Notebook - 2021

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 1

NOTEBOOK

Published for Alumni and Fr iends of the Universit y of U tah College of S cience

V o l u m e

X X V I I I I

•

2 0 2 1

•

S u m m e r

B u l l e t i n

6th Churchill Scholar • Alumni Spotlights • Convocation 2021

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 2

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 3

NOTEBOOK

V o l u m e

X X V I I I

•

2 0 2 1

•

S p r i n g

B u l l e t i n

2

Dean’s Corner

4

Churchill Scholar – Isaac Martin

6

CoS Research Scholar – Karrin Tennant

8

Outstanding Undergraduate – Sahar Kanishka

10

Biology Alumna - Amy Davis

12

Chemistry Alumni - Leon Jones

14

Mathematics Alumna - Susan K. Rushing

16

Physics Alumni - Cameron Soelberg

18

Crimson Laureate Society Update

20

Donor Recognition

24

The Class of 2021

Notebook Magazine is published by the University of Utah College of Science Visit us at science.utah.edu/alumni Editor: Matt Crawley Layout: Royter Creative Art and Design Printing: seagullprinting.com Photography: Anne Vivienne, David Thomas, and Matt Crawley

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 4 N o te b o o k • Vo lum e X X VI I I I • 2021

Dean’s Corner Peter TRAPA Dean, College of Science

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Science is impacting society today unlike any time in recent history. Mathematicians and

scientists guided us through the pandemic, and the vaccines–scientific triumphs in their own right –are leading us out of it. We will continue to harness the power of science for the betterment of humanity. Many of our faculty and students are at the forefront of these efforts.

Celebrating Convocation in Rice-Eccles Stadium, joined by the Class of 2021 and their families,

was the highlight of my entire year. Looking out onto our graduates, I was inspired by the challenges they overcame to be sitting on that field, and by the perseverance that unlocked the potential in each of them.

Many of you contributed this year to support our students, and for that I am truly grateful.

Because of your generosity, we awarded dozens of emergency scholarships to students affected by the pandemic, enabling them to stay in school on a path to graduation. We will continue to provide emergency funding for students in need over the coming months.

The College is eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new class of entering students on campus this

fall. Our labs are ready and our lecture halls are waiting. This incoming class has already proven their resiliency, and I cannot wait to see what they will accomplish once they are on campus. Amidst great challenges–and motivated by them–scientific progress continues.

Peter E. Trapa

Dean, College of Science

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 5

“Celebrating Convocation in Rice-Eccles Stadium, joined by the Class of 2021 and their families, was the highlight of my entire year.”

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 6

Isaac Mar tin U ’s SIX T H STRAIGHT CHURCHILL SCHOLAR

“I would not be where I am today without the incredible faculty at Utah and their willingness to devote time to undergraduates.”

“I would not be where I am today without the incredible faculty at Utah and their willingness to devote time to undergraduates”

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 7 Notebook • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

For the sixth consecutive year, a

the research labs of physics professors Vikram

College of Science student has received the

Deshpande and Yue Zhao, Martin found

prestigious Churchill Scholarship to study

himself gravitating more toward mathematics.

at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

He completed a Research Experience for

Isaac Martin, a senior honors student, who

Undergraduates (REU) at UC Santa Barbara

majored in mathematics and physics, is one

studying almost Abelian Lie groups, which have

of only 17 students nationally to receive the

applications in cosmology and crystallography,

award this year.

under Zhirayr Avetisyan. This experience resulted

in Martin’s first research paper. He later completed

Martin’s designation ties with Harvard’s

six-year run of consecutive Churchill Scholars

another REU at the University of Chicago.

(1987-1992) and is second only to Princeton’s

seven-year streak (1994-2000).

because while it applied to physics, the work

itself was firmly rooted in the realm of pure

“Isaac’s recognition as a Churchill Scholar is

“This research was incredibly rewarding

The Churchill Scholarship

the result of years of remarkable discipline and

math.” Martin says.

The Churchill Scholarship, established in

dedication to a field of study that he loves,” said Dan

1963 at the request of Winston Churchill,

Reed, senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

professors Karl Schwede and Thomas Polstra to

study F-singularities and developed this work into

Martin decided to apply for a Churchill

Returning to Utah, Martin worked with

provides undergraduates with outstanding

Scholarship as a freshman after meeting for

a single-author paper and his honors thesis with

academic achievement in the science,

lunch with Michael Zhao, a 2017 Churchill

professor Anurag Singh.

technology, engineering and math fields

Scholar, who unexpectedly passed away in 2018.

the opportunity to complete a one-year

“I am positively delighted and quite

“I would not be where I am today without

the incredible faculty at the U and their willingness

master’s program at the University of

flabbergasted to receive the scholarship,” Martin

to devote time to undergraduates,” Martin says.

says, “but I wish I could phone Michael to thank

At Cambridge, Martin will study algebraic

Cambridge. Utah students have been

him for making the opportunity known to

geometry, number theory and representation

awarded scholarships every year since

me. His legacy lives on in the undergraduate

theory (“in that order,” he says) in pursuit of a

program of the math department here at

master’s degree in pure mathematics.

Utah, where many others like me have greatly

benefited from the example he set.”

much as I can about mirror symmetry, which I

intend to make my essay topic,” he adds. “I also

Martin, a recipient of an Eccles Scholarship

“I’m particularly interested in learning as

and a 2020 Barry Goldwater Scholarship,

plan to drink a lot of tea and to buy one of those

remembers as a kindergartener trying to write

Sherlock Holmes coats. I will also begrudgingly

down the biggest number in existence and,

begin using the term “maths” but I promise to stop

as an eighth grader, suddenly understanding

the instant I board a plane back to the U.S. in 2022.”

trigonometry after hours of reading on Wikipedia.

to earn a doctoral degree in pure mathematics

“That sensation of understanding, the feeling

After he returns from Cambridge, Martin plans

that some tiny secret of the universe was suddenly

and enter academia, using his experiences in many

laid bare before me – that’s something I’ve only felt

different educational systems including U.S. and

while studying math and physics, and it’s a high I will

British public schools, homeschooling and online

continue to chase for the rest of my life,” he says.

learning, to broaden opportunities for students from

a diversity of backgrounds.

Books by Carl Sagan and Jim Baggott

also kindled his love of math and physics, and

after several years of self-directed study in

am today,” he says, “and I hope I can use my

middle and high school and a year at Salt Lake

experiences to create programs in STEM for

Community College, Martin enrolled at the U as

opportunity-starved students, whether they are

a mathematics and physics double major.

held back due to non-traditional schooling or to

socio-economic factors.”

After early undergraduate experiences in

Utah joined the Foundation in 2014.

“My past has molded me into who I

U TA H ’ S C H U R C H I L L S C H O L A R S 2021 - Isaac Martin, Mathematics 2020 - Michael Xiao, Biology 2019 - Cameron Owen, Chemistry 2018 - Scott Neville, Mathematics 2017 - Michael Zhao, Mathematics 2016 - Mackenzie Simper, Mathematics

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 8 N o te b o o k • Vo lum e X X VI I lI • 2021

K a r r i n Te n n a n t

6

2 0 2 1

C O L L E

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 9 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

L E G E

O F

S C I E N C E

R E S E A R C H

S C H O L A R

“The faculty and staff at the College of Science have been incredible. I could not have achieved this without them.”

