NOTEBOOK
Published for Alumni and Fr iends of the Universit y of U tah College of S cience
V o l u m e
X X V I I I
•
2 0 2 0
•
S u m m e r
B u l l e t i n
Convocation 2020 • 5th Churchill Scholar • COVID-19 Research • Back-to -School
NOTEBOOK V o l u m e
X X V I I I
•
2 0 2 0
•
S u m m e r
2
Dean’s Corner
4
Student Profiles
8
Churchill Scholars – Five for Five
10
Back to School - Fall 2020
12
Timeline of a Rapid Response N.S.F Grant
14
College of Science 50th Anniversary
18
Crimson Laureate Society Update
20
Donor Recognition
24
The Class of 2020
B u l l e t i n
Dean’s Corner Peter TRAPA Dean, College of Science
Dear Alumni and Friends,
In January of this year, the emergence of a novel coronavirus forever changed our
lives. The ensuing crisis has highlighted the critical role that science and mathematics play in public health.
I am proud of our many faculty, students and alumni who are at the forefront of
facing this pandemic. Their contributions will make our world both safer and healthier. We have strong ties to the U’s School of Medicine and science and medical communities around the globe, and we are committed to working with them to do our part in finding solutions to the problems the virus poses.
More recently, the struggle against racial injustice across the country has reminded
us that there is still much work to be done to eliminate inequality. The College of Science is taking action to support our senior leadership at the U to make our campus a welcoming place where all of our students, faculty, and staff are empowered to succeed.
The message I want to give to current and future students is this, “You belong here
at the College of Science. We are here to help you succeed, and we believe that you can change the world for the better.”
As we move towards the Fall semester I want to emphasize that students and the
student experience are our top priority. We are committed to safely delivering a quality College of Science education. Our exceptional faculty are finding new ways to innovate with online content delivery, virtual symposia, remote experiments and, when possible, in-person laboratories to deliver this promise.
The world has changed in unimaginable ways in the last six months, and the future
holds great challenges. One thing is clear: scientists and mathematicians will lead the way in meeting them.
2
Notebook • Vo l um e X X VIII • 2020
“You belong here at the College of Science. We are here to help you succeed and we believe that you can change the world for the better.”
- Peter Trapa
“
I want to spark an interest in
STEM in future generations of Indigenous scholars.
4
”
DOMINIQUE PABLITO
applied for 15 scholarships and was awarded
Dominique used targeted photoactivatable
BS’20, Chemistry - Dominque Pablito grew
12, including the Larry H. Miller Enrichment
multi-inhibitor liposomes to induce site-spe-
up in the small town of Aneth, Utah, on the
Scholarship—a full ride.
cific cell damage in various cancer cells.
Navajo Nation, and in New Mexico on the
Zuni Reservation. She lived in a four-bedroom
Pablito was not prepared for college aca-
cancer and molecular biology developed,”
house with 13 family members, sharing a bed-
demics and sought help from tutors, profes-
said Pablito. “That internship taught me how
room with her mother and brother, and often
sors, and TAs.
to effectively present scientific data and how
visited relatives for extended stays.
important community can be for the success
YouTube,” said Pablito. “College retention rates
of Native American students.”
English, Pablito learned the Zuni and Navajo
for indigenous students are exceptionally low,
languages. Pablito said her father, an alco-
so instead of going home for the summer, I
childhood experience with the Indian Health
holic, came in and out of her life.
sought out research internships and difficult
Service. “Many of my elders distrusted going
coursework to keep busy.”
to doctors because most health care provid-
courses limited in reservation schools, Pablito
Academics were not her only challenge. “I
ers are white,” said Pablito. “My great-grandfa-
convinced her family to move. “We ran out of
started college at 15 and by age 16 I had no par-
thers’ illnesses could have been treated much
gas in Saint George, Utah, where I registered
ents,” said Pablito. “My mother was abusive and
better had they visited a doctor sooner. I will
for high school even though my family was
we ceased contact. At 17, I was diagnosed with
use my medical training to improve the care
unable to find housing,” said Pablito. “During
an adrenal tumor, which pushed my strength to
of elders on my reservation by integrating
my first quarter at my new school, I slept in a
its limits. I never felt more alone in my life.”
culture, language and medicine.”
2008 Nissan Xterra with my mother, brother
and grandmother while I earned straight A’s,
I participated in the PathMaker Research
medicine, Pablito plans to earn a doctoral
took college courses at Dixie State University
Program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute,
degree in cancer biology and eventually
and competed in varsity cross country.”
where I used biochemistry to investigate
open a lab on the Zuni Pueblo. “I want to
DNA damage and repair in cancer cells,” said
spark an interest in STEM in future genera-
from high school in three years, racking up
Pablito. “Dr. Srividya Bhaskara guided me
tions of Indigenous scholars,” said Pablito. “I
honors and college credits.
through the world of research, helping me
want to give them advantages I never had.”
earn many awards and grants.”
- by D.J. Pollard, American Indian Science and
GPA, having taken college courses at night
Engineering Society (AISES)
and with exceptional ACT and SAT scores. I
School and Massachusetts General Hospital,
Because her grandparents did not speak
With access to math and science
Pablito achieved her goal of graduating
“I graduated at 15 with an excellent
Despite her hard work in high school,
“I spent late nights watching tutorials on
“I decided to major in chemistry when
During an internship at Harvard Medical
“That’s where my research interest in
Her interest in medicine stems from her
In addition to earning an MD in family
Notebook • Volu me X X VIII • 2020
ALEX ACUNA
that I’m definitely moving on,” she says of her
ing, running in the foothills, or beating his
BS’20, Biology, ACCESS Alumna - When
career as a scientist. “I’m just not clear what
roommates in Smash Bros Ultimate. “I used
Alex Acuna arrived at the U she experienced
direction: academics or medical school.”
to have a huge passion for video game
what many first-generation students do: “I
As a paid undergraduate research assistant,
programming and would compete in
had no access to people who understood
though, one thing she is sure about: “I’ve
game jams, which are game development
the system I was trying to navigate. I didn’t
found a sustainable model. “
competitions held over 36- or 48-hour time intervals,” said Isaac. “I haven’t been able
know what I didn’t know. How do you bridge the gap in knowledge,” she asks, “without a
ISAAC MARTIN
to do that much in the last few years, but
network of people?” The answer is you prob-
2020 Goldwater Scholar - During middle
would like to pick it up again as a hobby.”
ably don’t.
school and most of high school, Isaac Martin
lived in Dubai with his family, where he
demia as a pure mathematics researcher.
attended an online high school. When his
“
family moved to Utah the summer before his senior year, he decided to attend Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) instead of finishing high school, taking as many math and
Isaac hopes to have a career in aca-
They reassured me that I am good enough to pursue a career in math.
physics classes as he could.
