It was in 1968 that the College of Sciences and Arts came into existence at Michigan Technological University. It has evolved dramatically over the last 37 years and has become a strong partner in change for the university. More than 4000 alumnae and alumni pursue highly diverse and remarkable careers. Ten years ago we started to publicly recognize and honor the most distinguished of our alumni and alumnae through the induction into the MTU Academy of Sciences and Arts.

The Academy's purpose is to honor distinguished alumnae and alumni who have graduated from one of the programs of the College or its predecessor units. Election to the Academy gives public recognition to those men and women who have brought distinction to themselves, the College of Sciences and Arts, and Michigan Technological University through their participation, commitment, and outstanding leadership in their profession, and through public service.

In order to celebrate the Ten Year Anniversary of the MTU Academy of Sciences and Arts, a mini symposium was held on Friday, September 16, 2005. I had the pleasure of welcoming four previously inducted Academy members and one new distinguished alumnus from the department of Biological Sciences. The Academy members were invited to contribute a presentation, highlighting their experiences and thoughts regarding their professional field and, possibly, what they see as emerging fields in the sciences and arts. The following articles represent the proceedings of this symposium, the presentations of the distinguished alumnae and alumni.

Jeffrey Jentzen: Applications of Pharmacogenetics in Forensic Pathology

J. Jentzen graduated in 1975 with a B.S. degree in biological sciences. He has been the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin since 1987. He is active in numerous national, state, and local professional organizations relating to forensic pathology, and toxicology and has published on a number of pediatric topics including: shaken impact syndrome, co sleeping, viral surveillance, and retinal hemorrhages. J. Jentzen was inducted in 2005.

Suzanne Jurva: The Making of Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D and Steering the Evolution of Digital Media

S. Jurva graduated in 1982 with a degree in Scientific and Technical Communication, worked as Feature Film Development Executive for Steven Spielberg=s DreamWorks Studios, then founded Starcut securing the mobile rights for Universal's and MGM's biggest blockbusters, and then linked up with Nokia to deliver branded content via mobile network operators thus steering the evolution of digital media. S. Jurva was inducted in 1998

Nick Matwiyoff: A New Look at an Old Problem: Science Education of the General Public

N. Matwiyoff graduated in 1959 with a B.S. in Chemistry; he had a distinguished academic career leading from Stanford, Penn State, Los Alamos to the University of New Mexico where he was professor of cell biology, and Director of the Center for Non Invasive Diagnosis and Deputy Director of the University of New Mexico Cancer Center. N. Matwiyoff was inducted in 1996.

Jan Olsson: Consumers in Control

J. Olson graduated in 1972 with a degree in Technical Writing and went on to become the National Advertising Strategy & Media Manager for TOYOTA , Vice President of Advertising & Promotion for Michelin Retail Tires, and Vice President and Account Director for the Oldsmobile and Rockport accounts with Leo Burnett in Chicago, one of the top five most creative global networks in marketing communications. J. Olson was inducted in 2002.

Joseph Roti Roti: Exploiting the Interaction between the Radiation and Thermal Stress Response Pathways to Improve Cancer Therapy

J. Roti Roti graduated from Tech in 1965 with a B.S. in Physics became Professor of Radiology at the Washington University School of Medicine, adding to his titles Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Chief of the Section of Cancer Biology, and Associate Director of the Radiation Oncology Center. J. Roti Roti was inducted in 2000.

The lecturers reflect on their professional work in highly diverse and different fields, but in doing so, a very surprising common theme emerged for me: the very important role played by personalization (personalized medicine, personalized consumer goods, personalized advertising), non-verbal communication, and emotions. We had lively discussions, and I hope that the excitement and stimulating exchange of ideas between the participants can be preserved and conveyed in these proceedings.

 
 
                Houghton, September 16, 2005.