BBC visits Chaminade for CSI-style experiments

Photo by Cliff Bieberly

Dr. Lee Goff and Dr. Bob Mann, both professors in Chaminade's forensic science program, demonstrated the possibility of a “perfect murder weapon” on Monday for the filming of a BBC television documentary called “Horizon.” Using an icicle he made in his freezer, Dr. Mann stabbed both a prime rib roast and rack of pork ribs with his “untraceable” homemade weapon. Dr. Goff then took a stab with an ice dagger carved by a local ice sculptor. Both were surprised to see the damage the ice inflicted. While it did not penetrate bone, it did appear that a fatal injury was possible with this disappearing weapon. The BBC filmed other segments at Chaminade last week for the program, which will air in the U.K. later this year.

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Chaminade student wins award at conference

Natasha Flores, a junior at Chaminade University of Honolulu, has been honored with an award for research she presented at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in Anaheim, California in November 2006. ABRCMS is an annual conference organized by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and supported by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Now in its sixth year, ABRCMS is the largest, professional conference for biomedical students. Over 2,500 people attended this year’s conference including 1,633 students, 421 faculty and program directors and 418 exhibitors. The conference is designed to encourage underrepresented minority students to pursue advanced training in the biomedical and behavioral sciences and provide faculty mentors and advisors with resources for facilitating students’ success.

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Vote for Zack Whiting

Our Men’s basketball team has one of the best point guards in the country – Zack Whiting. Recently he has been announced as one of 17 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award, going to the nation’s best point guard, regardless of Division (I, II, III). The winner will be voted on by a select panel of judges as well as the fan’s vote. We encourage fans to vote at http://www.cousyaward.com/ under the title “Vote” at the top right of the page.

The 6'4" senior point guard is currently leading the country in assists, by a staggering amount. Whiting is currently averaging 12.4 assists per game, nearly 4 assists better than second place Luke Cooper of Alaska-Anchorage, who is averaging 8.6 assists per contest.

Currently, Whiting is also among the country’s best in scoring the basketball, connecting on 59.2% of his shot attempts and leading the PacWest conference in scoring at 18.8 points per contest. A mismatch at the point guard position, the senior point guard is corralling 7.6 rebounds per contest.

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Chaminade students, staff and faculty took on Palolo Stream graffiti

In a joint effort, Saint Louis School staff and faculty students teamed up with Chaminade University staff and faculty students for Father Chaminade Service Day on Thurs., Feb. 1. The City and County of Honolulu provided paint supplies for graffiti and trash removal below Saint Louis field in the Palolo Stream Channel area from the 6th Avenue Bridge downstream to under the 3rd Avenue Bridge. Chaminade Web master William White and student activities and leadership director Amy Lloyd coordinated the event. “I just want to thank everyone who helped with the Palolo Graffiti Removal project. It was a big success!” said White. “A few Chaminade students and about a dozen Saint Louis students got a lot of work done and had a lot of fun. In fact, we did more than we had planned to do!”

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New dean of Natural Sciences and Math appointed

On Jan. 5, Bro. Bernie Ploeger announced that Dr. Helen Turner was appointed to an initial three-year term as dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, effective July 1, 2007. Dr. Turner comes from Queen’s Medical Center, where she serves as associate director of research. In addition to her administrative duties, she has been a very active researcher in the field of biological communication at the cellular level. She has numerous peer-reviewed grants and publications, which have resulted from her research. During the six years she has worked in Honolulu, she has developed a network of colleagues in the biomedical community. Dr. Turner was born and raised in Great Britain and holds her doctorate in immunology from the University of London. “Please join me in thanking Lee Goff for his service as interim dean and join me in welcoming Helen,” said Bro. Ploeger.