TALE Outstanding Teaching Award Winners

From left to right: Dr. Christian Grandzol, Dr. Kerrie DeVries, and Dr. Scott Inch

DeVries is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology; Christian Grandzol, is a professor in the Department of Management and International Business; and Inch is a professor in the Department of Mathematical and Digital Sciences. The faculty were nominated by graduating seniors from the class of 2021-22 and selected by TALE's Outstanding Teaching Award Committee. Three Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania faculty members, Kerrie DeVries, Christian Grandzol, and Scott Inch were named the University's 2021-22 Outstanding Teaching Award recipients by the Teaching and Learning Enhancement (TALE) Center.

"Congratulations to this year's TALE Outstanding Teacher Award recipients," said Bloomsburg University president Bashar Hanna. "I am grateful to Kerrie DeVries, Christian Grandzol, and Scott Inch and all our outstanding faculty members who go above and beyond in support of our students and their success."

Dr. Kerrie DeVries creates an inclusive learning environment for students. She is fearless, inspiring, and uplifting. One nominee writes, ”Dr. DeVries dives into one of the toughest issues in the nation today [racism]…with grace, understanding, and pragmatism. She encourages tough but eye-opening conversations.” Her teaching methods compel students to explore their world and discover how they can make a difference. She is applauded for her ability to “relate, analyze, and execute very challenging curriculum” with composure and humility. Dr. DeVries’ courses explore race from a psychological perspective and the role of both cultural and social psychology in group and identity formation. Her research examines psychological factors leading to college retention for diverse student populations.

Dr. Christian Grandzol receives high praise for the job-ready skills that he teaches through class discussions and assignments. Students value the high levels of preparation that Dr. Grandzol puts into his course content which he makes timely and relevant. He is selflessly dedicated to student learning and success. Of special note is Dr. Grandzol’s use of team projects that replicates real-world business practices. Adjectives to describe Dr. Grandzol are “knowledgeable,” “brilliant,” “caring,” “amazing,” and “engaging.” Dr. Grandzol’s scholarly work integrates with his teaching in a variety of ways including the development of Harvard Style case studies on a variety of supply chain management topics and innovative pedagogy. Dr. Grandzol also received the Outstanding Teaching Award in 2011.

Dr. Scott Inch earns accolades for the real-world examples that he brings into the classroom. One student described his digital forensics course as the most challenging, and “exemplary [because] it provided a fantastic benchmark for what I -- as a student -- am capable of in my major.” His teaching creates a space for students to be uniquely “clever and inquisitive.” Always caring and approachable, Dr. Inch facilitates students in their career pursuits. The digital forensics curriculum taught by Dr. Inch includes file systems, traditional hard disk forensics, mobile devices, and Ediscovery. His renown expertise is brought to bear on criminal and civil investigations in the shape of expert reports, depositions, and court testimony.

All recipients will be acknowledged at commencement and be awarded a plaque by the Provost Diana Rogers-Adkinson at a future date. In addition, recipients are awarded a professional development stipend through the BU Foundation.

The 2021-22 Outstanding Teaching Award Committee is comprised of Victoria Geyfman, finance; Michael Hickey, history; Denise Davidson, teaching and learning; David Fazzino, anthropology; Abby Hare-Harris, biological and allied health sciences; and committee chair, L.M. Stallbaumer-Beishline, TALE Director.

COST Research Day 2022 Award Winners

 

COST Research Day 2022, held on Friday, April 29, provided an opportunity for COST students to present the results of their work with faculty mentors and other collaborators.  Professor Emerita and undergraduate research mentor extraordinaire, Dr. Cindy Venn, kicked off Research Day with a keynote address that shared her journey as a researcher and teacher.  The keynote was followed by 46 student poster presentations on topics ranging from hybrid stars to honeybees!  Fourteen Bloomsburg University alumni and friends returned to campus to help judge presentations and celebrate students’ achievements. 

