May 2, 2018

In this issue…

• Current News
• Family Updates
• Personnel Updates

Current News

CBU graduates urged to live their purpose with passion

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated hundreds of graduating students during an Online and Professional Studies commencement ceremony at the CBU Events Center on May 2.

From May 3-4, CBU will hold three additional ceremonies, representing the first spring commencement ceremonies held in the Events Center. With more than 1,434 individuals who are eligible to participate in commencement activities in the spring, combined with the candidates for graduation in the fall 2017 semester, the Class of 2018 represents CBU’s largest graduating class ever (2,549).

Ellis said the ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the accumulation of hard work.

“Today, the goal you have been pursuing for years at last is at hand. Today, we congratulate the graduating Class of 2018. We celebrate the achievements realized this day because each of you graduates made it your purpose to earn a degree,” said Ellis during his commencement address.

Ellis noted that each student has an important story to tell about their development as individuals through their time at CBU.

“Many [students’ stories] involve personal examples of service and transformation that you experienced or witnessed as you seized the opportunity to put your faith into practice. Some served in the densely populated urban settings of Southern California. For others, mobilization meant serving cross-culturally in major cities across America or far-away places around the globe,” Ellis said. “The details vary from one story to the next; but in virtually every instance, your participation demonstrated some or all of CBU’s student outcomes, known as the Core Four. These are qualities that every graduate of CBU should embody—to be Biblically Rooted, Academically Prepared, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve.”

Ellis urged students to use the training they have received as a foundation to live a life of purpose and significance.

“My earnest hope and prayer is that each of you will lean into this new beginning with genuine Lancer zeal. May you ‘Live Your Purpose’ with passion, and with the same determination that has guided you to this joyful day of celebration. May your CBU experience and your CBU degree serve as rock-solid building blocks in a strong foundation for your future goals and dreams. And may the Lord continue to bless,” Ellis said.

 

Master’s hooding ceremonies celebrate students’ achievements

Hundreds of master’s degree candidates at California Baptist University are celebrating their academic achievements at hooding ceremonies, leading up to commencement ceremonies May 2-4.

More than 475 master’s degree candidates are eligible to participate in the spring commencements. At CBU, colleges and schools hold individual hooding ceremonies to recognize their candidates and also give students their distinctive colored hoods to wear at their commencement ceremony.

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences has the largest group of master’s candidates with 86. The Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education has the second largest group with 84 candidates. Additionally, the Online and Professional Studies division has 156 candidates for graduation throughout its various programs.

At the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hooding ceremony, held on May 1 at Magnolia Church, Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the college, encouraged students to go into their professional fields with a service mindset.

“Now it is time to go and serve your community,” Gustafson said. “You’ll meet those who are hurting, vulnerable and oppressed. May you be the difference, one culture, one community and one person at a time.”

Dr. Bruce Stokes, professor of anthropology and behavioral sciences at CBU, explained the history of the hooding regalia and the importance of the tradition.

“As we place the hood upon you, we are acknowledging that you have mastered in the area of knowledge and you are now going forth to practice that knowledge for the benefit of society and … for the benefit of the kingdom of God,” Stokes said.

CBU will conduct four commencement ceremonies on May 2-4 at the Events Center. For more information on commencement, click here.

 

Oaks becomes first Lancer to pitch in the Majors

Trevor Oaks (‘14) made his Major League Baseball debut April 28 as the starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, becoming the first Lancer to pitch in the big leagues. Oaks struck out four batters through five innings but suffered the loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Ned Yost, manager for the Royals, said he found promise in Oaks’ complete performance.

“We really liked the action on his fastball…You’re looking at his composure, you’re looking at how he fields his position, you’re looking at his game awareness and how he controls the running game,” Yost said at his post-game interview. “He’s really good with controlling the running game with the slide step. He’s really good when he’s down in the zone.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased for Trevor and his family,” said Gary Adcock, head baseball coach at CBU. “This opportunity is the culmination of hard work, perseverance and prayer.”

Oaks said the outcome of the game was not what he wanted but he felt confident on the mound.

“Looking back at the game I think I could have made some different pitches, executed better and kept the ball down” Oaks said at a post-game conference. “I’m going to move forward and do the best I can to get back here.”

After the game the Royals optioned Oaks back to the club’s Triple-A affiliate the Omaha Storm Chasers.

