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Show 4 Sign Off- Take 1 - Wednesday, May 17, 1989 if Act II Weber creates new biotechnology program By Joyce Zabriskie Staff Reporter For most of us, taking courses in natural science is a general education requirement for graduation. However, the School of Natural Sciences offers many courses and programs to help students achieve their careers in five undergraduate categories: liberal arts, pre-professional, professional, technical education and general education. Natural Sciences boasts a staff of 47 professors, each unique in their knowledge and talents to enrich the students and the college. At the helm is Dr. Cyrus McKell, dean of natural sciences. McKell has served as dean for the past eight months and sees himself not as a supervisor but as a facilitator. He speaks fondly of his staff, professors and students. "There are many things I think are exciting about the place," McKell said. "One goal of Natural Sciences is to help people to understand as educated citizens the environment around them and their place in it." The first order of business for McKell was calling a meeting of all the staff before the school year started. Here they addressed the question as to how they could maintain excellence in teaching and grow professionally. "I wanted the professors to recognize their commitment and my commitment to helping them to achieve their goals," McKell said. "With the human resources that are here, it is my job to express the very best of opportunities they have to serve the school and the public." McKell would like to see the school form an institute of applied research and technology transfer which would be used to encourage research and apply technology to society. McKell said that during Open Hour many good speakers have visited the school but unlike Convocations, most of the subjects don't draw a huge crowd. "Our focus here doesn't get as much campus play because we're dealing with scientific disciplines that upgrade the interest of our students," he said. Dr. Michael Cousens, professor of botany, brought in the S-4 Science Seminars for Superior Students involving approximately 50 students from area high schools for seminars in the evenings. These students listened to speakers from the community and college give lectures on various subjects. "Dr. Cousens is our liaison with the schools and the students in this area," McKell said. Microbiology, Zoology and Botany chairs of the departments have become a steering committee to create a training program in biotechnology. The school is hoping to turn out technicians needed to fill the demands for this area. "Turning out good technicians is a part no one is doing," McKell said. Dr. Michael S labaugh, professor of chemistry, chaired the committee for the Science Fair held at the Dee Events Center which was called a tremendous success. The junior fair had about 250 students participating and the senior fair had about 200. The winners will be recognized by Gov. Norm Bangerter. There will be five students who will compete in the International Science Fair in Pittsburgh. The Geography Department hosted a geographic olympiad which involved junior and senior high schools from throughout northern Utah and southern Idaho. Weber was also selected by National Geographic Society as a geographic awareness center. Dr. Stephen Zeveloff, department chair and professor of zoology, wrote "Animals of the Intermountain West" published and released in December. Ferrcll R. Collett produced 29 illustrations for the book. Collelt's drawings are on exhibit at Weber's Museum of Natural Science. Much has been accomplished this year as a result of the dedication of the professors. Some of the other significant events include: two new chemistry textbooks by WSC professors; Science Week with guest speaker Mark Eubanks; the first International Wilderness Conference; and Dr. Mosely completed a National Park Services Visitor Impact Study of Zion's National Park. Natural Sciences isn't just a credit. It is an opportunity to learn from others, to become an 'educated citizen,' to pull together and understand the system rather than being overwhelmed by it. As Dr. McKell said, "Learning is open to everyone," Ute students will graduate in June Linda McGee Contributing Writer Weber State has an interesting group of students learning to be teachers according to Ruth Knight, director of Community Services. This group consists of Native American Indians who are training to be teachers in the Ute Reservation Project. This program provides the opportunity to gain an education while living on the reservation. For the past three years Weber has sent faculty members to the reservation to teach and train the Native Americans. At present, there are three Weber State faculty members who travel to the Vernal area each week and spend their time teaching these students. Right now there are seven students doing their student teaching and preparing to graduate this June. The three faculty members are: Dr. Jimmie Merrill, Dr. Luan Ferrin and Dr. Burdett Johnson. These men have traveled to the reservation for the past two and one-half years. "They may complain about one thing or another, but then they praise five or six others," said Knight, speaking of the love these men have for their work. The Native Americans are being taught close to their homes because they are in various stages of life. For this reason the program is presented differently than it would be to a traditional college freshman. Most of the students have already had some education and now have a desire to finish. The tribe is impressed with the work that is being done and are grateful that this program is being offered. The students are able to bring their culture into the classroom and community. Because of this, the classes are gaining an awareness and are influenced by the Indian lifestyle. Funding for this project is provided by a grant from the Department of Education to train bilingual teachers. This program is also used to help new immigrants to the United States. Museum of Natural Science is an important educational resource By Lisa Dayton Sign Off Editor Weber State's Museum of Natural Science is an important educational resource for the college and the community. Located on the main floor of the Lind Lecture Hall, the museum provides exhibits on a variety of subjects. Some of the exhibits include: mineral collections, plate tectonics, the tertiary history of the Grand Canyon District, glacial processes, Fremont and Anazazi artifacts, petroglyphs from Utah and several animal skeletons. The Foucault Pendulum, invented by Jean Bernard Leon Foucault, was first used in 1851 to demonstrate or prove the rotation of the earth. Weber's Foucault Pendulum is one of the few in the state. There is also a collection of photographs by Edward S. Curtis of the North American Indians. Curtis began this documentation of Indian life in 1898 and finished it three decades later. These photographs are truly "Visions of a Vanishing Race." The newest exhibit is the Farrell R. Collett collections of paintings and drawings. These works are used as illustrations in Dr. Samuel Zeveloff s book, "Mammals of the Intermountain West." The museum has many other displays that are both interesting and educational. Museum hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Q Q Q r ycx t-r c tS -v I'm -t IK" . N . S . r s s- - - 7 Q 0 0 0 THE MINK is one of Collett's many works on display at Weber's M useum of Natural Science. (The Signpost photo: Clark Hurd) |
