THE MAGAZINE OF ALMA COLLEGE - DIGITAL SCIENCE SCOTS AROUND THE WORLD HOMECOMING 2018
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THE THE MAGAZINE OF ALMA COLLEGE FA LL ❖ 20 18 DIGITAL SCIENCE • SCOTS AROUND THE WORLD • HOMECOMING 2018
THE
M AGA Z I N E
EDITOR
Mike Silverthorn
DESIGNER
Rachel Salazar
PHOTOGRAPHERS
McKenna Clark ’18
Katie Keaton Compo ’14
Jordie Hayes ’18
Joy Johnson ’20
Molly McCranner ’19
Hannah Plotzke ’20
Benjamin Tigner
Trent Wiederhold
CONTRIBUTORS
Jeff Abernathy
Anthony Collamati
Derek Devine
Cheyenne Kalfsbeek ’19
Matt vandenBerg ’02
WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK.
PLEASE SEND COMMENTS TO
Mike Silverthorn
Alma College
614 W. Superior St.
Alma, MI 48801-1599
or e-mail
silverthorn@alma.edu
Alma College’s mission is to
prepare graduates who think
critically, serve generously, lead
purposefully and live responsibly
as stewards of the world they
bequeath to future generations.
ON THE COVER:
Junior Molly McCranner studied biodiversity and environmental sus-
tainability in New Zealand during spring term 2018. For more
spring term images of Scots around the world, see pages 19-23.
COMMENCEMENT 2018
A day of happy faces and recognizing accomplishments.
3
Letter from the
PRESIDENT
A growing demand for STEM
T
he growth in career opportu-
nities in science, technology,
engineering and mathemat-
ics (STEM) fields has been well
documented. In a 2017 report,
the Economics and Statistics
Administration of the Department
of Commerce reported that "em-
ployment in STEM occupations
grew much faster than employ-
ment in non-STEM occupations
over the last decade (24.4 percent
versus 4.0 percent, respective-
ly), and STEM occupations are
projected to grow by 8.9 percent
from 2014 to 2024, compared to
6.4 percent growth for non-STEM
occupations.”
Alma College is proud of a long
tradition of providing students an
excellent liberal arts education,
especially in the humanities and
Alma College faculty are working indicates that students’ abilities to
the social sciences. However, con-
hard to keep up with new innova- communicate in a digital space
sistent with the national trend, we
tions. This edition of The Tartan were enhanced — skills that will
also are seeing increased student
highlights campus initiatives that be essential to future careers.
demand for STEM programs.
respond to those opportunities as Additional collaborative courses
In comparing the majors com- well as fascinating alumni stories are scheduled for this fall.
pleted by our graduates over the about the impact of technology in
past five years, the percentage of their work.
students completing STEM majors
Dr. Anthony Collamati’s article, IMPROVING CAMPUS
has grown from 47.3 percent in
2014 to 51.8 percent in 2018. The
“Can Online Learning Find a FACILITIES
Place in the Liberal Arts?” (p. 27)
college’s reputation as a great I am excited to share the photos
describes ways that collaborative
school for studying science and from the completion of the
learning spaces are enabling
technology is strengthened by Rollin M. Gerstacker Science
small private colleges like Alma
our success in assisting STEM and Technology Suite, the first
to work with peers to provide
graduates to either gain entry into of three phases of renovation
course offerings that bridge tra-
their preferred graduate school or planned for our science facilities.
ditional campus boundaries, as
to put their foot on the first rung The images on pages 16-18 high-
we did in a 2018 winter term pilot
of the career ladder. light a bright, welcoming space
of joint offerings with Albion and
Calvin colleges. —in the former Dow courtyard
and lobby—with technologically
TECHNOLOGY Students from each campus enhanced labs and classrooms
INNOVATION AT ALMA completed the course from and comfortable spaces for col-
their home campus but were laboration between students and
Technology is impacting every able to engage fully with peers faculty or for student group work.
discipline at the college, and many miles away. Dr. Collamati
4
Inside: Fall 2018
The reaction from students OTHER CAMPUS
and faculty to this beautiful
new space has been excel- NEWS
6
lent; the paint was barely dry
before we began seeing stu-
Within these pages COUNTDOWN TO LIFTOFF:
dents claim their new favorite
we also introduce the ENSURING LAUNCH
study spots.
college’s new Provost and SUCCESS
Senior Vice President for
William Heyd ’05 plays a critical role
The renovated Dow Digital Academic Affairs Kathleen in the successful launch of rockets
Science Center, located within Dougherty and our new whose payloads improve life on
the suite, enables collection Chaplain and Director Earth, explore deep space and fur-
and analysis of field data to of Spiritual Life Andrew ther our knowledge of the universe.
sustain partnerships between Pomerville. Get to know
Alma College and the broader them; they will be key
community in support of
current research needs and
problem resolution in the
leaders on our campus.
The magazine also pro-
10 CDC WARRIOR: FIGHTING
GLOBAL DISEASE
vides information about Whether responding to the West
local geographic area. African Ebola outbreak or tracking
Homecoming and the an-
nual alumni awards. I hope the domestic patterns of STDs, Emily
The college also has Weston Parker ’01 focuses on the
launched an ambitious three- to see you all back on
data for improving global health.
year, $21 million campus campus for Homecoming
modernization plan that will Weekend on Sept. 28-30.
result in the remodeling of
five residence halls. By fall
2020, more than 80 percent of
I am so proud of the work
we are doing together here
16
NEW SPACE FOR THE DDSC
The Dow Digital Science Center
collects real-time data from around
at Alma College, and I the world, enabling students, faculty
Alma’s student housing will
hope you find something in and K-12 teachers to engage in cut-
be upgraded with enhance-
this issue to inspire you to ting-edge STEM research.
ments that are important
join the momentum. Check
to today’s college students.
out the college website,
Renovations to Mitchell and
Newberry halls began imme-
diately after commencement
www.alma.edu, to learn
more about our academic,
fine arts or athletic pro-
24 A Q&A WITH THE
CHAPLAIN
in April. As a result of the “The chapel program should be an
grams. Become an Alma inspiring, motivating and safe place
summer construction, 450
Ambassador. Keep up with for all members of the community
students will be living in
what’s happening at Alma to contribute their talents, ideas and
newly-renovated rooms this
through the college’s or questions about faith in an environ-
fall. The plan also calls for ment that truly values peaceful, in-
my social media channels.
