CSB/SJU Biology Department Newsletter
 Volume 4    Number 11                                            
March 2, 2001

Letter from the Editor
 

    It's hard to believe that another week has slipped by so quickly.  This past week I enjoyed having an opportunity to socialize with the faculty from St. Cloud State University when they came to visit.  Among the benefits of our discussions was that Dr. Jorge Arriagada, director of the SCSU Herbarium and I are planning to develop some collaborative projects that would involve students from both institutions.  This is an exciting possibility and for those of you who like plants. Keep posted for further developments.  Until next week......

Student News

Kristi Kubista (CSB '01) has been accepted to a graduate program in environmental policy.

Susan Switras-Meyer (CSB '97) completed her MS in Horticulture at the UM and is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Cornell.

Faculty News

On a snowy Saturday morning, Dr's. E Jensen, M Reagan, and S Saupe, braved life and limb to judge the Central Minnesota Regional Science Fair that was held at St. Cloud State University.

The CSB/SJU Biology Department hosted a visit by the faculty of the biology department from St. Cloud State University.  About 30 faculty from the two departments meet in the Natural History Museum to share stories, renew friendships, and develop new friendships and working relationships.  Many thanks to Dr. Jeanne Marie Lust, OSB, and Dr. Ellen Jensen for organizing this event that everyone agreed should become much more frequent. 

Curriculum News

Five Day Cycle?
    The institutions are currently discussing the possibility of switching from our six-cay cycle to a typical five-day, working week schedule.  If you have any comments about the schedule, direct them to any faculty member.

Calendar of Events

Mar 2 Biology Career & Internship Fair - UM
Mar 5 Schirber Lecture:  Catholic Perspecitve on Health Care; Q264; 7:30 p.m.
Mar 21 Biology Dept Seminar:  "The nomadic life of the T lymphocyte" - Dr. Y Shimizu, UM
Mar 23   GRE Registration deadline (contact CSB/SJU Career Resource center)
April 2 Biology Dept Seminar:  "Vistas of Tan Spot Research" - Dr. L. Francl, North Dakota State U.
April 30 Biology Dept. Seminar:  Dr. E Bell; Gustavus Adolphus College
May 5 Celebrating Scholarship Day at CSB/SJU.  Contact Dr. M. Webster for details.

Biology Club News

BioClub Activities � submitted by Matt
    X-C Skiing � Sunday.  We planning to go cross-country skiing this Sunday (weather permitting).  We�ll plan to meet at the Palaestra at SJU (the sports arena).  Just meet in the lobby area and look for other bio clubbers.   Lets meet at 12:30.  We�ll plan to ski until when ever we want to.  You are free to go as you please if you have meetings and such.  If you have never been cross-country skiing, don�t let it discourage you from coming.  There will be people to show you how and it is really easy to pick up on.  If you can come, please respond letting us know if you need equipment or if you have your own.  If it makes you feel more comfortable, bring a friend along and let them see how cool the SJU woods can be!

Internships/Scholarships/Jobs

Braun Intertec Internship/Co-op Analytical Laboratory Internship
    Braun Intertec is a full-service environmental and engineering firm in Minneapolis that has an Analytical laboratory Internship available.  Contact Anne Resler, Human Resources, at aresler@brauncorp.com for more information.  Or, visit their web site.  

Biology Work Study Positions for 2001-2002
    If you are interested in a position as a work-study student in the Biology Department during the next academic year, contact Carol Jansky (3178) or apply online.  Deadline March 30.

CSB/SJU Undergraduate Research & Creativity Support Program �00-�01
       Funds are available for participating in professional meetings.  For more information, contact Mary Tamm, URCS Coordinator, SJU Quad 451; or Dr. Marcus Webster.  Don't delay - the deadline is soon.  

Plant Genomics Internship - for undergraduates at the University Of Missouri-Columbia
            The new Plant Genomics Internships at University of Missouri-Columbia (PGI @ MU) program is funded by the National Science Foundation. The purpose of the program is to provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research in plant genomics and to attract talented students to careers in the plant sciences.  Plant Genomics at Missouri The University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) is a nationally recognized center for plant genetics research and has recently been awarded ten grants from the National Science Foundation to fund research in plant structural and functional genomics.  Faculty in biological sciences, biochemistry, plant sciences/agronomy, and the USDA/ARS are eager to provide training opportunities for undergraduates who wish to participate in collaborative research.  Research problems include: genome organization, gene expression, signal  transduction, hormone action, organelle biochemistry, disease resistance, and crop plant productivity.  Genomics approaches to understanding these problems include:  genetic and  physical mapping, multiple methods for functional analysis, and bioinformatics. Questions should be addressed to Dr. Linda Blockus, LS UROP Coordinator (BlockusL@missouri.edu, 573-882-5979) or to Dr. Karen Cone, PGI @ MU Coordinator (ConeK@missouri.edu, 573-882-2118).  For more info, visit their web site. 

