The Diamondback, August 6, 2015

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The University of Maryland’s Independent Student Newspaper

T H U R S DAY, A U G U S T 6 , 2 015

U gets grant to study cryptocurrency Research will focus on security, improvements for digital currency systems such as bitcoin By Sam Reilly @thedbk For The Diamondback T h i s u n iversity w i l l sh a re a $1,935,783 grant to pursue research on cryptocurrency, digital and en-

these institutions will share the total sum and collaborate as part of the Initiative for Cryptocurrency and Contracts, said Andrew Dubrow, a crypted systems of money, including foundation spokesman. This program promotes further research on secubitcoin. The National Science Foundation rity and development in the field, awarded the grant to this university, which continues to grow, despite along with Cornell University and the lingering questions about widespread University of California, Berkeley implementation. “One thing that’s nice about [the in July. Researchers and faculty at

grant] is that it brings together people with different expertise to work together on this problem,” said Jonathan Katz, co-principal investigator for the project and a computer science professor at this university. Cryptocurrency refers to a decentralized form of digital currency that operates independently of any See currency, Page 2

Evelyn Cooper, an assistant dean, speaks to an audience member before the start of an AG Camp event on Friday. sung-min kim/for the diamondback

DETECTING drivers on drugs

Program links ag and tech Ag Discovery stresses agriculture, STEM career opportunities

University startup receives funding to develop drugtesting device

By Jacob Bell @thedbk For The Diamondback Analyzing microbes from a cow’s gut or creating response plans for an outbreak of avian flu might not seem like usual summertime activities, but for the 16 high school students participating in this university’s Ag Discovery program, it’s normal. This past Friday, the three-week residential summer program finished its 10th year of teaching high school students about the future of agriculture, as well as the food, animals, plants and technology involved with it. As part of collaboration between this university’s agriculture and natural resources college and the Agriculture Department, students are taught how science, technology, engineering and math education intersects with careers in the agriculture field, said Evelyn See CAMP, Page 3

By Michael Brice-Saddler @thedbk For The Diamondback A $150,000 grant awarded to a university-based startup will help them develop a saliva-based test to detect drivers under the influence of illegal drugs. Diagnostic anSERS announced July 20 that the National Science Foundation awarded it a Small Business Innovation Research Phase I grant, which will provide it with the funds over a six-month period, said Eric Hoppmann, cofounder of Diagnostic anSERS and 2013 alumnus. The team is developing a roadside drug assessment in the form of a paper test strip, which could be used to identify drugs in drivers, A researcher displays a p-SERS swab, which a university startup developed and which can detect illegal drugs in drivers. sung-min kim/for the diamondback

Milk aids in post-exercise recovery

Honor society awards alum with national fellowship Award marks latest recognition of many

Univ professor partners with 5th Quarter Fresh

By Jamy Klotzbach @thedbk For The Diamondback

By Rachel Kuipers @thedbk For The Diamondback While milk is known to help kids grow big and strong, a new study involving a university professor found there might actually be more to the drink than just strengthening powers. J a e K u n S h i m , a k i n e s i o logy professor, conducted a yearlong study with a chocolate milk product company from this state, 5th Quarter Fresh, which revealed this summer that the product helps muscles recover post-workout better than other post-exercise recovery products do. 5th Quarter Fresh creators Kurt Wi l l ia ms a nd R icha rd Doa k — also fathers of student-athletes — wanted to create a product that people like their children could benefit from. T hey noticed the number of injuries among young athletes was climbing, Doak said.

A calf lives at Dairy Maid Dairy in Frederick. A study run by a university professor with members of a milk company found that the drink can be beneficial for post-workout recovery. photo courtesy of elena sten “What we realized is that young athletes are training harder, they have better equipment, [there are] a lot of things that are in their favor — but not nutrition,” Doak said. “Most young athletes are not meeting their nutritional needs, and they’re not eating very well.” Researchers tested the study

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participants’ ability to exercise and then had them drink different products designed to aid in muscle recovery post-exercise, Shim said. Later, the individuals completed the same exercises, and researchers again tested their ability to do the See MILK, Page 2

Fang Cao, a 2015 alumnus, is no stranger to recognition. Last year, the computer science and physiology and neurobiology major was this university’s first Truman’s Scholar as well as the second Rhodes Scholar in the school’s history. Now, the Phi Kappa Phi honor society awarded Cao a Marcus L. Urann Fellowship, which grants $15,000 each to a few select students across the country. Cao said his current situation is a result of many years of work, but his early life was all about adapting to transitions and taking advance of circumstances. “I was born in China, immigrated to England before I was eight,” said Cao, who cited various cultures, financial difficulties, learning a new language and making friends as hardships he had to overcome. “It was a time of great transitions and new cultures. It

helped me learn how to adapt to new environments at a young age.” While attending this university from 2011 to 2015, Cao similarly helped others adapt when he started and managed two separate tutoring programs for underprivileged students at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville. Cao said he worked with most of the students at the school, and helped with AP biology and calculus. “I spent a lot of time with them, and it was one of my most fulfilling experiences,” Cao said. “It was great to help students who had less than me.” Cao said his devotion to the service of others is an ideology that has driven his life, and one he hopes to continue. He added that he ultimately wants to provide health care opportunities — including affordable health care services, procedures and surgeries to those who are less fortunate. University officials immediately recognized Cao’s dedication to service when he first stepped foot on the campus. Robert Infantino — an associate dean for undergraduate education who worked with Cao on various scholarship applications

SPORTS

OPINION

THE WRIGHT STATE OF MIND

GUEST: Airbnb achieves inclusiveness

Julie Wright, the third Terrapins softball coach in as many years, said she came here to stay and will provide stability P. 8

See cao, Page 3

Tech industry lacks diversity P. 4 DIVERSIONS

DUETS DONE RIGHT Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett make quite a pair P. 6


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