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Harpur
College Day
"Battle of the BU's"
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vs.
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Join
the Harpur College faculty, staff and students
and cheer on the Bearcats as they take on the Boston University Terriers!
Saturday,
February 8 at 1:00p.m.
Women's Game
Halftime Reception in West Gym #33
Harpur students, faculty and staff are invited.
Sunday
February 9 at noon
Men's Game
Harpur College / SOM Day
This game's on TV so wear green!
Alumni
are encouraged to attend!
For more information, please call 607-777-6285 or contact harpur@binghamton.edu.
Boning
Up On Bone Loss: BU Research Fractures Osteoporosis Myths
By Susan E. Barker
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Ken McLeod, Chair of Bioengineering at BU |
Osteoporosis is not a disease, and neither weight-bearing exercise nor calcium supplements-not even a combination of the two-is capable of triggering the growth of new bone, says Kenneth McLeod, chair of the bioengineering department at Binghamton University and a leading researcher in the field of tissue development, healing and adaptation.
But don't throw in the towel and plan your wardrobe and life around a dowagers' hump or broken hip just yet.
A past president of Bioelectromagnetics Society and the Society for Physical Regulation in Biology & Medicine, McLeod says it's time for engineers and biologists alike to give up fractured approaches to studying osteoporosis and recognize that the loss of bone mass is a natural, arguably "normal," adaptive response to systemic changes in the body.
"Osteoporotics are, in most cases, perfectly healthy people," he said. "This is not a disease, but an adaptive condition signaling some change in the internal environment. Bone is adaptive, and the bones of osteoporotics are adapting to their environment."
Recognizing this fact is key to enhancing our understanding of what is really going on in the body, he said, and an approach that targets the mechanism for bone loss probably offers the most realistic hope of learning to avoid or reverse the inarguably devastating effects of this increasingly "predictable" adaptation, he said.
A major public health threat affecting more than 44 million Americans, osteoporosis affects women disproportionately. Eighty percent of those with the condition are women. Estimated national expenditures for hospital and nursing home care associated with osteoporotic and related fractures was $17 billion in 2001, or $47 million a day.
Though osteoporosis is not age dependent, 55 percent of the population 50 years of age and older have low bone mass and face an increased risk of developing osteoporosis and related fractures, according to the National Institutes of Health. Characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, osteoporosis leads to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist.
McLeod's research interests are many, but he makes no bones about his keen interest in osteoporosis and the need for a bioengineering approach to the issue.
"Biologists might want to look for the gene for osteoporosis and engineers tend to treat osteoporotic bones as if they are parts of a failed mechanical system, but you are not going to understand osteoporosis by either of these approaches as there is not necessarily anything wrong with the bone." McLeod said. "What we need to know is what has changed in the environment, what is the mechanism for bone loss?"
What researchers know for sure, McLeod said, is that an individual with a dietary calcium deficiency cannot make bone.
"But just
because you take calcium doesn't mean you're going to make bone," he added.
"Calcium is necessary but not sufficient. There has to be a signal to make bone,
and it turns out that if you don't have adequate fluid flow across your bone,
you're not going to have adequate cell metabolism to trigger bone formation."
The limitations of calcium in addressing bone loss have been made most apparent by the space program, McLeod noted.
"Astronauts have a very serious problem with osteoporosis. They go up in space and there is no signal to make bone, so they start dumping bone. They have all sorts of calcium in their blood, so much so that they are likely to form kidney stones, which are a major problem for astronauts. So clearly you can overdose on calcium to the point where you have kidney stones and still have osteoporosis."
The only way to maintain bone mass is to maintain adequate fluid flow across your bone tissue, which requires adequate muscle activity, which affects lymphatic flow and cardiovascular activity, McLeod said. But that doesn't mean that weightlifting, jumping jacks, running or long walks will help to reverse osteoporosis by triggering bone growth or even slowing its deterioration, he said.
"It could well be that there are certain exercise regimens that will turn out to be very important in managing osteoporosis," he said. "But right now, we've tried all sorts of things-Tai Chi, aerobics, walking, and none of these work effectively in adults to increase bone mass in osteoporotics."
McLeod's research suggests that a key to reversing bone loss and triggering bone growth is training up one type of human muscle fiber, Type II A fibers. These fibers, also called fast oxidative fibers, contain many mitochondria and are surrounded by many blood capillaries. Type II A fibers are pink, have a medium contraction velocity and are resistant to fatigue as compared to either the Type I fiber which are red, contract slowly, and are highly resistant to fatigue, or the more common II B fibers, which are white, and contract at high velocity but fatigue quickly.
