s return was wisely planned by the bookers at Sundown Tavern because there have been numerous recent opportunities for live music around Ruston lately. He said the band’s second appearance continues Ruston’s current hot streak.

“Tech has those two festivals in the past few weeks and the Railway Festival was great, so Peelander coming back just seemed like even more of a blessing,” he said. “Ruston’s growing, so it’s going to help to have festivals and cool bands like them passing through.”

Tech theater department debuts its performance of ‘Rumors’ DILLON NELSON Staff Reporter | djn005@latech.edu Tech theater department will stage Neil Simon’s “Rumors” May 3-7.

The play is a two-act farce about the hijinks of a group of socialites during a 10thanniversary party for the deputy mayor of New York and his wife.

Paul Crook, director, said he believes this play to be one of Simon’s funniest works and is pleased to be able to bring Neil Simon’s only true farce to Tech.

“A farce is characterized as pushing ordinary characters into extraordinary circumstances and seeing how they react,” he said. “This is strictly plot driven as opposed to being based on already humorous characters.”

Crook said “Rumors” is made accessible by the farce genre’s similarity to clas-

sic television sitcoms like “I Love Lucy” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

“We have people running around with disguises and people keeping secrets,” he said. “The good thing about this production is that we have a very talented, experienced cast, and that allows me to kind of sit back and watch as they experiment with different ideas and styles during rehearsals.”

Millie Omps, a graduate theater major and movement consultant, said movement is very important to this production because it is essential to the fun, rapid pace of the play.

“Due to the heightened nature of a farce you need to have some movement that accentuates the fun,” she said. “We have a couple of big falls that we have to make sure the cast is doing safely and a couple of people run-

ning into doors, so my job is to get them to do their stunts the best they can without getting hurt.”

Omps said her experience in upper level stage combat courses and workshops have come in handy during the production of such a physical play. She said she has taken what she has learned and added it to the process of taking actor’s movement step-by-step.

“Once they have basic idea of the movement pattern, then we start a adding physicality and speed and picking up the pace,” she said. “They all took to this process pretty quickly, have all been game for anything and have been really vocal on wanting to do well with it.”

Omps said there was a stunt moment during the play involving a piece of furniture that was extra challenging to execute.

“I don’t want to ruin it for any potential viewers, but it’s something to look for,” she said. “The big thing, which people will understand when they see it, is that it’s a moment where if you don’t know what you’re doing, it could go very wrong very quickly.”

Olivia Willcox, a junior communications major, will play the role of Connie Cooper in “Rumors.” She said the comedic timing in the play is key, so she and her fellow actors tried to flesh out each notable moment as much as they could.

“Since it is a farce, the timing on the comedy is very important as it drives the show forward, so we have really worked hard on our comedic timing and where the funny bits happen,” she said.

Willcox said she is particularly proud of the work she and the rest of the cast

Photo by Colin Fontenot

The theater department’s production of “Rumors” will run until May 7. did on the door-slamming in the play. She said she feels the cast has worked hard to master the script and has come a long way.

“With the door slams that you will be seeing a lot in the show, we had to really work on the timing because we

have people running in and out of doors throughout the entire show, and it is hysterical,” she said. “To see where it started in rehearsal and to sit here now in our last dress rehearsal is pretty extraordinary, and I think our audience is in for a treat.”

Mayfest, tweaked from last year’s Springfest, premieres soon ANDREW BELL Staff Reporter | agb022@latech.edu On campus radio station, KLPI, hopes to overflow the Tolliver parking lot with the sound of music May 11, as it hosts its annual Mayfest concert.

Live music, free food, shirts and more will be included at the event, which will showcase performances by: The Painted Hands at 4 p.m.; Rella at 5 p.m.; Bon Bon Vivant at 6 p.m.; and Hydrogen Child (unplugged) at 7 p.m.

Chris Milanowski, a senior chemical engineering major, is the general manager of KLPI. He said they hope to alter the contents of this year’s concert from last year’s version of the event.