There was a tie for top prize (highest overall scores) and both winners were from Biological and Allied Health Sciences.  Katelyn Kelchner (faculty advisor: Abby Hare-Harris) won for PEX-DETEX Analysis of Splice Donor Variation Indicates an Enrichment of Poison Exons in Individuals with Developmental Brain Disorders and Mitchell Liddick (faculty advisor: Steven Rier) won for Exploring the Impact of Polyester Microfiber Contaminants on the Structure and function of Stream Biofilms

In Biological and Allied Health Sciences, the undergraduate first prize winner was Haley Fiske (faculty advisor: Abby Hare-Harris) for Identification of Poison Exons in Genes Associated with Improved Athletic Performance, and the honorable mention was awarded to Nathan Slotnik (faculty advisor: Kate Beishline) for BORIS Expression in HCT116 Cells.

Among Biological and Allied Health Sciences graduate students, the first prize winner was Oriana Balascio (faculty advisor: Kate Beishline) for Characterizing BORIS Dynamics at Telomeres in a Colon Cancer Cell Model, and the honorable mention was awarded to Braeden Gonzales (faculty advisor: Steven Rier) for Microbial Extracellular Enzymes as Indicators of Riparian and Upstream Forest Cover in Headwater Streams.

In Chemistry and Biochemistry, the first prize winner was Helena Eby (faculty advisors: Ellen Kehres and Michael Borland) for Evaluating the Anti-Proliferative Effects of a PPARβ/δ Ligand Isosteric Selenium Replacement in a Human Melanoma Cell Line with honorable mention recognition for Elizabeth Decoteau (faculty advisor: Matthew Polinski) for New Families of Lanthanide Perrhenate Complexes.

In Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences, first prize went to Lindsey Kerstetter (faculty advisor: Rebecca Bourgault) for Assessing the Cerium Anomaly as a Hydropedologic Tracer in a Forested Northeastern Catchment with honorable mention recognition to Stephen Tapsak and Hannah Jorgenson (faculty advisor: Jennifer Whisner) for Geochemical Analysis of an Acid Mine Drainage Remediation Site Near Ranshaw, PA.

In Mathematics and Digital Sciences, first prize was awarded to Andrew Clickard (faculty advisor: Chris Lynd) for Synthetic Geometry in Hyperbolic Simplices.

In Physics, Health Physics, and Electrical Engineering, first prize was awarded to Aaron Rudolph (faculty advisor: Peter Stine) for Exomoon Detection Using Transit Method, and Honorable Mentions were awarded to John Siebert (faculty advisor: Peter Stine) for Amplitudes and Frequency Correlations of Hybrid Star Candidates and Zach Whisner (faculty advisor: John Huckans) for Design and Construction of an ECDL to Create Rubidium-87 Rydberg.

The Audience Favorite award went to Abigail Lecker of Biological and Allied Health Sciences (faculty advisor: Abby Hare-Harris) for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Genetic Variant Curation Assignment.

The COST Research Day Committee gratefully acknowledges support from the faculty of Andruss Library, friends and alumni of the College of Science and Technology, the COST Dean’s Office, the BU Foundation, BU Alumni and Professional Engagement, and a BU Group Experience Grant.

 

Mansfield University junior earns NASA-funded research scholarship and second summer internship

Junior Lauren Griffith, a Mansfield University cell & molecular biology major, received a $4,000 research scholarship from the NASA Pennsylvania State Grant Consortium.

Griffith's funded proposal focuses on the link between the gut microbiome and cancer development and spread. Griffith, a native of Upper Marlboro, Md., was also awarded a Summer 2022 internship through the National Institute of Health's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) program.

Prior to these awards, Griffith earned a Summer 2021 internship through Cornell University's Microbial Friends and Foes Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Through this 10-week hybrid virtual/in-person internship, Griffith developed a research project evaluating a specific type of large gastrointestinal bacterium, in which she analyzed the genome and differential gene expression across different morphotypes. The internship concluded with a poster and oral presentation on her work.

