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K-State News

K-State News
Kansas State University
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October 2011

Monday, Oct. 31, 2011

Fruitful results: Survivor fights cancer with insects

Rob Denell thought he was done with cancer after his wife beat the disease. No more chemotherapy by his wife's side. No more long drives to hospitals. He was about to say goodbye to cancer.

Writing the book on unmanned aircraft systems: Faculty pen one of the first UAS textbooks

Kansas State University Salina is one of the few places in the country that offers a degree and certificate program in the new and growing field of unmanned aircraft systems, so finding textbooks for courses was a challenge.

Losing the lecture: Active learning takes place of write it down, memorize it learning

The traditional lecture format for college education is taking the backseat in some classes at Kansas State University. In its place is a new format called active learning.

 

Friday, Oct. 28, 2011

Shooting for the stars: Cat Cannon club suits Salina campus students to a 'tee'

The Cat Cannon has been part of Kansas State University football games for more than a decade. "I've known about since I was a kid. My cousin and I dreamed of shooting it off at a game," said Eric Swenson, a junior in engineering technology from Lindsborg, at Kansas State University Salina.

First step to success: K-State nominates students for 2011 Rhodes and Marshall scholarship competitions

Kansas State University has nominated three students to participate in the Marshall and Rhodes national scholarship competitions.

 

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

Bugs and paperwork: How unlocking the genetic secret of insects could improve human health and welfare

It's difficult to find much unused table space in Michael Kanost's office. The university distinguished professor and head of the department of biochemistry has nearly all of it claimed by stacks of folders and papers containing published and pending journal articles, grant proposals, project notes, research data -- and jars filled with hundreds of live beetles.

Equine health work earns professor place among state's top scientists

When it comes to being "healthy as a horse," one need only think about the work of Elizabeth Davis. An associate professor of clinical sciences and section head of equine medicine and surgery at Kansas State University, Davis researches equine health and ways to improve it.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011

Disruptive Landon Lecture guest posed no threat to speaker, audience

A disruptive guest at the Landon Lecture at Kansas State University on Wednesday morning posed no threat to the speaker or those attending the lecture, according to university police. Standard security procedures were enacted to make sure those attending were safe. The man, whose name is not yet being released, was arrested for disorderly conduct. Kansas State University Police are still investigating the incident.

Distinguished professor's work a patented success

In the 16 years Xiuzhi "Susan" Sun has been at Kansas State University, she's made a patent-worthy discovery nearly every year.

Recognizing success: Four engineering professors earn endowed chairs, awards

Kansas State University's College of Engineering is recognizing the accomplishments of a chemical engineering professor and three civil engineering professors with appointments to endowed chairs.

Green victory: Energy saving efforts help K-State, Manhattan win region's Take Charge! Challenge

Through energy audits, house retrofits and light bulb changes, Kansas State University and the city of Manhattan won its competition against the University of Kansas and the city of Lawrence in the 2011 Take Charge! Challenge.

Engineer's work at home in the final frontier

Bill Kuhn's research can best be described as out of this world. Literally. Kuhn, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Kansas State University, along with a team of university faculty and students, is working with NASA to create and test new wireless technology that can be used in space exploration.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011

Lending a virtual hand: First of its kind emotional health website wins award for using technology to reach campus community

A Kansas State University counseling services' website was recently recognized for its dedication to students' emotional health.

The language of math: Senior takes scholarly passion to next level with UCLA research program

When Perla Salazar arrived in the United States, she did not speak a word of English. A native of Mexico, Salazar and her family moved to Dodge City to be near other family members. Learning a new language presented countless challenges for the incoming seventh-grader. But one subject required no translations and changed her life in the process: mathematics.

University police ramp up enforcement of bicycle and pedestrian safety

Did you know that a pedestrian is prohibited from suddenly leaving the curb and entering a roadway? Did you know a bicyclist has to obey the same traffic laws as the driver of a motor vehicle? Many in the campus community do not know these and other important laws that are designed to increase their safety, said Capt. Don Stubbings of the Kansas State University Police Department.

Flight team soars in regional, qualifies for national competition

Kansas State University Salina's Flight Team is headed to the national SAFECON competition in May 2012 after taking second at the Region VI competition, Oct. 17-21.

 

Monday, Oct. 24, 2011

Breaking up hard to do: Soviet scholar says Russia struggling in some areas 20 years after fall of Soviet Union

While some former Soviet countries are thriving since the fall of the Soviet Union 20 years ago, Russia is still a work in progress, according to a Kansas State University expert on the country.

Professionalism skills on the menu at dining etiquette workshop

Brushing up on your p's and q's before that big job interview may be a good way to make a first impression, especially if the interview will take place over a meal.

