THE MAGAZINE OF ALMA COLLEGE - DIGITAL SCIENCE SCOTS AROUND THE WORLD HOMECOMING 2018
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THE THE MAGAZINE OF ALMA COLLEGE FA LL ❖ 20 18 DIGITAL SCIENCE • SCOTS AROUND THE WORLD • HOMECOMING 2018
THE M AGA Z I N E EDITOR Mike Silverthorn DESIGNER Rachel Salazar PHOTOGRAPHERS McKenna Clark ’18 Katie Keaton Compo ’14 Jordie Hayes ’18 Joy Johnson ’20 Molly McCranner ’19 Hannah Plotzke ’20 Benjamin Tigner Trent Wiederhold CONTRIBUTORS Jeff Abernathy Anthony Collamati Derek Devine Cheyenne Kalfsbeek ’19 Matt vandenBerg ’02 WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK. PLEASE SEND COMMENTS TO Mike Silverthorn Alma College 614 W. Superior St. Alma, MI 48801-1599 or e-mail silverthorn@alma.edu Alma College’s mission is to prepare graduates who think critically, serve generously, lead purposefully and live responsibly as stewards of the world they bequeath to future generations.
ON THE COVER: Junior Molly McCranner studied biodiversity and environmental sus- tainability in New Zealand during spring term 2018. For more spring term images of Scots around the world, see pages 19-23. COMMENCEMENT 2018 A day of happy faces and recognizing accomplishments. 3
Letter from the PRESIDENT A growing demand for STEM T he growth in career opportu- nities in science, technology, engineering and mathemat- ics (STEM) fields has been well documented. In a 2017 report, the Economics and Statistics Administration of the Department of Commerce reported that "em- ployment in STEM occupations grew much faster than employ- ment in non-STEM occupations over the last decade (24.4 percent versus 4.0 percent, respective- ly), and STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8.9 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to 6.4 percent growth for non-STEM occupations.” Alma College is proud of a long tradition of providing students an excellent liberal arts education, especially in the humanities and Alma College faculty are working indicates that students’ abilities to the social sciences. However, con- hard to keep up with new innova- communicate in a digital space sistent with the national trend, we tions. This edition of The Tartan were enhanced — skills that will also are seeing increased student highlights campus initiatives that be essential to future careers. demand for STEM programs. respond to those opportunities as Additional collaborative courses In comparing the majors com- well as fascinating alumni stories are scheduled for this fall. pleted by our graduates over the about the impact of technology in past five years, the percentage of their work. students completing STEM majors Dr. Anthony Collamati’s article, IMPROVING CAMPUS has grown from 47.3 percent in 2014 to 51.8 percent in 2018. The “Can Online Learning Find a FACILITIES Place in the Liberal Arts?” (p. 27) college’s reputation as a great I am excited to share the photos describes ways that collaborative school for studying science and from the completion of the learning spaces are enabling technology is strengthened by Rollin M. Gerstacker Science small private colleges like Alma our success in assisting STEM and Technology Suite, the first to work with peers to provide graduates to either gain entry into of three phases of renovation course offerings that bridge tra- their preferred graduate school or planned for our science facilities. ditional campus boundaries, as to put their foot on the first rung The images on pages 16-18 high- we did in a 2018 winter term pilot of the career ladder. light a bright, welcoming space of joint offerings with Albion and Calvin colleges. —in the former Dow courtyard and lobby—with technologically TECHNOLOGY Students from each campus enhanced labs and classrooms INNOVATION AT ALMA completed the course from and comfortable spaces for col- their home campus but were laboration between students and Technology is impacting every able to engage fully with peers faculty or for student group work. discipline at the college, and many miles away. Dr. Collamati 4
Inside: Fall 2018 The reaction from students OTHER CAMPUS and faculty to this beautiful new space has been excel- NEWS 6 lent; the paint was barely dry before we began seeing stu- Within these pages COUNTDOWN TO LIFTOFF: dents claim their new favorite we also introduce the ENSURING LAUNCH study spots. college’s new Provost and SUCCESS Senior Vice President for William Heyd ’05 plays a critical role The renovated Dow Digital Academic Affairs Kathleen in the successful launch of rockets Science Center, located within Dougherty and our new whose payloads improve life on the suite, enables collection Chaplain and Director Earth, explore deep space and fur- and analysis of field data to of Spiritual Life Andrew ther our knowledge of the universe. sustain partnerships between Pomerville. Get to know Alma College and the broader them; they will be key community in support of current research needs and problem resolution in the leaders on our campus. The magazine also pro- 10 CDC WARRIOR: FIGHTING GLOBAL DISEASE vides information about Whether responding to the West local geographic area. African Ebola outbreak or tracking Homecoming and the an- nual alumni awards. I hope the domestic patterns of STDs, Emily The college also has Weston Parker ’01 focuses on the launched an ambitious three- to see you all back on data for improving global health. year, $21 million campus campus for Homecoming modernization plan that will Weekend on Sept. 28-30. result in the remodeling of five residence halls. By fall 2020, more than 80 percent of I am so proud of the work we are doing together here 16 NEW SPACE FOR THE DDSC The Dow Digital Science Center collects real-time data from around at Alma College, and I the world, enabling students, faculty Alma’s student housing will hope you find something in and K-12 teachers to engage in cut- be upgraded with enhance- this issue to inspire you to ting-edge STEM research. ments that are important join the momentum. Check to today’s college students. out the college website, Renovations to Mitchell and Newberry halls began imme- diately after commencement www.alma.edu, to learn more about our academic, fine arts or athletic pro- 24 A Q&A WITH THE CHAPLAIN in April. As a result of the “The chapel program should be an grams. Become an Alma inspiring, motivating and safe place summer construction, 450 Ambassador. Keep up with for all members of the community students will be living in what’s happening at Alma to contribute their talents, ideas and newly-renovated rooms this through the college’s or questions about faith in an environ- fall. The plan also calls for ment that truly values peaceful, in- my social media channels. interior improvements to terfaith dialogue.” — Rev. Dr. Andrew Bruske Hall in summer 2019 It’s a great time to be a Pomerville ’01 and the Nisbet/Brazell and Scot! ❖ Carey/Bonbright complexes in 2020. — JEFF ABERNATHY, PRESIDENT 26 GOOGLE POWERS CLASS- ROOM COLLABORATION Alma College and partner schools are the first to pilot new course- abernathyj@alma.edu sharing technology for delivering learning at multiple sites. facebook.com/almapresident twitter.com/jeffabernathy alma.edu/offices/president 36 SCOTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Alma’s 2018 alumni award recipients refer prospective students, support (989) 463-7146 their communities, participate in career services events — and write a best-selling book. 5
