VT College of Science Magazine Summer 2008 | Page 2

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S 2 Uncovering a Century Department of Geosciences celebrates 100th anniversary of the graduation of its first student. 7 Stopping the Scourge Undergraduate research fosters initiatives to decrease mosquito-borne illnesses. 10 Spreading Knowledge Helping Oman to establish a private university. OTHER STORIES 6 William Presley spotlight 8 NSF funds biomineralization research 9 Quantum drug chemical analysis College of Science Virginia Tech Mail Code 0405 Blacksburg, VA 24061 540/231-5422 [email protected] www.science.vt.edu 11 16 Alum endows geophysics chair Child phobia study Managing Editor/Writer Catherine Doss Contributing Writers Susan Trulove, Alyssa Haak, Rachel Judy, Albert Raboteau Copy Editor Richard Lovegrove Photographers Kim Petersen, Rick Griffiths, Michael Kiernan, John McCormick, Jim Stroup Designer Nathan Skreslet College of Science Magazine Summer 2008 On the cover Special thanks to Llyn Sharp and the Geosciences Museum for their help in photographing the rocks and crystal specimens. The aquamarine shown on the upper left side of the Earth was recently donated to the museum by Arthur A. Kirk (BIO ‘37) in memory of the victims of April 16, 2007. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, gender, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity.