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The Friends of the Libraries, Kona will host a free read-aloud program, “Books are Building Blocks,” 4:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 at the Kailua Kona Public Library.

This program is offered on the first Tuesday of each month. Parents must attend the program with their children. Participation is limited to the first 75 people.

The program is designed to encourage family literacy. There will be five separate reading groups: ages 5 to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to 13, 14 to 18, and their parents. Each group will have a person reading aloud to them, followed by a discussion of what was read.

Registration is 4:30-5 p.m. in front of the library. Families will then separate into groups with a reader for an hour. Afterward, the families will meet on the lanai for free refreshments, prizes and books.

To volunteer, sponsor, preregister or for more information, contact Pamela Wang at 323-2117 or e-mail FOLK@folkhawaii.com.

— Find out more:
www.folkhawaii.com

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NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate is accepting scholarship applications for the 2011 academic year. The application deadline is Jan. 17, 2011.

“We want more students to pursue careers in aeronautics,” said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “By offering these scholarships, we are extending to students not just an opportunity to become familiar with NASA’s research, but also an extra dose of inspiration. Scholarships are an excellent way for us to attract talented young innovators to our work force.”

NASA expects to award 20 undergraduate and five graduate scholarships to students in aeronautics or related fields. Undergraduate students entering their second year of study will receive up to $15,000 per year for two years and the opportunity to receive a $10,000 stipend by interning at a NASA research center during the summer.

Graduate students will receive up to $35,000 per year for up to three years, with an opportunity to receive a $10,000 stipend interning at a NASA research center for up to two consecutive summers.

Students who have not committed to a specific academic institution or program still may apply. However, if accepted, they must be admitted by fall 2011 into a suitable aeronautical engineering program or related field of study at an accredited U.S. university.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Scholarship money may be used for tuition and other school-related expenses.

NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate conducts cutting-edge, fundamental and integrated systems research in traditional and emerging disciplines. The intent is to help transform the nation’s air transportation system and to support development of future air and space vehicles.

Goals include improving airspace capacity and flexibility; aviation safety and aircraft performance; reducing overall noise, engine emissions and fuel usage.

For details about this scholarship program, including how to apply, visit: http://nasa.asee.org/

For more information about aeronautics research at NASA, visit: www.aeronautics.nasa.gov

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: www.nasa.gov

MEDIA RELEASE

The University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy will begin new health care initiatives in Hawaii and the Pacific region thanks to a $1.5 million congressionally-directed grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

“I have watched the College of Pharmacy grow over the past few years, and it is very gratifying to see what a critical difference it is making in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific,” said Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. “Improvement in health care is very important to me and I am very glad we can help the College of Pharmacy fulfill its critical mission. I know the financial support will be put to good use and the College will continue to make us proud.”

The two-year grant period began Sept. 1.

“Thanks to this congressionally-directed support provided by the Department of Education, we will be able to significantly accelerate the pace of fulfilling our mission of improving health care in Hawaii and the Pacific region,” said Dr. John M. Pezzuto, dean of the College of Pharmacy.

“The new educational opportunities provided by this support are extraordinary. The activities described in the application are not easy but we will keep our promises,” Pezzuto said. “These are the types of actions that make a Top 25-ranked college, and that’s what we intend to be.”

For more information about the College of Pharmacy, call (808) 933-2909 or email pharmacy@hawaii.edu

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai‘i has selected six faculty members from campuses across the university system as the recipients of the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. In memory of the late Frances Davis who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for 19 years, the award recognizes UH faculty members who demonstrate outstanding dedication and excellence as teachers of undergraduate students.