 

Friday, Oct. 21, 2011

A cornucopia of culture: November offers music, art and more at K-State

Turkey and stuffing aren't the only highlights of November. Kansas State University is offering a variety of cultural events to enjoy throughout the month.

Guest lecture, faculty and student presentations highlight English department events for November

The Kansas State University department of English will offer several events in November, including a guest lecture and presentations from students and faculty.

 

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011

A multiple benefit: Award helps researcher establish retreats for military couples, expand work with military families

Briana Nelson Goff, professor and director of the Institute for the Health and Security of Military Families at Kansas State University's College of Human Ecology, has been awarded the Dean Barbara S. Stowe Faculty Development Award for 2011.

Recognized as best: University earns five continuing education central region awards for outstanding programs, staff

Kansas State University programs in horticultural therapy and food science and a Division of Continuing Education staff member are among the recipients of honors from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association's central region.

USDA researcher, former Cargill exec receiving alumni awards from College of Arts and Sciences

Two distinguished alumni of Kansas State University's College of Arts and Sciences will receive alumni awards from the college at a ceremony Thursday, Oct. 27.

Painting hope: Cancer research center hosts 'Breast Cancer Survivor Footprints' art exhibition through Nov. 30

In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kansas State University’s Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research will host "Breast Cancer Survivor Footprints," an exhibit of paintings by Aribel Leon-Lynn, a Manhattan artist.

Wichita's Hogue to be student commencement speaker for College of Human Ecology

Amanda B. Hogue, Wichita, has been selected to give the student address at the Kansas State University College of Human Ecology commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in McCain Auditorium.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011

Prevention education: Online program educates students on alcohol-related issues

Incoming Kansas State University students are learning about issues associated with alcohol and sexual assault thanks to an online alcohol education program.

Double the excellence: Nuclear engineering program, associate dean win national continuing education awards

A Kansas State University continuing education administrator and a nuclear engineering education program the university helps lead are national award winners from the Association for Continuing Higher Education.

Success, involvement earn campus chapter of National Society of Collegiate Scholars national recognition

A Kansas State University honors organization has received a national award for its continued success as a chapter.

A place at the top: Geography students earn honors at regional meeting

Kansas State University geography graduate students made a strong showing at the annual Great Plains/Rocky Mountain regional meeting of the Association of American Geographers, Oct. 8, in Denver.

Growing concern: Geography department's 2011 distinguished alumnus to discuss farmers and adjustments to climate change

Climate change will be the topic when the 2011 distinguished alumnus of Kansas State University's department of geography presents a lecture Friday, Oct. 28.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011

Recognized success: two K-State distinguished professors among research award winners

Two Kansas State University distinguished professors will be recognized for their excellence in research with an award that includes a $10,000 grant for ongoing research efforts.

Magnifying research: scientists team together to upgrade K-State's supercomputer, benefiting other colleges, too

A group of Kansas State University scientists is boosting research across campus by making the largest supercomputer in the state even larger. The project also will benefit researchers at other schools in Kansas.

Hunger in Kansas: statewide programs make a difference

Each spring and early summer in Kansas, fields of golden wheat stretch their friendly wave to passers-by, providing stunning evidence of the state's historical supremacy in wheat production and research.

Sidebar: nutrition is key to helping low income families beat hunger

For Thanksgiving this year, Guillermina Flores plans to forego turkey in favor of tamales, a favorite food in her native Mexico. In the Hispanic culture, tamales are hard to beat for flavor and tradition.

Giving girls a chance to grow: animal health focus of program for middle school girls Nov. 5 at K-State

More than 80 middle school-age girls will learn about the importance of animal health at a special session offered by Kansas State University's GROW -- Girls Researching Our World -- program.

Recognizing excellence: multicultural student honor society inducts new members

Kansas State University's Multicultural Student Honor Society has new members. The organization recognizes the academic achievements of multicultural students at K-State.

Help to heal: expert in war zone-related traumatic stress to lecture Oct. 27

Victoria E. Bruner, clinical director at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, specializes in war zone-related traumatic stress. She will lecture about what we need to know and why it matters at the third annual Kansas State University Institute for the Health and Security of Military Families, Thursday, Oct. 27.

 

Monday, Oct. 17, 2011

Educating the troops: K-State recognized for its dedication to serving military students

Kansas State University's long history of working with military students has been recognized for the third time by G.I. Jobs magazine. The publication, which caters to those transitioning out of the military, has again named K-State as one of the nation's top military-friendly universities.

Halloween-related literature makes reading a part of trick-or-treating

Not all Halloween treats have to be sweet. Children's literature experts at Kansas State University say the holiday is a great time to treat kids to scary or horror-related literary works written especially for them.

Institute for Commercialization integral to making K-State a top 50 public research university

Discoveries and innovations that feed off Kansas State University research and brainpower don't just stay on campus.

