E-Newsletter for the College of Science and Health University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Climbing Longs Peak in Colorado Volume 3, Number 1
In July of this past summer, 10 UW-L graduate Winter, 2008
students plus one faculty member summited
Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park in
Northern Colorado. The 16 mile 12 hour round
trip began at 3:00 in the morning with the group
of 11 walking up the trail in total darkness (with Inside this issue:
head lamps). Students opted to follow the popu-
lar keyhole route to the summit. Longs Peak is Features
one of the state’s famous “fourteeners” (peaking
at over 14,000 feet), and is accessible to non- From the Dean 3
technical hikers only five to six weeks a year.
The eight mile approach to the summit has an
Editor’s Comments 4
elevation gain of 4,850 feet, with the summit at
14,259 feet. Longs Peak is truly a physical and healthy physically active lifestyle through par-
emotional challenge. ticipation in adventure activities and various UW-L Leads National 4
outdoor pursuits. First Flight, available to in- Organization on Physical
The 10 students were attending a top rope man-
coming freshman students, is another adventure Activity for Individuals
agement course in Estes Park as part of their with Disabilities
education offering, and is presented in the focus
adventure education training at UW-L. The Ad-
section on page 14. Within First Flight, offered
venture Education Concentration is offered Wisconsin Partnership Gets 6
immediately prior to the beginning of the first
within the Exercise and Sport Science Depart- Youth Ready for Emergen-
ment. The concentration promotes leading a Continued on Page 2 cies
National Research Verify- 8
ing the Competencies for
Health Education Practitio-
Confocal Microscope In Use ners
First NSF Research Experi- 9
Science Foundation - Major Research Instru- ence for Undergraduates in
mentation grant awarded to a team of research- Biomolecular Sciences a
ers in the Institute for Biomolecular Sciences Big Success
and from the Departments of Biology, Chemis-
try, and Microbiology. While, traditional mi- Q&A 10
croscopy only allows specimens to be viewed
in two dimensions, confocal microscopy allows New Faculty & Staff 12
for optical sectioning and 3D rendering of thick
specimens. The result is unprecedented image
Focus On
clarity and the ability to investigate aspects of
biomolecular science previously thought im-
possible. Departments 13
The confocal microscope arrived at UW-L late
New opportunities for training and discovery
during the Spring 2007 semester and it is Students 16
are now available to UW-L students and their
housed in the Digital Imaging Center within
faculty mentors and regional scientists thanks to
Cowley Hall. Following installation, the princi- 19
the acquisition of a confocal microscope, which Grants
pal and acting co-principal investigators on the
represents the cutting edge in microscopy and
grant (Jennifer Miskowski and David Howard,
digital imaging. The $290,000 instrument was Research 20
purchased as the result of a successful National Continued on Page 2
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 2
Climbing Longs Peak in Colorado
semester, students experience the great
outdoors through classes such as sea kay-
aking in the Apostle Islands of Lake Supe-
rior and rock climbing in Devils’ Lake State For further information on the Adventure at 608-785-6535 or steffen.jeff@uwlax.edu,
Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin. Education Concentration contact Jeff or Ryan Olson (Adventure Coordinator) at
Steffen (Director of Adventure Programs) 608-785-6515 or adventure@uwlax.edu.
Confocal Microscope In Use
respectively) attended multiple training regional scientists and this trend is certain
sessions held by a confocal specialist. The to continue in the future.
system components occupy a six feet. by
For further information contact Jennifer
five feet. area and there are 11 steps that
Miskowski at miskowsk.jenn@uwlax.edu
must be followed in precise sequence just
or 608-785-6456.
to turn it on! Despite the complexity and
the cost, Miskowski, Howard and others
are using the microscope in research with
students. In addition, Howard has incorpo-
rated confocal microscopy theory and
hands-on use in an upper-level elective
course entitled Advanced Microscopy and
Biological Imaging currently taken by 12
undergraduate and M.S. students. Addi- Visit Our Newsletter
tional scientists continue to be trained in
the use of the confocal, and the microscope Archive
will eventually be integrated into at least
three more courses. Miskowski and How- If you enjoy reading this newslet-
ard have enlisted the help of two computer ter, you may want to see our past
scientists, Kasi Periyasamy and Metin Tuz- editions. They are available online
men, to create a server which will allow at www.uwlax.edu/sah/html/
researchers to reserve time for microscope newsletter.htm.
use online. This will be available early in
2008. The confocal microscope has al-
ready sparked new partnerships and in- Jennifer Miskowski, Biology De-
spired new avenues of research within partment, unwrapping confocal
UW-L and between UW-L faculty and other microscope.
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 3
From the Dean – Times Have Changed
ulty on a variety of research projects al- tive by identifying it as one of four campus
lows students to apply lessons learned in priorities to be funded by the campus-wide
the classroom. As one Science and Health differential tuition they pay. The University
major explained, “There is a different level also publishes an electronic Journal of Un-
of understanding that comes from doing dergraduate Research www.uwlax.edu/
things yourself rather than just sitting back urc/JUR-online/index.html; the 11th edi-
and listening to someone tell you about tion will be published this spring.
it." For many, these experiences have
In April of 2009, UW-L will host NCUR® 23,
been the highlight of their college careers
the National Conference on Undergraduate
at UW-L. It is also a great way to prepare
Research – a 2.5 day event that will bring
for graduate school and the real world. As
together undergraduates involved in schol-
another UW-L student stated, “You learn to
arly and artistic activities from more than
think on your feet and be much more self-
300 colleges and universities in the nation.
reliant. It's an excellent way to learn how
Since the first conference in 1987, NCUR®
science is done and to explore your scien-
has grown to become a major annual event
tific interests.” Undergraduate research
drawing well over 2,200 – 3,000 under-
can also enhance the experience of our
graduates, faculty and administrators to
UW-L faculty. Aaron Monte, Chair of the
promote undergraduate research in all
UW-L Chemistry Department said it best,
fields of study. This will be a great oppor-
"Undergraduate research gives me the
tunity to “showcase” the campus and ac-
opportunity to get to know and mentor my
knowledge us as a national leader in un-
students on a much deeper level than I
dergraduate research. It is also a chance
ever do in the classroom, and this allows
to recruit some of the best and brightest
During my own undergraduate experience me to better assist in their career develop-
students into our graduate programs as
at a large research-intensive university ment as they prepare to move beyond UW-
well as potential faculty members who will
during the Vietnam War era, the closest I L.”
see our campus for the first time.
came to research was as a work-study stu-
UW-L has been a leader in undergraduate
dent who washed glassware for professors Thank goodness times have changed ……
research initiatives. This spring, UW-L will
and post-docs in a chemistry laboratory. although sometimes I miss the days when
host its 11th Annual Celebration of Under-
Thank goodness times have changed – my biggest challenge was figuring out how
graduate Research and Creativity in
millennial students have learning opportu- I was going to wash the myriad of glass-
March. Catch a glimpse of the 105 UW-L
nities outside of the classroom that those of ware left on the bench with a note “I need
students that presented at last year’s cele-
us sitting in barn-like 500-seat lecture halls this ASAP.”
bration - www.uwlax.edu/urc/2007%
listening to a dry professor drone on at the You can contact Karen Palmer Mc Lean at
20celebration%20booklet_files/index.htm
chalkboard never dreamed about. Under- 608-785-8462 or mclean.kare@uwlax.edu.
graduate research is one of those opportu- UW-L students have put their own dollars
nities. Working side-by-side a UW-L fac- behind the undergraduate research initia-
Pass it On
Why not send this newsletter (or its web address) to a classmate, friend, family member, professional colleague or others
who would enjoy reading it. You don’t have to be an alum to be added to the mailing list. Forward this newsletter and en-
courage the recipient to sign-up for their own copy at www.uwlalumni.org/whatsnew.htm.
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 4
Phil Wilson, Editor, Professor Emeritus, Exercise & Sport Science Department
letter now is available as an Adobe PDF the UW-L faculty in 1966. Finally, where
file. This new format is searchable, con- also possible, the interviewer will be
tains working hyperlinks, will look the someone who currently is a UW-L faculty
same on all computers and will print nicely member, and is familiar with the involved
on any type of printer. Also, as I am sure program. With the River Studies Program
we all agree, the new format provides a the interviewer is Mark Sandheinrich,
more professional appearance, and Chair/Director of the Biology/River Studies
equally important, is easier to read. Center.
Second, on page 10 you will find a question I hope you enjoy our new format and the
and answer session (Q and A), with Profes- interview of Tom. Our continual purpose is
sor Emeritus, Tom Claflin. Tom is the first to make each newsletter you receive as
person interviewed for what will now be a enjoyable and informative as possible.
regular feature article of the newsletter. From that prospective, we welcome your
The purpose of the Q and A is to provide suggestions and comments. Please feel
an update on both a retired faculty mem- free to contact me at 608-782-8350 or
What’s new with our newsletter? Two ber, and where appropriate, information pkwilson@centurytel.net.
things. First, obvious to you should be our on a specific program. With this inaugural
new format. Designed and formatted by Q and A, the focus is on the River Studies
Rick Mikat, our Associate Editor, the news- Program, started by Tom soon after joining
UW-L Leads National Organization on Physical Activity for Individuals with
Disabilities
When the National Consortium for Physical
Education and Recreation for Individuals
with Disabilities (NCPERID) holds its an-
nual conference each summer it has the
feel of a UW-L alumni gathering. Among
attendees are numerous former UW-L stu-
dents and current faculty who hold key
leadership positions in the group and im-
pact the field of adapted physical educa-
tion/activity (APE) at the national level.
The meeting primarily gathers profession-
als in higher education who are preparing
future APE teachers and other service pro-
From left, Garth Tymeson, UW-L, Tom Songster, Vice President for Special Projects,
viders to assist individuals with disabilities
Special Olympics International, Ron Davis, Texas Woman’s University (UW-L
to lead more active and healthy lifestyles. alum), and Bob Arnhold, Slippery Rock University, PA (UW-L alum).
National organizations like the NCPERID
reaches back as far as the early 1970’s A recent Surgeon General’s report entitled
have much impact on policies, advocacy,
when Lane Goodwin from the Department “Call to Action to Improve the Health and
and professional preparation for their re-
of Physical Education was one of the found- Wellness of Persons with Disabilities”
spective fields and the constituents they
ing members. Many of the leaders of the highlights the need for enhanced physical
serve. Leadership provided by members
NCPERID are alumni of the UW-L APE education/activity programs as a public
in roles such as officers and committee
graduate program who have gone on to health intervention. The NCPERID is a na-
members influence a profession and those
complete doctoral study and are now fac- tional organization that strives to meet this
impacted by its members. UW-L alumni
ulty are universities throughout the coun- vision through its mission of promoting
and current faculty continue to hold key
try. research, professional preparation, service
positions in the NCPERID. This history
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 5
profession. Faculty and students remain on
the cutting edge of practices and policies.
It also informs our students about the or-
ganizations that will impact their future
professional lives, and how to become
active in their leadership.
Persons interested in learning more about
NPERID or UW-L APE program can visit
www.ncperid.org or contact Garth Ty-
meson at tymeson.gart@uwlax.edu or 608-
785-5415.
Garth Tymeson (front row left) speaks with Eunice Kennedy Shriver (front row
right), founder of Special Olympics, and three Special Olympic athletes.
delivery, and advocacy of physical educa- partment of Exercise and Sport Science,
tion and recreation for individuals with
disabilities. The organization meets annu-
serves as President. The Immediate Past
President, Bob Arnhold from Slippery Rock
College of Science
ally for a national conference, meets as a
Board and membership at the National
University (PA) completed his graduate
work at UW-L. The President-Elect, Ron
and Health Hyperlinks
Convention of the American Alliance for Davis, Texas Woman’s University, is an-
You can learn more about the col-
Health, Physical Education, Recreation, other UW-L alum who is preparing for his
lege, its departments and pro-
and Dance, and collaborates with many duties starting in July 2008. The present
grams, and the campus by visiting
other groups such as Consortium for Citi- Secretary is Manny Felix, faculty member
us online. Here are some recom-
zens with Disabilities, Special Olympics at UW-L. In addition, the current Treas-
mended sites:
International, the American Association of urer, Jiabei Zhang, is an UW-L alum who is
Physical Activity and Recreation, and the on the faculty at Western Michigan Univer-
College of SAH Homepage:
U.S. Department of Education. It is a pri- sity. Patrick DiRocco, current Department
www.uwlax.edu/sah
mary advocacy group for inclusion of Chair for ESS, is a Past Vice President of
physical education as a required service in the organization. Other regular attendees
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse:
the federal Individuals with Disabilities who are UW-L alum include: Dan Webb
www.uwlax.edu
Education Act (IDEA) for all school chil- (North Carolina A&T University), Willie
dren with disabilities; sports and recrea- Gayle (Wright State University), Marquell
UW-L Alumni Association:
tion as part of Section 504 of the federal Johnson (UW-Eau Claire), Lauren Lieber-
www.uwlalumni.org
Rehabilitation Act, and assists profession- man (SUNY Brockport), and Katie Stanton
als in states with interpretation of federal (Indiana University/Purdue University at
UW-L Athletics:
law related to physical education. In addi- Indianapolis).
