Field Trip in Biotechnology

Yesterday, my Biotech class took a field trip to Ceva Biomune in Lenexa, KS, where we were given a talk and a tour by an outstanding Rockhurst alum who works in their R&D department.  We were able to actually see and learn about real-world applications of many of the techniques and protocols we are using in class.  Thanks to Kevin for taking time out of his busy lab schedule to show us around!

Another busy weekend

Yesterday marked the first Kansas City Wildlands workday of the fall season, so Linda Lehrbaum, Dr. Scholes, Bill Fessler and I led a group of nearly 70 volunteers in an effort to clean up the Cliff Drive scenic area of Kansas City.  I worked with a group of employees from the new REI store in Overland Park (slated to open early next month) and members of the KC Climbing Club to eradicate invasive plants (shrub honeysuckle and TONS of raccoon grapevine) in an area at the base of a roadside rocky outcrop (pictured).  We were able to expose two new climbing zones for the KCCC and rid the area of these invasive species that were choking out the native vegetation.  In conjunction with the other groups' work, it was a very

strong start. The continued efforts of volunteers like these will markedly improve this beautiful gem in the midst of downtown KC.
Today was not nearly as productive, but I did get to go with some friends to the Chiefs' first home game and watch them come away with a 17-16 victory over the Cowboys! 2-0!!!

Big Weekend for KC Sports!

This weekend was huge for sports in Kansas City! I went to the Royals game with Dr. Sturgill (pictured) Saturday night, where we saw an incredible pitching match-up (Duffy v. Verlander) and a Royals win! Then yesterday the Chiefs dominated the Jaguars in their first regular season game.  Let's hope this continues throughout the Royals' Wild Card race and the Chiefs' season

!

International Study Abroad night

Last night, the Honors students (93 of them!!! - pictured) and I welcomed a guest speaker from Austin, TX, Mr. Walt Lengel from International Studies Abroad (ISA).  He shared his expertise and several helpful resources with the

students, and then one of our outstanding honors students, Sean Kane, told the others about his study abroad experience in London this summer.  I would encourage all of our students to pursue a study abroad experience, whether through ISA or a similar agency, or through faculty-led trips like my Biology Field Trip Abroad course.  In the past few years, our field trips have taken us to places like Nicaragua, Australia, Fiji, and Peru; and we will be going abroad again in May of 2015.  It's a fantastic experience!