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The renovated Park Shops building has everything students need to dig into the past: spacious anthropology labs, shiny new workspaces and plenty of skeletons, in the closet and
elsewhere.“You can’t teach anatomy, osteology or physiology without
access to human remains,” says Dr. Ann Ross, a forensics researcher and associate professor in the department of sociology and anthropology. “It’s not something you can learn purely from books.”
The new labs, which opened in summer 2009, are the result of six years of work by university architects, planners, and designers consulting with Ross and two other associate professors in the department, archaeologist Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick and physical anthropologist Dr. Troy Case.
Before the new labs opened, instructors teaching forensics, archaeology or osteology (the study of human bones) had to limit class sizes. “We now have the space that allows our students to
New Digs for Skeleton CrewNew labs in the Park Shops building replace bare bones facilities.
Article by Matt Shipman
Bulletin | April 1, 2010 2
get real hands-on experience with skeletal and archaeological remains,” Fitzpatrick says. “Students are given the opportunity to do real work in introductory courses, rather than having to wait until they take advanced classes.”
The osteology lab is home to an array of bones and casts of skulls, designed to help students understand the human skeleton. The archaeology lab contains a wide variety of artifacts, bones and biological remains that are all we have left to help us understand past human societies. And the forensic analysis lab gives students the opportunity to learn how to perform a “biological profile,” analyzing human remains to determine an individual’s age at death, sex and ancestral origin.
Not every student plans to emulate Indiana Jones or CSI: Miami, but the environment created by the new anthropology labs will give NC State students the skills they need to pursue careers in forensics, archaeology and related fields.
Faculty members say the new work and storage space will
Drs. Ann Ross and Scott Fitzpatrick in the anthropology teaching lab.
3 Bulletin | April 1, 2010
allow them to perform significant forensic, archaeological and osteological research on campus for the first time.
Much of that research is critical for solving criminal cases and identifying remains. NC State scientists have helped to solve a number of case. Ross also helped develop a software program called 3D-ID that can help identify unknown cranial (skull) remains. Other research in the unit runs the gamut from prehistoric archaeological digs in the Caribbean and Pacific to genetic trait research that uses bones to look for ancestral relationships.
Best of all, the new labs enable faculty to bring students into the research process. “We’re now able to present students with chances to do additional volunteer work, develop independent study courses and take part in faculty research,” Fitzpatrick says.
“We also expect the facilities to help us attract new grants, since we now have the infrastructure required to solicit funding for archaeological, osteological and forensic research and education,” Ross says. Faculty using the new labs expect to do more research and publish more research
– both individually and with students as co-authors.
The centerpiece of the new labs is the anthropology teaching lab, which serves as a classroom for both hands-on introductory classes and advanced courses. “Until we had this lab, I could not teach advanced forensics courses on campus,” Ross says. “I had to teach the course off-campus, which posed a problem for some of my students.”
With the new labs, students can find the bones and the opportunities they’re looking for, right on campus.
“Until we had this lab, I could not teach advanced forensics courses on campus.”
Dr. Ross and Kerrie Brackett, class of 2011, evaluating remains in the forensics analysis lab to develop a profile of the deceased.
Faculty and Staff Notes
Bulletin | April 1, 2010 4
Relaxed Parking EnforcementPermits are not required in the CC,
CD, DD, P, RE, RW, RS, V and W zones through the holiday weekend. Relaxed enforcement began at 10 p.m., Wednesday, March 31. Regular permit enforcement resumes at 7 a.m., Monday, April 5.
No Wolfprowl Service April 1-3Wolfprowl, the express weekend
bus service to Glenwood South with connections to downtown Raleigh, will not operate Thursday, April 1, through Saturday, April 3.
Earthwise Nominations NeededIt’s time to nominate environmentally
conscious faculty, staff and students for an Earthwise Award from the Sustainability Office. Fill out a nomination form online at www.ncsu.edu/earthday and e-mail your submission to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Friday, April 2. The winner in each category receives a $200 cash award and recycled glass plaque, along with a pair of tickets to a 2010 Wolfpack football game.
