Technician
A series of science events seek to enhance communication in local scientific discoveries Sarah Dashow Staff Writer
As research in science continues to move forward, it becomes increasingly important for scientists to convey information to the general public, educating them on new and important discoveries. With its faculty and students at the forefront of some of these innovations, as well as a convenient proximity to Research Triangle Park, N.C. State is playing a pivotal role in this effort. Due to a strong resolve to improve communication of scientific ideas in the coming year, 2012 has been deemed the Year of Science Communication. A collaboration of events across the state will embody this idea thanks to Steve Townsend, dean’s office director at the College of Physical and Mathematical Science, who realized the connection between science and communication and brought them together. “This is a science hub anyway, but look at all the stuff we’re doing in the next year to talk about it—to actually try to figure out ways to better communicate about science and execute that,” Townsend said. The first event, Jan. 19 – 21, is an annual triangle area event called Science Online. The public showed its support by signing up and filling the registry, moving the event from its old location in the Research Triangle Park, to the McKimmon Center. Matt Shipman, public communication specialist and science writer, says the event is all inclusive and incredibly diverse. “It brings together a wide variety of people who are extremely interested either professionally or as side projects in communicating to the public
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13 2012
Service makes a sisterhood Preparing for spring rush, Omega Phi Alpha hopes to gain a larger campus presence through service. Jatin Bhatia Staff Writer
The Interfraternity Council began membership recruitment for spring 2012 with informational and social events. These events provide interested students the opportunity to meet active members from several fraternities and sororities. While these Greek organizations attract many N.C. State students, the University hosts several nontraditional Greek organizations seeking to attract students who may be looking for something different in Greek Life. One such organization is Omega Phi Alpha, a non-Panellenic sorority focused on service and sisterhood. Chapter President Elizabeth Abernethy is looking forward to hosting another season of rush. “Rush is uniquely set up for Omega Phi Alpha as a two-week process during both semesters that involves a ‘meet-and-greet’ week followed by the formal recruitment week,” Abernethy said. During the meet-and-greet week, interested women are welcome to attend events when they can, meet the sisters and get better informed about the organization before formal recruitment begins. Omega Phi Alpha is unique to the University, as it is the first and only community-service-based sorority on campus, according to Abernethy. “Founded in April of 2010, the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Omega Phi Alpha is based on the cardinal principles of friendship, leadership and community service,” Abernethy said. The organization works to help the community at a national and international level through six ar-
photo contributed by elizabeth abernethy
Sophomores in biological science Filza Khan and Nyima Sabally fill water cups for participants in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk where sisters volunteered and participated to raise funds for the Salvation Army.
eas of service. Omega Phi Alpha sisters the University, give service to commucontribute to the University commu- nity and make great friends,” Maurer said. nity, the community Though the orgaat large, the memnization is classified bers of the sororas a service sorority, ity and the nations members balance of the world. Their those efforts with national permanent an emphasis on sisproject serves menterhood. tal health and the “What sets Omenational president’s ga Phi Alpha apart project changes evfrom the many other ery year. This year, service organizathe theme is “Pretions on campus is serving Omega Phi Elizabeth Abernethy, its duality, being Alpha’s History.” Charter President both a thriving serJulia Maurer, sevice organization nior in international studies, said the experience is worth- and a sorority. Although our primary focus is placed on service, we also have while. “It is a great way to get involved in a lot of fun,” Abernethy said. “Even
“Rush is uniquely set up for Omega Phi Alpha as a two week process during both semesters.”
though we are not considered a ‘social sorority’ and we are a ‘dry’ organization, meaning that we can’t have any alcohol at any of our functions or events. We enjoy all of the same events and activities as our larger Panhellenic friends, including retreats, sisterhood events, formals and more.” Abernethy stressed that, as a sorority, the level of commitment involved is much higher than in many other service clubs on campus. Omega Phi Alpha has weekly meetings, semesterly dues, a requirement of at least 30 service hours per semester, and a pledging period of one full semester before becoming an activated member. Even with the possible stress of those
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NC makes gains in fuel efficiency Wednesday of this week, the North Carolina Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for two new electric vehicle-charging stations at the Alamance County Rest Area. These charging stations are two of four total that were installed by the Department of Transportation in the Jessie Halpern state. The other two are located in Deputy News Editor Johnson County. These rest stop locations bring a The North Carolina Department combined total of approximately 1 of Transportation installed four million visitors per year, according electric vehicle-charging stations to the North Carolina Department in popular rest stops due to the of Transportation. NCDOT communications officer, efforts of a loJulia Casadonte, cal engineering says this marks company. the beginning of 2010 saw N.C. an effort the DeState making efpartment of Transforts to become portation has been more fuel-eflooking into for ficient by inquite a while. stalling electric “This past year vehicle chargwe conduc ted ing stations at some studies about the McKinnon electric vehicles Center. Just one and became interyear later, the Julia Casadonte, NCDOT ested in installing City of Raleigh communications officer some cha rgers. made efforts to We know that the accommodate the increasing number of electric technology is coming along in North car owners when they installed two Carolina, so when we were approached electric car chargers downtown by Praxis Technologies Inc. with the near City Hall. This year, the North donation of four charging stations, we Carolina Department of Transpor- accepted,” Cassadonte said. Praxis Technologies Inc. received tation has joined the efforts due to a Green Business grant from the the funding to purchase these four North Carolina Department of electric vehicle-charging stations Commerce, which was awarded to a local engineering company, Praxis Technologies, Inc. electric continued page 3
The Department of Transportation has installed four vehicle charging stations at local rest stops.
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Kastanek reaches one thousand point milestone See page 8.
An ale for all seasons See page 6.
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N.C. State contributes to the Year of Communicating Science
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“We conducted some studies about electric vehicles and became interested in installing some chargers.”
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Raleigh's first level 2 charging station was installed in front of the E. Carroll Joyner Visitor Center earlier this month. The station is free to the public, so long as users sign in so that researchers can collect usage data.
SPECIAL BACK TO SCHOOL HOURS: Monday - January 10 - 8am to 8pm
Monday Thursday, 8am 8pm Tuesday -- January 11 - 8am to to 8pm Wednesday - January Friday, 8am12to- 8am 6pmto 8pm Thursday - January 13 - 8am to 8pm Saturday, toto4pm Friday - January10am 14 - 8am 6pm