NEWS

Fisher College of Science and Mathematics Honors Its Students

Towson University (May 4, 2008) — The Fisher College of Science and Mathematics held its 18th Annual Honors Convocation where outstanding students in the college are recognized for there scholarship. In his opening remarks, Dr. David A. Vanko, Acting Dean of the College, described the day saying "This is, indeed, a day of celebration! We are gathered to present awards to the outstanding students of the College. All too often in public life, honor is given rather freely. But in education, honor is something that must be earned, and academic distinction is accorded for high proficiency. Today we use the term 'honor' in recognition of scholarship and leadership. To the students here – your identification as individuals who have reached this level of excellence represents the culmination of many years of hard work along with your family, friends, teachers, and community. But above all, we honor your own determination."

A photo gallery has been posted on this web site at

• 2008 FCSM Honors Convocation Photo Gallery

Professors in the the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics are Awarded Over One Million Dollars in Grants

Towson University (February, 2008) — Dr. John S. LaPolla (Department of Biological Sciences) and Co-PI's: Sean G. Brady (Smithsonian Institution) and Steve O. Shattuck (Australian National Insect Collection-CSIRO) were awarded $500,000 over four years for A Global Monographic Revision of the Ant Genus Paratrechina through NSF's Revisionary Synthesis in Systematics Program. The ant genus Paratrechina is a diverse group of 158 species; however, as many as twice that number remain to be discovered by scientists. Several Paratrechina species are already of quarantine concern, and this research will provide the tools needed to protect areas from the accidental introduction of species, and will inform decisions about agricultural biocontrol efforts.

Dr. Joel W. Snodgrass (Department of Biological Sciences), Dr. Ryan Casey (Department of Chemistry), Ed Landa (U.S. Geological Survey), and Steve Lev (Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences) were awarded a $188,000 grant for Integration of Stormwater Management Ponds into Urban Communities: Long-term Water Quality Protection, Wildlife, and Environmental Awareness. Small ponds are created by human to retain stormwater runoff from surface in urban and suburban landscapes, and protect surface waters from the pollutants carried by runoff. This project will take an integrative approach to investigate the long-term effectiveness of ponds, their use by wildlife, and their perceptions by citizens.

Dr. Richard A. Seigel and Co-PI's: Dr. Donald Forester, Dr. Joel Snodgrass, Dr. Colleen Sinclair (all from the Department of Biological Sciences) were awarded $287,000 over three years for Responses, Movements, and Survival of Relocated Box Turtles During the Construction of the Inter-County Connector. Large-scale construction projects necessarily result in major modifications to the habitat within and adjacent to the project footprint. Given that habitat for native wildlife species has been shrinking rapidly for decades in the US, there is widespread public support for measures that mitigate the impacts on wildlife species. One of the most commonly used mitigation measures are relocations, where animals or plants are removed from the direct path of the construction footprint and are either released adjacent to the construction area (on-site relocation) or well away from the construction zone. However, actual data testing the effectiveness of this mitigation method are sparse. We will test this methodology with an important and well-known part of Maryland's native animals, the eastern box turtle.

Dr. Linda Cooper and Dr. Ming Tomayko (both from the Department of Mathematics) and Dr. Martin Roberge, Dr. Jay Morgan, and Dr. Paporn Thebpanya (all from the Department of Geography and Environmental Planning) were awarded a $63,000 grant from The Maryland Higher Education Commission for their College Preparation Intervention Program proposal The Geomatics Academy at Fairmont Heights High School.

TU to receive $141,000 in federal funding for Forensic Chemistry Institute

Unique institute will train scientists in bomb analysis

Senator Benjamin Cardin and Representative John Sarbanes present Towson University President Robert Caret with a check for $141,000

Towson University will partner with local, state, federal and private crime labs to create the Forensic Chemistry Institute, which will specialize in education, interdisciplinary research, training, testing and consulting in forensic science. The new institute will focus on training scientists in bomb analysis. Currently, there are only 100 bomb analysts in the nation.

Last year, Congress passed the America Competes Act to help fund or improve professional science master's (PSM) programs nationwide. Currently, Towson University is only one of four schools in the nation to offer a two-year professional science master's degree in forensic science. Towson also offers the only baccalaureate forensic chemistry degree in Maryland, focusing on DNA technology and analysis.

There is currently a serious lack of qualified forensic scientists in the nation, affecting law enforcement and homeland security. It is estimated that our nation needs 10,000 new forensic scientists to meet its homeland security and law enforcement needs over the next decade. The National Institute of Justice has estimated that 90% of DNA samples are awaiting lab analysis due to lack of trained personnel.

“We are fortunate in Maryland that Towson University is at the forefront of training forensic scientists who will be able to meet our nation’s homeland security and law enforcement needs,” said Senator Cardin. “I strongly support programs such as the Forensic Chemistry Institute because it is critical that we educate and train more scientists who will help keep our nation safe.”

“Towson University is one of our state's premier institutions of higher education,” said Rep. Sarbanes. “This federal funding will help Towson to stay on the cutting edge as advances are made in forensic science.”

