CSB/SJU Biology Department Newsletter
Volume 5    Number 2                                           
September 27, 2001

Letter from the Editor (top)

       As I put the finishing touches on the newsletter it is a glorious fall day.  The leaves are just beginning to turn color and we are heading into what appears to be a delightful weekend.  If you want to learn more about fall colors, check our the short essay, "Fall colors:  Behind the Green Curtain" that I wrote.  In the meantime, I especially encourage you to submit news, announcements, or other items that would be of interest to our readers.  You can send your submissions to me by email, snail mail (Dr. S.Saupe, Biology Department, PENGL 335, fax 363 3202, phone 363-2782, or in person.  I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you enjoy the newsletter.

Student News (top)

Nikki Hemmesch (CSB '02), senior Natural Science major was featured in a recent Bureau of Land Management web site as a result of her work at the Museum of Northern Arizona where she was involved in the excavation of a dinosaur. The web page can be viewed at the following address: <http://www.blm.gov/education/00_fieldtrip/journal0611.html>

Jennifer Layton Arnold reports that she is enrolled in the Pharmacy program at the University of Montana.

Stephanie Anderson (CSB '01) writes that she is enjoying medical school in St. Louis and that it is "intense".  

Matthew Lewis (SJU '98) writes that he was accepted into medical school and is currently attending the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. 

Sarah Fyre DeLong (CSB '97) writes that she has accepted a new position as Waseca County Environmental Health Specialist.  She hopes to soon be able to offer CSB/SJU students the opportunity to shadow her for a day.  If interested, contact Dr. Saupe.

David Grandmaison ('98) writes that after doing a variety of ecological field jobs he is now in graduate school at UMD.  If anyone has questions about graduate school, Dave invites you to contact him at gran0335@d.umn.edu

Shellie Kieke (�95) recently received her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and is currently enjoying a post-doc at the University of Minnesota studying the worm (C. elegans).

Faculty News (top)

Dr. Michael Reagan served as a panelist for the recent "Stem Cell Debate"

Dr. Stephen Saupe gave a tour of Quarry Park to the Minnesota Native Plant Society

Curriculum News  (top)

Biology Department Assessment Note - by Dr. Michael Reagan
    As some of you are aware, the Biology Department has recently initiated a number of efforts to assess our program; that is, to find out if you are learning what we and others think you ought to be learning.  The data from this will be used to shape our course offerings and our classes and labs, so it is important and interesting stuff!  As part of this effort, for the past two years all of our graduating majors have taken a national test, the Biology Major Field Test.  This test covers all areas of biology, and is similar to the Biology GRE test, so it is a good prep for that test.  It is a two-hour multiple-choice test, so you can all look forward to it! 

    I wanted to let you know the results of our testing so far.  The test is graded as an overall score, and also a score for subsections in Cell Biology, Molecular Bio and Genetics, Organismal Biology, and Population Biology / Evolution/Ecology.  The results for the past two years are shown below as percentile scores when we are compared to all other schools taking the test.  So, for example, 77th percentile means that 77% of institutions did worse than we did.  Well done, all graduated seniors!  For you graduating seniors, let's see if you can beat last year's class!

Total Test Score

• Class of 2000 - 63rd percentile

• Class of 2001 - 77th percentile

Sub scores

 Specialty Area Advisors:  2001 - 2002 -  looking for an adviser?  Here's a listing of some of the specialty area advisors.

Calendar of Events (top)

Biology Club News (top)

Halloween Science
   Do you like Halloween?  If so, then Halloween Science is for you!  Dr. Saupe is looking for individuals interested in participating in this program where we invite children in grades 2-6 to campus to teach them about various aspects of the science related to Halloween (i.e., blood, bats, pumpkins).  The program will occur on Saturday, October 27 from about 8:00 a.m. until noon.   We will need volunteers to teach classes, help organize, etc.  If you are interested in participating, contact Dr. Saupe at x2782.  

Scholarships/Jobs/Internships (top)

2002 ALL-USA  College Academic Team
    USA Today is seeking students who can be held up as representatives of all outstanding undergraduates in the country.  The criteria are designed to find students who excel not only in scholarship but also in leadership roles on and off campus.  A key element, given most weight by the judges, will be a student's outstanding original academic or intellectual product.  Applications are available online.  Applications, and other information, are also available at the External Scholarship Programs office, HAB 103 - CBS.  Completed applications must be postmarked by 30 November 2001.

