Notebook - Spring 2019

NOTEBOOK

Published for Alumni and Fr iends of the Universit y of U tah College of S cience

V o l u m e

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S p r i n g

B u l l e t i n

The New Face of Science

NOTEBOOK V o l u m e

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S p r i n g

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Dean’s Corner

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Student Profile – Cameron Owen

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Churchill Scholars – A New Tradition

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Alumni Profile – Lynn Miller BS‘63

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The New Face of Science

14

Homecoming 2019

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Dean Henry S. White

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Joel Harris Endowed Graduate Scholarship

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Mark Nielsen Anatomy Fund

20

The Crimson Laureate Society

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Convocation 2019

B u l l e t i n

No te b o o k • Vo lu me X X V I I • 2019

Dean’s Corner Henry S. White Dean, College of Science

Dear Alumni and Friends,

This issue of Notebook shares the stories of the people and

the quality of education and quantity of research options in the

places that make the College of Science a preeminent center

College of Science.

for research and education in Utah. I am proud of the students,

faculty, and staff who represent the College and who fulfill our

College. Lynn C. Miller, BS’63 in Mathematics, is a former Executive Vice

mission each day.

President and CEO of Pacific Life, one of the world’s largest insurance

carriers. Lynn and his wife, Sue, are steadfast supporters of the University

My term as Dean of the College of Science will end on June

30, 2019. It has been a distinct honor to serve the College and

This issue of Notebook also features an outstanding alum from the

of Utah and often visit campus from their home in San Diego.

My term as Dean of the College of Science will end on June 30, 2019.

It has been a distinct honor to serve the College and the University in this role. the University in this role. I am pleased to announce that Peter E.

Trapa, Professor of Mathematics, has been selected as the new

this year with 658 students total, including 75 doctorate, 92

Dean, effective July 1. He is a skilled administrator and a brilliant

master’s, and 491 bachelor’s graduates. The path to a Biology

researcher and I am confident he will lead the College forward

degree, a Chemistry degree, a Mathematics degree, or a degree

with great success.

in Physics & Astronomy is not easy, but the rewards are immense.

This is an important time in the College’s history. We must

Our convocation speakers, Monica Gandhi, BS’91 in Biology, and

balance growth with fiscal responsibility. Student enrollment at

Hollie Morales, BS’19 in Biology, provided two powerful examples

the University is projected to increase significantly in the next

of this philosophy. You can read their stories on page 22.

few years. To prepare, the College plans to renovate and expand

the historic Stewart Building, located just south of the Crocker

friends, and donors. Your continued financial support and

Science Center, to create a new Physical Sciences education and

personal participation will be the measure of our success in the

lab facility. This project will require extensive private donations as

years ahead. If you are not yet a member of the Crimson Laureate

well as $60 million from the Utah Legislature.

Society, I encourage you to make an annual gift to the College.

The College of Science had an exceptional graduating class

The College of Science gratefully acknowledges our alumni,

For the fourth year in a row, a science student has been

chosen for the prestigious Churchill Scholarship for study at Cambridge University. Cameron Owen, who earned chemistry

Henry S. White

and physics degrees in May, was one of just 15 students in the

Dean, College of Science

United States to receive the Churchill Scholarship this year and he was also selected as the College of Science Research Scholar for 2019. Cameron’s achievements are yet another testament to

2

No te b o o k • Vo lu me X X V I I • 2019

2019

Cameron Owen — Fourth Consecutive Churchill

Cameron Owen arrived at

of this year, Owen was selected

the University of Utah from Boise,

for a Churchill Scholarship. He is

Idaho, with only $10,000 in schol-

one of only 15 students nationally

arship support for his next four-

to receive the award this year and

years at the U. Just seven months

is the fourth consecutive Churchill

later, Owen was an undergraduate

scholar from the U.

member of the Armentrout Re-

search Group departing for an all-

testament to his scientific curiosity

expenses-paid research trip to the

and diligence in his undergradu-

Netherlands. As Ferris Bueller once

ate research,” said Dan Reed, Senior

said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you

Vice President for Academic Affairs.

don’t stop and look around once in

“A fourth Churchill Scholarship

a while, you could miss it.”

award demonstrates the value of

Cameron was drawn to the U

undergraduate research and men-

by its science reputation but it was

torship experiences at the U, and

a recruiting presentation by Chemistry Professor Tom Richmond that sealed the deal. “His presentation was incred-

“

One of my favorite memories is hanging out at Café Jost,

that our students are among the best and brightest in the world.”

In May, Owen graduated from the

ible,” remembers Owen. “I was so in-

in Nijmegen, with Peter Armentrout

U with an honors BS degree in Chem-

spired… I tried to introduce myself on

and the staff from FELIX.

istry, a BS in Physics, and a minor in

the spot.”

Owen credits his freshman experience in the Honors

”

Mathematics. He also was named the

2019 Undergraduate Research Scholar Award recipient in the

College and specifically the Honors Science Cohort as

College of Science.

“instrumental to my success.” Owen remembers, “One class

assignment was to find a professor on campus, read some of

in England to begin his studies as a Churchill Scholar. He is

their research and ask for a lab tour. I chose Peter Armentrout

remarkably down to earth for an international scholar – counting

in the Chemistry Department.”

the previous two trips to the Netherlands makes this only the

fourth time that Owen has traveled outside of the U.S.

Owen’s research trip to the Netherlands was funded by

This fall, Cameron departs for the University of Cambridge

the National Science Foundation’s MSPIRE Research Experi-

ence for Undergraduates (REU) program. He worked directly

friendships that he established. He remains good friends with

with Joost Bakker on the FELICE molecular beam apparatus

fellow Honors Science Cohort alumni Connor Morgan, Ryan

as well as other lab staff at FELIX, at Radboud University in

Johnson, Robert Stahulak, and Erik Perez. Owen also credits

Nijmegen, Netherlands. Armentrout and Owen collaborated

Peter Armentrout, Michelle Taliaferro, Michael Morse, Ryan

closely for much of the visit. They repeated the trip in the

Looper, Adam Boocher, Ginger Smoak, Natscha Knowlton,

summer of 2018.

and many others, for his success at the U.

