MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (May 1, 2009) – Florida Atlantic University’s department of mathematical sciences, a part of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, will host a Mini-Math Day on Monday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Barry Kaye College of Business, Room BU 120, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

Approximately 100 exceptional fifth grade mathematics students from Del Prado Elementary School in Boca Raton are expected to attend. The program will begin with a short quiz followed by an education demonstration presented by former science teacher Glen Govertsen. The demonstrations, part of the “Mr. G Science Show,” combines the dynamics of music, lasers, raw eggs, fiber optics and other materials with clear explanations to motivate students in science.

Govertsen taught high school physics in Missoula, Montana for 31 years. During that time, he received many awards including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. In addition to Govertsen’s experience in classroom teaching, he became best known for his exciting physics demonstrations and gradually developed a composite show for presentations to both student and adult audiences.

Dr. Tomas Schonbek, professor of mathematical sciences at FAU, will continue the day’s program as host of individual and team competitions. Dr. Gary W. Perry, dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, will award educational mathematics game prizes to both individual and team competition winners.

For more information, contact Karen Katonah at kkatonah@fau.edu

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

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Photo by Jay Paredes

Photographs from the Spring 2009 Future Doctors Reception can now be seen in the gallery. If you'd like copies of a photo, please e-mail Jay Paredes (jparede1@fau.edu).

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (March 31, 2009) – Florida Atlantic University’s department of physics in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will host “100 Hours of Astronomy,” as part of a worldwide astronomical event to promote appreciation and discovery of the universe. The FAU event will take place on Thursday, April 2 beginning at 8 a.m. through Monday April 6 at noon in FAU’s Science and Engineering Building, fourth floor, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

FAU will provide an opportunity for members of FAU and the local community to look through a telescope at any time during the 100 hour event. Faculty and students will be present throughout the event to answer questions and address comments from those attending.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the first recorded astronomical observations with a telescope by Galileo and is referred to as the “birth of modern science.” Because of this, the 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations adopted an Italian resolution to declare 2009 as the “International Year of Astronomy.” The UN, together with the International Astronomical Union, is promoting “100 Hours of Astronomy” as a worldwide event to encourage people to look through a telescope and personally experience the message of the slogan, “The Universe, Yours to Discover.”

For more information, contact Eric Vandernoot at 561-297-3378 or visit www.100hoursofastronomy.org/component/eventlist/details/1070.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (January 9, 2009) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will begin its 2009 Spring Frontiers in Science public lecture series with a presentation by Dr. Larry Liebovitch, associate dean of graduate studies and programs for the college. Liebovitch will discuss “Models of Conflict: What Equations Can Tell Us About People,” on Friday, January 16 at 3:30 p.m. in FAU’s General Classroom North building, Room 101, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

In his presentation, Liebovitch will review mathematical models that describe how two “actors” behave in a conflict. These actors could be anything from two individual people, two groups of people or even two nations. In the model, the emotional state of each “actor” depends on its own state in isolation, its previous state, its inertia to change and how it responds to the other “actor.”

“Mathematics, which have been used in physics to describe nature for 350 years, is now being used in biology to understand the chemical interactions between genes and proteins,” said Liebovitch. “This may be used in the future in psychology to help us understand the subtle and complex interactions between people.”

Liebovitch also will discuss the studies of situations where each person does the same or the opposite of the other person. Additionally, this specific model also predicts how people will behave under certain circumstances and how the mathematics of this model is strikingly similar to the mathematics of how genes in DNA activate and repress each other.

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (November 14, 2008) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will conclude its 2008 Fall Frontiers in Science public lecture series with a presentation by Dr. Christopher Beetle, assistant professor of physics in the College’s department of physics. Beetle will discuss “The Future of Spacetime: The Uncertain Role of Einstein’s Deepest Insight in 21st Century Physics.” The lecture will take place on Friday, November 21 at 3:30 p.m. in FAU’s General Classroom North building, Room 101, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

In his presentation, Beetle will focus on the question about concerns of the proper role of time in fundamental theories of physics. He will try to clarify why there is a deep-rooted tension between quantum theory and general relativity and why it matters in the different roles of time in the two theories.

