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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

ETS - Environmental and Technological Studies linking the natural and human-made world College of Science & Engineering

ETS News

Important News for ETS Students

If you plan to register for Preparatory Chemistry next year, please be aware that the course number has changed.

Preparatory Chemistry is now CHEM 160. (Posted March 21, 2008)

 

ETS Student Receives Distinguished University Awards

Joe Storlien received the University Award for Excellence in Leadership on April 20, 2008. This award identifies and honors students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership while at St. Cloud State University. Joe also received the Dennis M. Thayer Leadership Award. The Thayer award is given in recognition of the student receiving the highest score in the Excellence in Leadership Award process. The award is in memory of a man who, in his brief lifetime, demonstrated the highest level of regard for leadership by all and for all.

Joe completed his Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies at St. Cloud State University in 2006, and he plans to finish his Masters of Science in Environmental and Technological Studies in May 2008. Some of Joe’s leadership activities at St. Cloud State University include being group leader and later mentor of the Environmental Studies Student Research Group, being elected to the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Sauk River and receiving the Raymond Larson Leadership Award. After graduation, Joe plans to pursue a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University where he has already been awarded a graduate assistantship position. The ETS Department congratulates Joe on his award and wishes him well on his future endeavors. (Posted April 21, 2008)

Joe_Thayer_Award

Mr. and Mrs. Thayer, Joe Storlien and his mother, Mrs. Jill Storlien

 

Kurt Helgeson named Interim Associate Dean

Kurt Helgeson has been named Interim Associate Dean for the College of Science and Engineering. The position is expected to last through the spring 2009 semester. Mitch Bender has been named Interim Department Chairperson of the ETS Department during Kurt’s service in the Dean’s office. The ETS Department congratulates Kurt on his new position. (Posted April 2, 2008)

 

Summer Course Offerings in the ETS Department

There are several courses and workshops offered during the summer terms.

  • ETS 182. Modern Technology and Civilization online (6/9/08 - 8/14/08)
  • ETS 183. Technology and Third World Development (6/9/08 - 7/10/08)
  • ETS 260. Introduction to Environmental Studies online (6/9/08 - 8/14/08)
  • ETS 413/513. Workshop: CAD Practices (7/7/08 - 7/17/08)
  • ETS 435/535. Concrete and Masonry Academy (7/21/08 - 7/31/08)
  • ETS 444/544. Internship see Dr. Akubue for more details
  • ETS 485/585. Transportation Academy (6/16/08 - 6/26/08)
  • ETS 495/595. Technology 2008: 3D Technology (7/8/08 - 7/10/08)
  • ETS 495/595. Technology 2008: Production Activities (7/15/08 - 7/17/08)
  • ETS 495/595. Technology 2008: Student Comp. (7/29/08 - 7/31/08)
  • ETS 650. Contemporary Instructional Strategies online (6/9/08 - 8/14/08)
  • ETS 673. Foundations of Technology Education online (6/9/08 - 8/14/08)

(Posted March 21, 2008)

 

Graduate Student Assistantship

The Department of Environmental and Technological Studies has a graduate assistant position open for the 2008-2009 academic year. The assistantship stipend is for $10,300 for 20 hours of work per week during the academic year. In-state tuition rates and tuition assistance remain in effect, however, up to 8 credits of tuition will be paid per semester for a total of 16 for the academic year.

To apply, send a completed graduate assistantship application to Mitch Bender, Graduate Coordinator, Department of Environmental and Technological Studies, 740 Fourth Avenue South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301 no later than June 1, 2008. (Posted March 5, 2008)

 

Recent ETS Graduate Turns Business Owner

Robb Berscheid started his own business, Everything Signs, just three months after graduating from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Technology Assessment and Management. His Holdingford, MN business creates signs, decals and banners for nearly any application.

Very notably, his business recently designed a wrap for a vegetable oil-powered RV owned by Matt and Sara Janssen (Picture of RV wrap). The Jenssen’s are traveling the country educating people on simple living and alternative energy in their “Living Lightly Tour” and Robb’s hard work is along for the ride. More information. (Posted March 1, 2008)

 

ETS Department Awards and Scholarships

Apply today for one of the ETS Department’s awards and scholarships.

The Jackie Hanson Environmental Studies Scholarship honors one or more students who have shown strong evidence of being environmentally active throughout their college experience. More information.