In March of his junior year (2018), Owen was awarded the

prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Then, in January 4

“Cameron’s achievement is a

Owen is extremely grateful for his time at Utah and the

Scholarship Winner

The Churchill Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship, established in 1963 at the request of Winston Churchill, provides undergraduates with outstanding academic achievement in the science, technology, engineering and math fields the opportunity to complete a one-year master’s program at the University of Cambridge. Students go through a rigorous endorsement process in order to apply, but only after their home institution has been vetted with the Winston Churchill Foundation. The U was added to the Foundation in 2014.

No te b o o k • Vo lu me X X V I I • 2019

Past College of Science

2016 Mackenzie Simper

Churchill Scholar Winners

2017 Michael Zhao

The U’s first Churchill Scholar, Mackenzie

Michael Zhao, BS’17, the U’s second Churchill

Simper, BS’16, is currently pursuing a PhD

Scholar, was a remarkable student and

Scott Neville, BS’18, is currently enrolled

in mathematics at Stanford University.

mathematician who enjoyed video games,

at Cambridge in the Master of Advanced

At Cambridge, Mackenzie completed a

classical music, and traveling. Michael

Study (MASt) program. Scott plans to attend

Master of Advanced Study (MASt) degree

passed away due to a sudden heart attack

Michigan, in Ann Arbor, in fall 2019 to

in mathematics.

in December 2018.

pursue a PhD in pure mathematics.

“The more time I spend at other

“It’s a common perception that skill in

“Suresh Venkatasubramanian, my ad-

universities, the more I appreciate

mathematics is only due to talent, but

visor, posted that: Students wishing

how great the University of Utah is.

hard work counts for much more. Hav-

to meet with him should first either

Every time I come home I stop by

ing mentors is also extremely helpful,

read one of his papers or attend one

the campus, to say hello to professors

and I am indebted to many for their

of his talks. So I did both. This is how I

and visit my favorite spots. ”

guidance and encouragement.”

discovered machine learning theory.”

Her experience at Cambridge influ-

A Utah native, he attended Skyline

The U’s third Churchill Scholar,

Neville travelled to England with his

enced her decision to focus on probability

High School and was first chair in flute

partner Danielle Ensign, another U of U

theory in graduate school.

and captain of the debate team. Upon

alumna and also a co-author on several of

In addition to coursework, Mackenzie

graduation, Michael was awarded a four-

Scott’s papers. Cambridge is one of the few

participated in the Churchill College rowing

year Eccles Scholarship to attend the U

universities that offers couples housing.

team and travelled extensively in Great

Honors College. Michael often traveled to

Britain and Europe.

China to visit relatives and spent time in

as, “much like those at the U but without

Europe after finishing at Cambridge.

homework in the usual sense. Instead,

defining year for me. I would not have had

At the time of his death, Michael

students are given example problems to

the opportunity for the amazing experience,

was working on his first-year doctorate

be reviewed the following week in an extra

if not for the scholarship advising at the

program, specializing in number theory

class after usual lectures.”

U and the professors who wrote many

and algebraic geometry, at Columbia

recommendation letters!”

University. Michael is survived by his par-

“The Churchill Scholarship was really a

ents, Shaoqing Song and Fuli Zhao, and his brother, Alan Zhao.

6

2018 Scott Neville

He describes the Cambridge courses

Michael Zhao M e m or i a l S c h ol a r sh i p The College of Science & Utah Communities Rally Together

Michael’s Zhao’s fascination with math took him from the 100 Club in kindergarten

TAYLOR WALKER

to Cambridge University as a Churchill Scholar. In December, 2018, while at Columbia University chasing

Michael Zhao Memorial Scholarship Recipient

his goal of becoming a college professor, Michael passed away due to a sudden heart attack.

After Michael’s death, Math Department faculty and fellow Churchill Scholars approached Davar Khoshnevisan, chair of the Department of Mathematics, with the idea of establishing a scholarship in Michael’s name. “The scholarship aims to recognize a truly outstanding mathematics student,” said Khoshnevisan, “which is consistent with celebrating Michael’s memory.”

Taylor will be a senior majoring in mathematics and minoring in computer science. She plans to graduate in spring of 2020.

About the scholarship, Taylor

Many of the faculty in the U’s Math Department have fond memories of working with Michael. Professor

says, “The financial assistance

Gordon Savin, who served as Michael’s honors thesis advisor, said, “Mike was one of the strongest students

provided by the scholarship will

I’ve seen at the University of Utah in more than 20 years. For someone his age, he already had an incredible

be of great help to me in paying

level of maturity and mathematical knowledge.”

for my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate

The new scholarship is intended to keep Michael’s legacy alive. If you’d like to contribute,

more of my time on studying.

please send donations to the following: Tiffany Jensen, Department of Mathematics,

After graduating, I plan on entering

155 South 1400 East, JWB 233, Salt Lake City, UT 84112

the workforce in a math-related field. I hope to honor Michael’s legacy in mathematics as I con-

Laureate Society CRIMSON

tinue to learn about a subject we both enjoy.”

A culture of giving Michael Zhao benefitted greatly from scholarships and donor aid. After his death, Zhao’s parents, colleagues, friends, faculty members and even his high school math teacher, reached out to their community for donations and created the Michael Zhao Memorial Scholarship as a way of “paying forward” the support he received as a student.