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (November 3, 2008) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will continue its 2008 Fall Frontiers in Science public lecture series with a presentation by Dr. Sarah Milton, a research assistant professor in the College’s department of biological sciences. Milton will discuss “Stayin’ Alive: Mechanisms of Survival in the Brain without Oxygen.” The lecture will take place on Friday, November 7 at 3:30 p.m. in FAU’s General Classroom North Building, Room 101, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

In her presentation, Milton will discuss how discovering the mechanisms behind living without oxygen may provide new therapeutic targets for diseases such as stroke and age-related disorders. She also will explain how turtles are able to greatly decrease their metabolism, entering a deep reversible coma by suppressing energy.

“Brains of most animals die within minutes if deprived of oxygen or blood flow,” said Milton. “But some species of turtles can live for days or even weeks in the complete absence of oxygen.”

Milton received her Ph.D. in marine physiology from the University of Miami and completed her post-doctorate studies at FAU in neurobiology. She joined the faculty at FAU as an assistant professor in 2006. Milton’s current research is supported by a grant from the American Federation of Aging Research.

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts 10 colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (September 8, 2008) — Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science is pleased to announce that FAU’s Eminent Scholar in Science and Founding Director of the Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Scott Kelso, has been named a Pierre de Fermat Laureate, a prestigious French honor conferred by an international panel of scientists.

The internationally renowned foreign university scholars who are de Fermat Laureates are given a “chair of excellence” that provides financial support to develop international, collaborative research programs with French scholars. Kelso is one of the pioneers in the field of Coordination Dynamics, the science of coordination, which has led to many applications and developments in the neural, cognitive, behavioral and social sciences.

Kelso came to FAU in 1985 as the Glenwood and Martha Creech Eminent Scholar in Science. He is a professor of psychology, biological sciences and biomedical science.

Kelso will use the chair funding to develop a collaborative program between complex systems and brain science at FAU and the institute of neuroscience in Toulouse. A particular focus will be on the mechanisms and principles of human learning.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (July 21,2008) The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues has announced that Florida Atlantic University Assistant Professor of Psychology Danielle Popp, Davie Campus was among the winners of a of a Spring Grants-in Aid. Popp, a graduate student in the department of psychology in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science won for her project entitled “What do “they” expect of me: An empirical test of the EMME model in interracial interactions.”

The Grants-in-Aid Program supports scientific research in social problem areas related to the basic interests and goals of SPSSI and particularly those that are not likely to receive support from traditional sources. Proposals involving unique and timely research opportunities, underrepresented institutions, graduate students, and junior scholars, volunteer research teams, and actual, not pilot, projects were especially encouraged.

The Spring 2008 Committee consisted of Cindy M. Frantz (Chair), Oberlin College; Michael Gill, Lehigh University, Eden King, George Mason University, Elizabeth Mullen, Stanford University, and Catherine Borshuk, Indiana University, South Bend.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

More than 30 students accepted to medical schools

BOCA RATON, FL (June 17, 2008) — Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science recently honored 31 students who have been accepted into medical, dental and veterinarian schools throughout the United States and abroad.

The FAU pre-professions committee, which included medical and academic faculty, a physician from the community, and was chaired by Dr. Ingrid Johanson, senior associate dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, interviewed the pre-med students prior to acceptance to medical school. The interview was comprised of questions the students most likely would be asked when they were interviewed at the medical school to which they applied. Members of the pre-professions committee include both medical and academic faculty and a physician from the community whose goal is to better prepare the students for their admission interviews.

“The majority of the students interviewed by the pre-professions committee were accepted into the schools of their choice,” said Johanson.

Among the students interviewed by the pre-professions committee were Alireza and Farid Hamidzadeh, each of whom have chosen to study dentistry. Born in Iran, the brothers have had an interesting journey in reaching their dream.

When the family immigrated to the United States in 1995, Ali planned to pursue a career in dentistry following in the footsteps of his father who was a dentist in Iran. At the age of 19, with no knowledge of English initially, Ali assumed the support of his family. He worked more than 50 hours a week and attended a community college. Ali then made what he calls a “realistic decision” and pursued a bachelor’s degree in engineering at FAU where he graduated magna cum laude. Although he now owns two successful businesses, he is pursuing his original goal to be a dentist. Ali will be attending the New York University School of Dentistry.