interior improvements to terfaith dialogue.” — Rev. Dr. Andrew
Bruske Hall in summer 2019 It’s a great time to be a Pomerville ’01
and the Nisbet/Brazell and Scot! ❖
Carey/Bonbright complexes
in 2020. — JEFF ABERNATHY,
PRESIDENT 26 GOOGLE POWERS CLASS-
ROOM COLLABORATION
Alma College and partner schools
are the first to pilot new course-
abernathyj@alma.edu sharing technology for delivering
learning at multiple sites.
facebook.com/almapresident
twitter.com/jeffabernathy
alma.edu/offices/president 36
SCOTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Alma’s 2018 alumni award recipients
refer prospective students, support
(989) 463-7146 their communities, participate in
career services events — and write a
best-selling book.
5
Digital Science
FEATURES
FEATURE
Countdown to
liftoff: Ensuring
launch success
WILLIAM HEYD ’05 PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE
IN THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF ROCKETS
WHOSE PAYLOADS IMPROVE LIFE ON EARTH,
EXPLORE DEEP SPACE AND FURTHER OUR
KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNIVERSE.
W
illiam Heyd ’05 has a vested interest in the success
of NASA’s current mission to Mars. He and his team
at United Launch Alliance (ULA) helped prepare the
rocket that launched the car-sized probe into space.
On May 5, the Atlas V rocket carrying the InSight Mars
lander lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in
California. If everything goes according to plan, InSight will
reach its planetary destination Nov. 26, touching down near
the Martian equator.
ULA and its heritage rockets have launched every U.S.
spacecraft to the Red Planet since the 1960s, including
Mars Science Lab as well as the Spirit and Opportunity
rovers. This was the 10th Mars launch on an Atlas rocket,
and the fourth by the Atlas V.
Heyd has held a variety of positions at ULA over the past
11 years. Stationed at the company’s headquarters in
Denver, Colo., he manages a group of 70 quality engineers
and assurance professionals whose primary function is
problem-solving and ensuring launch success. ➞
6
WILLIAM HEYD, WITH A BOOSTER FOR THE COMPANY’S DELTA IV ROCKET. THE BOOSTER IS A BIG FUEL TANK USED TO POWER THE ENGINE THAT LIFTS THE ROCKET OUT OF GRAVITY; IT SEPARATES AND AN UPPER STAGE TAKES OVER.
Digital Science
FEATURE
SUCCESSFUL MISSIONS of the choir. It was only natural that where, following the example set by his
William, along with his brother and parents, he met his future wife, Carrie
“One of our most important missions is sister, also attend Alma. Grace ’07.
to support NASA and our other clients
in providing rides to space,” says Heyd, William majored in physics and math- After graduating, he found a few odd
senior manager of engineering and supply ematics and identifies John Gibson jobs in Michigan — but not the career
chain quality assurance. “Our goal is and Cameron Reed as impactful he envisioned.
to deliver 100 percent mission success. professors. He also sang in the choir,
“Some friends found jobs in Colorado,
My group has a direct impact on that
so I decided to pack my bags,” he says.
success.”
In a perfect world, Heyd’s organization
spends the majority of its time reviewing
the creation of hardware and software
engineering and managing the processes
supporting procured goods from 600-plus
suppliers — ensuring that all t’s are
crossed and i’s are dotted.
“However, in reality there are constantly
issues, big and small, arising throughout
our process that are identified, document-
ed and properly dispositioned prior to
any launch,” he says. “There is virtually
no margin of error in this industry.”
His team resolves issues relative to
engineering and supply chain issues and
ensures “that no stone is left unturned”
prior to critical operational milestones.
InSight was ULA’s 128th successful rocket
launch since the company was formed in
2006 with the merging of the Lockheed
Martin Atlas and Boeing Delta teams. The
Mars lander had added significance as it
was the first mission launched to another
planet from the West Coast.
ULA rockets launch satellites that aid
meteorologists in tracking severe weather,
unlock the mysteries of the solar system,
provide critical capabilities for troops
in the field and enable personal device-
based GPS navigation.
“My team supports every launch,”
says Heyd. “Our customers are
primarily NASA, the Air Force, the
National Reconnaissance Office and a
hodgepodge of commercial clients. We’re
passionate about our work and excited
for their success.”
AT ALMA: SCIENCE AND CHOIR
Heyd’s educational and professional jour-
ney began in his hometown of Marquette,
Mich. His parents, Robert ‘71 and Mary
Lynn Beglinger Heyd ’71, both attended
Alma College and first met as members
8
“After three months of job searching, provided an opportunity to employ — those experiences provided a
I landed an offer from United Launch my skills outside of Michigan, my well-rounded education.”
Alliance, interviewing at the rocket Alma education gave me a leg up. My
Following the successful launch of the
manufacturing facility. Alma education and experience were
InSight Mars lander, Heyd and his team
huge assets for me.
“As a student at Alma, I could envi- turned their attention to ULA’s next
sion a job working with rockets but “More than the actual technical planned launch: NASA’s Parker Solar
didn’t think it was plausible, espe- knowledge, it was the smaller classes, Probe mission from Cape Canaveral Air
cially with Michigan’s economy at the opportunity to work in teams Force Station in Florida. ❖
the time,” he says. “But when I was and engage in critical conversations
—MIKE SILVERTHORN
THE MOBILE SERVICE TOWER ROLLS BACK FROM THE ULA
ATLAS V ROCKET CARRYING NASA’S INSIGHT MISSION TO
MARS IN PREPARATION FOR LAUNCH FROM SPACE LAUNCH
COMPLEX-3 AT VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA.
(PHOTO CREDIT: UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE).
9
Digital Science
FEATURE
CDC WARRIOR: FIGHTING GLOBAL DISEASE
to better understand the emerging
WHETHER RESPONDING TO THE WEST AFRICAN EBOLA OUTBREAK threat of antimicrobial-resistant
gonorrhea.”