7

rr

Alumni Profile

Ly nn Miller College of Science

Alumni Lynn C. Miller, BS, 1963 in Mathematics

“I credit the University for supporting me.

In addition to my degree, I received valuable life lessons of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.”

Throughout the University of Utah’s remarkable 169-year his-

that could statistically simulate a basketball game. His interest in

tory, there have been many outstanding alumni who have made a

mathematical analysis and statistics would eventually lead to a career

significant impact in Utah, the country, and the world.

in mathematics and actuarial science.

However, when Lynn enrolled at the U as a student, it wasn’t

is an excellent example. As the Chief Actuary at E.F. Hutton Life, in

always smooth sailing. “I lacked the focus and confidence to initially

1978, he was instrumental in the development of a revolutionary

thrive,” says Miller. “In fact, due to my early academic struggles, I was

form of life insurance known as Universal Life.

placed on academic probation!”

8

College of Science alumnus Lynn C. Miller, BS’ 63 in Mathematics,

Lynn grew up in Salt Lake City near the University of Utah

During his junior year, Lynn found the confidence and commitment

campus. His father, Clyde Miller, BA’34 in Business, spent the majority

to academics, due to the kindness and encouragement of Mathematics

of his career in Utah politics. Clyde ascended the legislative ranks and

Professor J.D. Smith. Professor Smith took a special interest in Lynn’s

eventually served as the Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor

success and encouraged him to realize his true potential.

for the State of Utah from 1965-1977. Although Lynn did not follow in

“I credit the University for supporting me. In addition to my

his father’s footsteps in the political forum, Lynn’s mastery of diploma-

degree, I also received valuable life lessons of hard work, dedication,

cy would become a great asset to complement his mathematics skills.

and perseverance,” says Miller.

Lynn was a fervent University of Utah basketball fan and he attended

After graduating from the U, Lynn began his professional career

many games at the Einar Nielsen Field House. His enthusiasm for

at the Hercules Powder Company in Magna, Utah. His job allowed him

basketball would fuel his passion for mathematics and statistics.

to apply his mathematical skills to analyze test firings for quality control.

For example, he used probability modeling to create a dice game

While at Hercules, one of his colleagues witnessed Lynn’s mathematical

Notebook • Volu me X X VII • 2019

brilliance and mentioned that he

It’s not surprising that universal

should look into becoming an actuary,

life created significant controversy,

a specialized math discipline based

turmoil, and resistance from established

on the measurement and manage-

insurance companies.

ment of risk and uncertainty.

In fact, Mass Mutual and other large

Lynn seized upon an opportunity

mutual companies launched expensive

at Surety Life Insurance in Salt Lake

ad campaigns that tried to disparage

City and began his career as an actuary.

and rebuke the new product. Lynn met

For eight years Lynn juggled his

with many groups and key individuals

advanced actuary classes and exams,

including the IRS, U.S. Treasury, federal

worked long hours, and along with

and state legislators, tax attorneys, and

his wife, helped to raise his young

even fellow industry antagonists to con-

family. Ultimately, due to the job at Surety

vince them of the attributes and legiti-

Life, Lynn found himself leveraging

macy of universal life.

his mathematics and actuary skills to the pathway of disrupting the life

In 1981, the IRS provided a Private Lynn Miller, Sue Miller, and Phillip Shermis

Letter Ruling, which held that univer-

insurance industry.

sal life was a legitimate insurance

In 1972, Lynn discovered that E.F. Hutton had an opening for

product. The ruling was challenged in 1984. This led to an effort

a Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary position. Observing the

to permanently enact into law what constitutes a legitimate life insurance

grand opportunity that presented itself, Lynn interviewed and,

product. Lynn was extensively involved in this effort and was one

eventually, won the position. During his time at E.F. Hutton, Lynn

of the original authors of the federal income tax definition of what

became one of the key individuals to reinvent the life insurance in-

constitutes life insurance for policyholder and company tax purposes,

dustry. Lynn shared that a big part of his career growth was due to

enacted in the DEFRA Tax Act of 1984.

his awareness of opportunities and faith in his abilities to succeed.

surance for the past quarter century. Last year it represented more

In the late 1970s, traditional whole life insurance came under

Universal life has since become the dominant form of life in-

heavy criticism from the investment community. Policy cash values

than 60% of permanent cash value type life insurance sales.

were being credited with very low interest rates in the 2-3% range,

while external new money rates exceeded 10%. In addition, the

became the Chief Actuary for the Life Insurance Division. In 2002,

rigid nature of a typical contract made it difficult to adapt to

he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Head of the Life

changing needs of the client. This created the ideal environment for the creation of the universal life product that offered the following: •A n open, fully disclosed architecture that allows flexibility in the amount and timing of premium

In 1999, Lynn moved to Pacific Life Insurance Company and

Insurance Division. He retired in 2012.

His stellar career positively impacted millions of life insurance customers, and their families, who have benefited from universal life insurance.

Lynn and his wife, Sue, reside in San

payments and in the balance

Diego, CA, and are strong supporters

between the savings (cash value)

of Utah athletics. They have season

and pure insurance elements.

football tickets and attend many

•A n earnings rate on cash values

home games in Rice-Eccles stadium.

that reflected the high investment yields available at that time. This provided a significant advantage over established companies who were burdened with investment portfolios

Mass Mutual newspaper advertisement. Wall Street Journal, August 11, 1981.

earning well under new money rates.

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No te b o o k • Vo lu me X X V I I • 2019

The N e w Fa c e of S

The University of Utah has changed drastically in the 49 years since Pete D. Gardner started his

time as the first Dean of the College of Science. The university campus now totals 225 buildings, across 1,500 acres, with enrollment exceeding 33,000 students. Technology has enabled discoveries that break down barriers between traditional disciplines. In the midst of all of this growth, PETE GARDNER

the U has emerged as a leader on the world stage.

