BizTucson Spring 2022 - Special Section UA College of Science

SPECIAL REPORT 2022

THE REGION’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE

University of Arizona

College of Science

C H A N G I N G

T H E

W O R L D

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College of Science

Changing the World

Discovery and Innovation at the Core of UArizona’s ‘Most Important College’

By Mary Minor Davis

With more than 8,000 students and 18 degree programs, the University of Arizona College of Science anchors nearly all of the world- and life-changing research done at UArizona, says President Robert C. Robbins.

Its 15 departments, four schools and five major disciplinary areas of study intersect at some point with the entire UArizona community. www.BizTucson.com

“The College of Science, in the past decade, has become the most important college,” Robbins said. “The coming together of the physical, biological, aerospace, digital and behavioral sciences is tremendous and provides the foundation from which all of the collaborative research that occurs at the university is conducted.” continued on page 152 >>>

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continued from page 151 In 2021, U.S. News and World Report ranked UArizona as one of the top 100 research institutions in the world, coming in at 99 out of over 1,700 institutions. It ranks number 42 in the United States and number 22 among public universities.

Carmala Garzione, a geologist who was named dean of the College of Science in March 2021, said one of the most remarkable characteristics of the college is that “every single program has its strengths in research, and most are highly ranked in terms of their curriculum. There’s not a single asset that isn’t a treasure.”

The latest rankings for UArizona programs from the National Science Foundation put astronomy and astrophysics at No. 1 in the U.S., physical sciences at No. 5 and NASA-funded activity also at No. 5. Also, within the College of Sciences, biological and biomedical sciences was ranked No. 21, geosciences, atmospheric sciences and ocean sciences were No. 29, science and engineering fields were No. 35, life sciences and chemistry each came in at 152 BizTucson

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The coming together of the physical, biological, aerospace, digital and behavioral sciences is tremendous and provides the foundation from which all of the collaborative research that occurs at the university is conducted.

–

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Dr. Robert C. Robbins President University of Arizona

No. 39 and computer and information sciences were ranked No. 45.

“At the heart of this success are our faculty and researchers, whose creativity and determination drive discovery and innovation, creating positive, real-world impacts and knowledge for a more resilient future” said Betsy Cantwell, SVP for research and innovation.

Robbins said the College of Science − and UArizona as a whole − is well positioned to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or 4IR. 4IR is known as the convergence of the physical, biological and digital worlds, and experts believe it will dominate our work and home lives in the future.

With this infrastructure in place, the challenge looking forward is to ensure investment in the core facilities so that new knowledge discoveries can be made, translated into making the world a better place, Robbins said.

“We have the reputation as a worldclass university and the College of Science is recognized as a world-class leader in many areas,” he said. “We need to retain that reputation to continue to continued on page 154 >>> www.BizTucson.com

PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

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continued from page 152 attract talent in both faculty and students.

“Underpinning all of the other areas at the University is a strong foundation for humanities and the sociological sciences that provide the fundamental multiplier. These will all support training the next generation into making the world a better place.”

Physics and Space Sciences Thanks to its world-renowned astronomy and lunar and planetary sciences departments, UArizona has been at the forefront of space science since 1923 when the Steward Observatory on the main campus was officially dedicated. Today, students investigate the properties of time, solids, liquids and gases to gain a deeper understanding of the universe.

UArizona ranked top 10 for Space Science in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities, ranking No. 2 among public U.S. universities and number 10 in the world.

“It is gratifying to see the University of Arizona listed alongside many of the world’s premier academic research institutions,” said Robbins at the time the ranking was announced last October. “Our university is home to many breathtaking scientific innovations, and it is upon this foundation that our faculty members seek to make further extraordinary discoveries.”

Life & Molecular Sciences Life and molecular science take an integrative approach to the study of cells, genetics, chemistry and biochemistry.

Through curricula, lab research, field studies and more, faculty and students are challenged with providing interdisciplinary solutions to problems related to disease, the environment, agriculture, engineering, genetic expression, health, quality of life and more.

Earth Sciences The College of Science’s earth sciences programs play a critical role in understanding the interplay between natural earth processes and human activity that reveal the impacts of humans on Earth and how to mitigate and adapt to some of the most rapid changes in climate, environment, and biodiversity that our planet has ever experienced.

