Vol. 24 No. 6 - September 23, 2019

Features

  • Planetarium Upgrades Enhance User Experience

    planetariumupgrades2.jpg

    The Del and Norma Robison Planetarium recently completed hardware and software upgrades that significantly expanded the capabilities of the facility.

    Previously the planetarium could only simulate travel to a portion of the Milky Way galaxy. The new software provides the ability to travel the entire observable universe. It also utilizes satellite imagery of the planets in the solar system, allowing terrain views and travel along the planets’ surfaces.

    Beyond new travel capabilities, during star tours and public shows, the new software allows for content creation in the form of liner video editing and scripting. Staff will be trained on how to build custom content for the planetarium, which will keep the planetarium up to date with current events while avoiding the costs associated with purchasing new content.

    The planetarium now has several STEAM plugins in the fields of art, chemistry, physics, earth science and biology, meaning it can be utilized by classes and departments across campus to enrich the learning experience at Truman.

    In terms of hardware, the upgrade increased the number of projectors from one to two. Previous attendees will remember a center-mounted projector. That projector along with an additional projector have been moved to the cove at the front and back of the planetarium, essentially doubling the screen resolution.

    The vendor for the upgrade was Evans and Sutherland, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The upgrade took the planetarium from a Digistar 4 system, software released more than a decade ago, to a Digistar 6 system. Work on the project began in the fall 2018 semester under the direction of the planetarium upgrade committee, which includes Jared Young, Kevin Minch, Amy Nunan, Julie Hanes, Jim McNabb, Diane Richmond and Donna Liss.

    The planetarium hosts regularly scheduled programing every Saturday, with shows taking place at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. Weekly Mythology Monday shows are free. For more information about the planetarium, including a schedule of all events, is available at planetarium.truman.edu.

Announcements

  • Rocket Man Begins Lyceum Series

    Rocketnantt.jpg

    “The Rocket Man Show” will kick off the Kohlenberg Lyceum series at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.

    Rus Anderson is Elton John’s official body double for his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” world tour videos and photos. Picked by Elton himself, Anderson performs as young Elton John, singing his greatest hits with spot on vocals and fierce piano playing.

    Anderson recreates an early concert with gorgeous, colorful and flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton, including boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973 as well as his sparkly tuxedo from 1984. With all the classic young Elton antics, audiences are in for a night of nostalgia, singing, laughing and participation.

    General admission tickets are $10 each, including tax. Tickets are available now at the Truman State University cashier window in McClain Hall or online at lyceum.truman.edu.
  • Spirit Day Photo Contest Offers VIP Homecoming Package

    spiritday.jpg

    In honor of National Truman Spirit Day, Oct. 4, the Alumni Office will sponsor a photo contest with a grand prize that includes a VIP Homecoming package.

    To enter the contest, participants just have to post a photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram displaying their Truman spirit and using the hashtags #TrumanSpiritDay and #photocontest between Sept. 20 and Sept. 27. Photos can include pets, babies, family members and friends, as long as they showcase Truman spirit.

    From the eligible photos, five will be selected as finalists and reposted on Truman social media platforms. The finalist with the most likes will win the grand prize which includes: one hotel room for Oct. 18-19; four tickets to the Bulldog Forever tailgate; four tickets to the football game; and four Truman Homecoming T-shirts. The winner will be selected at 12 p.m. Oct. 4.

    Entries from previous years can be seen on the Spirit Day website. All photos hashtagged for submission may be reposted to the Truman website and social media accounts. Both hashtags must be used to be considered for the contest. For more information, contact Luke Callaghan, alumni relations coordinator.
  • Career and Grad School Week Begins Sept. 23

     fall2019careerfair.jpg

    During Career and Grad School Week, the Career Center coordinates a wide range of activities devoted to helping students prepare for graduate school, internship and job searches. Activities vary from semester to semester, but usually include employer information sessions and programming, resume critiques, mock interviews, an etiquette dinner and much more.

    Expo Bootcamp

    6-8 p.m.
    Sept. 23
    Student Union Building 3201-3204
    Learn the basics of working an expo, appropriate dress and resumes. Refine your 30-second commercial and learn how to find all of the registered attendees for the expos.