For Karrin Tennant, recipient of the 2021

sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon

SBS greenhouses and the lab downstairs.

College of Science Research Scholar Award,

dioxide and water, clearly happens during

The samples she collects come from as many

the never-ending story of environmental

the day. But why and how do trees like the

as thirty-five trees in various degrees of

science has plenty of plot twists. A member

Black Cottonwood in the Pacific Northwest,

competition with each other for water. Using

of the Anderegg lab in the School of

continue to draw H20 from the ground at

a Licor LI-6800 photosynthesis system which

Biological Sciences (SBS) which studies the

night? “What’s the ecological value of this

measures gas exchanges and fluorescence,

intersection of ecosystems and climate

happening?” Tennant asks. At night “can trees

she determines the flow of C02, O2 and H20

change, Tennant has been busy working in

pull water from underground like a straw

in and out of the leaf through the stomata.

the area of nighttime water loss in plants.

away from competitors?”

She and her team also conduct statistical tests

The work tests a major hypothesis in the

using research software, initiating how the

field and has the potential to greatly advance

implications about how forests survive and

micro affects the macro of ecological systems.

our understanding of plant physiology. The

thrive, especially during drought as the

award is given annually to the College’s

earth continues to warm globally. Tennant

to the U because of family in the area and,

most outstanding senior undergraduate

sees her work as multi-faceted ... and multi-

of course, the mountain environment.

researcher. Tennant will be honored at the

disciplinary--narrative threads that tell the

Along with her passion for science, she says,

College Convocation May 6th and received a

broader story of not only life systems, as in

“they’re what kept me here.” Her ambition

$1,000 award, a plaque commemorating this

forests, but even larger systems, and not

is to be a research professor someday, to

achievement, and a one-year membership

only ecological.

“spread my knowledge and education as far

in the American Association for the

as I can,” and “to apply focused research to

Advancement of Science (AAAS), which

Humanities, introduced to her by adjunct

a much broader discussion.”

includes a one-year subscription to Science.

biology professor and Dean of the Honors

In his letter of support, Assistant

College Sylvia Torti, extends the questions

that Tennant is helping to author, and it seems

Professor Bill Anderegg and Principal

Tennant is addressing both in the field and

to move with extraordinary balance and ease

Investigator says, “Karrin has blown me away

in the lab. The intersection between biology

between more than one campus lab (she

with her incredible independence, creativity,

and the humanities fosters empathy for

also works with SBS’s Bryn Dentinger’s fungi

dedication, initiative, and intellectual

the natural world that can inform public

lab at the Natural History Museum of Utah),

maturity. Her Biology Honors research is

discourse as well as public policy that

the forest field and the broad community

incredibly exciting, eminently publishable,

extends beyond scientific inquiry. This

contours represented by the humanities.

and on par with advanced and successful

“leaning into the interdisciplinary,” says

Ph.D. students I have mentored.”

Tennant, is what propels her learning at the

Trapa talked about Tennant’s demonstrated

One of those plot twists includes

University of Utah and what appears to be

“genuine wonder of the world around” her

nighttime transpiration through tiny pores

the foundation of an auspicious career later

and her “thirst for knowledge.” Her response

known as stomata on the underside of tree

in forest ecology and related fields.

to the award? “I am honored to be a woman

leaves. Photosynthesis, the process by which

in STEM and to follow the footsteps of other

green plants and some other organisms use

between a growth chamber adjacent to the

Answers to these questions have

Tennant’s minor in Ecology & Legacy

In the meantime Tennant pivots

A Texas native, Tennant was attracted

That discussion has added to the story

In her citation for the award, Dean Peter

trailblazing female researchers.””

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 10

Sahar Kanishka U O F U

O U T S T A N D I

Sahar Kanishka, recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award, remembers daily where her family came from, where they are now, and what opportunity there is for her at the School of Biological Science (SBS).

“I’ve always wanted to be a doctor ever

since I was younger,” she recently explained in a video interview. “Because my family’s from Afghanistan and they actually fled from the Soviet invasion, they were telling me how the medical resources over there were very scarce when they were escaping. Like things we take for granted here [in the United States]. I want to be able to give back in some way. And that’s my way of giving back, becoming a doctor and contributing what I’ve learned here.”

What Kanishka, now in her junior year

as an honors student, is learning happens largely in the Gagnon lab at the SBS where she and her colleagues are studying vertebrate lineage and cell fate choice along with cell signaling and genome engineering.

Their subject model is the living zebrafish with which they are attempting to answer the question of how biology builds an animal with millions of cells. The question is complicated by the fact that those millions of cells are continually sharing information while shape-shifting at the same time.

A living organism is the culmination

of science turning chaos and cacophony into a kind of marvelous symphony. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, the

8

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 11 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

“You can’t just put science in a box and tell it what to do.”

D I N G

U N D E R G R A D U A T E

R E S E A R C H

A W A R D

Gagnon lab is busy marking cells with a

the College of Science. It was a scholarship

visit by Reshma Shetty, the inaugural SBS

genetic barcode that could later be used

and mentorship experience that led to re-

Distinguished Lab Alumni who worked

to trace the lineage of cells that in the

figuring what research could be. Instead of

with Baldomera “Toto” Olivera in his lab and

zebrafish are similar to other vertebrates,

working primarily on a computer in isolation

is a co-founder of Boston-based Gingko

including humans.

and doing anatomy lessons from a book,

Bioworks, a bio-engineering start-up.

The micro “scissors” of CRISPR is no

ACCESS and SBS provided her with a hands-

longer just being used to decode the

on approach in its full cadaver lab. As a pre-

that of her academic career’s and that of her

genome, but to make a version, readable to

med student hoping to earn a joint medical

personal story’s--continues to be family. That

humans, of what cells are doing in real time

degree and doctorate, Kanishka’s turn as a

includes not only her younger sister and

and how. It’s research that’s contributing

teaching assistant to professor Mark Nielsen

parents here in Utah, but also her extended

to a sea change in genomic studies, and

gave her added invaluable experience.

family in Afghanistan and beyond. “I hate

Kanishka is there at the bench experiencing

Access also gave her a practical skill set, like

that we’re separated by distance,” she says,

it firsthand. The way Jamie Gagnon,

creating her first research poster and then

referring to her overseas cousins, aunts and

Principal Investigator who holds the Mario

presenting it publicly.

uncles as “my other parents and siblings.

