College of Natural Science
Connections NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS FALL 2009
Using our strengths to shape the future of science at MSU By R. James Kirkpatrick, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Natural Science Michigan State University
The trees along the Red Cedar are showing the inevitable change of season, and the crisp autumn air invigorates the students and faculty as they head to their classes and research laboratories. The change of season in Mid-Michigan is certainly one aspect of University life that many alumni recall fondly when they think about their days in East Lansing. This fall, though, change at Michigan State is affecting not just the weather but all aspects of the University. Like many organizations, MSU is being significantly affected by the economy. Although the future will surely be marked by dramatic changes in how the University is structured and conducts its business, we are fully committed to continued quality and impact of the education we offer and the new knowledge we produce. Working together, the department chairs and program directors, the faculty, the students, and the alumni of the Dean’s Board of Advisors are deeply engaged in a process of evaluating all aspects of operations in the College of Natural Science. The guiding principles are our commitments to excellence in education and research and to the diversity, openness and engagement that MSU has fostered for many years. While we do not know exactly how we will look, I have no doubt the college will be significantly different a year from now. Indeed, almost all of American higher education, public and private, is in much the
same situation. One of our objectives is to make the right changes so that our competitive position is strengthened even further. As we analyze the data, develop options, and define future directions, it is clear that there is no magic bullet. The issues are complex; the decisions are difficult. We will get it right. As alumni, we ask that you understand the seriousness of our position and our focus. The changes we will be making will allow us to best compete in the areas where we can both teach and conduct leading research to address the most challenging problems facing the world. Our approach is based on a commitment to our alumni and others who have placed their trust in us to educate the next generation of scientific leaders and to undertake research at the highest level. The college has a long track record of success and is often the foundation for much of what is being accomplished at MSU. Investing in our young faculty and students has built a strong framework. I am excited about the new faculty who have joined our team in the past few years and who have already established themselves both at MSU and in the international scientific community. Within the past year, five CNS faculty members received National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development Awards. These awards are among the NSF’s most prestigious and competitive awards for junior researchers, and require outstanding commitment to both teaching and research. The range is astounding: from Chemistry Professor Xuefei Huang who is assembling a library of complex carbohydrates for experiments aimed at advancing medicine, to Mathematics
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Professor Jeff Schenker who is involved with semiconductors and physics by advancing the mathematical theory of how waves scatter from imperfections in complex materials. Equally impressive are the students we attract and the young alumni graduating from our college. Three CNS students received Goldwater Scholarships earlier this year: Jessica Muir and Nathan Sanders, both in physics and astrophysics, along with Tory McCoy who is studying mathematics and geological sciences. These students exemplify the undergraduate majors enrolled in our programs. This semester, CNS has more than 4,800 undergraduate students pursuing one of the 35 majors we offer. The growth in the number of students studying science at MSU is a tribute to the outstanding education offered by our faculty and to the impact that a great research university can have on students’ lives. Whether it is working toward solutions to sustainable energy involving solar cells or biofuels, or improved health through new pharmaceuticals or gene expression, the college is providing the fundamental science for solutions to the most critical problems. Sustaining our level of excellence, however, cannot be done without a shift in how we operate. Change is coming. As we adjust our structure and make the necessary modifications to adapt to the new situation, our investment in core strengths and commitment to excellence will continue to drive success in scientific research and education. Alumni can help us embrace this change. We ask for your trust and your support. Soon the leaves will be gone and the snow will blanket the campus. Yet Spring will usher in a fresh, new season at MSU. For more details on changes at MSU, go to shapingthefuture.msu.edu.
Executive provides help judging undergraduate research Bridging academia and the business world can be a difficult task when trying to provide real-world insight to undergraduate students without compromising the curriculum. Don Keck (B.S. Physics ’62, M.S. ’64, Ph.D. ’67) is using his 34 years of experience in research and leadership at Corning, Inc., to help the college and provide a valuable service to faculty and students. Keck is a member of the college scholarship committee comprised of faculty and alumni who review and rank hundreds of undergraduate research scholarship applications. While the process can be lengthy, it is an important role in providing funding to students conducting research. The college has dozens of endowed scholarships that provide varying levels of funding. In some cases, like the Fowler Undergraduate Research Scholarship, the funding means students can conduct research full-time and not have to work a summer job. “As the number of applications has grown over the years the work never becomes old,” Keck said. “It is stimulating and amazing to see the quality and breadth of work at MSU.
We see a wide variety of research proposals, and while you get a view into the professors’ work, you also see the enthusiasm and quality of the students. Nothing like this existed when I was a student. It is fun to see how bright the students are and the good things coming from the research.” The workload can be daunting for the committee assigned to review the Don and Ruth Keck met President Bill Clinton at the White House when applications since undergraduate Don received the National Medal of Technology in 2000. research grants or stipends are pick those proposals which will be a benefit to awarded each semester and for the summer. scientific advancement and society. Those are As financial need and the ability to become the proposals we ultimately try to reward.” involved in undergraduate research projects Keck is no amateur at reviewing research have grown, so too has the committees’ applications and his credentials include the workload. Still, Keck and the committee National Medal of Technology - the nation’s closely examine each application and weigh highest honor for innovators. the merits of each. Upon graduating from MSU, Keck “My career gave me experience in began a career at Corning where he and two seeing different levels of research, from small colleagues worked on the Optical WaveGuide advances to major breakthroughs,” Keck said. Project. Within two years, Keck and his team “Over time you see what constitutes good, had invented the fi rst low-loss optical fiber meaningful research and from that you can and revolutionized the telecommunications industry. Keck continued to make innovations at Corning while climbing the corporate ladder. He retired in 2002 as Vice President and Director of Research. CNS alumni continue to have an impact on science well beyond the campus of East As an Inductee of the National Inventors Lansing. In the past year, three CNS alumni have careers which have intersected with key Hall of Fame, Keck also serves as a judge for areas in the executive and legislative branches of government. their Collegiate Inventor awards. He enjoys President Obama recently appointed Roger Beachy, Ph.D. Botany ‘73, as the keeping his hand in science while helping first director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and students launch their careers. Agriculture, formerly known as the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension “You know the world is going to be a Service. Beachy is the founding president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center better place because of what these students in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and is are doing,” Keck said. “These students will internationally known for his ground-breaking research on developing virus-resistant plants have a leg up in all aspects of life and their career. I wish we could give more students this through biotechnology. advantage by providing more scholarships.” Doug Randall, Ph.D. Biochemistry ‘70, was reappointed and confirmed by Congress Keck adds that the majority of to a second term on the National Science Board - the governing board of the NSF applications are in biological sciences. “In my and policy advisors to the President and Congress. Randall is former director of the time at MSU, the hard, physical sciences were Interdisciplinary Plant Group at the University of Missouri where his lab is working on the main focus,” Keck said. “We see now how improving biodegradable plastic production. the focus among students has shifted to the Karen Wayland, Ph.D. Geology ‘01, was named Policy Advisor for Energy for Speaker biological and life sciences.” Nancy Pelosi in February. Wayland previously served as Legislative Director for the Natural Don and Ruth Keck established the Resources Defense Council and was the American Geophysical Union Congressional William G. “Bill” and Zelda Keck Memorial Science Fellow for Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) from 2001-2003, where she worked on Scholarship in 2003 to support undergraduate nuclear waste, water, energy and Native American issues. students in the college. He is also a member of the CNS Dean’s Board of Advisors.
Alumni inside the Beltway
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Alumnus protects the Great Lakes Susan Sylvester (B.S. Fisheries’76, M.S. Aquatic Entomology ’78) is making the Great Lakes safer and cleaner for everyone. When she isn’t working on water quality issues for the state of Wisconsin, Sylvester is a steadfast MSU football fan and Girl Scout troop leader – where she is educating the next generation of science leaders. Sylvester is the recipient of the 2009 College of Natural Science Outstanding Susan Sylvester is helping lead Wisconsin’s efforts in water quality programs Alumni Award. She serves as and is helping protect the Great Lakes from invasive species. permits chief of watershed management at the Wisconsin the Gulf Hypoxia task force. The task force is Department of Natural Resources where she trying to reduce nutrient deposition that leads spends most of her time working on ballast to hypoxic zone at the end of the Mississippi water issues in the Great Lakes. river. “Ballast water discharge is the primary “My time at MSU challenged me to think way that invasive species get into the Great and not to accept the easy answers, but to find Lakes,” Sylvester said. “I’m working with the real solutions,” Sylvester said. “That is what results of the Great Ships Initiative fresh water I have been doing my entire career. I’ve been testing of treatment technologies for ballast presented with problems and I find solutions.” water to find better ways to control invasive Sylvester is proud to have been the species.” first administrator of all water programs for When she graduated from MSU, she the state of Wisconsin, including fisheries, knew she wanted to improve water quality, water quality and drinking water. She was but at the time universities didn’t offer water awarded the Bronze Medal from the U.S. quality programs. Her degree in Fisheries Environmental Protection Agency for a combined with her degree in Entomology to precedent setting settlement of a hazardous prepare her to work in her field. waste case. “It was a new field then,” Sylvester said. Her experience and leadership also goes “I did a lot of independent study programs beyond business and government as she and I was able to study aquatic ecology at promotes environmental leadership to young Kellogg Biological Station. MSU afforded me women in the Girl Scouts. She received the the opportunity to study the field I wanted to group’s 2008 Rosemary Fleming Award and study.” has been a troop leader for seven years. Sylvester is working on some of the largest Sylvester and her family enjoy fishing, sailing, water quality issues facing the Great Lakes and kayaking on the waters she is helping to Basin and the Mississippi River today. She protect. serves on the Great Ships Initiative Board and
CONNECTIONS Newsletter is published annually by the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University for alumni and friends. Comments, suggestions and submissions are encouraged. Copyright 2009. Michigan State University. MSU is an affirmative-action equal-opportunity employer. College of Natural Science, Advancement Office 103 Natural Science Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1115 Ph (517) 432-4561, E-mail: natsci4u@msu.edu
Suzette Hittner, senior director of advancement Michael Steger, communications manager Contributing writers: R. James Kirkpatrick, Suzette Hittner, Gordon Shetler and Michael Steger. Photos: Robert Last, Gordon Shetler, Mike Steger, Kurt Stepnitz, and MSU University Relations.