This year marks Oaks’ fifth year in professional baseball after spending the last four years in the minor leagues. The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Oaks in the seventh round at 219 overall of the 2014 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Oaks was then traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2018, as the team moved him from a World Series contender deep with top pitching to the Royals, a team in the process of rebuilding.

While Oaks is the first Lancer to debut in the MLB, there are several who are knocking on the door.  Fellow pitchers Caleb Dirks and Adam Hofacket are currently playing at the Triple-A level with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organizations respectively. Additionally, catcher Sharif Othman is playing Double-A ball with the Miami Marlins.

 

Four students selected to ring in commencement ceremonies

More than 1,400 students at California Baptist University will be eligible to participate in four commencement ceremonies held in the Events Center from May 2-4. Of the thousands of students participating in the ceremonies, four academically high-ranking Lancers will be opening up each ceremony with a CBU tradition—the ringing of the bell.

Each toll of the bell represents one decade of the university’s existence. The bell will ring six times at each of the ceremonies to commemorate more than six decades of academic excellence. CBU was established in 1950.

The bell ringers include Christopher Morgan, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology candidate from CBU Online, chosen for the Online and Professional Studies ceremony on May 2. Sarah Rodriguez, a Bachelor of Arts in English candidate, will ring the bell at the May 3, 9:30 a.m. ceremony, and Kayla Ruiz, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting candidate, was chosen for the May 3, 2 p.m. ceremony. Heidi Edwards, a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders candidate, will ring the bell at the May 4 ceremony.

Rodriguez, who has a 4.0 GPA, said she is grateful for the learning opportunities CBU provided.

“My biggest challenge was my first semester. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” Rodriguez said. “After four years I have a better idea of what I want for myself and my life.”

Rodriguez will move into a role as a representative and liaison for the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Third District, after commencement.

Ruiz, who has a 4.0 GPA, will work for a wealth management company starting in the fall. She said the people at CBU left an impact on her.

“There have been various staff members who have been instrumental in my development as a leader, employee and follower of Christ,” Ruiz said. “At CBU, my learning didn’t end in the classroom, but rather was continued through interacting with staff and faculty who live out the gospel in their everyday lives, encouraging students to do the same.”

Edwards said it is an honor to ring the CBU bell and is also confirmation that her hard work was worth the effort. Edwards, who has a 4.0 GPA, will return to CBU in the fall to pursue a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology.

“While I have always enjoyed helping others, the faculty in the communication disorders department truly represent and encourage the knowledge and compassion needed to serve others,” Edwards said. “My professors have helped remind me why I am in this field. Because of them, I am able to remain faithful in my intentions and desire to serve.”

 

Students enjoy traditional late-night break from finals

Hundreds of students took a break from preparing for final exams on the evening of April 26 to enjoy a late-night breakfast served by California Baptist University faculty and staff.

The breakfast, served from 9-11 p.m., is a CBU tradition that gives faculty and staff an opportunity to encourage and serve students during finals week. Students dined on eggs, French toast, bacon, Tater Tots and doughnuts at the Alumni Dining Commons.

“It was such a good pause in the night,” said Christian Salley, an undeclared freshman. “I had been studying for hours, so it was a much needed time with friends.”

Dr. Wayne Fletcher, associate provost, said volunteering at the breakfast was important to him.

“They see us taking time out of our schedules to come and serve them. That’s what we want to communicate, students are the heart of what we do at CBU,” Fletcher said.

Austin Boaman, resident director of Smith Hall, enjoyed seeing students in a more relaxed environment.

“I also love seeing the seniors right before they graduate. It’s a great way to celebrate their achievements,” said Boaman, who greeted students and served beverages at the event.

For Hannah Wolfe, a public relations senior, this was her last time to take part in the tradition.

“It was a little bittersweet, but just another reminder how amazing CBU is and how big of a blessing the faculty have been,” Wolfe said.

 

CBU shines at Baptist national competition for media

California Baptist University won multiple communication awards at the 54^th Annual Wilmer L. Fields Awards competition held on April 20. The Baptist Communicators Association hosted the event in Washington, D.C., at its annual members’ meeting.

CBU campus publications—The Banner newspaper and Pursuit magazine—won a combined 11 awards in the student competition. The Banner won first place in the Newspaper Design category and first place in the Single Article category for the story “Vegas Massacre Touches Inland Empire,” written by Kaitlynn Labit and Alexandra Applegate. Pursuit magazine captured five first place awards for the publication’s content and design elements in addition to the Best Overall student entry for the fall 2017 issue.