Garzione said the college has departments and programs in hydrology and atmospheric sciences, geosciences, and tree continued on page 156 >>> 154 BizTucson

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PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Neural, Cognitive & Behavioral Sciences “We have a lot of strength and diversity of research and education in mind, brain, and behavior,” Garzione said of the Neural, Cognitive, and Behavioral Sciences programs.

“The University of Arizona was recently awarded a $60 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to create and lead a national network on precision aging to better understand the effects of aging on the brain in different people and develop more effective treatments. It’s just one example of the power of our myriad strengths across psychology, neuroscience, cognitive and health sciences in general.”

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BizSCIENCE continued from page 154 ring research that are highly regarded both nationally and globally. The combined strengths of these programs enable integration of solid Earth, Earth surface, biosphere, atmosphere, and ocean processes to reveal how these have shaped the long-term evolution of our planet and how human influences are modifying the Earth system today and in the future.”

Mathematics and Computational Sciences With the explosive growth of computing and all things cyber, the College of Science’s mathematics and computational sciences programs teach students the latest in computer science, applied mathematics, statistics and data sciences methods and applications.

“We provide academic programs in statistics and data science at the undergraduate level, but we are looking strategically at data science at the graduate level that will enable placement of our students at the forefront of research,

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“

Every single program has its strengths in research, and most are highly ranked in terms of their curriculum.

There’s not a single asset that isn’t a treasure.

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Carmala Garzione Dean College of Science University of Arizona –

development, and application of data science methods in industry and academia,” Garzione said.

These methods apply to a broad range of STEM, social sciences, and humanities disciplines are fueling the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Garzione said that on top of continuing to build on strengths in the College of Sciences in the five broad fields of study, the College has the added priority of ensuring that opportunities and support are in place for students that come from virtually any location, background, or lived experience.

“Our efforts now are charting a course for our future that attracts students, faculty, and staff with a diversity of experiences and perspectives that celebrate our diversity and encourage careers in be sciences,” Garzione said.

“We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences will enable us to identify our next big research and educational opportunities to ensure that we continually evolve our strengths in a way that makes us highly impactful.”

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Dean Carmala Garzione

Honoring a History of Excellence in the Sciences

PHOTO BY BRENT G. MATHIS

By Mary Minor Davis Being named dean of a world-renowned research and academic unit would be a heady experience for anyone. For Carmala Garzione, dean of the University of Arizona College of Science, it was also a homecoming.

Garzione, who prefers to be called “Carmie,” did her master’s and Ph.D. work at UArizona in the 1990s. “I was a geologist by training and found the strengths at UArizona to be broad and more integrative across the geosciences, rather than focused in separated disciplines,” she said.

After her training at UArizona, Garzione found herself developing collaborations with atmospheric scientists, oceanographers and biologists. She said the experience in graduate school and beyond brought home how interconnected the sciences really are.

“I credit the University of Arizona with cultivating that interdisciplinary spirit that inspired me to push outside of my disciplinary comfort zone and connect with other areas of science,” she said, noting that the collaborative environment and the subsequent success of that partnership was one of the main attractions for accepting the dean’s post.

After earning her doctorate, Garzione went to the University of Rochester as an assistant professor in the department of earth and environmental sciences. Within 10 years she was chair of the department. Last spring, she returned to UArizona from the Rochester Institute of Technology, 158 BizTucson

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where she served as the inaugural associate provost for faculty affairs.

There, she focused on faculty development, sustaining teaching excellence and the recruitment and retention of diverse and strong research-oriented faculty. She also developed a Department Chair Leadership Development Series in collaboration with department chairs and other key units across campus.

Garzione was the first in her family to attend a four-year college and the first of her three siblings to earn a degree. Raised in Maryland by parents of Italian descent, she knew college would be her pathway to earning a better life.

As a young girl, she liked to collect rocks and fossils. Attracted by the layered minerals in her own backyard, she cleaned them up and wondered how old they were and how they formed. She was 7 years old when she saw her first mountains on a trip to the Appalachians.

“I was struck by the shape of the stream and river valleys and the mountain peaks, and the layers in the rocks that made up the mountains. I wondered what all of this information could tell us about how the mountains formed,” she said.

While an undergraduate at University of Maryland, with no idea where a geology degree could lead, several faculty members took Garzione under their wing and, more importantly, into their research labs. “I just became enamored with this dual role of

research and teaching. What could be better than asking fun questions and getting to play in the field and the lab to try to find answers?” she said.

