LBC professor James Smith successfully completed the Research Residency component of the Biology Scholars Program (BSP)
LBC professor James Smith is one of twenty biology educators from around the country and internationally who have successfully completed the Research Residency component of the Biology Scholars Program (BSP), a national interdisciplinary program for biologists committed to improving undergraduate biology education based upon evidence of effective student learning. Sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology and the National Science Federation, BSP Scholars are chosen through a competitive process that identifies teaching excellence and national leadership.
Conjuring the real history behind 'Harry Potter's' magic
Author J.K. Rowling's young wizard Hary Potter might be fiction, but the historical basis of his "magic" is not. Mark Waddell, a visiting assistant professor at LBC weaves popular culture such as the "Harry Potter" series into his lectures on science history. He was the historical consultant for the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) traveling exhibition linking J.K. Rowling's magic infused Harry Potter books to real historical beliefs and people.
Read the MSU News Article
Read the MSU News Article
Lyman Briggs professor studies the first stars
Lyman Briggs physics Professor Brian O'Shea and his collaborators,
Matthew Turk and Tom Abel of Stanford University, have just published
a paper in the journal Science (appearing today in Science Express)
showing that the first generations of stars could form as twins, not
just individuals. They learned this using simulations which provide
the most detailed understanding of the formation of the first
generation of stars in the universe to date.
"Understanding the first stars in the universe is very important, since they have such a huge impact," said O'Shea. "The first stars were born very early on, when the universe was less than 1 percent of its present age, and are the seeds for all of galaxy formation. If you want to understand how galaxies like our own Milky Way formed, you need to start with the first stars." This result is a part of Dr. O'Shea's overall goal of understanding how galaxies evolve over the life of the universe by using simulations on the largest supercomputers in the world.
To make this discovery, O'Shea and his collaborators created extremely detailed computer models of how the universe evolved. They traced the growth of the universe, and the structure within it, from shortly after the Big Bang until more than 100 million years later, when the first star in the universe formed. They ran several different models, and discovered that one of the models formed a pair of stars instead of a lone star.
"This is very exciting," said O'Shea. "The astrophysical community has thought that these first stars formed singly for a long time, and this seemed to contradict recent observations from people like Tim Beers" (an astronomer at Michigan State University). "If a large number of these first stars formed in pairs, it solves quite a few problems, and the implications are profound. These paired stars could possibly make binary black holes or gamma-ray bursts (very energetic explosions that can be detected from billions of light-years away), or possibly even leave remnants that could be detected in our very own galaxy!"
Read the MSU News Article
"Understanding the first stars in the universe is very important, since they have such a huge impact," said O'Shea. "The first stars were born very early on, when the universe was less than 1 percent of its present age, and are the seeds for all of galaxy formation. If you want to understand how galaxies like our own Milky Way formed, you need to start with the first stars." This result is a part of Dr. O'Shea's overall goal of understanding how galaxies evolve over the life of the universe by using simulations on the largest supercomputers in the world.
To make this discovery, O'Shea and his collaborators created extremely detailed computer models of how the universe evolved. They traced the growth of the universe, and the structure within it, from shortly after the Big Bang until more than 100 million years later, when the first star in the universe formed. They ran several different models, and discovered that one of the models formed a pair of stars instead of a lone star.
"This is very exciting," said O'Shea. "The astrophysical community has thought that these first stars formed singly for a long time, and this seemed to contradict recent observations from people like Tim Beers" (an astronomer at Michigan State University). "If a large number of these first stars formed in pairs, it solves quite a few problems, and the implications are profound. These paired stars could possibly make binary black holes or gamma-ray bursts (very energetic explosions that can be detected from billions of light-years away), or possibly even leave remnants that could be detected in our very own galaxy!"
Read the MSU News Article
Filmmakers feature LBC senior seminar students’ Letter on Sustainability
Working with Briggs Professor Michael Nelson, the students addressed the letter to the Columbia River Quorum, a gathering of sixteen environmental scientists, social scientists, philosophers, communications experts, and creative writers. Sponsored by the Spring Creek Project (Oregon State University) with the support of the US Forest Service, the Quorum seeks to bring science and moral imagination together to communicate about climate destabilization. Originally delivered during the opening comments of the gathering, the filmmakers edited and produced the video.
View the video
View the video
MSU 2009 Alumni Distinguished Scholarship winners choose Lyman Briggs College
2 of the 19 high school seniors awarded this competitive scholarship have chosen to attend LBC in the fall. Vishnu Pemmaraju (Troy) and Robert Harrison (Okemos) are among those selected from more than 1,110 high school seniors from across the country who applied to MSU and took an intensive general knowledge exam. Students in the competition had an average ACT score of 34 (out of 36) and SAT score of 1530 (out of 1600). The scholarships are valued at about $90,000 for in-state students and $150,000 for out-of-state students.
Michael Van Rooyen ('84) Briggsie to be named MSUAA Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
The MSU Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Michael J. Van Rooyen, MD, MPH, has been selected to receive the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Van Rooyen is honored for his internationally recognized reputation for excellence in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He has worked extensively in humanitarian assistance in over thirty countries affected by war and disaster, including Somalia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Iraq, North Korea, Darfur-Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a physician and policy advisor he has worked with numerous relief organizations including CARE, Save the Children, Physicians for Human Rights and Samaritan's Purse International Relief. He has served as special advisor for the World Health Organization and as a member of the United Nations Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Health Cluster. Domestically, Dr. Van Rooyen has provided relief assistance at the site of the World Trade Center in New York on September 11th with the American Red Cross and helped to coordinate the American Red Cross public health response to Hurricane Katrina, sending over twenty physicians from the Harvard system to hurricane-devastated regions. Dr. Van Rooyen was a 2008 LBC Distinguished Alumni Award winner.
View LBC Press Release
View LBC Press Release
LBC Sophomore Molly White, leads MSU's Equestrian Team to National Titles
MSU finished in sixth place over all in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Horse Show in Murfreesboro, Tenn. MSU animal science sophomore Shelby Piechorowski, beat out a field of 18 of the country's top riders to earn the national championship title in the individual intermediate equitation on the flat division. The MSU Equestrian Team is a self-funded student activity. Team members must pay for all the costs associated with the judging experience, including entry fees, transportation, lodging and meals, and for the coach. Fundraising events are conducted throughout the year, and team members pay for the balance out of their own pockets.
View the complete story.
View the complete story.
Should environmental scientists be advocates for environmental policy?
"Scientists, by virtue of being citizens first and scientists second, have a responsibility to advocate to the best of their abilities and in a justified and transparent manner," say John A. Vucetich, population biologist in Michigan Tech's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, and Michael P. Nelson, environmental ethicist jointly appointed in the Lyman Briggs College, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and Department of Philosophy at MSU. These MSU scientists were among scores of college and university researchers who urged Michigan's congressional delegation this week to support strong federal policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
View the published article
View the published article
LBC Medical Historian John Waller, interviewed by Claudia Hammond of the BBC Health Check
Waller discusses the strange case of the dancing plague which struck Strasbourg in the 16th century and its modern day equivalents of psychogenic illness and hysteria. The interview springs from Waller's book, A Time to Dance, A Time to Die, which reveals how people from the Medieval German city danced themselves to death.
Listen to the interview (begins at the 17:30 min. point of the interview
Listen to the interview (begins at the 17:30 min. point of the interview
Dr. Robert T. Pennock receives the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Distinguished Service Award
The award recognizes noteworthy service to the biological sciences. Dr. Pennock is on the faculty of MSU's Lyman Briggs College, the Philosophy Department, and the Department of Computer Science, as well as the Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences and the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior graduate program. His research interests include the philosophy of biology and the relationship of epistemic and ethical values in science. He is the author of Tower of Babel: The Evidence Against the New Creationism and Intelligent Design Creationism and Its Critics: Philosophical, Theological, and Scientific Perspectives. He testified in the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District federal court case that found that intelligent design is no different than creationism and should not be taught in science classes. Pennock serves on numerous advisory boards and committees and is the chair of the Education Committee of the Society for the Study of Evolution and is currently working on a book examining how Darwinian evolution, as an abstract theoretical model, can be applied practically beyond biology.