Farid earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from FAU in 2006 and began working in a start-up biomedical company. When the company was acquired by a Fortune 500 company, Farid began to reassess his career goals. He then returned to FAU to complete a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in order to prepare for dental school., Farid will attend the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

FAU’s pre-professions committee members are Ana Maria Azzarolo, Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical science; Douglas Broadfield, Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical science; Ira J. Gelb, M.D., assistant dean of pre-baccalaureate programs; Shari Goldstein, M.S., assistant director of academic support of student services; Gordon Hahn, M.D., volunteer physician; Vijaya Iragavarapu, Ph.D., associate professor biomedical sciences; Andy Lau, Ph.D., assistant professor physics; Stephen Locke, Ph.D., professor mathematical sciences and James Nichols, D.V.M., director of veterinarian services.

A reception, sponsored by the United States Armed Forces, was recently held in honor of these 31 students. For more information, contact Dr. Ingrid Johanson at 561-297-3303 or johanson@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Dr. Sakmann, together with German physicist Erwin Neher, won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1991.

Date: February 6, 2009.

Title: “Decision making in a rodent brain – Contribution of cortical columns”.

RSVP: Kris Barr, kbarr@fau.edu, 561-297-0777.

BOCA RATON, FL (April 4, 2008) — Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science recently received the following notice about the Honorary Doctorate bestowed on Professor Brett Laursen:

“Brett Laursen, Professor and Director of Graduate Training in the Department of Psychology in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science received his honorary doctorate from Örebro Universitet in a ceremony held in the Örebro Concert Hall on February 9, 2008. Professor Laursen was recognized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for excellence in research and graduate student training. In addition to his own longitudinal studies of youth in South Florida, Professor Laursen has collaborated with scholars across North American and Scandinavia to examine developmental processes across childhood and adolescence. His work has documented how properties of relationships with parents and close peers increase the risk of maladjustment for some youth and buffer against adverse outcomes for others. In addition to this honorary doctorate, Professor Laursen has been named a Fellow in both the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science, and a Docent Professor of Social Developmental Psychology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Örebro Universitet, located midway between Stockholm and Göteborg in Central Sweden, is one of the youngest and fastest growing universities in Europe.”

Dean Gary W. Perry has announced that Caula A. Beyl, PhD has been named the 2008 distinguished alumnus of the year for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Dr. Beyl earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Florida Atlantic University in 1973. Her areas of concentration were in botany and zoology. She received her Master of Science from Purdue University in 1977 and a Doctor of Philosophy from Purdue University in 1979.

Currently, Dr. Caula A. Beyl is dean of the University of Tennessee College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Beyl is the first female dean of UT’s nearly century old college of agriculture. She is among a handful of female leaders of such land-grant colleges across the nation. Her appointment recognizes a shift from traditionally male-dominated programs to studies that are attracting nearly equal numbers of male and female students.

Dr. Beyl will join other distinguished alumni in FAU Alumni Hall of Fame and will be honored at a reception at the Eleanor Baldwin House on Thursday, May 1.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (April 9, 2008) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will host its final program of the 2008 Spring Frontiers in Science public lecture series with “How Sensory Integration Produces Adaptive Behavior.” The presentation will be given by Dr. Barry Stein, chair of neurobiology and anatomy at Wake Forest School of Medicine. The lecture will take place on Thursday, April 10 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 126 in the Charles E. Schmidt Biomedical Science Center, 777 Glades Road, FAU’s Boca Raton campus.

“Decoding and interpreting incoming sensory information are among the brain’s most important tasks,” said Stein. “These are ongoing processes that make it possible for us not only to know the world in which we live, but to plan and initiate behaviors that are appropriate for a particular circumstance.”

Stein will discuss his latest research on determining how information from different senses is pooled in making decisions, and how the brain develops this remarkable capacity.

“Dr. Stein’s much anticipated lecture will bring us to the final program in our 2008 Spring Series of Frontiers in Science,” said Gary W. Perry, dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “We have enjoyed remarkable growth in this series since it began seven years ago and look forward to continuing these public lectures.”

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (April 8, 2008) - Florida Atlantic University’s department of mathematical sciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science hosted its’ 4th annual mathematics competition on Saturday, March 1, 2008 on the Boca Raton campus.