“
commutative algebra and representation
“My professors at SLCC were more than
theory with relevance to mathematical
happy to talk with me after class and during
physics,” he said. Isaac also remains inter-
office hours. They were instrumental in my
ested in the world of condensed matter.
decision to switch out of my pre-declared
“There is so much novel mathematics
computer engineering major into a math
dictating theoretical condensed matter,
and physics double major at the U.”
and I expect many exciting breakthroughs
will happen there in the near future.”
During Isaac’s first four semesters at the
focused primarily on physics classes; how-
who understood the system
ever, after brief stints in two different labs,
”
he realized mathematics is a better fit for his talents and interests.
The Access Program was a life ring–providing a
first-year student cohort with summer housing
Math Department, including Dr. Adam
to familiarize students with campus life and
Boocher, previously a postdoc at the U and
the realities of research based science. Acuna
now assistant professor of mathematics at
discovered she was a natural at lab work.
the University of San Diego; Professor Sri-
kanth Iyengar; Dr. Karl Schwede, Dr. Thomas
“Alex joined my lab with an enormous
He is indebted to professors in the
amount of raw talent. It was a pleasure to
Polstra; and Professor Henryk Hecht. “The
help her recognize her remarkable facility for
thing I appreciate most about my mentors
research,” says Leslie Sieburth, Co-Director of
is their willingness to take time out their day
the School of Biological Sciences.
to talk to me and offer advice,” said Isaac.
An opportunity seized soon presents other
“My conversations with them are mathemati-
opportunities. Currently, Acuna does research
cally insightful, but they also reassure me that
in the Tristani-Firouzi lab where they study the
I’m worth something as a person and am
genetic component of atrial fibrillation, one of
good enough to pursue a career in math.”
the most common types of cardiac arrhythmia.
most likely either playing piano, rock climb-
What’s next for Alex Acuna? “I know
“I’d especially like to study problems in
had teachers like that before,” said Isaac.
U, he intended to pursue a physics Ph.D. and
I had no access to people I was trying to navigate.
“It was incredible because I had never
”
When he’s not doing math, Isaac is
LYDIA FRIES
ANA ROSAS
2020 Goldwater Scholar - As a junior in
BS’20, Biology - Rosas recalls her grand-
chemistry, Lydia intends to obtain a PhD in
mother dying just one month after being
either organic chemistry or electrochemistry.
diagnosed with untreatable and advanced
She has done research in both Matt Sigman’s and Shelley Minteer’s groups, and Lydia is an author on two papers with both professors. She has worked on a variety of projects involving electrochemistry, palladium catalysis, and computationally focused projects. DALLEY CUTLER
many graduate-level courses and is a Teach-
BS’20, Biology - Dalley Cutler’s personal hero
ing Assistant for Organic Spectroscopy I.
is Greta Thunberg, the young Swedish activist
Lydia has committed to an internship at
invited to the United Nations to advocate for
Genentech and hopes that the current
reversing man-made climate change and who
pandemic will have subsided by the time her
was subsequently named Time Magazine’s
internship is to begin.
Person of the Year. Like Greta, this Idaho Falls
native wants to see sensible policies and ac-
teachers, Lydia followed her passion and
tions based on scientific understanding.
her strong aptitude for STEM subjects, and
ignored the warnings from her broader com-
The same is true of his own research in
With encouragement from high school
the Dentinger lab. “Many producers are either
munity that she shouldn’t pursue such an
incorrectly identifying wild mushroom food
expensive and “useless” degree. She followed
products or are purposely lying about the species
her heart and her brain to the University
liver cancer. “During my grieving, I thought
contained in those food products,” he says. “There
of Utah where she landed in the ACCESS
about what, if anything, could have been
are no international or national regulations to
program and was immediately surrounded by
done to prolong my grandmother’s life.
protect consumers from buying and eating poi-
many intelligent and motivated women.
Was the late diagnosis due to my grand-
sonous wild mushrooms sold on the internet as
In addition to her studies, Lydia
mother’s Hispanic heritage? Her com-
edible wild mushrooms.” He uses metabarcoding
enjoys rock climbing and spending time
munity’s mistrust of physicians? Socio-
genomic analysis techniques to identify species
outdoors, and is currently staying safe at
economic barriers?”
sold as wild mushrooms in food products.
home in St. George.
6
As an undergraduate she enrolls in
“I generated the data some time ago,”
At the University of Utah as a biology
major intent on going to medical school,
Dalley says, “but due to work obligations I was
Rosas quickly realized that she didn’t have
unable to accurately analyze that data.”
the same resources or opportunities, find-
ing that she was on her own to navigate, for
A scholarship provided by alumni donor
George R. Riser was a game-changer, provid-
example, finding a lab to do research. She
ing time away from work obligations to write
didn’t know anyone in the health sciences.
software that will streamline future projects.
Dr. Albert Park’s lab at Primary Children’s
Cutler has hopes to work in a field where
Seventy emails later she landed in
he can use scientific techniques to better
Hospital in Salt Lake City where she worked
understand the natural world and to use
to better remove laryngeal cysts in infants.
that understanding to protect and conserve
The learning curve was steep but her work
vulnerable ecosystems from the impacts of
with Park resulted in a poster presentation
the climate and ecological crisis that will be
at a national Otolaryngology meeting and
occurring over the course of his life.
a first authorship in a related prestigious
Notebook • Volu me X X VIII • 2020
international journal. “I have not had many
DELANEY MOSIER
to find a new home within several months
undergraduates achieve so much in such a
BS’20, Physics, College of Science
and we adapted to our new normal.
short time,” Park says of Rosas.
Research Scholar - April 8th, 2020 - Today I
am contemplating what it means to not have
which perfectly grasps my outlook on the
two labs. With Kelly Hughes she works
a graduation ceremony at the end of this
fire, now that 8 years have gone by: “Now
with bacteria, specifically Salmonella, and
month. I cannot help but remember another
that my house has burned down, I can see
focuses on identifying the secretion signal
time in my life when I experienced similar
the sky more clearly.” Losing everything can
for a regulatory protein that is required for
feelings of loss.
clarify what is really important to you. I carry
proper flagellar formation.
this lesson forward to the present day, when
ravaged my home state of Colorado. I lived
the future I have been working toward is
Robert C. Welsh in the School of Medicine’s
in an evacuation zone and had to quickly
now unclear. My graduation ceremony that
Department of Psychiatry uses imaging
leave my home with few possessions in tow.