AIBS Press Release
AIBS Press Release
LBC 2009 Commencement
LBC celebrated its first commencement since the return of college status in grand style. 184 graduates were present along with platform guests that included faculty, Provost Kim Wilcox, Hon. Dianne Byrum from the MSU Board of Trustees, the 2009 LBC Distinguished Alumni Award winners, and many other honored guests. Scholars from many countries, disciplines come to East Lansing for animals conference
Philosophers, anthropologists, historians of science, wildlife experts and others gathered at Michigan State last week for a conference entitled "Animals: Past, Present, and Future.
It was the first conference the university has hosted in the emerging field of animal studies, which examines the relationships between humans and animals through an interdisciplinary lens.
Attendees came from places as far-flung as Israel, Russia, Norway, Sweden and Britain, as well as from Canada and throughout the United States. There were also several presenters from MSU, including Michael Nelson (Lyman Briggs College; Fisheries and Wildlife; and Philosophy), David Favre (College of Law), and Camie Heleski (Animal Science).
Conference organizer Georgina Montgomery (Lyman Briggs College and History) said the meeting’s international reach indicates "MSU’s place as an emerging leader in animal studies with a graduate specialization in animal studies and several faculty actively contributing to and shaping the field."
As its title suggests, the conference included presentations on both the past and the current state of the human-animal relationship. In the former category were histories of jaguar hunting in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, live cattle markets and animal trafficking. Current issues discussed included a sociological study of contemporary ranching, debates over drug animals and a study to quantify the impact of therapy horses.
In her closing remarks Montgomery addressed the future of animal studies, which she said will bring about a better understanding not just of humanity’s relationship with animals, but of humanity itself.
"This is a field full of vitality and growth," she said, and one whose future will be full of cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Montgomery stressed that the conference couldn’t have happened without its many sponsors, a list of which is available here.
Andy McGlashen, news writer for the Environmental Science and Policy Program
It was the first conference the university has hosted in the emerging field of animal studies, which examines the relationships between humans and animals through an interdisciplinary lens.
Attendees came from places as far-flung as Israel, Russia, Norway, Sweden and Britain, as well as from Canada and throughout the United States. There were also several presenters from MSU, including Michael Nelson (Lyman Briggs College; Fisheries and Wildlife; and Philosophy), David Favre (College of Law), and Camie Heleski (Animal Science).
Conference organizer Georgina Montgomery (Lyman Briggs College and History) said the meeting’s international reach indicates "MSU’s place as an emerging leader in animal studies with a graduate specialization in animal studies and several faculty actively contributing to and shaping the field."
As its title suggests, the conference included presentations on both the past and the current state of the human-animal relationship. In the former category were histories of jaguar hunting in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, live cattle markets and animal trafficking. Current issues discussed included a sociological study of contemporary ranching, debates over drug animals and a study to quantify the impact of therapy horses.
In her closing remarks Montgomery addressed the future of animal studies, which she said will bring about a better understanding not just of humanity’s relationship with animals, but of humanity itself.
"This is a field full of vitality and growth," she said, and one whose future will be full of cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Montgomery stressed that the conference couldn’t have happened without its many sponsors, a list of which is available here.
Andy McGlashen, news writer for the Environmental Science and Policy Program
Students honored by Board of Trustees
Three LBC students were among just 15 MSU students honored for their academic achievements by the MSU Board of Trustees. Board of Trustees Scholarship Awards are granted at each commencement to graduating seniors having the highest cumulative grade point averages at the close of the semester prior to graduation. All of this year’s recipients have a 4.0 GPA.LBC summer 2009 Undergraduate Research Winners
Jayme L. Olsen, LBC Microbiology major, will be working with Professor Douglas B. Luckie, Lyman Briggs College and the Dept. of Physiology, on a project entitled “Multi-plex PCR Assay to Detect for Cycstic Fibrosis Mutations”.
Alexandra G. Collins-Webb, LBC Biology major, will be working with Lyman Briggs professor Ryan Sweeder on a project entitled "Qualitative Analysis of (General Chemistry) Factors Impacting Performance in Organic Chemistry".
Alexandra G. Collins-Webb, LBC Biology major, will be working with Lyman Briggs professor Ryan Sweeder on a project entitled "Qualitative Analysis of (General Chemistry) Factors Impacting Performance in Organic Chemistry".
LBC students participate in MSU's 11th annual UURAF
Held every spring, the Forum brings together a community of highly motivated students to share their work with faculty and peers. This year over 600 students and 260 faculty mentors from 14 of MSU's colleges participated making this the largest student research forum in MSU's history. LBC physiology junior Stacie Clark remarked, "Our group decided to research the relationship between bioterrorism and the use of vaccines as a means of defense. We focused specifically on the anthrax, botulism, and smallpox vaccines, as these are identified by the CDC as three highly potential biological weapons. I found it enjoyable being surrounded by other students who are academically motivated and have prepared their own research. There were many great posters and it was a great place to present research. Overall I had a great experience!"
LBC zoology junior Julia Smith, awarded scholarship from the Michigan Environmental Laboratory Association
Smith received the Bryce McHale Memorial Scholarship award that was established in honor of a former MELA member. This annual scholarship benefits an outstanding undergraduate student at MSU who are entering their junior or senior year, with a concentration in science and a demonstrated interest in a field of study that would benefit MELA member industries.
Read complete article (pdf)
Read complete article (pdf)
LON-CAPA opens registration for 11th annual conference at MSU
The 11th annual LON-CAPA Conference and Workshop will take place at Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs College May 21-23.
An introductory workshop will take place on May 21, with sessions May 22-23 that include intermediate and advanced workshops.
For more information and to register, visit http://loncapa.msu.edu/events/conf2009.
An introductory workshop will take place on May 21, with sessions May 22-23 that include intermediate and advanced workshops.
For more information and to register, visit http://loncapa.msu.edu/events/conf2009.
150 LBC students have been invited to become members of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements
View List of Students
Students who accept membership will be inducted into the Society at the Annual Initiation Ceremony and Banquet of the Michigan State University Chapter on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at the Kellogg Center.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."
Phi Kappa Phi has chapters on nearly 300 select college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines, and inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni every year. Once inducted, Phi Kappa Phi members gain a lifelong passport to a global network of academic and professional opportunities. Since its founding in 1897, more than 1 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include: former President Jimmy Carter, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, writer John Grisham, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, acclaimed jazz musician Ellis Marsalis, and Netscape founder James Barksdale.
Since it was first organized in 1927, the primary objective of the Michigan State University Chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has been to promote the pursuit of excellence in all fields of higher education—theoretical and applied, or liberal arts and professional. Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff are initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.
Students who accept membership will be inducted into the Society at the Annual Initiation Ceremony and Banquet of the Michigan State University Chapter on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at the Kellogg Center.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."
Phi Kappa Phi has chapters on nearly 300 select college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines, and inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni every year. Once inducted, Phi Kappa Phi members gain a lifelong passport to a global network of academic and professional opportunities. Since its founding in 1897, more than 1 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include: former President Jimmy Carter, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, writer John Grisham, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, acclaimed jazz musician Ellis Marsalis, and Netscape founder James Barksdale.
Since it was first organized in 1927, the primary objective of the Michigan State University Chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has been to promote the pursuit of excellence in all fields of higher education—theoretical and applied, or liberal arts and professional. Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff are initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.
Professor Michael Nelson among a group of scientists from Michigan Technological University (MTU) and MSU who have published an article on the effects of inbreeding on the Isle Royale wolf populations
Isle Royale wolves suffer from backbone malformation that can result in pain, partial paralysis, and inhibited locomotion. Typically the island has just 24 wolves that live in three packs. The article discusses the problem and raises questions about whether or not humans should genetically come to the rescue of the population. For more information on the ethical questions surrounding this issue and an opportunity to make a comment visit: Isle Royale Wolf.Professor Michael Nelson discusses the ethical issues surrounding the plight of Isle Royale's wolf packs.
