The Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, arrived at the surface of Mars in January 2004. The past four years have been spent exploring Mars, with the goal of understanding the geologic history of the Red Planet. The twin rovers have made some very important discoveries, and taken hundreds of thousands of images, which we will share with you in this presentation.

SMALL GROUP PRESENTATIONS

1. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND EARTHQUAKE SIMULATION TOUR
(Tom Albrechcinski, SEESL/UB-NEES Site Operations Manager, Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, UB)

The Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) laboratory is a part of the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory (SEESL). The laboratory is capable of conducting testing of full or large-scale structures using dynamic or static loading. This is enabled by the availability of two shake (earthquake simulation) tables; large-scale dynamic and static servo-controlled actuators; and a 40-ton capacity crane. Participants will hear a presentation describing this very unique facility and observe an example of the nature of seismic testing using a “Mini-Shake Table” prior to the tour of the laboratory.

2. ACTIVE VOLCANOES IN THE UNITED STATES
(Dr. Rick Batt, Associate Professor of Geology, Department of Earth Sciences and Science Education, Buffalo State College)

Our country is home to several volcanoes considered active by geologists. Eruptions have already impacted human lives (and will do so in the futre), so an understanding of how volcanoes work and the hazards they present is important. Students will learn about some active volcanoes in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest.

3. GEOLOGY “ROCKS”
(Matthew Becker, Associate Professor, Geology Department)

Tour the Geology Department labs at the University of Buffalo to learn about environmental geosciences, climate change, integrated tectonics and other geologic topics.

4. SCIENCE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
(Dr. Donald Birdd, Professor, Science Ed., Buffalo State College)

"Touch, Play and Think” about some of the science in your everyday world. All too often we go about our lives not thinking about the principles of science that impact what we do and how we perceive the world. Learn more about how science plays this role in your life, even though you might not be aware of it.

5. TOUR OF CHEMISTRY RESEARCH LABORATORIES
(Dr. Frank Bright, Department Chair, Dr. James Garvey, Professor, Dr. David Watson Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo)

Interested in chemistry? This session includes tours of three research laboratories under the direction of Professors Frank Bright, James Garvey and David Watson. In exploring these state-of-the art laboratories, students will learn about ongoing research activities, laser-based instruments, applications of chemistry research and the important role of student scholars in research.

6. PENGUINS ARE “COOL” BIRDS
(Jeanette Brunner, Educator, Aquarium of Niagara)

This presentation will focus on some of the 17 species of penguins that live in the Southern Hemisphere. From the 4’ tall Emperor to the small Little Blue penguins, this program will highlight the biology and natural history of these interesting birds.

7. DIET AND EXERCISE: THE MAGIC PILL FOR PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASE?
(Dr. Harold Burton, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, UB School of Public Health and Health Professions)

Physical inactivity and poor nutritional habits have been identified as primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, among other behavior-driven diseases. WNY has the highest rate of heart disease mortality in the U.S. and high rates of diabetes. Treatment of CVD with various drugs that lower blood pressure and cholesterol etc. is common, but drugs are expensive, many have side effects and drug prescription does not promote a change in lifestyle. Learn about an inexpensive, effective way to help prevent and manage most chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, with diet and regular physical activity.

8. ECOLOGY & FISHES OF THE LOWER GREAT LAKES
(Denise L. Clay, Biological Science Technician, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office)

Interested in learning about Lake Erie and Lake Ontario? This session covers the history and ecology of the lower Great Lakes, including how they were formed and their past and current condition. Learn about Great Lakes fishes and ways students can get experience working in the field. Hands-on activities and samples will be provided throughout the session.

