N O R T H E R N S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y Aberdeen, South Dakota | WINTER 2015 FROM INTERNSHIP TO CAREER PAGE 10 GYPSY DAY HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 19 GREENHOUSE FUELS RESEARCH PAGE 14
CONTENTS DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY RELATIONS FOR THE NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION WRITTEN BY Elissa Dickey Ashley Gabler EDITOR Greg Smith DESIGN Jennifer Vaughn FOUNDATION PRESIDENT AND CEO Todd Jordre ADDRESS FOR MAGAZINE INQUIRIES: University Relations Northern State University 1200 S. Jay St. Aberdeen, S.D. 57401 ABOUT NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY Northern State University is a premier residential, liberal arts institution characterized by outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities. In August 2015, NSU was again named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best undergraduate public schools in the Midwest. For more information about NSU, visit our website at northern.edu. SENIOR CABINET Dr. James M. Smith, President Dr. Alan LaFave, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Ms. Debbi Bumpous, Chief Information Officer, NET Services Mr. Greg Smith, Director, University Relations Mr. Todd Jordre, Foundation President and CEO Mr. Joshua Moon, Athletic Director, University Athletics Ms. Veronica Paulson, Vice President for Finance and Administration Ms. JoEllen Lindner Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management SUBSCRIBE | GIVE A GIFT CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS CONTACT US TWITTER NorthernStateU FACEBOOK northernstateu EMAIL nsualumni@northern.edu Faculty and Staff News.............. pages 4-5 NSU, HCC partnership provides students with perfect opportunity When the former university in Huron came to an end, Robin Moran thought her chance to go to college ended as well.......................................... page 6 Art department upgrades put safety first The Northern art department now boasts attractive new spaces and cutting-edge equipment................................................................page 7 Q&A: Gratia Brown Artist in Residence in Ceramics........................page 8 Confucius Institute at Northern State meets positive response New Confucius Institute features faculty exchanges, visiting scholars, cultural events and classes in Mandarin.............................................. page 9 Internships prepare students for careers With the help of an NSU faculty member, Shae McClanahan not only found his internship, he found his career............................................ pages 10-11 Tracking mosquitoes to battle West Nile virus Northern State team learns to think like a mosquito in tracking deadly Culex tarsalis....................page 12 Gilman Scholarship leads to study in Jordan A prestigious scholarship for study abroad will expand knowledge of Arabic language and culture for one Northern student..................................page 13 The view from Washington, D.C. A Northern State University student is getting an inside look at U.S. government this fall........page 13 New greenhouse essential to student’s plant-based research Student turns love of plants into research project..............................................................pages 14-15 New Fulbright Scholar teaching in Vietnam After Chelsea Kerbaugh traveled to China on the Northern State 2013 band tour, she knew she wanted to return to Asia someday................page 15 Wolves sports roundup It’s been a strong fall sports season in Wolves country.............................................pages 16-18 Gypsy Days...........................................pages 19-21 Atkins Statue dedicated................page 21 Alumni News Class notes, celebrations and memorials............................................. pages 22-23 PAGE 12 PAGE 10 PAGE 14 PAGE 19
NORTHERN TODAY 3 FALL 2015 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT James M. Smith, President As fall semester nears its end, I find myself reflecting on what has been an eventful, successful few months for our university. First, let me thank you all for making our 100th anniversary celebration of Gypsy Days such a terrific success! The Gypsy Day Parade was magnificent in size and composition – and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. Our students, faculty and staff were excited to welcome alumni back to campus. The unveiling of the superb new statue of Millicent Atkins only made this occasion more momentous for us. And, the following week, we named the School of Education for Ms. Atkins – what a joy that is to celebrate such a remarkable woman, whose contributions will make a very profound impact on our students. Our greenhouse is up and running, and it is impressive indeed; it looks especially beautiful as it is illuminated at night and in the early morning. Students and faculty are actively engaged in research designed specifically for this new greenhouse. We’re particularly proud of our 2015 Undergraduate Competitive Research Grant winner, Sienna Marcott. Sienna’s project will involve distilling essential oils from plants to test their effectiveness as an organic fungicide. We’re excited to see her project develop, and we’re thrilled that our greenhouse will be such an integral part of her work. You’ll read about her work in this issue, along with some of our other stellar students – including a few who have landed prestigious internships. You’ll also read about some of our generous alums, and meet our new artist-inresidence. You’ll get updates on our volleyball team, which has had an incredible season, and on our Confucius Institute, which has experienced a very successful first six months of operation. Speaking of updates, our Johnson Fine Arts Center continues to take shape. The look of the expanded space can now be identified, and the Black Box will stand tall as this structure is finalized. We hope to be open and fully operational by July 15. Like you, I can’t wait to see how our talented students and faculty utilize this amazingly upgraded facility! Many of you have, no doubt, been following the Blue Ribbon Task Force for K-12 Reform. NSU has been extremely active in working with that task force. Our Center for Statewide E-learning is leading the way with new ideas on how best to bring teaching expertise to small and isolated communities statewide. Watch for upcoming legislation that will make the work of the task force reality – and do know that NSU will continue to help shape education policy throughout the state, just as we have done since 1901. Please continue to follow the work of your university. We are extremely proud of all that we have done in the past few years and hope to do more and more as future semesters fly by – as they almost always do! Enjoy this issue, and Go Wolves! G R E E T I N G S F R O M N O R T H E R N S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y !