With the appropriate stimulus, Type II B fibers, also called fast twitch or fast glycolytic fibers, can be trained into Type II A muscles, McLeod said. Toward that end, McLeod has developed a device that sends low-level vibrations into the body to stimulate II A muscle fiber development, enhance fluid flow through the bones, and stimulate bone growth. The device is in clinical testing in advance of seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
Meanwhile, he said, while walking is good for you for many other reasons, if you think you are growing bone for your effort, forget it. "We are pretty confident now that walking has little influence on bone growth in adults." McLeod and his research group are also tackling a variety of other health related issues from a bioengineering perspective. Working with support from the National Institutes of Health, for instance, McLeod has discovered a way to study in vitro the formation of extracellular matrix molecules, such as fibronectin and elastin, into fibers. With funding from Estee-Lauder, his laboratory is now trying to discover the mechanism by which UV inhibits normal elastin fiber formation and will then try to develop ways to prevent it. This work on extracellular matrix formation could be most important for people of European descent who are living in equatorial climates. In Australia, for instance, skin cancer rates are over 50 percent among those of European descent, McLeod said.
Some other examples of his many collaborative projects include:
Harpur Student Spotlight: Jordan Peck `05, `06
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Peck is carrying on a family tradition by attending Harpur College. His dad, Fred, graduated in 64. |
Jordan Peck is one of those all-around great students whom you know is going to go far in life and make a difference in the world. Only a sophomore, he is already balancing rigorous courses with leadership of a residential college.
Peck is president of Hinman College, representing his classmates in weekly meetings with President DeFleur and other Vice Presidents, as well as everywhere he goes. "Even when I am not at a meeting," explained Peck, "I am in a sense representing Hinman when I walk around the campus, because anyone may see me and recognize who I am and at that moment they are getting an impression of Hinman; therefore, I do my best to make sure its a good one."
He also leads meetings for Hinman College Council, which oversees funding for activities, such as concerts, plays and trips. He helps oversee every activity, which is a daunting enough task without being in college full time. Peck has risen to the challenge. "It is a job that I perform 24-7, and it takes a lot of time, but it's a great experience!"
A self-described "science math person," Peck chose BU because of the school's strength in those areas. He is majoring in both physics and mechanical engineering through a "3-2 program" that offers a B.A. in physics in 3 years and a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 2 more.
Peck is the second generation in his family to attend Harpur; his dad, Fred graduated in 1964. "Dad was here when it was still just Harpur," said Peck. "He always tells me how much smaller it was and how the living communities were back then." Neither Jordan nor Fred will dish up any stories from the wild 1960's, but Jordan said, "Dad had a little too good a time here!"
Peck and his dad have more than their school in common; they even had the same physics professor, Carl Stannard. "He was amazed because it was the first time he'd ever had a father and son," said Peck, recalling how the professor found Fred's grades among the records he kept from the early 60's.
One of Peck's best experiences at Harpur has been taking ABC's (Area Based Courses), which are classes and discussions for residents of specific communities. Last Spring, Peck took two linked courses, "Heroes, Hobbits and Harry," an English course about fantasy characters and magic in fiction, and Linguistic Anthropology, which studies the evolution of language in relation to culture. The linguistics class had a discussion group just for students who live in Hinman College's Roosevelt and Smith Halls. "It's a good way to make friends," remarked Peck of the ABC's. "We're all in classes together, we all live near each other, and we all get a good connection."
Many people enjoy college because they can take their activities from high school a step further. Peck did just that, having been in Model U.N. in high school, a program that imitates the United Nations and teaches students debate. Once at Binghamton, Peck became the SA rep for his building and found it was a perfect way to use his skills from Model UN He is now on the ad-hoc committee for reformatting the SA constitution.
When classes and activities get to be too much, Peck can literally fight off his stress. He's been a member of the fencing club since last year. "It's a really great way to exercise and get rid of stress," he said, "You get to hit people with swords!"
Harpur College has been a great fit for Peck, allowing him the benefits of both a large university and a small college. "I didn't want to go to a place like Cornell. I want to be at a place where I can actually do something, where I can shine, where I'm not just a number."
Italian Poetry Prodigy Chooses Harpur
She
is famous not only for her beautiful poetry, but also the success she has achieved
at such a young age. Italian poet Angela Barone, born in 1986, published her
first book of poetry at 14 and plans to bring her talent to Binghamton this
summer to study English at Harpur College.
Sandro Sticca, professor of French and Comparative Literature, met the prodigy in 2000 when her poem "L'Arida Onda" ("The Arid Wave") won the International Poetry Prize in Abruzzo, Italy. "When I asked Angela if she had written other poems, she said she had several," said Sticca, who serves as president of the contest Barone won.
