SolvingHuman Problems• • • I
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Over the past year, Oklahoma State Universityhas engaged in a strategic plaiulingprocess designed to set the institution's fonire prioritiesai1dgoals. The result of this system-wideplaiuling processwill position the miiversity as a leader in positivelyimpacting people's livesacrossOklal1oma and the nation. Faculty,staff, students and friendsof the College participatedin multiple aspectsof the plaimingprocess including the developmentof our own CHES Su·ategicPlai1.Our plan supports the goals of the wliversityand also updates the strategicdirection for our College and each of its wlits.
for academicexplorationand leader- We are lookingforwardto adding shipdevelopment.The new LINK severalnew facultyas wellas profesapproachto careerdevelopmentwas sionaladvisorsto better servesn1inu·oducedthisyeai·Lmderthe gLiid- dent advising.Facilityenhancement anceof MichelleOverstreet. willsoon be completedin nuuitional sciences,hotel & restaurant Our students experience"real life" classassigrunentsas exempli- adnmlistration,martiageai1dfamily fied in the ai·ticlesdesoibing inte- therapyand student services.
Grai1tsai1dcontracts awards have increasedby 352 percent since 1998, wllich providessubstantialsupport for our research and ouu·eachactivities.Our teaching laboratoriesalso generated resourcesof over a milliondollars last year. Compared to 1997, private gifts have increasedby 21 perOpportwlities for LU1dergraducent. Altogether, for every state ates working with facultyon federdollar investedin the Collegewe The processof planning has ally fLmdedresearchinitiativessuch occurred throughout this past as the developmentof the cooling generate ai1additional $1.35, yeai·.We began by analyzingom vest prototype are availablein each therefore increasingour expendable revenue by 135 percent. By progressover the last 10 yeai·s, of our Lmits.And sn1dentsconwhich was a satisfyingactivityin tinue to have extraordinaryintern- ai1yproductivitymeasure,the Collight of the College's many sllip ai1dstudy abroad experiences lege has acllievedenormous success.However, providing the achievementsai1dgrowth. We as illustratedin Anna Murrell's necessaryresourcesto move to the then selectedcore valuesthat hold work in Ausu·al.ia. next levelof acllievementfor our us to lligh standards of integrity, Another goal is to create an sn1dentsand facultycontinues to academicexcellence,diversity,colatn10spherefor facultyai1dstaff be a challenge. laboration,stewardshipof that fostersproblem solvingand resourcesand collegiality.The misWe are gratefol for the many knowledgediscovery.There is a sion, visionand goals we defined interested alwmli ai1dfriendsof plethora of researchactivityoccurwill continue to guide us in our College. We appreciatetheir ring in the College such as investiachievinggreau1essand in ever advocacyon our behalfai1dthe gations into fragileX syndrome, increasingarenas of national recdesign solution for a specificgroup invesunentsthey continue to make ognition. Concisely,we describe in helping us achievesuccess.Each home concept, a humai1clinical the educational,researchand outis ai1invaluableparU1erwith us as u·ialrelated to isof:lavones ai1dthe reach missionsof our College as measurementof qualitativeeffects guardians of the long term. By con"solving human problems, tinuing to help the College of relationshipeducation sponenhai1einghumai1lives." sored by the Oklal1omaMai-riage acllievethe performance-based goals we haveset for ourselves,the Youwill,~~tnessour Collegeplan 111.itiative. Many of our projects fonire is certain to be bright. in actionthrough highlighted have commercializationpromise, examplesin th.isissue.Our goal of and some are featured in this issue. creatingan enviro11111ent for sn1Growth in student mm1bersby dents that encmiragesexcellenceis 63 percent since 1998 has su-ained illusu·atedin the manyoppornm.ities our facultyresourcesand facilities. Dean PatriciaKnaub rior design work for the Marland MansionFoundation and cllild and fainilyserviceswork for nonprofit agencies.These sn1dentsare creating design solutions for real clientsai1dwriting grai1tsai1d gaining fonding in conjLU1ction with area socialserviceagencies.
A THERAPEUTIC PLACE Clientsand students specializingin marriageand familytherapy now have renovated facilitieswith stateof-the-art monitoring equipment at the Center for FamilyServices.
ADDEDVALUE A NEIGHBORLY CALL
Accessto facultywho are among the best in their fieldscreatesan environment filledwith student opportwlitiesfor academic explorationand leadershipdevelopment.
Members of the CHES Associates traveledto Oregon last September where they were hosted by Carl and Marilynn Thoma, owners of the Van Duzer Vineyardsin WillametteValley.
OUTSTANDING LEADERS The OSU Alwnni Associationinducts Nancy Payne Ellisand JamesDon Carreker into its Ha.IIof Fa.me,the lughest honor the associationbestows.
CHES MAGAZINE • VOLUME 11.2004 Dean,Collegeof Human EnvironmentalSciences-PaniciaKnaub Directorof Development-Mark Webster Editor- EileenMustain Art Director-PaulV. Fleming CHESPublicationsManager- KelliShafer Associate Editor- Janet Varnwn VPEnrollmentManagementand Marketing- MichaelHeintze CHES Magazineis a publicationof the OklahomaState UniversityCollegeof Human EnvironmentalSciences. Its pw-poseis to connect this Collegewith its many stakeholders,providinginformationon both campusnewsand pertinentissuesin the fieldof hwrnmenvirrnm1ental sciences. © OklaJ1omaState University2004
ABOUT THE COVER: Guided byitseducation, research and outreach missions, •solving human problems ...enhancing human lives,• CHES provides students many opportunities foracademic explorotion andleadership development. One ofthose opportunities forstudents intheSchool of Hotel andRestaurant Administration istheAtherton Hotel, afirst<lass, handS-On classroom. One ofonlyfivehotel laboratories atU.S. universities, theAtherton recently completed a$5million renovation made possible bythe generosity ofdonors such asBillandAnn Atherton, featured onthecover (photo, Nouhlus Pnotogropl,y; relotet! story, poge4).
Visit our websiteat: ches.okstate.edu or contact us at 101 Human EnvironmentalSciences Stillwater,OK 74078-6116 (405) 744-5053 telephone (405) 744-7113 £u
Oklahoma Stole University incompliance withHtleVIondVll oftheGvilRights Actof 1964, Executive Order 11246 asamended, Title IXoftheEdocotion Amendments of1972, Americans with DisabilitiesActol 1990,ondotherfederollowsondregulotions,doesnotdisnimin ofrace,color,notionalorigin,sex,age,religion,disability,orstatusosovete policies, proctices orprocedures. This includes butisnotlimited toadmissions, employment, financial aidond educotionolservices. lhispublicotion,issuedbyOklohomo Stole Universityosouthorized bythe(ollegeo!HumanEnYironmentolSciences,wosprintedbylheAudioV P1inting Services atnocost tothetaxpayers ofOklahoma. 13,000/Moy/04. 7142
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Director Programs Honored
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Lance Robertson, director of UniversityExtensionin the College of Human EnvironmentalSciences,received a nationalawardfor his leadershipin Replenishingthe Caregiver,a 15-c0tmtyprogram that helps train nonprofessionalcaregiversto care for the elderlyand to avoid caregiverburnout. Robertsonwasone of onlyfour individuals fromacross the nationwho receivedthe 2003 CareHeroesAwardfrom Today1s Caregiver Magazineforworkhe's done throughthe caregiverprogramand other effortsassociatedwith the OSU GerontologyInstituteand tl1ePartnerShipsforAging. The OSU GerontologyInstinite receivedthe Oklahoma State Department of Human Services(DHS) 2003 OutstandingEducationUnit Awardfor the important impactits programsand serviceshavefor the state's elderly.The GerontologyInstitute also receivedthe DHS 2003 Outstanding Program Award for its Ethics and Aging ConferenceSeries.The series,now in its 11th year,brings in state and nationalexpertsin the field of aging to speakon issuesimportant to older adults and/ or the professionalsthat work with them. PartnerShipsfor Aging, a 17-state gerontological associationwith the managementcontract at OSU, is nationallyrecognizedfor providingprofessionalsin the field of aging with educationalnetworkingopport:1.mities as well as informationto assistthem in their role of improvingthe Livesof adults. JIMMITCHELL
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Collegeof H11mi,nEn,ironmentRISciences2004
At a time when marriageand fanuly mattershavecome under scrutinyin Oklal10ma,one center with the College of Human EnvironmentalSciencesis going the extra mile- preparingstudents as wellas helpingfan1ilies in need. Individualsand f.:muliesin Stillwater and the surrounding commwutieshave nirned to the Center for Fanuly Servicesfor premaritalcounselingand maritaland fanulytherapysince 1990, while master's degree students specializing in marriageand fanulytherapy (MFT) havelogged more than 13,000 hours of cliiucalexperience. The center offersaffordabletherapy that focuseson solvingproblems within fanulyrelationships.It's sponsored by the Department of Human Developmentand Fan1ilyScienceand operates much like a commwuty agency,saysCharlesHendrix, human
developmentand fanulyscienceassociate profrssorand directorof tl1emarriage and familytherapyprogran1. "Operating Likea clinichelpssnidents developmuch quicker,"he says. MFT graduatesin Oklal1omahavea 95 percent passingrate when takingthe licensingexaminationfor the firsttime and a 100 percent passingrate overall. Graduatesof the program,the only accreditedMFT programin Oklahoma, work in a varietyof community mental healthjobs in hospitalsand churchesand in privatepractice.But before smdents graduatefrom OSU's MFT program, they must completea nunimurn of 53 semesterhours and one year of clinicalpractice,a minimum of 500 client-contacthours. "We expect our studentsto take classroomlear11.ing and immediately put it into action," Hendrixsays.
leadership launch isanannual leadership development andteam building event offered otthebeginning ofeach academic year for students who aremembers oftheCollege's three leadership organizations: Scholar leaders, Student Council andAmbassadors. In2003, leadership launch was heldotthehome ofSteven and Sherrel Jones inEnid, Okla. Sherrel facilitated avariety ofteamoriented experiences focusing onfood preparation fortheentire group of48students, andSteven, anattorney, facilitated discussions ofhis leadership experiences.
Jeana Sharp-Bundy, intheCollege ofHuman Environmental Sciences office ofAcademic Programs andServices, hands student Kalie Adkison hercopy oftheLINK, oninnovative newresource presented toincoming freshmen andtransfer students. Designed byMichelle Overstreet, career services coordinator, andShiretto Ownbey, associate dean foracademic programs andservices, withinputfromfaculty andstudent scholars, theinteractve workbook isa toolforattaining academic andcareer success. Much more thanaresume builder, theLINK withitsfivekeycomponents - Dream, Prepare, Build, Conned andLead emphasizes theimportance ofsetting goals early andtoking fulladvantage ofOSU's leadership andprofessional development opportunities.