Celebrating Guy OwenJoin an April 6 celebration of creative
writing program founder Guy Owen and the re-publication of his novel Journey for Jodel. From 4 to 6 p.m. in Caldwell Hall lounge, hear a panel discussion moderated by Dr. John Kessel, watch video of Owen talking about fiction writing and enjoy a reception.
EnviroVision Video ContestEncourage your students to create
and submit a 30-second public service announcement about sustainability. Finalists’ entries will be screened at the Campus Cinema during Earth Week (April 19-23). The winner gets a gift certificate, coverage on the housing Web site ... and cinematic glory. For contest details and information, contact Scott Braswell. The submission deadline is April 7.
The Science of Other MindsDaniel J. Povinelli with the University of
Louisiana Cognitive Evolution Group will give a talk titled “How the Science of Other Minds Became Science Fiction: an Open Letter to Comparative Psychology,” at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, in Daniels Hall, Room 218. His presentation, part of the Logic and Cognitive Lecture Series, is free and open to the public.
Spanish Voices PremiereSee the latest documentary from
English professor and linguist Dr. Walt Wolfram and Emmy-winning filmmaker Neal Hutcheson. Spanish Voices features Spanish speakers from around the globe, bilingual second-generation U.S. citizens and non-Spanish speakers, who weave a portrait of the rapidly changing linguistic and cultural landscape of the Southeast. The screening at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 9, in Talley Student Center, Room 3118, will be followed by a panel discussion on the effects of migration in the region.
April 9 Deadline for InsuranceBefore tax time, there’s an insurance
deadline to remember. Friday, April 9, is the last day of the annual enrollment period. Employees must take action to maintain health insurance at the 80/20 level of benefits. The Benefits Office has created an online guide to assist with the State Health Plan annual enrollment Web site. After reviewing the instructions, you can access the online enrollment site in one of three ways:
> Through the Benefits site, which provides additional information
> Through MyPack Portal. The employee ID number will be available after log in.
> Directly at https://ncsubenefits.hrintouch.com
Comedy in the Middle EastDon’t miss the final film of the sixth
annual Middle East Film Festival: The Band’s Visit (Israel), at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 9, in Withers Hall, Room 232.
America’s Science Challenges and Opportunities
Explore America’s science challenges with Neal Lane, former National Science Foundation director and White House science adviser. Lane, the 2010 Harrelson lecturer, will speak at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 10, in the SAS Hall auditorium. Lane currently serves as Malcolm Gillis University Professor and senior fellow of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. His free public lecture is part of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences’ Scope Academy celebration.
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh LessIf you’ve been hibernating this winter,
now is the time to get ready to look and feel your best by summer. The Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less program will provide you with do-it-yourself tips to eating healthier and living more mindfully.
Bulletin Board Take control of the new you by committing to the lifestyle changes taught in this 15-week course, beginning in late April. The program will be offered many different days across campus, making it convenient for you! Register now for only $30.
If you work outside of Wake County and would like to bring the Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less Program to your worksite please contact [email protected]. Contact and additional information about programs throughout the state can be found online at: www.EatSmartMoveMoreNC.com.
Wolfline Service Affected by Construction
Wolfline bus service will be affected by a water main project on Ligon Street. Wolfline will be unable to serve the current bus stop located at the corner of Ligon Street and Method Road for the duration of the project (through April 15). The closest alternative bus stop is at the corner of Jackson Street and Method Road. The on-street city parking west of Method Road will not be available. Ample free parking remains available at both Carter-Finley park and ride lot, as well as the Westgrove park and ride lot.
Wolfline questions? Contact Kim Paylor, Wolfline transit manager, at [email protected]. Transportation-related questions? Contact Ryan Givens at [email protected] or Gary Bridges at [email protected].