Lucía Aranda is an associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Languages and Literatures of Europe and the Americas at UH Mānoa. She is one of the most versatile, creative and resourceful teachers in the Spanish division. She has taught at least 14 different courses, in both English and Spanish, encompassing language, literature, culture, history and translation, and spanning topics from U.S. Latinos to Spain. Aranda strives for academic excellence, critical thinking and respect. In addition to her curricular expertise, Aranda has been successful in creating and supporting extracurricular linguistic and cultural opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Jonathan Awaya is an assistant biology professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. He is praised for his commitment to helping students intent on being admitted to medical school. Awaya is recognized for his efforts to encourage students to pursue independent research projects that expose them to the rigorous academic standards required to succeed in graduate level programs. As advisor to the Aspiring Doctors of Hilo student club, he also maintains regular contact with faculty at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in an effort to create opportunities for UH Hilo students. Awaya’s enthusiasm motivates his students to explore ways to make the most of their educational experiences.

Diane Caulfield is a professor and cooperative education coordinator at Honolulu Community College. She has demonstrated the highest ethical standards and dedication to teaching as well as excellence in the design of lower division undergraduate courses. Caulfield has continued to modify and improve human development courses to facilitate student learning. She has been commended as a wonderful teacher who takes the time to talk with her students, answer their questions and discuss future goals. Her students appreciate her patience, understanding, encouragement and professional expertise. Caulfield is an inspiration to students and makes them feel that they can succeed.

Mary Kay Tanka is a nursing instructor at Kaua‘i Community College. She is an expert professional nurse, inspiring and caring instructor, and a trusted and respected colleague. Tanka encourages students to develop and take ownership of their nursing practice and to become lifelong learners as they grow in their profession and in their personal lives. Along with her positive attitude, she brings her knowledge, experience and insight into the classroom in a way that makes her students eager to learn more, inspiring them to do their best and work together. Tanka is an excellent instructor, mentor and friend, and her dedication to the education of professional nurses is exemplary.

Karyn Mo Wells is a graduate teaching assistant and doctoral candidate in American studies at UH Mānoa. Her teaching style complements the way her students learn. She has the ability to make the class material relevant to their lives and facilitates reciprocal dialogue that engages each student in a meaningful manner. She encourages them to defend their beliefs and theories with substantive discussion, which elicits creativity and excitement from her class and motivates students to come out of their comfort zones. Wells is noted as an excellent teacher that goes to great lengths to connect key themes in establishing a living, breathing history for her students.

Carleen Yokotake is an associate professor of speech at Leeward Community College. She has been described as a dynamic teacher who not only teaches speech and communication skills but also demonstrates them in her delivery of course material. Yokotake approaches every class with passion and enthusiasm and applies interactive teaching strategies to create an enjoyable environment for each student. She continues to improve her teaching through assessment of student learning and by keeping current on the latest research on communication. Colleagues say that it is her friendly and very approachable demeanor that makes her such an effective and exceptional educator.

These individuals will be recognized for their achievements along with other UH award recipients at the annual Convocation ceremony to be held September 14, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Kennedy Theatre on the UH Mānoa campus. The ceremony is open to the public at no charge, and no reservations are needed. For more information on the awards ceremony, visit http://www.hawaii.edu/about/awards

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $62,792,000 to the University of Hawai‘i (UH) to finance capital improvements to campuses statewide, as well as to construct the university’s first information technology center.

“Providing our university and community college students with modern facilities and cutting-edge information technology capabilities is essential to ensuring they receive the high quality education they need to prepare for their careers,” said Governor Lingle. “These construction projects will also help stimulate our economy and create jobs for residents statewide.”

“We are pleased to be able to move forward on these important projects,” said UH President M.R.C. Greenwood. “The release of these funds will clear the way for critical upgrades to our information technology system and help bring to fruition some much-needed upgrades through our Project Renovate to Innovate. These CIP projects deliver a triple bottom line for the state – they generate jobs, enhance our ability to compete and pursue work that benefits the community and they maximize our return on federal dollars.

“I want to thank Governor Lingle and the state Legislature for their continued support of the University of Hawai‘i and for recognizing that the university is a wise investment in helping to build the state’s economy and its preferred future.”