In addition to learning about genomics and bioinformatics, part of this internship experience included career exploration. Griffith explains, "During the last week of my internship, we met with different career-related panels. PhD candidates talked with us about their upcoming career choices, and from those discussions I decided I wanted to pursue a PhD in a Biology-related field."

Griffith joined the research laboratory of Dr. Kristen Long, associate professor of biology, in Fall 2021 and developed a research proposal investigating the link between the gut microbiome and tumor development and spread, using pancreatic cancer as a model of disease. The proposal was used when applying for the NASA Pennsylvania State Grant Consortium Scholarship. Griffith's awarded funding will support her research during the 2022-23 academic year. Part of the scholarship requirement involves community outreach, where Griffith will continue her role as an American Cancer Society's ResearcHERs ambassador.

This summer, Griffith will complete her STEP-UP internship at the University of Maryland and will work in a cell and microenvironment engineering laboratory focused on advancing scientific knowledge on how to approach therapeutic strategies for diseases.

"This summer I look to gain more insight into the biomedical side of science," said Griffith. "In addition, I hope to bring the skills and knowledge I acquire through this experience and apply them to my NASA-funded research project on pancreatic cancer. I'm super excited about these upcoming opportunities!"

Griffith looks to tie together information from all three of her experiences to address the question: How does diet influence the gut microbiome, and in turn, influence disease development and/or resistance therapy? "These experiences will not only help researchers understand this link at a scientific level, but they will allow me to continue to explore my creative and problem-solving side while also preparing me for graduate school," Griffith continued. "Every aspect of these unique opportunities encompasses what I want to accomplish through a career as scientist."

NASA Pennsylvania State Grant Consortium Scholarships are awarded to rising juniors and seniors attending an accredited Pennsylvania college or university and are enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program. Scholarship recipients agree to participate in multiple education outreach and mentoring activities throughout the award cycle.

Dr. Long's research laboratory at Mansfield University focuses on the physical and immunological aspects of pancreatic cancer and how both contribute to tumor development and resistance to standard cancer therapies.

Shaelyn Marx '22, Brittney Atkins '21, Caitlin Beauduy '21, Catherine Troutman '20, and Adrianna Vaskas '19 each received a NASA research scholarship under Long's advisement and are currently pursing advanced degrees in graduate programs or working in the biomedical sciences industry.

For more information about the biology program at Mansfield University or to learn more on this and other active research projects in Dr. Long's laboratory, visit Mansfield Biology

LHU Biology Department to host the 53rd annual Commonwealth Biology Conference

The Lock Haven University Biology Department will host the 53rd annual Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB) Conference. The event will be held virtually on Zoom and will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.

WHAT: Commonwealth Biology Conference

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9

WHERE: Virtual, Zoom

WHO: Heather Bechtold, hab206@lockhaven.edu or Jenny Bandura, jlb915@lockhaven.edu

 

Speakers will include Dr. Bashar Hanna, LHU interim president; Greg Turner, wildlife biologist with the PA Game Commission's Bureau of Wildlife Management; Dr. Brent Sewall, associate professor in the Department of Biology at Temple University; Dr. Matthew Foradori, professor and director of medical technology and nuclear medicine technology at Edinboro University and CPUB interim president.

Conference hosts will be Drs. Jenny Bandura and Heather Bechtold, LHU biology faculty.

Greg Turner, keynote speaker, is a wildlife biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Bureau of Wildlife Management and works with diseases affecting bat populations including white-nose syndrome and COVID. He is interested in conservation and management of wildlife.

Dr. Brent Sewall, keynote speaker, is an associate professor in the Department of Biology at Temple University. The goal of his research is to understand and address critical and emerging threats to biodiversity and to develop effective strategies for conservation. Ongoing work focuses on understanding threats to North American hibernating bats caused by the emerging infectious disease known as white-nose syndrome; identifying and addressing critical threats to tropical and temperate biodiversity; and understanding factors underpinning the resilience of ecological communities.