Credit the University leadership of the 1970s for having the long-term vision to recruit the best

and the brightest to Utah and provide them with state-of-the-art facilities. Over the years, leaders realized that in order to establish its status as a top tier school, it was imperative that the University attract faculty from diverse disciplines engaged in innovative research. This recruitment strategy is still in place today. And after nearly five decades, the results speak for themselves: 13 National Academy of Science members, 9 National Academy of Medicine members, one Nobel Prize, and a long list of annual honors and grants.

The College of Science has played an integral role in the University’s growth. The College is

now a national leader. Faculty members have received awards ranging from the National Medal of Science to the Breakthrough Prize. Over the last five years, the College has received more than $166 million in research funding. Most importantly, our alumni can be found making meaningful contributions around the globe.

EDUCATORS – MAKING A DIFFERENCE Distinguished Professor Joel Harris witnessed the evolution of the College of Science first-

GERNOT LAICHER

hand. Joel joined the Chemistry department in 1976 and is known by many as the founder of analytical chemistry at the University of Utah. This year, Harris was awarded the Calvin S. and JeNeal N. Hatch Prize in Teaching. The award recognizes one teacher at the University of Utah each year JOEL HARRIS

that has made “a contribution to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge, and to improving our ability to communicate with each other.”

This level of excellence is found throughout the College. Physics Professor (Lecturer) Gernot

Laicher was recognized with a University of Utah Distinguished Teaching Award. Chemistry Professor (Lecturer) Holly Sebahar and Biology Professor Leslie Sieburth were recognized with Excellence in Teaching Awards from the College of Science.

HOLLY SEBAHAR

LESLIE SIEBURTH

RESEARCH – THE FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE

Since its inception, the College of Science has held firm to the belief that scientific research

cultivates progress and innovation. We are proud to recognize our faculty’s tremendous research

WILLIAM ANDEREGG

accomplishments, including receiving over $42 million in research grants in 2018 alone.

This hard work has not gone unnoticed. The University of Utah awarded Distinguished Scholarly

& Creative Research Awards to Valeria Molinero, Professor of Chemistry, and Mladen Bestvina, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics.

VALERIA MOLINERO

10

MLADEN BESTVINA

c ie nc e

PETER TRAPA MARIO CAPECCHI

TOMMASO de FERNEX CHRISTOPHER HACON

MAJOR AWARDS – INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

AKIL NARAYAN

Christopher Hacon, McMinn Presidential Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of

Mathematics, added two new “honors of a lifetime” to his already stellar resume: Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences and Fellow of the Royal Society of London. Additional honors in the Department of Mathematics include Professors Tommaso de Fernex and Peter Trapa, who DENISE DEARING

were named Fellows of the American Mathematical Society. Professor Firas Rassoul-Agha was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, and Assistant Professor Akil Narayan received a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Grant.

Denise Dearing, Director and Distinguished Professor of the School of Biological Science,

CAGAN SEKERCIOGLU

received the American Society of Mammalogists, Joseph Grinnell Award for contributions

LYNN BOHS

to education in mammalogy. Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Science Diane Pataki was named a Fulbright Global Scholar, an Ecological Society of America Fellow, and the Associate Vice President of Research for the University of Utah. Professor Lynn Bohs joins Pataki as a Fulbright Global Scholar, while Assistant Professor William Anderegg

NITIN PHADNIS

DIANE PATAKI

was named a Packard Foundation Fellow. Associate Professor Cagan Sekercioglu became a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society. Professor Nalini Nadkarni was honored with a University of Utah Distinguished Innovation and Impact Award, and Assistant Professor Nitin Phadnis received the College of Science Award for Fostering Undergraduate Research Excellence.

NALINI NADKARNI

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No te b o o k • Vo lu me X X V I I • 2019

In the Department of Chemistry, Department Chair and Distinguished Professor Cynthia

Burrows received the University’s highest faculty accolade, the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence, CYNTHIA BURROWS

presented annually to a faculty member who transcends ordinary teaching, research, and administrative efforts. The American Association for the Advancement of Science recognized Professor Shelley

MICHAEL MORSE

Minteer as a fellow. Professor Michael Morse received The Optical Society’s William F. Eggers Award. Distinguished Professor Henry White was awarded the John A. Widtsoe Presidential Endowed Chair in Chemistry.

SHELLEY MINTEER

Tino Nyawelo, Assistant Professor (Lecturer) in the Department of Physics and Astronomy,

HENRY WHITE

blurs the line between researcher, teacher, and activist in his work with Sudanese refugees and underserved youth throughout Salt Lake County. He was also awarded the College of Science Award for Fostering Undergraduate Research Excellence. Distinguished Professor Emeritus Alexei Efros was awarded the Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize. The American Physical Society TINO NYAWELO

and American Institute of Physics recognized Professor Emeritus Bill Sutherland with the Dannie ALEXEI EFROS

Heineman Prize in Mathematical Physics.

STUDENT SUCCESS – BREAKING THE MOLD Graduate student Florence Doval’s work on microtubule transport systems sounds more like biology than the research of Assistant Professor Michael Vershinin’s lab in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

“Understanding this potential mechanism for regulating transport is important for biomedical research, but it is a major technical challenge to build and study these nanoscale structures.

Our lab is constantly pushing the limits of biophysics to make this research possible.”

FLORENCE DOVAL

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BILL SUTHERLAND

Notebook • Volu me X X VII • 2019

The College of Science is committed to consistent improvement in teaching and learning. Our graduate and undergraduate research programs provide unprecedented access to lab space MICHAEL VERSHININ

and faculty, while an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration spurs research innovations.

Cameron Owen BS’19, is another U student on the cutting edge of scientific research.

