News from Transy

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Part of a $1.9 million National Science Foundation grant will pay for Transylvania University students to investigate microbial diversity over summer breaks at Indiana University. They will work on a project led by researchers from IU and Notre Dame to find out how dormancy contributes to the fact there are so many varieties of these tiny organisms in the world. “Microbes are the most diverse and abundant group of organisms on earth, and we don’t really understand why,” said Transylvania professor Sarah Bray, who worked with project collaborator and IU professor Jay T. Lennon during a recent sabbatical. Dormancy plays a major role in the life of microbes; in one gram of soil we can find thousands of species of them—and up to 90 percent are inactive. To help explore this factor in microbial diversity, two Transylvania students will work in Lennon’s lab each summer for five years beginning next year. Their work will be paid for by $50,000 of the larger grant from the NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity Program. Depending on their backgrounds and interests, these students could perform tasks such as molecular work; DNA sequencing; growing microbes in petri dishes; and computer modeling. The project will give Transylvania students access to the equipment of a top research university; a chance to use these particular tools is rare opportunity for any undergraduate student. And true to Transylvania’s liberal arts emphasis on multidisciplinary study, not just biology majors are expected to participate. Math and computer science

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—Eric Klein, whose group tackles some of the world’s most critical problems, will give the William R. Kenan Jr. Lecture on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Transylvania University’s Haggin Auditorium. Klein founded the Compassion into Action Network—Direct Outcome Organization, a non-profit organization that steps up when people face a variety of threats: from natural disasters and environmental degradation to humanitarian crises and educational inequity. Klein started CAN-DO in 2004 after frustration mounted seeing organizations collect millions of dollars in donations without showing results. CAN-DO has since completed hundreds of large-scale disaster and revitalization projects in the United States and around the world with 100 percent accountability and zero red tape. The organization hires local citizens and employs veterans, while giving donors real-time video updates from the field. “Klein and his organization have conducted relief projects both overseas and in the United States, so we saw an opportunity for our students to become involved in his work if they wish,” said psychology professor Meg Upchurch, who coordinates the Kenan Lecture Series. “He was also an intriguing choice because he raises questions about the effectiveness of large philanthropic organizations. Whether the audience members agree or disagree with his stance, he will leave them with something to think about.” In 2008, Klein was awarded a Global Compassion Award at the United Nations for his achievements in international disaster relief efforts and humanitarian aid. He received a Heroes of Haiti award in 2010.

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