It's back to school! Time for the first classes, first club meetings, first sports events. I'm excited to meet new students and engage them in learning. This semester is special for a number of reasons. One, the campaign. In November, YOU have the choice to vote for the candidate of your choice. Why vote? Pure and simple, it's HISTORY. The economy, the cost of college, the future of health care. For all these reasons, research the candidates and cast your ballot. Maybe this is the first time you've voted for a President! Another reason this year is special, this is the start of the senior year for some of our first Biology graduates! Over the coming months, I'll be sharing their success stories. It's the first week for our two new Science faculty, Dr. Natalie vanBreukelen and Dr. Tim Koneval. We are thrilled to have their expertise and enthusiasm, and I will be telling you about their research in the coming months. For now, let's just say fish behavior and armadillo anatomy. Finally, it's the first year of kindergarten for my son! So far this week, in his folder that comes home from the teacher, he had his first smiley stickers (for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday). However, on Thursday he got his first note from the teacher for being silly and talking to his friends! I'd like to blame that on Daddy, but I'm afraid I have to take credit for those genes. Thanks for reading this first blog of the academic year!

Posted by Dr. Merrilee Anderson at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's never too early to think about what you're doing next summer! Current students, what about an internship or summer research experience? Check out this, one of our students is working at PTEI right now!
http://www.ptei.org/interior.php?pageID=198
New students, you should be researching these well in advance, here's a great list of resources.
https://cms.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/neuroscience/summerresearch

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It's mid June, and two students, Tara Kennedy and Courtney Maloney, and I are all enjoying a week in Steuben, Maine for a short course in algae. We're learning how to sample, permanently mount slides, and identify freshwater algae. The course is held at the lovely Eagle Hill Humboldt Institute in Maine, and our instructor is Dr. Jeff Johansen from John Carroll University in Ohio. We've conducted multiple field trips to Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula, fantasitic views and interesting "bugs" to look at back in the lab. It's been an adventure! And the best part, funded through a grant! The goal is to help students learn techniques to develop their own independent research projects. But of course, we've had some fun too!

Posted by Dr. Merrilee Anderson at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On a brief break between spring semester and summer session, I'm in the Big Apple to visit a close friend. What an amazing city. Easily accessible by train from Altoona, so far we've hiked the Brooklyn Bridge, admired the architecture of the Woolworth Building, and of course, consumed many gastronomic delights! Today we're headed to the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx to view the Darwin's Garden exhibit, and the vermicomposting lecture (that's right- worm farming!)

I'm looking forward to summer session starting May 19, I have lots of field trips and student activities planned for the two courses I'm involved with, Microbiology and Environmental Advocacy. The College has many summer activities planned, from Curve Games, Alumni events, and Open Houses. I hope to see you this summer!

Posted by Dr. Merrilee Anderson at 6:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So it's here already! The end of the semester is upon us, and I just want to take a minute to reflect. My students have been working really hard, and I commend them for their papers, presentations, and other original works. I think they've learned the value of teamwork, good communication, and of course, how to study! Have a productive summer to those of you that will return in the fall, and if you want to discuss internships or research projects, feel free to stop by. I'll be teaching this summer and attending some seminars and workshops. Best of luck to all graduates, and I hope you'll stay in touch during the ups and downs that are sure to come in the future. My door is always open! And my email inbox --> manderson@mtaloy.edu.

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Are you ready? April 22 at 3:30 will be the THIRD annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. The event will take place in the gym and there are 79 posters registered! Stop by to see your friends, and check out the wide variety of research being conducted by students. The topics range from science, art, social issues, and there will be cash prizes. We welcome the community and hope to see you there! If you have questions, feel free to email me at manderson@mtaloy.edu. And yes, I'll be there, I'm a mentor for three student groups from my Integrated Science class. Here's a picture of them in action! One group was testing elementary student learning at Super Science Saturday at Juniata Gap Elementary School. Another is identifying algae in Abandoned Mine Drainage.

Posted by Dr. Merrilee Anderson at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Next week, St. Patrick's Day is Monday, we're off for spring break all week, and then Easter is upon us! And with spring weather approaching, everyone seems to be in a better frame of mind. I hope the students enjoy some much needed relaxation and time with family and friends to get ready for the push towards the end of the semester. We have a lot of exciting events coming up....students presenting at Super Science Saturday at Juniata Gap Elementary School on Sat March 29, our Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 22, and of course, graduation on May 10th. I'd just like to say how proud I am of the students we have at the Mount, I think great works are being done inside and outside the classroom.

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They did win! Way to go girls basketball. Now it's time for baseball and softball!

I'm thrilled to report that one of our Biology majors, Kris Hansen, was accepted to an internship this summer at Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI). This will be a fantastic opportunity and I wish Kris the best. http://www.ptei.org/

Posted by Dr. Merrilee Anderson at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Wednesday, I was honored to be among the faculty at the Faculty Appreciation Night for the basketball team. It was great to see the women's team in a great game against Frostburg. If they win their last game this weekend (at Penn State Altoona), they'll be in fourth place! Either way, it's been a great season and I enjoyed cheering the girls on. Go number 10, Brittany Fairman !!!!

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A rare day off as the snow has moved in, and may be followed by freezing rain. I'm snug at home reading homework students posted to Blackboard, our course management software. Technology is great!

I'm excited about the upcoming Undergraduate Research symposium (April 22, 2008- at 3:30 in the gym!). I've got several groups of students working to make posters for the event. It's a competition where students can win $100! The "intent to participate" is due to Virginia Gonsman by Feb 28. More information at.... http://www.mtaloy.edu/academics/research/index.dot

Posted by Dr. Merrilee Anderson at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Lou Garzarelli, faculty member in Criminology, who was seriously injured in an automobile accident. At the Mount, we're like family, and we all wish Lou the best for a speedy, full recovery.

Posted by Dr. Merrilee Anderson at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

http://www.flockofdodos.com/

Last night, I watched the documentary film, Flock of Dodos. Randy Olson interviews evolutionary biologists and supporters of Intelligent Design. It's an interesting, funny, thought-provoking film that should start some good conversations about the scientific method and how biologists might better share their voice. Randy doesn't hide the fact that he himself supports evolution, but he acknowledges that Intelligent Design supporters have the resources and charisma to be seen and heard by the American public. I'm hoping to use the film in one of the film series presented by the Library. In the meantime, borrow this from the Mount Library!

Posted by Dr. Merrilee Anderson at 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)