Education
Refresh Your Brain With a Science Break
Posted on 5/16/13 by Katrina Becker » No Comments
2012 Intel Fair winners
If you’re feeling the Thursday mental fatigue that comes near the end of the work week, give your tired synapses a pick-me-up at the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, and take a look at cutting-edge student research.
The Intel® International Science and Engineering Fair® (Intel ISEF) is a program of Society for Science & the Public, wrapping up this year’s event at the Phoenix Convention Center through Friday. Celebrate the joys of science at Thursday’s Public Outreach Day with hands-on interactive exhibits, and meet talented young finalists creating groundbreaking research in chemistry, computer science, engineering, and other disciplines.
Approximately 1,600 high school scientists competed from around the world, coming from 433 affiliate fairs and resulting in over 400 award-winning finalists and 17 “Best of Category” winners in fields including animal and plant sciences, cellular and molecular biology, behavioral and social sciences, medicine and health, bioengineering, and physics and astronomy.
The Special Awards Ceremony takes place Thursday evening, while the Grand Awards Ceremony starts Friday at 9AM. It’s intriguing to speculate on the prize-winning topics of research — finalists are competing for more than $4 million in awards.
Last year’s first-place winner was 15-year-old Jack Andraka of Maryland, who created a simple dip-stick sensor to test for pancreatic cancer. Astonishingly, Andraka’s study resulted in greater than 90% accuracy, and showed his sensor to be 28 times faster, far less expensive, and more than 100 times more sensitive than current tests.
Winners of Young Scientist Awards in 2012 included 17-year-old Canadian Nicholas Schiefer, who studies “microsearch,” developing ways to search tweets and Facebook status updates by improving the capabilities of search engines. Another winner, 18-year-old Ari Dyckovsky of Virginia, investigated the science of quantum teleportation, “entangling” atoms to transfer information.
Curious? Learn more about past projects through the abstract search, or stop by the Fair and see for yourself — you might find research exploring new drugs made from spiderweb silk, or discover an internal combustion engine with only four moving parts…or you just might meet the next great scientific mind in a teenager.
17-year-old Angela Wang of Latham, NY demonstrates her auditory brain-computer interface
If you go:
- The Intel® International Science and Engineering Fair® (Intel ISEF): at the Phoenix Convention Center through Friday, May 17.
- Society for Science & the Public is a non-profit organization promoting the understanding and appreciation of science.
- The Intel ISEF Public Outreach Day features hands-on interactive exhibits and the opportunity to meet top young scientists.
- Check out highlights from last year’s Fair on YouTube.
Wire | University of Arizona Breaks Ground for New Cancer Center
Posted on 2/21/13 by DPJ Staff » No Comments
DPJ’s Wire series delivers news and information straight from the source without translation.
PHOENIX – Ground was officially broken today on the new University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center/Dignity Health outpatient facility in downtown Phoenix.
Located on the Phoenix Biomedical Campus at 625 N. Sixth St., on the northwest corner of Fillmore and Seventh streets, the center is expected to be open in 2015. The University is leasing the land from the City of Phoenix.
View from southwest looking northeast. Renderings courtesy of ZGF Architects LLP
The 220,000-square-foot, five-story, $100 million facility will offer comprehensive cancer services, including infusion, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, endoscopic/interventional radiology, a women’s center, specialized cancer clinics, patient wellness and support services, a prevention/executive health clinic, clinical lab space and other related support spaces.
Under an affiliation agreement approved by the Arizona Board of Regents and Dignity Health Arizona, St. Joseph’s, which is a part of Dignity Health, will operate inpatient clinical cancer services at its main hospital campus and outpatient services at the new downtown facility. Until the new facility opens the hospital will continue to provide outpatient services.
“Today the University of Arizona Cancer Center begins to fulfill the promise to serve the entire state of Arizona made to former State House Speaker Burton Barr in 1982 when the Arizona Legislature approved our state funding, and to the National Cancer Institute in 2009 when it approved our Cancer Center Support Grant for the seventh time,” said David S. Alberts, MD, UACC director.
The new Cancer Center’s layout. Renderings courtesy of ZGF Architects LLP
“We believe this facility and the extraordinary combined medical talents from St. Joseph’s and UA Cancer Center will allow us to reach new heights in providing extraordinary cancer care,” said Linda Hunt, president and chief executive officer, Dignity Health Arizona.
“This groundbreaking reflects the University of Arizona’s commitment to bettering the lives of all Arizonans,” said UA President Ann Weaver Hart. “We are most grateful to our partners and the City of Phoenix for helping to achieve this milestone. The potent combination of leading-edge research and exemplary patient care means that today is a new day for cancer patients in Arizona.”
