Utah State GREATS 2008

Utah State GREATS
www.usu.edu/greats 2008
research
hands-on learning
outreach
alumni
location
1
The Measure and Means for All that is Great
The year 2008 has been another great year for Utah State University. We have good reason to celebrate
the many accomplishments of our students and faculty. We are proud of the continued excellence and
contributions this great university makes to the state and the world. It is a tribute to the spirit and pride
that identifies and distinguishes us as Aggies. It is a reflection of world-class research and teaching that
provides our students exceptional value through high-quality, hands-on experiences. It is a promise of a
higher education in the truest sense of that word.
Compiled in this booklet, you will find examples of great heights achieved by our students and faculty that
are well worth noting. Accomplishments such as:
• A grand prize rocket launch win from NASA. Our engineering students took home five of seven awards
at the national competition.
• The recognition of more than 500 USU students who, since 1975, have conducted research supported
by the Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities grant program. From metal sculpture to
chokecherry seed propagation and whirling disease in trout, real-life problems are explored and solved
by our undergraduates.
• USU alum Brandon Schrand received the Barnes & Noble ‘Discover Great New Writers’ Award for his
memoir, The Enders Hotel.
• Top prize earned by undergraduate Katie Fotheringham for an impressive kitchen design in the student
category of the Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliance, Inc. Kitchen Design Competition.
• USU-licensed technology that now allows road crews to replace entire bridges in a single weekend. The
reduced road closures and detours of a bridge installed at I-215 in Salt Lake City saved $4 million in
road construction costs and cut construction time down from six months to a single weekend.
• USU’s world-acclaimed Fry Street Quartet performed Utah’s first complete Beethoven String Quartet
Cycle. It was a musical marathon this fall that would normally occur over the course of a year but was
accomplished in just two weeks.
• Deserved recognition for a student-run organization, Aggie Blue Bikes, that benefits the environment
and promotes good health. The idea started in 2005 to attack air quality problems in Cache Valley. The
program that checks bikes out to students free of charge, has grown from nine to approximately 120
bicycles in just three years.
These highlights showcase the varied and diverse abilities of the students, faculty and staff at our great
institution. In an effort to increase USU’s success, I was pleased to announce a comprehensive fundraising
campaign with a goal of $200 million in March 2007. We successfully reached and surpassed that fouryear goal in the first year of the campaign. As a result of the early success, the university has extended the
length and increased the dollar amount of the campaign’s goals to $400 million.
I deeply appreciate the generous gifts and donations, large and small, that have come to USU over the past
12 months. At any time, particularly during these challenging economic times, we know that giving is not
done without careful thought. The decision to invest in higher education is truly a reflection of foresight and
vision — for it is a gift to the future that benefits students for generations to come.
My special thanks to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and all our generous supporters of the past year. It
is you who provided the measure and means for all we know that is great about Utah State.
Stan L. Albrecht
President, Utah State University
Table of Contents
5
USU-Logan Recognized for Academics, Safety, Affordability
7
Three Great Gifts for Utah State University
9
Sculpture Completes Award-Winning Building
11
Sharing the Roaded Landscape
13
A Fighting Chance
15
Minding the (Sediment) Budget: Watershed Sciences Student Honored for Snake River Study
17
Discovering Wetlands: New Building at Utah Botanical Center will Engage Children in Learning and Environmental Stewardship
19
English Department Alum Receives Barnes & Noble ‘Discover Great New Writers’ Award
21
USU Paramount in Life of 100-Year-Old Graduate
23
USU-Licensed Technology Saves Utah Drivers Time and Money
25
Utah State University’s Interior Design Program is Cookin’
27
A Great, Pretty Place: Logan Makes Several “Best Places” Lists
29
What Diet? Dietetic Students Teach Community How to Eat Healthier without Dieting
31
A New Name, A New Era of Leadership: USU Renames its Highly Ranked College: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services
33
Wiki Textbook Teaches Students More than Physiology
35
‘Green’ Plastic: Engineering Student Recycles Dairy Waste to Create Biodegradable Plastic
37
A Multicultural Messiah: Well-Known Production Takes on New Dimensions for USU Students, Community
39
Seeking Weapons of Mass Reduction
41
All Paths Lead to Art
43
Mr. September: USU Engineering Student Takes Home Best of Show
45
USU Engineering Student Gets Smart with Prestigious $75,000 Scholarship
47
The Landscape of Success — Legendary Teaching
49
A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words
51
USU Students Lift Off with Grand Prize Rocket Launch Win from NASA
53
Teaching from Experience
55
USU Home to ‘Golden Scholars’
57
Taking Music to the Community
59
Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground
61
Undergraduate Research Reigns at USU
63
A Lifelong Gift
65
Art Alum Sculpts Memories into Memorial Tribute
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Challenging Science, Challenging Students
69
Regional Campus Opens Path to Med School
71
The Price is Right
73
Taking Aggie Athletics to New Heights
75
Ignoring Limits
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Aggie Blue Bikes: Student-Run Organization Benefits the Environment and Promotes Good Health
79
Blue Goes Green
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Students Participate in International Service Project While Preserving USU History
83
Ag Gymnast Founds Nonprofit to Fight Poverty in Africa
85
USU Students Head to Mexico and Make a Difference
87
WRDC at USU Improving Rural America
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Changing the World One Drop at a Time
Editor’s Note: Utah State Greats 2008 is a compilation of news and feature stories from
December 2007 through November 2008. Dates referenced in these stories reflect the time in
which they were written.
USU-LOGAN RECOGNIZED FOR
ACADEMICS, SAFETY,
AFFORDABILITY
P
with prime location – scenic and safe,” Coward
said. “We know our safe and beautiful mountain
valley setting is a sure draw for both our faculty
arents of prospective students, take note:
and students. How fortunate we are to be able to
Utah State University and Logan City are sure,
combine these distinctions with our impressive list
affordable and safe bets.
of academic achievements, including this year’s
(2007) Carnegie Professor of the Year.”
The Logan region topped the
rankings, once again, as the safest
U.S. metropolitan area for 2007,
according to City Crime Rankings:
Crime in Metropolitan America.
In addition, Logan is also ranked
among the Top 10 of the nation’s
“most secure places to live,”
according to rankings compiled by
the Farmers Insurance Group.
USU was also ranked in the Top 10
“most affordable” college markets in
the nation, according to a new report.
Best yet, students can combine a
safe environment with an outstanding
learning environment in light of
other notable national academic
recognitions during the past year,
including U.S. News and World
Report magazine once again naming
USU’s College of Education and
Human Services among the top tier
of colleges of education in the nation,
said Raymond T. Coward, USU
executive vice president and provost.
“We enjoy an enviable pairing of worldclass research and hands-on learning
The Logan region topped the rankings, once again, as the safest U.S.
metropolitan area for 2007, according to City Crime Rankings: Crime
in Metropolitan America.
7
1
st
in the nation as the safest U.S. metropolitan area
(City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan America, 14th edition, November, 2007)
among all universities in the nation in money spent on
aerospace research and development
(National Science Foundation’s report based on fiscal year 2004 research expenditures)
among all national public universities for graduates
with least debt
(U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges, 2008 edition)
Report: America’s Best Graduate Schools,
2008 edition)
2007 Rankings of Note:
•
1st in the nation as the safest U.S.
metropolitan area (City Crime Rankings:
Crime in Metropolitan America, 14th edition,
November, 2007)
•
5th in the nation as the most secure among
small towns (Farmers Insurance Group,
December, 2007)
•
1st among all universities in the nation in
money spent on aerospace research and
development (National Science Foundation’s
report based on fiscal year 2004 research
expenditures)
•
1st among all national public universities
for graduates with least debt (U.S. News
& World Report’s America’s Best Colleges,
2008 edition)
•
•
8
2nd in the nation in total research dollars
received by a college: USU’s College of
Education and Human Services (U.S. News
and World Report: America’s Best Graduate
Schools, 2008 edition)
26th in the nation overall against all graduate
colleges of education (U.S. News and World
•
Top 10 most affordable college markets for
home prices in 2007 (Third Annual Coldwell
Banker College Home Price Comparison
Index, Nov. 6, 2007)
•
Top 35 overall score among public national
universities based on social mobility,
research and service (The Washington
Monthly, September 2007)
•
Top 20 among land-grant universities in
the nation and in the top 10 non-medical
land-grant universities for federal research
revenue generated (National Science
Foundation’s report based on fiscal year
2004 research expenditures)
•
Top 100 among all public institutions in the
nation for total research revenue generated
(National Science Foundation’s report based
on fiscal year 2004 research expenditures)
•
Best Value College (The Princeton Review,
2008 edition)
Writer: John DeVilbiss, 435-797-1358,
[email protected]
December 2007
THREE GREAT GIFTS
FOR UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
U
tah State University had a record
year in fundraising thanks to many generous
donations from givers at all levels. USU President
Stan L. Albrecht announced in March 2007 that
the university would launch a comprehensive
campaign with a goal of raising $200 million to
fund people, programs and places at the university.
Now, nine months into the campaign (December
2007), the outpouring of support has exceeded all
expectations.
Jon and Karen Huntsman announce $26 million gift in
December 2007.
Research Center.
The building will become a state-of-the-art,
The campaign reached momentum in October
high-tech educational facility to train students
2007 with a $15 million gift from Marc and Debbie
in business, entrepreneurship, accounting,
Bingham for the Uintah Basin Campus, followed by
engineering, water management, natural resources,
a nearly $26 million gift from Jon M. Huntsman in
environmental policy and other programs.
early December 2007 to start the Jon M. Huntsman
School of Business at USU. The year has topped off
“Mr. Bingham’s contribution will have lasting effects
with a $25 million gift from The Emma Eccles Jones
on the educational culture and environment in the
Foundation that is going to support USU’s College
Uintah Basin,” said USU President Stan L. Albrecht.
of Education and Human Services.
“It will raise the level of education and the quality
of life in the Basin. But, most important for the
USU Receives $15 Million Gift for
Uintah Basin Campus Center
(October 2007)
Utah entrepreneur and businessman Marc Bingham
and his wife, Debbie, donated $15 million to Utah
State University’s Uintah Basin campus to fund
construction of an Entrepreneurship and Energy
community, it will support Utah State University’s
broader effort to help the Basin recruit its own,
educate its own and return them to the local
community as educated citizens, business people
and leaders.”
The design and programming phase of the
Entrepreneurship and Energy Research Center
begins in fall 2007 with construction starting in early
2008 and occupancy expected in 2009.
The building will create a dynamic new research
component for the Uintah Basin, Albrecht said.
Huntsmans Give Nearly $26
Million to Utah State University
(December 2007)
An architectural drawing of the Entrepreneurship and
Energy Research Center in Vernal.
Jon M. Huntsman announced that he and his wife,
Karen H. Huntsman, are giving nearly $26 million to
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Utah State University.
USU President Stan L. Albrecht said $25
million will go to the School of Business,
and approximately $1 million will be used
as scholarship support for USU students
from Armenia.
In recognition of the gift, the College of
Business has changed its name to the
Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.
Albrecht called Huntsman one of
the nation’s outstanding leaders and
philanthropists.
Emma Eccles Jones reading to children.
“We are deeply appreciative of the
Huntsman family and their dedication to higher
“The College of Education and Human Services is
education in Utah,” Albrecht said. “The impact of
already renowned nationally, and this gift culminates
this generous gift will be felt not only by the College
a long-term relationship between the College, the
of Business but by the entire university. The Jon
Foundation, and its founder, Emma Eccles Jones,”
M. Huntsman School of Business will help our
said USU President Stan L. Albrecht.
students prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders —
locally, regionally, nationally and globally.”
“Jones’s legacy is one of dedication to the
education of teachers and children,” said Albrecht.
Jon Huntsman praised the university and its
“This gift is a fitting tribute to her.”
College of Business.
“This College is among the elites in the country in
“Utah State University is a beautiful and most-
both academics and in the impact of its programs
unique academy for higher education in America,”
on people in our state and across the nation,” said
Huntsman said. “Our family is deeply honored to be
Albrecht. “This gift will allow the College to continue
intricately bonded with its school of business. We
to excel — and continue the work that Emma loved.”
shall provide every possible means to continue its
growth toward a world-class institution.”
Carol Strong, dean of the College, said this
significant gift reflects the strengths of the programs
The Emma Eccles Jones
Foundation Gives $25 Million Gift
to USU’s College of Education
and Human Services
(December 2007)
and the commitment of faculty in the College to
making a difference in peoples’ lives.
Strong said the support of The Emma Eccles Jones
Foundation has been a key factor in the national
accolades the college has received. For the past
nine years, the college has been ranked in the top
Utah State University announced that The Emma
two percent of graduate programs nationally by
Eccles Jones Foundation is making a $25 million
U.S. News and World Report. This past year, it
gift to USU’s College of Education and Human
ranked 26th in a field of more than 1,200 colleges of
Services. The gift will be used for construction of an
education, and was second in the nation in research
additional education and research building and to
funding generated by its faculty.
fund a number of endowed professorships in early
Writer: Maren Cartwright, 435-797-1355,
[email protected]
December 2007
childhood education.
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SCULPTURE COMPLETES
AWARD-WINNING BUILDING
T
he Manon Caine Russell Kathryn Caine
Wanlass Performance Hall at Utah State
University has been called the jewel of the
university’s arts facilities. Now, the completion of
the sculptural installation “Passacaglia” puts an
exclamation point on a project that came straight
from the heart.
Perhaps that should be hearts — plural —
because many were involved. But it was the love,
dedication and vision of two women that inspired
many, guaranteeing a beautiful addition to the
campus environment.
Kathryn Caine Wanlass and Manon Caine
Russell, sisters, have long supported education
and the arts at Utah State. As individuals and
as founding members of the Marie Eccles
Caine Foundation, they have contributed to
the education of hundreds, if not thousands,
of the university’s students while providing the
foundation of the region’s cultural offerings.
They were instrumental, through the Marie
Eccles Caine Foundation, in the establishment
of the Caine School of the Arts in the College of
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at USU. But
their gift of the Performance Hall to the university
was a private one, one they believed in from the
project’s inception. At the time, it was the largest
individual gift in the university’s history.
While “Passacaglia” completes the Performance
Hall, the structure has already earned accolades
for its design. The building opened Thursday,
Jan. 12, 2006, and is the
first on campus designed
specifically for chamber
music. It seats 431
audience members and a
maximum of 22 musicians
on its stage. And, its
technical elements are
astounding. There are
18-inch thick concrete
walls that fully insulate the
interior of the hall. There
are adjustable curtains and
canopies that contribute
to the acoustic excellence.
Small vents under every
seat ensure silent air
flow. The details of the
building’s planning and
construction go on and on.
Guests view the completed sculpture in the lobby of the Performance Hall.
(Photo provided by USU’s Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art)
Lead architect for the
Performance Hall was
Vinicius Gorgati of Sasaki
Associates, Inc. He said
he designed the building
as if it were a public work
of art. In a tribute to the
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distinctive scenery of Cache Valley, the front
façade is wrapped in a wrinkled zinc skin that
mimics the folds of the Bear River Mountains.
“We wanted the hall to look like it grew out of
the landscape,” said Gorgati’s colleague, master
planner Ricardo Dumont.
“The Performance Hall has a vulnerability, an
openness, a delicacy to it,” “Passacaglia” creator
and Bay Area artist Ann Preston said. “It doesn’t
sit there like a bank or a city hall with four feet
planted on the ground. It allows you to think your
own thoughts and feel your own feelings.”
With its detailed planning and painstaking
installation, “Passacaglia” was completed in
September 2007. Elements of the sculpture
extend from the wall into the floor of the lobby
and continue beyond the interior of the building
and its glass walls into the plaza.
The piece is constructed of geometric forms that
evolve in a mathematical and organic sequence.
“The sculpture takes on a presence of
mechanical accuracy balanced against organic,
nature-like forms rendered in burnished and
molded steel and mottled suede-like grey
panels,” said Victoria Rowe, director of USU’s
Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.
The museum, under Rowe’s leadership, has
curatorial oversight of the sculpture.
The sculpture’s name — “Passacaglia” — derives
from a musical form related to dance. The
sculpture is composed of geometric forms — a
dance of triangles transform into larger geometric
units that then expand into a counter rhythm of
contoured panels, Rowe said.
“The steel elements sparkle, reflecting light and
provide a contrast of texture with the velvety warm
grey patina of the tetrahedral forms,” she said.
“Standing before it, the viewer is simultaneously
awed by its scale and captivated by its presence.
Yet, somehow it intrigues more than overpowers,
entreating its audience to return and look again.”
“The benefits of this gift will be experienced in
perpetuity,” USU President Stan L. Albrecht said
at the Performance Hall dedication. “We want
to thank Kathryn Caine Wanlass and Manon
Caine Russell for the generous gift that makes
this world-class performance hall possible. This
premier venue will make an enormous difference
in the academic, professional and personal lives
of our students and faculty.”
Writer: Patrick Williams, 435-797-1354,
[email protected]
January 2008
Critical acclaim and honors for the Manon Caine
Russell Kathryn Caine Wanlass Performance Hall:
• “Achieving the Art of Acoustics – The grand opening
of Utah State University’s new performance hall was
just that — grand — because the building fits that
description in every way.” Intermountain Contractor
(March 1, 2006)
• Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects,
California Council. (Oct. 2007)
• Outstanding Campus Architecture, Chronicle of
Higher Education. (Feb. 23, 2007)
• “Great architecture is not born solely from a drafting
table and blueprints. More often it originates from
a delicate mix of visionary benefactors, a dedicated
purpose, a supportive community, and, of course,
talented design professionals. All these elements
contributed to the construction of the Manon Caine
Russell Kathryn Caine Wanlass Performance Hall.”
Jeremy Pugh, Utah Style and Design Magazine
(Winter 2007)
• Honor Award, Utah Chapter of the American
Institutes of Architects. (Oct. 2006)
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(photo by Robert Preston)
• American Institutes of Architects, Utah Chapter, list
of Utah’s Best Buildings (along with Old Main, a
campus landmark). (April 2007)
• Best Architecture Project, Intermountain Contractor.
• Best Mechanical/Electrical Project, Intermountain
Contractor.
• “Coolest Cache Structures,” (number six), The
Herald Journal.
SHARING THE ROADED
LANDSCAPE
M
ost motorists
can offer a deer-in-the-
headlights story, in which
they’ve been forced to hit the
brakes, swerve or survey the
damage of a sudden, whiteknuckle encounter with wildlife
in the roadway.
Utah State University
researchers are exploring
solutions to make the nation’s
four million miles of roaded
landscape safer for all
creatures – human and beast.
USU wildlife ecologist Patricia Cramer pauses at a wildlife crossing installed under Highway
89-91 in Utah’s Wellsville Canyon.
Wildlife-vehicle collisions account for an
average of 200 human deaths in the United
States each year, says Patricia Cramer, a
research ecologist with USU’s Department of
Wildland Resources. Nonhuman vertebrates
fare much worse. According to research
published by Wildland Resources professor
Michael Conover, more than a million die on
influence the demographics and evolution of
animals and plants.”
Cramer and colleague John Bissonette, professor
in the Department of Wildland Resources and
unit leader with the U.S. Geological Survey Utah
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,
recently completed a three-year study to evaluate
the use and effectiveness of wildlife crossings
American roads each day.
in the United States and Canada. The project,
Beyond mortality, each mile of pavement signals
and team members from governmental agencies
destruction and fragmentation of wildlife habitat,
Cramer says. For most animals, roads mean
reduced access to water, food, mates and
which includes the efforts of student researchers
and other universities, was funded by the
National Cooperative Highway Research Program
of the National Academies of Science and
protective habitat.
Engineering’s Transportation Research Board.
“This is a much more complex problem than
As part of the project, the researchers conducted
some roadkill here and there,” she says. “Roads
can impact critical ecological processes and
an exhaustive survey of efforts by transportation
and wildlife officials in the United States and
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Canada to determine what measures state and
Bissonette says conventional solutions have
provincial agencies are conducting to mitigate
favored a “funnel” approach; that is, forcing
wildlife-vehicle collisions.
wildlife into progressively narrower options for
safe passage. “What we need to be doing is
“What we’ve discovered is some states and
thinking of a ‘sieve’ approach,” he says.
provinces are using innovative measures, such
as construction of wildlife passages, and others
Solutions that accommodate a broad spectrum
aren’t taking much action,” Cramer says.
of species are needed, Cramer says. That bug
on the windshield may seem an insignificant
Conventional tools, such as yellow warning
annoyance, but the decline of American bee
signs, that warn motorists of areas prone to
populations and the corresponding impact on
wildlife crossing, have minimal impact, says
agriculture is not. So much so that the state of
Bissonette, principal investigator on the project.
Washington posts reduced speed limits in alfalfa
“Motorists simply aren’t slowing down enough to
production areas during periods of pollination.
prevent collisions.”
What the researchers have also gleaned from the
New pavement-level animal crossings, such as
study is that wildlife collision mitigation needs to
those near Park City, Utah, are also ineffective,
begin at the start of the road-planning process.
Bissonette says. “They simply do not work. The
Cramer advises students preparing for careers
traffic volume is too great and the speeds are
in wildland management that they must be
too high.”
prepared to get involved in long-range roadway
planning and offer environmentally friendly
What is working, the researchers say, are
solutions. And she warns that the process could
animal overpasses and underpasses that keep
span their entire careers. “A single highway
wildlife out of harm’s way. Such solutions
project may require 20 to 30 years of planning,”
may seem costly, but Bissonette argues
she says.
they’re worth it. “Construction of a specially
designed overpass or underpass is a sizable
“Transportation projects are not ‘done deals,’”
investment,” he says. “But if you amortize the
Cramer says. “Recent plans for highway
cost of the investment against the cost of not
construction in Wyoming and Ohio, for example,
doing it – and factor in human mortalities – I
were altered to better accommodate wildlife.”
think that puts it into perspective.”
When scientifically sound, fiscally feasible
Bissonette and Cramer also note that the issue
alternatives are offered, she says, highway
is much broader than concern for large mammals
officials are ready to listen.
that cause highly destructive accidents.
Contacts: John Bissonette, 435-797-2511, john.
Obviously, a collision with an elk will put a bigger
[email protected]; Patricia Cramer, 435-797-
damper on your day than a bug splattering your
1289; [email protected]
windshield, they say, but all creatures great and
small are impacted by impenetrable terrain.
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517,
[email protected]
“When approaching this problem and
considering solutions you need to think about
the permeability of the landscape,” Bissonette
says. “We need to consider accessibility not only
for deer and elk, but for smaller mammals, fish,
birds, reptiles – even insects.”
14
January 2008
A FIGHTING
CHANCE
W
as a conservation practice, she says, animal
relocation doesn’t come cheap – either in terms
of the cost of physically moving the animals or
ading through Antelope Island’s
the impact on the animals’ health.
chest-high stalks of yellow-blossomed mullein
and gazing out across the shifting, sun-washed
“Moving a bighorn is like an organ transplant,” says
colors of the Great Salt Lake, you can almost
Murray, a Quinney Fellow in the College of Natural
trick yourself into believing you’ve stumbled
Resources’ Wildland Resources Department. “The
into an impossibly remote, exotic land. But the
procedure is necessary to maintain the health
clockwork roar of jet engines departing nearby
and survival of the species, but the stress on the
Salt Lake International repeatedly intrudes upon
animals is high. The risks are tremendous and you
your thoughts – a rude reminder of your proximity
want to ensure the best possible outcome.”
to Utah’s bustling Wasatch Front.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
In this high desert refuge, Utah State University
introduced California mountain sheep, drawn
doctoral student
Amanda Murray
keeps a solitary vigil.
