Grad News Forum

Get to know your GSC Execs! Throughout the year, The Graduate Forum will be highlighting each Executive Board member of the Graduate Student Council (GSC). Check back for more highlights as the weeks go by.

GSC Exec Board Academic Chair, Jeremy Fitzpatrick.

Prior to being elected Social Co-Chair last May, Jeremy Fitzpatrick—a 4^th year PhD candidate in the Chemistry Department—served as a Departmental Representative for two years. In his current role, Jeremy organizes social events with Ana Draghici, the other Activities Co-Chair. During his eight months as Social Co-Chair of the GSC, Jeremy helped plan the larger social events sponsored by the council—including BEMA and Halloween Party—as well as the smaller mixers held at the DOC house.

“I really enjoy throwing the smaller events at the DOC house. When it’s sunny, people go outside and mingle on the lawn. It’s very relaxing,” says Jeremy. “The larger events that we host are great, too. I think it’s fun to try and get as many people as I can out of the lab and library, and provide a safe setting for them to unwind.”

This year, the GSC’s two social chairs worked with Dartmouth Medical School (DMS) to cohost three mixers. At each of these events, student volunteers from each school’s student government worked with Dartmouth’s Department of Safety and Security to run the door, and to safety manage the event until the end of the night.

“I’m really thankful for all the help that our sober monitors provide,” says Jeremy. “Without them, it would be really hard for us to host safe events that can be enjoyed by all of Dartmouth’s graduate students.”

Raised in Hillsborough, North Carolina, Jeremy majored in chemistry at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, and is now a member of Dale Mierke’s lab. Currently, Jeremy working on designing inhibitors for the interaction of the c-terminus of Parathyroid Hormone Receptor 1 with the Sodium Hydrogen Exchange Regulatory Factor 1.

Rich Lopez shares his research at Nerd Nights

On Thursday, March 1^st, Julia Bradley-Cook, the Academic Chair of the Graduate Student Council (GSC), hosted the first Nerd Night. Held in One Wheelock, a student-run café in the basement of Collis, five of Dartmouth’s graduate students presented their research to the event’s attendees.

Thursday’s presenters were:
-Rich Lopez (PBS)
-Erin O’Flaherty (MALS)
-Liz Macari (Pharmacology and Toxicology)
-Gilbert Rahme (Genetics) *Nerd of the Night!
-Ryan Lewis (Computer Science)

Unlike formal research conferences, Nerd Nights provides graduate students the opportunity to showcase their research in a relaxed, respectful, and informal environment. At Nerd Nights, refreshments are provided to all presenters and attendees (yes, this includes craft beer as well as non-alcoholic beverages.). After each ten-minute presentation, audience members are encouraged to ask questions and to provide constructive criticism.

At the end of the night, each attendee votes on their favorite presentation, and the “Nerd of the Night” prize is awarded to the presenter who receives the most votes.

Last Thursday, Gilbert Rahme’s presentation on his cancer research won the “Nerd of the Night” award. Congratulations, Gilbert! We hope you enjoy your brand new coffee mug.

The next Nerd Nights are scheduled for:
-Thursday, April 5th @ 7:00 PM in One Wheelock
-Thursday, May 3rd @ 7:00 PM in One Wheelock

Want to present at an upcoming Nerd Night? Email email Julia Bradley-Cook (Julia.I.Bradley-Cook.GR@Dartmouth.Edu) as soon as possible: spots are already filling up for April 5th.

If you’re interested in learning about the graduate research at Dartmouth, check out Nerd Nights! The event is open to the Dartmouth community, and is a fun way to meet graduate students.

For photos of the inaugural Nerd Night, check our Flicker account.