“Carmie is one of those rare breeds who has led extraordinary science and produced unbelievable scientific outcomes, publications and so on,” said UArizona Provost Liesl Folks, who led the recruitment process for the new dean. Garzione was selected from a distinguished field of more than 30 candidates.

“She’s also been very committed to leadership and being a great administrator,” Folks said. “She’s very thoughtful and intentional about leadership, and she knows the university environment. She’s brilliant, and we are fortunate to have her back.”

Looking ahead, Garzione is engaged in a strategic planning process with all departments within the college. Her goal is to engage faculty in identifying a path forward, one that includes continued research and educational investment. She also wants to preserve and expand the collaborative environment she loved so much as a student.

“I want students to view UArizona College of Science as a place of unique breadth, strength, and interdisciplinarity in the sciences − a place to feed their curiousity,” she said. “I also want students to understand the vital role of each of the disciplinary areas in the college in reshaping our world and our society, and improving people’s lives.”

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I want students to view the College of Science as a place of unique breadth, strength, and interdisciplinarity in the sciences − a place to feed their curiousity.

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Carmala Garzione Dean College of Science University of Arizona

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Seeking Better Brain Health Precision Aging Network to Research How Brains Age

PHOTOS BY BRENT G. MATHIS

By Loni Nannini Future prescriptions for better brain health are what the University of Arizona hopes to generate from its a five-year, $60 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The goal of the grant is to create the Precision Aging Network and develop interventional strategies that will potentially revolutionize aging globally.

UArizona will lead research institutions nationwide in the effort. Carol Barnes, a UArizona Regents Professor of psychology, neurology and neuroscience, is principal investigator for the project.

“When the study is finished, my dream is to develop algorithms to identify different groups of people who can benefit in very specific ways from prescriptions developed by the Precision Aging Network based on genetics, environment, lifestyle and other variables,” Barnes said. “We want to give people

specific actions they can take to help maintain brain health and participate in their own brain-health outcomes.

If we can bring these prescriptions to patients during well visits with doctors, it will be wonderful for patient quality of life as well as for healthcare systems, communities and economies.”

Barnes is a renown pioneer in the field of cognitive aging research and is the director of the UArizona Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute. She views UArizona’s leadership role in the network as affirmation of four decades of work and a testament to the talent of its researchers.

Barnes will oversee teams from the UArizona College of Science and other colleges and institutes across campus, along with network members from Arizona State University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Baylor College of Medicine, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Miami and the Phoenixbased Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope.

“This is the largest study on cognition with the most geographically diverse population in U.S. history. It will take into account populations from rural and urban areas, as well as different socioeconomic statuses, races and ethnicities, educational levels, and ages,” said Barnes.

For longitudinal studies, parCarol Barnes ticipants ages 18 years and older UArizona Regents Professor of will be recruited and tracked Psychology, Neurology & Neuroscience throughout their life spans to College of Science discover factors that impact cogUniversity of Arizona nitive changes.

“This will allow us to see the

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trajectory of the aging process, and whether it is a healthy trajectory or shows faster decline. If we understand those variables for individuals and groups of individuals, we may be able to help modify changes in cognition with age,” said Barnes.

The rich data set will provide the foundation for the Precision Aging Network, which takes its name from the concept that medicine can be precisely tailored to individuals’ genetics, environments and lifestyles.

“Traditionally we take a one-size-fitsall view of aging and assume that everyone is the same, but that is not true,” said Lee Ryan, head of the UArizona Department of Psychology and an associate director of the Precision Aging Network. “Men age differently than women, and I age differently than you.

We want to try to understand these differences and take an individualized approach to interventions.”

While much is unknown about the aging of the brain, one certainty is that it is incredibly intricate.

“There are so many individual factors that interact in complex ways – from physical health and disease factors to lifestyle and genetics. That is why we need large samples of people for the study,” Ryan said.

A key component of gathering data is the MindCrowd research project (mindcrowd.org), an online testing website launched by TGen in 2013 to study human memory and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. For the Precision Aging Network, the MindCrowd portal has been expanded to include additional tests and surveys that provide extensive information on study participants. continued on page 162 >>> www.BizTucson.com

JOIN THE PRECISION AGING NETWORK

Anyone 18 or older can join the study on brain health led by the University of Arizona.

