From the "Herb-arium"
Dr. Herb Grover, Dean
School of Mathematics and Sciences
Greetings!
Another summer has passed and from all reports our faculty and
students made very good use of the opportunities available to them to
expand their research and educational experiences in the lab and in the
field. The reports in this newsletter describe a fantastic summer for the
Welch Foundation team – six top-notch students, mentored by Drs.
Gray, Moore, and Reinhart made substantial progress in their research.
Never ones to let a good field season pass them by, Drs. Kasner and
Walsh took to the field with students and recent alums to discover the
wonders of the invertebrate world along the Texas coast and unearth
fossils from the upper great plains states. You will also see mentioned in this newsletter accounts of
faculty involvement in scientific meetings (e.g., Dr. Emilia Moore), and an extensive mission trip to India
(Dr. Reinhart). We also draw attention to our newest faculty member – Dr. Don Parker. Not mentioned
is the leadership he provided to an extended geology field camp for Baylor University students.
Can you see in these accounts the vitality of our faculty – a vitality that permeates all aspects of our
academic program? Energy, commitment to their disciplines, a sense of common purpose and a
commitment to the mission of Wayland – these are the qualities that our faculty possess and that are
manifested through all that they do. We know that our students recognize these fine qualities because
they tell us! During our spring graduation banquet we interview outgoing students and ask them to
record their thoughts on video (coming soon to our webpage). Almost universally, our graduates
mention personal involvement with faculty as the primary reason for their success at Wayland.
Opportunities for doing research and the wide range of field experiences that we offer are also very high
on the list of positive attributes students cite for why Wayland is the place to be for a quality
undergraduate education in mathematics and science.
Perhaps our homecoming speaker this year – Dr. Jacob Brewer – will provide his perspective on how
Wayland prepared him for success in his field, leading to his current position as a professor in the
Physical Therapy program at Hardin-Simmons University. In some ways we are a different place than Dr.
Brewer experienced, but Wayland will always have at its center a deep personal interest in helping
students discover their full potential and to set a course along the path to service God is preparing them
for.
As for me, when not immersed in the end-of-year and summer chores that come with being dean, I
spent some quality time in the mountains of Colorado. Along with our children and our grandkids, Linda
and I explored a few trails, paddled our canoe, observed the flowers and critters, and experienced God’s
creation in all its grandeur. Truly a time to reflect and refresh! God does indeed speak to each of us
through his creation if we will only stop and listen. I do not profess to be a biblical scholar, but I have
read that Irenaeus, who lived in the second century A.D. and was one of the early bishops of the
Christian church, wrote that “The initial step for a soul to come to knowledge of God is contemplation of
nature.” The apostle Paul made this same point in the first chapter of Romans, chapter 1, beginning at
verse 20 (I encourage you to look that one up!). The purpose statement for the school of Math and
Sciences underscores these points when we declare “The activities of the School, both academic and
professional, intentionally reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His centrality to all of Creation.”
As you receive this newsletter, we are anticipating a wonderful and rewarding time with friends and
alumni of Wayland during our homecoming celebration September 19th and 20th. Please come and join
with us in welcoming Dr. Jacob Brewer back to campus for his homecoming talk on Friday, Sept. 19th at
1:30 in Room 110 of Moody Science. And don’t forget the breakfast with current and former students in
the atrium of the Learning Resources Center Saturday morning at 8:00 am. We would be truly blessed
by your presence, but if you cannot attend, we ask for your continued prayers and support of our
programs.
God Bless!
Research
WELCH Team 2014
Left: Ashley Rivera, Tim McCutcheon, Jessica Kenneson, Daniel Capps, Sarah Kelly, Evan McElwain
The Welch Departmental Grant provides Wayland science students the research and presentation
experiences that provide invaluable preparation for their success in post-graduate research and
graduate programs. This summer, six students were provided the opportunity to receive a stipend from
the Welch grant. Ashley Rivera and Tim McCutcheon worked under Dr. Gray, Daniel Capps and Jessica
Kenneson worked under Dr. R. Moore, and Evan McElwain and Sarah Kelly worked under Dr. Reinhart.