Perched on Antelope’s
craggy, western ridges
from dawn to dusk,
the wildlife biologist
meticulously records
the activities of some
of the island’s most
elusive inhabitants –
bighorn sheep.
Murray’s research aims
to bolster conservation
of the imperiled
ovines and contribute
to worldwide efforts
to successfully
relocate other fragile,
large mammals.
Wildlife biologist Amanda Murray is studying bighorn sheep on Utah’s Antelope Island.
Though necessary
15
from herds in British Columbia and
Nevada, to Antelope Island about
ten years ago. An ideal oasis, it
seems, to protect the animals
from human-introduced threats
and create a thriving nursery herd
to replenish areas throughout the
American West.
Though the island’s bighorns are
not endangered, the species has
a precarious history in the Rocky
Mountain West.
“The sheep nearly disappeared from
Utah by the 1960s,” Murray says.
Bighorn sheep, captured in this photo through Murray’s spotting scope, encounter
unfamiliar predators when relocated from their safe haven on Antelope Island.
Overhunting, disease and
fragmentation of the animals’ habitat by
urbanization and highways led to their decline,
she says.
Antelope Island’s sheep have flourished but the
secluded nursery presents a distinct challenge
for the animals once they venture into the
outside world. The island has no cougars.
True, mountain lions are natural predators of
the sheep and a certain number of bighorns are
expected to provide sustenance for the hungry
cats. “But if the sheep have no innate fear or
knowledge of predators, the relocated animals
can become an instant feast,” Murray says.
Murray’s work paves the way for continuing
study that could one day allow biologists to
identify sheep lacking anti-predator behavior
and develop anti-predator cues to teach the
animals to fear beasts of prey. For now, her
16
research, funded by the Utah chapter of the
Foundation for North American Wild Sheep,
focuses on identifying the class of animals
within a source population that is most
successful in a relocation operation.
Ultimately, Murray says, the bighorns’ survival
depends on their behavior.
“Our goal is to learn more about these animals
and to find the recipe for successful relocation
that will allow the animals to thrive in a rapidly
changing environment,” she says. “We want to
give the sheep a fighting chance.”
Contacts: Amanda Murray, 435-760-6971,
[email protected]; Johan du Toit,
435-797-0242; [email protected].
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517,
[email protected]
January 2008
MINDING THE (Sediment)
BUDGET
Watershed Sciences Student Honored for Snake River Study
R
unning a solvent business or
household requires keeping an eye on what
comes in and what goes out. Maintaining a
healthy river involves a similar line of thinking,
says Utah State University doctoral student and
Water Fellow Susannah Erwin.
“It’s sort of like balancing a checkbook,” says
Erwin, who recently returned to Logan following
a third field research season on the Snake River
in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.
An S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney Foundation
Ph.D. Fellowship recipient in USU’s
Department of Watershed Sciences, Erwin
studies channel change in the river caused
primarily by water release schedules of the
Jackson Lake Dam.
“The dam disrupts not just the flow of water but
the movement of sediment,” she says. “This impacts the river’s physical template, which is the
foundation for everything that lives in it.”
Built in stages starting in 1910, Jackson Lake
Dam rises to a crest elevation of 6,777 feet. The
dam enables storage of water in Jackson Lake
beyond the glacial lake’s natural elevation. The
additional water stored by the concrete and
earthen structure irrigates farms throughout
Idaho’s Snake River basin.
Erwin was honored
for her research in fall
2007 by the National
Park Service’s Rocky
Mountains Cooperative
Ecosystem Studies Unit.
She was selected for
the inaugural Student
Award, established
this year, which
recognizes outstanding
accomplishments made
by students involved in
RM-CESU projects.
From left, Watershed Sciences students Susannah Erwin, Matthew Shannon and
Jason Alexander collect sediment samples on the Snake River in Grand Teton
National Park.
Her work is part of
series of ongoing
projects led by faculty
mentor Jack Schmidt,
a geomorphologist and
professor in Watershed
17
What Erwin’s research reveals is that, given the
current dam release schedule, the Snake River
may not be capable of moving sediment supplied
by tributaries downstream.
“This may mean that gravel is accumulating near
some tributary mouths or other areas and could
interfere with river navigation,” she says. “It also
impacts vegetation, fish and other aquatic life.”
A Quinney Fellow in USU’s College of Natural
Resources, Erwin was selected for the National Park
Service’s Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystem
Studies Unit’s inaugural Student Award.
Sciences. The research is funded by a variety of
sources, including the NPS and the U.S. Geological
Survey’s Northern Rockies Science Center.
“I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Susannah’s
organizational and field skills that resulted in
collection of unique data concerning gravel
transport by the Snake River and its tributaries,”
Schmidt says. “These data allow us to make
recommendations to the National Park Service
and the Bureau of Reclamation regarding how
releases from Jackson Lake Dam can better
maintain the health of the riverine ecosystem
throughout Grand Teton National Park.”
Monitoring a river’s channel change is critical,
Erwin says, because the balance of water
and sediment determines the river’s form and
characteristics of animal and plant habitats.
She and her team wield a 200-pound Toutle River
sampler, deployed from a raft attached to a large
steel cable strung across the river from bank
to bank, to measure gravel transport rates and
collect samples at various points in the river.
“It’s a heavy piece of equipment and the
cable sometimes stretches as far as 300 feet,”
Erwin says. “It’s physically challenging to take
measurements and collect samples during high
flow conditions.”
The bedload sampling technique is unique. “Only
one other group in the nation uses the Toutle
River sampler and they’re a California consulting
firm that taught us how to use it,” she says.
18
Damming a river doesn’t always result in
sediment accumulation, she says. Glen Canyon
Dam and the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River,
for example, have caused the opposite effect –
sediment deficit.
The main reason for this difference, Erwin says,
is that Jackson Lake is a natural lake, whereas
those Colorado River dams formed manmade
reservoirs, namely Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Between field seasons, Erwin returns to USU to
analyze collected samples and create computer
models of the river to determine the predicted
impact of varied dam release schedules.
“With our data, we’ve created a sediment budget
that can be tied to dam release schedules,”
she says. “This helps the National Park Service
determine what flows are necessary to move
sediment and maintain equilibrium.”
During October 2007, Erwin presented her
research at the annual RM-CESU Managers’
Meeting in Salt Lake City and afterward, traveled
to Denver to present a poster at the annual
meeting of the Geological Society of America.
“Our lab group is involved in several projects in
support of the National Park Service’s efforts
to manage complex, large river ecosystems,”
says Schmidt, director of the USU-based
Intermountain Center for River Rehabilitation and
Restoration and the USU Water Initiative.
“We are privileged to work in some of the most
beautiful, natural landscapes that our nation protects, and I am proud of the recognition gained
by Susannah, her technicians and her supportive
fellow grad students,” he says.
Contacts: Susannah Erwin, s.erwin@aggiemail.
usu.edu; Jack Schmidt, [email protected],
435-797-1791
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517,
[email protected]
February 2008
DISCOVERING
WETLANDS
New Building at Utah Botanical Center will Engage
Children in Learning and Environmental Stewardship
U
tah State University is moving
forward with construction of Wetland Discovery
Point, a year-round, indoor and outdoor
classroom at the Utah
Botanical Center (UBC)
in Kaysville.
The Utah Legislature
provided $950,000 in
2007 to advance the
creation of this facility.
The 2007 legislative
appropriation,
partnership with
Kaysville City and
significant support
Wetland Discovery Point will be the centerpiece of the Utah Botanical Center’s education program.
from private donors
and the Utah Division
of Water Quality are combining to make
Wetland Discovery Point a reality. Construction
begins spring 2008. Completion is scheduled
for fall 2008.
Why Build It?
Utah’s growing population, future economic
development and quality of life
depend on wise use of natural
resources. The Utah Botanical
Center plays an important role in
demonstrating and teaching the
kind of sustainable environmental
stewardship that is crucial to
Utah’s future. Wetland Discovery
Point will allow the Utah Botanical
Center’s education program to expand its
reach well beyond the nearly 4,000 students
and teachers who currently visit the center on
field trips each year. With the addition of this
unique facility, 8,000-10,000 students will be
accommodated, and the building will be available
for other public events.
Education
UBC field trips are tied to the state’s
science core curriculum and activities
are centered on learning goals for each
grade level. Teachers are provided
with curriculum and activities to use in
their classrooms to encourage more
investigation and learning before and
after UBC field trips.
19
The building will
be the centerpiece
of the UBC’s
education program
and a highly
visible example of
sustainable design
and construction
to Center visitors
and the tens of
thousands of
people who pass
the UBC each
day on I-15 in
Kaysville.
Mark Larese-Casanova teaches children at the Utah Botanical Center.
Students explore a range of topics, including:
•
Wetland ecology
•
Energy conservation
•
Wise water use
•
Fish and wildlife
•
Insects
•
Air quality
•
Stormwater management
•
Horticulture
The Building
Designed by
Salt Lake City-
based AJC Architects, and to be built by
Big-D Construction. Wetland Discovery
Point will demonstrate sustainable building
principles, including:
•
Collecting and storing rainwater for
landscape irrigation and toilet flushing
•
On-site bio-filtration for sewage treatment
•
Use of natural light and passive solar
methods to reduce energy needs
•
Solar panels to generate electricity
•
Ground-source heating and cooling
Wetland Discovery Point will feature a flexible
•
Radiant floor transfer of heating and cooling
classroom space for up to 60 students, a
•
Utah native plant landscaping
gathering area with a wide view of the UBC
ponds and the Wasatch Mountains, and a deck
Wetland Discovery Point will be key to advancing
and boardwalks that will serve as outdoor
the mission of the Utah Botanical Center which is
learning areas.
to guide the conservation and wise use of plant,
water and energy resources through research-
The 3,200 sq. ft. building will qualify for
based educational experiences, demonstrations
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
and technologies.
(LEED) Platinum certification, the highest
certification attainable from the U.S. Green
Writer: Tim Vitale, 435-797-1356,
Building Council. There are currently fewer than
[email protected]
75 LEED Platinum-certified buildings in the
February 2008
United States and none are in Utah.
20
English Department Alum Receives Barnes And Noble
‘DISCOVER GREAT NEW
WRITERS’ AWARD
B
randon Schrand
hasn’t been out of graduate
school long, but he is quickly
building a reputation in the
literary field — just ask
booksellers Barnes and Noble.
Schrand’s forthcoming memoir,
The Enders Hotel, has been
picked as a Barnes and Noble
“Discover Great New Writers”
selection for summer 2008.
The author earned a master’s
degree at USU in 2003 in
American Studies, where
he focused on western
American literature.
According to the Barnes and
Noble Web site, The Discover
Great New Writers Program helps
publishers introduce dynamic
new literary writers to the reading
public and highlights the most
impressive new works published
each season. Schrand’s memoir
was one of 150 books submitted
and among the 18 selected for
summer 2008.
USU alum Brandon Schrand received the Barnes and Noble ‘Discover
Great New Writers’ Award for his memoir The Enders Hotel.
Schrand began work on The
Enders Hotel, published by the University of
Nebraska Press (planned release in May 2008), as
an assignment for a class at the University of Idaho,
where he earned a master’s of fine arts and where
he now coordinates the same MFA program he
completed. The assignment just grew, he said, as he
followed the story.
“If it had not been for my graduate work at USU,
I don’t think I would have been able to write the
kind of book I did,” Schrand said. “Beneath its
narrative and all the sentences and the structure,
there lies my training. The average reader won’t
see my master’s degree in American Studies
behind the curtain, so to speak, but it’s there. I
know it’s there.”
21
Schrand attended Utah State
University from 2001-03, and
the road that led him to the
Logan campus was one of
chance, he said. Schrand’s
bachelor’s degree is in
English literature from
Southern Utah University (’98).
its history, based on rich
interdisciplinary research,
becomes a focal point for
a wide-ranging study of
the tenacity and dreams of
small western towns and
their inhabitants.”
Evelyn Funda, an
associate professor in the
Department of English, also
worked with Schrand.
“My wife and I moved to
Logan because it was close
to both our families,” Schrand
said. “I took some time
“Brandon never forgets
out of school and worked,
that he started as a smallbought a house, had a son
town Idaho boy, which
and decided I should go to
means he both honors that
graduate school. USU was
background and remains
right up the hill so I applied
refreshingly humble and
there. So while it was chance
untainted by inflated ego,”
and chance alone that led me
Funda said. “But make no
The Enders Hotel is an award-winning
to USU, it turned out to be
memoir by USU American Studies alum
mistake — just because
one of the most extraordinary Brandon Schrand.
he’s from Soda Springs
chances in my life because
doesn’t
mean
his
work
is some sentimental
USU prepared me in no small way to become the
picture of a bygone western era. The Enders
writer I am today.”
Hotel is based on his rigorous interdisciplinary
research, and the result is a sharp appraisal of
After walking up the hill, Schrand enrolled in Utah
how we envision a region and are shaped by
State’s American Studies program, a diverse
family history.”
program that allows students the opportunity
to explore American life and cultures from
Schrand’s book will be promoted and featured
interdisciplinary perspectives.
by Barnes and Noble for 12 weeks, May-July,
in 2008. The work has won a number of earlier
“The American Studies degree is an immersion in
awards, including the 2007 River Teeth Prize
literature, art, folklore, history, anything you want
for best book of literary nonfiction, and “The
to study on the way to a broad-based, creative,
Enders Hotel,” the title piece from the book,
gratifying career,” said Star Coulbrooke, a
was selected as a Notable Essay in the Best
program alum (’99) and now faculty member in
American Essays 2007.
the Department of English. “If you want to work
at what you enjoy, create your own career, make
“For me, the most rewarding aspect of my
your own way in the world, American Studies is
education at USU was both the focus on
the degree for you.”
interdisciplinary studies and having access to
the dynamic faculty who made interdisciplinary
Faculty who worked with Schrand during his time
engagement possible,” Schrand said. “My
on campus speak highly of his skill and potential.
thesis committee — Melody Graulich, Jennifer
“In the tradition of Mary Clearman Blew and
Sinor and Chris Cokinos — really pushed me
Bill Kittredge, Brandon Schrand has written a
intellectually in ways I never thought imaginable.
memoir based on growing up in a determined,
So I am grateful for their work. Others, too,
perhaps stubborn western family and in a
influenced me in important ways. Evelyn Funda,
deteriorating construction of the Old West, the
Paul Crumbley, Bob Pyle (a visiting writer), Daniel
Enders Hotel,” said Melody Graulich, editor of
McInerney and the late Lynn Meeks— each was
Western American Literature and professor of
invaluable in providing me and my peers a firstEnglish and American Studies at USU. “Now a
class education.”
historic landmark in Soda Springs, Idaho, the
Writer: Patrick Williams, 435-797-1354,
hotel is an emblem of the town’s fantasies of
[email protected]
becoming a tourist boomtown in the late 19th
century. Brandon’s exploration of the hotel and
March 2008
22
USU PARAMOUNT
IN LIFE OF 100-YEAR-OLD GRADUATE
S
hortly after Utah State University
something, you’ve got to do
celebrated its 120th birthday in March, one
everything you can to get it
of its early graduates will celebrate her own
done. But the determination
birthday—100 years, on April 14. Ruth Davis
has to come first.”
Manning said her greatest accomplishment is
graduating from USU with a bachelor’s degree in
Mrs. Manning’s enthusiasm
foods and nutrition and child development.
for education and desire to
share that love with others
Mrs. Manning’s
graduation photo
from the 1930
USU yearbook,
“The Buzzer.”
Mrs. Manning graduated in 1930 (42 years after the
is apparent in her children.
university was founded) from the School of Home
Her son, Fred, graduated
Economics. Her graduating class had 150 people,
from USU with a degree in
53 of whom were women, and total enrollment at
elementary education, and
USU was 1,247, compared to more than 23,000
he taught at North Park Elementary in Tremonton
today. She said there was never a question about
for 28 of his 32-year teaching career.
whether she would graduate from college.
“All the children loved ‘Mr. Manning,’” said his
“I was determined to graduate from Utah State,”
sister, Diane Green, who works for USU’s Center
she said. “And if you’re determined to do
for Persons with Disabilities. “He felt one of
his most important
responsibilities to the
children was to help
them develop a love
for school, and he did
just that.”
While Ruth Manning
was attending USU
in the early 1900s,
scientists were
just beginning to
understand vitamins
and minerals. She said
she remembers doing
research with rats, in
which the students took
away certain vitamins
Ruth Davis Manning graduated from USU in 1930 and says graduating with a
bachelor’s degree was her greatest accomplishment. She turns 100 on April
14, 2008.
from the rats, one at
a time, and noted the
effects it had on the rats.
23
“The rats would be running up and down their
Because of the research done on the farm, Mr.
cages, and when we removed vitamin A from
Manning was asked to speak at many meetings
their diets, the rats went downhill in just a few
regarding farms and wheat.
days,” she said. “Once we gave the rats vitamin
A again, they got their eyesight back and started
“He was nervous about speaking, so mom enrolled
running around again.”
the whole family in a Dale Carnegie course to better
each one of us in public speaking,” Green said.
Mrs. Manning used the knowledge she gained from
her education to stay healthy throughout her life.
During the late 1930s, women’s liberation had
Today, she doesn’t take a single prescription drug,
become a large part of Mrs. Manning’s life. She
but adheres to a comprehensive vitamin regimen
said she remembered when a group of women
she put together herself. She has also managed
from New York City came to Salt Lake City to
to live almost twice as long as was expected for a
distribute materials about women’s rights. Mrs.
woman born in 1908.
Manning helped distribute the literature farther
Health, vitamins and food were always an interest
to Mrs. Manning and she had the opportunity to
study herbs from Dr. John R. Christopher, a pioneer
herbalist who started a company that continues to
sell herbal supplements today.
“He taught me that taking cayenne pepper is good
for the heart,” she said. “Dr. Christopher would take
a teaspoon of pepper and just swallow it. I have to
take capsules, but it really helps calm you down if
you are feeling stressed.”
After she graduated, Mrs. Manning taught home
economics, English, speech and foods at high
schools throughout the West for about eight years.
“I loved teaching and working with older children,”
she said. She recalled an incident when all the
ovens were removed from the high school where
she taught. The girls were so upset because they
said cooking was the only fun class they had.
west to women in Washington state.
“In those days women couldn’t teach after they got
married so a friend of mine went to Las Vegas to
get married and then came back to Utah to teach,”
Mrs. Manning said. “No one checked for a marriage
license, but people began to wonder who that guy
was coming out of her house each morning.”
During her lifetime, Mrs. Manning has witnessed
many changes in America. When the first airplane
flew over Brigham City, she said word got out in
the local newspaper, and everyone was so excited
to witness it, they started gathering outside an
hour before it was supposed to fly overhead. Mrs.
Manning also recalled the introduction of Jell-O.
“That was the most wonderful food that ever
came out.”
Mrs. Manning’s daughter agrees that after 100 years
of varied and exciting experiences, her mother’s
greatest accomplishment was graduating from USU.
After Mrs. Manning married, her dedication to
research at USU continued. Her husband, Hugh
“My mom instilled the desire for education and
Manning, and a few other farmers put their money
continual learning throughout life as a way to better
together and bought a piece of ground in Blue
oneself and those around us,” she said. “I do
Creek. They deeded the land to the Utah State
believe that is why her greatest accomplishment
University Utah Agricultural Experiment Station.
was graduating from USU. It sparked her desire to
One of the varieties of wheat developed on this land
always be learning and achieving a better you.”
was named “Manning Wheat” after Hugh Manning.
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429,
“It was a high-yield wheat that proved to be very
[email protected]
good in mechanical mixing and baking high quality
March 2008
breads,” Green said.
24
USU-LICENSED TECHNOLOGY
SAVES UTAH DRIVERS
TIME AND MONEY
R
oad construction causes delays,
detours and confusion, but there is a light at
The technique used to replace the bridge, called
accelerated bridge construction (ABC), cut road
closures and detours in the area from six months
to a single weekend and saved $4 million in road
construction costs.
the end of the tunnel thanks to researchers at
Utah State University. A camera called Texel,
“This innovation let us accomplish the work that
created by USU engineers, is helping to reduce
needed to be done and not impact the driving
construction time and cut down traffic jams while
public,” said Shana Lindsey, UDOT’s director of
saving the state millions of dollars.
research and bridge operations.
In October 2007, a bridge at I-215 East and
The camera takes a normal digital photo of
4500 South in Salt Lake City was replaced in
the scene in front of it, while the lidar and GPS
a single weekend, thanks, in part, to USU’s
are used at the same time to collect additional
Texel camera. Using complex 3-D images that
information. Once the 3-D photographic image
combine lidar (similar to radar, but using light in
is captured, it shows up on the screen like a
place of radio waves), digital photography and a
normal digital photo. Unlike traditional digital
global positioning system, the Utah Department
photography, however, the scene is automatically
of Transportation was able to construct a
embedded with distance, area and volume
prefabricated bridge built off site to fit the
information. When multiple Texel photos are
existing bridge’s exact specifications.
In October 2007, a bridge at I-215 East and 4500 South in Salt Lake City was replaced in a single weekend, thanks, in part, to USU’s Texel
camera. Photo courtesy of UDOT.
25
combined, a complete
“Our goal on all future
3-D scene is formed
UDOT ABC projects is
with views from every
to implement the use
desirable position.
of the Texel camera
through planning,
“This is what lidar
field survey, design,
technology has
modeling, animation
going for it,” said
and conflict resolution
Bob Pack, USU civil
before and during the
and environmental
actual move.”
engineering professor
and inventor of the
licensed technology.
“The ability to know
The October bridge
Bob Pack, USU civil and environmental engineering professor and
inventor of the licensed technology.
successful UDOT plans
to replace 13 more
every detail of an area
before you start building saves both time and
replacement was so
bridges in 2008 using the ABC method.
money, as there are fewer surprises.”
“The bridge replacement went exactly according
Pack started working on the Texel camera at
to plan,” said Lindsey. “Utah’s economy is tied
the USU Center for Advanced Imaging Ladar, a
directly to traffic flow. We’re using taxpayer
former Utah Center of Excellence and current
dollars, and everyone benefits when we
Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR)
use innovation to prevent lane closures and
Initiative project. The funding and notoriety
accomplish the work faster. It was a good thing
gained from being a USTAR project allowed USU
to bring this technology to Utah.”
to license Pack’s camera to a Salt Lake Citybased company, InteliSum.
For more information on USU’s Center for
Advanced Imaging Ladar and the Texel camera,
InteliSum worked closely with UDOT throughout
visit http://cse.usu.edu/cail/index.html.
the bridge replacement process.