Media advisory for Landon Lecture with Alan K. Simpson

The Landon Lecture by Alan K. Simpson, a former U.S. senator and Washington insider, will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, in Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium. His lecture will be "The Moment of Truth: Confronting Issues in America." 

Friday, Oct. 14, 2011

A design for learning: K-State's largest lecture hall reopens for class with new technology for easier learning

The number of seats may have decreased slightly in Kansas State University's biggest lecture hall, but the capacity for learning has increased exponentially. The finishing touches are being completed on an extensive renovation in 105 Umberger Hall, which will open to students Monday, Oct. 17.

Leading the way: Freshman demonstrates leadership on March of Dimes national youth council

Kansas State University's Joey Platt has always loved working with children, but her passion has recently evolved into something bigger: a leadership position with a global nonprofit organization.

Next generation leaders: volunteer service earns students stipends from nonprofit leadership alliance

An interest in a career with a nonprofit organization and demonstrated leadership has earned two Kansas State University students selection in the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance's Next Generation Nonprofit Leaders Program, or NextGen.

Historian from Notre Dame to discuss Catholicism and the modern world in Parrish Lecture presentation

An upcoming presentation in Kansas State University's Fred L. Parrish Lecture Series will help participants understand the relationship between Catholicism and the modern world.

 

Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011

River of help: Doctoral student receives prestigious fellowship to study quality of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's streams

A change of heart in Siberia led to a nearly $100,000 fellowship for one Kansas State University graduate student and the possibility of cleaner water for many indigenous people.

Bangalore to bovine: How pathogens and playoffs bind two lifelong friends, researchers

Veterinary school in India brought them together, research and teaching brought them to Kansas, and a passion for football brings them even closer. M.M. Chengappa and T.G. Nagaraja are best friends who met more than 40 years ago in India.

Formula for fun and discovery: National Chemistry Week includes day of fun, hands-on activities Oct. 15 at Manhattan Town Center

A week of fun and educational activities are planned in Manhattan to showcase how chemistry makes life better. The events are part of National Chemistry Week, Oct. 16-22, and are sponsored by Kansas State University's local section of the American Chemical Society and the department of chemistry.

Celebrating excellence: College of Human Ecology honoring seven for outstanding contributions

MANHATTAN -- A 1948 graduate, a textile researcher and a chef are among those who will receive Kansas State University College of Human Ecology awards at the Celebration of Excellence.

Select company: Paul Edgerley new member of Accounting Hall of Fame

The managing director of a noted Boston investment firm is the newest member of the College of Business Administration Accounting Hall of Fame.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011

Marching madness: K-State hosts annual Central States Marching Festival Oct. 15

The sounds of marching bands will fill the air as Kansas State University prepares to host the 25th annual Central States Marching Festival, Saturday, Oct. 15. 

 

Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011

A Mecca for wheat genetics: K-State center mapping wheat genome

As a top producer of wheat in the United States, Kansas is a leader in many areas of the wheat industry, particularly in innovation and research.

Achieving excellence: Two programs awarded for dedication to diverse education

Two College of Education centers at Kansas State University have received large federal grants for their work surrounding diversity-related issues in education.

 

Monday, Oct. 10, 2011

Study finds children more accepting of peers who try to change an undesirable characteristic than those believed to be at fault for it

A psychology team at Kansas State University is studying how elementary and middle school youths perceive and anticipate interacting with peers who have various characteristics seen as undesirable, such as being a poor student or being extremely aggressive.

Continued success: Architectural engineering team finishes in top two of international competition for fifth year in a row

A team of Kansas State University architectural engineering students has continued the university's success in an international design competition.

Party with a purpose: Dave Lewis' Pink and Purple Polyester Party supports K-State cancer research

Dave Lewis, public address announcer for Kansas State University football and men's basketball games and a Riley County commissioner, is ready to throw another party to benefit K-State's Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research.

Celebrating partnerships: Center on Aging, Meadowlark Hills showcase partnership at Oct. 28 open house

An aging simulation, a keynote from the secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging and a peek at the future of retirement communities will be part of an open house Friday, Oct. 28, sponsored by Kansas State University's Center on Aging.

 

Friday, Oct. 7, 2011

Engineering success: Advanced Manufacturing Institute helps Hutchinson company profit

For one Hutchinson-based company, getting help from Kansas State University's Advanced Manufacturing Institute has increased its bottom line and added jobs to the community.

Author of note: Drama therapist earns award for book about barrier-free theater

The third time's a charm for Sally Bailey. The Kansas State University professor of theater and director of the drama therapy program has received the 2011 Distinguished Book Award from the American Alliance for Theatre in Education for her third book, "Barrier-Free Theatre," which was published by Idyll Arbor in 2010.

