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Board of Directors
Jane Lawson, President Sophann Schleifer
Nancy Spetzler Anna Maria Matteucci
Irene Douglas Eileen Haga Cathy Fitch
Barbara Berman Agnes Johnson Joan Jugloff
Carol Wagner Carolyn Evani Melanie Brewer
Penny Papadopoulos Diane Might Terry Wilhoit
Marge Mehagian Betty Van Denburgh Mary Ann Cavness
Lynne Sonntag Margie Freeze Vianne Kucera
Christine Hawes Carol Craig
Bettie Crawford Elizabeth Culley
Stevie Eller Anita Galvin Betty Hayes
Alison Johnston Sandy Kennedy
Lois LeMarr Sandra Matteucci
Peg Moseley Kathey Plenge Mimi Prentice Phyllis Stern
Maureen Tensfeldt
April 6 Board Meeting,
Home of Alison Johnston
April 24 Awards Dinner
May 4 Board and General
Membership Meeting,
Installation of Officers
May 27-30 National Annual
Meeting—San Francisco
June 1 Transitional Board
Meeting and Luncheon
Upcoming Events
Volume XII, No. 3
ARCS WORLD
Achievement Rewards for Col lege Scientists
Phoenix Chapter
Advancing Science in America
Spring 2009
Agnes Johnson
ARCS Light 2009
We gratefully acknowledge the following donors of full scholarships for 2009-2010:
Mrs. Shreve Archer
The ARCS Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Burton (2)
The Family of Nadine Carson
Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Douglas
Drs. Karl and Stevie Eller (2)
Mr. and Mrs. David Haga
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hobbs
Mr. Bill Hulings
Mrs. Louis Jugloff
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kucera
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lakin
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lawson
The Marley Foundation (3)
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Might
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen
Papadopoulos
Mrs. Spelman Prentice (2)
Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence
Shapiro
Dr. and Mrs Volker Sonntag
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Spetzler
The Steele Foundation
Mrs. John Van Denburgh
The Family of Kathryn
Johnston West
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wilhoit
Endowments:
The Crawford Endowment (2)
The Johnston Endowment
The Louis Jugloff Memorial
Endowment
The LaFollette Endowment
The Lauber Endowment (2)
The Libby Endowment
The Ralph Matteucci
Memorial Endowment
The Templin Endowment (2)
The Windrow Endowment
Our chapter is always
pleased when a member
transfers from another ARCS
chapter. And we were lucky
indeed when Agnes Johnson,
this year’s ARCS Light,
arrived! She transferred to
the Phoenix Chapter from Los
Angeles in 1996 with her
cousin Mary Martha Barkley.
Since that time, Agnes has
been Parliamentarian and
Recording Secretary and has
served on the Membership
and Fund Development
committees. She was the
Phoenix Chapter President in
2003 and this year is serving
as Corresponding Secretary.
Agnes has certainly been a
dynamic addition to the
Chapter!
Agnes was born in San
Francisco and raised in
Louisville, Kentucky, living at
the Brown Hotel with her
father and Aunty after her
mother and infant siblings
passed away during the 1929
flu epidemic. She remembers
summer trips to a dude ranch
in Montana where she “horsed
around” with the Hemingway
boys, even socking one of them.
Agnes met her future
husband Richard the summer
before she left home for UC
Berkeley. After one year away,
she missed caddying for Rick on
the golf course so much that
she moved back to Louisville to
marry him. They bought a car
wash business together, and
Agnes was left to run the
business alone while Rick went
to Welfare Island to complete
his medical internship. Soon
she sold the business and
moved to New York to be with
him, working at Lord & Taylor
whi le at tend ing G ibbs
Secretarial School. During
Rick’s military service the
couple lived in Atlanta; San
Francisco; Washington, D.C.;
and Hawaii. After the Army
they chose to live in Los
Angeles, where they raised
their four children: Carol;
Richard, Jr.; Craig; and
Holly. The Johnsons moved
to Phoenix in 1993; sadly,
Rick passed away last year.