9. VIRTUAL REALITY IN ENGINEERING DESIGN
(Dr. Kenneth English, Deputy Director, NYS Center for Engineering Design & Industrial Innovation, University at Buffalo)

Get an overview of the state-of-the-art in visualization and virtual reality. Also see some academic and industrial applications the Center has been involved in over the past year. The Center uses state-of-the-art graphics technology to immerse users in virtual worlds. View a three-dimensional model of a saber-toothed tiger skull, watch the motion of a child seat in a car accident, and see how the Internet is used in engineering design.

10. ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES NEAR ABSOLUTE ZERO
(Prof. Frank Gasparini, Physics Dept., University at Buffalo)

A presentation on temperature, and an experiment using liquid helium and samples of a semiconductor, metal, superconductor, and an alloy will highlight this program. Experience the display of temperature in real time as the samples are cooled simultaneously from room temperature to 4.2K. A discussion of the mechanisms which govern conduction and some student interaction will occur.

11. ASTRONOMY: PORTABLE STARLAB PLANETARIUM
(Arthur Gielow, Planetarium Director, Buffalo State College)

Finding their way around the night sky via a portable planetarium, participants will observe projections of constellations, stars and galaxies. Learn more about the nature of the universe.

12. REALLY GROSS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(Don Gill, Jr., Instructor, ECC South)

An interesting laboratory presentation of preserved specimens prepared to various levels of dissection. Comparative anatomy and physiology will be discussed. (Not for the faint of heart.)

13. CANINE HELPERS FOR THE HANDICAPPED INC.
(Rich Godfrey, Trainer, Canine Helper for the Handicapped)

Learn about the history of Canine Helpers and how working dogs are trained, placed and paid for. A working dog will be present to demonstrate retreiving dropped objects. Find out what a working dog can do to improve the lives of disabled individuals.

14. COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
(Prof. Richard Gonsalves, Physics Dept., University at Buffalo)

Simulation of phenomena in the physical universe on digital computers has become a third branch of scientific inquiry, which complements experimentation and theoretical investigation. This presentation of examples of scientific discoveries and insights, which would not have been possible without modern computers, will also include examples of opportunities for would-be computational physicists to study the mysteries of nature and solve challenging technological problems.

15. THE LURE OF CERTAINTY: EXPLORING THE PROBLEM OF HUMAN ORIGIN
(Dr. John R. Grehan, Director of Science, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences)

Outlines the historical challenge of how scientists cope with challenges to certainty in science. General examples from fields such as genetics and geology followed by a detailed look at the contradictory evidence from genetics and morphology regarding the last common ancestor between humans and the great apes.

16. EXOTIC INVADERS OF THE GREAT LAKES
(Dr. John Herring, Coastal Communities Specialist, NY Sea Grant)

Jumping Asian carp? Beach fouling bivalves? “Ruffe” times for fish communities. Vampires of the Great Lakes? Learn about exotic species such as the blood-sucking lamprey that feast on trout and other fishes, and what is being done to control these “vampires” of the Great Lakes and other biological invaders.

17. VIRTUAL AND RAPID PROTOTYPING
(Dr. Kevin Hulme, Senior Research Associate, and Dr. Andrew Olewnik, Research Associate, NYS Center for Engineering Design & Industrial Innovation, University at Buffalo)

Tour the NYS Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation Motion Simulation lab for a presentation on advanced methods and technologies for prototyping, which support engineering design and beyond. Students will be introduced to motion simulation and visualization technologies which support research in vehicle and transportation design. See a "3-D printer", a technology which supports prototype and product development in engineering design and beyond.

18. WOULD YOU DRINK "THAT"?? – THE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OF DRINKING WATER
(Dr. James N. Jensen, Professor, Dept. of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo)

Have you ever wondered where tap water and bottled water come from? Tour the drinking water research facilities at UB to see demonstrations of the science behind drinking water treatment. Find out why prescription drugs may actually show up in drinking water.

19. PHARMACY TOUR: PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS
(Cindy Konovitz, Assistant Dean, Louise Cooper, Instructor and Project Support Specialist, and Patricia Cotter-Grace, Director of Professional Practice Laboratory Operations, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo)

Tour and learn about "Medication Experts" in action. The tour begins in our Pharmacy Museum and Turn-of-the Century Apothecary, where students will see how pharmacy was practiced during the 1800s and early-to-mid 1900s. "Cigarettes for asthma," a prescription for alcoholic beverages (used during the Prohibition of the 1920s), other artifacts are on display. Students will visit training sites, including a patient discharge room (complete with a "model" patient) and professional practice laboratory, where they will have an opportunity to prepare a simple medication.

20. TOUR: DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(Dr. Gerald B. Koudelka, Professor & Department Chair of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo)

Interested in biological sciences? The Department of Biological Sciences is a primary focus for instruction, research, and service in the basic biological sciences. The department provides rigorous training at the undergraduate and graduate levels and research in pursuit of new knowledge. Tour the Biological Sciences laboratories to learn more about cutting-edge research being conducted at UB.

21. THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF SEVERE WEATHER
(Judy Levan, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, and Dave Zaff, Science and Operations Officer, National Weather Service)

Your local National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Buffalo will be presenting information on the Science and Technology of Severe Weather. Students will learn how thunderstorms and tornadoes develop and see some of the devastating impacts that result from these forces of nature. Learn how NWS forecasters assess damage from these events and get to test your skills on making your own damage assessments.

22. INNOVATION IN ENGINEERING DESIGN
(Dr. Kemper Lewis, Executive Director, NYS Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation, and Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo)

This interactive presentation will look at the art and science of design innovation, its application in product design, and the potential to develop personal innovation skills.

23. PHYSICS AND ARTS EXHIBIT
(Prof. Andrea Markelz and Assistants, Physics Dept., UB)

Students will be taken on a tour of the Physics and Arts exhibits to learn about the rotation of the earth, the light emission from stars, AC power generation, fundamental optics and particle physics.

24. INVESTIGATING "PARANORMAL" MYSTERIES
(Dr. Joe Nickell, Paranormal Investigator, Skeptical Inquirer Magazine)

A presentation featuring a revealing and entertaining look at such mysterious phenomena as the ghost at Mackenzie House and cases of alleged "spontaneous human combustion" - all from the speaker's own case files and all examined from the scientific point of view.

25. SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION OF MAN'S ADAPTATION FROM DEEP SEA TO SPACE
(Dr. David Pendergast, Prof. of Physiology and Biophysics, and Director, Center for Research and Education in Special Environments, University at Buffalo)

The presentation will highlight the Center's research experience investigating man's response to extreme environments to understand physiology with the purpose of demonstrating the research process, excitement and benefits of being a research and the outcome for society. Visual examples of experiments in the underwater world, on earth and in space will be shown.

26. GLOBAL WARMING: FACT OR MYTH
(Prof. Michael Ram, Physics Dept, University at Buffalo)

The history of climate going back some two million years will be reviewed. Factors influencing climate, as well as the astronomical theory of the ice ages, will be briefly discussed. This will allow us to get into the pros and cons of global warming.

27. CSI: CRITTER SIGN INVESTIGATION (Kristen Rosenburg and Ginger Wszalek, Environmental Educators, NYS DEC Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve)

Learn to read the clues that animals leave behind and solve the nature mysteries in your own backyard. Hands-on investigations will include real biofacts from native mammals, birds, and insects.

28. COSMOLOGY
(Prof. Dejan Stojkovic, Physics Dept., University at Buffalo)

A presentation on the history and recent developments of cosmology will introduce students to the scientific study of the large scale properties of the universe as a whole. Students will learn more about this interesting area of scientific study.

29. BIOMIMICRY: LOOKING AT NATURE AS MODEL, MEASURE, AND MENTOR

(Karen Wallace, Director, Center for Science Learning, Buffalo Museum of Science/Tifft Nature Preserve)

Discover Biomimicry a new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. Hands-on investigations will look at specific examples of innovations inspired by nature for a sustainable, healthier planet.

30. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORIES TOUR
(Dr. James J. Whalen, Professor of Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo, plus colleagues: Dr. Anderson, Dr. Zirnheld, Dr. Sarjeant and students)

The electrical engineering program emphasizes photonics, communications and signals, digital electronics, micro-electronics, and materials. The tour will focus on demonstrations within Electrical Engineering Laboratories including the Microwave Lab, the Microelectronics Lab, the High Power Electronics Lab, and the Laser/Photonics Lab.

31. TRAINING, CAREERS AND ROLE OF THE VETERINARY LICENSED TECHNICIAN
(Lynn Wittmeyer, Veterinary Technician, Medaille College)

A presentation to describe what a Licensed Veterinary Technician is and some emergency first aid and CPCR measures all pet owners should know will be discussed and demonstrated, along with general animal health issues for animals.

32. HEALTH SCIENCES PRESENTATION
(Dr. Ann Wright, Professor of Biology, Canisius College)

How do you determine whether someone is healthy? Insurance companies use body mass index (BMI) to determine health insurance. Is this measure appropriate? Is weight or body fat measurement an appropriate index of health? Why are diets and exercise important measures of health? Are heart rate changes during rest and exercise a good indicator of health? These questions will be answered during the presentation.

LARGE GROUP PRESENTATIONS

BENEATH THE SEAS
(Helen Domske, Associate Director, Great Lakes Program, New York Sea Grant)

Take an imaginary journey beneath the sea to learn about the incredible creatures that live in the world's oceans. From the great whales to the colorful fishes of the coral reef, learn about some of these unique creatures and the changes that humans are causing in these watery environments.

ENDANGERED SPECIES - C.I.T.E.S. TRADE IN WILDLIFE
(Dawn Drummer, Wildlife Inspector, US Fish and Wildlife Service)

The importation and exportation of wildlife and endangered species is regulated by the USFWS’s law enforcement agency. Buffalo is an international border port, where inspectors are responsible for monitoring the international wildlife trade in commercial products. A film, slides and display materials will add to this session.

SLEEP TIGHT – DON’T LET THE BED BUGS BITE!
(Dr. Wayne Gall, Regional Entomologist, NYS Department of Health, Buffalo)

Much to the chagrin of managers of hotels, apartment buildings, college dormitories, and homeless shelters, bed bugs have recently experienced their first major resurgence since about 1950. Dr. Gall will review the biology of these blood-sucking ectoparasites, their association with people, and likely reasons for their recent proliferation using case studies from his work as Regional Entomologist with the New York State Department of Health.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY IN OUR COMMUNITY: THE ROLE OF STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY COOPERATION
(Dr. Joseph Gardella, Jr., Professor of Chemistry and Faculty Fellow, UB Institute for Local Governance and Regional Growth)

A collaboration of UB students, community members, government and industry have worked to answer questions about pollution in local environments. A review of efforts in three Buffalo neighborhoods will be given, including Hickory Woods and Seneca Babcock, along with successes in citizen design of cleanups on East Ferry. A review of the Niagara County community of Lewiston Porter project will also be given. The ability of the community to understand and participate in the planning, execution and interpretation of scientific results improves the way we deal with environmental issues.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING
(Beverly Roe, Professor, Erie Community College, South Campus)

This informative program will provide an overview of the common STIs such as Herpes, HPV and Chlamydia, along with some of the more exotic ones that students should be aware of.

VOLCANOES
(Michael F. Sheridan, Director, Center for Geohazards Studies, University at Buffalo)

Learn about Vesuvius, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world that lies within striking distance of metropolitan Naples, with its population exceeding 3 million inhabitants. Recent archeological excavations of Bronze Age settlements and new discoveries within the A.D. will be discussed. Find out how 79 deposits at Pompeii cast new light on safety concerns for the area.