"Theymaylearnsomethingon Mondayand be usingit on Wednesday." The faculty-supervised clinicalsessions protectstudentswhileallowingthem actualpractice,he adds.Ailfom MFT facultymemberssupervisethe studentguidedcOLmseling sessions. Althoughit predatesthe program, the MFf facilityin Hw11anEnvironmentalSciencesWest,whichhas recentlycompletedits firstmajor upgrade,wasbuilt in 1983 with tl1e intentto institutetl1eprogrameventually. "Furnishingsand equipmentbreak <lownafter20 years,"Hendtixsays. "We'vew1dergonea completefromme-walls-out renovation,includinga state-of-tl1e-art digitalmonitoringsystem."The newsystemenhancesfaculty supervisionand prm~desqualityrecordingsforinstructionalpwposes- making a good progran1evenbetter,he says. Ell!EN MUSTAIN
A Good Fit The Depar011ent ofDesign, Housingand Merchandising'slong and successfulpartnershipvvitl1Dillard'sis a ''win-win"situation for the companyand for OSU merchandising students,accordingto Shi.rettaOwnbey, associatedean for academicprogramsand servicesand associateprofessorin DHM. "The Dillard's internshipis one of tl1e most highly recommendedretail management programs becauseDillard'soffers students a professional-levelexperience and exposme to a wide arrayof functions witllin tl1eorganization," Ownbey says. "OSU graduateswho have completeda Dillard's internship_are viewedas highly prepared for tl1eircareers." Dick Vasey,generalmanagerof Edtnond's Quail SpringsMall Dillard's, appreciatesthe work etllicsand attitudes of the departn1ent'sstudents. "Not only are tl1eyprepared and know how to interview,tl1ey'reprofessional,"he says. Vasey,who has interviewedstudents arot:mdtl1ecotmtry for more tlun 20 years,alwaysasksstudents about their wliversityexpe1iences."I've never had any
OSU student say it's been 'okay.' They all sayit's been a great experience.You know when a student is sayingwhat you want to hear. But tllis comes from tl1eheart. I feel like tl1estudents from OSU havehad good experiencesfrom tl1ebegimling."
JoeOng
He saysmany of the students mention a professorwhen he asksabout someone who has influencedthem. "T"1at'san attitude we don't find on otl1ercampuses." All merchandisingmajorsare required to complete a 320-hour professional internship between the junior and senior years.Last sul11.l11er, six DHM students interned with Dillard's in Oklahoma,three in Tulsa and three at Quail Springs.
Shiretta Ownbey
"Dillard'smanagementhas been wisein using tl1einternshipas a great recruitment tool, allowingDillard'smanagersto observe and assessthe intern's performancewhile allowingthe intern to expe1iencethe company and assesstl1efit," Ownbeysays.''We valueour pai·tnersllipwith Dillard'sand look forwardto manyyearsof working together for tl1esuccessof tl1ecompanyand our merchandisinginterns." DOTTIE WITTER
OklahomaState Uni11ersify3
DevelopmentIJpdate The Atherton Hotel Opens Door to New Era Before cutting theribbon and tossing thekeytothenewly renovated Atherton Hotel, the College ofHuman Environmental Sciences held a short ceremony honoring the generosity ofBilland Ann Atherton, maior contributors tothe $5million proiect shown here withDean Patricia Knaub, left.
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The College of Human EnvironmentalSciences recentlywweiledtl1enewlyrenovatedAtl1ertonHotel and t!1ebeginning of a new era of lm:uryfor t!1e elegant facility. The event,held Saturday,Ap1il3, beganwitl1a ceremonyhonoring Billand Ann Atl1ertonand tl1eirfamily and thankingthem for meir giftto tl1eproject.Private giftsfrom tl1eAtherton familyand other OSU donors along with me saleof revenuebonds fi.mdedtl1e $5-millionrenovation. Dean PatriciaKnaub t!1enrecognizedtl1eamount of time and effort the renovationhad claimedand thanked all those involvedfor tl1eirdedicationto tl1e project, especiallyme leadershipprovidedby Jim Barnard, the general managerof the At!1erton. The ribbon wascut and me doors openedfor the gueststo enjoyme sophisticatednew hotel - beginning witl1the graciouslyappointedGrandLobbywherea spectacularfront desk greets guestsat check-in.The hardwood floors,beautifulinlaidwool carpetsand chandelierscomplementt!1erich colorsand fabricsin t!1e expansivespace. The JoullianVineyardWine TastingRoom, funded by Jeanette and RichardSias,ownersof the Joullian Vineyards,CarmelValley,Calif.,tl1eCarrekerLow1ge and the Jorns ConferenceRoom are part oft!1enew receptionand meetingrooms createddming t!1erenovation, each speciallydecoratedand aest!1etically pleasing. Each of me 81 guest rooms is designedwitl1guest comfort in mind. Amenitiesin t!1eguest rooms include a down-bedding systemfeahuing triple sheetingand a multimde of pillows.High-speed Internet connections, luxuriousrobes and a complimentaryDVD libraryare just part of tl1ecozy rooms. This gracioushotel servesas a first-class,hands-on classroomfor Sh1dentsofOSU's Schoolof Hotel and RestaurantAdministration.Head of tl1eschoolPat Moreo noted OklahomaState is one of only fiveU.S. wuversitiesto offer hospitalitysrudentsa hotel laboratory on campus. "By providingstudents with the opportwlityto be a part of tllis unique lear11ingexperience,tl1eAt!1erton truly creates a legacyof distinction,"Moreo says.
For information: http://athertonhotel.okstote (ontod: stoy@okstote.edu Phone: 405-744-7695
Couple Welcomes CHES A rsaciate£
'Plantingthe GivingSeed' ChrisWatkinsis a 19-yearold who is thoroughly grounded.He knowsexactly whathe wants,howto get thereand whois going to benefitfromhis efforts.The latestmeansto Watlcins' goalsis beingthe recipient of the CHESFaculty/Staff Scholarship.
workedmose into his goals. "Through tl1eyearsI've been in me restaurantindustry,I been blessedwim many oppornmities,including scholarships,"he relates. "I intend to conunit myself and my future income to create scholarshipprogran1s, chaiitableeventsand shelters.
Watkins,a student in the "Whenme restamant Schoolof Hotel and Restau- industrycan createbillionsof . rant Administration mealsforpayingcustomers, (HRAD),actuallyis double surelya group of caringcormajoringin Spanishin order porationscai1createa few to reachhis goals.He plans millionmealsfor tl1ehometo graduatein 2006. lesseachyear,"Watkinscontinues."The san1ewim tl1e Tlu·oughouthis high schoolyears,Watkinsworked lodgingindustryand rooms. in localrestaurants,discover- Tlu·oughmy eventualsuccess, I willdo everymingI cai1to ing tl1athe wasnot only createsituationsmat willhelp makingmoneybut tl1athe my fellowAmericai1s." lovedwhat he wasdoingand he wasgood at it. His drean1had begun.And it continuedat OSU. His sightsare on owninghis own resortin me soutl1ernregion of the U.S.,Mexicoor in tl1e Caiibbean. ButWatkinshad some deeperfeelings- and he
Watkinscreditshardwork ai1dtl1euniversity forpropellinghimto success."OSU ai1dtl1efacultyand staffin me College- haveenabledme to spendmy tin1efocusingon my education.It isa gifttl1atis allowingme to createmy drean1s- a11da greatfuture." BARBARA SWIGGART
Hospitalityreigned last Septemberas Carl and MaiilynnThoma hosted members of me CHES Associatesat tl1eirVan Duzer Vineyards.This small boutique wineryin Oregon's WillainetteValleyis one of two mat tl1e couple owns. The oilier is me Parducci Wine Cellarsin California. MarilynnThoma, who graduated from OSU with a bachelor'sin humai1 developmentand fan1ilysciencein 1971, is vice presidentof Thoma Enterprisesand overseesVan Duzer's marketingeffort, drawingon her brand managementexperiencein conswner goods at Quaker Oats and Cellular Network. Carl, who also graduated from OSU in 1971 witl1a bachelor'sin ag1iculturaleconomics,is managing partner of Thoma CresseyEquity Partners, a privateinvestmentfirm based in Chicagowhere tl1eyreside. Led by Deai1PatriciaKnaub, the group of 24 supportersand advocates of tl1eCollegewere treated to an adventureat tl1evineyardmat left each participantmore knowledgeableabout wines from tl1atarea.Altliough it was
difficultto leaveme beauty of tl1evineyard area, they continued to tl1e Pendleton Millsand a cooking lesson with Capri.aland John Pence. After graduating from OSU, Maiilynnand Carl went on to receive MBA's from Stanford. Maiilynn activelysupports perfomingarts and theater in the Chicago area when she is not promoting ai1dmarketingtheir VanDuzerand Parducciwines. On a recent trip to OSU, Marilynnspoke to a classof merchandisingstudents in tl1e Collegeof Human EnvironmentalSciences about her marketing career.She has been nained a Distinguished Almnna of me collegeand will be honored at me Homecoming Celebration Oct. 15, 2004. The Thomas met at OSU as juniors and have been married over 30 years. In addition to the wineries,mey have a New Mexicocattle ranch. BARBARA SWIGGART
Alumni Carl andMari~nn Thoma hosted Dean Patricia Knaub, center, andmembers oftheCHES Associates atthecouple's Van Duzer Vineyards inOregon's Willamette Valley.
AccessibleFao1lty It's Never Lonely at the Top The old stereotype of the lll1iversity professoraloft in an ivory tower just doesn't apply to facultyin the College of Human EnvironmentalSciences, many of whom are at the top of their disciplines. CHES facultymembersinteract with .studentsin classrooms,studios,labs, organizationsand commmiities,adding value to their students' education beyond curriculaand instructional excellence.They become mentors encouragingstudent achievementand role models demonstratingthe value of scholarshipand professionalism. Accessto top facultygivesCHES students qualitytraining and provides many opportunitiesin scholarship, career developmentand community engagement,saysCheng-iWei, profes-
For CherylFarr,an OSU 2003 RegentsDistinguished TeachingAwardrecipient,a good tead1eris a good mentor.
dents,m1dergraduate and graduateindependentresearch projectsand m1dcrgraduate honors projects.
"I believeit is the responsibilityof expe1iencedfacultyto serveas a 'teaching' mentor to jmiior facultyand to graduate studentsseekingcareersin academia,"says Farr, associate professor of design, housing and merchandising.
"I believestudents should be challengedto learn new material,to integrate the new mate1ialwith previously learned informationand to think oitically about using their knowledgein new situations," Farr says.
And Farr practiceswhat she preaches.Sincejoining OSU's facultyin 1991, Farr has mentored two teaching assistantswho are now on facultyat OSU and another at MichiganState University, and has served as a formal mentor to two new faculty members and an informal mentor to three others.
"But the acquisitionof new knowledgeshould challenge students to stretch themselvesand to understand their capabilitieswithout overwhelmingthem."
In additionto teachingan arrayof m1dergraduate and graduatecourses,Farr has supervisedgraduateand undergraduateinternships,thesisand doctoralresearch,teaching practicumfor doctoralst1.1-
DOTTIE WITTER
KathleenBriggs,recipientof the OSU 2003 Awardof Excellencefor Advisementin the Collegeof Human Environmental Sciences,saysshe believesgood advisingis essenti.alto the successof each st1.1dent.