Information Technology Center

The majority of the funds released, $48,302,000, will be used to complete the design and construction of a systemwide information technology center on the UH Mānoa campus that would support the information technology needs for the entire university system. The development of the information technology center is critical to address the vulnerability of the university’s information and communications infrastructure.

The existing computing center, data communications hub, phone system and video hub are dispersed throughout the Mānoa campus. The current facilities cannot support energy-efficient operations and lack adequate backup infrastructure.

The new information technology center will enable the provision of reliable, 24×7 university-wide technology services to support education, research and administration for all UH campuses throughout the state. The new center will house central computing, data networking, telephone and video resources, with reliable power and connectivity to improve and facilitate disaster responsiveness through natural and man-made disasters. The center will also provide an emergency situation room for use during disasters and other emergencies.

The information technology center will also provide space for faculty to develop instructional and media content in support of their teaching and research; create new space for students to work with information technologies; provide access to teleconferencing capabilities for faculty and staff to connect with colleagues and peers around the world; and offer space to sustainably house program-specific servers and data storage now scattered around the university.

The total estimated cost of the project is $53,294,000. The projected completion date is November 2012.

Capital Improvements

The university will use $12,490,000 to renovate buildings on the Mānoa and Hilo campuses as part of the UH Project Renovate to Innovate initiative passed under Act 180 this year. The renovation projects include:

Webster Hall, UH Mānoa ($8 million) – The scope of this project is to renovate the existing third floor of Webster Hall to create a UH Transnational Health Simulation Center. The new center will enhance interdisciplinary biomedical and behavioral research and education from several schools and colleges, including the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i, College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences. The center will also provide collaboration opportunities with UH Hilo’s College of Pharmacy via distance programming.

Snyder Hall, UH Mānoa ($2 million) – The funds will go toward the renovation of Snyder Hall, originally built in 1962, into a modern laboratory, office and support facility for life sciences research. The total estimated cost of this project is $48 million.

Wentworth Hall, UH Hilo ($2.34 million) – This project will replace and/or upgrade Wentworth Hall’s air conditioning system, built-in equipment, and interior finishes. Additionally, lighting and fire protection systems will be upgraded. Wentworth Hall was built in 1965. The total estimated cost of this project is $5 million.

Keaukaha and Pana‘ewa Research Facilities, UH Hilo ($150,000) – The funds will go toward the renovation of fresh and salt water pumping and distribution systems to ensure stability of aquatic life-support facilities, development of appropriate research laboratories, improvements to large concrete tanks, and support spaces. The total estimated cost of the project is $6.35 million.

Community Colleges

Two million dollars will be used to fund design and construction of capital improvement projects at UH community college campuses. These renovations include:

Kaua‘i Community College – renovation of classroom to a science laboratory.

Maui Community College – renovation of the existing Science Building for Allied Health Programs.

Leeward Community College – structural repairs, interior renovations and improvements to the theater.

Windward Community College – renovation of Hale Na‘auao for classrooms, offices and support spaces.

Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona delivers a proclamation to organizers at the kick-off rally for the Hawaii Jaycees Adopt-A-School Day. (Photo courtesy of the Lt. Governor's Office)

MEDIA RELEASE

As part of the Hawaii Jaycees Adopt-A-School Day rally, Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona delivered remarks Saturday commending participants who have volunteered to support Hawaii’s public schools. Aiona also presented a Proclamation declaring Oct. 10 as ‘Adopt-A-School Day’ in Hawaii.

“This event builds momentum leading up to Adopt-A-School Day on Oct. 10 and will serve a way for us to raise awareness in the community about the needs of our local schools,” Aiona said.

The event featured local entertainers, community leaders and groups of volunteers who will put in a day’s work serving the needs of schools they adopt Oct. 10. This year, the Hawaii Jaycees has goal of getting 100 schools adopted to perform various projects, including:

* Career counseling and workshops
* Planting of flowers and trees, and other landscaping projects
* Delivery of school supplies
* Painting of school buildings, playgrounds and parking lots

In addition, attendees that do not have a group were urged to contact their local Jaycee chapter for more information on how they can participate in the program.