Over 150 students from 23 area high schools participated in the competition. “This is twice the number of students who participated in last year’s event,” said Spryos Magliveras, chairman of the department of mathematical sciences as he welcomed the students to the FAU campus. “We look forward to the continued growth of this competition,” he added.

A series of individual and team competitions followed by a “Who Wants to be a Mathematician?” contest was the program for the day. FAU mathematical science faculty prepared the exams for the individual and team competitions and the American Mathematical Society prepared the questions for the contest.

33 teams participated in the team competition. The top twelve individuals from the team competition were selected to play the ‘Who Wants to be a Mathematician?’ game. After several rounds of play, the four top finalists, Mason Bogue, Suncoast High School; Michael Cho, Cypress Bay High School; Michael Greenberg, University School of NSU and Marcel Nunez, Stoneman Douglas High School competed for an Ipod . The winner was Mason Bogue who was then asked a final question on combinatorics which he answered correctly and received a check for $2000.00. These prizes were given by the American Mathematical Society.

President Frank T. Brogan congratulated all of the participants and Gary W. Perry, dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science announced and presented awards to the winners of the individual and team competitions. Among the winners in the individual competition were 1st place, Marcel Nunez, Stoneman Douglas High School ($1000); 2nd place, Yimin Chen, Atlantic High School ($500); 3rd place, Eugene Milshtein, Stoneman Douglas High School ($300).

1st place in team competition was awarded to Stoneman Douglas High School ($1000). Certificates were awarded to FAU High School for 2nd place and Suncoast High School for 3rd place. Individual and team competition prizes were sponsored by Wachovia Bank, NCCI, Florida Marlins Community Foundation, ExxonMobil Foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, Bedford, and the publishing companies of Freeman & Worth; Pearson ; and Prentice Hall.

Plans are already underway for next year’s competition.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Melissa Troshinsky received the Jeffrey Gabor Exemplary Employee Award
Susan McDonough for 26 years of service
Yetta Weiser for 20 years of service
Gina Fourreau for 10 years of service
Geri Meyer for 10 years of service
Wendy Stephens for 10 years of service

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (March 25, 2008) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will continue its 2008 Spring Frontiers in Science public lecture series with “Digital Dinosaurs: Unlocking the Riddles of Dinosaur Skulls Using Advanced Medical Imaging”. This presentation will be given by Lawrence M. Witmer, PhD, professor of Anatomy at Ohio University in Athens. The lecture will take place on Thursday, March 27 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 126 in the Charles E. Schmidt Biomedical Science Center, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

“The skulls of dinosaurs are museum showpieces” says Witmer. “What can these skulls tell us about what dinosaurs were really like and how do we know?” he asks.

Witmer will discuss the latest research that sets aside pick and shovel to use the latest advances in high-tech imaging and 3D computer modeling to peer inside the heads of dinosaurs. He will show how careful comparison with a wide range of modern animals allows new insights into the sensory capabilities, brains, and behaviors of dinosaurs.

Witmer has received degrees from Cornell University, the University of Kansas and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has received a number of grants from the National Science Foundation and was awarded the Ohio University Presidential Research Scholar Award for 2004-2009 and he is the Chang Ying-Chien Professor of Paleontology.

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (March 7, 2008) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will continue its 2008 Spring Frontiers in Science public lecture series with ”Acute Heart Attack:101.” This presentation will be given by Dr. Ira J Gelb, M.D., clinical professor and director of clinical programs in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science at FAU. The lecture will take place on Thursday, March 13 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 126 in the Charles E. Schmidt Biomedical Science Center, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

“Patient care is a dual responsibility of both the doctor and patient,” said Gelb. “Compliance is a must. There are still 700,000 deaths a year from cardiovascular events and 50 percent of heart attack patients die before reaching the hospital.”

Gelb will focus on early recognition of the signs of an impending coronary event and will present education on preventive measures to avoid such an event.

Gelb, whose specialty is cardiovascular disease, holds professorship appointments at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

BOCA RATON, FL (February 21, 2008) - Despite the cloud cover, patient observers watched the total lunar eclipse on the evening of February 20, 2008. The next total lunar eclipse visible from the Florida skies will be on December 21, 2010. Here’s what you might have seen between the passing clouds.

