College of Sciences E-newsletter

May 2007

In this issue:

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"Shining Star at UNLV: Astrophysicist Puts School on Astronomy Map," by Lawrence Mower, Las Vegas Review Journal, April 30, 2007

Bing Zhang used to be jolted awake at all hours of the night by events millions of light years away. A pager would go off, and he would roll out of bed and log onto his computer. Waiting for him would be spectacular images and data captured of the most powerful explosions in the universe: gamma-ray bursts, or GRBs. As part of a NASA team studying the mysterious explosions, Zhang, 38, an astrophysicist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is at the forefront of GRB research. He and the NASA "Swift" team, named for the satellite that tracks the explosions, which usually last only a few seconds, have discovered GRBs so distant that astronomers have had to reevaluate the size of the universe. "These are the brightest, wildest explosions in the universe," Zhang said…”Since joining UNLV nearly three years ago, Zhang has also attracted grants from NASA worth $750,000. He's also working with a massive telescope in Utah to record GRBs at ground level. Since NASA's Swift satellite was launched in 2004, scientists have made huge advances in gamma-ray burst research. The satellite captures images and calculates the size and intensity of the explosions

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“New Chemical Effective Against Anthrax,” Ernesto Abel-Santos, UNLV Associate Professor of Biochemistry Reports Research Findings

Science Daily — Scientists have identified a chemical that could be used as a new drug against anthrax

Anthrax is a deadly disease caused by spores that germinate into bacteria, which then release a deadly toxin. Spores that are inhaled by animals or people germinate in the lungs to form bacteria, which then spread throughout the body, releasing the toxin and triggering the disease. Since spore germination is needed to cause infection, preventing germination is a potentially efficient way to stop the infection. Jurgen Brojatsch, Ernesto Abel-Santos, and colleagues identified seven chemicals that block the germination of cultured anthrax spores. They also showed that one of these compounds, 6-thioguanosine, blocked the spores' germination inside mammalian cells, thus blocking anthrax infection. The scientists are now planning to test 6-thioguanosine in mice infected with the anthrax bacterium. This compound is a known anticancer agent with well-studied pharmacological properties, which could help save time and money if it is used in clinical trials.

Journal of Biological Chemistry, Vol. 282, Issue 16, 12112-12118, April 20, 2007. "Identification of an in Vivo Inhibitor of Bacillus anthracis Spore Germination," Monique Akoachere, Raynal C. Squires, Adel M. Nour, Ludmyl Angelov, Jürgen Brojatsch, and Ernesto Abel-Santos From the Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154 and the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461

Abstract: Germination of Bacillus anthracis spores into the vegetative form is an essential step in anthrax pathogenicity. This process can be triggered in vitro by the common germinants inosine and alanine. Kinetic analysis of B. anthracis spore germination revealed synergy and a sequential mechanism between inosine and alanine binding to their cognate receptors. Because inosine is a critical germinant in vitro, we screened inosine analogs for the ability to block in vitro germination of B. anthracis spores. Seven analogs efficiently blocked this process in vitro. This led to the identification of 6-thioguanosine, which also efficiently blocked spore germination in macrophages and prevented killing of these cells mediated by B. anthracis spores. 6-Thioguanosine shows potential as an anti-anthrax therapeutic agent.

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2007 Nevada Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 16-17, 2007

Conducting undergraduate research is an enriching experience that helps students to successfully enter the professional workforce upon graduation. Exposure to research is also one of the most effective means to motivate students and stimulate interest in graduate education. The purpose of this symposium is to provide a vehicle for undergraduate researchers in all institutions of higher education in Nevada to share the results of their work with fellow students, faculty, and others interested in higher education in Nevada. The symposium will included oral presentations and a book of the abstract of the papers and a CD/ROM containing the accepted articles was distributed to attendees.