Born in San Diego, CA, Justin Richardson is a first-year graduate student in Dartmouth’s Earth Sciences department. Describing himself as “the soil man,” Justin’s research examines how toxic metals are transported in upland forest soils. As an undergraduate at University of California, Riverside, Justin worked as a Soil Science Adviser at his campus’s organic community garden, and for the nine months that he has been a member of the Dartmouth graduate community, he has used his knowledge of soils to assist instructors with the educational courses held at the Dartmouth Organic Farm. At the community farm in Southern California and Dartmouth’s Organic Farm, Justin applied his knowledge of sustainable farming methods to control the nutrient levels in each farm’s soil.

Justin’s graduate research builds upon his deep-seated interest in soil science and environmental sustainability. As a graduate student, Justin is researching the ability of soils from different regions of the northeastern United States to retain mercury—a toxic metal released into the atmosphere during coal combustion—and lead—a heavy metal released by automobiles before leaded gasoline was phased out in the 1970s. The organic matter and mineral content present within soils creates a buffer that slows the leeching of these metals into the region’s subterranean aquifers; once in the aquifers, these metals gradually move up the food chain. Though research suggests the lead that enters our waterways is not absorbed by humans, it has been proven that humans absorb mercury through the consumption of predatory fish that feed in contaminated waters.

“Though mercury isn’t good for you, I still enjoy eating locally caught fish,” says Justin. “You just have to watch which species you consume.”

Currently, Justin is examining the heavy-metal retention properties of both the organic matter and mineral content of various soils, which differ greatly from region to region. Comprised primarily of decomposing plant matter, the organic structures of a forest’s floor determines how well it is able to retain metals: in evergreen forests, the carbon structures of the fallen pine needles are relatively stable and are able to hold metals for longer than the carbon structures of the downed leaves in deciduous forests, which fall from the hardwoods of New England each autumn.

The mineral content of a soil is the final buffer that slows the leaching of lead and mercury into the waterways of the Northeast. After passing through the forest floor, different minerals hold toxic metals before they move into the subsoil. Recent studies suggest that the greater the clay content of a soil, the better it is at retaining toxic metals. Currently, Justin is examining the ability of New England’s soils, which vary in their clay content, to retain lead and mercury.

“Although there aren’t that many coal-burning plants in New England, there is a major mercury problem in this area,” says Justin. “The mercury released by coal plants in the midwestern United States travels through the atmosphere, and ends up in our soils.”

This summer, Justin helped teach laboratory sections held at the Dartmouth Organic Farm to the school’s ecological agriculture class. Located three miles up river from Dartmouth’s campus, the Organic farm is an educational facility that teaches students methods for sustainable food production. Unlike the organic community garden Justin worked at as an undergraduate—which is divided into small land plots that students and community members manage independently—Dartmouth’s Organic Farm is not partitioned, which allows for greater control over both the nutrient levels in the soil and the prevention of parasitical crop damage through organic farming methods. Justin explains that this structural feature of Dartmouth’s Organic Farm makes the facility well suited for teaching.

“One thing that’s unique about Dartmouth’s Organic Farm is that the farm is built upon the official ‘Dartmouth series soil,’” explains Justin. “The official soil taxonomic name for many of the low lying areas along the Connecticut River Valley is named after our school, and I think that’s something that Dartmouth students should know.”

To become involved in Dartmouth’s farming community, drop by the organic farm anytime to learn about its seasonal happenings. In the summer, students run a farmstand outside of the Collis Center where they sell fresh produce to the community. If you’re new to horticulture, Dartmouth’s Organic Farm holds “work days” designed to teach students the basics of sustainable farming; the farm also hosts pot-luck dinners on a regular basis for everyone who helps out at the farm.

If you’d like to learn more about Dartmouth’s Organic Farm, or are interested in soil science, it’s easy to spot Justin in Hanover: his NH license plate is “SOILSCI.”

by Wesley Whitaker

On Thursday, Feburary 16^th, Dartmouth’s Graduate Student Leaders participated in a StrengthsQuest team-building activity. Facilitated by Eric Ramsey, Director of Collis, and organized by Kerry Landers, Assistant Dean of Graduate Student Affairs, the exercise identified the leadership strengths of each participant, and taught the Graduate Student Leaders how to effectively utilize their natural skills to succeed in their field.