I have been looking forward to for years is
equipment to determine where ALS (Al-
For weeks, my family lived without knowing
now postponed. I unknowingly spent my
zheimer’s) patients are in the progression of
whether we still had a home. As the firefight-
last day in person with my peers and instruc-
the disease.
ers waded through rubble and assessed the
tors, and will never truly have closure. It will
damage, we waited for an official statement.
take time to mourn this loss. Yet, I know we
on campus and has helped initiate the new
We felt completely untethered from nor-
will adapt and we will rebuild. The life we
Health Sciences LEAP program which does
malcy; we were in limbo.
have known has crumbled, and now we can
science outreach in high schools. “I want to
see the sky clearly. What is important to
help minorities like me,” says Rosas, “better
house had burned down completely, it was
you? What are you willing to fight for? How
navigate college for the first few years.”
both relieving and terrifying. Everything we
can you reclaim your future and use your
Applying to medical schools has pro-
had known was destroyed and the future
past to fuel you?
vided the chance to reflect on her journey
was uncertain, but at least we could keep
and, considering the barriers and uncer-
moving forward. It was overwhelming to
your accomplishments and be proud. Earn-
tainty she first felt, that journey has proven
think of rebuilding our entire lives, but we
ing a diploma is just as much of an achieve-
to be an auspicious one.
made it through a devastating situation with
ment without the pomp and circumstance.
the support of our community. We were able
- by Delaney Mosier
Ana has been working in not one but
Her second lab experience with
Rosas is treasurer of the InSTEM group
When I was 12 years old, a wildfire
When we finally got the news that our
“
There is a quote my brother found
Remember to take time to celebrate
Now that my house has
burned down, I can see the sky more clearly.
”
No te b o o k • Vo lu me X X V I I l • 2020
Michael Xiao-
5 5 fo r
U ’ S
Five years after the University of
Utah became eligible to compete for the prestigious Churchill Scholarship out of the United Kingdom, the university has sported just as many winners. All of them hail from the College of Science, and all were facilitated through the Honors College which actively moves candidates through a process of university endorsement before applications are sent abroad. The effort has obviously paid off.
“These students are truly amazing,”
says Ginger Smoak, Associate Professor Lecturer in the Honors College and the Distinguished Scholarships Advisor. “They are not merely intelligent, but they are also creative thinkers and problem solvers who are first-rate collaborators, researchers, learners, and teachers.”
The most recent U of U winner of the
Churchill Scholars program is Michael Xiao of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS).
While early on he aspired to be
a doctor, Xiao’s fascination with how mutations in the structure of DNA can lead to diseases such as cancer led him to believe that while it would be one thing “to be able to treat someone, to help others, it would be quite another to be able to understand and study the underpinnings of what you’re doing and to be at its forefront.” This is particularly true, right now, he says, with the advent of the coronavirus.
The underpinnings of Xiao’s recent
success started as early as eighth grade in the basement of his parent’s house where he was independently studying the effects 8
“The Honors College provided guidance that helped improve my work and also my personal life.”
F I F T H
S T R A
I G H T
C H U R C H I L L
S C H O L A R S H I P
of UV light damage on DNA. To quantify
to Cambridge University beginning in
The Churchill
those effects he was invited to join a lab
October. While there, Xiao plans to join
Scholarship
at nearby BYU where faculty member
the lab of Christian Frezza at the MRC
Kim O’Neill, Professor of Microbiology &
Cancer Unit for a master’s in medical
Molecular Biology, mentored him through
science. After returning from the UK,
1963 at the request of Winston Churchill,
high school, even shepherding him
Xiao plans to pursue an MD/PhD via
provides undergraduates with outstanding
through a first-author paper.
combined medical school and graduate
school training in an NIH-funded Medical
Since then Xiao has matured into
The Churchill Foundation , established in
academic achievement in the science,
a formidable researcher, beginning his
Scientist Training Program.
technology, engineering and math fields
freshman year in the lab of Michael
the opportunity to complete a one-year
Deininger, Professor of Internal Medicine
as well as SBS and the Honors College, the
and the Huntsman Cancer Institute,
latter of which, he says, taught him to think
followed by his move to the lab of
critically and communicate well, especially
Jared Rutter, a Howard Hughes Medical
through writing. Honors “was very helpful
awarded scholarships every year since
Institute Investigator in biochemistry.
in helping me improve in a lot of areas,” he
Utah joined the Foundation in 2014.
With Rutter he studied the biochemistry
says, “that are important to my work and my
of PASK and its roles in muscle stem
personal life as well.”
cell quiescence and activation of the
differentiation program. His findings
of the School of Biological Sciences at the
provided insight into the role and
University of Utah describes Michael Xiao
2020 - Michael Xiao, Biology
regulation of PASK during differentiation,
as one who “epitomizes how early research
2019 - Cameron Owen, Chemistry
as well as a rationale for designing a small
opportunities are transformative and how
2018 - Scott Neville, Mathematics
molecule inhibitor to treat diseases such
they ‘turbo-charge’ the likelihood of creating
2017 - Michael Zhao , Mathematics
as muscular dystrophy by rejuvenating
world-class scientists. The School is first in
2016 - Mackenzie Simper, Mathematics
the muscle stem cell population.
line to congratulate him on receiving this
extraordinary award.”
Early experience in a research lab is not
Xiao is quick to thank his many mentors
making academic connections that lead to auspicious careers.
One of those connections for Xiao was
with Chintan Kikani now at the University of Kentucky. In fact the two of them are currently finishing up the final numbers of their joint PASK- related research.
The Churchill award, named after
Sir. Winston Churchill, will take Xiao
Cambridge. Utah students have been
Denise Dearing, out-going Director
only about engaging the scientific method through new discoveries but also about
master’s program at the University of
—By David G. Pace
U TA H ’ S C H U R C H I L L S C H O L A R S
back to School F A L L
10
2 0 2 0
Notebook • Volu me X X VIII • 2020
IMPORTANT DATES •
Classes will begin as scheduled on August 24.
•
There will be a mixture of in-person and hybrid delivery determined by current university status.
•
The fall break (October 4-11) is canceled.
•
Instruction will shift online from November 30 to December 3, with final exams held online December 7-11.
•
This shift to all-online instruction and exams after Thanksgiving is based on the strong advice of U of U Health epidemiologists and mirrors the approach of many of our national peers.
SAFETY MEASURES •
The University will provide at least one face covering for every student, faculty, and staff member.
•
All buildings will provide hand sanitizer near entrances, elevators, and large classrooms.
•
Students will be provided with sanitizing wipes or other supplies at the entrance to classrooms and laboratory spaces.