Visit mindcrowd.org for more information.

“

Men age differently than women, and I age differently than you.

We want to try to understand these differences and take an individualized approach to intervention.

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Lee Ryan

Head of the UArizona Department of Psychology Associate Director of the Precision Aging Network College of Science University of Arizona www.BizTucson.com

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BizSCIENCE continued from page 160 The network is on track to surpass an initial goal of 350,000 participants and possibly reach 500,000 over the next five years.

Ryan said MindCrowd’s virtual reach is an invaluable asset in boosting diversity of the study. “People in urban areas near universities are able to come to labs to participate in studies, but this allows us to reach out to those who live in outlying areas who might otherwise never be part of the research,” she said.

Getting a wealth of data points for each participant in this way may lead to the discovery of new treatments as researchers analyze these real-time results. Additionally, a subset of participants will be invited to participate in more in-depth studies at some of the network’s university partners.

“We will do in-depth physical testing that involves biomarkers, MRIs and testing of physical abilities, and examines factors such as eating habits, sleep quality, activity levels and lifestyle to bring depth as well as breadth to the study,” said Ryan.

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Technology has significant future applications in this precision-medicine effort on healthy brain aging, she added.

Smart watches or smartphone apps could evaluate an individual, who then gets a customized profile of risk and a specific intervention plan.

The ultimate goal of the Precision Aging Network is to optimize cognition and memory for as long as possible, regardless of lifespan for all individuals.

“We want to close the gap between cognitive healthspan and human lifespan,” Barnes said.

That goal becomes increasingly relevant as Americans continue to have longer lifespans.

“Less than 15% of people over age 71 will experience dementia, but the other 85% may experience cognitive impairment to varying degrees,” Ryan said. “Some retain their brain health well into their 80s and 90s, others experience moderate impairment, and still others experience enough impairment to interfere with their daily lives, impacting their independence and quality of life. That is the 85% we want to

focus on.”

Discovering factors that improve brain health at any age may decrease the risk for Alzheimer’s and have implications for neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injuries and other disorders.

“In normal aging, you don’t lose your brain cells. You lose the function in the connections made between cells, so a lot of our effort is going into making sure those circuits between brain cells are preserved. Neurons communicate through synapses, and if they aren’t functioning, it is bad for cognition,” said Barnes.

“There are 33 Alzheimer’s disease centers across the United States, but there is nothing else like the Precision Aging Network that is designed to understand the normal brain and cognitive health. We are trying to reverse that trend and study those of us who do not have neurodegenerative diseases in order to determine whether we can prevent, predict or slow the progress of unwanted changes.”

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Flandrau’s New Look Science Center, Planetarium Ready to Introduce Science to All Ages

PHOTOS BY BRENT G. MATHIS

By Loni Nannini Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is a gateway to the galaxy and to the world of science at the University of Arizona and beyond.

The vision for Flandrau, said Executive Director Kellee Campbell, is to revitalize the center in a multiyear plan with new, interactive science-focused exhibits to serve visitors of every age for decades to come.

“For close to five decades, Flandrau has been an integral part of bringing the community to the University of Arizona and creating opportunities for people to experience the sciences,” Campbell said. “As we look toward the next 50 years, we are confident it will continue to play an important role in the community and in inspiring future scientists.”

“We are a planetarium and have deep roots in space sciences, but as a science center we also like to explore all areas of science beyond astronomy. Currently our exhibits also explore earth sciences, ecology and biology,” she said.

The 28,000-square-foot facility completed a two-phased renovation improvement project in 2016 that included upgrades to the 146-seat Eos Foundation Planetarium Theater. Last year, work wrapped up on a facility-wide renovation of public spaces, including new carpeting, paint and lighting. “Wild World of Bugs,” a first-rate formative educational exhibit, opened as the most significant exhibit investment in decades. Plans are in the works for a re-envisioned 1,200-square-foot marine exhibit with interactive discovery programs – including multi164 BizTucson

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ple salt water tanks – slated to open in fall of 2022, along with multipurpose spaces for school tours, educational programs, birthday parties and other uses.

“This is all made possible by partnerships with foundations, businesses and other donors and supporters who believe in Flandrau’s vision for the future,” said Michael Luria, assistant dean, corporate and community engagement for the UArizona College of Science. “They understand the value of science and believe that it is an important venue for the entire community, along with a real opportunity to introduce STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to young people. You never know what will ignite the spark of learning and curiosity, and this is an opportunity to bring students in so they can experience science holistically: Touch it, see it, and feel it.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 23,000 of the 68,000 annual visitors to Flandrau were students in kindergarten through grade 12 on field trips.

