August 1, 2012

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

Glaucoma device nets third patent for CBU’s Matthew Rickard

Dr. Matthew Rickard just added a new patent to the two that sit on top of his filing cabinet.  The latest one was granted in May, although all three have been approved in the past two years. He has submitted applications for about a dozen more that are pending approval.

Rickard, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at California Baptist University, explained that the first patent stemmed from his doctoral work at the University of California Irvine and related to moving airflow with no moving parts.

The last two, as well as the other applications in progress, are results of his glaucoma research at Alcon Laboratories. Both are for devices that measure intraocular pressure, one with light and the other with a small wire.

“Glaucoma results when intraocular pressure (IOP) increases above normal for prolonged periods of time,” he said. “In glaucoma patients, that pressure can vary widely during a 24-hour period. Higher pressures damage the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. Both inventions provide ways to continuously monitor a patient’s IOP.”

While patents for moving airflow and measuring IOP may seem vastly different, Rickard said the two areas are actually related.

“They all deal with pressure in general,” he said, “though the eye is a much smaller area. But too much pressure in the eye? That’s a problem that can be addressed through mechanical engineering.”

Rickard has worked as a research engineer for a variety of companies. At The Aerospace Corporation, he conducted experimental research on combustion phenomena in a state-of-the-art shock tube facility. He served as a test data analyst for Raytheon’s advanced satellite imagers, and he wrote grants and conducted cutting-edge research for a high-tech innovation firm specializing in small systems integration. At Alcon Laboratories, he developed advanced vitreoretinal surgical products and lead research programs for state-of-the-art glaucoma devices.

“A lot of technology can be applied to other uses,” he explained. “Research in glaucoma was kind of a stagnant field, so my work is focused on thinking of ways to apply existing technology to problems associated with glaucoma.”

Rickard joined the engineering faculty at CBU in 2010, after teaching as an adjunct faculty member in physics at Concordia University in Irvine.

“I developed a passion to shape young Christian minds at Concordia,” he said, “and that passion brought me here.”

At CBU, Rickard said he will “stay close” to glaucoma research, but he’ll take a step back and look at the basics, involving students in his work. For example, as a lab project last year, a group of senior mechanical engineering majors developed a bypass structure for a glaucoma drainage device. The experience allowed the class to apply engineering fundamentals to medical purposes.

“Glaucoma drainage devices are used to relieve IOP pressure to reduce the risk of glaucoma,” Rickard said. “The students worked on a simple surgical technique where current off-the-shelf bioabsorbable sutures were passed through the implant tube to extend the life of these drainage devices.”

Two students, Justin Mueller and Mark Davenport, presented their work in March at the Measurement Science Conference in Irvine. Davenport is one of four CBU engineering students who have been awarded an internship with Alcon.

Rickard is currently working on a new project with senior electrical engineering student Joseph “Nelly” Sugira in which the pulsatile flow of ocular fluid is simulated on a benchtop system. Their results are to be presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology meeting in May 2013.

California Baptist University to offer aviation science degree

California Baptist University plans to unveil a program in aviation science beginning the fall semester of 2013. The bachelor of science degree program will likely include professional pilot and aviation management majors.

CBU recently hired Dr. Daniel Prather, A.A.E. to serve as chair of the department of aviation science. Prather, an Accredited Airport Executive, brings experience in airport operations, aviation safety and security, and airport consulting. He holds a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Nebraska, a master of public administration degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and a bachelor of commercial aviation from Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. Prior to coming to CBU, Prather served as associate professor of aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University.

“This is a great location for a collegiate aviation program,” Prather said. “With the number of airports, aviation manufacturing companies and other businesses related to the industry, this region will bring a lot of opportunity for graduates.”

A proposed professional pilot major is designed for students with no flight experience, although those who already have the Private Pilot Certificate may receive course credit after a successful flight review. An aviation management major is also in the works for students aiming for careers as aviation professionals without the flight background.

Flight training will be contracted out to a qualified flight training provider at the Riverside Municipal Airport, with oversight by CBU.

The new program is subject to further approval by the CBU administration and Board of Trustees.

For more information, contact Daniel Prather at 951.343.4924 or dprather@calbaptist.edu. To apply for admission, go to www.calbaptist.edu.

CBU honored as 2012-2013 College of Distinction

California Baptist University has been named a 2012-2013 “College of Distinction,” one of about 200 institutions nationally to make the list.

The “Colleges of Distinction” identifies four characteristics among colleges and universities: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes. It specifically focuses on colleges and universities “that are dedicated to helping students grow and learn how to succeed for the rest of their lives,” according to Wes Creel, Colleges of Distinction founder.

CBU will be listed in the organization’s website, CollegesofDistinction.com, and its e-guidebook, which is made available to high school and community college counselors.

Family Updates

Dr. Sangmin Kim, associate professor of health science, and his wife Olga announce the birth of twin daughters, Kristina and Katrina Kim, on July 28.

Dr. Mary Ann Pearson, associate professor of communications and education in Online and Professional Studies, presented a paper from her doctoral studies titled, “Personal Branding and Social Media” at the American Scientific Affiliation annual meeting at Point Loma University in San Diego on July 23.

Pearson also served as a moderator for the public relations plenary session. The topic for this year’s meeting was “Science, Faith and the Media,” which focused on communicating issues of science and faith in the media.

Nikki Faith DeLaRosa Fuller, adjunct faculty in the Department of Languages and Literature, published an article in the book Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion in May. The article was titled “Touch Me and Die, Vermin! The Psychoanalysis of Illyria.”

Personnel Updates