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February 20, 2008. Total Lunar Eclipse. Photo by Jay Paredes
(Click image for larger version.)

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (February 13, 2008) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will continue its 2008 Spring Frontiers in Science public lecture series with ‘It’s Election Season, but Will We Elect Whom the Voters Really Want?’ This presentation will be given by Dr. Donald Saari, a distinguished professor in mathematics and economics from the University of California at Irvine. The lecture will take place on Thursday, February 21 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 126 in the Charles E. Schmidt Biomedical Science Center, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

Saari will show how different voting rules allow different candidates to win elections. Rather than discuss theory, he will cite examples from actual elections, while inspiring a “thinking person’s approach” to problem solving.

“The ‘choice of voting’ rule is one of the rules I will discuss,” said Saari. “After this lecture, one might wonder whether the correct person won in the last election that was important to you.”

Saari is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and is a highly regarded lecturer, researcher and professor. Among the books he has written is Chaotic Elections! A Mathematician Looks at Voting.

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts ten colleges: College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Graduate College, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Distinguished Nobel Laureate, Gunter Blobel, M.D., Ph.D. recently gave a lecture on "Nucleo-cytopasmic Traffic" at Florida Atlantic University. A video stream of the lecture is now available in the link below.

"Nucleo-cytopasmic Traffic". (Windows Media Stream)

Charles E. Schmidt hosted the first Regional Competitions in South Florida for Science Olympiad on Saturday, February 2. A team competition requiring knowledge of science and engineering brought students from Archimediean Academy, Miami; Benjamin School, North Palm Beach and Dunbar High School, Fort Myers.

Events for the middle school teams included Anatomy, Reach for the Stars, Ecology, Amphibians and Reptiles, Disease Detectives, Food Science, Metric Mastery, Oceanography, Simple Machines and Tower Building. The high school teams competed in Astronomy, Ecology, Herpetology, Disease Detectives, Food Science, Oceanography, Fermi Questions, Sounds of Music, and Boomilever.

Members of the faculty served as judges in the competition. This will become an annual event for the college.

Pictures from the event. (Adobe PDF)

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (October 25, 2007) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will continue its 2007 Frontiers in Science public lecture series with a presentation by Dr. Frank Marí, associate professor in FAU’s department of chemistry and biochemistry. "Turning Venom into Drugs: Using Killer Marine Snails to Kill Pain" will take place on Thursday, November 8 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 126 in the Charles E. Schmidt Biomedical Science Center, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

In his Frontiers presentation, Marí will discuss the discovery and development of components of the venom of deadly marine snails into therapeutics for the treatment of chronic pain and other conditions such as stroke and multiple sclerosis.

Marí works extensively with amino acid-based compounds found in the sea, especially those from the venom of cone snails, which are carnivorous mollusks which prey upon fish, mollusks or worms. His most recent development is in the area known as “Conopeptidomics,” where he seeks to intensify the discovery process of the importance of how these marine compounds affect central and peripheral nervous systems, and evaluate their potential for drug development.

Marí, an internationally-recognized researcher in the area of marine natural products, came to FAU in 1993. He and his colleagues have specialized in the discovery of new microprotein domains that interact with the central nervous system. Mari was awarded Florida Atlantic University's Researcher of the Year for 1996–1997.

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (October 10, 2007) - Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will begin its 2007 Fall Frontiers in Science public lecture series with a presentation by Dr. Edward Large, associate professor of complex systems and brain sciences in FAU’s department of psychology. “Music, Neuroscience and Evolution” will take place on Thursday, October 25 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 126 in the Charles E. Schmidt Biomedical Science Center, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

In his Frontiers presentation, Large will explain what can be learned about music from studying the brain and what can be learned about the brain by studying music. Large also will discuss how understanding the neuroscience of music will help unlock fundamental mysteries surrounding the evolution of human mental capacities.

“Understanding brain function and its role in behavior are among the most puzzling of challenges that science has undertaken for the 21st century,” said Large. “Music holds the promise of addressing each piece of the puzzle in a particularly effective way, making it an ideal domain for research.”

Large, a nationally recognized researcher in the area of auditory perception, attention and music cognition, came to FAU in 1999. He and his colleagues have pioneered the idea that attention is a dynamic and inherently rhythmic process, and have applied these ideas to explain the rhythmic structure of music and its interaction with the dynamics of the brain. Large also was a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in the Department of Music at McGill University in 2006.