Cappechi Endowed Chair at SBS, puts it,

I owe everything to them. They mean

the research Kanishka is doing “may lead

lab where she says you are free to mold

everything to me.”

to a holy grail method for developmental

your research experience to your own

biology—the ability to record

expectations. Research at the U “fosters an

all at least on the same side of the globe,

developmental history, in living animals,

environment of curiosity of real research. It’s

Kanishka has both advice and a caution for

with molecular and spatial resolution.”

really beautiful,” she says, “to have someone

her undergraduate colleagues. “Figure out

[like Gagnon] believe in you like that.” This,

if you want to do something by actually

Undergraduate Research Program at

she concedes, in spite of feeling at times like

doing it,” she advises, recommending

the University of Utah chose Kanishka

an imposter as the child of an immigrant

internships for high schoolers not bound

for this year’s award. In his nomination

family and as a woman. She’s had to “learn

for college, including through a program

letter Gagnon, who referred to Kanishka

through lots of struggles.”

she helps facilitate as a volunteer called

as having “transitioned quickly into an

Talent Ready Utah. “College can be a

independent scientist”, also wrote that he

have been hard won. “You can’t just

business,” she warns, “pumping out

has been “impressed with Sahar’s poise,

put science in a box and tell it what to

students” for a job market they may not

focus and commitment to research over

do,” she explains. “I have to allow it the

resonate with or even prosper in.

the last year, which has been particularly

freedom to seek to understand the world

challenging for our undergraduate

rather than to just understand me.” Her

things as well. When asked about the

researchers… . Sahar is already the face of

joint undergraduate degree in business

pandemic and the social and economic

STEM research in the College.”

administration speaks to Kanishka’s sense

upheaval, she proffers a winning smile, while

of the intersectionality of all learning. She

adding, “I’m excited to see how college will

was especially impressed with a recent

change and adapt.”

Little wonder then that the

Kanishka’s journey at the U threaded

through ACCESS, a signature program of

The same has been true in the Gagnon

Some lessons from those struggles

But the ballast in Kanishka’s life--both

Until she and her extended family are

But Sahar Kanishka optimistic about

9

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 12 N o te b o o k • Vo lum e X X VI I I I • 2021

A my D a v i s

“I enjoy learning about how infectious

diseases have shaped human history because I find it inspiring to frame my current work in a broad historical context,” says Amy Davis, PhD’03, Biology, a Senior Director, Biochemistry Research & Innovation at Utah-based BioFire Diagnostics, LLC, Davis says she was “fortunate to be born into a world with antibiotics and large-scale vaccine production,” while reminding us that “these tools in humanity’s struggle against microbial pathogens have only been around for the last 70-80 years.”

With her work at BioFire whose

systems have become the new standard for syndromic infectious disease diagnostics, what she calls her “obsession” with the history of medical science could not have converged at a more timely, and daunting, time. Last fall when the coronavirus pandemic emerged in a scorching third wave, a herculean effort was underway to bring a vaccine to market. The effort required accelerated and accurate diagnostics, something BioFire’s co-founder Randy Rasmussen, also a PhD alumnus (‘98) from the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), reiterated during last year’s virtual Covid Salon panel sponsored by SBS.

Davis, who earned her BS in biology with

honors from Penn State, followed by a year as a Fulbright Scholar, recalls what first drew her to graduate school at the SBS. It was the “fabulous faculty, collaborative culture,” and, of course, the spectacular mountain setting.

“My graduate education at the University of Utah taught me how to think critically, work diligently, shake off setbacks, and thrive on the pursuit of understanding,” she says. “I loved 10

“I enjoy learning how infectious diseases shaped human history because I find it inspiring to frame my current work in a broad historical context.”

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 13 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

B I O L O G Y

A L U M N I

everything from the journal clubs to late

Davis’s has been no exception. After spending

marked assays for more pathogens than

nights in a quiet lab dissecting tetrads to

twenty years in academic environments,

BioFire. Again, the timing of the company’s

‘TA-ing’ for Joe Dickinson’s Genetics course

Davis made the leap to work in industry. At

ascendancy has proven auspicious.

to planning the next experiment.”

BioFire she learned to work with dozens of

complementary teams to translate research

says Davis, “emerging pathogens (and

mitochondrial net phenotype for the first

ideas in robust clinical diagnostic tools. To

emerging antimicrobial resistance of old

time in a yeast mutant she had isolated

broaden her experience into the biotech

pathogens) can challenge societies in

in a genetic screen was “pretty exciting!”

space, Davis accepted a role at the start up

significant ways. …The more we learn

She also remembers fondly Professor

IDbyDNA as VP of Operations. The company,

about the patterns of infectious diseases

Janet Shaw. While studying the molecular

also located in the U’s Research Park with

and human efforts to understand and

mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics

BioFire, works in metagenomics technology

combat their microscopic agents, the

in Shaw’s lab, Davis was taught by her

to simultaneously profile tens of thousands of

better we can prepare for present and

“amazing mentor and friend…how to ask

microorganisms and pathogens in any sample.

future threats.”

the right questions, how to write, how to

present, and how to balance.”

synergy Research Park was designed for,

attention on the threat of emerging

companies like BioFire and the newer

viral respiratory pathogens, she says she

mentoring have served Davis well. Following

IDbyDNA create opportunities for not only

hopes that this “reality check bolsters

her graduation from SBS, she did a post-

advancing medical technology but the

efforts to combat emerging antimicrobial

doc on the other side of the Rockies—at

careers of many University of Utah alumni.

resistance in pathogens that have been

the University of Colorado, Boulder. There

Davis later returned to BioFire as a Senior

with us for centuries.”

she was at the bench researching the

Director in research and development,

biology of the yeast telomerase RNA, an

where she is enjoying applying the

to her passion for the history of medicine.

essential core component of the telomerase

perspective gained from operations roles to

She finds that her reading deeply informs

ribonucleoprotein (RNP) enzyme that

early-stage innovation projects.

her intense career at BioFire, providing

synthesizes telomeric sequences onto

perspective, inspiration and context for

chromosome ends.

cleared and CE-IVD (European Union-cleared)

She remembers that seeing the

That training, experience and

The call of the Wasatch Front, however,

Emblematic of the extraordinary

To date, no other company has FDA-

“As we are learning from COVID,”

While COVID has focused global

Meanwhile, Davis continually returns

their work. And what exactly is on her bedside reading stand? The Mosquito

as well as that of the U’s Brain Institute,

by Timothy C. Winegard; the portentous

propelled Davis in 2007 back to Salt Lake

sounding Superbugs: The Race to Stop an

City where she was manager and then

Epidemic by Matt McCarthy; and Microbe

associate director at the Institute for a total

Hunters by Paul de Kruif.

of six years. Following that she moved

From these historical tomes she

to the U’s Medical School for a two-year

is happy to base her advice to new

stint to help establish a research program

graduates of the SBS, particularly

development office.

telling during this pandemic time:

A career in what’s been called “The

“Take the long view and train for a

Century of Biology,” especially as it relates

career that will fulfill you ten, twenty,

to health, can take one on a circuitous route.

thirty, forty years from now.”

11

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 14 N o te b o o k • Vo lum e X X VI I I I • 2021

Bill Jack

“I’m going to teach you about a new way to look at the world.”