Agnes will be recognized
with the other chapter ARCS
Lights at the National
Annual Meeting in San
Francisco. Many thanks to
this year’s Light Committee:
Anna Maria Matteucci, Peg
Moseley, Elizabeth Culley,
Carolyn Evani, Sandra
Matteucci, and Jane Lawson,
for their selection of this
year’s Light.
ROSTER
UPDATE
New e-mail for
Christine Hawes:
chawes@q.com
It’s spring!
A r r i v i n g
early in the
desert, it’s
the nicest
part of the year for most of us. Time
to enjoy the desert flowers, meals on
the patio, and a great Sunday Social
with our ARCS friends and family.
Sandra Matteucci opened her home to
us, and we had a wonderful afternoon
playing bocce and visiting. Big thanks
to Sherry Rader and Christy Burton
for taking care of the arrangements!
It’s also time to complete our yearly
cycle of supporting science education
at our three state universities. We’ve
raised scholarship funds and have
matched university scholars to our
donors. This year we will be granting
the most scholarships ever--42! Pres-
ently we’re in the process of planning
a wonderful evening to honor these
young men and women. Our Awards
Dinner will be held again at the
Phoenix Art Museum on Friday,
April 24. You will see why we are
proud of the work our scholars are
performing when you meet them at
the dinner. This event is always the
highlight of our calendar.
On May 4 we will be voting to elect
new leadership. The Phoenix Chap-
ter’s greatest asset is the women to
who make up our membership. They
volunteer their time and resources to
a great cause. This makes it possible
to put together strong slates year af-
ter year. The 2009-2010 nominees are
dedicated and talented women who
will work to further our chapter’s
mission of strengthening scientific
education. I’m very excited to be
working with these women next year.
President’s Corner by Jane Lawson
PAGE 2 ARCS WORLD VOLUME XI I , NO. 3
Nominating Slate Announced Voting on the following nominees for the 2009-2010 Board of Directors will take place at the May membership meeting:
The March meeting of the
Board of Directors took
place at Harris Trust
following the regular
meeting of the Endowment
Committee. A lovely
luncheon was served
compliments of Harris.
Members of the Endowment
Committee: Carol Wagner, Betty Van Denburgh, Betty Hayes, Jane Lawson, Joan Jugloff, and Chairman
Anna Maria Matteucci.
President Jane Lawson
President-Elect Anna Maria Matteucci
Vice President Field Trips Anne Kunkel
Vice President Field Trips Peg Moseley
Vice President Fund Development Kathey Plenge
Vice President Membership Diane Might
Vice President Public Relations Joan Jugloff*
Vice President University Relations Agnes Johnson*
Vice President University Relations Maureen Tensfeldt
Recording Secretary Barbara Berman
Corresponding Secretary Elizabeth O’Rourke
Treasurer Carol Wagner
Assistant Treasurer Christine Hawes
Endowment Fund Chairman To be appointed
Parliamentarian To be appointed
Past President Carolyn Evani*
Web Master To be appointed
Alumni Scholar Relations Director Penny Papadopoulos
Awards Dinner Director Pat Elder
Fall Benefit Director Susan Woodrow
Fall Benefit Director Effie Theodore
Historian Mary Ann Cavness
Hospitality Director Lynne Sonntag*
Hospitality Director Vianne Kucera
Printing Director Eileen Haga*
Newsletter Director Christy Burton
Directors at Large:
Carol Craig Bettie Crawford*
Elizabeth Culley* Irene Douglas*
Stevie Eller Cathy Fitch
Anita Galvin Betty Hayes*
Alison Johnston Sandy Kennedy
Lois LeMarr Sandra Matteucci*
Mimi Prentice Nancy Spetzler*
Betty Van Denburgh Terry Wilhoit
*Indicates Past President
PAGE 3 ARCS WORLD VOLUME XI I , NO. 3
Tea at Two
New ARCS logo approved by the National Board at the January meeting
News from National
The ARCS National Board returned to Phoenix for the
January Board meeting held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Sandra Matteucci, Advisory Council member of the
National Board, opened her home to welcome the visitors
to a Mexican fiesta complete with mariachi music,
outdoor seating, and buffet. The guests enjoyed the
evening immensely. Ten Phoenix members joined the
Board members for the evening and graciously provided
transportation to the Matteucci home.
A new logo was approved at the National Board meeting
held in Phoenix. Chapters may continue to use their
existing stationery with “The Thinker” until depleted.
Minnesota has been approved as a new chapter, and work
continues to develop chapters in Florida and Utah. The
2009 National Annual Meeting, “Some Like it Hot,” will
be held at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco, California,
May 27-30.
ARCS Social
The annual social for members, families,
and guests was held on February 20 at the
home of Sandra Matteucci. Thirty
attendees enjoyed a beautiful
afternoon and a lovely party
thanks to planners Sherry
Rader and Christy Burton.
Phoenix Chapter Annual Meeting—May 4
The chapter annual meeting will be held at Montelucia
Resort in Paradise Valley. The meeting will begin at
10:45; the program will begin promptly at 11:00. Our
scheduled program, “Why We Eat What We Eat—the
Good, the Bad, and the Fattening,” will be presented by
Provost Capaldi, ASU Vice President. Charming floral arrangement sent by Martha Knight to Sandra Matteucci for the tea.
The annual tea for members
and guests was held following
the February board meeting at
the home of Sandra Matteucci.
Bocce players strategize
during a close game.
Below left: Carol Wagner and Christy Burton.
Below center: Elizabeth Culley and Lois LeMarr.
Below right: Betty Van Denburgh.
Congratulations, 2009-2010 Scholars! Join us in honoring our recipients at our Awards Dinner on April 24
Arizona State University
Gregory Apker Spetzler Scholar
Gregory received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and his M.S in Bioengineering at Arizona State
University. His Ph.D. research is the study of the mechanisms and strategies employed by the brain to perceive and interact with the
world around it and will investigate the way in which our minds combine sensory signals to produce complex movements. These
insights will be integral to the development of systems designed to mimic human behavior. Such technology could be in the form of
artificial intelligence, brain-machine interfaces used to repair/replace neural systems damaged by trauma, or prosthetic devices.
Ariel Arndt Nadine Carson Memorial Scholar
Ariel received her B.S. in Biology from the University of New Mexico and her M.S. in Microbiology from Arizona State University. Her
proposed research is to identify antiviral targets and gain insight into potential vaccine design. The data from her research will aid in
educating fellow scientists to allow for a multidisciplinary approach to combating human pathogens. Antivirals and vaccines directed
toward the virus focused on in her proposal will aid in the treatment and prevention of respiratory and enteric infections.
Michael Baran Burton Scholar
Michael received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. His research is working on sensor development and
analysis of motor functions in post-stroke patients to develop a reliable and portable rehabilitation system that can be used at home.
By integrating multiple sensing technologies and forms of feedback, he hopes to create immersive systems to allow patients to practice
motions relied upon for daily life. This type of technology development not only furthers sensor fusion understanding, but it also
provides a learning tool for scientists to begin unraveling the physiological questions still unanswered about stroke.
J.D. Benton Lawson Scholar
J.D. received his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from Arizona State University. His Ph.D. research focuses on oversubscribed
automated planning, a subfield of artificial intelligence in which a machine must reason about and select courses of action to take
based upon the costs and benefits of each action when resources are scarce. He is currently working on a project that involves
applying these techniques for scenarios such as search and rescue situations.
Lydia Bilinsky Ralph Matteucci Endowment Scholar
Lydia received her B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Michigan. Her current dissertation work is on the
development of realistic, computationally intensive models of the brain. Lydia is using analytic techniques known as asymptotic and
perturbative methods along with traditional computational methods to investigate and further develop detailed realistic modes of
neural architecture. A realistic model of the neural architecture impacted by Parkinson’s Disease and other neurodegenerative
conditions would have tremendous clinical value.
Arianne Cease Marley Foundation Scholar in memory of Mr. Milton “Bud” Webb
Arianne received her B.S. in Zoology from Oregon State University. Her research lies at the interface of physiology and the
environment, specifically in invasive and pest species. She wants to apply knowledge of the biology of these organisms to developing
integrated pest management strategies to help mitigate the devastating effects these species have on human and ecological
communities. In particular, she is studying genetic and environmental factors that affect locust and grasshopper outbreaks that have
devastating impacts today, particularly in developing parts of the world.
Sáylisse Davila Louis Jugloff Endowment Scholar
Sáylisse received her undergraduate and Masters degrees in Industrial Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico and Arizona
State University respectively. Her doctoral research focuses on the application of data mining techniques to the early detection and
prevention of disease outbreaks. Her research will draw on successful techniques in the manufacturing sector and apply them to the
needs of the health care sector. The goal is to disseminate relevant information to the public in a more timely fashion.
Benjamin Green Wilhoit Scholar
Ben received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Brigham Young University. He received his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from
Arizona State University. His current Ph.D. research is on the development of a novel design in superluminescence diodes and multi-
wavelength laser diodes for optical coherence tomography and other biomedical applications. This biomedical imaging technique is
used for noninvasive skin and retina scans in the research and diagnosis of several diseases and cancers.
Reid Juday Jugloff Scholar
Reid received his B.S. in Physics and Astronomy from Ohio State University. His current research concerns the characteristic optical
properties of the InGaN alloy family. This material is ideal for multi-junction solar cells and high efficiency LEDs. To investigate
these materials his use of the scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope provides for accurate analysis due to
their ability to image the crystalline lattice at the nanoscale level.
VOLUME XI I , NO. 3 PAGE 4 ARCS WORLD
Richard Kirian Hobbs Scholar
Richard received his B.A. degrees in Physics and Astronomy from the University of California Berkeley. His research is on developing
a general technique of protein structure determination with the use of serial e-ray diffraction. Existing techniques offer only partial
solutions to this problem and the need is urgent for development of new techniques and technologies that apply to non-crystalline
samples. Understanding of the mechanisms responsible for life and disease depends crucially on knowledge of protein structure.
Mehlika Kiser Kucera Scholar
Mehlika received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and her M.S. in Environmental Engineering at the University of Nevada—Las
Vegas. Her research goal is to improve understanding of the potential fate of engineered nanoparticles (eNPs) in the environment in
an effort to minimize the uncontrolled spreading of cytotoxic eNPs in our water, soil, and air. Mehlika is quantifying removal of eNPs
from wastewater, developing microscopy techniques for visualizing eNPs in complex biological matrices, and developing a model to
predict eNP fate in the environment.
Jamie Lukos Sonntag Scholar
Jamie received her B.S. in Movement Science from the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on behavioral neuroscience with
specific emphasis on anticipatory control of the hand during grasping. She hopes to contribute to the understanding of the
unconscious decision-making processes of the brain as they relate to our ability to control and manipulate objects. Her research can
be applied to neurological disorders or neuropathies such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease and to neural prosthetics and robotics.
James Martin Papadopoulos Scholar
James received his B.S. in Biochemistry from Brigham Young University—Hawaii. He is currently researching and investigating a
specialized molecular motor essential to biological energy formation called the F1FO ATP synthase (F1FO). Although F1FO is the
smallest known molecular motor, it synthesizes nearly all of the chemical energy needed for the cell. Leigh syndrome, a disease
characterized by degeneration of the central nervous system, results in death by the age of 6 or 7 and is a prominent example of the
result of damage to genetic DNA specific to F1FO.
Troy McDaniel Johnston Endowment Scholar
Troy completed his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Arizona State University. The goal of his Ph.D. thesis is to develop a
wearable assistive device for individuals who are blind that will enable users to feel objects from a distance. This work will make
contributions beneficial to the blind and visually impaired, providing algorithms and systems to aid in remote object perception and
navigation. It will improve systems for telesurgery, providing more realistic haptic feedback, and is also useful for teleoperation
(space exploration, underwater exploration).
Gary Moore Might Scholar
Gary attended Evergreen State College where he received his B.S. in Chemistry. His current research focuses on the design and
assembly of bio-inspired constructs for solar energy conversion. One approach involves the mimicry of the key steps used by
photosynthetic organisms to convert solar energy into chemical potential. The ultimate goal is to further enhance the understanding
of energy flow in biological systems and using these insights to provide energy transduction schemes to meet human needs.
David Pettit Douglas Scholar
David received his B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. His current research involves applying
radiation hardening techniques to improve high speed digital microelectronics. Due to the radiation-rich environment in space, the
electronics used there tend to rely on older technology, greatly limiting their processing power. Using-radiation-hardened-by-design
(RHRB) techniques, current high speed (›1GHz) electronics can be used in space.
Celeste Riley Shapiro Scholar
Celeste received her B.S. in Bioengineering from Oregon State University. Her current research is aimed at developing an improved
embolic material for the treatment of aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. Using the reactive properties of a particular
polymer system, material that begins as a liquid will cross-link to form a solid material in a predictable and controllable manner. The
research focuses on characterizing and analyzing the properties of this polymer system in vitro and in vivo such that it can be
optimized for clinical use.
Sean Williams Mary Anne White Memorial Scholar
Sean received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee State University and his M.S. in Computer Science from Vanderbilt
University. His current research involves investigating the advantages of linear network coding and applying it to authentication and
anonymity/privacy issues. Network coding and its benefit for wireless technology can reduce overhead and assist in the area of
multimedia and other high bandwidth constraints and in providing secure anonymous communication.
Northern Arizona University
Veer Bala Chaudhary Burton Scholar
Bala received her B.A. in Biological Sciences from the University of Chicago and M.S. from Northern Arizona University. Bala is
currently pursuing a Ph.D. with a research emphasis in the ecology of mycorrhizae, beneficial plant-fungal symbioses. Her graduate
research will provide insight into mycorrhizal ecology, ecosystem restoration, and the potential spread of non-native microbial
organisms. Her research will have immediate practical application in ecosystem restoration.
VOLUME XI I , NO. 3 PAGE 5 ARCS WORLD
Rebecca Colman ARCS Scholar
Rebecca received her B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Linfield College. Her Ph.D. research in Biology focuses on examination of
the molecular diversity and epidemiology of Yersinia pestis, the caustic agent of plague. Her research aims to provide insights in the
fields of molecular epidemiology and population genetics and help to provide an understanding of how plague is sustained in nature.
Thomas Davis Nancy Johnson Templin Endowment Scholar
Thomas received his B.S and M.S. degrees in Forestry from Northern Arizona University. His Ph.D. work in Forest Science is
centered on tree-killing bark beetles that are a source of biotic disturbance in forests worldwide, producing dramatic and rapid shifts
in forest characteristics. The impact and magnitude of these shifts have far-reaching ecological, economic and social consequences.
Jennifer Ginther Lauber Endowment Scholar
Jennifer received her B.A. in Biology from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and her M.S. in Biodefense from George
Mason University. Her Ph.D. research in biological sciences focuses on the pathogenic evolution of B. pseudomallei, a soil-dwelling
bacterium and the causative agent of melioidosis, a major health concern in various regions worldwide. The first case of this disease
in Arizona has been recently documented.
Elizabeth Kalies Nancy Johnson Templin Endowment Scholar
Elizabeth earned her B.S. in Environmental Science at Cornell University and her M. S. in the same field at Yale University.
Focused on the impacts of wildfire and forest management on wildlife in the ponderosa pine ecosystem, her Ph.D. research explores
the natural balance of native plants and animals and seeks to understand ways to protect biodiversity through forest restoration.
Valerie Kurth ARCS/Libby Endowment Scholar
Valerie graduated from Macalester College with a B.A. in Biology. She received her M.S. in Forestry from the University of Montana.
She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in forestry at Northern Arizona University, focusing on post-wildfire carbon and nitrogen dynamics
in ponderosa pine forests that have undergone dramatic shifts in their stand structure due to a century of land-use changes and
active fire suppression. Her studies will contribute to knowledge of how this changing ecosystem responds to changes in fire regime.
Camille Naaktgeboren Lauber Endowment Scholar
Camille attended the University of North Florida and the University of Maryland, receiving B.S degrees in Biology and Psychology.
She then earned her M.S. in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Camille’s research involves the potential of algae to
produce biodiesel fuel that could be used to power engines or heat homes and offices with a natural renewable energy source.
University of Arizona
John Ashton Crawford Endowment Scholar
John graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University. His Ph.D. studies are concentrated on
investigating the properties of abdominal aortic aneurysms, seeking to apply endoluminal paving as a treatment superior to those
presently available. In the future, he will continue to search out treatments and develop mechanical devices for cardiovascular
disease.
Ryan Austin The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation Scholar
Ryan is pursuing his Ph.D. in agriculture and biosystems engineering, having received his B.S. in the above fields from the
University of Arizona. His research focuses on analyzing health and security issues of water distribution. He wants to improve the
planning and construction of water distribution systems to ensure water security, health and sustainability.
Benjamin Bitler Archer Scholar
Benjamin received his undergraduate degree in General Biology from the University of Arizona. His present research involves
optimizing a new therapy for late-stage breast cancer. This treatment has been shown in cell lines and mouse modules to inhibit the
growth and spread of breast tumors. He hopes to show that this treatment, combined with another, might permit the use of smaller
doses of chemotherapies, limiting unwanted side effects. He is also investigating cancer-promoting protein interactions.
Matthew Callan Haga Scholar
Matthew obtained a B.S. in Biology from Colorado State University. His current research involves identifying defects in early brain
development that cause abnormal neural function. His studies are of Fragile X Syndrome, but he wants to understand the molecular
mechanisms of other neurological disorders such as autism, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to discover new therapeutic approaches for
treatment and prevention.
Kyle Flann ARCS/LaFollette Endowment Scholar
Kyle received both a B.S. in Microbiology and a Masters in Biology/Exercise Physiology from Northern Arizona University. His Ph.D.
research focuses on the role of satellite cells and their activation from a dormant state in response to injury and/or mechanical stress.
His studies might lead to treatment of myopathies such as muscular dystrophy. It has been shown that revascularization occurs when
angiogenesis and myogenesis occur concurrently. Kyle wants to learn how the signals for revascularization work.
Judith Jenkins ARCS/Windrow Endowment Scholar
Judith received her Bachelor’s Degrees in Chemistry and Secondary Education from Knox College. Her doctoral research focuses on
the fundamental processes of solar energy conversion in thin film organic photovoltaic cells. She wants to improve these cells, which
promise ease of processing and low cost but presently do not match the efficiency of more expensive silicon-based technologies.
VOLUME XI I , NO. 3 PAGE 6 ARCS WORLD
Michael Junkin The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation Scholar
Michael received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and an M.S. from the University of
Arizona. His doctoral studies involve applying a nanosurface patterning method he developed. He uses this method for cellular study
of nanopatterns of different chemicals so as to understand such things as tumor growth. This research could provide a method to
construct micro and nano technology devices that could be used in drug delivery systems, medical implants, and new study tools.
Sarah Leung Steele Foundation Scholar
Sarah did her undergraduate work in Bioengineering at Arizona State University. Her doctoral research focuses on the development
and characterization of multifunctional nanomaterials for use in imaging and therapeutic applications, particularly in drug delivery.
She is studying the use of biodegradable gold nanoshells placed over the surface of liposomes. So far, they can be degradable to a size
compatible with kidney clearance. It is hoped that they can be used to deliver drugs to specific sites.
Katherine Lindborg Eller Scholar
Katherine received a degree in Health Education and Athletic Training from Gustavus Adolphus College and her M.S. in Physiology
from the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Her doctoral research involves endocannabinoid receptor antagonists (appetite
suppressants) in obesity and insulin resistance. These antagonists have demonstrated peripheral effects such as improved glucose
tolerance. Katherine hopes to improve glucose tolerance and prophylaxes for metabolic syndrome, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Kendra Murray Prentice Scholar
Kendra received a degree in Geology from Carleton College. Building on her interest in petrology and magmatic processes, her
doctoral research focuses on the volcanic arcs of the central Andes where she and others are working to formulate a time scale of
mountain evolution. By sampling for certain elements and isotopes, they seek to obtain an overview of shifting tectonic plates and to
develop a model of convergent margin evolution relative to thrusting, sedimentation, surface elevation, crustal thickness, and erosion.
Stephen Osborn Prentice Scholar
Stephen received a degree in Environmental Science and Soil Science from the University of California, Riverside, and a Masters in
Geology from Georgia State University. Stephen’s doctoral research relates to the combined use of aqueous, gas and isotope
geochemistry and seeks to understand large-scale fluid migration, gas generation and microbial processes in the Appalachian Basin
in order to locate undiscovered natural gas resources.
Alberto Rascon ARCS Scholar
Alberto graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a degree in Chemistry. His doctoral work involves studying the
digestive processes of the female mosquito which can carry the yellow and dengue fever viruses. The goal is to interfere with the
digestive processes and thus with egg production, reducing the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases without use of pesticides that
might affect the environment and produce resistant pathogens.
Ann Revill Van Denburgh Scholar
Ann’s B.S. in Human Kinetics is from the University of Guelph. Her doctoral research involves the emergence of a theory that
“plateau potentials” are properties essential to normal function of motor neurons. She is testing methods to discover if these
potentials actually exist and to what degree they are activated in normal movement. If validated, this theory could lead to a better
outcome for people with motor neuron disorders through further understanding of normal motor neuron function.
Mark Robertson-Tessi Kathryn Johnston West Scholar
Mark received his B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Arizona. His Ph.D. research is modeling tumor evolution
and growth. He is working to develop a mathematical model for interactions between a tumor, the immune system, and
chemotherapy. The goal is to gain insight into those interactions in the phase immediately following chemotherapy-induced reduction
of tumors. He hopes to determine conditions in which the immune system can be used to fight cancer.
Heather Tardif Eller Scholar
Heather received her B.S. in Molecular Bioscience and Biotechnology from Arizona State University. Her doctoral research is in
mantle cell lymphoma, a specific non-Hodgkins lymphoma that has a low survival rate with conventional treatment. She is studying
a chemotherapeutic drug used in clinical trials to see if proteins in the cancerous cells can be targeted to become more sensitive to
therapeutic drugs in combination with other drugs that increase the sensitivity.
Kristen Ward Crawford Endowment Scholar
Kristen received a B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science from the California Institute of Technology and a Masters in Civil
Engineering from the University of Arizona. Her doctoral research involves development of new bracing systems for economical
earthquake-resistant steel structures using custom-configured cast components. She wants to create complex buildings and be part of
the search for creative solutions in cost-effective earthquake engineering.
David You Lakin Scholar
David received his B.S. from the University of Arizona in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. He is working to develop a one-
person portable field-ready system for E.coli testing. It will be more sensitive than the majority of contemporary biosensors for E.coli,
will have a quick response time, a simple user interface, and a reasonable production cost so it will be marketable and beneficial to
the field of food safety and water sustainability.
VOLUME XI I , NO. 3 PAGE 7 ARCS WORLD
National Annual Meeting May 27—30 Featuring tours of the Asian Art Museum, UCSF Mission Bay, and California Academy of Sciences
ARCS Lights Dinner Friday, May 29
The ARCS Foundation
provides scholarships to
academically
outstanding United
States citizens studying
to complete their degrees
in science, medicine and
engineering, thereby
contributing to the
worldwide advancement
of science and
technology.
ARCS PHOENIX CHAPTER
3104 East Camelback Road
PMB 374
Phoenix, AZ 85016
On March 16, ARCS members were
treated to a field trip to the Desert
Botanical Garden. The field trip
included presentations on plant DNA
by Ben Green, a current ARCS
scholar, as well as a tour of the Dale
Chihuly art glass exhibit. Oonagh
Boppart, former national ARCS
president and chapter president, and
Chairman of the Garden’s board of
directors, joined our group. We then
traveled to ASU for a fascinating
presentation on flexible display
technology development.
Garden Field Trip
Diane Might and Terry Wilhoit (right), directors of this year’s
Awards Dinner, held a catered luncheon for the addressing of
invitations at the home of Sandra Matteucci.
Effie Theodore stuffs invitations.
Below, right: Irene Douglas,
back on the job.
Below, left: Eileen Haga, Betty
Hayes, and Maureen Tensfeldt.