Interdisciplinary studies on the effects of the Centralia mine fire involve faculty from several departments, including Assistant Professor and Head of Environmental Science Dan Ressler, working here with summer research partner Rachel Stone '05 and Derek Butcher '05.

When Mars brushed closer to earth than it had been in 60,000 years in early September, faculty and students in the astronomy club weren't going to miss the historic celestial event. They set up telescopes in the library parking lot and invited the campus to share the excitement.

Just a few days later, the university's Arlin M. Adams Center for Law and Society hosted a National Public Radio taping of a "Justice Talking" broadcast on academic freedom. Fall semester speakers who met with students included David Levy, Parade magazine science editor, and former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt.

Those are just several of the signs that science is a hot choice at Susquehanna, a national liberal arts college that also offers the in-depth preparation needed for careers and graduate school. "A background in the sciences leads to many professional pathways and helps you develop an understanding of the global environment of the future," says Terry Winegar, dean of Susquehanna's School of Natural and Social Sciences.

Opportunities for independent and collaborative work are a Susquehanna hallmark. Students and faculty work closely together on campus research, including projects funded through grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute on Aging.

Ryan Bell assists with a study of spider behavior funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Two years of research in the spider lab have helped Ryan Bell '05 contribute to new understanding about potential agricultural benefits of an oft-maligned species. His efforts also earned him the "best student research poster" award at the summer meeting of the American Arachnological Society.

Bell, a biology major, topped competitors including graduate students for the poster honor. He is part of a research team led by Assistant Professor of Biology Matt Persons who has a four-year grant from the National Science Foundation to study predator/prey interactions and reproductive behavior of the wolf spider. Bell participates both as a summer research partner and through an assistantship program that provides top students the opportunity to gain professional work experience with a faculty or staff member. Out of the lab, he is also a resident assistant in Aikens Hall, president of the Asian Student Coalition, and a member of the outdoors and karate clubs, The Brotherhood, and Beta Beta Beta biology honor society.

Bell studied the effect of predator hunger on chemically mediated anti-predator responses and survival in the wolf spider. He used a video tracking apparatus to record spider behavior. "There's a lot of repetition to it, but you need to have the replications in order to be able to see anything significant," he explains.

With Persons' help, Bell created a poster explaining the research methodology and conclusions. He presented the poster at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in March 2003 and at summer meetings of the Animal Behavior Society in Idaho and the American Arachnological Society in Denver.

"After having gone to three conferences, I feel more confident in being able to answer the tough questions that get tossed at me," says Bell, who relished the chance to meet leading scientists in the field. "It's pretty interesting to look at different books and papers and see references to people that you've actually met."

These are only a few of the things the science hall has to offer. It houses the chemistry, biology, physics, psychology, and geological and environmental sciences departments.

It houses:

• Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer
• Human learning and observation lab
• A place for lab groups gather for trips to off-campus field stations
• Wireless network
• Geographic information systems lab
• Student research lab
• Chem Dept iMac notebooks available for labs or to take home overnight
• Laser optics lab
• Spider Lab
• Greenhouse

While biology, psychology, physics, and environmental science majors obviously need science, they don't have a monopoly on the field. Science is also good preparation for life.

• Critical thinking skills
  All those experiments have a point behind them: to solve a problem. You make an educated prediction, test it, and then try to explain your results. This is a process that you will implement in many forms and different areas of your life, whether in baking cookies or getting your finicky printer to work.
• Curiosity
  The more you learn about science, the more you will understand about the workings of the world - how mountains are formed, what causes your car to stall on the aforementioned mountains, and why your body makes you miserable when you're stuck waiting in the cold for the tow truck.
• Careers
  Though we all try to avoid growing up, we'll have to get jobs eventually. You think that you won't need science? Think again. Journalists need to be knowledgeable about subjects they write about. Historians need to comprehend technological advances, climate, and medical conditions to understand the places and circumstances of the past.
• Civic engagement
  We live in a democracy and our leaders will be making important decisions on our behalf about issues such as funding for cancer research and nuclear disarmament. Whether you plan on becoming one of these leaders someday or just want to evaluate the competence of those running, science helps. Also, ecology teaches that every organism (people included) affects its environment and the other life forms it coexists with. By understanding this and other concepts, you will better be able to make decisions based on how your actions affect others.