CNS Alumni Awards Friends of the College of Natural Science gathered at the Kellogg Center in April for the annual awards convocation to honor outstanding alumni, faculty and students. Hosted by the CNS Alumni Association, the event recognized recipients of college-level scholarships and faculty awards. The CNS Alumni Association presented the following awards: Outstanding Alumni Award: Susan Sylvester, B.S. Fisheries ‘76, M.S. Entomology ‘78 Meritorious Faculty Award: James Stapleton, Professor Emeritus, Statistics & Probability Tracy A. Hammer Graduate Student Award for Professional Development: Kimberly Cervello, mathematics education, Rochester, N.Y. David Duriancik, human nutrition, Vandergrift, Penn. Dan Bolin Undergraduate Awards: Dennis Miner, biochemistry, Lockport, N.Y. Paul Harris, biochemistry, Flushing, Mich. Tiffany Chritz, nutritional sciences, Midland, Mich. Lucan Chatterley, human biology, Williamston, Mich.
Nominations sought for 2010 alumni awards Is there a professor who really made an impact on your career? Or an alumnus who exemplifies MSU and the science community? Help CNS recognize these individuals by nominating them for the Outstanding Alumni, Recent Alumni and Meritorious Faculty Awards. E-mail Elizabeth Wheeler at natsci4u@msu.edu or visit naturalscience.msu.edu for details.
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Students win research awards Congratulations to the 15 CNS student award winners from the 2009 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum. More than 600 MSU students participated in the annual event highlighting the research conducted by the students at MSU. Malik Dhandha, a biomedical laboratory diagnostics senior, was the grand prize winner for his project “Distinct autoantibody subtype Profiles Correlate with Defined Clinical Subgroups in Pemphigus Vulgaris.” Alumni are invited to experience the excitement of the forum and view hundreds of students presenting their work at next year’s event on April 16, 2010, at the MSU Union. For a complete list of the research projects and awards, go to urca.msu.edu.
Alumni Reunion Days: Class of 1959 Alumni from 1959 and earlier returned to campus in June for Alumni Reunion Days. As part of the annual event, CNSAA hosted a breakfast for 30 alumni who, along with dozens of others who were unable to attend, helped raise more than $1,000 for the CNSAA Endowed Scholarship Fund which provides funds for CNS student scholarships. The 50-year reunion is hosted by the MSU Alumni Association and many of the colleges. More than 345 people attended, including 110 were from the class of 1959. Alumni from 1960 and earlier are invited to attend next year’s reunion on June 3-4, 2010.
CNS by the Numbers (Fall 2009): 4,809 Undergraduate CNS Majors 1,151 Freshman CNS Majors 988 CNS Graduate Students 47,100 Total MSU Enrollment 768 Bachelors Degrees Awarded (Dec. ‘08 - Aug. ‘09)
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Freshmen start early at science camp Students wade in the water of a river near MSU’s Kellogg Biological Station as part of a field research project designed to introduce them to college-level science and give them an early jump on Fall classes.
Freshman biology students started their MSU experience a month before arriving on campus as part of a new CNS program called SpartaNature. The summer biology program was held at the Kellogg Biological Station in July and provided 92 students with a jump-start on college. The program brought students together in small groups to experience the natural sciences in a hands-on fashion. They earned two credits, developed relationships and were introduced to college-level science. “The first year of SpartaNature was a great success in getting freshmen indoctrinated into the college science environment,” said Kathy Doig, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education. “The students found the program as a good experience to meet new friends, meet faculty and transition into MSU.” The students conducted research in the field and the laboratory, learned about critical thinking and were able to establish friendships before they arrived on the campus in East Lansing. “Every year, we see talented students arrive at MSU and they are not quite sure of what area of biological sciences they wish to study,” Doig said. “This is one way we can help students find their interests early on, so
they can choose a major that best matches their skills and interests.” In addition to providing students with an orientation to college, the long-term goal of SpartaNature is to increase retention of students majoring in biological sciences. The program is modeled after a University of Minnesota program which increased the four-year graduation rate while reducing the dropout rate. The program doesn’t just end after three days at KBS. The students continue SpartaNature exercises in the fall term while on campus. They meet several times during the semester to continue working with their groups and examining the research conducted during the program under the guidance of their academic mentors. “Ninety-eight percent of the students said they would recommend SpartaNature to other students,” Doig said. “We had a very successful first year, and their feedback will help us shape this program for next summers’ freshmen class.” For incoming freshmen in 2010, SpartaNature will be offered again to help introduce students to the MSU science community and launch their studies in biological sciences. For more information on this program, go to spartanature.msu. edu.
Students experience science around the world Classrooms come in all shapes and sizes. For CNS Study Abroad programs, the classroom combines with culture to strongly influence personal skills, attitudes and understanding. MSU leads the nation in study abroad participation at a public university for the fourth year in a row, according to Open Doors 2008. More than 3,100 students left the country last year to learn. CNS sponsors six study abroad programs and along with five co-institutional programs where students are placed at foreign universities for up to a year. “Sixty-four students participated in CNS study abroad programs this year and a greater number participated in programs hosted by other MSU colleges,” said Deb Dotterer, CNS Director of Student Affairs. “The combination of science, culture and unique learning opportunities provide the participants with lifelong memories and skills.” This summer, CNS led programs in Kenya to study behavior and ecology of African mammals; the Canadian Rockies to learn about wildlife, geology and ecology; Switzerland to explore environmental science; Uganda to study evolution and forest biodiversity; Tanzania to learn about food, nutrition and health; and Ecuador to learn about the biology of the Galapagos Islands. The expense for students to study abroad can be immense due to travel costs and tuition. Students in the college compete for a limited number of privately-funded scholarships to help offset the costs. Following are highlights and observations from CNS students who participated in several of the programs this year.
Brian Krisko captured this photograph while in the water at the Galapagos.
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Brian Krisko, a senior in zoology, traveled to the Galapagos Islands to learn about Darwin and biology. He watched the behavior of Galapagos Sharks, penguins, the blue-footed booby and studied differences between the islands he visited. He said the trip changed his perspective on science. “One memory from my trip is swimming with sea turtles,” Krisko said. “I’ve seen many pictures of them but Emily Waymire admired the views of Rwanda and the Congo from never realized how large and amazing Mgahinga National Park, Uganda. they really are until I dove down and She learned about Swiss culture, food and swam so close to one I could touch it. It the language, and also had a chance to go was the most amazing experience of my life.” paragliding in the Alps. “One memory that really stands out from Uganda my trip was paragliding over the Swiss Alps,” David Orban, a senior in zoology, Johnson said. “It was an amazing view and was gained a new perspective on the relationships something I never would of thought of doing between organisms. but I’m glad I did it because I will never forget “Being a zoology major, we learn a lot the feeling of excitement.” about ecology, evolution and animal behavior in our classes and from our text books,” Orban Tanzania said. “However, reading about it, just doesn’t Stephanie Chaczyk, a junior in give the same effect as being there.” nutritional science, traveled to Tanzania to Emily Waymire, a senior in zoology, learn about the food, nutrition and health recalled an encounter with a gorilla while she in children this summer. She was in Uganda. said she will never forget the “One young male reared hardships that she saw while back, beat his chest and then she was there. charged our group, throwing “The severity of poverty up dirt and grabbing at and malnutrition truly exists our pant legs - literally two in third world countries like or three inches from us,” Tanzania,” Chaczyk said. “I Waymire said. “Everyone saw children with protein ducked down terrified deficiency as well as children until we noticed our guides with extremely small bone laughing. They explained circumference, relative to the that the huge young gorilla size of a quarter. They had was well known and that he hospitals that looked like often playfully pretended to charge visitors and was always Stephanie Chaczyk visiting a hospital neglected buildings with very little medical equipment or pulling at clothing. Everyone in Tanzania. staff ; incomparable to the stood up and watched as the medical facilities we have here. gorilla continued running Having witnessed this has made a huge impact around actually laughing, which sounded on my perspective and has given me more incredibly human-like, clearly pleased with drive toward working in the medical field and himself.” helping people – especially with regard to Switzerland nutrition.” Shamone Johnson, a sophomore prePhotos provides by Stephanie Chaczyk, Brian Krisko, Emily medical student, traveled to Switzerland. Waymire and NASA Visible Earth. MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2009
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ClassALUMNI Notes
CLASS NOTES
Margaret Smith, Med. Tech. ’53, recently served as the interim director of the Battle Creek Nursing Clinic. John Ohlsson, Microbiology ’58, has made 16 overseas mission trips giving dental services to hundreds of patients in Guatemala, Haiti, Panama, Brazil and Nicaragua. Robert L. Lippson, Zoology ’63, MS ’64, PhD ’76, and wife Alice are publishing Life along the Inner Coast: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Sounds, Inlets, Rivers, and Intracoastal Waterway from Norfolk to Key West in October, 2009. Ronald Simon, Math ‘67, has been elected Chairman of the Board of the six AutoOwners Insurance Group companies. Robert Henderson, Physics ’67, is the Chief Scientist of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. John Wettaw, PhD Chemistry ’67, received an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University. Paul Labine, PhD Chemistry ’71, is teaching chemistry at Palm Beach State College in Boca Raton, Florida. Deborah Hollis, Med. Tech. ‘72, has been named Acting Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy for Michigan. Walter Judd, Botany ’73, MAT ’74, was recently promoted to the rank of Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Florida. Allan Wilke, Math ’73, MA ’74, is the new Chair of Integrated Medicine at Ross University’s Bahamas campus. Nancy Nelson, Math ‘74, retired after 34 years of teaching high school mathematics.