LBC has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the NSF Scholarships for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program
Briggs will work with the MSU Office of Financial Aid to administer 3 year scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 to LBC majors. Recipients will also be required to participate in regularly scheduled activities providing a wide-ranging introduction to opportunities in science. These will include the participation of Briggs alumni through seminars, mentoring and internship opportunities. Since 2000, Michigan researchers brougn in more than $1.3 billion in NSF Funding into the state.
MSU's High School Honors Science Program leads to rare compound
Eric Shyu, an Illinois high schooler working under the auspices of MSU's High School Honors Science Program, worked with LBC Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Robert LaDuca on a project preparing novel cadmium/organic hybrid coordination polymers during the summer of 2008. One of Eric's new compounds, [Cd(phthalate)(dipyridylamine)].4H2O, had a unique, complex, and elegant molecular structure composed of interlocked double and single helices. The structure is a rare example of a self-catenated network, where a single molecular network essentially weaves through itself.Shyu's and LaDuca's co-authored paper, entitled "A Chiral Luminescent Coordination Polymer Featuring a Unique 4-Connected Self-Catenated Topology Built from Helical Motifs", will be appearing in an upcoming issue of the journal Inorganic Chemistry. This periodical is published by the American Chemical Society and is the highest-ranked inorganic chemistry journal in the world. The journal editorial staff has considered this work one of the four "hottest" in-press articles, and features the work at position #1 in a graphical slide show on the journal's official website.
If you have MSU net access, you can view a PDF of the article.
Eric Shyu was an 2009 Intel Science Talent Search Finalist. Along with the other Finalists, he recently presented a seminar at the Finals Competition in Washington, D.C. During his time in Washington Eric met President Barack Obama in a White House ceremony honoring the 40 Finalists.Lyman Briggs students in LB 133 (6) are exploring the history of animal behavior studies
This week, they read “’Infinite Loneliness:’ The Life and Times of Miss Congo.” This article, written by Dr. Georgina M. Montgomery and currently under-review for publication in the popular journal Endeavour, chronicles the places and practices used by psychobiologist Robert Yerkes to study the intelligence of a female mountain gorilla called Congo. Between 1926 and 1928, Yerkes conducted a series of experiments in a private estate and later in a circus to determine Congo’s intelligence. Unable to bring a gorilla into the classroom, Dr. Georgina M. Montgomery did the next best thing. Heather Varco, a local dog trainer, brought her dog Charlie into the class for an IQ test. With the help of stopwatches, a towel, and several dog treats, students experimentally demonstrated that Charlie is a genius!Thank you to Dr. Georgina M. Montgomery, Heather Varco, and Charlie for combining research and discovery learning in such a fun way!
Animals: Past, Present and Future. April 16-18, 2009
The conference will explore past, present, and future human-animal relationships from interdisciplinary and international perspectives. Speakers from both the humanities and sciences will present research concerning issues such as animal husbandry, pet keeping, animal experimentation, environmental ethics, and anthropomorphism. The conference promises to provide an intellectually rich and diverse discourse in human-animal relationships and an opportunity for community-building within the interdisciplinary field of animal studies.
Captain Kenneth Earhart to Speak at LBC 2009 Spring Commencement
Capt. Earhart has pursued an academic and military career that has made a global impact on public health. He has been referred to as a ‘Medical Diplomat' because of his work with the public health infrastructures of resource-limited nations. NAMRU-3 is a highly visible U.S. medical research unit whose primary mission is to put public health in more than 40 countries in the most politically important and sensitive region of the world. Capt. Earhart's expertise is sought by organizations such as the CDC, NIH, USDA, WHO, and the FDA. He is a distinguished emissary for the United States who embodies the founding principles of Lyman Briggs College of providing excellence in education in science in the context of society. Captain Earhart will also receive a LBC 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award (see story below).
LBC names winners of the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. M. Teresa (Tess) Tavormina (1973 Mathematics) is an accomplished scholar, teacher, administrator and author who has seamlessly bridged her mathematics and interdisciplinary science background with advanced degrees in the humanities. She has made a significant contribution to the study of medieval science and medicine.
Dr. Cindy Morris (1979 Biology) is Director of the Plant Pathology Unit of the French Government Agricultural Research Agency in Avignon, France. Her work contributes to the development of effective and environmentally friendly disease control that supports production of high quality fruits and vegetables.
Captain Kenneth Earhart (1983 Biology) is the Commander of the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (NAMRU-3) which is based in Cairo, Egypt. NAMRU-3 conducts infectious disease research and public health capacity building directed at understanding emerging infectious diseases.
Dr. Cindy Morris (1979 Biology) is Director of the Plant Pathology Unit of the French Government Agricultural Research Agency in Avignon, France. Her work contributes to the development of effective and environmentally friendly disease control that supports production of high quality fruits and vegetables.
Captain Kenneth Earhart (1983 Biology) is the Commander of the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 (NAMRU-3) which is based in Cairo, Egypt. NAMRU-3 conducts infectious disease research and public health capacity building directed at understanding emerging infectious diseases.
LBC is noted for its response to excellence in the study of science and society
Despite frequent warnings of the inadequacy of education in the United States, citizens here are still among the world's most scientifically literate..." So reads the article "College science requirements keep US ahead of World" as it appears in ScienceBlog.com.
Briggs Professor Robert T. Pennock, a noted science advocate is quoted in the article saying, "We really believe that our students will be better scientists to the extent that they also become fluent in the humanities."
Dean Elizabeth Simmons is also quoted, "Our courses in science and mathematics not only introduce the topics and methods of a particular field, but also demonstrate the interrelation of the various scientific disciplines: how chemical principles underpin biological processes, how mathematical models can make sense of physical behaviors. Read the article
Briggs Professor Robert T. Pennock, a noted science advocate is quoted in the article saying, "We really believe that our students will be better scientists to the extent that they also become fluent in the humanities."
Dean Elizabeth Simmons is also quoted, "Our courses in science and mathematics not only introduce the topics and methods of a particular field, but also demonstrate the interrelation of the various scientific disciplines: how chemical principles underpin biological processes, how mathematical models can make sense of physical behaviors. Read the article
Professor Michael Nelson is busy schedule sharing his research on environmental issues.
Dr. Nelson has recently concluded a tour promoting his book The Great New Wilderness Debate. The March issue of The Ecologist will include an article written with MTU colleague John Vucetich, tentatively entitled "How Hope Destroys our Love for Nature." He has contributed to several other articles about to be published. "On Advocacy by Environmental Scientists: What, Whether, Why, and How," will appear in the forthcoming Conservation Biology. It is a systematic review of reasons why some favor and others oppose advocacy by environmental scientists.
"Can We have our Animal Rights and Eat them Too" will be in The Wildlife Professional. This essay focuses on what is required to properly engage in a conversation about the ethics of hunting; making a case that animal welfare ethicists and hunters may not really be at odds with one another as much as they think.
Dr. Nelson can be viewed on a PBS recorded teach-in on global warming. View Ethical and Justice Issues of Climate Change
"Can We have our Animal Rights and Eat them Too" will be in The Wildlife Professional. This essay focuses on what is required to properly engage in a conversation about the ethics of hunting; making a case that animal welfare ethicists and hunters may not really be at odds with one another as much as they think.
Dr. Nelson can be viewed on a PBS recorded teach-in on global warming. View Ethical and Justice Issues of Climate Change
Briggs students wish Charles Darwin a 200th Happy Birthday
A group of Briggs students took part in a national video to wish Charles Darwin a Happy 200th Birthday.
Science Magazine has published an article co-authored by Professor James Smith
According to the press release: Characterization of the underlying basis of earth’s biodiversity, both with respect to defining conditions that are conducive to the formation of new species, and describing mechanisms involved in the speciation process itself, has remained elusive. A new paper in Science (2009) by Andrew Forbes and his colleagues at the University of Notre Dame, the University of Florida, and Michigan State University, shows how diversity itself can be a major generator of diversity. As new species form, they create new ecological opportunities for others to exploit, which, in turn, can lead to ever more new species. Read the article
Read another article at insciences.org
Read another article at insciences.org
Professor Kendra Cheruvelil becomes latest Briggs faculty to be named Lilly Teaching Fellow
The MSU Lilly Teaching Fellow Program provides a diverse group of tenure-stream faculty with the opportunity to enhance their teaching abilities through series of activities. The program encourages teaching fellows to become future faculty leaders and models for their peers. Dr. Cheruvelil joins recent LBC Lilly Fellows Cori Fata-Hartley and Aaron McCright, and past Fellow Doug Luckie.