OR TRACKING THE DOMESTIC PATTERNS OF STDS, EMILY WESTON
PARKER ’01 FOCUSES ON THE DATA FOR IMPROVING GLOBAL HEALTH.
UNEXPECTED OUTBREAKS
Parker has been involved in respons-
Emily Weston Parker ’01, third from left, es to a number of major health issues
with her CDC colleagues in Liberia. over her 14 years with the CDC.
She coordinated a large surveillance
system in the U.S. that collected
information on the pathogens that
cause meningitis and pneumococcal
disease. She also researched infants
born with serious blood infections
and worked with colleagues to
implement screening guidelines
for women to receive a special
E
mily Weston Parker ’01 has ANALYZING THE DATA prenatal screening test for group B
served on the front lines of Streptococcus.
some of the world’s most seri- Parker specializes in epidemio-
ous health outbreaks. logic surveillance, which involves In addition, she served as part of
the systematic collection, analysis, larger CDC-wide emergency out-
As an epidemiologist with the interpretation and dissemination of break response efforts, including the
Centers for Disease Control and data reflecting the health status of a pandemic influenza (H1N1) in 2009,
Prevention (CDC), she has respond- community or population. working in the emergency operations
ed to outbreaks such as H1N1 influ- center in Atlanta, and the West Africa
enza, Ebola, pneumococcal men- “In the U.S., states report all STD
Ebola Response during 2014-15, trav-
ingitis and pertussis. Work-related data, including gonorrhea, into a
eling to the affected countries.
international travel has taken her national system on a weekly basis,”
to Belgium, Brazil, Japan, Liberia, she says. “We assess the cases that “For many day-to-day activities,
Malawi, the Netherlands, Nigeria, are being reported and analyze the I work with both domestic and
the Philippines, South Africa and data in intricate ways, for instance international partners over email
Thailand. looking at gender, age groups and and conference calls,” she says.
geography. We look at trends over “Both require flexibility with
She started her career at the CDC time and use the data to recommend scheduling conference calls early
in 2004 performing surveillance policies and responses to a very in the morning or later in the
for vaccine-preventable diseases. serious health issue.” evening as well as responding to
In 2015, she transitioned into the emails to ensure colleagues can
Division of STD Prevention, tracking While her primary work focuses
work on important aspects of our
the patterns of gonorrhea, a sexually on U.S. trends for gonorrhea, she
work while I sleep.
transmitted disease (STD) that is the also collaborates with colleagues
second most commonly reported from the World Health Organization “However, there is only so much
condition in the United States. to implement surveillance systems that can be done and performed
globally, most recently in Thailand while in Atlanta,” she says. “Site vis-
“I feel fortunate to say that my and the Philippines. its to conduct assessments, provide
profession is also my vocation, and technical assistance, or participate
I absolutely love what I do,” says “Because of resistance to antibiot-
in an outbreak/emergency response
Parker. “CDC’s actions have a direct ics, we are down to our last line of
occur a few times a year — or even
impact on the health and health therapy for gonorrhea,” she says.
unexpectedly in the case of an out-
outcomes of our communities, “Unfortunately, there are limited
break. When I travel on these trips,
nation and world. I take my role as a supplies of antimicrobials left that
they tend to be anywhere from two-
federal employee very seriously but we will be able to use to treat
to-three weeks in length as we try to
remain incredibly passionate about gonorrhea. As a result, I have been
maximize our time with our partners
public health.” working with international partners
in the field.”
10THE EBOLA RESPONSE “In their short lifetimes, these
young adults had been around war
With the Ebola outbreak, Parker and
and disease more than anyone in
CDC colleagues deployed multiple
the U.S.,” she says. “To work with
times to Nigeria and Liberia. Ebola
them and see their desire and
hemorrhagic fever is a rare and
commitment to get rid of radical
deadly virus that causes severe
regimes and diseases like Ebola
bleeding and organ failure.
really touched and impressed me.
“Each time I deployed, my role was They had experienced first-hand
a little different as is the case with war and major epidemics, yet they
many outbreaks — that is, when you were a proud people, proud of their
deploy, you think you are going to country, and proud of the work
be doing one job, but when you they were doing to get rid of Ebola.”
get ‘on the ground,’ your role may
change depending on the current A SOLID FOUNDATION
needs in-country,” she says.
Parker’s journey to the CDC began
“I helped with border response with her Alma College education.
including airports and land border After Alma, she pursued a graduate Emily Weston Parker ’01, far left, at a
crossings,” she says. “We trained degree at Boston University and was hospital dedication in Thailand.
colleagues on the importance of able to secure a one-year fellowship
basic infection control practices, like out of grad school with the CDC incredibly fortunate and grateful for
hand-washing and putting on and before landing a permanent job. that. Across the miles and years,
taking off gloves as well as identify- it’s heart-warming to know Alma is
ing signs of illness among co-work- “Alma helped me realize that there
would be a great big world full of just one of my communities. And
ers and travelers.” it’s a community that I needed as a
many exciting opportunities beyond
Additionally, she worked with the the ‘bubble,’” she says. “I received young adult before making my way
Liberian Ministry of Health and a solid foundation at Alma, both into the world.”
WHO to help Liberia implement its scientifically and personally. Alma’s In her international travels, Parker
own Integrated Disease Surveillance liberal arts background helped fos- carries a piece of Alma with her.
and Response Program (IDSR). ter a solid knowledge of many areas,
not just one track, and I think that “I wear my CDC ID badge on an
“Every time I travel, I’m humbled Alma College lanyard to this day,”
propelled me to excel in graduate
to be doing what I’m doing, to be she says. “This lanyard has been
work and as a professional at CDC.
able to go into a country that is the topic of many conversations in
culturally different and to work with “I think the best experiences I international settings. I have been
international colleagues who have have from Alma are the relation- stopped by other MIAA alums or
the ability and desire to improve ships I was able to build,” she Midwest residents who know exactly
their own health,” she says. says. “Whether it’s from the friends what and where Alma is. It’s a name
I made from my classes, various that speaks for itself, and I am proud
“With Ebola, it was very scary for a lot
campus activities, choir or my to have been a student there.” ❖
of people. When I was getting ready
sorority, I have many relationships
to deploy, people asked me if I was —MIKE SILVERTHORN
that continue to this day, and I am
scared. I wasn’t scared — I had been
prepared to work with Ministry of
Health colleagues on implementing re-
sponse efforts, including data analysis,
and would not be treating persons in ABOUT EMILY WESTON PARKER ’01
the Ebola treatment clinics.”