Each term, the Graduate Student Leaders—a group of students who are either members of the Graduate Student Council’s (GSC) Executive Board, or run a GSC-sponsored student group—participate in a leadership-development exercise: in the fall, the leaders overcame the Team Development Ropes Course, and this spring they will tackle the Odyssey Ropes Course.

Each Graduate Student Leader is given a Dartmouth Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs vest by the Graduate Studies Office upon their appointment, and each year the student leaders have lunch with President Kim to discuss issues regarding Dartmouth’s graduate community.

The Graduate Student Leaders pictured above are:

-Top Row, left to right: Jeff Robinson (DGOC Leader), Marie Onakomaiya (GSC Student Life Chair), Molly Carpenter (GWISE Leader), Marcus Welker (DGOC Leader), Julia Bradley-Cook (GSC Academic Chair), Wesley Whitaker (GSC President), Erin O’Flaherty (Graduate Studies Activities Coordinator), Regina Salvat (North Park GA)

-Bottom Row, left to right: Kerry Landers (Administrator, Assistant Dean of Graduate Student Affairs), Lola Thompson (Graduate Vegetarians and Vegans Leader), Marcella Lucas (IGMP Leader), Aarathi Prasad (GSC Vice-President), Ana Draghici (GSC Social Co-Chair), Jeremy Fitzpatrick (GSC Social Co-Chair)

by Wesley Whitaker

Today, The Graduate Forum celebrated its first birthday. Launched last year on February 9^th, The Graduate Forum is Dartmouth’s online graduate community newsletter. Read regularly by viewers on six continents, each month The Graduate Forum’s popularity continues to grow. In its first year, The Graduate Forum received 53 views for every graduate student currently enrolled at Dartmouth.

“It’s funny. Though we tend to think that we attract the same readers, over half of our site’s visits are generated by new readers,” says Tennile Sunday, The Graduate Forum’s chief editor.

While readers in the United States account for a large portion of The Graduate Forum’s viewership, the online newsletter is very popular in Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Germany, Nepal, China, the Philippines, and Brazil.

Grad Forum Writers

“I think people like the forum because of the variety of the newsletter’s content. In addition to department highlights and student spotlights, we publish lifestyle articles—like the ever-popular ‘Top 10’ of each season—and release videos featuring Dartmouth’s graduate students,” says Wesley Whitaker, one of the site’s writers and editors.

After a timely article is published on The Graduate Forum—like November’s GSC Holiday Food Drive announcement—it is then publicized through Dartmouth’s Arts & Sciences Graduate Program’s media streams, including Twitter and Facebook.

“Over the past year, we’ve really stepped up our use of social media,” says Erin O’Flaherty, the office’s social media expert. “In addition to publicizing both events and articles pertinent to Dartmouth’s graduate community, we’ve also facilitated several campus wide contests—like fall term’s Dream Team Trivia Challenge—using our social media streams. Each year, more and more students are using social media not only to learn about campus events, but also to communicate with one another professionally.”

The 193 articles published by The Graduate Forum during the 2011-12 academic year have covered topics including campus-research initiatives, graduate-student life, Dartmouth Strategic Planning, professional-development workshops, community-oriented articles, and the launch of the Graduate Studies’ Mobile Application. In the coming months, be sure to check The Graduate Forum for our “Graduate Student Spotlight” series, as well as press releases on Graduate Appreciation Week, 2012 Commencement, and campus events including the GSC’s Annual Winter Semi-Formal with Dartmouth Medical School (DMS).

In celebration of The Graduate Forum’s first birthday, the newsletter’s editors have each picked their favorite articles published this past year:

Tennile Sunday
- Surviving on an Icesheet
- Fall Top 10

Wesley Whitaker
-Summer Fun: The Top 10
-Review: Strategic Planning Open Forum

Erin O’Flaherty
-Alumni Award Winners (series: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Upon approaching Lilian Kabeche’s desk in the Duane Compton lab in Remsen, the first thing that a visitor notices is the bubblegum pink lab coat hanging from her chair.