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Michael Bozack, Astrophysics ‘75, MS Physics ‘77, is a physics professor at Auburn University and has recently published the book StreetSmart Advice to Christian College Students: From a Professor’s Point of View.
Thomas Stebbins, MS Botany and Plant Pathology ‘78, is a horticultural agent in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was recognized as the Tennessee County Agent Communicator of the Year for 2008.
Tim Buxton, Geology ’77, MS ’81, is in his 20th year with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service where he works on abandoned mine sites.
Carl Wenning, MAT Planetarium Education ’78, retired in 2008 from Illinois State University after 30 years where he served as planetarium director and director of Physics Teacher Education. He continues to work part-time teaching and editing the Journal of Physics Teacher Education Online.
Tim Greenamyre, Microbiology ’77, is professor and vice-chair of neurology, chief of the movement disorders division, director of the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and UPMC Endowed Chair at the University of Pittsburgh. Glenn Preston, Math ’77, MS Applied Math ’80, has worked at TASC, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Information Systems Sector, for 22 years and recently became an adjunct instructor in mathematics at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Gail (Seelye) Schwoebel, Physical Science ’72, received the ISTA/Horace Mann Hoosier Educator of the Year and was a national semifinalist for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence Larry Reichard, MS Zoology ’77, is the President of the Missouri Academy of Science (2008-2009) and Division Chairperson for the Division of Science and Technology at Metropolitan Community Colleges-Maple Woods campus, Kansas City, Missouri. Susan Merten, Med. Tech. ’78, teaches middle school science in Chicago and has been named a NSTA New Science Teacher Academy Fellow. Greg Miller, Nutrition ’78, recently gave two presentations at the Int’l Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit in Germany. He also serves on the Communications and Science Advisory Board of the Global Dairy Platform.
William Green, Fisheries and Wildlife ’79, Math ’82, MS Fisheries and Wildlife ’84, is the coordinator of the Knabusch Mathematics and Science Center and is part of a partnership between Monroe schools and the DNR to include hands-on experiences in the natural world using Lake Erie and the surrounding environment as a learning laboratory for problem solving, observing, and discovery. Susan McQuiston, Med. Tech. ’79, recently joined the MSU Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program as an instructor and advisor. She is teaching hematology labs, transplant and transfusion labs, and introduction to CLS principles. Nancy (Wilcox) Widener, Microbiology ’80, MS Clinical Laboratory Sciences ’89, is the Executive Director, Central Clinical Operations, at Bristol-Myers Squibb where she is responsible for the global development activities to get drugs registered. Raul Fajardo, Food Science ’81, was promoted to Global VP Quality for McCain Foods Limited, a global leader in the frozen food industry. Paul Layer, Geology ’81, is Interim Dean of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics at University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Brandon West, Microbiology ‘82, is celebrating his 20th year of private practice in podiatric medicine and surgery in Detroit and Walled Lake, Michigan. Mark Batzer, Microbiology ‘83, MS Zoology ‘85, was elected an AAAS fellow and has been selected as the Dr. Mary Lou Applewhite Distinguished Professor and as an LSU System Boyd Professor at Louisiana State University. S. Frank Rabbio, Geology ‘85, MS ‘88, is now Exploration Manager of Catamount Exploration, LLC, in Denver, Colorado. Renee Kirsch, Chemistry ’86, is Group Leader in Technical Services in the Quality Management Department at Hoffmann-La Roche where she is responsible for cleaning validation, particle size analysis, spectroscopy, method validation and support of internal and external complaints/issues. Mark Buffa, Chemistry ’88, is the lead materials engineer for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Batteries at General Motors and has been working on the VOLTec and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. William Bowerman, PhD Environmental Toxicology ’93, is the President of the Faculty Senate at Clemson University. Benn Tannenbaum, MS Physics ’93, is Associate Program Director for the Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy at the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was just made an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University. Dave Young, Chemistry ’93, Computational Math ’93, PhD Chemistry ’97, has published his second book, Computational Drug Design. Terri (Green) Schmidt, Zoology ’94, is the Department Chair for Science at Baker College in Jackson, Michigan. Stephanie (Berish) Eckley, Medical Technology ’96, is a Pathology Manager at Saint Mary’s Health Care (Trinity Health) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Christopher Hanley, Astrophysics ’96, MS ’98, was promoted to Senior Systems Software
Engineer in the Science Software Branch at the Space Telescope Science Institute. Ying Bin Fu, PhD Biochemistry ‘98, is an assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at the University of Utah. Kurt Spearing, MS Geology ‘98, is finishing a PhD in biology at Northern Illinois University and is a visiting faculty member at the University of St. Thomas and Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Khara Grieger, Botany and Zoology ’99, MS Plant Bio. ‘03, is a doctoral student in the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), located outside Copenhagen, Denmark. Jonathan Vogel, Zoology ’00, PhD Cell and Molecular Biology ’05, finished a post-doc at the University of Florida and is a scientists at BASF Plant Science in Durham, North Carolina. Joshua Roebke, Physics ’01, had his essay “The Reality Tests”, originally published in Seed Magazine, included in the book The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2009. He is currently a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley and is working on his first book The Invisible World - a social and cultural history of physics in the 20th century. Brook Kawchak, Physiology ’02, is Operations Manager at Saint Joseph Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin.
Erin Stein, Math ’05, is a mathematics and French teach at Princeton Day School in Princeton, New Jersey, and received a grant from the French government last year to take classes on French and teaching French in Paris. Brandon Hanold, Astrophysics ’06, is a Laboratory Engineer at the Rochester Imaging Detector Laboratory/Rochester Institute of Technology. He recently co-authored First use of a HyViSI H4RG for Astronomical Observations in the Proceedings of SPIE. Danielle Salvatore, Zoology ’06, is a Marine Mammal Trainer at Marineland in St. Augustine, Florida where she oversees 12 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins ranging in age from newborn calves to 56 years. Joe Sullivan, Geology ’06, is teaching 9th grade earth science at a Consortium College Preparatory High School in Detroit, Michigan. Jamey Hardesty, Microbiology ’07, is the Pandemic Influenza Systems Epidemiologist in the Surveillance and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Section at the Michigan Department of Community Health. Susan Achberger, M.S. Biochemistry ’08, is a Research Technologist at the Cleveland Clinic - Taussig Cancer Center. Brian Rambadt, Biological Science ’08, is teaching high school biology in Salt Lake City.