12

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 15 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

C H E M I S T R Y

Bill Jack has long been interested in

A L U M N I

have insights into other organisms, other

of Cindy Burrows’s group. Megan studied

finding new ways to look at the world. It all

processes whether they be normal ones

DNA G-quadruplexes and RNA modifications

began when he was an undergraduate of

or ones that cause disease, and there’s

using a protein nanopore.

chemistry at the University of Utah in Dr.

also even prospects from a commercial

Swaggart’s summer physics course where

perspective that some of the enzymes

nanopore as a tiny hole between 2 chambers,

the instructor announced on day one, “I’m

involved will be useful in advancing other

and a voltage between the two chambers to

going to teach you about a new way to look

molecular biology techniques.” Bill’s work

drive ions through the pore. Some of these ions

at the world.” Bill not only applied this to his

at NEB takes enzymes that occur in nature,

are small buffer ions that flow through easily.

scientific education, but carried it with him

extracts them, and characterizes them

However, larger ions like DNA and RNA get stuck

into a handful of humanities courses he took

so they’re available in other workflows to

and block the smaller buffer ions from going

as an undergrad where he learned about

prepare DNA sequences for all kinds of

through causing a decrease in electrical current

the world of James Joyce and other literary

research purposes.

through the pore that I detected. This provides

and cultural giants. As much as Bill enjoyed

information about the DNA and RNA such as its

his undergraduate experience, he wishes

giving back to the Department of Chemistry

he would have slowed down to take his

to help graduate students as they begin

time exploring more humanities courses in

careers in uncertain times. And so, in an

addition to his chemistry education.

effort to give students something that

would last throughout their careers, the

Bill’s educational foundation led him

Recently, Bill expressed an interest in

What this entails was using a protein

shape or what modifications are on it.

to a graduate program at Duke University

department decided to use funds donated

where he thought he would begin a

by Bill to create a graduate award for the

career as a physical biochemist while

best thesis in biological chemistry. For the

“tailing” Sidney Velick all summer. However,

next 30 years, a student will be awarded

to simplify his then newlywed life, he

the William E. Jack Life Science Graduate

requested to work in a lab with Paul Modrich

Research Award which comes with a cash

where he ended up researching an enzyme

prize as well as lifelong recognition for such

that became foundational to his 32-year

an achievement.

career at New England Biolabs. Bill greatly

study of DNA and RNA, especially in roles beyond

enjoyed his career at NEB, where he became

Distinguished Alumni award from the

the simple A,T,G and C information storage. She

a Senior Research Scientist and served as the

department alongside Kurt Zilm, the current

was encouraged by a peer, Yun Ding, to join the

Executive Director of Research for a number

Chair of Yale’s Chemistry Department,

Burrows lab as he saw it as a perfect fit for Megan

of years. In these roles, he was able to take

and Michelle Williams, the Global Group

who was starting graduate school with a two-

risks in his research that gave him both a

President of Altuglas International at Arkema.

year-old. Megan has just started a post-doctoral

lot of freedom as well as a daily sense of

These three alumni came for a celebratory

fellowship on upper campus at the University of

excitement.

visit, and brought with them a deep sense

Utah working with Amy Barrios in the College of

of camaraderie and enthusiasm for the

Pharmacy studying phosphatases. “I love the U

to collaborate with scientists all over the

chemistry department and the role it played

so much I wasn’t ready to leave. I’d love to end

world at many institutions and universities

in helping them find their way in their

up someday at the NIAID studying viruses,” says

as they worked to replicate naturally-

diverse and meaningful careers.

Megan. She feels that receiving this award will

occurring DNA splicing. “I believe that there

help her help others to make a significant impact

will be steps along the way that we will

year is Dr. Megan Browning who was part

While researching at NEB, Bill was able

In April 2019, Bill Jack received a

The first recipient of the award this

Megan is absolutely fascinated with the

in people’s everyday lives.

13

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 16 N o te b o o k • Vo lum e X X VI I I I • 2021

Jan McCleery

Jan McClure was one of four women in a

physics class of 200. It was Professor Emeritus Irvin Swigart’s sophomore physics lecture class. The students were seated alphabetically, and the guy next to McClure was Michael McCleery—they met for the first time that day. “I got really lucky,” said Mike. Later, after they had both completed their undergraduate degrees, they married.

“Math was always my favorite subject,”

said McCleery. “As a child, my cousin would gather the neighborhood kids to marvel while I solved long-division problems on the sidewalk in chalk. Yes, I was quite the geek.”

As a senior at South High School, she

was encouraged to apply to the U, Stanford University, and Carleton College in Minnesota.

She was accepted to all three, but her parents couldn’t afford to send her out of state. “My father never owned a credit card and paid cash for his cars and our home. I was only 17, so the idea of financial assistance was never a consideration,” she said. “I received a scholarship to the U and could live at home. I’m glad it worked out that way since I met Mike at the U”

In addition to their classes, she and Mike

enjoyed Greek life—Mike was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and she joined the Golden Hearts little sister group. They both enjoyed the special friendships they made and still get together for reunions when they visit Utah.

She loved skiing, and she and Mike would

arrange their Tuesday/Thursday schedule so

Celebrating 50 years!

June 7, 1971 - June 7, 2021

they could finish classes by 10 or 11 a.m. “We’d wear our ski clothes to class, so we could go directly to the ski slopes for a half-day pass,” she said. “In the warmer months, we enjoyed hiking and backpacking in the mountains.”

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in

math (with a minor in physics), she taught math at Lincoln Junior High in Salt Lake City, the same middle school she had attended 14

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 17 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

M A T H E M A T I C S

A L U M N I

and where Mike’s mother also taught. “The

analysis, and microprocessors. She enjoyed

kids called us the upstairs Mrs. McCleery and

the variety and wide range of programming

also enjoy college life. “Some of the friendships

the downstairs Mrs. McCleery,” she said. “They

languages she learned and new technologies.

you make at the U will last a lifetime,” she said.

were going to call us the old and the new, but

She found that her studies at the U equipped

She encourages students to study math, physics,

Mike’s mom squelched that idea quickly.”

her with strong analytical skills and a passion

astronomy, and computers to broaden their

Her advice to students is to study hard but

She also began taking graduate night

for problem solving. During her tenure, she was

analytical skills and to open up a wide spectrum

classes. The next year, she and Mike moved into

promoted to software manager, responsible for

of possible vocations. In terms of a career, her

his parents’ basement so they could afford to both

the company’s software design tools, artificial

recommendation is to find a company to work

attend school full time.

intelligence, software security, and computer

for that has a product or service you want to put

Her favorite math teacher was Professor

and configuration management.

your time and effort into—a product that excites

Don Tucker. “He was caring and wise, and I still

you and with a working atmosphere that inspires

remember his exciting outlook on mathematics,

in a commercial software company, eventually

you to be your best.

as well as his humor,” she said. The late Professor

moving on to become director of quality

Emeritus William J. Coles was her thesis advisor and

assurance at ASK Computers Ingres Database

California Delta, which marks the confluence of

encouraged her to use Professor Emeritus Klaus

division in Alameda, Calif. Later, she was a product

the Sacramento River and the San Joaquin River.

Schmitt’s new, unique approaches to boundary

line manager for ASK MANMAN, responsible for

The Delta is 1,000 miles of waterways, and they

value differential equations for her thesis. Dr.

marketing, development, and customer support.

enjoy exploring them by boat. A decade ago,

Schmitt’s findings enabled her to prove a set of

McCleery and others formed Save the California

non-linear stability equations each in less than a

she was invited to join a startup that focused on

Delta Alliance, when the state of California planned

page—theorems that had previously taken many

building sales tools for semiconductor companies.

a big tunnel construction project that would

pages to prove. Those three professors mentored

Starting a company had been her dream for years.

have ruined the Delta. She served as president for

her and gave her confidence during her orals.

