By MARY LYNNE O'NEAL

Staff Writer

Faculty, graduates and undergraduates now have money to help fund their research projects, thanks to Tech's College of Applied and Natural Sciences.

The 2004 ANS mini-grant awards were announced Jan. 21 and listed 13 faculty members, two graduate students and four undergraduate students as recipients of funding for their research proposals.

"It's really beneficial, especially to newer faculty," Dr. Gary Kennedy, the head of the department of agricultural sciences, said. "Once their projects get underway, it will position them to get external recognition and funding."

The faculty research recipients are: Tammy Harpel, an assistant professor of human ecology -- "Ultrasound and Expectant Grandparent;" Aleta Overby, an assistant professor of agricultural sciences -- "The Effect of Added Weight to the Heart Rate of Exercising Horses;" and Mark Swanson, an assistant professor of biological sciences -- "Determination of Function for Proteins Encoded by Essential Genes in Yeast."

Other faculty winners are: Wendy Trzyna, an assistant professor of biological sciences -- "Preparation of Genomic Resources for Acanthamoeba Caetellanii: an initial BAC clone library;" and Yuri Voziyanov, an assistant professor of biological sciences -- "Depletion of Amplifying Skin Melanocytes Using Antibodies Against C-Kit Receptor."

The graduate student recipients are: Juli Rebekah Larry, a graduate student of biology -- Snail Factors Governing Resistance to Schistosoma mansoni; and Crystal Latimer, a graduate student of biology -- "The affect of Streptolysin O on TGF beta Levels During Wound Healing."

The undergraduate student recipients are: Kurt Langberg, a senior biology major -- "Preparation of YAC Genetic Library of Acanthamoeba castellanii;" and Michael J. Pennison, a senior construction engineering technology major -- "Utilizing Differential Display Analysis to Identify Genes Involved in the Encystmment of Acanthamoeba castellanii."

Other undergraduate recipients are: Margaret Sexton, a junior biology major -- "Expression and Purification of Recombinant Metacaspase Protein from Acanthamoeba castellanii;" and Joshua C. Wilhite, a junior animal science major -- "The Effect of Body Conditioning on the Recovery From Exercise in Riding Horses."

ANS also awarded grants to faculty for Innovative Instruction in Undergraduate Courses. These faculty members will receive money to use their new research and ideas in their classrooms. The recipients are: Anita Pumphrey, an instructor of human ecology -- "Enhancing Therapeutic Skills in the Classroom;" Janie Humphries, a professor of human ecology, and Laura Chestnut, instructor of human ecology -- "Helping Students Understand a Diverse World;" Ray Newbold, professor of forestry and Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies -- "Acquisition of a Laser Ace Hypsometer."

Other faculty winners are: William Green, a professor of agricultural sciences -- "Construction of an Equine Model for Innovative Instruction;" Kim Theodos, an assistant professor of health information management -- "Using Interactive Software to Enhance Learning;" Maureen McCurdy, associate professor of geosciences and environmental sciences -- "Rock 'Grab Bags' for Geology 111"; and Dawn Erickson, instructor of human ecology -- "Enhancing Knowledge and Application for Nutrition Practice for Dietetic Interns."

Dr. Tammy Harpel, an assistant professor of family and child studies, was awarded almost $1,000 to fund her Ultrasound and Expectant Grandparent project.

"To date, no one has asked grandparents how they feel about ultrasounds or how ultrasounds influence their feelings about their unborn grandchildren," Harpel said. "The study fills a gap in the existing literature." Ê

Kennedy said applications are available in the fall, where faculty and students can propose their ideas. Research grants are given out late in the fall quarter, and innovative instruction grants are given out at the beginning of winter quarter.