Harry Lee, PhD Microbiology ‘02 is a patent agent at Lee, Hong, Degerman, Kang & Waimey P.C. in Los Angeles, California. Brian Lipinski, Geology ’02, is a Geologist for EXCO Resources in Pittsburgh and is involved in a large-scale exploration effort of the Marcellus Shale in the Appalachian Basin. Camillia Smith Barnes, Math ‘02, MS ’02, is a tenure-track mathematics faculty member at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Mark Borgman, Med. Tech. ’04, is doing a Clinical Chemistry fellowship at the University of Louisville Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
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Tiny plant connects scientists, solves big problems into fatty acids and is a viable strategy to increase the oil content in seeds.” Oilseed crops, like canola and soybeans, There is a small, unassuming plant in the contain high-energy oils that can be used for mustard family – thale cress – that grows in biofuel production. Finding ways to increase Europe and Asia and has been cultured in the the amount of oils these plants store would International Space Station. Better known as mean increased production of biofuels. Arabidopsis thaliana, or just Arabidopsis, it is This discovery is leading the way for one of the most studied plants in the world. research using grasses and the rutabaga plant. At MSU, it plays a central role for scientists “We believe Biofuels working on problems ranging from health to that MSU can use this energy to food. mutant transcription The lab of Arabidopsis was the first plant genome factor to convert a starch Professor Christoph sequenced and is one of the highest quality storage organ into an Benning has sequences of any multi-cellular organism, oil storage organ in according to biochemistry professor Rob Last. discovered a gene plants such as rutabaga,” in Arabidopsis “This plant is a good model organism Benning said. “Moreover, that when mutated for study because it has a relatively small we are confident that we produces wrinkled genome and it grows quickly, he said. “This seeds. The mutation Arabidopsis thaliana was the first plant with a sequenced can use Wrinkled1 to means scientists can gather information about genome and plays a fundamental role in many different produce oil in different in Wrinkled1 expression of its tens of thousands of genes research projects at MSU. grasses to enhance their inactivates this under many conditions, in different tissues energy density.” transcription factor and during different stages of development.” In the same way that animals tell us about that normally turns on, like a light switch, the Feeding the World genes that produce fatty acids. The mutated how the human genome works, Arabidopsis switch in Wrinkled1 plants is permanently provides clues about the workings of genomes The food we eat is filled with vitamins, “off ”, so the seeds don’t accumulate fatty acids of more complex plants like rice, corn and essential amino acids and nutrients necessary and look wrinkled. other agriculturally important plants. for human health. All of these come from “Photosynthesis produces sugars,” said “In the last couple of years, scientists are plants and Arabidopsis is being used to Benning, an internationally recognized expert finally beginning to do map-based or geneticunderstand plant metabolism to make humans in plant lipid metabolism. “The Wrinkled1 based cloning in corn,” Last said. “Because of protein controls the conversion of these sugars healthier. the complexity of the corn genome – there Professor Dean Della Penna is studying how plants can become more nutritious. He studies how plants create and store vitamins in plastids - a unique storage structure inside Recent CNS news in plant science plant cells. Generally, plants have high concentrations of vitamins A and E inside A tremendous amount of research is going on in the MSU plant science community. their leaves, but much less in the parts that we Among the recent headlines associated with items referenced on these pages are: often eat, the grains and the fruits. - MSU is a major partner in the Great Lake Bioenergy Research Center, a U.S. He focuses on flipping the genetic Department of Energy Center which is completing research to advance basic routing switch, so vitamins and minerals are bioenergy knowledge and its application to sustainable energy development. stored inside the parts people eat. His work - MSU is a part of a Grand Opportunities grant from the National Institutes of on rice fortified with vitamins is helping fight Health to use transcriptomics and metabolomics to uncover how several popular malnutrition in developing countries that rely plants make medicinal compounds and paving the way for more efficient drug on rice as a main source of food. production. Arabidopsis research also improves crop - BASF Plant Science licensed a plant gene from MSU that regulates oil accumulation plants by studying how to develop more in plant seeds discovered by Christoph Benning. The gene is being used to develop pathogen resistant plants and discovering the enhanced soybean and canola varieties for increased oil production, with potential history of our cultivated crops. for boosting nutritional value, fuel content and other commercial prospects. Plant biology professor Tao Sang studies the diversity of rice genomes and By Gordon Shetler
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are 2 billion nucleotide sequences in corn, making it about the same size as the human genome – a working draft has just recently been completed This has been a strong focus of research since the 1920s. However, with Arabidopsis, we have been doing research for decades and the plant has become a powerful tool in many areas of study.”
how cultivation over thousands of years has caused changes in the plant’s genetic material. To understand the changes in the genome, researchers can rely on Arabidopsis, which has a similar genome sequence. Helping plants fight predators and diseases, Professors Gregg Howe and Sheng Yang He are studying how plants resist pathogens and signal pathogen responses. They use Arabidopsis and tomato plants to determine how the defense signaling proteins work. Howe’s research also will help us understand ourselves. The plant hormones Howe studies are very similar to human hormones, only not as complex. These plant hormones are structurally similar to the compounds whose production is inhibited by aspirin and Ibuprofen in people. So, although plants don’t get headaches, they respond to injury by producing strikingly similar chemical messengers. Health and the Environment “The interaction between humans, human health and plants could not be tighter,” said Tom Sharky, chair of the Department of Biochemistry and molecular Biology. “The most obvious is what we eat; it comes from plants or it comes from an animal which ate plants. Many of the compounds we need that are essential to our metabolism are made by plants.” Sharkey’s research lab uses Arabidopsis to study how plants emit isoprene – a compound which reacts with other gasses in the atmosphere to cause low-altitude ozone and increase particulate matter in the air. Naturally, Arabidopsis doesn’t produce the compound, but Sharkey inserted the genes from different species of aspen trees and oak trees, which are major producers of isoprene. Air pollution, even from natural sources, can have lasting effects on human health. “We are trying to find out why plants make this hydrocarbon,” Sharkey said. “With a better understanding how it is made and regulated, we would be able to improve the air quality for everyone.” Foundation for Discovery Studies to understand the Arabidopsis genome and the plant functions that it
The South portion of MSU’s campus is the hub of MSU’s physical and biological science research and teaching. In addition to the forthcoming Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, this area will also be home to the Plant Science Expansion. The expansion will connect the Plant Biology Building and Plant and Soil Sciences Building and provide necessary lab space for MSU’s plant science research.
controls is a continuous process. One of the critical areas of studies for scientists is to understand how genes function in chloroplasts, where light is converted to energy in plants. The Chloroplast 2010 Initiative, led by Rob Last, is examining the relationships between thousands of different genes and almost 100 different measurable physical characteristics in the chloroplast. “The hope is to be able to look at the chloroplast as a system rather than a series of connected components that aren’t necessarily obvious,” said Last. “We want to go beyond the ‘one gene, one process at a time’ approach and take a more holistic approach to analyzing the data.” Traditionally, finding the gene that causes a particular trait or phenotype has explained how a gene controls a particular physiological process. More recently, scientists have been reversing the process by selecting two or more genes and manipulating them to determine their function and looking at the changes in the phenotype. “The collaborating labs at MSU are trying to take a very open-ended approach toward genetics,” Last said. “We’re looking at mutants in several thousand genes instead of just one, two, 10 or even 30. We’re screening their phenotypes using 12 different screens, which collectively account for about seven dozen
different discreet traits that we’re measuring.” The project is developing a knowledge base that will set the stage for future comprehensive systems models of plastid metabolism and function. Like many research projects at MSU involving Arabidopsis, this too offers tremendous practical implications. “The science and technology of plants and natural systems is becoming increasingly relevant in human medicine as scientists look for greater efficiencies and ‘greener’ ways of manufacturing drugs and other health care products,” added Steve Pueppke, Director of the Michigan Agriculture Experiment Station. There is no way to identify all the MSU research labs relying on Arabidopsis at some level for their studies, yet it is obvious that the this unassuming plant has an important role in research on campus that crosses many boundaries. Beyond MSU, scientists around the world continue to utilize the knowledge from this small plant to solve the largest problems.
Gordon Shetler is an MSU alumnus with a B.S. in plant biology. He is completing a master’s degree in journalism and is a science writer for the College of Natural Science Advancement Office.
MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2009
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An investment in the future of science, society By Suzette Hittner Senior Director of Advancement College of Natural Science The CNS Advancement Office is, as always, a hub of activity as we continue work with academic departments and faculty to further strengthen programs related to students and research. MSU’s growth and maintenance of reliable endowment funding is a key component as we build on strengths that our students and the larger community will need in the years to come. Adroit leadership and management at MSU have kept our endowment resources strong even in recent economic times. Investments made to our endowment continue to grow and provide a strong foundation for our programs. One way our endowment works is by enabling CNS to attract and retain the brightest students with the use of scholarships and fellowships. In 1991, Jim and Jean Valrance established the Lumsden-Valrance Endowed Scholarship to benefit entering CNS freshman coming from high schools in Northern Michigan. Over the last 18 years, this individual endowment has provided 68 scholarships – each funding up to 15 credits of tuition per semester. This stable funding has been critical to realizing the educational goals of so many capable students, and Jim and Jean have been extremely proud of each of their scholarship’s recipients - so much so, that the Valrances kept in contact with many of the students during
their time at MSU and after graduation. Earlier this year, when Jean sadly passed away, I felt it was important to remind Jim and his family of the lives that Jean and he had touched through their shared generosity. To do so, we reached out to provide them a documented look at the lives they had affected. A few emails later, we were able to connect with many of the Valrances’ scholarship recipients. From those connections, we compiled a treasury of biographies, accomplishments and images. We heard from alumni around the world who were eager to share their stories with the family that had played a key role in their education at MSU. One special note came from Elliot Nelson, a current student in biological science who will graduate in 2010. Elliot wrote: “Looking back, I know that it was the willingness of other people to help that has made me who I am today. Whether it was my parents encouraging me to discover nature, someone from another culture willing to share, or someone like you who is willing to put someone they have never even met through school, it is because of the help of others that I am who I am today.” As an advancement officer, it’s most gratifying to share the reflective insights of a thoughtful young person with those who have made that insight possible. We find that CNS alumni are always anxious to hear about how our students, alumni and scientific
research are helping society, and Jim Valrance was no exception. When I presented Jim with the collection of correspondence from his “alumni” a few months ago, the emotion was overwhelming as the impressive stories illustrated the lives touched through one family’s generosity. Better yet, the list of students helped by the Valrances’ generosity will continue to grow for generations to come. Regardless of the ebbs and flows of the economy, or organizational changes at the university, endowed scholarships continue to serve their key purpose – whether that is enabling MSU to recruit and support excellent students with steady, consistent educational funding or provide resources for specific research or academic thrusts. The investment made through the creation of a CNS endowment provides the type of support that continues to make a real difference in the lives of students and faculty by enhancing their education, research, daily work, future inventions and academic excellence. Simply put, endowments serve as cornerstones in the increasingly complex world of science. We can build upon their stability and with confidence and purpose. These gifts build a stronger organization while positively influencing the lives that become the fabric of our larger communities. A gift to an endowment is an investment in the next generation of science leaders as students and faculty work to solve the most difficult problems.
Ways of giving to MSU and the College of Natural Science
IRA rollover ends this year
Gifts to MSU can be made in many ways. Outright gifts of cash are the simplest way to contribute and provide donors who itemize on their tax returns a deduction to the fullest extent of the law. Other giving options include: Securities and real estate - these generate a possible double tax benefit with income tax and potential tax on capital gains; Matching gifts - many companies throughout the country match employee gifts; Bequests - offer another avenue for giving and take many different forms depending on the intention; Life income plans - allows a donor to receive income in return for the substantial gift; Retirement plans - often preserve more assets for heirs while providing a gift to benefit a worthwhile cause. Contact Suzette Hittner at (517) 353-9855 for more details on any of these options.
The tax provsion allowing individuals to contribute up to $100,000 from their IRA directly to qualified charities ends in 2009. To take advantage of this provision, individuals must be 70-1/2 years of age, or older, on the date of the distribution. Donors may count the amount of the distribution toward the RequiredMinimum Distribution for taxdeferred retirement account in that year. There is no minimum amount needed for the gift.
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Honor Roll of Donors The many alumni and friends whose names appear on the following pages have helped lay the financial foundation for the College of Natural Science. Their support allows the college to provide scholarships to promising students, assist faculty with research and academic pursuits and enhance the natural science community. Recognition represents contributions made between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. While we have carefully reviewed the names listed, we apologize for any errors or omissions and encourage you to contact the CNS Advancement Office at (517) 353-9855. Donor Clubs Members of university-wide donor clubs with gifts designated in whole or more than ten percent to the College of Natural Science. Memberships are based on cumulative giving to all MSU programs. Clifton R. Wharton Society Recognizing individuals who makes a commitment of at least $2,500,000 to MSU or a qualifying deferred gift of at least $3,750,000. Randolph Cowen Kedzie Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $1,000,000 and $2,499,999 or a documented planned gift of at least $1,500,000. Henry and Lois Blosser Stephen and Patricia Chazen David Grant Dvorak, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. Kirkwood E. Faber Larry D. Fowler Gregory F. Hauser Mr. Harley N. Hotchkiss Professor Rudolph Hugh, Ph.D. William N. Hurja Glenda and Peter Lappan Henry and Lois Blosser Drs. G. Thomas and Robin L. Morgan Dr. Milton E. Muelder Timothy R. and Patricia E. Oren Elizabeth Difanis Phillips Marvis Richardson Ron and Sharon Rogowski Barnett and Ritta Rosenberg Richard and Patricia Wagner Shaw Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $500,000 and $999,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $1,000,000. Marilyn M. Culpepper Keith and Sue Knapp Dr. George H. Lauff Helen M. Snider Drs. Richard J. and Renate M. Snider Jean and Jim Valrance Warren and Anneliese Wood Abbot Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $250,000 and $499,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $500,000.
Richard and Joyce Benefiel Marc Conlin Pam and Bill Costabile Larry R. Dalton and Nicole Boand Mark and Sandy Ehlert Richard and Claire Gantos Dr. Ronald E. Goldsberry Thomas and Mary Krigas Dr. Evan F. Meltzer Leo V. and Rebecca Nothstine Jack and Karen Sue Preiss Alfred J. Zeits and Ruth K. Zeits Snyder Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $100,000 and $249,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $200,000. Orrin and Eleanor Barrett Everett “Tex” Beneke Ralph and Dorothy Bertolacini Dr. James Billman, Jr. Cec Borgeson Dr. D. Otto Cheng Carol A. DesJardins Dr. Kathryn M. Doig and Mr. Richard J. Benson Daniel and Debra Edson Alena Fabian, M.D. Barbara J. Frey and Nicholas R. Thines Olga K. Fritz Cheryl Sisk and Doug Gage Dr. and Mrs. John P. Giesy David and Karen Gloss John and Velda Godfrey Dr. Richard Hahin Elizabeth Hantel Dale E. Hissong Roger and Gail Kolasinski Dr. Christy MacKinnon Thomas and Catherine Mall Dr. and Mrs. Sigurd O. Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Eugene N. Parker Emory James and Mary Kathryn Patmos Richard C. and Shirley G. Pendell Dr. and Mrs. Ramon F. Rolf David and Sara Taft Paul A. Taylor Brad and Jane Thompson Stephen E. Tilmann and Adrian Bass Linda Petro Ulrey and Laurence Ulrey Dr. Berttina B. Wentworth Dr. Daniel Williams Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Yerrick Hannah Society Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $50,000 and $99,999 to MSU or a documented planned gift of at least $100,000. Lois Alexander Art and Mary Apkarian Jean B. Bach Walter Blinn Robert and Patricia Boyd Kathy and Richard Burgis Claire Byerrum Dr. and Mrs. James W. Carter Mrs. Nadine Churchill Sharon DeBar Scott Essex and Brooke Corley Dan and Pam Farra Harry and Ruth Ann Foiles Brunet Ethan C. (“Chuck”) Galloway
Dr. Robert W. Gee Dennis and Joan Gilliland Hershel Goren Geraldine and Harold Hart Dr. Shirley Hartlage R. James and Carol A. Kirkpatrick Frederick G. and Virginia A. Krauss Dr. Peter L. Lee Gloria and F. R. (Pete) Lehman Joanne and Peter McPherson Mable E. Meites Linda M. Murphey Charlotte F. Nametz Juliette L. Primeau Robert J. Rietz Jean J. Robinson Dr. James E. Rodman Michael Schulz J. Mark and Kathleen B. Scriber Barb Sears and Ben Hassenger Dr. Duncan F. Sibley and Margaret C. Sibley Ronald H. and Mary E. Simon Mr. Gordon Smale William L. and Andrea K. Smith Douglas Spragg Clarence and Loretta Suelter Steve and Sunday Wagner Yang Wang, Ph.D. and Dr. Weixin Xu Russell and Laura Whalls Beaumont Tower Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $25,000 and $49,999 to MSU. Anthony and Racelle Armada Sam M. and Mary E. Austin Thomas E. Ayres Maurine Bernstein Jim and Julie Bradford Janet and Max Breuer Mrs. Deborah J. Cicinelli-Tim and Dr. Kent E. Timm Tom and Sally Crawford Douglas and Marjorie Deline Larry and Lois Dimmitt Jerry and Carole Dodgson Leonard E. Eames Susan Eleuterio and Tom Sourlis Shelagh and Robert Miller Bruce and Susan Frieman Marianne Galloway Donna Gibson Mrs. Leona C. Good Greg and Jan Hamilton William L. Harkness Herbert and Margaret Hoover Dr. Jon Kaguni Dr. Laurie Kaguni Ruth and Donald Keck Brin and Lisa Keller Gabriele F. Kende Dr. and Mrs. Mark Koenig Lorenz and Lynda Kull Thomas and Lucy Larsen Ellen and George Leroi Joseph and Marjorie Longo Dr. Sam and Susie Mallory Dennis and Estelle McGroarty Rich and Pam Merritt Roger Bruce Miles, Jr. and Kim Scherschligt Lawrence Gregg Mullica Mr. Thomas M. Osgood Max and Jessie Oswald MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2009
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Honor Roll of Donors Dr. Arnold Ott Delmer Parker Charlie and Brooke Partlan Peter and Kate Rathmann Sharon & Dave Regan Lois G. Ridley Richard and Elaine Rudy Dr. Loretta S. Satchell Thomas D. and Paulette B. Sharkey John L. Snyder Frederick W. and Mary Ann Stehr Mr. David B. Steiger and Dr. Elizabeth J. Galbreath Jim and Jan Stewart Arnold D. and Helen E. Suomi Thomas R. Taylor and Margo J. Sackheim Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Tulinsky Mrs. Martha Vincent Katherine R. Fishburn and Thomas A. Vogel John L. Wang and Lucille D. Fallon Vivian L. Wong Mrs. Dorothy J. Young Matt and Mary Ellen Zabik Christiane and William R. Anderson Ms. Doris H. Asher Mr. Sheldon Axler Terrance and Sandra Bacon Presidents Club Recognizing individuals who make a commitment between $10,000 and $24,999 to MSU. George Ball Jack and Joanne Bass Charles and Susan Bauer Dr. and Mrs. Bauer John and Teofila Beaman Scott and Patricia Belden Dr. Glenn Belyea Roger and Louise Bergman Dr. Helmut Bertrand Dr. and Mrs. Morley Biesman George and Anne Bird Dr. David E. Blair and Rebecca Adams Blair Mr. and Mrs. James F. Boettcher Dave Borgatti David M. Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Judson T. Bradford Wayne and Lorene Bronner Kathryn H. Brooks David G. Browning Kirby and Sarah Browns Pamela Pajas and David Burke Zachary F. Burton, Ph.D. and Ann Finkelstein, Ph.D. Gary R. Byerly, Ph.D. and Maud M. Walsh, Ph.D. Chester and Julie Callahan Edward H. and Louise D. Carlson Greg Caucutt Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Angela Ceraso Mrs. Dallas Chapin Jim and Debbie Chase Mildred K. Chatfield Arthur and Barbara Chester David and Jan Clay Ward T. Collins Dr. David DeWitt and Dr. Susan Conrad Robert and Susan Copeland Professor James P. Covell Robert and Carol Cukier Mr. and Mrs. Gil and Jeane de las Alas John and Phyllis Delaney Philip C. Deming Dave and Shari Devendorf Gerald and Marilyn Dommel MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2009 12