DR. KRISTI BOCKORNY, instructor of management, has completed her Ph.D. studies. Bockorny earned her doctorate in human capital management from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Neb. The title of her dissertation is “Psychological Capital, Courage, and Entrepreneurial Success.” Bockorny earned her master’s degree in management from Bellevue University, and her bachelor’s degrees in finance and education from NSU. DR. ERIN H. FOUBERG, professor of geography and director of the NSU Honors Program, won the Journal of Geography in Higher Education’s Biennial Award for Promoting Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Fouberg won for her article on threshold concepts in world regional geography, titled, “The World is No Longer Flat to Me: Student Perceptions of Threshold Concepts in World Regional Geography.” DR. GRANT MANHART is receiving the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s highest honor. Manhart, professor of music, trumpet/jazz at NSU, will receive the 2015-16 Distinguished Service Award for activities association officials. Manhart has officiated All-State Orchestra and All-State Jazz Band for about 20 years. SHARON KIENOW has received a Regional Leadership Award from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. This award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the financial aid profession at the regional and state levels over a sustained period of time. Criteria include that the individuals selected must exhibit high integrity and character, and show creative leadership. DR. ALYSSA ANDERSON, assistant professor of biology, and her fellow researchers have published a video featuring step-by-step techniques for monitoring aquatic systems. The video and its corresponding manuscript were published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments. The project is titled “Use of Chironomidae (Diptera) SurfaceFloating Pupal Exuviae as a Rapid Bioassessment Protocol for Water Bodies.” PETER KILIAN has been selected as the Badlands National Park 2015 Fall Artist in Residence. Kilian, NSU professor of art and chairman of the Department of Art and Theater, is on sabbatical this fall to fulfill this residency. The residency provides artists time to focus on their surroundings and their medium while interpreting the unique themes of the park. DR. LYSBETH BENKERTRASMUSSEN, English professor, had five poems published in the fall 2015 volume of Pasque Petals. The poems are titled “Taking Care of Business,” “What My Mother Taught Me,” “Ruby Slippers,” “Potential Energy” and “Actively Useless.” Pasque Petals is the official literary magazine of the South Dakota State Poetry Society. The volume was published in October. DR. ANDREW RUSSELL published an article discussing plant disease resistance in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions. The article, entitled “Pseudomonas syringae Effector AvrPphB Suppresses AvrB-Induced Activation of RPM1 but Not AvrRpm1-Induced Activation,” was published in June 2015. The paper highlights work that Russell, assistant professor of biology, did in collaboration with colleagues at Indiana University in Bloomington, where he earned his Ph.D. BECKY PRIBYL, assistant director of financial aid, received the Oscar R. Hendrix Award from the Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant “first contribution” to the association. Pribyl took on a leadership role within RMASFAA by serving this past year as chairwoman of the Finance and Audit Committee. NORTHERN TODAY 4 FALL 2015 NORTHERN NEWS FA C U LT Y AND S TA F F N EWS
NORTHERN TODAY 5 FALL 2015 NORTHERN NEWS N EW FA C U LT Y AND S TA F F DR. WILLIAM WIELAND was named interim dean of the NSU School of Fine Arts. Wieland began his new duties on June 22, serving a one-year appointment. Wieland began teaching at NSU in 1994 as an assistant professor of music (music theory, form and analysis, applied piano, music technology). In 2006, he was selected as the recipient of the NSU Outstanding Faculty Award. JUSTIN BARTEL has been hired as JumpStart Advisor, part of Northern’s efforts to give students a jump start to success in college. The South Dakota JumpStart program aims to support American Indian and low-income students throughout their college career. Bartel earned bachelor’s degrees in geography and geographic information sciences from South Dakota State University. He earned his master’s degree in school counseling, also from SDSU. DR. JOELLE LIEN began July 22 as associate vice president for academic affairs and director of graduate studies. Lien comes to Northern after 13 years of service to the University of Utah, most recently as associate dean for arts education and community engagement and associate professor of music education. A former public school teacher in Eureka, Lien is a past resident of Aberdeen. SARAH BOTKIN began July 13 as director of student involvement and leadership. Botkin previously worked as associate dean of students/director of student engagement, assistant dean/director of student activities, and director of student activities and orientation, all at Mount Mercy University; assistant director of student activities at Texas A&M University; and assistant director of campus events/hall director at Monmouth College. MARTIN SABOLO has been named director of residence life at NSU. He began July 1. Sabolo’s previous work experience includes working as dean of student life in MacMurray College in Illinois, director of housing/associate dean of students at Arkansas Tech University and director of residential life at Dickinson State University in North Dakota. BEA FISCHER began Aug. 24 as admissions representative, covering western South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming. Fischer earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. A native of Ashley, N.D., Fischer most recently lived in Spearfish and worked as entertainment assistant at Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood. EMMA ADAM began Sept. 7 as admissions representative. She will handle undergraduate admissions for Minnesota. Adam earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northern State University in 2015. A native of Clark, Adam has held previous positions at Northern, including Student Affairs assistant, resident assistant and calling center supervisor for the NSU Foundation. IOANA HOJDA started Sept. 28 as international student recruiter. Hojda, who earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Northern, grew up in Romania. She’s lived in Florence (Italy) and New York City, and is fluent in four languages. Hojda studied communications at Università degli Studi di Firenze before transferring to NSU. Past professional experiences include working as project manager at an international humanitarian NGO based in Florence and working with the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce. DR. KELLY DUNCAN has been named new dean of the NSU School of Education. She started her new position on June 22. Previously, Duncan was an assistant professor from 2003 to 2006 in the NSU School of Education’s Department of Psychology and Counseling. Most recently, she served in the Division of Counseling and Psychology in Education at the University of South Dakota since 2006.