Writer: Maren Cartwright, 435-797-1355,
“Prefabricated bridges offer significant
[email protected]
advantages over onsite cast-in-place
March 2008
construction,” said Bob Vashisth of InteliSum.
26
Utah State University’s
INTERIOR DESIGN
PROGRAM IS COOKIN’
T
here is an old political adage that says if
you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Good advice for a politician, but a number of
Utah State University students are just fine
taking the heat in the kitchen.
That is, taking the heat in national kitchen design
competitions, especially Katie Fotheringham who
learned in January 2008 that she had taken the
top prize in the Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliance,
Inc. Student Kitchen Design 2007 Competition.
“Since the inaugural competition in 1993, our
Kitchen Design Contest has become the highestregarded award in the industry,” said Paul
Leuthe, corporate marketing manager of SubZero and Wolf Appliance. “With each contest we
gain insight into kitchen design trends and learn
how designers incorporate our appliances into
their projects.”
The fact that Fotheringham won the student
competition is not surprising when you see her
design. What is surprising is the speed in which
she completed it. Fotheringham, a junior in Utah
State’s Interior Design Program, received the
assignment from her professor, Darrin Brooks,
during her junior design studio.
“We were in class on a Monday when professor
Brooks gave us the assignment,” Fotheringham
said. “The designs were due Friday – that Friday.”
“I basically cut sleep from my life,” she said. “I
was on campus from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. I spent a
lot of time in the design studio.”
Fortheringham’s sleep-depravation paid off with
the competition win. She was awarded $2,500 and
received a trip to an exclusive resort in Arizona.
Utah State University was rewarded as well for her
winning effort. The Interior Design program will
receive $10,000 from Sub-Zero - Wolf.
While others might be surprised that a student
could pull off a win in a national competition in
only four days, Fotheringham’s professor said he
is not surprised.
“That strength and the diversity that our students
have in their education make this possible,”
Brooks said. “All our
students have a strong
foundation and skills
and learn early on about
attention to detail. Work
by Utah State students
garners a lot of attention.”
Katie Fotheringham’s impressive kitchen design took the top prize in the student
category of the 2007 Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliance, Inc. Kitchen Design Competition.
Providing practical
experience comes from
having a diverse faculty,
Brooks said. Many come
to the program with solid
experience in the business
world. The students also
gain a strong background
in architecture. USU’s
27
ADDITIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN KITCHEN DESIGN WINS …
Megan Ridge
2007 GE Monogram - Dream Kitchen Design Contest
Best Student Concept
1st Place ($5,000 scholarship)
Audrey Cummings
2007 GE Monogram - Dream Kitchen Design Contest
Best Student Concept
3rd Place ($1,000 scholarship)
Katie Fotheringham was a junior in USU’s Interior Design Program when she won the national competition.
program is also extremely graphic, using the
most up-to-date graphic programs.
“Our students are able to design, market and present
their ideas in a strong fashion,” Brooks said.
Looking at Fotheringham’s design confirms that. The
sleek, modern design is as breathtaking as was the
budget for creating the space. There were a number
of rules and requirements for the Sub-Zero - Wolf
competition, but the budget to produce the awardwinning kitchen was an eye-popping $200,000.
There were other rules and guidelines, like using
National Kitchen Bath Association standards.
Fotheringham had to know the standard height of
countertops and many other industry and code
standards. Of course, the use of Sub-Zero and
Wolf products was a given.
The result is a dream kitchen that anyone —
young or old — would like to have.
An emphasis by Fotheringham in her design was
to combine the many elements with a nod to
sustainability. All her product choices and finishes
are eco-friendly, from concrete counter tops
stained with soycrete, to the bamboo cabinets
and the energy efficient appliances. The brick
walls showcase the use of an existing material.
Fotheringham is modest about her win, but firm
in her career choice.
“Design something you love, something you are
passionate about,” she said. “You can then sell it
to others.”
28
Fotheringham was involved in interior design as
a high school student at Taylorsville High School.
She also participated in concurrent enrollment
courses offered through Weber State. It was after a
tour to Utah State and its Interior Design program
that she made the decision to study at USU.
“That tour made my decision easy,” she said.
“The USU students worked at a completely
different level than the other schools and
programs I’d visited.”
Fotheringham credits the USU program and her
professors with her success.
“The classes have definitely prepared me,” she
said. “The professors do push us, but they truly
prepare us for ‘real-life’ experience.”
Fotheringham hopes to work at a large
commercial design firm once she graduates. She
said she likes commercial designs, so bring on
more kitchens. Fotheringham can stand the heat.
Students in Utah State’s Interior Design program
excel in many competitions. Students have
received international honors two years in a row
at the Tasmeen Doha, winning week-long trips to
Qatar. A complete listing of design competition
winners is found on the Interior Design Web site
(http://interiordesign.usu.edu/comp.htm).
Writer: Patrick Williams, 435-797-1354,
[email protected]
March 2008
A GREAT,
PRETTY PLACE
Logan Makes Several “Best Places” Lists
U
tah State University is a special place —
of Salt Lake City and is within a day’s driving
a major research university where a human touch
distance of six national parks. The surrounding
still prevails. You’ve arrived at a setting described
area, including ski resorts, lakes, rivers and
by the legendary mountain man Jim Bridger as “the
mountains, makes Utah State one of the finest
most beautiful valley in the Rocky Mountains.”
recreational environments in the nation.
The university’s stellar faculty, staff and
“Logan is a vibrant college town and a
students continually strive to make new
great place to live for multiple reasons,”
discoveries and opportunities for themselves,
said Jay Nielson, Logan City’s community
and USU’s reputation as a national center
development director. “We have a great
for academic excellence has continued with
combination of waterways, traditional streets,
increasing momentum.
urban forests, good buildings and nice
Located in the city of Logan in northern Utah’s
Cache Valley, Utah State is 80 miles northeast
neighborhoods — and we are surrounded by
breathtaking mountains.”
Located in the city of Logan in northern Utah’s Cache Valley, Utah State is 80 miles northeast of Salt Lake City and
is within a day’s driving distance of six national parks.
29
The Cache Valley area has recently appeared on
Hollist said that in just five minutes one can
several “best places” lists:
be fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing or rock
climbing in the surrounding mountains. She
•
•
•
No. 1 safest U.S. Metropolitan Area for 2007,
also mentioned several sporting events held in
according to City Crime Rankings: Crime in
the Logan area each year that attract national
Metropolitan America.
attention including LOTOJA Bike Race, Wasatch
One of Top 10 of the nation’s “Most Secure
places to Live” by Farmers Insurance
Nielson believes many people live in the
Group, 2007.
Logan area because of its beautiful, natural
One of the Top 50 “Cities for Overall
Economic Vitality” by the Wall Street
Journal, 2007.
•
No. 3 on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to
Retire Young,” 2007.
•
No. 12 on Forbes Magazine’s “Best Small
Places for Business and Careers,” 2007.
•
No. 3 in an MSN real estate article listing
“Low-Cost Locales Where Jobs are
Plenty,” 2007.
•
One of 15 “Great Cities for Job
Seekers” by CareerBuilder.com.
Taking the No. 2 spot, Logan has an
unemployment rate of 2 percent.
•
No. 5 in the Top 5 Real Estate Markets for
College Towns from a 2008 report by College
Real Estate LLC, a Texas-based company
established in 2004.
•
Back Relay Race and Top of Utah Marathon.
If Norman Rockwell and Daniel Boone
built a town together, it would be Logan.
The May/June 2008 issue of Where To
Retire magazine features Logan as an
“undiscovered haven.”
Julie Hollist, director of the Cache Valley Visitors
setting. Logan canyon is a spectacular natural
resource, just minutes from campus, and is
a backyard playground for all. It is a place of
legend, history, recreation and more, and it is
the subject of a new book published in 2007
by Utah State University faculty member and
Journalism and Communication Department
Head Michael S. Sweeney.
“Last Unspoiled Place — Utah’s Logan Canyon”
is Sweeney’s tribute to the geologic wonder he
was drawn to from his first visit to Logan. The
book was published by National Geographic.
Sweeney thinks Logan Canyon is truly a
unique place.
“I have lived in many states and have seen
places that are beautiful and wild,” he said. “But
if you think of those places — Yellowstone, for
instance — they are commercialized or crowded.
There are traffic jams and difficulties getting a
room or campsite reservation.”
Logan Canyon’s beauty rivals that of
Yellowstone, Sweeney said, but it doesn’t
have the commercial development and the
crowds. The highway makes the canyon easily
accessible, and soon a visitor can become lost in
the canyon’s wonders.
Bureau, said Logan provides a well-rounded,
“You can drive a few minutes into the canyon,
integrated experience that is multi-faceted. She
then park the car and get into a quiet area of
said the area has multiple offerings, especially in
almost pure wilderness,” Sweeney said. “It’s
the areas of the arts and outdoors.
a unique place, unspoiled, and it’s a place to
“Logan is an incredible resource for those
who enjoy the arts,” Hollist said. “We have an
internationally renowned opera, several local
and visiting performing artists throughout the
year, an incredible chamber music group and
several art galleries.”
30
restore the soul.”
Not a bad thing to have in your backyard.
Writer: Maren Cartwright, 435-797-1355,
[email protected]
April 2008
WHAT DIET?
Dietetic Students Teach Community How to Eat
Healthier without Dieting
M
ore times than
not, poor eating habits bring
low self-esteem, high blood
pressure, weight gain and the
resulting never-ending question
about whether to start a diet
this Monday or the next.
USU Dietetics students
say skip the diet question
completely — start eating
healthy not only this coming
Monday, but today and
Jessie Oliver (left) and Tamara Vitale at the USU Health and Nutrition Expo.
every day!
Students in the Nutrition and Food Sciences
Vitale approximated there were 1,700 people
Department at USU plan, promote and present
who attended the 2008 expo. The attendees
an annual Health and Nutrition Expo for USU
could learn from a variety of booths sponsored
students, faculty and community. In spring 2008,
by USU Dietetics students, USU clubs,
students chose to concentrate on teaching
community vendors and health professionals.
people that there are no magic diets, no magic
foods and no magic supplements to learning how
Junior Dietetics students participated in the
to eat healthy.
expo through food demonstrations. Every 10
The expo is part of the Advanced Dietetics
offered to whet the appetites of the participants
Practicum class. Senior dietetics students are
taught in-depth ways to plan and carry out
events, while learning principles for research
and teaching. Senior students also mentor junior
Dietetics students as they help with booths and
present food demonstrations.
Tamara Vitale, USU Dietetics clinical associate
professor, said the expo not only gives students
the opportunity to show off their research
findings, but it also gives them the hands-on
experience they will need in the real world for
minutes samples of delicious snacks were
and to encourage the idea that healthy eating is
easy, fun and appetizing.
Patrick Shepherd, senior Dietetics student, could be
seen at his booth concentrating on cancer-causing
vegetables. He wore a breastplate made from carrots
and mushrooms, shields of squash and a headdress
made of a variety of vegetables. His diet “secret”
was that the vegetables people don’t eat are the
only cancer-causing ones. Students like Shepherd
learned fun and exciting ways to present their
research and also answer questions.
event planning and teaching methods.
31
“People have questions we have to know
how to answer,” said Nicole Beuhler, a senior
Dietetics student. “We need to research topics
aside from our primary presentation. We want to
help people learn all aspects of our topic.”
Beuhler said she never thought she would need
to learn advertising and communication skills to
work as a dietitian. She now feels that planning
for the expo taught her a variety of skills she will
use in her future career.
According to Vitale, the Service Learning
Program at USU encourages hands-on learning
by giving credit and recognition to students
participating in applied learning courses and
projects throughout campus. The expo gives
the Service Learning Program a perfect example
of how students should be getting involved in
hands-on learning.
“The Health and Nutrition Expo is an excellent
way for students to gain confidence in their
Patrick Shepherd, senior dietetics student, presents his
research on cancer-causing vegetables at the Health
and Nutrition Expo.
get people thinking about organic foods and the
impacts they can have, good or bad, on health,
the environment and a college student’s budget.
knowledge about nutrition,” said Vitale. “It
“I had no idea how hard it was to plan an event,”
also gives them experience in qualities that
said Draper. “When I helped plan the expo, I
employers value — communication skills,
realized how every little detail mattered. A topic
teamwork skills, flexibility and adaptability,
such as mine can cause some controversy, and
analytical skills, motivation and many more.”
you have to be prepared with answers.”
Vitale said the qualities students learn while
Vitale explained that students take it upon
planning the expo are not typically included on
themselves to promote the event the best way
exams, but they are qualities asked about in
they can. Students write press releases and
job interviews and reference checks. It is easier
design posters, among other promotional tools
to recommend a student for a job if she sees
they use. They are encouraged to work with
them in action. Through this practice, students
broadcast groups and newspapers throughout
are able to gain confidence and competence in
the community to promote the event.
other aspects of their field of study.
The work isn’t all finished when the final
“The expo provides practice in many skills,” said
presentation is given at the end of the expo.
Vitale. “The students develop nutrition-related
Students are required to write a one-page
materials and activities. They plan, market,
reflection paper describing what they felt the
organize, form sub-committees and maintain
pros were, what they could have done better
a budget. They also obtain a temporary food
and what new roles they took on. The papers are
handler’s permit from the Health Department and
used to help future students planning the event.
make sure all regulations are followed.”
“This year’s expo was a great success,” said
Jessica Draper, a senior in Dietetics,
Vitale. “All the students work hard and see it pay
concentrated on contacting booth vendors. She
off in the end. I never cease to be amazed as it
also helped design a time-management tool
all comes together.”
used to keep every aspect of the expo on track,
as well as researching her own topic on organic
foods. The main goal of her presentation was to
32
Writer: Ben Hibshman,
[email protected]
April 2008
,
A
NEW
NAME
A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP
USU Renames its Highly Ranked College: Emma Eccles
Jones College of Education and Human Services
U
The Very Reverend Frederick Q. Lawson, (from left to right), Clark Giles and Spencer F. Eccles.
tah State University celebrated two
significant gifts April 23, 2008 and announced at
the same time that it will rename it prestigious
college of education the Emma Eccles Jones
College of Education and Human Services.
regionally and nationally but internationally,”
she said.
The new building will house all of the college’s
important programs and research in early
childhood education, including the Emma Eccles
The $25 million gift from the Emma Eccles Jones
Jones Center for Early Childhood Education
Foundation, announced in December 2007,
and its endowed chair, Ray Reutzel. It will also
will support design and construction of a new
be home to the Sound Beginnings Preschool, a
building and five endowed faculty chairs in early
one-of-a-kind program in the Intermountain West
childhood education. An additional $1 million gift
where children with cochlear implants or digital
announced Wednesday from the George S. and
hearing aids can learn spoken language.
Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation will support a
new Center for Early Care and Education named
for Dolores Doré Eccles.
Also under the same roof, the Dolores Doré Eccles
Center for Early Care and Education will provide
much-needed child-care facilities for infants and
Carol Strong, dean of the Emma Eccles Jones
young children whose parents are USU students,
College of Education and Human Services, said
staff or faculty. In addition, the facility will offer
the gifts will allow the already highly ranked
early childhood education, student and parent
college to affirm even further its status as one
training, a model research environment and endless
the nation’s leaders in early childhood education,
opportunities for USU undergraduate and graduate
research and service.
students to observe, tutor and experience handson learning internships.
“The synergy created by these generous gifts
will serve as a powerful catalyst, helping to
“These will be the critical training grounds for students
transform early childhood education not only
who will become our nation’s best teachers, deaf
33
educators, speech-language
pathologists and audiologists,”
Strong said. “These gifts have
far-reaching potential — they aim
to create a bright future for our
children and grandchildren, and
theirs as well.”
Spencer F. Eccles, chairman
of the board and CEO for the
George S. and Dolores Doré
Eccles Foundation, said the
celebration was a reminder
of commitment to education
Spencer F. Eccles stands with a plaque that will hang in the atrium of the Emma
Eccles Jones Education Building.
by Emma Eccles Jones and
Dolores Doré Eccles, who were sisters-in-law.
“We are pleased to provide this gift to further
enhance the early childhood education program
“This is a great day to celebrate and honor the
at USU, and we are honored they are naming the
contributions of two incredible women,” Eccles
college after Emma,” Giles said. “Aunt Em focused
said. “Both were strong and spirited women who
her career on providing training and education for
shared a firm belief in the value of education.
teachers of early childhood education, and the
They would be pleased to know what they have
new center at USU will be a great benefit to the
contributed to, and I believe that here at USU in the
university, the state and the nation.”
College of Education, the best is yet to come.”
The Very Reverend Frederick Q. Lawson, trustee of
Clark Giles, chair of the Emma Eccles Jones
Foundation, echoed those thoughts.
the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation, told a packed
Sunburst Lounge in USU’s Taggart Student Center
that Emma Eccles Jones, Logan’s first kindergarten
teacher, was a model teacher with a progressive
spirit that is reflected today in USU’s College of
Education and Human Services.
“She was a dedicated teacher and a loyal friend
to the teaching profession,” Lawson said. “She
serves as a model for this wonderful school of
education, and we are privileged to know that
every teacher who graduates from this program
Students from Edith Bowen Laboratory School sang
during the ceremony.
will carry on that great tradition.”
USU President Stan L. Albrecht said Emma
Eccles Jones touched the lives of many children
when she was a teacher herself, and the college,
named after her, will extend that touch to
countless generations of young children.
“These gifts are a reflection of the great confidence
these foundations have in us,” Albrecht said.
“We are humbled by that confidence, but we
enthusiastically embrace this great challenge.”
Writer: Tim Vitale, 435-797-1356,
The Very Reverend Frederick Q. Lawson presented
Dean Carol Strong with books from Emma Eccles
Jones’ personal collection.
34
[email protected]
April 2008
WIKI TEXTBOOK
TEACHES STUDENTS MORE THAN PHYSIOLOGY
A
ll students understand the pain of
The students needed to take several basic courses
paying hundreds of dollars for textbooks each
from an accredited institution before continuing with
semester, but few likely realize the effort their
the program, and USU stepped up to fulfill that role.
instructors put into choosing a quality book.
“It was an interesting experience having students
When Kevin Young, lecturer at Utah State
who were there to learn, taking the role of
University’s Brigham City campus, couldn’t find a
textbook writers,” Young said. “But the students
book he liked for the physiology class he taught
learned physiology through this collaborative
during summer 2006, he decided to work with his
project, and they all progressed into the nursing
students to create their own wiki textbook using
program and passed their nursing exams.”
Wikibooks, a companion site to Wikipedia that
allows users to create a free library of textbooks
Young created the basic outline for the textbook by
anyone can edit.
establishing 18 chapter headings. Then he divided the
Young’s idea to incorporate wikis into the
and write one chapter. By involving the students in
classroom was fueled by Brigham City Executive
their education through creating their own textbook,
Director Andy Shinkle’s enthusiasm for innovation
they learned more than just physiology.
class into 18 teams and assigned each to research
and new technology.
“I believe technology has the
capability to improve the quality
of education, especially for our
nontraditional students because
it offers flexibility with both time
and location that isn’t available
traditionally,” Shinkle said. “Kevin
has been very enthusiastic and
innovative with his teaching. He
has been successful with taking
a difficult subject matter and
ensuring that students excel, and
he’s used technology to make it
fun and exciting at the same time.”
The class was taught remotely
through IP broadcast technology
to students enrolled in Provo
College’s pre-nursing program.
Kevin Young, biology lecturer at USU’s Brigham City campus, helped his
physiology class create a wiki textbook.
35
“It taught me to not only research, but to verify the
or other organizations to which he belongs. Not only
information I use for my classes,” said Stephanie
did the project get the students more involved in
Greenwood, a student from Young’s spring 2007
their coursework, it also gave Young the opportunity
class and certified nursing assistant at Utah Valley
to get to know his students better.
Regional Medical Center. “I learned to find multiple
When teaching from a distance, it can be difficult to
sources for any subject I research.”
personalize each student’s experience, he said. But
Greenwood said she devoted a lot of time to
through wikis, he can learn about and interact with
researching and checking the information for
each student through their profiles and contributions.
the book, so by the time she was finished, she
truly understood the material. “It wasn’t just a
He was concerned about vandalism to the wiki.
memorize-and-regurgitate-for-the-test type of
But he remembered Penchina saying most cases
class,” she said. “The things I learned from that
of vandalism at Wikipedia are corrected within
class stuck with me.”
four minutes. This seemed unbelievable, but then
he experienced it firsthand.
Today, the textbook, Human Physiology, receives
2,000-3,000 visits per day and holds the prestigious
One day during class, students started reporting
title of “Featured Book” on Wikibooks. Young has
that their pages had been deleted or filled with
used the book a few times for his own classes, but
profanity. He started to compose an e-mail to a
he hopes students in other universities will also use
wiki-enthusiast who had been helping, but before
and improve upon the book.
he had even sent the e-mail, everything had been
fixed. He looked at his watch and it had been less
As a testament to Shinkle’s commitment to
than four minutes.
developing the most technologically advanced
campus at USU, he gave the faculty members at
Young’s fascination with wikis extends beyond
Brigham City video iPods and told them to use
the classroom. In November 2007, he won a
the iPods for something educational.
weeklong trip to Australia with his wife through a
contest promoting the new Australia Travel wiki
Young started listening to a podcast sponsored by
on Wetpaint.com.
Stanford University called “Entrepreneurial Thought
Leaders Seminar.” One morning, the guest speaker
Meanwhile, he has transitioned his class to using
on the podcast was Gil Penchina, former vice
Wetpaint’s wiki site because it is easier to insert
president of eBay, speaking about his recent decision
images and videos, which students enjoy. He
to leave eBay to become CEO of a company called
created the “physiwiki” site for students to write
Wikia, a commercial company started by the founders
class notes and practice questions for each other.
of Wikipedia that provides a place for people to create
wikis about anything.
“I once heard someone say, ‘If you never fail,
you’re not trying enough new things,’” Young
This sparked Young’s
said. “That’s what I try to instill in my students
interest in wikis, and
as I aim to prepare them for an uncertain future. I
he said he’ll never
want them to learn how to take risks and how to
stop using them,
discover in new ways.”
whether it’s
for classes,
hobbies
To view and contribute to Human Physiology, visit
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Human_Physiology.
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429,
[email protected]
April 2008
36
‘GREEN’ PLASTIC
Engineering Student Recycles Dairy Waste
to Create Biodegradable Plastic
T
ake a look
around and you might
be surprised by how
many things are made
of plastic. Paints,
adhesives, prostheses,
brushes and furniture
name just a few. Since
plastic was created
about 150 years ago,
it has become one of
the most commonly
manufactured materials
in society. About
200 billion pounds of
plastics are produced
Libbie Linton, biological and irrigation engineering student, has been studying ways
to make bioplastic production more cost effective.
annually worldwide.
Libbie Linton, a Utah State University senior
majoring in biological and irrigation engineering,
has been researching bioplastics as an
biodegradable and aren’t derived from oil,
making them a much more sustainable product.