“As part of the university, we have a unique opportunity to collaborate with departments and faculty members across the campus to engage undergraduate students in education and outreach by facilitating interactive workshops for the K-12 community,” Campbell said. “It is a powerful opportunity for all of the students to learn about science in a really engaging way.”

Flandrau connects its exhibits with school curriculum to provide a deep learning experience. “For example, through ‘Marine Discov-

ery,’ students in middle school learn about marine science in class,” said William Plant, Flandrau director of exhibits. “Then when they come to the science center, they are able to explore aspects of marine life and sharks in a hands-on way through multiple stations – these include activities like dissection of a squid – before they go to the planetarium and see an immersive 360-degree, full-dome film about sharks. That is very cool and very intentional on our part.”

Insect Discovery provides a similar window into the world of insects and entomology. “Wild World of Bugs” offers a larger-than-life diorama of a fungus farm created by desert leafcutter ants. There are displays of prepared insect specimens from the UArizona Insect Collection. Hands-on exploration teaches concepts such as camouflage in the “Cryptic Critters” activity and “Reaction Time Challenge,” which allows students to compare how fast a human reacts with an insect’s reaction.

Plant said the immersive experiences are designed to motivate students and expose them to prospective careers and educational pathways they might not otherwise encounter.

“We want the kids to see that this is what science looks like. We want them to realize that it is interesting and fun, and think, ‘Someone who looks like me is doing this and maybe it is something I want to pursue,’ ” Campbell said.

Field trips to Flandrau also introduce UArizona to many young continued on page 166 >>>

Kellee Campbell

Executive Director Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium University of Arizona

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BizSCIENCE continued from page 164 people. Luria said the comfortable and welcoming vibe often inspires return trips by children and their families, who may also explore other university museums, facilities and events.

“Flandrau is a very accessible educational experience that is fun and familyfriendly,” he said.

While many may associate Flandrau with kids, world-class science on display offers something for visitors of every age, according to Campbell.

She encourages long-time Tucsonans, those who are new to the area and UArizona students to investigate the one-of-a-kind exhibits, many of which highlight the work of scientists and researchers at the University of Arizona College of Science and venues such as the UArizona Tree Ring Research Lab, Mt. Lemmon Sky Center, the Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory and other university-affiliated entities.

“One of the many benefits of being part of the University of Arizona is the ability to collaborate with scien-

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We want the kids to see that this is what science looks like.

We want them to realize that it is interesting and fun.

”

– William Plant Director of Exhibits, Flandrau Science Center & Panetarium University of Arizona

tists from all disciplines and bring their ground-breaking science and research into our exhibits and planetarium shows to share with our community,” Campbell said.

Shows in the Eos Foundation Planetarium Theater also cater to a range of ages and tastes. Favorites include “Tucson Sky & Beyond,” an astronomical look from Southern Arizona, and “Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon,” a laser light music show driven by the rock band’s hits.

Moving forward, Luria believes that expanded outreach and educational programming, increased collaborations, implementation of facility rental opportunities for special occasions, and exploration of innovative new partnerships will enable Flandrau to better serve the UArizona community and the community at large.

“It has been a transformative couple of years for Flandrau and that will continue for years to come,” he said. “The college is committed and UArizona is committed and we are now bringing foundations and organizations in the community to join that partnership. It is one way that business and industry can engage with the College of Science that directly impacts the community.”

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Making Connections New Career Center Touches Students, Alumni, Employers

PHOTO BY BRENT G. MATHIS

By Loni Nannini The new Career Center at the University of Arizona College of Science is on the job with an action plan to serve as a core resource for students and employers alike.

“We are setting up the Career Center to function as a hub-and-spoke system,” said Michael Luria, assistant dean, corporate and community engagement for the College of Science. “We are the hub for students, employers, faculty, staff and alumni. If you are a company with an internship opportunity, employees that want to be mentors, or if you are looking for talent acquisition, you can use the Career Center as the point of contact for students from four schools and 15 departments within the College of Science.”

Luria is overseeing development of the Career Center, which represents one of four pillars – along with recruitment, retention and curriculum – of the Student Success Initiative being implemented by Carmala Garzione, dean of the College of Science since June 2021.

