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NEWS BRIEF

Associate Dean Jeff Watt Receives Irwin Award

Associate Dean Jeff Watt, the Bittinger Chair in Mathematics Education, was honored recently by IUPUI for his efforts "above and beyond the call of duty." The award honors the former IUPUI chancellor responsible for significant growth of the university.

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Record Number of Science Students on IUPUI Top 100

With 39 students named to this year's list, 2013 marks the year with largest percentage of Science students recognized among the best and brightest at IUPUI.

Read more.

 

New Minor Continues IUPUI Growth in Neuroscience

Now with a major and minor in neuroscience, IUPUI will play a large role in training workers for one of the largest growth industries in the state.

Read more.

SCIENCE IN THE NEWS

Time Magazine

Gabe Filippelli, Ph.D., professor of earth sciences and director of the Center for Urban Health, is among a group of researchers who completed a nine-year study of the effects of lead on young children in the Detroit area.

Read more.

EVENT CALENDAR
Cesar Chavez Celebration Dinner
Sunday, March 24, 6-9 p.m.
Indiana Convention Center

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Sagamore Ballroom. The 6th annual dinner will feature keynote speaker Denice Frohman.

Science on Tap
Tuesday, April 23, 5-7 p.m.
Euphoria (337 W. 11th)

Stephen Boehm, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and director of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program, will present "Tales of the Souse Mouse: Lessons on the Actions of Binge Alcohol Exposure on Brain and Behavior."
March Science on Tap
Issue: 14March/2013
A message from Dean Simon Rhodes ...Dean Simon Rhodes, School of Science at IUPUI

 

The School of Science supports Women's History Month by thanking and recognizing our women students, staff and faculty who contribute every day to our record of excellence in education and research.

 

The diversity in our School-whether that refers to gender, ethnicity, cultural, religious, age, professional experience or research expertise-serves as one of the cornerstones to the success of the School and its endeavors. This culture of collaboration and inclusiveness is what makes our School a great place to learn and grow.

 

The people and programs featured in this newsletter are just a small sampling of who and what propel our mission. Initiatives like Women in Science, Science on Tap and our new Research Seminar Forum allow us to reach more audiences than ever before by taking our innovative learning environment beyond the classroom walls.

 

If you see an event or program that interests you, please take the time to get involved and make these programs even better with your help and insight. It is sure to be a rewarding experience for you and the entire Science family.

 

Best regards,

Simon Rhodes

Dean of the School of Science at IUPUI
Women in Science Council to Support Diversity Initiatives for Students and Alumninanda
Women in Science students serve as a strong network to one another in and out of the classroom.

New group to expand network and resources for women connected to the school 

 

A new effort to support women students, scientists and other professionals will strengthen the effort to promote diversity in the School of Science at IUPUI.

 

As the nation celebrates Women's History Month in March, the School looks to establish a Women in Science (WIS) community network for women in the sciences -- from students through seasoned professionals. Initial efforts include the creation of an Undergraduate WIS Council as well as groups devoted to supporting graduate women and women faculty.

 

"This initiative stems from the School's commitment to support its female students and its successful female graduates," said Britt Reese, academic specialist and director of the Women in Science House learning community. "We have a tremendous amount of support from some very talented women mentors who are excited to offer this new benefit for the IUPUI community."

 

The goal of the organization is to support women in science by providing a more enriching and rewarding experience for undergraduate and graduate students through a collaborative environment involving service, leadership opportunities and community partnerships.

 

The undergraduate group announced its first callout for members, and more than 100 women currently are on the roster. It also has become an officially recognized student organization on the IUPUI Campus. WIS is now seeking grant funding to support programming, and Executive Board elections will begin soon.

 

If you are interested in supporting Women in Science, please contact Britt Reese or Rachel Giordano.

Immunologist's Research Helps Others Fight Disease

Hua-Chen Chang, Ph.D. sees promise in enhanced drug treatments for cancer through soybean derivative

Hua-Chen Chang
Assistant Professor of Biology Hua-Chen Chang works with a graduate student to test enhancements to current cancer drugs.

 

Cancer patients could live longer, healthier lives than ever before thanks to groundbreaking research like that being led by Hua-Chen Chang, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at IUPUI.

 

As a molecular immunologist, Chang is driven to understand the fundamental nature of how the immune system functions as well as to uncover new methods of improving ways for living cells to fight disease. Her latest research indicates considerable potential in prolonging the lives of cancer patients by combining existing drug treatments with a synthetic version of lunasin, a natural compound found in soybeans with well-known health benefits.

 

"If we can extend the life of a lymphoma patient, for example, for even a few years then this is still a significant and exciting discovery," she said. 

 

Read more.

Research Delivers the Full College Experience for Physics Student

Physics student Torri Roark looks at her research experience as the final piece of her college puzzle.

 Torri Roark still remembers feeling scared and overwhelmed the first time she walked in to volunteer in a research lab in the Department of Physics.

 

She knew she loved science but didn't know exactly where her education would take her. Roark still recalls with clarity the advice her advisor and now mentor, Associate Professor Horia Petrache, gave her those early days.

 

"I was terrified when I began research. He told me, 'It's OK if you don't know something,'" said Roark, a senior physics student from Noblesville, Ind.

 

"That's one of the greatest things about the physics department. I know all my classmates and instructors, and I can walk into the physics offices and get help whenever I need it," Roark said. 

 

Read more

Alumni Connection
Alumni Resources at Career Development Services

 

A 2012 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated the average worker today stays at a job for just more than four years. Millennials (born 1977-1997) reported in related poll that they expect to stay in a job for no more than three years, translating to 15-20 jobs across a career.

 

Just as important as skills, education and experience for job seekers is the ability to better understand individual strengths, personal career goals and the best path to achieve all of the above. At the School of Science at IUPUI, the Career Development Services office provides a key resource devoted to helping science students-and alumni-understand what it takes to find continual career success.

 

"From freshman through alumni, we are here to focus on getting to know the interests, skills and abilities of everyone connected with the School of Science," said Willow King-Locke, director of the career office. She and Career Specialist Marcy Carlson responded to more than 1,000 contacts last fall, which included individual counseling and group workshops and programming.

 

Alumni serve a critical role in career planning as well. Their expertise and insight, as well as any jobs or internships they can provide Science students, truly enhances the experience and opportunities for students, King-Locke said. These resources are reciprocated when an alumnus needs career help as well, which is available for free and indefinitely after graduation.

 

"When our alumni get involved in our programming, it really helps to extend our reach in the community and in science industries," she said. "Whether they are willing to sit on an expert panel or participate in one of our career workshops or mock interviews, graduates can really give our students the best look into smart career decisions and planning."

 

Visit the Career Development Services website to learn more about the resources and opportunities available for Science alumni.

 

Submit an Alumni Class Note!
Keep us in the know about what you're up to! We want to hear about achievements in your career, your family and your personal and community pursuits.  Visit the Science alumni class notes site.