“It’s my pride and joy!” exclaims Kabeche. “I made it myself.” As she points out the hand drawn pictures of cell division that decorate the pockets, one gets the distinct impression that Kabeche loves what she does.

In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find someone more in love with science—or Dartmouth in general—than Lilian Kabeche, a fourth-year PhD student in biochemistry. Kabeche’s research is concerned with understanding the essential aspects of mitosis, specifically the differences between cancer cells and normal diploid cells.

“Cancer cells often missegregate chromosomes,” says Lilian. “We’re trying to fix this using proteins that control microtubule dynamics.”

“Most metastatic tumors are chromosomally unstable, which means that they are more aggressive and generally less resistant to treatments,” she explains. Lilian and her lab group hope that the research they are currently doing—attempting to find ways to maintain chromatic stability within such tumors—will lead to more effective cancer treatments.

Kabeche likens science to a puzzle for which she must not only find the missing pieces, but also “create [her] own pieces.” As an undergraduate at the University of Miami, she majored in microbiology, but always gravitated towards research as opposed to practicing medicine. “I don’t do well with blood and needles,” laughs Kabeche.

“Dartmouth is the opposite of Miami, and that’s what appealed to me,” says Kabeche.  During her initial visit, Lilian was taken with all aspects of the Dartmouth experience, from its picturesque location to its small, “understatedly awesome” graduate community. “I thought, ‘This is where I have to be, and where I want to go.’”

Entering in the MCB program at Dartmouth, Lilian was able to “study a little bit of everything,” rotating between lab groups. With a background in microbiology, she knew she wanted to do work with pathogens, and eventually found herself drawn to Duane Compton’s research on cancerous cells. After seeing Compton give a talk about chromosomes, Lilian said her research interest “just clicked” into place.

“Duane has an enthusiasm that makes you understand the importance of the research he’s doing, and makes you want to do it also,” explains Kabeche, who eventually joined Compton’s lab at the end of her rotations.

Lilian's Lab Coat

Describing Compton’s demeanor as “Yoda-like”, Kabeche credits her advisor with helping her develop both in and out of the lab. In fact, it was Compton who suggested that Lilian participate in recruitment efforts for Dartmouth. This past November, Kabeche attended ABRCMS (Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students).  ABRCMS is the largest professional conference for biomedical and behavioral students, and is designed to encourage underrepresented minority students to pursue advanced degrees in the sciences.

“It was awesome talking to people about Dartmouth,” says Kabeche. “And it was great to be able to tell them that yes, you will feel comfortable as a minority student. Yes, you will fit in… I hope I convinced some students to come!”

Apart from her recruiting efforts with the Graduate Studies Office, Kabeche has a fairly successful track record of convincing students to come to Dartmouth—most notably her own younger sister, Ruth, who is a second year graduate student in the Moseley lab. The sisters live together in Sachem Village, where Lilian jokes that they “talk science, but also Jersey Shore.”

“I’m Hispanic, and family is everything to me,” says Lilian. “My sister is two doors down from me in the lab—it’s wonderful.”

Lilian describes their relationship as very close, and was incredibly proud of Ruth’s first publication in MBOC. Lilian’s own first publication, in Current Bio, is forthcoming. “I had to get one up on her,” jokes Lilian. Given that both the Kabeche sisters are scientists, one might assume that their parents are scientists as well.

“Not at all,” laughs Lilian. “We’ll talk at the dinner table about how excited we are about specific things that happened in the lab, but they’re just as excited as we are. They’re incredibly supportive.”

Kabeche is unsure of her plans after completing her PhD, but describes eventually leaving Dartmouth as a daunting prospect.