Two Feathers Fund Scholarships
   The Two Feathers Fund is specifically focused on the involvement of the American Indian community and provides scholarships to Indian youth and adults seeking to advance their educational attainment.  Applications are available at the External Scholarship Programs office, HAB 103 - CSB, or online. 

The John Gyles Education Fund
    The John Gyles Education is a private, benevolent endeavor established with the help of a Canadian/American benefactor.  Each year financial assistance is available to full-time students in both Canada and the United States.  Additional information, and a sample of the application, is available from the External Scholarship Programs office, HAB 103 - CSB.

Want to Help Make a Difference in the World?
    Alliance for Sustainability is a small non-profit organization with the mission of bringing about sustainability on a personal, organizational and planetary level through support of ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane projects. They have a limited number of internships and treat each as a serious commitment with regular staff status.  In most cases interns work on our existing efforts, but we also devise special projects, from research to sustainability auditing.  They are located in the Hillel Center at the University of Minnesota facilitates access to both Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as to a wide range of activities.  There is more information about us on our website.  For further information Email: iasa@mtn.org  

Hispanic Scholarship Fund
    The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) was founded in 1975 to help Hispanic-American college students complete their education.  The scholarships are available on a competitive basis to community college, undergraduate four-year college, and graduate students of Hispanic background.  Applications, which are due by 15 October 2001, are available at the External Scholarship Programs office, HAB 103 - CSB.  Applications and information are also available, until 9 October, on-line.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Program
    This program was authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater and establishes in his name an endowed recognition program to foster and encourage excellence in science and mathematics.  Interested students should be planning a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.  Students interested in applying should contact Chris Schaller (Chemistry, 5315), co-chair of the CSB/SJU nominating committee, will discuss the award and the application process.  Applications are available at the External Scholarships Program Office - HAB 103, CSB or online.

Public Service Scholarship
   The Public Service scholarship program was started in 1986 in direct support of its mission statement that commits it to "encourage an interest in public service careers."  For more information and/or applications visit the web site or the External Scholarship Program office, HAB 103 - CSB.

The Wasie Scholarships
    The Wasie Foundation will award scholarships to Individuals of Polish ancestry who are members of the Christian faith.  Preference is also given to individuals from North and Northeast Minneapolis and surrounding communities.   Applications, which must be postmarked by 15 March, are available at the External Scholarships Program office, HAB 103 - CSB.

CURATORIAL / COLLECTION MANAGEMENT POSITION AVAILABLE
    Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is seeking a qualified individual for a collection management opening in the Herbarium (Curatorial Assistant III.  This is a full-time, permanent position. Qualifications:  The ability to follow instructions, work successfully with others, work independently with minimal supervision is critical, Bachelor's degree or higher in botany, biology, or equivalent with two years experience in an active herbarium.  For more information, contact: Steve Boyd, Curator; 909-625-8767 ext. 248; steve.boyd@cgu.edu

STEARNS COUNTY STUDENT INTERN OPPORTUNITY
    An internship is available with Stearns County to assist with the solid waste, recycling, waste reduction, SCORE, Environmental Service Fee, delinquent refuse accounts and other related solid waste programs.  Application materials and job description are available in the Stearns County Environmental Services Department, 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, MN 56303; (320) 656-3613

Richard W. Tanner Scholarship
    For juniors and seniors.  Award limit of $500.  Applications are available at the External Scholarship Programs office, HAB 103 - CSB, or online.

THE EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS - a note from Johanna Davis
    The External Scholarship Programs office is available to assist students in finding sources of scholarship funding and to answer questions about scholarship who, what, why, and wherefores.  Now is the best time of the year to start thinking about and applying for scholarships for next academic year.  Some scholarship applications are already due and, by March, you will have missed 75% of scholarship deadlines, so don't delay.  Be sure to check out the ESP WebPages to find links to scholarship search sites, descriptions of applications currently available in the ESP office, and loads-o-other valuable and interesting scholarship information.  Feel free to stop by, HAB 103 - CSB, for applications or with questions.

Naturalist/Educator Intern - River Bend Nature Center
    This position is for an individual to lead elementary school field experiences as well as help develop expanding public outreach programming on 700 active acres of woods, prairie, and wetlands in southeastern Minnesota. For more information contact John Blackmer (blackmer@rbnc.org), Chief Naturalist; River Bend Nature Center; P.O. Box 186; Faribault, Minnesota 55021; (507) 332-7151 or fax (507)332-0656.  Check out our web site for more information.