Digital Science FEATURES FEATURE Countdown to liftoff: Ensuring launch success WILLIAM HEYD ’05 PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF ROCKETS WHOSE PAYLOADS IMPROVE LIFE ON EARTH, EXPLORE DEEP SPACE AND FURTHER OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNIVERSE. W illiam Heyd ’05 has a vested interest in the success of NASA’s current mission to Mars. He and his team at United Launch Alliance (ULA) helped prepare the rocket that launched the car-sized probe into space. On May 5, the Atlas V rocket carrying the InSight Mars lander lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. If everything goes according to plan, InSight will reach its planetary destination Nov. 26, touching down near the Martian equator. ULA and its heritage rockets have launched every U.S. spacecraft to the Red Planet since the 1960s, including Mars Science Lab as well as the Spirit and Opportunity rovers. This was the 10th Mars launch on an Atlas rocket, and the fourth by the Atlas V. Heyd has held a variety of positions at ULA over the past 11 years. Stationed at the company’s headquarters in Denver, Colo., he manages a group of 70 quality engineers and assurance professionals whose primary function is problem-solving and ensuring launch success. ➞ 6
WILLIAM HEYD, WITH A BOOSTER FOR THE COMPANY’S DELTA IV ROCKET. THE BOOSTER IS A BIG FUEL TANK USED TO POWER THE ENGINE THAT LIFTS THE ROCKET OUT OF GRAVITY; IT SEPARATES AND AN UPPER STAGE TAKES OVER.
Digital Science FEATURE SUCCESSFUL MISSIONS of the choir. It was only natural that where, following the example set by his William, along with his brother and parents, he met his future wife, Carrie “One of our most important missions is sister, also attend Alma. Grace ’07. to support NASA and our other clients in providing rides to space,” says Heyd, William majored in physics and math- After graduating, he found a few odd senior manager of engineering and supply ematics and identifies John Gibson jobs in Michigan — but not the career chain quality assurance. “Our goal is and Cameron Reed as impactful he envisioned. to deliver 100 percent mission success. professors. He also sang in the choir, “Some friends found jobs in Colorado, My group has a direct impact on that so I decided to pack my bags,” he says. success.” In a perfect world, Heyd’s organization spends the majority of its time reviewing the creation of hardware and software engineering and managing the processes supporting procured goods from 600-plus suppliers — ensuring that all t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted. “However, in reality there are constantly issues, big and small, arising throughout our process that are identified, document- ed and properly dispositioned prior to any launch,” he says. “There is virtually no margin of error in this industry.” His team resolves issues relative to engineering and supply chain issues and ensures “that no stone is left unturned” prior to critical operational milestones. InSight was ULA’s 128th successful rocket launch since the company was formed in 2006 with the merging of the Lockheed Martin Atlas and Boeing Delta teams. The Mars lander had added significance as it was the first mission launched to another planet from the West Coast. ULA rockets launch satellites that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of the solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device- based GPS navigation. “My team supports every launch,” says Heyd. “Our customers are primarily NASA, the Air Force, the National Reconnaissance Office and a hodgepodge of commercial clients. We’re passionate about our work and excited for their success.” AT ALMA: SCIENCE AND CHOIR Heyd’s educational and professional jour- ney began in his hometown of Marquette, Mich. His parents, Robert ‘71 and Mary Lynn Beglinger Heyd ’71, both attended Alma College and first met as members 8
“After three months of job searching, provided an opportunity to employ — those experiences provided a I landed an offer from United Launch my skills outside of Michigan, my well-rounded education.” Alliance, interviewing at the rocket Alma education gave me a leg up. My Following the successful launch of the manufacturing facility. Alma education and experience were InSight Mars lander, Heyd and his team huge assets for me. “As a student at Alma, I could envi- turned their attention to ULA’s next sion a job working with rockets but “More than the actual technical planned launch: NASA’s Parker Solar didn’t think it was plausible, espe- knowledge, it was the smaller classes, Probe mission from Cape Canaveral Air cially with Michigan’s economy at the opportunity to work in teams Force Station in Florida. ❖ the time,” he says. “But when I was and engage in critical conversations —MIKE SILVERTHORN THE MOBILE SERVICE TOWER ROLLS BACK FROM THE ULA ATLAS V ROCKET CARRYING NASA’S INSIGHT MISSION TO MARS IN PREPARATION FOR LAUNCH FROM SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX-3 AT VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA. (PHOTO CREDIT: UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE). 9
Digital Science FEATURE CDC WARRIOR: FIGHTING GLOBAL DISEASE to better understand the emerging WHETHER RESPONDING TO THE WEST AFRICAN EBOLA OUTBREAK threat of antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea.” OR TRACKING THE DOMESTIC PATTERNS OF STDS, EMILY WESTON PARKER ’01 FOCUSES ON THE DATA FOR IMPROVING GLOBAL HEALTH. UNEXPECTED OUTBREAKS Parker has been involved in respons- Emily Weston Parker ’01, third from left, es to a number of major health issues with her CDC colleagues in Liberia. over her 14 years with the CDC. She coordinated a large surveillance system in the U.S. that collected information on the pathogens that cause meningitis and pneumococcal disease. She also researched infants born with serious blood infections and worked with colleagues to implement screening guidelines for women to receive a special E mily Weston Parker ’01 has ANALYZING THE DATA prenatal screening test for group B served on the front lines of Streptococcus. some of the world’s most seri- Parker specializes in epidemio- ous health outbreaks. logic surveillance, which involves In addition, she served as part of the systematic collection, analysis, larger CDC-wide emergency out- As an epidemiologist with the interpretation and dissemination of break response efforts, including the Centers for Disease Control and data reflecting