Two Briggs faculty honored by MSU
Professor Aaron McCright has received MSU's Teacher-Scholar Award - present to those who have earned the respect of students and colleagues for their devotion and skill in teaching. The award provides recognition to the best teachers who have served at MSU for seven years or less. Dr. McCright is the sixth LBC faculty member to receive this award since it was first given in 1969, and the fifth LBC faculty member since 2000.
Alison Reiheld has been presented with the Excellence in Teaching Citation. Nominated by LBC, Reiheld's teaches in the HPS program. Her award recognizes her teaching in the area of philosophy.
Alison Reiheld has been presented with the Excellence in Teaching Citation. Nominated by LBC, Reiheld's teaches in the HPS program. Her award recognizes her teaching in the area of philosophy.
The MSU Chapter of the Mortar Board won first place in the National Mortar Board for Best Recruitment Video
Briggs advisor Gwen Deutsch, serves as adviser to the group that is made up of MSU seniors who focus on community service and literacy. View the video
London Study Abroad Program - Summer 2009
History of Science in Europe
Taking advantage of the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin, this program investigates Darwin’s revolution, paying particular attention to his life and work as a gentleman of science in imperial, industrial, reforming Victorian Britain. We will spend our three weeks on the move in England. Our visits will include: Down House, Kew Gardens, the Natural History Museum, Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History, Cambridge University, Westminster Abbey and many other sites.
The program runs from Saturday, June 27th to Friday, July 17th
For more information check out: London Study Abroad - Summer 2009
Taking advantage of the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin, this program investigates Darwin’s revolution, paying particular attention to his life and work as a gentleman of science in imperial, industrial, reforming Victorian Britain. We will spend our three weeks on the move in England. Our visits will include: Down House, Kew Gardens, the Natural History Museum, Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History, Cambridge University, Westminster Abbey and many other sites.
The program runs from Saturday, June 27th to Friday, July 17th
For more information check out: London Study Abroad - Summer 2009
Fall 2008 Graduation Pictures Online
The pictures taken at the Fall 2008 graduation ceremony are online. Clicking on a picture brings up a full resolution image for downloading or printing.
HPS Professor Robert Pennock gets book mentioned in Wall Street Journal
HPS professor Robert Pennock gets book mentioned in Wall Street Journal about Books That Emphatically Debunk Pseudohistory. See complete list.
Briggs student Elizabeth Hoxie, recipient of a MSUFCU Study Abroad Scholarship
Since 2003, the MSU Federal Credit Union has been supporting MSU's unprecedented goal of providing all undergraduate students with an opportunity to study abroad with scholarships that have helped 371 students. Elizabeth participated in the Ethics and History of Healthcare and Development program in San Jose, Costa. Elizabeth is a junior in the Human Biology program. She plans to pursue a career in nursing and was excited to study healthcare-related topics in a developing country.
Two Briggs seniors honored with MSU Senior Class Council's Outstanding Senior Award.
Seniors Alvin Davis, Jr. (microbiology) and Danielle Fasseel (genomics) are among 25 outstanding seniors in this year's graduationg class. The awardees are students who, in their time at Michigan State University, have succeeded academically, served enthusiastically, and impacted the university in a positively. The students also demonstrate outstanding contribution to the betterment of the university, its faculty, staff, administration, students, and the greater Lansing community. These men and women represent what it is to be a true Spartan.
Briggs Professors Kendra Cheruvelil, John Waller and Michael Nelson have all been awarded an Intramural Research Grant Proposal(IRGP)
IRGP invests in MSU faculty who are conducting work that addresses important research questions or produces significant creative products. Projects that are selected enhance the reputation of the researcher and the university. Dr. Cheruvelil will study the effects of lake shoreline development on painted and map turtle populations. Dr. Nelson's research involves the history of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose study. Dr. Waller's grant theme is: Bred in the Bone: Ideas of Heredity, Race and Eugenics in Western Thought. Lyman Briggs College faculty won 3 of the 44 available grants!
Professor Aaron McCright selected to participate in MSU's Lilly Teaching Fellows Program
The program seeks to give a diverse group of instructors a chance to hone their teaching skills, and to prepare Fellows for faculty leadership roles. He will mentor with fellow Briggs professor Robert Shelton.
Seven MSU Honors College Students Nominated for Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell and Churchill Awards
East Lansing, October 31, 2008 – Based on academic accomplishment and excellence, seven Michigan State University Honors College students have been nominated by faculty and alumni for Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell and Churchill awards.
Stephanie Dawes, an Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati graduate, is a senior Honors College member and biology major in Lyman Briggs College. Dawes founded the MSU branch of Kila Nafasi, a non-governmental organization which sponsors Maasai girls to go attend secondary school in Kenya. She also volunteers with a local Brownie Girl Scout troop and captains Relay for Life teams each year. Dawes’ work with Dr. Kay Holekamp in the Department of Zoology has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications about spotted hyena behavior. A Bailey Scholar at MSU, she is also active as captain and president of the MSU Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee team.
Dawes plans to pursue master’s degrees in development studies and public health.
Ramy Goueli, a graduate of Verona Area High School in Verona, WI, is in his first year at Yale School of Medicine. While at MSU, Goueli was a member of the Honors College and a biochemistry major in Lyman Briggs College. Goueli’s accomplishments while at MSU spanned from founding the Society of Love and Care in Cairo, Egypt to serving as president of Tower Guard. A Mowbray Scholar, Medical Scholar, and Distinguished Achievement Scholar at MSU, Goueli served as a campaign intern and spent two summers in Cairo, Egypt researching with Mustafa Awady. Goueli studied signal transduction, RNA, and the Hepatitis C virus with mentorship from Dr. Kathleen Gallo.
If chosen to study at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, Goueli will study global health. And as a Marshall Scholar, he will enroll at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine studying health policy, planning and financing.
Stephanie Dawes, an Ursuline Academy of Cincinnati graduate, is a senior Honors College member and biology major in Lyman Briggs College. Dawes founded the MSU branch of Kila Nafasi, a non-governmental organization which sponsors Maasai girls to go attend secondary school in Kenya. She also volunteers with a local Brownie Girl Scout troop and captains Relay for Life teams each year. Dawes’ work with Dr. Kay Holekamp in the Department of Zoology has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications about spotted hyena behavior. A Bailey Scholar at MSU, she is also active as captain and president of the MSU Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee team.
Dawes plans to pursue master’s degrees in development studies and public health.
Ramy Goueli, a graduate of Verona Area High School in Verona, WI, is in his first year at Yale School of Medicine. While at MSU, Goueli was a member of the Honors College and a biochemistry major in Lyman Briggs College. Goueli’s accomplishments while at MSU spanned from founding the Society of Love and Care in Cairo, Egypt to serving as president of Tower Guard. A Mowbray Scholar, Medical Scholar, and Distinguished Achievement Scholar at MSU, Goueli served as a campaign intern and spent two summers in Cairo, Egypt researching with Mustafa Awady. Goueli studied signal transduction, RNA, and the Hepatitis C virus with mentorship from Dr. Kathleen Gallo.
If chosen to study at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, Goueli will study global health. And as a Marshall Scholar, he will enroll at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine studying health policy, planning and financing.
Briggs Professors Receive $1 Million NSF Grant
Lyman Briggs biology professor Gerald Urquhart and HPS professor Aaron McCright are part of a team that received a grant for $1,000,000 from the National Science Foundation for interdisciplinary research on the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua. Their research explores complex ways in which natural and human systems interact when the forces of globalization reach the remote regions of the world. The project, led by James Madison College’s Daniel Kramer (environmental economics) and Dr. Urquhart, focuses on the linkages between economic changes in remote communities and environmental impacts on the tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and other ecosystems. The multidisciplinary team will study changes in the environment, household economics, and other factors through monitoring natural resources, remote sensing, household surveys, and interviews.