“It’s hard,” says Kabeche. “This [the lab group] is my family, too.  I see them more than I see even my own parents—sometimes even my own sister, who’s right down the hall!”

By Erin O’Flaherty

At this year’s Winter Carnival–beginning on Thursday, February 9th and running through Sunday, February 12th–Dartmouth’s graduate students are invited to participate in the “2012 Winter Carnival Snow Sculpture Contest!”

Dartmouth Students building the 2011 Winter Carnival Sculpture

Feel like participating in one of Dartmouth’s oldest traditions? Then assemble a team of builders from your department, register for the contest by Tuesday, February 7th, and bring your favorite snow shovel to the green on Thursday, February 9th and Friday, February, 10th!

Organized by the Collis Center for Student Involvement Office and Programing Board at Dartmouth, the theme for the 2012 Winter Carnival is “Carnival in Candyland.”

Here’s an outline of the event from 2012 Winter Carnival Snow Sculpture Contest’s offical website:

“Who: Any College-recognized organization (including living units, athletic teams, alumni groups, and academic and administrative departments).

What: A contest held on the Green to select the best sculpture representing this year’s Carnival theme.

When: Carnival is one of the busiest weekends at Dartmouth. In order to allow students and others to participate in all of the various activities, we have limited the hours of building. Starting at noon on Thursday, February 9, organizations may start building a sculpture. Building hours are from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday, February 9, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, February 10. Judging will take place between 3:30-5 p.m. on Friday, February 10. During the judging, the Green Key Society, Winter Carnival Council, and Collis will be giving out hot chocolate and snacks and welcoming the community.

Where: In order to participate in this contest, all sculptures must be built on the southwest quadrant of the Green (corner closest to Collis). Snow will be provided in a large pile on the Green. Large barrels and shovels will be provided to move snow. A hose will also be on-site to get water to wet-down your sculpture.

Why: Why not? Let’s revive a tradition!

How much: 1^st place: $500; 2^nd place: $300; 3^rd place: $200—transferred to your organizational account. The winning organization will also be provided a sculpture trophy for display.“

For more information on the event, including Safety Guidelines, please visit the contest’s website.

The towns surrounding Dartmouth are filled with family-friendly activities. From picturesque recreation areas, to community-sponsored outreach programs, the Connecticut River Valley is a playground for growing minds. If you’re one of the many graduate students with children, or have a mini van full of younger cousins visiting, try out some of these activities!

1.)  Hood Museum of Art and the Hopkins Center for the Arts (HOP)

The Hood offers many programs for families. Selected Sundays are “Family Days,” and the museum’s collection is staffed to accommodate young patrons, and help them create their own works of art! Also, on selected Saturdays, the Hood offers “Children’s and Family Workshops” where families are invited into the studios to create projects.

Housed in the same building as the Hood, the HOP offers a series of matinee performances, family-oriented workshops, and their “HopStop Family Series” each term. All of these programs are designed to introduce young audiences to the world of the performing arts.

2.)  Montshire Museum of Science

Located across the river in Norwich, the Montshire Museum of Science has been accommodating families since 1974. Currently, the Montshire offers a workshop series for children that features events like “Lab-Coat Investigations” and hands-on science activities.

In the summer, the Montshire hosts a series of summer camps. Most sessions are a week long, and are designed for different age groups. Also, throughout the year, the Montshire also offers a “Camp-In” series, where groups of aspiring scientists spend a supervised night in the museum and embark upon guided “Night Walks,” investigate science in “Kitchen Chemistry,” and take a closer look at the night sky in the “StarLab.”

Open 363 days a year from 10 am – 5 pm (the museum is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas), the Montshire offers special admission rates for children, as well as family memberships.

Be sure to check the Montshire’s website for special events like Igloo Building, Earth Day, Space Day, and the Egg Drop Challenge!

3.)  Howe Library

The Howe Library is a great resource for families. In addition to housing shelves upon shelves of books written for young readers, the Howe also schedules Story Times & Programs for children. Though many of these programs do not require attendees to pre-register, the more popular programs—After School Adventures with Books, and Kindergarten Story Time—do require parents to register in advance.

