A former GRCC Biodiversity Student, Brian Maitner, has recently co-authored a paper in Science magazine, perhaps the most prestigious of all peer-reviewed science publications!
The title of Brian’s co-authored paper (he is the second author) is “Metabolic Asymmetry and the Global Diversity of Marine Predators.” Brian is finishing his PhD in Bioinformatics with Dr. John Grady at the University of Arizona.
If you know of any students interested in the biodiversity, evolution, and ecology of plants, fungi, or animals, please refer them to Matthew Douglas in the Calkins Science Center.
Tag Archives: GRCC Alumni
GRCC alumnus in “Photographers Without Borders” docuseries
GRCC alumnus Damari McBride is the featured photographer in the January 2019 episode of the series Photographers Without Borders. His episode, Beyond the Gun, dissects the complexities of South Africa’s poaching epidemic.
While at GRCC, Mr. McBride participated in Service-Learning and helped lead the Black Student Union. He went on to receive his undergrad at Ferris State University.
Former GRCC Biodiversity Student from Tanzania Now at Harvard Medical School
Fahmy Mamuya, a former Biodiversity Biology student from Arusha, Tanzania, is currently a medical writer and part of a multi-disciplinary research team at Harvard University in the Harvard Medical School.
After GRCC, Fahmy received his PhD in Cell and Organ Systems Physiology at the University of Delaware, followed by an MBA at the same university. He is an expert in cell culture and confocal microscopy. Fahmy has also had NIH-based research scholarships of vision physiology at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Fahmy believes, “…medical research can continue to transcend, and the impact can be harvested through effective communication to diverse audiences.”
Congratulations to this amazing GRCC alumnus, and to our science department for helping Fahmy get started!
GRCC Mathematics Seminar TODAY in Cook 213
The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is hosting its November Mathematics Seminar TODAY, November 13, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in 213 Cook.
This month’s seminar will be lead by former GRCC student Katrina Teunis. Ms. Teunis will discuss her research on mathematical patterns in the folding of RNA.
Recent research in mathematical biology includes areas such as genomics, biochemistry and cell biology, heart physiology, kidney function, and protein folding. Everyone is welcome!
Refreshments will be served at 2:15 p.m.
The Math Behind the Foldability of RNA
“This summer I was given funding to do some undergraduate math research on the mathematical patterns in how RNA folds. RNA, much like DNA, is made up of four building blocks called nucleotides: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Uracil. These nucleotides form a string that likes to fold in on itself and bond together – Adenine with Uracil and Guanine with Cytosine. So, the order and number of nucleotides present will determine how many ways the string of RNA can fold. By assigning these properties to letters, we can study this in a general context. Doing this I was able to find several new ways of determining how many times a string will fold as well as how to build a string with a specific number of foldings. I was also able to find or strengthen connections between RNA and other areas of mathematics. In this talk, I will walk through how RNA folds, what I found in my research, and how RNA connects to other areas of mathematics. This research was funded by the Modified Student Summer Scholars Program from the Office of Undergraduate Research at Grand Valley State University.”
GRCC Mathematics Seminar tomorrow in Cook 213
The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is hosting its November Mathematics Seminar TOMORROW, November 13, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in 213 Cook.
Our speaker, former GRCC student Katrina Teunis, will discuss her research on mathematical patterns in the folding of RNA.
Recent research in mathematical biology includes areas such as genomics, biochemistry and cell biology, heart physiology, kidney function, and protein folding. Everyone is welcome!
Refreshments will be served at 2:15 p.m.
The Math Behind the Foldability of RNA
“This summer I was given funding to do some undergraduate math research on the mathematical patterns in how RNA folds. RNA, much like DNA, is made up of four building blocks called nucleotides: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Uracil. These nucleotides form a string that likes to fold in on itself and bond together – Adenine with Uracil and Guanine with Cytosine. So, the order and number of nucleotides present will determine how many ways the string of RNA can fold. By assigning these properties to letters, we can study this in a general context. Doing this I was able to find several new ways of determining how many times a string will fold as well as how to build a string with a specific number of foldings. I was also able to find or strengthen connections between RNA and other areas of mathematics. In this talk, I will walk through how RNA folds, what I found in my research, and how RNA connects to other areas of mathematics. This research was funded by the Modified Student Summer Scholars Program from the Office of Undergraduate Research at Grand Valley State University.”