NORTHERN TODAY 6 FALL 2015 THEN NORTHERN State University announced it would offer programs at Huron Community Campus. “I was so excited to have a second chance,” said Moran, of Huron. Moran is now starting her fourth year of classes through NSU’s partnership with HCC. While the reduced tuition rate is a positive, the major benefit for Moran has been location – she lives only two blocks from campus. “The fact that I can walk to class after work is the greatest benefit,” she said. “I work full-time and I know that I would not be able to take the classes that I want or need if I had to drive two-three times a week to do that.” Northern began offering undergraduate courses in Huron in fall 2012. Since then, program offerings and student numbers have grown, said Ronald Brownie, director of NSU Online and Continuing Education. Last fall, the first cohort of graduate students began at HCC. This group of 38 will complete their Master of Education in Teaching and Learning in summer 2016. Brownie said the partnership has far exceeded expectations. “Without this program, students would not have the opportunity to get a degree in higher education,” Brownie said. “This is an unbelievable opportunity.” ‘The perfect opportunity’ Jackie Tschetter has taken classes at Huron Community Campus for two years. “I was unemployed, and I actually thought this might be the perfect opportunity for me to go back to school,” Tschetter said. “So I did.” She first enrolled part time, but recently started going full time. She’s pursuing an AA in general studies, and would eventually love to pursue a bachelor’s degree and work as a drug and alcohol counselor someday. Without HCC, she would not have been able to attend college. The biggest benefit has been the flexibility of hours. “I’m able to work full time, and then go to school in the evenings,” she said. “I love the fact that it’s not during the day. Hours is what got me.” Moran is taking the required courses she needs to earn her associate degree in general studies, but she also takes electives that interest her. She takes two to three classes a semester, so it has taken her longer. While she’s not sure if a career change is in her future, Moran plans to work toward a bachelor’s degree. The campus Huron Community Campus is on the site of the former Huron University and Si Tanka University. After those schools closed, an endowment was turned over to the city to be used for student higher education costs. The Huron Community Campus Foundation Board was created. The board asked NSU to deliver courses there, and the Board of Regents approved the partnership in 2010. The board covers part of the cost, so students pay only $50 per credit in tuition and fees. All classes are face to face in the two buildings on campus. Besides traditional classrooms, the campus includes an old theater building and a science lab. Students can complete an associate degree in general studies at HCC. With the new graduate program, students meet one Saturday a month and one Sunday a month for eight hours. The instructors – a mix of adjunct professors and NSU faculty members who travel to Huron to teach – have done an exceptional job working with students, Brownie said. This fall, faculty members Dr. Jeff Jay and Dr. Connie Geier are among the instructors in Huron. Just as some of the professors travel to HCC, so do students, who come from towns including Brookings, Watertown and Webster. A broad age of students are served, from 17-year-olds taking courses through a high school dual-credit program to individuals in their 50s. (continued on page 7) NORTHERN NEWS NSU, HCC partnership provides students with perfect opportunity When the former university in Huron came to an end, Robin Moran thought her chance to go to college had ended as well. Pictured at Huron Community Campus are Jackie Tschetter (left) and Robin Moran (right).