Each year, the Howe also purchases community passes for major museums within driving distance of Hanover, including Mass MoCA in North Adams, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabel Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Boston’s Children’s Museum, and the ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center in Burlington. To reserve one of these passes to get either free or discounted rates to these museums, all you need is a library card!

Finally, the Howe maintains a list of suggested child care programs and preschools in the Upper Valley on their website. If you need more information on any of these resources, just contact the Children’s desk!

4.)  Graduate Student Council (GSC) and On-Campus Events

Many of the events planned by the GSC are family friendly, especially the ones hosted in the summer. Often held at the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) House, summer events like Garden Party and Summer Luau are complete with healthy snacks and beverages for children. Last summer, the Garden Party was “blueberry” themed, and featured farm-fresh produce. If the weather cooperates, attends are free to roam around the lawns surrounding the DOC House.

Also, many of the smaller events hosted by the student groups recognized by the GSC, like the International Graduate Mentoring Program (IGMP) and Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE), provide the setting for families of the graduate community to enjoy themselves. Check out GWISE’s ever-popular Monday Night Tea, and GWISE’s Moon Hikes.

In addition to the events hosted by the GSC, Dartmouth also hosts many on-campus events for parents and families including family weekends and community-building activities. Looking for a fun way to enjoy the winter? The school is hosting a Story Time and Marshmallow Roast from 11 am – 12 noon on Sunday, January 29th at the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) House. At the Marshmallow Roast, stories will be read to children ages 3-8 and their parents by the fireplace in the main room of the DOC House.

Swimming Facilities near the Ledyard Canoe Club

5.)  Storrs Pond Recreation Area, the Dartmouth Skiway, and Ledyard Canoe Club

Located off of Route 10 on the way to Lyme, Storrs Pond Recreation Area has two beaches on its ten-acre pond, a heated swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, and also picnic areas.  Maintained by the Hanover Improvement Society, Storrs is equipped with camping and RV facilities, and offers swimming and tennis lessons during the summer. The improvement society also maintains a network of trails which criss- cross the recreation area.

The Dartmouth Skiway in only a ten-minute shuttle ride from campus! Featuring over 100 acres of groomed trails, the Skiway offers both expert terrain, and gentle slopes well suited for beginners. Not only are all-mountain lift tickets affordable for students ($15 for a half day with a Dartmouth ID) and for children ($23 for a half day for kids between six and twelve), but tickets for the “beginners-area” are only tickets are only $11. Additionally, kids 5 and under ski free all winter long!

Founded in 1920, the Ledyard Canoe Club is five-minute walk from the Green. Offering special membership rates for families, the Club is the perfect facility for family explorations of the Connecticut River. The modern canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life preservers that the club provides to its patrons makes it easy for parents and their children to enjoy part of the day on the water. Finally, the club’s spacious boathouse is the perfect place to relax after a long day of paddling.

With its emphasis on enabling students to pursue their personal academic interests within the framework of a rigorous graduate program, the College’s Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program attracts students from a diverse range of backgrounds. The program, founded in 1970, focuses on the importance of interdisciplinary studies and flexibility within graduate education, according to English professor and MALS chair Donald Pease.

To learn more about Datmouth’s MALS program, read the article recently published in The Dartmouth.

Gillian Moritz, a PhD student in Nathaniel Dominy’s laboratory, recently had her research on the aye-aye published in the International Journal of Primatology.

Moritz’s research is concerned with the study of the aye-aye’s unusual finger.  Native to Madagascar, the temperature of the aye-aye’s middle finger fluctuates depending on whether it is in use or not, specifically when it is looking for food.

“Like any delicate instrument, it is probably best deactivated when not in use,” Moritz told BBC Nature.

Read the full BBC Nature article HERE.

Photo: Moritz/Dominy