•
Classrooms and public spaces will be cleaned daily.
RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN STATUS •
Red - High Risk: Only mandatory employees and functions on campus.
•
Orange - Moderate Risk: Minimal employees. Minimal in-person classes.
•
Yellow - Low Risk: Campus reopening with restrictions.
•
Green - Normal: All programs and services return.
WE ASK FOR STUDENT COOPERATION WITH THE FOLLOWING: •
Only come to campus if you are healthy. Contact your instructors if you are
•
diagnosed with COVID-19.
•
Wear face coverings in all common areas in campus buildings.
•
Practice diligent personal hygiene and physical distancing.
•
Use sanitizing supplies provided to wipe down your desk, table, chair,
•
and/or bench top areas.
•
Follow instructions given by professors or instructors to maintain physical
•
distancing guidelines during your class/lab.
Questions? Email office@science.utah.edu. or visit returntocampus.utah.edu
11
Timeline of Rapid Resp
On January 30, 2020, Saveez Saffarian traveled to Barcelona, Spain, to
present HIV research at the New Concepts in Virology conference. “There was a lot of speculation about SARS-CoV2 in that meeting. Although, at the time, it was far less than it would become,” said Saffarian.
Upon returning to Utah, Saffarian was asked to present a colloquium on
the SARS-CoV2 virus to his fellow faculty in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. During preparations, Saveez reached out to fellow faculty member Michael Vershinin for help. Vershinin and Saveez have been friends since 2010. “We often bounce ideas off each other. Just to get another opinion and a fresh set of eyes,” said Saffarian.
Vershinin and Saffarian dove deep into the scientific literature to learn
as much as possible about corona and related viruses, such as influenza. Their focus was on presenting an overview of the SARS-CoV2 for the colloquium on March 5, 2020. “At the time, I did not immediately see a connection between my HIV research and the SARS-CoV2 virus,” said Saffarian.
On March 6, 2020, the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced
a program of $200,000 Rapid Response Grants for non-medical, non-clinicalcare research coronavirus research. The RAPID funding program allows the NSF to quickly review proposals in response to research on issues of severe urgency with regard to availability of data, facilities, or specialized equipment. Saffarian’s colloquium had turned into research opportunity.
Michael Vershinin saw an immediate research opportunity. Much of the
existing NSF research centered on the spread of influenza on an epidemiological level, with fewer answers about the actual virus particle and how
Saveez Saffarian
Researchers identify a new coronavirus in Hubei province, China.
12
1.08.2020
Saveez Saffarian flies to Barcelona, Spain, to present research on HIV at the New Concepts in Virology conference.
1.28.2020
The W.H.O. declares a global health emergency with 9,800 infected worldwide.
1.30.2020
Saffarian presents a colloquium on SARS-CoV2 virus to the science faculty.
3.05.2020
NSF announces RAPID research grants for COVID-19.
3.06.2020
Notebook • Volu me X X VIII • 2020
onse Research climate and specific conditions affect it. “Our work is in the nanoscale,“ said Vershinin. “We can make a faithful replica of the virus packaging that holds everything together. The idea is to figure out what makes this virus fall apart, what makes it tick, and what makes it die.”
The speed of the NSF approval was impressive. Vershinin and Saffarian
submitted their preliminary NSF application on Friday, March 6. Twenty-four hours later, they received preliminary approval, and by Monday, March 9, final approval was issued.
“This application of sophisticated physics instruments and methods to
understand how the 2019 coronavirus will behave as the weather changes is a clear example of how our investment in basic research years later prepares us for a response to a crisis that impacts not only our society, but also the whole world,” said Krastan Blagoev, program director in NSF’s Division of Physics.
“You don’t just gain the insight that you want by looking at the virus on
a large scale. Looking at a single virus particle is the key to being able to tease out what’s going on,” said the researchers. “Modern biology and biophysics allow us to ask these questions in a way we never could before.”
Saffarian and Vershinin are both members of the Center for Cell and
Genome Sciences in the Crocker Science Center, where scientists who apply physics, chemistry and biology work alongside each other and can form collaborations rapidly—a key advantage in the fight against the virus.
Research Funding was provided by NSF under award number PHY-
2026657 for nearly $200,000.
Michael Vershinin
Vershinin and Saffarian submit preliminary NSF proposal.
Preliminary NSF proposal is approved.
3.06.2020
3.07.2020
NSF RAPID Research Grant approved.
Research paper on CoV2 virus reaction to environment submitted.
3.09.2020
5.21.2020
13
College of Science 50
July 1, 2020, marks the 50-year anniversary of the College of Science, comprised of the School of Biological Sciences, and Departments of Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics & Astronomy.
A Brief History
When the University of Deseret was founded in 1850 in the Ter-
Between 1948 and 1958, through two reorganizations, the
ritory of Utah, it was primarily a training school for teachers. The
School of Arts and Sciences expanded to become the College of
newly formed university taught only a handful of topics, including
Letters and Science. However, the composition was enormous, in-
algebra, astronomy, botany, chemistry, geometry, and zoology. In-
cluding departments of air science, anthropology, botany, chem-
deed, mathematics and physical sciences were well represented
istry, English, experimental biology, genetics and cytology, history,
from the earliest days of the university.
journalism, languages, mathematics, military science and tactics,
naval science and tactics, philosophy, physics, political science, psy-
By the 1920s, only six organized schools existed at the U: Arts
and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering and Mines, Law, and a two-year Medical School. 14
chology, sociology, speech and theater arts, and zoology.
Notebook • Vo l um e X X VIII • 2020
years
“This is a perfect moment to reflect on fifty years of excellence in the College of Science, and more importantly, to chart a course for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” - Peter Trapa, Dean
By the late 1960s, Pete D. Gardner, a prominent organic chemist
served from 1970 to 1973.
at the U, had convinced the central administration that mathematics
and physical sciences would be most effective if separated from the
ing Chemistry (the north wing was finished in 1968), South Biology
large, amorphous College of Letters and Science.
(completed in 1969), North Biology (the James Talmage Building),
Therefore, on July 1, 1970, the College of Letters and Science
Life Sciences (built in 1920 and former home the of School of Medicine),
was replaced by three new colleges: Humanities, Social and Behav-
the John Widtsoe Building (housed both the chemistry and the
ioral Science, and the College of Science.
physics departments), the James Fletcher Building and South Phys-
ics. The total faculty consisted of about 80 tenured or tenure-track
The disciplines of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics
and astronomy were ideally consolidated in one cohesive academic
The College of Science utilized seven buildings in 1970, includ-
professors across all four departments.
unit. Gardner was appointed as the first dean of the College and 15
No te b o o k • Vo lu me X X V I I I • 2020
Modern Day Powerhouse
year with professional academic advising, expanded classrooms, and
cutting-edge labs and instrumentation.