Seminars/Symposia/Field Trips (top)

Jane Curry's One-Woman Show on Women in Science
    The Women's Lives series will feature a show on Women in Science by Jane Curry.  Her presentation is entitled "Miz Wizard's Science Secrets."  She is highly entertaining and knowledgeable.  It basically is a humanities show about women in science: Nobel Prize winners, girl inventors, astronauts, astronomers, computer pioneers and more.  [Her character does a couple of demonstrations, but it is not a presentation of advanced scientific concepts and experiments.] This show is scheduled for October 3, 2001, in the BAC Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. 

Glacial Geology Field Trip
   Alan Knaeble from the Minnesota Geological Survey has agreed to lead a field trip to examine the glacial features of the local area.  Alan is a St. John's alum (history) who turned to the dark side and went back to the U of MN to get a degree in geology.  He is works in the Quaternary geology section at the survey and has done most of the geological mapping in Stearns Co and the surrounding counties.  It should be a very informative field trip.
            Date:  Saturday, 20 October
            Time:  8:30 - 4:00(?)
            Place:  Meet in the Science Ctr parking lot
            Transportation:  School vans

This will be a great opportunity to expand your horizons by examining the underlying reason for all the regional plants and animals!  Contact Dr. Larry Davis to reserve a spot on this trip.

Biology Department Seminar Program
    The Biology Department Seminar schedule for Fall semester is currently being formalized.  The following two seminars are confirmed with titles of presentation to come.  The seminars typically meet at 4:00 pm in NEWSC 140.  A meeting (with refreshments) precedes the presentation at 3:30 pm in the Science Museum.

Wild Ones
     The Wild Ones is a group that focuses on using native plants for landscaping.  They also are involved in projects to rescue and transplant native plants slated for destruction (i.e., road/home construction).  They typically meet on the  third Tuesday of the month.  For more information, contact Dr. Steve Saupe (x2782) or the president of the local chapter, Greg Shirley at 259 0825 or wildonesmn@home.com

Women and Sustaining Environment Conference
    On October 19-21, the University of St. Thomas will host a conference entitled "Women Sustaining Environment Sustaining Women: Dialogues and Discussions on Women and the Environment."  Featured speakers include Ann Bancroft, Carol Browner (former EPA Secretary), and Rep. Betty McCollum.  For more information, visit the conference website.  

Miscellaneous  (top)

Concepts Review Sessions
    Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings, CSB, Ardolf Room 105, 7:30-8:30 PM and Thursday evenings at SJU in Quad  247 from 7:30-8:30PM .  These sessions are not just for people in trouble, they are for everyone and will provide time for review and practice sessions.  The sessions are designed to be interactive and not just "pre-test cram sessions.  Each session will last an hour or so.  For more information, contact a Concepts lecture instructor or the Concepts course director, Dr. Michael Reagan.

Grad School?
    Thinking of Grad school after you Graduate, but want to work in a Lab first to see if you like it?  If this describes you, then you may want to consider the Postbaccalaureate IRTA program at the National Institutes of Health.  This is a program designed for people considering graduate school, but who want to experience work in a lab for a year or two first.  The National Institutes of Health is a government organization that focuses on biomedical research.  Most of its facilities are located around the Washington, D.C. area, although there are a few others scattered around the country.  Of course, you would be paid while you are there, and experience life in a fascinating city.  Last January we had a 2000 SJU graduate, Jake Jedynak, enter this program.  If you saw his Chem Department seminar in the spring, you know what a fascinating experience he has had there!  The web site is http://preirta.nih.gov/

Thefts on Campus - a public service announcement from the CSB/SJU Biology Department Safety coordinator, Dr. Ellen Jensen.
    Thefts (large and small) are up on our campuses, so be sure to lock doors (office and lab) when you leave.

Volunteer Opportunities in the St. John's Arboretum
    The Arboretum needs volunteers to help give tours to school groups (4-6th graders) on Thursday 27th 9 a.m. -12 pm. Friday 28th  9a.m.-12 p.m.  If you can help, contact John Geissler, Assistant Director, Saint John's Arboretum, Collegeville, MN 56321

NCUR Conference
    The National Conference on Undergraduate Research will be held at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, this year (April 25-27). (Whitewater is a relatively short drive from the Twin Cities, so we should take advantage of this opportunity to participate.