“This is amazing that our student publications won so many significant awards in the BCA competition. It is further evidence of the quality of work our students do on the campus publications,” said Dr. Michael Chute, director of the journalism and new media and public relations program at CBU. “It is exciting to see our students get this kind of recognition for their excellent work and dedication to the publications.”

The Marketing and Communication division at CBU won two grand prizes in the professional competition. One was for “Christie Halverson NCAA II All-American” portrait, featured in the summer 2017 edition of The Roundtable, which won best overall photograph. Additionally, the division captured best print media and design award for the “Live Your Purpose” campaign. The  2016-2017 President’s Report publication earned CBU a second place award in the Annual Report category.

Dr. Mark A. Wyatt, vice president for Marketing and Communication at CBU, said the creative team of designers and writers he leads shares credit for the prizes CBU won.

“These awards bring positive recognition to the university for the excellent work our team members consistently produce,” Wyatt said. “I am especially pleased that the design campaign built around the theme, ‘Live Your Purpose’®, earned a grand prize for CBU.”

The Wilmer L. Fields Awards competition receives hundreds of entries from Baptist ministries, agencies, colleges and newspapers across the country.

 

Alumni, student win advertising awards, head to nationals

Three alumni and a student from California Baptist University won either a gold or silver at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) District 15 awards. The placement allows the students’ work to advance to the AAF national competition held in June.

Caleb Bol (’17) won gold in the Animation or Special Effects category. Bol submitted a demo reel that showcased his best work as a CBU student.

“I’m really excited to be part of such a great group that won at districts. I really admire the work of all these designers,” Bol said.

Jessica Thomas, a graphic design and photography senior, and alumni Jonathan Logerstedt (’17) and Allison Cordova (’17) each won silver.

Thomas, who earned her award in the category of Printed Annual Report or Brochure, learned that research is key to creating a unique design.

“You need to know the look your client wants. You should be crafting your work to fit what they represent, but yet put your own twist on it,” Thomas said.

Logerstedt, who won for a stylized comic book in the Magazine Design entry, said the accomplishments reflect the quality of the graphic design program at CBU.

“Our professors are rock stars and role models, and so awards are just a symbol of the inspiration and perspiration they pour into us,” Logerstedt said.

Cordova won for her musical-themed advertising campaign.

“I learned that it is better when I take my time on an idea because my best idea isn’t usually my first idea,” Cordova said. “Winning silver at the district level is exciting, knowing that design professionals gave my work an award is really encouraging for me.”

Dirk Dallas, assistant professor of graphic design and digital media, said the awards the students received indicate the level of skills that CBU students possess.

“To have outside professionals acknowledge and award our students’ work with top honors helps bring legitimacy to the fact that we have a great thing going on here,” Dallas said. “It also reminds us that as Christians we can help raise the bar and have a seat at the table by being a part of the conversation with other industry professionals.”

The students advanced to the district competition for the AAF competition by earning a top finish at the Inland Empire AAF awards. AAF District 15 covers Southern California and Southern Nevada.

 

ROTC cadets conduct tactical training at Camp Pendleton

Cadets in the Army ROTC at California Baptist University participated in intensive training exercises held at Camp Pendleton on April 12-15. The training included tactical scenarios such as an ambush, reconnaissance and a squad or platoon attack.

More than 25 CBU cadets joined in the exercise that brought together a culmination of instruction the students received over the year. ROTC at CBU is part of a six-college intercollegiate-group. A total of 140 cadets took part in the training exercise at Camp Pendleton. Senior cadets coordinated the event under the guidance of their ROTC officers.

The cadets were grouped diverse collegiate squads and platoons to facilitate relationships and share best practices learned within different campuses, said Cpt. John S. Dabrowski, CBU assistant professor of military science.

“The exercise is designed to test their adaptability, critical thinking as well as technical knowledge of infantry operations,” Dabrowski said.

Laura Buffa, a biomedical sciences sophomore at CBU, said she benefited from the format of training.

“I learned how to be a better soldier and how to learn from different leadership styles,” Buffa said.

Sheraya Bentick, a Christian ministries senior and a cadet battalion commander at CBU, said she is developing a sharp eye for tactical maneuvers.