Eligible students from UNLV, UNR, NSC, CCSN, GBC, TMCC, Sierra Nevada College, and WNCC Undergraduates either majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering, or majoring in education and specializing in teaching K-12 in the fields of mathematics, science, or technology participated. The symposium was held at the Rogers Auditorium, Room 106, DRI South, Atomic Testing Museum Building

In August 2005 the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) funded a $13.5M grant (including $4.5M match from the State of Nevada) to improve the research infrastructure in Nevada. The project is directed by D.W. Lindle and G. Dana (http://www.nevada.edu/epscor/projects.html). The undergraduate research component, led by M. Saiidi and J. Farley, includes funds to hold an annual undergraduate research symposium. Sponsors include: NSF-EPSCoR, State of Nevada; Office of Undergraduate Research, UNR; Center for Mathematics and Science Education, UNLV

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2nd Annual Geosymposium, April 20, 2007

The 2nd Annual Geosymposium, a student-run event designed to provide graduate and undergraduate students with an opportunity to present their original research and receive feedback from industry, civic, and government professionals as well as academic experts took place on April 20, 2007. Students showcased a wide range of graduate and undergraduate research projects on such diverse topics as: soils, geomorphology, hydrogeology, paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, volcanology, seismology, structural geology, and economic geology.

2007 Award Recipients:

Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation:
Lora Griffin, "Characterization of Minerals Associated With Gold Deposition in Carlin Deposits, Northern Nevada"

Best Graduate Oral Presentation (EMiL award):
Tonia Arriola, "Kinematics and Timing of Orogen-Parallel Flow, Grouse Creek Mountains, Utah"

Best Graduate Oral Presentation (cash award):
Shelley A. Zaragoza, "Imaging the Southern Trace of the Black Hills Fault: A Three-Component Approach"

Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation:
Jennifer Mercadante, "Gregarious Behavior Recorded in the Tracks of an Early Middle Jurassic Synapsid"

Best Graduate Poster Presentation (EMiL award):
Zachary Artz, "Petrology and Age Constraints of Intrusive Phases at Cortez, Lander County, Nevada: Exploring the Link Between Magmatism and Carlin-Type Mineralization"

Best Graduate Poster Presentation (cash award):
Kathleen M. Wooton, "Petrogenesis of Extracaldera Rhyolites, Yellowstone Volcanic Field, Wyoming: A 4th Caldera Cycle?"


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Jason Williams, Postdoctoral Scholar at UNLV Receives National Research Service Award (NRSA) from National Institute of Health (NIH)

Jason "Jake" Williams, a postdoctoral scholar at UNLV, is the recipient of a prestigious National Research Service Award (NRSA) from National Institute of Health (NIH). This $ 96,000 two-year award will support William’s research efforts on oxidative stress (a condition of increased oxidant production in animal cells characterized by the release of free radicals and resulting in cellular degeneration) and aging. "This fellowship allows me to remain at UNLV and continue my research. I hope to become known as a leading researcher in this emerging field.  Without this funding I would be forced to leave UNLV this year, and my research would have slowed to a snail’s pace." Dean Ron Yasbin noted that, "This award recognizes Jake's outstanding research, his potential as a leader in biomedical research, and UNLV's increasing prominence as a research university."

When Williams first arrived at UNLV he had no aspirations to study oxidative stress and aging (nor was it being studied here), however, "the extreme latitude and independence offered by my mentors made it possible for me to explore several ideas prior to focusing on this extremely exciting topic." Associate professor of life sciences Michelle Elekonich, William's advisor, observed that "Although many studies suggest that oxidative stress promotes aging; this is the first study to investigate the role of intense behavioral activity to produce oxidative stress and aging. This award reflects Jake's ability, creativity, and promise. It also signifies that NIH believes UNLV can train outstanding biomedical researchers."

This research project seeks to address specific gaps in our understanding of how oxidative stress contributes to muscle damage and aging.  Although considerable information is available regarding the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and potential negative effects of oxidative stress, few studies link metabolically-intensive actions to the accumulation of muscle damage, activity of cellular protective mechanisms, and muscle performance over the course of an animal’s life span. 

