Natural Science, Mathematics and Technology Division, Alverno College

02/13/2024

https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1230929548/across-the-world-migrating-animal-populations-are-dwindling-heres-why

In a landmark U.N. study, researchers found nearly half of the world's threatened migratory species have declining populations. More than a fifth of the assessed animals face extinction.

02/13/2024

https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/to-return-joshua-trees-to-the-scorched-mojave-landscape-volunteers-brought-in-the-camels

Since 2021, volunteers have been planting Joshua tree seedlings in the Mojave Desert burn scar. The next session is slated for later this Spring, according to the National Park Service. Just like previous times, a few camels will be tagging along.

11/01/2023

https://www.npr.org/2023/11/01/1198908463/raccoon-rabies-usda-vaccination-program-airdrop-oral-vaccine

Every year, the USDA drops millions of oral rabies vaccines across fourteen states, mostly along the eastern seaboard. In urban and suburban areas, they use vehicles, but in rural areas, they drop the vaccines from planes. Host Regina G. Barber talks to USDA wildlife biologist Jordona Kirby about th...

10/31/2023

I guess this is the end of our great tomato harvest this year. It sure is pretty though!

10/22/2023

https://radiolab.org/podcast/fellowship-tree-rings

Data Science!

Three tree ring scientists walk into a bar…

10/03/2023

Almost all of China's medium and large cities are susceptible to floods. Some experts are promoting a solution called sponge cities — urban landscapes that are softer and meant to absorb more water.

03/11/2023

A foul-mouthed, chicken-loving Montanan completely altered the course of human health. His story also lays bare the struggles inherent in our global effort to create a covid-19 vaccine.

09/27/2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Professor Emeritus James Factor. Many of you knew and took classes with Jim. Jim was a talented educator and a wonderful colleague, and we mourn his loss alongside you.

Jim joined the Alverno community in 2008 and was a valued member of our Mathematics and Computing Department until his retirement in 2021. Jim was a visionary who promoted the power of mathematics as a part of a liberal arts education. Jim believed that mathematics was about understanding relationships rather than rote manipulation of symbols and he had the ability to empower students to become independent mathematical thinkers. He was the PI for an NSF grant, Transforming Linear Algebra Education with GeoGebra Applets, focused on developing software tools with activities that allowed his students to experience mathematical meaning through direct interaction with visualized mathematical concepts. Jim enthusiastically spearheaded the development of the Data Science program at Alverno, designing a program to meet the needs of all majors within the college. He created a curriculum rigorous enough to meet the demands of the professional data scientist, while at the same time open and inclusive enough to bring data science to everyone. His unique curriculum has attracted and served the needs of many different majors at Alverno, and the Data Science program remains a key pillar of growth for the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology Division in the coming years. Colleagues from across the college recognized Jim’s exceptional contributions and remarkable work when they awarded him the status and title of Professor Emeritus in 2021 after 13 years of dedicated service to Alverno College.

According to Jim’s wife Kim, “Both Jim and I believe that his students are his legacy. He lives on in their ability to think, care and reason. He was a dedicated professor, with the purpose of giving the best possible environment in which his students could learn.” Jim was passionate about teaching at Alverno and creative in his professional work in mathematics education, helping students learn and creating innovative technical tools with national impact on mathematics teaching and learning in higher education institutions. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his Alverno colleagues and students.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year in Missouri amidst his family.

04/26/2022

Scientists are using MRI scans to understand how mental illness shows up in the bran. But new research raises concerns that existing studies are not reliable because the sample sizes are too small.

03/12/2022

Applied Math!

https://www.npr.org/2022/03/12/1085542427/uva-professor-swimmer-math-faster?

Heading into national swimming championships, the University of Virginia relies on a mathematician, cameras and sensors to help each swimmer perform their best.

05/21/2021

A man who is paralyzed can quickly perform tasks like pouring a glass of water, thanks to a mind-controlled robotic arm that conveys a sense of touch.