the health status of a pandemic influenza (H1N1) in 2009, Prevention (CDC), she has respond- community or population. working in the emergency operations ed to outbreaks such as H1N1 influ- center in Atlanta, and the West Africa enza, Ebola, pneumococcal men- “In the U.S., states report all STD Ebola Response during 2014-15, trav- ingitis and pertussis. Work-related data, including gonorrhea, into a eling to the affected countries. international travel has taken her national system on a weekly basis,” to Belgium, Brazil, Japan, Liberia, she says. “We assess the cases that “For many day-to-day activities, Malawi, the Netherlands, Nigeria, are being reported and analyze the I work with both domestic and the Philippines, South Africa and data in intricate ways, for instance international partners over email Thailand. looking at gender, age groups and and conference calls,” she says. geography. We look at trends over “Both require flexibility with She started her career at the CDC time and use the data to recommend scheduling conference calls early in 2004 performing surveillance policies and responses to a very in the morning or later in the for vaccine-preventable diseases. serious health issue.” evening as well as responding to In 2015, she transitioned into the emails to ensure colleagues can Division of STD Prevention, tracking While her primary work focuses work on important aspects of our the patterns of gonorrhea, a sexually on U.S. trends for gonorrhea, she work while I sleep. transmitted disease (STD) that is the also collaborates with colleagues second most commonly reported from the World Health Organization “However, there is only so much condition in the United States. to implement surveillance systems that can be done and performed globally, most recently in Thailand while in Atlanta,” she says. “Site vis- “I feel fortunate to say that my and the Philippines. its to conduct assessments, provide profession is also my vocation, and technical assistance, or participate I absolutely love what I do,” says “Because of resistance to antibiot- in an outbreak/emergency response Parker. “CDC’s actions have a direct ics, we are down to our last line of occur a few times a year — or even impact on the health and health therapy for gonorrhea,” she says. unexpectedly in the case of an out- outcomes of our communities, “Unfortunately, there are limited break. When I travel on these trips, nation and world. I take my role as a supplies of antimicrobials left that they tend to be anywhere from two- federal employee very seriously but we will be able to use to treat to-three weeks in length as we try to remain incredibly passionate about gonorrhea. As a result, I have been maximize our time with our partners public health.” working with international partners in the field.” 10
THE EBOLA RESPONSE “In their short lifetimes, these young adults had been around war With the Ebola outbreak, Parker and and disease more than anyone in CDC colleagues deployed multiple the U.S.,” she says. “To work with times to Nigeria and Liberia. Ebola them and see their desire and hemorrhagic fever is a rare and commitment to get rid of radical deadly virus that causes severe regimes and diseases like Ebola bleeding and organ failure. really touched and impressed me. “Each time I deployed, my role was They had experienced first-hand a little different as is the case with war and major epidemics, yet they many outbreaks — that is, when you were a proud people, proud of their deploy, you think you are going to country, and proud of the work be doing one job, but when you they were doing to get rid of Ebola.” get ‘on the ground,’ your role may change depending on the current A SOLID FOUNDATION needs in-country,” she says. Parker’s journey to the CDC began “I helped with border response with her Alma College education. including airports and land border After Alma, she pursued a graduate Emily Weston Parker ’01, far left, at a crossings,” she says. “We trained degree at Boston University and was hospital dedication in Thailand. colleagues on the importance of able to secure a one-year fellowship basic infection control practices, like out of grad school with the CDC incredibly fortunate and grateful for hand-washing and putting on and before landing a permanent job. that. Across the miles and years, taking off gloves as well as identify- it’s heart-warming to know Alma is ing signs of illness among co-work- “Alma helped me realize that there would be a great big world full of just one of my communities. And ers and travelers.” it’s a community that I needed as a many exciting opportunities beyond Additionally, she worked with the the ‘bubble,’” she says. “I received young adult before making my way Liberian Ministry of Health and a solid foundation at Alma, both into the world.” WHO to help Liberia implement its scientifically and personally. Alma’s In her international travels, Parker own Integrated Disease Surveillance liberal arts background helped fos- carries a piece of Alma with her. and Response Program (IDSR). ter a solid knowledge of many areas, not just one track, and I think that “I wear my CDC ID badge on an “Every time I travel, I’m humbled Alma College lanyard to this day,” propelled me to excel in graduate to be doing what I’m doing, to be she says. “This lanyard has been work and as a professional at CDC. able to go into a country that is the topic of many conversations in culturally different and to work with “I think the best experiences I international settings. I have been international colleagues who have have from Alma are the relation- stopped by other MIAA alums or the ability and desire to improve ships I was able to build,” she Midwest residents who know exactly their own health,” she says. says. “Whether it’s from the friends what and where Alma is. It’s a name I made from my classes, various that speaks for itself, and I am proud “With Ebola, it was very scary for a lot campus activities, choir or my to have been a student there.” ❖ of people. When I was getting ready sorority, I have many relationships to deploy, people asked me if I was —MIKE SILVERTHORN that continue to this day, and I am scared. I wasn’t scared — I had been prepared to work with Ministry of Health colleagues on implementing re- sponse efforts, including data analysis, and would not be treating persons in ABOUT EMILY WESTON PARKER ’01 the Ebola treatment clinics.” An epidemiologist in the Division Liberia has a history of civil war. of STD Prevention (DSTDP) in the Prior to the Ebola outbreak, there were times of great oppression, in- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral cluding public executions by brutal Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention regimes. In her visits to Liberia, (NCHHSTP) at the Centers for Disease Parker realized she was working Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, alongside the surviving children of Georgia. those wars. 11