Slated to open in fall 2023, the center will serve over 7,500 undergrads and nearly 1,000 graduate students affiliated with the College of Science.

Comprehensive resources will include assistance with career preparation and action plans; exploration of career and continuing education pathways; facilitation of mentorships and internships; research opportunities that align with undergraduate research programs, and connection with internal and external partners, including industry and alumni.

The driving force behind the project is development of resources in the best interests of students, according to Bridget Wade Radcliff, the center’s founding director.

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To realize that vision, the center will partner with alumni, faculty and staff, students, public and private industry, and other employers to create programs that meet student goals and current and future needs.

“These partnerships will allow us to remain at the forefront and ensure that students are prepared not just with the technical skills they need to be successful, but also the transferrable skills they will need,” said Wade Radcliff. “We all know the jobs that most of these students will be working in 10 to 15 years don’t exist because of changes in technology, so we need to give them the best foundational skills we can to allow them to be successful, flexible, resourceful and resilient as they move forward in their careers.”

Collaborations through the Career Center will also serve as important bridges between the community and the university, said Luria.

“Our mission is to make it easier to connect with College of Science students in meaningful ways,” he said.

“We have the opportunity through industry and employer connections to share more about what we do and the value we create within the community.”

For employers, the Career Center can help businesses scale internship programs and explore innovative options such as work-study and co-op programs. Additionally, the Career Center will provide outreach to assist employers with creative recruitment.

“Of particular interest to local employers, the Career Center will focus on career opportunities for students who want to stay in Tucson with meaningful jobs,” Wade Radcliff said. “The Center can help companies that don’t necessarily think College of Science students are a source of talent to realize that the

skills our students learned throughout their education often align with their needs.”

Building bridges with employers also involves cultivating relationships with alumni, which can result in mentorships, internships, case studies in which students are challenged to solve real industry problems in the classroom, and other opportunities.

Internally, the Career Center will coordinate with faculty to ensure that the transferable skills necessary for success are integrated into curriculums. Plans are also in the works for employers to partner with faculty to incorporate realtime industry advances in academic experiences.

“For all of us to be successful in what we are doing, we need to meet the students where they are,” Wade Radcliff said. “The easiest way to do that is in the classroom and through other activities connected to academics. It is really important to think holistically about what a student is doing and the small tweaks we can make to help create a full-circle experience for students within their academic journeys.”

Meeting students where they are includes expanding equity and access to at-risk and disadvantaged students who may have additional priorities that require their focus.

“We want to reach all students in the College of Science, including those with additional commitments outside the classroom, students fully online, and students that don’t know how to navigate these paths,” Wade Radcliff said.

“It is an incredibly intimidating process, especially for students who have different expectations for themselves from family members. Every student is important, and we are here to help.”

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Bridget Wade Radcliff Founding Director College of Science Career Center University of Arizona

Bridget Wade Radcliff pictured with UArizona senior Samantha Mathis, who will graduate in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science – Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts – French Language; Literature and Cultures emphasis Minor in Information, Science, Technology & Arts. www.BizTucson.com

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BizSCIENCE College of Science Lectures Dr. Robert C. Robbins

Science on Display at UArizona

By Loni Nannini

Bringing Science to Life: College of Science Lectures and Science City The free, annual College of Sciences Lecture Series held each spring in Centennial Hall highlights topics in cosmology, neuroscience, transformative science, life science, evolution and climate change. It marked its 17th season in 2022 with “Minerals,” an in-depth overview of the building blocks of the solar system, earth and civilization. Find more information online at www.science. arizona.edu/community-engagement/public/arizonascience-lecture-series.

Adults and children of all ages can find hands-on science inspiration at Science City at the Tucson Festival of Books. Comprised of thematic “neighborhoods” that span the worlds of science and technology, Science City features more than 100 free, hands-on activities, demonstrations and opportunities to meet renowned authors and researchers. Visit www.sciencecity.arizona.edu/ openhousetours for more information.

Rooted in UArizona − Laboratory of Tree Ring Research: LTRR The Laboratory of Tree Ring Research, located in the Bryant Bannister Tree-Ring Building at 1215 E. Lowell St., is open to the public for free tours led by volunteer docents. The lab is the birthplace of dendrochronology, the study of human societies, ecosystems and the earth’s climate using the growth rings of trees.

