Evangel University math professor Don Tosh gave the keynote speech at the fourth MAKO (Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma) undergraduate math research conference. Tosh presented "Flatland: Inference to Higher Dimensions," in which he discussed the mathematical properties of higher dimensions.
Missouri State University biology professor Lynn Robbins received a $43,829 grant from the National Park Service for his project, "Determine Summer Habitat Use by Indiana Bats to Inform Adaptive Management Actions at Ozark National Scenic Riverways." The study is part of an NPS initiative to manage conservation areas in ways that don't harm endangered species. Robbins has been studying free-flying bats since 1995.
MSU researchers Janice Schanke Greene and Beth Bowles received grants totaling $29,877 from the Upper White River Basin Foundation for their project, "The Plan for Long Term Monitoring of Water Quality and Ecological Condition of the Upper White River Basin in Arkansas and Missouri." The program will assess water quality in the area and work to develop a water quality index.
Bob Pavlowsky, MSU professor of geography, geology and planning, received a $20,259 grant from the city of Springfield for the "MS4/TMDL Monitoring Project." Pavlowsky also received a $17,850 grant from the Upper White River Basin Foundation for "Geomorphology and Sediment Monitoring."
Springfield Public Schools named Jo Baggett its first Starcatcher Award winner for the 2008-09 school year. Baggett, a paraprofessional for English as a Second Language students at McGregor Elementary, started with the district in 1996.
The SPS Building Services Department received the 2008 Facilities Masters Award from the Association of School Business Officials. The department was recognized for exemplary facility management practices and procedures, including planning, maintenance and training.
Central High School's student news broadcast, "Central Intelligence," won the overall Best in Show award at the National Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association national convention. More than 381 schools entered the competition. Central also received 20 individual awards, more than any other individual school.
Hillcrest High School's "HTV Magazine" won its 10th Broadcast Pacemaker Award from the National Scholastic Press Association. Judges praised the Hillcrest program for its "emphasis on the fundamentals of ground-breaking reporting, solid writing and enhanced storytelling through video and sound."
Finance
Sheila Shipman and Rob Dixon joined Citizens National Bank as branch operations officers. Shipman works from the Ozark branch and is responsible for all aspects of operations including new accounts and tellers. Dixon works from the Kearney Street location and has a degree in business administration from Southwest Baptist University.
Health Care
Springfield dentist Dr. Charles Mahaffey received the Distinguished Service Award at the 2008 Missouri Dental Association House of Delegates.
Mahaffey, who has a private practice, was honored for 33 years in the dental profession.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