An epidemiologist in the Division
Liberia has a history of civil war.
of STD Prevention (DSTDP) in the
Prior to the Ebola outbreak, there
were times of great oppression, in- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral
cluding public executions by brutal Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
regimes. In her visits to Liberia, (NCHHSTP) at the Centers for Disease
Parker realized she was working Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta,
alongside the surviving children of Georgia.
those wars.
11Digital Science
FEATURE
New research tool: Hexoskins produce data on physical activity
THESE WIRELESS SENSOR SUITS GATHER PHYSIO-METRIC DATA WHILE TRACKING THE USER’S
BREATHING, RESPIRATORY FUNCTION AND HEART RATE.
Hannah Wallace ’18 analyzes data with fac-
ulty researcher Alex Montoye ’10.
H
exoskins are not a new fad when Hannah Wallace ’18 is the most Wallace desired to conduct a similar
it comes to research at Alma recent Scot to conduct a study using study focusing solely on the color guard.
College. These wearable activity Hexoskins. Intrigued by Professor
smart shirts have been in the human Maurie Luetkemeier’s research on the Her objective? Use Hexoskins to
performance labs since they were Alma College marching band’s energy determine the level of physical activity
validated for use in 2016. expenditure and physical activity, achieved by the color guard during
12practices and performances. This comfortable enough to replace a HEXOSKINS AT ALMA
idea was sparked by the national shirt or wear under a uniform, such COLLEGE AND BEYOND
discussion on whether or not as a color guard uniform.
participating in the marching Hexoskins have played a
band should meet the physical “Within a few minutes, the Hexoskin
feels like another shirt that is nor- major role with ongoing
education requirements at the high
school level — especially with the mally worn during a workout,” says research on the effects of
time commitment required for Wallace. “You can hardly tell there is high altitude exposure on
band members. a monitor that boasts a full data pack humans and balancing the
collecting information as you wear it.” physical workload of student-
“As a liberal arts college, Alma athletes on campus to help
has allowed me to continue par- Users can easily upload and dissect
the data. A Hexoskin website structure practices to mimic
ticipating in band while fulfilling
assists with some of the analysis games. They also have been
my requirements for a degree in
health science,” says Wallace. “A by providing graphs and calculated used in partnership with local
research project that combined values. If you are looking to track high school students, teaching
these passions made it clear that how the human body is performing the importance of learning
this was the right study for me.” in real-time, all you need is an appli- how the body responds to
cation on your phone. exercise and stress.
The purpose of a Hexoskin
is simple: produce real-time “My favorite part on the phone ap-
Alex Montoye ’10, assistant
results. These wireless sensor plication was tracking the breathing
rate,” says Wallace. “The screen professor of integrative
suits simultaneously gather physiology and health science,
physio-metric data while tracking displays lungs inhaling and exhaling
as if they were your own lungs. sees many opportunities for the
the user’s breathing, respiratory
Sometimes I would sit there and use of Hexoskins in the future,
function, heart rate and other
vital data in real-time during watch my digitized lungs breathe, both on and off Alma College’s
a period of physical activity. fascinated by the technology.” campus. With future updates
The user-friendly device is coming to the Dow Digital
Wallace’s study proved that the
worn around the torso and is color guard is well on its way to Science Center, Montoye
meeting the requirements is excited for new ways to
for moderate to vigorous collaborate and analyze data.
physical activity — mean-
ing its acceptance as a “One of the most effective ways
physical education re- to learn is hands-on, which
quirement might be right is why Alma College has labs
around the corner. associated with its sciences,”
says Montoye. “The more you
“With my fine arts can experience in the lab and
background, finding this
out in the field, the easier it
information was very
rewarding,” says Wallace. is to think critically and solve
“I now have scientific problems.”
proof that participating in
He also is excited to continue
the marching band, specif-
ically the color guard, can to use Hexoskins and other
meet the requirements for wearable devices for research,
physical activity. knowing it gives students the
upper hand when it comes to
“I’m so thankful for my applying for graduate school
research advisers and and pursuing jobs.
the technology available
at Alma College,” says “Work on cutting edge
Wallace. “They gave research as an undergraduate
me the opportunity to is unusual,” says Montoye.
conduct student-led re-
“Our Scots present nationally
search, providing an edge
on my future graduate and internationally and get
school applications and published in peer research
resumes.” ❖ journals, which is a true
testament to the fact that we do
—DEREK DEVINE high quality work here.” ❖
13Digital Science
FEATURE
Bees and medicinal honey:
What’s all the buzz about?
STUDENTS ANALYZE HONEY SAMPLES FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS AND FORAGES OF
MICHIGAN TO DETERMINE THEIR POTENTIAL AS A COMPLEMENTARY HEALING AGENT.
IN
ancient times, humans “Honey is a valuable therapeutic traditional medicine to benefit
harvested honey for agent of complementary med- modern medicine. This is espe-
its medicinal proper- icine,” says Ozturk. “Beyond cially important as antibiotics lose
ties. Civilizations such as the killing pathogenic bacteria, their bioactivity potential due to
Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks honey is useful as an antidiabetic, increasingly resistant bacteria.”
and Romans used honey as a heal-
anti-inflammatory and antiviral
ing agent for wounds and to treat During the spring term class,
eye and gastrointestinal diseases. substance. Other scientists have
Ozturk and his students analyzed
begun researching its use as an
Today, honey is not prominent in the bioactivity potentials of hon-
anti-cancer drug as well.”
modern medicine. Yet, because ey collected in different seasons
honey has a high level of bioactiv- Honey is broadly composed of from different regions and forag-
ity, scientists continue to examine sugars, water, amino acids, vita- es of Michigan.
its potential as a complementary mins, minerals, enzymes, phenolic
The term bioactivity refers to
therapeutic agent. acids and flavonoids — about 200
how active honey is within a cell
chemical compounds in all.
