PLAUDITS
BIOLOGY PROFESSOR SELECTED AS A TOP SCIENTIST IN KANSAS
Samantha Wisely, associate professor of biology, has been selected as one of the top 150 scientists in Kansas.
This selection is part of the Science in Kansas: 150 Years and Counting project of the Ad Astra Kansas Initiative, which will help celebrate the Kansas Sesquicentennial. This project highlights scientists of accomplishment with the goal of inspiring young Kansans.
Her research uses both ecological and molecular tools to investigate how alteration of the environment affects biological processes at multiple scales. Wisely investigates how human-induced habitat degradation alters the connectivity of wild populations and epidemiological processes. She also focuses on how past habitat alterations, via climate change, have shaped the evolutionary history of species. Wisely maintains two laboratories, the Conservation Genetic and Molecular Ecology Lab and the Ancient DNA Lab.
Wisely joined the K-State faculty in 2004 and was promoted to associate professor in 2010.
The Ad Astra Kansas Initiative is an organization based in Hutchinson with the mission of promoting the accomplishments of Kansas in science, space and the cosmos.
More information on the Ad Astra Kansas Initiative's Science in Kansas: 150 Years and Counting project, including an educational series of trading cards featuring each scientist selected, is available at http://www.adastra-ks.org/.
NICHOLS AND SCHURLE WIN COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE DISTINCTION
Dave Nichols and Bryan Schurle were named College of Agriculture faculty of the fall semester.
Nichols, professor and teaching coordinator, advises about 100 students and teaches courses in live animal and carcass evaluation, introductory animal science and livestock sales management. He also serves as adviser for the Little American Royal showmanship contest.
Schurle teaches courses in finance, linear programming, econometrics and principles of agricultural economics. His research includes risk issues and the relationship between size of operation and risk.