CUR Summer Fellowships for Faculty
    The Council on Undergraduate Research announces it is accepting applications for our 2002 Summer Fellowships.  Faculty applies electronically.  Deadline for application: November 22, 2001.  Criteria used for selecting awardees include the overall quality of the project, of the research environment, and of the faculty member. The deadline for the 2002 applications is November 22, 2001. Awards will be $3000 to $4000 for the 8 - 10 week summer research fellowship with a minimum of $3000 designated for the student stipend. The balance of the award, if available from the donor, may be used for supplies and/or travel.  CUR specifically encourages proposals that represent new research activities for the faculty applicant, which may range from initiation of a research program for a new faculty member to re-igniting the research program of a senior faculty member. Directions and the application can be found on the CUR website.  

CUR Posters on the Hill Program
    CUR is accepting applications for the 2002 Posters on the Hill program.  Students apply electronically.  Deadline for submission: November 22, 2001.  On Thursday, April 18, 2002, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) will host its 6th annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill. This event will help members of Congress understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students whom these programs impact.  Criteria for selection and directions for submitting an abstract can be found on the CUR website.

GIS Demo
    Tom Kroll and the Arboretum have arranged a demonstration of ArcView, a leading GIS package, for all interested parties the morning of Tuesday, October 25, 10:00 AM-1:30 PM in New Science 150.  People will be demonstrating the industry-leading application ArcView, the state's own EPIC system, and possibly the Manifold system that we currently own.  The day will offer a drop-in demo session from 10-2:30pm so people can stop by as their schedules allow.  For more information, contact the Arboretum.  NOTE - the change in date/time

Science Direct            
    The library is currently participating in a trial subscription arrangement to Elsevier Publishing's ScienceDirect service which provides full-text access via the Web to academic journals published by Elsevier. Disciplines include many areas of biology, chemistry, and related fields, along with a variety of social sciences and a small amount in the humanities.  To use the service, simply go to <http://www.sciencedirect.com> and click on the "group-wide login" icon at the top of the page.  We can only provide access from computers connected to the CSB/SJU campus network.

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

• CSB/SJU Pre-professional Health Programs:

• Biology Department Newsletter – On Line:  

• DNR Volunteer Opportunities

• CSB/SJU Career Services Home Page

• Connections Bulletin Board

• Scholarship Office

• CSB/SJU Geology program - check out the new additions to the Geology Web site which features Nikki Hemmesch and there is mention of the Scholarship Day. 

• Dr. Mom's Guide to College

• Climate Change Atlas for 80 Forest Tree Species of the Eastern United States - a cool site that looks at how forest tree distribution has been impacted by climate

• SciTechResources.Gov  -  A government site that provides the scientist, engineer, and technologist with easy, one-stop access to key U.S. Government resources.  

Puzzler of the Week (top)
(Do you know any good puzzlers?  Please send us your ideas)

Why is a barber pole red and white?
    Prior to this century, the barber and the dentist were the same person! It was from this dual practice that we have the bright red and white striped pole commonly associated with barbershop quartets. During that time period, this unique profession practiced bloodletting. During bloodletting, you were told to squeeze a pole as tight as possible. This would cause the veins to pop out, and the blood to flow more freely. The pole would get red from the blood, so they decided to paint the pole red to camouflage the bloodstains. When the pole was not in use, they put it outside to advertise the practice. They wrapped the pole with white gauze used after bloodletting - hence, the modern barber's pole.  Antidotes and Anecdotes - thanks to Dr. Mani Campos for alerting us to this info that is copied from LWW.com Insider, September 2001 issue � Vol. 1, No. 4.

Joke of the Week  (top)
(Have you heard any good jokes?  Please share them with us)

For you pun lovers.......

1. Two vultures board an airplane, each carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at them and says," I'm sorry, gentlemen, only one carrion allowed per passenger."

2. Did you hear that NASA recently put a bunch of Holsteins into low earth orbit? They called it the herd shot round the world.

3. Two boll weevils grew up in South Carolina. One went to Hollywood and became a famous actor. The other stayed behind in the cotton fields and never amounted to much. The second one, naturally, became known as the lesser of two weevils.

4. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, but when they lit a fire in the craft, it sank proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it, too.

5. A three legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He slides up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw."

6. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? He wanted to transcend dental medication. 

7. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said, "I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."

8. A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Amal". The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan". Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Amal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Amal."

9. The friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened up a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, a rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close. They ignored him. So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town to `persuade` them to close. Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close up shop. Terrified, they did so, thereby proving that: Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.

10. And finally, there was the person who sent ten different puns to friends, in the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.

Frequently Asked Questions  (top)

none supplied

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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