“Last year, we combined Mayfest with Union Board’s Spring Fling to create Springfest,” he said. “It was a great event, but this year it will be solely hosted by KLPI and more focused on the music. I’m hoping that this year is just as successful as last year.”

Milanowski said his excitement of hosting this event stems from its tradition and the positive effects it could have on stressed students.

“I wanted to host Mayfest because it’s a long running tradition of KLPI,” he said. “I hope the students can come out and enjoy themselves by listening to some great bands. Also, Mayfest is right before finals week, so it’s going to be a great way to have fun and relax before students have to start studying.”

According to Rachel Rogers, a senior political science major and music director of KLPI, the event, which will feature jazz, rock and acoustic bands, is aimed toward presenting a more musical approach than last year.

“This year’s Mayfest will be more focused on the music and less focused on the various booths and jumpy castles that Spring Fling normally has,” she said.

“Last year it seemed like the music was secondary to everything else. As the

radio station, we want the event to focus on showcasing the music and the local artists that are playing for us.”

Rogers said she is most looking forward to hearing a band named Bon Bon Vivant from New Orleans.

“I am too excited for Bon Bon Vivant,” she said.

“I received their album and have been listening to it ever since. I loved it so much, I asked them to play for us. Jazz is one of my favorite genres. It’s so upbeat.

I can’t wait for them to bring

a bit of New Orleans to us.”

Some Louisiana Tech students seem to be looking forward to attending Mayfest as well.

Grant Saulters, a freshman marketing major, said he is eager to experience what KLPI has in store.

“I’d say I’m looking forward to the live music,” he said. “I love hearing new music and I like hearing upcoming indie bands I’ve never heard before. Not to mention, I love eating free food and getting new shirts.”

www.thetechtalk.org

6 • The Tech Talk • May 4, 2017

WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com

Aries March 21 – April 19 Start today on the right foot by projecting a positive mood and healthy mindset, Aries. If you’re dragging your heels and already dreading the forthcoming events, you will only succeed in making it harder to move ahead, regardless of what you end up doing.

Attitude is everything. This is one of those days in which it matters the most.

Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 You may discover your emotions are tempered today, as you want to turn inward, Taurus. You’re apt to surprise yourself and the people around you when you decide that all you want to do is go into your room and sit by yourself instead of join the crowd outside. Don’t feel bad about doing this even if you’re expected at the party in full regalia. Do what feels most natural for you.

Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Your strength lies in your inner resources, Gemini.

Today you will find that these resources have opened up within you. You will find that your emotions are calm and under control in the face of chaos. This time of new beginnings is extremely important. It would behoove you to probe your depths and fix any internal quirks that might give you trouble in the future.

Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Offer your services to others, Cancer. Your generosity in spreading your knowledge will be rewarded. Things might be rather confusing at first, but once you start talking, you will be surprised by how much you really know and how far your incredible wit, manners, and sociable attitude can take you. Try your best to reach out to others without seeming needy or demanding.

Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 If you feel slighted today, Leo, don’t shut yourself off from the situation. It may seem like everyone has ganged up and turned against you. Either that, or they all want to be your best friend. Things are always extreme for you, with no in-between. The slightest action from someone else can cause turmoil in your mind unless you learn to control your emotions. Make it a goal.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 You may wake up in a fog of confusion this morning for some reason, Virgo. The good news is that the air is likely to clear as the day continues. By late afternoon and early evening, you should be revved up and ready to go once again. Your normal self has returned and

you’re ready to face the world with a dramatic show of courageous action and adventure.

Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Here’s a suggestion. If you get a strange vibe about a situation today, walk away, Libra. Your instincts will tell you if something is dangerous or not. If you don’t feel safe, find another place to be. You won’t be productive in an environment where you don’t feel comfortable.