“The University of Arizona Cancer Center and the College of Medicine, both located on the Phoenix Biomedical Campus officially will make downtown Phoenix a world-class center for medical innovation and care,” Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said. “Not only will the UACC be an economic engine for our city and state, contributing to our downtown urban core, but we’ll also be on the forefront of cancer care and finding the cure. Thank you to our partners at UA and St. Joseph’s for working with the City of Phoenix as we continue to work together toward a strong future.”
The UA Cancer Center is one of just 41 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. It is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center headquartered in Arizona and serving the entire state through a network of affiliated health care organizations and community physicians.
Follow the project’s construction progress at phoenixcancercenter.org
The construction is the latest project for the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, which is anchored by the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix and includes the Translational Genomics Research Institute. The university colleges of public health, pharmacy and nursing all have activities on the downtown Phoenix along with programs from Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services.
About The University of Arizona Cancer Center
The University of Arizona Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center headquartered in Arizona. The UACC is supported by NCI Cancer Center Support Grant number CA023074. With primary locations at the University of Arizona in Tucson and at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, the Cancer Center has more than a dozen research and education offices in Phoenix and throughout the state and 300 physician and scientist members who work together to prevent and cure cancer. For more information, go to www.arizonacancercenter.org
About St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Located in the heart of Phoenix, Ariz., St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is a 607-bed, not-for-profit hospital that provides a wide range of health, social and support services with special advocacy for the poor and underserved. St. Joseph’s is a nationally recognized center for quality tertiary care, medical education and research. It includes the internationally renowned Barrow Neurological Institute, the Heart & Lung Institute, Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, and a Level I Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. U.S. News & World Report routinely ranks St. Joseph’s among the best hospitals in the United States for neurology and neurosurgery.
Wire | City Council Approves First Step in Developing ASU Center of Law
Posted on 12/12/12 by DPJ Staff » Comments Off
DPJ’s Wire series delivers news and information straight from the source without translation.
The Phoenix City Council last week approved city staff to begin negotiations and enter into contracts to facilitate Arizona State University’s development of the Arizona Center for Law and Society on city-controlled property in downtown Phoenix.
ASU proposes to develop the Arizona Center for Law and Society on approximately three-quarters of a block of city property bounded by Polk, Taylor, First and Second streets.
Conceptual rendering of the future Arizona Center of Law and Society. A design team has yet to be selected for the project, and construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2014. The center is scheduled to open in Spring 2016. Image courtesy of ASU.
“Thank you to ASU, President Crow, my fellow council members and the Arizona Board of Regents for working so diligently in making this innovative move to our growing downtown Phoenix urban core,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “This is more than just a move – it’s a major part of our city’s and region’s future and a place where ideas from some of the best law students in the country will contribute to our justice system and make Phoenix and Arizona a better place to live for generations to come.”
In addition to the hundreds of ongoing professional jobs created in Phoenix by this investment, approximately 1,000 construction-related jobs and $1 million in construction sales tax will be generated.
“Locating the College of Law in downtown Phoenix is a perfect match that will enhance the vibrant university campuses, create jobs and provide real-world educational benefits and opportunities for the law students,” said Vice Mayor Michael Johnson, chairman of the City Council’s Downtown, Aviation, Economy and Education Subcommittee.
The approximately $100 to $120 million, six-story facility will include the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in approximately 250,000 to 300,000 square feet, as well as continuing legal education facilities, community legal services, public retail amenities and approximately 200 to 250 parking spaces.
“This is an investment that makes sense for ASU College of Law, its students and the city of Phoenix,” said Councilman Bill Gates. “The move will position one of our nation’s top public law schools within walking distance of local, state and federal courts, our state’s top law firms and business headquarters.”
“We are deeply grateful for the support we have received from Mayor Stanton and members of the City Council for our relocation to downtown Phoenix,” said Douglas Sylvester, dean of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. “We are excited about the opportunity to be situated in what has become the legal, government and corporate center of not only Phoenix, but of Arizona as a whole, and for the opportunity to further embed ourselves in the downtown community.”
Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in Spring 2014, completion of construction in late 2015. The center is scheduled to open in Spring 2016.
Clarinets for ‘Copacabana’
Posted on 12/09/12 by Katrina Becker » No Comments
Barry Manilow
Photo credit: Denise Truscello
Even if you’re too young or too hip for hits like “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “One Voice,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and the iconic “Copacabana (At the Copa),” you’re familiar with the music of Barry Manilow. Think of timeless commercial tunes like “I Am Stuck on Band-Aid” and “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There,” or “You Deserve a Break Today” for McDonald’s – Manilow started his career performing and writing for New York’s advertising jingle circuit.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Manilow was studying accordion and playing piano by the age of seven, attending New York College of Music and Juilliard. He began working with Bette Midler in 1971, and recorded his debut solo album the following year. Since then, he’s released 40 albums and won Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards as a performer, producer, author, and actor.
