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Biology Department Newsletter
Volume 4 Number 13 April 27, 2001
Letter from the Editor
Hi....as I am completing this on a sunny Friday afternoon my mind keeps wandering to the beautiful weather - so I guess I'll keep this short. There are some great seminars coming up this next week. Dr. Ellis Bell will be speaking on Monday about glutamate dehydrogenase and then on Tuesday the Biology Club is sponsoring an interesting seminar about the interconnection of science and religion. Let's hope the weather doesn't distract us too much as we prepare for these terrific events. See ya there and have a great weekend.
Student News
Congratulations to Nate Eversman (SJU '01) and Donna Knevel (CSB '01) for being accepted to the University of Minnesota Veterinary program.
Mike Liles (SJU ’00) writes that he is with the MN Office of Environmental Assistance working mostly on working w/ state and local governments to procure more environmentally friendly products and loves his position.
Congratulations to Anna Norman who received a NSF summer student internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She will be working in a genetics laboratory using embryonic stem cells to do targeted gene replacement experiments.
Amber Holmgren (CSB ’00) reports that she will attend UMD medical school in the fall.
Faculty News
Dr. Stephen Saupe gave a presentation on ecology to the Oak Hill 6th grade Future Problem Solver group. He also attended a teaching workshop, entitled BioForum sponsored by the University of Minnesota and Prentice-Hall publishers.
Curriculum News
Correction for General Physiology
In the Fall 2001 Class Schedule, Chemistry 235 is incorrectly listed as a prerequisite for Biology 324, General Physiology. The only prerequisites for Biology 324 are Biology 115 and Biology 116 (as of Fall 1999).
Comparative Physiology Cancelled Next Year - General Physiology Moves to Fall
Because of Biology Department staffing needs, Comparative Physiology will NOT be offered next year ('01 - '02). In addition, General Physiology will move to fall semester and will not be taught during the spring semester as is typical. Please plan accordingly. For more information, contact Dr. Jeanne Lust, O.S.B, Chair of the Biology Department.
Biology of the Pacific Northwest Summer Field Course - Cancelled
The Biology Department cancelled the BPNW course scheduled for this summer (Aug '01) because of the low enrollment. Look for the course next summer ('02).
Calendar of Events
| April 27 | Last day to withdraw from a class |
| April 30 | Biology Club Speaker: Dr. Gayle Wolorshak - "The Beauty of Creation" |
| April 30 | Biology Dept. Seminar: Dr. E Bell; Gustavus Adolphus College - "Glutamate Dehydrogenase |
| May 1 | "Practice of Medicine in the Crusades - P. Mitchell; 3:30 reception; 4:00 talk; HMML (3514 for more info) |
| May 5 | Celebrating Scholarship Day at CSB/SJU. Contact Dr. M. Webster for details. |
| May 19 | St. John's Arboretum Boardwalk Dedication |
| May 26 | Reception for 2001 Graduating Seniors in Natural Science Division - New Science, SJU; 4 - 5:30 p.m. |
Biology Club News
“The Beauty of Creation”
The Biology Club is cosponsoring this lecture by eminent microbiologist Dr. Gayle Woloschak from Argonne National Labs on Monday, April 30th. It will be in Quad 264 at 7:30pm. Try to attend if you can!
Biology Club Meeting
The Biology Club held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss final events for the semester. For more details contact Kristi Kubista.
Give Blood
There is a contest to see which club can give the most blood. Let’s not let another club how us up. With all of our members we should be able to show everyone else up. Just be sure to let the people at the table know that you’re a part of the Biology Club. If you are planning on giving blood, great!! If not, and you are able, GIVE! It’s not a big deal and it can save someone else’s life. Isn’t an hour or so of your time worth someone’s life?