www.uwlax.edu/athletics
tion, the NCPERID monitors federal fund-
This type of professional service by UW-L
ing within the U.S Department of Education
alumni and current faculty provides lead-
– OSERS for personnel development
ership and national involvement that is
grants.
important for numerous constituents, in-
Over the past several years, numerous cluding our current students. This visibility
UW-L alumni and faculty have been presi- reflects well on UW-L, its programs, fac-
dent, vice president, at-large board mem- ulty, and students. External involvement
bers, secretary, and treasurer of NCPERID. provides visibility and access to important
Currently, Garth Tymeson, Professor - De- trends, issues, and current events in the
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 6
Wisconsin Partnerships gets Youth Ready for Emergencies
If you were in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin
on any given Friday this summer when
middle and high school students from
across the state were ending their week at
the Responding to Emergencies and Disas-
ters with Youth (READY) Camp, you would
have seen UW-L students and their cohorts
from other Wisconsin campuses, looking
like they had been in the middle of a tor-
nado. Broken bones, missing fingers, im-
paled objects, concussions, bruises, and
bleeding wounds were all there to see!
Undergraduate students served as the 2007
READY camp counselors and one responsi-
bility they had was to role play as victims
of a mock disaster! The READY camp HEHP Department Faculty members Leslie Oganowski (front row left)
counselors were comprised of nine under- and Marci Wycoff-Horn (front row right) with READY Camp Counselors
graduate students from University of Wis-
consin-La Crosse including Kevin Becker, (camp director, educational consultant, team to the other side.”). When time is up,
Mackenzie Flahive, Sarah Holmes, Ryan and evaluator) and Leslie Oganowski campers discuss the strategies that were
Klein, Jessica Luetke, Kelly Murwin, Carl (supervisor for READY camp counselors, used to effectively achieve their goals
Oliver, Chase Steiner, and Katie Strey; and educational consultant, and evaluator), (e.g., What helped the team work as a co-
one student from each of the following pro- both from UW-L’s Department of Health hesive group?) and reinforce that these
fessional preparation institutions: Univer- Education and Health Promotion. skills would be needed if they were work-
sity of Wisconsin (Madison), Sarah Klang; ing as part of a team in an emergency re-
Members of the Wisconsin National Guard
Cardinal Stritch University, Samantha Er- sponse situation.
facilitate the campers as they progress
schen; and Kelly Scanlin from Edgewood
through two challenge courses. On these In the second challenge course, the Lead-
College.
courses, campers are required to work ership Development Course (LDC) was
University students preparing for careers together to achieve certain team goals. facilitated by the READY camp counselors.
in education, nursing, community health For example, while on the low ropes Teams were again engaged in simulations
and school health worked as camp coun- course campers move through a series of that asked them to get all team members
selors at one camp in 2005, four camps in stations where they must manipulate pro- from the beginning to end successfully. For
2006 and four more in 2007. This past sum- vided materials and sup-
mer, approximately 350 campers attended plies to get their teams
a week-long camp to learn how to respond successfully from one end
as a team in an emergency situation. The to the other. Boards, bar-
READY Camp is a youth initiative funded rels, buckets, and ropes
by the Wisconsin Office of Justice Assis- are used to move from the
tance. For the last three summers teams of beginning to the end of
youth from 134 Wisconsin communities the challenge. All team
(and one from Canada!) have come to de- members must make it
velop teamwork, leadership skills, and across, following “rules”
emergency response skills. Campers that are described at the
spend the week working with at least eight beginning (i.e., “No one
instructors representing fire service and can step off of the platform
emergency response teams from across until all team members
the state, all working together to get the make it to the other side of
middle and high school students READY. the course.” or “You must
The camp was coordinated by a team of use each of the openings
people including Marcie Wycoff-Horn in the web to get your
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 7
example, one station has teams balancing
on boards above toxic chemical spills,
while another station has students cross a
swaying bridge above a flooded river.
Each station had a time limit and half of
them (i.e., the flooded river simulation)
added the obstacle of completing the task
without getting wet!
The next task for campers to complete was
the American Red Cross’ certification in
First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscita-
tion) and AED (automated external defi-
brillation). READY camp counselors rein-
forced instruction by helping campers
practice each of the skills involved. These
included: bandaging, splinting, treating for
shock and stopping bleeding. The parking
lot at the hotel where the campers stay all
week is scattered with apparently injured
campers. They have a great time with this
hands-on learning experience and practice
what to do when someone is injured at the
same time that they learn these very valu-
able skills. Emergency response skills are
skills that they will be able to use in small
or large emergencies for the rest of their
lives!
All of this skill practice is part of a curricu-
lum adapted from CERT (community emer-
gency response team), developed by
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management
Agency). The READY campers learn how
to respond using an “incident command
system”, as well as how to triage the in-
jured; how to safely remove an injured
person from a damaged building; and how
to put out a fire as part of the SERT (School
and Student Emergency Response Team)
curriculum. The adult directed CERT cur-
riculum has been adapted to serve the
learning needs of campers between the
ages of 13 and 18. “Our goal is to train
youth in lifelong skills so they will be able an hour to get ten victims out of a building Safety, Department of Public Instruction and
to respond effectively if they are ever that has collapsed due to a tornado, injur- the Center of School, Youth, and Citizen
faced with an emergency or disaster situa- ing all of the people who were inside. Preparedness under the Center for School,
tion,” says Center for School, Youth and Campers carry victims out, give them care, Youth and Citizen Preparedness.
Citizen Preparedness Director, Mary Jean keep them calm and prepare them to be
For further information contact either Marci
Erschen. transported by an ambulance. We didn’t
Wycoff-Horn at wycoff-h.marc@uwlax.edu
On Friday of each week the READY camp- lose one victim all summer!!
or 608-785-6792 or Leslie Oganowski at
ers get to test their learning. After a week The READY Camp is a collaborative project oganowsk.joan@uwlax.edu or 608-785-
of practicing leadership, first aid, CPR, of the Department of Homeland Security, 6790.
AED, and emergency response skills they Citizen Corps Council, Office of Justice As-
organize their team according to the inci- sistance, Department of Transportation
dent command system and work for over
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 8
National Research Verifying the Competencies for Health Education Practitioners
sub-competencies. While some federal
grants supported portions of the research
(i.e., the pilot and some of the major re-
search phases), the effort could not have
been undertaken without the in-kind con-
tributions by all who were involved. An
estimated 10,000 in kind hours were con-
tributed to the effort.