She and two other co-founders formed Intelic,

several years, and the nonprofit has been raising

which was later renamed Azerity. She created the

money for scientists to testify on behalf of the

Math Department, typing up new math books

product prototype, formed an engineering team,

alliance. To date, they have successfully pushed

written by department professors. The day before

and served as vice president and chief technology

back on proposed projects that threaten the Delta.

the semester began, Professor Tucker realized he

officer. “Those years were the highlight of my

hadn’t received an acceptance from one of the

career,” she said. “We had a great deal of success

including two children’s books. One is called

teaching fellows from Stanford. He knew McCleery

because of the industry knowledge of my two

The Fable of the Farmer and the Fish educate

had applied as a teaching fellow and ran into the

partners and the quality of the talent we were able

kids about the water issues in the Delta and

office where she was typing to ask if she wanted a

to attract.” McCleery solicited a manager she knew

how to be good stewards of the environment.

half-fellowship starting the next day, teaching one

from Ford Aerospace to join them. Together they

Sassy the Salmon is about the circle of life.

undergraduate math class. “Sure!” she exclaimed.

developed a new, practical software methodology

She has also written two non-fiction books:

A few hours later, Dr. Tucker ran in again and yelled,

that resulted in bug-free, on-time, scalable, reliable,

It Starts with an Idea about her software start-

“Make that a full fellowship!”

and maintainable enterprise software.

up adventure, including advice on software

development and management. The other,

During the summer, she was working for the

After she and Mike received their master’s

She left Ford Aerospace after accepting a job

The dot-com boom was going strong, and

Azerity’s product was called “ProChannel”

The McCleery’s live in Discovery Bay on the

McCleery has written several books,

degrees in 1973, they began working at Ford

and was used by 30,000 semi-conductor company

Class of ’67, is for her granddaughter and

Aerospace in Silicon Valley—she spent nearly

sales reps and distributors worldwide. After the U.S.

contains stories about growing up in Utah. She

20 years there while they raised their two

economy began to slow in the 2000s, she and her

had so much fun writing them that she went

daughters. She began as a scientific programmer

partners sold the company, but their product is

on to write two spy novels: Alias Juno Wolfe

with assignments, such as satellite design

still being used worldwide today. Jan stayed on to

and Who Is Juno Wolfe. All titles are available on

and tracking, circuit simulations, raster-scan

consult for the new company and retired in 2014.”

Amazon under her name—Jan McCleery.

15

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 18 N o te b o o k • Vo lum e X X VI I I I • 2021

C a m e ro n Soelberg Honors science graduate, Cameron Soelberg, HBS’00, forged an adventurous—and rigorous— path as a student at the U. He continues to travel on a pioneering trail to this day.

Soelberg recently climbed to the summit

of the highest point in Utah—Kings Peak at 13,528 feet—and has also lived and worked in Colorado, Illinois, New Hampshire, and New York.

“I think my personal history is a good

example that your education and career don’t need to necessarily move in a straight line from point A to point B, because your goals might change as you gain experience and that could launch you on a completely new path from what you had in mind originally,” said Soelberg.

When Soelberg first enrolled at the U in

1994, his intention was to pursue a Ph.D. and become a college professor.

After comnpleting his honors degrees

in mathematics and physics, he stayed to complete a Master’s Degree in Mathematics.

While in graduate school, he was supported with a teaching assistantship in the Math Department.

“After finishing the Master’s Degree, I felt

like I needed some time away from school and decided to pursue an opportunity with a startup company in Colorado Springs. There I was involved in prototyping projects for the U.S. Special Forces, which was fascinating work,” said Soelberg.

In 2006, Soelberg took a job as a

systems engineer with Lockheed Martin in Salt Lake City, developing biometric tagging and identification algorithms. “I enjoyed engineering and appreciated the quick 16

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 19 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

“There’s always another mountain to climb. Life’s challenges, and rewards, can be found anew each day.”

P H Y S I C S

A L U M N I

learning curve and exposure to cutting-

accuracy. The most important contribution

stuck with me, and I still enjoy seeing him

edge technology, but I wanted to broaden

my University of Utah education has made

on campus,” said Soelberg.

my horizons in the direction of business

is the rigorous way I was taught to analyze

management, so after a year at Lockheed,

and attack problems. The scientific method

in the Fletcher building (Physics) and

I chose to leave Utah again to pursue an

(and mathematical proof, similarly) is a

the Cowles building (Math) after it

MBA at Dartmouth College,” he said.

disciplined framework for progressing

was renovated. He was active in many

from a hypothesis or question to a well-

organizations on campus, including a

became interested in investment banking.

reasoned and logical conclusion. I use this

fraternity, and he held offices in student

He completed an internship with Deutsche

every day in my job, and I’m grateful for

government and the Alumni Association.

Bank in New York in the summer of 2008,

how well my learning at the U prepared

between his first and second years of

me to succeed.”

I’ve kept in mind that could prove useful

business school.

for current students. The first is that there

experiences from his undergraduate years

will always be challenges, obstacles, and

as that was the start of the global financial

on campus.

setbacks to overcome, no matter how or

crisis but witnessing it firsthand was an

when you start out in life. Adversity creates

invaluable experience, and I was fortunate

especially stands out, mostly because I

opportunity. Being adaptable is one of

to receive a full-time offer to join the firm

was so impatient that I could never do the

the most important keys to success (and

in Chicago after graduation,” said Soelberg.

experiments quite right, but I had good lab

happiness),” said Soelberg.

(He earned an MBA at the Tuck School of

partners who kept me on track,” he said.

Business at Dartmouth College in 2009.)

how difficult things may become, you are

The first few years following the

really had an impact on me as a student.

not alone in the struggle. There are many

financial crisis were tough for investment

I took a couple of undergraduate courses

other people, both historically and in

banking, but Soelberg worked hard and

from him and helped with an accelerated

different parts of society today, who have

was promoted to vice president and then

calculus series one summer as a TA,” said

faced grave difficulties and found ways

to director and managing director. He

Soelberg. “He was a kind person and a

to rise above their circumstances. Take

spent a total of nine years at Deutsche

great teacher. He also lived an interesting

comfort and inspiration in that realization

Bank. In 2018, he joined the Global

life that spanned multiple dimensions in

and use it as a model for yourself,” he said.

Industries Group at UBS Investment Bank

mathematics, the military, engineering, and

and now splits his time between Chicago

private industry. I’ve always thought of his

adventure—to run the Chicago marathon.

and Salt Lake City.

career path as a role model for my own.”

“There’s always another mountain to

climb,” said Soelberg. “Life’s challenges,

While at Dartmouth, Soelberg

“The timing couldn’t have been worse

“My current position involves a lot

Soelberg recalls many people and

“Lab work in chemistry and physics

“In the Math Department, Jerry Davey

“Within the Physics Department,

Soelberg also remembers studying

“I think there are a couple of lessons

“Second, I would say that no matter

Soelberg is already planning his next

of numbers and a keen understanding of

I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize Charlie

and rewards, can be found anew each day.”

the capital markets and valuation,” said

Jui for all that he taught me in the

Soelberg. “It’s not sophisticated or complex

pre-professional physics program as

mathematics and physics, and the Honors

in the way that algebraic topology or

a freshman. I wasn’t always the most

College, is an exceptional “base camp”

particle physics may be, but it does require

present or attentive student, but his love

from which to operate.

critical thinking and a high degree of

of physics and wry sense of humor has

A solid educational foundation in

17

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 20 Note b o o k • Vo lu me X X VI I I I • 2 021

C R I M S O N

L E GAC Y

S O C I E T Y

My wife, Lissa, and I are fortunate

to be able to provide a planned gift to the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. The education I received while earning my PhD from the Department of Biology was instrumental in providing us with an enjoyable life together, and we feel it is very important to ensure that the programs that we benefitted from can continue for the benefit of those who follow. We know that one way to do this is to contribute to the creation of a lasting legacy for the School of Biological Sciences. The successful biology department that K. Gordon Lark built could not have happened without the vision and resources of alumni and friends who were willing to support his efforts.

Lissa and I are grateful that those

resources helped give us a life together that allows us now to give back. We hope other alumni and friends of the School will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to provide for the future through a planned gift in the Crimson Legacy Society.

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 21 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

Laureate Society CRIMSON

s c i e n c e. u t a h . e d u / g i v i n g Who can join?

Any alumni or friend of the College of Science.

How do I become a member?

Designate a gift of $50,000, or more, in your will or estate to either, the University of Utah College of Science, the School of Biological Sciences, or one of the departments of Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics and Astronomy.

Why join?

A planned gift is the easiest way to make a major contribution to help the university advance scientific education and research. Your gift will enable transformational opportunities for students and faculty.

The Crimson Legacy Society is designed to recognize those who have made a deep commitment to the future of the college. Members will be recognized on the Crimson Legacy donor wall and in the colleges annual publications. They will also receive a special gift in recognition of their support.

What if I already have the college or one of the departments in my will or estate plan?

First of all, thank you! Second, all you need to do is contact us to let us know the details of the gift.

Questions?

Please feel free to contact Jeff Martin at martin@science.utah.edu or 801-581-4852.

19

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 22

Laureate Society CRIMSON

THE POWER OF GIVING

Thank you for joining the Crimson

Laureate Society and supporting science education. Your generosity nurtures engaged learning and path-breaking research, and your kindness creates infinite possibilities.

Our members are advocates for

science, making their voices heard on campus, in the community, and throughout Utah.

During these trying times we turn to

science to lead the way. We are grateful for the trust you have placed in us to use your gifts wisely. Thank you for your support and participation in our vibrant community of scientists and mathematicians.

20

*Indicates deceased

W e S u pp ort S c ie nc e PATRONS $500,000-$999,999 Ronald O* & Eileen Ragsdale John P. & Margaret A. Simons ASSOCIATES $100,000-$499,999 G. W.* & Ida Lee Anderson Anonymous Rodney H.* & Carolyn H. Brady Gary L. & Ann Crocker Crocker Catalyst Foundation George & Lissa Elliot Michael & Sarah Hunnicutt L.J.B.J. T. Benny* & Gail T. Rushing FOUNDERS CLUB $50,000-$99,999 Sandra Calman Thomas Kursar* & Phyllis Coley Willard L. Eccles Charitable Foundation Willard L. & Ruth P. Eccles Foundation Raymond B. Greer Frances N. & Joel M. Harris DESERET CLUB $25,000-$49,999 Frederick Adler & Anne Collopy Anonymous Batubay Hamit Ozkan Dinesh C. & Kalpana Patel George R. Riser Travis & Carrie Wager PRESIDENTS CIRCLE $10,000-$24,999 Amgen PAC Anonymous ATK Launch Systems David Blair John Davis Naomi C. Franklin Gale A. & John L. Haslam Mitchell & Diana Johnson David & Lisa Kieda Stanton & Melanie McHardy Jerry Murry Dinesh & Kalpana Patel Foundation Don L. & Rebecca Reese Kirk M. Ririe Victoria J. Rowntree & Jon Seger Thomas F. & Kathlyn Thatcher Thaddeus Eagar & Rebecca Uhlig

PRESIDENTS CLUB $2,500-$9,999 ARUP Laboratories Nikhil & Chanda Bhayani Carlos* & Ann Bowman Dennis & Jean Bramble Patrick & Carol Brennan Scott Anderson & Cynthia J. Burrows The Castle Foundation Kathleen K. Church Michael Wiley & Dana Cochran-Wiley Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation Carleton DeTar & Laurel Casjens Sue M. Durrant Nicholas & Courtney Gibbs Kenneth M. Golden Mark Hammond & Ming Chen Hammond Jim Hanson Eric Harwood & Melissa Harwood Darren Wayne Housel Heber Jacobsen & Christine Lake R. Kent & Terri N. Jex Larry B. Krystkowiak Roger & Doris Leach Dennis & Patricia Lombardi Ryan & Meghan Looper George H. Lowe III Larry Marsh Mark & Jennifer McLaws Edward Meenen Herbert I. & Elsa B. Michael Foundation Mission Math Utah Diego Fernandez & Valeria Molinero RJay Murray Burak Over Timothy & Jessica Purcell Bryant W. & Betty Rossiter Susan K. Rushing Kenneth Savin & Lisa Wenzler Matthew Sigman & Deborah Burney-Sigman David & Kimberly Sorensen William & Vivien Terzaghi Neil & Tanya Vickers Henry S. White & Joyce Garcia Charles A. Wight & Victoria Rasmussen DEANS CIRCLE $1,000-$2,499 Gregory Acland Constantine Georgopoulos & Deborah Ang Peter Ashdown Peter B. Armentrout & Mary Anne White F. Reid & Margaret* Barton Tarlton & Lorie* Blair

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 23 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

Suppor ting the Promotion and Advancement of Science.

Glenn S. & Renée L. Buchanan David Carrier & Colleen Farmer Pejman Chalezamini Andrej & Elena Cherkaev Daniel & Kara Cherney Lane C. & Paula W. Childs Paul & Denise Christian Carlos Chu-Jon Frederic & Dulce Civish Ryan & Charlotte Conlon Roy Corsi John & Sally Crelly Jr. Butch Adams & Amy Davis Michael Bastiani & M. Denise Dearing Christoph Boehme & Kristie Durham Berton & Tiraje Earnshaw Kristin Erickson Levinson L. Richard & Karen Feinauer Cecelia H. Foxley Denice Fujimoto Joseph Gardella Donald & Mary Ann Garner Jordan Gerton & Brenda Mann Ed & Yvonne Groenhout Byron & Judy Hardy Raymond & Vernetta Jessop Daniel Kinikini Grayson Millard & Devan Lee Ruth Lofgren* Noel E. Marquis Jeffrey & Allison Martin Jerilyn S. McIntyre & W. David Smith David & Janna McKinney Todd Mendenhall Frank & Sharon Meyer Maria Moreno Frances & Richard* Muir Patience Nelson Kevin & Filinita Nemelka Richard Neville & Jane Torgerson Eric & Lora Newman David & Marcia Nickell Mark & Brenda Nielsen Northrop Grumman Charity Trust Rick & Denise Nydegger Anita M. Orendt Gregory & Crystal Owens Robert & Susan Peterson Thomas Robbins & Kathleen Clark Carl* & Kathryn Robinson Peter & Susan Rogers

Shauna Roman Cynthia Sagers George & Linda Seifert Hyung Kyu & Young Ai Shin Eric & Cassandra Slattery Cameron J. Soelberg Jessica Swanson Peter E. & Nicole Trapa Egbertus VanDerHeiden Xiaodong Jiang & Jia Wang Christopher Waters Paul Watkins TD Williamson Inc. H. Ross & Katherine Workman Heng Xie XMission L.C. Doju Yoshikami Dean H. & Jane H.* Zobell DEANS CLUB $500-$999 Mark Adamson & Nancy Tschiderer Thomas Alberts Justin & Linda Alvey Charles & Judy Atwood Ntsanderh Azenui Phillip & Michelle Barry Robert & Ann Beeching L. Beth Blattenberger Benjamin C. Bromley Steven & Kimberley Condas Mark & Linda Conish James & Lindsey DeSpain Thomas & Carol* Dietz Kevin Dockery & Kelly Reynolds Richard & Linda Easton Jaivime Evaristo Douglas Fields & Anjali Fields John & Terry-Lee Fitzpatrick Jorge Garcia-Young David Goldenberg Theodore & E. Tucker Gurney Robert Guy Brent Hawker Tulle Hazelrigg Henryk & Malgorzata Hecht Minmin Lin & Hua Huang Aaron & Chantel Jenkins Richard & Aurora Jensen Jon Johnson János Kollár & Jennifer Johnson Dane & Susan Jones

Erik & Nan Jorgensen Anne Hamner & Cheryl Keil John & Inga Kenney III Nicholas Korevaar Dan Little Malcolm & Carole MacLeod James & Kate Marshall Michael & Loretta McHugh Neil Morrissette Kevin & Patty Moss William Mower Christopher Murdock Ruth L. & Phillip J.* Novak Mikio & Masayo Obayashi Earl & Alesa Ohlson Baldomero & Lourdes Olivera Bob Palais & Micah Goodman Timothy T Parker William & Shanna L. Parmley James & Margaret Parry C. Dale & Susan Poulter Roger & Kathleen Pugh Cheri Reynolds George & Sara Rhodes Lee K. & Dawn L. Roberts Harold & Deborah Rust Richard & Peggy Sacher Dennis B. & Barbara H. Sagendorf Clifton & Sandra* Sanders Pearl Sandick David & Barbara Schultz Mark Sherwood Michael Shields & Rachelle Wirth Stewart Shuman Gregory J. & Jenny P.* Skedros Shane Smith Gary & Jeanne Stroebel Anh Truong Jacob & Erin Umbriaco Robert Van Kirk & Sheryl Hill Warner Wada Jiang-Hua & Hanju Wang Michael & Jan Weaver Eric Weeks Anna Wernli Terry White York & Mary Ann Yates Haoyu Yu Zheng Zheng

(continued next page)

21

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 24 COLLEGIATE CLUB $250-$499 Glenn & Lee Allinger Albert G. & Christine M. Anderson Karen L. Anderson Edward & Florence Aoyagi Zlatko & Vesna Bacic Alexander Balk Robert & Sydney Bennion Aaron J. Bertram Anna Bessesen Darold & Sandra Bruening Duane Burnett Robert Stephen Cantrell Thure E. Cerling & Mahala Kephart David T. Chuljian Terry Chun & Kate Kwon Richard Clark Ruggiero Costanzo John & Laurie Dallon Steven J. Dean Donald* & Jane Dennis Marcia Cook Arthur & Katherine Edison Ron Estler Aaron Fogelson & Deborah Feder Donald Feener Karla Gilbert Linda Goetz Kent & Mary Golic Patricia Govednik Alex & Louise Hardman William C Hewitson Daisy Hewitt Joseph & Karen Jensen Edwin & Kathryn Kingsley Andrew Koppisch Elizabeth Kralik Michael & Cathy Larsen Nelson & Henrietta L. Logan Daniel Lundberg Samantha Marshall Jed & Kathryn Marti Graeme Milton & John Patton Steven Mimnaugh Robert Churchwell & Shelley Minteer William & Jane Moore David Suehsdorf & Janet Muir Marcus & Sara Nebeling William & Ruth Ohlsen Larry Okun Allen & Anne Oshita John & Alice Parkinson Jr. Steven & Elizabeth Pattison Josh Pergande Carl & Barbara Popp Roger & Kathleen Pugh Family Trust Clark & Sherrie Rampton Gary & Norma Ranck Barry & Michelle Rhodes Andrew & Tiffany Roberts Vernon Sandberg & Carol A. Wilkinson Dennis & Charlotte Sauer James Sferas Patricia Sharkey

Peter & Stephanie Silas Robert Sklar & Brenda Moskovitz Scott Smith Thomas Richmond & Cynthia Squire Dean & Samantha Stoker Richard & Elizabeth Streeper Mark Strohmeier Michael L. Taylor Neal & Sheri Topham Jared Vargason Lane & Rhonda Wallace Michael Weibel David & Jennifer Wilson Steven Yourstone CENTURY CLUB $100-$249 Roger & Diane Aamodt D. Wain & E. Rebecca Allen Bruce & Maud Allen David Alston & Nancy Alston Michelle Amiot Terrell & Virginia Andersen Les & Mary Anderson Kari Aoyagi Markus Babst Lisa Barnes Brett & Ruth Barrett Jim & Kimberly Barton Brent & Virginia Beall Scott & Susan Bean Richard & Shirley Behrendt Burton Markham* & Diane Bentley Daniel Steenblik & Abigail Bird Gary M. & Shanna H. Blake Lynn Bohs Casey & Jiliane Brandol Brent & Anita Burdett Lamar & MarLynn Bushnell Jessica Carey John Chamberlin Sherry Chavez Shenlin Chen Brigham & Marsali Cheney Rebecca Christman Landon & Erin Clark Dale Clayton & Sarah Bush Thomas & Mitzi Conover Jonathan & Cherie Constance Marshall & Kathie Coopersmith Glenn & Enid Cox Mathew Crawley Raffi & Marlen Daghlian Stephen L. & Nicola G. Dahl Quang Dang Ronald Day & Mava Jones Day Tommaso de Fernex James & J. Linda Detling William & Carolyn Dickinson Mohit Diwekar James Doyle & Lisa Doyle Roger Drickey Stuart & Mary Dye Alan & Vickie Eastman

Wilfred Edwards Thomas Engar Richard & Chariya Ernst Christopher & Joanne* Erskine Larry & Wendy Evans Melanie Feeney William Feldman Robert & Claire Fish Gameil Fouad & Gina Barberi Max & Josephine Forsberg Christopher & Marianne Fox David Fox Joseph & Mya Fullmer Apple Gaffney Juan Gallegos-Orozco Charles Galway Garth & Sarah Garrison Craig George Sam Glaser Stephen* & Jessica Gledhill Keith & Olena Gligorich Roy Goudy Scott & Shirlee Graff Thomas & Marnie Grisley Fletcher & Sally Gross William Heeschen & Judy Gunderson Heidi Hachtman Robert & Carolyn Hargrove Kenneth & Michele Hartner Grant & Carolyn Head Bret Heale & Rebecca Noonan-Heale Harry Hecht Robert K. & Tina R. Herman Leo Herr Jeffery Hill Barton & Elizabeth Hoenes Jason Hoggan Lloyd Holmes Martin & Susan Horvath Christopher House Douglas & Charlotte Howe Sean Howe Hsiang-Ping Huang & Yuanping Lee Charles & Janet Hubley John M. & Judith A. Hughes Kelly Hughes & Fabienne Chevance Srikanth Iyengar Richard & Jacqueline Jacob Jeffrey & Sherry Jasperson Randy & Mary Jensen Roydon & Paula Julander Gary & Cynthia Kanner Siegfried G. & Ellen G. Karsten Osama Khalil Ed & Marsha Kilgore Jerold* & Lucinda Kindred Dr. Paul I. Kingsbury* William & Janet Kinneberg Carol Korzeniewski Sandor Kovacs & Timea Tihanyi Roger & Sue Ladle Armin Langheinrich Kerry & Ann J. Lee

Laureate Society CRIMSON

22

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 25 Noteboo k • Vo l um e X X VIIII • 2021

Elwood & Marion* Lentz Jr. Mary Levine Yan Li Xing Lin William Love J. Allen & Joanne S. Lowe Daniel Lujan Anthony & Jennifer Lund Ming-Jun Lai & Lingyun Ma Yvonne Mack Lynn & Pamela Mahoney Neil Manning R. Spencer & Susan Martin Jeffrey Masters Uwe Mayer Walter & Carol McKnight Thomas & Linda McMillan Christopher & Jenette Meldrum Nick* & Suzanne Mihalopoulos William E Miller Larry & Sharma Millward Diana Montgomery & Hwa-Ping Feng Paul Mora Marvin & Sharron Morris Jack Morris & Glenda Rose John Longino & Nalini Nadkarni Akil Narayan Bryce Nelson Vicki Nielsen William & Raquel Nikolai David & Cheryl Pace Morris & Jane* Page Philip Paradis Brandon & Kristin Park David & Gloria Pehrson Larry & Mary Petterborg Naina Phadnis Douglas & Jeannie Prince Jayson Punwani Sterling & Cheryl Rasmussen David* & Earnestine Remondini Ilya Reznik & Riley Lorimer-Reznik R. Reid & Marlene* Rimensberger Mike & Susan Kay Root Peter E. Rose Alan & Cheryl Rothenberg Brian & LeeAnn Russell Andrea Russell Robert Sanchez Jeraldine Schumacher Karl & Ellen Schwede Jim Schwing Holly Sebahar G. Allen & Christine S.* Seeley Anil Seth Michael & Mary Shapiro Richard & Harriet Sher Yifan Shi Uday Tallapragada & Srilalitha Sikharam Richard Smith & Lynda George Richard & Diane Smookler Don & Barbara Snyder Glade Sorensen

Joshua Southwick Philip & Maida Spjut C. William & Margaret Springer Richard & Sheila Steiner Michael & Ruth Stevens Greg Stillman Harold & Kay Stokes Christopher Stone & Wangari NyatetuWaigwa Barry & Connie Stults Tom Vitelli & Michele Swaner Dean & Margaret Taylor Jocelyn Taylor Thomas & Susan Tomasi Sylvia Torti Duc Tran & Hien Do Joanne & Lex L. Udy Christian & Laura J. Ulmer John F Unguren Adrian & Jamie Vande Merwe Jaimie Vannorman Valy & Nira Vardeny Gregory von Arx Nathan Walker Qiuquan Wang Libo Wang David Bowling & Jacqueline Waring Stephen & Elizabeth Warner Ross Whitaker & Kerry Kelly Luisa Whittaker-Brooks Eliot & Susan Wilcox Kay & Phil Willden Cagan Sekercioglu & Tanya Williams Richard & Shelly Williams William O. Wilson & Carmen Buhler Jon & Heather Wilson Richard & Kristin Winterton Kenneth & Betty Wireman Peter & Barbara Wong Kevin Wortman Charles Jui & Tamara Young Timothy & Rocio Zajic Steve & Shari Zinik FRIENDS $50-$99 Randy Adachi Michael Ailion William Anderegg Lesleigh Anderson Laila Andoni Lee & Traute Anke Yotam Ardon BAE Systems Chuanyong Bai Lisa Batchelder Mark & Carina Blackmore Alla Borisyuk Philip Bowman & Barbara Bowman Norman* & Mary Brown Jeffrey Byers Gene & Katie Cannarella Zachary Carter Dean Castillo

Matthew Cecil Sung Chan Cho Jeffrey & Grace Chumley Michael Collard Bohan & Ginger Dagnall David & Elayne Day Matthew C. DeLong Bradley & Elizabeth Esplin Richard & Wilma Farnsworth Grzegorz Gajewiak & Joanna Gajewiak Gaylord & Lynell Gardner Zephyr Glass Stephen Godbe & Carol Deckelbaum A. Thayne & Verlene Green William D. & Marie Griffith Michael & Laura Gruenwald Laura Guillory Jacqueline Hadley David & Jean Hart Dawn Hatch James Hunt David & Sylvia Iannucci Harvey & Mary Barbara Ivie Christopher & Jenny Jensen Mark & Nanette Johansen Isaac Johnson Leland & Margery Johnson Christopher Hacon & Aleksandra Jovanovic-Hacon William Kaden Walter & Kelly Keller Michele Lefebvre E. Durant & Virginia J. McArthur Jim & Becky Menlove Terry Merritt Adam Miles Abigail Moore Daniel Mott Anwesha Mukhopadhyay Dennis L. & Anne J. Parker Margaret Peterson Nathan Smale & Hermine Testard Chelsie Smith Claudius Smith Robert & Shauna Springer Joshua Steffen David Swan Winston & Deanne Thomas Sean Tibbitts David & Dawnell Tingey Jessica Tingey United Way Rollie Wagstaff M. Bruce & Claire Welch Tracy Whelan Paul Wiggins Stephen & Jeanne Winograd This list represents gifts of at least $50 made to any area in the College of Science including Departments, Centers, & Programs, between January 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

Standard University group designations are used. We are extremely grateful for these & all of our generous supporters.

*Indicates deceased

23

College of Science

.

C o n v o c a t i on 2 021

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 26

Cong r at u T H E

I am in awe of the fantastic work done by all of you – the applied mathematicians, data scientists, chemists, physicists, and biologists all completing rigorous, hard science to better understand the complexity of the situation we are in and to engineer a route that can take us out of it.

2021 S T U D E N T CO N V O C AT I O N S P E A K E R

ISAAC MARTIN B S’21 M AT H E M AT I C S CHURCHILL SCHOLAR

C L A S S

u l at ion s O F

2 0 2 1

College of Science Graduation Stats 2021

622 total number of graduates

469 bachelor graduates

97 master graduates

56 41

PhD

S

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 27

graduates

SUMMA cum laude

undergraduates

25

MAGNA cum laude

undergraduates

54

cum laude undergraduates

25

45266_UofUPurchasing{id45266} Notebook 2021 Front 28

Nonprofit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1390 Presidents Circle, Crocker Science Center, Rm 214 Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0140

Salt Lake City, Utah Permit No. 1529