NOTEBOOK
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S u m m e r
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Dean’s Corner
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Student Success
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National Academy of Sciences
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George Seifert
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Crimson Laureate Society Update
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Donor Recognition
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The Class of 2022
B u l l e t i n
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 Photography: David Thomas and Matt Crawley
No te b o o k • Vo lu me X X X • 2022
Dean’s Corner Peter Trapa Dean, College of Science
Dear Alumni and Friends, On May 4, 2022, we celebrated the College of Science convocation in the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Many times, over the last two years, such a ceremony seemed all but impossible. And yet, faculty, family, and friends all came together on a perfect spring day to send our graduates into the next chapters of their careers. It’s all gone by in such a blur that one can quickly forget that it was scientists and mathematicians who first shed light on the pandemic, ultimately developing the vaccines—scientific triumphs in their own right—that led us out of it. Likewise, it will be our College of Science graduates who continue to tackle the grand challenges of the future. The pages that follow are devoted to the exceptional accomplishments of our students, faculty, and alumni, including the remarkable story of Biology alumnus—and Superbowl champion coach— George Seifert. We also recognize two faculty members, Valeria Molinero from Chemistry and Erik Jorgensen from Biology, who were inducted into the National Academy of Sciences, among the most prestigious distinctions in all of science. Join me in celebrating them—along with all our graduates— as they continue to embody the excellence that defines the College of Science community.
Peter E. Trapa
Dean, College of Science
2
“Our graduates will take what they learned in the College of Science and apply it in new ways that none of us—except for them—can imagine.”
No te bo o k • Vo l u m e X X X • 2 0 22
STUDENT SUCCESS
2022
actions. She is currently working toward
ibly grateful for all the opportunities the Col-
publishing this effort in the near term.
lege of Science has afforded her during her
In an effort to expand the breadth
undergraduate studies and the supportive
of her research experience, Tyler participated in an NSF-funded REU program at the University of
community of scientists she has been able to surround herself with. Outside of the lab, Tyler enjoys hiking and
Minnesota during the summer
rock climbing. She is always looking for vegan
of 2021. Working with Professor
recipes to cook and loves trying new restaurants
Ian Tonks, she evaluated cobalt
around Salt Lake City.
catalysts for the hydroesterification of small molecules. During the fall of 2020, Tyler applied for the Goldwater Scholarship and earned the award in March 2021. Alongside the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, Tyler TYLER BALL - CHEMISTRY
has earned various awards through the De-
College of Science Research Scholar
partment of Chemistry and the College of
Tyler Ball is a first-generation college student who grew up in Salt Lake City. She
Dean’s Scholarship and the Leon Watters
enrolled at the University of Utah in 2018 and
Memorial Award.
participated in the ACCESS Scholars program as
Tyler’s learning is propelled by her pas-
a member of the 2018-2019 cohort. Through the
sion for sustainability. During her sophomore
ACCESS program, Tyler was introduced to broad
year, Tyler became involved with our American
topics related to sustainability which cemented
Chemical Society Student Chapter’s Green
her desire to pursue a degree in chemistry. The
Chemistry Committee (GCC). The GCC helped
program also enabled her to get involved with
to introduce Kimberly Clark’s glove recycling
research during the second semester of her
program into teaching and research labs in the
freshman year – she joined Dr. Matt Sigman’s
chemistry department and recently worked
ELIJAH COUNTERMAN - MATHEMATICS
lab in January 2019.
with the College of Science to introduce mask
Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher
Her first research project was a mecha-
recycling into lab spaces. Tyler’s involvement
Counterman has been working on using
nistic study of the oxidative addition of cobalt
in the GCC has also helped her to focus on
models to answer some fundamental ques-
complexes into benzyl bromides using electro-
outreach efforts – she has organized multiple
tions in pharmacokinetics. “These models use
analytical techniques, which was published in
outreach events this year, with the hope of earn-
random variables to mimic the unpredict-
the Journal of the American Chemical Society
ing a Green Chemistry Award for the student
ability and forgetfulness of human beings.”
in October 2019. She was hoping to expand on
chapter through the national ACS organization.
said Counterman. The models Counterman
this project using different substrates, but the
4
Science, including the College of Science
Going forward, Tyler will be pursuing her
used were developed from some of the work
COVID-19 pandemic pushed her to start a fully
PhD in chemistry at Cornell University. Her
of renowned Hungarian mathematician Paul
computational project in the spring of 2020.
emphasis will likely be in green catalysis with
Erdős and others in the 1930s.
Tyler began a project using Symmetry-Adapted
an application to polymer synthesis and her
“I’m interested in the research because I
Perturbation Theory to study trends within and
studies will be funded by the NSF Graduate
plan to graduate from the U next spring and
between different types of non-covalent inter-
Research Fellowship Program. She is incred-
attend medical school in the fall of 2023,” said
Counterman. “Questions
Jimmy Neutron, Dexter’s Laboratory, Spiderman,
such as these—where
and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, with Neil
math and medicine/
deGrasse Tyson,” Rufino said. “I have to give Neil
biology overlap—are
deGrasse Tyson all the credit for my passion for
extremely applicable and
physics. After the first or second episode, I was
interesting. I want to make an
convinced physics was what I wanted to study,
impact in the math world as a
especially astronomy. Of course, now I’m more
physician researcher. Mathematics
passionate about discovering new physics.”
seems to be one of the least utilized, yet
His favorite professors in the department
potentially revolutionary fields, in the developing world of medical research.” Counterman says he has always enjoyed studying math. He excelled in the subject in middle school, which allowed him to take
have been Dr. Tugdual LeBohec, Dr. Charlie LUIS RUFINO - PHYSICS
Jui, and Dr. Pearl Sandick. He enjoys the way
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Dr. LeBohec incorporates history into a lecture
“When I first heard the news, I was surprised
before getting into physics. Dr. Jui empathizes
because I didn’t feel I deserved it, even though I’ve
with students in their struggles to master
worked hard,” he said. “Maybe I’m suffering from
complex concepts. He remembers the late
sophomore in high school. By the time he
the imposter syndrome, and I’m still questioning
nights, the constant stress, and, sometimes, the
graduated from Highland High School in
my abilities, but winning the award gave me reas-
nightmares that physics students experience.