GRCC’s November Mathematics Seminar next Tuesday in Cook 213
The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar on Tuesday, November 13, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in 213 Cook.
November’s seminar will be lead by former GRCC student Katrina Teunis. Ms. Teunis will discuss her research on mathematical patterns in the folding of RNA.
Recent research in mathematical biology includes areas such as genomics, biochemistry and cell biology, heart physiology, kidney function, and protein folding. Everyone is welcome!
Refreshments will be served at 2:15 p.m.
The Math Behind the Foldability of RNA
“This summer I was given funding to do some undergraduate math research on the mathematical patterns in how RNA folds. RNA, much like DNA, is made up of four building blocks called nucleotides: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Uracil. These nucleotides form a string that likes to fold in on itself and bond together – Adenine with Uracil and Guanine with Cytosine. So, the order and number of nucleotides present will determine how many ways the string of RNA can fold. By assigning these properties to letters, we can study this in a general context. Doing this I was able to find several new ways of determining how many times a string will fold as well as how to build a string with a specific number of foldings. I was also able to find or strengthen connections between RNA and other areas of mathematics. In this talk, I will walk through how RNA folds, what I found in my research, and how RNA connects to other areas of mathematics. This research was funded by the Modified Student Summer Scholars Program from the Office of Undergraduate Research at Grand Valley State University.”
GRCC Alumni Association to host specialty yoga class in September
Get zen with Zzzen Yoga! Join the GRCC Alumni Association for an evening of outdoor yoga. GRCC alumna Melissa Andreychuk of Zzzen Yoga will be guiding fellow GRCC Raiders through a 45-minute yoga practice on the outdoor deck of the College Park Plaza building. Snacks and drinks provided. Registration is $5, which will be donated to the GRCC Alumni Scholarship Fund. Current GRCC students, faculty, and staff (along with friends!) are welcome to attend.
Date:
- Thursday, September 13, 2018
Time and Location:
- Yoga 6:00-7:0.0. pm at GRCC College Park Plaza
- Snacks and Socializing 7:00-7:30 p.m.
Cost:
- $5 donation to GRCC Alumni Scholarship Fund
Contact Corey Turner, Development Manager, Alumni and Planned Giving at (616) 234-3025 or coreyturner@grcc.edu for more information.
To learn more about GRCC Alumni Events, see the Alumni webpage: https://grcc.edu/grccfoundation/alumnirelations/alumnievents
Recap: camaraderie and community at Kids Food Basket volunteer event
The GRCC Alumni Association hosted a volunteer event at Kids Food Basket on Tuesday, July 17th. Alumni got to connect with fellow Raiders while preparing sack lunches, and then they reconvened for a social hour at Vander Mill. It was a great chance to catch up with former students, hear what they’ve been doing since leaving GRCC, and give back to our community at the same time.
Faculty, staff, and current students are always welcome to participate in GRCC Alumni Association events. Mark your calendars for the next one – Yoga on the Plaza – on Thursday, September 13th, from 6-7:30 p.m.! Visit the Alumni Association Events page for more information: https://grcc.edu/grccfoundation/alumnirelations/alumnievents
GRCC Homecoming 2017
“GRCC has not had a homecoming in a long time. That changes now!”
Homecoming 2017 will take place the week of October 16th. There are activities that you can take part in throughout the week. On Thursday, October 19th, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are all invited to a Raider Tailgate. The tailgate will take place in the Raider Grille from 5-6:30 p.m. Food will be provided, and there will be family-friendly activities. Then head on over to the Fold Fieldhouse to cheer on our GRCC Volleyball team as they take on the Lake Michigan Red Hawks.
For more information about all of the Homecoming activities, please visit grcc.edu/homecoming.