“I had to have a bird’s-eye view of everything that’s happening on the ground,” Bentick said of her role during the training exercises. “It’s a lot of critical thinking because our [instructor] is always asking us questions, always developing us, always making sure we’re constantly thinking of what’s next.”

Bentick will be commissioned into the Army next month to begin her basic officer training.

“I feel like the program and our [ROTC officers] have thoroughly prepared me. I’m ready to go,” Bentick said.

 

Student filmmakers showcase short films at CBU film festival

More than 260 individuals filled The Box theatre in downtown Riverside for 7^th annual California Baptist University Student Film Festival that featured 14 short films.

The students created productions that ranged in genres from documentaries to romance to comedy. The festival is open to all CBU students who have made films over the last year.

“This is really for people who have dreams of doing this for a living, as a filmmaker, to have a chance to showcase their work, to learn and to have a chance to complete a project that’s going to be shown publicly,” said Dr. Melissa Croteau, professor of film studies at CBU.

Michael Duggan, Nathan Rierson, Allen Fletcher and Jonathan Cadenhead, all freshman film majors, wrote and directed “Film School.” The film won the award for Best Screenplay.

Cadenhead said he enjoyed hearing the audience laugh in response to their film.

“We’re freshmen and going into this we’re the underdogs … and knowing that, we had something to prove,” said Duggan, “Getting recognized is awesome.”

David Ramos, a film studies junior, directed two films featured at the festival, “Purple Pen” and “Pulling Teeth.” “Purple Pen” won the award for Best Picture.

Ramos said his team wanted to tell a modern love story and depict the seasons people come in and out of one’s life as coinciding with the seasons of the year.

“I was just blessed with a great team,” Ramos said. “I think my favorite part of filmmaking is just the fact that it is a bunch of people getting together to tell a message and just to have fun.”

Student Film Festival Awards

Best Picture
Narrative: “Purple Pen” written and directed by David Ramos
Documentary: “Tranquility in the Disturbance” directed by Micha Emerine

Best Actress
Olivia Quebe, “Purple Pen”

Best Actor
Chandler Hancock, “Purple Pen”

Best Supporting Actor/Actress
Allison Montgomery, “Seven Minutes”

Best Cinematography
Micha Emerine, “Tranquility in the Disturbance” and “Ikigai”

Best Music/Soundtrack
Matt Thalin, “Ikigai”

Best Screenplay
Michael Duggan, Nathan Rierson, Allen Fletcher and Jonathan Cadenhead, “Film School”

Best Special/Visual Effects
“The White Window,” directed by Aaron Richter

Best Editing
Micha Emerine, “Tranquility in the Disturbance”

Best Production Design
“War Torn,” directed by Nikolas Main

 

CBU senior wins President’s Award for Excellence in Writing

For the second straight year, Sarah N. Rodriguez, an English senior at California Baptist University, won the President’s Award for Excellence in Writing. Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, presented the award at a luncheon April 18.

Rodriguez wrote her paper, “From Collins to Bertram: The Clergy in Austen’s Life and Writing,” during her study-abroad semester at Oxford University in England in 2017. The paper explores the portrayal of clergy in English novelist Jane Austen’s works.

“With a concise yet elaborate style for an enjoyable reading, the paper reflects the student writer’s diligence in research, maturity in critical thinking and mastery of the English language,” Dr. Joseph Bolin, dean of the School of Music and member of the selection committee, wrote of the paper.

Rodriguez received a certificate and a $500 prize.

Katherine A. Robinson, a student pursing a graduate degree in English, was awarded first runner-up for her paper, “The Illusion of Female Empowerment in William Wells Brown’s ‘Clotel: or, The President’s Daughter.’” Robinson’s critique argues that the character of Clotel actually weakens the feminist position, although it is often cited as a work of female empowerment.

“The student’s writing is mature, careful and engaging, while her topic is ambitious and timely,” Dr. Amy Stumpf, professor of society and religion and a member of the selection committee, wrote of the paper.

Robinson received a certificate and a prize of $300.

A six-member faculty selection committee used a formal voting process to choose the winning entries.

 

Family Updates

Dr. Linda-Marie Sundstrom, associate professor of public administration for Online and Professional Studies, presented research at the Western Social Science Conference in San Antonio, Texas, April 4-7.  Her two papers were titled Working for the Collective: A Comparative Analysis of Communist Subbotniks and American Charities and The Impacts of The Law of Jante and Lagom on the Success of Scandinavian Public Policy: An International Comparative Study.