Internships/Scholarships/Jobs
Summer research internship at the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes
Matthew Hockin (SJU ’90) writes that he is currently a postdoctoral fellow with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and am working in the lab of Mario R. Capecchi at the University of Utah in the department of Human Genetics. There are openings for 2 interns in his lab. The student should be capable of understanding and undertaking reasonably complex manipulations in molecular and cellular biology with the assistance of a mentor and a gradual emphasis on independent work. We are looking specifically for Junior and Senior students, the ideal candidate will have had a significant exposure to course work in molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics as well as being able to operate efficiently in a laboratory environment. For more information, contact Dr. Matthew F. Hockin; Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Eccles Institute of Human Genetics; 15 N 2030 E Rm 5440; Salt Lake City, UT 84105; (801) 581-7097; matthew.hockin@howard.genetics.utah.edu
Research Assistant Opportunities in Hennepin County Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine
This program provides an opportunity for students to work shifts in the emergency department with the specific purpose of enrolling patients into ongoing research projects. Projects include clinical investigations, chart reviews, and database entry. Each week the participants will meet with 1-4 emergency medicine researchers for classes and lectures on research techniques and relevant clinical topics. There will be a weekly meeting of all participants to discuss the current status of all ongoing research. Parking and meals will be provided for volunteer researchers. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in careers in clinical and basic research in emergency medicine. For more information contact Michelle Biros, MD; 612 - 347 - 7586.
Scholarships
Johanna Davis in the Scholarship office reports that there are a number of opportunities available. These include: The Lavon H. Cooper scholarship (for graduates from District 281 high schools); and PLATO® loan program scholarship. Contact the External Scholarship Programs office, HAB 103 – CSB, for more information.
Cytology Position at Fairview-University Medical Center
For more information contact Klint Kjeldahl, CT(ASCP); Cytology Supervisor; Fairview-University Medical Center; (612) 273-4136; kkjelda1@fairview.org
Horticulture Internship - Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
Horticulture interns works closely with a professional Horticulturist in the apple orchard (using Integrated Pest Managment), restored priairies, and native/organic gardens. Interns also complete an individual project and are exposed to all aspects of a small non-profit nature center. To apply: send current resume, letter of intent, and completed application to Carpenter Nature Center, attention: Michelle Jansen, Interpretive Naturalist/ Intern Coordinator, 12805 St. Croix Trail, Hastings, MN 55033. For questions or application form, contact Michelle at 651-437-4359 or michelle@CarpenterNatureCenter.org.
Internship Opening
Friends of the Mississippi River is looking for a summer education intern to help with our storm drain stenciling project. Please encourage any interested individuals to download the position description at: http://www.fmr.org/intern.pdf or http://www.fmr.org/intern.doc
Wetland Ecology Research Technician Position - University of Minnesota, St. Paul; Summer 2001
One seasonal position is available to assist on two wetland ecology studies. The first study is investigating factors limiting the natural recolonization of restored prairie pothole wetlands (i.e. seed production and dispersal). The second study is focused on evaluating the effects of road salt on wetland vegetation. All field sites are located within 60 miles of the Twin Cities, MN. If you have any questions contact Karin Kettenring at 612-624-0779 or by email at Karin_Kettenring@Hotmail.com.
Water Quality Intern --Martin County Environmental Services
A water quality internship is available through the Martin County Environmental Services Department (ESD) in Fairmont, Minnesota. This internship will be a full-time position lasting approximately 15-20 weeks starting in the spring of 2001. The selected applicant will be supervised on a daily basis by the Martin County ESD staff. Contact Becky Schlorf Von Holdt; Water Planner; Martin County ESD; 201 Lake Avenuee, Room 101; Fairmont, MN 56031
Washington Soil and Water Conservation District – Conservation Technician & GAS Technicia n
The Washington Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is accepting resumes to fill a full-time, temporary, Conservation Technician and GIS Technician position. The position is responsible for assisting SWCD staff with erosion and sediment control inspections, installing water quality monitoring equipment, collecting water quality data, and preparing inspection reports. in writing. For more information contact the adequate outside funding through contracts is made available to the SWCD. If outside funding sources end, this position will be terminated as stated in the SWCD Employment Contract and as directed by the SWCD Board of Supervisors.
Summer Intern - Aitkin County Extension.
This internship is a field staff that focuses on water resources/water quality. The intern will work one-on-one with lakeshore owners to provide information and resources relating to aquatic vegetation, riparian BMP's and revegetation. Major educational events include the Rivers and Lakes Fair, participate and follow-up with participants on lakescaping workshops, working with youth education in summer camping and day camp programs. Intern will research topics and write segments related to water quality for the Aitkin County "Living in the Country" publication. To Request Application Materials: University of Minnesota Extension Service/Sherburne County; 13880 Hwy 10 Elk River MN 55330; 763-241-2720 or 1-800-433-5236; web site
Summer Intern - Sherburne County Extension.
The intern will provide technical assistance and educational opportunities to Sherburne County citizens and communities regarding composting and yard waste reduction, the reduction of and proper use of pesticides and fertilizers, proper shoreline and lawn management techniques, including shoreland revegetation and naturalization, that promote a sustainable environment and improve water quality. The intern will assist in developing and implementing these programs and projects. The intern will be responsible for assisting in the coordination and training of interested Master Gardeners and Shoreland Volunteers. To Request Application Materials: University of Minnesota Extension Service/Sherburne County; 13880 Hwy 10 Elk River MN 55330; 763-241-2720 or 1-800-433-5236; web site
Seminars/Lectures/Symposia
Biology Department Seminar Schedule
Dr. Chuck Rodell, the CSB/SJU Biology department seminar organizer has recently released the seminar schedule for spring semester. Check the halls for the bright orange fliers. The seminars are all scheduled for 4:00 p.m. in NEWSC 140. Refreshments and meeting with the speaker begins at 3:30 p.m. in NEWSC 150 (Museum).
| 30 April | Dr. Ellis Bell (Gustavus Adolphus College) | Glutamate dehydrogenase |
Bahama January Term
A group of 9 of students spent their last J-Term on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas with Dr.’s Brown and Davis. As the final part of their course, the students presented a documentary of their trip's activities this week.
The Minnesota Academy of Science meeting
The annual meeting of the MAS is April 27 and 28. One of the highlights will be several GIS applications. For more information visit the MAS web site.
Miscellaneous
Report from North Carolina
It’s been rather quiet in the department since Dr’s. Poff and Rodell packed up two vans with a handful of students and some camping and embarked on a learning community project featuring the natural history of the southeastern U.S. Dr. Rodell writes that “...Things couldn't be going better down here. We had some trying camping on the way down - heavy rain and cold - but the group held up very well. Highlands is picturesque and quiet, quiet, quiet. Town, all four blocks of it, shuts down about 5:30 p.m. We are all in a large house at the [biological field] station…[The] students are in 5 bedroom upstairs and [the faculty] share a bedroom on the main floor. There is a living room large enough for us to have class and we're doing all of our own cooking. They have given us the use of a good-sized lab, and there is a small but useful library. We have been exploring the area locating study sites...doing a lot of tramping around in streams and up and down and up and down mountain sides”. The department is looking forward the return of the group and hearing more stories.
UM Lake Itasca Field Biological Station, May 21 – June 23, 2001
If you are looking for a summer field course, consider the programs offered at the UM field station at Lake Itasca. Dr. Saupe will be teaching Plant Systematics during the first session. For more information, visit their web site.
St. John’s University Arboretum - Boardwalk Dedication Celebration - May 19, 2001.
The Arboretum invites you to join the dedication celebration of the soon-to-be-installed boardwalk. You will hear from many speakers, including Archbishop Roger Schwietz from Alaska, Abbot John Klassen, Br. Diedrich Reinhart, and keynote speaker Paul Gruchow. A tour will follow the program.
Superior Studies – Summer 2001
Boundary waters canoe trips... Courses in conservation biology, environmental policy, environmental ethics... Backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail... Courses in environmental journalism, environmental education, Minnesota natural history... Kayaking for five weeks on Lake Superior while taking Introduction to Environmental Science... Bird banding, forest management, sustainable organic farming internships...Camping for 5 weeks on the Canadian North Shore while taking Geology of the Lake Superior Region... Part-time jobs at an environmental learning center, historical society, small resort or plant nursery... Making your own canoe paddle or kayak paddle at a folk school...
Superior Studies at Wolf Ridge offers these experiences and more. Join us in northern Minnesota to earn college credit, take wilderness trips, speak with policy makers, and add unusual job or internship experiences to your resume. Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center is an accredited environmental learning school located in Finland, MN about 65 miles north of Duluth and overlooking Lake Superior. College courses are offered through the Superior Studies consortium of which your college is a member. Wilderness trips, unusual jobs or internships, field trips to sites of environmental importance, and interesting speakers from the area are all part of the program. With the exception of those out on 5 week trips, students live in a dormitory setting and eat in a cafeteria (vegetarian option available). Classes are outdoors and active. Program costs include food, lodging, equipment and instruction. Request brochures and applications from Ernie Diedrich (3518)or email studies@wolf-ridge.org. Make this summer one to remember!
Richard E. Schultes, 86, Ethnobotanist, Dies
The world of ethnobotany recently lost a great hero when Dr. Richard Evans Schultes, the “father of ethnobotany”, died. Dr. Schultes spent many years in the American tropics studying medicinal and hallucinogenic plants. For more information about this impressive swashbuckling scientist and influential educator, check out the obituary by Jonathan Kandell in N.Y. Times (April 13th, 2001)
PBS Special/Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
The following report by Bill Moyers will be premiering on PBS June 19, 2001 at 8 p.m. EST (check local listings) with a related website launch date of June 1, 2001. See http://www.pbs.org/earthonedge/ for more information. Acclaimed journalist Bill Moyers and an award-winning team of producers reveal recent scientific evidence that we are approaching a key environmental threshold. Bill Moyers Reports: Earth on Edge showcases new data depicting the scale of human impact on the planet's life-support systems. The two-hour broadcast explores one of the most important questions of the new century: What is happening to Earth's capacity to support nature and civilization?
Tropical Ecology Course in Australia
Aug. 3rd-18th. The course will focus on tropical rainforests, but also explore the Reef, wetlands, and savannas in the northeastern part of the continent. All levels of students are welcome - the course may be taken for credit, however this is not a requirement. We are looking for a diverse group of participants. Total cost including air and most food is $2750.00. We are flying out of Cleveland however you may meet us in LA for the charter flight. For more information contact Dr. Brent DeMars, Lakeland College 440 953-7147 or bdemars@lakeland.cc.oh.us
Web Sites Worth A Visit (have you visited any cool sites lately? Send us your suggestions)
GrantsNet - AAAS & Hughes Medical Institutes
Puzzler of the Week
These interesting puzzlers that were making the email rounds were submitted by Kelly Deutsch (CSB ’00). Thanks Kelly. I wonder how many are actually true? No matter - they are fun to think about whether true or not.
The citrus soda 7-UP was created in 1929; "7" was selected because the original containers were 7 ounces. "UP" indicated the direction of the bubbles.
Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush. (yuck)
The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as substitute for blood plasma.
American car horns beep in the tone of F.
No piece of paper can be folded (in half?) more than 7 times.
Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes.
1 in every 4 Americans has appeared on TV.
You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching TV.
The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley's gum.
The king of hearts is the only king without a mustache.
A Boeing 747s wingspan is longer than the Wright brothers' first flight.
American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating 1 olive from each salad served in first class.
Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.
The first CD pressed in the US was Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA".
The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets.
Betsy Ross is the only real person to ever have been the head on a Pez dispenser.
Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined.
The sound of E.T. walking was made by someone squishing their hands in jelly.
Pearls melt in vinegar.
It takes 3,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year's supply of footballs.
The three most valuable brand names on earth: Marlboro, Coca Cola, Budweiser, in that order.
It is possible to lead a cow upstairs...but not downstairs.
Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.
A duck's quack doesn't echo and no one knows why.
The reason firehouses have circular staircases is from the days when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases.
Richard Milhouse Nixon was the first US president whose name contains all the letters from the word "criminal". The second? William Jefferson Clinton.
Joke of the Week
(another one making the email rounds. Thanks to Dr. G. Brown for sharing this one)
A different take on lawn care
And God said to St. Francis ...
GOD: St. Francis, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there in the USA? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect, no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honeybees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles.
ST. FRANCIS: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers "weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.
GOD: Grass? But it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?
ST. FRANCIS: Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.
GOD: The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy.
ST. FRANCIS: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it, sometimes twice a week.
GOD: They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay?
ST. FRANCIS: Not exactly Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.
GOD: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?
ST. FRANCIS: No, sir -- just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.
GOD: Now, let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow. And when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?
ST. FRANCIS: Yes.
GOD: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.
ST. FRANCIS: You aren't going to believe this, Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.
GOD: What nonsense. At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stoke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves form compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life.
ST. FRANCIS: You'd better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.
GOD: No. What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and to keep the soil moist and loose?
ST. FRANCIS: After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.
GOD: And where do they get this mulch?
ST. FRANCIS: They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch.
GOD: Enough! I don't want to think about this anymore. St. Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?
ST. CATHERINE: "Dumb and Dumber," Lord. It's a real stupid movie about ...
GOD: Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story from St. Francis.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, contact:
Dr. Stephen G. Saupe
Professor & Herbarium Curator
Biology Department
College of St. Benedict/St. John's University
Collegeville, MN 56321
(320) 363-2782; (320) 363-3202 (fax); ssaupe@csbsju.edu