“When I began working with Libbie the
alternative to conventional plastics since 2004.
summer before she started college, she
Finding alternatives to petroleum-based
processes and previous research by others
products such as plastic will help to increase
sustainability. In the United States alone, some
60 billion pounds of plastics are discarded
annually, and more than 90 percent of the waste
really dug into the details of the organisms,
concerning bioplastics,” said Ronald
Sims, head of the Biological and Irrigation
Engineering Department. “By the time she
started college, she was well into research
is not yet recycled.
and discovery in the laboratory.”
Bioplastics could easily be substituted for
Bioplastics are made from a compound called
regular plastics because they can be molded
and the strength can be adjusted just like
regular plastics, Linton said. Bioplastics are
polyhydroxyalkanoate, or PHA, she said.
Bacteria accumulate PHA in the presence of
excess carbon source, similar to how humans
37
accumulate fat deposits on their bodies after
Linton has developed and validated a
consuming excess food.
method for quantifying PHAs in a sample and
has successfully detected PHA-producing
The major problem with producing
bacteria in the waste.
bioplastics on a large scale is the cost
associated with producing them. Presently,
Now, we have to look for ways to optimize this
bioplastics are around 2.5 times more
partnership between biodiesel and bioplastic
expensive than plastics produced from oil,
production to get a lot of PHA for a good
Linton said. But as the cost of oil increases,
price, she said.
that gap gets smaller and smaller.
“If there’s anything I’ve learned while working
The sources for the production cost include the
on this project, it’s that everyone has to work
carbon used to help bacteria produce PHAs, the
together,” Linton said. “No one can know
purifying process and operation costs, such as
everything, so you have to team up with experts
tanks to house PHA-producing bacteria.
from various disciplines to get the best results.”
Linton’s project focuses on ways to eliminate or
During the 2008 USU Undergraduate Research
reduce one or more of these costs. To make this
Week poster display, Linton claimed the award
green idea even greener, she aims to optimize
for “Best Poster” in the engineering category.
naturally-occurring environments and use
She has also presented her research at national
byproducts from other production processes.
conferences, including the Inland Northwest
Research Alliance Conference in Big Sky, Mont.,
During her junior year, a research group Linton
in 2005, the Institute of Biological Engineering in
was affiliated with was awarded a grant from
Tucson, Ariz., in 2006, the Institute of Biological
the Utah Science, Technology and Research
Engineering in St. Louis, Mo., in 2007, and the
(USTAR) initiative for the study of biodiesel
Institute of Biological Engineering in Chapel Hill,
produced from algae.
N.C., in 2008.
Anaerobically-digested dairy waste is used to
Linton plans to stay at USU to get her master’s
grow the algae used for biodiesel production.
degree while continuing this research with Sims.
Bioplastic production can be integrated into this
process by using the carbon- and nutrient-rich
“I’d like to shift to a systems integration
dairy waste to harvest PHA-producing organisms
emphasis for my master’s degree,” Linton
that occur naturally in the dairy waste.
said. “I want to design a system for bioplastic
production that can be incorporated into the
“Using wastes to make bioplastics solves two
commercial agricultural waste treatment process
problems at the same time,” Sims said. “It
without compromising biodiesel production.”
provides sustainable waste treatment and avoids
polluting the environment. Second, by adding
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429,
a high-value product like bioplastic to the
[email protected]
biodiesel production process, the cost of both
April 2008
products can simultaneously be lowered.”
38
A MULTICULTURAL
MESSIAH
Well-Known Production Takes on New
Dimensions for USU Students, Community
U
tah State University’s Department of
blend of English, Spanish and American Sign
Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education
Language, making it a multicultural event for the
has partnered with Cache Community
more than 100 singers, 50 instrumentalists and
Connections for seven years to sponsor a
21 theatrical interpreters for the Deaf who were
production of George F. Handel’s famous
featured in the production.
Messiah. This production, however, is a unique
USU student Jaime Tongish interprets USU’s Multicultural Messiah in American Sign Language.
39
The director of audiology
in USU’s Department of
Communicative Disorders and
Deaf Education, professor John
Ribera, is the architect behind
this grand production.
“The message, the music and the
man who composed it have always
intrigued me,” said Ribera. “It was
the darkest time in Handel’s life,
when everything seemed against
him, that he came up with a
masterpiece now played all over the
world. It is very inspiring and I never
tire of it. “
This year’s production added an
educational family matinee to the
Dr. John Ribera, director of audiology, leads the Messiah.
schedule. It provided fascinating
insight into the life and times of
Handel. Concert etiquette, Baroque music, Deaf
culture and other such topics were also included
in the matinee.
“Seeing a community of many people from many
different ways of life blend together in harmony
is amazing,” said orchestra member Robert
Robinson. “Friendships were built, trust was
established and love was shared with everyone.”
The exposure of American Sign Language to the
community has been one of the greatest benefits
of this Messiah performance. Deaf people
traveled from Salt Lake City and Provo to see
the performance in Logan. Several Deaf people
came with balloons to feel the vibrations of the
orchestra in their hands.
The head of USU’s Deaf Education Program,
Freeman King, asked Deaf education senior
Lacey Scott to become involved with the
production three years ago. “I joined without
knowing what I was getting into,” said Scott.
“But it has become one of the greatest things I’ll
remember about USU.”
40
Scott volunteered to coach the other Deaf
interpreters, and, despite the challenges of
learning her part and coaching, she found the
experience quite rewarding.
“We don’t follow the lyrics,” said Scott. “We
tell many stories of Christ and we become
the characters. We become the sinners, the
angels, the believers. We also become Christ
as we express the thoughts and feelings that he
must’ve felt.”
Proceeds from the concert series support
the annual international humanitarian hearing
healthcare mission. The mission provides
services to underprivileged men, women and
children from faculty and doctoral students in
audiology. The proceeds from the 2007 Messiah
production allowed the mission to see more
than 300 patients and fit more than 40 hearing
aids in Mexico. This year the humanitarian
team will travel to the Dominican Republic
where they will provide services for children in
schools for the Deaf.
Writer: Ryan Hall
April 2008
SEEKING WEAPONS OF
MASS REDUCTION
E
ach new year
brings renewed rounds
of resolutions, among
which losing weight and
developing healthier
habits consistently rank
in the top five. Just as
predictable are a bevy of
newly released ads touting
the latest in weight loss
diets and tools for wishful
fitness enthusiasts.
Grapefruit, cabbage and
reverse diets … Israeli
Army, Atkins, Eat-Rightfor-Your-Type diets …
and 2008’s offering: the
GenoType Diet.
“The ability to determine a
proper diet based on your
genotype is premature,”
says Utah State University
researcher Michael Lefevre.
“We know that both
genetic and non-genetic
factors play a role in how
an individual responds
to different diets, but we
USU USTAR professor Michael Lefevre explores the role of diet in the
development of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
don’t yet know why.”
Lefevre, who was recruited to USU through
the Utah Science Technology and Research –
USTAR – initiative, has long studied the role
of diet in the development of cardiovascular
disease and Type 2 diabetes.
“We know that lowering saturated fat and
increasing plant sterols and fiber in one’s diet
can lower cholesterol levels,” says Lefevre,
who joined USU’s Center for Advanced
Nutrition in September 2007. “But everyone
41
responds differently to diet changes and we
could be doing more good for you than simply
need tools to help us identify the best diet
pleasing your senses.
match for each person.”
“Plant pigments may provide protection against
Lefevre believes that a metabalomics approach –
metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance – a
rather than a genomics approach – may provide
precursor to Type 2 diabetes,” he says.
those tools. Metabalomics is the systematic
study of the unique chemical ‘fingerprints’ that
Finding the right tools, including improved
specific cellular processes leave behind.
nutrition, to combat modern-day plagues is
critical, he says.
To test his approach, he plans to set up a
metabalomics research kitchen with the ability to
“Today’s obesity epidemic is unprecedented,”
feed up to 25 human subjects at a time.
Lefevre says. “We have access to a large supply
of relatively inexpensive food – much of which is
“We will provide all meals for the people in each
high in fat and salt.”
study, the length of which could last from three
to four weeks or up to six months,” he says. “The
He also notes that today’s lifestyles
findings should help us begin to identify specific
encourage inactivity.
genetic and non-genetic markers and tailor the
appropriate diet to each individual.”
“Consider this: we actually press a button to
remotely start our cars and open their doors,”
Food is not always the enemy, says Lefevre,
Lefevre says. “The simplest tasks have been
who studies so-called functional foods; that
reduced to one finger. We have escalators
is, nutritional compounds in foods that inhibit
instead of stairs and we sit at computers all
disease. Examples include antioxidants that
day. These little things add up in our lives. It’s
are often lauded for their health benefits. The
amazing how few calories we actually need
compounds, praised for their cancer prevention
when we’re inactive.”
and anti-aging properties, are so ubiquitous in
food, he notes, that whether or not they deserve
Personal choice is a factor in good health
such credit is open to debate.
but public policy encouraging healthy habits,
including pedestrian and bike-friendly
His current research focuses on bioactive
communities, could discourage overly sedentary
compounds, including flavonoids found in many
lifestyles, he says.
fruits and vegetables. Early studies indicate that
such compounds may offer protection against
“Reversing current trends requires action from
cardiovascular disease and cancer.
all of us on personal and communal levels,”
Lefevre says.
Lefevre continues his work with Louisiana State
University’s Pennington Biomedical Research
Contact: Michael Lefevre, 435-797-3821
Center, his former employer, on a National
[email protected]
Institutes of Health-funded botanical research
project that is examining how bioactives in fruits’
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517,
plant pigments affect health. The rich blue and
[email protected]
red hues of your favorite berries and grapes
May 2008
42
ALL PATHS
LEAD TO ART
I
n many cases, Utah State University’s
Educator of the Year 2007-08 and 2008-09 by
Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art is the
the Utah Art Education Association at its annual
first exposure to art students living in northern
conference.
Utah may have. Making art accessible and
offering personal experiences with modern
and contemporary art objects is central to the
museum’s mission. Examining contemporary
issues and art-making specific to the American
scene in the western United States give a
certain flavor to the experience. Contemporary
art, although exciting, can be challenging to
understand, so to help its audience find meaning,
and to serve as a resource for teachers and
“Many public school teachers are frightened and
intimidated or even ill-prepared to incorporate
the arts into the curriculum,” Haffar said.
“Through my work at the museum, I feel it is my
role to help with the process.”
At Utah State, Haffar works at all levels in the
educational world and with a variety of groups that
visit the museum, ranging from children to adults.
students of all kinds, the museum has developed
“The curator of education is responsible for
extensive education programs.
developing and supervising the docent program,
Early exposure to art and outreach to
underserved populations make the museum’s
K-12 education programs fundamental to
planning educational events and public activities
for the museum,” said Victoria Rowe, the
museum’s director and chief curator.
building art appreciators for the future and to
the museum’s youth
programs. The museum’s
education personnel are
committed to developing
resource information for
classroom teachers, and
one was recognized for
her dedicated efforts.
Nadra Haffar, education
curator at the Nora Eccles
Harrison Museum of Art,
has been named the
state’s Art Educator of the
Year. Make that years.
Haffar was named
Outstanding Museum
Nadra Haffar was named Utah’s Art Educator of the Year for 2007-08 and 200809. She is the education curator at USU’s Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.
43
During the
Sciences, USU ArtsBridge provides service-based
academic
instructional scholarships to qualified university
year 2006-
students and hands-on, long-term arts residencies
07, more
in classrooms for K-12 students.
than 7,000
students
came to the
museum.
Of those,
950 were
public school
students in
35 different
groups.
Nadra Haffar, USU’s Nora Eccles
Harrison Museum of Art education
curator, uses the Performance Hall’s
sculpture “Passacaglia” in an outreach
session with elementary students.
Among those
groups was
a secondgrade class
from Edith Bowen Laboratory School and its
teacher Marianne Christian. An educator with
more than 13 years experience, Christian said she
takes full advantage of the resources offered at
USU. She brings her students to campus four to
five times a year for a multitude of experiences.
Her class visited the new Performance Hall during
With its proximity to campus, the museum has a
close relationship with Edith Bowen Laboratory
School, as well as associations with the Logan
City and Cache County school districts. It also
works with nontraditional groups, including
disabled adults, at risk youth and residential
treatment facilities.
“These hands-on experiences really impact the
students,” Christian said. “Nadra is very involved
with what the children are doing. She is very
professional and is clearly excited about what
she does.”
At USU’s museum, tours arranged and scripted
by Haffar include hands-on activities that
connect the experience to the theme or the
artist the group is studying. However, it is most
important that the students experience this in the
atmosphere of the museum — not the classroom
at their individual schools.
a session on zone tools. The students used the
Haffar notes that the pendulum of including
Performance Hall’s sculpture “Passacaglia” to
the arts in the curriculum — no matter how you
study repeating patterns.
define the arts — will continue to swing.
“The idea is to give the students a broader
“But I think it is coming back,” she said. “Math
experience,” Christian said. “The classroom is
and science are included in the arts, we just have
small, and I like getting the students out. It’s just like
to show how they are included in a creative way.
adults who travel. The more you travel, the more
As an art educator, I need to find the keys to
open you are to new ideas and new experiences.
let students discover how other disciplines are
Our field trips provide these experiences.”
involved or related. I always enjoy hearing young
Building educational partnerships is important at
the museum.
“We want to help make the connection between
what they are studying and art,” Haffar said.
“We get to build strong relationships with the
teachers at all levels.”
Christian feels especially connected to Haffar
and the museum via the new ArtsBridge program
students on tours say, ‘I’m so glad I got to come
today. I’m missing math,’ and I get to say, ‘Oh no
you’re not, you are doing math right now,’ and
explain or show how.”
“I appreciate Nadra’s engagement with our
young guests,” Rowe said. “She is dedicated
to reaching these moldable, young minds —
trying to inspire them about the world around
them and the fuzziness of the divisions between
and its USU director, Laurie Baefsky.
art, science and all learning. Her philosophy is
In fall 2007, Utah State became the 23rd university
— but all paths lead to art.”
in the United States to host an ArtsBridge America
program. Through the Caine School of the Arts
and the College of Humanities, Arts and Social
44
dynamic. Many things lead to paths of learning
Writer: Patrick Williams, 435-797-1354,
[email protected]
May 2008
MR.
SEPTEMBER
USU Engineering Student Takes Home Best of Show
W
customers world-wide. The Siemens Calendar
Dennis Olsen sat down in the Engineering
Technologies and Hill-Rom. Every year, a panel
hen Utah State University
mechanical and aerospace engineering student
Graphics class in fall 2007, he had no idea that
he was about to create a piece of art that would
be distributed around the world.
Olsen’s graphic rendering of USU’s Space
competition started in 1997 and has become
an annual tradition with entrants from leading
global companies, including Adams Golf, FMC
of industry professionals from around the world
selects the images that appear in the printed
calendar. People from more than 20 countries
entered the 2008 competition.
Dynamics Laboratory’s AIM-SOFIE (Aeronomy
of Ice in the
Mesosphere —
Solar Occultation
for Ice Experiment)
satellite, earned
him Best of
Show in the 2008
Seimens PLM
Software Calendar
competition. The
winning artwork
is featured on the
September page
of the Americas
edition of the
calendar.
“I was so
surprised when
my professor told
me I had won Best
of Show in the
Dennis Olsen’s graphic rendering of USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory’s AIM-SOFIE
satellite, earned him Best of Show in the 2008 Seimens PLM Software Calendar competition.
competition — I
didn’t even know that my artwork was one of the
entries that USU submitted,” said Olsen. “Being
featured in the calendar is an honor and it will
look great on my resume.”
Siemens is a leading global provider of product
lifecycle management software with 51,000
John DeVitry, a mechanical and aerospace
engineering professor and SDL researcher,
assigned his class with the task of creating an
artistic rendering of the AIM-SOFIE satellite
using Siemen’s Solid Edge software. He told
the students that the best renderings would be
submitted to the contest.
45
image, image innovation, image
clarity and resolution and how
much the image represents
maximum usage of Siemens
PLM Software products. Dennis
did a wonderful job in all of
these areas.”
Having a good knowledge of 3D
modeling software is an important
skill for engineers today.
“Companies are creating 3D
models of everything so that
the client can visualize the end
product and if you have the skills
to create the 3D models, you are
more marketable,” said Olsen.
Dennis’s winning artwork is featured on the September 2008 page of the
Americas edition of the Siemens calendar.
And while the Solid Edge
software was new to Olsen,
“Dennis has a keen eye for being able to see
exactly what needs to be done and doing it,”
said DeVitry. “His ability to visualize and present
a complicated 3D CAD model in the simplest
and most effective manner made him stand
out as a student. I am proud of Dennis, he was
competing against professional engineers from
around the world, quite an accomplishment for a
he took advantage of the opportunity to learn a
new program.
“USU is a great school,” Olsen said. “It has a
great engineering program and I have enjoyed
the classes and professors.”
Olsen said the engineering program at USU is
USU student.”
a lot of hard work, but has already realized the
When Olsen sat down to design the rendering,
his rendering featured in the Siemens calendar.
he imagined the satellite and what it would look
like in its natural atmosphere. He noticed that the
2007 calendar featured artwork with attention
to detail, including emphasis on lighting and
reflection. Olsen focused his efforts on these
details, and thinks it helped to earn him a place
in the calendar.
“Dennis joins a select group of people from
around the world recognized for delivering
absolute excellence in their work,” said Betty
Hill, manager of the 2008 Siemens PLM Calendar
Program. “The selection process is difficult
to pick the best of the best based on overall
dramatic impact and aesthetics, complexity of the
46
pay-off with the honor and notoriety of having
Taking home a new digital camera and secure
digital card weren’t too bad either, he said.
To view Olsen’s prize-winning image titled Space
Dynamics Lab, USA, AIM — SOFIE Aeronomy
of Ice in the Mesosphere — Solar Occultation
for Ice Experiment, visit www.siemens.com/plm/
calendar2008.
To learn more about the USU College of
Engineering and the program’s it offers, visit
engineering.usu.edu.
Writer: Maren Cartwright, 435-797-1355,
[email protected]
May 2008
USU Engineering Student
GETS SMART WITH PRESTIGIOUS
$75,000 SCHOLARSHIP
U
Hanks is finishing his junior year at USU and
has focused his studies in the area of aerospace
t ah State University mechanical and
engineering. The scholarship will allow him to
aerospace engineering student Luke Hanks
complete his undergraduate work and then finish
received a prestigious scholarship from the
his graduate work at USU. He said he believes
Science, Mathematics and Research for
he received the scholarship because of two main
Transformation Program. The scholarship
things — hard work and networking.
will total slightly more than $75,000 and be
distributed over a three-year period.
“No doubt my application, resume and transcript
played a key role in securing the scholarship,”
Hanks will receive an annual
stipend of $25,000 per year, full
tuition and related educational
fees, a book allowance of up to
$1,000 per year, health insurance
and a paid internship and postgraduation employment with
Ogden Air Logistics, located on Hill
Air Force Base.
The SMART Program is managed
by the U.S. Naval Postgraduate
School on behalf of the Office
of the Secretary of Defense. The
American Society for Engineering
Education works with the school to
administer the program.
“This award will provide me with
sufficient funds to concentrate
entirely on my studies in aerospace
engineering,” Hanks said. “This
program will pay for my schooling
until I complete my master’s
degree, while simultaneously
jump-starting my career. I have
secured my future in the career of
my dreams.”
USU mechanical and aerospace engineering student Luke Hanks
received a scholarship from the Science, Mathematics and
Research for Transformation Program.
47
said Hanks. “Perhaps even more important is
internship, he will be able to explore his options
networking. I would advise all students to take
and then structure his coursework accordingly.
advantage of the mentoring offered by their
professors. In my experience, they have always
“The reputation of USU’s engineering program
been willing to answer any of my questions,
is a huge advantage to students when it comes
whether academic or concerning careers. The
time to apply for scholarships, fellowships and
letters of recommendation that my professors wrote
post-graduation employment,” Hanks said. “The
for me were no doubt crucial to my being chosen.”
research opportunities are like nowhere else in
the state, especially in aerospace.”
Hanks is actively involved in the student chapter
of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
“The USU Undergraduate Research Program
and has coordinated several activities for the
provides many opportunities for students in any
group. He personally invited employers to give
field of study,” said Joyce Kinkead, associated
presentations on campus, whether to recruit
vice president for research. “The strength of
or just publicize their programs. One of the
our program rests, in part, on the excellent
employers he invited was the civilian engineer
faculty that enjoys working with and mentoring
group Ogden Air Logistics at Hill Air Force Base.
undergraduates. Our students are engaged in
important, cutting-edge research that can make
After Hanks applied for a summer internship
a difference in people’s lives.”
with the company, it was so impressed with his
resume, it recommended he apply for the SMART
Hanks said the USU faculty is fantastic and that
scholarship. From a competitive field of more
he particularly enjoys the honors program.
than 2,000 applicants, Hanks received one of
only 200 awards.
“We are very proud of Luke, who is an exemplary
student with laudable goals,” said Christie Fox,
During his time at USU, Hanks has been involved
USU Honors Program director. “The SMART award
in undergraduate research with mechanical and
demonstrates the kind of scholarships we hope all
aerospace engineering professor David Geller.
Honors students aspire to and which, as Luke has
Other engineering professors he credits for his
shown, are attainable. This award is a testament to
success include mentors Barton Smith, Thomas
Luke’s hard work and the academic mentorship he
Fronk and Chris Hailey. He also said USU Career
has received at Utah State University.”
Services, especially Melissa Scheaffer, has been
invaluable in helping him choose a career path.
“USU is a great place to be,” Hanks said. “The
atmosphere is ideal for education. The campus
“Luke’s analytical skills are outstanding,” Geller
is beautiful, the culture is tranquil but fun and
said. “He uses these skills to develop a deeper
there’s even plenty of art and culture. In my
understanding of the problems he works on,
opinion, it’s a great university where a student
and he often goes beyond what is required in
can gain a well-rounded education.”
his coursework. He has a desire to learn and
this is reflected in his academic achievements.
For more information about USU’s College of
His maturity is also evident in how he prepares
Engineering and its many study options, visit
for his classes, in his work ethic and how he
www.engineering.usu.edu/. For more information
conducts himself in all aspects of campus life.”
about the SMART Program, visit www.asee.org/smart.
Ogden Air Logistics specializes in aircraft integrity
Writer: Maren Cartwright, 435-797.1355,
— meaning it designs, redesigns and refurbishes
[email protected]
aircrafts. Hanks’s placement with the company
May 2008
depends primarily on his interests. During his
48
The Landscape of Success—
LEGENDARY TEACHING
U
tah State University has a tradition of
caring, sharing faculty. Across campus the personal
touch influences the lives of students every day.
Over the years, a few — let’s call them legendary
teachers — rise to the top. They inspire students
from the past, present and well into the future.
So strong is the feeling about landscape
architecture and environmental planning
professor Craig Johnson that when he
announced his retirement, plans were laid to
continue his educational influence for students
to come. As a department promotional piece
said, “the department wants to keep Craig going
… and going … and going.”
With that intent, the Craig Johnson Fund for
Excellence was established.
“Even if we can’t have his smiling presence,
insights and string of one-liners with us, we want
Craig’s contributions to LAEP to live in perpetuity,”
a brochure announcing Johnson’s retirement said.
