Scientists debate shark evolution
 A significant debate is being conducted in the scientific community over the evolution of the Great White shark, and Chuck Ciampaglio, assistant professor of geology at the Lake Campus, is right in the middle of it.
The issue is if the Great White, one of the most feared predators of the sea, evolved from the huge prehistoric megalodon shark or if its ancestry rests with the mako shark.
"Most scientists would probably say the Great Whites evolved from the megalodon line, which existed from two million to 20 million years ago. They were huge sharks, approximately the length of a Greyhound bus and possessing teeth that were up to six inches long," explains Ciampaglio. "However, our research, which is based on analyzing fossils of several hundred shark teeth, shows that the Great White shares more similarities with the mako shark." He added that because sharks regularly replace their teeth, it is relatively easy to obtain tooth samples through fossil field work along the Atlantic seaboard.
Photo: Chuck Ciampaglio, geology, displays a pair of shark teeth he has collected in his research. Ciampaglio has analyzed hundreds of shark teeth to determine how the Great White shark evolved. Read More...
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Nominations sought for Quest for Community Award
 The University Diversity Advisory Council (UDAC) invites nominations for the second annual Quest for Community Award. The award will be presented to the campus unit or organization that demonstrates commitment and success in the enhancement of the campus climate for diversity. Recipients will be recognized at the Quest for Community: A Call to Action conference on Friday, May 13.
The winning unit or organization will have demonstrated success in at least one of the following: continuous overall enhancement of campus climate; improvement in the hiring and retention of faculty and staff from underrepresented groups; improvement in the recruitment, retention and success of students from underrepresented groups; incorporation of diversity into the curriculum. Read More...
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Register now for "Quest for Community: A Call to Action" May 13
 Diversity issues, inclusion and an improved campus climate are some of the issues to be explored when Wright State hosts the Fifth Annual Conference "Quest for Community: A Call to Action" on Friday, May 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Union on campus. The state-wide conference is designed to explore ongoing efforts to create inclusive environments, programs and curricula; initiatives to improve campus climate; and opportunities for educational access and success, especially for diverse, traditionally underrepresented populations.
The opening speaker for the event is author and educator Eric Liu, founder of the Guiding Lights Project. Liu will present "What Diversity Can and Can't Teach Us" at 9 a.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room.
The Guiding Lights Project showcases the strategies and stories of great mentors, teachers and coaches from many professions and cultures. Liu's interest in how people pass on values, ideas and stories in all walks of life led to his book Guiding Lights: The People Who Lead Us Toward Our Purpose in Life.
Liu served as a speechwriter and deputy domestic policy adviser for President Bill Clinton. From 2000 to 2002, he was vice president of the pioneering Internet media firm RealNetworks. As a Fellow at the New America Foundation, Liu writes and speaks on leadership, learning, e-democracy, ethnic identity and political reform. He has contributed to MSNBC and Slate magazine and currently teaches at the Evans School of Public Policy at the University of Washington. Read More...
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Friends of the Libraries to host Neal Gittleman
 The Friends of the Libraries will present its 26th annual luncheon at noon on Tuesday, May 24, in the Student Union Apollo Room, featuring Maestro Neal Gittleman of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Gittleman's presentation, "Rummaging in the Attic" reflects upon the orchestra's history in Dayton and the preservation of its past within the University Libraries' Special Collections and Archives.
Gittleman has been on the Dayton Philharmonic podium since September 1995 and continues to broaden the Orchestra's repertoire with more 20th century compositions. He has introduced a number of world, American and Dayton Philharmonic premieres, opened new concert series and expanded performance collaborations within Dayton's arts community.
The University Libraries' Special Collections and Archives house the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Collection and the Paul Katz Collection, which provide an extensive look at Dayton cultural and musical history from 1917 to the present. Exhibits from these collections will be on display at the luncheon. Read More...
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Friends, food, fun-and bowling
 | | Retiree Tom Fyffe, a member of the Jalapeno Teasers, is about to send the pins flying during recent action in the Monday night bowling league at Beaver-Vu Bowl. |
In its 12th year, Wright State's employee/retiree bowling league is still going strong. This winter and spring, six teams met at the Beaver Vu Bowl on Monday nights for friendly competition, recreation and camaraderie.
Spouses, family members, students and former employees have also been welcome to participate in the league. More than 125 people have bowled in the league since it began in the fall of 1993. The number of teams in the league has ranged from six to 16.
"It's good exercise for me and mildly competitive," says Wanda Harphant, internal production/copyright coordinator in the Department of Printing Services. "These are people I didn't really know before, even though we worked in the same place. It has helped me make new acquaintances and new friends."
