Top 11 of '11: Academic highlights

Posted: December 15, 2011

LEWISBURG, Pa. — In 2011, Bucknell University professors and students dug down, broke through and looked ahead to the future. Among the highlights of the year in academic life:

	Professors lead archaeological dig in Thebes Classics professors Kevin Daly and Stephanie Larson took several students to Greece this summer for the first U.S.-Greece dig in Thebes.
	Class of 2011 graduates Commencement speaker Erik Weihenmayer, a blind mountain climber, urged members of the Class of 2011 to "keep reaching" and "climb high."
	Community explores impact of gas drilling Bucknell and the surrounding community explored the impact of gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale. \|\| More: "Gasland" director visits campus; Publications database; Marcellus Shale stories
	Professor, national research team identify cause of white-nose syndrome in bats A team of scientists including Bucknell biology professor DeeAnn Reeder identified the deadly fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats.
	'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf' author shares insights While visiting campus to be honored as the Janet Weis Fellow in Contemporary Letters, Edward Albee discussed his process for developing stories and inventing characters.
	Newly hired, tenured and promoted faculty members describe their interests Thirty-four new profiles were added to the Faculty Stories series, in which professors describe their research and teaching interests.
	President invents stent coating John Bravman developed a patented coating that may make coronary stents safer for heart disease patients.
	Professor discovers link between prenatal stress and aging Biology professor Mark Haussmann and a team of researchers discovered a direct correlation between prenatal stress and aging.
	Grant enhances environmental studies A $520,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is supporting the Environmental Center and new courses and programs related to the environment.
	Interactive video 'wall' showcases academic life Interactive video player showcases faculty and student projects and courses. Viewers can make comments, rate and share the videos.
	Geisinger partnership prepares students for careers Biomedical engineering seniors worked with physicians and researchers at Geisinger Health System to develop medical devices.