Sticca asked Barone to send him more of her work, and he was so impressed by what he read, he edited 30 of her poems into a book titled "Tra Ombra E Melodie" ("Between Shadow and Melodies"). The book won critical acclaim by academics and poetry lovers alike.
"I was surprised a young lady of 14 could offer such deep insights into such things as love, death, destiny and infinity," said Sticca.
While editing her work, Sticca told Barone "practically everything" about Binghamton and sent her photos, information about the library, a profile of the English department, and calendars of events so she could see how much the University had to offer. Barone was so impressed with what she learned that she decided to come here for the summer.
Sticca said two English professors are interested in working with Barone and will allow her to audit their classes so she can train her ears for American English.
There is no doubt that an internationally renowned poet would naturally gravitate to Binghamton, which enjoys both an outstanding national and international reputation. Sticca said, "Maybe the hills of the Triple Cities will inspire Angela to write poetry in Italian, but tinged with the flavor of our area."
Chancellor Fetes Three Binghamton Scholars at Dinner
 G. Philip Rightmire |
 John Chaffee |
 Kevin N. Wright |
Three Binghamton University scholars, two of whom were from Harpur College, were among 42 faculty members in the arts and social sciences honored for their accomplishments by SUNY Chancellor Robert L. King at the end of last semester.
At a dinner in Albany, King hailed the scholarly accomplishments of scholars from 20 campuses including three from Binghamton: G. Philip Rightmire, distinguished professor of anthropology at Harpur College; John Chaffee, professor of history and director of the Asian and Asian-American Studies program at Harpur College; and Kevin N. Wright, professor of criminology and director of the Division of Human Development.
Rightmire was cited for his recent analysis of a 1.7 million year-old hominid skull found in the Republic of Georgia that challenges long-held beliefs about primitive man's migrations from Africa. He is considered one of the world's leading experts on analyzing fossil skulls and using the information to establish possible migratory patterns.
Chaffee, the son of missionaries who was born in pre-communist China, was cited for his work in establishing the Asian and Asian-American Studies program with the help of a $1.75 million grant from the Freeman Foundation. The program and grant will stress languages and cultures among Asian and Asian diaspora populations.
Wright was cited for his ongoing work on two national projects that are examining recent models of prison administration that emphasize modern methodology. He was also cited for his role as a national media source for issues such as school violence. King told the honorees, "You have changed the way we view the past, see ourselves today and contemplate the future."
He also cited the honorees ability to attract external research funding. The recognition dinner was one of several that King has held to celebrate scholastic accomplishments in several disciplines.
Internship and Job Fair Connects Students with Careers
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Nearly 2,200 students packed the Mandela Room at the Career Development Center's annual Internship and Job Fair on January 30, 2003. In spite of a tough economy, more than 50 employers set up shop with recruiters and applications.
Companies ranged in type from non-profits like the American Cancer Society to financial powerhouses such as auditors Deloitte & Touche. Several hospitals, retail chains, banks, and branches of the military met students eager for work experience. Nearly half of all companies at the fair sought students in any major.
Job fairs are a major attraction for students because they are grateful for the chance to meet someone who might be signing their first "real" paycheck.
Stefan Wappler `04 (M.A.) came to find an economics-related job. "They're looking for mostly juniors and seniors," he said, but still spoke at length with two companies interested in his skills.
According to Meg Mitzel, experiential educational coordinator, employers choose to recruit at BU because our students are talented, well educated and eager to gain work experience.
Eileen Zimek `84 (Decker), a nurse administrator at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center, said this was her second trip back to her alma mater to find future employees. "It's great to be back," she said, hoping to lure students into a career she has enjoyed since 1986.
CDC staff were on hand to answer questions and coach students in networking. Nancy Paul, CDC director, encouraged students to send brief thank you letters to recruiters they met.
The next day, the CDC hosted a mock interview fair in which students practiced difficult questions from recruiters.
In response to your much-appreciated feedback, the Harpur Hotline has developed a regular feature of alumni news. Please send us anything you want: publications, promotions, marriages, babies, graduations, retirements, etc. Many thanks to everyone who shared their stories! Here's what some of your fellow Harpur alumni and friends are doing:
| 1963: Rotary Club President Ron Golditch Block recently traveled to Romania to help children suffering the residue of the Communist dictatorship. He brought his "teddy bear therapy" (and some generous funding from Rotary) to Mia's Children outside Bucharest. His Rotary chapter in Newbury Park, CA is aiding the rehabilitation of several apartments for after-school programs in the Bucharest area as well as working to upgrade equipment in hospitals left with 10-20 year old equipment. Anyone interested in learning more can contact Ron at POB 250, Newbury Park, CA 91319. |  |
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1968: Thomas W. Williams (MA in Math) received his BSEE from Clarkson University and a PhD in electrical engineering from Colorado State University. He is currently a Synopsys Fellow at Synopsys, a company that creates leading electronic design automation tools for the global electronics market. Williams is a longtime leader and expert in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He has published numerous papers and books in his field, holds eleven patents and has eight more pending. |
1969: From his home in Bethesda, MD, Peter Novick told the Harpur Hotline a little about his life. After graduating from Harpur, he began a Master's degree in English at the University of Wisconsin in English Education. 'The lure of 'enlightenment' soon pulled me to India and Sri Lanka," he said. In 1982, Novick earned a BS in Computer Science from University of Maryland and later helped design a commercial accounting package. He describes himself as "sort of retired" and has three daughters.
