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.