The welding area now has a separate exit as well as ventilation hoods that suck out toxic fumes. An air exchange in Spafford Studios brings in fresh air from the outside. NORTHERN TODAY 7 FALL 2015 NORTHERN NEWS NSU, HCC PARTNERSHIP continued from page 6 Transfer experience After graduating high school in Huron, Jeffery Bartel earned his associate degree at HCC and transferred to Northern, where he is in his third semester. Bartel said HCC prepared him well for continuing his college career at NSU. In Huron, there were no extracurricular activities – students were there strictly for classes. It made his transition smooth and his course load at NSU manageable. Many people think college is only about acquiring new knowledge, but Bartel stressed it’s also about improving life skills. “You’ve got to learn how to plan, you’ve got to learn how to organize and you’ve got to learn how to strategize,” he said. “Huron Community College teaches those pretty well.” Bartel, a double major in biology and history with a certification in biotechnology, pointed out that HCC has professors who drive from other universities around the state. “What you’re getting at Huron is the same quality of education of any other college,” he said. Supportive atmosphere Tschetter, a member of the Student Advisory Board, strives to promote HCC. “Because I love school, and I encourage a lot of my friends to take classes at Huron Community Campus,” she said. “There are professors there that will not let you fail, and I like that. I’m just a big advocate for it.” Tschetter said she’s received support not only from the professors, but also from staff members. “Every single one of them have talked to me on a personal level,” she said. “I don’t feel like I’m just a number to them.” Moran has also recommended HCC to others. “I feel it is a great opportunity that has been given to the Huron area,” she said. “You can earn a degree or you can just take a class or two for the joy of learning. The cost and location make that a possibility for anyone.” “IT’S THE BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN FACILITY in the state,” said Dr. Greg Blair, associate professor of art at NSU. But along with those changes have also come new safety features. And while they might not be as exciting for students, they’re very beneficial in the long-term, Blair said. An air exchange in Spafford Studios brings in fresh air from the outside. The sculpture studio now has a proper dust collection system. The welding area now has a separate exit as well as ventilation hoods that suck out fumes. That area is also walled off from the rest of the sculpture studio, which will prevent sawdust from drifting into the welding area. The printmaking room, too, got a new wall, new equipment, and a similar collection system to vent out toxic fumes. This area will allow safer storage and handling for the hazardous materials printmaking requires. Project began in 2013 The facilities improvement project, estimated at $1.4 million, began in 2013 and involves both Spafford and Dacotah halls. Earlier work resulted in an expanded dark room, new computer lab, new photo studio, and reconfigured classrooms for graphic design and photography. The photography classroom features new countertops and tables as well as magnetized whiteboards where students can display their work. Along with new computers, the computer lab also has Wacom tablets, which allow for digital painting. Students have been impressed by the changes. “The students who were part of the old space were blown away,” said Sara Christensen Blair, NSU associate professor of art. The project will continue with more work in the ceramics area – including improved air exchange. The project is key to maintaining accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). NSU was awarded full NASAD membership in October 2013. Support led to Success “This upgrade project demonstrates how good things happen when good people commit to improving the student experience at NSU,” said Peter Kilian, professor of art and chairman of the NSU Department of Art and Theater. Kilian said he started working on accreditation in 2007-08. “Our success would not have happened without the support of NSU senior administration, the Aberdeen community, the NSU Foundation, art faculty, and our students,” he said. Student support has been critical. “Many of our art students graduated before they ever saw the benefits of the improved facilities – yet they still pitched in and helped,” Kilian said. Art department upgrades put safety first Thanks to an ongoing facilities improvement project, the Northern State University art department now boasts attractive new spaces and cutting-edge equipment. U P G RAD E S
NORTHERN TODAY 8 FALL 2015 NORTHERN NEWS Q&A Artist in Residence in Ceramics Gratia Brown Hometown: I was born in New Haven, Conn., but spent most my adult life in Pittsburgh, Pa. Family: I moved to Aberdeen with my significant other, Spencer Dobson, and our three cats. Spencer is a stand-up comic (www. spencerdobsoncomedy.com) who performs around the country. Title and involvement at NSU: I am the artist in residence in ceramics at NSU. I maintain a studio off the ceramics classroom and teach the ceramics courses. Q. How long have you worked at NSU? A. We just moved here in July, and I started working this semester. Q. What brought you to Northern? A. The artist in residence position is a wonderful opportunity to continue my studio work and be involved in an academic and arts community. Q. What is the best part of working at Northern? A. I could not ask for better people to work with, both students and faculty. There is a wonderful energy at Northern. The students are open and incredibly focused in the studio. Faculty members are supportive, friendly and really went out of their way to make both Spencer and me feel welcome and part of the community in Aberdeen. Q. What is the best career advice you have ever received? A. All the advice I’ve received boils down to get back to the studio and produce. Be persistent and search for an audience for your work and connections will be made. Q. What advice would you like to share with students? A. Say yes to as many opportunities as possible, but don’t feel like you have to make every life decision before graduation. For art students: NSU has wonderful facilities – explore as many disciplines as you can and open up to your professors. Research opportunities that will allow you to network and discover the options that you have as a young artist. Q. Are you involved with any organizations outside of work you want to mention? A. I’m hoping to work with the Aberdeen Empty Bowls while I am at NSU. This is a wonderful organization that provides an opportunity for the community to work with clay – making ceramic bowls. Bowls and food are then donated to a large dinner sometime in late spring, and the proceeds go to various area charities. I encourage everyone to look into participating and attending the dinner. (For more information about Empty Bowls, please see the Empty Bowls Aberdeen Facebook page.) Q. Do you have any hobbies you want to mention? A. I love horseback riding, hiking and exploring. I am an avid horse racing fan and a reluctant gambler!