Digital Science FEATURE New research tool: Hexoskins produce data on physical activity THESE WIRELESS SENSOR SUITS GATHER PHYSIO-METRIC DATA WHILE TRACKING THE USER’S BREATHING, RESPIRATORY FUNCTION AND HEART RATE. Hannah Wallace ’18 analyzes data with fac- ulty researcher Alex Montoye ’10. H exoskins are not a new fad when Hannah Wallace ’18 is the most Wallace desired to conduct a similar it comes to research at Alma recent Scot to conduct a study using study focusing solely on the color guard. College. These wearable activity Hexoskins. Intrigued by Professor smart shirts have been in the human Maurie Luetkemeier’s research on the Her objective? Use Hexoskins to performance labs since they were Alma College marching band’s energy determine the level of physical activity validated for use in 2016. expenditure and physical activity, achieved by the color guard during 12
practices and performances. This comfortable enough to replace a HEXOSKINS AT ALMA idea was sparked by the national shirt or wear under a uniform, such COLLEGE AND BEYOND discussion on whether or not as a color guard uniform. participating in the marching Hexoskins have played a band should meet the physical “Within a few minutes, the Hexoskin feels like another shirt that is nor- major role with ongoing education requirements at the high school level — especially with the mally worn during a workout,” says research on the effects of time commitment required for Wallace. “You can hardly tell there is high altitude exposure on band members. a monitor that boasts a full data pack humans and balancing the collecting information as you wear it.” physical workload of student- “As a liberal arts college, Alma athletes on campus to help has allowed me to continue par- Users can easily upload and dissect the data. A Hexoskin website structure practices to mimic ticipating in band while fulfilling assists with some of the analysis games. They also have been my requirements for a degree in health science,” says Wallace. “A by providing graphs and calculated used in partnership with local research project that combined values. If you are looking to track high school students, teaching these passions made it clear that how the human body is performing the importance of learning this was the right study for me.” in real-time, all you need is an appli- how the body responds to cation on your phone. exercise and stress. The purpose of a Hexoskin is simple: produce real-time “My favorite part on the phone ap- Alex Montoye ’10, assistant results. These wireless sensor plication was tracking the breathing rate,” says Wallace. “The screen professor of integrative suits simultaneously gather physiology and health science, physio-metric data while tracking displays lungs inhaling and exhaling as if they were your own lungs. sees many opportunities for the the user’s breathing, respiratory Sometimes I would sit there and use of Hexoskins in the future, function, heart rate and other vital data in real-time during watch my digitized lungs breathe, both on and off Alma College’s a period of physical activity. fascinated by the technology.” campus. With future updates The user-friendly device is coming to the Dow Digital Wallace’s study proved that the worn around the torso and is color guard is well on its way to Science Center, Montoye meeting the requirements is excited for new ways to for moderate to vigorous collaborate and analyze data. physical activity — mean- ing its acceptance as a “One of the most effective ways physical education re- to learn is hands-on, which quirement might be right is why Alma College has labs around the corner. associated with its sciences,” says Montoye. “The more you “With my fine arts can experience in the lab and background, finding this out in the field, the easier it information was very rewarding,” says Wallace. is to think critically and solve “I now have scientific problems.” proof that participating in He also is excited to continue the marching band, specif- ically the color guard, can to use Hexoskins and other meet the requirements for wearable devices for research, physical activity. knowing it gives students the upper hand when it comes to “I’m so thankful for my applying for graduate school research advisers and and pursuing jobs. the technology available at Alma College,” says “Work on cutting edge Wallace. “They gave research as an undergraduate me the opportunity to is unusual,” says Montoye. conduct student-led re- “Our Scots present nationally search, providing an edge on my future graduate and internationally and get school applications and published in peer research resumes.” ❖ journals, which is a true testament to the fact that we do —DEREK DEVINE high quality work here.” ❖ 13
Digital Science FEATURE Bees and medicinal honey: What’s all the buzz about? STUDENTS ANALYZE HONEY SAMPLES FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS AND FORAGES OF MICHIGAN TO DETERMINE THEIR POTENTIAL AS A COMPLEMENTARY HEALING AGENT. IN ancient times, humans “Honey is a valuable therapeutic traditional medicine to benefit harvested honey for agent of complementary med- modern medicine. This is espe- its medicinal proper- icine,” says Ozturk. “Beyond cially important as antibiotics lose ties. Civilizations such as the killing pathogenic bacteria, their bioactivity potential due to Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks honey is useful as an antidiabetic, increasingly resistant bacteria.” and Romans used honey as a heal- anti-inflammatory and antiviral ing agent for wounds and to treat During the spring term class, eye and gastrointestinal diseases. substance. Other scientists have Ozturk and his students analyzed begun researching its use as an Today, honey is not prominent in the bioactivity potentials of hon- anti-cancer drug as well.” modern medicine. Yet, because ey collected in different seasons honey has a high level of bioactiv- Honey is broadly composed of from different regions and forag- ity, scientists continue to examine sugars, water, amino acids, vita- es of Michigan. its potential as a complementary mins, minerals, enzymes, phenolic The term bioactivity refers to therapeutic agent. acids and flavonoids — about 200 how active honey is within a cell chemical compounds in all. In spring 2018, Alma College to treat wounds, boost immuni- students analyzed the medicinal “While the exact role of each of ty, aid the gastrointestinal tract properties of honey in a course the molecules present in honey or support the microbiome of an taught by visiting professor Ferhat is unknown, a sort of synergy organism. Major measurements Ozturk, former director of the between molecules is believed to of bioactivity include antioxi- Honey Research Center at Canik exist,” says Ferhat. “I’m interested dant, antimicrobial and peroxi- Basari University in Turkey. in identifying something from dase activity. 14