In conjunction with the project, Drs. Kramer, Urquhart, and McCright are developing a research internship program for undergraduates from Lyman Briggs and James Madison to participate in the field research in Nicaragua. Their goal is to provide MSU students an opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge research project, furthering the mission of our residential colleges.
In conjunction with the project, Drs. Kramer, Urquhart, and McCright are developing a research internship program for undergraduates from Lyman Briggs and James Madison to participate in the field research in Nicaragua. Their goal is to provide MSU students an opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge research project, furthering the mission of our residential colleges.
2009-10 Undergraduate Learning Assistant (U.L.A.) Application Now Available
Applications for the positions of Lyman Briggs College Undergraduate Learning Assistant for 2009-2010 are now available. Each year, LBC hires nearly 100 outstanding undergraduate students to assist our faculty with LBC core classes and laboratories. Under the mentorship and supervision of the faculty-of-record, ULAs assist in class preparation; objective grading; and active and collaborative learning exercises within lecture, laboratory, and discussion sections. Applications are available on-line (PDF). Applications are due on or before December 12, 2008. Please contact Denise Poirier in the LBC Dean’s Office room 28 East Holmes Hall (517-353-6486) for more information.
Professor Brian O'Shea has received a grant from the NASA Astrophysics Theory and Fundamental Physics (ATFP) program
The grant will fund a study of a variety of physics processes relating to the formation of galaxy clusters. A "galaxy cluster" is the largest structure in the universe - these are big collections of tens or hundreds of galaxies that are all pulled together by gravity, along with a huge amount of diffuse gas, some weighing more than a million billion times the mass of our sun, or more than 1,000 times the mass of the Milky Way. They act as cosmic vacuum cleaners, and pull everything around them in. As a result they are interesting because one can study them to find out about more general properties of the universe as a whole (e.g. dark matter, dark energy). For more information visit Wikipedia: galaxy clusters.
Dr. Pennock receives National Academies honor
HPS professor Robert Pennock has been honored by being named a National Associate of the National Research Council of the National Academies.The citation for the award reads “In recognition of extraordinary service to the National Research Council in its role as advisor to the Nation in matters of science, engineering, and health, by the authority of the Council of the National Academy of Science and the Governing Board of the National Research Council, Robert T. Pennock is hereby designated a lifetime National Associate of the National Research Council of the National Academies.”
The National Research Council was established in 1916 under a charter that was granted to the National Academy of Science by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The mission of the National Academies is to improve government decision making and public policy by providing expert advice to the government and the public on critical national issues involving science and technology. The letter from NAS president Ralph J. Cicerone announcing the award notes that it singles out individuals whose dedication to this work is “truly extraordinary.”
The National Research Council was established in 1916 under a charter that was granted to the National Academy of Science by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The mission of the National Academies is to improve government decision making and public policy by providing expert advice to the government and the public on critical national issues involving science and technology. The letter from NAS president Ralph J. Cicerone announcing the award notes that it singles out individuals whose dedication to this work is “truly extraordinary.”
President Lou Anna K. Simon visited LBC
On October 21st, for an informal lunch with the faculty, staff and students, President Simon sat in the main cafeteria and addressed a variety of questions including: the economy and how it is effecting MSU, the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), and the issues facing higher education in the State of Michigan. President Simon also asked about how the renewal of college status has affected Lyman Briggs College. Those in attendance were amazed at the depth of knowledge and frank manner in which President Simon spoke of complex local, national, and international issues.
Briggs was also honored by a visit by MSU Provost Kim A. Wilcox just a week earlier at a similar informal luncheon in Holmes Hall. Provost Wilcox was a Briggs student for two years prior to graduating from MSU in 1976, with a degree in audiology and speech. Both of these visits are representative of the support of both MSU's President and Provost, as well as the importance of our renewed college status.Interested in Osteopathic Medicine? Interested in Research? Have you ever considered combining the two?
Lyman Briggs College proudly hosts Andy Amalfitano, D.O., Ph.D.
“Osteopathic Medicine and the Biomedical Sciences: Exploring Opportunities in Both”
Monday, November 3, 2008 at 6:00 pm in C106 Holmes Hall
Dr. Amalfitano is one of our nation’s top genetics experts. He investigates the potential for gene therapy to treat muscular dystrophy, also known as Pompe disease. In addition to his research, he has an active medical practice in the Lansing area.Come learn more about opportunities in MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, the osteopathic medical profession, and how you can combine your research interests with a medical career.
Light refreshments will be served - to help with planning purposes, please email Heidi Lang, langhe@msu.edu if you plan to attend.
“Osteopathic Medicine and the Biomedical Sciences: Exploring Opportunities in Both”
Monday, November 3, 2008 at 6:00 pm in C106 Holmes Hall
Dr. Amalfitano is one of our nation’s top genetics experts. He investigates the potential for gene therapy to treat muscular dystrophy, also known as Pompe disease. In addition to his research, he has an active medical practice in the Lansing area.Come learn more about opportunities in MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, the osteopathic medical profession, and how you can combine your research interests with a medical career.
Light refreshments will be served - to help with planning purposes, please email Heidi Lang, langhe@msu.edu if you plan to attend.
Preprofesional Medical/Dental Seminar Oct/Nov 2008
The College of Natural Science and Lyman Briggs College present Medical and Dental School Application Preparation Seminars. Applying to medical or dental school can be a confusing process. Let the Preprofessional advisors demystify it. Get guidance on the full time line of the application process, starting from the preparation and extending all the way through to your choice of where to go.
Harry? Harry Potter? Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine
Professor Mark Waddell has been assisting the National Library of Medicine (NLM) as they have used themes from the "Harry Potter" phenomenon to introduce audiences to important ideas in the development of modern science and medicine. Last year Professor Waddell taught a Briggs course called "How Magic Became Science." He was able to use themes from that course as well as his own research to assist the NLM in putting together an exhibit that's historically accurate as well as interesting and engaging. The exhibition discusses everything from the natural history of unicorns and basilisks to past ideas about scientific responsibility and respect for the natural world. Professor Waddell is currently trying to arrange to have the exhibition visit the MSU Library in the Spring.
Americans are (Political) Party Animals
Briggs Professor Aaron McCright and sociologist Riley E. Dunlap of Oklahoma State University have teamed up to present polling data that support the theory that Republicans and Democrats are increasingly "more ideologically polarized" when it comes to the issue of global warming. Their study points out the correlation between party affiliation and views on the climate. They observe that over the last ten years, "Republicans and Democrats who believe they understand global warming reasonably well [have been holding] more divergent views compared with their presumably less-informed counterparts." In an article in the magazine Environment, A Widening Gap: Republican and Democratic Views on Climate Change, Dunlap and McCright conclude that Democrats mostly rely on the scientific assessments on climate change, while Republicans do not.
MSU Homecoming Court 2008
Two LBC students, Jessica Ogden and Steph Dawes, were selected to be on the 2008 MSU Homecoming Court.
Fall 2008 Undergraduate Research Winners
Kristen Hummel, Sophomore, LB Medical Technology major. Kristen will be working with Dr. Alison Bauer from the Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation Dept. on a project entitled The Role of Hsp70 in Lung Inflammation.
Robert McClowry, Junior, LB Physiology major. Robert will be working with Professor Jim Smith from Lyman Briggs College, Entomology, and Zoology Depts. His research project is entitled Population Structure of Cherry Fruit Fly in Managed, Unmanaged and Natural Habitats.
Lauren Peterson, Senior LB Microbiology major. Lauren will be working with Dr. Joan B. Rose, Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research. The title of her research project is Detection of Bacteroides DNA Markers in Halogenated Waters.
Michaela TerArest, Senior, LB Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major. Michaela will be working with Dr. Chris Saffron from the from the Biosystems Engineering Dept. on a project entitled Screening Various Types of Biomass for Acetic Acid Content of Fast Pyrolysis Products.
Robert McClowry, Junior, LB Physiology major. Robert will be working with Professor Jim Smith from Lyman Briggs College, Entomology, and Zoology Depts. His research project is entitled Population Structure of Cherry Fruit Fly in Managed, Unmanaged and Natural Habitats.
Lauren Peterson, Senior LB Microbiology major. Lauren will be working with Dr. Joan B. Rose, Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research. The title of her research project is Detection of Bacteroides DNA Markers in Halogenated Waters.