NORTHERN TODAY 9 FALL 2015 NORTHERN NEWS “NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY and South Dakota are ready for this,” said Ludeman Smith. It’s also been very busy, with NSU officials traveling to China, Chinese scholars traveling to Northern, and various events planned and classes underway. The Confucius Institute is a partnership between Northern and the University of Jinan, China. This semester, 26 students from the University of Jinan are studying at Northern. Also, 21 students are enrolled in the NSU Confucius Institute’s first Mandarin course. In the future, Mandarin courses will also be offered online and through the Center for Statewide E-Learning. The Mandarin course is taught by Liu Min, who recently joined Northern’s Confucius Institute. The Confucius Institute and NSU’s international business program are also hosting the first visiting scholar from the University of Jinan, Song Lei, through February 2016. Another five scholars from the University of Jinan attended the International Business Conference in Rapid City this fall. NSU trip to China In June, 10 staff and faculty travelled to the University of Jinan. Hannah Walters, instructor of marketing and director of the Center of Excellence in International Business and Entrepreneurship, said her role on the trip involved learning how the CEIBE could partner with the NSU Confucius Institute and the University of Jinan. Walters met with management faculty and marketing faculty from the University of Jinan. Dr. Allen Barclay, NSU assistant professor of management and marketing, said his goal on the trip was to create a stronger bond between himself and his Chinese students – and that’s what happened. “The students I met while in China remember me and are more comfortable asking questions and participating in class,” he said. Meeting the students was the best part of the trip for Barclay. “Of all the time we spent touring, in meetings, visiting classrooms, etc., the best part was the afternoon we spent in the coffee shop on the UJN campus,” he said. “Those few hours of just talking with students were by far the best part.” Walters, too, said the meeting time with students was one of the best parts of the trip. It eased the students’ fear of the unknown of studying abroad while giving Walters and other faculty members the opportunity to relate to the students’ home country and heritage. To the next delegation, Barclay recommends bringing good shoes and enjoying the local food. He also advises taking the time to get to know the local people and really spend time with the students. Walters hopes sharing her own experiences and anxieties about traveling overseas can help ease the fears of others – including students. “I think that makes a big difference when talking to students about traveling abroad,” she said. “My experiences make it real, not just theoretical, like I’ve merely read a book about traveling.” Chinese culture on campus Back on the NSU campus, progress continues on a Chinese Cultural Center in Williams Library, including 700 volumes from the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing, and an interactive multimedia exhibit on Chinese culture. The Confucius Institute is also hosting cultural events. Three Tours Performance Troupe performed Sept. 23 in Krikac Auditorium. The event commemorated the International Confucius Institute’s 11th anniversary on Sept. 26. Nearly 500 Confucius Institutes across the world celebrated this anniversary. The troupe was made up of students from Capital Normal University in Beijing, who performed Chinese choral and instrumental music and folk dance, martial arts, calligraphy and Peking opera. The performers also offered an interactive explanation of China’s cultural heritage demonstrated in the variety of acts. Confucius Institute at Northern State University meets positive response Since the Confucius Institute at Northern State University was established in spring 2015, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, said Director Dr. Naomi Ludeman Smith. Three Tours Performance Troupe performed Sept. 23 in Krikac Auditorium. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OFFERINGS Though the Confucius Institute is housed at NSU, Ludeman Smith stressed that it is here to serve all communities, schools and universities across South and North Dakota. To learn more about the offerings of the Confucius Institute at Northern State University, call 605-626-7610 or email confucius@northern.edu.
NORTHERN TODAY 10 FALL 2015 STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS MCCLANAHAN, a Presho native, applied for internships around the country for what seemed like months. Then, NSU Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Jon Mitchell connected him with the environmental health and safety lead at Glacial Lakes Energy in Mina, S.D., one of the state’s leading ethanol producers. That led to an internship at Glacial Lakes for McClanahan from April 28 to Aug. 28. “Without Dr. Mitchell’s help, I don’t know where I would have done an internship,” McClanahan said. Stephanie Iverson said Mitchell was also instrumental in helping her secure an internship with Glacial Lakes Energy this summer. Iverson, from Hatton, N.D., is a senior biology major and chemistry minor who is also pursuing an associate degree in biotechnology. Gaining essential scientific knowledge Iverson’s duties included data entry, certifying ethanol, testing moisture and solid contents of byproducts, and Without the help of a Northern State University faculty member, Shae McClanahan would not have found his internship. And without that internship, McClanahan would not have found his career. Internships help prepare Northern State University students for careers Shae McClanahan (’15) takes readings at the Glacial Lakes Energy plant in Mina.