Recipient oftheOSU 2003Regents "I thoroughlyenjoyadvisDistinguished Teaching Award Cheryl Farr, ing st1.1dents," she says."I who says students should beprovided believe good advising can enrichment opportunities thatarenot lamich them into amazing available oncampus orthesurrounding area, developed andimplemented anApparel careers." Manufacturing Focused Study tourthat Briggs,associateprofessor includes visits totextile production facilities and head of humandevelopandobservations ofnewtechnologies.
ment and familyscience, advises20 undergraduatestudents and four graduatestt1dents, servingas thesisadviser for each.She alsoserveson nine other thesiscommittees and one doctoralcommittee and frequentlyadvisesundergraduateand graduatestudents on both the Stillwater
sor and associatedean of researchand graduate studies. "Good mentors teach the importance of collaborationand con1111rnlication to acllievement.They alsoexposestudents to the benefitsthat accompany successin a field," he says."Most
Whenthislabis finished, Cheng-i Wei andotherCollege scientists willhave the opportunity to expand research onfood microorganisms andfood safety issues relate tobioterrorism aswellasWei's research tohelp prevent madcowdisease fromaffecting the food supply. Wei hos helped develop techniqu to rid fruits,vegetables andseafood of dangerous boderia andparasites ondpest control strotegies forminor crops.
importantly,they open student minds."
photos Shone Brown 6 College of Human fa1viroumwtal Scieuces2004
Adedicated teacher andinexhaustib researcher, Bahram Ar;mondi, shown here withnutritional sciences doctoral student OoYuSoung, received thefirst OSU Regents Distinguished Research Award, instituted infall2003. Heis currently spearheading theOSU effort toestablish aCenter forFunctional Foods andMedicinal Plants in collaboration withtheOSU Center for Health Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, University ofMissouri andtheUSDA Agricultural Research Services.
Kathleen Briggs, recipient oftheOSU 2003 Award ofExcellence forAdvisement, discusses aresearch pro;ect withEric Archer, graduate student specializing inmarriage andfamily therapy. Archer says Briggs cares about herstudents anddoes everything she cantoensure their success.
andTulsacampuses,although sheisn'tdirectlyassignedas tl1eiradviser. "Advisingencompasses studentdevelopment,academicachievementand career focus,"shesays."Good advisingis learningtl1estudents' needsand helpingiliemuse tl1eirstrengtl1sto envision tl1ei.r futures. "Advisingis not 'one size fitsall,"'B1iggssays."It's a time-intensive venturetailored to students'individualneeds." SincejoiningOSU in . 1992, Briggshas receivedtl1e CHESOutstandingGraduate StudentMentorAward,tl1e RegentsDistinguishedTeaching Awardand ilie Golden TorchFacultyAwardfor her outstandingscholarship,leadershipand serviceto smdents. OOTTIEWIITER
state and federalfunding Cheng-iWeihelps60 docagencies. toral studentsin ilie College of Human EnvironmentalSciWhile on facultyat encesdefineand reach tl1eir Auburn Universityptior to goals,applyfor scholarships, joining OSU in 2002, Wei's craftresearchproposals- and researchtean1receiveda grant meet whateveroilier chalto developa method to lengesiliey mayencounter. detect the presenceof meat and bone mealin animalfeed, "I want students to feel comfortablegetting informa- which was banned from use tion from our office," he says. in 1997 after being linked with mad cow disease. Wei,associatedean of researchand graduatesmdies Althoughhe and his colleagues and inte1imhead of ilie nutri- havedevelopeda meansof detection,the meilioddoes tionalsciencesdepartment,is a food scientistwho has spent not identifyspeciesor origin. 20 yearsimprovingfood quality and safety. As principalinvestigator for vaiiousresearchprojects, Wei has receivedover $10 millionfrom industry and
When tl1eCollege's new laboratory is completedthis spring, Wei will continue his researchto help prevent mad cow diseasefrom reaching the food supply. EILEEN MUSTAIN
Bah.ramArjmandi'sfirst researchgrant at OSU arrivedon campusin 1998 before he arrivedto assumehis new post. Ever since, tl1e recipientof tl1einauguralOSU Regents DistinguishedResearchAward in fall2003 has been an irnpemsfor elevatingthe research productivityof the entire Department of Nutritional Sciences,sayscolleagueBarbara Stoecker. "Dr. Atjmandihas collaboratedwitl1a number of scientistsbotl1insideand outsidetl1e department,"saysStoecker,professorand formerhead of ilie department."He has receivedfundingfrom diversesourcesranging from NASAto ilie CaliforniaDried Plum Board. "His enthusiasm for research is bom1dless," she says. Atjmandi,Regents'Professorand nutritional sciencesgraduate coordinator,specializes in compositionalanalysisof commercially prepared foods. During his researchcareer,he has been the major professorfor eight doctoral students and 14 master's degree students and served on an impressivenumber of graduate committees.Students have selectedhim multipletimes to receivetl1eCollegeFaculty Mentor Award. Currently,Atjmandiis leading OSU's participationin an initiativeto establisha Center for Fll!1ctionalFoods and MedicinalPlants that )¥ill unite multidisciplinaryresearchersin tl1edevelopmentof safe botanicaland functional food products iliat impactvarious chronic health conditions. AOAM HUFFER
Oklahoma State U1tiversitv
7
AccessibleEacu1ty
Hai/in Qu,professor inhotel andrestaurant administration, isaleading international expert inthetourism andhospitality industries. HeisSenio International Academic Advisor oftheTourism Research Center, Chines Bahram Ar;mandi, professor andgraduate coordinator in nutritionalAcademy ofSocial Sciences, andanadvisor totheChina Higher Educati sciences, hasanational andinternational reputation infunctional foods Press, Hospitality andTourism Series, helping toseled American textboo andnutraceuticals. Hehasserved asreviewer, member andmanager fortranslation. Healso serves ontheeditorial board forJoumol ofTrave fortheUSDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants ImprovingondTounsm Morkeling, Joumo/ of()uo/ity Assuronce inHospitolity and Nutrition forOptimal Health panel responsible forevaluating allproposalsTourism Monogement, Joumol ofTeaching inTravel andTourism, Touris forfunding inthefield.Hehasserved asaNational Institutes ofHealth Review lntemalionaland Taurism Tribune (English Version). Heisalso the panel member fortheNational Institute onAging andtheNational chief editor andchair oftheRefereed Research Paper Review Committ Center forComplimentary andAlternative Medicine. Hewas also oneof forInternational Council anHotel, Restaurant andInstitutional Educatio only12scientists invited toparticipate ina2003lndo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum sponsored bytheGovernment ofIndia andtheNational Institutes ofHealth.
IncreasingVisibility Having nationallyand internationallyknown faculty membersin the College of HLunanEnvironmentalSciences elevatesstudents, the Collegeand OSU in numerous ways.Three facultymembers whose reputations for excellencereach well beyond the campus,Bahram Arjmandi,Hallin Qu and Theodore Drab, say it especiallybenefitsstudents. Arjmandi,Regents Professor and graduate coordinator in nutiitional sciences,saysa professor'sstrong reputation
not only builds OSU's prestige but it helps build student careersas well. "Students carry the legacy,"he says. "They gain credibilityif the advisor'swork is known and respected." "Professorsrecognizedfor nationaland international leadershipbuild name recognition for the College.Th.is recognition helpswith stL1dent and facultyrecruitment and createsindustry interest in our graduates," saysQu, professorand WilliamE. DavisDistinguishedChair in
Theodore Drab,associate professor in design, housing andmerchandising, is anexperienced interiordesigneducator anda professional practitioner. Asapractitioner withpublished design proieds, heheld leadership positions intheAmerican Society ofInterior Designers andtheInternational Interior Design Association. Asanacademician hehaspresented atnumerous national andinternational conferences and published work intheJoumo/ ofInterior Design andlnnovolive Teaching Monuol TheInterior Design Educators Council, aninternational organization that links faculty incollege anduniversity interior design programs, recently eleded himtoitsfive-member board.
8 Coll>'of Human Environmental Sciences2004
the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Theodore Drab, associate professorin design, housing and merchandising,saysa faculty member's national honor should serve to rem.indstL1dents they are studying within nationallyrecognized, accreditedprograms. "In a deeper sense,servingmy professionnationallyand internationallybroadens my viewpoint- resultingin a similarlywider scope for the students I teach." EILEEN MUSTAIN
Student Opportunities in Service T,earning
' Admittedly,the ca stone cow-serequired for all child and fa,lily servicemajorsis no "walkin the park,'1 but those who can keepup the pace gain real-worldexperiencewhileprovid.ili!-g a valuableserviceto Oklahoma'snonp ofit agencies. Studentsin CriticalIssuesin Human Development and amityScienceanalyze two publicpolicyissuesconcerningfa.nilly lifeand care at the end of lifeand work with.insmallgroup. to design and complete a project for nonprofit agency. In the process,bey hone writing skills, applyprojectman gement conceptsand tools and learn th basicconceptsof grant writingand progr 1 evaluationin the nonprofitsetting. "Basically, we're askingstudents to perform the equivale of a veterinarymed.iaround,"' saysDavid Balk,professorin e human development and fa.nillysciencetiepartmentand capstonecoursein tructor. "That's the moment when the student examinesan animal,literallyfro all angles,then integratesand applies extbook knowledgeto diagnosethe problem."
Hu.nun developmentand familyscience graduatesfacethe samechallengesin applying theory to concretehun1anissues,Balk says."For instance,how can we breakthe cycleof violencesurrow1d.ing cllildabusd Or what should be done for patientswith a terminal,painfolillness?What policyor policieswill advancepositivechange? "Like practitionersin the field, capstonestudents must do more than
assignmentscome from the expressedneed of a nonprofitagency,and the agencywill use the finishedproductifit meetsthat need. He saysthe agenciesthey'veworkedwith haveadopted24 of25 student projects. OSU studentshavepreparedmaterials for the Parent ChildCenterofTuJsa,Fanlily and Cllildren'sServicesof Tulsa,Hospiceof GreenCountry,SoonerStart and Payne CountyYouthServicesan10ngothers.
"Our students appreciate being challenged, and this course challenges them to become reflective practitioners." simplytalk about these issues.They must integrate and use the knowledgethey've gained through their education," he says, adding that his students' enthusiasmand competenceis impressive. "Om students appreciatebeing challenged," he says,"and th.iscow-sechallenges them to become reflective practitioners." The project successrate is likewise impressive,accordingto Balk.Project
A few of the capstonestudent contributions to nonprofitsare a portable, onesource handbook for hospicevolw1teers,a handbook for working outside class-based perceptionsand curriculafor shaken baby syndromeand .independentlivingskillsfor adolescents. "They've done some remarkable work," Balksays. "Many students don't realizethat differencesexist between the campusand the workplaceuntil they begin employment. The experiencethey gain in the critical issuescow-segivesthem a clearerw1derstanding of those differences,"he says. "They learn about some of the procedures, restraintsand expectationsfor agency employees.And, equallyimportant, they begin to developthe analyticalskillsthey need to becomelifelonglearners- an essentialfor them if they are to adequately deal,vith the hm11anissuesof the foture." EILEEN MUSTAIN
Students inthecaps/one course, Critico/ Issues inllumon Oeve/opment ondfom!ly Science, likeLynn Roberts, Melissa Lampmann, lisoSlaton andJeana Bundt, shown here withhuman development andfamily science Professor David Balk, developed adrug and alcohol curriculum forado/Jcents, updated avolunteer's handbook andresearched technology grants forPayne County Youth Services. "The students' work wascompetent, thorough, engaging, relevant andextremely useful," says John Bracken, executive director ofPayne County Youth Services. "They didabong-up iob."
OklrihomaState U11.iversity 9
Student Opportunlties lo Service T.earnlng Tendlng Rrnotlona1Elres For Dwight Moody, being sensitiveto the su-essesof firefighterscomes quite naturally. The 27-year-oldBrokenArrow firefighterseesstresson a regularbasis and knowsthe havocit can bring,both physically and emotionally,if not dealt with.Becauseof this,he has initiateda post-trawnaticstressassessmentprogram in the BrokenArrowfiredepartment. The program, which is now ready to be implemented,began as an assignment for a researchproject havingto do with familylifefor a FamilyLife Education classat OSU-Tulsa. "As firemen,we work a 24-hour shift everythird day,so we're acmally spendingone-third of the year v.~th each other, and we're reallylike a second family,"he says.This senseof family led him to researchand set up tl1e counselingprogram. "I stillhaveto go tlu·oughtl1eassistant chiefs,tl1efirechiefand tl1e firefigbter'swuon to get tl1eirapproval," Moodysays,"but it's readyto go."