“This lecture begins the seventh year of our Frontiers in Science public lecture series,” said Dr. Gary W. Perry, dean of the College of Science. “We are pleased with the interest and attendance at the lectures, and look forward to the coming year’s schedule.”

This lecture is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and supported by FAU’s Lifelong Learning Society Endowed Professorship.

The reception that follows the program is made possible by the Warren Lloyd Holtzman Seed Grant, a component of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.

For more information, contact Patsy Jones at 561-297-1307 or patsyj@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (October 10, 2007) - Florida Atlantic University and the department of mathematical sciences of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science announces its 12th annual Internet Mathematics Competition for the academic year 2007-2008. All high school students in Florida are eligible to participate in the competition.

The purpose of this competition is to encourage students’ interest in solving mathematical problems of varying difficulty, to challenge their mathematics skills and ingenuity, and to prepare them for the more formal competitions which will be conducted in Spring 2008 by the Mathematical Association of America.

The competition consists of six challenging problems, which can be viewed at http://www.math.fau.edu/MathematicsCompetition/. Interested students also may request a paper copy of the competition by sending in their mailing address. Neatly written entries to the problems should be sent by mail to: Dr. Xiao-Dong Zhang, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991.

Solutions will not be accepted by e-mail. To qualify as contest entries, submissions must be postmarked on or before Monday, November 12. Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded at a ceremony which is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2008.

The winners from last year’s competition were first place – Shelly Jin, Lake Worth; second place – Siraj Iqbal, Miami; and third place – Jonathan Farina, Royal Palm Beach.

For more information, contact Dr. Paul Yiu or Dr. Xiao-Dong Zhang at fausty@math.fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.

Students are invited to create a poster that best illustrates FAU's Mission Green campaign. The campaign is geared toward creating an FAU community that is aware of, involved with and committed to advancing sustainability through education, community engagement and operations. Recently, President Brogan signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. As a charter signatory, FAU has pledged to address global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and integrating sustainability into its curriculum.

Selected submissions will be displayed at Campus Sustainability Day on Wednesday, Oct. 24. The winning selection may be used as the basis for future Mission Green campaign materials.

RULES

Submissions will be judged on creativity and incorporation of the Mission Green theme. Entries must include the words Mission Green. Entries should be no larger than 24" by 36". Please include the following information on the back of the poster:

1. Name of artist (art submitted by more than one person must identify one person as the artist): Name should appear on back of the poster only.
2. Contact phone number and e-mail
3. Title of submission

TO SUBMIT

Submissions will be accepted until the close of business (5 p.m.) on Monday, Oct. 22. Submissions received after this date will not be considered. Entries must dropped off during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F) at the following locations:

• Boca Raton Campus: ADM 265 (Admin. Building) Attn: Gregg Sekscienski
• Davie Campus: LA 212 (Liberal Arts Building) Attn: MaryBeth Burton
• Fort Lauderdale Campus: AT 709 (Askew Tower) Attn: MaryBeth Burton
• Jupiter Campus: AD 227 (Jupiter Admin. Building) Attn: Christopher Ott
• Treasure Coast Campus: JU 328 (JU Building) Attn: Lorraine Straughn

The contest is open to all full- or part-time students at FAU (including the A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High) as of Oct. 22, 2007. The contest will employ a blind review and the judges' decision will be final. The artist of the winning entry will receive the digital camera. We reserve the right to not display any poster that is in poor taste or inappropriate.

For additional information or if you have questions, please contact Shannon Clounts at sclounts@fau.edu.

The schedule and information regarding the Frontiers in Science Fall 2007 Public Lecture Series is now available here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (September 18, 2007) - Researchers in the department of biological sciences in Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science are currently conducting research on steroid resistant asthma patients who suffer from the long-term side effects of systemic steroids. The goal of this research study is to find a simple way, using over-the-counter oral supplement therapies, to modify the management regime of severe asthma. The research team is currently seeking participants from the age of 12 to 70 who suffer from severe asthma for this research study. The proper type and amount of supplements may decrease the need for immuno-suppressive systemic steroids.