“The Craig Johnson Fund for Excellence was
established to make sure that happens.”
The fund will provide resources to extend the
learning experience for USU’s landscape
architecture students. The endowed fund will bring
experts to campus for lectures and workshops in
the areas of professor Johnson’s expertise.
Johnson joined USU’s Landscape Architecture
and Environmental Planning faculty in 1966,
fresh out of graduate school where he’d just
earned a master’s of landscape architecture
at the University of Illinois. Earlier he’d earned
his bachelor’s in landscape architecture from
Michigan State University. His journey into the
realm of landscape architecture and design was
serendipitous, he said.
“I grew up in a small town in Minnesota that had
what was called a lyceum series — noted speakers
on a variety of subjects would come to town and
present lectures,” Johnson said. “My mother,
always interested in education and learning about
as many subjects as possible, attended a lecture by
the director of the Minnesota Arboretum. He used
the term ‘landscape architecture,’ and mother came
home and repeated it. I had never heard it before,
but I was intrigued. I started to explore. Before you
knew it, I was on the campus at Michigan State and
into the landscape architecture program there.”
Johnson said the
discipline combines many
of his interests — art,
wildlife, the landscape
and conservation.
“The profession said
something to me,” he said.
After a 40-plus year career at USU, LAEP faculty member Craig Johnson is
retiring. His educational impact continues thanks to the Craig Johnson Fund
for Excellence.
Did it ever. Over the
years Johnson shared his
passion, experience and
expertise with countless
students. An estimate
provided by USU’s LAEP
department said he has
touched the lives of
nearly 1,400 program
graduates. His work in
habitat restoration and
sustainable landscape
design had a profound
impact in communities,
but also through the
students who have
49
And what have the students said about Johnson and his teaching?
• “Craig showed me that landscape architecture was a field of study, a profession, a way of life where culture,
society and the reality and romance of nature do converge.” Charles S. Carter
• “I salute Craig for his steadfast commitment to informing design with conservation and passing it on to the
next generation. Applying conservation principles to the human environment is one of the most important
things we can do as landscape architects, and thanks to Craig, this has been part of the LAEP curriculum for
… well, decades.” Susan Marsh
• “Craig’s gift to his students went well beyond his course curriculum. Craig taught us by example how to be
patient, caring and understanding. His passion for his work, his commitment to his students and his strong
environmental ethics inspired us all to be better people. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the
opportunity to study under such a great teacher and, more importantly, such a great person.” Todd Sherman
And, as one anonymous student wrote in a recent evaluation, “Download Craig’s entire brain into a database
so we can have his insight and expertise after he’s gone.”
spread his valuable teaching throughout the
country and around the world.
Never one to stop learning, Johnson returned to
graduate school, and in 1984 he earned a
master’s of science in fisheries and wildlife
biology from South Dakota State University.
“We were on the ground floor with the planning
process,” Johnson said. “You can go there today
and see what the students proposed and suggested
in the design, layout and use. I’m really proud of the
students’ work. Today, the Jordan River Parkway is
a reality. We restored habitat for wildlife and created
a memorable place for people.”
“It was something I always wanted to know more
about,” Johnson said. “Adding a background
in fisheries and wildlife biology opened
opportunities to collaborate with other resource
professionals on campus, opportunities to work
on a variety of resource related projects.”
Other project highlights for Johnson include an
open space plan for the City of Bluffdale and a
habitat conservation study at the southern end of
Cache County.
He combined his several loves and traditional
foundation in planning and design into what he
called a “hybrid” career.
“It’s best to teach by example,” he said. “Stay
current, get out in the field and work in the
profession. Bring ideas back to the classroom.
Successful teaching is a combination of applied
research, staying current using solid ‘people’
skills” and being passionate about your subject.”
“Our discipline is practical and applied,” he said.
“We put things into practice. We need a lot of
information — the best and most useful, often
generated by other disciplines — then combine
everything into real-world applications.”
The key to Johnson’s teaching success?
Oh, and it has to be fun. “Enjoy what you are
doing. That is key.”
USU’s LAEP program began in 1939 with a
defection. A department history reports that at
the end of spring term 1939, four students and
an assistant professor of landscape architecture
packed their bags and equipment and moved
the only program in landscape architecture in
the Intermountain West from BYU to Utah State
Agricultural College. The relocated department
opened its doors for business in Logan fall term
1939 and fielded its first graduating class — 50
percent male and 50 percent female (there were
two graduates) — in June 1940.
So, it’s goodbye and congratulations to Craig
Johnson, but his influence will continue through
the Craig Johnson Fund for Excellence.
That’s the early history. Today, the program is
vigorous, and alumni work around the world in
public, private and academic practice.
For information on the Craig Johnson Fund for
Excellence, contact USU’s Department of
Landscape Architecture and Environmental
Planning, (435) 797-0501, or write: USU/LAEP,
4005 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan,
UT 84322-4005.
Johnson, as noted, has worked with thousands
of students. With a 40-plus year career and with
that many students, project upon project stack
up. Among his favorites? The early work on the
Jordan River Parkway in Salt Lake County.
50
“I’ve been able to see former students doing
amazing things, making a difference in the world,
creating better, more sustainable environments,”
Johnson said. “After all, we’ve got to be
responsible citizens and stewards of the amazing
landscape gift we’ve been given.”
That’s teaching by example.
Writer: Patrick Williams, 435-797-1354,
[email protected]
May 2008
A PICTURE’S WORTH
A THOUSAND WORDS
O
nce upon a time there was a man
“When Scott told me he needed help creating a
named Scott who loved to paint pictures. He loved
story based on the woodchuck tongue twister,
it so much that he decided to paint for a living.
I was ecstatic,” McDermott said. “I had always
watched Scott work from the sidelines because
Well, something like that.
I have no art talent in me. When I got involved
Scott Wakefield is a master’s student studying
art at Utah State University. While going to
school and working as the director of the
Alliance for the Varied Arts in Cache Valley, he is
also preparing to self-publish a children’s book
he illustrated called Woodchuck Chuck.
The concept for the book came from the
in the project with him, it was like I had been a
bench warmer who was suddenly promoted to the
quarterback position with my best friend as the
receiver. The best part about the process was the
synergy we created as the rhyme came together.”
McDermott’s story has the same rhyme and
rhythm as the original tongue twister. Their story
well-known tongue twister “How Much
Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck if a
Woodchuck Could Chuck Wood?”
“My dad used to say that rhyme really
fast when I was a kid,” Wakefield said.
“I thought it would be fun to take that
concept and turn it into a storybook.”
While attending the Art Center College
of Design in Pasadena, Calif., where
he received his bachelor’s degree in
illustration, Wakefield’s idea started to
become a reality.
He had the unique opportunity to
meet with Arthur Levine, the editor
at Scholastic Corp. who edited the
Harry Potter series. Wakefield told him
about the idea, and Levine named the
woodchuck “Chuck.”
This meeting gave Wakefield the
confidence to pursue his venture. He
teamed up with his friend Richard
McDermott who had a talent for writing
rhymes and was a dental student at the
University of Southern California at the time.
The artwork from Wakefield’s thesis will be on display at the
Alliance for the Varied Arts gallery in Logan, spring 2009. His book
is scheduled for release summer 2009.
51
is about a little
administers all monetary transactions. It also
woodchuck who
helps self-publishers find printers and distributors
starts chucking
for their books.
all of his friends
because the
woodchuck
rulebook deems
him too young
to chuck wood
with the grown
woodchucks.
“I always loved
Woodchuck Chuck chucks his
mole friend up to the sky.
children’s
books,”
Wakefield said. “My mom teases me that I
stopped reading when the pictures disappeared.”
Creating a book is a more laborious process
than people might think. The book has gone
through more than four revisions since its start
in 2003. Wakefield has also worked on several
illustrations for the book, starting with black-andwhite sketches and progressing to 12 inch by 16
inch full-color paintings.
Despite all the work that has already gone into
the book, there is still more to be done.
With the help of Robert Winward, USU art
professor and his faculty advisor, Wakefield
has decided to focus his master’s thesis on
exploring and developing style.
In January 2008, David Herrmann, lecturer in the
Management and Human Resources Department
at USU, encouraged Wakefield to enter his
Web-based company into a competition called
“Opportunity Quest” sponsored by the Jon M.
Huntsman School of Business.
The contestants wrote business plans, and a
panel of judges from community leadership
positions judged them. Wakefield’s team won
first place among contestants from USU and was
given $3,000 to put toward the business. He went
on to compete with contestants throughout Utah
and was one of 27 semifinalists out of 180 teams.
With the prize money, he was able to get the site
designed and hosted.
Wakefield plans to teach art at the college level once
he has finished his master’s degree and continue to
freelance as an illustrator for children’s books. As
a master’s student, Wakefield had the opportunity
to teach Illustration Studio and work as a teaching
assistant for other classes in the Art Department.
“Because of Scott’s unique teaching methods,
I now take into consideration why I create
and don’t simply focus on what I create,” said
Michelle Zundel, a senior studying graphic design
and student in Wakefield’s spring 2008 Illustration
It is important to develop a distinct style in order
Studio class. “While taking his class, he briefly
to be competitive as a children’s book illustrator,
discussed the creative process of Woodchuck
Wakefield said.
Chuck and even used one of his scenes as
“I’m going to take eight scenes from the book
and redo each one using a completely different
a technical demonstration on how to more
effectively use and manipulate acrylic paint.”
style and different mediums,” he said. “For
While she only got a glimpse of his project during
example, I’ll do one in a Dr. Seuss style with oil
class, Zundel has become one of his biggest fans.
paint and another in a Bill Watterson style using
linoleum cut and Photoshop.”
“When the book is completed, I’ll be the first
to reserve a copy,” Zundel said. “Not only is
Once he has completed all eight styles, he will
the artwork stunning, but the story is fresh and
choose his favorite and illustrate the entire book
original. I am definitely excited about this book.”
using that style.
Through his experience working to self-publish
a children’s book, Wakefield has developed an
online company called Illustratemybook.com.
The site serves to connect writers with illustrators
and helps both parties set up a contract and
Thanks to the support from his fans, the artist
lived happily ever after.
The End.
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429,
[email protected]
June 2008
52
USU Students Lift Off
WITH GRAND PRIZE ROCKET
LAUNCH WIN FROM NASA
U
“The competition was a great experience
because we got to interact with other universities
tah State University engineering
students received lift-off from NASA after taking
and see what ideas they had for their rockets,”
said John Parrish, a USU rocket team member.
home the grand prize at the annual University
Student Launch Initiative in Alabama April 19.
The drag device the USU team designed drew a
lot of attention from NASA and the other teams
The team took home five awards out of seven at
involved in the competition.
the competition, including “Grand Prize,” “Best
Manufacturing and Quality Control,” “Most
“Our drag device was the only payload at the
Innovative Payload Design,” “Best Design
competition that would actually ensure that the
Documentation and Presentation” and “Best
rocket would reach a mile above ground level,”
Team Spirit.” As winners, the team received
Parrish said. “NASA paid us a high complement
$5,000 from Alliant Techsystems Launch
with our reports, saying they were far above what
Systems to attend a space shuttle launch at the
they expected at a university level.”
Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The USU team
had until May
12 to submit
a final report
that included
conclusions
from its science
experiment and
the overall flight
performance. The
preliminary design
review, critical
design review and
flight readiness
review were
conducted by a
panel of scientists
and engineers
from NASA and
from NASA
contactors and
external partners.
USU Engineering students take home grand prize at the NASA rocket competition. Winners
are, front (l to r): Bowen Masco, Jeff St. Clair and Jacob Haderlie. Middle (l to r): Michael
Phillips, Jed Peters, Shannon Eilers and Dennis Lazaga. Back (l to r): John Parrish, Spencer
Chandler, David Winget, Dustin Braithwaite, Nathan Lodder, Tyler Despain, Professor
Stephen (Tony) Whitmore, Matthew Fifield, Michael Lewis and Shane Robinson.
53
The competition challenged students to design,
Dennis Lazaga, Mike Lewis, Nathan Lodder,
build and fly a reusable rocket with a scientific
Bowen Masco, John Parrish, Jed Peters,
payload to exactly one mile in altitude. The USU
Michael Phillips, Jeff St. Clair, David Winget and
team submitted a proposal in fall 2007 to the
Shane Robinson.
NASA contest judges, and after being selected to
participate in the challenge, began designing the
“I’d like to congratulate all the teams that
rocket and payload under the direction of USU
participated in this year’s rocketry challenge,”
mechanical and aerospace engineering professor
said Mike Rudolphi, vice president of ATK
Stephen (Tony) Whitmore.
Launch Systems Site Operations and Integration
in Huntsville. “These students are without a
“These students are seeing practical applications
doubt America’s next generation of rocket
for the whole spectrum of their math, science
scientists. I applaud each team for its efforts.”
and technical classroom work,” said Tammy
Rowan, manager of NASA’s Marshall Space
Other teams competing in the 2008 event were
Center Academic Affairs Office. “They’re
Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.; Alabama A&M
managing complex science and technology
University in Huntsville, Ala.; the University of
research and conducting aerospace and
Alabama in Huntsville, Ala.; Harding University in
engineering projects from drawing board
Searcy, Ark; Missouri University of Science and
to launch pad. They get to be mechanical
Technology in Rolla, Mo.; the University of North
engineers, rocket scientists and theoretical
Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D.; Fisk University
researchers all at the same time.”
in Nashville, Tenn.; Vanderbilt University in
Nashville, Tenn.; and the College of Menominee
USU’s group decided to incorporate a unique
Nation in Green Bay, Wis.
air brake system on its rocket. As the required
payload, the air brake system allowed the
For more information about USU’s mechanical
rocket to reach the required one-mile altitude by
and aerospace engineering program, visit www.
deploying a drag device that slowed the ascent
mae.usu.edu. For more information about NASA
of the rocket until it reached the desired position.
education programs, go to education.nasa.gov.
The USU team was the only school who used
this unique approach.
Writer: Maren Cartwright, 435-797-1355,
[email protected]
USU rocket team members include Dustin
Braithwaite, Tyler DeSpain, Shannon Eilers,
Matthew Fifield, Jacob Haderlie, James Kelsey,
54
June 2008
TEACHING FROM
EXPERIENCE
T
span the breadth of his career as a composer. A
typical quartet might perform the series over the
course of a year, but USU’s Fry Street Quartet
he string faculty at Utah State University
will perform them all in just two weeks, from
takes on more than usual in 2008. Besides working
Oct. 2-11, 2008, in the Manon Caine Russell
as teachers, the members are also a professional
Kathryn Caine Wanlass Performance Hall.
string quartet and are preparing to present Utah’s
first complete Beethoven String Quartet Cycle.
“We’re taking on this challenge because that’s
A Beethoven Cycle is a performance of all 17 of
Rebecca McFaul, FSQ second violinist. “When
Beethoven’s quartets, which are representative
it’s done in such a short time, the listener can
of his most innovative and creative works and
experience a different kind of connection with
William Fedkenheuer, first violin
Anne Francis, cello
Rebecca McFaul, second violin
Russell Fallstad, viola
how we would want to experience it,” said
55
Beethoven and with his music and can sense the
figure out how to teach a 3-year-old something
scope of his extremes.”
you’ve taken for granted for so many years.”
Doing it this way also allowed the Department of
This program is unique in the state of Utah
Music to invite Beethoven expert and renowned
and gives the young people of Cache Valley an
scholar/pianist/media author Robert Winter to be
opportunity that isn’t readily available to them
a guest lecturer before each performance.
due to the lack of full-time, certified music
specialists working in the school districts.
In addition to Winters’ pre-concert lectures, the
FSQ secured a grant from the Marie Eccles Caine
“Because the USU String Academy is linked
Foundation that will fund a companion USU Honors
with the USU Music Department, it gives the
course, “The Arts in Cultural Context: Beethoven
children access to theory classes,” said Nina
and Cultural Heritage.” The fall 2008 class will
Jorgensen, parent of two String Academy
explore the music, life and legacy of Beethoven
students. “It also offers group lessons, which
in a broad cultural context. It will initially focus on
gives them opportunities to see other children,
the string quartets and then consider Beethoven’s
to play together, review pieces and it just makes
influence by studying trends in various disciplines,
it more fun. I really value the Fry Street Quartet’s
including music, history and politics, philosophy,
involvement in the community and the chance
literature, art and film.
they give us to inspire our kids.”
“Not only will the audience be able to hear all 17
The FSQ was born in 1997 in Chicago when
quartets in less than two weeks, it will also be able
McFaul and violist Russell Fallstad decided to
to gain knowledge to understand and appreciate
pursue a professional quartet career. After finding
the works of a man who has been a pivotal figure
two more members, they traveled to Israel as
in music and who is still influencing us today —
one of two groups from the United States to
more than 200 years later,” McFaul said. “All these
participate in Isaac Stern’s Encounters Chamber
added dimensions to the cycle have really shaped
Music Seminar. There, they studied with Stern as
it into an event with a festival atmosphere.”
well as with luminaries such as Leon Fleischer
and members of the Emerson and Juilliard
The FSQ came to USU in 2002 and has had an
quartets. As a result of that experience, the
impressive impact on the string program and the
group was invited to give its Carnegie Hall debut
Cache Valley community.
and participate in the Carnegie Fellows program.
Shortly after its arrival, the members saw the
While it is unusual for a community the size of
need for a pedagogy, or teaching, program
Logan to have a string quartet residency, Logan
that would benefit USU students and younger
is unique in its great support for the arts. When
musicians in the community. They have been
the university was first established, many local
instrumental in setting up USU’s String Academy,
newspapers referred to the area as the “Athens
a program that allows students to teach younger
of the West.”
children how to play string instruments. Today
there are approximately 80 String Academy
“The kind of impact you can have on a
students from 3 to 18 years old.
community this size versus a place like Chicago
is amazing,” Fedkenheuer said. “The Cache
“While some students will go on to pursue higher
Valley audience is sophisticated, made up of
education in musical performance or become
astute listeners who are really ready to go to the
members of a professional quartet, many will likely
next level — to experience a Beethoven Cycle.”
become private teachers and will need to know
how to teach,” said William Fedkenheuer, FSQ first
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429,
violinist. “When we graduated, none of us had any
[email protected]
teaching experience, and it can be a challenge to
June 2008
56
USU HOME TO
‘GOLDEN SCHOLARS’
USU’s 2008 Goldwater Honorees. (left to right) Jodie Barker-Tvedtnes (scholarship recipient), Sydney Chamberlin
(honorable mention), Cody Tramp (honorable mention) and Tamara Jeppson (scholarship recipient).
U
tah State University students
In addition to this year’s award recipients, Utah
Tamara Jeppson and Jodie Barker-Tvedtnes
State boasts nine Goldwater Scholars and two
were named 2008 Goldwater Scholars
honorable mention recipients from previous
by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
years. The award includes a two-year scholarship
and Excellence in Education Foundation.
of up to $7,500 per year.
Aggies Sydney Chamberlin and Cody Tramp
were awarded honorable mentions in the
“This is a testament to the fantastic research
prestigious competition.
mentorship provided to these students by faculty
at USU,” says Mary S. Hubbard, dean of USU’s
“For the first time in the university’s history, all
College of Science. “These awards confirm that
of the candidates we submitted were accepted
our students are prepared to compete with the
for awards,” says Joyce Kinkead, USU associate
best nationwide. I applaud the accomplishments
vice president for research. “We’re very proud of
of these young scholars.”
these outstanding students.”
57
PREVIOUS AGGIE GOLDWATER HONOREES...
2007
Jennifer Albretsen, physics
Arthur Mahoney, computer science
Jodie Barker-Tvedtnes
(Honorable Mention), physics
2006
Logan McKenna, electrical engineering
Heidi Wheelwright, physics
Keith Warnick (Honorable Mention), physics
2004
Stephanie J. Chambers, biology
David Hatch, physics
2002
Jamie B. Jorgensen, physics
2001
Lara B. Anderson, physics
1998
Jeff Jacobs, mechanical engineering
Jeppson, a graduate of Bear River High School
the rank of cadet colonel in the Civil Air Patrol.
in Garland, Utah, is majoring in geology and
She received the patrol’s highest honor, the
physics. With faculty mentor Jim Evans, she is
General Carl A. Spaatz Award, in 2007.
studying how earthquake energy is partitioned
along the San Andreas Fault.
While at USU, Chamberlin earned a scholarship
for summer study at Germany’s Friedrich Schiller
Jeppson completed a summer internship in
University. She plans to pursue a doctorate in
applied geophysics at the Pacific Northwest
mathematical physics and an academic career.
National Laboratory in 2007. Following
graduation from USU, she plans to pursue a
Lander, Wyo., native Cody Tramp is a sophomore
doctorate in geophysics, conduct research and
majoring in molecular biology and biochemistry.
teach at the university level.
The USU Undergraduate Research Fellow is
pursuing four ongoing research projects. He was
Salt Lake City native Barker-Tvedtnes was
named a 2008 Governor’s Scholar by Gov. Jon
named a Goldwater Honorable Mention recipient
Huntsman, Jr.
in 2007. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in
physics with a minor in classics.
Tramp’s goals include earning a doctorate in
both molecular and cellular biology. He plans to
In summer 2007, Barker-Tvedtnes attended the
conduct research in stem cell biology and work in
Polar Aeronomy Radio Science Summer School
a national research laboratory.
in Alaska, where she conducted research on
noctilucent clouds with faculty mentor Mike
USU’s 2008 honorees are among 321 award
Taylor. She received a 2008 Outstanding Student
recipients selected from a field of 1,035 math,
Award for Undergraduate Research from the
science and engineering students nominated by
National Society of Physics Students and travels
colleges and universities nationwide.
to the International Conference of Physics
Students in Cracow, Poland in August 2008 to
The Goldwater Scholar program was established
present her research.
by U.S. Congress in 1986 to foster academic
excellence in science, engineering and
Barker-Tvedtnes plans to continue her studies
mathematics in the nation’s universities.
at the graduate level and conduct research in
upper atmospheric physics at a government or
Contact: Christie Fox (435) 797-3940,
academic institution.
[email protected]
Chamberlin, a physics, mathematics and political
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517,
science major from South Jordan, Utah, achieved
[email protected]
June 2008
58
TAKING MUSIC
TO THE COMMUNITY
I
n keeping with Utah State University’s
and education programs in the region with its
nationally known director Mike Christiansen.
And while it is the mission of the Music
land-grant mission of service to all people,
Department to train and graduate the best
the Department of Music sponsors several
students possible, it does not forget its roots as a
community music programs. These programs
land-grant institution and its ties to the community.
provide a wealth of learning and performing
opportunities for young and old alike.
Here’s a roundup of the programs available to
the community:
Talented student musicians fill the halls of Utah
State University’s Chase Fine Arts Center and
appear on concert stages on campus yearround. These students study with some of the
Youth Conservatory – The Key
to a Musical Future
best faculty members in the region. Promising
The conservatory’s tag line is “The key to a
string musicians can study with professionals
musical future,” and that’s certainly true for
— the members of the Fry Street Quartet. Gary
aspiring young pianists. For three decades,
Amano’s piano students are always at the top
the Youth Conservatory has assisted parents
of their game and operate in the rarified realm
in providing the best for their children by
of international competition. Guitarists are able
fostering the standards of musical excellence
to study in one of the few guitar performance
in a learning environment filled with enthusiasm
and enjoyment.