“We analyzed 150 or so Methods such honey samples,” he says. as spectropho- “By focusing on those tometric analysis, with higher bioactivity lev- microplate reading, els, we hoped to expose bacteria culture, the bioactivity potential well plate analysis and of Michigan honey and melissopalynology — the perhaps uncover honeys study of pollen contained that might be considered in honey — assays were medical grade.” carried out in exploring each sample’s bioactivity level. Students spent the first week traveling through- “I was excited to offer out Michigan to learn this course,” says about honeybees, visiting Ozturk. “This was not apiaries in Kalamazoo, only a class but a research labs in Lansing real-life applica- and a commercial honey tion of students’ packing company in knowledge in Saginaw. They studied an environ- bee biology, hive care ment that and the risks and benefits some may of beekeeping. They also one day work experienced hands-on in as research- training in hive splitting, ers.” ❖ bee box installation and —CHEYENNE queen monitoring. KALFSBEEK ’19 The second portion of the course was spent in the lab. 15
Digital Science FEATURE New space for the DDSC THE DOW DIGITAL SCIENCE CENTER COLLECTS REAL-TIME DATA FROM AROUND THE WORLD, ENABLING STUDENTS, FACULTY AND K-12 TEACHERS TO ENGAGE IN CUTTING-EDGE STEM RESEARCH. W ithout stepping foot off the Alma She also collected data on the amount During winter term recess last February, College campus, biology major of time and over which substrates the Austin visited the Galapagos Islands to ob- Michaela Austin ’18 tracked and turtles swam, providing clues about the serve turtle behavior up close and personal. documented the behavior of sea turtles turtles’ source of food. She found that in the Galapagos Islands. “Staying on San Cristobal was awesome, the turtles most often swam over rocks and I was so pumped to go snorkeling Working under the direction of faculty bi- and plant algae. and actually see a sea turtle,” says ologists Dave Clark and John Rowe, Austin Austin. “It was a great experience. I analyzed video from GoPro cameras SEA TURTLE DATA learned new skills and bettered my ob- mounted on the turtles’ shells. The video servation and data collection skills.” In March 2018, Austin presented the was transmitted to the Dow Digital Science results of her study at the annual con- Center and made available for study. ference of the Michigan Academy of A TECHNOLOGY HUB Austin made ethograms to catalog the Science, Arts and Letters. Projects such as this are possible within sea turtle behavior and found that the “Working with Dr. Clark and Dr. Rowe the Rollin M. Gerstacker Science and turtles spent approximately 60 percent of gave me experience that most under- Technology Suite in the Dow Digital their time swimming and 12 percent of graduate students don’t get,” says Austin. Science Center, which now inhabits new the time at rest. More surprising was that “I feel like that experience will make me space in the former courtyard of the only 2.5 percent of their time was spent more competitive in the job market as I Dow Science Center. The 1,872-square- at the water’s surface for air and even move forward.” foot facility on the upper level looks less time was spent being social. down over the building’s main lobby.➞ 16
"Staying on San Cristobal was awesome; it was a great experience!" — Michaela Austin ’18 (below, right) ABOUT THE GRANT In 2014, Alma College received a $5 million grant from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation to expand STEM education. A major component of Alma’s e-STEM initiative was the creation of the Dow Digital Science Center, or DDSC, a physical space within Alma’s existing Dow Science Center that collects and stores environ- mental data from remote sensors to the DDSC and immerse students and faculty in STEM field research. SUMMER CAMPS The DDSC sponsors summer camps for students in grades 2-6 as well as middle and high school teachers and students. During the summer, DDSC works closely with the CORE program for public school teachers The Rollin M. Gerstacker Science and Technology Suite, which houses the DDSC, offers and their visiting stu- academic student study space, large screen monitors for showing remote projects in real- dents to develop sum- time, dedicated computer work stations, a large conference room designed for distance mer research projects learning and a seminar room. and data collection. 17
Digital Science FEATURE FOREST HILL NATURE AREA Alma College partners with area schools and the Forest Hill Nature Area using the resourc- es of the Dow Digital Science Center. A “digital” nature trail equipped with environmental sensors allows visitors to access data at various data collection stations to learn about the wild- life and the habitat. “This nature trail for elementary students and citizen scientists is like no other in the country,” says Dave Clark. “It is designed to introduce young scientists to research and data collection.” The DDSC website provides access to several projects at The new facility features instructional “The DDSC is a wonderful resource for Forest Hill: space along with hardware for STEM the campus and community,” says Clark. imaging and data acquisition, storage, “I envision even more community out- • A focal tree with sen- sharing and analysis. It also projects reach projects in the future of the Dow sors that enable users to data in real time on multiple large-scale Digital Science Center.” capture data relevant to display monitors. temperature, light changes Next steps, according to Clark, and biological processes. “The Dow Digital Science Center is include increasing the utilization and really a technology hub,” says Clark, placement of environmental sensors • A time-lapse camera the space’s coordinator. Also housed at public schools throughout the state. focused on a pond that within the DDSC is an IT specialist who Additionally, there are intentions to allows users to plot data helps students, faculty and secondary begin offering various technology- relevant to vegetation cov- school teachers work with, archive and oriented workshops to teachers and er, turtle basking behavior post data for others to use later. Data other interested persons from the and other wildlife activity. sets are made available to area teachers community. ❖ • An environmental water and students so that students may gain buoy system that captures —CHEYENNE KALFSBEEK ’19 experience working with real data. pH, CO2, light levels and other data relevant to water quality and chemistry. OTHER PROJECTS AT THE DDSC: Medicinal Plants of Michigan and Ecuador — The collection of data, im- ages, audio recordings and documents related to biotechnology projects concerning medicinal plants at the Alma College Ecological Station and in the Amazon region of Ecuador. Teacher Resources — The DDSC offers a library of digital resources for teachers, students and community members interested in science. Teachers have access to classroom exercises, step-by-step instructions for developing classroom research projects and access to a library of instruction videos. 18