“As Maryland’s growth campus, producing Maryland’s workforce, Towson University is educating the forensic scientists needed to meet the demands of law enforcement and homeland security,” stated President Caret. “These funds are an integral piece in creating the Forensic Chemistry Institute which will grow our program and training initiatives and further expand our relationships with federal, state, local and private partners.”

TU Professors Lazar and Hochheiser Draft Policy on Internet Accessibility

New York (January 16, 2008) — ACM Groups Urge Actions To Broaden Web Accessibility

As information on the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) becomes more critical for an array of commercial and leisure activities, several ACM (the Association for Computing Machinery) groups have jointly developed a statement to encourage equitable and inclusive access for everyone including people with disabilities. Acknowledging that a majority of private and commercial Web sites have some access limitations, the ACM groups have committed to being leaders in the call to improve access to the Internet and Web. Their goal is to increase Internet access as a means to attract broader participation of talented people in the global economy.

The ACM groups have issued a statement urging the following actions

• Increased awareness of the value of accessibility
• New Federal policies to increase Web accessibility
• Continued Federal R&D funding for more accessible IT systems
• Additional low-cost Web development tools from the IT community

Signatories to the statement are the U.S. Public Policy Committee (USACM) and members of ACM’s Special Interest Groups on Accessible Computing (SIGACCESS), Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI), and Hypertext, Hypermedia and the Web (SIGWEB). Also signing the statement is the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), launched by ACM in 2005 to ensure that teachers have the tools they need to get students interested in computer science careers.

“The technical community has the resources to make commercial Web sites accessible without undue regulatory and monetary burdens,” said Harry Hochheiser, a member of the USACM Executive Committee and Assistant Professor of Computer and Information Sciences at Towson University. He cited the work of the World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Initiative and its accessibility tools as well as the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, which includes standards to assure accessibility to users with certain disabilities.

The USACM joint statement stresses that the benefits of universal access to the Internet and Web go beyond helping those with perceptual and motor impairments. “Striving for universal access results in streamlined Web site design that relies on clear, simple language, consistent navigation mechanisms, and text descriptions for graphic elements,” said Jonathan Lazar of ACM SIGCHI, a signatory to the statement. “It also assures enhanced access to knowledge for users of all ages and expands e-commerce opportunities for all users,” said Lazar, Associate Professor of Computer and Information Sciences at Towson University, and director of its Universal Usability Laboratory.

Additional information about universal Internet accessibility policy recommendations and a fact sheet on the dimensions of the issue and the resources currently available to address it are at

• http://www.acm.org/public-policy/accessibility.

NSF Awards $580,000 Grant to Fisher College of Science & Mathematics

Towson, Maryland (September 19, 2007) — The National Science Foundation awarded a grant of $580,920 to Towson University for support of the project entitled "CoSMiC — Computing, Sciences, and Mathematics in College." This project establishes undergraduate and graduate need based scholarships for students majoring in: (a) Computer and Information Sciences, (b) Mathematics, (c) Forensic Chemistry or (d) Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics (MB3).

This project is under the direction of Professors Joyce C. Little, Gail E. Gasparich and Martha J. Siegel; and it is effective through August 31, 2011.

Oracle Corporation Awards $312,000 Grant to Computer & Information Sciences

Towson, Maryland (September, 2007) — The Department of Computer and Information SCiences has been awarded a $312,000 grant from the Oracle Corporation for a gift of their Oracle Academy curriculum software. The Computer & Information Science department participates in the Oracle Academy Advanced Computer Science and Business program. This program, formerly known as the Oracle Academic Initiative (OAI), provides web seminars and access to the full-range of Oracle database software technology for use in research and instruction. Software titles include Oracle 10g enterprise database software, internet developer and management tools, and application server.

The Computer and Information Sciences department incorporates Oracle in courses in Database Management Systems, Software Engineering, and E-Commerce, and in research projects such as: Virtual Collaboration over Medical Images Project Collaborative e-Learning System Project.

Ana Maria Soto – Towson University’s “Welcome” Addition

Towson, Maryland (August 31, 2007) — Dr. Ana Maria Soto, TU assistant professor of chemistry, has been awarded the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s (MHEC) Henry C. Welcome Fellowship for FY '07. The fellowship is a competitive incentive program designed to help eligible Maryland universities recruit and retain a diverse and accomplished faculty.

Dr. Soto, who joined TU's Department of Chemistry earlier this month, taught chemistry and biochemistry courses and a chemical thermodynamics lab for two years at the College of New Jersey. A native of Peru, Soto came to the United States for graduate studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and received a post-doctorate fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

The fellowship is named for Henry C. Welcome, who served on the Maryland State Board for Higher Education, the predecessor of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Awards are made to promising new full-time faculty who, by their appointment, will contribute to the diversity of the institution. Welcome Fellows are paid $20,000 over a three-year period in support of their research, publications and speaking engagements. Dr. Ana Maria Soto intends to apply most of her grant money toward equipment for a project titled, "Electrostatics Interactions in the Binding of TAR RNA by Antibiotics and Peptides." She also plans on using funds to take students to conferences to present their research. "I believe students learn best when they’re actively engaged in the development of a concept," says Dr. Soto. "The Welcome grant will help me provide them with research and presentation opportunities."

"I'm honored by MHEC’s award," says Dr. Soto. "I love teaching and conducting research, and appreciate the new opportunities TU has given me."

Fisher College of Science & Mathematics at TU  Receives $2,000,000 NSF Grant

Washington, DC (July 27, 2007) — Dr. Katherine Denniston with a team of collaborators from Towson University and Baltimore City Community College have received a $2,000,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Undergraduate Education for support of the project entitled "Towson Opportunities in STEM (TOPS)." In addition to Dr. Denniston, the team included Dr. James Saunders, Dr. Jane Wolfson, Dr. Boon Loo, Dr. David Vanko, Ms. Alfreda Dudley-Sponaugle and Mr. Art King all from Towson University; and Dr. Carolyn Dabirsiaghi, Dr. Joanne Settel, Dr. Jack Taylor and Ms. Marianna Gleger all from Baltimore City Community College. The Program Director will be Dr. Jane Wolfson of Towson University. This award runs from August 2007 through July 2012.

The primary goal of the TOPS project is to increase the number of high school students entering STEM programs at Towson University (TU) and Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) and graduating from Towson University with degrees in STEM disciplines. This project aims to provide multiple, smooth pathways from Baltimore area high schools through the baccalaureate degree in STEM disciplines at Towson University. Strategies will include among other activities:

• High school outreach programs designed to engage students in STEM disciplines and recruit them into TU and BCCC programs
• 2+2 Articulation programs between BCCC and TU that address course requirements as well as course content
• Joint TU/BCCC student advising and mentoring
• Student peer mentoring and peer tutoring
• Scholarships for underrepresented students
• Early research experiences

TU Physics Professor Receives Second Consecutive Elkins Professorship

Adelphi, Maryland (July 6, 2007) — The University System of Maryland (USM) has announced that David Schaefer, professor of physics at Towson University, is the recipient of a Wilson H. Elkins Professorship award of $28,000 for the 2007-2008 academic year to support collaboration with and STEM (science, technology, math, engineering, and math) educational outreach projects through Towson University's Willard Hackerman Academy of Mathematics and Sciences. This is the second consecutive year Dr. Schaefer has been awarded a Wilson H. Elkins Professorship.

"These talented faculty members bring an extra dimension to their work. They have an extraordinary ability to transfer the results of their research and scholarship for the benefit of communities beyond our campuses," said USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan. "The Elkins Professorships will help them achieve this worthy goal."

First established at the University of Maryland in 1978 and later extended to the newly created USM in 1988, the Elkins Professorships support professors who demonstrate exemplary ability to inspire students and whose professional work and scholarly endeavors make a positive impact beyond USM.

TU selects Dr. Jennifer Scott as Second Fisher Endowed Chair

Astronomy professor’s research focuses on quasars and the intergalactic medium

Towson, Maryland (July 5, 2007) — Jennifer Scott, assistant professor of astronomy in Towson University’s Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences, has been selected as the second recipient of the Jess and Mildred Fisher Endowed Chair in Biological and Physical Sciences. Her three-year appointment will commence on August 15.

As holder of a Jess and Mildred Fisher Endowed Chair, Scott will be provided a monetary award of $20,000 for each of three years that may be used for, but is not limited to, a summer faculty stipend, professional travel, research equipment and supplies, and undergraduate student research support.

Scott received her B.S. (Highest Honors and Highest Distinction) in physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1994 and her Ph.D. in astronomy from the University Research Fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute of Johns Hopkins University and as a National Research Council Fellow at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Her research focuses on quasars – the distant, powerful galactic nuclei powered by accretion onto super-massive black holes – and the intergalactic medium, the gaseous matter between galaxies and the reservoir of material from which they formed. She has authored 15 peer-reviewed research papers published in top tier astronomical journals.

As one of the Fisher Endowed Chairs, Scott’s research plans include studies of quasar environments; examinations of the connections between galaxies and the intergalactic medium; and refinement of measurements of the ultraviolet background radiation field. She will conduct much of this work in close collaboration with her undergraduate students. Scott also intends to use the visibility of the Fisher Chair to promote community outreach and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education efforts by creating the first Project ASTRO network in the Baltimore-Washington area. Project ASTRO links astronomers to teachers by bringing inquiry-based astronomy activities to K-12 classrooms.

The Jess and Mildred Fisher Endowed Chair in the Biological and Physical Sciences was established in June 2005 as part of a $10.2 million gift to the College of Science and Mathematics from the Robert M. Fisher Foundation. Its purpose is to honor the memory of the Fisher family by incorporating research opportunities into the undergraduate learning experience through the support of the scholarly growth of highly promising faculty researchers in the physical and biological sciences who are in the early stages of their careers at Towson.

The Jess and Mildred Fisher
College of Science and Mathematics
Smith Hall, Room 312 (campus map)

Phone: 410-704-2121
Fax: 410-704-2604
E-mail: fcsm@towson.edu