Williams will examine these questions using the honey bee, Apis mellifera.  Honey bees are extremely good organisms for studies of exercise induced oxidative stress because they produce the highest mass-specific metabolic rate measured in the animal kingdom during flight.  In addition, activity and age can be separated in honey bees because they display a behavioral division of labor and after a simple colony manipulation. Comparisons can be made between in-colony workers that rarely fly and same-aged foragers that fly up to 8 km a day while gathering nectar and pollen.  Williams will determine if oxidative damage in flight muscle is dependant on activity rather than age by measuring markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity during daily foraging activity in the flight muscles and less active brain tissue of foragers as they develop and then age. 

Jake will then determine if activity level, ROS formation, and oxidative damage, rather than age, are linked to functional declines in flight muscle tissue by measuring flight performance and metabolism, markers of oxidative stress, flight muscle mass, and mitochondrial aerobic capacity and ROS formation at several points throughout a forager’s life. To separate the affect of repeated flight activity and age on accrued muscle damage, aged-matched, in-colony worker bees will also be examined in both experiments.   Linking levels of oxidative damage and muscle performance in honey bees will offer insight into the immediate and longterm effects of exercise induced oxidative stress and would have direct relevance to understanding muscle deterioration in aging humans and muscular diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Williams revealed that "I was first attracted to UNLV by the quality group of physiology researchers in the School of Life Sciences (SOLS) and how well they work together.  I was aware of the outstanding research underway by such faculty as Frank van Breukelen, Alan Gibbs, and former post-doc Brent Sinclair. I visited UNLV and met my current advisors, Michelle Elekonich and Steve Roberts. I agreed to work here after I saw the collaborative nature and openness of the physiology group.  SOLS is truly a unique environment, with so many quality researchers who work so well together.  I literally have performed experiments or used equipment in seven different laboratories during my time at UNLV."

He plans to continue in academia and find a faculty position where he can teach and perform quality research.  He recognizes that, "My UNLV postdoc experience and this prestigious NIH fellowship will be very beneficial in landing an academic position.  So much so, I can now be very selective in choosing my future career path, a luxury not afforded to many people in academics.  In the past year I was offered four faculty positions; however, I declined each one, knowing that my options will only increase with the research I am performing at UNLV."

Jake admits to a lifelong interest in determining how the differences in an organism's physiology permits it to do what it does or live where it lives.  During his Ph.D. work Williams studied how larvae of the Goldenrod Gall Fly could survive frozen solid for a week at -80°C, whereas most other insects cannot survive freezing at any temperature.  Because of this interest, he leapt at the chance to work with UNLV scientists Michelle Elekonich and Steve Roberts, and to focus on honey bees, because the distinct behavioral  groups within a colony offer a powerful model to study how oxidative stress may influence or even cause aging in organisms.  For instance, comparisons of oxidative stress and muscle performance can be made between highly active forager bees and less active in-colony workers over their complete lifespan. 

Williams was born and raised near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He studied beetles in tall grass prairies and played football at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa from 1993-1997 and moved to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1998. There he began graduate work in insect cold tolerance, before moving to UNLV in 2005.  When not in the laboratory or classroom Jake enjoys sports, being a computer nerd, traveling, and saving money.  He used to be the self-proclaimed "cheapest man alive" and would save money to be able to travel abroad between school semesters.  He has ventured to 5 continents and has lived for at least one month in 8 different countries.  Jake noted that his traveling days are on hold now because," I have a better passion, playing with my 5 month old daughter Kacey."

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UNLV Undergraduate Karen Levy Receives Amgen Scholarship

Karen Levy, a sophomore undergraduate student in biology and biochemistry at UNLV, will serve as a 2007 Amgen Scholar. Karen is one of only 13 students selected for this prestigious award, from a national pool of some 700 nominations. Recipients receive a $5,500 stipend for their summer research experience. The Amgen Scholars Program provides selected undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a fully funded, hands-on research experience at some of the nation's leading education institutions. The Program seeks to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a science or engineering career and spark the interest and broaden the perspective of students considering a scientific career. Ultimately, the Program aims to increase the number of students pursuing advanced training and careers in the sciences.