Mid-Minnesota United - Audrey Erskine Scholarship
            Mid-Minnesota United is pleased to announce it is accepting applications for the Audrey Erskine Scholarship.  Applicants will be juniors or seniors, when they receive the award, and must be preparing for a career at the preschool, elementary, or secondary level.  Applications are due by 1 June and are available in the External Scholarship Programs office, HAB 103 - CSB.

Fulbright Conference
            The Fulbright Association, Minnesota Chapter, announces its Spring Conference, scheduled for March 24, 2001 at St. Cloud State University. The conference will be held between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm. This spring conference is aimed toward persons - faculty and students - who are interested in applying for a Fulbright award and wish to learn more about the process and the benefits of being a Fulbright recipient.

City Of Plymouth - Maintenance Worker in Horticulture
    Starting Salary: $15.11; Salary range to $18.73; Excellent benefit package.  Full time position in the Forestry division.  Duties include various horticultural and gardening activities to maintain City flowers, prairies, shrubs, trees and landscape beds.  To obtain application and job description, contact the City of Plymouth, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, 55447 or call 763-509-5072 (hearing impaired TDD 763-509-5065).  Completed application must be received by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2001

SCA's Ornithology/Wildlife Internship Opportunity:  Birds In Forested Landscapes, US Forest Service. 
    Approximate Start Date: 4/23/01 End Date: 7/20/01 Number of weeks: 13 weeks.  Interns will serve as coordinators for "Birds in Forested Landscapes," a cooperative "citizen science" program of the Forest Service and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology being conducted on several National Forests, including Pike-San Isabel NF, CO, White River NF, CO, Ochoco NF, OR, Willamette NF, OR, Mt. Hood NF, OR, Colville NF, WA, and Hiawatha NF, MI. Duties include: recruiting and organizing local volunteers to collect data on several thrush species in and near heavily used recreation areas; identifying survey sites, and preparing field packs; overseeing data collection, and entering data; teaching protocol to local volunteers; entering data on web page, and completing a final report with all the site information, data and maps. Interns will spend approximately 30% of their time in the field and 70% in office settings. Research protocol, first aid/CPR, and blood-borne pathogen awareness training provided. Require: valid driver's license; excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to use a computer; experience using map and compass; ability to work independently and with volunteers. Desire: interest in birds and bird conservation. Personal transportation recommended.  For further information please call SCA's recruiting department at 603-543-1700 or e-mail sherry@sca-inc.org for more details. 

Lakehead Pipe Line Co./Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. Environment Cooperative Student
    Enbridge  (U.S.)  Inc.,  through  its principal business affiliate Lakehead Pipe  Line  Company, operates the U.S. portion of the world's longest crude oil  pipeline  system.  We  have  a  need in our Duluth headquarters for an Environment  Cooperative  Student.   The  Student will be involved with the collection  of  environment  and  consequence data to be used in a mainline risk  assessment  project.  The data collection will involve reviewing hard copy   files  and  environmental  alignment  sheets,  searching  electronic databases  and  files,  and interviewing various staff.  Some travel may be required  to  complete  assignments.   This  person  will  also support the Environmental  Management  System  implementation  including  Environmental Impact Assessment,  regulatory  compliance,  site  remediation,  GIS  data collection,  etc.  Students  interested  in  this  position should send a detailed resume and current  school  transcript  along  with  a  cover letter explaining their interest and qualifications to the following address no later than Friday, March 30, 2001.  Enbridge (U.S.) Inc.; Human Resources Department; 21 West Superior Street; Duluth, MN 55802-2067;

 

Seminars/Lectures/Symposia

Schirber Lecture - "Catholic Perspectives on Health Care: Dying to Go Home"
    The Spring 2001 Schirber Lecture will be presented by Dr. Tom Knoblach, Diocese of St. Cloud on Monday, March 5, 2001, 7:30 p.m. in Quad 264, SJU.

MN Native Plant Society Symposium:  WILD HARVEST.  Emerging Issues In Commercial  Harvest Of Native Plants.  
    This symposium, sponsored by the MN Native Plant Society, will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2001 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.  A file with registration materials and topics is appended.  The cost to register is $20.00.  Dr. S Saupe is planning to attend and has room to take 3 or 4 passengers.  For a ride or to carpool, contact him (x2782; ssaupe@csbsju.edu). For more information or to learn if there are still available registration spaces available, contact David Johnson, MNPS Treasurer (david.johnson@usfamily.net).  Click here for a MS Word copy of the brochure.