Dr. Lewis L. Dotterer and Mrs. Debra A. Dotterer Jim and Angie Dye James and Ruth Linnemann Harry A. and Sara J. Eick Doug and Sue Estry Janine L. Fales Dr. and Mrs. Gregory L. Fauth Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Mr. Richard Mundy Justus J. Fiechtner, M.D. and Karlene J. Gehler Verna C. Finkelstein Brian and Jeannie Mallick Dr. Arthur E. and Lois C. Fitz George L. Fleming Michele M. Fluck, Ph.D. Mr. Edward M. Tank and Dr. Andrea L. Foiles Dr. Bonnie Fons Wilson Sharon R. Fox Professor Pam Fraker Barbara B. Free Mr. and Mrs. James Fuchs Joseph and Josephine Gardiner Dr. John A. Gerlach and Sabrina E. Gerlach Dr. Brage Golding Dr. A. A. Graham Samuel and Julia Gray Ernie S. Grush Jeffrey and Joyce Hack Mr. and Mrs. Stephen W. Hale Don and Peggy Hall Dr. Lee and Lois Halsted William and Christine Hartmann Steven and Merle Heidemann Marshall and Barbara Hestenes Richard and Susan Hill Suzette and Konrad Hittner Julius R. Hoffman Dr. J.F. Holland Robert and Judith Hollingworth Dr. Robert and Mrs. Remedios Holmes Dr. Gregory A. Holzhei Richard J. Hudson Dr. and Mrs. Paul W. W. Hunter Dr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Ignatoski Dr. Andrew and Mrs. Joan Jarosz Mr. Matthew T. Jeska Troy and Elizabeth Johnson Michael Kaiser, M.D. Stephen Kamin and Diane Gutekunst Gerasimos and Marianna Karabatsos Edwin and Marilyn Kashy Ken and Sue Keegstra Norman and Hanna Kelker Natalie M. Kerby and James T. Kerby, M.D. Kenneth B. Kerr Evan and Betty Kidson Paul and Barbara Killgoar Jeffrey and Katherine Klinger Nellie R. Knepper Debra Kosky Mr. Paul Kuipers Paul LaBell Mr. and Mrs. Laing Douglas and Mary Lake Lori J. Lampel Dr. Douglas A. Landis and Mrs. Joy N. Landis Thomas Law and Rita Richardson D. Jack and Vonda A. Eckard Lemon James and Michelene Lepczyk Mrs. Harriet T. Lin Joyce Parker and Edwin Loh Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Looby Bruce and Mary Jo Maguire
Robert and Lori-Ann Maron Dr. and Mrs. B. William Maxey Mr. and Mrs. William Maybaum Steven P. and Diane J. Mazurek Mr. Mark C. McCroskey John G. Shabushnig and Victoria L. McGuffin Frances Meyer William Mihelich Bruce Mills Keki and Phyllis Mistry Thomas and Delores Montgomery John and Linda Mueller William and Charlene Muth Dr. Karim and Mary T. Nafisi-Moragher Mr. and Mrs. Kunimitsu Nakahira Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Nametz Fedor and Natalie Nazarov Mr. and Mrs. David J. Neebes Morgens Nielsen Dr. Robert T. O’Dell John and Carol Ohlrogge Dong Ok Rae Ramsdell and George Orban J. Lowell and Olga Orbison Raymond S. Pacovsky Edgar and Jane Palmer Dr. and Mrs. Morton Panish Sandy Partlan Sam and Vivian Paton Wesley and Debra Phillips Robert and Helen Picone Glen and Judith Pieczynski Thomas J. and Marilyn E. Pinnavaia Mark and Lisa Pinto Chester and Suzanne Piotrowski Bernard and Wendy Pope Stephen and Marguerite Poreda Thomas and Carrie Porter Bill and Sally Pratt Robert and Anne Pressley Charles H. Proctor James A. Rabe David E. Randolph, M.D. Mrs. Alvin C. Reinhardt Drs. William and Rosetta Reusch Dave and Janet Richardson Dr. and Mrs. Donald L. Robach Alma J. Rombouts Robert and Michele Root-Bernstein Craig E. Ryan Hillard and Angela Salas Habib and Joan Salehi Leonard E. Salika Jack and Daisy Samarias Mr. Ronald Schultz Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Shelden Peter and Elizabeth Signell Susan M. Simkin Alfred J. Smetana, Ph.D. Jeffrey Smith Margaret E. Smith Dr. and Mrs. Patrick B. Smith Dr. Loren R. Snyder and Wendy C. Champness, Ph.D. Chris and Shauna Somerville Bill and Nancy Sonsin John Clarence Speck, Jr. William A. and Gloria J. Spencer Julie St. Onge Ronald J. St. Onge Michael and Sheila Steger Bill and Sue Stelzer Charles and Martha Stocker
Honor Roll of Donors Dr. William T. Suggs and Mrs. Jean M. Gawlak-Suggs Mrs. Catherine C. Sweeney Dr. Arthur Tai and Dr. Joan Keiser Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Taller Richard E. Teets and Mary S. Pickett Margaret L. Thorp, D.V.M. Eleanor D. Tolbert Joyce E. Trier Steven and Laura Triezenberg John and Polly Tulloch Beatrice S. Tung Patrick J. Tyrrell and Mary E. Riendl-Tyrrell Mr. and Mrs. James G. Vanderwall Bruce and Nancy VerWest John W. Vinson and Karen L. Strickler Megan Donahue and Mark Voit Claude and Anne Watson Donald and Joyce Watson Patrick and Mukta Webber Dr. Timothy T. and Jan E. Wellemeyer Dr. William W. Wells and Helen W. Wells Drs. Gary and Catherine Westfall Rick and Pat Whitfield Joyce Wildenthal John and Sandy Wilson Thomas V. and Theresa A. Wilson Timothy and Therese Witherspoon Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Witherspoon David and Jill Young Jan and Rietje Zeevaart Dr. Marilyn J. Zweng Annual Gifts to the College of Natural Science $10,000 and more Maurine Bernstein Dr. James Billman, Jr. Edmund P. DePalma Mark and Sandy Ehlert Susan Eleuterio and Tom Sourlis Alena Fabian, M.D. George L. Fleming Michael D. Gottfried and Pamela C. Rasmussen Brin and Lisa Keller R. James and Carol A. Kirkpatrick Frederick G. and Virginia A. Krauss Russell G. Mawby Dr. James E. Rodman Thomas D. and Paulette B. Sharkey Ronald H. and Mary E. Simon Dr. Berttina B. Wentworth Joyce Wildenthal Warren and Anneliese Wood Alfred J. Zeits and Ruth K. Zeits $5,000 - $9,999 Ralph and Dorothy Bertolacini Walter Blinn Tom and Sally Crawford Professor Pam Fraker Donna Gibson Don and Peggy Hall Herbert and Margaret Hoover Tien Y. Li Lois G. Ridley Douglas Spragg Thomas R. Taylor and Margo J. Sackheim Steve and Sunday Wagner $1,000 - $4,999 A. Gordon Adams, Jr. Christiane and William R. Anderson
Anthony and Racelle Armada Thomas E. Ayres Donald D. and Karen L. Baumhart John and Teofila Beaman Janet and Max Breuer Ed Bruening Gary R. Byerly, Ph.D. and Maud M. Walsh, Ph.D. Claire Byerrum Katy Califf Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Angela Ceraso Arthur and Barbara Chester Joyce C. and Richard S. Chillingworth Mrs. Deborah J. Cicinelli-Tim and Dr. Kent E. Timm Tonya P. and Phillip J. Collier Marc Conlin Dr. David DeWitt and Dr. Susan Conrad Marvin L. and Mary E. Dettloff Dave and Shari Devendorf Gerald and Marilyn Dommel Michael J. and Susan F. Donoghue David Grant Dvorak, M.D. Leonard E. Eames Laurie M. Erickson, Ph.D. Doug and Sue Estry Janine L. Fales Brian and Jeannie Mallick Kevin E. and Cynthia Fitzgerald Michele M. Fluck, Ph.D. Harry and Ruth Ann Foiles Brunet Mr. Edward M. Tank and Dr. Andrea L. Foiles Bruce and Susan Frieman Mr. and Mrs. James Fuchs Charles R. and Veronica R. Fuller Richard and Claire Gantos Dr. John A. Gerlach and Sabrina E. Gerlach Nancy E. Gibbs Dennis and Joan Gilliland Thomas N. Ginter Ellen K. and Edward J. Grafius Dr. Shirley Hartlage Ronald J. Hill and Pamela A. Gemery Dale E. Hissong Suzette and Konrad Hittner Dr. Robert and Mrs. Remedios Holmes Dr. and Mrs. Paul W. W. Hunter Wilbur C. Johnson Stanley N. Jones Ken and Sue Keegstra Kenneth B. Kerr Keith and Sue Knapp Nellie R. Knepper Dr. and Mrs. Mark Koenig Thomas and Mary Krigas Lee R. and Mary E. Kroos Dr. Douglas A. Landis and Mrs. Joy N. Landis Dr. George H. Lauff Gloria and F. R. (Pete) Lehman Joyce Parker and Edwin Loh Allan D. and Michelle H. Mackay Debbra A. and Vincent S. Malcangi Thomas M. and Pam Mansager Robert and Lori-Ann Maron Matthew S. Matuszak Dr. and Mrs. B. William Maxey Mr. and Mrs. William Maybaum Steven P. and Diane J. Mazurek John L. and Gayle McCracken Dennis and Estelle McGroarty Rich and Pam Merritt Gary G. Mittelbach and Katherine L. Gross William and Charlene Muth Paul J. and Susan L. O’Connor