Salt Lake City, he was more than halfway
surance that I’ve been successful in achieving my
Dr. Jui’s ability to connect with students made
through the coursework needed to obtain
goal of improving as a student.”
Rufino feel at ease in taking his class.
undergraduate math classes at the U as a
a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. “I love
As a freshman at Salt Lake Community Col-
Dr. Sandick has been the most influential
math because of its magnificently wide
lege, Rufino didn’t have a promising start. When
person in Rufino’s life and academic career.
range of applications as well as its ability to
he transferred to the U, his GPA was low. He was
“She is a person I strive to become, and I’m
worried that he wouldn’t be able to keep up or
very grateful to have her as my research advi-
survive upper-division physics classes.
sor,” he said. “The number of research oppor-
answer fundamental questions,” he said. Counterman has praise for the Math Department, noting that the professors are
“I knew that I wanted to attend graduate
tunities that are available in the department
supportive, approachable, and easy to talk
school, which meant that I had to improve in
is amazing and critical to development as a
to. He has enjoyed the relatively small class
my physics classes and also get some research
student or researcher. Even if you decide not to
size and the different teaching styles. He is
experience,” he said. “Throughout my academic
pursue graduate school, you will be a stronger
impressed with the department’s research
career at the U, I’ve tried to do my best and still
candidate in the job market after completing a
opportunities, teaching excellence, and
find time for research. A physics degree is already
physics degree at the U.”
reputation of the faculty.
quite challenging and wanting to do research
Counterman’s entire college experience at
After five years of endless toil, Rufino plans
on top of that added another layer of stress and
to take a gap year between graduation and
the U has occurred during the pandemic. He has
difficulty.” Rufino thinks that one of the most
graduate school. He wants to spend more time
found online classes difficult because he thrives
important skills he learned at the U was how to
with the people he cares about and explore
on interpersonal and face-to-face instruction.
manage school, research, and everything else
hobbies, such as working with leather goods,
Outside of math, Counterman makes
that life throws at an undergraduate. He’s also
building mechanical keyboards, playing soc-
the time to play violin and guitar. He enjoys
learned how to bounce back from failure, espe-
cer, rock climbing, hanging out with friends,
running, hiking, skiing, and occasionally
cially in research.
and training for his second marathon.
writing poetry. He is very involved with his
He became interested in physics as a
local faith organization and in serving the
kid by watching pop-science movies, science
community through those efforts.
cartoons, and superhero movies. “I would watch
After his gap year, Luis will begin graduate studies at Syracuse University. 5
S T U D E N T ganic chemistry’s undergraduate
scientifically throughout the challenges
poster award (one of only five).
of his research projects and his ability to
The conference allowed her
independently solve scientific problems,
to explore other areas of chem-
while staying enthusiastic and engaged.
istry, and has helped her hone
He has repeatedly demonstrated
in on bioinorganic chemistry
himself to be eager to face and conquer
for her Ph.D. She clearly is a
scientific challenges with high ambition
chemist who is off to a fantastic
and strong work ethics. Danny’s dissertation
research career!
work displays effectiveness in managing
Alison is a first-generation Chinese
multiple projects with different reaction
American, having lived all over the US
mechanisms and materials undergoing
before graduating high school in Utah. In
optical and structural heterogeneities that
addition to her studies and research, Alison
are often difficult to elucidate. Driving these
ALISON WANG - CHEMISTRY
works at the Utah Lions Eye Bank and as a
complex projects to completion illustrates
2022-2023 Goldwater Scholar
waitress. In her spare time, she enjoys rock
his organizational skills, self-motivation, and
climbing, eating at Osteria Amore, and is
independent nature.
Alison enrolled at the U in 2019 and declared chemistry as her major, with her eyes set on going to medical school. However,
helping to train a guide dog. In addition to the Goldwater scholarship
Danny was actively engaged with the Lassonde School of Entrepreneurship during
her honors general chemistry professor, Luisa
Alison has also received the Laya F. Kesner
his graduate studies. It is quite rare that
Whittaker-Brooks, encouraged her to seek a
and Leon Watters Memorial Award, and the
graduate students will pursue extracurricular
research opportunity in Caroline Saouma’s lab
Undergraduate Research Scholarship from the
activities given the difficulty and attention it
as a first-year-student.
University of Utah Department of Chemistry.
requires, yet Danny not only participated but excelled in this area. I have to say that Danny
Unfortunately the pandemic delayed Alison’s start to lab work until fall of her sopho-
DANIEL POWELL - CHEMISTRY
is a very talented scientific communicator.
more year, but she came to love research–so
Outstanding Graduate Student
Often, his papers were ready for submission
much so that she now is planning to enroll in either an M.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. program.
I was extremely thrilled when Danny joined my research group in the spring of
without much addition from my end! Danny recently defended his PhD work
2016. I was in desperate need of a student
and will be joining Blackrock Neurotech (a
studies for the electrocatalytic reduction to
with strong organic synthesis skills that could
company housed in Research Park dealing
CO2 to CO or formate at Mn centers. She was
push the development of solution-process-
with the development of implantable neu-
a UROP scholar (twice), and participated in the
able and high efficient organic electronics
rological devices). At Blackrock Neurotech,
department of chemistry’s NSF-funded REU
to another level and Danny
program last summer.
certainly delivered!
Her research is focused on mechanistic
These opportunities helped Alison gain
6
S U C C E S S
As Danny’s
he will be responsible for seeking both federal and investor funding
valuable skills in communicating science,
Ph.D. mentor,
which she refined in February at the Utah Con-
I have had
I am confident
ference on Undergraduate Research (UCUR).
the oppor-
he will be
She secured funding through the Office of
tunity to
successful
Undergraduate Research (OUR) to present
experience
in his
a poster at the spring national American
first-hand
future
Chemical Society (ACS) meeting in San Diego
how he
endeavors.
in March, where she won the division of inor-
has grown
for the company.
Daniel Powell and Luisa Whittaker-Brooks
Notebook • Vo l um e X X X • 2022
2 0 2 2 to bench work has been jarring but only
2021 spring semester when he mentored
partial, as she and her lab members still
undergraduate students. Additionally, he has
get out to the Great Salt Lake to collect
been part of ACCESS program working with
soil specimens.
other CSOE volunteers to assist students in
Outside of research Julie loves to
performing at-home chemistry experiments.
climb mountains and practice the salsa
Finally, he mentors graduate students,
dancing skills she picked up in Panama.
teaching them the fundamentals of electrochemistry and laboratory safety, and advising
AMIR HOSSEINI - CHEMISTRY JULIE JUNG - BIOLOGY Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher In high school Julie Jung roamed
Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher Amir received his PhD in Chemistry
them on their graduate research. Equity and inclusion in academia is a very important matter for Amir. He currently
from Indiana University, where he trained
serves as the post-doc representative on
greenhouses as a volunteer for a wheat
with one of the world’s premier organic
the DEI committee of the Department
lab at the USDA. Following that, she turned
electrochemists (Dr. Dennis
to ecology, working first with owls then
Peters). He joined the
chipmunks and pollinators within New
University of Utah
England’s deciduous forests.
in December
After graduation with honors in
of Chemistry. However, his outreach activities are not limited to academia. He
2020, as a
volunteers to
biology from Williams College, Julie found
Postdoctoral
herself on a plane to Panama to do field
Research
Iranian
work at the Smithsonian Tropical Research
Fellow in
and
Institute where she spent the next several
the NSF
Afghan
rainy seasons studying how red-eyed
Center of
families
treefrogs escape hatch in response to snake
Organic
settling
vibrations.
Synthetic
“I was so excited to have been peed
istry (CSOE)
she remembers of her time in the field as
where he is work-
a graduate student. While pursuing a
ing in Henry White’s
doctorate at Boston University, she slowly
laboratory.
Winner of this year’s College of Sci-
in Salt
Electrochem-
on by a titi monkey while walking to lab,”
grew into her role as a behavioral biologist.
help new
Amir’s research project is focused on
Lake City. In this role, he assists families who need a translator for taking care of paperwork, enrolling their
discovering novel electroorganic transforma-
children in school, and communicating
ence “Outstanding Post-Doc Award,” Julie
tions and using variety of electroanalytical
with federal and state officials regarding
has found a scientific home in the Michael
tools to explore the mechanism of the
their urgent needs.
Werner Lab studying the phenomenon of
reaction at the molecular level. Recently,
“phenotypic plasticity”—or how the same
he developed a new synthetic strategy for
genotype produces distinct phenotypes de-
electrooxidation of alcohols that is referred
pending on environmental conditions. The
to as electroreductive oxidation.
lab’s subject model is primarily nematodes.
Amir is passionate about mentoring
Her NSF-funded research hopes to
and education of the next generation of
establish a general model of plasticity across
scientists. He participated in the Science
diverse systems. The pivot from field work
Research Initiative (SRI) program during the
7
National Academy of Sciences Two College of Science Professors Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
Valeria Molinero, distinguished professor of chemistry, and Erik Jorgensen, distinguished professor at the School of Biological Sciences,
followed by an extensive and careful vetting process that results in
were elected May 3 as members of the National Academy of Sciences.
a final ballot at the Academy’s annual meeting in April each year.
Molinero and Jorgensen are among 120 U.S. scientist-scholars and
Currently, a maximum of 120 members may be elected annually.
30 foreign associates elected at the Academy’s Annual Meeting in Wash-
Members must be U.S. citizens; non-citizens are elected as
ington, D.C. They join 15 other current University of Utah researchers
international members, with a maximum of 30 elected annually.
who’ve been elected to the Academy. The National Academies, which also include the National Academy
Below are lists of current or former University of Utah faculty elected to one or more of the National Academies.
of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, recognizes scholars
National Academy of Sciences: Brenda Bass, Cynthia Burrows, Mario
and researchers for significant achievements in their fields and advise
Capecchi, Dana Carroll, Thure Cerling, James Ehleringer, Kristen Hawkes, James
the federal government and other organizations about science,
O’Connell, Baldomero “Toto” Olivera, C. Dale Poulter, Peter Stang, Wesley
engineering and health policy. With today’s elections, the number
Sundquist, Polly Wiessner, Henry Harpending, Jesse D. Jennings, Cheves Wall-
of National Academy of Sciences members stands at 2,512, with 517
ing, Sidney Velick, John R. Roth, Josef Michl, Ray White, Julian Steward, Jeremy
foreign associates.
Sabloff, Henry Eyring and Louis Goodman and Mary C. Beckerle.
Members are elected to the National Academy of Sciences in
National Academy of Engineering: Jindrich Kopecek, R. Peter King,
recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in
Adel Sarofim, Sung Wan Kim, Gerald Stringfellow, Donald Dahlstrom,
original research. Membership is a widely accepted mark of excellence
George Hill, Jan D. Miller, Milton E. Wadsworth, Thomas G. Stockham,
in science and is considered one of the highest honors that a scientist
John Herbst, Stephen C. Jacobsen, Willem J. Kolff, Alex G. Oblad, Anil
can receive. Current NAS membership totals approximately 3000
Virkar and William A. Hustrulid.
members, of which approximately 190 have received Nobel prizes.
National Academy of Medicine: Mario Capecchi, Wendy Chapman,
Because membership is achieved by election, there is no mem-
Sung Wan Kim, Vivian Lee, Baldomero “Toto” Olivera, Stephen C. Jacob-
bership application process. Although many names are suggested informally, only Academy members may submit formal nominations. 8
Consideration of a candidate begins with his or her nomination,
sen, Eli Adashi, Paul D. Clayton and Homer R. Warner.
Notebook • Vo l um e X X X • 2022
M E E T VALE R IA MO LI N E RO Molinero is the Jack and Peg Simons Endowed Professor of
Creative Research Award in 2019, the Extraordinary Faculty Achievement
Theoretical Chemistry and the director of the Henry Eyring Center for
Award in 2016, the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award in 2012 and
Theoretical Chemistry. She is a theoretical chemist and uses computer
the College of Science Myriad Faculty Award for Research Excellence in
and statistical models to explore the science of how matter changes
2011. She has also been honored by the Beckman Foundation with its
from one phase to another down to the atomic scale.
Young Investigator Award, and by the International Association for the
Much of her work has involved the transition between water and ice and how that transition occurs in the formation of clouds,
Properties of Water and Steam with its Helmholtz Award. She heard about her election between the news of a new publi-
in insects with antifreeze proteins, and in food products, especially
cation with postdoctoral scholar Debdas Dhabal and preparations for
those containing sugars. Her work has implications for any process in
a doctoral student’s dissertation defense. She received a phone call
which control of the formation and growth of ice crystals is critical, in-
from colleague Dale Poulter, a distinguished professor emeritus and
cluding snowmaking at ski resorts, protection of crops from freezing,
National Academy of Sciences member, to announce her election.
preservation of human organs and tissue for transplant, and produc-
“I was shocked,” she says. “To say it was a surprise would not do it
tion of ice cream and gelato, her favorite food. In 2020, she and her
justice. It was fantastic.”
international colleagues demonstrated that the smallest possible
Minutes later, she went into the dissertation defense, reflecting
nanodroplet of water that can freeze into ice is around 90 molecules,
on the range of accomplishments represented by the publication, the
a finding that earned them the 2020 Cozzarelli Prize from the journal
election and the defense. “All the research is made essentially there, in
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
the work of the students and postdocs,” she says. “There’s satisfaction
She is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and recipient of several U awards, including the Distinguished Scholarly and
that comes from seeing someone grow from the beginning of the Ph.D. into an accomplished researcher.”
9
MEET ERIK JORGENSEN Distinguished Professor in the School of Biological Sciences, Jorgensen is a juggernaut in neuroscience research and a prolific
to the cell wall of another neuron and releases its neurotransmitters,
collaborator across disciplines; he is a Howard Hughes Medical
depleting the vesicle in the process before creating new ones.
Institute investigator and holds adjunct positions in the Depart-
In addition to studying synaptic vesicle fusion and regen-
ment of Biomedical Engineering and in the Eccles Institute of
eration, Jorgensen also develops tools for others investigating
Human Genetics. His lab’s innovative approach to understanding
massively complex neural networks. He and his lab are creating
the brain has helped push neuroscience forward. Jorgensen’s
methods to help geneticists manipulate the genomes of model
research explores the connections between neurons, known
organisms such as the nematode C. elegans, creating ways to use
as synapses. While explaining his work, Jorgensen, a geneticist,
super-resolution microscopy to track single proteins, and utilizing
can transport you to an almost galactic place–the observable
electron microscopy to capture cellular events in real time.
universe of the brain. “Synapses are contacts between nerve cells in your brain.
As of 2020, Jorgensen has been a collaborator in the National Science Foundation-funded Neuronex 2 Project, where he and
Think of all the stars you can see on a moonless night. Multiply
collaborator Brian Jones focus on the neural connections in the
that by 100 billion. That’s how many synapses you have that can
retina. Jorgensen and Jones are part of a collection of teams receiving
hold and process a lot of information,” Jorgensen has said. “Your
more than $50 million over five years as part of the NSF’s Next
grandmother lives there, your childhood friends, embarrassment,
Generation Networks for Neuroscience program (NeuroNex). A
fear, love, and hate.”
total of 70 researchers, representing four countries, will investigate
Jorgensen focuses on the molecular machinery that makes synaptic transmission work. Nerve cells store neurotransmitters
10
in tiny packets, known as synaptic vesicles. Synaptic vesicles fuse
aspects of how brains work and interact with the environment around them.
Notebook • Vo l um e X X X • 2022
“Synapses are contacts between nerve cells in your brain. Think of all the stars you can see on a moonless night. Multiply that by 100 billion. That’s how many synapses you have that can hold
Dr. Jorgensen teaches children the joys of fireworks.
and process a lot of information. Your grandmother lives there, your childhood friends, embarrassment, fear, love, and hate.”
“We need to be able to see them,” he says. “to study their architecture, and track the proteins in the synapse. How can we do that? It ends up that light is too big to see the
Dr. Jorgensen relaxing with a confocal microscope and electrophysiological rig.
structure of a synapse. That is why we use a different subatomic particle-an electron-to visualize the structure of the synapse. We use electron microscopes.” “Biology is experiencing a great expansion in electron microscopy,” says Jorgensen,”because of some quite amazing improvements in the capabilities of electron microscopes. We can move in closer—advancements in resolution allow us to determine the atomic structure of protein complexes. Or we can stand back to see vast fields of synapses and their interconnections. “The University of Utah and its leadership have invested in these new technologies, and we have become a leading institution in the world exploring this new terrain of biology.”
An electron micrograph depicts the invisible details of cellular ultrastructure of the nematode C. elegans.
11
G e o r g e S e i fe r t
The Art/S George Seifert began his professional coaching career in 1977 as a defensive assistant to head coach Bill Walsh. After nine years and three Super Bowl championships with Walsh, Seifert was appointed Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 1989. They were big shoes to fill for the unassuming defensive specialist and defensive backfield coach standing on the sidelines wearing his signature windbreaker and poker face, and not everyone thought he was up to it. “My wife told me, ‘George don’t screw it up,’” Seifert has reported, “so I did everything I could not to screw it up.” Little did he know then that he would be accompanying the 49ers to two more Super Bowl wins for a career total of five. Crossroads of the West None of this was to happen until after college, however. The Friday before he enrolled in Cal Poly Tech, the University of Utah offered him a football scholarship. He took it. The freshman guard and linebacker found himself on a bus headed for Salt Lake City, the “crossroads of the west.” Seifert says he wasn’t much of a football player, but that he made a better coach, and it had to do with his time at the U. Following graduation with a B.S. in Biology in 1964, he entered a master’s program in physical education and was a graduate assistant for the football program. The very next year the Utah Utes beat West Virginia 32-6 in the Liberty Bowl, the first bowl game to be held indoors. “I was always into football,” he says, but “I loved the teaching aspect of it.” At age 25, he was hired by Westminster College to reboot its football program, and he clearly had found his bliss. From there he followed U Coach Ray Nagel to the University of Iowa. The Coach After working as an assistant at the University of Iowa, the University of Oregon and Stanford University, Seifert was hired as head coach at Cornell University. Following Cornell, in 1977, Seifert
12
Sport of Teaching returned to Stanford where he first met Bill Walsh. In 1979 Seifert was offered a position as the defense backs coach for the 49ers. On Seifert’s 49th birthday, the 49ers won Super Bowl XXIII (January 22, 1989), and the following season he was promoted to head coach. Three superstars later—Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Steve Young—and the team had won two more Super Bowls, one in 1989 and another in 1994. Seifert is one of only thirteen NFL head coaches with more than one Super Bowl victory and he still holds the record (98) for franchise wins and also the record for winning percentage (76.6%). The Retiree
The legendary coach reviewing game film.
Today, Seifert lives with his wife Linda in Nevada where he has returned to nature through fishing and hunting. He loves getting into the outback where he has made friends with ranchers and gets to dig back into his zoological pre-text of studying life around him. It helps to have his trusty companions along with him, Cavalier King Charles spaniels Rusty and Dusty who, he says with affection, are just a couple of awesome “ragamuffins.” It bears repeating, though, that the circuitous route from college football player and biology major at the U and then to the art (and sport) of teaching and coaching, was one that Seifert chose to embrace fully. There are many people, many former players and many fans—especially among the San Francisco “Faithful”—who are glad he did. The Philosopher From his home base, split between Nevada and the North Bay, near where his two children and four grandchildren live, Seifert has watched with gratification as the University of Utah Football Program has expanded and grown into a “new environment.” He’s watched with interest as head coach Kyle Whittingham, despite heavy recruiting from other teams, decided on Seifert’s alma mater. The U’s first time ever at the Rose Bowl this past January, is strong evidence that, in the Pac-12 and nationally, the Utah Utes are a force to be reckoned with.
Relaxing in Nevada with Rusty and Dusty.
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N o te bo o k • Vo l u m e X X X • 2 0 2 2
P L A N N E D
G I V I N G
My wife Tanya Williams and I are happy to be able to provide a planned gift to the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) at the University of Utah. We moved to Utah in 2010 to establish my Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology laboratory. I am thankful for the research, teaching and service opportunities provided to me by the University of Utah and Tanya is grateful to be able to serve her patients at the U’s School of Medicine. Our work has benefited greatly from the generosity, resources and collegiality provided to us by the U, its faculty, alumni and other benefactors. This support has enabled me to study, conserve and teach about the world’s endangered biodiversity and helped Tanya to provide healthcare to the underserved people of this beautiful state. We hope to “pay it forward” by providing a modest legacy gift for SBS. Planned gifts of this kind will help SBS continue to attract and support the best PhD students in biodiversity research, conservation biology, environmental science, ornithology and wildlife ecology during this time of rapid and devastating global change that requires all hands on deck. We hope you will join us in making a legacy gift to the School of Biological Sciences.
Sincerely,
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Çağan H. Şekercioğlu, PhD and Tanya M. Williams, MD
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 participate? Any alumni, faculty, staff, or friends of the College of Science. How do I participate? Designate a gift of $50,000, or more, in your Will or Estate, to 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 participate? 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 Laureate Society is designed to recognize those who have made a deep commitment to the future of the College. Members will join the University’s John R. Park Society and receive a special gift in recognition of their support.
Laureate Society What if I already have the college or one of the departments in my Will or Estate Plan?
CRIMSON
Simply notify us with the details of your planned gift. Questions?
Please feel free to contact Jeff Martin at martin@science.utah.edu or 801-581-4852.
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Laureate Society CRIMSON
THE POWER OF GIVING
Thank you for joining the Crimson Laureate Society. Your generosity nurtures engaged learning and pathbreaking 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 to help create and support new science programs. 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.
*Indicates deceased
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W e S u pp ort S c ie nc e BENEFACTORS $1 MILLION+ Gary L. & Ann Crocker PATRONS $500,000-$999,999 Kathleen K. Church Ronald O.* & Eileen Ragsdale ASSOCIATES $100,000-$499,999 Barbara Greenlee LJBJ John P. & Margaret A. Simons Cagan Sekercioglu & Tanya Williams FOUNDERS CLUB $50,000-$99,999 Willard L. Eccles Charitable Foundation Thomas Kursar* & Phyllis Coley Martin & Ragnhild Horvath David & Lisa Kieda Ryan & Jennifer Watts DESERET CLUB $25,000-$49,999 Raymond B. Greer Frances N. & Joel M. Harris Hamit Batubay Ozkan Kirk M. Ririe George R. Riser Joseph & Judy Smith Travis & Carrie Wager Sandra J. & Paul R. Weider PRESIDENTS CIRCLE $10,000-$24,999 Frederick Adler & Anne Collopy Peter B. Armentrout & Mary White Patrick Brennan & Carol Blair David Blair Rodney H.* & Carolyn H. Brady Andrew & Mary Christensen David Clemmer & Wendy R. Saffell Clemmer Claude* & Beverly Dalley Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation Kirk Thomas & Judy Goddard Gale A. & John L. Haslam Michael & Sally S. Hunnicutt R. Kent & Terri N. Jex Mitchell & Diana Johnson Stanton & Melanie McHardy RJay Murray Jerry Murry A. Dale & Linda Otteson Bob Palais & Micah Goodman T. Benny* & Gail T. Rushing
Murat Cem Sertoglu The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Thomas & Kathy Thatcher Thaddeus Eagar & Rebecca Uhlig Anonymous Jeffrey Marks & Nancy Yu PRESIDENTS CLUB $2,500-$9,999 Scott L. Anderson & Cynthia J. Burrows ARUP Laboratories Makbule Bilge Bahar Carlos M. Bowman R. Harold Burton Foundation The Castle Foundation Michael Wiley & Dana Cochran-Wiley Carleton DeTar & Laurel Casjens Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation Sue M. Durrant George & Lissa Elliot Kenneth M. Golden Mark Hammond & Ming Hammond Jim Hanson Eric Harwood & Melissa Harwood Garrett Hisatake & Phuong Bui Darren Wayne Housel Heber Jacobsen & Christine Lake Noriene O. & Kenneth W. Jee Alexandrea Jee Dennis & Patricia Lombardi Ryan & Meghan Looper George H. Lowe III Larry Marsh Edward Meenen Herbert I. & Elsa B. Michael Foundation Frances & Richard* Muir David & Marcia Nickell Burak Over C. Dale & Susan Poulter Timothy Purcell & Jessica Purcell Victor Cee & Holly Rausch ReCor Medical, Inc. Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Bryant W. & Betty Rossiter Victoria J. Rowntree & Jon Seger Susan K. Rushing Kenneth Savin & Lisa Wenzler Matthew Sigman & Deborah Burney-Sigman David & Kimberly Sorensen Chris Tuttle & Marie Tuttle Neil & Tanya Vickers Xiaodong Jiang & Jia Wang
Notebook • Volu me X X X • 2022
Suppor ting the Promotion and Advancement of Science.
Henry S. White & Joyce Garcia Christopher & Frances Wilcox Doju Yoshikami Da-Jiang Zheng DEANS CIRCLE $1,000-$2,499 Abbvie, Inc. Pete Ashdown Ntsanderh Azenui F. Reid & Margaret* Barton Scott Carter Xiaodong Chen Andrej Cherkaev & Elena Cherkaev Steven & Kimberley Condas Ryan & Charlotte Conlon Roy Corsi John & Sally Crelly Jr. Butch Adams & Amy Davis Christoph Boehme & Kristie Durham Berton & Tiraje Earnshaw Larry & Wendy Evans Donald Feener L. Richard & Karen Feinauer Jr. Cecelia H. Foxley Joseph Gardella Michael & Elizabeth Gibson Brent Hawker Ruth Lofgren* Noel E. Marquis James & Kate Marshall Michael & Loretta McHugh Mark & Jennifer McLaws Todd Mendenhall Frank & Sharon Meyer Mission Math Utah Eric & Lora Newman Anita Orendt Anandan Palani Thomas Robbins & Kathleen Clark Carl* & Kathryn Robinson Peter & Susan Rogers Shauna Roman Gregg & Carolyn Rosann Harold & Deborah Rust Cynthia Sagers George & Linda Seifert Yifan Shi W. Donald & Ginny Shields Eric & Cassie Slattery Gerald Smith & Catherine Badgley Cameron Soelberg
Dean & Samantha Stoker William & Vivien Terzaghi Melanie Topham Peter E. & Nicole Trapa Jacob & Erin Umbriaco Egbertus VanDerHeiden David Bowling & Jacqueline Waring Chris & Nico T. Waters Dennie Welch Jeremy Wilkerson Xiao-rong Zhu & Ping Hou Dean H. & Jane H.* Zobell DEANS CLUB $500-$999 Mark Adamson & Nancy Tschiderer David & C. Janie Ailion Justin & Linda Alvey Edward & Florence Aoyagi Zlatko & Vesna Bacic Jim Barton Craig & Jana Blackett Dennis & Jean Bramble M. Kevin Branson Glenn S. & Renée L. Buchanan Liang-Yuan Chen Daniel & Kara Cherney Frederic & Dulce Civish Dale Clayton & Sarah Bush Cindy Cooper Ruggiero Costanzo Philippe David Steven Dean & Erika Engberson Thomas & Carol* Dietz Richard & Linda Easton Jaivime Evaristo Douglas Fields & Anjali Fields Karla Gilbert Roger & Marlene Grua Carlos Guerra Chan James & Wendy Hsu Minmin Lin & Hua Huang Oscar Izaguirre Richard Johnson Dane & Susan Jones Daniel Kinikini Dan Little Malcolm* & Carole MacLeod David Marshall Jeffrey & Allison Martin Clifton & Terrie McIntosh Melvin & Linda Miles
Robert Churchwell & Shelley Minteer Kevin & Patty Moss Hannah Nelson Ruth L. & Phillip J.* Novak Mikio & Masayo Obayashi Gregory & Crystal Owens Timothy T. Parker Rolando Quintana Don L. & Rebecca Reese George & Sara Rhodes Lee K. & Dawn L. Roberts Andrew & Tiffany Roberts Alex Wong & Miriam Romero Carina Sanchez Kyle Kaiser & Pearl Sandick Mark Sherwood Shane Smith Shaoqing Song & Fuli Zhao Dick & Elizabeth Streeper Eric Peterson & Karen Thomas Lawrence Thorne Sr. Duc Tran & Hien Do Anh Truong Warner Wada Lane & Rhonda Wallace Jiang-Hua & Hanju Wang Olivia Wang Stephen & Elizabeth Warner Eric Weeks Kimberly Witham Douglas & Kaye Wyler Zheng Zheng COLLEGIATE CLUB $250-$499 Thomas Alberts Glenn & Lee Allinger Alexander Balk Phillip & Michelle Barry Burton Markham* & Diane Bentley Benjamin C. Bromley Andrew Koppisch & Cindy Browder James & Janice Carter Michael Cavanagh Shenlin Chen Lane C. & Paula W. Childs David T. Chuljian James & Alice Clark Stephen L. & Nicola G. Dahl Ronald Day & Mava Jones Day Ric & Janice DelMar Elizabeth Dranow
(continued next page)
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Laureate Society CRIMSON
Nicholas & Kadeshia Duclos Arthur & Katherine Edison Aaron Fogelson & Deborah Feder Juan Gallegos-Orozco Jordan Gerton & Brenda Mann Bridget Gourley Louis D. & Sue Heavenrich Robert K. & Tina R. Herman Richard & Ruth Hills Timothy Ley & Patricia Hohn Robert & Denna Hollinger Richard & Aurora Jensen Jon Johnson Christopher Hacon Aleksandra Jovanovic-Hacon Edwin & Kathryn Kingsley Sanghoon Kwak Mary Levine Hao-Chou & Yuemei Lin Daniel Lundberg Vance & Heidi Lyon Yvonne Mack Samantha Marshall Christopher & Lori Merritt Larry & Sharma Millward Steven Mimnaugh James & Leeann Moffett William & Jane Moore Neil Morrissette David Suehsdorf & Janet Muir Brian Narajowski Marcus & Sara Nebeling Richard Neville & Jane Torgerson Allen & Anne Oshita James L. & Bonnie D. Parkin William & Shanna Parmley Steven & Elizabeth Pattison David & Gloria Pehrson Robert & Susan Peterson Carl & Barbara Popp Yam Poudel Jack B. & Itha W. Rampton Peter E. Rose Richard & Peggy Sacher Vernon Sandberg & Carol A. Wilkinson Clifton & Sandra* Sanders
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Anil Seth Joshua Southwick Nathan Dalleska & Eileen Spain Tom Vitelli & Michele Swaner Fred Thoelke Robert Van Kirk & Sheryl Hill Bao Wang Paul Watkins Michael & Jan Weaver Richard & Shelly Williams Richard & Kristin Winterton CENTURY CLUB $100-$249 Roger & Diane Aamodt Randy Adachi Adobe Systems Inc. Bruce & Maud Allen Robert J. Hamilton & Michelle Amiot Terrell & Virginia Andersen Albert G. & Christine M. Anderson Karen L. Anderson Lesleigh Anderson Kari Aoyagi Jennifer Apple Gameil Fouad & Gina Barberi Lisa Barnes William & Jean Barrett Richard Barrett Brett & Ruth Barrett Ramon Barthélemy Brent & Virginia Beall Scott & Susan Bean Jay Beckstead Robert & Sylvia Berman Aaron J. Bertram Anna Bessesen Jonathan & Catherine Black Tarlton & Lorie* Blair Gary M. & Shanna H. Blake L. Beth Blattenberger Michael & Nanci Bockelie Philip & Barbara Bowman Burdett Brent Thomas Brunker & Cherie Brunker William O. Wilson & Carmen Buhler Ryan Bullett & Kelly Bullett Harvey & Elizabeth Cahoon Sandra Calman Robert Stephen Cantrell David Carrier & Colleen Farmer Thure Cerling & Mahala Kephart Pejman Chalezamini Ralph Chamberlin Yu-Hsing & Pea Chiu Sung Chan Choi Tony Chow Rebecca Christman Terry Chun & Kate Kwon
Michael Collard Marshall & Kathie Coopersmith Glenn & Enid Cox Mathew Crawley John & Laurie Dallon Tommaso de Fernex James & Monica DeGooyer Matthew C. DeLong Rico Delsesto James & J. Linda Detling Marcia Cook Mohit Diwekar Kevin Dockery & Kelly Reynolds Roger Drickey Richard Driggs Jerry & Lynda* Driscoll Michael Duch Thomas Engar Patrick & Kathleen English Richard & Chariya Ernst Christopher & Joanne* Erskine Bradley & Elizabeth Esplin Edward & Michal Esplin Virgil & Jill Fairbanks Briant & Glenna Farnsworth Norman & Jerilyn Fawson Melanie Feeney William Feldman Bryce & Hilary Ferguson Robert & Claire Fish Max & Josephine Forsberg Karen Fouad David Fox Charles Lee Wilkins & Ingrid Fritsch Denice Fujimoto Grzegorz & Joanna Gajewiak David & Morgan Gardiner LeRoi & Sara Gardner Jr. Garth & Sarah Garrison Nicholas & Courtney Gibbs Keith & Olena Gligorich Stephen Godbe Marc & Maureen Godbout Linda Goetz Rex Gold Roy Goudy Patricia Govednik Marnie Grisley Joel & Julianne Grose Michael & Laura Gruenwald William Heeschen & Judy Gunderson Brian & Mary Haan Heidi Hachtman Robert & Carolyn Hargrove Kenneth & Michele Hartner Bret Heale & Rebecca Noonan-Heale Harry Hecht Henryk & Malgorzata Hecht
Notebook • Volu me X X X • 2022
William C. Hewitson Barton & Elizabeth Hoenes Lloyd Holmes Layne V. & Karen L. Hopkins Christopher House Douglas & Charlotte Howe Sean Howe Chen & Nancy Hsu Hsiang-Ping Huang & Yuanping Lee John Hughes Paul & RosaMaria Hurst Srikanth Iyengar Jeffrey & Sherry Jasperson Joseph & Karen Jensen Georgia Jeppesen Mark & Nanette Johansen Ronald & Mary Sue Johnson Leland & Margery Johnson Gary & Cynthia Kanner Anne Hamner & Cheryl Keil Michael & Jocelyn Kelleher Walter & Kelly Keller Ross Whitaker & Kerry Kelly John & Inga Kenney III Ed & Marsha Kilgore Jerold* & Lucinda Kindred Paul I. Kingsbury Jaqueline Kiplinger Zoe Koch Jennifer Koh Peter* & Carole Koren Nicholas Korevaar Sandor Kovacs & Timea Tihanyl Lawrence R. & Sally Kursar Sr. Roger & Sue Ladle Michael & Cathy Larsen Michael & Julie Larson Kerry & Ann J. Lee Michele Lefebvre Yan Li Jason & Linda Lillegraven Xing Lin Tracy Louie William Love Hamilton Lucas Raquel Macarthur Neil Manning William Manwaring & Priscila Osovski R. Spencer & Susan Martin William & Shelley McClennen James & Carolyn McElroy Kevin McGowan Walter & Carol McKnight Thomas & Linda McMillan Terry Merritt Michael & Deanna Messina Grayson Millard & Devan Millard William E. Miller
Graeme Milton & John Patton Diego Fernandez & Valeria Molinero Hwa-Ping Feng & Diana Montgomery Eric Montoya Abigail Moore Paul Mora Maria Moreno Marvin & Sharron Morris Anwesha Mukhopadhyay Patience Nelson Kevin & Filinita Nemelka William & Raquel Nikolai William* & Ruth* Ohlsen Keith & Patricia Olson Morris & Jane* Page Brandon & Kristin Park Frederic Parke Dennis L. & Anne J. Parker Jordan & Aurelia Pederson Octavio Pimentel Roger & Kathleen Pugh Jayson & Sarah Punwani Owen & Adele B. Reese Jr. David & Kim Remien Robert Sclafani & Christine Roberts John Roberts S. Joshua & Amanda Romney Mike & Susan Kay Root Alan & Cheryl Rothenberg Brian & LeeAnn Russell Andrea Russell Mayukh K. Sarkar Holly Sebahar Michael & Mary Shapiro John G. Markowski & Patricia Sharkey Richard & Harriet Sher Michael Siler Gregory* & Jenny* Skedros Chelsie Smith Scott Smith Richard Smith & Lynda George Claudius Smith Richard & Diane Smookler Timothy Snell Darryl & Alycia Spencer Philip & Maida Spjut Robert & Shauna Springer Josh Steffen Edward & Mari Steffen Richard & Sheila Steiner Harold & Kay Stokes Dorothy Strehl Barry Stults & Connie Stults Dean & Margaret Taylor David & Heather Thomas Domingo Toledo & Paula Schnitzer Thomas & Susan Tomasi Marcus & Sara Torgenson
Karen Trentelman Christian & Laura J. Ulmer Carol Underwood John F Unguren Chi Van Adrian & Jamie Vande Merwe E. Russell & Phyllis J. Vetter Gregory von Arx Rollie Wagstaff Adrianne Walker Reed & Catherine Walsh Libo Wang Qiuquan Wang Anna Wernli Larry & Sydney Whiting Luisa Whittaker-Brooks Paul Wiggins Eliot & Susan Wilcox Thomas & Linda Wilkinson Jon & Heather Wilson David & Olivia Worthen Kevin Wortman Heng Xie York & Mary Ann Yates Steven Yourstone Jingyi Zhu
Laureate Societ CRIMSON This list represents gifts of at least $100 made to any area in the College of Science including Departments Centers and Programs between 01/01/2021 and 05/01/2022. Standard University group designations are used. We are extremely grateful for these and all of our generous supporters.
*Indicates deceased
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. C o n v o c a t i on 2 022 College of Science
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As we pursue our respective career paths, we should work to mimic the sense of community the College of Science has helped us foster. We will be the ones who can welcome new people into our community and serve as mentors ourselves, paying it forward to the next generation of scientists. 2022 S T U D E N T CO N V O C AT I O N S P E A K E R
TYLER BALL BS’22 CHEMISTRY RESEARCH SCHOLAR
C L A S S
O F
2 0 2 2 College of Science Graduation Stats 2022
600 total number of graduates
461 bachelor graduates
47 master graduates
92 24
PhD
T H E
graduates
SUMMA cum laude
undergraduates
69
MAGNA cum laude
undergraduates
13
cum laude undergraduates
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Nonprofit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1390 Presidents Circle, Crocker Science Center, Rm 214 Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0140
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