10 Co/1,:qe,f H11mn11 E11Pironme11,tnl Sci,mus 2004
He says it's basicallya support group that gets together on a regular basis. He and tl1reeotl1er paramedics are planning to take additional training in liste11ingskillsfor what he calls "debriefing." "There is a certain machismo among firefighters,"he says."To be a firefighterin BrokenArrow,you have to have your para.mediccertification. Paramedicsdeal witl1lifeand deatl1 situationsevery day,and when tl1ey're in tl1enudst of an emergencytheir training and adrenalintake over. "After tl1eemergencyis resolved and tl1eparamedichas time to clunk about what happened, it can become a problem," he says."Tlus is especially true where childrenare involved.The paramedictends to tlunk, 'What if tl1at had been my child?"' Moody says many have tl1econcept tl1eyare supposed to be strong and not let it bother tl1emand tlms are hesitant to discuss tl1eirfeelings. The stress assessment meetings
provide an opporm11ityfor firefightersto talk about tl1eirfeelings in a judgment-free atmosphere. He saysstresscan be signaledin a munber of ways.A person might become more ineffectiveat work, complain a.boutnot sleepingor experience Lmcharacteristic maritalproblems. "These are sih1ationsthat are hard to see when you're in tl1emiddleof tl1em," Moody notes. "But when you havea cha.neeto talk witl1your fiiendsand expe1iencetl1eirLU1dersta.nding and support, it's amazinghow tl1eweightand pressureof tl1eproblemcan lessen." For casestl1atcall for more intense help, tl1ecity of BrokenArrow has an employeeassistanceprogram in cooperation witl1St. FrancisHospital where certifiedpsychologistsand COLmselors a.reavailable. When Moody graduatesin Spring 2004, he anticipatescarryingtl1eprogram forward. He sayshe thinks it will alwaysbe a work in progress. TOM JOHNSTON
New Student Opportunities Niblack - AlwaysNumber One John Niblackhas takenmany "first organizationwim a budget of more steps"in his lifetime.Somewere man $5 bill.ionand a researchstaff hereat OklahomaState,as he began nwnbering more man 12,000. The importanceof its presoiption medihisillustriouscareer.Somewere makingmonumentaldifferencesin cinesto society,and Niblackhimself, the healthofhrnnan.ity,as he led cut- has made Pfizera householdterm. ting-edgeresearchaccomplislunents. He neverforgot me instructor Currently,Niblackis takingtl1efu-st who started him on his careerpatl1 step towarda greatervisionof a and made a differencein so many nationalmodelfor Lmdergraduate people'slives."I can't tllink of anyresearchat OSU and me Collegeof one outside my parentswho played Hrn11an Envirom11ental Sciences. such an informativerole in my lifeas
national model for w1dergraduate researchat major, state assistedrn1iversities.The Niblackprogram will provide funded researchopportunities for students at every levelof their education and enhance the academicreputation of OSU. "The w1dergraduateresearch scholarshipswe are initiatingat OSU will be an excellentoppornmity for sn1dentswit!, an interest in scienceto get their feet wet in me real tiling, not just by reading text books or going ilirough preset lab 'experiments' in a course," Niblackexplains.
"The undergraduates in the program "I wasan undergradat OSU from did Robert Sirny,"Niblacksays."He will actually 1956to 1960,and duringtwo SLun- wasverykind and givingas a menoperate the lattor. He would teachyou but wasn't mersin tl1atperiodI had tl1eIucky est technoloexperience to be allowedto workas a afraidto let you experimentand gies and labassistantin Dr. RobertSirney'sag developyour own scientificinterests." "They'll interact wit!, gradubiochemlab,"Niblacksays. instruments Niblackwants future OSU stuate and postdoctoralstudents who are strivingto become indeNiblackrecentlyretired as vice dents to have me same kind of and learn chairmanof tl1eworld's largest experiencehe had. To ensure tl1at, pendent researchers,and of where the textcourse, tl1ey'llbe mentored by pharmaceuticalcompany,Pfizer Inc. he has establishedme Niblack books leave off He wasalsopresidentof its mamResearchScholarsProgram, the first professorswit!, establishedrepuand the real tations in real, cutting-edge motl1researchand development step toward putting into placea research.The LU1dergraduates in world of scienme progran1will actuallyoperate tific exploration me latest technologiesand begins. I'm coninstrwnents and learn where tl1e fident that textbooks leaveoff and tl1ereal world of scientificexploration many young begins," he says."I'm confiden~ people will be tl1atmany yOLmgpeople will be so turned-on by so rurned-on by me experience the experience mat mey'll decide to make science meir life'swork." that they'll Wiili me addition of tl1e decide to make Ni.blackResearchScholarsProscience their gran1,tl1eCollegewill be in tl1e life's work." enviableposition of providing funded researchopportwuties for sn1dentsat every levelof tl1eireducation. BARBARA SWIGGART
formoreinformation aboutcontributing lo theNiblack Research Si:holars Program intheCollege ofHuman Environmental Sciences, please contact Mork Webster al(405)744-9736.
Oklnhoma Start Uni11crsity 11
Student Opportunities for Career Deve1opment Getting 'Down' to Work
Makingthe
Anna Murrell visits theKoala Sanctuary inBrisbane, Australia, while interning for acammercial interior design MaciWaymaninterned last slUTil11er at the firmlastyear.
Dream Rea)
corporate officeof Harold's in Dallas,and Jessie Skinner spent her her dream came true: They likedher work internship caring forinfants at so much she was offereda positionas the Beautiful Gate Orphanage in corporatevisualmerchandiser. Lesotho, Africa, anorphanage Today,the floor,windowsand meroperated byYouth With a chandisedisplaysin Harold's 40 stores Mission withsupport from the International Mission Board. nationwideare the work of Waymanand
her team of wee. Waymandesignsa floor-setpacketof instructionsfor the storesthat explainshow to merchandisethe whole store, she says. "Everytime a new line is going to come out, we set up all the fixturesand tablesand tel1them where to move old merchandise and where to displaythe new."
Interior design seniorAnna Murre!Jof Mesquite,Texas,went halfwayaround the world - and down - for her internship last smnmer.Acmally,it was winter in Brisbane,Australia,where she worked for Hassel, a commercialinterior design firm that designsspacesfor offices,law firms and hotels.
Her advicefor smdents is to not be afraidto leavethe state to get the experience they need for their careers. "Dallasplaysa majorrole in the fashion indusu-y,and I got experiencein a corporate officesettinginsteadof the retailsetting whereI had previouslyworked,"she says.
She learnedabout Hasselfrom t\vo Co!Jegeof Human EnvironmentalSciences students who had interned in Brisbanethe previousyear,Melinda Murrell and Amanda Damon.
Waymanof Nash, Okla., receivedher bachelor'sdegree in design,housing and merchandisingin December 2003.
"I've alwayswanted to go to Australia, and I love to travel,"Murre!Jsays.
Shortening the Distance
Hassel offered Murre!Ja job fo!Jowing a telephone interviewshortly after she applied."I was offered an internship immediatelybecauseof the good job of the OSU students who went to Brisbane the year before,".she says.
For hm11andevelopmentand fanulyscience senior JessieSkinner,the distance bet\VeenChoctaw,Okla., and Lesotho, Africa,was more culn1ralthan n1iles.
even tl1oughtl1eelectricityoften went out in her high securityhouse where she felt safe.But she was in physicaldanger much of the time due to sma!Jriots or tl1feats.
Skinnerspent her internshiplast summer at BeautifulGate Orphanage in Lesotl10helping take care of25 infants, includingtl1reewith HIV. Skinnerworked with the oldest of tl1reegroups, tl10se2228 montl1sold. Some afternoonsshe taught about sexualabuse and AIDS at primaryand preschools.
"People were so hungry, and being AmericanI was associatedwith money," she says.Skumerlived on lessthan $800 dming her Wee-month stay,"but to them it washuge." The culturalcompaiisons showed her "the huge materialisticworld we liveu1," she says.
AlthoughMurre!Jturned down Hassel's job offerfollowingher internshipto stay closerto family,she saysthe expe1ience has givenher a step up towardher career."I got to workwitl1clientsand dealwith money, tlungsyou don't get to do in school." STORIES BYDOTTIE WITTER
It waswinter south of tl1eequator, and Skumersaysshe was fortunate to have heat courfesy phofos
12 Collegeof Ht1,mrmEnviroumcntal Sciences2004
"The experiencein1pactedme. It has given me a much higher respectfor people of differentculturesai1dfor children."
photos byJimMitchell
This isaconceptual drawing of improvements thotcould be made totheboathouse atthe mansion. Itincludes the addition ofwrought irongates withglass, adining area anda refleding pooldesigned to return theboathouse toits original "feel."
ExploringAdaptiveRe-I Jse OSU-Tulsainteriordesignstudents recentlypresentedseveral designconceptsfor the historic MarlandMansioncomplexin PoncaCitytl1atmayeventually resultin better accommodations for visitorsto the northern Oklal1omahistoricalsite.
re-use'of eachbuilding,"says CarolBormann,coordinatorof OSU'sinteriordesignprogran1. "Weaskourselves,'How caniliis spacebeusedin a waythat will maintainand evenenhanceits historicbackground."'
"Keepingin mind budget constraintsand components that complementtl1eoriginal design,we focusedon creating a solution for the artist studio that would make it highly usablewhilepreservingthe integrity of tl1eexistingstrucThe students focusedon tl1e ture," says MelissaWatkins, "Thestudents'designsreally artist studio, tl1ebuildingtl1at who joined Dawn Sheafferand addressedour concernsfor a firsthoused the individuals futureexpansion and our desire who constructedand decorated Britton Hart to form one of the student teams. to addsomeexcitementto tl1ese the mansionin the 1920s, the beautifulsurroundings," says boathouse and gallery. The students offeredvariMansionDirectorDavidKeathly. ous conceptsfor using the artist studio as a smallrestaurant "Thefocusoftl1estudents' Student designer Dawn Sheaffer explains her that could accommodatetour ideasiswhatwecallthe 'adaptive team's concept forthefuture useoftheartist groups of up to 60 individuals. studio atthemansion. Some students suggested expandingtl1erestaurantto the nearbygallerywhile others exploredspace-planning optionsthat would better ensuretl1esafetyof the sculpture collectionhousedin the gallery. Each design team suggested buildinga pond or reflectingpool adjacentto tl1e
boathouse,whichis surrounded by land sincea previous owner drained some of the lakeson tl1egrounds. This is the second of three projectsin Ponca City tl1at OSU students from Stillwater and Tulsa are workingon under tl1edirectionof Bormannand Theodore Drab, associateprofessor.Last fall, Drab's classof juniors in Stillwaterofferedconceptual improvementsfor a catering kitchen at tl1eMarland'soriginal home at Tenth and Grand near downtown Ponca City. This semester,me conceptual project willinvolvea possible subterraneanvisitorcenter on tl1esoum side of me mansion. JIM MITCHELL
OSU-Tulsa students inCarol Bormann's Senior Interior Design Studio pose infront ofthefireplace attheMarland Mansion ofteroffering conceptional solutions foruseofthree ofthe buildings onthemansion's grounds.
Student Opportunities for Career Development
Service with a Smile Students in the Club ManagersAssociation of Americaregularlywin national awards, cater major campus events and meet industry representatives from across the country. But perhapsthe biggestadvantageof their membershipis the invaluableexperienceand insightinto the hospitality industrythat willequip them for managementpositionswhen they graduate, sayschapteradviserPaul Sorrentino, instructorand generalmanagerof the Schoolof Hotel and Restaurant Administration'shospitalitylaboratories. "It's great to see students step up as leaders to talcecharge of a situation," Sorrentino says."You can see the excitement of our students as they manage events." OSU's chapterhas won national awardsfor publicrelationsand fundraisingduring the Club ManagersAssociationof America'sarnmalconventions
over the lastseveralyears.The group also has won the OutstandingStudent OrganizationAwardfrom the CoUegeof Human EnvironmentalSciences. The can1pusorganization caters numerous events throughout the year, including charity events and at least five receptions where the guest list numbers severalhundred, to raise fonds to help students attend national conferences related to the restaurant and hotel industry. At the conferences,sn,dents attend lecnu-es,tour hotel and restaurantfacilities and networkwith industry representativesfrom acrossthe nation and world. "Our sn1dentsdo a lot of work to pay for their nips to these conventions," Sorrentinosays."They reallywork hard - it's not easyfor them to cater a party for 200 people when they have to work around classand work schedules,too."
Students accumulatepoints based on the amount of work they devote to each event. Points go toward their tlip expenses.This May, the National Restaurant Associationwill host a show in Chicago, and the National Hotel Association will host a New Yorkshow in November. The chapter meets every other week and has grown from about 15 members in 1999 to about 65 today. "I think the membersluphas grown because the students have seen the rewardsof their efforts,"Sorrentinosays. "Students' involvementin the Club ManagersAssociationgivesthem an edge in the job market," Sorrentino says. "It can add awardsand practical expe1iencein catering management to their resume, plus a knowledge of the industry and an understanding of how coLmtryclubs and other areasin the hospitalityindustry are run." JANET VARNUM .
JoeOng
courtesy
Instructor andgeneral manager of theSchool of Hotel andRestaurant Administration's hospitality laboratories, PoulSorrentino, above,serves as chapter advisor fortheaward-winning student groupClubManagers Association ofAmerica. Student members, such osHRAD students MikeWhitaker andMichelle Williams, gain management experience while building impressive resumes.
14 Collegeof Human Envirtmmentat Scienus 2004
A Rea] 'Passport to the Wor1d' HospitalityDays,a career fair that brings industryprofessionalsand recruitersfrom local and nationalcompaniesto OSU, has evolvedover its 46 years, but its forns on careeradvancement has not. That's why a growingnumber of students a.redirectlyinvolvedin tl1e planningprocessfor tl1eannual event, accordingto Bo Hu, assistantprofessorin the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Shane Brawn
Daron Southerland andAmanda King "The studentsin my Special AscOihairs afthe46th annual Hospitality Days, EventsManagementclassknow hotel andrestauront tl1ey'regoingto get somehandsin planningand administration seniors on expe1ience coordinating a conference,and Daron Southerland and Amanda King spearheaded meyrealizehowvaluabletl1atis theplanning process for on their resumes,"saysHu. thethree-day event that Her one-credit-hourclass brought together industry grew tl1issemesterfrom an professionals, local and average20 students to more national recruiters and man 40. WhileHu admits HRAD students. tl1at'sa bit wrnsual,she's not altogemersurprisedby me higher numbers. "Students are excitedto le,u·ntl1atevent and conventionplanningis a real careerchoice,and tl1ey'reserious about getting tl1eexperience they need to become successfolin tlus field," says Hu, who notes tl1atstudents can take tl1eclasseach year before mey graduate.
Accordingto Hu, the class helpsorganizeeveryaspectof tl1e mree-dayeventfromselectinga memefor HospitalityDaysto ma.kingsureeverythingon the itineraryis readyto LU1fold as flawlesslyas possiblefor me alumni and corporaterecruiterswho cometo campusto participate. "Beingin Hu's classis great, and it's reallybeneficial. She helps, but me entireeventis studentrun fromselectingtl1ethemeto choosingnapkinsforthe tablesettings,"saysDaronSoutl1erland, a seniorfromAda,Okla.,who co-d1airedtl1isyear'sevent. "I reallyfeelliketl1efactmat we're activelyinvolvedin planning HospitalityDayshelpsmake us morevisibleto someof tl1ese compaiuesbecausewe get to know recruitersby invitingmem to attend," addsSoutl1erlai1d, who's interestedin a careerin restaurantmai1agement.
everythingtl1ecompai1yhas to offeras wellas providingsome actualworkingexperiencefor my res1m1e." Rasco,a seniorfromSnyder, Okla.,willinternagaintlus SlUTImer for Marriott,mai1ksto lus JoeOng HospitalityDayscontactswitl1 recruitersfrom me international hotel chain."I'm reallyexcited about the possibilityof going to workfor tl1em.They'vegot a totalconunitmentto the customer startingwiman environmentthat &1ys,'We'rehereto serveyou ai1d BoHu makeyoucomfortable."'
t~ ;
'
This year'smeme for HospitalityDayswas"Passportto tl1e World,"and Hu saysit's obvious mat's exactlywhat tl1eevent has been ai1dwillcontinue to be for studentswho are se1iousabout a cai·eerin tl1eever-growinghospitalityindustry. JIM MITCHELL
Shane Braw
However,st11dentsdon't have to be in Hu's classto take advantageof tl1ecareeroptions a11dinformationfeatured during HospitalityDays.A career fair givesSh1dentsa cha11ceto talk face-to-faceabout internshipsand careerswitl1individuals from some of the top food ai1dhospitalitycompaiuesin tl1e nation. The finalday of me event is set asidefor internslup ai1dcai·eerinterviews. ScottRascosaysthe event helpedopen the door to a possiblecareerin resort mai1agement tl1athe's plaiuungto pursue when he graduatesin December. "I startedtalkingto Mai·riottrepresentativesduring Hospitality Daysmy freshmanyearai1dthat la11dedme ai1internsluptl1at gaveme the chai1eeto see
Oklahoma State Uui11erYity 15
Student Opporh1nities for Research A Cool Experience Devisinga wayto cool emergency workersin their airtightprotective suitshas engagedCollegeof Human EnvironmentalSciencesresearchers for the lasttwo years.Now in its third and finalstage,the project nearscompletion,due in part to MarcyMontgomery,an undergraduate whosework on the projecthas alreadybeen a "cool" experience. Heath She/ran
Montgomery,now a design,housing and merchandisingsenior,began workingon the projectlastyear,during the secondyearof the three-year, $3 millionresearchprojectfundedby the Oklal1omaCityNationalMemorialInstitutefor the Preventionof Terrorism.She saysshe feelsblessed to be a part of it. "Thisprojecthas givenme confidenceworkingwith professionals," she says. The project's principalinvestigators, Donna Branson,design,housing and merchandisingprofessor and department head, and Cheryl Farr, design,housing and merchandisingassociateprofessor,set out to developa lightweightcoolingsystem that would extend the time emergencyworkerscan spend in their protectiveclothing. During the first two years, researchersselectedmaterialsand developeda coolingvest prototype. This year the team is directingits efforts toward improvingthe fit so people of varyingsizescan wear the coolingsystem. Helping developthe coolingvest prototype challengedMontgomery to applyknowledgeshe learned in class,saysHuantian Cao, design, housing and merchandisingassistant professorwho workscloselywith Montgomery."Marcyhad to learn new proceduresand new equipment. She's done an excellentjob meeting the challenges,"he says.
Marcy Montgomery, design, housing andmerchandising senior, uses anabraser tatestfabric resistance tawear under the guidance ofDHM associate professor andmentor Cheryl Farr. Farr taught Montgomery howtousetheabraser, which grinds fabric toseehow longit takes forthefirstyarn tobreak.
16 College of Humti,i EnviromnmtRl Sciences2004
"The coolingvest prototype includestubing embedded between two layersof fabric," Cao says. "Among other properties,the inner layerrequireshigh thermal conductivityso body heat can be transferred to cold water running in tubing. And the outer layermust be highlyresistantto breaking."
Montgomerytestedabrasionresistanceand pillingfor 20 fabricsW1der considerationfor the prototype,Cao says,explainingthat pillingis the formationof fiberballson syntheticfabtic. In the processshe learnedhow to operatea rotaryabrader,a skillfew undergraduatesdevelop. She also tested the bonding strength of lan1inatedtextilesin accordancewith the ASTM (American Standardof Testingand Measurement) standards.Although Montgomery had learned how to use the TensileTesterin class,the bonding strength test she conducted wasnew to her, Cao says. Sewingthe coolingvestprototype presentedone of Montgomery'sbiggest challenges."The bonded fabrics are stifferthan fabricsMarcyhad workedwith previously,and she had to be carefulnot to puncturethe tubing," he says."Constructionwas difficult,but she learnedhow to solvethe problemsand currently workswith design,housingand merchandisinggraduatestudentsin cooling vest construction." The coolingvest prototype, which Montgomeryhelped construct, is now being tested on human subjectsin the department's environmentalchamber. "My work on this project will show future employersthat I have analyticalskillsas well as design skills,"she says."I have seen incredible leadershipand innovative researchpracticesworkingon tllis project. I feel more confidentin my ideas,and I know that my input and abilitiesare valuable. "The experiencehas opened so many doors for me that I'm looking into graduateschool as well as workingin the industry,"she says. EILEEN MUSTAIN
Seekingthe FragileX Fingerprint VanessaJolmsonThomastakesfrag- difficulties,depression,obsessiveileX syndromepersonally.Knowing compulsivebehaviorand hypersenfirsthandthe challengesin raisinga sitivity,are very similarto autism fragileX child,the doctoralstudent and other developmentaldisorders. in humandevelopmentand family "However,w1li.keother disorsciencehopesher researchwilllead ders, the brain cellsof fragileX chilto a more effectivetreatment of dren aren't damaged,"Thomassays, fragileX, associatedautismdisor"so it's scientifically plausiblemediders and Down syndrome. cationswillhelp the brain cellstalk to each other." She saysearlyidentificationis criticalfor effectivetreatment. "Most fragileX children aren't identifiedLmtilthe age of 3, but researchshowsthat earlyintervention is key to high fimctioningfragile X children," she says."Starting speech, physicaland occupational therapyat 12 or 18 months of age can mean the differencebetween a gainfullyemployedadult and one who requirescare throughout life." Thomas, a registerednurse, set out to improvethe detection of fragileX syndrome for her doctoral work. She is developinga tool, a screeninginventorynamed BIPSSIFX (short for biopsychosocial 0SU doctoral student Vanessa Thomas, left,pidured withher screeninginventory),tl1atcan be advisor Patricio Self, professor inhuman development and used to differentiatechildrenwith family science, presented herfragile Xresearch totheGenetic fragileX syndrome from tl1osewitl1 Institute Program forNursing Faculty inCincinnati inJune 2003. Thomas hasalso received aninvitation topresent atthe2004 otl1ersimilardisorders. International Fragile XConference inWashington, D.C., inJune.