The research process incorporated several
essential stages: review and preparation
for the research through a national advi-
sory committee comprised of representa-
tives of 12 national health education or-
ganizations (1998-1999); multi-state pilots
that tested electronic and hardcopy assess-
ment and delivery formats (2000-2001);
major research (2002-2004); and ongoing
sharing and update opportunities with the
profession (during 2002-2007, presenta-
tions at national and international confer-
ences; journal article publication; vetting
Gary D. Gilmore, Professor and Director of results of the research (described below)
by the profession at the National Congress
Graduate Community Health Programs, led to the development of a new frame-
held in Dallas in 2006). The overall re-
served for six years as the Chair of the work which for the first time went beyond
search effort was guided by a Steering
National Health Educator Competencies the entry level competencies that had been
Committee chaired by Gilmore, along with
Update Project (CUP), which was only the established during the 1980’s, resulting in
colleagues from New York University
second time that the health education com- a hierarchical model with two additional
(Alyson Taub), New Mexico State Univer-
petencies have been validated through levels: advanced 1 (master’s level compe-
sity (Larry Olsen), and Cambridge Associ-
practitioner based research in the United tencies within the seven areas of responsi-
ates (David Connell). Prior to implement-
States. The first research effort took place bility) and advanced 2 (doctoral level com-
ing the 19 page questionnaire, accurate
during the early 1980’s and led to the veri- petencies). Importantly, these additions
and up-to-date mailing lists of health edu-
fication of seven areas of responsibility, 27 were based upon the empirical findings
cators in all types of worksite settings
competencies, and 79 sub competencies in from the practitioner-based research,
needed to be accessed. This was a major
use by the profession. Some twenty years rather than the opinions of an expert panel.
challenge since there were no already
later, it was deemed important to again Of additional note, the findings, after being
established sources of this information.
assess what health educators do in prac- received, reviewed, and accepted by the
Thus, a National List Acquisition process
tice. It should be noted that while some profession at the Third National Congress
was developed in which an overall national
professions establish their professional on Institutions Preparing Health Educators
coordinator was identified with regional
competencies through the use of expert held in Dallas, Texas during 2006, resulted
coordinators in each one of the four re-
panels resulting in cost and time savings, it in a framework that would impact the do-
gions of the United States, along with list
was determined early on by the research mains of (1) professional preparation (i.e.,
acquisition facilitators for every state and
team and their national advisory commit- the curricula used in undergraduate and
the District of Columbia. The resulting lists
tee that the more valid approach would be graduate training programs throughout the
were derived from national and state
to seek input directly from health educa- nation), (2) credentialing (i.e., certification
health education organizations, state medi-
tion practitioners. and accreditation), and (3) professional
cal, public health, and education organiza-
development (i.e., continuing education
The research began in 1998 and was for- tions, along with governmental and private
opportunities for skill building opportuni-
mally completed in 2004, with updates to organizations. A national representative
ties for practitioners). The resulting CUP
the profession through national and inter- sample was derived from these lists. The
hierarchical framework had seven areas of
national presentations and publications major research stage resulted in respon-
responsibility, 35 competencies, and 163
taking place from 2002 through 2007. The dents from all 50 states and the District of
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 9
Columbia, 4,030 respondents in all, with a advisory committee for ongoing review and Certification) that is offered at UW-La
70.6% response rate. There were 1.6 mil- and commentary, the value of having a Crosse to provide students and profession-
lion data points that were analyzed using pilot phase, the need to keep the profes- als with an update on the research process,
qualitative (e.g., open response summa- sion apprised of the status of the research a thorough review with examples of all
ries) and quantitative data statistics (e.g., in an ongoing manner, and the importance seven Areas of Responsibility, and prepa-
ANOVA; regression; factor analysis). The of being open to emerging data analysis ration for the national health education
analysis process also incorporated a new procedures like Facets. The tangible out- examination. The national certification
software package called Facets, in which puts from the research include three arti- examination for health educators offered in
the data were analyzed in a preliminary cles published in national journals, one October, 2007 used the framework gener-
manner based upon item response theory article developed for an international jour- ated by the CUP research, as will continue
resulting in the conversion of ordinal data nal (currently under review), a national to be the case until the next national re-
into interval data through the use of esti- framework for health education published search effort takes place in approximately
mates. Parametric statistics were then by three major health education profes- 10 years.
used for the analysis of these data. sional organizations, and 16 presentations
You can contact Gary Gilmore at 608-785-
at national and international meetings. In
Overall, the findings and conclusions from 8163 or gilmore.gary@uwlax.edu.
addition, Gary Gilmore has developed a
this research demonstrated to the profes-
two credit workshop (HED 471/571, Health
sion the value of practitioner based re-
Education Responsibilities, Competencies,
search, the importance of having a national
First NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates in Biomolecular Sciences a
Big Success
first summer. Applications came from a
diverse array of students from all over the
country. In the end, four current UW-L stu-
dents were awarded this opportunity, as
well as six students from five different insti-
tutions, including the College of St. Cath-
erine, the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff,
Winona State University, King College, and
the College of the Atlantic.
The Institute for Biomolecular Sciences three-year REU site at UW-L for ten stu-
Seven of the 10 students lived on campus
(IBS) was recently awarded a highly com- dents each year, providing them with re-
over the summer, all expenses paid, while
petitive REU (Research Experiences for search opportunities in biomolecular sci-
receiving a $4000 stipend. Three of the
Undergraduates) grant from the National ences.
UW-L students chose to live off campus but
Science Foundation for nearly $300,000.
A total of 104 completed applications were still received free meals and the $4000
This award, co-authored by David Howard
received for the 10 spots available for the stipend. Travel expenses were also paid.
and Anne Galbraith (Biology), funds a
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 10
pating faculty mentors. These workshops
Student Mentor Department Project
covered areas such as designing a re-
Josephine Anu- The Role of Platelets in the Inhibition
Scott search plan, professional writing in bio-
foro & Jacque- Biology of Coagulation in Hibernating 13-
Cooper molecular sciences, how to choose and
line Fleiss Lined Ground Squirrels
Determining the Precise Function of gain entry into graduate school, and scien-
John David tific ethics. The students were also re-
Biology Different Members of the Dynein
Awowale Howard
Family in Flagella quired early on in the summer to present to
Effect of Acid Tolerance Gene the other students and faculty mentors a
Mao Bill
Microbiology Mutants on Type 1 Pilus Expression synopsis of their proposed work.
Cheng Schwan
in Escherichia coli
Identification of mycodiversity in the The summer work culminated in a poster
Naveed Tom session held in concert with the Dean’s
Biology driftless area around La Crosse,
Davoodian Volk
Wisconsin Summer Fellows. Approximately 30 post-
Presence of Ammonia-Oxidizing ers were presented on a Thursday after-
Richa Bonnie
Microbiology Archaea in an Urban Wisconsin noon in early August by both REU students
Gupta Bratina
Marsh and Summer Fellows. Each of the REU par-
Determining the Function of the PLK- ticipants also presented their work at one
Lindsey Jennifer
Biology 1 Protein in the Caenorhabditis
James Miskowski other meeting, with the grant paying those
elegans Gonad
expenses as well.