Biology Department Seminar Schedule
    Dr. Chuck Rodell, the CSB/SJU Biology department seminar organizer has recently released the seminar schedule for spring semester.  Check the halls for the bright orange fliers.  The seminars are all scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in NEWSC 140. Refreshments and meeting with the speaker begins at 3:30 p.m. in NEWSC 150 (Museum).

21 Mar Dr. Yogi Shimizu (UM Medical School) "The nomadic life of the T lymphocyte:  Cell adhesion and the immune response"
2 April Dr. Leonard Francl (North Dakota State Univ) "Vistas of Tan Spot Research" (plant pathology)
30 April Dr. Ellis Bell (Gustavus Adolphus College) TBA

Miscellaneous

Herbarium Posters
    Last week, two beautifully-framed posters were hung in the CSB/SJU Bailey Herbarium.  One of the posters is the classic Marschner map that shows the pre-settlement vegetation of Minnesota.  The other is the Stearns County Biological Survey map that was recently completed by the MN Department of Natural Resources.  Both posters are extremely interesting and document the loss of biodiversity that has resulted from human settlement in Minnesota.  The frames were constructed by Brother Gregory and the St. John's woodshop and they look terrific.  Stop by and check them out.  

Biology of the Pacific Northwest - 2001
    There will be an informational meeting for this 4 credit, upper division biology course that will be offered this summer.  This course satisfies the Group IV requirement for biology.  It is a month-long intensive experience in field biology and natural history.  The trip will run from 15 July - 13 August, 2001 and be lead by Dr. Gordon Brown and Dr. Larry Davis.  The cost of the trip is $1700-$2000 (depending upon enrollment).  For more information contact Dr. Brown (dgbrown@csbsju.edu, 3175) or Dr. Davis (ldavis@csbsju.edu, x 3328).

Web Sites Worth A Visit 
 (have you visited any cool sites lately?  Send us your suggestions

Puzzler of the Week  
(this was submitted by an unknown contributor to the Newsletter; and after you read it you'll understand why the individual prefers to remain anonymous)

From The News of the Weird (3/01/01) comes yet again another example of why no botanists have won a Nobel Prize:

Austrian botanist Johann Zillinger was arrested in February on the way to the airport in Rio de Janeiro - allegedly he was preparing to smuggle 5 parakeet eggs that he had carefully stored in his crotch to keep them warm.

Here are the real puzzlers:

Joke of the Week
(another one making the email rounds)

    Saddam Hussein was sitting in his office wondering who to invade when his telephone rang. "Hallo! Mr. Hussein," a heavily accented voice says. "This is Paddy, down in County Kildare, Ireland. I am ringing to inform you that we are officially declaring war on you!!"

    "Well, Paddy," Saddam replies, "this is indeed important news! Tell me, how big is your army?"

    "At this moment in time," says Paddy after a moments' calculation, "there is meself, me cousin Sean, me next door neighbor Gerry and the entire dominoes team from the pub - that makes 8!"

    Saddam sighs. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 1 million men in my army waiting to move on my command."

    "Begorra!" says Paddy. "I'll have to ring you back!"

    Sure enough, the next day Paddy rings back.

    "Right, Mr. Hussein, the war is still on! We have managed to acquire some equipment!"

    "And what equipment would that be, Paddy?" Saddam asks.

    "Well, we have 2 combine harvesters, a bulldozer and Murphy's tractor from the farm."

    Once more Saddam sighs. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 16 thousand tanks, 14 thousand armored personnel carriers, and my army has increased to 1 and a half million since we last spoke."

    "Begorra!" says Paddy "I'll have to ring you back!"

    Sure enough, Paddy rings again the next day.

    "Right, Mr. Hussein, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves airborne! We've modified out Ted's ultra light with a couple of rifles in the cockpit and the bridge team has joined us as well!"

    Saddam is silent for a minute, then sighs. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 10 thousand bombers, 20 thousand MiG-19 attack planes, my military complex is surrounded by laser guided surface-to-air missile sites, and since we last spoke, my army has increased to 2 million."

    "Faith and begorra!" says Paddy, "I'll have to ring you back."

    Sure enough, Paddy calls again the next day.

    "Right, Mr. Hussein, I am sorry to tell you that we have had to call off the war."

    "I'm sorry to hear that," says Saddam. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

    "Well," says Paddy, "we've all had a chat and there's no way we can feed 2 million prisoners."

Frequently Asked Questions  

 

For more information, contact:
 Dr. Stephen G. Saupe
Professor & Herbarium Curator
Biology Department
College of St. Benedict/St. John's University
Collegeville, MN 56321
(320) 363-2782; (320) 363-3202 (fax); ssaupe@csbsju.edu

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