Modern-day slavery: Lou Douglas lecturer looks at sex trafficking prevention, intervention for minors

Sex trafficking and minors will be the topic of the second presentation in the fall Lou Douglas Lecture Series on Public Issues at Kansas State University.

Game day goes green: K-State participates in game day recycling challenge Oct. 8 

Kansas State University is taking on the challenge to go green with the 2011 Environmental Protection Agency Game Day Challenge, Saturday, Oct. 8.The recycling challenge will take place as part of the K-State vs. Missouri football game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game starts at 2:30 p.m.

Workouts for warriors: Army ROTC cadets use physical fitness to raise funds for military-related groups, kids

Cadets from Kansas State University's Army ROTC unit exercised their way to the top in a recent fundraising event supporting programs for military families and injured veterans.

 

Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011

Designing a future: Students gain international design experience, cultural knowledge

Classroom experience and test scores may be the keys to earning a degree, but an understanding of cultural sensitivity and global practice may help land a dream job. Students in Kansas State University's interior design program are gaining both skill sets as they design a project from a continent away.

Keeping up with the tech-savvy: Professor's new book looks at how smartphones, tablet computers reshaping learning and teaching

College students are bringing their playthings -- laptops, smartphones, tablet computers -- into the classroom, and that's good news for professors and for higher education, according to a Kansas State University expert.

Distinguished success: College of Business Administration recognizing Dave Dreiling as Business Leader of the Year

Dave Dreiling, a Manhattan business executive, is being honored with the Distinguished Business Leader of the Year award by the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University. Dreiling also is being inducted into the College of Business Administration Business Leaders Hall of Fame.

Service and scholarship: Master's student named runner-up for national award

Dana Gude's pedigree for scholarship and service was cultivated from a young age. An average week was incomplete without a variety of community service activities. Gude, Olsburg, a master's student in electrical engineering at Kansas State University, simultaneously established a record of high academic achievement that would follow her throughout college. She was recently recognized for her efforts.

Fueling future career paths: Students from across the nation study sustainable bioenergy through K-State summer research program

Sustainable bioenergy is one area being studied to wean America from fossil fuels. Research in this area could be the future career of nine college students from across the country who spent their summer at Kansas State University as part of the Summer Academy in Sustainable Bioenergy.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011

On the menu: Research helps future restaurant managers learn to meet needs of customers with food allergies

A Kansas State University research team is serving up improved food allergy education for future restaurant managers and staff.

Safety first: 2011 Fire Prevention Week coming to K-State Oct. 9-15

This year's theme of Fire Prevention Week at Kansas State University, "Protect Your Family From Fire," is an important message for individual families in the Manhattan community and the K-State family, according to Randy Slover, K-State's fire marshal.

Wildcats, Jayhawks join forces for seminar on applied mathematics

Several leading experts on applied mathematics will be the featured speakers at the 11th annual Prairie Analysis Seminar at Kansas State University. 

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011

'Father of multicultural education' to speak about diversity

James A. Banks, considered the "father of multicultural education," will present "Diversity in America: Challenges and Opportunities for Educating Citizens in a Global Age" from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Town Hall Room at Kansas State University's Leadership Studies Building.

Op-ed: Continuing the hunger dialogue: A call to action

Opinion prepared by Dr. Jackie Vietti, president, Butler Community College; Dr. April Mason, provost, Kansas State University; Doug Penner, president, Kansas Independent Colleges Association; and Matt Lindsey, executive director, Kansas Campus Compact, all members of the Higher Education Addressing Hunger Steering Committee

Gaining momentum by helping others: College of Business Administration social entrepreneurship emphasis draws interest

On college campuses across the nation, students can be seen wearing shoes by a brand that promises to give a pair of shoes to children in need. TOMS Shoes, a for-profit company, has captured customers with its social model.

Summer graduates: More than 500 earn degrees from K-State

More than 500 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University this summer. The graduates hail from 59 Kansas counties, 32 states and 27 countries. Sixteen of K-State's newest graduates also earned graduation honors for their outstanding academic work.

Monday, Oct. 3, 2011

Happy trails: K-State professor travels the Midwest to document its beauty, creates GPS tours for Cheyenne Bottoms

Kansas State University's Ted Cable didn't stick to the old catchphrase "just the facts" when he undertook his mission to open travelers' eyes to the wonders of the state he has learned to call home. 

How to make a major discovery? Attend the Academic Majors Fair to explore career options

Thinking about changing your major? Need a secondary major? What about a minor? Then Kansas State University's 2011 Academic Majors Fair is the place to start. The fair will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, in the Grand Ballroom at the K-State Student Union.

Take a swipe at hunger: K-State Olathe having food packaging, food drive event

The Kansas State University Olathe community will have a chance to swipe out hunger by participating in on-campus events from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.