In spring 2018, Alma College to treat wounds, boost immuni-
students analyzed the medicinal “While the exact role of each of ty, aid the gastrointestinal tract
properties of honey in a course the molecules present in honey or support the microbiome of an
taught by visiting professor Ferhat is unknown, a sort of synergy organism. Major measurements
Ozturk, former director of the between molecules is believed to of bioactivity include antioxi-
Honey Research Center at Canik exist,” says Ferhat. “I’m interested dant, antimicrobial and peroxi-
Basari University in Turkey. in identifying something from dase activity.
14“We analyzed 150 or so Methods such
honey samples,” he says. as spectropho-
“By focusing on those tometric analysis,
with higher bioactivity lev- microplate reading,
els, we hoped to expose bacteria culture,
the bioactivity potential well plate analysis and
of Michigan honey and melissopalynology — the
perhaps uncover honeys study of pollen contained
that might be considered in honey — assays were
medical grade.” carried out in exploring each
sample’s bioactivity level.
Students spent the first
week traveling through- “I was excited to offer
out Michigan to learn this course,” says
about honeybees, visiting Ozturk. “This was not
apiaries in Kalamazoo, only a class but a
research labs in Lansing real-life applica-
and a commercial honey tion of students’
packing company in knowledge in
Saginaw. They studied an environ-
bee biology, hive care ment that
and the risks and benefits some may
of beekeeping. They also one day work
experienced hands-on in as research-
training in hive splitting, ers.” ❖
bee box installation and
—CHEYENNE
queen monitoring.
KALFSBEEK ’19
The second portion of the
course was spent in the lab.
15Digital Science
FEATURE
New space for the DDSC
THE DOW DIGITAL SCIENCE CENTER COLLECTS REAL-TIME DATA FROM AROUND THE WORLD,
ENABLING STUDENTS, FACULTY AND K-12 TEACHERS TO ENGAGE IN CUTTING-EDGE STEM RESEARCH.
W
ithout stepping foot off the Alma She also collected data on the amount During winter term recess last February,
College campus, biology major of time and over which substrates the Austin visited the Galapagos Islands to ob-
Michaela Austin ’18 tracked and turtles swam, providing clues about the serve turtle behavior up close and personal.
documented the behavior of sea turtles turtles’ source of food. She found that
in the Galapagos Islands. “Staying on San Cristobal was awesome,
the turtles most often swam over rocks
and I was so pumped to go snorkeling
Working under the direction of faculty bi- and plant algae.
and actually see a sea turtle,” says
ologists Dave Clark and John Rowe, Austin Austin. “It was a great experience. I
analyzed video from GoPro cameras SEA TURTLE DATA learned new skills and bettered my ob-
mounted on the turtles’ shells. The video servation and data collection skills.”
In March 2018, Austin presented the
was transmitted to the Dow Digital Science
results of her study at the annual con-
Center and made available for study.
ference of the Michigan Academy of A TECHNOLOGY HUB
Austin made ethograms to catalog the Science, Arts and Letters.
Projects such as this are possible within
sea turtle behavior and found that the
“Working with Dr. Clark and Dr. Rowe the Rollin M. Gerstacker Science and
turtles spent approximately 60 percent of
gave me experience that most under- Technology Suite in the Dow Digital
their time swimming and 12 percent of
graduate students don’t get,” says Austin. Science Center, which now inhabits new
the time at rest. More surprising was that
“I feel like that experience will make me space in the former courtyard of the
only 2.5 percent of their time was spent
more competitive in the job market as I Dow Science Center. The 1,872-square-
at the water’s surface for air and even
move forward.” foot facility on the upper level looks
less time was spent being social.
down over the building’s main lobby.➞
16"Staying on San Cristobal was awesome; it was a great experience!"
— Michaela Austin ’18 (below, right)
ABOUT THE GRANT
In 2014, Alma College received a $5
million grant from The Herbert H. and
Grace A. Dow Foundation to expand
STEM education. A major component
of Alma’s e-STEM initiative was the
creation of the Dow Digital Science
Center, or DDSC, a physical space
within Alma’s existing Dow Science
Center that collects and stores environ-
mental data from remote sensors to
the DDSC and immerse students and
faculty in STEM field research.
SUMMER CAMPS
The DDSC sponsors
summer camps for
students in grades 2-6
as well as middle and
high school teachers
and students. During
the summer, DDSC
works closely with
the CORE program for
public school teachers
The Rollin M. Gerstacker Science and Technology Suite, which houses the DDSC, offers
and their visiting stu-
academic student study space, large screen monitors for showing remote projects in real-
dents to develop sum-
time, dedicated computer work stations, a large conference room designed for distance
mer research projects
learning and a seminar room.
and data collection.
17Digital Science
FEATURE
FOREST HILL NATURE AREA
Alma College partners with
area schools and the Forest Hill
Nature Area using the resourc-
es of the Dow Digital Science
Center. A “digital” nature trail
equipped with environmental
sensors allows visitors to access
data at various data collection
stations to learn about the wild-
life and the habitat.
“This nature trail for elementary
students and citizen scientists
is like no other in the country,”
says Dave Clark. “It is designed
to introduce young scientists to
research and data collection.”
The DDSC website provides
access to several projects at
The new facility features instructional “The DDSC is a wonderful resource for Forest Hill:
space along with hardware for STEM the campus and community,” says Clark.
imaging and data acquisition, storage, “I envision even more community out- • A focal tree with sen-
sharing and analysis. It also projects reach projects in the future of the Dow sors that enable users to
data in real time on multiple large-scale Digital Science Center.” capture data relevant to
display monitors. temperature, light changes
Next steps, according to Clark, and biological processes.
“The Dow Digital Science Center is include increasing the utilization and
really a technology hub,” says Clark, placement of environmental sensors • A time-lapse camera
the space’s coordinator. Also housed at public schools throughout the state. focused on a pond that
within the DDSC is an IT specialist who Additionally, there are intentions to allows users to plot data
helps students, faculty and secondary begin offering various technology- relevant to vegetation cov-
school teachers work with, archive and oriented workshops to teachers and er, turtle basking behavior
post data for others to use later. Data other interested persons from the and other wildlife activity.
sets are made available to area teachers community. ❖ • An environmental water
and students so that students may gain buoy system that captures
—CHEYENNE KALFSBEEK ’19
experience working with real data. pH, CO2, light levels and
other data relevant to water
quality and chemistry.
