U.S. Public and Private Higher Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
University of South Alabama: School of Computing Alumni Connect at Summer DOE Internship
MOBILE, Alabama, Aug. 31 (TNSres) -- The University of South Alabama issued the following news release:
University of South Alabama doctoral student Tristan Clark and Research and Development Associate Dr. Tristen Mullins share more than just a first name. They both graduated from the School of Computing in May 2022 and worked together over the summer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The federally funded research and development center is the largest science and energy national laboratory in the U.S. Department of Energy system.
Clark received a bachelor's degree in computer
... Show Full Article
MOBILE, Alabama, Aug. 31 (TNSres) -- The University of South Alabama issued the following news release:
University of South Alabama doctoral student Tristan Clark and Research and Development Associate Dr. Tristen Mullins share more than just a first name. They both graduated from the School of Computing in May 2022 and worked together over the summer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The federally funded research and development center is the largest science and energy national laboratory in the U.S. Department of Energy system.
Clark received a bachelor's degree in computerscience and is now in his third year of South's Ph.D. program. Mullins, who has a Ph.D. in computing, has been working at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2022. An internship this past summer brought them together.
Mullins considered teaching as a career before finding a passion for research. "I got involved with the internship program at Oak Ridge because I enjoy mentoring students and guiding them through their research experiences," she said. Over the summer, she mentored four students from various colleges and disciplines. Clark was the only Ph.D. student and the only intern from South.
"The best thing about the internship is meeting new people who can teach me many different types of skills and have experience in the field," he said. "It's also an introduction to real-world research and learning skills that will be invaluable for my future career in cybersecurity."
Clark and Mullins are involved in research with the Department of Energy's Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program, which focuses on cybersecurity and information technology.
"I have the students working on two cybersecurity projects that test the vulnerability of devices," Mullins said. "One project assesses the security of a satellite modem and the other is testing access control systems."
She has had an interest in side-channel research since her days as a doctoral student at South.
Another connection between the two is that Clark and Mullins are both recipients of a CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, a program funded by the National Science Foundation and supported by the Department of Homeland Security. This program provides scholarships in exchange for a commitment to work in a government position upon graduation.
"A major reason I applied for this internship was the opportunity to join a network of other students and researchers within the program," Clark said. "Not only do we get access to an exclusive job fair in Washington D.C., but the program is also highly recognized by government employers. I'm pursuing a career in a national lab or other agency because that is where the crucial work in securing the nation's infrastructure happens."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/publicrelations/pressreleases/083024computinginternship.html
UC-Santa Cruz: Getoor Wins Major Data Mining Award
SANTA CRUZ, California, Aug. 31 -- The University of California Santa Cruz campus issued the following news:
By Emily Cerf
Lise Getoor, UC Santa Cruz Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, was honored with the ACM SigKDD Innovation Award.
The award recognizes Getoor's outstanding contributions to the field of knowledge discovery in data and data mining, which have had lasting impacts in furthering the theory and development of commercial systems.
Getoor received the award at the ACM SIGKDD & Annual KDD Conference, the premier conference for data mining researchers.
Getoor
... Show Full Article
SANTA CRUZ, California, Aug. 31 -- The University of California Santa Cruz campus issued the following news:
By Emily Cerf
Lise Getoor, UC Santa Cruz Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, was honored with the ACM SigKDD Innovation Award.
The award recognizes Getoor's outstanding contributions to the field of knowledge discovery in data and data mining, which have had lasting impacts in furthering the theory and development of commercial systems.
Getoor received the award at the ACM SIGKDD & Annual KDD Conference, the premier conference for data mining researchers.
Getooris the first woman to receive this award.
* * *
Original text here: https://news.ucsc.edu/2024/08/getoor-award.html
UC-San Diego: At the Ready - A Day in the Life of a Trauma Surgeon
LA JOLLA, California, Aug. 31 -- The University of California San Diego campus issued the following news:
* * *
Laura Haines, MD, trauma medical director at UC San Diego Health, reflects on her career in trauma surgery in observance of the 40th Anniversary of the San Diego County Trauma System
* * *
Content
The UC San Diego Health Trauma Center is where the most critically injured patients receive specialized care for life-threatening injuries. Trauma surgeons are at the ready to treat injuries that include falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, gunshot and stab wounds and burns that require
... Show Full Article
LA JOLLA, California, Aug. 31 -- The University of California San Diego campus issued the following news:
* * *
Laura Haines, MD, trauma medical director at UC San Diego Health, reflects on her career in trauma surgery in observance of the 40th Anniversary of the San Diego County Trauma System
* * *
Content
The UC San Diego Health Trauma Center is where the most critically injured patients receive specialized care for life-threatening injuries. Trauma surgeons are at the ready to treat injuries that include falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, gunshot and stab wounds and burns that requireimmediate medical interventions and care. In the Trauma Center, every second counts.
UC San Diego Health opened the first Level 1 Trauma Center in San Diego County in 1976. It is an integral part of Hillcrest Medical Center and a model for trauma centers around the world.
Located in a unit outside of the emergency department with its own specialized medical team, the Trauma Center at UC San Diego Health is unique to any other center in San Diego County. UC San Diego Health has the ability to bring patients needing trauma care directly to a dedicated operating room in the Trauma Center, where surgery can be performed within minutes.
Approximately 3,000 patients are cared for in the Trauma Center at UC San Diego Health each year.
In 1984, UC San Diego Health was instrumental in positioning the San Diego Trauma System, as the standard of trauma care. The system was a first of its kind in the nation and is made up of six designated trauma centers, encompassing UC San Diego Health, Sharp HealthCare, Scripps Health, Rady Children's Hospital and Palomar Medical Center.
The first patient in the system was admitted on Aug. 1, 1984 at Hillcrest Medical Center at UC San Diego Health. The system serves 3.3 million residents, covering approximately 4,500 square miles, and treats more than 12,000 patients each year.
Education on trauma prevention is a large initiative of the system. The UC San Diego Health trauma team is on the forefront of conducting ongoing research to implement programs regionally shown to reduce the mortality rate from traumatic injuries.
When the San Diego Trauma System first opened nearly 40 years ago, accidents were considered the leading cause of death in San Diego, and studies at the time revealed that 21% of trauma deaths were considered preventable. Now, that percentage is less than 1%.
August marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of the San Diego Trauma Center. In this Q&A, Laura Haines, MD, associate professor of clinical surgery at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and surgeon at UC San Diego Health, reflects on the system, her career, the patients she serves and provides a first-hand glimpse of what a typical day looks like in the Trauma Center at UC San Diego Health.
What led you to a career in trauma surgery?
I was drawn to trauma surgery as a medical student. I gravitated to the call of the pager and the specialized patient care that comes with it.
My time as a medical student and on the trauma service at Wake Forest University was inspirational to me. I wanted to be a leader like the trauma surgeons I worked with and was driven by the opportunity to work within a high-functioning team.
My interest in the fast-pace life of trauma care never faded, and, after completing my training in general surgery, I was fortunate to get the opportunity to start my fellowship training in surgical critical care and trauma at UC San Diego Health. This is what I was meant to do. I find it very fulfilling to be a part of a team that is always there for patients when they have experienced unfortunate events or circumstances, such as car accidents, violence or traumatic falls.
When my fellowship completed in 2014, I was privileged to be asked to stay on at UC San Diego Health, and I began my work in the Division of Trauma, Surgical Care, Burns and Acute Care Surgery.
I take great pride in my role as medical director for the Division of Trauma, Surgical Care, Burns and Acute Care Surgery at UC San Diego Health. The trauma team is always standing at the ready to take care of patients who have gone through unexpected, life-changing traumatic events. We have a multidisciplinary team that is here for our community in their greatest time of need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
I call it controlled chaos because trauma can look chaotic to the naked eye, but for our team, it is the most controlled, well-prepared moment in medicine.
We see patients on their worst days and witness them recovering to continue living their lives with their loved ones. It is incredibly rewarding.
Walk us through a day in your life as trauma medical director at UC San Diego Health
Each day is different, but I typically start my day by rounding on patients to check on their conditions and recovery. My shift begins at 6:45 a.m. and I first huddle with my team to learn about all the patients who were admitted overnight. This huddle involves attending physicians, nurses, trauma surgeons, residents, medical students and fellows to discuss the patients, as well as teach all of our trainees the key points about each individual.
Throughout the day, we will respond to any trauma activations that occur.
The San Diego Trauma System is remarkably organized with coordinated communications efforts with the San Diego County Emergency Medical Services Office (EMS).
The system has well-defined catchment areas that allow our EMS providers to know exactly which trauma center to take a patient. These pre-defined areas ensure that any injured person in our community gets to the nearest trauma hospital, and receives care as fast as possible.
When the pager goes off on our side letting us know we are receiving a patient, a multi-disciplinary team assembles that consists of surgeons, nurses, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, trauma technicians and many others. Based on the report from EMS, we will prepare the team to perform procedures, call for blood to transfuse if needed and request for other providers to join us, such as anesthesia, in case we are concerned that the patient may need to be intubated.
When I'm on call, I will stay in the hospital overnight to be available and continue to respond to trauma activations.
As medical director of the unit, I am also responsible for making sure our multidisciplinary team is always prepared. This all goes along with ensuring nurses, blood bank staff, social workers and many other critical members of the team are ready for patients who may need us in an emergency.
It is my responsibility to make sure the right hand is talking to the left hand so that the care we provide to patients is seamless, efficient and quick.
I also have the honor to serve as program director of the same surgical critical care and trauma fellowship that I graduated from at UC San Diego School of Medicine. The mission of education is a constant aspect of my day working in the trauma bay with residents, fellows, medical students and nurses.
How do you balance the stress that may come with your job?
It is truly important to be able to decompress after a stressful day, and as one might imagine, life as a trauma surgeon can certainly be rewarding, but also very stressful.
After work, I love to decompress by hanging out with my dog, going for a run or painting. I also have an amazing family and support system of friends and colleagues who I can always talk to after a tough day.
We are also so lucky to live in such a beautiful region, which I take advantage of and will often retreat to the beach to watch a wave crash along the shore and re-center myself.
In the years you've been at UC San Diego Health, has there been a patient case that you'll never forget?
There have been many. In trauma surgery, we see patients who don't realize how bad things are when they arrive at the hospital. One individual that comes to mind arrived at our hospital in an ambulance after being shot through the pelvis, bleeding to death. Upon his arrival to our hospital, we got him to the operating room immediately, and knowing how injured he was, I called in my partners in trauma surgery at Hillcrest Medical Center to assist me in addressing his wounds and stop the bleeding.
After receiving emergency care in trauma surgery and recovering in the intensive care unit, he was able to walk out of the hospital. There's no question in my mind that it was teamwork and a well-prepared team that saved his life.
It is a true honor to be able to call on my partners in care at UC San Diego Health at any given moment, knowing that we'll come to together with the same mission to save lives, every day. I absolutely love working with all of the staff at Hillcrest Medical Center at UC San Diego Health.
What has it been like to witness the evolution of the San Diego Trauma System since you joined UC San Diego Health?
No matter where a person is in the region, most are approximately 10 to 15 minutes away from a trauma center, thanks to the San Diego County Trauma System.
Over the years, many medical teams and leadership from other hospitals (or health systems) have come to UC San Diego Health to learn about our model of trauma care -- sometimes for several months -- in order to implement similar strategies and improve patient care in their regions. We are making an impact in patient lives not only in San Diego County, but around the world.
We continue to grow, review procedures and analyze patient outcomes as part of our commitment to providing the highest quality of care as an academic medical system. Our attention to detail and commitment to consistency continues to enhance the culture of how we take care of patients at UC San Diego Health.
It brings me such pride to be a part of this program that has come together to provide the leading-edge and evidence-based care for our beloved community. The trauma system truly ensures that the people of San Diego County will receive the absolute best care possible and that, for me, is what it's all about.
* * *
Original text here: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/at-the-ready-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-trauma-surgeon
Radford University: President Eugene Naughton '89 Inspires Employees at Academic Year Kickoff
RADFORD, Virginia, Aug. 31 -- Radford University issued the following news release:
On Aug.16, Radford University had the privilege of welcoming one of its most accomplished alumni, Eugene Naughton, a 1989 graduate and the current president of The Dollywood Co., to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year for university employees.
Held in a packed Kyle Hall 340, Naughton's keynote address reached nearly half of the university's employees, who attended either in person or virtually.
Radford University President Bret Danilowicz opened the event by expressing his gratitude for the impressive turnout,
... Show Full Article
RADFORD, Virginia, Aug. 31 -- Radford University issued the following news release:
On Aug.16, Radford University had the privilege of welcoming one of its most accomplished alumni, Eugene Naughton, a 1989 graduate and the current president of The Dollywood Co., to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year for university employees.
Held in a packed Kyle Hall 340, Naughton's keynote address reached nearly half of the university's employees, who attended either in person or virtually.
Radford University President Bret Danilowicz opened the event by expressing his gratitude for the impressive turnout,noting that it was the largest gathering of employees he had seen since his tenure began. He praised the staff for their dedication, which he credited for the university's recent record growth and success. Danilowicz emphasized that the employees are the "lifeblood" of Radford University, playing a crucial role in its mission to serve students and the community.
Naughton's address centered on the importance of dedication to one's profession and the power of building a positive culture, drawing parallels between Dollywood's values and those of Radford University. He shared personal anecdotes from his journey, starting with his days as a student at Radford, where he demonstrated a commitment to active learning and doing by juggling his studies with a job at Kings Dominion. Naughton's rise through the ranks at various theme parks, culminating in his leadership at Dollywood, offered valuable insights into creating an environment where both employees and guests feel at home.
In addition to the keynote, the university launched the inaugural "We are Radford" Recognition Program during the event. This initiative will honor one employee each month who embodies Radford's core values, with winners receiving a branded fleece blanket and special recognition across the university. The program reflects the university's commitment to celebrating and valuing its employees, reinforcing the message that they are the heart of the Radford experience.
The event set a positive tone for the upcoming academic year, leaving employees energized and motivated to continue making Radford University a distinctive and welcoming place.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.radford.edu/news/eugene-naughton-visit.html
Navigating the Path: Alumnus John A. Wascow, DC, CKTP, Inspires NUHS Students
LOMBARD, Illinois, Aug. 31 -- National University of Health Sciences issued the following news:
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) alumnus, John A. Wascow, DC, '09, CKTP, recently shared his professional and personal experiences with soon-to-be graduates in a Student Success Session. His topic, Navigating the Path: My Journey Into the Profession and Tips for New Graduates, provided an inspirational platform and practical information for those about to enter the profession of chiropractic medicine.
"There are things I wish I knew about before I graduated," Dr. Wascow said. Here are
... Show Full Article
LOMBARD, Illinois, Aug. 31 -- National University of Health Sciences issued the following news:
National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) alumnus, John A. Wascow, DC, '09, CKTP, recently shared his professional and personal experiences with soon-to-be graduates in a Student Success Session. His topic, Navigating the Path: My Journey Into the Profession and Tips for New Graduates, provided an inspirational platform and practical information for those about to enter the profession of chiropractic medicine.
"There are things I wish I knew about before I graduated," Dr. Wascow said. Here arethe top five he recommends:
#1: Join Toastmasters. You must be able to speak well to make your practice's message understood.
#2: Get a Mentor. Being in school and working in a practice are two totally different situations: Learn what to do and what not to do in a practice so you don't make any costly mistakes when it matters.
#3: Be. Different. Find your unique niche and market it! Become proficient in social media and brand yourself. You have one chance to make an impression.
#4: Consider buying a practice. There are more pros than cons when it comes to purchasing a practice. "For example, you start with an established client base, have immediate access to equipment and have the opportunity to create the lifestyle that you want faster," he said.
#5: Get credentialed as soon as you can. It takes three to six months to get credentialed with insurance. Don't let any waiting time hinder your success.
When it comes to adapting to life's changes, Dr. Wascow is no stranger to challenge and perseverance. While he initially worked as a computer consultant, he also competed in amateur motorcycle racing. Following a life-threatening motorcycle accident in 2002 that resulted in multiple serious injuries, he had to relearn to walk and encountered numerous speech difficulties. His extensive recovery and rehabilitation sparked his interest in helping others suffering from pain and trauma. This passion led him to the field of chiropractic medicine, and, during his recovery, he enrolled at NUHS-Lombard.
"As I watched the doctors and therapists help me put my life back together, I thought 'I want to do that. I want to give back,'" he said.
Dr. Wascow graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2009, and currently is the owner of JW Center for Spinal Health, Inc. in Northbrook, Ill. He mainly focuses on musculoskeletal issues and promoting general well-being through chiropractic care, rehab, Stecco Fascial Manipulation, acupuncture and nutrition. Additionally, he is a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP) and is one of nine practicing Stecco Fascial Manipulation practitioners in the state. He recently authored a thought-provoking, inspirational book, Life After the Red Flag: Becoming a Doctor After Overcoming a Life-Threatening, Traumatic Brain Injury.
"I was given a second chance at life," Dr. Wascow said. "Now, my passion is to motivate and inspire others who have faced similar challenges."
National University of Health Sciences offers an array of student and career support services that contribute to a successful educational experience, including Student Support Sessions. These sessions help students perform their best both within the classroom and outside.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nuhs.edu/navigating-the-path-alumnus-john-a-wascow-dc-cktp-inspires-nuhs-students/
Maccolades for Summer 2024: Among the Best in Books, Career Services, Waste Reduction, and More
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Aug. 31 (TNSjou) -- Macalester College issued the following monthly roundup:
Maccolades is a monthly round-up of the most recent accolades and accomplishments earned by members of the Macalester community. Below are highlights from Summer 2024.
* * *
GOTV Macalester style
Macalester earned the Highly Established Action Plan Seal for the 2024 election cycle from ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The college's nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan was recognized as among the best in the country for fostering civic learning, political engagement, and student voter
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Aug. 31 (TNSjou) -- Macalester College issued the following monthly roundup:
Maccolades is a monthly round-up of the most recent accolades and accomplishments earned by members of the Macalester community. Below are highlights from Summer 2024.
* * *
GOTV Macalester style
Macalester earned the Highly Established Action Plan Seal for the 2024 election cycle from ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The college's nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan was recognized as among the best in the country for fostering civic learning, political engagement, and student voterparticipation. Macalester is one of 192 campuses recognized for this cycle, with action plans evaluated using the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Rubric (https://allinchallenge.org/wp-content/uploads/StrengtheningAmericanDemocracy_Rubric_VOL4.pdf).
* * *
Intercultural care for snakebite victims
Chloe Vasquez '24 co-authored a paper published in PLOS-Neglected Tropical Diseases, based on her summer 2023 field research. The article, "Therapeutic itineraries of snakebite victims and antivenom access in southern Mexico," was a collaboration with Dr. Eric D. Carter, Edens Professor of Geography and Global Health, and Mexican biologist Edgar Neri Castro.
The research focused on rural areas in Oaxaca and Chiapas, where snakebites are especially dangerous due to the long distances victims must travel to receive antivenom. The team interviewed 47 snakebite victims, exploring the challenges they face in accessing treatment and the reasons behind their use of traditional remedies. The authors emphasize an intercultural approach, advocating for interventions that respect both Western and indigenous health beliefs. The research was supported by the The Mann-Hill Fellowship for Student-Faculty Research (https://www.macalester.edu/olin-rice-hub/research-opportunities/wintermannhill/).
* * *
Student group saving lives, one donor at a time
A new student organization called NMDP at Macalester is working alongside the national nonprofit previously known as Be the Match and the National Marrow Donor Program. NMDP helps connect patients in need of stem cell and bone marrow transplants to matching donors.
In their first year, the student group has held several recruiting events, added over 150 people to the registry, and raised $1,151. They also collaborated with the football team to coordinate a two-day recruitment event and walk-a-thon. Their efforts earned national recognition, with the chapter president attending the 2024 NMDP National Chapter Leadership Summit. The Macalester chapter received the Chapter of Excellence Award and a Top 5 Fundraising
* * *
Star-studded panel on public health
President Suzanne Rivera will join a distinguished panel featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Amy Acton, and LeVar Burton, an actor and director. The academic symposium, "Addressing Moral Imperatives in Public Health, Locally and Globally," will take place Sept. 19 as part of Case Western Reserve University's Inamori Ethics Prize Symposium.
Before being appointed president of Macalester, Dr. Rivera was vice president for research and technology management at Case Western Reserve University and served on the faculty in the Departments of Bioethics and Pediatrics at CWRU, leading original research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the federal Office of Research Integrity, and The Cleveland Foundation.
* * *
A top book of the century
Marlon James, professor emeritus of English, earned #42 on The New York Times' list of "100 Best Books of the 21st Century" for his novel A Brief History of Seven Killings. With an eye toward determining the most important, influential books of the era, the New York Times Book Review assembled the list with the votes of 503 novelists, nonfiction writers, poets, critics and other book lovers.
About the book, the Times wrote, "To skip even a paragraph, though, would be to forgo the vertiginous pleasures of James's semi-historical novel, in which the attempted assassination of an unnamed reggae superstar who strongly resembles Bob Marley collides with C.I.A. conspiracy, international drug cartels and the vibrant, violent Technicolor of post-independence Jamaica."
* * *
Alum to lead Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Macalester graduate Heidi Mueller '96 was appointed to head the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Mueller previously served as the director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice since 2016.
"The work Director Mueller has done at the Department of Juvenile Justice over the last several years has been transformative for the juvenile justice system in Illinois, and I am thrilled that she will bring her unique experience and talents to DCFS," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
"As someone who has devoted my career to supporting children and families, I am honored and humbled to be entrusted by Governor Pritzker with the responsibility of leading DCFS," Mueller said. She holds degrees in psychology and history from Macalester, a graduate degree in social psychology from Stony Brook University, and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.
* * *
Paving the way for safer roads
Aram Petrosyan '27 was named a 2024 Traffic Safety Scholar and attended the Lifesavers Conference in Denver, where he learned about road safety topics such as large vehicle safety, autonomous vehicles, data systems, post-crash care, and teen-driver testing.
"I had the opportunity to raise concerns about how international students like me could be incentivized to legally avoid the graduated licensing processes," he said. He also advocated for better visibility tools for deaf and hard of hearing cyclists.
Petrosyan pointed out that around 1.5 million people die on the roads every year. "Collectively, action needs to be taken," he said. "The only acceptable number of road deaths should be zero."
A member of the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety, he thanked geography and economics professors Laura Smith and Sarah West for their support in attending the conference.
* * *
Making waves in the classroom
The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America selected the Macalester men's and women's swim and dive teams for a Scholar All-America award. This recognition honors programs that achieve the highest standards in the classroom.
"Coach Kyllian Griffin and the entire team have demonstrated a commitment to success both academically and athletically, setting a standard of excellence that we can all be proud of," said Samantha Barany, the association's executive director.
* * *
Distinguished Career Services
Jen Guyer-Wood, executive director of Career Exploration, received the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor from the Minnesota College and University Career Services Association. At the association's summer conference, John Mountain, director of student engagement and career counseling, was honored with a 20-Year Service Award. Kerri Roesner, director of employer engagement, and Mia Smith '19, employer, alumni, and parent engagement coordinator, gave a presentation, "Harnessing Student Insights for Intentional Student Programming," on using focus group data to increase student participation and engage new employers through monthly tabling events.
* * *
Eat, prey, love
Biology Professor Stotra Chakrabarti traveled to Konstanz, Germany at an invitation from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior to speak at their seminar series and brainstorm collaboration. His seminar was titled "Eat, Prey, Love: The Role of Food & Mates in Shaping Lion Societies."
* * *
A seat at the World Bank table
Zhijun He '26 was appointed group leader of the World Bank Youth Advisory Group, which brings youth perspectives and innovations to pressing development challenges in agriculture.
"I'm incredibly excited about the potential impact of this role," He said. "Growing up in a socio-economically disadvantaged community, I've always dreamed of assisting countries in adapting to our ever-changing world." Young leaders in the group are spearheading projects such as sustainable poultry farming in Sierra Leone and insect-based animal feed production in Colombia.
"What thrills me most is the opportunity to bring youth perspectives directly to the decision-making table at one of the world's most influential development institutions," he said.
* * *
Advisor extraordinaire
Dr. Paul Dosh, associate professor of political science, received Pi Sigma Alpha's 2023-2024 Best Chapter Advisor Award, one of four faculty nationwide to earn the honor. The award recognizes extraordinary dedication, commitment, and leadership in advising political science honor society chapters.
Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society with over 850 chapters, appointed Professor Dosh as chapter advisor in 2021, which was a challenging year for many chapters. Despite obstacles, he maintained an active chapter, sponsoring student-centered activities, including a student conference. The award includes a $250 cash prize, and honorees will be featured in the American Political Science Association's magazine Political Science Today.
* * *
Waste watchers
Macalester won the waste diversion category of the 2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste Case Study Competition. Sustainability Office student worker Abby Lane '27 wrote about her work with the Green Residence Program, which is aimed at increasing sustainability in residence halls. Lane piloted three initiatives in first-year residence halls to improve waste-sorting, using weekly audits to measure their effectiveness. Her case study is now featured on the Campus Race to Zero Waste website as part of their "Learn from your peers" (https://campusracetozerowaste.org/resources/learn-from-your-peers/) resource, sharing best practices with colleges and universities nationwide.
* * *
The sociology of Cardi B
Macalester sociology graduate Shantee Rosado '09 co-authored the new book The Sociology of Cardi B: A Trap Feminist Approach. The book creatively engages with the topics of Black and Latinx femininity, motherhood, sexuality, racial and ethnic identity, and political engagement through the life and artistic work of hip-hop artist Cardi B. The authors highlight examples from Cardi's lived experiences and artistry using a trap feminist framework as a starting point for sociological conversations about Black women and the trap. Dr. Rosado is an assistant professor of Afro-Latinx Studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
* * *
How to be considered for future Maccolades
If you or someone you know recently earned an award, fellowship, or honor and would like it to be considered for inclusion in next month's Maccolades, please let Communications & Marketing know by filling out this Maccolades form. For recent book publications, please use this book publication form.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.macalester.edu/news/2024/08/maccolades-for-summer-2024-among-the-best-in-books-career-services-waste-reduction-and-more/
Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and UB Awarded $1.5 Million Department of Energy Three-Year Grant for AI-Assisted Biomedical Research
BUFFALO, New York, Aug. 31 (TNSres) -- The University at Buffalo (State University of New York) issued the following news release:
* * *
Project will use experimental and artificial intelligence approaches to understand the health impacts of low-dose radiation exposure
* * *
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $1.5 million to a joint Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and University at Buffalo research project that will use artificial intelligence to study how cells and molecules respond to low doses of radiation.
Edward Snell, PhD, chief scientific officer at Hauptman-Woodward
... Show Full Article
BUFFALO, New York, Aug. 31 (TNSres) -- The University at Buffalo (State University of New York) issued the following news release:
* * *
Project will use experimental and artificial intelligence approaches to understand the health impacts of low-dose radiation exposure
* * *
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $1.5 million to a joint Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and University at Buffalo research project that will use artificial intelligence to study how cells and molecules respond to low doses of radiation.
Edward Snell, PhD, chief scientific officer at Hauptman-WoodwardMedical Research Institute, and Dominic Sellitto, clinical assistant professor of management science and systems in the UB School of Management, will serve as co-principal investigators on the research.
The project is part of the Low Dose Radiation Research program, which supports research to develop disease risk prediction and understand its role in cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, immune dysfunction and cataract formation, and in the longer term, inform radiation protection measures for the public and the workplace.
"Dr. Snell and his team have developed a method that targets different samples to analyze the biological impact of low doses of radiation, but these kinds of experiments are time-consuming and expensive, so that's where AI comes in," said Sellitto. "As his team is refining those experiments, we're also building a model that will go through all the data to create a lightweight, efficient AI you can just ask a question to, and it will accurately predict what the experiment would have produced. The experimental component allows us to test and validate the computational predictions."
"Leveraging the AI expertise of UB allows us to develop a new tool for one area of health research that could have a dramatic impact across many health areas in the future," said Snell.
The research is one of 14 initial projects supported by the Department of Energy that will develop a series of highly curated experimental datasets across a range of cell types to assess changes in cell function due to low dose radiation exposure. These datasets will serve as training data for burgeoning AI and machine learning models for low dose radiation research.
In the long-term, this new approach may provide a better way to identify markers and patterns linked with altered cellular function that may signal an adverse health outcome.
"These new projects take advantage of the latest advances in biotechnology coupled with advanced computational techniques," said Dorothy Koch, DOE associate director of science for biological and environmental research. "The new integrated approach could lead to broader insights into the transient and persistent effects of low dose radiation exposure and potential linkages to health effects."
The awarded projects involving multi-institutional teams include diverse and innovative experimental and computational approaches.
As announced in May, HWI is in the process of joining the university, creating the University at Buffalo Hauptman-Woodward Institute (UB-HWI). The move will bolster the two organizations' joint mission to advance medical science research and education.
Snell's research is reflective of his focus on developing methods to deepen the understanding of biological structure, function and mechanisms. His research interests span both experimental and computational approaches with an increasing emphasis on machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches. Snell's research, specifically that which is funded through this grant award, is a key example of Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute's rich history of collaboration and making innovative technological improvements in the entire process of investigation through structural biology.
This project is just one example of how UB research leverages collaboration and continues to push the capabilities and the applications of AI on a number of fronts, all with the aim of tackling societal challenges in everything from medicine to climate change. The university has more than 200 researchers exploring how to use AI and data science to advance cybersecurity, drug discovery, robotics, education, environmental science, transportation and other fields that are critical to the future of the state and nation.
UB will also serve as the home of Empire AI, a $400 million statewide consortium created by Gov. Kathy Hochul which aims to put New York at the forefront of the AI revolution and includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art supercomputing center on UB's campus.
In the School of Management, faculty are integrating AI into coursework across disciplines, conducting research to make chatbots more effective, securing the U.S. Department of Defense's most critical artificial intelligence models, analyzing the impact of algorithmic stock trading, exploring factors that increase adoption of AI in teams and more.
Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute's work improves human health by studying the causes of diseases at their basic molecular level, and enabling the development of new drugs and treatment. Their vision is to foster excellence in structural biology research, enhance the links to human health, build future generations of researchers, and to be known locally and nationally.
* * *
The UB School of Management is recognized for its emphasis on real-world learning, community and impact, and the global perspective of its faculty, students and alumni. The school also has been ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes and U.S. News & World Report for the quality of its programs and the return on investment it provides its graduates. For more information about the UB School of Management, visit management.buffalo.edu.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.buffalo.edu/news/news-releases.host.html/content/shared/mgt/news/hauptman-woodward-medical-research-institute-ub-department-energy-grant-ai-assisted-biomedical-research.detail.html