Founded in 1978
by internationally
recognized
pianist and
pedagogue
Gary Amano,
the YC occupies
a central role
among Cache
Valley’s cultural
programs for
young people.
Each week,
more than 300
pianists, ages
The Fry Street Quartet, including Russell Fallstad (center), participates in outreach efforts for
the Department of Music throughout the year.
4-18, come to
the Chase Fine
59
Arts Center for piano lessons and musicianship
receive teacher training courses provided
classes. Activities, recitals and fun-filled learning
by master teachers, several who have been
take place throughout the academic year. Multiple
nationally recognized Suzuki pedagogues, then
young pianists got their start to the concert stage
take these techniques directly to the young string
through USU’s Youth Conservatory.
musicians in the community. Private instruction,
from beginning to artist level, in violin, viola and
Cache Chamber Orchestra
cello, is offered. In addition, there are group
If you haven’t picked up that fiddle since
theory and plenty of performance opportunities.
graduating from high school or college, don’t
worry. The Cache Chamber Orchestra is perfect
for you. This all-volunteer, college-community
classes, chamber music, instruction in music
American Festival Chorus
ensemble gathers musicians from all walks of
The Music Department doesn’t forget the adult
life to perform in the chamber music tradition.
singers in the community, and the American
The orchestra gets together once a week to
Festival Chorus fills the bill. The choir replaces
rehearse, then presents three concerts during
the Northern Utah Choral Society, a group
the academic year. Several summer concert
with a long and distinguished history in the
appearances have just been added. The
community and the Music Department. The new
orchestra is under the direction of composer
choir is open to community residents and USU
and retired educator Robert Frost. The Music
students alike. It is an auditioned group that
Department’s outreach efforts make this Cache
meets once a week and plans to present choral
Valley’s only community-based orchestra.
masterworks twice a year. Music Department
Head Craig Jessop, former music director and
Cache Children’s Choir
conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir,
The fine tradition of children’s choirs is a part of
the group’s General Manager Jay Richards, a
Cache Valley’s musical heritage thanks to the efforts
of those who established the Cache Children’s
Choir, an organization whose members have
performed internationally. A goal of the choir is to
prepare children for a lifetime of singing through
leads the American Festival Chorus, teaming with
professional composer, musician and member of
the Cache Valley community.
Alumni Band
quality musical training. Children, ages 3-15, can
While membership is only open to those who
join one of four choirs and a preschool class. From
performed with the department’s concert bands
the beginning level Caprice Choir, to the advanced,
over the years, this flagship organization shares
auditioned Cantate Choir, young singers develop
its musical talents with the community every
talent and self-esteem through guided musical
summer. Established in 1963 by long-time music
experiences thanks to the choir’s trained and
educator and former Department Head Max
professional staff. The Cache Children’s Choir was
Dalby — a legend in the state’s band history —
founded by Bonnie Slade in 1988.
the band and its members share the music-inthe-park tradition five times during the summer.
String Academy
Concerts are a popular treat for everyone.
Young string players are not forgotten thanks to
More information about the Department of Music
the USU String Academy, an organization that
serves a dual purpose — providing instruction
on string instruments to young musicians while
providing a laboratory teaching program for
USU’s string music majors. The USU students
60
is available at its Web site (music.usu.edu).
Writer: Patrick Williams, 435-797-1354,
[email protected]
June 2008
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS,
FEET ON THE GROUND
C
irrus clouds, stratus clouds, cumulus
In addition to her previous academic accolades,
Barker-Tvedtnes’ was honored with a 2008
Outstanding Student Award for Undergraduate
clouds – since ancient times, people have gazed
Research from the Society for Physics
skyward and pondered fluffy wisps of white and
Students. One of just three undergrads in the
angry, gray thunderheads.
nation honored with the award, she receives
an all-expenses-paid trip to the International
Utah State University Goldwater Scholar Jodie
Conference of Physics Students in Cracow,
Barker-Tvedtnes looks beyond the Earth’s visual
Poland, in August 2008.
atmosphere to the mesosphere, where the
highest clouds, polar mesospheric clouds or
“I’m very excited about this honor and the
PMCs, form at the edge of space.
opportunity to meet with physics students from
around the world,” says Barker-Tvedtnes, who
“PMCs are ice clouds that form in the summer
has been invited to present her research on
months near the extremely cold mesopause
noctilucent clouds in Poland and at the national
region – some 50 miles above the earth,” says
SPS meeting in spring 2009.
Barker-Tvedtnes, physics major and Willard L.
Eccles Undergraduate Research Fellow. “From
She spent five weeks in Alaska in summer 2007
the ground, these noctilucent or ‘night-shining’
studying the elusive formations with faculty
clouds are only visible during twilight hours at
mentor Mike Taylor and fellow students. Taylor
high latitudes.”
is a member of NASA’s science team for the
Aeronomy of Ice in
the Mesosphere or
“AIM” mission.
NASA launched
the AIM satellite
into orbit April 25,
2007, to collect
information on
how and why
PMCs form. During
their summer
trip, Taylor and
his student team
captured data from
two field sites,
located about
30 miles apart
USU Goldwater Scholar Jodie Barker-Tvedtnes and daughter Kalila marvel at the wonders
of the night sky. While juggling studies and family responsibilities, Barker-Tvedtnes revived
Utah State’s Society of Physics Students chapter.
on the tundra of
eastern Alaska and
61
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Goldwater Scholar, 2008
Outstanding Student Award for Undergraduate Research
from the Society of Physics Students, 2008
Goldwater Honorable Mention, 2007
Willard L. Eccles Undergraduate Research Fellowship, 2007-08
USU Presidential Transfer Scholarship, 2005
Presented research at:
Regional physics conferences, 2006, 2007
USU’s Undergraduate Research Showcase, 2008
Barker-Tvedtnes, one of just three undergraduates in the nation to receive the Society of Physics Students’ 2008
Outstanding Student Award for Undergraduate Research, studies the mesosphere’s mysterious noctilucent clouds.
western Canada, to compare with data received
“The chapter was essentially dormant when
from the AIM satellite.
I arrived on campus,” says Barker-Tvedtnes,
who began her undergrad career at Salt Lake
“We became nocturnal,” Barker-Tvedtnes says,
Community College and entered Utah State after
although, because of the latitude of the areas in
receiving a Presidential Transfer Scholarship.
which the team was working, it never became
“But when I learned about the opportunities
completely dark.
SPS offered – national scholarships, projects,
“Starting at midnight each day, we’d have about
five hours of twilight,” she says. “We’d spend
activities – I worked with faculty and fellow
students to get it going again.”
those hours tracking PMCs across the horizon
Barker-Tvedtnes’ dedication is all the more
and photographing the formations with digital
remarkable considering she’s a single mom,
and video cameras.”
juggling work, research and study with the care
Back in Logan, Barker-Tvedtnes is comparing the
of her 7-year-old daughter, Kalila.
ground-based data with information captured by
Balancing responsibilities is a challenge, the
the satellite. She has presented her research in
Salt Lake City native admits, but receiving the
a number of forums, including regional physics
Willard L. Eccles fellowship has afforded her the
conferences and USU’s 2008 Undergraduate
opportunity to spend time in the lab and have
Research Showcase. Following graduation in
greater control of her schedule.
spring 2009, she plans to continue her studies
at the graduate level and conduct research in
“My work allows me the flexibility to conduct
upper atmospheric physics at a government or
research while my daughter is in school and
academic institution.
keep my evenings free for her,” Barker-Tvedtnes
says. “I’ve also appreciated the support from my
“Jodie is a ‘power house’ of activity and
professors. They really make an effort to involve
capability,” Taylor says. “She’s an excellent
students in undergraduate research.”
leader, displays exceptional poise and has a
strong experimental aptitude.”
Contacts: Jodie Barker-Tvedtnes, jodie13@
comcast.net; Mike Taylor, 435-797-3919,
He notes that, while tackling a significant
[email protected]
academic load and research efforts, BarkerTvedtnes revived Utah State’s Society of
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517,
Physics Students chapter. In addition to offering
[email protected]
gatherings and field trips for students, the
July 2008
chapter conducts community outreach projects,
including the chapter’s popular stargazing parties
on the USU quad.
62
UNDERGRADUATE
RESEARCH REIGNS AT USU
S
financial support to undergraduates for
than 500 students have conducted research
URCO grants encourage students to engage in
supported by the Undergraduate Research and
independent projects.
research or creative projects that are not routine
ince its inception in 1975, more
requirements for a course or degree program,
Creative Opportunities (URCO) Grant program.
From metal sculpture to chokecherry seed
“I soon discovered that my undergraduate
propagation and whirling disease in trout, real-
research experience paid dividends I was not
life problems have been explored and solved by
expecting,” said Kyle Tubbs, a former URCO
USU undergraduates.
grant recipient. “My URCO grant helped me
springboard into an exciting part of my life. I
Today, the results of these URCO projects
believe the research background I gained at USU
are generating national recognition for USU’s
was the key factor in my acceptance to medical
student researchers.
school at the University of Washington.”
Experience Speaks
Students applying for URCO grants are
“URCO grants are designed to give students a
proposal, which teaches them the process
chance to do independent research on a project
of seeking funding, a vital part of graduate
of their own design,” said Joyce Kinkead, USU’s
research. Many URCO alumni credit their
associate vice president for research. “Research
undergraduate research experience for helping
required to complete a formal research
is broadly defined;
it encompasses
creating a sculpture,
composing a piece of
music, doing archival
scholarly work
and working at the
laboratory bench.”
The grants,
given by the Vice
President for
Research Office,
award up to $500
per student and
their academic
department
matches the award.
By providing
Emily Stoker (left) and Forrest Purser present their research about the effects of carbon
nanotubes on the human lung at Research on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City.
63
them get further funding for their projects, as
Tubbs said. “I saw firsthand how literature
well as prestigious scholarships.
review, hypothesis testing and data analysis all
work together to advance knowledge.”
“The URCO grant program taught me how to
apply for funding and convey technical material
“The URCO grant made it possible for me to
to a varied audience,” said Stephanie Chambers,
conduct my senior honors thesis,” said Robert
a former URCO grant recipient. “Because of the
Wright, former grant recipient. “In large part, due
USU faculty providing fantastic research and
to my senior paper, I was accepted into Portland
training opportunities, I received the Barry M.
State University’s Applied Social Psychology
Goldwater scholarship, which also led to my
doctoral program.”
acceptance at the University of Utah School of
Medicine.” Chambers also recently received a
Wright also presented his senior thesis at the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) medical student
Rocky Mountain Psychological Conference,
fellowship to study the genetic causes of infertility.
where he was informed that his paper was
accepted for publication by the editor of the Psi
Past Tells
Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research.
USU was ahead of its time in implementing
Faculty also benefit from mentoring
URCO grants in 1975, when few institutions had
undergraduates in the research process.
organized student-faculty cooperative research
activities. That spring, USU launched an URCO
“Few undergraduate researchers realize the
experiment with 60 student participants through
stimulating effect they have on the faculty they
the College of Agriculture and the College of
work with,” said Bruce Bugbee, professor of crop
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The
physiology. “Science relies on fresh approaches
experiment elicited such positive responses
and new ways of seeing the world. I have
that a plan was made to launch URCO on a
always preferred the errors of enthusiasm to the
universitywide basis.
indifference of wisdom.
By fall 1975, the USU Office of the Vice President
“For 26 years, my URCO student researchers
for Research had allocated a small sum of money
have kept me at the lab into the evening hours,”
to support student projects, and URCO was
Bugbee said. “I am gratified to know that
officially made available to all undergraduate
they will carry on an inquisitive, impassioned
students at USU.
approach long after I am retired.”
Impact Confirms
“As a land-grant and research university, USU
Each URCO experience helps students learn how
by doing science, learn art by producing art and
to learn, develop critical skills, create important
learn scholarship by writing history,” Kinkead
one-on-one connections with professors and
said. “Hands-on inquiry and study builds on
get an academic step ahead of the competition.
classroom knowledge and goes beyond what
Additionally, projects often result in a professional
can be accomplished through lecture. The
conference presentation, a scholarly journal
application of knowledge is a hallmark of a land-
publication or an award.
grant university. URCO is a critical component of
takes pride in the fact that students learn science
that mission.”
“Not only did I learn a tremendous amount of
chemistry during those years, I also gained a
Writer: Mary Sundblom, [email protected]
profound appreciation for the scientific method,”
July 2008
64
A LIFELONG GIFT
W
The vice president for university advancement,
Ross Peterson, agrees.
hen Marie Veibell graduated from
“The heart of donating at Utah State is the
Utah State University in 1947, the campus had
consistent annual gifts from alumni and
29 buildings and 4,068 students, up from 920
friends that add up to make a big difference
in 1944 during World War II. During the last 61
for individual departments and for students,”
years, USU has seen tremendous growth in these
Peterson said. “We appreciate their willingness
areas. Today there are nearly 200 buildings and
to give back to help the university become a
more than 23,000 students, and Ms. Veibell has
place where students can earn scholarships,
enjoyed playing a small part in this growth.
work with renowned professors and learn in
state-of-the-art facilities.”
“People need a little help sometimes, and if
you can help one person, then they can help
Ms. Veibell graduated with a degree in chemistry
somebody else, and it’s a great cycle,” she
and worked for 41 years as the laboratory manager
said. “I started giving just a little bit to Utah
at Logan Regional Hospital until she retired in 1990.
State a few years after I
graduated, once I’d had
time to get established,
and I’ve given every
year since.”
She enjoys reading about
USU in the newspapers
and seeing how it
has grown and all the
research its students and
faculty are doing.
“It is interesting to see
the campus grow and
see all the new buildings
popping up because
that’s the reason I give—
to help the university
build itself up and offer
more to its students and
to the world. It can’t
grow without money,
and it takes donations
from a lot of people to
make a difference.”
Marie Veibell graduated from Utah State University in 1947 and enjoys playing a
small part in the university’s growth through the modest annual donations she has
made over the past 50 years.
65
The Herald Journal
For her 80th birthday in 2005, her family gave her
lauded her hard work
a framed picture of the Hall of Fame basketball
in its 1986 article
players from 1950-2005 that she proudly displays
“‘Invisible’ Laboratory
in her home.
Technologists Honored.”
Marie Veibell’s
graduation photo
from the 1947 USU
yearbook, The Buzzer.
When she first started,
She remembers watching the Homecoming
she was the only one in
football game against Idaho State during Merlin
the lab, it said. Thirty-
Olsen’s senior year in 1961 when the Aggies
seven years later, she
won 69-0.
was responsible for a
33-member staff that
The next day’s Herald Journal article makes it
performed an average
easy to see why this game stands out in the mind
of 60,000 tests each
of an 83-year-old fan.
month, and Veibell began using an increasingly
technological approach to the painstaking work
“The game featured a little bit of everything,
she once did by hand.
from a slush-and-snow covered field to three
senior linemen playing in the backfield,”
Before using her degree to manage the lab at the
it said. “The Aggies pushed for their first
hospital, Ms. Veibell got her working experience
touchdown just five minutes into the game …
at the Aggie Dairy.
Aggie defensive tactics were so effective that
during the first quarter the snow was not even
She was an odds-n-ends girl at the dairy. She
disturbed on the north end of the field … Tommy
helped make cheese, cut butter into squares and
Larscheid’s performance made him the most
then wrap it and, of course, made and served
productive ball carrier in history, as he eclipsed
ice cream.
the record set by Jack Hill.”
“We had this coffee ice cream in the store and
This Cornish native has spent her life in
nobody would buy it,” she said. “So one day,
Cache Valley and wants USU students to
we decided to change the name to ‘Hawaiian
know how lucky they are to have a good
Delight’ and we sold out in about 20 minutes.
place to go to school.
The chief wasn’t too happy though and told me if
I ever tried that again, I was outta there.”
“You can get the same quality education, if
not better, at Utah State as you can anywhere
Ms. Veibell paid heed to his warning so she
else,” Ms. Veibell said. “It’s also got a great
wouldn’t lose her high-paying job — 75 cents an
location — it’s clean, close to the mountains,
hour, up from 50 cents an hour the year before.
and if you look around, there’s always
something going on somewhere.”
Even after she graduated, Ms. Veibell stayed
loyal to her alma mater. She would continue to
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429,
attend plays at the outdoor amphitheatre, see
[email protected]
productions at the Caine Lyric Theatre, and her
July 2008
favorite — watch USU sports.
66
ART ALUM SCULPTS MEMORIES INTO
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE
S
culptor Mark DeGraffenried developed
a passion for art at an early age. Today, that
passion is easily seen and is translated directly
into a recent project — a memorial sculpture that
honors eight Utah State University agriculture
students and their professor who died in a tragic
van accident in 2005.
To create the panels, DeGraffenried set up a
temporary studio on the USU campus in the
Chase Fine Arts Center/Fine Arts Visual sculpture
area. It’s there, working on the panels, that
DeGraffenried’s passion shines brightly. Whether
working alone or sharing the experience with the
accident victims’ families, he brings an intimate,
human touch to the work.
“These panels not only represent the students
and their teacher, they also represent the people
DeGraffenried, a 1993 USU art graduate, is
working in a collaborative effort with Monument
Arts of Sandy, Utah, to create the commissioned
tribute to the accident victims.
whose lives were changed so drastically,” he
said. “I want the panels to be visually stimulating,
but they are also tributes to the accident victims
and a tribute to agriculture.”
The memorial is composed of black granite,
bronze and steel. DeGraffenried is first sculpting
clay panels that will be cast in bronze. These
nine panels, 3 feet by 3 feet, represent an
agricultural interest of each of the nine men.
Two half-circles, above and below the panels,
include the men’s names. At the lower left of
the installation is a bronze rubbing element that
allows visitors to make a paper rubbing as a
personal memento of the memorial.
DeGraffenried has a private studio in Clarkston,
Utah, and works fulltime as an artist.
“As a resident of Cache Valley and a USU graduate,
it is a great honor to sculpt this monument,” he
said. “I hope those affected by the loss will receive
comfort and inspiration from this memorial.”
The artist brings a human touch and connection
to his work in several ways. He wanted his studio
space open to all — he encouraged visitors to
About the USU Memorial:
• Artist Dan Cummings, owner of
Spectrum Studio, Salt Lake City,
will create the granite elements.
• Chief designer for Monument
Arts Perry Van Schelt designed
the memorial.
• Mark DeGraffenried sculpted
the bonze elements.
• The memorial project received
financial support from
alumni and friends, the Utah
Farm Bureau, USU student
government, USU Student
Services, departments in the
College of Agriculture, the
Agriculture Experiment Station
and others.
Mark DeGraffenried, a USU alum, works on a clay panel prior to casting in
bronze for the memorial.
67
“His favotie saying was,
‘plow to the end of the
furrow,’ Gunnell told
Mikita. “He loved what
he did … I feel it such an
honor to be his mom.”
Artist Mark DeGraffenried has worked on a number of impressive
projects. Among his favorites are:
• 2008 “Marriner S. Eccles” commissioned by Utah State Capitol
Preservation Board and Mariner S. Eccles Commission to sculpt an 8’
bronze statue for the Utah State Capitol and a 6’ statue for the Federal
Reserve Building in Washington, D.C.
• 1994 “Sea Farer” life-size bronze memorial to those who lost lives at sea,
Homer, Ala.
A plowed furrow was
incorporated into the
panel memorializing
Justin, and that’s a
personal touch the
artist appreciates.
“I want the families to be
happy,” DeGraffenried
said. “That is why I can
re-work and adjust, even
let them add a personal
touch. This is a memorial
to their loved ones.”
• 2001 “The Crossing” commission awarded by Seatrek Foundation. Four,
When complete, the
memorial will find a
children), cast in bronze to commemorate Utah’s pioneer heritage from
temporary home in the
Europe. Permanent locations at Mersey Side Dock Maritime Museum,
Taggart Student Center,
Liverpool, England; Broad Street, Portsmouth, England; and Albert Dock,
where it will be unveiled
Hull, England. One life-size bronze on loan at Utah Cultural Celebration
in fall 2008. When the
Center; Salt Lake City, Utah. The artist sculpted each piece and assisted
planned College of
with the bronze casting and installation of the finished sculptures.
Agriculture research
and teaching building is
stop at the lab and participate in the creative
completed on the USU campus, the memorial will
process to offer feedback about the sculpture
be permanently located in the building’s foyer.
and the students and professor it honors.
life-size emigrant families (each family includes a mother, father and two
“I spent a great deal of time as a student in this
very lab,” DeGraffenried said. “Because USU
students provided the initial request for the
memorial, I welcome having an open studio that
is accessible to them.”
DeGraffenried also opened his studio and his
heart to the families of those being memorialized.
He felt it important to not only listen to feedback
from family members, but to allow them to
contribute — actually touch and carve areas in
the clay panels before they were cast.
In a story for KSL television in Salt Lake City, arts
reporter Carol Mikita met with the sculptor and
family members of the victims.
“Each tear and each stroke of the sculptor’s tool
helps Merlynn Gunnell remember her son Justin,”
Mikita reported.
68
“We are pleased to recognize these students and
their professor who were such vital parts of our
college,” said Noelle E. Cockett, vice president
and dean for USU Extension and Agriculture.
“In the end, this monument will be an incredibly
fitting part of our new agriculture building.”
The memorial commemorates the lives of
Steven D. Bair, 22, Moses Lake, Wash.; Dusty
Dean Fuhriman, 22, Tremonton, Utah; Justin W.
Gunnell, 24, Wellsville, Utah; Justin Huggins,
22, Bear River City, Utah; Jonathan Dennis
Jorgensen, 22, Peoa, Utah; Curt A. Madsen, 23,
Payson, Utah; Ryan Wayne McEntire, 22, West
Point, Utah; Bradley G. Wilcox, 26, Salt Lake
City, Utah; and instructor Evan Parel Parker, 45,
Hooper, Utah. All of the students were studying
in the College of Agriculture.
Writer: Patrick Williams 435-797-1354,
[email protected]
July 2008
CHALLENGING SCIENCE,
CHALLENGING STUDENTS
A
Boldyrev, Zubarev and colleagues Boris
Averkiev and Alina Sergeeva, both doctoral
students in USU’s Department of Chemistry
team of Utah State University
and Biochemistry, are investigating chemical
chemists, led by Professor Alex Boldyrev, is at
bonding properties of metallic systems. The team
the forefront of a discussion that’s causing the
asserts that characteristics believed to apply
scientific community to rethink long-held ideas
only to organic compounds can be extended to
about the nature of inorganic compounds. In
some metallic compounds. It’s an idea that, until
the process, Boldyrev is priming his student
recently, was thought to be impossible.
team members for challenging and successful
research careers.
“Our studies make people argue with us
constantly as we defend our point of view,”
“Dr. Boldyrev is absolutely passionate about
Zubarev says. “What we’re discovering about
science and training his students,” says Dmitry
certain metals is unexpected.”