You will also enjoy yourself much more if you can relax in the situation instead of being uptight about it.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 It’s time to take charge of your life, Scorpio. Don’t rely on other people to sort out your problems. There may some anxiety in the air today that causes you to overreact to a situation that normally wouldn’t faze you. You need to dig down and take responsibility for getting out of this mental or emotional jam. Don’t rely on other people to do it for you.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 It’s time to show other people that you have backbone, Sagittarius. It could be that up until now very few people have noticed, since you’re so flexible and adaptable to change. You easily wriggle your way downstream, and as a result, people may think they can control you. Prove to them that this isn’t the case by setting your own agenda and sticking to it.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 You may be anxious to get some new projects underway today, Capricorn, even though they aren’t necessarily ready or well thought out. You must first learn that patience is key. Jumping the gun could cause a false start that disqualifies you from the race. Avoid this fate by playing it cool and laying low. Keep your big guns under wraps for now. You don’t need to bring out all the heavy artillery yet.

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 There’s a romantic, dreamy feeling to today that you should indulge in, Aquarius. If you have a special someone in your life, this is the perfect day to share these feelings! Try to plan a candlelit dinner at home for just the two of you. But don’t feel pressured to cook an elaborate meal. Pick up some Chinese and serve it on the good china. Keep the focus on the two of you.

6/28/2016

Puzzle #1 for June 23, 2016

CROSSWORDPUZZLE

Go back | Print | Help

Across 1. Highfives 6. Impressed 10. Boring, so to speak 14. Billiard shot 15. Actor Auberjonois 16. Barrett of gossip 17. The Jetsons’ dog 18. Scots Gaelic 19. Port of Algeria 20. Slum area inhabited by a minority group 22. Strong feeling of happiness 24. Possessed 26. Tooth layer 27. Not anywhere 31. “The XFiles” extras 32. Diamond flaw?

33. Buy alternative 36. Her partner would be a buck 39. Final notice?

40. Grannies 41. Currency of Turkey, and formerly of Italy 42. Fast flier 43. Purchaser 44. Cut off 45. Gallery offering 46. Drilling result 48. Fondle 51. Maiden name indicator 52. A bit 54. Overhaul 59. Getting ___ years (aging) 60. Bacchanalian cry 62. Infectious agent 63. Actress Sofer 64. Actress Petty

BestCrosswords.com ­ Puzzle #1 for June 23, 2016

65. ___ Gay

66. Peepers Across 67. City on the Rhone 1­ High­fives; 6­ Impressed; 10­ 68. Purge Boring, so to speak; 14­ Billiard shot; 15­ Actor Auberjonois; 16­ Down Barrett of gossip; 17­ The Jetsons' 1. 18­ Heroin, slangily dog; Scots Gaelic; 19­ Port of 2. Whip Algeria; 20­ Slum area inhabited by 3. Comedian Johnson a minority group; 22­ Strong feeling 4. Harbor of happiness; 5. Suffocate24­ Possessed; 26­ Tooth layer; Not anywhere; 31­ 6. Just the27­ Way You ___ "The X­Files" extras; 32­ Diamond 7. Used to be flaw?; 33­ Buy alternative; 36­ Her 8. Follow partner would be a buck; 39­ Final 9. Well statistic notice?; 40­ Grannies; 41­ Currency 10. Sweeping implements of Turkey, and formerly 11. Mr. Moto portrayerof Italy; 42­ Fast 43­ Purchaser; 12flier; . For want of ___... 44­ Cut . Mandlikova of tennis off;13 45­ Gallery offering; 46­ Drilling 21. Implement used result; 48­ Fondle; 51­ when Maiden name rowing indicator; 52­aAboat bit; 54­ Overhaul; Loathe___ years (aging); 60­ 59­23.

Getting 25. Postponecry; 62­ Infectious Bacchanalian 27. Revivalists agent; 63­ Actress Sofer; 64­ 28. Globes Actress Petty; 65­ ___ Gay; 66­ 29. Court Peepers; 67­order City on the Rhone; 68­ 30. Spicy Purge; 34. Wind dir.

