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UW-Eau Claire ranks No. 1 in number of chemistry graduates going on to earn Ph.D.s
More chemists who received their Ph.D.s between 1988-98 have baccalaureate degrees from UW-Eau Claire than any other similar institution in the nation, according to the National Science Foundation. Using its statistical database system, CASPAR, which focuses on science and engineering programs at U.S. universities and colleges, NSF ranked UW-Eau Claire No. 1 in the number of chemistry graduates going on to earn their Ph.D.s. UW-Eau Claire was ranked among 557 other Carnegie Master's 1 and 2 institutions — public and private comprehensive institutions. When Carnegie Liberal Arts 1 and 2 institutions are added to the mix (another 670 schools), UW-Eau Claire still holds its own in a four-way tie for 12th place. Even when research institutions are included, UW-Eau Claire ranks well, falling between Washington University and Rice University and ranking above many institutions recognized for top chemistry programs, such as Stanford University, Notre Dame, Columbia University, New York University and Boston University. "It's clear that UW-Eau Claire's chemistry program is headed in the right direction," said Jack Pladziewicz, chair of the chemistry department. "We're talking about more than 1,200 institutions when you include research schools. Most people wouldn't expect UW-Eau Claire to be so high on the list." NSF looks at the institution as a whole when categorizing it, which means that even though UW-Eau Claire doesn't offer a master's degree in chemistry, it is still considered a Carnegie Master's 1 and 2 institution because it offers other graduate programs. "We're being compared to other schools with master's programs in chemistry, yet we still do well — it just makes our ranking all that more impressive," Pladziewicz said. The information used to determine UW-Eau Claire's ranking was based on students with undergraduate degrees in chemistry or chemistry/business. The data does not include biological fields, so although biochemistry/molecular biology is the chemistry depart-ment's largest major, those students who earn their Ph.D.s are not included in the data. Pladziewicz says a high number of biochemistry/molecular biology majors continue with higher education, and he expects that number to rise. Pladziewicz attributes the success of the program to the faculty's commitment to classroom teaching and their personalized approach. He also credits a lot of the success to a long history of faculty/student undergraduate research. "Undergraduate research involves students in the early part of their college career — it gives them an opportunity to solve original problems in science and it captures their interest," Pladziewicz said. Scott Hartsel, a professor of chemistry at UW-Eau Claire since 1988, agrees. "I use research as a teaching tool because it is important for students to face day-to-day problems and uncertainties that are part of research," Hartsel said "I want students to see the beauty and wonder of science the way that I do and realize that they can play a part in this endeavor too." Hartsel, who has worked with more than 30 undergraduate research collaborators and has published several papers co-authored by students, is thrilled with the results from NSF. "We're on par with some of the nation's elite universities," Hartsel said. "It's like being a really good Little League team and finding yourself competing in the Majors!"
UW-Eau Claire signs exchange agreement with Korean universityStudents and faculty interested in Korean language and culture will have a new opportunity available to them through a recently signed international exchange agreement between UW-Eau Claire and Ajou University in Suwon, Korea. Duk-Choong Kim, president of Ajou University, along with the dean of international education, Soo-Hun Lee, met with Provost Ronald Satz and other UW-Eau Claire officials last week in Eau Claire to discuss details of the new exchange program and sign an agreement to promote student and faculty exchange and a research and information exchange. "Their first group will probably come here in the fall of 2001, and we will probably send our first group there the following summer (2002)," Markgraf said. Ajou University, a private institution established in 1973, offers undergraduate programs in business administration, information and communication, medicine, international studies, engineering and nursing. It has graduate programs in business administration, information and communication, medicine and international studies. All classes are taught in English. Kim, who holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Missouri and a bachelor's degree in economics from UW-Madison, is the former minister of education for the Republic of Korea. He is the current chair of the President's Commission on Education Reform. Lee, who heads up Ajou's Office of International Affairs, holds a master's degree and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from UW-Madison. He also has an MBA from Marquette University. Markgraf said the connection with Ajou came about as a result of a meeting he had last spring with Lee at the Association of International Educators annual conference.
Winter
weather
advisoryWith winter weather upon us, it's time to review UW-Eau Claire's practices in the event severe weather strikes. In general, when inclement weather threatens operations at UW-Eau Claire, the university will remain open to the extent possible. If necessary, the chancellor may close the university to the public or cancel classes, but state employees will be expected to report to work. In response to local weather conditions, the chancellor may release employees. In such instances, no employee will be required to remain at work. Employees covered by a labor agreement should check their respective bargaining agreements for specifics about excusing employees from work and related issues. Employees not covered by a labor agreement may use vacation, compensatory time, personal holidays or leave without pay to cover time lost if they are ordered to leave work or if they request or are allowed to be excused from work when they believe that weather conditions or emergency situations make it unsafe to get to or remain at work. Local media will be notified if the chancellor decides to cancel classes. However, announcements by local media are advisory only. For official information concerning university operations, call the Chancellor's Office at 836-2327 after 7 a.m. or call your supervisor.
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The University Bulletin is published weekly during fall and spring semesters.
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Liz Wolf Green, EditorUpdated: Nov. 17, 2000 |