Levy's classroom and laboratory work at UNLV and the Desert Research Institute (DRI) is impressive. Her research experience in environmental microbiology, working in the research lab of Dr. Duane Mosher, DRI includes devising a method for measuring estrogens in aqueous media and developing methods to grow environmental bacteria on estrogens as a sole C-source. Karen has determined that the Las Vegas Wash includes abundant estrogen degraders which appear to increase in numbers below the wastewater plants (10e2 per mL vs. 10e4) and she is in the process of identifying many of these degraders. Karen also maintains a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

Karen will spend ten weeks this summer at Columbia University studying Legionella pneumophila, the microorganism that causes Legionnaire's disease, under the direction of Dr. Howard Shuman, professor of Microbiology at the College of Physician and Surgeons at Columbia University. In addition to presenting the results of her project to peers in New York City, Karen will also present the results of her research this summer at the national Amgen Biomedical Conference to be held in Lake Tahoe in July 2007. Karen's aspirations for the future are to pursue a combined M.D./Ph.D. and explore a career as a medical researcher.

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Looking In On Higher Education, Las Vegas Sun, April 2 2007, by Christina Littlefield

Clark County grade school teachers got a hands-on look at Southern Nevada's geological wonders this month in a "Teaching the Teachers" course designed by UNLV. With a $26,000 grant from the university, geology professor Kimberly Johnson designed a research project to train local third through fifth grade teachers in how to better teach Earth science, and to then measure the effectiveness of that training. Johnson measured the science knowledge of 11 teachers before and after all-day field trips to Lake Mead and Red Rock and saw improvement in their comprehension. The goal was to improve science education in the classroom and encourage more students to explore science as a career.

"The idea was to start with the teachers, and get the teachers excited about science so they could take that enthusiasm with them into the classroom," said Johnson, who is pursuing a National Science Foundation grant to expand the program from kindergarten through 12th grade. June Maier, Gifted and Talented Education specialist at Howard Hollingsworth and William Moore elementary schools, said she plans to take her students on similar trips. Nevada's Desert Research Institute participated in a similar project last week in the Mojave Desert as part of a NASA program to train teachers. The desert's environment is similar to what scientists have found on Mars.

The UNLV press release issued on this project reads:

UNLV AND CCSD WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE SCIENCE INSTRUCTION

Pilot Program Uses Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon as Outdoor Teaching Labs

LAS VEGAS, NV - April 3, 2007 ­- UNLV’s department of geosciences is collaborating with the Clark County School District (CCSD) to use some of Southern Nevada’s best known outdoor areas to help teachers improve their science curriculum and instructional methods. The program, called “Teaching Teachers through Field Experiences,” introduces CCSD educators to an Earth-Systems approach to teaching, which involves studying the planet as a compilation of interconnected subsystems, including the lithosphere (earth), hydrosphere (water), biosphere (life), atmosphere (air), exosphere (solar system), and the androsphere (human aspect). Teachers learn about each system during hands-on field experiences aboard the Forever Earth floating laboratory on Lake Mead and interactive exercises in the Red Rock Conservation Area.

The four-day program ­aims to help teachers of grades 3-5 incorporate earth science principles into their curriculum and to model interdisciplinary teaching practices that support better content comprehension. “The goal of this project is to improve science education and increase the number and competency of earth science teachers in CCSD,” said Kimberly Johnson, UNLV geosciences professor and lead instructor of the program. “If this program proves successful, we hope to expand it to include additional grade levels in Clark County and possibly other school districts around the state as well.”

Participating teachers are given pre- and post-field experience assessment tests to measure the efficacy of the pilot program. The first session, which was held in February to a limited number of teachers, received rave reviews. “The success of our first session generated quite a buzz and we were forced to turn applicants away,” Johnson said. “It shows a great desire among teachers to improve and diversify their approaches to teaching science. We hope to accommodate all interested teachers in the future.” According to the Third International Mathematics and Science Study - the largest international study of student achievement ever conducted - U.S. students rank below their counterparts in 17 other countries in math and science literacy by the time they reach their senior year of high school. Through this program and others coordinated by UNLV’s Center for Math and Science Education, the university and CCSD are collaborating to reverse this trend by helping teachers to employ best practices and integrate innovative teaching methods into their curriculum.

Johnson is currently pursuing additional funding from the National Science Foundation to continue and expand the program. In the future, UNLV’s Center for Math and Science Education will grant continuing education credit to teachers who complete the program. The results of the training program will be presented at various educational conferences and to the Journal of Geoscience Education this summer. Other partners in this project include UNLV’s Center for Math and Science Education and the Public Lands Institute.

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Looking In On Higher Education, Las Vegas Sun, April 27, 2007, by Christina Littlefield

One way to draw more students into medical school is to hold their hands through the process. So UNLV has launched an advising program to identify, as early as possible, students who are interested in health fields, and to then guide them to complete the coursework and other steps needed for admission to medical school. For the past two years the university has designated a counselor to work full time with health science majors. And now it has added a course to help students study for the medical school entrance exam. The program is seeing dividends, with UNLV students surpassing the national acceptance rate in their applications to medical school. So far this year, 40 of 106 students applying to medical school have been accepted. Eleven have been accepted at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and eight at Touro University in Henderson's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dental school admission rates have increased 50 percent in two years.

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"Robots, Money, Whatever It Takes, UNLV Goes Recruiting: Science, Engineering Students in Demand", by Christina Littlefield, Las Vegas Sun, April 17, 2007

Dean Ron Yasbin and colleagues at UNLV including dean of engineering Eric Sandgren; John Parley, professor of physics and co-director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education, and Andrew Hanson, professor of geoscience contributed to an interview that focused recruiting science and engineering students to UNLV and programs that support undergraduate and graduate student research opportunities at UNLV.

“…With grant money from the National Science Foundation, UNLV offers extensive research experience for undergraduates, including a nationally competitive summer research fellowship that attracts students from across the country. The summer program is designed recruit students to UNLV for graduate school, physics professor John Farley said. Recently, the program even convinced one undergraduate student, Jenny Welch, to transfer to UNLV from California. Most universities restrict laboratory work to graduate students, but one of the best ways to encourage students to pursue a career in science is to involve them in research early on, Farley said…”

“…A pilot program is already proving its worth: It recently recruited a top-notch doctoral student into UNLV's geoscience program. Called Nevada Stars, the program offers enhanced stipends, worth about $24,000 a year including tuition and fees, to nine star students. For the geoscience department, such assistance helped it recruit Kelly Robertson, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology lab technician planning a doctorate in volcanology. Robertson was being recruited by Columbia University; Boston University; University of California, Santa Barbara; and University of Rhode Island. "We were thrilled when she chose UNLV over those," geoscience professor and graduate coordinator Andrew Hanson said. "That's some pretty high quality competition."

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Prognosis Improving: Valley Health Care Gets a Boost from Partnerships, Young Henderson School, By Christina Littlefield, Las Vegas Sun, April 24, 2007

"…Among the deals being worked out between the public and private medical schools, for instance, is one that allows UNLV and Nevada State College students to start their health science training at Touro or the University of Southern Nevada without having to finish their fourth year of schooling at the state schools. After spending three years in undergraduate science classes at UNLV or Nevada State College, the students will be able to transfer to the private schools for their senior year, to begin training in osteopathic medicine, occupational therapy, physician assistant or pharmacy. Students will earn their bachelor's degree from the public institution and continue training at the private school. Touro and UNLV have also received preliminary approval to develop a joint degree program in which students considering jobs in medical research can earn a doctorate of osteopathy from Touro and a doctorate in science from UNLV..."

 

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NSF Grant Supports "Wind River Conference on Procaryotic Biology, Annual Meeting at Aspen Lodge in Estes Park, Colorado on June 6 - 10, 2007," ($15,000)

Dean Ron Yasbin has received an NSF grant ($ 15,000) to provide travel funds for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and undergraduate researchers to actively participate in the Wind River Conference on Procaryotic Biology. This conference is held annually and features four keynote or thematic lectures given by distinguished scientists who are leaders in their respective fields of prokaryotic microbial biology. The majority of the remaining oral research presentations at the meeting are made by students and fellows. The conference provides an ideal opportunity for these young scientists to have the experience of presenting their data in a clear, concise and informative manner, and to field and respond to questions from their peers as well as the senior scientists who attend this international meeting. The meeting agenda is set each year to address the most important emerging issues in prokaryotic biology. Moreover the meeting provides a unique and conducive atmosphere for young participants to interact with senior scientists, professors and researchers in an informal manner, to discuss research, and to arrange formal and informal collaborations, studentships or post doctorial appointments.

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College of Sciences Faculty Awards

The College of Sciences is proud to announce the following award recipients for the 2006-2007 academic year:

Outstanding Service Award: Associate Professor Stephen Roberts, School of Life Sciences

Outstanding Research Award:Professor Malcolm Nicol, Physics and Astronomy and

Associate Professor  Balakrishnan Naduvalath, Chemistry

Outstanding Teaching Award:Professor John Farley, Physics and Astronomy

Donna Weistrop Career Achievement Award: Professor Boyd Earl, Chemistry

An awards reception will be held in early May 2007 (date to be announced).  The College of Sciences will also honor our faculty colleagues who will be promoted and/or awarded tenure.   These faculty members are:

Tenure: Associate Professor Kenneth Czerwinski, Chemistry

Associate Professor Clemens Heske, Chemistry

Tenure (and promotion to

Associate Professor): Michael Nicholl, Geoscience

Carryn Bellomo, Mathematics

Promotion to Professor: Zhonghai "Eric" Ding, Mathematics

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College of Sciences Thesis and Dissertation Awards

Shen Xie, School of Life Sciences, Dissertation Award
"Roles of WRKY Proteins in Mediating the Crosstalk of Hormone Signaling Pathways: An Approach Integrating Bioinformatics and Experimental Biology"

Xie approached the composition of studying the WRKY family of plant genes using methods, analysis, development, and resources within the environment. He also elaborated on concepts, approached methods to provide a thorough literature review that subsequently reflected the aims and goals of this study. He presented a conceptual framework and design which is fully developed and well-integrated to acknowledge potential problems areas and present alterative tactics for solution.

Garth Spellman, Life Sciences Dissertation Award Honorable Mention
"The Comparative Phylogeopraphy of Pine-Oak Birds, Focusing on Three Different Montane, Western Bird Species"

Spellman’s research focuses on the Comparative Phylogeography of Pine-Oak Birds, focusing on three different montane, western bird species. 

Shanna Goffman-Tighi, Water Resource Management, Thesis Award Winner
"Uncertainty Analysis: Mid-Term Operational Model for the Lower Colorado River "

Goffman-Tighi approached the composition of studying the management of the Lower Colorado River Resource using methods, analysis, development, and resources within the environment. She elaborated on concepts and approached methods to provide a thorough literature review. She presented a conceptual framework and design which is fully developed, well-integrated to acknowledge potential problems areas, and presents alternative tactics for solution.

Robert Ain, Mathematical Sciences, Thesis Honorable Mention
"Traveling Waves in a Suspension Bridge System"

Ain approached mathematical modeling and analysis of bridge suspension using methods, analysis, development and resources within the environment.

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Honoring UNLV Authors: Books Published in 2006

On Wednesday, April 18, 2007 the UNLV Libraries hosted the Fifth Annual Celebration of UNLV Authors. College of Sciences faculty included in this year’s group are:

Kimberly Johnson. Natural Disasters Workbook. Dubuque IA: Kendall/Hunt, 2006.

Tao Pang. An Introduction to Computational Physics. 2nd Edition. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006.

Brett R. Riddle and others. Biogeography. 3rd Edition. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, 2006.

Phillip F. Weck, Victor H.S. Kwong and Farid Salama, eds. Proceedings of the 2006 NASA Laboratory Astrophysics Workshop, February 14-16, 2006, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Hanover, MD: Center for Aerospace Information, 2006.

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Conference on Normal Tissue Radiation Effects (CONTRE), July 12-14, 2007

The International Conference on Normal Tissue Radiation Effects, July 12-14, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada focuses on the effects of radiation on normal tissues. The biannual CONTRE will deal with both low-dose and high-dose radiation effects and post-exposure survivorship issues. Meeting sponsors include: the Nevada Cancer Institute, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada Development Authority, and Quest Diagnostic Laboratories.

Register at: http://www.nevadacancerinstitute.org/contre/contre.html

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University Forum Lecture

On Friday, May 4, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the Barrick Museum Auditorium, Michael Pravica, assistant professor of physics will deliver a University Forum lecture entitled, "Nikola Tesla: Visionary Genius, Man of Mystery and Legend." The year 2006 marked the sesquicentennial of the birth of one of the world's greatest geniuses: Nikola Tesla. Twentieth Century progenitor, his many inventions include: the radio, alternating current, and hydroelectric power. Pravica's talk will focus on Tesla's life, on some of his inventions, and on how these inventions have impacted society.

 

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Physics and Astronomy Seminars

On Wednesday, April 11, 2007 Professor Rene Oudmaijer from the University of Leeds, England delivered a seminar entitled, "Pre-Main Sequence Stars Probed at High Resolution: Disks, Outflows and Binaries."

On Thursday, April 12, 2007 Dr. Dale A. Frail, Assistant Director Science and Academic Affairs, National Radio Astronomy Observatory presented a talk entitled, "The Hot and Cold Universe."

Abstract: In the next decade two major facilities will come on line at radio,  millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths which are capable of studying the cold, obscured Universe and the hot, relativistic Universe. The Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) will have order of magnitude or more improvements in sensitivity, frequency range and resolution, and angular resolution. He broadly described the science capabilities of EVLA and ALMA and provided an update of the status of both of these projects. (Much of the work on these two projects is being done at NRAO in Socorro, a short 500 miles from Las Vegas.

On Thursday, April 26, 2007, Dr. Sergey Tkachev, Carnegie Geophysical Institution in Washington DC presented a seminar entitled, "Tools for Brillouin and Raman Scattering Techniques: Studies of C-BC2N and Proton Diffusion in Ice VII."

Abstract: This paper examines two new approaches in carrying out measurements using Brillouin and Raman scattering spectroscopy for two different materials: superhard nanocrystalline bulk cubic BC2N and ice VII. The characterization of the bulk and shear moduli of the second in hardness after diamond material was carried out by Brillouin scattering spectroscopy, and the results were already published. A concept of studying the diffusion of protons in ice VII by carrying out the in situ Raman measurements will be presented for the first time. These approaches are not related to each other. However, the unconventional use of the well-known techniques is what unites these two projects.

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School of Life Sciences Seminar

On Friday March 30, 2007, Everett Shock, professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Department of Chemistry at Arizona State University presented a seminar entitled "Biogeochemistry of Hot Spring Ecosystems at Yellowstone National Park," in the White Hall Auditorium at 3:30 pm. Shock is the Director of the Keck Foundation Lab for Environmental Biogeochemistry at ASU. His interdisciplinary interests range from theoretical and empirical thermodynamics, to geochemistry, to environmental microbiology, to astrobiology and has resulted in approximately 100 publications in the primary literature, including several papers in Science and Nature.

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Upcoming Seminars

The College of Sciences has established a listserve to better publicize and promote scientific seminars offered throughout the academic year. For more information on upcoming seminars and to subscribe to the listserve, please visit: http://cmse.unlv.edu/seminar/.

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Submit Your News Stories

The College of Sciences E-Newsletter is published on or about the first of each month. Please submit news items via email by the fifteenth of each month, for consideration. You may send your submissions to: Bill Brown, Director of Development william.brown@unlv.edu.

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