Today the College of Science is one of the largest colleges within
the University of Utah, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees
in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics and astronomy, plus
approved by the Utah legislature to renovate the historic William
specialized degrees such as a doctorate in chemical physics.
Stewart building and construct a 100,000 square-foot addition to
house the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Department
The College supports nearly 2,000 undergraduate science majors
This year, a new project–the Stewart Building for Applied Sciences – was
and 475 graduate students and employs 143 full-time tenured or ten-
of Atmospheric Sciences.
ure-track faculty. The College also employs hundreds of adjunct and
auxiliary faculty, postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, lab techni-
feet in size, consisting of 40,729 square feet of renovated space and
cians, and support staff.
100,000 square feet of new construction. Undergraduate teaching
Last year, the College received about $36 million in external re-
labs, research labs, and classrooms will comprise 90% of the footprint
search funding, which is nearly seven percent of the University’s total
and faculty offices will use 10% of the space. The new facility will sup-
external research revenue.
port more than 40 faculty members, 200 undergraduate majors, 115
graduate students, and nearly 5,000 students taking STEM courses
“The exceptional caliber of the College’s faculty has been a driv-
ing force behind the University’s ascension as a world-class research
The proposed Applied Sciences Center will be 140,729 square-
each year at the U.
university,” says Peter Trapa.
16
The College has constructed new educational and research facili-
Building the Future
ties in recent years, including the Thatcher Building for Biological and
As the 21st century unfolds amidst a global pandemic, the impor-
Biophysical Chemistry and the Crocker Science Center on Presidents
tance of science and mathematics will only continue to increase. Our
Circle. The two buildings combined serve thousands of students each
quality of life and economic future depends on the next generation of
scientists. The College of Science is refreshing its strategic plan to fur-
ther strengthen and enhance its academic and educational programs
50 years in science education and research,” says Sandick. “We will
and its scientific leadership in the nation. Emerging priorities include:
see our way through the current crisis, with an enhanced focus and
•
Fully implement the Science Research Initiative (SRI) in the
commitment to student success, providing the facilities and rigorous
Crocker Science Center to serve 500 undergraduates per year
training needed to boost the number of STEM graduates in Utah.”
with specialized research opportunities.
Establish new endowed faculty chair positions in each depart-
supporters over the last 50 years. Each gift, large and small, propels
ment, and increase the number of endowed professorships and
the College forward. Please join us to write the next chapter, and the
graduate fellowships.
following 50 chapters, in the College of Science.
•
•
Invest in new and existing research directions to strengthen the College’s faculty.
•
Continue to advance our commitment to diversity, and foster inclusive communities of faculty, staff, and students.
•
The College is sincerely grateful for its numerous friends and
Continue to increase the amount of external research funding received in the College per year.
•
“The College will be prepared to meet the demands of the next
Increase the six-year graduation rate of declared Science majors, and increase the total number of STEM graduates at the University.
“We will see our way through the current crisis, with an enhanced focus and commitment to student success,providing the facilities and rigorous training needed to boost the number of STEM graduates in Utah.”
Pearl Sandick, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, has led an effort that has distilled the input of faculty, staff, and students into a coherent plan for the future. 17
N o te bo o k • Vo l u m e X X V I I I • 2 0 2 0
Pa rt ne r s in S c hol a r ship Student Emergency Relief The Crimson Laureate Society and the University of Utah are working to assist students and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency funds are available for tuition, fees, room and board,
textbooks, required supplies or materials for classes, transportation, child care, unexpected medical expenses, and COVID-19 related expenses.
To commemorate our 50th Anniversary the College of Science is
asking all alumni to donate $50 to student emergency relief.
50 years of science alumni can make a significant difference. Please join
us in support of our less fortunate students and families.
s c i e n c e. u t a h . e d u / g i v i n g
The Sandra J. Bromley scholarship provides financial support to four undergraduate students each year in the College of Science.
Laureate Society CRIMSON
The David & Karen Imig Scholarship winner Hattie Butts (center) with her family and Karen and Dave Imig (right).
Ken Golden with Golden Scholarship recipients Alexsis Lever (left) and Caleb Walker (right).
The Dalley and Hayes Family with scholarship winners Jess Campbell (left) and Makayla Stewart (right). Michael Zhao scholarship winner Taylor Walker.
19
Laureate Society CRIMSON
WELCOME CLASS OF 2020
In recognition of your dedication
to the College of Science, every person in the Class of 2020 will be an honorary member of the Crimson Laureate Society during the upcoming year.
Our members are advocates for
science, making their voices heard on campus, in the community, and throughout Utah to help create and support new science programs. We encourage all alumni and friends of the College of Science to join today.
During these trying times we turn
to science to lead the way. Thank you for your support and participation in our vibrant community of scientists and mathematicians.