"We always have a great time," adds Lori Luckner, office assistant in the Division of Professional Practice and Research. "It doesn't matter how good or bad you are, we always have a lot of fun. The greatest are when someone has a great game and usually bowl around 110 or 120. It is always good to see them do well." Read More...
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Applying psychotherapy techniques to dating
 | | Caroline Presno |
The way to a man's heart is through his head. Caroline Presno, a psychotherapist and adjunct instructor in the Department of Human Services, is the author of Profiling Your Date: A Smart Woman's Guide to Evaluating a Man. The book shows women how to use a psychotherapist's techniques for judging a man's commitment, aptitude for love, intimacy, openness and authenticity, along with problems such as lying, paranoia, drug use, sociopathy and others.
By profiling their dates, women will feel safer, more confident and secure about the men they date. They will also better understand men, which men enjoy.
"You're looking to see what makes the guy tick and you're looking to see if he is right for you," Presno says. "You're looking at everything, words and actions. The idea is to get into his head and get into his heart."
Presno, who describes herself as "single and happily profiling," used research, her clinical experiences and her own dating adventures in writing the book. Though there are many dating books available today, Presno's is based on research-based psychological categories, and not just an author's opinion. Read More...
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Free skin cancer screenings offered on campus
Dayton area dermatologists will offer free skin cancer screenings to promote early detection and prevention of skin cancer during the week of May 16. The School of Medicine, along with the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Prevention Institute, Good Samaritan Hospital and Kettering Medical Center's Alliance Cancer Center, are co-sponsoring the free screenings throughout the Dayton area.
Free screenings will be offered on campus in 025 University Hall on Monday, May 16 and Thursday, May 19, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Appointments may be made beginning Monday, May 9, by calling the American Cancer Society's toll free reservation number at 1-888-227-6446 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. A skin cancer screening takes only five minutes, according to Julian Trevino, associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine. Read More...
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Nominations sought for Presidential Commendation for Extra-Curricular Activities
Faculty, staff and students may submit nominations for the Presidential Commendation for Excellence in Extra-Curricular Activities. The award recognizes unusually meritorious student achievement in state, regional, national or international academic forums.
Team awards honor group achievements and acknowledge each participating
student. Individual awards honor the accomplishments of students recognized for an individual success. All Wright State graduate and undergraduate students in good academic standing are eligible. Read More...
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April 28 is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
 The Wright State community will celebrate the third annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, a national program that encourages boys and girls to visit a workplace for the day, on Thursday, April 28. Sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or other special children in the life of faculty and staff are invited to participate.
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is sponsored by the Ms. Foundation for Women, creators in 1993 of Take Our Daughters to Work Day. This year, for the third time, girls and boys ages 8-15 will visit campus to observe their parent or mentor at work and to participate in concurrent sessions on art, drama, science and other topics presented by faculty and staff. Read More...
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DuFour named 2005 Trailblazer by Aviation Trail
 Howard DuFour, retired instrument model maker and supervisor within the instrument shop, is this year's recipient of the annual Trailblazer award presented by Aviation Trail, Inc. He was recognized during the Trailblazer banquet at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
DuFour was recognized for his life-long dedication to defense- and early aviation-related projects. In the 1950s, Dufour worked in Dayton for Monsanto, Dabel and National Cash Register. In 1971, he designed and equipped the first instrument shop--named in his honor--at Wright State. The university later awarded him an honorary Engineering Certificate.
Photo: Howard DuFour (foreground) and a team of volunteers constructed a replica of the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer. Using drawings of the original flyer at the National Air and Space Museum, they attained measurements and angles within a 10,000th inch tolerance. Read More...
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Spring wellness and recreation events announced
The Wellness and Recreation Committee is offering many opportunities to get fit mentally and physically this spring. Several events will be offered during May on campus.
"Would You Work for You?" presented by Patti Holmes, is at noon on Wednesday, May 11, in the Endeavour Room, E156 Student Union. The presentation will challenge participants to ask "What do I as an individual bring to the workplace?" The importance of leading a balanced life, focusing your energy and taking care of yourself spiritually, emotionally and mentally will also be covered. Light refreshments will be served.
The American Heart Association Heart Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, at 9 a.m. at the Nutter Center. Participants will walk to raise funds and awareness of heart-related diseases. Read More...
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Students to host senior art auction and art exhibit
Senior art majors will hold the Senior Art Auction and the 2005 Senior Art Exhibition this spring.