    Personal Statement Writing Workshop
    5-6 p.m.
    Sept. 23
    Student Union Building 3000

    Etiquette Dinner

    5:30-7:30 p.m.
    Sept. 24
    Student Union Building Georgian Room A
    Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a four-course meal while learning the do’s and don’ts of a formal/professional dining experience. Register by completing the etiquette dinner form. Meals are $20 a person.

    Graduate and Professional School Expo

    11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Sept. 25
    Student Union Building Activities Room
    Speak with recruiters from grad schools and learn about opportunities in your field.

    Law School Application Prep

    6-7 p.m.
    Sept. 25
    Student Union Building 3204

    Career and Internship Expo

    11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Sept. 26
    Student Union Building
    Speak with recruiters from non-profit, for-profit and governmental agencies to learn about opportunities in your field.

    Professional Photo Booth

    11 a.m.-2p.m.
    Sept. 26
    Student Union Building 3204
    Get a free professional photo taken by Tim Barcus, University photographer.

    Pre-Selected Employer Interviews

    8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Sept. 27
    Student Union Building

    For more information about these events, visit career.truman.edu.
  • Students Receive GIASR for Projects

    biologymicroscope.jpg

    The following projects are recipients of the Grants-In-Aid-of-Scholarship and Research.

    Interprofessional Approach on Learning Vascular Access with Ultrasonography to Medical Students and Nurses
    Student: Casey Cook
    Mentor: Alison Winston

    Applications of Large Format Photography and Printing
    Student: Daniel Degenhardt
    Mentor: Priya Kambli

    Analysis of Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) Influence on Annual Numbers of the Lone-Star Tick (ambloyomma americanum) in Kirksville
    Student: Lauren Harrison
    Mentor: Stephanie Fore

    Aromatase Inhibition as a Treatment for Hormone-Dependent Breast Cancer and Endometriosis
    Student: Abby Held
    Mentor: Bill Miller

    DBF as a Molecular Chaperone for Gamma Crystallin Aggregates
    Student: Addison Leabo
    Mentor: Cassidy Dobson

    Gamma Crystallin Aggregation Analysis by Size Exclusion Chromatography
    Student: Alexandra Marko
    Mentor: Cassidy Dobson

    Enhancing Educational Resources and Improving Community Awareness of Trees on Truman’s Campus
    Student: Melina Matheney
    Mentor: Elisabeth Hooper

    Effects of Change in Healthcare Policy on Hospice Care
    Student: Samuel Pey
    Mentor: Victoria May

    A Role for the Numb Protein at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction

    Students: Jason Baltz, Andrew Galbraith, Morgan Payne, Nicholas Pritchett and Katie Renkemeyer
    Mentor: Brett Berke

    The Effect of Streptozotocin on Insulin Signaling in the Brains of Rats
    Student: Avery Schroeder
    Mentor: Daniela Ostrowski

    Changes in Brain Cell Connections in a Rat model for Alzheimer’s Disease
    Student: Mason Wilcox
    Mentor: Daniela Ostrowski

    The Effects of Stilbenoids on the Aggregation of Amyloid Beta Proteins Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
    Student: Clara Wolf
    Mentor: Bill Miller
  • McNair to Host Info Session Sept. 23

    Mcnairwinter2018.jpg

    The McNair Program supports and prepares underrepresented students for graduate studies. Paid summer research internships, funds for graduate school visits and conferences, and seminars and academic counseling are just a few of the benefits the program has to offer.

    Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are welcome to come for pizza and information about what the McNair Program can do for them.

    McNair Information and Application Work Session in Adair House

    Sept. 23
    4:30-5:30 p.m.

    For more information visit mcnair.truman.edu.
  • Library Book Sale

    bookphoto.jpg

    Pickler Memorial Library’s fall book sale will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept 25 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 26 outside on the south side of the library. All proceeds from the sale will be used for library materials or programs. Contact the library at booksale@truman.edu or 660.785.4038 for questions about the event.
  • Tree Walk on the Quad

    stockNorthGateMay.jpg

    Lisa Hooper, associate professor of biology, will be leading a stroll around the Quad to become acquainted with some of Missouri’s native trees. Tree walks begin at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Oct. 9 and Oct. 16. Those wanting to join should meet at the north entrance to the Quad on Normal Street. For a map of the route, click here.
  • Study Abroad Trip Offers Research Opportunities in Peru

    peru1.jpg

    In summer 2020, Truman students of any major will have the opportunity to study and conduct research in Tambopata National Reserve in Peru.