Zubarev, who recently earned his doctorate
in chemistry from USU and is headed to a
With colleagues at Washington State University
coveted postdoctoral position at the University
and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
of California-Berkeley. “For him, instilling
the USU researchers have published their
independent thinking and scientific expertise in his
findings in a number of academic journals
students is as important as the research itself.”
including Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics,
the American
Chemical
Society’s
Journal of
Physical
Chemistry,
Inorganic
Chemistry,
the Journal
of Chemical
Physics and
the Journal of
the American
Chemical
Society. Team
members have
also presented
their findings
Chemistry professor Alex Boldyrev, second from right, and his doctoral students, from left,
Dmitry Zubarev, Boris Averkiev and Alina Sergeeva, are challenging long-held ideas about the
chemical bonding properties of metallic systems.
at national and
international
conferences.
69
“The atmosphere you work in is one of the most
important keys for success,” Sergeeva says. “Dr.
Boldyrev inspires us to work hard every day. He’s
a shining example of the professor I am eager to
become one day.”
Averkiev says Boldyrev’s support and
encouragement helped him publish more than
nine papers in three years and afforded him the
opportunity to present his research and make
career-building contacts in academic forums
“Dr. Boldyrev inspires us to work hard every day,”
Alina Sergeeva says. “He’s a shining example of the
professor I am eager to become one day.”
throughout the country.
To understand the Aggie team’s research requires
Averkiev, a native of Moscow, Russia.
And his support goes beyond the lab, says
a brief history lesson. Since the 19th century,
chemists have used the term “aromaticity” to
“Dr. Boldyrev met me at the Salt Lake airport
describe the chemical bonding properties of
when I first arrived in Utah and helped me get
organic compounds. The term is a bit misleading to
settled in my new home.”
the lay person, as the concept has little to do with
the “aroma” associated with varied compounds.
“What I admire most about Dr. Boldyrev is that he
treats our research team as if we were his own
In a nutshell, aromaticity refers to a chemical
family,” Sergeeva says. “He’s concerned about
property in which atoms bond in rings to form
us. He feels responsible for us. He stays in touch
stable organic compounds. By developing
with former team members who have graduated
chemical-bonding models capable of explaining
to offer his support.”
and predicting the structures of metallic clusters,
the USU researchers are revealing that metals,
Zubarev credits his professor with guiding and
too, exhibit aromaticity.
motivating him toward significant academic and
research achievements during his years at Utah
“It’s a big step,” Boldyrev says. “What we’re
State. Zubarev was named USU’s 2008 Graduate
discovering is that metal systems have properties
Student Researcher of the Year; he says the
that allow them to bond in ways that mimic
award is recognition of Boldyrev’s mentoring
organic materials.”
talent and dedication.
Ascertaining the existence of this type of bonding
“Dr. Boldyrev invested a lot of time in me,” he
is important, Boldyrev says, as it could improve
says. “If I ever happen to associate myself with a
scientists’ understanding of the nature of catalytic
school of scientific thought, it will be the ‘School
activity and lead to the design of new catalysts.
of Professor Boldyrev.’”
“The development of chemical bonding models
Contact: Alexander Boldyrev, 435-797-1630
that display this process could have a significant
[email protected]
impact on rational design of nanocatalysts,
nanomaterials with tailored properties, nano-
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto 435-797-3517,
scale electronic devices and more,” he says.
[email protected]
“That’s our goal.”
August 2008
Beyond his scientific aims, Boldyrev is mentoring
a new generation of scientists confidently poised
to tackle new levels of thought.
70
REGIONAL CAMPUS
OPENS PATH TO MED SCHOOL
C
lint McKee’s
unconventional path to
medical school included
several unplanned
detours, a flat tire or two
and more than a few
potholes. Before earning
his undergraduate
biology degree in 2005
at Utah State University’s
Uintah Basin Campus, he
nearly shelved his dream
of becoming a physician.
But encouragement
from his professors,
coupled with McKee’s
gritty tenacity and a few
bane-turned-blessing
moments, fueled his
Study at USU Uintah Basin propelled farmer Clint McKee toward his dream of
entering medical school.
passion toward what he
considers his true calling.
“I decided at age 14 that I wanted to become a
doctor,” says McKee, one of 12 children raised
on a family dairy farm in eastern Utah. “But I’d
never met anyone who went to med school and
had no idea what it took to get there.”
Now in his second year of medical school at the
University of Utah, the 30-year-old husband and
father of five revels in opportunities to immerse
himself in the study of the intricacies and
nuances of the human body.
“Despite the academic demands, it feels like
a luxury,” McKee says. “I wasn’t sure what to
expect when I entered med school but I feel I
was exceptionally well prepared and I’ve done
very well in my classes.”
His undergraduate career began less favorably.
Just a year or so into his studies at an urban
campus in Utah, McKee, newly married and
eager to start a family, struggled to balance the
demands of work, school and home. Something
had to give, and that something was school.
“Most of the classes I needed were offered during
the daytime and it was hard to find a job with the
flexibility to accommodate school,” he says.
During a visit home to his parents’ farm, McKee
spied a class schedule his sister was reading
71
about USU’s Uintah Basin Campus. “I noticed
when he and his wife, Kathryn, learned that
that a number of courses in biology, chemistry
their unborn child had serious heart problems.
and calculus were offered in the evenings.”
Delivered by emergency caesarean section,
baby Sarah was rushed to Salt Lake’s Primary
The timing was auspicious. McKee’s father,
Children’s Medical Center for treatment.
Mike, was elected to serve on the Uintah County
Commission and needed help with the family
The outcome was joyous, and McKee marveled
farm. Managing the farm by day and studying by
at the physicians’ skills. “It dawned on me that,
night seemed like a good fit for McKee.
if not for doctors, my daughter, my wife, and my
twin sons – who also faced a medical crisis at
“The advisors at USU were great,” he says.
birth – would not be here,” he says. “It was an
“They looked at my fractured transcripts and
epiphany and reinforced my determination to
helped me get back on an academic track.”
become a doctor.”
The scheduling worked but the workload
McKee embarked on the detailed medical school
wasn’t easy.
application process, including studying for the
medical school entrance exam or ‘MCAT.’ “I had
“I remember Clint occasionally being late because
about a year’s worth of preparation to complete
a tractor got stuck or he had to handle some other
and realized that I needed more research
incident on the farm,” says Lianna Etchberger,
experience,” he says.
assistant professor of biology at USU Uintah
Basin. “Yet he was a bright and dedicated student
Etchberger urged him to contact biologist
– eager to learn and full of perceptive questions.”
Paul Cliften at USU’s Logan campus, who was
seeking a research technician.
“I’d show up for class straight off the farm –
filthy, tired,” McKee says. “But the professors
“Clint had only a fraction of the experience of
were phenomenal. I loved the small classes, one-
the other applicants,” Cliften says. “But I was
on-one instruction and flexibility.”
impressed with his curiosity and knowledge and
hired him. I figured I would likely never have another
Upon graduation, McKee still wanted to pursue
opportunity to help train someone of his caliber.”
medicine but wondered if a less arduous
academic path might be better suited to his
Months later, glowing recommendations from Cliften
growing family. His planning was interrupted
and Etchberger were included in McKee’s successful
medical school application.
“I feel like I received a
great education from
USU,” McKee says. “And
the support I received from
my professors helped me
achieve my dream.”
Contact: Clint McKee,
[email protected]
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto,
435-797-3517, maryann.
[email protected]
August 2008
McKee with his family, from left, wife Kathryn holding baby Miriam, sons David,
Joseph and Joshua and daughter Sarah.
72
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
A
mandatory retirement age of 62 in 1988. If
the firm thought Price was ready to kick back
and relax at 62, it was wrong. Price said other
ccounting professor Jay Price has
left an impressionable mark on Utah State
partners he knew went off to Florida to retire and
play golf, but Price didn’t play golf.
University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of
Business. Students call him a “great teacher,”
“All my life I’ve always been a person who likes
“mentor” and an “example.” What began as a
to keep busy,” he said. “I’ve never been very
part-time retirement pastime has turned into a
good at recreational activities.”
full-time commitment for Price, who joined the
USU faculty 20 years ago.
Before Price retired, Utah Power/PacificCorp had
Price worked in the
been one of his clients. Orrin Colby, who was, at
Chicago office of
the time, the controller for Utah Power, suggested
Arthur Andersen for
he consider teaching at USU. That appealed to
39 years and was
Price because he had once thought about going
a partner when
into teaching. He paid a visit to the USU campus
he reached
and met with Larzette Hale, head of the School of
Accountancy, Dean David Stephens and several
other faculty members. He was very impressed
with the quality of the faculty and the program
and decided to teach for a couple of years.
Twenty years later, Price is still teaching USU
accounting students as a volunteer. He hasn’t
received a paycheck since beginning at the
university and volunteers his time because he
enjoys teaching.
The University of Wisconsin, his alma mater,
asked him to teach there as well, and from 1990
to 2000 he taught in Wisconsin in the fall and
at USU in the spring. In 2000, he decided to
“semi-retire,” but he continues to teach at USU
in the spring.
USU accounting professor Jay Price hasn’t picked
up a paycheck since he started teaching at USU 20
years ago. The University of Wisconsin alum has been
volunteering at the university since he retired from the
Chicago office of Arthur Andersen in 1988.
73
Price seems a little puzzled when pushed to
member to make up that exam. He wanted to do
explain why he has volunteered his time for 20
it himself.”
years.
Price has contributed more than his time. He
“I enjoy it,” he said. “I seem to be doing an
helped establish the Arthur Andersen Alumni
adequate job.”
Professorship in accounting and funded the
largest scholarship endowment in the School of
An “adequate job” is an understatement,
Accountancy, the Jay H. Price Scholarship. He
according to his students and those he has
has also funded scholarships at the University
worked with.
of Wisconsin. Students receiving scholarships
are required to commit to giving back to their
He was named accounting teacher of the
university after graduation.
year three times. He received the School of
Accountancy Outstanding Service Award in 2001
The importance of volunteering your time and
and was honored with the USU Founders Day
contributing to a worthy cause is something
Distinguished Service Award that same year.
Price said he teaches his students.
He was named the Distinguished Accounting
Alumnus at the University of Wisconsin in 1998.
“The chances are that you are going to be asked
He got an honorary doctorate from USU in 1993.
to serve on not-for-profit boards,” he tells them.
“Many employers encourage that, and it’s a fine
Richard Jenson, head of the School of
thing to do anyway.”
Accountancy, said it would be difficult to
measure the many benefits that have come from
He said once drafted to serve on such boards,
having Price as a faculty member.
the first thing that will happen to an accountant
is that he or she will be asked to be the treasurer.
“What an amazing gift Jay has been to our
Price has been a volunteer overseer of finances
students,” he said. “When you take the
at St. Peter’s church in Chicago since 1959 and
experience and expertise Jay has and combine
now serves on the Board of Trustees of a small
that with the way he cares about our students,
college in Chicago.
we all benefit immensely from his contributions.”
Price thinks accountants should be willing
Jenson said that Price was once in the hospital
to share their understanding of important
for a few days and that he went to visit him. Price
financial issues that are often in the news but
was being given a unit of blood.
misunderstood.
“I noticed that spread out on the bedside table
Price said he doesn’t have any plans to retire
was one of the exams for the intermediate
from the School of Accountancy unless he
accounting class,” Jenson said. “It impressed
eventually has to do so for health reasons.
me that he did not want to let his students down.
On the schedule it showed that there was an
Writer: Steve Eaton, 435-797-8640
exam, and he wanted to make sure it took place.
[email protected]
He didn’t want to impose on another faculty
September 2008
74
TAKING AGGIE ATHLETICS TO
NEW HEIGHTS
The completion of the new Jim and Carol Laub Athletics-Academics Complex, at the south end of Romney
Stadium, gives USU student athletes and coaches access to top-notch training equipment, locker rooms, digital
technology and academic resources.
W
hile often looked at as one of the
“It’s such a great teaching tool in all facets
because we have the ability to teach football in
our classrooms,” said head football coach Brent
Guy. “Every room is enhanced by a computer
little guys in a conference, Utah State University
and has digital capabilities, allowing the players
can boast one area in which it can compete with
to break down film just like coaches break it
the “big boys” of college athletics.
down – by down and distance, by personnel,
by the type of blitz or anything they want to do.
The completion of the new Jim and Carol Laub
Even our snappers and kickers have a room they
Athletics-Academics Complex, at the south end
can go in and watch plays every day, which is
of Romney Stadium, gives USU student athletes
something we’ve never had the ability to do.”
and coaches access to top-notch training
equipment, locker rooms, digital technology and
The three-story complex has a number of
academic resources.
features that benefit USU student athletes of all
sports. The first floor is home to locker rooms for
Although the facility has been in full use for less
than a month, its effects have already been felt.
the football, women’s track and field, softball and
women’s soccer teams. It also hosts the Steve
Mothersell Hall of Fame, named after the former
75
For athletes such as senior
offensive lineman Derek
Hoke, who experienced the
outdated facilities at the
school for most of his career,
the new building has been a
night-and-day difference.
“It’s extremely nice, even
just for morale,” Hoke said.
“It helps you to feel a little
more important, that things
are going the right way and
that things are improving.
The Jim and Carol Laub Athletics-Academics Complex features the
11,000-square-foot Dale Mildenberger Sports Medicine Complex.
It’s been a great help, and
it’s made football a lot easier
and a lot more fun at times.”
Aggie tight end who made a sizeable donation to
the project.
On top of helping athletes reach their full
potential on the field and in the classroom, the
Spacious offices and conference rooms are
facility is also a way to attract and recruit top
located on the second floor, which Guy said have
student athletes to the school. Guy said with
helped prepare his team this season.
the new facility in place, he’s excited to walk
students through and show them what the school
“Being right above the locker room is
has to offer.
convenient,” he said. “It gives me the ability to
have a team meeting every day where I can talk
“It’s a great recruiting tool,” he said. “We’ll walk
and show film and then meet individually with
parents and recruits through and set them in the
them in different rooms.”
classroom they’re going to be in, set them in the
meeting rooms, the coaching offices and show
The third floor contains the academic center,
them the academic center. It’s going to be an
which is equipped with classrooms, computer
added bonus this year.”
labs and tutoring areas that help student athletes
perform well in the classroom.
Completion of the facility was boosted by
donations from more than 400 Aggie alumni
“The added bonus is having the academic center
and friends of the program, including 120
on the third level so athletes can go up and study
former student athletes. These donors reflect
and get their work done during the day,” Guy
a commitment to USU athletics that manifests
said. “In the past, we didn’t have a study hall
itself today in a structure that will benefit athletes
area. We now have it all during the day, which is
for seasons to come. It’s a place where Aggie
more convenient for not just football, but for all
student athletes will be able to take advantage
of our athletes.”
of the state-of-the-art facilities and take Aggie
athletics to new heights.
The facility also hosts the 11,000-square-foot
Dale Mildenberger Sports Medicine Complex,
Writer: Dave Archer, 435-797-3714,
the Dr. John Worley Sports Medicine Research
[email protected]
Center and a 7,000-square-foot equipment room.
October 2008
76
IGNORING LIMITS
U
tah State University undergraduate
biochemist Bradley Hintze is not only excelling
in his studies, he’s a 2007 finisher of the nation’s
longest one-day bicycle race sanctioned by the
United States Cycling Federation.
“I’d be a disaster at the lab bench,” says Hintze,
revealing his characteristically subtle sense of humor.
Born with mild cerebral palsy, Hintze’s physical
disabilities initially seemed minor. But at puberty,
he developed cervical dystonia that became
progressively worse. The neurological movement
disorder of the neck, for which there is no known
cure, causes Hintze’s head to involuntarily twist
and turn to one side.
“Brad has a great enthusiasm
for science and I love having him
in our lab,” says Sean Johnson,
Hintze’s faculty mentor and R.
Gaurth Hansen Assistant Professor
of Biochemistry. “I am constantly
amazed at his abilities and drive.
I have never heard a word of
complaint or frustration regarding
his physical challenges. He doesn’t
seem to let anything prevent him
from succeeding in whatever it is he
wants to do.”
Undergrad Brad Hintze (left) and USU mathematics lecturer, Bryan
Bornholdt, competed in the 206-mile, 2007 LOTOJA bike race.
Impressive, yes. But even more remarkable is
Hintze’s perseverance in the face of significant
physical obstacles. He has difficulty holding his
head upright and walks with a limp. Lack of fine
motor skills makes writing difficult and precision
lab techniques impossible.
In spring 2008, USU honored the
Aggie senior with the university’s
Legacy of Utah State Award. The
honor was created in memory
of the agricultural students and
instructor involved in the 2005 USU
van accident. It is given annually to
a student who embodies the true
spirit, heart and soul of Utah State
and demonstrates love and support
for the university family, while leading
with a vision of hope for the future.
“Brad’s dedication to science is clear,” says
Johnson. “He is one of the most inquisitive
students I have ever met, and his influence is
felt throughout our department. One of the top
performing students in our departmental courses,
Brad is constantly sought out by other students
who are struggling to understand the coursework.”
77
“Our goal is to get a picture of the protein
based on x-ray diffraction,” he says.
During USU’s 2008 Research Week, Hintze
presented his lab’s efforts in determining the
crystal structure of a protein complex called
TRAMP, found in brewer’s yeast.
Biochemistry student Brad Hintze, right, and faculty
mentor Sean Johnson are deciphering the structure and
mechanism of proteins.
Hintze, a Willard L. Eccles Undergraduate
Research Fellow, has carved his niche in
computer-based biochemistry research in
Johnson’s x-ray crystallography lab. Along the
way he’s proven to himself and others that, with
determination and persistence, individual strengths
and talents can emerge in spite of physical limits.
Despite a busy academic schedule Hintze found
time to squeeze in nearly 4,000 training miles
with USU mathematics lecturer and tandem bike
partner Bryan Bornholdt in preparation for the
grueling LOTOJA. The 206-mile bike race starts
in Logan, Utah and finishes in Jackson Hole,
Wyoming. Participants climb and descend three
mountain passes in the race’s first 110 miles in
unpredictable September weather that can range
from scorching heat to sudden snow squalls.
“Our Logan to Jackson ride was remarkable,”
Bornholdt says. “Yes, we prepared for it but it still
demanded a great deal of heart and determination.
Bradley has these traits in spades.”
Bornholdt recounts that, at the LOTOJA awards
ceremony, a race participant walked up to Hintze
and thanked the Aggie student for his inspiration.
“The man told Bradley that, when we passed
him, he was about ready to give up,” Bornholdt
says. “But he decided if Bradley was still riding,
he would keep riding. He moved in behind us and
rode with our group the last 11 miles. He was in
tears as he spoke to Bradley.”
In Johnson’s lab, Hintze uses x-ray crystallography
techniques in combination with biochemical
analysis to understand the structure and
mechanism of proteins.
78
“TRAMP is a protein complex that’s involved
in RNA degradation in the nucleus,” he says.
“It identifies RNA substrates that need to
be degraded and labels them – much like a
lumberjack identifies and tags trees in a forest
that need to be cut down.”
The project gives scientists a structural view
of cell components that play a central role in
nuclear RNA surveillance, Hintze says. “RNA
surveillance is a widespread cellular process that
is critical for cell function and viability.”
A 2001 graduate of Utah’s Alta High School,
Hintze was initially timid about pursuing
university studies. “I thought college wasn’t an
option for me; that it would be way too difficult.”
With encouragement from a Salt Lake vocational
rehabilitation center, he entered USU in fall 2003.
Testing the waters with 10 credits, he earned a 4.0
GPA during his first semester. A general biology
course his second year, taught by professors Keith
Mott and Greg Podgorski, captured his interest
but, at first, shook his confidence.
“I was nervous but my advisor, Cathy Myers-Roche,
encouraged me to keep trying,” Hintze says.
After his first big test, he emerged with a nearly
perfect score. “That, right there, gave me more
confidence in my collegiate career than anything
else,” he says.
The course, along with subsequent science
courses, steered him to biochemistry.
“I thought, ‘this is so cool’ and I wanted to do
research,” Hintze says. “The research we’re doing
now, determining the structure of TRAMP, has
never been done before. We’re getting information
that’s never been known. That fascinates me.”
Contact: Bradley Hintze, bradley.h@aggiemail.
usu.edu
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517,
[email protected]
October 2008
AGGIE BLUE BIKES
Student-Run Organization Benefits the
Environment and Promotes Good Health
A
health, sustainable communities, reduce vehicle
congestion and to better the air quality in
Cache Valley,” said Adam Christiansen, Aggie
ir pollution is caused by many
factors, but with approximately two million miles
Blue Bikes program coordinator and senior in
mechanical engineering.
driven in Cache County every day, some of the
pollution is inevitably linked to greenhouse gas
In spring 2007, they realized they would not
emissions from cars.
be able to serve the amount of students they
desired because the demand for Blue Bikes
In 2005, a group of students and faculty
far exceeded the supply. So they adopted this
members at Utah State University in the USU
mission and have been developing ways to make
Community Bike Coalition started brainstorming
this happen ever since.
ways to attack the air quality problem in Cache
Valley. The winning idea was a community bike
In an effort to get people on bikes more often,
program that evolved into Aggie Blue Bikes,
whether on a Blue Bike or not, Aggie Blue Bikes
which officially began serving students in
has expanded the educational side of its services
September 2005.
to include one-on-one tutorials, community
weekly classes, League of American Bicyclists
Aggie Blue Bikes is a student-managed and
classes and the
student-run program that checks bikes out to
student tool
students free of charge for up to a
board.
semester at a time. It also offers
free, one-on-one maintenance
counseling and provides bike
tools to help students take
care of their own bikes.
The program started
with nine bikes and one
employee and has grown in
just three years to include
more than 100 bikes and 10
employees annually.
When Aggie Blue Bikes
was established in fall
2005, it had nine bikes.
Through generous
donations from
students and
community members,
the number of bikes
has grown to
approximately 120 in
just three years.
“Our mission is to get more
people on more bikes
more often to promote
79
The Blue Bikes come from students and
community members who donate their old bikes
to the program. Aggie Blue Bikes employees
restore the bikes or use them for parts and paint
the frames aggie blue. Christiansen has also
been able to coordinate with the USU police to
recycle abandoned bikes around campus. After
an abandoned bike is taken by the police, it’s
held for three months to give the owner ample
time to claim it. After the three months, Aggie
Blue Bikes adds it to its fleet.
“This program is completely original,”
Christiansen said. “We studied different models
used at other schools and in other communities,
but no other program runs at virtually no cost to
the students.”
Aggie Blue Bikes has been able to function
Aggie Blue Bikes employee Dave Griffin fixes the brakes
on a bike to get it ready to become an official Blue Bike.
due to generous donations and grants from
The tool board is a full set of bicycle tools and
Provost Raymond Coward, Vice President of
stands that students can use any time. If the
Student Services Gary Chambers and Dean of
student doesn’t know how to use the tools, a
the College of Natural Resources and Director of
Blue Bikes employee will teach the student how
the Sustainability Council Nat Frazer.
to use the tools and maintain a bike, but will not
fix the problem.