The Raymond Larson Leadership Award honors those Environmental and Technological Studies majors who have shown strong evidence of leadership throughout their college experience. Applications must be sumitted to Headley Hall 216 by April 21, 2009. More information.

The Brian Wochnick Leadership Award honors those Environmental and Technological Studies majors who have shown strong evidence of leadership throughout their college experience. More information.

The Lewis R. Royer Award honors those Environmental and Technological Studies majors and minors who have best exemplified the traits of quality and excellence in their work. Applications must be sumitted to Headley Hall 216 by April 21, 2009. More information.

The Bauerly Brothers Scholarship in Construction Technology provides scholarships for Technology Management majors in the Department of Environmental and Technological Studies. The scholarship is to encourage students to pursue a career in highway heavy construction. More information. (Posted March 1, 2008)

Bauerly Brothers Scholarship Award Winner (2007)

The 2007 Bauerly Brothers Scholarship was awarded to Justin Hedgers. The Department of Environmental and Technological Studies congratulates Justin!

The Bauerly Brothers Scholarship in Construction Technology provides scholarships for Technology Management majors in the Department of Environmental and Technological Studies. The scholarship is to encourage students to pursue a career in highway heavy construction (Posted January 21, 2008)

 

Matt Mattick to Retire

After 30 years at St. Cloud State University, Matt Mattick has decided to retire. The retirement party for Matt was held December 14th at Michael's Restaurant. Current and former colleagues, as well as other people that have had the pleasure of knowing Matt over the years, gathered to wish him well in his retirement. All in the ETS Department wish him well! Special thanks to Marlene Stangl for organizing the event.

Matt Mattick

(Posted December 14, 2007)

 

ETS Department Partners with The Nature Conservancy

Environmental studies students, Kala Fisher and Mike Hayman, were featured in this fall’s The Nature Conservancy’s Minnesota Update publication. Through a grant provided by The Nature Conservancy, Kala and Mike developed a conservation action plan for the Avon Hills area. This unique area in central Minnesota is home to tamarack bogs, wild lakes and oak-basswood forests and is threatened by expanding development. (Posted December 4, 2007)

 

Alum, Mark Schroll, Named Program Coordinator at the Kern Family Foundation

Mark Schroll, St. Cloud State University and ETS alumnus, has been named Program Coordinator for engineering and innovation programs at the Kern Family Foundation.

Mr. Schroll received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Education from St. Cloud State University and a Master of Arts degree in Education and Human Development with a specialization in Educational Technology Leadership from the George Washington University (Washington, D.C.).  Mr. Schroll has worked extensively with Project Lead the Way and has published engineering and systems curriculum guides.

Kern Family Foundation is a prominent, strategic foundation that invests in the future through values, education and innovation. The Foundation supports Project Lead the Way at 217 middle and high schools in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Click for more details (Posted October 30, 2007)

 

Dr. Mitch Bender has Scientific Manuscript and Technical Report Published

Mitch Bender (with co-author Wes Wood of Auburn University) has had a scientific manuscript titled “Above- and below-ground measurements of greenhouse gases from swine effluent amended soil” published in Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. Illustrations in the manuscript were drawn by Daniel Dinsmore, a Technology Education major.

Mitch (with co-author Jake Galzki) also has had a technical report titled "Water monitoring report: Sauk River at St. Cloud, 2005-2006" published by the Sauk River Watershed District. The technical report summarizes Mr. Galzki's undergraduate research at St. Cloud State University. (Posted October 30, 2007)

 

Two Service Learning Projects Currently Underway in the ETS Department

Kirby Anderson’s Residential Construction (ETS 336) class is working with Habitat for Humanity building a house. Students spent one day a week in the classroom and two days a week on the job site. There are 24 students in the class who bring a variety of construction experiences to the site, but all have a tremendous willingness to help. This is the third year that the Residential Construction class has partnered with Habitat for Humanity.

Students on Habitat for Humanity site Students on Habitat for Humanity site Students on Habitat for Humanity site
 
Mitch Bender's Introduction to Environmental Studies (ETS 260) class is working with the City of St. Cloud and Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District marking storm drains and cleaning up nearby residential housing areas. Students will also develop an environmental awareness program for the residential neighborhoods near campus.
Student marking storm drain Students cleaning area neighborhood Students cleaning area neighborhood
(Posted September 28, 2007)    

 

Two New Faculty Join the ETS Department

Kirby Anderson will be teaching in the area of construction. Kirby comes to the ETS Department with a diverse background in construction, manufacturing and college administration. This fall Kirby is teaching Production Technology (ETS 374), Residential Construction (ETS 336), and Mass Production (ETS 430). When not at work, Kirby enjoys remolding and gardening with his family.
 