John and Carol Ohlrogge Larry G. and Beverly A. Olsen Timothy R. and Patricia E. Oren Craig W. Osenberg Preston S. and Barbara J. Parish Robert and Helen Picone Rena H. Quinn Dave and Janet Richardson Dr. and Mrs. Donald L. Robach Craig E. Ryan Hillard and Angela Salas Mark J. Schervish and Nancy J. Shurlow Margaret C. and Richard C. Schoening Michael Schulz Dr. Duncan F. Sibley and Margaret C. Sibley Alfred J. Smetana, Ph.D. Jeffrey Smith James L. Snelgrove Peter J. and Christine S. Stang Mr. David B. Steiger and Dr. Elizabeth J. Galbreath Clarence and Loretta Suelter Alison L. and Ralph E. Taggart Dr. Arthur Tai and Dr. Joan Keiser Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Taller Richard B. and M. Joanne Taylor Richard E. and Linda R. Triemer Megan Donahue and Mark Voit Mary S. Wagner John L. Wang and Lucille D. Fallon Yang Wang, Ph.D. and Dr. Weixin Xu James and Sheila Ware Clifford E. and Doris M. Weil Russell and Laura Whalls Mark J. and Anne J. Wojna Thomas B. and Nancy U. Woodworth Maija H. Zile Dr. Marilyn J. Zweng $500 - $999 Lynne M. and Brian A. Agar Lynn G. Anderson Christine E. Angeles and Steven R. Cady James W. and K. Elizabeth H. Atkinson Barbara A. Baker and Robert B. Baker, Jr. Keith M. and Wilma A. Baldwin Michael T. and Elaine M. Balombin Charles and Susan Bauer Dr. and Mrs. Bauer Scott and Patricia Belden Wendell S. and Constance M. Blanding James L. and Donna A. Brewbaker Laura C. Broughton Kirby and Sarah Browns Douglas and Debra Campbell Michelle C. Chambers Ward T. Collins Kathleen A. Cooney and Gary J. Faerber Professor James P. Covell Anne R. Davenport Charles Davis Wayne J. DeWitte Terry A. Donovan-O’Neill and William J. O’Neill Kari E. Dylhoff David L. Enlow Dr. and Mrs. Gregory L. Fauth Lisa A. Feinberg and Michael McFarland Shelagh and Robert Miller Gary A. Feuerbacher Andrew S. Flies George C. Gerritsen Russell A. Gill and Josephine E. Franz Margaret S. Guis MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2009
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Honor Roll of Donors Donald F. and Phyllis J. Harden James B. Hazen III and Sara J. Hazen Carol A. Hermann Rawle and Saleela Hollingsworth Reynard Hollins Frederick Hl. and Clara A. Horne Todd L. Houser Joseph T. Hupp James D. and Tonia Kalleward Stephen Kamin and Diane Gutekunst Susan M. Kauzlarich and Peter Klavins Ruth and Donald Keck William J. and Gerri L. Koss Juno-Ann Krohn Clarke Robert L. Last and Jill M. Canny Sherry S. and Kyle T. Lewallen Carl L. Lindquist and Joy Vietinghoff Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Looby Lisbeth A. and Zael E. Lutz Floyd J. and Myrna A. Malveaux Bill Marklewitz Kimberly E. Medley William W. and Susan L. Merten Norton G. and Heather S. Miller Ecaterina Nagy and Jeffrey W. Koch Jean G. Nicholas, Ph.D. Morgens Nielsen Richard E. and Elissa J. Palmer A. Dean and Vicki Jo Parling John C. and Susan L. Persson Mark and Lisa Pinto Robert G. Ponzini Steven P. Poulios Charles H. Proctor Richard J. and Patricia A. Rathsack Dr. C. A. Reddy and Sasikala Reddy L Virginia Rhodes David P. and Maribel Ritter Teri A. and Emmanuele S. Roache Lisa L. and Richard A. Rosenbaum James C. Rucinski and Nancy L. Brenner Leonard E. Salika Edward A. Schmidt Paul J. Schuele Pamela M. and David M. Schultz Mr. Ronald Schultz Dana A. Shuey Jerry and Lisa R. Singleterry Gary M. Smolinski and Janelle Stachowiak Gail R. and Theodore D. Sokoloski Ronald J. St. Onge Mark F. and Mary Ellen Stinski Zachary H. and Vasiliki D. Stoumbos Linda K. and Nick A. Stoynoff Biing-Ming and Shiu-Chin H. Su Craig A. Sumerix Karin Syverud Larry L. Tinker Barbara J. and James L. Tourangeau Joyce E. Trier Wendy N. Tsuji Jeanne L. Turner and Roger N. Turner, Jr. Dr. William W. Wells and Helen W. Wells Drs. Gary and Catherine Westfall John F. Wettaw Benson H. and Sandra Wheeler William D. and Dinah M. Wright David and Jill Young $250 - $499 Thomas A. and Judith A. Abraham Thomas E. Abramson MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2009 14
Jack and Sue Allen Nora M. Allen Max L. and Rosemary S. Anderson Catherine L. Andresen Mary Lou Angelotti John P. and Margaret A. Ansted John T. Atwood, Jr. and Donna B. Atwood Marshall D. and Shirley G. Autra Peter W. Bates Mark A. Batzer Terry J. Beal Robert G. Begbie, Jr. Jerold S. and Candice Bell John W. Benson Margaret and Michael Beresford George J. and Joyce A. Berzins Douglas W. and Susan J. Bierer Richard A. Blevins Gary R. Bond and Karen D. Lindig Christine L. Borgman and George M. Mood David M. Bowen Mary E. Brandt Irwin M. Brodo Peggy J. Bull Roger J. and Bethany E. Cameron Brian C. Campbell Richard S. and Mary S. Canever Yueying Cao and Yuxun Wang Marcia B. and Thomas G. Cardelli Susan L. Carpenter Kathleen E. and James A. Carr Dr. and Mrs. James W. Carter Vicki E. Carusi Joseph A. and Judith M. Caruso Greg Caucutt Chi-Ju Chen Ji-Fang and Shuh-Chung Chen Mu-Tsang and Tseh-Ling Chen Wayne D. and Joan L. Cheyne Evart W. and Suzanne K. Christensen Michael R. and Kathy E. Clark Peter J. and Susan M. Cobbett Carrie L. Corscadden Aleen T. and Aureal T. Cross David P. Crouch Joanne Davidhizar and Randall B. Caswell Frederick De Wilde, Sr. and Joan De Wilde Michael T. and Laurie L. Dembicki James A. Demopolos Nancy R. and Wayne J. Desjarlais Jeffrey A. and Sarah K. Dickinson Dr. Lewis L. Dotterer Mrs. Debra A. Dotterer Mark J. and Cheryl J. Dugopolski Jeffery T. and Jean S. Dukes Michael D. Edmiston Brian T. and Patricia D. Egleston Constance C. and Dean A. Eicher Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Engel John P. and Sherry L. Fadool Janet A. Fairley Laurence A. Florens and Michael P. Washburn Daniel W. Fraga Barbara B. Free William W. Freimuth and Deborah L. Malkovich James L. and Sara A. Fry Kazuya and Martha J. Fujita David G. and Diane E. Gaebel Larry R. and Nancy M. Galbraith David M. and Kristine C. Gersabeck Daryl W. Gerwin David J. and Heidi C. Giard Benjamin M. and Desiree Gold
Edward F. and Mary C. Grabowski Roger A. and Nancy A. Grey Richard A. Gudewicz Mary L. Guerinot and C. R. McClung Sara L. and Richard B. Halberg David R. Hale Robert M. Hall and Cynthia Glines Kelly K. Hallman and Kirk W. Deitsch Michael E. Hanson Thomas H. and Michele A. Hartkop Douglas A. and Nicole T. Hatzenbuhler Barbara R. Hayes John H. Hefner Marshall and Barbara Hestenes Stephen E. and Jane C. Higgins Joseph and Pamela Hildebrand Richard and Susan Hill Janice G. Hite Dr. J.F. Holland Dr. Gregory A. Holzhei Donald W. Homan Janice E. Huff Ezzo and Stephen J. Ezzo Christopher W. and Debra J. Hughes David W. Hyndman Dr. Andrew and Mrs. Joan Jarosz Peter S. and Linda Johnson James F. Jolly Stephanie D. Jones Robin G. Jons Charles F. and Susan E. Julian Charles H. Keller and Lynne Volk Keller Brian W. and Sandra Kennedy Jeffrey and Katherine Klinger Frederick D. Koenig Hiralal and Shama Koul C DeClarke and Barbara W. Kramer Andrew G. Krey Renee M. and Thomas R. Kugler John S. and Sherry A. Landers Glenda and Peter Lappan D. Jack and Vonda A. Eckard Lemon Ellen and George Leroi Chae Young Lim and Kun-Ho Kim E. K. Longpre and Michelle M. Smith Thomas W. and Carey A. Loveland Claudia A. Lutosky Robert E. and Cynthia J. Maleczka Janet M. Malvitz David F. Mann Mary U. Manner Lori I. Marcum Fedoronko and Paul Marcum Robert and Sandra K. Martin Joyce A. McDonald James C. and Nancy A. McKeown Lauren E. and Mark C. McMills Jean M. and J. E. McPherson Karl E. Mess Thomas N. Metcalf III and Debra R. Metcalf Roy F. and Irma Milks Don S. and Setsuko T. Miyada Tammy L. and Mark S. Mosher Charles J. Moskowitz Mary F. and James M. Murnik Lawrence E. Murphy Robert D. and Joy M. Mussell Michael J. Nawrocki and Kathryn A. Roback-Nawrocki Kirsten and Edward B. Nelson Charles E. Newman, Jr. Liviu I. Nicolaescu Margaret R. Nielsen Sean F. and Helen Nolan Jari P. and Gary J. O’Hara
