Chemistry Department receives NSF grant to participate in consortium

The Biological and Physical Sciences Department recently received word that a state-wide $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation will include Columbus State as part of a 19-school consortium to reform the way undergraduate chemistry is taught.

Columbus State will receive $50,000 per year for the next five years to fund salaries and equipment as part of the consortium. From more than 40 applications nationwide, the Ohio consortium was selected as one of five awards from the NSF. Columbus State is the only community college on the Ohio consortium, which is led by Ohio State University. Columbus State now will be listed by the NSF as an official research center.

The consortium, called Undergraduate Research Consortium: Research Experiences to Enhance Learning, or URC-REEL, will seek to introduce students to research early in their academic careers and allow them to collaborate with students at other colleges on research projects to increase inter-institutional communication. The consortium also seeks to involve women and minorities in the "stem" disciplines: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Columbus State's role in the consortium will include working to recruit other community colleges into the program, developing research modules to share with other community colleges, and hosting two statewide conferences. The conferences will showcase student research projects and will include forums on improving chemistry education.

The Arts and Sciences Division will now apply for an equipment grant that could add another $50,000 per year for additional chemistry instrumentation. According to Larry Mayer, Ph.D., chair of Biological and Physical Sciences, receipt of the consortium grant significantly increases the chances of receiving this additional funding.

Mike Yuille a clean sweep for July Staff Employee of the Month

A self-starter with an attention for detail, Mike Yuille, a building services employee in Physical Plant, was named July Staff Employee of the Month for his strong work ethic and quiet professionalism.

Of Yuille's and physical plant's efforts, President Val Moeller said, "We take for granted how nice the campus looks every day. Physical Plant is the first contact everyone has with the college, and they have a great impact on how people perceive us. All Physical Plant employees make Columbus State an inviting, quality place that cares."

Consistently going above and beyond the expectations of his duties, Yuille takes great care and pride in his work. Nominator Jean Liddle, financial aid advisor, admires his pleasant and cheerful personality, as well as his attention to detail. "It is not uncommon to see Mike working on a spot, scuff or stain that could easily be 'glazed' over."

According to Christopher Terry, supervisor of building services, "Mike is very deserving of this recognition. He is a very strong link in the chain that makes up the physical plant, and we are proud to have him as part of our team."

What is Yuille's reaction to this award? "I've enjoyed working here. Columbus State goes out of its way to accommodate its employees. I never have trouble getting out of bed to come to work."

Kids and cops at the Fair

Sergeant Becky Johnson and Major Mike Cannistra of the Public Safety Department pose during "Cops and Kids Day" at the Franklin County Fair Monday, July 18. The program was designed to provide children of all ages an opportunity to interact with law enforcement officers in a positive way. Cannistra and Johnson handed out Columbus State pens and whistles, talked to children about their jobs, and showed off their patrol bicycles and vehicles.

Internet out July 27, midnight to 5 a.m.

The network that Columbus State subscribes to will be performing upgrades to the system on Wednesday, July 27, from midnight to 5 a.m. The college's internet will not be available during this period.