Barry Manilow
Photo credit: Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel
The singer has also been contributing to numerous communities through his Manilow Fund for Health & Hope, a non-profit charity supporting local, grass-roots organizations focusing on cancer, AIDS, children’s issues, abuse, homelessness, and music education. Part of that Fund is the Manilow Music Project, formed in 2008 by Manilow and some friends. The Project donates instruments, sheet music, and music stands to school music programs, responding to depleted budgets and funding cuts.
Thanks to a local instrument drive kicked off with Manilow’s donation of a Yamaha piano, Phoenix high schools became the latest beneficiaries of his philanthropy. Bring a new or gently used musical instrument as a donation to his Comerica Theatre performance, and you’ll receive two free tickets to the show.
“I think Manilow’s concerned that, with these shrinking education budgets, the first thing to go are the arts…that’s just a shame,” says Phoenix Union High School District Community Relations Manager Craig Pletenik. “And if we can recycle some music, hopefully we can also recycle arts education.”
Phoenix high school music students
More than 3,400 students participate in music classes throughout the district. “Many of our students come from lower socio-economic conditions,” Pletenik continues, “and music programs can be very expensive to run. We don’t have students coming to school with their own instruments,” he explains. “They don’t even rent them – they borrow them from our inventory.”
So far, 19 instruments have been donated. According to Rebecca Grace, band director at Carl Hayden High School and the coordinator of the instrument drive, “The average instrument cost is between $300 and $700, and practically none of our students have their own; they can’t afford them.” She elaborates, “The district has a performing arts supply budget, but most of the money has been eaten up over the last eight years by the huge cost of purchasing band uniforms for 10 marching bands.”
Consider indulging in some melody-rich, jazz-inflected pop and simultaneously supporting music in Phoenix schools by bringing an instrument to the concert. “What a neat program,” says Pletenik enthusiastically. “Even if they only collect 20 instruments, that’s 20 kids who now might have an opportunity to play music that they otherwise might not have…and the piano [donation] is tremendously generous.”
- Barry Manilow performs at Comerica Theatre in downtown Phoenix tonight, Sunday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at manilow.com or livenation.com, at the door, or by calling 800-745-3000.
- Learn about the Manilow Music Project at http://www.manilowmusicproject.org.
Degrees of Fashion from Phoenix College
Posted on 9/26/12 by Cortney Kaminski » No Comments
As Downtown Phoenix expands so do the various culture scenes within it. One that has experienced growth is the fashion industry. Within just the past few years, locals have taken it upon themselves to enrich the world around them with a focus on fashion.
The growth is in large part thanks to the educational programs that help develop the creative industry. Although Phoenix isn’t home to famed design schools such as FIDM or Parsons, it is the home for Phoenix College, which houses an exceptional fashion program for those looking to take a dip into the pool of fashion design.
The students who go through the program can thank Sylvia Phillips, instructor and chair of applied technology and family & consumer sciences. Phillips came to the college when it only offered a few fashion courses, and saw that students were interested in learning more, which drove her to enhance the fashion design program.
Sylvia Phillips shows a recent donation from the Phoenix Art Museum.
“It [the program] has changed a lot. We have added a lot of courses and our enrollment has grown a great deal,” Phillips said.
For a student to receive a degree they must successfully complete the two-year program of rigorous classes as well as complete an internship or a portfolio class. Phillips said, “When they complete the program they should be able to design and work in a costuming business as a costumer.”
Those who do not directly begin their fashion career often choose to further their education, with many Phoenix College graduates attending Parsons or the Fashion Institute of Technology after they complete the program. Phillips said she often hears from past students and loves to hear how they have furthered their careers.
“Our students are very diverse, very talented. They have a passion for fashion,” Phillips said of the roughly 300 students she sees each semester.
Students draw inspiration from fashion boards.
Although Phoenix College is not the only school to offer fashion design programs, they do believe they have something special to offer their students.
The program educates students in fashion design, pattern design, fashion illustration, apparel construction and costuming. Students learn various techniques first-hand, as well as they have the opportunity to work with some of the latest technology in computer-assisted pattern making and fashion design to further enhance their experiences at the college.
The students are also surrounded by fashion in their classrooms. Phoenix College has a fashion closet that has grown over the years thanks to donations from various donors, including the Phoenix Art Museum, that have helped to grow the collection to over a hundred items.
Here’s hoping the fashion closet grows, much like the program itself.