James Hartmann, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, Amjad Munim, M.D., pulmonologist and former chief of medicine at Holy Cross Hospital, and doctoral students in the College of Science are the principle researchers for the project.

“Currently, there are more than 320 million people worldwide who have asthma,” said Munim. “The prevalence of this disease increases by 50 percent every decade. The severity of their condition results in poor quality of life that is reflected by missed days at school or work, and often shunning physical, social and outdoor activities. This condition also places significant burden on the caregivers and often leads to economic hardship for all Involved”.

Holy Cross Hospital, one of the premier hospitals in South Florida and rated among the top 50 in the nation, is a participant in this study. The study will provide all aspects of clinical support, as well as emotional and physio-social support to the patients and their families for this project.

To participate in the research study or for more information, contact Dr. James Hartmann at 561-297-3334 or jhartman@fau.edu, or Dr. Amjad Munim at 954-771-7900.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.

Read the complete article by the Palm Beach Post at PalmBeachPost.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL. (September 11, 2007) - Florida Atlantic University will offer a professional training program, “Introduction to Digital Photography,” beginning Wednesday, September 19 at FAU’s Boca Raton campus, 777 Glades Road.  A session will follow each week for eight weeks on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m.

The course, is taught by FAU adjunct faculty member Jim Wilson, and offers both   entry and intermediate level classes.  It is designed to improve the technical skills of still-image users, with an emphasis to “digitally enhance” students’ existing film-based skills toward modern, high quality digital processes, equipment, methods and techniques.  Current technology will be demonstrated but only basic computer shills utilizing Windows-based operating system are necessary.  No academic class prerequisites are necessary.

Wilson, is known in South Florida for his proficiency in digital imaging, and has more than 25 years of professional imaging experience, including coverage of several presidential inaugurations, engagements at the United States Congress and the United States Supreme Court.  In addition, he has been actively recording events with digital equipment for the NCAA and many FAU athletic and campus events.

The cost of the course is $299 plus the textbook, which Wilson authored.  For registration and more information, contact Kimberly Russo at 561-297-2901, or krusso@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

August 27, 2007 - This paper has recently been reprinted to celebrate the centenary of the Journal of Biological Chemistry. You can read an PDF version here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (July 30, 2007) - Mikki McComb, graduate student in the department of biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University whose research centers on the visual fields of sharks will be featured in the documentary “Perfect Predators” on the Discovery Channel.  The program will air Wednesday, August 1, 2007.

McComb came to FAU as a graduate student 21/2 years ago to work with Dr. Stephen Kajiura in his Elasmobranch Research Lab.  Her primary research is with hammerhead and bonnethead sharks.  Her work with the bonnetheads will be seen in the documentary.

Kajiura, assistant professor of biological science is recognized as one of the leading international experts on sharks, skates and stingrays.  Kajiura says, “the program has been built from scratch in the few years since I  first arrived at FAU and the international exposure illustrates that not only is S. Florida an excellent place to conduct world class research but that FAU provides the resources that I could not get at another Florida university.  Being able to house large marine organisms at Gumbo Limbo is a huge advantage”  Kajiura will also be featured in the documentary working with captive lemon sharks in the Bimini Biological Field Station in Biminy.

The work of Kajiura and his students have been featured previously in documentaries on BBC, National Geographic and Discovery Channel.

For more information, please contact Dr. Stephen Kajiura via email kajiura@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (July 11, 2007) – Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science geoscience professors Edward J. Petuch, Ph.D. and Charles Roberts, Ph.D., recently have written “Geology of the Everglades and Adjacent Areas,” a comprehensive book that contains the first complete overview of the historical geology of the Everglades, from the effects of the Chesapeake Bay asteroid impact to the modern Everglades marshlands.

The book explores the overwhelming amount of geological data that has been gathered from previously unexplored, inaccessible peripheral areas of where an explosion of housing, commercial, agricultural and municipal development has rapidly encroached on the edges of the Everglades.

“Utilizing Dr. Petuch’s many years of field work in the quarries and canals of South Florida, we have reconstructed simulated space shuttle scenes of the Everglades and South Florida at various times in the past,” said Roberts. “From that, we created an animated map of sea level transgressions and regressions over 30 million years.”