OTHER PROJECTS AT THE DDSC:
Medicinal Plants of Michigan and Ecuador — The collection of data, im-
ages, audio recordings and documents related to biotechnology projects
concerning medicinal plants at the Alma College Ecological Station and
in the Amazon region of Ecuador.
Teacher Resources — The DDSC offers a library of digital resources
for teachers, students and community members interested in science.
Teachers have access to classroom exercises, step-by-step instructions
for developing classroom research projects and access to a library of
instruction videos.
18Scots Around the World
Germany, Greece, Ireland and New Zealand were among the international destinations for Alma College students
during the 2018 Spring Term, while closer to home, students excavated the site of Old Main and wrote nature
essays along the Au Sable River in northern Lower Michigan. Enjoy these visuals of Scots around the world.
REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST: HOLOCAUST AND THE COLD WAR IN BERLIN 19Scots Around the World
FEATURE
20 THE ART AND LITERATURE OF IRELAND: SPRING TERM IN IRELANDGEOLOGY AND MYTHOLOGY OF GREECE 21
Scots Around the World
FEATURE
22 BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN NEW ZEALANDETHNIC POLITICS CASE STUDIES: SCOTLAND ALWAYS A RIVER: FISHING IN LITERATURE, FISHING IN MICHIGAN MICHIGAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK 23
CAMPUS NEWS
A Q&A with the chaplain
REV. DR. ANDREW POMERVILLE ’01 HAS RETURNED
TO HIS ALMA MATER, JOINING ALMA COLLEGE
IN MARCH 2018 AS CHAPLAIN AND DIRECTOR
OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. WITH MORE THAN A DECADE
OF PASTORAL EXPERIENCE, HE OVERSEES CAMPUS
MINISTRIES AND EVENTS THAT CELEBRATE AND FACILITATE
DIVERSITY OF FAITH PERSPECTIVES AT ALMA COLLEGE.
Alma in 2001. During the tragedy of 9/11, I witnessed
Why did you accept this new challenge to come firsthand the important calling and nature of chap-
back to Alma? lains to give hope in the midst of grief, to provide
safe spaces to explore questions about life, tragedy
“Returning to Alma is truly a dream come true. and spirituality, and to be a confidential ear to all
My faith formation was profoundly impacted by people as a compassionate support.”
my experiences at Alma College, and I welcome
the opportunity to be a similar influence and
support to the students, faculty, staff and alumni.
What are your goals for the chapel program at
The chance to serve during this amazing moment
Alma?
in Alma's history is beyond my greatest expecta-
tions. It is an honor to be called to incorporate
spirituality into our already outstanding liberal arts “I dream of the chapel program at Alma College
education and campus culture.” becoming an integral part of our community's
identity. Dunning Memorial Chapel is at the heart
of campus and should reflect that responsibility
by fostering opportunities for students, faculty and
How did your Alma student experience prepare staff to ask questions of faith, belief and doubt in the
you for this role? midst of the education they are experiencing.
“The chapel program should be an inspiring,
“Looking back on my career in ministry, I believe all
motivating and safe place for all members of the
my experiences have prepared me for this particular
community to contribute their talents, ideas and
opportunity. I most recently served as the senior
questions about faith in an environment that truly
pastor for the multi-denominational Peoples Church
values peaceful, interfaith dialogue. We can be
of East Lansing, whose diverse population drew
the voice of faith, hope and love that embraces
heavily from Michigan State University students,
the diversity of creation by seeking reconciliation
faculty, staff and alumni. In addition, I have served
and peace.”
as a police chaplain, hospice chaplain, national park
chaplain and hospital chaplain.
“Chaplaincy is near and dear to my heart. It is more
What kind of programming do you anticipate?
than just being a pastor. As a chaplain, you are
serving all people in your organization, regardless of
faith tradition or background. You are called to be “I imagine weekly chapel services, programming
spiritual support, advisor and encourager, facilitat- and fellowship activities for the whole campus
ing the needs of all people. that are integrated into the life of the campus. Art,
music, conversation, contemplation and enthusi-
“I first learned about the valuable role of chaplains astic expressions of faith should categorize the
when I served as the student assistant chaplain at chapel experiences. Varied opportunities to create
24ABOUT ANDREW POMERVILLE:
Rev. Dr. Pomerville comes to Alma
following seven years as the senior
pastor of the Peoples Church of
East Lansing, where he provided
strategic leadership, lead preaching,
staff development and pastoral care
for a 1,200-member congregation.
Previously, he was pastor of Church
in the Hills in Bellaire, Mich., and
served as the national park chaplain
in Denali, Alaska.
After his graduation from Alma
College in 2001, he earned his Master
of Divinity degree from Princeton
Theological Seminary and his Doctor
of Ministry in reformed theology from
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary/
University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
community, encourage rich conversations them to speak out for justice, hope and
and motivate faith-based service will be at community.
the heart of our chapel activities.
