Spectrum

editorial board Jane Matty, Interim Dean j.matty@cmich.edu Pete Vermeire, Interim Associate Dean verme1pj@cmich.edu Gail Moore, Director of Development gail.moore@cmich.edu Lisa Keith, Coordinator of Publications and Web Communications lisa.a.keith@cmich.edu production CMU University Communications Editor: Dan Digmann Writers: Allie Boyer, Tracy Burton '02, Tom Castiglione, Barbara Sutherland Chovanec, Dan Digmann, Sharasa Henley Graphic Designer: Amanda St. Juliana, '06 Photographers: Peggy Brisbane, Robert Barclay Printing: CMU Printing Services mission statement The mission of the college is to provide high quality education in the scientific, engineering and technological fields and to enable its students, faculty and staff to engage in the creation and application of knowledge. The college is committed to the values associated with the broad liberal education essential for responsible citizenship, coupled with programs of professional study that offer students the requisite training and knowledge to become successful in careers or additional studies. In all its activities, the college supports academic excellence, global awareness, equal opportunity and diversity. contact information College of Science and Technology Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 sci-tech@cmich.edu cst.cmich.edu 989-774-1870 Fax: 989-774-1874 on the cover Don Uzarski, associate professor of biology and director of the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island, conducts reseach in the coastal wetlands of the island's north end. Uzarski has more than a decade of research experience related to wetland science and the Great Lakes. He says with the station's location, CMU is in a position to become a leader in Great Lakes research. CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity within its community (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). Produced by CMU University Communication and printed by CMU Printing Services. UComm 8243-20,500 (4/10) 2 What's new in CST? Share in the exciting 2010 developments The College of Science and Technology began 2010 with much to celebrate and even more to look forward to in the coming year. CST students, faculty and alumni continue to excel and to make a difference in the world. In this issue of Spectrum you can read about: • Engineering students working with their faculty advisor to design a tool that will help visually impaired people move around safely (page 3) • Biology faculty landing a major grant from the National Science Foundation to engage undergraduate students in research, a tactic proven to improve students' interest and success in science (page 5) • CST recruiting exceptional students through the "Fire Up!" Program at CMU's Biological Station on Beaver Island (page 8) The Biological Station continues to prosper. We all thank Jim Gillingham – who retired in December after serving as director for many years – for his legacy of accomplishments that transformed the station. The new director, Don Uzarski, brings a distinguished record of research in the Great Lakes and great enthusiasm for the CMU Biological Station. CST faculty members have enjoyed many successes, some of which are featured in this issue of Spectrum. These include a prestigious Fulbright scholar award, a statewide distinguished teaching honor, prize-winning images and grants to fund nanotechnology research. Updates on the Botanical Garden and College of Medicine In other news, CMU's Fabiano Botanical Garden is set to bloom this spring. Patti Travioli, manager of the Botanical Garden, coordinates events showcasing opportunities for supporters to help develop the gardens. She and Gail Moore, CST's director of development, have launched a "Friends of the Fabiano Botanical Garden" group for those of you who'd like to help advance this project, learn from the educational plantings or simply enjoy the garden. CMU's College of Medicine is proceeding on schedule, which included a Feb. 18 groundbreaking ceremony. The medical school will be housed in an addition to the Health Professions Building. Affiliations with local hospitals are established, and Dr. Ernest Yoder was named founding dean of the college. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Yoder currently is the vice president of medical education and research for St. John Health and Ascension Health in Michigan and a clinical professor of medicine at the Wayne State University Medical School. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions about Spectrum newsletter and look forward to hearing from you. To include your news in the next issue, link to "Share your news" in the alumni section on our Web site – cst.cmich.edu – or enclose your update in the donor envelope inside this newsletter. •

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