Petuch and Roberts were able to conduct their field research from drainage canal digs, land and road fill quarries, and lake excavations for housing developments. Viewing the significance and frequency of the changes continuing in the Everglades, both Petuch and Roberts consider themselves extremely fortunate that they were able to gather as much data as quickly as possible.

Petuch has taught at FAU since 1987. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of Miami. Roberts has taught at FAU since 1990. He received his bachelor’s degree in geography-anthropology from Vassar College, and his master’s and Ph.D. in geography from Pennsylvania State University.

For more information, contact Edward Petuch at 561-297-2398 or epetuch@fau.edu, or Charles Roberts at 561-297-3254 or croberts@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.

Lisa Freed

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

BOCA RATON, FL (July 3, 2007) – The Department of Geosciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science at Florida Atlantic University has been selected as a partner institution in the Earth System Science Education Alliance (ESSEA), an innovative professional development program for pre-service and in-service middle and high school teachers. As part of this program, FAU will join other colleges, universities and science research and education organizations spread among 22 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to earth science and environmental education in South Florida,” said Dr. Russell Ivy, chair of the Department of Geosciences at FAU.  “Dr. Tara Root, Dr. Tobin Hindle and leaders from the Center for Environmental Education at FAU will develop online teaching modules in the earth sciences that will be delivered in courses provided by FAU.”

As an ESSEA partner, FAU will receive funding and training to offer a series of online Earth system science courses geared toward teachers of specific grade levels and aligned to national education standards. Working in collaborative groups, teachers who enroll in ESSEA courses at FAU can earn credits while learning to teach Earth system science using inquiry-based classroom methods.

“I believe the cohort of partners we have selected are an excellent mix that will bring varied and innovative approaches to implementing the ESSEA courses,” said Theresa Schwerin, IGES’s associate director of education.

ESSEA is funded through a cooperative agreement awarded to IGES by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under its Geoscience Teacher Training (GEO-Teach) program, which supports projects designed to improve the quality of geoscience education, primarily at the middle and high school levels. GEO-Teach projects provide pre-service teacher training, in-service professional development and access to high-quality curricular materials.

“I’m thrilled with the selections that were made,” said Jill Karsten, program director for diversity and education in NSF’s Geosciences Directorate. “It is a diverse set, both geographically and institutionally, and I am excited about the impact ESSEA will be having.”

Located in Arlington, Va., IGES was established in 1994 and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by public and private entities. IGES is a trusted leader in Earth and space science education, communication and outreach, and in fostering national and international cooperation in observing the Earth.

For more information on this project, visit: http://essea.strategies.org or contact Dr. Tobin Hindle at thindle@fau.edu.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.

MEDIA CONTACT: Patsy Jones
(561) 297-1307, patsyj@fau.edu

DAVIE, FL (June 26, 2007) – Researchers in the language development laboratory at Florida Atlantic University’s Davie campus are currently conducting a new study focusing on the process of early word learning in monolingual and bilingual children.

With a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Erika Hoff, PhD., director of the laboratory and a professor of psychology in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, is exploring how children’s early mastery of the sounds of their language is related to their vocabulary development.

“Even before children learn words, they are learning sound patterns that help them when they are exposed to new words,” said Hoff. “The goal of the research is to understand this better.”

To help with this study, Hoff is looking for families who speak English or English and Spanish at home, and have a child who will be 22 months old within the next six months. The research consists of a short game that researchers will play with each child and a parent interview.  The research may be conducted at either the laboratory on FAU’s Davie campus, 2912 College Ave., or at the parents’ home.

“The study of bilingual children is important because so many children are acquiring two languages and also because bilingual children provide a unique opportunity to study the young mind at work,” said Hoff. “Most bilingual children hear one language more than they hear the other, which allows researchers to pull apart the effects of children’s experience from the effects of maturation on the course of language development.”

For more information or to participate in the study, contact Dr. Erika Hoff at 954-236-1142 or ehoff@fau.edu, or visit http://psy.fau.edu/~hoff/LangDevLab/index.htm.

-FAU-

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses strategically located along 150 miles of Florida's southeastern coastline. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university, with a world-class faculty, FAU hosts nine colleges:  the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Barry Kaye College of Business and the Colleges of  Education, Engineering & Computer Science, and Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs.