UW-Superior Natural Sciences Department's News and Events

Regent's campus visit includes LSRI labs

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:39:41 +0000

University of Wisconsin System Regent Mark Tyler spent part of Tuesday, Dec. 13, learning more about the work of the Lake Superior Research Institute during his tour of the UW-Superior campus.

Tyler, from Woodville, Wis., visited campus to familiarize himself with UW-Superior. He spent about an hour meeting with LSRI Director Mary Balcer to learn about the wide range of environmental research and education its scientists perform around the Great Lakes. He also toured several LSRI labs in Barstow Hall and the ballast water treatment test facility on the city's waterfront.

Professors featured in research newsletter

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:18:39 +0000

Dr. Jim Lane and Dr. Michael Waxman of the chemistry program are featured in the Fall 2011 edition of the WiSys Technology Foundation newsletter.

Open the pdf and scroll to page 6.

Leading journal to publish chemistry professors' work on bio-fuels

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:41:55 +0000

A paper about bio-fuel research written by University of Wisconsin-Superior chemistry professors Dr. Jim Lane and Dr. Michael Waxman has been accepted for publication in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society.

The paper, titled "Synthesis and Characterization of New Biodiesels Derived From Oils of Plants Growing in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota," will appear in the peer-reviewed journal, which is one of the most prestigious journals in the area of oil chemistry and biodiesel fuel.

The paper describes the first results of a three-year effort by Lane and Waxman to identify plants from northern Wisconsin and Minnesota that are capable of producing biodiesel fuel with good low-temperature properties. Some of the biodiesels the scientists produced do not freeze down to the temperatures of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

In addition to Waxman and Lane, five undergraduate chemistry majors share credit as co-authors of the paper. They are:

Kurt Hukriede, who graduated in 2011;
Adam Jersett, currently enrolled;
Damodar Koirala, graduated in 2010, now attending graduate school at Purdue University;
Dan Levings, graduated in 2008 and attending graduate school at the University of Minnesota;
Aaron Stewart, graduated in 2010 and now attending graduate school at Oregon State University.

The bio-fuel research project at UW-Superior is aimed at developing manufacturing technologies that can produce bio-JP8 fuel from domestic resources. Scientists from a private sector company and UW-Superior's Department of Natural Sciences and the Lake Superior Research Institute are analyzing plants from northern Wisconsin and northern Minnesota to determine whether the properties that enable plants to survive the region's winter temperatures make them suitable for creating bio-fuels that perform well at low temperature.

Students gain science skills, help community on the shores of Lake Superior

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:10 +0000

See photos of Glenn and Dan at work on Wisconsin Point.

As light rain begins to fall, Glenn Belde and Dan Fraser step out of their car and begin pulling on rain jackets and fastening nylon gaiters around their legs. They'll need both during the next eight hours as they carefully pick their way through the dripping dune grass, shrubs and trees of Wisconsin Point at the edge of Superior.

Belde and Fraser, both biology majors at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, are conducting a survey of invasive plants on Wisconsin Point. They're gaining practical experience in science while accumulating information that city and state planners can use when they create a management plan for the 200-acre stretch of beach, dunes and forest that separates Superior Bay from Lake Superior.

"It's supposed to be 85 degrees and sunny this afternoon," Belde says hopefully as he gathers his equipment. A few minutes later the drizzle increases to a steady rain.

Finding the invaders

Both men keep working. At each designated survey spot, they randomly toss a hollow plastic square called a quadrate onto the ground and then carefully analyze the plants within the one-meter square. They identify, count and record all invasive plants - those species not native to the dry, sandy environment of a Lake Superior dune.

"We're learning taxonomy (scientific identification) skills, and being in the field is great experience," Belde says. "We're learning about invasive species, which is good because there is a lot of interest in invasives now."

"UW-Superior is a great school for doing this kind of research and for working closely with professors," he adds. "There are definitely opportunities available."

See how Fox 21 News reported the story

Research and community service

Belde, a senior from Monticello, Minn., and Fraser, a senior from Duluth, are working as "stewardship liaisons" under the guidance of Dr. Nick Danz, assistant professor of biology at UW-Superior, as part of the university's Academic Service-Learning program. Their work is funded through the Great Lakes Innovative Stewardship Through Education Network - or GLISTEN - a program funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which supports students in service-learning projects throughout the country.

The National Center for Science and Civic Engagement of the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is sponsoring 10 GLISTEN projects around the Great Lakes. The Western Lake Superior GLISTEN project is led by the University of Minnesota Duluth Natural Resources Research Institute, and includes UW-Superior, Lake Superior College in Duluth, and Northland College in Ashland, Wis.

Academic and community environmental groups around the Great Lakes are receiving GLISTEN funds to train undergraduate students as stewardship liaisons, who will receive leadership, service-learning and community engagement training, as well as practical, on-the-job training from community organizations.

Helping the Great Lakes

At UW-Superior, the GLISTEN funding is helping students develop skills in science and public service, specifically in a project aimed at Great Lakes stewardship.

"I want them to learn something about plant distribution and about the problem of invasive plants," Danz says. "I want them to learn how as scientists we can help Great Lakes stewardship and assist in management."

Gaining research experience

For Belde and Fraser, the GLISTEN grant provides an opportunity to gain experience in botany research and use it to fulfill their requirement for a senior year experience project and presentation. They also are giving back to the community by completing a survey that may benefit efforts to maintain and improve the valued lands of Wisconsin Point.

Belde and Fraser began their work last spring in the lab, where they created a computerized map and designated 450 points at which to sample plant life. The task required both students to use skills they acquired from their minor in geographic information systems, an advanced computer-based technology and methodology for collecting, managing, analyzing and modeling diverse types of data.

The pair began their field work in July. From the edge of the old city landfill to the Superior Entry ship canal, they use a Global Positioning System device to locate and survey each sample point.

Native plants could offer solution

"We're identifying native and invasive plants," Fraser says as he examines a survey point. "We're also noting which native plants grow well in certain areas." That information, he adds, could be helpful for future efforts to replace invasive plants with native species.

Belde and Fraser both are focusing their studies on plant sciences. They call on their botany skills to identify about 40 invasive species, including spotted knapweed, tansy, buckthorn and honeysuckle.

So far, they've observed that the "fore dune" -- the sandy mounds near the beach that are covered with loose grasses - are largely free of invasive species. But they are finding many invasive plants in "disturbed" areas where human activity has provided a foothold, such as along the road and next to parking areas.

Long days in the field

The students, who both work full time at other jobs, generally spend three eight-hour days a week on field work. Danz trained them and acts as their adviser, but Belde and Fraser plan and conduct their own work.

"Nick wants us to solve the problems," Fraser says.

After graduating, Belde and Fraser both hope to find jobs in some sort of "ecology-based work." For both, "This kind of on-the-job training is priceless," Fraser says.

City of Superior to receive data

When they've finished collecting data this fall, they will use their GIS skills to add the information to their computerized map so users can determine the types and numbers of plants found a each survey point. They plan to pass their survey along to city officials in hopes it can be used to improve Wisconsin Point in the future.

"We'll give them information on invasive species in the area," Belde says, "and after we know what's in the area, (information) on how to treat it."

Dr. Peter Cook to teach physics at UW-Superior

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:50:12 +0000

Dr. Peter Cook
Assistant Professor Physics

Education: Doctorate degree in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics in 2011 from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Experience: Teaching and research

Interesting Fact: Expertise and skills include synchrotron-based spectroscopy and UHV chamber design and maintenance.

Q. What are you anticipating most about your job at UW-Superior?

A. "I'm looking forward to two things. 1) Working with students in the lab. 2) Strengthening the physics program here."

Q. What's your favorite topic to teach?

A. "Sound and light (both waves) are my favorite areas of physics. I'm especially interested in the physics behind music theory."

Q. What message do you have for your students?

A. "If you can't explain your physics to a barmaid it is probably not very good physics." -- Ernest Rutherford (the father of nuclear physics)

Student conducting research in Thailand

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

By Brittany Berrens
University Relations student writer

Amy Kemen, a University of Wisconsin-Superior student from Virginia, Minn., is taking her love of science halfway around the world this summer for a research opportunity at one of Thailand's top medical schools.

Kemen, who's majoring in biology and chemistry secondary education, will take part in the Microbiology in Thailand program. She will spend 10 weeks conducting research at Mahidol University in Bangkok. The trip offers her an opportunity to work on one of that university's many research projects in fields such as immunology and virology.

Kemen said the experience will enable her to explore career options by meeting other scientists and getting advice.

"Mostly building a network of potential grad schools and people all over the world so I know what people are working on and who to talk to," Kemen said. "I want to see if I'm research material."

The Microbiology in Thailand program is offered through UW-Madison. Only five students are selected to participate each summer, with three spots reserved for UW-Madison students. Kemen and one other student were selected from a nationwide pool of applicants.

The program's selective nature makes the trip a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kemen.

"I know I have to do this because I'll never get the opportunity to do this again," she said. "Because of Thailand's location in the tropics, it's research I'd never have an opportunity to do here."

Dr. Ralph Seelke, chair of UW-Superior's Natural Sciences Department and professor of microbial genetics and cell biology, is Kemen's academic advisor. He said the Microbiology in Thailand program will prepare her well for graduate school.

"Certainly any time you can do graduate research with good faculty in a good place, it's always beneficial," Seelke said. "Then there's the added component of doing microbiology in a foreign country where some of the infectious diseases are a big issue. It's a combination of biology and global awareness."

Kemen has worked closely with Seelke throughout her college career. Along with being her advisor, he has worked with her on a research project on the evolutionary potential of E. coli bacteria.

"He's … a mentor in helping me decide which direction I want to go in after graduating," Kemen said. "His support in research has helped me be more confident in what I'm looking into."

Bangkok is home to more than 9 million people. Kemen is preparing for the trip by using Skype to connect with the other students in the program. She'll also be taking a Thai language course before departing Superior in May. Kemen said she's excited to be immersed in the Thai culture and to apply the knowledge she gains in microbiology to her future career.

"I love soil," Kemen said with a laugh. "My dream, my ultimate goal, is to save the soil and fix how people use it. That's the dream."

Rep. Sean Duffy tours research facilities

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:42:02 +0000

U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy visited UW-Superior to learn more about the university's research facilities and current projects.

U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy visited the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Monday, June 6, to learn more about the university's research institutes and several current research projects.

Rep. Duffy met with Interim Chancellor Julius Erlenbach for a briefing on the university's budget and other current issues. From there, the congressman and several staff members:

Met with Dr. Richard Stewart to discuss the Transportation and Logistics Management program and the Transportation and Logistics Research Center along with the Great Lakes Martitime Research Institute.
Watched a demonstration of work done on low-temperature biodiesel fuel by Dr. James Lane and Dr. Michael Waxman, both of the Department of Natural Sciences.
Inspected two buildings on Barkers Island that are being remodeled to serve as a visitors center for the Lake Superior National Estaurine Research Reserve.
Met with Dr. Mary Balcer and other researchers at the waterfront site used to test treatment systems for removing invasive species from the ballast water of ships using the Great Lakes.

Biofuels briefing with Senator Kohl

Fri, 06 May 2011 18:28:03 +0000

UW-Superior Biofuels Project

Featured at Briefing for Senator Herb Kohl

April 27, 2011

Senator Herb Kohl met last Wednesday with Dr. Jim Lane and Dr. Michael Waxman of the Natural Science Department, Kaelene Arvidson-Hicks, Research Administrator and Vice Chancellor Jan Hanson to discuss the UW-Superior Biofuels Project and a companion research and development program at UW-Stevens Point's Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology. Senator Kohl affirmed his support for the industry-university collaboration and the opportunities it creates to apply new technologies to new products, new jobs and new economic growth for the region.

Dr. Lane, Dr. Waxman and their students have been conducting an analysis of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota plants to determine whether the properties the plants possess to survive the region's winter temperatures make them suitable for creating bio-fuels for cold climates. The focus of the research is new technology to convert plant oils to fuel using an economically viable process for production. This research was first funded in 2009 through the U.S. Department of Defense.

The success of both campuses is built upon close ties with industrial partner, American Science and Technology, which will take the technologies developed in the lab and transfer them to demonstration levels of production in Wausau.

The UW-Superior Biofuels Project is one of multiple endeavors at the UW-Superior campus that transforms science and research into technologically and economically feasible commercial opportunities and jobs.

Students pair science and law in forensic chemistry

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:28:18 +0000

By Brittany Berrens
University Relations student writer

Kimberly Beesley is using infrared technology to analyze different types of fabric so she can create a "fabric library" that scientists could use as a reference for solving crimes. The scenario may sound like something out of a television show, but it's happening at the University of Wisconsin-Superior as part of the forensic chemistry concentration.

The forensic chemistry concentration, part of the Department of Natural Sciences, enables students to combine coursework in chemistry, biology and criminal justice to learn the science and technology used in crime investigations as well as related legal issues such as investigations management.

The only program of its kind in the region, the concentration is recognized by several crime labs in the area as being a good start for students interested in crime scene investigation as a career field.

Crime scene technology

Students in the program are working with different types of technology that would be useful when working on evidence from a crime scene. They've worked on different activities such as detecting traces of drugs on money, identifying oils from hands, and using equipment that illuminates finger prints in a room.

"Any time you can do experiments with real-life applications that they can see easily, it's immediately of more interest to students," said chemistry professor Dr. James Lane.

In a physical chemistry class, students get a chance to take a look at laser processing of fingerprints. Laser processing is becoming a common way for law enforcement officials to identify finger prints.

"Technology like this is getting more and more common as the cost goes down," said chemistry professor Dr. Michael Waxman. "It used to only be in large cities, but now you're finding it in more areas."

Creating a 'fabric library'

Beesley, who's from Iron River, Wis., is putting a real-life application of science for her senior year experience project. She's created a library of 18 different fabric types. The collection will allow her to identify unknown fabrics by comparing their infrared spectrum to that of the known fabrics. She said the fabric library could be useful for those working to solve a crime.

"It could be helpful for fabric recognition," she said. "You could compare unknown fabric which could be helpful determining something found at a crime scene."

'Looking at the small stuff'

Shanna Radloff, a freshman from Wausau, Wis., said the program offers a fascinating look into the world of forensic science.

"I really like looking into the small stuff," she said. "It would be really cool to get to work on an actual crime scene eventually."

Radloff hopes that her forensic chemistry degree will help her get into medical school, where she wants to work on genetics-related research.

The forensic chemistry concentration was introduced for the Fall 2009 semester. Ten students currently are majoring in the program.

Science Night in Mortorelli Gym

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Children and adults can explore the marvels of biology, chemistry, geology and physics when University of Wisconsin-Superior students present Science Night from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 8, in Mortorelli Gym in the Marcovich Wellness Center.

The evening includes demonstrations and hands-on activities. Special guest is Snakes Alive! with live reptiles.

Science Night is presented by UW-Superior Students of Science. The event is free and open to the public.

The Marcovich Wellness Center is located at 1810 Catlin Avenue. Parking is available in university lot 13 off Catlin Avenue.

Local UW-Superior students present biology research in Washington

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Matthew Jahnke of Neenah, Wis., and Donald Lisdahl of Superior, both biology majors at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, presented their botany research project March 27-29 at the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement's Washington Symposium and Capitol Hill Poster Session.

The students' presented a poster on their project titled "Research and Restoration on Wisconsin Point Dune Plant Communities by Undergraduates at the University of Wisconsin-Superior."

Jahnke and Lisdahl last summer conducted the first plant survey in 50 years on Wisconsin Point, the long finger of beach, dunes and forest that separates Superior Bay from Lake Superior. Their work will guide other students in learning more about the point's dune environment, and possibly help future efforts to manage the area and rid it of invasive plant species.

The two students are working under the guidance of Dr. Nick Danz, assistant professor of biology at UW-Superior, as part of the university's Academic Service-Learning program. Their work is funded through the Great Lakes Innovative Stewardship Through Education Network - or GLISTEN - a program funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which supports students in service-learning projects throughout the country.

As part of the project, Jahnke and Lisdahl identified places on Wisconsin Point where invasive plants have taken root. Danz is developing lessons for his biology classes on habitat restoration and, with city approval, guided his students in beginning to remove the invaders.

St. Louis River Estuary Summit

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Over 150 research scientists and resource managers working on the lower St. Louis River will share data, collaborate on common goals, learn about cutting edge research and monitoring, and discuss how this work can benefit the overall management of the Area of Concern.

Scheduled sessions on Monday, Feb. 7, will begin at 1 p.m. in the Yellowjacket Union with presentations addressing major ecological, social and economic drivers and will conclude with a poster session and networking reception. The reception will include refreshments courtesy of the newly designated Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The program on Tues, Feb. 8, begins at 8:30 a.m. and will run through 3:30 p.m. Lunch tickets to the Yellowjacket cafeteria will be provided for those who pre-register. The agenda for the second day includes oral presentations to summarize our current understanding of issues and opportunities as well as activities to draw out new information and identify areas for collaboration. The day will close with a discussion of follow-on opportunities for coming together and staying together.

Free parking at the UW-Superior campus will be available only in Lot 2. Parking permits will not be required during the summit. For directions to the campus and parking, see: http://www.uwsuper.edu/aboutuwsuperior/maps/mapimage.cfm

Graduates use UW-Superior's chemistry major to launch successful careers

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Chemistry professor Dr. Michael Waxman calls them his "class of two," referring to the time several years ago when he had only two students in his physical chemistry class: Luke Hafdahl and Jeremy Niskala.

The three were working on a research project that centered on a page-long algebraic expression. To move ahead, they needed to prove the expression was always less than zero.

A few days later, Niskala returned to class with 100 pages of meticulously collected computer data showing the expression was always negative. Hafdahl returned with a single sheet of paper, on which he had reduced the one-page expression to a quarter page, clearly showing the expression was always negative.

"That gave me an idea as to the working style of these two students," Waxman said. "I think it reflects the strengths that will benefit them in their career fields."

Outstanding student off to outstanding careers

Today, both Niskala and Hafdahl are well on their way to successful careers, and both credit UW-Superior for helping them build the foundation of that success.

After graduating in 2006 with majors in chemistry and mathematics, Niskala was admitted to a doctorate program at the University of North Carolina. After earning his degree there, he began working as a post-doctorate fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, Calif. There he works under the direction of world-famous chemist Jean Frechet on a project to develop cheap, organic-basic photovoltaics to produce electricity using solar power.

Hafdahl, who also majored in chemistry, took the Medical College Admission Test after graduating in 2006 and scored well above the average for students at Harvard Medical School. That earned him a spot at the University of Minnesota Medical School, where he's earned honors for achievement. After he graduates in April 2011, Hafdahl will pursue a three-year internal medicine residency at a hospital in the Twin Cities or at the famed Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. After that he plans to pursue a fellowship to study cardiology, hematology and oncology, or infectious disease.

UW-Superior offered better opportunities

In choosing to attend UW-Superior, Niskala, a native of Ely, Minn., found he had better opportunities than other schools where he would have faced higher tuition or bigger classes.

"I had a number of advanced chemistry and physics courses with under 10 students," he said. "In this situation I was able to interact very closely with the instructors, allowing me and the rest of the students to pick their brains for everything they know. You can't beat such an intimate learning environment. With all that said, to me it was a 'no brainer' to go to UW-Superior. Later, I found out I had been awarded a Swenson Scholarship (available to qualifying science students for four years of tuition and books), which was an added bonus."

Professors took time to help him

Hafdahl, who's originally from Virginia, Minn., said his professors helped him choose a career path in science.

"My research experience at UW-Superior ingrained in me the skills of scientific inquiry," he said. "While I was always taught the scientific process, this experience allowed me to literally perform science, which is something you can only learn by doing."

He's grateful to the many faculty members who made an impact on his education and helped guide him. "All of these experiences I feel are a reflection of how the class sizes at UW-Superior allow professors to get to know every student and recognize their strengths," he said.

'94 grad's biology degree taking him Down Under

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 06:00:00 +0000

Department of Natural Sciences-Fall Undergraduate-Research Symposium

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 06:00:00 +0000

Natural Science students to present research Friday-December 10th. 12:00 - 1:00 PM in Barstow 103

The Undergraduate Research Symposium is an opportunity for science students to present their research results or internship experiences in a professional and non-competitive environment.

The presentations will take place in Barstow 103 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Friday-December 10th, 2010. Please come and support our students, learn a little bit about science, and experience science at its best.