GRCC In the News, 5-3-16
GRPD: Suspect arrested in homicide at GRCC
May 2, 2016; FOX 17
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Police arrested a man in connection to a homicide that happened over the weekend near Grand Rapids Community College.
Food Network founder returns to Grand Rapids
April 29, 2016; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Food Network founder and Grand Rapids native Jack Clifford will be in town this weekend promoting his book, The Least Likely to Succeed, which details how he went from a boy who was voted least likely to succeed in high school to founding a popular and successful television network.
… With (Elmo) Wierenga’s encouragement, Clifford enrolled in Grand Rapids Junior College, now Grand Rapids Community College, and later transferred to Western Michigan University.
KVCC Tries German Model to Help Manufacturers Solve “Skills Gap”
May 2, 2016; WMUK
Many Michigan manufacturers are facing a problem that they call a skill gaps. As more and more of their skilled employees retire, manufacturers need new workers to operate advanced technologies. And unfortunately, they say, very few new workers have the education or experience to fill in, leaving hundreds of jobs unfilled. But there’s hope. Kalamazoo Valley Community College is trying out a new program that’s connecting employers with young students to fill the pipeline again.
… “So who do we find with these skill-sets?” says Julie Parks, the director of workforce training at Grand Rapids Community College.
… Parks says manufacturers know they can’t wait around for students anymore. So now, they’re taking a new approach. Manufacturers are going to college and paying for students’ educations as a way to ensure they can hire them later on.
GRCC In the News, 1-7-16
GRCC receives $45K grant for industrial sewing, logistics programs
Jan. 6, 2016; mibiz.com
GRAND RAPIDS — The JPMorgan Chase Foundation recently awarded Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) a $45,000 grant to develop the institutions industrial sewing and logistics programs.
GRCC receives JPMorgan Chase Foundation grant for logistics
Jan. 6, 2016; American Journal of Transportation
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A $45,000 grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation will allow Grand Rapids Community College to develop certification programs in the high-growth fields of logistics and industrial sewing.
Better Bites: Roasted Beet and Kale Salad
1/6/16 WZZM “News at Noon”
Chef Mark Kngshott is here and he’s making roasted beet and kale salad.
… He finished his culinary arts degree from GRCC in 2006.
GRCC In the News, 1-5-16
Custom Profile Announces Multiple Community Partnerships
Jan. 4, 2016; WAND TV
WALKER, Mich., Jan. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Walker, Mich.-based Custom Profile, a leading manufacturer of extruded plastic products primarily for the appliance and office furniture industries, announced today that it has partnered with communities in Juarez, Mexico and Grand Rapids, Mich. to support a number of education initiatives.
… Custom Profile has also committed to working with schools and community partners in the Grand Rapids area. Through Grand Rapids Community College’s (GRCC) Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC, the company participated in the Manufacturing Readiness course a 40-hour certificate program dedicated to preparing students for entry level work in West Michigan manufacturing. The company has launched a Department of Labor certified Apprentice Program for Set-Up Extruder Operators, which combines 2,000 hours of on-the-job training with two classes at Grand Rapids Community College and provides an Extruder Operator Certificate upon completion.
Maner Costerisan Announces New Department Heads
Dec. 28, 2015; lansingchamber.org (Lansing Chamber of Commerce site)
Lansing, MI — Maner Costerisan is pleased to announce Jim McNeeley, CPA and Trey Williams, CPA are new heads of the firm’s business accounting services and audit/assurance departments, respectively.
… McNeeley graduated summa cum laude from Northwood University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. In addition, he attended Lansing Community College and Grand Rapids Community College. McNeely is a member of the AICPA and the MICPA. He is treasurer of the Delta-Side Business Association. McNeely currently resides in DeWitt, Michigan with his wife, Debbi, and their two sons.
GRCC In the News, 1-4-16
Health care organizations predict healthy 2016
Jan. 1, 2016; Grand Rapids Business Journal
The past year was filled with announcements from the areas health care leaders. It seemed as soon as a ribbon-cutting occurred, a new multi-million-dollar project was announced.