The auction is Sunday, April 24, from 2 to 5 p.m., in the University Art Gallery in the Creative Arts Center on campus. Various types of art may be purchased, including printmaking, photography, sculpture and painting. Pieces vary from direct observation to imagination to abstraction. A silent auction will follow the live auction, with proceeds going to support the Senior Art Exhibition. Read More...
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April 11 groundbreaking for Joshi Research Center
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Krishan and Vicky Joshi Research Center at the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science is scheduled for Monday, April 11, at 3 p.m., at the construction site between the Fritz and Dolores Russ Engineering Center and the Student Union.
President Kim Goldenberg, College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean James Brandeberry, Krishan and Vicky Joshi and Charles Walsh, president of the Wright Center of Innovation for Advanced Data Management and Analysis, will participate in the event. The state has awarded Wright State University and its partners an $11 million grant, with a $32 million match in capital funding, to establish the Wright Center. The funding is part of Ohio's Third Frontier Initiative sponsored by Governor Bob Taft and managed by the Ohio Department of Development. The goal is to create jobs by expanding the state's high-tech research capabilities.
The Wright Center is an unprecedented collaboration among industry, academic and government resources to help position Ohio as an international leader in data management. It is expected to influence the creation of more than 500 jobs and $65 million in research. Read More...
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Libraries celebrating National Library Week
 The American Library Association has designated April 10-16 as National Library Week. The University Libraries have planned several activities to celebrate the week.
An online scavenger hunt begins at 9 a.m. Monday, April 11, and continues until 4 p.m. Friday, April 15. Go to www.libraries.wright.edu/cgi-bin/scavenger.pl to begin hunting.
Photo: Mrs. FlutterButter (aka Beth Anderson, Dunbar Library reference specialist) reads to Mini University children during last year's National Library Week celebration. This year's events include an online scavenger hunt, roaming librarians, exhibits and more. Read More...
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Asian Culture Night presents Chitram: A Portrait of India
As part of the university's celebration of Asian Heritage Month, Asian Culture Night will present Chitram: A Portrait of India on Saturday, April 16 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room.
Chitram is a spectacular multimedia musical theater production depicting the unity inherent in the vast diversity of cultures across the Indian subcontinent. Live music performed by an ensemble of Indian and western instrumentalists, in addition to classical and folk dances and projected visuals are held together by a narrative that guides the storyline through time. Chitram also explores the relationships between Indian culture and other world civilizations from a historical perspective. Read More...
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Curry-Jackson chosen one of top ten African American women
 Anita Curry-Jackson, dean of the Lake Campus, was recently honored by the African American CEOs of the Miami Valley as one of the top ten African American Women in the Dayton Area. An associate professor of social work, Curry-Jackson was recognized for her accomplishments in social work and for her role as Lake Campus dean.
Curry-Jackson became dean of the Lake Campus on Sept. 1, 2002. She has been a Wright State faculty member since 1987 and has also held faculty appointments at Case Western Reserve University, Atlanta University and Clark College. She earned her doctorate from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) and her master's from the School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.
Photo: Anita-Curry Jackson (center), dean of the Lake Campus, was named one of the Top Ten African Women in the Dayton Area by the African American CEOs of the Miami Valley. Also attending the award ceremony were her mother, Emma Curry (left) and sister, Pamela Curry Mitchell (right). Read More...
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Nobel Laureate Arno Penzias to visit campus
 | | Arno Penzias |
Arno Penzias, the 1978 Nobel Prize winner in Physics for his work in radio astronomy, and who also discovered evidence supporting the Big Bang Theory, will speak on campus as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series sponsored by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Penzias will speak on Wednesday, April 13, at 10 a.m. in the Discovery Room, E163 Student Union.
In 1965, while tuning a small, yet very powerful and highly sensitive horn antenna for conducting radio astronomy experiments, Penzias and Robert Wilson noted a constant low level noise disrupting their reception. They could not find any evidence of malfunction in their equipment. As Penzias and Wilson continued to pursue their disruptive "static," they came to realize they had discovered the remnants of the explosion that created the universe. They realized they had stumbled onto the most conclusive evidence to date supporting the Big Bang Theory. Read More...
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Student counseling center renamed Counseling and Wellness Services
Wright State's student counseling center is changing its name. Formerly known as the Center for Psychological Services, the department will now be known as Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS).
The name change better reflects the center's focus on a more holistic orientation. While the name has changed, Counseling and Wellness Services will continue to provide individual, group, couples, and/or family counseling, psychological assessment, consultation, and psycho-education seminars in a welcoming environment that appreciates the multiculturalism and diversity of Wright State students. Read More...
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Retirement planning seminar offered to faculty and staff
The Raj Soin College of Business, the Department of Finance and Financial Services and the KSR Advisory Group of UBS Paine Webber are partnering to offer "Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement." Consisting of four sessions, the course will meet on Wednesdays from May 4-25 and Thursdays from April 21-May 12. Both courses will meet in 145 Russ Engineering Center from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Read More...
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Relay For Life to benefit American Cancer Society
Teams are now being formed for the Wright State University Relay For Life to benefit cancer research scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30.
Organizers have a goal of 30 teams for the 18-hour walk/run event adjacent to the Student Union, which will benefit research funding for the American Cancer Society.
The Wright State event will involve teams of 8 to 20 members of WSU students, faculty, staff and community residents. Each team will keep at least one representative on the course during the time of the relay and collect pledges for the time and/or distance covered between 6 p.m. on April 29 and noon on April 30. The event last year raised $20,000. Read More...
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American Heart Walk kick-off luncheon April 19
Enjoy a free lunch and learn about the American Heart Association and the Greene County American Heart Walk. The kick-off luncheon is Tuesday, April 19, from noon to 1 p.m. in Union Station. Team captains and walkers are needed for the Heart Walk, which will start from the Nutter Center on Saturday, May 14. The event raises awareness and funds for the treatment and research of cardiovascular disease and other heart-related conditions. Read More...
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Music, dance, costumes, art, food and more part of Asian Heritage Month
 | | Helen Zia |
"Celebrating Our Heritage" is the theme of the 14th annual Asian Heritage Month celebration. A variety of events and activities have been scheduled throughout April.
Asian Culture Night on Saturday, April 16, will feature Chitram: A Portrait of India. A tour of the diverse vistas of Indian sights and sounds, Chitram combines live music performed by an ensemble of Indian and Western instrumentalists, classical and folk dances from India, visuals and narrative. The production also explores the relationship between Indian culture and other great world civilizations from a historical perspective.
The event also includes traditional folk dances from many Asian nations, a fashion show and a photography exhibit commemorating 30 years of the Vietnamese American experience. Asian Culture Night begins at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room. Advance tickets are $8 for the general public and $6 for Wright State students, faculty and staff. Tickets at the door are $10. Advance tickets may be purchased by calling 775-5544 or 775-2798. Read More...
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Poetry reading by Gerald Stern to highlight National Poetry Month activities
 | | Gerald Stern |
As part of its celebration of National Poetry Month, Wright State will host Gerald Stern, author of 14 books of poetry and winner of the 1998 National Book Award. Stern will give a poetry reading on Monday, April 18, at 2 p.m. in the Discovery Room, E163 Student Union. A reception and book signing will follow the reading, which is free and open to the public.
Stern's poetry has been praised for its visionary quality, passion, whole-hearted embrace of life, tenderness, use of paradox and irony. His books of poetry include This Time, New and Selected Poems, which won the National Book Award in 1998. Stern also wrote What I Can't Bear Losing: Notes From a Life, a book of personal essays and Not God After All, a book of petite narratives.
Fellow poet C.K. Williams says of Stern: "He is one of those rare poetic souls who makes it almost impossible to remember what our world was like before his poetry came to exalt it." Read More...
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Inventions, university-industry partnerships highlight "From Invention to Market 2005"
Several faculty members will exhibit their breakthrough inventions at the "From Invention to Market 2005" invention forum on Thursday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Student Union. The forum will focus on the value of university-industry partnerships, a theme that will be addressed by luncheon keynote speaker Robert Gruetzmacher from the DuPont Company. Two Wright State collaborations with the Air Force Research Laboratories will be exhibited. They are:
- "Cognitive Radio: An Adaptive Waveform with Special Sharing Capability." Vasu Chakravarthy and Arnab Shaw et al., electrical engineering;
- "Novel Thermally Stable Materials for Structural, Electronic and Coating Applications." Matthew Dalton and William Feld et al., chemistry.
"The forum features a showcase exhibiting a selection of our inventions in the physical sciences, imaging, environmental sciences, health sciences and human effectiveness," said Isabelle Gorrillot, associate director for technology transfer. "We have an exciting array of technologies available for licensing in areas of high market pull such as RFID, nanomaterials, high-tech sensors, mitigation of environmental pollution and HIV."
The forum will also highlight specific services and educational programs tailored to helping the Dayton community and Ohio transition from a manufacturing to a high-tech economy. These include the new Certificate Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a collaboration between the Raj Soin College of Business and the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the master's program in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Both were designed with input from local industry. Read More...
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