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PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

In an increasingly virtual world, the University of Arizona College of Science continues its concerted effort to promote outreach that encourages people from all walks of life to experience science in real-time through settings unique to the desert Southwest.

“The College of Science offers real opportunities to increase engagement and boost awareness with members of our community,” said Michael Luria, assistant dean, corporate and community engagement for the College of Science. “Many people are not aware of the fabulous opportunities for everyone in the public to engage in science happening in real-time in our own backyard.”

The engagement opportunities − many of which are free − provide a portal to a multitude of world-class research in earth and environmental sciences, space sciences, ecology, biology and more.

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BizSCIENCE continued from page 170 The discipline was pioneered at UArizona in 1937 by Andrew Ellicott Douglass, an astronomer whose interest in predicting climate futures led him to examine rings of trees to see how they were shaped by weather.

“One of the fascinating aspects is that an astronomer who started using growth rings of trees and developed the science of dendrochronology then made his biggest breakthroughs in archeology, which speaks strongly to the interdisciplinary tradition that we uphold today in the LTRR,” said David Frank, director of the Laboratory of Tree Ring Research.

For more information, including an online Tree-Ring Talk Seminar, visit www.ltrr.arizona.edu.

Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum Tumamoc Hill

A Rainforest in the Desert: Biosphere 2 Just 30 minutes from north Tucson on Highway 77 sits Biosphere 2, the world’s largest controlled environment dedicated to understanding the impact of global climate change on complex systems. Open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving, one of the many things visitors will find is a fully established rainforest inhabited by more than 100 species of plants.

“We can make changes in temperature, moisture and carbon dioxide to allow researchers to gain greater understanding of the intricacies and complexities that impact not only one individual species, but the whole system,” said John Adams, deputy director at Biosphere 2.

For more information, visit www.biosphere2.org.

Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum Just minutes from campus on the lower level of the Pima County Courthouse, the newly opened Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum literally rocks.

With 2,200 specimens on display and another 20,000 in-house for research and education, the museum also boasts NASA’s largest moon rock on loan for display and a one-of-a-kind gemstone tapestry featuring 26,000 perfectly matched diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

“We have interactive displays that show the importance of mining and explain how technology uses minerals in everyday life,” said Eric Fritz, executive director of the museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.gemandmineralmuseum.arizona.edu.

Science in Place at Tumamoc Hill A walking trail, a cultural trail and a research lab, the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill is minutes from campus just west of A Mountain. It is the world’s only outdoor lab representing the formal pursuit of science specifically focused on desert environments and cultures.

Started in 1903, the lab features more than 6,000 individual saguaros and 12 10-meter-square plots of naturally occurring flora that have been monitored for more than 100 years. The site is home to 30 additional active research projects and natural history collections which catalogue important faunistic and floristic changes to the continued on page 174 >>>

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continued from page 172 desert Southwest over the last 50,000 years.

“It is an experiment in finding ways to tell the story of science in place, and we are excited and committed to making that work relevant since the culture of this space is relevant to all of society,” said Benjamin Wilder, director of the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill. For more information, visit www.tumamoc.arizona.edu.

Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab

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Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Beneath the east side of Arizona Stadium is a globally renowned center for creation of the world’s largest optics for telescopes on the ground and in space, The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab. The one-of-a-kind lab, which is part of Steward Observatory, offers insight into the fabrication of cuttingedge mirrors for telescopes − including seven 8.4-meter mirrors for the $2 billion Giant Magellan Telescope project slated for completion in 2029. Each $30 million mirror takes a year to cast followed by at least three years of surface generating and polishing.

The Mirror Lab also offers a lens into astronomy at UArizona − which receives $100 million to $140 million annually − and the overall astronomy industry in Arizona.

“The economic impact of the astronomy industry is like a Super Bowl coming to the state every year and half or two years,” said Buell Jannuzi, director of the Steward Observatory and head of the Department of Astronomy at UArizona.

Public tours of the Mirror Lab, which were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are slated to reopen soon. Visit www.mirrorlab.arizona.edu for more information.

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PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter, located at 9,157 feet in the Catalina Mountains just a short drive from Tucson, offers visitors experiences in the natural history of the Sky Islands by day and a view into the universe by night with two of the largest telescopes available to the public in the Southwest − the Schulman 32-inch and the Phillips 24inch telescopes.