FragileX syndromeis the leading causeof hereditarymental retardation and resultsfrom a duplicationmutation in the X chromosome.The mutation.causesan overproductionof chromosomal mateiialthat shuts down production of the protein necessaryfor braincellconmrnnication. The symptomsof fragileX syndrome, such as Lmderdeveloped motor skills,speechand language
In her pilot srndy,fimdedby a NationalFragileX Fmmdationfellowship,ThomascollectedDNA samplesfrom 30 childrenages 12 monthsto 18 yearswho had not been testedbut were fan1ilymembers of a fragileX individual.Using the DNA resultsto test the validityof the BIPSSI-FX,Thomasfmmdthat her screeningtool provedto havetest and re-testreliabilityand validitywhen comparedto existingtools. Thomas' tool differsfrom others witl1the additionof a biological
parent subscale."Sincethe biological mothersof fragileX childrenare 'pre-mutation' or caniersof the fragile X gene, the biologicalsubscaleof the BIPSSImaybe the discerning factorin identifyingthe fragileX childrenat an earlyage," she says. She creditsher successwith tl1e preliminarysrndy to tl1echild development expertiseof her OSU advisor, PatriciaSelf,professorin human development and familysci" ... early intervention is ence, and collaborationswitl1 key to high functioning Stephanie fragile X children. Sherman,proStarting speech, physifessorand direccal and occupational tor of tl1e geneticsand therapy at 12 or 18 molecularbiolmonths of age con ogy graduate mean the difference program at between a gainfully Emory University,and Nancy employed adult and Carpenter of the one who requires core H.A. Chapman throughout life." Institute of MedicalGenetics in Tulsa. Thomasreceivedtl1eRobbersqn FellowshiptlrroughOSU to continue the studyfor her doctoraldissertation, for whichshe has conductedInternet researchtl1atliterallyspansthe globe. Her goal is to gatl1erinformationto refinetl1escreeningtool for parents to use onlineto checktheir children's development. "Doctors and otl1erhealtl1professionalsdon't alwaysidentifytl1e fragileX syndromeearlyenough in a child's lifefor treatment to be effective," she says."EvenntallyI hope tl1esurveywillbe reliableenough to alert parentstl1attl1eirchild needsto be tested for fragileX." EILEEN MUSTAIN
k/ahoma Statt Unil•rrsity
17
Student Opportunities for Research
Researchers Examine Views on Health, Diabetes A stack of interview transcripts with Native Americanwomen stands two to three feet tall in Kathryn Keim's office and contains equallysubstantial data, she says. Of particularimportance to Keim,associateprofessorof nutritionalsciences,and nutritional sciencesdoctoral student Chris Taylorare the cultural definitionsof health and diabetes revealedin the interviews. Those perceptions,detailed in a study by Taylorand Kein1, can be put to good use in diabetes preventionand treatment programs for the state's Native Americanpopulation.
Scienceand Technology,is one of the firstto look at the cultural beliefsof NativeAmericanswho do not liveon reservations. "Culture is such an in1porta.ntfactor," Keimsays."For an interventionprogran1to be successfulwe have to know what the target population believesand how to work with them to change perceptions that endanger health, such as those that lead to obesityand inactivity,factorsthat increase the risk for Type 2 diabetes."
Type2, or adult-onsetdiabetes,is generallydevelopedin adulthoodand can often be preventedby a healthydiet and exercise.It is becominga common diseasethroughoutAmericansociety,but for reasons researchersdon't yet w1derstand, NativeAmericansa.re2.43 times more likelyto havediabetesthan the generalpopulation. Taylorand Keim'sstudy of the interviewdata identifiesspecificculu1ralperceptionsthat hinder preventionand treatment of diabetes.
Heath Shelton
A researchteam comprised of Keim,Taylor,Stephany Parker,assistantstate nutrition education specialistfor OSU's cooperativeextensionservice, and Jean Van Delinder,associate professorof sociology, gathered informationin a number of areas,including genera.Ihealth, diet quality,diabetes, traditionalNative Americandiet and body image. The team hired fiveNative Ame1icanwomen and trained them to conduct a seties of three in-home interviewswith 79 women froni"threenortheastern Oklal1omatribal clinics. They used a surveypatterned on one developedby Parker for her doctoral study of obesityin low-incomewomen. The OSU tean1'sstudy, funded by the OklahomaCenter for the Advancementof
18 Collegeof Human Euviron.->m:utal Sciences2004
Kathryn Keim, associate professor ofnutritional sciences, praises thework of graduate students such as Chris Taylor, whocreated the assessment tooltohelpdesign diabetes prevention programs.
I
"For instance, the women interviewed consider their health to be a personal issue that should not bmden otl1ers," Keim says. "If their diet requires modification, tl1ey fu1dit unacceptableto put their needs above the desires of tlieir families." Theyalsodiscoveredtl1atthe NativeAmericanwomen considertl1emselves healthyif tl1ey are ableto performdailytasks and havenot been clinically diagnosedwitl1a chronicdisease."Thisperceptioncreates strong issuesof denialand avoidanceof diagnosis,"she says. Most of the interviewees are aware that NativeAmeticans·are at higher risk for diabetes and believeit is inevitable.In fact, a fatalistic attitude toward getting diabetes is prevalentamong tl1ose interviewed,Keirnsays. Keimsaysthis information about perceptionscan inform such programsas Oklal1oma's REACH 2010, a NativeAmerican initiativeto reduce the burden of cardiovasculardisease and diabetes,or the work of the Associationof Ame1ica.n Indian Physiciansas wellas the ttibal nuttitionistswho work with diabetes preventionand treatment programs. Taylorand Keim'sfindings willsoon be publishedin a Centers for DiseaseControljournal, PreventingChronicDisease. EILEEN MUSTAIN
Loweringthe Hur Lackof conflictresolution,one of the biggest hurdlesto ensminga healthyrelationship,also rankshighestamong the reasons Oklahomacouplesdon't seekhelp when their relationshipssour. For that reason, the Oklal1omaMarriageInitiative(OMI) should focuson helpingconvincecouples to seekmaritaleducation,accordingto OSU researchers.
saysthe OMI offersfar-reachingopportunities to help couplesbut too many people who could benefit from this servicedon't participate. In additionto quantifyingsome longheld beliefsabout the ,vi!lingnessof men and women to seekcoupleseducationand therapy,Roberts and Fournier outlined recommendationstl1atOMIadministrators
Shane Brown
persuade more partners to participatein a program." Although 90 percent of respondents indicatedtl1eywould likelyseekhelp for maritalproblems,most said they prefer couplesservicesoffered by a church or private practitionerthan by a public sponsor. "We suggest increasingpartnerships between tl1efaith-basedcommunityand the public community,"Fournier says. "We should striveto make clergyrealize they can send people to a public program and still complementwhat the couple learns through spiritualteachings." The researchersalsodeterrninedthat effortsare neededto reduceme stigmaassociatedwitl1relationshipdifficultiesand to help couplesrealizetl1eirstrugglesare normal."For manypeople,shameis associated with seekinghelp,and for otl1ers,tl1ereis tl1e stigmaof'what willmy mendstllink?'and 'what my familywillthink?"'Fourniersays.
Viewing students intheconsultation room, David Fournier, professor offamily science andmarriage andfamily therapy, andalumna Kelly Roberts, authors ofareport outlining recommendations fortheOklahoma Marriage Initiative, demonstrate thenewmonitoring system intheCollege's Center forFamily Services.
DavidFournier,human development and familyscienceprofessor,and alumna KellyRobertsconductedtl1e"Surveyof Adult OkJal1omans on Barriersto RelationshipHelp-Seeking:An Examinationof Why CouplesChoose to Attend or Not Attend ManiageEducationor Couple Services"lastyear. Tl1eirresearchwasfimded by the Oklahoma Departmentof Human Servicesin conjunctionwitl1me OMI, a state-sponsored endeavorthat seeksto help couples strengt11en their relationships.Fournier
"We also didn't get the sense that couplesrealizethe differencebetween educationalservicesto strengthen a relationship and tl1erapyto saveit," he says. "We recommendclaiifyingthe bow1dary between education ai1dtherapy to help couplesdecide what serviceis appropriate for their situation." willuse to help couplesovercomeparticipation constraints. Roberts and Fournier's report expands a study Roberts completed for her master's degree specializingin marriage and familytherapy. They found tl1atcoupleswho havedifficultyidentifyingand solvingproblemsare much lesslikelyto agree to seektl1erapyor preventativeeducation,even those tliat reported moderate to high levelsof tl1reat or violencein their relationships. "When a couplehas a communication problem, even the conversationsthey have about whetheror not to go for help are a majorconstraint,"Fourniersays.''We think givingtl1eminformationmey can use during the negotiation phase willhelp
Otl1erStateslooking to duplicatetl1e OMI havetal,en an interest in the report, and the OMI has begun to refer to it when mai-ketingits services.Roberts is helping to advancethe effort in her role as director of the OMI servicedeliverysystem for Public StrategiesInc., a public relationsand public affairsfirm managing socialservicecontracts for the OMI. "It's normal for a manied couple to have ups and downs," Roberts says."We just have to try to help them understai1d the challengesai1dbe more receptiveto the resourcesthat are available.Half of the people who get marriedget divorced,ai1d 99 percent of them were also sure it was going to last forever." ADAM HUFFER
01.lahomaStat&Uni11ersiry 19
FacultyResearch Beyond the Mood Ring
A Matterof Minerals
Combining two of OSU's strongest researchemphases,facultymembers from design,housing and merchandising and physicshavesuccessfolly applied for fimclingto developa revolutionary innovationin protectiveclothing.
The exacteffectsof minerals higher zinc had loweranxiety on children'sdeveloping whereasboyswithlowerzinc cognitionand behaviorare had higher anxiety." not well w1derstood,but The researchersalsofound three researchersin the Coltl1attracelevelsof leadwere lege ofHwnan Envi.ro1m1en- sigilificantly relatedto teachtal Scienceshave folllldsome ers' ratingsof girls'sociabilit important c01mections. and to their overallclassroom
Do1maBransonand Huantian Cao in DHM and JamesHarmon in physics are exploringa concept uniting textiles and chemicaland biologicalsensing technologiesto make garments that literallyact as sensors. "Makingsensormaterialsof garments is somethingDr. Bransonand I had been tall<ingabout for years,and she and Dr. • Cao fow1dthis avenuethrough NSF that willallowus to pursueit," Harmon says. "She has the expertisein textiles,and I haveexpertisein dyesand sensingmaterials,and we believeDr. Cao,who specializesin textilechemistryand sciences,will be the mediumby whichwe bringit all together." Sensorsdevelopedby Harmon detect toxins by noting the color changesproduced when a chemical reaction occurs between toxins and the
sensor's chemicalagents. The research team hopes to make the sensingtechnology alreadyin use in hand-held devicespart of the textilesused to produce protectivegarments. "Our ideais to make the sensora part of the actualmaterialthat comptisesfirstresponders'clothesto free them to work," Cao says."It's a very novelconceptfor smart textilesbecause no one has evertried this approachof usingspectralpropertiesto detect dyes. "In additionto dying textilefabric, we'll alsoembed fiberoptics and a button-sizedlight somce and light detector in the textiles,becausethe changein sensingcolorantsas they come into contact with toxicmate1ialsis typically imperceptible to the hwnan eye,"he says.
James Harmon, Huantian Cao andDonna Branson hove received funding fromtheApproaches toCombat Terrorism (ACT) program, administered jointly bytheNational Science Foundation andtheU.S. Intelligence Community, fora yearlong study tocombine textiles andchemical andbiological sensing technologies tomake garments thatactassensors. ~ §
<>s
competence."The higherthe levelof leadin girls,the lower tl1eirteachersratediliemon classroomcompetence," Hubbs-Taitsays.
During the study,tl1e tl1reefacultyand undergraduate assistants,Da,~d Belanger,Jill Parkerand JessicaSmitl1,examinedtl1e separateand combinedrelations of zinc, iron and lead "We foreseethis being a part of outer "Our research shows that on ilie cognitiveand social clothingbut alsoworn by someone zinc and iron both were sigcompetence of 42 children insidea protectivegarmentso the person nificantly related to cl1ildren's attending Head Start in can knowif the integrityof the outer suit verbal scores," Kennedy says. iliree communitiesin rural upholds,"Bransonsays,noting that mili"In addition, boys witl1 northcentral Oklal1oma. tary personnel,chemicalplant employees and agiiculturalworkersalsohaveapplicationsfor smart textiles. ADAM HUFFER
Js
AssistantProfessorsTay SeacordKe1medyand Elizabeth Droke, both of mmitional sciences,and ProfessorLaura Hubbs-Tait of hw11a11 developmentand fan1ilysciencehave been studyingthe relation of zinc, iron and lead to the behavior and cognitiveskillsof preschoolchildrenin Head Start.
•
..
Simple Solutions to Big Prohle Nunitional sciencesresearchers in the Collegeof Human EnvironmentalSciencesare hoping tl1eycan help in1provethe qualityof lifefor millionsof peopleby learning more about tl1eeffect certaindietarysupplements haveon healtl1issuessuch as osteoarthritis,osteoporosis, cholesterolproblemsand hormone deficiency.
BrendaJ. Smitl1,EdralinA. Lucasand AndreaB. Arquitt colleaguesin tl1enutritional sciencesdeparnnent,are workingcollaboratively on ilieseprojects.
One of tl1eirrecentstudies wasilie firstin tl1eworld to pro~de e~dence of the possiblebeneficialeffectsof soy protein on osteoarthritis symptoms.Their findings Bal1ramH. Arjmandiis willbe publishedtllisAugust nationallyand internationally in ilie Phytomedicine Journal known in the area of fimcStudyparticipants with tionalfoods and nutraosteoartlmtiswererandomly ceuticalsas they relateto assignedto consume40 gram hwnan healtl1.He and of eitl1ersupplemental soy
HeadStart,the Oklahoma AgiicultmalExperimentStation,the John and SueTaylor Professorship and the stateof Oklahomaprovidedfonding forthe researd1.
Preliminaiy research by Elizabeth Droke, left,Tay Seacord Kennedy, right, assistant professors of nutriffonol sciences, and Loura Hubbs-Tait, center, professor ofhuman development andfami~ science, suggests ironand zinc may protect against the effects oftrace levels oflead.
liter of blood identifiedby the Center for DiseaseConu·olas in need of u·eau11ent.
"Om most provocative findingis tliat tl1echildren lowestin zincand iron had "To om knowledge, thisis significantly higherlead levels the firststudyresearching the and lowerverbalscorestlian eftectsof alltlu·ce- lead,iron childrenwitli!ughzinc and andzinc- and tl1eadditive iron levels.This suggestsiron impacttl1eyhaveon duldren's and zincmayprotectagainst cogi,itionand classroom the effectsof u·acelevelsof beha,~or," Hubbs-Taitsays. lead,but tlus is a preliminary study witl1a verysmall "The childrenwe studied group," Hubbs-Taitsays. werenot as deficientin iron "We need to do more extenand zinc as childrenin some otl1crstudies,"Drokeadds, siveresearchstatewide." "but we stillsawevidence Droke saysthey are contl1atlowerzinc and iron can cernedwitl1c11ildren who negativelyaffectcognition." haveloweriron and zinc levelsand are exposedto lead. Allthree researchers "Zinc and leadwillcompete emphasizetliat all children to be tl1ebindingagents in tl1eirstudyhad leadconwith DNA, so i.ftl1ebody is centrationsbelowtl1e10 deficient in zinc, lead can microgramsof leadper deci-
take its placeas a substitute," she says."And even low levelsof lead are deu·imental to one's healtli." Sin1ilarly, when a person has an iron deficiencyand also has lead in tlie intestines, tlie lead can take tl1e placeof tlie iron during the absorption process. Kennedysaysleadis a majorhealtl1concernin Oklahoma becauseoftl1eprevalenceof petrochenucal indusuiesand oilwellsaswell as old housingand barnstl1at weremiginallypaintedwitl, lead-basedpaint.Cluldrenare especially susceptiblebecause tlieymaytransfercontanunatedsoilto tl1ei.r mouthsand
proteinor milk-based protein not on hormone replaceprotection and a majorityof dailyfortlu·eemontl1S. The ment tl1era.py. posm1enopausalwomen findings of tllisstudyindicated In addition, these investi- may not choose cholesterolloweringdrugs, they may matsubjectsCOl1SLU1U11g soy gators demonstratedthat benefit from dietary and proteinexpe1ienced improved soy isoflavonesnot only lifestylemodifications." rangeof motion,reducedpain reduce cholesterollevelsbut andbetterqualityof lifecom- also prevent the formation Another healtl, benefitof paredto tl1osewl10consumed of atheroscleroticplaques, soy could be its effecton tl1emilkprotein. immunefi.mction.Alterations those tl1atbuild up in the The researchersalsohave arteries,in animalmodelsof in immunefimctionare assolookedat soy'spossibleben- ovari,rnhormone deficiency. ciatedwitli agingin botl1men and women,and the findings efitsin a varietyof other "Ovarianhormone defihealtl1-relatedareas. of tlus group of researchers ciencyplaceswomen at indicate tliat soycan maintain One of tl1eirstudiessug- increasedriskof cardiovascuimmm1e functionin postgeststl1atsoy protein may la.rdisease,"Arjmandisays. menopausalwomen. reducetl1eriskof osteo"Becauseestrogen replaceporosisin posunenopausal women,particularlytl1ose
ment tl1erapyis no longer recommendedfor heart
becauseleadtendsto accwnulatein bodytissueovertime. Pa.rents,teacl1ersand physicianscan't tell ifa childhas been exposedto lead unless specificblood testingis done, and milikemanyother states, Oklal1oma. does not mandate leadtestingfor cluldren. "Recentresearchsuggests leadmaybe ha.rmfi.tl at concentrationstl1a.tfallLmdertl1e government'swarninglevels," Ke1medyadds. Ke1medysaysthe researchsuggestsone easy wayto intervene would be to make pa.rentsawareof tlie need for zinc- and iron-rich foods in their cl1ildren'sdiet. JANET VARNUM
positiveresultsfrom otlier· supplements.For exan1ple, tlieyfmmd tl1a.tdriedplums seemto improvebone formation in posm1enopausal women;flaxseedmayin1prove cholesterolprofilesin postmenopausalwomen;and vitaEdralin A.Lucas min E could in1provebone qualityand possiblyreduce the riskof fracture.
The knowledgeCollege researchersgain from tl1ese typesof studiesmay help many peoplein the futme enjoy good healthwitl1only In otl1erstudies,A.tjmandi a fewsin1pledietarychanges. CAROLYN GONZALES and colleagueshavefmmd
Andrea B.Arquitt
Oklnhoma State UJJ.ivenity 21
CHES Ah1mni
Honoring Achievement, Service Jo Ann MillsapPegues, specialistwith the United States Department of Health and Human Services,and Janet M. Schrock,a universityhousing and interior design teacher and author of numerous publicationsrelated to her field, are the 2003 Collegeof Human EnvironmentalSciencesDistinguishedAlumni.The honor recognizesoutstandingcareerachievementsand serviceto the College.
Collegeof Human Environmental Sciences2003 Distinguished AlwnnaJo Ann Millsap Pegues of Denver,Colo., receivedher bachelor'sdegreein home economicsfrom OSU in 1962 and her master'sin publicadministration from the Universityof Colorado, Denver,in 1982. Pegues currently works as aging program specialistfor tl1e Administrationon Aging for tl1eUnited States Department of Healtl1and Human Services.Her responsibilitiesinclude monitoring nutrition programsfor me elderly,providingtechnicalassistanceto state Units on Aging and tribal organizations.She also servesas liaison to me Arizona,Montana and Norm Dakota state Units on Aging. She servesas president of me National Organization of Blacksin Dieteticsand Nutrition. She is also activein me AmericanDieteticAssociation,me Colorado DieteticAssociationand me Denver DieteticAssociation. Additionally,she has served more man 10 yearson born me Colorado PrescriptionDrug Abuse TaskForce Board and me UniversityofNoriliern Colorado Nutrition AdvisoryCouncil.
CollegeofHwnan EnvironmentalSciences2003 Distinguished AlLmmaJanet M. Schrock of Sarasota,Fla., receivedher master's degree in housingand interiordesignfrom OSU in 1973. She completedher Ph.D. in housing and interior design at the Universityof Missouriin 1978 and has taught housing and interior design since graduation. Her teaching experiencesinclude San FranciscoState University,TexasTech University,University ofMissowi, KansasState Universityand OSU. Schrockhas written countless publicationspertaining to interior design, includingarticlesin Tbe Schoolof EducationReviewand me Journal of InteriorDesignand tl1e books Workbook for EstimatingInterior DesignMaterials,Workbook for Purchaseand Useof Interior Componentsand the Collegeof Home EconomicsComputerLearning Center Lab Manual. She has served as recording secretary and executivecommittee member and on me board of directorsfor me AmericanAssociationof Housing Educators.Schrockhas also remainedactivein me Interior Design Educators Council, me AmericanHome EconomicsAssociation and me AmericanSocietyof Interior Designers. Schrockhas been honored since 1983 as a Who>s Whoin American Women.She was me recipientof tl1e"Extra-mile" awardfrom me Collegeof Home Economicsat TexasTech Universityand has been named an honorary member of Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Nu and Phi Upsilon Omicron.
Pegues has been recognizedfor her effort and dedicationto me nutrition field ilirough countlessawards,includingme American Dietetic AssociationMedallionawardin 2001, me "Rutl1C. Bowling"awardpresented by me WesternDairy Council for lead- , MICHELLE FLESSNER ershipin nutrition educationin 2000 and me Dietitian of me Year ; award by tl1eColorado DieteticAssociationin 1994. '
Poole, Plunkett, Herald Designated Rising Stars The Collegeof HumanEnvironmentalScienceshonored graduatesJillPoole, Scott W Plm1kettand Shondel Herald with its RisingStarAwardat Homecoming2003. The Collegegivesthe awardannuallyfor outstanding and significantaccomplishments in businessor professionallifewithin 10 yearsof graduation. JillPoole of BrokenArrow,Okla., receivedher bachelor'sdegreein hotel and restaurantadministrationfrom OSU in 1992.
and has alsoreceivedthe BrokenArrow School'sAboveand Beyondaward.
ScottW.Plunkett,ofNorthridge, Calif,receivedhisPh.D. in familyrelaIn July 2000, Poolebecamethe tionsai1dchilddevelopmentfromOSU in directorof the ChildNutritionProgram 1997.He receivedhisbachelor'sin both for the BrokenArrowPublicSchools. psychology ai1dspeechand dramaas well She is responsiblefor the aimualbudget- as hismaster'sin educationfromNorthing, constructionprojectsand overseeing westernOklal10ma StateUniversity. both the menusand the staffthat serves Plunkett currentlyservesas tl1efamover 12,000 lunchesa day. ilystudiesarea coordinator a11dassoci-
Poole's previousexperiencesinclude servingas the general mai1agerfor Marriott ManagementServicesat ONEOK Plaza Cafeteriain Tulsa and as the assistai1tdirector of the Child Nuu·itionProgram at Broken Arrow Public Schools.
ate professorat CaliforniaState University,Nortl1ridge.Previously, Pl1mkettservedas ,~sitingprofessor ai1dinterim director of the Parenting ResearchCenter at OSU.
He is involvedwith the National CoW1ci1 on Fan1ilyRelations,the Poolehas been involvedwith the AmericanAssociationofFai11ilyand CHESAlwmuBoardand is the chairConsumerSciencesai1dthe Societyof mai1of Oklal10maSchoolFood Service Researchon Adolescence.He also AssociationNuu-itionAdvisoryCow1eil. servesas a boai·dmember of tl1eCaliShe alsoserveson the GeneralMills fornia CoW1cilon Fan1ilyRelations. ManufacmringAdvisoryBoardon Plllilketthas receivedmrmerous SchoolFood Service. awardsfor contributionsto his profesShe hasreceivedthe NutritionAdvisoryCouncilawai·dfor two yearsin a row
sion,includingthe Don DorseyExcellencein MentoringAwardat CSU
Northridge, the New Professionalof tl1e Yearawardfrom the Oklal1omaCoW1cil on Fan1ilyRelationsand the Graduate Reseai-chExcellenceAwardfrom OSU. ShondelHerald,of Tulsa,Okla., receivedher bachelor'sdegreein fan1ily relationsand childdevelopmentfrom OSU in 1996 and her master'sin family sciencein 1998. Herald receivedher gerontologycertificate followinggraduationai1dbeganher workexperienceas a prograincoordinator for SeniorStar Living.Shewaslaternained the directorof prograi11S and then director of valueai1dmeasurement.She assistsin all areasof operationsof allSeniorStai·Living RetirementCommunitiesand worksto developprogramsthat in1provethe quality of serviceto residentsand their fanulies. Herald remainsactivewithin the College servingon the CHES AJW11ni Boai·d a11dtl1eEthics and Aging Conference PlaimingCommittee. She is activein the National CaregiversAssociationai1d AJzhein1er'sAssociationMemory Walk. She also serveson tl1eKappaDelta SororityChapter Ad,~soryBoard.
JillPoole
Scott WPlunkett
Shondel Herald
MICHELLE FLESSNER
2004 Membership Information Oklahoma State UniversityAlumni Association/ College of Human EnvironmentalSciences/ Membership Application
Join the Oklal10maState UniversityAlumniAssociationby Oct. 1, and $5 of your membershipwill go back to the collegetG fund progran1ssuch as homecomingand otlm alW1mieven~<;_mbership questions?Ca!J(800) 433-4678. CHECKONE:
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Pleasereturn to:Collegeof HumanEnvironmental Sciences/128 HES/ Stillwater, Oklahoma74078-6116
CHES Alumni Smith, PlucknettsNamed Honorary Alumni AmeliaSmith and Knoland and Carolyn Plucknett are the 2003 College of Human EnvironmentalSciencesHonorary Alumni in recognitionof their outstanding serviceto the College.
AmeliaSmith of Tulsa, Okla., is one of the earliestsupporters of the annual Ethics and Aging conferencesat OSU and is also recognizedas a co-founder of the Margaret I. KimesScholarship endowments for the College.
Amelio Smith
SmithrecentlyretiredfromAmerican Airlinesand tl1eSabreGroupafter25 years of service.Shewaspreviouslyemployedby Maratl1onOil Companyin Tulsa.
Knolond Plucknett 8
i
• Carolyn Plucknett
Throughout the years,Smitl1has been an advocatefor childrenand their education. Prior to becominginvolvedwith OSU and the College,she sponsoreda Japanesestudent at ClarkUniversityand fundedtl1eprivateschoolingof a foreign childwho had beenheld captiveand escapedwith her mother to the U.S. This rescueis clu·onicledin the book Rescue My Child,writtenby Neil C. Livingstone.
KnolandandCarolynPlucknett a.restrong advocatesfor tl1eCollege, establishingscholarships,promoting programs and givinggenerouslyof tl1eir time and support. The couple saysthey to give to OSU becausetl1eybelievea collegeeducation contributes to a mo.rerewardingand interesting life. Knoland,a nativeof DeWitt,Neb., receivedhis bachelor'sdegreein electrical engineeringfrom tl1eUniversityof Nebraskain 1938. He wasfirstemployed ,vith the RuralElecttification Administration beforeservingin the Navyfor tlu·ee yearsas a radarinstructionofficerduring WorldWarII. He laterworkedfor the U.S. Depart111ent oflnte1ior.
He retired from the Southwestern Power Administrationin 1976 and retired again after four yearswit11the Committee on Power for the Southwest. He remainsactiveas a member of t11eInstitute of Electricaland Electt·onicsEngineersand the National Societyof ProfessionalEngineersas wellas state and local societies. Carolyn,raisednear Helvey,Neb., receivedher bachelor'sdegreein home economicsfrom the Universityof Nebraskain 1939. She has been a
memberof tl1eAme1icanAssociationof Familyand ConstU11er Sciencesfor 56 yearsand is alsoa memberof tl1eOklahoma chapter. She has remainedactivein the Green COLmtyHome Economistswhere she has been instt·umentalin continuing t11e organization'sfunding for t11eCollege. She is in charge of kitchen and food preparationat St. Jolm's Episcopal Chmch and served for 17 yearsas a hospice volw1teerwit11Tulsa's St. Jolm Medical Center. MICHELLE FLESSNER
Classof '53 InitiatesReunion Scholarship A fewyearsago, tl1euniversitystarted A letter of solicitationwas sent out to a specialprogram recognizingSO-year allactiveclassof '53 almrnlitmder tl1e graduatesduring its annual homecom- signature of classmateEst11erMoorhead, ing festivitieseach fall.Wit11each pass- and so far tl1eremlion scholarshiphas ing year, more alwrnlifind their way raised$2,500. The one-time awardwas back to campus, rediscoveringlongat111ow1eed at tl1e2004 Celebrationof ago friendsllipsand seeing tl1emany Excellence. changesacrosscampus. "We at·etl1.rilled witl1tl1isfirst The College of Human Environremlion scholarsllip,"saysPatticia mental Sciencesalumni have been no Knaub, dean of CHES. "It's wonderfol different. The former students come to think tl1atOSU and tllis College back with stories to share of how dif- meat1so much to tl1esegraduatesthat ferent their own campus experiences after allt11eseyearstl1eywant to give were and, then again, how much something back to tl1estudents of today. being a student hasn't changed since The classof'53 is truly special." t11eyleft. Those interested in donating to tl1e Each year,tl1egroup sharesfond memoriesof time spent at OSU, but the classof'53 is taking it one step farther by givingof their treasure.
Classof 1953 Scholarshipor establishing one in honor of their own classyear should contact t11eCollege's Development Officeat (405) 744-9734.
"This was the first rewlionscholarship attempted by tl1eCollege,"says JulieBarnard,managerof externalrelations for t11ecollege."It wasproposed to severalleadersof the class,and tl1ey agreedtl1atit was a wonderfo1idea._"
KELLI SHAFER
Lost year members oftheclass of'53celebrated their 50thanniversary asgraduates oftheCollege ofHuman Environmental Sciences. They shored memories, renewed friendships andbegan something entirely new. The class of '53started thefirstreunion scholarship inCHES.
Hall ofFame Jaines Don Carreker graduated as the Marketing Student of the Yearin 1970 with a minor in mathematics. He remained at OSU and earned his MBA specializingin financeand graduated Beta Gamma Sigma in May 1972. He began his career as a management trainee ofDallasbased Sanger-Harris Department Stores. He became vice president of operations and then sen.iorvice president of operations and finance. He was later promoted to president of Burdines Department Stores. In 1988, he became the managing general partner and president of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, and in the mid'90s, he became the third president and CEO of the Trammell Crow Company. He currently serves as chairman and CEO of tl1eBombay Company. Carrekerserveson tl1eCHES AssociatesExecutiveCommittee and tl1eboard of advisorsfor tl1e School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration.He and his wife Barbaraare PreferredGuests of the Atl1ertonHotel at OSU where the <::arrekerLounge welcomesguests. In October Carrekerwillbe named an Honorary Alumnusof CHES. He has two sons, Court and Chris, by his late wifeJane. He livesin Dallas,Texas,and is married to BarbaraCummins.
Induction
into the Alumni
Hall of Fame is the highest honor the OSU Alumni Association bestows. It is given as recogni"fion of outstanding professional
and personal
achievement bringing honor and distinction to OSU.
Nancy Payne Ellis of Oklahoma City attended OSU in the latel950s, studying in tl1e College of Human Environmental Sciences. She went on to serve as president for multiplecompanies includingPremium Pipe & Equipment Corporation, KNABCOCorporation and Coyote Oil & Gas. In 1999, she becamechairmanof the board for Heritage Trust Company,a privatelyowned, independent trust managementcompany. Ellishas been involvedin numerous civicand community organizations.She is a trustee of the PresbyterianHealth Fmmdation, past chairmanof the board of tl1eOklal1omaCity Musemn of Art, lifetimemember and trustee of the Payne Education Center, named in honor of her late husband Stephen B. Payne, past chairman of tl1eOSU Foundation board of governorsand nationaladvisory board member of tl1eFellowshipof ChristianAthletes. Her honorsincludebeing named "Philantl1ropist of tl1e Year"by tl1eWomenin Philantliropy,a 1998 memberof the CollegeofHwnan Enviro1m1ental SciencesHa.IIof Fameand a 1999 OSU Distinguished Alw1ma.In 2002, a new OSU residentiallifefacilitywasnamed in her honor.Ellisand her husband, Dr. Robert Ellis,haveeight childrenand 17 grandchildren.
©Party Pix
EstherWinterfeldtChairin Ni.1tritionand Aging
EstherWinterfeldt is concernedaboutyou! In fact, Esther is so concerned she's devoted her whole life to making you healthy. No, she hasn't found the fow1tain of youth, but for over 50 years she has worked to make our lives better through nutrition. Dr. Winterfeldt has focused on healthy aging from the physiological, sociological and psychological perspectives. She has championed a sustained quality of life in aging through an emphasis on nutrition.
The establishment of the Winterfeldt Chair in Nutrition and Health in Aging will further the work that has engaged Dr. Winterfeldt for more that 50 years. The holders of the Winterfeldt Chair in Nutrition and Aging will focus on such research areas as: Effects of diet on the biological mechanisms that control the aging process Effects of diet on the development of chronic disease Nutrient requirements of the elderly Psychological, social and environmental factors
Persons over the age of 65 constitute one of the fastest growing segments of our population. One in eight in the United States is over the age of 65 and by the year 2030 that ratio will be one in five. The aging population provides a challenge for health professionals and calls for increased research in geriatric care, including nutrition. A greater understanding of how diet influences an individual's genetic potential, overall performance and susceptibility to disease can have enor~11ousimplications in our society. The Department of Nutrional Sciences at Oklahoma State University has grown and flourished because of the commitment of former department head and professor, Esther Winterfeldt. Your support of the Esther Winterfeldt Chair u1 Nutrition and Aging will guarantee her legacy for us and future generations.
that influence food intake in the elderly Interaction of diet, the aging process and chronic disease
Ourfuture dependson it. Formore information, collMarkWebster at(405)744-9736 orvisitourwebsite athttp://ches.okstate.edu
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