… Pine Rest will join Mercy Health, Cherry Health, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College, Montcalm Community College and West Michigan Works to introduce a new U.S. Department of Labor-approved medical assistant apprenticeship program. The first class of students will begin this month.
“There is a huge need in the community for medical assistants,” said Linda Witte, program developer and manager of health programs for GRCC Workforce Development. “As employers are growing, the number of physicians to take care of the increased number of people who are eligible for health care, they need staff, and that would be medical assistants.”
How living as an undocumented immigrant inspired musician Diana Gameros
Dec. 29, 2015; PBS Newshour
For Mexican-born singer-songwriter Diana Gameros, music has always been a deeply personal endeavor, acting as both a lifeline and a retreat from the world’s complications.
… Gameros moved to Michigan and studied music for four years at Grand Rapids Community College. Her dream of becoming a musician “gave me all the drive to do whatever I had to do to be here,” she said.
New DNR agents patrol Branch County
Dec. 30, 2015; Hillsdale Daily News
COLDWATER — Issac Tyson, one of the two new Department of Natural Resources officers for Branch County, started this fall, joining Joshua Jackson, who began work earlier this year.
… Tyson, originally from Sparta, located north of Grand Rapids, spent six years in the Marine Corps reserves while studying law enforcement at Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree.
Dec. 29, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Jenelle Marie Davis is the founder of TheSTDProject.com, the STD expert for Answers.com, a Hepatitis C expert for HepatitisC.net, the spokesperson for PositiveSingles.com, and an adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Community College.
In the Kitchen with Chef Gilles
Dec. 29, 2015; Revue
Someone was about to get chewed out by Chef Gilles Renusson when they returned to class on Monday.
Late on a Friday afternoon in November, the world-renowned pastry chef at Grand Rapids Community College noticed a dirty baking sheet on a nearby desk in his kitchen lab, apparently left behind by a student earlier that day. It was quiet here, presumably after what is a reportedly hectic environment.
Workforce agency appoints leaders
Dec. 29, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal
A newly formed regional workforce entity has its leadership in place.
… Board members
… Bill Pink, Grand Rapids Community College
Regional Health names chief nursing officer
Dec. 24, 2015; Prairie Business (Grand Forks, N.D.)
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Laura Wightman has been selected Regional Health’s chief nursing officer. In this new position, Wightman will oversee nursing throughout the health system. She will work closely with market presidents, physician and nursing leadership in Regional Healths hospitals, clinics, hospice, home care and senior care facilities. She will lead efforts in regard to nursing leadership development, standardization of patient care and implementation of best practices throughout the health system.
Wightman comes to Regional Health from St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, Calif., where she was chief nursing officer. Wightman previously worked as chief nursing officer for Mercy Hospital Grayling in Grayling, Mich. Her career in the Michigan marketplace included senior leadership roles as administrator of a surgical center, director of a heart and vascular service line, site director of perioperative services and clinical director of home care. Wightman also served as adjunct faculty for Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Mich., Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., and Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich.
College notes: Wayland’s Presley Hudson is only a freshman, but leads CMU in scoring
Dec. 24, 2015; MLive
… BASKETBALL
Alex Musert, Northern Michigan University: Musert had 15 points and a season-high nine rebounds in a 73-71 loss to Findlay on Dec. 12. The junior forward (GR Christian), who transferred from Grand Rapids Community College, is fourth on the team with 8.9 points per game and second with 5.3 rebounds.
Meijer Scholar Athlete: Nicholas Turowski
Dec. 24, 2015; WZZM
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WZZM) — This week’s Meijer Scholar Athlete is Comstock Park’s Nicholas Turowski.
… He’s taking two AP classes this semester and is dual-enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College, which he hopes can translate into a chance to play football and study engineering in college.
Baylor TE Gus Penning (Jenison) has talent, will travel
Dec. 27, 2015; The Detroit Free Press
ORLANDO — After one year of college football one where he didn’t even play in a game Gus Penning thought his career may be over.