High-copy suppression of a cdc7
Colin Anne
Biology mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae The REU participants gave glowing re-
Kennedy Galbraith
meiosis by RAD17 and MEI4 views of the program in follow-up surveys
Diana Mike The role of the vacuolar sorting and clearly learned a lot from their experi-
Microbiology ences as indicated by formal assessment of
Summers Hoffman pathway in virus assembly
the summer program. The co-PIs are cur-
Bernadette Antibody and T Cell Response to
Lynnette rently gearing up for the next round of
Taylor- Microbiology Influenza 2006-07 Fluzone
Waters applications due to arrive in early spring.
Winfrey Vaccination Over Twelve Weeks
If you’re interested in more information,
Two additional UW-L students were hired week, with the purpose of building cama- please contact Anne Galbraith at 608-785-
off a UW-L Foundation Grant to serve as raderie among the students. 8246 or galbrait.anne@uwlax.edu.
social directors, and planned and partici-
In addition to doing research, the students
pated in at least two social activities each
attended weekly workshops run by partici-
Q & A…TOM CLAFLIN, Professor Emeritus, Biology Department
Interviewed by Mark Sandheinrich, Chair/Director, Department of Biology/River Studies Center
Tom Claflin joined the UW-L Biology De- Q: Tom, when did the River Studies natural resources. Hence, there was a real
partment in 1966, and retired in 2001. He Center get started and what was the mo- need for research on the river. And of
was born in Portage, Wisconsin, however tivation for establishing the center at course 1970 was the year that the National
at the age of six his family moved to Aber- UW-La Crosse? Environmental Policy Act was signed and
deen, South Dakota. He received his BS in Earth Day was founded, so there was an
A: I was hired in 1966 to teach the first
biology from Northern State University increasing awareness of environmental
limnology course and ichthyology course
(South Dakota) in 1961, and his MS and PhD issues, including those regarding the river.
at UW-L. The center was started in 1970,
in zoology from University of South Dakota
primarily to provide a focal point for our Q: What were some of the early studies
in 1963 and 1966. Tom and his wife Louise
rapidly developing research program in that the center undertook?
have been together for 47 years, and have
aquatic biology and to increase the visibil-
three children and seven grandchildren. A: Throughout the 1970s we spent a fair
ity of the campus as a center for research
He keeps busy as a volunteer at the Habitat amount of effort conducting environmental
on the river. In the late 1960s, the states
for Humanity, and is still active in Missis- impact assessments of the lock and dams,
adjoining the river were focusing their
sippi River ecology issues. He is an active examining the effects of dredging (to main-
attention on the Great Lakes and inland
fisherman, and as a hobby constructs cus- tain the navigation channel) on water qual-
lakes. There was relatively little attention
tom fishing rods. Tom and Louise still live ity and aquatic organisms, and the loss of
being paid to the Mississippi River with
in the house they moved into two blocks volume of the navigation pools due to sedi-
regards to ecology and management of
from campus in 1977. mentation. We also spent a large amount
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 11
understanding of the basic biology of the
river. Today, non-point source pollution,
including excess nitrogen from runoff is
prominent. Sedimentation and gradual loss
of backwaters remains an important issue.
Though, on a positive note, point-source
pollution and dumping of toxic wastes into
the river has been controlled and concen-
trations of some contaminants in fish, such
as PCBs, continue to decline.
Q: What do you see for the future of the
center?
A: I hope and believe that the River Stud-
ies Center will continue to be important to
the academic mission of the UW-L. Be-
cause of the reputation of the center and its
faculty, the university continues to success-
fully compete for federal grants and equip-
Mark Sandheinrich and Tom Claflin ment and involve undergraduate and
of time on studies of the basic biology of ter expanded its sphere of interests to in- graduate students in unique research op-
the different organisms in the river. We clude fish and aquatic insects in small portunities that would not have been other-
had a large group of graduate students streams of the Coulee region, effects of wise possible. In 2001, the center re-
each year that were involved in these stud- global climate change on mountain lakes, cruited Jim Wiener as the University’s first
ies as well. ecology of microbial communities of lakes Wisconsin Distinguished Professor and he
in Antarctica, and mercury contamination is helping the center expand its reputation
Q: Working on a large river poses some
in many of the nation’s National Parks. for quality research.
pretty unique challenges. How were
these studies conducted? Q: What were the important environ- Q. Last question Tom. You have been
mental issues on the river in the 1970s in LaCrosse for over 40 years. Tell us
A: We actually had a floating laboratory
and what do you think are the important about first coming to LaCrosse for your
boat built to our specifications in 1971. The
issues today? interview 1966.
boat, named the Izaak Walton, allowed us
to spend extended periods of time on site A: Many of the important issues of the A. I drove in from South Dakota, and when
to conduct research on specific topics and 1970s remain at the forefront today. Water I came down the Mississippi River Valley
locations. That boat was replaced with quality and point-source pollution, includ- and saw, for the first time, the vastness of
another research vessel, the John Muir, ing sewage from water treatment plants, the river resources, I thought to myself, “If
which we operated through the early 1990s were of major concern in the early 1970s. they offer me the position, I’m taking it,
until it was destroyed in a storm. Dredging, maintenance of the navigation regardless of the salary.” Well, they of-
channel, and sedimentation were also im- fered and I accepted; and that was one of
Q: How did the capabilities of the River
portant as well as trying to obtain a better the best decisions I have ever made.
Studies Center and the type of work it
did evolve over the years?
A: Well, we began by focusing our efforts
almost solely on the Mississippi River in
the 1970s. In the 1980s, we greatly ex-
panded our analytical capabilities and
began conducting studies of contaminants
on the river as well as the inland lakes of
the Wisconsin. One of my good col-
leagues, Ron Rada (also former director of
the center) added a whole new dimension
of analytical capabilities to the center and
was particularly involved in early studies
on mercury in northern Wisconsin lakes.
In the 1990s and into this century, the cen-
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 12
New Faculty and Staff
Downey, Nicholas Sandland, Gregory
Biology, Assistant Professor, BSc (Biological and Biology, Assistant Professor, BS (Biology) University
Biochemical Sciences) Salford University, MS of Victoria, MS (Biology) University of Lethbridge,
(Biology) University of Toledo, PhD (Molecular PhD (Evolutionary Ecology) Purdue, specialty in
Biology) University of Iowa, specialty in molecu- host-parasite interactions and life history evolution.
lar parasitology. 608-785-6982
608-785-6975 sandland.greg@uwlax.edu
downey.nich@uwlax.edu
Emineth, Kari Sprain, Melissa
Exercise and Sport Science, Lecturer/Assistant Exercise and Sport Science, Instructor, BS (Physical
Athletic Trainer, BS (Athletic Training) Univer- Education and Coaching) UW-L, MS (Physical Edu-
sity of Mary, MS (Human Performance) UW-L, cation, Health and Recreation) Emporia State Uni-
specialty athletic training. versity, specialty in coaching.