    Cultural experiences will include a day of service in Puerto Maldonado and exploration of Lima. Coursework for the class will begin on campus in the first block of summer session and will be aimed at providing students background information and tools to develop their research projects.

    The class will travel as a group to Peru to spend nine days in research at Sachavacayoc Center and cultural experiences in Puerto Maldonado. Three days will be spent in the Lima area expanding knowledge on biodiversity in Peru and culture.

    This four-credit study abroad course fulfills the intercultural perspective and provides four biology elective credits. There are no prerequisites to participate, and non-degree seeking students are eligible to enroll. Application and more information can be found at studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led/peru.

    Stephanie Foré, professor of biology, and Enrique Pareja, assistant professor of STEM education, MAE mathematics and science, are the faculty members who will oversee the trip.  Students can meet them at one of the following information sessions in Magruder Hall 2007:

    Sept. 25
    5:30-6 p.m.

    Oct. 6
    3-3:30 p.m.

    Oct. 30
    6:30-7 p.m.
  • Food Packs Available

    foodpacklogo.jpg

    Drawstring packs of food are now available for Truman students experiencing food insecurity. Any student limiting their food intake due to cost is eligible to receive a pack.

    Packs can be picked up with a Truman ID between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the SERVE Center located in the Student Union Building 1105. Food is provided by Pantry for Adair County in partnership with the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.
  • Global Issues Colloquium Focuses on Latinx Community

    mexicostreetstock.jpg

    Michael Benitez Jr. will present “Migrations and Dreamers: A Call for Critical Understandings and Openness in the U.S.” at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    Benitez is a nationally-acclaimed activist and is known for his works that highlight the complexity of the Latinx identity, addresses diversity issues in higher education and speaks on how to better coordinate and implement a more inclusive environment. Benitez hopes to broaden Truman students’ perspective on complex yet relevant conversations and issues everyone encounters.

    The event is free and open to the public.
  • Sustainability Week Schedule

    sustainabilityweekstock2.jpg

    The Sustainability Office will host a campus-wide Sustainability Week Sept. 30-Oct. 5. The events of the week include:

    Plastic Waste Documentary
    7 p.m.
    Sept. 30
    Quad
    There will be a showing of “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” to help educate the Truman community on how much plastic waste society goes through, what happens to it and what can be done to change. Free reusable straws will be handed out and popcorn will be served in reusable bowls.

    Guest Speaker on Food Waste

    6 p.m.
    Oct. 1
    Violette Hall 1000
    The President’s Sustainable Action Committee, the Agricultural Science Department and the Environmental Campus Organization are sponsoring guest speaker, Jonathan Bloom, to present over food waste.

    Lunch and Learn

    11 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Oct. 2
    Quad
    Students and staff are welcome to lunch with food harvested from the University Farm and Green Thumb Garden, compost and compost bins. The lunch will be donation-based. All proceeds will go to the Green Thumb Project.

    Zero-Waste Workshop

    7 p.m.
    Oct. 3
    Student Union Building Georgian Room C
    Guests will make their own zero-waste toothpaste or deodorant in a glass jar and sit in on a quick presentation of programs in Kirksville and Truman for reducing their waste.

    Local Foods Dinner
    6 p.m.
    Oct. 4
    Jackson Stables
    The annual benefit dinner for the Green Thumb Project includes a four-course, locally sourced dinner with live music and fine wine. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the Sustainability Office in Violette Hall 1310.

    Photo Contest

    Sept. 30-Oct. 4
    Each day of the week, the Sustainability Office will choose a few environmental sites at Truman. Students can take a selfie at each place on any given day to enter in a drawing for prizes to be handed out Oct. 5. For more information, visit the Sustainability Office’s Facebook page or Instagram.

    Sustainability Festival

    11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Oct. 5
    Quad
    The first ever “Sus Fest” will celebrate all the environmentally friendly things learned throughout the week. There will be live music, yard games, activities, free reusable items and food. To conclude the event, there will be a multi-organization clean-up for Bear Creek. Anyone is welcome to help and can meet at 3 p.m. on the quad.
  • KTRM to Sponsor Sir Babygirl and Nyssa Concert

    concertstock.jpg

    KTRM will host a concert featuring artists Sir Babygirl and Nyssa Oct. 3.