Owen joined the lab of Distinguished Professor Peter Armentrout as a freshman and has collaborated on multiple publications, three of which have Cameron as the lead author. This spring, Cameron was awarded a prestigious Churchill Scholarship (the College’s 4th in a row) and the College of Science Research Scholar Award.

As he prepares for graduate studies at Cambridge, Cameron credits his success to the

supportive environment at the U and cherishes the friendships he cultivated via the Armentrout Research Group and his Honors Science Cohort.

CAMERON OWEN

FOR THE FUTURE

PETER ARMENTROUT

The long-term vision of the College of Science is alive and well at the University of Utah!

The College continues the University’s tradition of recruiting the best and brightest faculty to Utah and providing them with state-of-the-art facilities. We strive to advance the frontiers of science, excel in research and education, and increase public understanding of science.

We are proud of our students and faculty. They are the new face of science, driving an

amazing future for our university, our state, our nation, and our world.

13

College of Scie A Powerhouse of Ed Leroy Cowles Building INSCC John Widtsoe Building South Physics

James Fletcher Building

Park Administration Building

James Talmage Building

ence Corridor uc ation & Innovationi Aline Wilmot Skaggs Building

South Biology

Henry Eyring Building

Rice Eccles Stadium

Life Sciences Building

Thatcher Biological & Biophysical Chemistry Building

Crocker Science Center

HOMECOMING

Sept. 27-28, 2019

Join the College of Science for a variety of events during University of Utah’s Homecoming Weekend.

OPEN HOUSE Tour our campus including the new Crocker Science Center and various department facilities.

FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE Join us for a special “Frontiers of Science” lecture, the longest running lecture series in the history of the University.

HOMECOMING GAME Join 45,000 diehard football fans, as Utah takes on Washington State..

Dean Henry S. White On June 30, 2019, Henry S. White completes his five-year service as Dean of the College of Science and returns to his role as a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry.

On June 30, 2019, Henry S. White will

observed the young employee was a quick

Award. He was also inducted as a fellow of

conclude a five-year term as Dean of the

study and, over the course of his under-

the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

College of Science and return to his role as

graduate years, assigned him to different ar-

and the American Chemical Society.

a Distinguished Professor in the Department

eas of responsibility in the store. By the time

of Chemistry. Through a series of strategic

Henry graduated with a bachelor’s degree

of Chemistry from 2007-2013, a period in

steps, White has improved education and

in 1978, upper management was ready and

which he helped guide the completion of

research facilities, increased private funding,

they offered him a full-time store manager

the Thatcher Building for Biological and Bio-

hired exceptional faculty, and retained more

position with the promise of future opportunities

physical Chemistry. He also served as an as-

students in the College of Science.

in the company. However, Henry had already

sociate editor for the prestigious Journal of

“I appreciate the opportunity I have

been accepted to several graduate programs

the American Chemical Society and the Journal of

had as dean to work with so many passionate

in chemistry and his professors were encour-

Electroanalytical Chemistry, in addition to edito-

and dedicated people,” says White. “I am proud

aging him to continue his education.

rial assignments at many other premier analyti-

of what we have accomplished together over

cal and electrochemical journals.

the last five years. As I look at our remarkably

income or many more years of formal education

talented students and faculty, I know the

loomed in front of him. Ultimately, the prospect

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS DEAN

College will continue to increase its reputation

of knowledge and scientific exploration was

nationally and throughout the world. I am

stronger than financial security and Henry

Dean of the College of Science, a leadership

excited to be part of that future.”

set out to the University of Texas at Austin.

role that oversees all four of the College’s ac-

That type of decision is indicative of

ademic units: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics,

chemistry, will resume full-time research and

Henry’s mindset throughout his career. His

and Physics and Astronomy. Henry is quick

teaching and plans to stay involved with the

perspective is centered around a love of learning

to acknowledge that many of the College’s

American Academy of Arts and Sciences and

and a passion for teaching. Following his PhD.,

successes throughout his term as dean are

the American Chemical Society to focus on

Henry worked as a postdoctoral associate

the result of tremendous work by a diverse

national science policy issues. He will also

at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

team of faculty members, staff, and commu-

continue research for the Department of

before accepting a tenure-track position in

nity partners.

Energy and the Office of Naval Research, and

the Department of Chemical Engineering and

will work with colleagues at Northwestern

Material Science at the University of Minnesota

remarkable goals during Henry’s term,

University and the University of Maryland.

in 1984. In 1993, he joined the University of

including the completion of the $55 million

White, a distinguished professor of

The decision between immediate steady

He served as chairman of the Department

In 2014, Henry accepted the position of

The College of Science has achieved

Utah as a professor of chemistry.

16

THE BEGINNING

As a young boy growing up near Chapel

istry continued to attract national attention

Hill, North Carolina, Henry did not necessarily

and a succession of awards followed, including

envision a life and career in academia. However,

the Faraday Medal from the Royal Society of

his intelligence and talent with people was

Chemistry, the American Chemical Society

noticed at an early age both academically

Analytical Division Award in Electrochemistry,

and professionally.

the David Grahame Award, the Carl Wagner

In order to pay for college, Henry worked

Award, the Utah Governor’s Medal for Sci-

in a local grocery store. His supervisors

ence and Technology, and the Allen J. Bard

At the U, Henry’s work in electrochem-

Increased Advising Launched the Academic Advising Hive with nine full-time advisors to greatly increase student success and retention

Crimson Laureate Creation and implementation of the Crimson Laureate Society

2017 2016

Notebook • Volu me X X VII • 2019

interdisciplinary Crocker Science Center, the acquisition of more than $190 million in research awards, increasing the College’s undergraduate female enrollment from 40% to 49%, hiring a total of 26 new faculty, launching the Academic Advising Hive, creating new Mathematics and Chemistry endowments and establishing the new School of Biological Sciences.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished... As I look at our remarkably talented students and faculty, I know the College will continue to increase its reputation throughout the world.“ – DEAN HENRY WHITE

White’s first comments as dean published in the College of Science

Notebook appeared in spring 2016. In his remarks he stated, “The mission of the College of Science is more urgent than ever. We aim to educate and train the next generation of scientists, and to create, develop, apply, and disseminate new science.”

Due to White’s superb leadership and guiding vision, the College

has fulfilled its mission and stands ready for new challenges and opportunities to come.

Crocker Science Center

Established New School Endowed Math Chair Established the James T. McMinn Presidential Endowed Chair in Mathematics

Established a new School of Biological Sciences with research initiatives in Cell and Molecular Biology; Genetics and Evolution; and Ecology and Physiology

Increased Faculty Hired a total of 26 new faculty in the College of Science,

Dedication of the George Thomas Building and completion of the Crocker Science Center

2018

Presidential Endowded Chair Awarded the John A. Widtsoe Presidential Endowed Chair in Chemistry

2019

2018 2017

2018

17

Laureate Society CRIMSON

Making a Difference

Michael Hunnicutt, Cynthia Burrows, Joel Harris, and Sally Hunnicutt.

Joel Harris Endowed Graduate Scholarship

Thank you to Michael and Sally Hunnicutt

more than 4 decades of teaching analytical

other Joel Harris Group members to donate

for establishing the Harris Endowed Graduate

chemistry at the University of Utah, he has

and create a fully endowed “Joel Harris Grad-

Scholarship in honor of Professor Joel Harris.

distinguished himself as an engaging educator

uate Fellowship” to support future students.

and scholar.“

Harris taught thousands of students

during his 43 years at the University and he made a lasting impression as a postdoctoral

advisor to Michael Hunnicutt. The experience

In May, Harris was awarded the

ing funds of $100,000 to further incentivize

Calvin S. and JeNeal N. Hatch Prize

other students to contribute to the Harris

in Teaching. The Hatch Prize

Graduate Fellowship. We invite you to join with

is the highest teaching award at

helped launch Hunnicutt’s career at Virginia

the University of Utah.

Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Sally also earned a master’s degree in chemistry

at the U, in 1986, and she is faculty at Virginia

made an initial gift of $100,000 to inspire

In honor of Harris, Michael and Sally

Commonwealth as well.

“Joel is an absolutely first-rate analytical

chemist who loves to teach undergraduates, and he is immensely skillful at this art! In his

18

The Hunnicutts are also pledging match-

Hunnicutt Matching Pledge will match contributions to the fund up to an additional $100,000.

the Hunnicutts in this generous donation.

Contact martin@science.utah.edu for more information or to show your support.

Notebook • Volu me X X VII • 2019

Mark Nielsen Anatomy Fund

Medical Director of the Neurotrauma Reha-

“Mark Nielsen is the person who inspired

Provo, “he wouldn’t just help me understand

me more than any other to become the per-

the material. He would fascinate me with all

son I am today,” says Zach Allred, Doctor of

the wonders involved in my question.”

Osteopathology, former student and teach-

ing assistant (TA) in Nielsen’s lab. “His passion

become doctors, dentists, nurses, physical

for anatomy is unmatched.”

therapists, occupational therapists, physician

Since 1986 and in the only lab on main

assistants, and pharmacists throughout the

campus that provides access to cadavers,

state and the country, not to mention educators,

Nielsen has taught over 26,000 students and

researchers, and employees in other careers

trained approximately 1,600 teaching assis-

too varied to mention.

bilitation Unit at Utah Valley Medical Center in

“He wouldn’t just help me

tants in the science and art of anatomy.

understand the material. He would

Last fall some of his alumni using the

fascinate me with all the wonders

hashtag #nerdfornielsen were the impetus

involved in my question.”

behind endowing the Legler Lectureship which Nielsen currently holds so that the

career, the School is collecting the stories and

legacy of this beloved professor will continue

remembrances of former students and TAs.

in perpetuity at the School of Biological

Sciences. In celebration of Nielsen’s 35+ year

ask a question,” continues Allred who is now

“Whenever I would come to Mark’s office to

Nielsen’s students have gone on to

His secret? An unflagging enthusiasm

for and understanding of the subject… plus a little bit of priestcraft. “The first day of class,” remembers another student, “he would stand in front of the class and say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, anatomy is your new religion.’”

Send your #nerdfornielsen stories to

development@biology.utah.edu.

Laureate Society CRIMSON

Crimson Laureate Society Update

Our community of alumni and friends has now surpassed 1,000

Together we can make a difference. Recently, many donors have

members! We encourage all alumni, students, and friends to join us in

doubled the impact of their investments by using employer match-

positively impacting the College of Science.

ing programs. In these cases, employers will match the gift dollar-for-

dollar, doubling the donation.

Donations to the Crimson Laureate Society enable deserving

science students to make their education a reality. Most gifts made

to the College of Science are under $1,000. But together they add up

and alumni events, contact Jeff Martin at martin@science.utah.edu.

For more information on Crimson Laureate Society membership

to millions for financial aid, academics, research, and other programs.

19

Laureate Society CRIMSON

WELCOME CLASS OF 2019

Welcome to the Crimson Laureate Society.

In recognition of your dedication to the College of Science, every member of the Class of 2019 will be an honorary member of the Crimson Laureate Society during the upcoming year.

Our members are advocates for science, making their voices heard as we work with legislators to create new science programs in Utah. We encourage all alumni and friends of science to join today.

Thank you for your support and participation in our vibrant community of scientists and mathematicians.