Michaela TerArest, Senior, LB Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major. Michaela will be working with Dr. Chris Saffron from the from the Biosystems Engineering Dept. on a project entitled Screening Various Types of Biomass for Acetic Acid Content of Fast Pyrolysis Products.
Brian O'Shea Receives Two Grants
Lyman Briggs Assistant Professor Brian O'Shea recieved two grants: 6.2 million CPU hours at the NSF supercomputing facility and a $50,000 per year grant from the DOE to support graduate students. Congratulations Brian!
LBC Students on Front Page of Newspaper
The Ludington News featured two LBC students on the front page this weekend:
The lake is getting some unique attention because of the lake improvement board’s decision to use weevils that eat the invasive weed. Tom Alwin, a graduate student from the Michigan State University school of Fish and Wildlife, is examining how the weevils move and reproduce in the lake.
Alwin and undergrad student assistant Matt Fox put on snorkeling gear last week to check the milfoil beds in the lake. “We’re actually looking at three lakes,” Alwin said.
“We’re looking at Hackert but also Clear Lake in Mecosta County and Bear Lake in Clare County. All were stocked with the weevils in the last four years.”
The lake is getting some unique attention because of the lake improvement board’s decision to use weevils that eat the invasive weed. Tom Alwin, a graduate student from the Michigan State University school of Fish and Wildlife, is examining how the weevils move and reproduce in the lake.
Alwin and undergrad student assistant Matt Fox put on snorkeling gear last week to check the milfoil beds in the lake. “We’re actually looking at three lakes,” Alwin said.
“We’re looking at Hackert but also Clear Lake in Mecosta County and Bear Lake in Clare County. All were stocked with the weevils in the last four years.”
LBC Colloquium
Colloquium on Tuesday September 2nd, 10:20-11:10am, Dan Dougherty
The semi-mechanistic partial buffer (SMPB) approach provides a framework for modeling properties of complex chemical solutions known as buffers and has the attractive feature that it can be used even when the identity of many of the components within a buffer are unknown to the investigator. The Bayesian formulation of the SMPB framework allows for the error in variables structure of the data and is conducive to the development of databases reflecting multi-site and batch-to-batch variability. The emphasis of this talk will be the formulation of the model averages and density estimates which allow various key properties of buffer solutions to be analyzed
The semi-mechanistic partial buffer (SMPB) approach provides a framework for modeling properties of complex chemical solutions known as buffers and has the attractive feature that it can be used even when the identity of many of the components within a buffer are unknown to the investigator. The Bayesian formulation of the SMPB framework allows for the error in variables structure of the data and is conducive to the development of databases reflecting multi-site and batch-to-batch variability. The emphasis of this talk will be the formulation of the model averages and density estimates which allow various key properties of buffer solutions to be analyzed
Creating a Culture of Civility at MSU
When Michigan State University senior Melissa Clark first heard that the university was looking for students interested in participating in a series of dialogues, she was intrigued. When she learned that the dialogues would focus on topics of sustainability and human rights, and that students would collaboratively plan the discussions, she was sold. “Those are topics I’m really passionate about, and from the very first meeting, we, as students, got to decide how we wanted it to go,” Clark explains.
The project, called A 21st-Century Chautauqua, is a two-year project of campus dialogues involving students from three degree-granting residential colleges and faculty members and administrators from across the disciplines. In conjunction with AAC&U’s initiative, Core Commitments: Educating Students for Personal and Social Responsibility, the project seeks to become a model for encouraging a culture of civility and responsibility within MSU’s living and learning communities.
The project, called A 21st-Century Chautauqua, is a two-year project of campus dialogues involving students from three degree-granting residential colleges and faculty members and administrators from across the disciplines. In conjunction with AAC&U’s initiative, Core Commitments: Educating Students for Personal and Social Responsibility, the project seeks to become a model for encouraging a culture of civility and responsibility within MSU’s living and learning communities.
Dean Elizabeth Simmons chosen to be a member of the U.S. Delegation to the 3rd International Conference on Women in Physics (ICWIP)
International Conference on Women in Physics (ICWIP), which is sponsored by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physicists (IUPAP) and will take place in Korea this October. The ICWIP 2008 is committed to providing an opportunity to share the scientific accomplishment of participants as well as analyzing international progress in promoting women in physics. ICWIP 2008 will bring together the top decision-makers and practitioners interested in the women-in-physics agenda, thereby aiding the physics community to promote women-in-physics activities. Dean Simmons' participation not only recognizes her respect as a scientists, but also reflects her desire to encourage more women to consider careers in science. At the 199 IUPAP General Assembly the concern that women are grossly under-represented in the field of physics in most countries led to the creation of a Working Group on Women in Physics. For more information on the conference visit: ICWIP - Korea, 2008
A Time to Dance, A time to Die: The Extraordinary Story of The Dancing Plague of 1518
A new book by Briggs Professor John Waller (HPS) which is soon to be released. Dr. Waller's book is the subject of a recent article in Discovery News, entitled: Dancing Plague and other odd afflictions Explained. As a historian, Dr. Waller studied the bizarre dancing 'plague' or epidemic of 1518. Stumping scientists for centuries, has solved the mystery of this mindless, intense and ultimately deadly dance. You can read the review at Discovery News. You can review and pre-order the book at: Amazon.UK. Dr. Waller has also been an important member of the winning Briggs canoing team in its annual competition with James Madison College.
Professor Kendra Cheruvelil selected to participate in WEBS (Women Evolving Biological Sciences)
Biology Professor Kendra Cheruvelil, has been selected to attend the annual symposium sponsored by WEBS (Women Evolving Biological Sciences). The symposium is aimed at addressing the retention of female scientists and issues related to the transition of women from early career stages to tenure track positions and leadership roles in academic and research settings. The symposium will be held near Seattle, Washington, in October. For more information about WEBS visit: Women Evolving Biological Sciences.
Professor Rob LaDuca awarded a grant from the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund
Professor Rob LaDuca was awarded a $64,500 grant from the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund to study the synthesis, structural determination, and physicochemical properties of novel coordination polymers incorporating kinked and hydrogen-bonding capable bifunctional organodiimines. The grant allows Dr. LaDuca to continue his undergraduate research program that has led to 46 peer reviewed publications over the last two years. More information on the Petroleum Research Fund can be found at: American Chemical Society.
Dr. LaDuca and his team were also honored to have their work featured on the cover of CrystEngComm, the monthly journal of Crystal Engineering. To view the magazine visit: CrystEngComm.
Dr. LaDuca and his team were also honored to have their work featured on the cover of CrystEngComm, the monthly journal of Crystal Engineering. To view the magazine visit: CrystEngComm.
Briggs Student Justin Lockwood Has Paper Published in Peer-Review Journal
Briggs student, Justin Lockwood has had a paper published in Articulate, an new undergraduate peer-review journal. Justin's article: The Polio Vaccine: Conspiracy and Resistance in the Kano State of Nigeria, was reviewed by a board of three undergraduates and two graduate students.
Abstract: "Medical patients worldwide have significant doubts about the care they receive that are often centered on cross-cultural distrust and misinformation. To understand the difficulties in applying international healthcare in such circumstances, this paper focuses on how the people of Kano, Nigeria have boycotted the implementation of the polio vaccine. In the Kano state, efforts at polio immunization have been impeded by beliefs that the vaccine can cause HIV/AIDS, cancer, or infertility. These misconceptions of the vaccine have been exacerbated by statements from religious leaders and strengthened by isolated failures of the vaccine. Fears of the vaccine have not been unique to Nigeria, and have in fact occurred in the U.S. when the vaccine was first created. In order to achieve complete eradication of polio in Kano, it is necessary to fully educate patients about the safety and benefits of the vaccination in order to gain their trust, as has been implemented by the World Health Organization's Global Polio Initiative."
According to the publication, Articulate is an undergraduate scholarly journal that publishes academic papers and writings online and in-print on issues in international development and healthcare in Africa.