608-785-6532 608-785-8164
emineth.kari@uwlax.edu sprain.meli@uwlax.edu
Hong, DiAn Strauss, Eric
Health Professions, Research Program Manager, Biology, Assistant Professor, BS (Fisheries Biology/
BS (Mechanical Engineering) Tshinghau Univer- Chemical Science) Kansas State University, MS
sity, MS (Kinsiology) Beijing University of Physi- (Biology) Kansas State University, PhD (Biological
cal Education, PhD (Biomechanics) University of Sciences) Notre Dame, specialty in ecosystem ecol-
Wisconsin-Madison, specialty in biomechanics. ogy and biogeochemistry of freshwater systems.
608-785-8480 608-785-8262
hong.di@uwlax.edu strauss.eric@uwlax.edu
Malone, Edward Weege, Melissa
Health Professions, Clinical Assistant Professor Health Professions, Clinical Assistant Professor and
and Physician Assistant Program Director, BS Radiology Therapy Program Director, BS (Radiation
(Biology) University of Illinois, MD (Rush Medi- Therapy) UW-L, specialty in radiation therapy.
cal College), specialty in internal medicine. 608-785-6979
608-785-6623 weege.meli@uwlax.edu
malone.edwa@uwlax.edu
Misra, Ramesh Widuch, Daniel
Physics, Lecturer, BS (Physics and Mathematics) Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation,
Utkal University, MS (Physics) University of Chi- Lecturer, BS (Philosophy/Political Science) UW-L,
cago, PhD (Physics) University of New Bruns- MS (Recreation Management) UW-L, MS.Ed UW-L,
wick, specialty in theoretical physics. (College Student Personnel), specialty in leisure
608-785-8432 philosophy and program planning.
misra.rame@uwlax.edu 608-785-8208
widuch.dani@uwlax.edu
Okamota, Futaba Willson, John
Mathematics, Assistant Professor, BS (Mathem- Health Professions, Assistant Professor, BS (Biology)
atics and Physics) Western Michigan University, University of Minnesota, MS (Physical Therapy) UW-
MS (Mathematics) Western Michigan University, L, PhD (Biomechanics and Movement Science) Uni-
PhD (Mathematics) Western Michigan Univer- versity of Delaware, specialty in lower extremity
sity, specialty in graph theory. mechanics.
608-785-6608 608-785-8472
okamoto.futa@uwlax.edu willson.john@uwlax.edu
Salow, Shauna Young, Judith
Health Professions, Academic Department Asso- Mathematics, Academic Staff, BS (Mathematics) UW-
ciate. Previously employed at Front Range Com- L, ME (Viterbo University), specialty in mathematics
munity College in Fort Collins and Colorado education.
State University in Fort Collins. 608-785-8383
608-785-8474 young.judy@uwlax.edu
salow.shau@uwlax.edu
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 13
FOCUS ON DEPARTMENTS
Visiting Scholar from China to Join RM/RT Department
and marketing strategies for attracting
senior citizens to tourism destinations. Dur-
ing her stay in La Crosse, she will study
tourism in Wisconsin, attend the Gover-
nor’s Conference on Tourism, and be a
guest speaker in UW-L commercial recrea-
tion courses. She also will take advantage
of UW-L’s library resources to compile an
extensive commercial recreation literature
review for use in China.
For further information contact Steve Simp-
son at simpson.steve@uwlax.edu or 608-
785-8216.
Song Guoqin in her home city of Hangzhou, China
A visiting scholar from China is joining the Song sought out UW-L in order to study his
Department of Recreation Management research methodology and apply it to tour-
and Therapeutic Recreation. Beginning ism in her home city of Hangzhou. Specifi-
January, Professor Song Guoqin will spend cally she is interested in market segmenta-
ten months researching commercial rec- tion as it applies to recreation and tourism.
reation and tourism with Department Chair Hangzhou is a major tourist destination
along the lower basin of the Yangtze River,
noted for Xi Hu (West Lake) and the 10th
Century Buddhist carvings of Feilai Feng
(Peak that Flew from Afar). And even
though Hangzhou is a city of four million,
the city also is home to agri-tourism with its
production of both tea and silk.
Professor Song teaches tourism marketing
and tourism psychology at Zhejiang Uni-
versity of Technology in Hangzhou. Her
particular area of expertise is sea island
tourism in China, and her research in-
cludes influences that determine vacation
George Arimond. Familiar with Arimond’s
destination choices, strategies for develop-
research on tourism marketing, Professor
ing and marketing island tourism products,
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 14
First Flight Continues to Expand
First Flight is an adventure based pre-
college experience designed for incoming
freshman at UW-L. The program is a joint
venture between the College of Science
and Health and the College of Student De-
velopment and Academic Services,
(Recreation Sports Program). Specifically,
the program is offered by the Exercise and
Sport Department (ESS), and the Recrea-
tional Sports Program.
The goal of the program is to use adven-
ture experiences to assist freshman in ac-
climating to college life. Students arrive
one week early and are allowed to move
into the Residence Halls and receive infor-
mation on campus resources.
During of the week students participate in
Challenge Course activities, hike in Hixon
Forest, mountain bike on the rabbit trails of
Myrick Park, tour River Side Park, play
disk golf on campus, and learn to climb
and belay on both the Mitchell Hall and
Eagle Recreation Center climbing walls.
pants and increased over two fold to 73
at www.uwlax.edu/sah/ess/adventure/.
participants in 2007. It is staffed by ap-
proximately 15 faculty and staff. In 2007
the staff included faculty and staff mem-
bers Ryan Olson (ESS/Adventure Pro-
grams), Nathan Barnhart (REC Sports),
Becky Battista (ESS), Jeff Steffen (ESS), and
Danielle Schulta (graduate student, Rec-
reation Management). In addition the staff
included undergraduate and graduate
students, and previous First Flight partici-
pants.
First Flight is yet another way UW-L is at-
tracting and retaining quality students.
The program is a great way to meet incom-
ing freshman in a relaxed environment
where students appreciate interacting with
After the initial introductory activities of faculty and staff and learn that they are real
the week, the students then chose to par- people too!
ticipate in one of three off campus trips.
Faculty and staff interested in helping with
The options are Devils Lake State Park for
the First Flight experience in 2008, or for
geo caching and rock climbing, paddling
further information on the program, contact
down the St. Croix River North of Grants-
Ryan Olson, ESS/Adventure Coordinator at
burg, WI, or sea kayaking out of Bayfield in
608-785-6515 or olson.rya2@uwlax.edu.
the Apostle Islands.