Solid State LightingA former NC State engineering professor
whose semiconductor research has received international recognition will kick off a lecture series named in his honor by delivering the first annual Robert F. Davis Distinguished Lecture on Wednesday, April 14. Davis’ lecture, “Solid State Lighting: Current Status and the Impact of the Technology on Energy Utilization and Environmental Conditions,” will begin at 3 p.m. in the auditorium at the Biotechnology Training and Education Center (BTEC) on Centennial Campus. A reception will follow in nearby Engineering Building I.
Murphrey Named System’s Vice President for Finance
Ernest G. Murphrey, associate vice chancellor for financial services, will become vice president for finance of the multi-campus University of North Carolina, effective April 5.
As chief financial officer, Murphrey will
The cheers at Reynolds Coliseum
will be for student designers on April
14 at the Art to Wear Fashion Show.
Last year’s eclectic creations featured
raw cotton and hay rakes in a fusion
of art and fashion. Check out recent
creations at www.ncsu.arttowear.
com. More than 1,000 spectators are
expected for the show, which begins at
7:30 p.m. You can reserve a floor seat
for $20 if you hurry.
Art to WearFashion Show
5 Bulletin | April 1, 2010
BulletinThe Bulletin is published weekly, except during the summer and holidays, by North Carolina State University News Services. To subscribe to the online version, visit www.ncsu.edu/bulletin.
Please submit news and announcements one week in advance of publication.
News ServicesCampus Box 7504Raleigh, NC 27695
Phone (919) 515-5863E-mail [email protected] www.ncsu.edu/bulletinFacebook: http://tinyurl.com/c2ewk9
Editor: D’Lyn Ford
act for UNC’s president in all financial matters, overseeing a budget of $7.4 billion. He will provide staff support for the UNC Board of Governors’ Committee on Budget and Finance; work closely with the board, president and other senior staff members to develop policies and programs; and help represent the system before various legislative and government groups.
American Chemical Society Honors DeSimone
Dr. Joseph DeSimone, William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, has been honored by the American Chemical Society for outstanding contributions to chemistry research.
DeSimone received the Harrison Howe Award, named for one of the founders of the society’s Rochester section who was a champion of industrial research and development. The award recognizes early career researchers who have the potential for further exceptional achievements. Forty percent of winners have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize in chemistry.
A polymer expert, DeSimone has developed groundbreaking solutions in green manufacturing and promising applications in gene therapy, drug delivery and medical devices. In 2008,
Beichner Named American Council on Education Fellow
Robert Beichner, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor of Physics, has been named an American Council on Education fellow for the 2010-11 academic year.
The ACE Fellows Program, established in 1965, equips promising senior faculty and administrators for leadership roles. Each fellow will focus on an issue of concern to the nominating institution while spending a semester working with a university president and senior officers at a host institution.
Beichner, who joined the faculty in 1992, directs the university’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Initiative.
Input Sought for President SearchStaff members, here’s your chance to
shape the search for a new University of North Carolina system president. Your responses to an online survey will become part of a leadership statement that will be used in the search for a successor to Erskine Bowles, who has announced his retirement. Online responses are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, April 8. The UNC President Leadership Statement Staff Survey takes
about 10 minutes to complete. If you have questions, you can e-mail Kelley N. Eaves-Boykin, UNC Staff Assembly chair, at [email protected] or contact Steve Carlton, Staff Senate chair, at 515-5963 or [email protected].
Dwarf Butterfly Bush Is Best New PlantLo & Behold “Blue Chip” Buddleia
(butterfly bush), developed by Dennis Werner and Layne Snelling in the horticultural science department, was named the best new plant for 2009 and received a gold medal at the Salon Du Végétal Nursery Show in France. The annual meeting has some 600 exhibitors and over 16,000 professional visitors. Lo & Behold “Blue Chip” was released by NC State in 2008, and is the first dwarf butterfly bush available in the trade.
Marshall RecognizedLisa M. Marshall, director of outreach in
the Department of Nuclear Engineering, has received the Landis Public Communication and Education Award from the American Nuclear Society. The award recognizes outstanding efforts, dedication and accomplishment in furthering public education and understanding of the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
Libraries Lauded for Course Views SiteThe American Library Association’s
Office for Information Technology Policy has honored NC State Libraries for cutting-edge technologies in library services for the Course Views Web site.