NORTHERN TODAY 11 FALL 2015 STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS other biological tests throughout the stages of ethanol and byproduct production (quality control). She learned how to use an ion chromatograph, infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatograph, high-performance liquid chromatograph, hydrometer and hemocytometer. She also grasped an understanding of industrial research from start to finish of a biological process. Iverson said the best part of her internship was making personal and professional connections with her co-workers. Another highlight was understanding industrial research from start to finish of the ethanol process and environmental health and safety. The experience, and her entire time at NSU, have helped prepare her for her career path. “My internship and NSU have given me the essential scientific techniques and knowledge to pursue a doctorate of veterinary medicine,” she said. Learning the ins and outs of an ethanol plant As an environmental health and safety (EHS) intern, some of McClanahan’s duties were daily upkeep of the ethanol plant, and weekly and monthly plant inspections. He also had to understand the production of ethanol, and assist with safety analysis. “The best part of the internship was learning the ins and outs of an ethanol plant and understanding the detail of work that goes into the EHS field and ethanol production,” he said. While he worked at Glacial Lakes, he realized he enjoyed the work of an EHS specialist and wanted to make a career out of it. “Making sure people went home to their families every night the same way they left gave me a sense of accomplishment,” he said. “The help of all of the employees at GLE got me in touch with someone who works at U.S. Water Services, and now I am fortunate to have a job in the field I have grown to love.” Internship led to career McClanahan graduated from NSU in May with a bachelor’s degree in biology and finished his associate degree in biotechnology in August. He is now working as an EHS specialist at U.S. Water Services in St. Michael, Minn. “The internship is the only reason I have a career,” he said. Iverson decided to attend NSU for numerous reasons. “I chose NSU because of its small town vibe, friendly atmosphere, growing science department and number of school and community activities it provides,” she said. The best part of her time at Northern has been working with other students and professors on research projects. McClanahan chose NSU for the small classes and the friendly faces – and, he joked, to “keep an eye on” his best friend, who was also attending Northern. He said the best part of his time at NSU was making new friends, and the all-around friendly attitude of the school. “I would just like to thank all of the NSU staff and the employees at Glacial Lakes Energy,” McClanahan said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” “My internship and NSU have given me the essential scientific techniques and knowledge to pursue a doctorate of veterinary medicine.” Stephanie Iverson, Hatton, N.D., Senior Stephanie Iverson is researching the effect of fruit molecules on mosquitoes, looking for a new naturally occurring repellent.
NORTHERN TODAY 12 FALL 2015 STUDENT NEWS S T UD E N T S “You’ve got to think like a mosquito,” said Mitchell, assistant professor of biology. Mosquitoes prefer places protected from the wind, but still sunny, with tall grass and moisture. So those are some of the criteria the team sought when setting up their traps. This was the third year NSU has participated in South Dakota’s mosquito surveillance project, aimed at identifying and testing mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus. Each year, Northern’s efforts have grown, with more traps and more students involved. Ten students were involved this year: Annika Van Oosbree, Courtney Henschel, Paige Sommers, Alison Byrd, Tessa Durnin, Larissa Kempf, Miranda Ristau, Ian Muirhead, Sam Bahr and April Moeller. The group was led by Mitchell and Dr. Alyssa Anderson, assistant professor of biology. The group is making an impact on a disease that is a big concern for the area. Brown County historically has one of the highest rates of West Nile virus in the country. The effort has been funded through awards totaling $109,973 from the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), with funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The NSU team was specifically looking for the mosquito species Culex tarsalis, considered the most likely carriers of West Nile virus. The traps included a tank of carbon dioxide, which gets released and lures the mosquitoes, which then get sucked into the trap by a fan. Mitchell and the students collected the mosquitoes, sorted them by genus and species, and counted them. The Culex tarsalis is easy to identify because of its white knees and white patch on its proboscis, Mitchell said. They sent all the Culex tarsalis they found to the DOH in Pierre every week to be tested for West Nile virus. New this year, the DOH and CDC were interested in understanding mosquito resistance to insecticide. So the NSU group studied the effect of the insecticide Permethrin on mosquitoes at different levels. The resistance study will provide valuable data to the DOH for pest management strategies. Along with benefiting entities across the state, Mitchell said, this work brings funding to the university, fits with its vision of becoming the state’s Center for Environmental Studies, and fits in with his own ongoing research. Mitchell received a South Dakota Board of Regents grant a couple of years ago to study the effectiveness of natural products in the control of mosquitoes. It’s also beneficial for the students involved, who get credit for the paid internship and gain great field experience to include on their resumes. They also get to present their work at various venues, including the state’s mosquito control conference in Aberdeen in September and the national Entomological Society of America annual meeting in Minneapolis in November. Students also showcased the mosquito trapping to schoolchildren at the Northern Plains Water Festival at the Barnett Center at the end of September. Students are working in the field and the lab, Mitchell said, and they get to see the importance of their work to the community. “The bottom line is we’re giving students hands-on, real world experience both in the classroom and during the summer.” Northern State University team spent third summer trapping mosquitoes Dr. Jon Mitchell and his team of Northern State University students trapped mosquitoes around Brown County this summer – and that meant finding the spots these pests prefer. Northern State University environmental science students Tessa Durnin (left) and Larissa Kempf (center), and Dr. Jon Mitchell (right), replace the carbon dioxide tank for one of their mosquito traps. Senior Larissa Kempf secures a mosquito trap in place.