You can also go to the adventure web site
First Flight began in 2006 with 33 partici-
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 15
Medical Dosimetry Program Accreditation
complete “on the job training”. Currently,
there are only approximately 18 medical
dosimetry programs in the nation with only
about 30 individuals entering the work-
force annually. Data from the National Cen-
ter for Education Statistics indicates that
employee shortages are likely to continue
due to a smaller number of student gradu-
ates and the growing demand within the
field.
The UW-L Medical Dosimetry Program is a
12 month post-professional or post-
baccalaureate degree program. The didac-
tic courses are delivered online while the
students are also completing clinical in-
ternships at an affiliated radiation oncology
site. The enrollment consists of students
who are located throughout various sites in
the United States. Feedback on the pro-
gram from students and the clinical intern-
ship coordinators has been excellent. Cur-
rently, the national board exam pass rate
for students in the UW-L program is 100%.
Plans for the near future include requesting
approval for implementation of a MS de-
gree program in medical dosimetry.
For further information contact Nishele
Lenards at lenards.nish@uwlax.edu or 608-
785-5071.
UW-L graduate Karen Allen, discussing the imaging process for an at-
tending physician. Karen is employed at Arizona Oncology Services in
Phoenix.
The UW-L Medical Dosimetry Program has
received programmatic accreditation by
the Joint Review Committee on Education
in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). We
are only the fourth program in the nation to
receive this accreditation. Furthermore, we
are the only distance education program in
the nation receiving this accreditation. The
accreditation process takes approximately
18 – 24 months to complete. The site visit
took place in July of 2007, with a final deci-
sion of approval received in October.
The program was initially implemented
due to the national workforce shortage that
exists. Offering an online program fulfills
the need to supply the workforce annually
and decreases the need for individuals to
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 16
FOCUS ON STUDENTS
Occupational Therapy Students and Faculty Participate in “Walk 4 Autism”
Autism affects approximately 20 out of
10,000 people and occurs more frequently
in boys than girls. However, more recent
estimates of autism spectrum disorder indi-
cate the prevalence could be as high as 40-
50 per 10,000 (you can visit their website at
www.asw4autism.orgWhat.htm).
This is only one of the facts that UW-L occu-
pational therapy students learned as they
walked five kilometers in Madison on Oc-
tober seventh. Eight students (class of
2008) and two faculty members traveled
from La Crosse to Madison to help raise
funds for the Autism Society of Wisconsin.
Allison Thielke, team captain, organized
“Team UW-L”. She was joined by students
Amber Sedam, Bridget Hahn, Kimberly
Holl, Jennifer Hartwig, and Amanda
Thompson, and faculty members Virginia
Gronwaldt and Deborah Dougherty. Al-
though the race was not competitive, the
UW-L participants walked briskly and dis-
covered from two teenage "unofficial
judges" that they had finished in the first 20
participants.
Allison, Amber, and Kimberly all work for
organizations that provide services to chil-
dren with Autism. “Some of the children I
have worked with have made amazing
progress,” states Allison. She goes on to
say that many of the families would be un- society later in life.” food booths, giant inflatable toys, and sev-
able to receive services were it not for eral local celebrities. All in all, it was a
state funding. An instructor agrees. “The Participating in raising public awareness
great way to spend a sunny, Sunday Octo-
diagnosis ‘autistic spectrum’ did not even about autism, increasing advocating efforts
ber afternoon.
exist 25 years ago. Presently, it’s one of for family services, and raising funds for
the Autism Society of Wisconsin all in one For further information contact Deborah
the most prevalent conditions seen. Early
shot, was a “great fit” for Allison and her Dougherty at doughert.debo@uwlax.edu
intervention services can have a profound
cohorts. The family friendly event sported or 608-785-5062).
affect on how an individual participates in
The UW-L Alumni Center
Both UW-L alumni and guests will enjoy connecting with our campus and its graduates through the UW-L Alumni Center.
The Center’s web page address is www.uwlalumni.org.
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 17
Students in Mathematical Modeling Contest
Students Kirk Wienkes, Lee Wienkes, and Reflecting on the competition, Lee noted can be applied in a real life setting. It
Jarod Hart competed in the COMAP (the that “this problem was not a textbook bridged the gap between an abstract
Consortium for Mathematics and its Appli- problem with a well-defined solution. It thought in the classroom and a solution to a
cations) Mathematical Contest in Modeling was very open-ended and even the criteria real life problem.”
in February, 2007. The UW-L team com- for the solution were open to debate.”
Participation in the competition pushed the
peted with over 900 institutions from
Along with developing a mathematical team to work together. The three team
around the world to construct a solution to
model, the team was required to create a members brought a variety of skills to the
a challenging real-world problem, using
written report of their strategy and results project that complemented each other.
mathematical modeling. The team spent
for submission to the contest judges. As a Kirk pointed out, “Team work was key in
an intense four days working to construct a
way of sharing their results with the UW-L this project, and so was patience.”
creative mathematical solution to a gerry-
community, they then presented their re-
mandering problem. They were chal- The team worked extremely hard on the
sults at a Math Department seminar in
lenged to produce an algorithm for divid- contest problem and should be congratu-
March, 2007.
ing a state into “simply” shaped congres- lated for their successful participation.
sional districts where each district contains The contest was of great value to the team
For more information contact Barbara
the same population. They then applied members. Jarod expressed that “doing
Bennie at bennie.barb@uwlax.edu or 608-
their algorithm to the state of New York. this project demonstrated to me how math
785-6605 .
Science Students Benefit from Mentoring Relationships
Rachel Ignasiak has just received an e-mail
from her mentor; her “e-mentor” to be
exact. As a microbiology major, Rachel is
a little unsure of where her interest in re-
search might lead her. Her e-mentor, Ray
Blind, is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the de-
partment of Cellular and Molecular Phar-
macology at UC-San Francisco. As Ray and
Rachel communicate over the next eight
months, Rachel will learn more about Ray’s
experiences, including education, career
paths, and personal trials or achievements.
Over 30 UW-La Crosse science students
are or previously have been matched with
a professional mentor through the award-
winning MentorNet program. When asked
how they benefited from the e-mentoring
experience, UW-L students stated that they
received “an option for the future, knowl-
edge of all the jobs available with my ma-
jor,” and “help with my resume, and help
Mentors are needed! If YOU are employed matched with a student from UW-La
with interviews for jobs.”
in a science or engineering field and Crosse!
