Volume II: Issue 11
SOU Alum Wins National Teacher of the Year Award
Many congratulations to SOU alumnus Michael Geisen. A middle school science teacher in Prineville, Oregon, Michael has just won the National Teacher of the Year Award. Michael, who received his master of arts in teaching in 2001, is the first teacher from Oregon to win since the national program was started in 1952.
Above, Mike (second from right) is seen with SOU Dean of Education Geoff Mills, Oregon Superintendent Susan Castillo, and Governor Ted Kulongoski.
Deer Creek Open House
Thanks to those of you who attended the Deer Creek Open House, hosted by the Siskiyou Field Institute, on April 27. The event included tours, demonstrations, research exhibits, and children's activities.
Biology Professor Michael Parker led a nature hike, discussing the unique plant and animal life of the center’s 870 acres. The SOU Foundation cosponsored the event.
Southern Oregon Bioscience Industry Consortium
This has been a busy month for the sciences. On April 24, we hosted the quarterly Southern Oregon Bioscience Industry Consortium (SOBIC). SOU faculty and community members gathered to discuss methods of promoting bioscience in the Rogue Valley.
Above, Jim Mau of SOBIC talks about how bioscience can serve the region.
Following the meeting, a tour of the SOU Biotechnology Research Center showcased the equipment and molecular biology techniques our faculty and students use to investigate the biologically diverse and complex Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion.
Hands-on Instrumentation Workshop
Just days after the SOBIC event, our Chemistry and Physics Departments hosted the fourth annual invitational Hands-on Science and Instrumentation Workshop. High school and community participants attended workshops in forensic chemistry or materials science.
The forensic chemistry workshop involved a mock crime scene. By completing seven different experiments, students processed crime scene evidence using SOU lab equipment. In the materials science workshop, students investigated the molecular properties of materials such as glass and aluminum.
Above, Associate Professor of Chemistry Laura Hughes prepares students to undertake their experiments, while South Medford High School junior Lauren Suess (right) examines a blood sample during the forensics segment.
Sigma Xi Funding of Student Research Projects
The scientific research society Sigma Xi has awarded geology students Nick Brettner and Levi McKay a total of $990 to continue their primary research of Blue Ledge Mine, located south of Applegate Reservoir.
Nick and Levi began studying the geochemistry of natural waters near the Blue Ledge Mine in 2007. Their research focuses on assessing the occurrence and impact of acid rock drainage related to abandoned mine sites.
Learn more about Nick and Levi’s research when they present their findings at our Southern Oregon Arts and Research (SOAR) conference on May 21.
Iraq Body Count Exhibit
The Iraq Body Count Exhibit was installed along Siskiyou Boulevard from April 26 to May 3. The exhibit, which has been touring the nation, uses small lawn flags to visually demonstrate the number of lives lost during the Iraq War. Communication major Daniel Moffat (featured in the video above) helped organize this community event.
Ho'opa'a Hawaii Club Luau
The Ho'opa'a Hawaii Club's twelfth annual Luau was a sold-out event this year. The audience joined in singing the theme, "Wahi Kupaianaha" (Hawaiian for "Home is a Special Place") while enjoying good food, decor, and dancing. The night began with song-and-dance routines of "Nani Ko'olau" and "I Miss You My Hawaii" and featured Hulam, Samoan, Haka, and Tongan dance demonstrations.
International Week
The International Students Association brought International Week (April 28–May 2) to a close with a show on May 2. Performers included a dancer from the Ballet Folklorico Estampa Mexicana; Japanese group Nada Sou Sou; Duncan Emmons, who performed a jig while playing the highland bagpipe; Mehar Alvi performing a Bollywood Dance; members of the Black Student Union doing a step dance; and Tiazza demonstrating a Turkish veil dance. Thanks to students Jeyrs Chabu and Kari Krause for emceeing the event.
Cinco de Mayo
Thanks also to our Latino Student Union for offering a delicious spread and festive music at the Cinco de Mayo event last Monday.