NORTHERN TODAY 13 FALL 2015 STUDENT NEWS NSU senior Jordan AbuSirriya received funding from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program to spend fall semester in the country of Jordan. From Sept. 10 to Dec. 19, he will be studying at Al-Ahliyya Amman University in Amman, taking the following classes: Arabic language, Gender in Islam, U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East, and the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Abu-Sirriya, an Aberdeen native, is pursuing a degree in political science and communication studies and a minor in history at Northern. He said he chose to study in Jordan because he is learning Arabic, and this will allow him to immerse himself in the language and culture. He is also interested in international affairs – especially involving the Middle East and North Africa – and this will give him an opportunity to learn more about the regional policies and affairs with the United States. The Gilman Scholarship program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Students are encouraged to choose nontraditional destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, according to www.iie.org/en/Programs/ Gilman-Scholarship-Program. Only a few hundred Gilman scholarships are awarded each term. This isn’t the first prestigious opportunity for Abu-Sirriya. Last fall, he participated in the White House Internship Program in Washington, D.C., serving in the Office of Presidential Personnel. Neither accomplishment would have been possible, he said, without the support of his professors at NSU. “They have taken the time to get to know me and have deeply invested not only in my academic success, but also my personal growth and development,” he said. “I am blessed to have these opportunities, but I don’t want the success to only be seen as my own because this is truly the success and hard work of my professors and mentors as well.” Abu-Sirriya will graduate in May 2016 and is considering entering the Peace Corps. Later, he hopes to attend graduate school for international affairs with a Middle Eastern concentration, followed by a career in Foreign Service through the State Department. “Throughout my journey, I will always look back on the cultures and experiences that made me who I am and use them to build meaningful relationships between the United States and other nations around the world.” SOPHIE DOEDEN, a political science major, is interning in the office of U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds from late August through midDecember. Her duties range from office tasks – answering phone calls and conducting tours – to experiencing the press and legislative side of the office. Before the internship, Doeden said she was excited about the many opportunities the experience would provide. “First, it will provide me with a whole new networking system. I will also be able to obtain real, first-hand experience of the political process,” she said. “Finally, and this is probably what I’m most excited about, I will be able to take what I am learning in the classroom at NSU and apply it in the real world.” This is her second time visiting our nation’s capital – she went on a middle school trip to D.C. as well. She said she is looking forward to taking in as much of the city as she can. “I fell in love with the city in eighth grade, and I cannot wait to return,” she said. A native of Beresford, Doeden said she chose to attend NSU because it felt like home. “There was something about that close-knit feel NSU has that I really felt comfortable with.” Doeden, a junior, said she’s not yet sure what direction she wants to take in her career path, but she’s hoping the internship will help in that determination. She said this internship experience wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of NSU’s “amazing professors.” They have pushed her to want to be the best she can be. “They are all willing to work with you to make you a better student in and out of the classroom,” she said. “Whether it is taking a look at your writing or looking into your future plans with you, they are all right there, making themselves available.” Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at NSU, said Doeden is one of the department’s top students, and it has been exciting to see her grow during her time at Northern. “Sophie’s internship with Senator Rounds typifies the kinds of opportunities political science students have here at NSU, with the chance of complementing their classroom learning with real-world experience,” Schaff said. “We are very proud of Sophie. We know she’ll make the most of this great opportunity.” Sophie Doeden Beresford, S.D. Jordan Abu-Sirriya Aberdeen, S.D. Northern State University student receives Gilman Scholarship to study in Jordan A Northern State University student has been awarded a prestigious scholarship for a study abroad program that will expand his knowledge of international affairs and the Arabic language. Northern State University student interning in Washington, D.C. A Northern State University student is getting an inside look at U.S. government this fall through an internship in Washington, D.C.