MentorNet's One-on-One Mentoring Pro- would like to mentor students interested in
If you would like more information, you
grams pair women and underrepresented your profession, then consider becoming a
may visit www.MentorNet.net or contact
minorities studying engineering and sci- Mentor! MentorNet One-on-One Mentor-
the UW-La Crosse liaison for MentorNet,
ence with female or male professionals ing Programs are a chance to make a big
Shauna Sallmen, Physics Department, sall-
from all sectors as mentors for one-on-one, difference in the life of someone else,
men.shau@uwlax.edu.
e-mail-based mentoring (e-mentoring) while spending as little as 20 minutes a
relationships. week using e-mail. You could even be
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 18
Occupational Therapy Students Attend Assistive Technology Conference
electrical impulses associated with speech tional therapy student participation in the
at the level of the vocal cords. future. Many vendors and conference coor-
dinators commented on the quality of stu-
One of the most beneficial parts of the con-
dents from UW-L. The Occupational Ther-
ference was a panel of college students
apy Program at UW-L highly values out of
who shared their personal experiences
class learning experiences and strives to
with assistive technologies. These students
integrate these types of experiences into
came from campuses through out the state
the curriculum.
to share their stories. Our students found it
helpful to ask these students for advice For further information please contact
regarding their recommendations to them Robin McCannon of the Occupational Ther-
as new therapists. apy Program, Health Professions Depart-
ment, at mccannonrobi@uwlax.edu or 608-
The 2008 occupational therapy class re- Our occupational therapy students found
785-5063.
cently participated in an exciting off cam- this learning experience to be highly
pus learning experience as part of the OT beneficial and encouraged UW-L occupa-
640 Assistive Technology course. Stu-
dents attended the Assistive Technology
Expo 2007 on the UW-Madison campus.
While there, the students were able to see
and try out first hand the most current as-
sistive technology for their future clients.
Students were able to interact with vendors
and users of assistive technology who
demonstrated a variety of the latest in as-
sistive technology design. Some interest-
ing highlights of the conference included a
robotic arm manufactured in Denmark and
augmentative communication devices for
the deaf and hard of hearing. One student
enjoyed using her own sign language skills
to interact with these vendors. Another
fascinating device was a new human com-
puter interface program that allows an
individual to communicate through the
computer without any need for speech or
physical motor control. The inventor as-
sured the audience that his program could
not read minds, but instead intercepted the
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 19
FOCUS ON GRANTS
Grant by Senior Therapeutic Recreation Students
for grant funding, locate a non-profit knew how important physical activity was
agency serving people with disabilities, to the children and youth with autism. Af-
and design a recreation program for the ter receiving encouragement from Heather
identified agency. As students discover, Quackenboss (1997 UW-L) from the La
the trick of the assignment is to pull all of Crosse Foundation, Erica wrote a grant
these threads together so that one coher- proposal of $3,000 to cover the costs of a
ent grant proposal can be written. Students team trike, single trikes, and safety equip-
are also required to cite research that sup- ment such as helmets. In April, Erica was
ports their request. In past, students have notified by the Mary Grace Sieber Fund of
written grant proposals for such topics as a the La Crosse Foundation that she was
climbing wall for children with cancer, a awarded the full amount she requested.
ropes course camp for youth and young The bikes were enthusiastically used all
adults with spinal cord injuries, adapted summer by the children and youth at
tackle for a therapeutic horse riding pro- Chileda.
gram, tools for a gardening program for
For further information, you can contact
people with dementia, GPS systems for
Patricia Ardovino at 608-785-8217 or ar-
people with cognitive disabilities so that
dovino.patr@uwlax.edu.
they may try geo caching,
and an accessible tree house
Images used with permission of
for children with physical
Industrialbicycles.com. disabilities. While students
Seniors students majoring in Therapeutic are encouraged to work
Recreation are required to take the course closely with their non-profit
Inclusive Programming Administrations, agency, they are not required
taught by Patricia Ardovino of the Depart- to submit the grant proposal
ment of Recreation Management and for review in order to receive
Therapeutic Recreation. One of the goals of a grade for the course.
the course is to examine outside sources
Erica Cherney from Brillion,
for alternative funding.
Wisconsin thought differently.
An assignment in this course is to write a Erica works part time at
grant proposal. Students must find a source Chileda in La Crosse, and
Learn More About the College of Science and Health’s Academic Programs
and Interdisciplinary Centers
The web is an excellent place to learn more about our many academic programs and interdisciplinary centers. Links to
each are conveniently located on our web page (www.uwlax.edu/sah/html/programs.htm). For questions about the Col-
lege of Science and Health, please contact the Dean’s office at (608) 785-8218 or science@uwlax.edu.
Volume 3, Number 1 Page 20
FOCUS ON RESEARCH
New Research in Therapeutic Recreation
Not too long ago research was left to those
“other folks.” Today, both undergraduate
and graduate students are actively in-
volved in therapeutic recreation research.
Many students combine their research
efforts with service-learning interests.
Jill Schumacher (graduate student) re-
ceived a $2500 grant from UW-L to pur-
chase a tandem side-by-side tricycle for
use with adults with persistent mental ill-
ness (depression, bipolar disorder). Jill
wanted to find ways to maintain physical
involvement through an enjoyable activity,
while increasing social skills. Sitting next
to a “leisure partner” can help motivation,
learn about new leisure resources, and
practice conversation skills while increas-
ing one’s fitness level. Many individuals
who attend a local drop-in center for per-
sons with mental illness participated in this
project. Results of this study were quite
positive. Present undergraduate students
are planning to use this trike with other
types of individuals (developmental dis-
abilities, older adults).
Undergraduate student Liz Kaufman ex-
plored the effects of Montessori painting
on older adults with dementia. Montessori
style activities are designed to capture
residents’ strengths and interests through
participation in enjoyable and stimulating
activities. Liz was interested in whether a
person with dementia would experience
cognitive benefits such as enhanced alert- Liz Kaufman, Therapeutic Recreation 2007 Graduate.
ness and increase memory from such an
intervention. Results indicate that the indi- services, Tori became skilled in a useful within the therapeutic recreation profes-
vidual experienced relaxation, a sense of intervention that she can use as a future sion. In addition, they take with them some
success and increased alertness. Further Certified Therapeutic Recreation Special- excellent skills that will benefit their work-
studies will help shed light on this type of ist. place.
activity participation.
These and other students are gaining prac- For further information please contact
Tori Christensen (undergraduate student) tice in conducting applied research that Nancy Navar at 608-785-8213 or
implemented a bibliotherapy project with will help advance the knowledge base navar.nanc@uwlax.edu.
elders. Within a continuum of geriatric
Comments
We hope you enjoy receiving this convenient, periodic update from the UW-La Crosse College of Science and
Health, produced for alumni, and friends. Send comments or story ideas to the editor, Phil Wilson, at (608) 782-
8350 or pkwilson@centurytel.net.