 

 

 

The College Choice website recently ranked CBU No. 5 as one of the best Public Relations degrees in the nation. College Choice ranks colleges by combing stats from national databases with metadata aggregation from a wide array of other college ranking and review sites.

 

 

More than 300 CBU students took part in the CBU Counseling Center’s Mental Health Awareness event on April 10-11. The event, called “The Journey,” included experiences in simulation rooms on mental health topics such as eating disorders, depression and anxiety. Then students moved to rooms dedicated to hope, exercise and relaxation. At the end, students had the opportunity to paint a mold of a human brain and to view student art depicting their interpretations of mental health issues. Partnering with the Counseling Center were the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design; Spiritual Life; Recreation Center; and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

 

Dr. Stephen Brown, associate professor of behavioral sciences for Online and Professional Studies, presented research at the Western Social Science Conference in San Antonio, Texas, April 4-7. The title of his paper was HBC 4U?: Are Historically Black Colleges & Universities Still Relevant?

 

 

 

The Environmental Science Club at CBU participated in the Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful project on April 14. There were 163 volunteers who helped with cleaning up graffiti, planting and picking up litter at CBU and the surrounding Ward 5 area. Brenda Flores, assistant director – business administration for Facility and Planning Services, helped stage the kickoff and wrap-up on the front lawn of CBU.

 

 

Dr. Veola Vazquez, professor of psychology, published The Quarter Question (March 14), an illustrated Christian middle-grade novel (for ages 8-12). The book is the third and final book in The Coin Chronicles trilogy.

 

 

 

Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health for Online and Professional Studies, collaborated with the Southern California Public Health Association in developing, hosting and moderating the Public Health Webinar Series: Talking Public Health on March 29. The topic for this session focused on HIV and HCV among incarcerated youth. The session was attended by more than 75 public health professionals around the country.

 

 

 

Dr. Shawn Wilhite, assistant professor of Christian Studies for Online and Professional Studies, recently became a research fellow for the Andrew Fuller Center and Center for Baptist Renewal. He was an editor for Apostolic Fathers Greek Reader, volume 4 (Glossa House, 2018). He also had an article, How to Integrate Patristics Voices in the Local Church, published in the Center for Baptist Renewal. He also had a review of Founding the Fathers: Early Church History and Protestant Professors in Nineteenth-Century America by Elizabeth A. Clark in Fides et Humilitas (Winter 2018).

 

 

Dr. Janet Bonome, assistant professor of public health, and Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health, both for Online and Professional Studies, organized “Walk for Health” events to celebrate National Public Health Week (April 2-8). Faculty, staff, and student participated in one-mile walks in the Tyler Galleria. CBU Online is recognized as a national partner for the National Public Health Week initiative, which is organized by the American Public Health Association.

 

 

 

Dr. Nathan Iverson, assistant professor of psychology, and Josh Fuller, assistant professor of industrial-organizational psychology, attended the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s annual conference in Chicago on April 18-21. Iverson made a presentation titled Career Development Practices in a Global Economy.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Torria Davis, instructional designer, and Rich Simpson, registrar, both for Online and Professional Studies, presented a webinar with Blackboard on April 5. It was titled CBU/Online’s Use of A4L to Increase Student Success and Inform Course Design Decisions.

 

 

 

Dr. Effat Zeidan, assistant professor of science and mathematics, visited Mary B. Lewis Elementary School in Fontana on April 17. She spoke to sixth-graders about what being a scientist, what it takes to become a scientist and to encourage them to pursue careers in research to serve their community.

 

 

Dr. Joel Bigley, assistant professor of management, and Dr. Marc Weniger, associate professor of business, had a paper published in the Journal of Sociology and Christianity Vol. 8, No. 1 (2018). The paper was titled The West and the Religious “Other”: Connecting with Muslims.

 

 

 

CBU’s Society of Automotive Engineers Club had its first Formula 1 car from 2017 on display during the Long Beach Grand Prix April 13-15. The club has a new car in its final stages of completion in preparation for competition this summer.