… Grand Rapids Community College ended its football program after the 2011 season and Penning, of Jenison, was one of the casualties, even more than many others because he had redshirted as a freshman.
Son of Former Holland Mayor Tabbed to Circuit Court Bench
Dec. 22, 2015; WHTC
BATTLE CREEK, MI (WHTC) – The son of former Holland Mayor Lou Hallacy has received a judicial appointment from Governor Snyder. John Hallacy will fill a vacancy in the Calhoun County Circuit Court bench until this coming November, when the seat will be contested in an election to complete the final two years of Conrad Sindt’s term.
(This article doesn’t mention it, but Judge Hallacy is a GRCC alumnus.)
Tom Rademacher: After nearly 40 years with Press, it’s time to say farewell
Dec. 31, 2015; MLive
Over the course of nearly four decades, countless readers have asked me to define the most memorable piece written for my beloved Grand Rapids Press. And in this moment, I’m inclined to answer, “Today’s,” because it’s my last. But of course, there were too many others. Others of real import. And there are no words to convey the sense of gratitude I have for what never felt like work, only opportunity. For a kid who was born and raised in Grand Rapids and really never left its embrace, I was blessed not only with a window on the world, but privileged to bring to your front porch the stories of people both struggling and soaring. I was only as good as the editors and photographers who dressed my stuff in headlines and pictures. And ever-cognizant of the fact that no writer bats a thousand, I made just as many mistakes as I hit home runs.
(This column doesn’t mention it, but Tom Rademacher is a GRCC alumnus.)
GRCC In the News, 12-21-15
Electric Car Plugs into Aerodynamics
Dec. 18, 2015; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
Byron Center Public Schools, MI — Byron Center High School senior Trevor Hofman’s specially designed sprockets will help electric cars zoom around the Berlin Raceway, in Marne. The sprockets’ interior is embellished with dog bone and paw print-shaped cutouts, in honor of the Bulldog mascot.
… Machines buzz and sparks fly as students work in teams to perfect their vehicles. Machinery includes two tool room CNC mills, recently donated by Grand Rapids Community College, and a 3-D printer.
Farmington Hills welcomes new police officer
Dec. 21, 2015; Farmington Voice
New Farmington Hills Police Officer Victoria Ward was sworn in December 14, by City Clerk Pam Smith.
Ward holds an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Grand Rapids Community College. She worked as a security supervisor at Gerald Ford International Airport and completed 90 hours of internship with the City of Wyoming Police Department.
In November 2015, Ward graduated from the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy, where she was promoted to squad leader and was described as hardworking, dedicated and honest.
GRCC In the News, 12-18-15
Gov. Rick Snyder makes reappointment to the Board of Barber Examiners
Dec. 18, 2015; michigan.gov (state website)
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointment of Kelly Mitchell, of Grand Rapids, to the Board of Barber Examiners.
… Mitchell has been with Multi-Automatic Tool & Supply Co. for over 14 years as a sales professional in office management. She is the current outreach vice chair for the Michigan Republican Party, is an at-large member for the Michigan Republican State Party Executive Committee, and a member of the Michigan Conservative Energy Leadership Council. Mitchell earned an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Spring Arbor University.
Inside the Game presented by Classic Auto Wash: Saints-Lions connections
12/17/15 neworleanssaints.com
… .Saints Wide Receivers Coach John Morton played at Grand Rapids Community College and then played at Western Michigan from 1992-92
Grand Rapids Sister City: Spotlight on Perugia, Italy
12/18/15 experiencegr.com (Grand Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau website)
Grand Rapids is proud to sing, “we are family” with sister city Perugia, Italy. The Cittă Gemelle relationship established in 1993, made Perugia the third of Grand Rapids five sister cities.
… This past summer, Chef Angus Campbell from the Secchia Institute of Culinary Arts at Grand Rapids Community College was able to visit Perugia to explore the wonderful flavors their city has to offer!
The daily employee newsletter of Grand Rapids Community College 