20
*Indicates deceased
W e S u pp ort S c ie nc e BENEFACTORS $1 MILLION + Gary L. & Ann Crocker PATRONS $500,000-$999,999 Ronald O.* & Eileen Ragsdale The Sorenson Legacy Foundation ASSOCIATES $100,000-$499,999 Rodney H.* & Carolyn H. Brady Thomas Kursar* & Phyllis D. Coley Michael & Sally S. Hunnicutt T. Benny* & Gail T. Rushing John P. & Margaret A. Simons Ryan J. & Jennifer Warner Watts FOUNDERS CLUB $50,000-$99,999 Willard L. & Ruth P. Eccles Foundation Raymond B. Greer Frances N. & Joel M. Harris Ole T. & Martha F. Jensen Ruth Lofgren* Preston* J. & Phyllis* R. Taylor Taylor Family Revocable Trust DESERET CLUB $25,000-$49,999 David F. Blair John Marcell Davis Martin & Ragnhild Horvath Dinesh C. & Kalpana Patel PRESIDENTS CIRCLE $10,000-$24,999 Anonymous ARUP Laboratories Scott L. Anderson & Cynthia J. Burrows Carleton DeTar & Laurel Casjens Frederick R. Adler & Anne Collopy Stephen G. & Susan E. Denkers Family Foundation Naomi C. Franklin Henry S. White & Joyce Garcia Sidney J. & Marian C. Green Mitchell T. & Diana M. Johnson David B. & Lisa Goldstein Kieda Jerry Anthony Murry Batubay Hamit Ozkan George R. Riser Victoria J. Rowntree & Jon Seger Thaddeus B. Eagar & Rebecca A. Uhlig Neil & Tanya M. Vickers Michael R. & Jan Weaver
PRESIDENTS CLUB $2,500-$9,999 Millard Alexander Anonymous Peter L. Ashdown David G. Murrell & Mary C. Beckerle Nikhil K. Bhayani BioFire Diagnostics, LLC Alexandre Boldyrev Carlos* & Ann Bowman Patrick Brennan & Carol D. Blair Brennan Garrett M. Hisatake & Phuong Ngoc Bui R. Harold Burton Foundation Kathleen K. Church Adella Serin Croft Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation Sue M. Durrant Edna & James Ehleringer George & Lissa Elliot David R. Carrier & Colleen G. Farmer Joseph A. Gardella Kenneth M. Golden Scott A. & Larisa V. Zhilyakova Gore Jim Hanson Byron L. & Judy C. Hardy Eric Harwood & Melissa Mitchell Harwood Gale A. & John L. Haslam Darren Wayne Housel R. Kent & Terri N. Jex Kenneth D. & Sandra D. Jordan Paul & Darice Koo Heber Jacobsen & Christine Lake Dennis L. & Patricia A. Lombardi George H. Lowe III Larry L. & Leslie Marsh Mark D. & Jennifer McLaws Edward A. Meenen Herbert I. & Elsa B. Michael Foundation Robert Churchwell & Shelley D. Minteer Mission Math Utah Diego P. Fernandez & Valeria Molinero RJay Murray Jerry Rees & Lynda S. Nelson Jeffrey A. & Teresa A. Nichols Mark T. & Brenda Nielsen Alan P. Peterson PRA Health Sciences Timothy J. Purcell & Jessica Shepherd Purcell Kirk Max Ririe Rockwell Collins Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Matthew S. Sigman & Deborah L. BurneySigman
Notebook • Volu me X X VIII • 2020
Suppor ting the Promotion and Advancement of Science.
Angela & Mark H. Skolnick The Skolnick Foundation David P. & Kimberly K. Sorensen John E. Straub Douglas J. N. Taylor William B. & Vivien G. Terzaghi Thomas F. & Kathlyn Thatcher Utah STEM Action Center Egbertus D. VanDerHeiden Xiaodong Jiang & Jia Wang Mary Ann & Peter B. White Douglas L. & Kaye W. Wyler XMission L.C. Shaoqing Song & Fuli Zhao DEANS CIRCLE $1,000-$2,499 Constantine P. Georgopoulos & Deborah Ang Anonymous Tarlton J. & Lorie L.* Blair Scott K. Carter Pejman Mahboubi Chalezamini Lane C. & Paula W. Childs Paul E. & Denise R. Christian Carlos A. Chu-Jon Thomas C. Robbins & Kathleen A. Clark Ryan J. & Charlotte Conlon Lawrence J. & Judy Kei Cook Michael J. Bastiani & Denise Dearing Sidney Paul Elmer Cecelia H. Foxley William E. Buhro & Regina Faye Frey Donald Ned & Mary Ann Garner David P. Goldenberg Kameron Goold Maciej & Anna Gutowska Raymond R. & Vernetta B. Jessop Erik Mathias & Nan Jorgensen Charmaine Keck Daniel V. Kinikini Craig V. & Linda M. Lee Kristin Erickson Levinson Ryan & Meghan Looper Marin Community Foundation Noel E. Marquis Jeffrey M. & Allison J. Martin Maria Navas Moreno Frances & Richard* Muir Stanley A. & Jane S. Mulaik Kevin Wendell & Filinita Tupou Nemelka Eric & Lora B. Newman Clifford W. & Susan A. Nichols Rick D. & Denise Nydegger
Anita M. Orendt Burak Over Gregory Steven Owens & Crystal D. Owens Michael J. Pelletier & Christine C. Pelletier Robert G. & Susan G. Peterson Bernard T. & Marsha W. Price Kevin P. Dockery & Kelly Reynolds Carl L.* & Kathryn S. Robinson Peter E. & Susan E. Rogers Bryant W. & Betty Rossiter Susan K. Rushing George G. & Linda A. Seifert Norman J. Dovichi & Susan L. Sharpe Cameron J. & Melanie T. Soelberg TD Williamson Inc. Richard Neville & Jane Ellen Torgerson Jacob T. Umbriaco & Erin L. Umbriaco Jorge Rojas & Gabriela M. Vargas Christopher Waters Paul T. Watkins Kenneth A. Savin & Lisa A. Wenzler H. Ross & Katherine Workman Workman Nydegger Heng Xie Doju Yoshikami Dean H. & Jane H.* Zobell DEANS CLUB $500-$999 Thomas Kelly Alberts Anonymous Iwona Anusiewicz Charles H. & Judy J. Atwood Ntsanderh C. Azenui Zlatko & Vesna Bacic Keld Lars Bak F. Reid & Margaret H.* Barton Dennis M. & Jean C. Bramble Benjamin C. Bromley Glenn S. & Renée L. Buchanan Emily Ann Carter Daniel Patrick & Kara Cherney Frederic Marsh & Dulce Civish Samuel J. Cole & Mary G. Furlow-Cole Mark G. & Linda L. Conish John E. & Sally P. Crelly Jr. John C. & Laurie N. Dallon Donald D.* & Jane G. Dennis Christoph Boehme & Kristie Dawn Durham Berton A. & Tiraje Earnshaw Richard & Linda Easton Richard D. & Chariya A. Ernst Larry A. & Wendy Evans