 

 

CBU received a grant of $13,000 from a program of The Council of Independent Colleges. Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson, dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Jennifer Costello, assistant professor of social work, authored the application. The program, Intergenerational Connections: Students Serving Older Adults, is supported by the AARP Foundation. The award is to be used over the 2018–19 academic year to enhance connections between undergraduate students and older adults in the community. The grant will allow the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences to provide 20 undergraduate students with a stipend of $600 each.

 

 

Dr. Andrea Scott, dean of the Robert K. Jabs School of Business, was part of team that prepared a case for the North American Case Research Association, which is listed with the publishing arms of Harvard Business School and Ivey Business School. It is a social-enterprise case, called Skateistan, that is for upper-division or graduate-level courses on social enterprise, innovation and strategy.

 

 

 

CBU students in the physician assistant program classes of 2018 and 2019 attended an event, Journey to Becoming a Physician Assistant, at Marshall B. Ketchum University in Fullerton on April 7. The students promoted CBU’s PA program and mentored students. Jennifer Zamora, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, was a keynote speaker and spoke on Community Service, Shadowing, and Hands-On Patient Cafe.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ed Garrett, associate professor of sport management for Online and Professional Studies, recently became a contributing author to the monthly publication Volleyball Magazine. Garrett coached and officiated volleyball for more than 30 years and served in the 1996 Summer Olympics with the USA Beach Volleyball Program.

 

 

 

Dr. Jeffrey A. Barnes, dean of Student Success, and four CBU students attended the Alpha Chi National Honor Society Convention in Portland, Oregon, April 5-8. Barnes judged the political science sections. Barnes, who is the chapter sponsor, also received a Distinguished Service Award for his service to Alpha Chi. Each student made a presentation: Jennifer Lee—Rethinking Jamestown: A Historiographical Account; Sandy Huerta-Cruz—Educational Achievement Gap between English Language Learners and Non-English Language Learners; Kathryn Goldsmith—Global Justice: A Look into the Pressing Issue of Global Poverty; and Mary Brannon—You Are What You Eat: Nutrition and Epigenetics. Alpha Chi is a national honor society that recognizes the top 10 percent of juniors and seniors.

 

Dr. John Montgomery, dean of Spiritual Life, successfully defended his dissertation at Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, on April 27. The title was Exploring the Concept of Influence in Christian Disciple-Making: Toward the Development of a Theory Of Disciple-Making Leadership.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Geneva Oaks, dean of the College of Nursing, Dr. Jeffrey Gage, professor of nursing, and nursing student Vanessa Garcia took part in the Crossroads Car Show at Benedict Castle in Riverside on April 22. The event was to help raise funds for Teen Challenge Drug Rehabilitation of Southern California.

 

 

Students from the biological sciences department and environmental sciences program presented at the 43^rd annual West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference in Moraga, Calif., on April 14. Students performing research under the direction of Dr. Daniel Szeto, professor of biology and biochemistry, and Dr. Nathanael Heyman, associate professor of biology, presented posters: Gabriela Maria Gil-Mazariegos—Efficient Biochemical Approaches to Generate Double Genetic Mutant Phenotype in Zebrafish Embryos; Audrie Minnich, Timothy Koo and Alyssa Garcia—Developing the Zebrafish as a Model for the Study of Ion Channels in Cardiovascular Development and Function. Students performing research under the direction of Dr. Bonjun Koo, professor of environmental science, presented posters: Jonah Lay and Brittany Ducca—The Transport of Urban Runoff and Its Effects on Water Quality in a Natural Environment; and Stephanie Lara and Chau Nguyen—Evaluating Factors that Influence Carbon Sequestration on a Chronosequence of Reforested Mine Lands.

 

Dr. Monica O’Rourke, associate professor of kinesiology for Online and Professional Studies, and 10 undergraduate and graduate kinesiology students attended the Society for Health and Physical Educators National Convention in Nashville on March 20-24. Each student volunteered at the convention.

 

 

 

 

Students in the American Institute of Chemical Engineering club participated in the regional Chem-E-Car competition in Irvine on April 27-28. One CBU student team won third place in the poster competition. Another team won third place in performance competition and will advance to national competition in Pittsburgh this October.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Ashley Parks, assistant professor of public health science, and her husband, Matthew Lazari, adjunct professor of public health science, welcomed a son on April 13. Luke Youtam Lazari weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 21 3/4 inches. His older siblings are sister Lily and brother Elijah.

 

 

 

 

Personnel Updates