“It is great to see all the local businesses, groups and organizations step forward to support our students, teachers and communities,” Aiona said.

— Find out more:
www.AdoptASchoolDay.org

MEDIA RELEASE

WASHINGTON — NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate is accepting scholarship applications for the 2011 academic year. The application deadline is Jan. 17, 2011.

“We want more students to pursue careers in aeronautics,” said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “By offering these scholarships, we are extending to students not just an opportunity to become familiar with NASA’s research, but also an extra dose of inspiration. Scholarships are an excellent way for us to attract talented young innovators to our work force.”

NASA expects to award 20 undergraduate and five graduate scholarships to students in aeronautics or related fields. Undergraduate students entering their second year of study will receive up to $15,000 per year for two years and the opportunity to receive a $10,000 stipend by interning at a NASA research center during the summer.

Graduate students will receive up to $35,000 per year for up to three years, with an opportunity to receive a $10,000 stipend interning at a NASA research center for up to two consecutive summers.

Students who have not committed to a specific academic institution or program still may apply. However, if accepted, they must be admitted by fall 2011 into a suitable aeronautical engineering program or related field of study at an accredited U.S. university. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Scholarship money may be used for tuition and other school-related expenses.

NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate conducts cutting-edge, fundamental and integrated systems research in traditional and emerging disciplines. The intent is to help transform the nation’s air transportation system and to support development of future air and space vehicles. Goals include improving airspace capacity and flexibility; aviation safety and aircraft performance; reducing overall noise, engine emissions and fuel usage.

For details about this scholarship program, including how to apply, visit:

http://nasa.asee.org/

For more information about aeronautics research at NASA, visit:

http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov

Honu‘apo Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

MEDIA RELEASE

Cyril Pahinui Will Jam at the Sunday, Sept. 5 Fundraiser

Ka Ohana O Honuapo celebrates its stewardship of Honuapo Park at the third “Hoolaulea at Honuapo: Malama Kaæu,” Sunday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Honuapo Park and Whittington Beach Park.

The free, multi-generational festivities are open to everyone, with great food, music, hula, ‘olelo (storytelling) and more. Cyril Pahinui, Na Hoku Hanohano winner and sweet-voiced son of Hawaiian music legend Gabby Pahinui, will add his slack key magic in a special performance.

Traditionally, a hoolaulea is a gathering for a special occasion, such as May Day or school graduation, when food, Hawaiian cultural crafts and games are shared. What sets the “Hoolaulea at Honuapo: Malama Ka’u” apart is that it’s also a fundraiser to protect the historic and culturally significant Honuapo Park in the southern Ka’u District.

Cyril Pahinui

This stretch of rocky coast, tidepools and marshes has transformed many times, yet maintains its sense of place. From ancient fisheries, to a busy sugar cane port and railroad depot (that were at least twice destroyed by tsunamis and once blasted by the military during WWII), Honuapo remains a warm and welcoming retreat for human visitors and fishermen, as well as habitat for the black-crowned night heron, the Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian duck, Hawaiian hawk, Hawaiian black-necked stilt, the Hawaiian monk seal, hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles, and other endangered wildlife.

Honuapo is a very special rare shoreline nursery that nurtures and protects dozens of endangered marine and terrestrial plant and animal life.

Led by a diverse board of passionate volunteers, Ka Ohana O Honuapo is dedicated to protecting the 223 acres of Honuapo Park, now the largest county shoreline park in the State of Hawaii. Event organizers hope to raise awareness about Honuapo, and raise funds to help maintain programs and facilities.

The day includes a variety of fun-filled events for all ages, including Cyril Pahinui in concert, and free educational walking tours with Ka’u docents.

Ka Ohana O Honu’apo along with Townscape Hawaii will also present the final Honuapo General Resources Management Plan, to which hundreds of community members contributed over the last several years.

