(Bluefield)—Dr. Tesfaye Belay, a faculty member at Bluefield State College, has been selected to receive a $25,000 grant award from the Center for Natural Product Research, a research program supported by the West Virginia–Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (WV-INBRE). The grant proposes to conduct research related to the discovery and/or application of natural products to chemotherapy or immunotherapy applications.

"The research involved in this grant will focus upon testing whether the feeding of stressed mice with active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) of Mushroom extract can restore the immune functions in the stress mouse infected with Chlamydia trachomatis,"

Dr. Belay commented. The new immunotherapeutics studies stem from his ongoing work on the "Effect of stress on pathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis and immune responses in a mouse model." AHCC is commercially available most commonly in Japan and is used as a nutritional supplement taken orally, the BSC faculty researcher added. The AHCC supply for the BSC research project's experimental purposes will be provided by the Amino Up Chemical Company of Japan.

Dr. Belay noted that the study of immunogenic and immunostimulator compounds as potential countermeasures to infectious diseases is particularly relevant in the current biomedical research realm. "Our research group is interested in studying the usage of AHCC because it has become increasingly attractive, given the limitations of chlamydia vaccine development," he concluded.

(Bluefield)—Utilizing the opportunity to talk directly to National Science Foundation (NSF) program directors, two Bluefield State College faculty members participated in an intensive two-day workshop, "The Mechanics of Developing Competitive Proposals." The program at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, NC, was facilitated by the Science & Engineering Alliance (SEA), Inc., and sponsored by NSF.

At the workshop for faculty and graduate researchers, Historically Black Colleges and Universities gathered to learn more about NSF and grant opportunities that are available. SEA was created to help ensure an adequate supply of competitive American scientists and engineers while meeting the research and development needs of the public and private sectors.

"This was my first experience at communicating directly with program directors via web access," explained Dr. Anthony Curtis, BSC Assistant Professor of Biology. "Although SEA is reaching out in a broader sense to encourage grant development and submission, the workshop participants were really involved in communications, support, and networking. We are developing an online space where we can maintain communication with our peers who attended the workshop from other institutions."

"The workshop helped to identify faculty members from complimentary disciplines with whom we could partner on cross-function research proposals," added Dr. Julie Kalk, BSC Assistant Professor of Physics and Co-Director of the BSC Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RASP). "One of the continuing functions of RASP is to pair up collaborators across campus and eventually across institutions. This workshop gave us insight into how the NSF evaluates those partnerships in awarding funds."

SEA is leading an effort to develop a process and model to include HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions in the NSF's large-scale research initiative called the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). NEON is a continental‐scale research platform for discovering and understanding the impacts of climate change, land‐use change, and invasive species on ecology.

The workshop certainly provided constructive, practical insight into developing substantive grant proposals," Curtis added. "We look forward to applying the lessons learned as we develop grants for NSF consideration."

The Rising Star Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention will be celebrating its 21st anniversary at the Harris-Jefferson Student Center on the campus of Bluefield State College, Friday evening, October 26 and Saturday, October 27. The event will showcase skill-building workshops in areas as diverse as art, robotics and medieval/renaissance swordsmanship. Fandoms as diverse as horror movies, Star Wars, and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic will find something of interest throughout the weekend.

Rising Star, which spent most of its history in the Roanoke Valley, moved to the Bluefield area around 2005, when staff membership shifted from the Roanoke Valley to the Montgomery, Giles and Mercer County areas. About that same time, the operation of the convention switched hands to the members of the USS Yeager chapter of Starfleet, which has operated on the Bluefield State College campus since 1984. Changing the venue from the Roanoke County Schools to Bluefield State College seemed a logical idea.

Rising Star takes pride in being a "family" convention. Activities at this year's convention range from a "Making Spacescape Paintings" workshop being led by local artist Mark Davis, to a "Zombie Makeup" workshop, being led by local makeup artist Chris DeHart. Panels and presentations include a discussion of paranormal investigation led by members of the Black Diamond Paranormal Society who have been featured on the Biography Channel series "My Ghost Story,"a panel on creating webcomics featuring Chris Impink and Barb Fischer of Studio Unseen. Entertainment and a workshop on creating "filk" music will be presented by songwriter/musician Keith Brinegar, who performs under the stage name White Plectrum. Other local talents will include authors Stephen Sheets and Dan Catron, comic artist and writer Dan Delby, and author and retired journalist Paul Dellinger.

Ashley Holohan is a popular regional artist and a graduate of Virginia Tech. Though marriage and work have taken her out of the area, she has managed to make time in her schedule to rejoin us once again from the suburbs of Chicago. Her artwork, ranging from keychains and luggage tags to full-sized original pieces is always a popular draw.