Honor Roll of Donors John R. and Rebecca Oesterle William R. and Joan J. Olsen Jon L. and Sharon E. Opsal Christopher J. and Sara J. Oravitz Edgar and Jane Palmer Robert A. Panoff James B. Pantelleria Thomas H. Parker and Judith Fleishman Faith I. Payne Richard J. Perry, Jr. and Kristin L. Perry Christopher R. Pierson and Jodi Mrozinski-Pierson Michael W. Polkinghorn L. A. Prather and Bryan S. Lijewski Ronald J. and Helen M. Priest Robert S. Przygocki Richard K. and Karen E. Rabeler Timothy J. and Jo F. Ranval John R. and Barbara A. Rasmussen Larry and Pat Reeves Sonya L. and Leonard J. Ribnicky Bryan S. and Julia D. Rosenburg Thomas E. and Lisa Rossman Leonard C. and Virginia A. Rowe Richard A. Santos John J. and Sandra L. Schaller James T. and Vickie A. Schaper Ruth E. Schmitter Dean A. Schrader Bradley A. Scriber and Jean Chu A. Ku Gary T. Seng and Leslie A. Greenbauer-Seng Michael C. Serafini Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Shelden Jessie D. and Stephanie K. Shelley Eric M. Shobe James G. Skipper Anatoli V. Skorokhod and Irina Inoyaiovna Kadyrova Sharon K. Slack and Maynard Mansfield Donald R. and Ada R. Sly John R. and Patricia J. Smart Marylu Spencer Charles L. Sprinkle Matthew B. and Christy J. Stehouwer Bill and Sue Stelzer Alan E. and Pak Moi Stockland Monica S. Stone Darrell W. and Donna A. Stuart Paul A. Tomasko, Jr. and Julie M. Tomasko Andrew M. Turner Ming-Shin and Lih-Meei Tzou Ruth Ann and William M. Uggen Harry E. and Phyllis J. Ulmer Peter J. Wagner III and Sara K. Lyons Robert Wagner Li-Ching Wang Linkous and Clovis A. Linkous Carla Warfield Evelyn P. and George R. Watkins Stephen L. and Nancy E. Webb John W. Weiler Debra A. Weipert Mark T. Werth Anne M. and John M. West W Sedgefield White, Jr. and Betty J. White Curtis G. Wilkerson and Anne L. Hitt Bobby L. Wilson Wayne C. Wolsey and Mary L. Morris Wolsey Donald P. and Frances J. Wyman Keith A. Yeager Catherine G. Yeotis Roberta K. Yoshida Matt and Mary Ellen Zabik Xin Ming Zhao and Ru Jie Xing Thomas A. and Stella M. Zitter
Corporation & Foundation Donors AFID Therapeutics, Inc. American Chemistry Council American Society of Plant Physiologists Annual Reviews Auto-Owners Insurance The Barn Theatre BioGaia AB BWF Inc. Central Mich. Lapidary & Mineral Society Chaubrei Gardens Chevron Corporation Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP Comerica Bank Consort Display Group Donald and Ann Parfet Family Foundation The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Fieldstone Alliance Inc. Flagg Aviation & Consulting Svcs., Inc. Ford Motor Company Fund Four-Township Water Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. The Gerber Foundation
Gilmore Car Museum GTC Gull Lake View Golf Club Invitrogen Loan Express Company James S. McDonnell Foundation Michigan Apple Committee MSU Foundation Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Municipal Employees Ret Sys of MI Oak Ridge Associated Universities Olympus Pacific Biocontrol Corporation Post Ranch Inn Richland Animal Hospital, P.C. Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving Shell Oil Company Sigma-Aldrich Corporation SiGNa Chemistry, Inc. Southern Cross Astronomical Society Stewart Title of Lansing, Inc. Sunpalsoft Consulting, Inc. W. L. Gore & Assoc - Co Watson Wyatt & Company Yi Wang Inc.
Linda E. Landon Society Named in honor of the university’s first female faculty member, the Landon Society recognizes the supporters who have named the college as a beneficiary of their estate or planned giving arrangement. Ms. Judith M. Aitken James M. and Marjorie R. Barnes Orrin Barrett Henry and Lois Blosser Mrs. Peggy J. Bull Dr. and Mrs. James W. Carter Ms. Ruthann Ciszewski Marc Conlin Mr. James P. Conlon Pam and Bill Costabile Mrs. Helen J. Coukoulis Aleen T. and Aureal T. Cross Marilyn M. Culpepper Sharon DeBar Clarence F. and Lucile E. Decker Dr. Kathryn M. Doig and Mr. Richard J. Benson David Grant Dvorak, M.D. Jim and Angie Dye Daniel and Debra Edson Roy V. and Alice Erickson Dr. and Mrs. Kirkwood E. Faber Joseph C. Ferrar, Jr. and Sara J. Ferrar Barbara J. Frey and Nicholas R. Thines Olga K. Fritz Cheryl Sisk and Doug Gage Ethan C. (“Chuck”) Galloway Dr. Robert W. Gee Dr. Richard Hahin Gregory F. Hauser Dale E. Hissong Dr. Phillenore D. Howard Professor Rudolph Hugh, Ph.D. William N. Hurja Mr. Matthew T. Jeska Mrs. Jeanne B. Kilbourne Keith and Sue Knapp Roger and Gail Kolasinski Dr. George H. Lauff Ms. Elizabeth G. Limmex Mrs. Lois E. Loetz
Thomas Mall Dr. Evan F. Meltzer Leland G. Merrill, Jr., Ph.D. Margaret M. and Gary B. Mitchell Drs. G. Thomas and Robin L. Morgan Dr. Milton E. Muelder Dr. and Mrs. Sigurd O. Nelson Sharin E. and Thomas C. Noall Leo V. and Rebecca Nothstine Mr. Jay P. O’Brien Timothy R. and Patricia E. Oren Emory James and Mary Kathryn Patmos Shirley G. Pendell Mr. Raymond C. Perry, Jr. Jack and Karen Sue Preiss Mrs. Bonnie L. Profit David E. Randolph, M.D. Ms. Deborah J. Remer Mrs. Mary A. Richards Marvis Richardson Robert J. Rietz Ron and Sharon Rogowski Jack M. and Lila J. Ryder Mrs. Eleanor L. Shaw Dr. Duncan F. Sibley and Margaret C. Sibley Mr. Gordon Smale Margaret E. Smith Drs. Richard J. and Renate M. Snider Mrs. Sara E. Steele Dr. Fred J. Stutzenberger Brad and Jane Thompson Stephen E. Tilmann and Adrian Bass Karl S. and Nancy Vorres Richard and Patricia Wagner Dr. Berttina B. Wentworth Patricia A. Werner, Ph.D. Warren and Anneliese Wood Mr. Keith L. Younger Matt and Mary Ellen Zabik
MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2009 MSU College of Natural Science | Fall 2009
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COLLEGE
OF
NATURAL SCIENCE
103 Natural Science Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1115
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID EAST LANSING, MI PERMIT NO. 21
CNS student juggles astrophysics, science theater and research During his four years on campus, Sanders has utilized the vast resources available at MSU to help craft his science education. In addition to the joy he receives entertaining children during a Science Theater performance, Sanders efforts have yielded hands-on research experience and a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. Sanders worked on the implementation of the SOAR Telescope’s Spartan Infrared Camera under the direction of Professor Ed Loh. “It was amazing to get a chance to work on a multimillion dollar instrument like that. I can’t think of another place I could have gotten that experience as a sophomore,” Sanders said. Once the camera was installed on the telescope, Sanders was the first person to take scientific observations using the camera. He was able to conduct the research as a part of his current project with Steve Zepf and controlled the camera from the SOAR’s observing room on campus. Sanders received a CNS scholarship this spring to support him in his research. The scholarship is funded Astrophysics senior Nathan Sanders is a Goldwater Scholar who by the CNS Undergraduate Research
Nathan Sanders often finds himself lying on a bed of nails. Then, a sheet of nails and a cinder block is placed on top of him and broken with a sledgehammer. Sanders isn’t trying to relieve stress. The astrophysics senior from Sault Ste. Marie is the assistant director of MSU’s Science Theater – a student-led science outreach organization that does demonstrations for children across the state. Breaking the cinder block is a crowd-pleaser and an incredibly effective demonstration of how pressure depends on surface area.
often finds himself on a bed of nails as part of Science Theater.
Endowment which was established by private gifts from alumni and friends in order to enhance student education through hands-on experience. For Sanders, this means observing early type galaxies and doing photometry on their globular clusters. “Several decades ago, it was thought that all globular clusters formed when the galaxy was formed -just one period of star formation,” Sanders said. “More recently, it has been found by Professor Zepf and others that there are intermediate episodes of star formation. After the galaxies have already formed, then globular clusters continue to be formed, which can happen if there is a collision between galaxies.” Being involved in the Science Theater student group along with the undergraduate research experiences has allowed Sanders to maximize the opportunities available to MSU students. “Undergraduate research has cemented my feeling that it is something I have a future in and something I enjoy doing,” he said. Sanders is currently applying to graduate school with the goal of getting a Ph.D. He has discovered the joy of teaching and research, and has no plans of getting rid of his bed of nails anytime soon.