Other special elements of the Ho’olaule’a include a look at the past, with an exhibition of historic photos, and numerous food, crafters and community education booths, a silent auction, and lucky number prizes.

“Ka’u has been blessed with so many resources for self-sufficiency,” said event organizer Michelle Galimba, president of Ka Ohana O Honuapo. “We have a lot to share, and, based on the two previous Hoolaulea at Honuapo, we expect a large turnout!”

This event is being supported by the County of Hawaii through a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

For those who want to stay in the Ka’u area for the weekend, several B&Bs like Pahala Plantation Cottages and Leilani Bed and Breakfast are offering special discounted rates.

For more information call (808) 929-9891 or visit www.honuapopark.org

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – Twelve University of Hawaiʻi faculty members have been selected as recipients of the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. This award recognizes faculty who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values beneficial to students.

Jess Aki is a professor of cosmetology at Honolulu Community College. Students admire her ability to motivate and create enthusiasm about her subject, and that she encourages them to go beyond the facts to think critically about what it means to be a cosmetologist. They compliment her clear communication of course expectations, flexibility to adapt to different learning styles, sensitivity to their test anxiety, and prompt, fair grading of their work. Former students proudly introduce her to their families and still look up to her with respect and affection. Aki is a dedicated and caring instructor who makes students’ mastery of subject matter her highest priority.

Ned Bertz is an assistant professor of history at UH Mānoa. For Bertz, teaching is the art of helping students understand the world and all the possibilities it offers. He teaches a wide range of student-centered courses focusing on South Asian and African history, and others that train students in the disciplinary practices of history. He possesses a passion and knowledge for South Asian history that is contagious and enticing. A colleague observed that his students express an overwhelming appreciation for his enthusiasm and dedication to teaching, and a universal recognition of his knowledge of the subjects he teaches.

Sandra Claveria is an instructor and coordinator for the human services program at Hawai‘i Community College. A mentor and coach, she has more than 25 years of experience in Hawaiian culture, diversity and values education. She is praised for her compassion, understanding and patience when it comes to working with a wide diversity of students from different cultures. A colleague shared that many first time students enter her class feeling uncertain about themselves, their academic path and their life choices, but by the end of the semester they are feeling inspired, motivated and confident. Claveria exemplifies the true meaning of excellence in teaching.

Kahele Dukelow is an instructor in Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College. She accesses a full range of creativity, passion and knowledge to instill within her students a sense of accomplishment, purpose and enthusiasm for learning. Dukelow teaches in a manner that allows her students to feel empowered. She inspires her students to learn and think freely and encourages them to research and apply their knowledge to improve the community, culture and the world in their own ways. Dukelow’s dedication to her students is obvious as many commend her for being an excellent teacher and role model who is always willing to go the extra mile to help.

Magdy Iskander is a professor of electrical engineering and director of the Hawai‘i Center for Advanced Communications at UH Mānoa. Iskander cares about his students and spends a lot of time to motivate and excite them about electromagnetics. His thorough understanding of this difficult and esoteric subject and his talent in explaining difficult concepts make his classroom lectures enlightening, full of fun, and leaves his students wanting to learn more. Iskander is also an activist for promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for middle schools in Hawai‘i and promoting science awareness to the general public.

Frederick Lau is a professor of music at UH Mānoa. His work at the university is based on his experience as an ethnomusicologist, teacher, flutist and conductor. Lau has an energetic and incisive personality and projects these qualities in his teaching. He is a strong advocate of multiculturalism in both theory and practice in his classroom. Lau always emphasizes how important it is to view music not just as mere sonic phenomena but to understand it in relation to larger social issues. He believes that through the study of music, students can gain insight into understanding the complexity of culture and the role music plays in shaping our existence.

Eric Matsuoka is a mathematics professor at Leeward Community College. Colleagues observe that he is passionate about his work and helps his students apply what they learn to real life scenarios to help them further understand various concepts. His students concur that he is extremely knowledgeable, funny, organized, caring and very creative in teaching mathematics. He is also a great mentor and is very generous with his time and efforts in assisting his colleagues. Matsuoka is a dedicated professor of exceptional quality who has earned the respect of his colleagues, students and administrators at the college and system level.