Scots Around the World Germany, Greece, Ireland and New Zealand were among the international destinations for Alma College students during the 2018 Spring Term, while closer to home, students excavated the site of Old Main and wrote nature essays along the Au Sable River in northern Lower Michigan. Enjoy these visuals of Scots around the world. REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST: HOLOCAUST AND THE COLD WAR IN BERLIN 19
Scots Around the World FEATURE 20 THE ART AND LITERATURE OF IRELAND: SPRING TERM IN IRELAND
GEOLOGY AND MYTHOLOGY OF GREECE 21
Scots Around the World FEATURE 22 BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN NEW ZEALAND
ETHNIC POLITICS CASE STUDIES: SCOTLAND ALWAYS A RIVER: FISHING IN LITERATURE, FISHING IN MICHIGAN MICHIGAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK 23
CAMPUS NEWS A Q&A with the chaplain REV. DR. ANDREW POMERVILLE ’01 HAS RETURNED TO HIS ALMA MATER, JOINING ALMA COLLEGE IN MARCH 2018 AS CHAPLAIN AND DIRECTOR OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. WITH MORE THAN A DECADE OF PASTORAL EXPERIENCE, HE OVERSEES CAMPUS MINISTRIES AND EVENTS THAT CELEBRATE AND FACILITATE DIVERSITY OF FAITH PERSPECTIVES AT ALMA COLLEGE. Alma in 2001. During the tragedy of 9/11, I witnessed Why did you accept this new challenge to come firsthand the important calling and nature of chap- back to Alma? lains to give hope in the midst of grief, to provide safe spaces to explore questions about life, tragedy “Returning to Alma is truly a dream come true. and spirituality, and to be a confidential ear to all My faith formation was profoundly impacted by people as a compassionate support.” my experiences at Alma College, and I welcome the opportunity to be a similar influence and support to the students, faculty, staff and alumni. What are your goals for the chapel program at The chance to serve during this amazing moment Alma? in Alma's history is beyond my greatest expecta- tions. It is an honor to be called to incorporate spirituality into our already outstanding liberal arts “I dream of the chapel program at Alma College education and campus culture.” becoming an integral part of our community's identity. Dunning Memorial Chapel is at the heart of campus and should reflect that responsibility by fostering opportunities for students, faculty and How did your Alma student experience prepare staff to ask questions of faith, belief and doubt in the you for this role? midst of the education they are experiencing. “The chapel program should be an inspiring, “Looking back on my career in ministry, I believe all motivating and safe place for all members of the my experiences have prepared me for this particular community to contribute their talents, ideas and opportunity. I most recently served as the senior questions about faith in an environment that truly pastor for the multi-denominational Peoples Church values peaceful, interfaith dialogue. We can be of East Lansing, whose diverse population drew the voice of faith, hope and love that embraces heavily from Michigan State University students, the diversity of creation by seeking reconciliation faculty, staff and alumni. In addition, I have served and peace.” as a police chaplain, hospice chaplain, national park chaplain and hospital chaplain. “Chaplaincy is near and dear to my heart. It is more What kind of programming do you anticipate? than just being a pastor. As a chaplain, you are serving all people in your organization, regardless of faith tradition or background. You are called to be “I imagine weekly chapel services, programming spiritual support, advisor and encourager, facilitat- and fellowship activities for the whole campus ing the needs of all people. that are integrated into the life of the campus. Art, music, conversation, contemplation and enthusi- “I first learned about the valuable role of chaplains astic expressions of faith should categorize the when I served as the student assistant chaplain at chapel experiences. Varied opportunities to create 24
ABOUT ANDREW POMERVILLE: Rev. Dr. Pomerville comes to Alma following seven years as the senior pastor of the Peoples Church of East Lansing, where he provided strategic leadership, lead preaching, staff development and pastoral care for a 1,200-member congregation. Previously, he was pastor of Church in the Hills in Bellaire, Mich., and served as the national park chaplain in Denali, Alaska. After his graduation from Alma College in 2001, he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry in reformed theology from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary/ University of Aberdeen, Scotland. community, encourage rich conversations them to speak out for justice, hope and and motivate faith-based service will be at community. the heart of our chapel activities. “Our weekly study groups, worship ser- “I believe Alma has the chance to lead vices and interfaith dialogue have been full WHAT PRESIDENT nationally in how chaplaincy programs can of inspiring moments where one can see be an integral part of the whole community. what could be in our world — people who ABERNATHY SAID: The chaplain can help represent the type respect one another’s beliefs, work togeth- of hope and compassion we all strive to er for peace and use their wholistic, liberal “Many college students demonstrate by encouraging our student arts educations within their conversations explore their spirituality and athletes, celebrating the talents of our about faith and religion. look for opportunities to live musicians and artists, and joyfully telling their faith. Rev. Pomerville the stories of service found in our students, “I am very excited about the start of our brings a passion for campus faculty and alumni.” 2018-19 school year and would like to invite all our alumni and friends to stop ministry and a set of pastoral by the chapel to see the great work these and leadership experiences students are accomplishing and pursuing. that will enable him to build on What are your observations after two If you are here on homecoming, please Alma’s foundations of active months on the job? consider joining the students and commu- worship services, religious nity for my installation service on Sunday life programming and service “The Alma College community is full of afternoon, Sept. 30, in the chapel as we through such programs as talented, sincere, motivated men and wom- look forward to the ministry we are called alternative breaks.” en who are engaged in their world. I am to share in here at Alma College.” ❖ blessed to interact with these individuals as they ask questions about how their faith impacts their vocations and encourages 25