Dr. Matthew Foradori is a professor and director of medical technology and nuclear medicine technology at Edinboro University and serves as the CPUB interim president for 2022.

Dr. Jennifer Bandura is a cancer biologist in the Biology Department at LHU. She has been a co-director of the Lock Haven CPUB chapter since 2019.

Dr. Heather Bechtold is a biology professor at LHU and ecosystem ecologist that studies both aquatic and terrestrial systems. She has served as director of CPUB for the LHU chapter since 2014.

The CPUB meeting will be held in a virtual format using Zoom webinars and is free and open to the public. To register, visit CPUB Conference 2022 (lockhaven.edu).

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB) was founded in 1973 as an organization to provide support for the teaching and research activities of faculty in the biological sciences from the fourteen state-owned universities in the State System of Higher Education (SSHE). Its activities have included scientific meetings, symposia and institutes for the enhancement of the professional development of its members and associates. It also provides a forum for graduate and undergraduate students for the presentation of their research.

 

Bloomsburg University Again Named National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Bloomsburg, PA (02/24/2022) — Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's digital forensics and cyber security program has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through the academic year 2027 by the National Security Agency (NSA). This marks the second time Bloomsburg University has earned this designation.

This recognition indicates BU's digital forensics program within the Department of Mathematical and Cyber Security has met stringent curriculum, faculty, and research criteria. It demonstrates an institution-wide commitment to information assurance practices and education.

Sponsored by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, CAE programs promote higher education and research to increase the number of professionals with information assurance expertise and reduce U.S. infrastructure vulnerability.

"We are honored to again be recognized by the NSA as a National Center of Excellence," said BU President Bashar Hanna. "This noteworthy designation affirms that our program has once again demonstrated an institution-wide commitment to information assurance practices and cyber defense education. I am grateful to my faculty colleagues for their dedication to our students."

"A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage," said Karen Leuschner, National CAE Program Manager, NSA. "The United States government will continue to invest in and enhance programs that build the domestic talent pipeline, from primary through post-secondary education."

Students attending CAE schools are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program. Nationally designated CAEs also receive formal recognition from the U.S. government.

For more information on BU's program visit: 

www.bloomu.edu/academics/programs/digital-forensics-and-cybersecurity-bs

Chemistry Student Earns Prestigious Undergraduate Research Award

Bloomsburg University senior Helena Eby has been awarded a Society of Toxicology (SOT) Undergraduate Research Award (SURA) to be presented at the 2022 SOT Conference in San Diego from March 27 to 31. Her poster is titled, "Evaluating the anti-proliferative effects of a PPAR-Beta/Delta ligand isosteric selenium replacement in a human melanoma cell line."

 

The SOT application process is highly selective, and this year Eby is the only awardee from a public, primarily undergraduate institution. Other SOT 2022 Undergraduate Research award winners attend Duke, Rutgers, North Carolina State, Louisville, Kansas, Johns Hopkins, Case Western, Washington (MO), and Oregon State universities.

Eby, a chemistry major, has been conducting research in the lab of American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Education Fellow Michael Borland, BU professor of chemistry and biochemistry, since the spring 2021 semester. The research is funded by a PA State System of Higher Education Faculty Professional Development grant. Eby was also awarded a BU Chemistry & Biochemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Experience grant to support summer 2021 research.

Eby's work studies how a cellular receptor, called PPAR-Beta/Delta, can be targeted as a potential malignant melanoma therapeutic. She uses pharmaceutical activators of PPAR-Beta/Delta and cutting-edge laboratory techniques at BU to study cancer cell growth and tumor formation. Her studies have also examined how chemical changes to PPAR-Beta/Delta activators can alter the anti-cancer effects. Eby has been instrumental in developing new assays in Borland's lab, as well as mentoring new students to the lab group. Eby and Borland are currently preparing the work for publication in a toxicology- or cancer-related peer-reviewed scientific journal.