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION 49. Nitrogen compound 35. Homerun king Hank Down 50. Place for “stompin’” 36. Plunge headfirst 1­ Heroin, slangily; 2­ Whip; 3­ Comedian Johnson; 4­ Harbor; 52. Open infection, painful 5­ Suffocate; 6­ Just the Way You 37. Pitcher Hershiser ___; Used ____ to be;Jones 8­ Follow; 9­ Well53 statistic; Sweeping implements; 11­ Mr. Moto portrayer; 12­ . Mower10­ brand 387­ . James For40want of ___...; 13­acorn Mandlikova of 55 tennis; Implement used when rowing a boat; 23­ Loathe; . Pres.,21­ militarily . Covering for an 25­41 Postpone; 27­ Revivalists; 28­ Globes; 29­follower Court order; 30­ Spicy; 34­ Wind dir.; 35­ Homerun 56. Buck . Actor Ayres . “StarHershiser; Trek” role 38­ James ____ Jones; 40­ Covering for an king Plunge head­first; 37­ 57 Pitcher 43Hank; . Make36­ beer 58.44­ Nicholas II was acorn; 41­ coverings Actor Ayres; 43­ Make beer; Arm coverings; 45­ Places of contest; 47­ Suffix with 44. Arm the lastcompound; Russian one50­ Place for "stompin'"; 52­ Open 45. 48­ Places ofYork's contest cloth; New ___ Island; 49­ Nitrogen 61. Pres., Ich binmilitarily; ___ Berliner 47. Suffix with cloth infection, painful; 53­ Mower brand; 55­ 56­ Buck follower; 57­ "Star Trek" role; 58­ 48. New York’sthe ___ Island Nicholas II was last Russian one; 61­ Ich bin ___ Berliner;

DAILY U

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 You might not be in the mood to cooperate today, Pisces. You will most likely want to work on projects alone at your own pace. You will probably have to come out of your shell and interact with others. You may need advice or input. Try not to be too pouty with your partner or kids. They might not understand the real reason why you’re distracted.

Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu

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WEEKLYWEATHER

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THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

HIGH 65 LOW 49

HIGH 73 LOW 44

HIGH 78 LOW 49

HIGH 83 LOW 53

HIGH 84 LOW 56

HIGH 84 LOW 62

HIGH 86 LOW 62

> ANS from pg. 1 “I was deeply honored to receive this recognition and to know my professors have supported me in my academic endeavors and my love for learning,” she said. “My professors and the faculty and staff at Louisiana Tech have shown me unwavering support in my field of study. They always welcomed any questions or concerns I had.”

Edinger said the ANS program equipped her with more than enough skills to succeed and receive employment opportunities in the future.

“The ANS college, as well as the biological sciences department, provides students with the tools they need to succeed in life and in their careers,” she said. “Students are challenged to think critically and encouraged to think strategically.”

Jamie Newman, an assistant

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> VISTA from pg. 1 professor in the School of Biological Sciences, was the recipient of the ANS Scholarly Activity Award, and said she was NEWMAN flattered and humbled to be in such highly regarded company.

“It is one of the most humbling and meaningful honors when your own colleagues recognize you for your own contributions to the college,” she said.

“Those of us who were nominated for these awards are seen by our peers as contributing significantly to the mission and success of the college and it’s an honor to be a part of a group that represents the college.”

“The project and class was a huge success and became the catalyst for the development of a pre-medical illustration minor this interdisciplinary project gave students real world experience of working with a client and challenged them to work with scientific concepts.”

He said students involved will gain a new digital skill set that can be applied to a variety of career paths.

Karl Puljak, director of the school of design, explained how the integration of these fields will benefit both the fields and those involved.

“There’s often a perceived firewall placed between the disciplines the arts and the sciences, and a perception that STEM education and an education in art and design are mutually exclusive,” Puljak said.

“One of the best takeaways from the VISTA/pre-medical illustration opportunity is showing people that

SUDOKUPUZZLE Difficulty HARD

www.sudoku-puzzles.net LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.

these educational models can learn from and support each other to produce amazing things.”

He then lauded Bustamante’s efforts and their effects in realizing this idea.

“It’s been gratifying to see how Professor Bustamante’s initial courses in digital painting with scientific content have opened the eyes of our studio art students,” Puljak said.

“The experience has helped them realize that their training and education can be leveraged towards career paths well beyond more traditional ones we typically associate with being an artist.”

Don Kaczvinsky, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, encapsulated the financial aspect of this new area for the students.