Kim Duckett, principal librarian for digital technologies and learning, was named by Library Journal, the most prestigious publication in the field, as a “Mover and Shaker” for the project. This honor recognizes librarians, vendors and others who are pioneers in shaping the future of libraries.
Ready, Set, Go for GoogleMore than 3,000 NC State students
can now use enhanced e-mail services and new online tools with the university’s launch this week of the beta version of Google Apps @ NC State. They will receive Gmail accounts with more than 7 gigabytes of storage space and access to Google Apps collaboration tools, all from their official @ncsu.edu e-mail addresses.
NC State announced in January that it would deploy Google Apps Education Edition as its official university e-mail service for students. The switch was recommended by the Student E-mail Task Force in its March 2009 report.
Budget Forecast CloudyNC State hopes to avoid more budget cuts as state officials fret lower tax revenue.
April will be a pivotal month for the state budget and NC State’s financial prospects. Although tax revenue has been lower than projected through February, the state is poised
for recovery in 2010-11, State Budget Director Charles Perusse told attendees at last week’s general faculty meeting.
Last year, in the face of a $3.2 billion shortfall in state revenue, NC State reduced its budget by 10 percent to cover reductions and future cuts in the two-year budget cycle.
“The hope is that we can go into next year without academic units being subjected to another round of cuts,” Chancellor Jim Woodward said.
Leaders will be watching tax revenue in April, the first big collection month of the calendar year. For the rest of this fiscal year, which ends June 30, academic units are operating within their budgets and the state is not expected to order budget reversions to take back funding, said Charles Leffler, vice chancellor for finance and business. However, if revenue declines, spending restrictions could be put into effect.
Perusse says North Carolina faces an uphill climb to economic recovery. As barometers of the mood downtown, he quoted two office posters. “It is what it is,” the first one read. The second? “The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off until further notice,” he said, drawing laughter.
His assessment is a bit less dim. “After 18 months, the light is coming back on, but it’s a 40-watt bulb at this point.”
The state’s current forecast calls for a revenue drop of 1.6 percent in the 2009-10 fiscal year, followed by 2.8 percent growth in 2010-11.
Growth would mark a turnaround from the worst financial conditions the state has faced in 80 years. From a $1.3 billion surplus in 2006-07, revenue went flat in 2007-08 and then “fell off a cliff” to the $3.2 billion shortfall in 2008-09, Perusse said.
“We’ve really never seen anything like this since the Great Depression, and the numbers bear that out.”
Overall, the state reduced spending by $4.6 billion in 2009 to reach a balanced budget as required by state law. North Carolina relied on a combination of $2.1 billion in budget cuts, $1.4 billion in federal recovery funding and $1 billion in tax increases, Perusse said.
Those steps allowed North Carolina to maintain its AAA bond rating, making it one of only seven states to do so.
Dr. Warwick Arden, provost and executive vice chancellor, reviewed the 2009-10 budget cuts, which resulted in a loss of 117 faculty and 323 staff positions, cancellation of 300 class sections and a 3 percent drop in instructional capacity.
“Students are seeing the effects of these cuts,” he said, adding that members of a communications class he had spoken to the night before told him they were having difficulty getting classes.
Given the state’s financial outlook, no funding for new items will be allowed in expansion budget requests this session, Arden said.
The university expects no state funding to maintain and operate new buildings, cover inflation for utility costs and library acquisitions, replace vehicles and motorized equipment or increase the benefits budget, he said.
While an enrollment increase would be funded, it would not be at the projected level of growth, he said.
For the 2010-11 budget, the governor has asked state agencies to submit a plan for a 5 percent reduction in state funds, he said.
In the coming budget cycle, it is anticipated there will be limited funding for pay increases for state workers, who will face cost increases for health insurance. However, Gov. Bev Perdue has raised the possibility of refunding last year’s half-percent pay reduction.
Article by D’Lyn Ford
Bulletin | April 1, 2010 6