CAMPUS NEWS Google powers classroom collaboration ALMA AND PARTNER SCHOOLS ARE THE FIRST TO PILOT NEW COURSE- SHARING TECHNOLOGY FOR DELIVERING LEARNING AT MULTIPLE SITES N ew Google technology — including Albion, “Visual Sociology” through Calvin, mirror information across multiple sites. the digital Jamboard — debuted in and “Media Theory and Culture” taught It has a variety of presentation tools, classrooms last winter as students by Alma’s Anthony Collamati, associate such as drawing shapes in different and faculty from Alma, Albion and professor of new media studies. sizes and colors, pulling photos and Calvin colleges collaborated on a website screenshots, taking pictures distinctive course-sharing pilot program that received national attention. FACE-TO-FACE VISUAL with a built-in webcam and video chatting/conferencing. Students at all The pilot, coordinated through the INTERACTION three sites, along with the instructor, Michigan Colleges Alliance, used confer- The pilot expands this fall, with seven see each other and interact through the encing technology that allowed students shared courses planned, including three Jamboard. to interact at multiple sites concurrent- hosted on Alma’s campus. Alma faculty plan to offer shared courses in English, In addition, students loaded the ly. Faculty from each school taught a religion and physics. Albion plans shared Jamboard app on their tablets, effec- course to around 15 students, five from courses in philosophy and German, and tively transforming the tablets into the local campus and 10 remotely from Calvin plans shared courses in sociology mini-Jamboards. Students were able their respective campuses. and French. to work as a whole class or in groups, According to Google, the courses even though the class was in multiple were the first to pilot this technology in At Alma College, space in the Digital locations. education. Media Commons in Swanson Academic Center was converted into a high-tech “This was a big deal,” says Andrew classroom with two large monitors A NEW LEARNING EXPERIENCE Bare, assistant director of instructional connected to Hangouts Meet hardware to “It’s incredible that we were the first technology. “We worked with a brand- enable high-quality video conferencing. to pilot Jamboards in education with new Google product that had never been The Hangouts Meet application enabled Google, along with Albion and Calvin,” used for delivering remote learning. students from all three campus sites to says Collamati. “It’s one of the things It’s an exciting new way to teach and interact “face-to-face” with each other. I love about teaching at Alma; the expand the range of course offerings.” college is open to new learning experi- The 55-inch Jamboard — an internet- ences and working collaboratively with The pilot courses were “Earth, Art connected digital whiteboard with 4K companies like Google. The support and the Environment” offered through touchscreen — provides the capability to was tremendous.” 26
GUEST COLUMN Can online learning find a The technology allowed students and place in the liberal arts? E instructors to collaborate and share mpires rise and fall based want to understand a system’s ideas, even though two-thirds of the on the media they favor — or longevity, you should look to class were miles away in classrooms at least so claimed Harold its media. on other campuses. Innis, an early scholar in the emerging field of media studies. From Massive Online Open “The Jamboard is particularly fun,” says Some media have a bias toward Courses (MOOCs) enrolling Collamati. “It can transcribe handwriting space, like the short-lived more than 80 million students into type, search for images across the communications deployed each year, to the advent of internet, even label ideas with digital by military powers to quickly online tools like Google Drive emoji stickers. The most promising conquer new territories; other media, like the calendars and and Moodle, new media are feature is its ability to link up different cathedrals used by religious entering classrooms. Though boards and users in real-time. institutions, are more attuned to optimists are right to tout tech- “When I teach online classes, I miss the time. In either case, the endur- nology’s potential for distance face-to-face interaction,” he says. “This is ance of history’s most notable and adult learners, its future in different. There are people in classrooms, civilizations, from ancient Egypt the liberal arts is more uncer- in real time, in visual sight on large and Greece to the United States, tain. Medieval monasteries, could be determined by the for example, with their scribes displays, interacting with each other and media they favor. participating in the class discussion.” and illuminated manuscripts, Liberal arts colleges are by once enjoyed a “monopoly of Alma College students received Alma knowledge,” playing a central no means a global empire, credit for the NMS course and transfer role in society that was rapidly but a good deal of attention credit for the Albion and Calvin classes. usurped with the arrival of has certainly been dedicat- Alma students enrolled in the pilot cours- paper. Can the liberal arts ed of late to describing their es also received a free tablet that they uphold its strengths — small downfall. Whether forecasting could keep upon successful completion class sizes, close collaboration their demise or outlining their of the course. ❖ with faculty, collaborative and path back to power, accounts NATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE of the liberal arts’ uncertain open discussion — and prove future are preoccupied with its distinction to students when Inside Higher Ed, the national online the classroom’s relationship to higher ed classrooms move on- publication that covers trends in higher technology. They, therefore, line? Or will clumsy attempts to education, prominently featured the inadvertently confirm Innis’s “modernize” education render Google Courseshare collaboration in its central premise that if you us irrelevant? ➞ Inside Digital Learning section. 27