John Holmen will be teaching in the areas of transportation/energy and technology education. John comes to the ETS Department with over 15 years of technology education experience in public schools. This fall John is teaching Electronics Technology (AVIT 270), Technology Education Curriculum (ETS 253), and Transportation and Energy (ETS 388). When not at work, John enjoys camping, fishing and biking with his family.
Kirby Anderson   John Holmen
Kirby Anderson   John Holmen
(Posted September 26, 2007)    

 

Raymond Larson Leadership Award Winners (2007)

The 2007 Raymond Larson Leadership Award was awarded to Eric Johnson, Matt Lenz and Joseph Storlien in June. The Department of Environmental and Technological Studies congratulates these students!

The Raymond Larson Leadership Award honors those Environmental and Technological Studies majors who have shown strong evidence of leadership throughout their college experience. (Posted August 25, 2007)

 

Three Environmental Studies Students are Recipients of the 2007 Denise M. McGuire Student Research Award

  Jake Galzki   Dan Nadeau   Brian Sanoski  
  Jake Galzki   Dan Nadeau   Brian Sanoski  
  Jake's study was entitled 'Investigation of Feedlot Contribution to Coliform Contribution in the Sauk River'. Faculty sponsor: Mitch Bender. This was Jake's second Denise McGuire Award. Jake's poster was also awarded Honorable Mention in the poster contest.   Dan's study was entitled 'Analysis of Shoreline Soil Along the Sauk River'. Faculty sponsor: Mitch Bender.   Brian's study was entitled 'Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Study of Getchell Creek Watershed'. Faculty sponsor: Mitch Bender.  
             
  Honorable mentions went to:  

 

  Todd Anderson   Matt Lenz
  Todd Anderson   Matt Lenz
  Todd's study was entitled ' Survey of Waterfront Landowners'. Faculty sponsor: Mitch Bender.   Matt's study was entitled 'Nutrient Loading of St. Augusta Creek: a Tributary of the Mississippi River south of St. Cloud'. Faculty Sponsor: Chuck Rose.

All recipients were members of the Environmental Studies Student Research Group. (Posted August 25, 2007)

 

ETS Department Receives Software Grant and Partnership

On April 9, 2007 Chief Architect, Inc. together with Haldeman-Homme, Inc. kindly agreed to become members of the St. Cloud State University’s Educational / Industry Partnership Program.

These companies graciously awarded the ETS department with a $5,000 grant to equip 25 workstations with Chief Architect Professional Design and Drafting Software. This grant will make available to St. Cloud State University the latest tools and technology to provide design technology software and training to St. Cloud State University students, instructors, and professionals in the Architecture/Building/Design Industry.

Chief Architect, Inc. is a leading developer of 3D Architectural home design software for Builders, Designers, Architects, and Home Enthusiasts. Their Grants Program has been supporting science, math and technology education since 1991.

Founded in 1924, Haldeman-Homme, Inc. is a leading distributor of educational, industrial, and institutional equipment in the Midwest. ETS department alumnus Nathan Theisfeld is employed with Haldeman –Homme as a Tech Products Manager.

Dave Schlueter of Haldeman-Homme is shown presenting the new design software to ETS department chair, Kurt Helgeson. (Posted April 12, 2007)

Kurt Helgeson with Dave Schlueter

 

Three Environmental Studies Students Awarded Student Research Grants

Jake Galzki received a grant to study E. coli contamination in the Sauk River. Matt Lenz received a grant to study nutrient loading in Augusta Creek. Joe Storlien received a grant to study the risk assessment of a manure basin abandonment alternative. Congratulations to each for their dedication to research.

 
ETS students at soil science conference
Jake, Joe and Matt at the Soil Science Society of America 2006 International Meeting in Indianapolis, IN.

 

ETS Students Make Dean's List

Eleven ETS students made the Fall 2006 Dean's List. Congratulations! (Posted March 1, 2007)

Todd Anderson
Erin Bastyr
Jacob Galzki
Kushal Gurung
Michelle Henry
Mathew Lenz
Jamison Reginek
Jeffrey Reinhart
Thomas Kohl
Damian Olson
Joseph Vos

 

Dr. Charles Rose has Article Accepted for Publication in 'Wetlands'

Charles Rose (with co-author William Crumpton of Iowa State University) has had a scientific manuscript titled “Special patterns in dissolved oxygen and methane concentrations in a prairie pothole wetland in Iowa, USA”  accepted for publication in Wetlands, the Journal of the Society of Wetland Scientists (www.sws.org).  It will be published in the December 2006 issue. (Posted August 30, 2006)

 

Lewis R. Royer Award Winners (2006)

The 2006 Lewis R. Royer Award for Quality and Excellence was awarded to Susan Otremba-Pekarek, Jacob Galzki and Kanako Miura in June. The Department of Environmental and Technological Studies congratulates these students!

This Lewis R. Royer Award honors those Environmental and Technological Studies majors and minors who have best exemplified the traits of quality and excellence in their work. (Posted August 29, 2006)

 

Supermileage Challenge

A group of ETS students, advised by Dr. Anthony Schwaller, competed in the Minnesota Technology Education Association's 2006 Supermileage Challenge. The team's vehicle averaged 185 miles per gallon. Congratulations! (Posted August 29, 2006)

 

ETS Students Make Dean's List

Eleven ETS students made the Spring 2006 Dean's List. Congratulations! (Posted August 22, 2006)

Madison Jones
Todd Anderson
Jacob Galzki
Kushal Gurung
Trevor Jacquemart
Benjamin Lucht
Suresh Niraula
Amit Pradhananga
Jeffrey Reinhart
Joseph Storlien
Pooja Vaidya

 

ETS Students Develop Survey for the City of St. Cloud

ETS students, James Carpenter, Amit Pradhananga, Dan Opsahl, and Joe Storlien, developed a stormwater survey for the City of St. Cloud in 'Senior Project' (ETS 456). The survey was distributed to St. Cloud residents via their September/October utility bill. (Posted August 22, 2006)

 

New Environmental Science Major

Beginning in the Fall 2006 semester, an Environmental Science major will be added to the Department of Environmental and Technological Studies. For more information, please contact Dr. Chuck Rose at 308-3129 or Dr. Mitch Bender at 308-3891. (Posted May 25, 2006)

 

Dr. Anthony Schwaller to Retire

The retirement party for Dr. Anthony Schwaller was held April 27th. Current and former colleagues as well as other people that have had the pleasure of knowing Tony over the years gathered to wish him well in his retirement. There was plenty of good food and more than enough jokes to go around. Special thanks to Kurt Helgeson and Marlene Stangl for organizing the event. (Posted May 3, 2006)

 

Dr. Anthony Akubue has Book and Editorial Published

Akubue

Technological and Socioeconomic Development: A Third World Challenge by Anthony I. Akubue
$34.99
, 196 pages, ISBN 0-9760534-7-0

Third World development is an area that has commanded intense research interest since the end of World War II. Much has been written about the Third World and its development challenges. I started thinking of writing this book after some years of searching in vain for a textbook that would address the focus of an undergraduate course I teach at St. Cloud State University. Many of the books I reviewed had a few chapters that were relevant but nothing more. I was looking for a book for the uninitiated that explained the challenges of Third World development in simple every day terms, without much professional jargon. I was looking for a book that addressed the realities of the Third World with less rhetoric and political ideology. In my frustration I began to consider the idea of writing a book myself. This idea became reality when Technological and Socioeconomic Development: A Third World Challenge materialized. (Posted May 3, 2006)

St. Cloud Times editorial 'New Ideas'. (Posted May 24, 2006)

 

Two Environmental Studies Students are Recipients of the 2006 Denise M. McGuire Student Research Award

Jake Galzki   Joe Storlien
Jake Galzki   Joe Storlien
Jake's study was entitled ' of Nutrient Loading and Fecal Coliform Contamination of the Sauk River'. Faculty sponsor: Mitch Bender.   Joe's study was entitled ' Lawn Turf Response to Soil Amino Sugar Nitrogen Concentration'. Faculty sponsor: Mitch Bender.
   
 

Honorable mentions went to:

 
  • Ashley Hansen
  • Kate Maxwell
  • Amit Pradhananga
  • Nick Schumacher

All recipients were members of the Environmental Studies Student Research Group. (Posted May 3, 2006)