Abstract: "Medical patients worldwide have significant doubts about the care they receive that are often centered on cross-cultural distrust and misinformation. To understand the difficulties in applying international healthcare in such circumstances, this paper focuses on how the people of Kano, Nigeria have boycotted the implementation of the polio vaccine. In the Kano state, efforts at polio immunization have been impeded by beliefs that the vaccine can cause HIV/AIDS, cancer, or infertility. These misconceptions of the vaccine have been exacerbated by statements from religious leaders and strengthened by isolated failures of the vaccine. Fears of the vaccine have not been unique to Nigeria, and have in fact occurred in the U.S. when the vaccine was first created. In order to achieve complete eradication of polio in Kano, it is necessary to fully educate patients about the safety and benefits of the vaccination in order to gain their trust, as has been implemented by the World Health Organization's Global Polio Initiative."According to the publication, Articulate is an undergraduate scholarly journal that publishes academic papers and writings online and in-print on issues in international development and healthcare in Africa.
Briggs Biology Professor Jim Smith has been named a Research Residency Biology Scholar
Twenty biologists have been selected for the NSF funded Biology Scholars Program to transform undergraduate biology education through the leadership of life science professional societies. Established in 2007, the Program seeks to enhance biologists’ understanding and practice of evidenced-based teaching and learning. "I expect from this program to learn how to conduct the same caliber of research in the classroom using my students as my subjects as the bench-side research I have been conducting for the past 15 years to ask worthwhile questions to explore their learning," reports one Scholar in her application to participate.
The first cohort was selected from a highly competitive pool of biologists seeking a community. One applicant describes her situation, “There are very few science academics who are involved in educational research and thus it is nearly impossible to find advice on campus about how to proceed when we have a problem." Another says, “I view the BSP as a way to use the best aspects of a sabbatical-like experience to create a community committed to devise and implement the best practices for assessing student learning in higher education. I want to gather regularly with a community of peers to discuss research methods, data analysis, recent journal articles and more.”
The Program is a national laboratory for biologists from all sectors of higher education and all subdisciplines of the biological sciences. Four participants come from community colleges, seven from undergraduate colleges, and nine from doctoral institutions. One participant from Australia will join the 2008 cohort. Each participant will commit up to two years conducting research; some examples of the 2008 projects are understanding students’ ability to 1) overcome misconceptions in cell biology and genetics, 2) grasp difficult topics in physiology with writing assignments requiring different levels of understanding, 3) acquire critical skills for a nursing profession from a virtual laboratory course in biology, 4) internalize complex relationships in microbiology through role playing and concept maps, and 5) understand and apply their own learning preferences to benefit from group discussions, simulations, and independent research in general and plant biology.
The Biology Scholars Program under the leadership of the American Society for Microbiology supports three residency programs: research, writing and leadership. The Research Residency begins with the annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Institute July 16-19, 2008. The program is a collaborative project of the American Society for Microbiology, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, and American Association for Advancement of Science. Professional society affiliates are the American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Physiological Society, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society for Cell Biology, Ecological Society of America, and Genetics Society of America.
The first cohort was selected from a highly competitive pool of biologists seeking a community. One applicant describes her situation, “There are very few science academics who are involved in educational research and thus it is nearly impossible to find advice on campus about how to proceed when we have a problem." Another says, “I view the BSP as a way to use the best aspects of a sabbatical-like experience to create a community committed to devise and implement the best practices for assessing student learning in higher education. I want to gather regularly with a community of peers to discuss research methods, data analysis, recent journal articles and more.”
The Program is a national laboratory for biologists from all sectors of higher education and all subdisciplines of the biological sciences. Four participants come from community colleges, seven from undergraduate colleges, and nine from doctoral institutions. One participant from Australia will join the 2008 cohort. Each participant will commit up to two years conducting research; some examples of the 2008 projects are understanding students’ ability to 1) overcome misconceptions in cell biology and genetics, 2) grasp difficult topics in physiology with writing assignments requiring different levels of understanding, 3) acquire critical skills for a nursing profession from a virtual laboratory course in biology, 4) internalize complex relationships in microbiology through role playing and concept maps, and 5) understand and apply their own learning preferences to benefit from group discussions, simulations, and independent research in general and plant biology.
The Biology Scholars Program under the leadership of the American Society for Microbiology supports three residency programs: research, writing and leadership. The Research Residency begins with the annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Institute July 16-19, 2008. The program is a collaborative project of the American Society for Microbiology, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, and American Association for Advancement of Science. Professional society affiliates are the American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Physiological Society, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society for Cell Biology, Ecological Society of America, and Genetics Society of America.
Lyman Briggs 2008 Spring Graduation
Lyman Briggs College recently celebrated the graduation of 174 new Briggs alumni in the Class of 2008.This class includes: 3 MSU Outstanding Seniors, 63 Honors College students, 26 graduating with High Honors (3.82 GPA), and 37 graduating with Honors (3.55 GPA).
Former Norwegian Prime Minister visits Briggs
Dr. Brundtland will speak on public health, climate change and environmental sustainability.Dean Elizabeth Simmons is hosting Gro Harlem Brundtland during her visit to MSU to receive an honorary degree and serve as keynote speaker for the University Convocation for Graduating Seniors. Gro Brundtland has graciously agreed to conduct this workshop for Briggs faculty, students & guests.
Few people have had an impact on society as global as Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, a medical doctor and Master of Public Health (MPH). She spent 10 years as a physician and scientist in the Norwegian public health system and served 20 years in public office, including 10 years as Prime Minister of Norway.
MSU Board of Trustees recognizes 22 students
The 22 students all achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Awards are made at the fall and spring commencements to the six or more graduating seniors who achieved the highest cumulative scholarly records by the close of the preceding semester. At least three–fourths of the credits for the degree must be numerical grades earned at MSU. Fall, spring and summer graduating seniors are eligible for the awards.
Kathryn L. Fletcher of Ypsilanti, a human biology major in the Lyman Briggs School of Science in the College of Natural Science and a member of the Honors College. The daughter of Roger and Kristie Fletcher, she is a 2004 graduate of Tecumseh High School.
Kurtis L. Geerlings of Zeeland, a physics major in the Lyman Briggs School of Science in the College of Natural Science and a member of the Honors College. Married to Heidi Geerlings, he is the son of Steve and Dawn Geerlings and is a 2004 graduate of Zeeland High School.
Read the MSU News Release
Kathryn L. Fletcher of Ypsilanti, a human biology major in the Lyman Briggs School of Science in the College of Natural Science and a member of the Honors College. The daughter of Roger and Kristie Fletcher, she is a 2004 graduate of Tecumseh High School.
Kurtis L. Geerlings of Zeeland, a physics major in the Lyman Briggs School of Science in the College of Natural Science and a member of the Honors College. Married to Heidi Geerlings, he is the son of Steve and Dawn Geerlings and is a 2004 graduate of Zeeland High School.
Read the MSU News Release
Briggs Student becomes MSU's 24th Goldwater Scholar
Catherine Nezich, a second year Honors College student from Marquette and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major in Lyman Briggs College is the 24th Goldwater Scholar selected from Michigan State University. Chosen as a participant in the National Science Foundation Youth Leadership Institute as a high school student, Nezich more recently interned at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism under the supervision of Dr. Yoshihiro Kashiwaya. Read the complete announcementMSU Today Article
Jack Lessenberry Interview: Briggs Dr. Kristie Macrakis
Political trends come and go, but two things seem to remain constant. There are always spies, and people always seem to be fascinated by them.Kristie Macrakis, associate professor in the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, has written a new book about the now-vanished East German secret police.
MSU Grandparents University - June 25-27, 2008
MSU Grandparents University is a program for grandparents and grandchildren (ages 8-12) to come together for a 3-day educational experience while spending time together on the MSU campus.
Participants enjoy the college experience of living in the dorms, attending classes across campus and sampling the many highlights of MSU. This program gives alumni a chance to relive their college days while exploring new areas of campus and creating lifelong memories with their grandchildren.
Lyman Briggs College will be putting on five classes (451-455) during the program.
Learn more about MSU Grandparents University
Participants enjoy the college experience of living in the dorms, attending classes across campus and sampling the many highlights of MSU. This program gives alumni a chance to relive their college days while exploring new areas of campus and creating lifelong memories with their grandchildren.