Karla McDermid is a professor in the marine science department at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. She specializes in taxonomy and the community dynamics of Hawaiian seaweeds and seagrasses. She has presented invited papers at international seaweed conferences and workshops, and published articles on ecology, taxonomy, biogeography and nutritional composition of seaweed. In addition to sharing her knowledge, McDermid also creates and serves a limu luncheon to her marine science students. Students and peers alike praise her for being highly effective both inside and outside of the classroom, often employing innovative and unusual teaching methods.

Bennett Moffat is a professor and humanities department chair at Windward Community College. He is a good listener and allows students to voice their opinions and questions in full, a technique that allows for optimum class participation. Moffat makes sure to communicate exactly what is expected during class and manages his time well to give his students ample opportunity for class discussions. He explains concepts, ideas and techniques in drama in great detail, elaborating on what he knows best and sharing his personal experiences. Moffat is recognized as a valuable asset to the college and has a great sense of humor that encourages harmony, unity and creativity in the classroom.

Randall Roth is a professor in the William S. Richardson School of Law at UH Mānoa. The courses that Roth teaches are regarded as subjects that are the hardest to teach in the law school curriculum. However, his wit and enthusiasm make his courses the most memorable. He is a model for students and mentors them in what it takes to be nothing less than good and industrious lawyers. His courses allow students to see themselves as problem solvers in sorting out complex legal issues. Roth is commended for extending the reach of the law and teaching beyond the halls of academia in ways that are important to our state and its people.

Chhany Sak-Humphry is an associate professor in the Department of Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures at UH Mānoa. Sak-Humphry believes that the benefit of learning any foreign language is immeasurable. She began teaching Khmer at UH Mānoa in 1983 and has single-handedly developed the Khmer Language Program into the excellent and internationally recognized program that it is today. She also developed and directed the Advanced Study of Khmer Abroad Program, which serves students in the United States and abroad. Sak-Humphry’s approach to teaching has been to integrate outstanding instruction with innovative research on Khmer language, linguistics and literature.

Gregory Shepherd is an associate professor of music at Kaua‘i Community College. He began his teaching career at Kaua‘i in 1988 and is known for his way of connecting with students. Shepherd is extremely patient and believes in each student’s potential and unique voice. He encourages his students to continue practicing and always praises their accomplishments. At the same time, he works with them to improve their performance and assists with areas for improvement. Shepherd is dedicated to teaching and has an unyielding drive to share his passion for the musical arts with his students and others.

These individuals will be recognized for their achievements along with other UH award recipients at the annual Convocation ceremony to be held September 14, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Kennedy Theatre on the UH Mānoa campus. The ceremony is open to the public at no charge, and no reservations are needed. For more information on the awards ceremony, visit http://www.hawaii.edu/about/awards

MEDIA RELEASE

Award-winning molecular biologist Andre S. Bachmann joins the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy as a tenured associate professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, effective Sept. 1.

He also will remain a member of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and an adjunct associate professor with the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

Bachmann has been teaching and conducting research at the National Cancer Institute-(NCI) designated Cancer Research Center of Hawaii on Oahu since 2001.

In 2006, he received an NCI grant award and two grant supplements to study the pediatric cancer neuroblastoma, with the goal to identify better treatment options, in particular for patients with relapsed/refractory disease.

As a direct result of his research, the first neuroblastoma clinical trial with his novel treatment option (DFMO/etoposide) opened nationwide in 2010, and his achievements were recognized with the 2010 Inaugural Weinman Innovator Award for Translational Research.

In addition to his translational work, he also assembled an international team of scientists and together discovered a new class of active molecules that block the growth of cancer cells. The breakthrough study was reported in 2008 in the scientific journal Nature.

Bachmann is an editorial board member of seven scientific journals including the AACR journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, and he is an associate editor of Pharmaceutical Biology.