“Everything we do is to help people appreciate why we study astronomy and to relate our current understanding of the universe to our existence in the past, present and future,” said Alan Strauss, director of the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter.

The SkyCenter offers several public outreach opportunities such as SkyNights, a five-hour program for youth and adults that includes an astronomy lecture and guided navigation of the night sky; Virtual Private Star Parties offering at-home night viewing through the Schulman Telescope and educational conversation with astronomy professionals; Astronomer Nights observing programs and much more. To buy a ticket or register for an event, or for more information, visit www.skycenter.arizona. edu.

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Michael Luria

Assistant Dean Corporate & Community Engagement College of Science University of Arizona

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Galileo Circle Engages Community with Science Scholarships Help Create Opportunity Galileo was the original polymath: astronomer, physicist and engineer.

The College of Science’s Galileo Circle aims to build on the enormous contributions of one of the world’s greatest scientists by fostering an engaged community with a shared love of science.

Founded in 2001, the Galileo Circle’s mission is to nurture the future of science, says Dale Schoonover, assistant director for Donor & Alumni Relations with the College.

“Our mission is to provide unique experiences to our members who love science, and as our dean says, want to feed human curiosity,” Schoonover said.

“These are individuals who understand that science improves our lives and our world.”

Each year, the Galileo Circle supports 150 to 175 students who each receive scholarships of $1,000. Donors, both from the business community and individuals, also support faculty research with an average award of $5,000. In all, more than $200,000 is awarded annually. In addition to individual contributions, the Galileo Circle is also supported by 24 named endowments whose principal balances now total more than $2 million.

“It’s pretty amazing that we have members of our community establishing these endowments which create a lifetime of support for our faculty and students,” Schoonover added.

The Galileo Circle is just one of many opportunities for engagement with the College of Science and its vast reach around the University of Arizona campus and the community.

“It’s exciting to share the breadth

and diversity of the College, from the science being taught, the skills our students graduate with, and the renowned research taking place daily,” said Michael Luria, assistant dean, corporate and community engagement for the College of Science. “The combination of teaching, research and science engagement paired with the contributions to local workforce development by our graduates create great value for our local and regional communities.”

The Galileo Circle scholarships are highly selective, with less than 2% of College of Science graduate and undergraduate students receiving an award. Students must be nominated by a member of the faculty, in addition to demonstrating academic excellence.

When Rhiannon Olivarez Kidwell heard she had been nominated, she was overwhelmed. “I was blindsided by the nomination,” recalls the 20-yearold premed student. “I had read about the scholarship, but thought it was ‘up there’ for the ‘phenomenal’ students and then I saw my name on the list.”

Kidwell, who was nominated by her principal investigator while working in the lab on virus research inspired by COVID, is an honors student majoring in molecular and cellular biology and neuroscience.

“To get that validation, to know that people believe in you and your goals, and your science, it’s humbling, and it gives you the drive to keep going even when your classes are hard,” she said.

Kidwell was chosen among her peers after a rigorous selection process that included a personal statement from the nominator, as well as a resume of

academic achievements. She started at UArizona as a molecular and cellular biologist, then added neuroscience to further study the body’s interaction at the neurological level. The California native is pursuing a medical career in pediatrics.

Galileo Circle currently has about 300 members. Schoonover wants to grow that base and she wants to attract a younger community who seek unique experiences that feed their interest in science. She would also like to increase the number of endowments. Faculty support, as well as growing the number of annual scholarships for students, is also a priority.

“When we have our annual scholarship event and our donors get to meet these students, they’re always blown away by how incredible they are in their academic pursuit, their passion − it’s wonderful to see,” Schoonover says.

“We want people to experience the College of Science first-hand in a myriad of settings.”

That experience can ultimately include taking the talents of the college’s graduates and putting them in positions that benefit businesses here either with extraordinary employees or extraordinary research emanating from the college.

“The College absolutely has a role to play that benefits our local community,” Luria said. “We can assist community partners from an economic development standpoint by showcasing the talents of our students and the ongoing research that relates to companies who are considering relocating or expanding to Tucson.”

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Engage with the College of Science through our outreach venues, Career Center and the Galileo Circle.

Learn more at science.arizona.edu/community www.BizTucson.com

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PHOTO BY BRENT G. MATHIS

By Mary Minor Davis

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