    Originally from Hanover, N.H., Sir Babygirl is a pop singer, songwriter and performer. Her musical influences include hardcore, pop punk and early-2000s pop artists. In early 2019, she released her self-produced debut album, Crush on Me, with her debut single, “Heels”.

    Alongside Sir Babygirl, Toronto electro-punk musician Nyssa will be performing. A self-produced singer and songwriter, Nyssa recently released her five-song EP, Champion of Love.

    The concert is open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building Down Under. Tickets will be $5 at the door or can be reserved ahead of time here. For more information about this event, visit 88.7 KTRM’s Facebook page.
  • Applications Open for Board of Governors Student Representative

    submalljuly2017.jpg

    Student Government is currently accepting applications for the next student representative to the Board of Governors.

    The Board of Governors is the University’s highest policymaking body, charged with the important role of setting policy and providing guidance for the University. The Board is comprised of 10 members, one of which is a non-voting student representative. The student representative serves a two-year term and plays a crucial role in representing the student body to this board.

    Applications are available here and due by 5 p.m. Oct. 9. Any questions can be directed to trumanstatesenate.bog@gmail.com.
  • Faculty Forum Focuses on Chinese Education

    mapofchinastock.jpg

    Kevin Minch, associate provost, and visiting professor Li Xi from the University of Kansas, will present “Debating China – The Struggles and Triumphs of Promoting a Culture of Academic Argumentation and Advocacy in the People’s Republic” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in Baldwin Little Theater.

    Presentation Abstract: While American education institutions have increasingly divested themselves for academic debate instruction, academic debate culture is experiencing a meteoric rise in China. Government mandates require English majors to take a speech and/or debate class and intercollegiate debate competitions have become high-stake activity. The promotion of persuasive speaking and academic debate, however, poses significant pedagogical, ideological and cultural challenges in a culture that values harmony, sees importance in the preservation of personal “face” and views critiques of government policy with caution. This presentation will explore the unique challenges posed when teaching argumentation in an intercultural context while drawing insights about promoting ethical deliberative behaviors here at home.
  • Snapchat Takeovers Showcase Campus

    Snapcodewharry.jpg

    Students can have access to Truman’s Snapchat account and use it to promote events, showcase a special project and share with prospective Bulldogs what life is like on campus. Snapchat takeovers can be done by completing the nomination form available here. Takeovers can also be conducted by alumni, faculty and staff.
  • Update License Information with Parking Services

    licenseplate.jpg

    Faculty, staff and students with Truman parking stickers who have updated their vehicle with Missouri’s bicentennial license plates should notify Parking Services with their new information. Updates can be made by emailing Joyce Cook.

Notables

  • Notables

    Jiba Dahal, professor of physics, co-authored a paper published in the September 2019 edition of Advances in Materials Physics and Chemistry.

    Women’s soccer player Beth Hopwood was named GLVC Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week. Hopwood stopped all 11 Quincy shots on goal in preserving a 1-0 victory over the rival Hawks, Sept. 15. It was her 11th career shutout in two years and lowered her goals-against average for the season down to 0.30. She has a 96.8 percent save percentage in three games played with one goal allowed out of 31 shots faced. This is Hopwood’s fourth time receiving this award. She was a three-time recipient of the award during her freshman season.

    Volleyball player Jocelynn Livingston was named to the all-tournament team of the Drury Tournament, Sept. 13-15. Livingston had 35 kills, 2 assists, 1 solo block, 3 assisted blocks and 9 digs. She also led the team with 15.5 points in a win over Missouri Western.

    Football player Jordan Siegel was named GLVC Special Teams Player of the Week, giving Truman football back-to-back special teams weekly honors. Siegel’s 28-yard touchdown return gave Truman two touchdowns in 11 seconds in a 35-12 win over Wayne State, Sept. 14. It was Siegel’s third career touchdown to add to his two previous “pick sixes.” Siegel is the active career defensive leader for the Bulldogs with 142 tackles in 35 games played.

    stockkirkgatetop.jpg