Spring 2005:

SERC: The College of Science and Engineering has established a new center to support student research activities. The Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) will coordinate a college-wide effort to promote, support, and actively engage students in scientific discovery.

ASPIRE: Apprentice Scientists Participating in Research (ASPIRE), has been established as a student-run organization to provide input to SERC concerning undergraduate and graduate students research needs and activities.

IES: The College of Science and Engineering has established an Institute of Environmental Studies (IES). With the launching of the IES, TCU has embarked on an ambitious initiative to create a coherent, distinct, and readily identifiable program in environmental studies, resources, and public policy. The intent is for the Institute to play a leading role in supplying the science base and policy insight for what is and will continue to be a major area of societal concern.
IES has already initiated a new Master of Environmental Management program. The degree requires course work in both the natural sciences and business, with a particular focus on the relationships among science, management and policy. This degree is designed to equip students with the skills needed to bridge the gaps between science, business, and government, and is intended for those individuals who plan to enter or re-enter the workforce upon graduation.

REU Grant: The Department of Physics and Astronomy was recently awarded a 3-year grant for $112,288 through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program for their proposed “A Physics and Astrophysics REU Site at TCU”. The funding will enable TCU to host 4 to 6 undergraduate students from other institutions over the summer months for the next 3 years. While at TCU, these students will collaborate with faculty and graduate students to work on research projects that will eventually lead to publication in a professional journal within the field of research, such as surface science, atomic and molecular physics, optical and laser physics, and observational astronomy and laboratory astrophysics. The grant provides each participant a summer stipend, housing, travel supplement to/from TCU, and travel support to one professional science conference to present research results.

TCU and BRIT: The College of Science and Engineering and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) have established a cooperative program to provide graduate students unique opportunities in the areas of biodiversity and environmental studies. TCU is providing support, course work, and academic infrastructure while BRIT is providing botanical and ecological research opportunities in the field and at the museum. The first group of 4 graduate students pursuing the join TCU/BRIT program began their work this academic year.

Monnig Meteorite Gallery: The Monnig Meteorite Gallery Outreach Program is now operating at a high-level of activity. Gallery Staff and Geology student volunteers have introduced thousands of elementary and high school students to the fascination of meteorites and the evolution f the solar system by means of organized school visits to the Gallery.

The Center for Remote Sensing and GIS: The Center for Remote Sensing has added capability in the area of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is a relatively new discipline devoted to the acquisition, storage, management, and visualization of environmental and geographic data in a computer environment. GIS has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding techniques for environmental and urban geographic mapping using modern computer and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies. GIS data supports many kinds of decision-making and analysis, from environmental risk analysis, to urban planning, geoscience/engineering investigations, marketing, agricultural assessment, and demographic analysis.

Mercury Analysis Laboratory: The Departments of Biology and Geology have established a mercury analysis laboratory. The new equipment provides the capability for analyzing mercury in natural waters, sediments, and animal tissue. Major research projects are now underway to document distribution of mercury in fish populations and watersheds in representative areas of central Texas.

 

A few examples of faculty recognition:

• Dr. Ray Drenner of Biology has received a Certificate of Distinguished Service from the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, the largest professional society in the world devoted to the study of freshwater and marine environments. Such recognition is given by the society only rarely and acknowledge Ray’s efforts to involve the society in education and outreach programs.
• Dr. Pamela Marcum of Physics and Astronomy has received a prestigious two-year appointment to the Universe Division of NASA in Washington, D.C. She will be on leave from TCU while serving at NASA where she will assist in maintaining contact with the research community, conduct peer reviews of research proposals, assist in budget management, and serve as program scientist for a number of Science Mission Directorate missions among other responsibilities.
• Dr. Jean-Luc Montchamp’s (Chemistry) work in phosphorous chemistry will be highlighted soon by appearing on the cover of the prestigious organic chemistry journal Tetrahedron.
• Dr. Jeff Coffer’s (Chemistry) research in tissue engineering nanomaterials has resulted in an international patent that also has been licensed to a Biotech company (with revenue to TCU).

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