"Quite honestly, if you told me told four years ago when I started college that I would be working with melanoma cancer, I would not believe it," said Eby. "For a long time, it was a goal of mine to partake in research of some kind. I just was not sure how to get involved. I am very grateful that Dr. Borland offered me a chance to join his lab because I have learned so much and gained amazing opportunities."

"On behalf of the entire Bloomsburg University community, I congratulate Helena on this prestigious award," said BU President Bashar Hanna. "The application pool for this award is highly competitive, and for Helena to be recognized along with undergraduate students from large research institutions is a noteworthy accomplishment. I also congratulate Dr. Borland for his outstanding mentorship of Helena."

"Helena earning this award is a great testament to her hard work and dedication to the project, especially during the pandemic," Borland said. "Helena has leveraged the cutting-edge laboratory resources available in the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department to grow this project by leaps and bounds."

The SURA covers travel, lodging, and attendance at the conference. She will participate in the Undergraduate Program and meet world-renowned toxicologists from industry, government, and academia. She'll have the opportunity to network and learn about future career opportunities and be recognized at the SURA awards ceremony.

    

"Helena's award is proof positive of the high impact research experiences that BU students can undertake as part of their Husky journey," said Borland. "Creating and maintaining the infrastructure to support these types of student opportunities is always challenging, and I am thankful for our university's continued investment in chemistry and biochemistry and student research campus-wide."

Eby, who will graduate in May, has big plans for the future.

"I plan to attend graduate school in the fall. My long-term goals involve medical school; however, I am not ready to give up research just yet — as Dr. Borland says, I 'caught the bug.' My plan is to pursue both an M.D. and Ph.D."

Bloomsburg University and Lehigh Carbon Community College Partnership Streamlines Path to Technology Degree

  BLOOMSBURG, PA (02/09/2022) — Students interested in pursuing a career in the growing field of electronics engineering technology now have a streamlined path to earn their associate and bachelor's degrees, thanks to an agreement between Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) and Bloomsburg University.

    Unique to this agreement is that transfer credits will also be accepted from Career and Technical Education centers, creating a seamless pathway from Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, Carbon Career and Technical Institute, and Schuylkill Technology Center to Bloomsburg University.

    Students who apply for dual admission and graduate with their associate in applied science degree in electrical engineering technology from LCCC and fulfill BU's transfer requirements are guaranteed admission to Bloomsburg with at least full junior standing. All 68 credits for the EET program at LCCC will transfer to BU's program.

    "We are thrilled to be able to partner with Lehigh Carbon Community College to create a simple and consistent way for their students to transfer to Bloomsburg University," said BU Provost and Senior Vice President Diana Rogers-Adkinson. "The goal with this agreement is to get students on a quicker path to success."

    This agreement provides a program of study that includes a sequence of technical courses and industrial experience leading from the associate degree to bachelor's credentials. Community college graduates can obtain a quality education at a low cost and provide the region and state with qualified engineering technology graduates.

    "We are excited to have this articulation agreement with LCCC that aligns with our EET program," said Latha Ramakrishnan, dean of the College of Science and Technology "This is beneficial for our students because the credits they earn at LCCC will transfer seamlessly to BU's ABET-ETAC accredited program (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology - Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission)."

    LCCC students must complete the transfer application by May 1 for entrance into the following fall semester at BU and must enroll at Bloomsburg within one year of graduation. A minimum 2.0 grade point average is required for admission. Bloomsburg's program coordinator in Electronics Engineering Technology will meet with dual admitted students to ensure they are on track with transferable courses and admissions.

    For information on the transfer program to Bloomsburg University, contact the BU admissions office at 570-389-4316 or buadmiss@bloomu.edu