Lyman Briggs College will be putting on five classes (451-455) during the program.
Learn more about MSU Grandparents University
Karl Smith Workshop: Learning in Large Classes
A group of Briggs faculty will be attending the exciting and relevant workshop offered by well-known education expert Dr. Karl Smith at MSU on May 14 & 15. Details and registration are at http://fod.msu.edu/SpringInstitute/schedule.asp.
Brief Description:
Many faculty members are exploring cooperative learning or other forms of active engagement to encourage students to be active participants in their own learning as well as the learning of other students. But how do we structure these experiences to ensure that they lead to enhanced learning? This workshop emphasizes the instructor’s role in designing and implementing individual and group strategies in connection with active and cooperative learning. Participants will learn about the instructor’s role in designing, structuring, and implementing active and cooperative learning in large classes. Challenges and barriers to implementing active and cooperative learning and how to overcome them will be addressed. Participants will experience hands-on activities, video examples, small and large group discussion, and have the opportunity to design and review activities for their own course. All participants will receive a free text on the workshop topic.
Brief Description:
Many faculty members are exploring cooperative learning or other forms of active engagement to encourage students to be active participants in their own learning as well as the learning of other students. But how do we structure these experiences to ensure that they lead to enhanced learning? This workshop emphasizes the instructor’s role in designing and implementing individual and group strategies in connection with active and cooperative learning. Participants will learn about the instructor’s role in designing, structuring, and implementing active and cooperative learning in large classes. Challenges and barriers to implementing active and cooperative learning and how to overcome them will be addressed. Participants will experience hands-on activities, video examples, small and large group discussion, and have the opportunity to design and review activities for their own course. All participants will receive a free text on the workshop topic.
Dr. John A. Vucetich “Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: An Overview of 50 years of Research”
The wolves and moose of Isle Royale, an island in Lake Superior, have been studied continuously and intensively since 1959. It is the longest study of such intensity on any predator-prey system in the world. The system is also importantly unique because on Isle Royale: humans do not exploit wolves or moose on Isle Royale, wolves are the only predator of moose, and moose comprise an overwhelming majority of wolf prey.
Student earns prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
Catherine Nezich of Marquette, MSU’s 2008 Goldwater Scholar, doesn’t believe that what she learns at MSU stays at MSU.
“As a woman in science, I know I could not have had the same kinds of educational experiences 50 years ago,” Nezich said. “Receiving this scholarship means if I keep working hard and taking advantage of opportunities that come my way, I can still be that small-town girl holding her own in the world of science and research.
“My 21st century education translates to other aspects of my life, so it affects more than just me. It also affects the people with whom I interact.”
Read the entire news release
“As a woman in science, I know I could not have had the same kinds of educational experiences 50 years ago,” Nezich said. “Receiving this scholarship means if I keep working hard and taking advantage of opportunities that come my way, I can still be that small-town girl holding her own in the world of science and research.
“My 21st century education translates to other aspects of my life, so it affects more than just me. It also affects the people with whom I interact.”
Read the entire news release
MSU historian takes reader behind the scenes of East Germany’s Stasi
In its day, the East German secret police, now known as the “Stasi,” was one of the most feared spy agencies in the world. But despite its reputation and seemingly unlimited access to James Bond-like technology, the best national security system couldn’t help an ailing communist regime, according to an MSU historian.
In her new book, “Seduced by Secrets,” MSU’s internationally recognized historian and Lyman Briggs associate professor Kristie Macrakis debunks the myths surrounding the East German Ministry for State Security, while offering insights into the workings of all spy agencies.
“Most people have a script in their head about what the Stasi was,” said Macrakis, who is currently a visiting scholar at Harvard University. “They want to tell a different story than the one I’m trying to tell.”
Read the entire news release
In her new book, “Seduced by Secrets,” MSU’s internationally recognized historian and Lyman Briggs associate professor Kristie Macrakis debunks the myths surrounding the East German Ministry for State Security, while offering insights into the workings of all spy agencies.
“Most people have a script in their head about what the Stasi was,” said Macrakis, who is currently a visiting scholar at Harvard University. “They want to tell a different story than the one I’m trying to tell.”
Read the entire news release
NOVA Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial
With Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial, NOVA captures the turmoil that tore apart the community of Dover, Pennsylvania, in one of the latest battles over teaching evolution in public schools. Immediately following the two-hour special, WKAR offers After the Trial: A Second Look, a look at how the issues presented in the program affect Michigan. Lyman Briggs HPS professor Robert Pennock served as an expert witness in the Dover trial. He appears in the NOVA special and is also interviewed in the follow-up WKAR program.
Fifteen MSU students nominated for Goldwater, Truman, Udall and Carnegie Awards
Read the entire news release
East Lansing, February 29, 2008 – Based on academic excellence and other accomplishments, fifteen MSU Honors College students have been nominated by faculty for Goldwater, Truman, Udall and Carnegie scholarships and fellowships.
“It is indeed an honor to be nominated for any one of these awards,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, dean of the Honors College. “In the process of preparing for these intensely competitive national fellowships, talented individuals learn how to bring together components of their MSU education including undergraduate research, community service, study abroad and outreach. Whether they are successful on the national level or not, they attend graduate school and go on to illustrious careers. The nomination process offers a look at what they and their fellow students will achieve in the future.”
Andrew Keller, Kaveri Korgavkar, Catherine Nezich, and Donald Vanderlaan are competing for the Goldwater Scholarship; Stephanie Dawes, Yvette Efevbera, Jennifer Flood, and Theodore Madsen are competing for the Truman Scholarship; Marci Baranski, Martha McCoy, Autumn Mitchell, Corrine Thomas, and Aimee Wilson are competing for the Udall Scholarship; and Matthew Hasho and Lindsay Robillard are competing for a Carnegie Endowment Junior Fellowship.
Kaveri Korgavkar is a junior Honors College member with dual majors of Chemistry in the College of Natural Science and Comparative Cultures and Politics in James Madison College. An Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Semi-Finalist, Honors College Cole Excellence Scholar, and College of Natural Science Faculty/Staff Fund Scholar, Korgavkar also received a study abroad scholarship for her studies in India this past summer. She is a Lyman Briggs College calculus teaching assistant and a Professorial Assistant with Dr. Chris Womack in Kinesiology and Dr. Babak Borhan in Chemistry.
Korgavkar plans a PhD in Biochemistry or Medicinal Chemistry, studying drug function in humans.
East Lansing, February 29, 2008 – Based on academic excellence and other accomplishments, fifteen MSU Honors College students have been nominated by faculty for Goldwater, Truman, Udall and Carnegie scholarships and fellowships.
“It is indeed an honor to be nominated for any one of these awards,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, dean of the Honors College. “In the process of preparing for these intensely competitive national fellowships, talented individuals learn how to bring together components of their MSU education including undergraduate research, community service, study abroad and outreach. Whether they are successful on the national level or not, they attend graduate school and go on to illustrious careers. The nomination process offers a look at what they and their fellow students will achieve in the future.”
Andrew Keller, Kaveri Korgavkar, Catherine Nezich, and Donald Vanderlaan are competing for the Goldwater Scholarship; Stephanie Dawes, Yvette Efevbera, Jennifer Flood, and Theodore Madsen are competing for the Truman Scholarship; Marci Baranski, Martha McCoy, Autumn Mitchell, Corrine Thomas, and Aimee Wilson are competing for the Udall Scholarship; and Matthew Hasho and Lindsay Robillard are competing for a Carnegie Endowment Junior Fellowship.
Kaveri Korgavkar is a junior Honors College member with dual majors of Chemistry in the College of Natural Science and Comparative Cultures and Politics in James Madison College. An Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Semi-Finalist, Honors College Cole Excellence Scholar, and College of Natural Science Faculty/Staff Fund Scholar, Korgavkar also received a study abroad scholarship for her studies in India this past summer. She is a Lyman Briggs College calculus teaching assistant and a Professorial Assistant with Dr. Chris Womack in Kinesiology and Dr. Babak Borhan in Chemistry.
Korgavkar plans a PhD in Biochemistry or Medicinal Chemistry, studying drug function in humans.