W e S u pp ort S c ie nc e BENEFACTORS $1 MILLION + Gary L. and Ann Crocker PATRONS $500,000-$999,999 Harris H. and Amanda P. Simmons The Sorenson Legacy Foundation ASSOCIATES $100,000-$499,999 Michael and Sally S. Hunnicutt C. Dale and Susan Poulter John P. and Margaret A. Simons Ryan J. and Jennifer Warner Watts FOUNDERS CLUB $50,000-$99,999 Willard L. and Ruth P. Eccles Foundation Thomas Kursar* and Phyllis D. Coley Taylor Family Revocable Trust DESERET CLUB $25,000-$49,999 Dale H. Clayton and Sarah E. Bush Martin and Ragnhild Horvath George R. Riser Thomas W. and Cathy Saxton PRESIDENTS CIRCLE $10,000-$24,999 Frederick R. Adler and Anne Collopy Anonymous Peter B. Armentrout and Mary Ann White Ozkan Hamit Batubay Mary C. Beckerle and David G. Murrell Cynthia J. Burrows and Scott L. Anderson Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Carleton DeTar and Laurel Casjens Naomi C. Franklin Gale A. and John L. Haslam Anthony D. Haymet Mitchell T. and Diana M. Johnson Per and Kerstin Kaijser Valeria Molinero and Diego P. Fernandez Dinesh C. and Kalpana Patel T. Benny* and Gail T. Rushing Cagan Sekercioglu PRESIDENTS CLUB $2,500-$9,999 Anonymous Ronald and Pamela Schofield Bananto Mihir K. and Stephanie Bhayani BioFire Diagnostics, Inc. David F. Blair Alexandre Boldyrev Carlos and Ann* Bowman

*Indicates deceased

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Adella Serin Croft John Marcell Davis Lawrence T. and Janet T. Dee Foundation Sue M. Durrant Kenneth M. Golden Jim Hanson Garrett M. Hisatake and Phuong Ngoc Bui Paul C. and Darice F. Koo George H. Lowe III Larry L. and Leslie Marsh Herbert I. and Elsa B. Michael Foundation Shelley D. Minteer and Robert Churchwell RJay Murray Jeffrey A. Nichols Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems James Phelps Timothy J. and Jessica S. Purcell Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Rick and Judi Schofield Angela and Mark H. Skolnick Shaoqing Song and Fuli Zhao John E. Straub Douglas J. N. Taylor William B. and Vivien G. Terzaghi Ye Tian Turning Tech LLC Rebecca A. Uhlig and Thaddeus B. Eagar Henry S. White and Joyce Garcia DEANS CIRCLE $1,000-$2,499 Zachary A. and Tirzah Allred Anonymous John I. and Sharon Brauman Patrick and Carol D. Blair Brennan Bill Buhro and Gina Frey W. Rex and Ruth M. Call Paul E. and Denise R. Christian David T. Chuljian M. Denise Dearing and Michael J. Bastiani Sidney Paul Elmer Cecelia H. Foxley and Stacy Firth Joel M. and Frances Harris Heber Jacobsen and Christine Lake David B. and Lisa G. Kieda Gunnel and Jan Linderberg Dennis L. and Patricia A. Lombardi Lumican Corporation Frank and Jill S. Mauriello Josef and Sara* Michl Frances and Richard* Muir Stanley A. and Jane S. Mulaik

Notebook • Volu me X X VII • 2019

Suppor ting the Promotion and Advancement of Science.

Eric and Lora B. Newman Clifford W. and Susan A. Nichols Rick D. and Denise Nydegger Jens Oddershede Anita M. Orendt Burak Over Keith and Michele C. Pasker Suna Reyent Susan K. Rushing Kenneth A. Savin and Lisa A. Wenzler Christopher Earl Schofield Andrew and Patty Shang Neil and Tanya M. Vickers Jia Wang Chin H. and Li-Rong Wang Gabriela M. Vargas and Jorge Rojas Christopher Waters Paul T. and Beverly Watkins Michael R. and Jan Weaver H. Ross and Katherine Workman Workman Nydegger Douglas L. and Kaye W. Wyler DEANS CLUB $500-$999 Anonymous Iwona Anusiewicz Ntsanderh C. Azenui Zlatko and Vesna Bacic Keld Lars Bak Michael H. and Aditi Risbud Bartl Peter A. Beal and Sheila S. David Rick W. and Colleen Bliss Christoph Boehme William and Julie Breckenridge Emily Ann Carter William Chen and Chwen-Mei Chen Daniel P. and Kara Cherney Samuel J. Cole and Mary G. Furlow-Cole Roy and Elaine Corsi John E. and Sally P. Crelly Jr. Kevin P. Dockery and Kelly Reynolds Berton A. and Tiraje Earnshaw EDA Architects, Inc. Donald Feener Craig D. George Barton W. and Susan K. Giddings David P. Goldenberg John F.* and Eunice Kato Griffin Byron L. and Judy C. Hardy Stanley T. Holmes and Rebecca Horn Michelle Jen Raymond R. and Vernetta B. Jessop