“A company in Shreveport does medical illustration and we have a direct link with them,” Kaczvinsky said. “If you like art and science, or vice versa, and get a degree in this field, you start out getting paid what engineers get paid: $70,000 per year.”

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May 4, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 7

www.thetechtalk.org

More Talk

Louisiana Tech students Aliya Shams (left) and Daniel Okougbo (right) work as undergraduate interns for the corporation’s Ruston branch.

INNOVATION AT TECH POINTE

Marketing software and solutions company Pierry Inc. seeks interns for its Louisiana branch IMANI COLEMAN Staff Reporter| itc002@latech.edu

Dearmon said. “Our internship program seeks to be supplemented to the eduIn business, sometimes cational experience Tech simple connections can students are undergoing on open monumental oppor- campus.” he said. We hope to introduce and cultivate tunities.

That scenario was the the appropriate skill sets case for Redwood City, necessary to understand California, based market- the services we supply.”

A main proportion of ing software and solutions company Pierry Inc. and what the interns learn is how to solve real the opening of an life scenarios based innovative hub on on the “Pierry Tech’s campus. method.”

According to The Pierry William Dearmon, method focuses regional manager, on marketing as a for corp strategy service and centers and development around strategy, at Pierry, the enDEARMON creativity, technoltire endeavor beogy and being gan with a Louisiana Tech alumnus, Pierry’s digital. The concept was Chief Marketing Officer, created by the founder Josh Pierry.

Ben Lee. “By mentoring interns “As an alumnus Ben’s passion for Louisiana Tech in the Pierry method, they was matched by his interest gain great insight into how a to give back to the univer- results-driven, goal-focused, strategic process can show sity,” Dearmon said.

Pierry’s Innovation Hub brands what’s possible in opened in January and has the digital and creative since hired three undergrad- space,” Dearmon said.

Pierry is currently hiruate interns and also has a Louisiana Tech graduate as ing student implementation a full-time employee, with developer positions, and plans to grow the office in software engineers. To fill the positions the company the coming quarters.

“Our hope is to expose is looking for undergraduour interns to a working en- ate and graduate student invironment that operates at terns that are currently purthe pace of Silicon Valley,” suing Computer Science,

Photos by Danny Do

The lobby of Pierry Inc. of Ruston inside Tech Pointe.

Computer Information Science or any technical degree related fields.

Daniel Okougbo, a senior computer information systems major and a Pierry Intern, spoke about the skills he has gained working with the company.

“Mostly I’ve learned how to work with teams and also to improve my programming skills,” Okougbo said.

We’re also being taught how to solve real world challenges using salesforce marketing cloud.” he said.

Based on a previous press release, Lee expressed his goals and also spoke about the economic benefits of having the startup company in northern Louisiana.

“Pierry is extremely pleased to open this office

at my alma mater, Louisiana Tech, as it provides us with on-the-ground implementation resources, establishes a foothold in the Southeastern region of the U.S., and gives us a first-look at some of the amazing talent coming out of the university,” Lee said. Our Tech outpost is also an opportunity to bring a bit of Silicon Valley to North Louisiana, giving

the students an opportunity to get real-world experience in the rapidly growing field of digital marketing, and get a taste of what working with a start-up tech company is like.”

The company also has locations in Boulder, Colorado, Cleveland, Ohio, Albany New York, Redwood City, California and Kyoto, Japan.

www.thetechtalk.org

8 • The Tech Talk • May 4, 2017

Finding a balance Why do some teams see higher attendance, and how can Tech bring in more fans — for all teams?

MORGAN BERNARD Staff Reporter | mrb056@latech.edu

Photo by Colin Fontenot

The biggest crowd to attend a Louisiana Tech home game played by Ashley Santos (30) and the Lady Techsters last season was the 4,111 fans who watched the season opener against LSU on Nov. 11.

Like many universities, Louisiana Tech has fans that support the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters in several sports such as football, baseball and basketball. But what about the sports that are less supported? Why is it that some sports in general are more popular than others?

Donna Thomas, the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative of Tech and department chair of psychology and behavioral sciences, said the size of sports audiences is influenced greatly by the sports teams.