“Our weekly study groups, worship ser-
“I believe Alma has the chance to lead vices and interfaith dialogue have been full WHAT PRESIDENT
nationally in how chaplaincy programs can of inspiring moments where one can see
be an integral part of the whole community. what could be in our world — people who ABERNATHY SAID:
The chaplain can help represent the type respect one another’s beliefs, work togeth-
of hope and compassion we all strive to er for peace and use their wholistic, liberal “Many college students
demonstrate by encouraging our student arts educations within their conversations explore their spirituality and
athletes, celebrating the talents of our about faith and religion. look for opportunities to live
musicians and artists, and joyfully telling their faith. Rev. Pomerville
the stories of service found in our students, “I am very excited about the start of our
brings a passion for campus
faculty and alumni.” 2018-19 school year and would like to
invite all our alumni and friends to stop ministry and a set of pastoral
by the chapel to see the great work these and leadership experiences
students are accomplishing and pursuing. that will enable him to build on
What are your observations after two If you are here on homecoming, please Alma’s foundations of active
months on the job? consider joining the students and commu- worship services, religious
nity for my installation service on Sunday life programming and service
“The Alma College community is full of afternoon, Sept. 30, in the chapel as we through such programs as
talented, sincere, motivated men and wom- look forward to the ministry we are called alternative breaks.”
en who are engaged in their world. I am to share in here at Alma College.” ❖
blessed to interact with these individuals
as they ask questions about how their faith
impacts their vocations and encourages
25CAMPUS NEWS
Google powers classroom collaboration
ALMA AND PARTNER SCHOOLS ARE THE FIRST TO PILOT NEW COURSE-
SHARING TECHNOLOGY FOR DELIVERING LEARNING AT MULTIPLE SITES
N
ew Google technology — including Albion, “Visual Sociology” through Calvin, mirror information across multiple sites.
the digital Jamboard — debuted in and “Media Theory and Culture” taught It has a variety of presentation tools,
classrooms last winter as students by Alma’s Anthony Collamati, associate such as drawing shapes in different
and faculty from Alma, Albion and professor of new media studies. sizes and colors, pulling photos and
Calvin colleges collaborated on a website screenshots, taking pictures
distinctive course-sharing pilot program
that received national attention. FACE-TO-FACE VISUAL with a built-in webcam and video
chatting/conferencing. Students at all
The pilot, coordinated through the
INTERACTION three sites, along with the instructor,
Michigan Colleges Alliance, used confer- The pilot expands this fall, with seven see each other and interact through the
encing technology that allowed students shared courses planned, including three Jamboard.
to interact at multiple sites concurrent- hosted on Alma’s campus. Alma faculty
plan to offer shared courses in English, In addition, students loaded the
ly. Faculty from each school taught a
religion and physics. Albion plans shared Jamboard app on their tablets, effec-
course to around 15 students, five from
courses in philosophy and German, and tively transforming the tablets into
the local campus and 10 remotely from
Calvin plans shared courses in sociology mini-Jamboards. Students were able
their respective campuses.
and French. to work as a whole class or in groups,
According to Google, the courses even though the class was in multiple
were the first to pilot this technology in At Alma College, space in the Digital locations.
education. Media Commons in Swanson Academic
Center was converted into a high-tech
“This was a big deal,” says Andrew classroom with two large monitors A NEW LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Bare, assistant director of instructional connected to Hangouts Meet hardware to “It’s incredible that we were the first
technology. “We worked with a brand- enable high-quality video conferencing. to pilot Jamboards in education with
new Google product that had never been The Hangouts Meet application enabled Google, along with Albion and Calvin,”
used for delivering remote learning. students from all three campus sites to says Collamati. “It’s one of the things
It’s an exciting new way to teach and interact “face-to-face” with each other. I love about teaching at Alma; the
expand the range of course offerings.” college is open to new learning experi-
The 55-inch Jamboard — an internet- ences and working collaboratively with
The pilot courses were “Earth, Art connected digital whiteboard with 4K companies like Google. The support
and the Environment” offered through touchscreen — provides the capability to was tremendous.”
26GUEST COLUMN
Can online learning find a
The technology allowed students and
place in the liberal arts?
E
instructors to collaborate and share mpires rise and fall based want to understand a system’s
ideas, even though two-thirds of the on the media they favor — or longevity, you should look to
class were miles away in classrooms at least so claimed Harold its media.
on other campuses. Innis, an early scholar in the
emerging field of media studies. From Massive Online Open
“The Jamboard is particularly fun,” says Some media have a bias toward Courses (MOOCs) enrolling
Collamati. “It can transcribe handwriting space, like the short-lived more than 80 million students
into type, search for images across the communications deployed each year, to the advent of
internet, even label ideas with digital by military powers to quickly
online tools like Google Drive
emoji stickers. The most promising conquer new territories; other
media, like the calendars and and Moodle, new media are
feature is its ability to link up different
cathedrals used by religious entering classrooms. Though
boards and users in real-time.
institutions, are more attuned to optimists are right to tout tech-
“When I teach online classes, I miss the time. In either case, the endur- nology’s potential for distance
face-to-face interaction,” he says. “This is ance of history’s most notable and adult learners, its future in
different. There are people in classrooms, civilizations, from ancient Egypt the liberal arts is more uncer-
in real time, in visual sight on large and Greece to the United States, tain. Medieval monasteries,
could be determined by the for example, with their scribes
displays, interacting with each other and
media they favor.
participating in the class discussion.” and illuminated manuscripts,
Liberal arts colleges are by once enjoyed a “monopoly of
Alma College students received Alma knowledge,” playing a central
no means a global empire,
credit for the NMS course and transfer role in society that was rapidly
but a good deal of attention
credit for the Albion and Calvin classes. usurped with the arrival of
has certainly been dedicat-
Alma students enrolled in the pilot cours- paper. Can the liberal arts
ed of late to describing their
es also received a free tablet that they uphold its strengths — small
downfall. Whether forecasting
could keep upon successful completion class sizes, close collaboration
their demise or outlining their
of the course. ❖ with faculty, collaborative and
path back to power, accounts
NATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE of the liberal arts’ uncertain open discussion — and prove
future are preoccupied with its distinction to students when
Inside Higher Ed, the national online the classroom’s relationship to higher ed classrooms move on-
publication that covers trends in higher technology. They, therefore, line? Or will clumsy attempts to
education, prominently featured the inadvertently confirm Innis’s “modernize” education render
Google Courseshare collaboration in its central premise that if you us irrelevant? ➞
Inside Digital Learning section.
27GUEST COLUMN
I confronted these questions head- I agreed, curious and excited, but also different student communities came
on when Alma College President Jeff skeptical and prepared for failure. I together, class meetings began to feel
Abernathy came to me with a proposal. had taught online classes before and more like class events.