János Kollár and Jennifer M. Johnson Michael D. Johnson Noel E. Marquis Jeffrey M. and Allison J. Martin Anne McCoy Edward A. Meenen David S. and Viera I. Moore National Parks Conservation Association Aaron Y. and Holly A. Nelson Ruth L. and Phillip J.* Novak Bob Palais and Micah Goodman Roger and Kathleen Pugh Jack B. and Itha W. Rampton Thomas C. Robbins and Kathleen A. Clark Carl L.* and Kathryn S. Robinson Peter E. and Susan E. Rogers Bryant W. and Betty Rossiter George G. and Linda A. Seifert James W. Sewell Frederick J.* and Karoline J. Sheffield Mark H. Sherwood James L. and Wendy Moore Skinner Cameron J. and Melanie T. Soelberg Spectrum Engineers Dean J. and Samantha Stoker Sylvia D. Torti Warner Wada Jiang-Hua and Hanju Wang Doju Yoshikami Zhigang Zak and Wenfang Bian Fang Dean H. and Jane H.* Zobell COLLEGIATE CLUB $250-$499 David Owen Baumann Austin F. and Dale O. Bishop Benjamin C. Bromley Pejman Mahboubi Chalezamini Kathleen Merry Chaudhry Frederic M. and Dulce Civish Chad and Kimberly Peterson Coates Marcia Cook Ruggiero S. Costanzo John C. and Laurie N. Dallon Richard Todd Darrington Steven J. Dean James W. DeSpain James and Lisa S. Doyle Mohamed M. and Joyce F.* El-Mogazi Larry A. and Wendy Evans Max T. and Josephine Forsberg Karla Jean Gilbert Anna P. Gimble

Robert D. Guy Harry G. Hecht Ramon Hernandez Kenneth C. Janda R. Bradley and Vangie Jensen Georgia A. Jeppesen John W. and Inga Kenney Ed and Marsha Kilgore Fritz J. Knorr and Jeanne L. McHale Carol Korzeniewski Benjamin Levine Timothy and Jane A. Levstik Zhiwei Liu and Aihua Tong Daniel W. Lundberg Samantha Ann Marshall Jerilyn S. McIntyre and W. David Smith William E Miller Graeme W. Milton William L. and Jane Ehardt Moore Marvin L. and Sharron Lee Morris Joseph V. Ortiz and Karen Fagin Allen K. and Anne Kitamura Oshita Diane Pataki Elizabeth G. and Steven Pattison Carl J. and Barbara Popp Quatere Gary L. and Norma D. Ranck Ilya B. Reznik and Riley Lorimer-Reznik Barry B. and Michelle Rhodes Lee K. and Dawn L. Roberts Jonathan M. Rubin and Gretta Spier Dennis B. and Barbara H. Sagendorf Dennis T. and Charlotte J. Sauer Robert J. Scheuplein David H. and Barbara Schultz Jeraldine Schumacher Patricia Sharkey Piotr and Joanna Skurski Claude Karim Tabet Neal S. and Sheri B. Topham Jacob T. and Erin L. Umbriaco Z. Valy Vardeny Lane J. and Rhonda L. Wallace Michael A. Weibel Heng Xie

This list represents gifts of at least $250 made to any area in the College of Science including Departments, Centers, and Programs, between July 1, 2018 and May 1, 2019. Standard University group designations are used. We are extremely grateful for these and all of our generous supporters.

21

Con vo ca College of Science

658

College of Science Graduation Total number Stats 2019 of graduates

C on g r at u l at i on s –

THE CLASS OF 2019

The College of Science is proud to recognize our exceptional graduating class for

2019: 658 students in all, 75 doctoral, 92 master, and 491 bachelor graduates. The path to a Biology degree, a Chemistry degree, a Mathematics degree, or a degree in Physics & Astronomy is not easy, but the rewards are immense.

24

cum laude undergraduates

CONVOCATION SPEAKER, DR. MONICA GANDHI, BS’91 Keynote Speaker Monica Gandhi, Honors BS’91 in Biology, Summa Cum Laude, shared personal memories from her time growing up in Utah and how they shaped her career.

She said, “My history at the University of Utah is long, my roots in Utah deep, and

PhD

75

graduates

the effects of the training I received here long-lasting.”

After her time at the U, Dr. Gandhi earned a medical degree at Harvard and a Master’s of Public Health at Berkeley.

She is a Professor of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine at UCSF/San Francisco General Hospital. She is also an Associate Division Chief and Medical Director of the hospital’s HIV clinic. . Dr. Gandhi has received many honors and awards including the Lifetime HIV Merit Award, the Constance B. Wofsy Women’s Health Investigator Award, and the HIV Medical Association Clinical Educator Award. She offered the graduates these closing remarks, “The world has always struggled with disparities and vulnerable populations. Great education comes with great privilege. It is our duty as graduates of the College of Science to carry the ideals of our rigorous scientific education forth.”

CONVOCATION STUDENT SPEAKER, HOLLIE MORALES BS‘19

Student speaker Hollie Morales, BS’19 in Biology, inspired her classmates with her

tenaciousness and unbreakable spirit. She said, “I’m what they call a non-traditional

student. I’m a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister… and widow.” Holly lost her husband and her father to cancer and she’s determined to make a difference. “This fall I embark upon my next quest—a Ph.D. in oncological sciences studying brain cancer here at the U.”

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92 MASTER

graduates

. a t i on 2 0 19 491

BACHELOR graduates

To our graduates - as you go on to graduate school and your professional careers – you will always be a part of the College of Science.

Just as the College will always be a part of you.

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C o n v o c a t i o n . 2 0 19 2019 U of U Graduation Stats:

Master’s degrees

Doctoral degrees

AGE

bachelor degree

26

AVERAGE

5,710

2,391

727

9,126 TOTAL

4,265 self-identified men, 4,086 self-identified women and 114 nonbinary/unidentified.

3.37 is the average undergraduate grade point average.

26 is the average age of bachelor’s degree recipients; the youngest undergraduate is 18, the oldest is 72.

31 is the average age of students receiving graduate degrees; the youngest is 21 and the oldest is 70.

11

MAGNA

degrees

Bachelor’s degrees

cum laude undergraduates

SUMMA

7

cum laude

undergraduates

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9

“

Great education comes with great privilege. It is our duty as graduates of the College of Science to carry the ideals of our rigorous scientific education forth.

MONICA GANDHI

”

CO N V O C AT I O N S P E A K E R

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Nonprofit Organization

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Salt Lake City, Utah Permit No. 1529