AmeriCorps, the Utah Conservation Core,
“Aggie Blue Bikes is a fantastic program for
sustainability at USU — not only does it help
“By doing this, we take concepts and turn them
into hands-on skills that students will have
throughout their lives,” Christiansen said. “This
teaches students how to take care of themselves
rather than relying on someone else and gives
them the ability to pass their knowledge on to
others. The success of the student tool board
has been phenomenal.”
lower carbon emissions in Cache Valley, but
The lucky students who get to borrow a bike enjoy
the benefits of this sustainable form of transportation.
Beginning in 2007, Blue Bikes started a Friends
“I was so excited when I got my Aggie Blue Bike
last summer — I showed it to everyone at work
as soon as I got it,” said Loni Pilcher, senior
graphic design student. “I lived really close to
campus and work so it didn’t make sense to
drive my car. I got great exercise riding up the
hill to work a few times a week, and I loved being
able to ride to my friends’ houses instead of
spending money on gas.”
By fall 2006, just one year after Aggie Blue Bikes was
established, the bike supply had doubled from nine
to 18 bikes. A year later it had more than tripled to
65, and a year later it had about 120 bikes.
80
the students who use the bikes are sustaining
their own bodies by getting exercise as they
ride them,” Frazer said. “I can think of no
other student-managed initiative that has such
tremendous benefits. I am delighted that the
Sustainability Council has been able to support
its efforts.”
of Santa program in which its employees collect
donated children’s bikes and refurbish them to give
to needy children in the community. Aggie Blue
Bikes also plans and hosts the Cache Valley bike
festival each spring in an effort to give community
members a chance to learn about bikes, biking
etiquette and local bike businesses, etc.
“We’re so grateful for everyone who has helped us
and everything that’s been given to us,” Christiansen
said. “We are glad we’ve found a way to give back
to the community to show our gratitude.”
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429,
[email protected]
October 2008
BLUE GOES GREEN
G
oogle produces more than 33 million results for the word “sustainability”— a word that
seems to be popping up everywhere these days.
So what’s all the hype about?
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. At a time when the world consumes more quickly than the earth
can replenish, it is important to do everything possible to become more efficient.
Utah State University formed its Sustainability Council in spring 2007 after President Stan Albrecht
was the first in Utah to sign the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, a
document that holds the university responsible for developing a plan to work toward climate neutrality.
While this document emphasizes the university’s move toward sustainability, Utah State has been
instituting green practices around campus for more than 15 years and continues to implement new
practices and utilize new technology to further this cause.
Facilities
Since its beginning, the Facilities division at USU
has had at least one engineer dedicated to issues
impacting energy consumption. Today there is a
sustainability coordinator who is supported by a
staff of engineers working on projects to make USU
more sustainable. Major projects include the chilled
water plant, the co-generation/central heating unit
and the transition to more efficient lighting.
“Sustainability is ingrained in our organization,
it’s something we continually do,” said Ben
Berrett, director of facilities operations. “Aside
from the social responsibility aspect, saving
energy saves money, and we strive to give
taxpayers the highest value for their dollar.”
The chilled water plant, also known as the
central cooling plant, was installed in 2003.
For this project, facilities staff removed 25 old
chillers from individual buildings around campus
and replaced them with the most efficient
electric chillers available. All the chillers were
relocated to a central building where they are
under 24-hour efficiency surveillance. The
Ninety percent of USU’s Aggie Shuttles run on
natural gas, and the fleet is the only alternativefuel bus system in higher education in Utah.
81
cool air generated from the coolers is pumped
to buildings around campus through existing
underground tunnels.
The co-generation/central heating unit is a gas
turbine generator that burns natural gas and turns
an electric generator that can generate about half of
the electricity used on campus.
The waste heat from this process
goes through a heat exchanger
to make steam used to heat the
buildings around campus.
Landscaping
In 1993 the landscaping crew at USU began
working on ways to use water more efficiently
around campus. Pressure regulators were
installed on irrigation valves to reduce the droplet
size of the water coming out of sprinklers. This
allowed
more water
to hit the
ground
instead
of getting
carried
off by the
wind.
While the facilities staff has been
changing light bulbs all over campus
to replace existing ones with more
More
efficient T8 bulbs, it has also been
sprinkler
updating some rooms on campus
water at
The area in front of the Merrill-Cazier Library features
with occupancy sensors that
USU is lost
native
grasses.
automatically shut off the lights
to wind
when there’s no one in the room.
than to evaporation, according to Jim Huppi,
The same concept saves on heating and cooling
USU landscape architect/manager.
bills by using electronic sensors to automatically
shut off some systems during the night.
Five years later, a computerized central control
system for irrigation was installed that allows
Aggie Shuttle
the landscape crew to shut down the entire
system in just five minutes to save water during
In 1999 USU got its first set of Aggie Shuttles
a rain storm as well as save power for pumps
that run on natural gas. Natural gas is an
and shorten watering windows. Huppi said
excellent alternative because it only costs 65 to
that before this upgrade took place, it would
70 cents per gallon and hardly emits any carbon
take about a day and a half to shut off the
dioxide, said Alden Erickson, shuttle supervisor.
approximately 140 clocks around campus and
It can be difficult to maintain a fleet of natural
the same amount of time to turn them back on.
gas vehicles because it requires increased
mechanical maintenance and better-trained
The landscaping staff has also worked to
technicians. It can also be difficult to find a
organize plants around campus by their water
natural gas fueling station.
requirements so the central control system
can be programmed to water only what needs
USU overcame both setbacks with its stellar
to be watered. The staff also began planting
maintenance crew and a grant that made
native plants and dedicated some spots around
possible the installation of two natural gas
campus as demonstration gardens that have
fueling stations on campus. Because of this, 90
been planned and built by horticulture students.
percent of the Aggie Shuttles now run on natural
gas and have become the only alternative-fuel
“Since these changes were made, USU uses half
bus system in higher education in Utah.
as much water as it did in 1993, even though the
landscape area has increased,” Huppi said.
Besides using eco-friendly fuel, Aggie Shuttles
transport up to 6,500 people per day during the
For more information, visit www.sustainability.
school year, totaling 850,000-950,000 people per
usu.edu
year. It does all this with just $11 per semester
in student fees, which are offset with a charter
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429,
service and revenue from ad space it provides
[email protected]
to local vendors that generate approximately
October 2008
$25,000 each year.
82
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT WHILE
PRESERVING USU HISTORY
I
t is a Utah State University landmark that is often overlooked. The amphitheater on Old Main Hill
has become dilapidated and underutilized. Students from a Management and Human Resources class
hope to change this.
The amphitheater was reconstructed by the MHR 3110 class in October 2008 so it could be used for
a benefit concert where all proceeds went to aid people in Peru, said Nicole Brown, a junior majoring
in public relations and a member of the class.
The proceeds went to the Huntsman School of Business-sponsored Micro/Small Business-Loan
account program. The micro-loan program provides small loans of $50 to $100 to individuals and
small businesses in Peru while educating them on how to run a business, said David Herrmann,
senior lecturer in the Management and Human Resources Department.
“The recipients of the loans are able to start small businesses to increase their income levels,” he
added. “We believe this project will make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The Renovation:
Unfortunately, the amphitheater has become
worn down over its 70-year lifespan and was
recently deemed unsafe said Stanley Kane,
director of campus maintenance operations and
USU architect. He said it would cost at least a
half a million to get it into tip-top shape.
Because of the lack of funding to renovate the
amphitheater, Facilities made a few repairs to get
the amphitheater up to code. The concrete wall
The MHR class took it from there. The
students revitalized the historic site for
the concert, which featured guitarist
Katie Lewis, Grafted and other artists.
The class spent two hours sanding
benches, sweeping walkways
and painting benches to
prepare the amphitheater for
its debut.
was removed and replaced with a guard railing to
make it safer.
Students in a management and human resources class revitalized USU’s historic
amphitheater for a benefit concert where proceeds went to the Huntsman School
of Business Micro Loan program to finance new businesses in Peru.
83
The amphitheater’s long-lasting history
stems back to 1924. According to USU
Facilities’ documents, many class gifts
were taken to pay for the materials and
construction of the amphitheater. The
construction was done by students
employed through the Federal Emergency
Relief Administration.
After its completion, the amphitheater was
put to good use, Brown said.
“Our project not only benefits USU,
but Peru benefits at the same time. I
hope it will make a big impact on many
people here in Logan and in Peru.”
“We wanted the amphitheater to look good
for the concert,” Brown said. “It’s a beautiful
spot, and we wanted people to be aware of
its existence.”
Brown is not the only one to deem the
amphitheater a beautiful spot on campus. USU
Facilities documented the amphitheater as being
perceived as “one of the most attractive sites in
America with its overlook of Cache Valley” when
it was first built.
84
“It has been used over the years for
commencement exercises, summer classes,
music festivals and a major summer theater
program,” she said.
The MHR 3110 class has been able to
preserve a piece of USU history while helping people across the globe.
“Our project not only benefits USU, but Peru
benefits at the same time,” she said. “I hope it
will make a big impact on many people here in
Logan and in Peru.”
Writer: Chelsie Hansen, chelsie.hansen@
aggiemail.usu.edu
October 2008
AG GYMNAST FOUNDS NONPROFIT
TO FIGHT POVERTY IN
A F RI CA
K
“Dollars for Change” raises money by asking each
person to give just $1 to fight poverty in Africa.
atie Rutherford, a former Utah State
“I am not asking you to sign up for anything and
University gymnast (2001-05), is reaching for
I am not asking for all of your money,” Rutherford
new heights and pushing above and beyond her
explains on her “Dollars for Change” Web site.
typical routines.
“I’m asking that you do without that can of soda
just once. I’m asking that you find a small piece
A year after graduating from USU in
of your life where you can save just one dollar
anthropology, Rutherford established “Dollars for
and put it to better use. Prove to your kids, your
Change,” a nonprofit organization with a goal of
siblings, anyone you have ever told, that one
reaching out to millions.
person really can make a difference. You don’t
have to be a millionaire to change the world as
long as we all
work together.”
Through her
involvement
with the Student
Athletic Advisory
Committee, a
community-based
service club
for athletes at
USU, Rutherford
helped the USU
gymnastics team
start fundraising
for children’s
education in Africa.
“When I realized
what a difference
our proceeds
“It’s hard to imagine what one dollar can actually do, but it’s more powerful than people
realize,” Rutherford said.
made in a child’s
85
life, it made
“It’s hard to imagine
me want to do
what one dollar can
something more,”
actually do, but it’s
Rutherford said.
more powerful than
people realize,”
She quit her job
Rutherford said. “So
in government
far, I have raised
banking and
enough to build one
began to focus
school through Dollars
on developing
for Change.”
her own nonprofit
organization.
Today, Rutherford
flies across the nation
“I really didn’t
sharing her stories
have much,”
to inspire students,
said Rutherford.
communities and
“It took a while
families to join
to become tax-
the cause.
exempt and go
through all of the
“All donations go
requirements, but
directly toward
it has proven to be
well worth it.”
Katie Rutherford, former USU gymnast, established “Dollars
for Change,” a nonprofit organization that helps develop
schools in Africa.
After spending three months fundraising, Rutherford
the cause,” said
Rutherford. “The
money isn’t used for
anything other than the schools.”
took her first trip to begin her routine in Africa. After
spending more than five months building schools
Rutherford’s efforts have made an impression on
and helping with irrigation and education, she
members of USU’s current gymnastics team.
realized her potential to make a difference.
“I look up to Katie,” said Lindsey Boone,
“When I saw what a difference my efforts made,
sophomore on the gymnastics team majoring
I began to research what more I could do,”
in business, “I hope more athletes and people
Rutherford said. “I came across a life-changing
come together to donate.”
statistic. America’s population in the year 2007
reached more than 300 million. If I could get at
“Join the challenge to prove that together, we
least $1 from every American family or student,
can make a difference,” said Rutherford.
funding for schools and projects in Africa would
be possible.”
Writer: Celia Child, [email protected]
November 2008
This is how the philosophy for Rutherford’s
organization, “Dollars for Change”, was created.
86
USU STUDENTS HEAD TO MEXICO AND MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
O
children, and the orphanage itself got a new
septic system.
rphaned children with disabilities in
The Mexico trip has become an annual tradition
Manaedero, Mexico, got a new chance to play
over the past four years for students in the
and learn, and Utah State University students
Department of Communicative Disorders and
who went to the orphanage in May 2008 to help
Deaf Education, and Department Head Beth
got a new perspective.
Foley has seen the same story repeat itself.
When students arrive, they are “shell shocked” to
The staff at the Gabriel House orphanage
see the needs at the orphanage and the severity
received training to help them work with the
of the children’s disabilities; but when it’s time to
head back to the U.S., the students
don’t want to go.
In 2008, more than 90 students
from three different USU
departments contributed work to
the orphanage. About 20 of them
made the trip to Manaedero with
several faculty members. Gabriel
House is an orphanage for children
who have disabilities or who
are HIV positive. The orphanage
houses about 40 children.
Sonia Manuel-Dupont, a professor
in English, communicative
disorders and civil engineering, has
worked with Gabriel House for two
years. She has involved students
from all three of her disciplines in
projects for the orphanage.
Her English students created
teaching units with books
in Spanish. Students in the
Communicative Disorders and
Deaf Education Department made
toys and communication systems
USU students traveled to Manaedero, Mexico, to help make
improvements to an orphanage for children with disabilities.
as part of an assistive technology
course. They added tactile symbols
87
independent study project, and it was
among the most ambitious works that
made the trip to Manaedero.
“I’m pretty pleased with the way it turned
out,” he said. Like many other student
contributions, the jungle gym was
assembled in the lab, which specializes in
adapting, repairing and building assistive
technology for people with disabilities.
Jordan Meek, a junior from Sandy majoring in Communicative
Disorders and Deaf Education, built an indoor jungle gym for
the orphanage.
to books in Spanish for children with visual
impairments and adapted books to stimulate
language development.
Representatives from the USU chapter of
Engineers Without Borders also designed a new
septic system for the orphanage since the old
one was overwhelmed by its massive laundry
demands. They installed the system in May
during their joint visit with other USU students.
Jordan Meek, a junior from Sandy majoring in
Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education,
built an indoor jungle gym that included a
detachable swing. Swinging is good for a
child’s development, said Stan Clelland, the
Assistive Technology Lab coordinator at the
USU Center for Persons with Disabilities.
Meek’s play equipment was built as an
88
Foley, one of the professors who teaches
the assistive technology class, began going
to the orphanage five years ago. The next
year and each year after, she began bringing
students with her.
In addition to bringing assistive technology
and toys with them, the students and faculty
members help train the Gabriel House staff on
ways to work with children who have conditions
including autism, muscular dystrophy, cerebral
palsy and Down syndrome. Many of the children
are unable to communicate using speech.
The students stay a week, but more than
once Foley has watched as the children at the
orphanage stand in front of the gate, trying to
keep their visitors from leaving. By then, the
students don’t want to leave either.
Writer: JoLynne Lyon, [email protected]
November 2008
WRDC AT USU IMPROVING
RURAL AMERICA
T
he Western Rural
Development Center’s
latest publications — a
series of population
briefs — are one more
effort by the center to
deliver resources to
improve the quality of
life in the rural West.
Located at Utah State
University, the WRDC
is one of four regional
centers nationwide
designed to strengthen
the capacity of local
Don Albrecht is the director of the Western Rural Development Center, which aims to
deliver resources to improve the quality of life in the rural West.
citizens to guide the
future of their rural communities. Each of the four
centers links the research and Extension capacity
of regional land-grant universities with local
decision makers to address a wide range of rural
development issues.
“We try to provide whatever is necessary to improve
the lives of people in rural America,” said Don
Albrecht, director of the Western Center. “Better
information will lead to better decision making,
so it is our job to be the source of complete and
accurate information about their communities.”
Albrecht said the center has a multi-dimensional
focus. It initiates projects by bringing resources
and people together to jump-start innovative
concepts. It also brings eclectic groups of people
together to explore issues, learn about one
another’s values and goals and think creatively
about how to shape the rural West. The center
also supports the creation of businesses and
the development of desirable assets using a
sustainable approach, supporting local cultures
and creating the ability to seize emerging
opportunities and solve problems.
That means communities can come to the WRDC
for the latest information about issues such as
economic development, energy development,
public policy, rural health, sustainable
development, natural resources and more.
The “population briefs” summarize population
trends and how those trends might affect health,
employment, poverty, minorities, education and
land use.
The series was developed in response to
requests from researchers and nonprofits
throughout the 13 Western states that were in
89
need of demographic
Population Changes from 1980-2000 for the Western Region
data pertaining to
Hispanic
the rapidly changing
9,080,131; 50.0%
populations in the
region. The series
Asian
includes regional
3,015,343; 16.6%
overviews about
Black
“The Changing
686,368; 3.8%
West,” “Employment,
Native American
Income and Poverty,”
374,040; 2.1%
“Education,” “Health
White
and Longevity,”
5,008,524; 27.6%
and “Land Use and
Resources” and one
A sample of the information found in the population briefs.
brief for each of the 13
Western states.
“The size and composition of the population in
the Western states is rapidly changing,” Albrecht
said. “Accurate and timely information is
essential to our stakeholders. These population
briefs provide this information in a readily
accessible and easy-to-read format.”
Albrecht served as the researcher and author for
the briefs. His goal is to make this information
available to researchers, community leaders and
nonprofits that otherwise may not have access to
this important demographic data.
“Rural community developers throughout the
West face many challenges, and before they
begin to shape their communities for future
success, they must have an understanding of
their current populations and conditions,” he
said. “These population briefs provide them with
that baseline information.”
Statistics pertaining to health insurance coverage
among residents of the Western states are of
particular concern at the moment, he said. The
Health and Longevity brief, for example, said
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the residents of Western states are much more
likely to be without health insurance than the
average American. Only in Hawaii (9.6 percent)
do a smaller percentage of people lack health
insurance than the national average. Four
Western states (New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona
and Montana) and several Southern states
(Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Oklahoma and Texas), are among the 10 states
with the highest rates of uninsured individuals in
the nation.
The Western Rural Development Center links the
research and extension capacity of land-grant
universities in 13 Western states and four U.S.
territories. The WRDC is funded by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State
Research, Education and Extension Services. It
also receives substantial support from several
USU units, including Cooperative Extension, the
Agricultural Experiment Station and the College
of Natural Resources.
Writer: Tim Vitale, 435-797-1356,
[email protected]
November 2008
CHANGING THE WORLD
ONE
DROP
AT A TIME
U
tah State University’s Utah Water
Research Laboratory has projects and training efforts
in all of Utah’s 29 counties and has conducted water
resources projects and training programs in nearly 70
countries throughout the world.
Before the building was even dedicated in 1965,
faculty at the Water Lab were already working on
international projects.
“These international projects have helped establish
a close relationship between the UWRL and
water agencies and universities in many parts
of the world,” said Mac McKee, director of the
Water Lab. “Through these relationships, USU
has recruited students from around the world,
many of whom now work as the world’s water
leaders. Today, international students make up
approximately 75 percent of the graduate students
working at the Water Lab.”
In the 1990s the UWRL began working with An
Najah National University in Nablus, West Bank,
Palestine. Because few doctoral degrees are offered
in Palestine, many ANNU students come to USU to
obtain a doctoral degree, and they frequently return
to work as professors and experts in their fields.
In summer 2007, associate professor in
Environmental Engineering Laurie McNeill began
her sabbatical at ANNU, where she taught and
researched water problems the area currently faces.
The city of Nablus has a population of nearly
200,000 people, and during much of the year
there isn’t enough drinking water available to the
Palestinian people.
Associate professor in Environmental Engineering Laurie
McNeill spent a year at An Najah National University in
Nablus, West Bank, Palestine, where she taught and
researched water problems the area currently faces.
Due to the shortage, the city can only provide
drinking water every few days, and residents have
to stock up on water by storing it in large tanks
on their roofs to use during the in-between days.
While she was there, the time between water days
increased from three to five to 10 days by the time
she left in July 2008.
This system, in which water runs through pipes
only once every few days, is called “intermittent
pumping,” and many developing countries use this
system instead of continuous pumping, which is
used in America. Intermittent pumping can cause a
91
variety of water problems that do not
occur with continuous pumping.
McNeill and her students at ANNU
worked to develop a model for
intermittent pumping so they can
understand how it influences water
quality and predict future problems.
They are also working to develop a
model to analyze water quality in the
storage tanks.
Not only does intermittent pumping Due to the water shortage in Nablus, the city can only provide drinking
water every few days. Residents have to stock up on water by storing it
pose potential hazards to the
in large tanks on their roofs to use during the in-between days.
water quality, but the area is also
susceptible to water contamination
Nabeel Hamdan worked most closely with McNeill
and potential cancer-causing agents.
on this project. He is working toward a master’s
Just as many water treatment plants in the United
States add a small amount of chlorine to water to
kill pathogens, chlorine is also added to the drinking
water in Nablus. However, in less-than-ideal
hygienic circumstances, this chlorine can pose a
potential hazard.
When chlorine reacts with organic matter (such as
raw sewage), it forms a disinfection by-product, or
DBP, which can cause cancer. This is a real concern
because some clean-water pipes in Nablus are
submerged in flows of raw sewage.
McNeill and her students are trying to model this
scenario as well so they can track how the chlorine
changes in this system. Then they can determine
when and how much chlorine to add.
degree and currently works as head of the
engineering department in Beita, a town of about
10,000 people located south of Nablus.
“I’ve always been interested in everything related to
water quality, and presently there is no information
to help identify or quantify the location and extent
of DBPs in the Nablus system,” he said. “I hope this
research will help decision makers improve water
quality here and benefit people around the world.”
The final projects McNeill worked on during her
sabbatical dealt with wastewater treatment. One
project tested a pilot-scale wastewater treatment
process for removing contaminants.
The second project looked into how to run a
sewage collection system where none existed
previously, the logistics of installing a full-scale
“It’s a balancing act,” she said. “You need to add
treatment plant and what opportunities were
chlorine to keep the water clean and safe, but
available for reusing the treated wastewater for
you don’t want to add too much in case organic
irrigation. This is important because it is not
matter comes into contact with the water and forms
uncommon for Palestinians to have cesspits,
cancer-causing disinfection by-products.”
allowing sewage to seep into
the ground and contaminate the
Utah Water Research Laboratory
ground water.
• The Logan River can be diverted directly through the Utah Water
Research Laboratory’s hydraulics lab.
• The lab works on more than 300 water-related projects each year, and
its annual research expenditures equal $9 million.
• In 2005, National Geographic visited the UWRL to film its faculty and
lab resources for a documentary it produced about flooding.
• The UWRL is home to one of the nation’s few large-rainfall simulators.
With approximately 66,000 droppers, this machine can recreate the
rainfall conditions of a specific storm.
• A new hydraulics modeling laboratory is under construction at the
UWRL that will have approximately 10,000-square-feet of floor space. It
will be completed January 2009 and will allow researchers at the UWRL
to more effectively compete for large physical modeling projects.
92
“This is just one example of what
our faculty does daily,” said
McKee. “Our mission involves
helping solve water-related
problems at the state, national and
global levels, and our dedicated
faculty make this goal a reality.”
Writer: Annalisa Fox, 435-797-1429
[email protected]
November 2008