Zhigang Zak & Wenfang Bian Fang John R. & Terry-Lee Fitzpatrick Craig D. George Michael E. & Elizabeth S. Gibson Bob Palais & Micah Goodman Ed & Yvonne Groenhout Tulle Hazelrigg Henryk & Malgorzata F. Hecht Daisy Germaine Hewitt Robert W. Van Kirk & Sheryl Hill Michelle Jen Aaron Paul & Chantel Lucile Jenkins Richard H. & Aurora Jensen János Kollár & Jennifer M. Johnson Michael D. Johnson Anne Hamner & Cheryl Lynn Keil Thure E. Cerling & Mahala Kephart William B. Lacy David Ryan & Laura Lowther Jordan M. Gerton & Brenda K. Mann Alexander Gibson McCray Michael J. & Loretta H. McHugh Clifton D. McIntosh & Terrie T. McIntosh James C. & Michele H. McRea David S. & Viera I. Moore Neil P. Morrissette Robert A. Sklar & Brenda L. Moskovitz William R. Mower Christopher P. Murdock Patience A. Nelson Aaron Y. & Holly A. Nelson Ruth L. & Phillip J.* Novak Earl M. & Alesa Ohlson Roger & Kathleen Pugh Justin D. Anderson & Lorena D. Purissimo Jack B. & Itha W. Rampton Gary L. & Norma D. Ranck Natalie N. Rasmussen Cheri Smith Reynolds Barry B. & Michelle Rhodes Harold M. & Deborah Jean Rust David H. & Barbara Schultz James W. Sewell Patricia Sharkey Mark H. Sherwood Stewart Shuman Megan V. Sinner Shane E. Smith Dean J. & Samantha Stoker Richard Dean & Elizabeth Blackett Streeper Eric M. Peterson & Karen C. Thomas Zeev Valentine Vardeny
(continued next page)
21
Warner Wada Feng Wang Jiang-Hua & Hanju Wang Michael L. Shields & Rachelle Wirth York J. & Mary Ann Yates Sean R. Young Ted Allan & Debra Young COLLEGIATE CLUB $250-$499 Adobe Anonymous Karen L. Anderson Jeffrey L. & Kathleen T. Anderson Dawn Aoki Edward I. & Florence Aoyagi David Owen Baumann Austin F. & Dale O. Bishop L. Beth Blattenberger Kathleen Merry Chaudhry Landon R. Clark & Erin Anne Shaw Clark Chad & Kimberly Peterson Coates Steven John & Kimberley Condas Marcia Cook Roy & Elaine Corsi Ruggiero S. Costanzo Ronald W. Day & Mava Jones Day Steven J. Dean R. Bruce & Debby Dickson Nicholas C. Gunn & Gretchen Jane Domek James Shannon Doyle & Lisa S. Doyle Arthur & Katherine Edison Mohamed M. & Joyce F.* El-Mogazi Donald Feener Karla Jean Gilbert Roy W. Goudy Patricia Elena Govednik Mark Hammond & Ming Chen Hammond Alex & Louise Butler Hardman Harry G. Hecht Minmin Lin & Hua Huang Jeffrey H. & Sherry N. Jasperson R. Bradley & Vangie Jensen John W. & Inga Kenney III Antonios G. Koures & Anupama KushawahaKoures Elizabeth Marie Kralik Elwood I. & Marion B.* Lentz Jr. Daniel W. Lundberg Malcolm & Carole J. MacLeod Jed B. & Kathryn G. Marti Fritz J. Knorr & Jeanne L. McHale Kevin Wight McJames Lindsay G. Miller Graeme Milton William L. & Jane Ehardt Moore Marvin L. & Sharron Lee Morris William D. & Ruth B. Ohlsen Larry Okun Allen K. & Anne Oshita James L. & Bonnie D. Parkin James E. & Margaret A. Parry Steven & Elizabeth Grace Pattison Zackary Johannes & Karli Rachel Plenert Clark B. & Sherrie W. Rampton 22
Ilya B. Reznik & Riley Lorimer-Reznik Lee K. & Dawn L. Roberts Andrew George Roberts Brian G. & LeeAnn W. Russell Dennis B. & Barbara H. Sagendorf Pearl Elizabeth Sandick Dennis T. & Charlotte J. Sauer Patrick A. & Deborah F. Shea Peter E. Silas & Stephanie B. Silas Piotr & Joanna Skurski Jerilyn S. McIntyre & W. David Smith Scott Smith Nathan Frederick Dalleska & Eileen M. Spain Thomas G. Richmond & Cynthia Squire Claude Karim Tabet Michael L. Taylor Ye Tian Zhiwei Liu & Aihua Tong Jared M. Vargason Lane J. & Rhonda L. Wallace Michael A. Weibel Steven A. & Catherine N. Werner Vernon D. Sandberg & Carol A. Wilkinson Mary A. Young Steven Yourstone CENTURY CLUB $100-$250 Roger L. Aamodt Randy Adachi D. Wain & E. Rebecca Allen Glenn D. & Lee Allinger Terrell N. & Virginia L. Andersen Albert G. & Christine M. Anderson Les C. & Mary E. Anderson Gameil Taher Fouad & Gina Barberi Jim & Kimberly M. Barton Scott W. & Susan T. Bean Richard & Shirley Behrendt Douglas Neal & Karen Holt Bennion Robert S. & Sydney B. Bennion Burton L. Markham* & Diane L. Bentley Douglas Bergman George Howze* & Katharine O. Biele Jay R. & Kathleen L. Blain Gary M. & Shanna H. Blake Casey Carlo & Jiliane M. Brandol William & Julie Breckenridge William O. Wilson & Carmen R. Buhler Ryan Gregory Bullett & Kelly S. Bullett Michael J. Cavanagh Grzegorz & Barbara Chalasinski Shenlin Chen Brigham V. & Marsali M. Cheney David T. Chuljian Kip Smith & Monica D. Clement Stephen L. & Nicola G. Dahl Michael D. Darley Harold A. & Sonja M. Decker Celeste Veronica Delrio James K. & J. Linda Detling Alan D. & Vickie Muir Eastman Christopher F. & Joanne Lewis* Erskine Wei Jiang & Chenxi Fang Briant J. & Glenna R. Farnsworth
Aaron L. Fogelson & Deborah Susan Feder Christopher Bradford Fox Kimberly Geisler Stephen M.* & Jessica T. Gledhill Keith M. Gligorich & Olena M. Gligorich Bridget L. Gourley Fletcher & Sally Gross Brian & Mary Wohl Haan Robert J. & Carolyn B. Hargrove Angela Harper Carol Ann Harper David G. & Jean Hart Kenneth C. & Michele Taylor Hartner Grant E. & Carolyn C. Head Bret Heale & Rebecca Noonan-Heale Emily C. Heider E. Ronn & Nancy Decker Heiner Robert K. & Tina R. Herman William C Hewitson Barton T. & Elizabeth E. Hoenes Christopher House Douglas H. & Charlotte R. Howe Hongbo Tang & Yufeng Huang Charles B. & Janet Hubley John Hughes Paul Rollins & RosaMaria Hurst Alan Can-Hung & Nancy Huynh Joseph & Karen Jensen Georgia A. Jeppesen Isaac Benjamin Johnson Ronald L. & Mary Sue Johnson Paul E. & Constance B. Johnston Gary S. & Cynthia Kanner Jennifer Pei-Chen Kao Siegfried G. & Ellen G. Karsten James P. & Kristine Keener Roy A. & Marilyn L. Keir Walter J. & Kelly S. Keller James Kelley & Carolyn O. Kelley Matthew T. & Autumn Kieber-Emmons Ed & Marsha Kilgore Paul I. & Eileen L. Kingsbury Jr. Peter A.* & Carole Koren Carol Korzeniewski Robert O. & Judy R. Kron Lawrence R. & Sally L. Kursar Sr. Roger O. & Sue Ann H. Ladle Armin P. Langheinrich Rolf Eric & Lucinda K. Larsen Michael Craig & Cathy Larsen Franklin M. & Joan T. Leaver Jr. Kerry L. & Ann J. Lee Xiaoqin Cao & Zhongjian Li Wei Li Jason A. & Linda E. Lillegraven Marilyn Loveless Hai-Bo Wang & Jun Lu Anthony F. & Jennifer Ann Lund Vance Andrew & Heidi R. Lyon Chaoxiong Ma Ming-Jun Lai & Lingyun Ma Lynn R. & Pamela Mahoney Russell L.* & Estelle S. Marlor James U. & Sylvia B. Mathis
