Recent Biology Department News
Fall 2008
- The Free Clinic, managed by the Pre-Med Club was featured in an article in the Joplin (MO) Globe.
- The annual Pre-Physical Therapy Open House held Tuesday October 28 included a brief opening session with guest speaker followed by visits with representatives of several DPT programs. Over 45 students attended.
- We have two faculty positions open. The first is a new position in molecular biology (read position description) and the second is a replacement for the genetics (read position description) slot vacated by Dr. Brooker's departure (see below).
- The official opening of the PSU Natural History Reserve Laboratory was held October 1, 2008 at at the university's 80-acre Natural History Reserve. More than 100 construction engineering students worked on the new building supported by their faculty. The lab is the first "green" building constructed on campus property. It uses ECO-BLOCK, an environmentally friendly foundation and wall insulator, recycled siding, and an energy-saving heat pump. The project was funded by the university and by a donation from the Sperry-Galligar Audubon Society.
- We welcome to new staff members: Dr. Hermann Nonnenmacher and Mr. Clint Dunkle. They will be joining us in teaching the biology core courses.
Summer 2008
- Dr. Virginia Rider is the first winner of the Sidney A. McNairy, Jr. Mentoring Award given through the National Institutes of Health. The award, which will be given to one professor in the nation every two years, honors faculty for their dedication and focus mentoring students. For more, read the PSU blog.
- Dr. Nancy Brooker has left us after 15 years of excellence in teaching, research, and service. She has accepted a position as Manager of Quality Assurance position with Bayer Crop Science, Bioscience Division, in Gent, Belgium. Bayer Crop Science is one of the top three crop protection companies in the world and the BioScience division is a leading international player in research, development and marketing of seeds. Their innovation is focused on three market areas: vegetable seeds, agricultural crops and novel plant-based products for health, nutrition and biomaterial applications.
- Dr. Dave Gordon is returning from sabbatical leave and it is good to have him back.
- Several of our pre-med students, with Dr. Dan Zurek, made a fantastic trip to Cuzco, Peru at the end of the spring semester. They volunteered in a variety of medical clinics. The trip was organized by junior biology major Emily Walters. A small slide show can be seen below.
- Congratulations to our own Dr. James Dawson who has been promoted to Chair of the department. Jim has been in the department for 30 years - that wealth of experience in the department and the university will serve him well. Best of luck, Jim!
- Dr. James Triplett has officially stepped down as Chair of the Biology Department. Jim was interim Chair in 1984-1985 and became Chair in 1985. He was the 5th person to serve as Chair. The first Chair of the department - O.P. Dellinger - is the only person to have served longer, from 1909 to 1939. We thank Jim for his years of service. See the Department History web pages for more historical information about the department.
Spring 2008
- Dr. Dan Zurek was one of three PSU "Outstanding Faculty Award" winners for 2008 announced at the March 6 Apple Day convocation. The winners are nominated and selected by students.
- Our Pre-vet Club ventured to an open house at Kansas State in April 2008 (image below).
