University Reporter: March, 2003
Biology Professor Evaluates Deforestation and Species Richness Using Satellite Imagery
By Peter Grennen
In
biology professor Kamaljit Bawa's area of research, it is sometimes difficult
to see the forest for the trees"literally. Bawa studies the causes
and consequences of deforestation and other forms of environmental degradation
in the tropics, attempting to assess the extent to which plant species
are being lost there. His aim is to gather data that can be used to improve
conservation policies and develop alternative uses for land.
This work is part of a multidisciplinary, multi-investigator effort to promote biodiversity through sustainable use of natural resources in the forests of Central America and the Indian subcontinent. And the stakes couldn't be higher"it is research in the very viability of the planet. "One out of every eight plant species is threatened with extinction," Bawa points out. "Forests are disappearing at an unprecedented pace, soil erosion is assuming massive proportions, and greenhouse gases are altering the climate." read more: Biology
Students Are Welcomed Back for Spring 2003
UMass Boston invited local ice sculptor James Shea from Atlantic Sculptors to create an ice masterpiece on the university plaza as part of opening-week activities welcoming students back to campus January 27 through 31. Students braved the cold, unspring-like weather to admire the ice sculpture, which featured the UMass Boston logo and the UMass Boston Beacon, the university mascot. (Photo by Harry Brett)
Menachem Klein Discusses Jerusalem's "Geography of Divided Cities"
By Leigh DuPuy
International
advisor and scholar Menachem Klein shared his views on Jerusalem's turbulent
history and politics with a packed auditorium of students, staff, and
faculty members on February 4. In an impassioned address, Klein described
the challenges facing Jerusalem. "Both sides do not know how to divide
the city fairly and not kill the city," he assessed.
Klein focused on the history of population and demographic changes in Jerusalem from 1967 to 1997, using maps to demonstrate the impact of each proposed "solution." "Annexation is irrelevant," Klein argued while detailing the formidable ethnic, national, and societal differences between East and West Jerusalem that have led to terrorism, discrimination, and failed peace talks.
"Negotiators must deal with three different cities: the municipal city in which people live normal lives, the holy city, and the political city," he declared. "They must meet the fears and traumas of both sides," he said. "It will take a lot of professional work, and decisions need to be made."
Klein is the senior scholar at the Jerusalem Institute, professor of political science at Bar Ilan University, and served as advisor to the Israeli Delegation during the Camp David Summit in 2000. He is the author of two books on Jerusalem, most recently publishing Jerusalem: The Contested City with translator Haim Watzmanv.
The lecture was sponsored by the Graduate Program in Dispute Resolution and the Office of the Provost. It is one of three events addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Ambassador Dennis Ross to lead the next scheduled lecture on April 8.
Image: Dr. Menachem Klein discusses his insight on conflict with David Matz, director of the Graduate Program in Dispute Resolution. (Photo by Amy Gay)
Major Search Underway for New Deans
As two major searches ramped up to select new deans for both the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Mathematics, four finalists for the position of dean of the Graduate College of Education (GCOE) were interviewed on campus. Open meetings in February were held to give members of the community a chance to meet with the candidates to discuss with them their views of the future directions of both GCOE and UMass Boston. A final decision is expected to be announced shortly.
In the search for CAS deans, faculty members will join chairs and the Provost's office to evaluate candidates based on criteria that include leadership abilities, a record of creativity, success in building academic programs, significant achievement in reaching out to communities, and a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship. Final selections should be announced sometime between late March and mid-April.
University Health Services Expands Scope
University Health Services (UHS) has expanded its services to now include faculty and staff in addition to students. UHS can evaluate and treat minor episodic injuries or illness, including colds, flu, ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, and minor sprains, on an appointment basis. Same-day appointments will be available with a $20 copay, which is payable by check, cash, or major credit card at the time of the appointment. Referrals are unnecessary, as UHS does not bill third-party insurance.
UHS also offers phlebotomy for lab work ordered by primary care providers (PCP) for a $10 fee for those who bring a written list of request lab tests. All laboratory work is sent to Quest Diagnostics, who will bill your insurance company and send the results directly to your PCP.
Look for the grand opening of UHS's HIV testing center, and Travelwell, the travel clinic, in the near future. Both will be open to students, faculty, and staff.
History Professor Wins Award for Academic Excellence
By Melissa Fassel
In
recognition of his essay, "Democracy, Higher Education, and the Public
Sphere," history professor Woodruff Smith was awarded an "Excellence
in the Academy" award in the category of "Democracy in Higher Education"
by the National Education Association (NEA). Smith's essay argues that
public colleges and universities have largely shaped and democratized
the United States' public sphere. These institutions offer knowledge
and skills required for active participation in what Smith refers to
as the "conversations that lie at the public sphere's heart" to increasingly
large segments of the population.
In view of a growing concentration of control of the media, public higher education and the public sphere have become increasingly vulnerable. In the award-winning essay, Smith charges public universities with recognizing that their primary responsibility is to strengthen the public sphere by "preparing students to take part in it and by encouraging all members of their communities to engage in public discourse."
The award was made at the NEA's annual convention in Washington, D.C., in February. Smith was happy to win the award because it confirmed that he's on the right track with a book that he is currently writing on the same topic.
Image: Smith, professor of history, receives accolades for his research on education in public colleges and universities. (Photo by Harry Brett)
Golden Key International Honour Society To Induct Chancellor
By Anita Miller
Golden Key International Honour Society will hold its annual induction ceremony on March 10 to welcome new honorary members: Chancellor Jo Ann Gora, University Chaplain Maggie Cahill, and Professors Adan Colon-Carmona of the Biology Department, Lovalerie King of the English Department, and Ester Shapiro of the Psychology Department. Current student members nominate several persons for honorary membership each year.
The chapter will present a special honorary award to the Pine Street Inn as part of this year's international theme of helping the homeless and in recognition of the chapter's special relationship with the facility. New members and their guests are invited to bring one item of nonperishable food to the induction ceremony for presentation to Pine Street.
All are invited to attend (see calendar for event details).
UMass Boston's Community Outreach Highlighted in New Publication
The Office of University Communications and Community Relations highlighted UMass Boston's tremendous commitment to serving its neighbors and contributing to the Greater Boston area at large in its latest publication, "Building Communities Through Community Partnerships." The publication focuses on the multitude of university projects which seek to strengthen the economy, cultivate childhood development, clean and green the environment, foster wellness and well-being, and make connections through civic engagement, athletics, and the arts. The brochure cites examples such as the efforts of Professor Zong-Guo Xia and his students in the Geographical Information Technologies to provide geographic information to the Newmarket Business Association and Professor Avery Faigenbaum's helping Dorchester kids get a "Jump" start on physical fitness, to name just a few. The publication covers a wide swath of projects, research, and initiatives flourishing in all areas of the university.