1974: Larry McManus died April 22, 2002. He was survived by his wife Anne and their daughter and son. McManus lived in Kansas City, MO. He was the owner of Gabroche Ice Sculpturing and Catering.
1976: Stanley R. Karp is currently Associate Chief Counsel and Vice President of CIT Group Inc. in New York City. He and his wife Lynne are raising their three kids, Katie (15), Colin (12), and twin sister, Lauren (12) on Long Island. Karp writes, "I am still in contact with Gus Rech '75, a partner with Soffer and Rech, Larry Schiffman '75, a financial consultant and VP with Smith Barney, and Tony Gallo `75, Director of Engineering at ZettaCore, in Denver. To this day, we still talk about Harpur and the great times we had."
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1987: Robert Marinich graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1990 with a Master's in Medical Art Illustration. His real passion, though, is painting pictures of all kinds of animals -- cows, elephants, dogs and cats. Marinich's work is magnificently colorful and fun. It's a must-see at www.robertmarinich.com. Right now, a collection of his work, "City Cows and Country Dogs" is on display at Matilda's in Alpharetta, GA. A portion of the sale of paintings from this display will benefit Canine Assistants, a non-profit Georgia-based organization that trains and provides dogs to assist physically challenged people. For more information, call Matilda's at 770-754-7831. |
1996: Deborah De Shong died unexpectedly at her home in Brooklyn on January 21, 2003. She was in her first year of graduate study at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. De Shong was a sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her funeral took place at Beulah Church of Nazarene in Brooklyn, NY. Donations in Deborah De Shong's name can be made to the Beulah Church of Nazarene Scholarship Fund, 1250 St. Johns Place, Brooklyn, NY 11213. Tel: 718-756-2310.
1997: The sad news above was passed along by Joyce Ann Thomas. She is pursuing a Master's of Public Health at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and works as Project Coordinator for the Long Island Breast Cancer Study.
2002: Beth Silverstein is currently teaching high school chemistry and plans to begin medical school this fall.
2002: Shueh Fan and James Cianci were back on campus for the Internship and Job Fair on January 30. They are both assistant buyers for Lord & Taylor, which entails purchasing, advertising, and analyzing sales trends. Both enjoyed their return to Binghamton for the first time since graduation. Fan lives in Brooklyn and Cianci lives in Lindenhurst, NY.
Newly
updated: http://binghamton.bkstore.com
Follow link for Harpur College or click
here to see more!
If you don't see what you want, ask for it!
|
Students Cindy Sommer and Lindsay Warren model some of Harpur College's clothing. |
Olivia Tang warms up in a Harpur College's sweatshirt. |
Shop the campus bookstore from the comfort of your PC or Mac. Want to pick up a copy of the new Harpur history book The Cornerstone? Visit... Binghamton University Harpur College Shopping Online.
Follow this link for a growing list of Harpur merchandise.
Editor's note: if you have trouble locating Harpur College merchandise on the bookstore's website, please contact the bookstore at 607-777-2745.
Back Issues of the Harpur Hotline
For other Campus News, visit: http://www.binghamton.edu
Miss an issue? Check out...
January
15, 2003
December
18, 2002
December
4, 2002
November
20, 2002
November 7, 2002
October 24,
2002
October 9,
2002
September 25,
2002
September 12,
2002
August 23,
2002
July 23, 2002
June
21, 2002
May 31, 2002
May 24,
2002
May
17, 2002
May
3, 2002
April
19, 2002
April 2, 2002
March 19, 2002
March 5, 2002
February 19, 2002
February 6,
2002
January 18,
2002
Harpur College Development Team Mission Statement:
The Harpur College of Arts and Sciences Development Team encourages alumni, students, faculty and friends to identify with Harpur College's past, present and future by engaging them in events and programs that connect them to the college. We facilitate ways for our constituents to enrich Harpur College through their financial contributions and personal talents and resources.
This page was last updated February 6, 2003 at 3:25p.m. Contact the Webmaster.