Science Fiction fans are also fans of real science, and that interest is well represented by the members of the Bluefield State College Robotics Team. Winners of many awards at the regional and national level, the members of this local undergraduate college team manage to hold their own and then some against teams which are often composed of postgraduate engineering students.

Though they tend to maintain a low profile, there are a number of fannish organizations in the region who are always on the lookout for potential new members. They will have tables in the cafeteria area, and will also be taking part in a "Meet and Greet" on Saturday afternoon. Among the groups expected to attend are Starfleet- represented of course by the USS Yeager, The Imperial 501st (Vader's Fist), Abingdon Historical Combat, Clockwork Command (a Steampunk group), Black Diamond Paranormal Society, and Mysticon, a sister convention in the Roanoke, VA area.

In addition to all this, the convention also features a Dealers' Area, with merchandise ranging from handmade crafts to collectibles; an Art Show where attendees are invited to display their original works for potential purchase; and displays of toys, props and collectibles (dependent on space available).

For those with such interests, there will also be a gaming area available with access to video games, role-playing games and tactical board games, including the newest release of the perennial SF board game, OGRE. The game is preparing for re-release close to 30 years after its original release, and one of its Kick Start contributors will be giving us a look ahead at the system.

For those with an interest, there will be a small dance on Friday evening, and an anime room all day Saturday, with introductions to many classic and new series from Japan. Come whet your appetite, and see what you're actually buying before you drop your paycheck at the video store.

Finally, to wind things down on Saturday evening enjoy our Costume Presentation. Many of our attendees are also brilliant costumers and makeup artists in their own right. Join us for a parade of these costumes in presentations that range from the inspirational to the downright silly. While our judges are sorting out all this, sit back, relax and enjoy the music and comedy of White Plectrum. Keith's songs poke fun at popular movies, television, comics and books, and sometimes an occasional well-deserved jab at the fans themselves.

The evening ends with an auction. Items can range from junk to incredibly rare collectibles, because it's supported entirely by donations. So far, we can promise some neat games, cool toys and
really interesting DVDs.

Membership at Rising Star is free to members of the Bluefield State College community, including students, faculty and staff. General memberships are $5 for Friday evening and all day Saturday. Children under the age of six are free.

Proceeds beyond operating costs are being collected toward the funding of a scholarship at Bluefield State College in memory of Jonathan David "Jonny" Miller. Jonny was a graduate of Bluefield State College in the Computer Science program, and a supporter of USS Yeager from the days when it was still the Bluefield State College Science Fiction Club.

It's a day and a half of entertainment for only five dollars and as Bill Cosby used to say, "If you're not careful, you might even learn something before we're done." So dig out your old cartoon t-shirt and we'll see you there!

Submitted by Jerry Conner

Article from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph (16-Oct-2012)

Article from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph (16-Oct-2012)

Sandra Wynn, BSC Associate Degree Nursing Program Director, was a featured speaker at the annual Memory Walk at Mercer Mall earlier this month. Wynn, who lost her grandmother, Ruby Davis, to Alzheimer's Disease earlier this year, spoke about the impact the disease has on caregivers and family members. The Memory Walk is the Alzheimer Association's largest fundraising and awareness effort.

(Bluefield)—As a nurse and the director of Bluefield State College's Associate Degree Nursing Program, Sandy Wynn has a professional appreciation for the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. When she lost her grandmother and great aunt to Alzheimer's earlier this year, Professor Wynn saw the disease from the perspective of a family member and caregiver.

Wynn was a featured speaker at the annual Memory Walk at Mercer Mall earlier this month. The Memory Walk is the Alzheimer Association's largest fundraising and awareness effort. It supports vital programs and services the Alzheimer's Association provides for families and caregivers facing the disease, while also promoting necessary research to seek a cure.

"My grandmother, Ruby Davis, died of Alzheimer's in 2012," Wynn told an audience of more than 250 walkers at the program. "Within our family, we were looking for a way to honor my grandmother's memory. The Memory Walk became a reunion of sorts for my family to support fundraising to combat the disease."

Noting that her late grandmother was an avid teapot collector, Wynn started a team, comprised primarily of Mrs. Davis' daughters and granddaughters. "We called the team 'Ruby's Teapots,' and we wore team shirts sporting the image of teapots on the front," she said.

"The turnout on Memory Walk Saturday was great," she continued. "We raised about $16,000 and there were so many walkers that we nearly encircled the mall when the walk started."

Wynn said "Ruby's Teapots" will make a return appearance at next year's Memory Walk, and she's inviting other teams and individuals to join in the effort.

(Bluefield)—The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses formally approved expansion of the Bluefield State College Associate Degree Nursing program to accept ten additional students at the program's Beckley campus. The expansion of the program was approved at the October 18, 2012 meeting of the Board.