Bachmann has published 30 articles in peer-reviewed science journals and is currently writing two book chapters on the clinical application of polyamine inhibitor based drugs in neuroblastoma and other types of neurological cancer.

click above for a larger image

MEDIA RELEASE

On Wednesday, September 1, 2010, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park partners with the US Postal Service in a special event—the First-Day-Issue of the Nature of America: Hawaiian Rain Forest Stamp.

The official unveiling ceremony will be held at the hula platform near the Kilauea Visitor Center from 11 am to noon and include remarks by Senator Daniel Inouye, Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, Mayor Billy Kenoi, and US Postal Service Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Donahoe.

Stamp artist John Dawson, a Hilo resident, will share his perspectives on inspiration for the artwork; Kumu Hula Ab Kawainohoikala‘i Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu will offer an oli and hula; and Waiakea High School Navy JROTC Color Guard will conduct Presentation of Colors.

The US Postal Service will sell and cancel the Hawaiian Rain Forest stamp panes and stamped postal cards from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.

The event is free and park entrance fees will be waived until noon.

The Hawaiian Rain Forest is the 12th and final stamp pane in the US Postal Service Nature of America series, an educational series focusing on the beauty and complexity of major plant and animal communities in the United States. Dawson painted all scenes in the series.

The setting for this stamp pane is a rain forest on the island of Hawai‘i. To illustrate the spectacular biodiversity of this ecosystem, Dawson depicted more than 24 different plant and animal species in his colorful acrylic painting.

The leaves and branches of mature ‘ohi‘a lehua trees dominate the forest canopy. Below, the lush understory is dense with ferns, saplings, flowering trees, and shrubs.

Colorful blossoms attract honeycreepers such as the scarlet ‘i‘iwi, whose long, curved bill allows it to reach the nectar of tubular haha flowers. An ‘amakihi sips the nectar of red ‘ohi‘a lehua blossoms, while an ‘akepa glides toward the same tree, where it will glean insects from leaf buds. The Hawaiian thrush known as ‘oma‘o prefers fruits and berries.

Small insects and spiders are visible near the bottom and center of the painting. A Kamehameha butterfly lays eggs on the leaves of mamaki, its primary host plant. Among the smallest creatures is the happyface spider, shown in extreme close-up at lower right in the painting.

Only one mammal—the ‘ope‘ape‘a, or Hawaiian hoary bat—is native to the rain forests of Hawai‘i. This fast-flying, insect-eating bat gets its name from the frosty appearance of its grayish-brown fur.

A description of the rain forest and a numbered key to the artwork appear on the back of the stamp pane, along with a corresponding list of common and scientific names for 24 selected species.

Previous Nature of America issuances were Sonoran Desert (1999), Pacific Coast Rain Forest (2000), Great Plains Prairie (2001), Longleaf Pine Forest (2002), Arctic Tundra (2003), Pacific Coral Reef (2004), Northeast Deciduous Forest (2005), Southern Florida Wetland (2006), Alpine Tundra (2007), Great Lakes Dunes (2008), and Kelp Forest (2009).

MEDIA RELEASE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and the National FFA Organization have partnered to develop new educational tools to help promote agricultural and statistical literacy among kindergarten through 12th-grade students.

“By including these materials in the classroom curriculum, teachers can help students better understand statistics and their importance to the farming community, rural America and society as a whole,” said Dr. Cynthia Clark, NASS administrator.

“These lesson plans contain relevant information to give students a realistic view of statistical processes used to track trends and changes in U.S. agricultural production, economics and demographics,” Clark said.

The classroom-ready resources, which include lesson plans and supporting materials, are aligned with national curriculum standards for science, math and social studies.

The materials use current Census of Agriculture data to teach a variety of concepts including discovering new trends in population subsets and evaluating diversity among farmers.

The materials are available online at:
NASS: www.nass.usda.gov/Education_and_Outreach/index.asp
FFA Learning Center: http://ffa.learn.com