NORTHERN TODAY 14 FALL 2015 STUDENT NEWS MARCOTT turned her love of plants into a research project that won the 2015 NSU Undergraduate Competitive Research Grant. She’ll be devoting much of this academic year to her research, and NSU’s new greenhouse is crucial to her work. Her project is titled “Fungicidal Properties of Essential Oils and Secondary Metabolites against Fungal Strains Common to Damping-Off Disease.” Marcott will be distilling essential oils from plants, including sagebrush, to test their effectiveness as an organic fungicide. She’ll compare their effectiveness to that of a commercial fungicide, Banrot. Exciting, challenging work Marcott aims to create an affordable, sustainable fungicide for the organic grower. Currently, there is no plant-based organic fungicide for root rot on the market, she said. “What we’re doing doesn’t really exist,” said Marcott, a sophomore. “That’s both exciting and incredibly challenging.” Also challenging is that Marcott is juggling her research with fulltime studies and a job. She was also introduced to the challenges of working on a grant-funded project – namely, it can be slow-going. But that slowness allowed her more time to read, research and plan the logistics of her project. Marcott is starting with stem cuttings and root divisions, preparing plants for distillation in the greenhouse. Along with sagebrush, which is very common in South Dakota, she is also using bee balm and yarrow. Oregano and thyme will be her positive control plants. She chose plants that are easily accessible and have botanical uses. Yarrow, for instance, has been used in soaps and to stop bleeding. She’s just starting her work in the greenhouse and said it’s a great facility with great people managing it. “The people are what make it run,” she said. Greenhouse crucial to project Northern’s greenhouse is crucial, as the fungal pathogens her research will test are highly infectious to plants, and those plants will need to be quarantined. The three fungi she’ll work with are Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium ultimum, and Rhizoctonia solani. Once they arrive, the project will pick up, likely in November and December. The project will also involve lab time and possibly use of some of Northern’s NSU greenhouse essential to student’s plant-based research When Sienna Marcott’s fiancé proposed to her, it was in a field of sagebrush – a romantic gesture to Marcott, as the plant is an integral part of the research she’s conducting this year at Northern State University. “What we’re doing doesn’t really exist,” said Marcott, a sophomore. “That’s both exciting and incredibly challenging.” Sienna Marcott, Northern State University sophomore S T UD E N T S
NORTHERN TODAY 15 FALL 2015 STUDENT NEWS “I FELL IN LOVE WITH THAT AREA OF THE WORLD,” said Kerbaugh, a recent NSU graduate. Now, Kerbaugh has gone back – this time, as the recipient of a prestigious J. William Fulbright Scholarship. Kerbaugh will be an English teaching assistant in Vietnam from August through June 2016. She is the first NSU student in recent years to receive a grant from the Fulbright program, a U.S. governmentsponsored scholarship program that promotes international educational exchange. Before the trip, the Harwood, N.D., native said she was excited to experience a part of the world that a lot of people from the Midwest haven’t visited. “I’m looking forward to just experiencing a new culture and being immersed in it for 10 months,” she said. Kerbaugh, 23, graduated from NSU in December 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in instrumental and vocal music education. Last semester, she taught elementary and middle school music for the Warner School District. Excited for international teaching While looking forward to learning the culture in Vietnam, she’s also excited for the international teaching portion. “This is the launching pad for my career in international education,” she said. She has wanted to teach overseas since she went to Spain on a school trip at age 17. She looks forward to being around people who have a different culture and language, but who share the same passion for education and learning through cultural differences. “I think we have a lot to learn from international education, and I think more people should be looking into the benefits it provides society,” Kerbaugh said. It unifies people of different nations, and that’s the purpose of the Fulbright program, she said – promoting the United States’ relationships with other countries. Encouraged by faculty member Kerbaugh applied for the Fulbright opportunity while still a student at NSU, after taking a course with NSU’s Dr. Alyssa Anderson, assistant professor of biology and one of the Fulbright scholars among the Northern faculty. Anderson said she could tell Kerbaugh was enthusiastic, motivated, driven and personable. With those qualities, along with her career goals, she seemed like the ideal candidate for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program. She’s confident Kerbaugh will embrace this opportunity and take advantage of all the experience has to offer. The program is much more than the primary teaching or research obligations. “It’s about becoming part of the society of the host country – sharing perspectives from our culture and bringing back and relaying experiences from the host country are central to the success of the Fulbright program,” Anderson said. ‘One of the greatest things I have done’ Anderson received her Fulbright research grant as a graduate student, traveling to Norway to study at the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology. There, she was able to expand her graduate research and learn new skills, including DNA barcoding and morphological taxonomic techniques that allowed her to describe three new insect species. “The experience was incredible and ended up being one of the greatest things I have done – I ended up loving the research and I made so many new friends and connections, and got to experience so much more of the world,” Anderson said. “Most importantly, I tested my limits and developed a much stronger confidence in my abilities – I hope Chelsea can say the same when she comes back to the States.” Northern State University graduate receives Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Vietnam After Chelsea Kerbaugh traveled to China on the Northern State University 2013 band tour, she knew she wanted to return to Asia someday. state-of-the-art equipment, such as the spectrometer and the confocal microscope. If Marcott’s research is successful, she could potentially produce an organic fungicide as a gardening product. But she said marketing it to the agricultural industry would require a lot more testing. Marcott is double majoring in business management and biology with a biotechnology certification. NSU provides students a lot of opportunity to blend disciplines, said Dr. Jon Mitchell, assistant professor of biology and Marcott’s research advisor. “I think we do that well,” he said. Love of plants grew at NSU Originally from Champaign, Ill., Marcott has lived in Aberdeen for over six years. Her love of plants started in childhood, when she said her father “immersed me in the world of nutritional health and botanical medicine.” She has since become an organic horticulturist and environmental advocate. That love of plants has continued to grow at NSU. Now working with Mitchell and Dr. Jodie Ramsay, professor of biology, she’s gotten to learn about different aspects of plants, including their chemical makeup. She would like to pursue botany and/or plant physiology. Marcott’s project also started because of her own troubles with fungus when growing her own plants. She’s very interested in alternative, organic solutions. It was important for her research to reflect that, even if the concept is somewhat controversial in the scientific field. “Scientists are not all of the same mindset,” she said. And although she is a selfproclaimed “organic junkie,” Marcott said biotech is also important. She and Mitchell, a biotech proponent, work well together. “There’s room for both,” Mitchell said. Chelsea Kerbaugh “This is the launching pad for my career in international education.”
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