Notebook • Volu me X X VIII • 2020
Walter L. & Carol L. McKnight Thomas C. & Linda B. McMillan Frank G. & Sharon R. Meyer William E Miller Larry K. & Sharma B. Millward Steven Mimnaugh Hwa-Ping Feng & Diana L. Montgomery Earl & Sharlene Mortensen Marcus P. & Sara Nebeling William & Raquel Nikolai Vanessa Blue Oklejas Larry J. & Carol Page Dong Pan David N. & Gloria Pehrson Carl J. & Barbara Popp Douglas Samuel & Jeannie M. Prince Li & Hope Z. Qi Urvin Shah & Kavita Reddy David J. & Earnestine M. Remondini Robert Anselmo Sclafani & Christine M. Roberts Jack D. Morris & Glenda M. Rose Peter E. Rose Alan S. & Cheryl Ruth Rothenberg Richard M. & Marilynn Rytting Richard & Peggy D. Sacher Robert A. Sanchez Richard P. Savage Jr. & Mary Savage
William D. Schraer Jeraldine Schumacher Kimberly R. Schuske James Lloyd Sferas Richard B. & Harriett Sher Yifan Shi Ki Joon & Akiko K. Shin William Thomas & Susan D. Silfvast Richard A. & Diane R. Smookler Don & Barbara B. Snyder Glade V. Sorensen Philip J. & Maida H. Spjut Michael Henry & Ruth C. Stevens Harold T. & Kay Stokes Gary G. & Jeanne A. Stroebel Barry M. Stults & Connie C. Stults Joseph Subotnik Edward Yu & Helen Sun Tom Vitelli & Michele A. Swaner Pete W. & Diane T. Temple Robert B. Roemer & L. Irene Terry Roy M. Piskadlo & Ellen Tolstad Thomas E. & Susan Tomasi Sylvia D. Torti John C. Tully Christian A. & Laura J. Ulmer John F Unguren Chi S. Van
Jayson A. Punwani & Jaimie VanNorman Gregory Alan VonArx Jennica Waldman Reed H. & Catherine Walsh Gang Wang Qiuquan Wang Ruping Deng & Xiaoli Wang M. Bruce & Claire L. Welch Luisa Whittaker-Brooks Paul Landry Wiggins Eliot J. & Susan Wilcox Bonnie B. Wilkerson Cagan Sekercioglu & Tanya Williams Kenneth & Betty J. Wireman Yung-Cheng Yang Charles Jui & Tamara Young Timothy R. & Rocio Zajic Daniel Ryan Wik & Gail Zasowski Steve M. & Shari Zinik Dylan Zwick
This list represents gifts of at least $100 made to any area in the College of Science including Departments, Centers, and Programs, between January 1, 2019 and May 1, 2020. Standard University group designations are used. We are extremely grateful for these and all of our generous supporters.
CRIMSON LEGACY SOCIETY
A planned gift is the easiest way to make a major contribution to help the university advance
scientific education and research. The Crimson Legacy Society is designed to recognize those who have made a deep commitment to the future of the college. Members will be recognized on the Crimson Legacy donor wall, in the college’s annual Notebook publication, and be inducted into the University’s Park Society. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jeff Martin at martin@science.utah.edu or 801-581-4852.
G. W.* and Ida Lee Anderson
Mitchell T. and Diana M. Johnson
John G. and Mary Jo Robinson
Les C. and Mary Anderson
Demetrius A. and Bella Kourtides
Hugo and Julia A. Rossi
Stephen L. and Nicola Giacona Dahl
Craig V. and Linda M. Lee
Gail T. Rushing
James R. and Monica DeGooyer
David C. Lever
Robert J. Scheuplein
Robert J.* and Sonya Deitz
Ms. Ruth Lofgren
Mr. Edward Silvestri
Laureate Society
Stephen C. and Mary G. Durrant
Joseph and Mary Ann Mayo
John P. and Margaret A. Simons
Sue M. Durrant
CRIMSON Josef and Sara* Michl
Shelagh K. Talbot Sinclair
George C. and Lisbeth Elliott
Larry J. and Carol K. Page
Preston* and Phyllis* Taylor
Kathryn R. Ely
Ronald O.* and Eileen Ragsdale
Mr. William Wintle
Kirk M. Ririe
Gordon R. Woodhouse
John A. and Denise S. Harja
*Indicates deceased
23
T H E
C L A S S
O F
2 0 2 0
554
College of Science Graduation Total number Stats 2020 of graduates
The College of Science is proud to recognize our exceptional graduating class for 2020.
20% stude
Mathematicians and scientists will lead the way in addressing the worlds’ problems. You
are intern
will be part of that effort. The world needs you to be part of that effort.
432 B A C H E LO R graduates
13
SUMMA
40% of students identify as non-white
cum laude
undergraduates
67 MASTER
graduates
64
PhD
. C o n v o c a t i on 2 020 College of Science
24
C on g r at u l at i o
graduates
ns U of U Graduation Stats 2020
ational
5,851
Master
2,411
PhD
1,018
9,126 TOTAL
In this alarming world of the
pandemic, we should look to the scientists, doctors, and nurses as role models of
3.39 undergraduate
GPA AVERAGE
dedication,
humanity.
2020
MAGNA
cum laude undergraduates
”
AVERAGE
AGE
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER.
JOHN WARNOCK M AT H E M AT I C S A LU M N I CO-FOUNDER OF ADOBE
321 VETERANS
receiving degrees
GRADUATE DEGREES
cum laude undergraduates
bachelor degree
25
commitment, and
19 25
degrees
of nts
“
Bachelor
18 69
YOUNGEST
OLDEST
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1390 Presidents Circle, Crocker Science Center, Rm 214 Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0140
Salt Lake City, Utah Permit No. 1529