"We are excited about the opportunity to expand our program in Raleigh County," noted Angela Lambert, Dean of the BSC School of Nursing and Allied Health. "The Board's action will permit us to address the shortage of qualified nursing education opportunities in the greater Raleigh County region. Lambert noted that BSC's 2012 Associate Degree Nursing graduates from the Raleigh county campus achieved a 96.8% passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses.

Due to the current and projected shortage of RN's into 2020 BSC intends to be a driving force in filling this need," according to Lambert. "The ability to educate future nurses will assist in providing qualified professionals to meet the healthcare needs of southern WV. BSC is proud of their current clinical affiliations in Raleigh County and looks forward to expansion of these relationships," she stated.

BSC is currently in the process of taking applications for the associate degree nursing program on both the Beckley and Bluefield campuses. The application deadline for students seeking to enter the 2013 BSC Associate Degree Nursing program is December 15, 2012. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the college admission office.

The Bluefield State College Associate Degree Nursing Program, Beckley & Bluefield Campuses, is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and West Virginia Board of Professional Registered Nurses.

Article from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph (08-Oct-2012)

BSC faculty members visited the Virginia Tech Future Energy Electronics Center on August 29 to finalize a collaboration accord. Pictured (left-to-right) are: Dr. Anthony Woart, Professor of Sociology and Co-investigator, Dr. Shannon Bowling/Dean of the BSC School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science, Dr. Tesfaye Belay, the principal investigator, Professor Roy Pruitt/Engineering Technology and Co-investigator, Virginia Tech graduate students Andy Poush and Ben York, and VT Professor Jih-Sheng (Jason) Lai.		A Bluefield State College faculty delegation recently traveled to Virginia Tech to receive a Solar Panel training session provided by Virginia Tech.  Pictured (front row, left-to-right) during the session are Dr. Shannon Bowling (Bluefield State College) Professor Jason Lai (Virginia Tech), Virginia Tech graduate students Ben York and Thomas LaBella, (back row, left-to-right) Dr. Bob Riggins (BSC), Professor Roy Pruett (BSC), Virginia Tech graduate students Nathan Kees and Andy Poush, and Dr. Tesfaye Belay (BSC).

(Bluefield)--Collaboration between Bluefield State College and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech is underway to provide hands-on training for 15 BSC students. The students will learn how to install solar panels and grid systems in Dr. Jih-Sheng (Jason) Lai's lab at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Professor Lai is an internationally recognized expert in energy-efficient electronic technologies for transportation and industrial automation. All course instruction will take place for three hours per day for five days over the course of the semester.

In return, a five-member team of solar and alternative energy scholars, led by Professor Lai, presented a lecture to more than 30 students and faculty at BSC on October 1. In their lectures, the Virginia Tech visitors emphasized that solar panel utilization has enormous potential as a natural energy source in this region. On October 5, BSC Professors Bob Riggins and Roy Pruett took Bluefield State students to Virginia Tech for the first of five classes to be offered over a two month period. The classes will provide hands-on training involving solar energy. At the end of the training, BSC students will receive solar panel installation demonstrations and supplies that they can then utilize while practicing solar panel installation at BSC.

"Virginia Tech will teach the basic switching amplifier principle and provide each participating student with a Class-D audio amplifier kit that can play MP3 music with solar power," Dr. Tesfaye Belay, BSC Professor, noted. "A primary benefit of this project will be the involvement of undergraduate students and high school students throughout the entire process of the solar project, thereby enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education at BSC." The solar panel research project is supported by a $100,000 awarded to Dr. Belay from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Department of Energy.

(Bluefield)—Dr. Peggy Johnson, who joined the faculty at Bluefield State College this semester, authored a chapter in the just-released textbook, "Hospitals: What They Are and How They Work," Fourth Edition.

"A colleague at Texas State University was editing the book and invited interested faculty to contribute to its compilation," Dr. Johnson explained during a break between classes at BSC. "I wrote the chapter entitled "History of Hospitals and Health Care." Her chapter tracked health care from its earliest days to the 21st Century."

"Health care is so dynamic with changes almost daily," she continued. "Because health care places such a cost burden on the country, effort is expended continuously on quality improvements and access for everyone, while at the same time controlling or containing costs."

Johnson's educational and professional career included stops in Tennessee and Texas prior to her arrival at Bluefield State. After working in health care for several years as a clinician and manager, she earned a bachelor's degree in Public Health from East Tennessee State University, later receiving both a master's and doctorate degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Tennessee. "I taught at the University of Tennessee, then at Texas State University before accepting a faculty position at Bluefield State," she said.

At BSC, she has enjoyed the experience of directing the Health Services Management program. "The students here are amazing," she added. "They are eager to learn and look for opportunities to become involved. In the months ahead, I look forward to working with our program advisory board and community stakeholders, as well."