GUEST COLUMN I confronted these questions head- I agreed, curious and excited, but also different student communities came on when Alma College President Jeff skeptical and prepared for failure. I together, class meetings began to feel Abernathy came to me with a proposal. had taught online classes before and more like class events. He had been talking with Google about had not been eager to repeat the expe- rience. While some people prefer the Ironically, in its success, the experi- their latest Jamboard, an appropri- post-and-response format, I missed the ence has reminded me of the limita- ately flashy digital “whiteboard” and experience of an in-person encoun- tions of technology. Today with so mobile app that enables remote users ter. Interacting with students’ unique many doomsday scenarios circulating, to collaborate in real-time. Alma, along voices, witnessing their struggle with we often hear calls to reboot higher with Albion and Calvin colleges — both material, sharing in their excitement of education, re-imagine the classroom, more than 100 miles away — planned discovery — these were the moments or revolutionize the liberal arts. And to use the Jamboard in seminar-style that first attracted me to teaching, but more often than not, these re-invented classes, with about a dozen students they were notoriously elusive in the pedagogies are packaged within a new from across the three campuses partici- online format. app, a new device, or a new subscrip- pating in simultaneous discussion. The tion service. consortium pilot would start with just Concern about reaching online stu- one class on each campus, including But, taking a note from Innis, what dents is not unfounded. The growing my upper-level course, “Media Theory.” if we think about education technol- literature on the MOOC, one of the But the format might eventually expand ogy more in terms of redistribution most pervasive forms of online educa- to share resources among campuses than revolution? For centuries higher tion, shows persistent struggles with across a variety of disciplines, from education has invested in hard media— retention. Enrollment numbers also in- languages to computer science. long-lasting, fairly static structures like dicate that pre-professional, skill-based classes tend to attract campuses, academic calendars and students, while liberal arts course catalogs. Google’s course share and humanities classes format doesn’t disrupt these invest- usually do not thrive in ments as much as it translates them into online settings. lighter media. A campus community, a seminar discussion, a collaborative But as the pilot pro- exercise now are no longer rooted in a gressed, my doubts single place. Pieces of these liberal arts began to fade. The new experiences can instantly travel. format was not as much a revolution, it turned out, With online learning just beginning to as it was a rebalancing of make its way into the liberal arts class- the liberal arts’ strengths. room, the value of lighter media for a Modelled for collabora- college is still open to debate. At small- tive, small-group discus- er institutions where some departments sions, Google’s system struggle to find enough students, virtual emphasizes face-to-face classrooms might help upper-level language that would be classes meet enrollments. My students familiar to any teacher: gained critical skills communicating the light in a student’s in a digital space that, in their careers, eyes when they grasp a will likely be more ubiquitous than the difficult concept, the fur- conference table. And beyond higher rowed brow that signals education, media that extend our ability some rephrasing is in to connect meaningfully and remotely order, the chatter that stirs hold great possibilities for health care around group-work at a and legal aid, particularly in rural com- white board (or Jamboard munities. What is certain is that once in this case). At the same we unhitch new technologies from our time, students at the table desire for a cure-all in higher education, and on-screen exhibited we’ll be better able to examine the a generosity that was biases of our tools and use them more unusual for a classroom deliberately to empower our students setting. They seemed and question our own pedagogies. ❖ even more attentive to —ANTHONY COLLAMATI one another. As three Associate Professor of New Media Studies at Alma College.
CAMPUS NEWS Selmon returns to Campus modernization Dougherty joins the classroom $21 MILLION RESIDENCE Alma faculty as RENOVATION EFFORT UNDER WAY provost Kathleen Poorman Dougherty, Hard hats, construction fencing and an academic leader with 16 building trailers were common sites on years of teaching and ad- the Alma College campus this summer. ministrative experience, has The college launched an ambitious assumed the role of provost three-year, $21 million campus mod- and senior vice president ernization plan that will result in the for academic affairs at Alma remodeling of five residence halls. By College. She serves as the fall 2020, more than 80 percent of Alma’s chief academic administrator student housing will be upgraded with with oversight of more than 50 enhancements that are important to programs of study. Michael Selmon oversaw today’s college students. significant academic program “Dr. Dougherty’s higher educa- growth during his 15 years The effort began with major renovations tion experience as an advocate as provost and vice president to Mitchell and Newberry halls in sum- for the liberal arts, a champion for academic affairs at Alma mer 2018. The plan also calls for interior for academic excellence and a College. A member of the improvements to Bruske Hall in summer leader who collaborates with faculty since 1991 and provost 2019 and the Nisbet/Brazell and Carey/ faculty in advancing innovative since 2003, he retired as pro- Bonbright complexes in 2020. learning experiences provides vost at the end of the 2017-18 a strong match for leading The five halls encompass nearly 169,000 our academic program,” says academic year and returns to square feet of residential living space, President Jeff Abernathy. full-time teaching as a member providing 890 beds for Alma College of the English faculty. Prior to Alma, Dougherty students. Major interior renovations to “Michael has been a great lead- Gelston Hall, the 228-bed residence for was dean of the School of er for Alma College and will Alma’s first-year students, were complet- Humanities, Social Sciences remain a trusted colleague for ed in 2017. and Education at Mount Mary all of us for the years to come,” University in Milwaukee. “We are excited about these renovation Previously, she served as a says Alma College President projects,” says President Jeff Abernathy. faculty member and depart- Jeff Abernathy. “He brought “This is the largest residence hall im- ment chair at Notre Dame a combination of intelligence, provement effort our campus has seen.” of Maryland University in wisdom and good humor to his work as an administrator.” Baltimore. She also has held The hall renovations include all new full-time faculty positions at infrastructure — plumbing, electric and During Selmon’s tenure as pro- Bowie State University and HVAC systems — along with upgraded vost, the Bachelor of Science George Washington University. student rooms, private bathrooms, in Nursing (BSN) program refreshed finishes and additional student was introduced and several lounges and study spaces along with new majors were added in improved laundry facilities. high-demand fields, including biotechnology, environmental The renovations are financed in part studies, health care administra- by funds from the U.S. Department of tion, neuroscience, new media Agriculture’s Community Facilities Direct studies and special education. Loan and Grant Program, which provides favorable-term loans to develop facilities in primarily rural areas and communities with under 20,000 residents. 29
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