“If you have a real exciting, dynamic team or certain players who are doing really great, then the fans take on that same energy,” she said. “The success of a team as a whole also contributes to the fan base. If a team is having a great season, then more people are going to be willing to attend games.”

Thomas said the crowds at Tech sports are always changing but there are some fans that will always be loyal.

“For any sport, you always have a base of core fans,” she said. “You go to football, basketball or baseball and you are always going to see people in their 60s or 70s who have been going to the games for 30 years. Students who attend Tech at the same time as a great sports team usually come back as faithful alumni remembering how much fun they had at games.”

Thomas said to improve attendance at games she believes there should be adjustments made to advertising Tech’s sports.

“We should always be doing as much as we can to engage students,” she said.

“To remind them to support their teams and fellow students. I think advertising in some way beyond email or social media would be better for students as well as fans who are not students at Tech.”

Malcolm Butler, associate athletics director of communications at Tech, said he also believes marketing is a big factor in bringing in fans.

“I think softball is the perfect example of a sport that can really benefit from the execution of a good marketing plan,” he said. “I have noticed over the past few years the crowds have gotten a little larger at softball games. I still do not think they are what they could or should be based on the enjoyment of

the sport and the success of the program.”

Butler said he has noticed growth in several sports’ audiences the last few years due to several components.

“Over the last five or so years, I think our football and men’s basketball programs have really seen an increase in season attendance at home games,” he said. “It is a combination of success on the field as well as improvements to facilities and the game day atmosphere. I think we have started to see it with baseball the last two years as well, which again, correlates to winning.”

Butler said that although many sports are seeing success, students should try being more supportive in a variety of sports events.

“I would strongly encourage students and Louisiana Tech fans to support all of our teams,” he said. “I grew up as a Tech fan, and I would attend almost every sporting event I could. I do think some people, again based on popularity, only go to a few of the sporting events. It is my belief that all of our student-athletes work extremely hard and deserve the support of our students and fan base.”

Jacob Johns, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, said he believes the popularity of sports is also affected by the school’s location.

“Being in the South, football is always going to be a popular sport in college,” Johns said. “I think a lot of people, like me, may have even grown up playing football so they enjoy the sport more than others.”

Johns said that as a student he sometimes finds it difficult to attend sports events during the week.

“A lot of students are going to put their school work before anything else,” he said. “So, if there is a sports game on a weeknight the crowd, student-wise, would be much smaller compared to a crowd on a Saturday night.”

Johns said that although he has not attended many sports events, he sees where some sports are more supported than others.

“It is obvious to anyone that baseball and football are the most popular here,” he said. “I think Tech students, or all fans in general, should try going to watch other sports like soccer or softball. You may discover an enjoyment in a new sport, and you will also be supporting fellow students.”

Lady Techsters’ Smith named Conference USA Player of the Week LOUISIANA TECH ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS Louisiana Tech junior Katie Smith was named the Conference USA Player of the Week following her performance in the Lady Techsters three-game sweep over North Texas this past weekend in Ruston.

Smith batted .833 on the weekend with a .750 on-base percentage. The Bossier City native notched two doubles and scored two runs while recording three RBI and slugging at a 1.167 clip. Her effort helped Tech clinch the West Division title for the first time in program history.

She also laid down a sacrifice bunt and recorded her fourth sacrifice fly of the year (tied for second among league leaders). Smith has

been a solid contributor to the Lady Techster defense and has been a part of 13 double plays turned this season (third-most among C-USA leaders).

In Tech’s 5-3 win over North Texas in game one of the series, Smith recorded a pair of doubles and scored two runs, including an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

In Tech’s 6-4 win in game two, Smith had two more hits, including a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the fifth to provide an insurance run.

In the final game of the weekend sweep, Smith had a two-out RBI single in the fourth to up the lead to 2-0 and a sacrifice fly in the sixth to tally the final run.

This is Smith’s first career weekly honor.

Photos courtesy of Louisiana Tech Athletic Communications

This marks Katie Smith’s first time being honored as the C-USA Player of the Week.