He had been talking with Google about had not been eager to repeat the expe-
rience. While some people prefer the Ironically, in its success, the experi-
their latest Jamboard, an appropri-
post-and-response format, I missed the ence has reminded me of the limita-
ately flashy digital “whiteboard” and
experience of an in-person encoun- tions of technology. Today with so
mobile app that enables remote users
ter. Interacting with students’ unique many doomsday scenarios circulating,
to collaborate in real-time. Alma, along
voices, witnessing their struggle with we often hear calls to reboot higher
with Albion and Calvin colleges — both
material, sharing in their excitement of education, re-imagine the classroom,
more than 100 miles away — planned
discovery — these were the moments or revolutionize the liberal arts. And
to use the Jamboard in seminar-style
that first attracted me to teaching, but more often than not, these re-invented
classes, with about a dozen students
they were notoriously elusive in the pedagogies are packaged within a new
from across the three campuses partici-
online format. app, a new device, or a new subscrip-
pating in simultaneous discussion. The
tion service.
consortium pilot would start with just
Concern about reaching online stu-
one class on each campus, including But, taking a note from Innis, what
dents is not unfounded. The growing
my upper-level course, “Media Theory.” if we think about education technol-
literature on the MOOC, one of the
But the format might eventually expand ogy more in terms of redistribution
most pervasive forms of online educa-
to share resources among campuses than revolution? For centuries higher
tion, shows persistent struggles with
across a variety of disciplines, from education has invested in hard media—
retention. Enrollment numbers also in-
languages to computer science. long-lasting, fairly static structures like
dicate that pre-professional, skill-based
classes tend to attract campuses, academic calendars and
students, while liberal arts course catalogs. Google’s course share
and humanities classes format doesn’t disrupt these invest-
usually do not thrive in ments as much as it translates them into
online settings. lighter media. A campus community,
a seminar discussion, a collaborative
But as the pilot pro- exercise now are no longer rooted in a
gressed, my doubts single place. Pieces of these liberal arts
began to fade. The new experiences can instantly travel.
format was not as much a
revolution, it turned out, With online learning just beginning to
as it was a rebalancing of make its way into the liberal arts class-
the liberal arts’ strengths. room, the value of lighter media for a
Modelled for collabora- college is still open to debate. At small-
tive, small-group discus- er institutions where some departments
sions, Google’s system struggle to find enough students, virtual
emphasizes face-to-face classrooms might help upper-level
language that would be classes meet enrollments. My students
familiar to any teacher: gained critical skills communicating
the light in a student’s in a digital space that, in their careers,
eyes when they grasp a will likely be more ubiquitous than the
difficult concept, the fur- conference table. And beyond higher
rowed brow that signals education, media that extend our ability
some rephrasing is in to connect meaningfully and remotely
order, the chatter that stirs hold great possibilities for health care
around group-work at a and legal aid, particularly in rural com-
white board (or Jamboard munities. What is certain is that once
in this case). At the same we unhitch new technologies from our
time, students at the table desire for a cure-all in higher education,
and on-screen exhibited we’ll be better able to examine the
a generosity that was biases of our tools and use them more
unusual for a classroom deliberately to empower our students
setting. They seemed and question our own pedagogies. ❖
even more attentive to —ANTHONY COLLAMATI
one another. As three
Associate Professor of New Media
Studies at Alma College.CAMPUS NEWS
Selmon returns to Campus modernization Dougherty joins
the classroom $21 MILLION RESIDENCE Alma faculty as
RENOVATION EFFORT
UNDER WAY
provost
Kathleen Poorman Dougherty,
Hard hats, construction fencing and an academic leader with 16
building trailers were common sites on years of teaching and ad-
the Alma College campus this summer. ministrative experience, has
The college launched an ambitious assumed the role of provost
three-year, $21 million campus mod- and senior vice president
ernization plan that will result in the for academic affairs at Alma
remodeling of five residence halls. By College. She serves as the
fall 2020, more than 80 percent of Alma’s chief academic administrator
student housing will be upgraded with with oversight of more than 50
enhancements that are important to programs of study.
Michael Selmon oversaw today’s college students.
significant academic program “Dr. Dougherty’s higher educa-
growth during his 15 years The effort began with major renovations tion experience as an advocate
as provost and vice president to Mitchell and Newberry halls in sum- for the liberal arts, a champion
for academic affairs at Alma mer 2018. The plan also calls for interior for academic excellence and a
College. A member of the improvements to Bruske Hall in summer leader who collaborates with
faculty since 1991 and provost 2019 and the Nisbet/Brazell and Carey/ faculty in advancing innovative
since 2003, he retired as pro- Bonbright complexes in 2020. learning experiences provides
vost at the end of the 2017-18 a strong match for leading
The five halls encompass nearly 169,000 our academic program,” says
academic year and returns to
square feet of residential living space, President Jeff Abernathy.
full-time teaching as a member
providing 890 beds for Alma College
of the English faculty. Prior to Alma, Dougherty
students. Major interior renovations to
“Michael has been a great lead- Gelston Hall, the 228-bed residence for was dean of the School of
er for Alma College and will Alma’s first-year students, were complet- Humanities, Social Sciences
remain a trusted colleague for ed in 2017. and Education at Mount Mary
all of us for the years to come,” University in Milwaukee.
“We are excited about these renovation Previously, she served as a
says Alma College President
projects,” says President Jeff Abernathy. faculty member and depart-
Jeff Abernathy. “He brought
“This is the largest residence hall im- ment chair at Notre Dame
a combination of intelligence,
provement effort our campus has seen.” of Maryland University in
wisdom and good humor to his
work as an administrator.” Baltimore. She also has held
The hall renovations include all new
full-time faculty positions at
infrastructure — plumbing, electric and
During Selmon’s tenure as pro- Bowie State University and
HVAC systems — along with upgraded
vost, the Bachelor of Science George Washington University.
student rooms, private bathrooms,
in Nursing (BSN) program
refreshed finishes and additional student
was introduced and several
lounges and study spaces along with
new majors were added in
improved laundry facilities.
high-demand fields, including
biotechnology, environmental The renovations are financed in part
studies, health care administra- by funds from the U.S. Department of
tion, neuroscience, new media Agriculture’s Community Facilities Direct
studies and special education. Loan and Grant Program, which provides
favorable-term loans to develop facilities
in primarily rural areas and communities
with under 20,000 residents.
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