Still Not Convinced?

Though slicing open frogs in high school science might seem useless and arcane, science actually has a myriad of real-life applications. Here are just a few:

• Psychology: the study of behavior
  From dealing with your mother or your boss's unpredictable mood swings to someday disciplining children of your own, a good understanding of this science can be invaluable to succeeding in your relationships.
• 'Hmm. Where'd this big hole come from?'
  When deciding where to live, basic geology and meteorology are essential. You might want to know if your location is susceptible to such minor things as sink holes, floods, volcano eruptions, or leaky basements before you sign the deed.
• Your body will thank you
  Back in the day, the Romans distilled wine in lead jars. Unfortunately for them, they failed to make the connection between this activity and a tendency towards insanity. Thanks to modern science, we now know better. Science has also identified some cancer-causing agents such as cigarettes and asbestos, and a good knowledge of nutrition and exercise will help you be a healthier person.
• Greased Lightning
  So you've worked and slaved for years and now the moment that's filled all your dreams has finally arrived: it's time to buy a car. But first, you need to consider some important things. Will the roadster of your dreams pass the emissions test? Is it fuel efficient enough that the gas won't cost more than the car itself? How will it affect the environment?

What to Expect
Not all science programs are created equal. The best will offer you plenty of field and lab experience, hands-on work that will educate you more than abstract diagrams ever could. Small class sizes are definitely a plus. Check to see whether your classes will be taught by experienced, full-time faculty or graduate students. Look for the chance to do research, either on your own, in cooperation with a professor, or in an off-campus internship. Look for advisors who will help with reference letters, networking, and studying for entrance exams during the graduate school application process. Finally, the ability to minor in a complementary area such as health care or legal studies can also be beneficial.

It's OK to Be Undecided
Though it is reassuring to have some idea of your program of study when entering college, you do have time to explore your interests before you decide. Feel free to try a little of everything: sedimentary geology, developmental psychology, organic chemistry, ecology. Discuss your situation with your advisor and other faculty as you work to discover the right path. You have four years devoted to the pursuit of knowledge; take advantage of it, and eventually something will click. But whatever you decide to study, make sure to enjoy it along the way!

Erin Markel '07 is a geological and environmental sciences major pursuing a minor in journalism.

Finding your dinner table and cafeteria conversations dominated by the college application process? Balancing time to meet with guidance counselors, stay ahead of homework, and enjoy senior year activities can be stressful. Applying Early Decision is one way to help relieve some of the pressure. You could have your application out the door before the holidays and maybe even have a decision before or shortly after New Year's.

It's not a step to take hastily, but if you can confidently answer "yes" to each of the following questions, then applying Early Decision may be right for you:

• Have you researched thoroughly this college, as well as others that interest you?
• Have you visited a variety of campuses while students and faculty are around?
• Are your academic, extracurricular and social needs going to be met?
• Did you meet with an admissions officer to find out if you are a realistic applicant?
• Have you discussed college costs and aid with someone in the financial aid office?
• Have you talked about your decision with your family and your guidance counselor?
• Are you ready to stop your college search now because a college is clearly your first choice?

As you investigate Susquehanna University, consider the following about Early Decision at SU:

• SU recently revamped its Early Decision program to provide two different options: application by November 15 for notification by December 1 (Early Decision I), or application by January 1 for notification by January 15 (Early Decision II).
• Early Decision applications will be given extra consideration, as they are the first to be read by the admissions staff.
• Susquehanna's scholarship committee will notify you shortly after your admission if you qualify for an academic scholarship.
• Candidates for need-based financial aid are not expected to make a final ED commitment without a financial aid package from SU. We will work with you prior to the February 15 deposit date to provide financial aid answers necessary for your enrollment decision.
• Priority housing arrangements will be provided to ED students who pay their enrollment deposits by February 15.
• If we're not able to admit you ED, you will be deferred to the regular decision pool so you'll have time to provide us with improved grades and test scores.

Applying ED has many advantages and no disadvantages if Susquehanna is truly your first choice. We welcome a growing number of ED admits to each new freshman class and hope you will join us, too!

Assistant Professor Mark Fertig.

Have you ever wondered about the origins of film titles, Web site layouts, or CD covers? These products and many more are created by graphic designers who organize type, data and images to communicate a message. This year Susquehanna introduced a new major in graphic design offered through the Department of Art.

The major combines studies in areas such as typography, visual communication, and computer applications with art history and studio art courses including drawing and photography.

SU's graphic design students have access to a state-of-the-art computer lab, including 20 work stations and large-format color printers housed in the recently opened Center for Music and Art. The program, which currently has seven majors, will be limited to 35 to 45 majors.

Assistant Professor of Art and Graphic Design Mark Fertig believes that the graphic design program has an advantage in its size, which will allow the students computer access, the chance to take the classes they need, and one-on-one time with faculty. "We won't be so large that you have to camp outside the doors for computer time, like I've seen in some places."

Fertig also is aiming for a national caliber program. "I want my students to be able to go into any firm or ad agency in the country - we want them to be able to compete for jobs and get them." The program is already off to a good start. Last year, students from SU's graphic design courses created four out of 20 pieces selected for a show sponsored by the prestigious Art Director's Club of Metropolitan Washington.

When asked what he would most like prospective graphic design students to know, Fertig responded, "We do not care if you can draw or if you've had high school art. It's not important to us. You don't have to know the computer programs either, because we'll teach you that. The kind of student we're looking for is the kind of student who can think. Graphic design is making something legible, clear, readable. Graphic design is problem solving."

By Erin Markel '07

On November 1, 2003, Susquehanna Crusader senior split end Mark Bartosic '04 has become the first player in NCAA football history (all divisions) to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past four consecutive seasons. The 6-1, 195-pound Bartosic finished first in MAC in catches, yards and receiving touchdowns en route to being named MAC Offensive Player of the Year for 2002. An information systems major, he is also Susquehanna's single-game, single-season and career leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

Fancy studying contemporary British theatre or a look at the literary underworld in London itself?

A new Susquehanna option will allow students to earn credit for several courses in communications, English and theatre while living and studying in London during summer 2004.

Courses on the schedule include Media Analysis, Public Relations, British Theatre, Writers of the British Caribbean, the Meditative Poem, and London Underworld, a literature course analyzing works and authors including Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, William Blake and T.S. Elliot.

Students may take one or two courses (4 or 8 semester hours) during the six-week semester, May 17-June 25. The cost for the session is approximately $4,200 which includes tuition for eight semester hours, travel round-trip from Philadelphia to London, and lodging.

Susquehanna faculty will teach most courses and faculty and students will live in flats the university maintains for students in the Sigmund Weis School of Business, which sponsors fall and spring semester programs in London.

Admissions

Nov. 15 Early Decision I application deadline
Jan. 1 Early Decision II application deadline
Jan. 15 Regular decision notification begins
Feb. 15 Early decision deposit due
March 1 Priority deadline for filing admissions applications
April 2 Open house for Honors students
April 3 Open house for accepted students
April 24 Open house for high school juniors
May 1 Enrollment deposit due for regular decision students

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Jan. 1 First date to file Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
           First date to provide copies of 2003 federal income tax returns
Jan. 15 Early decision financial aid award notification begins
Feb. 1 Scholarship notification begins
Feb. 15 Financial aid award notification begins
Feb. 28 Music scholarship auditions conclude
March 1 Priority deadline for mailing PROFILE and FAFSA to processing centers
May 1 Final deadline for filing FAFSA forms