scholarly journals BEAMS: a workforce development program to bridge the gap between biologists and material scientists

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn S Lee ◽  
Matthew W Lux ◽  
Jared B DeCoste

Abstract To maximize innovation in materials science and synthetic biology, it is critical to master interdisciplinary understanding and communication within an organization. Programming aimed at this juncture has the potential to bring members of the workforce together to frame new networks and spark collaboration. In this article, we recognize the potential synergy between materials and synthetic biology research and describe our approach to this challenge as a case study. A workforce development program was devised consisting of a lecture series, laboratory demonstrations and a hands-on laboratory competition to produce a bacterial cellulose material with the highest tensile strength. This program, combined with support for infrastructure and research, resulted in a significant return on investment with new externally funded synthetic biology for materials programs for our organization. The learning elements described here may be adapted by other institutions for a variety of settings and goals.

Author(s):  
L. S. Chumbley ◽  
M. Meyer ◽  
K. Fredrickson ◽  
F.C. Laabs

The Materials Science Department at Iowa State University has developed a laboratory designed to improve instruction in the use of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The laboratory makes use of a computer network and a series of remote workstations in a classroom setting to provide students with increased hands-on access to the SEM. The laboratory has also been equipped such that distance learning via the internet can be achieved.A view of the laboratory is shown in Figure 1. The laboratory consists of a JEOL 6100 SEM, a Macintosh Quadra computer that acts as a server for the network and controls the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), four Macintosh computers that act as remote workstations, and a fifth Macintosh that acts as an internet server. A schematic layout of the classroom is shown in Figure 2. The workstations are connected directly to the SEM to allow joystick and computer control of the microscope. An ethernet connection between the Quadra and the workstations allows students seated there to operate the EDS. Control of the microscope and joystick is passed between the workstations by a switch-box assembly that resides at the microscope console. When the switch-box assembly is activated a direct serial line is established between the specified workstation and the microscope via the SEM’s RS-232.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Taufik Abrain

Several studies have shown that the success of interregional cooperation may be influenced by coordination, commitment, participation, variance of cooperation, structure, format of cooperation, and political will. Nevertheless, these factors do not stand alone since actor relations as a determining aspect is capable of driving those factors effectively. This article aims to examine the aspect of actor relations as a contributing factor that determines successful cooperation among regions. This is a qualitative research with the policy of inter-regional cooperation of the Banjarbakula Program, South Kalimantan Province from February 2017 to February 2018, set as its object of study. The result of this study states that the success of inter-regional cooperation is influenced by the relationship of actors in development factors as suggested by previous experts. The actors involved in the inter-regional cooperation examined in this case had become triggers of coordination, commitment, and participation toward success and failure, as well as the effectiveness of regional cooperation policy. Structural obstacles, ego-centric character, minimum budget availability, and non-visionary planning could be overcome as long as actor relations were properly managed.


Public Voices ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Nolan J. Argyle ◽  
Lee M. Allen

Pre-service and in-service MPA students share a common desire for hands-on, real world instruction related to their professional career goals, leading to a pedagogic discounting of fiction as an appropriate tool for analyzing and "solving" problems. However, several factors weigh heavily in favor of using science fiction short stories and novellas in the MPA classroom setting. These include the need for interesting case scenarios exploring various administrative issues; leveling the playing field between the two types of students by de-emphasizing the use of "contemporary" cases; access to literature that explores the future shock of increasing organizational complexity; and the desirability of Rorschach type materials that facilitate discussion of. values and administrative truths. The discussion proceeds by tracing the development of the case study technique, its advantages and disadvantages in the classroom, addressing the utility of "fiction" as an educational resource, and showing how the science fiction literature has matured to the point where it can be applied in all of the major sub-fields of public administration. Several outstanding examples are detailed, and a thorough bibliography is provided.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-182
Author(s):  
Rizki Amalia ◽  
Ratnawati Nurkhoiry ◽  
Zulfi Prima Sani Nasution ◽  
Ambar Kurniawan

The study of replanting models for smallholding oil palm plantation analysis is focus on smallholders and cooperatives' readiness assessment involves in replanting and business development program. The research objects are four oil palm plantantion cooperatives (KPS) in Ophir, West Pasam: KPS Perintis, KPS Indah, KPS Maju and KPS Makmur. Smallholders readiness in replanting and business development program was assessed through three criterias, which are ability to repay of debt, good faith to join community, and cooperative capacity. The results showed that smallholders in KPS Ophir are basically ready and feasible in obtaining financing and follow the oil palm replanting program, but access to financing and regulations that requires avalis become constrains for the smallholders.


Author(s):  
Yorick Bernardus Cornelis van de Grift ◽  
Nika Heijmans ◽  
Renée van Amerongen

AbstractAn increasing number of ‘-omics’ datasets, generated by labs all across the world, are becoming available. They contain a wealth of data that are largely unexplored. Not every scientist, however, will have access to the required resources and expertise to analyze such data from scratch. Fortunately, a growing number of investigators is dedicating their time and effort to the development of user friendly, online applications that allow researchers to use and investigate these datasets. Here, we will illustrate the usefulness of such an approach. Using regulation of Wnt7b expression as an example, we will highlight a selection of accessible tools and resources that are available to researchers in the area of mammary gland biology. We show how they can be used for in silico analyses of gene regulatory mechanisms, resulting in new hypotheses and providing leads for experimental follow up. We also call out to the mammary gland community to join forces in a coordinated effort to generate and share additional tissue-specific ‘-omics’ datasets and thereby expand the in silico toolbox.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-280
Author(s):  
Daniel T.L. Shek ◽  
Daniel W.M. Lung ◽  
Yammy L.Y. Chak

Abstract This paper reports the findings of a case study in which a curriculum-based positive youth development program (Project P.A.T.H.S.) was implemented by the class teachers in a school. School-related factors which contributed to the success of program implementation were identified in the study. Results showed that factors facilitating the program implementation were closely related to the “5Ps” model (i.e., program, people, process, policy and place). While all the above factors contributed to the success of program implementation, the “people” factor was identified as the most crucial factor. Overall, both the students and program implementers perceived the program to be effective in promoting holistic development in the program participants.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick M. Woodward ◽  
Pavel Karen ◽  
John S. O. Evans ◽  
Thomas Vogt

This comprehensive textbook provides a modern, self-contained treatment for upper undergraduate and graduate level students. It emphasizes the links between structure, defects, bonding, and properties throughout, and provides an integrated treatment of a wide range of materials, including crystalline, amorphous, organic and nano- materials. Boxes on synthesis methods, characterization tools, and technological applications distil specific examples and support student understanding of materials and their design. The first six chapters cover the fundamentals of extended solids, while later chapters explore a specific property or class of material, building a coherent framework for students to master core concepts with confidence, and for instructors to easily tailor the coverage to fit their own single semester course. With mathematical details given only where they strengthen understanding, 400 original figures and over 330 problems for hands-on learning, this accessible textbook is ideal for courses in chemistry and materials science.


Author(s):  
Alyssa Mazurek ◽  
David Cron ◽  
Charles Hwang ◽  
Stephanie DeBolle ◽  
Rishindra M. Reddy ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document