One of the unique attributes in the science program through Wayland is that students have the freedom
to choose what kind of research they would like to do. Jessica, a senior chemistry/molecular biology
double major, began her undergraduate research based on her curiosity from an article she read as part
of one of her freshman science classes from Dr. R. Moore. Together they developed a small, versatile
documentation system that was quickly recognized as being able to do analysis for most imaging needs
in chemistry and cell biology. Jessica showed that it was more sensitive and more accurate than all of
the other imagers we had in the building, improved analysis time substantially, and mediated many
other factors specific to individual techniques. This, along with the convenience of having a single
system to do all analyses rather than having to learn a different system for each, resulted in a transition
of the other summer researchers to using the new system nearly exclusively for their research this
summer. This system, developed for less than $6,000, is now routinely being used for a suite of
techniques that would require a commercial imager costing over $30,000. An abstract submitted to the
South West Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society was noticed by a session leader and
Jessica was invited to give an oral presentation in a non-undergraduate session. During her
presentation, Dr. Dimitri Pappas from Texas Tech recognized the potential for this system to solve many
of his imaging problems with microfluidics. Dr. Moore and Dr. Pappas are currently in communication
regarding collaboration possibilities for assisting his research as well as further developing this imaging
system. Jessica, meanwhile, has begun to use the system to address her initial research interest in
investigating the cause of mutagenicity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis using chemiluminescence - a new
approach to the biochemical system she is investigating as well as a technique not previously available
at Wayland due to the high cost of the imagers.
Daniel, a new Welch summer researcher, has continued to identify new techniques and catalog
detection sensitivities of the new system. In particular, Daniel has demonstrated that this imaging
system is sensitive enough for fluorescent DNA hybridization experiments such as those used to detect
genetic diseases, and is currently attempting to design a protocol that would be adaptable to
microfluidics. The long term goal is the development of a broad application medical diagnostic device
deployable to remote areas with little to no health care access.
On Dr. Reinhart's research team, Evan began the summer working on
extracting chemotherapeutic molecules from the plant witch hazel, and
Sarah began the summer working on the plant horsetail. They found that
although crude extracts of witch hazel and horsetail had moderate
cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells, no molecules extracted and
purified individually were able to exert the same cytotoxic results on
breast cancer cell.
Sarah and Evan then turned their attention to a third plant, elecampane, which has previously been
shown by us and others to be extremely cytotoxic to cancer cells. During the second half of the
summer, Sarah and Evan were able to separate and purify. We hypothesize that specific molecules from
elecampane are responsible for its ability to kill cancer cells. Identification of the molecules involved is
ongoing.
Dr. Gray’s team did research in examining the cytotoxicity of yellow dock plant (Ashley Rivera) and
chaparral plant (Tim McCutcheon) against 4T1 breast cancer cells. To begin their process they first had
to purify and filter the two plants. They then ran them through a Sephadex LH20 column to use as a
form of chromatography to separate the plant mixtures in molecular weights and then use a fraction
collection to collect the drops as it separated. After the fractions were collected, tests were then run to
determine the number of active cells.
Tim’s results showed that the chaparral plant did not kill the cancer cells. However, he plans to continue
work with his extract and explore different approaches.
Ashley ran into a few complications with her results that challenged her to change her protocol. But at
the end, her results came back promising. When separating the components in her mixture she found
peaks in her spectrum - meaning that something was indeed present. She took a pool of her fractions
and tested the cytotoxicity of each on the 4T1 breast cancer cells using an MTS assay. Results of this
assay confirmed that yellow dock did in fact have cell killing components in 5 separate areas. With these
results, Ashley and Dr. Gray will continue to explore the potential. In the near future, they plan to visit
Texas Tech University for further research to identify which compound in the yellow dock plant is
actually killing the cancer cells.
Alumnus Profile
Homecoming Guest Speaker
Jacob F. Brewer, Ph.D., DPT, PT, NCS is Associate Professor at
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) with primary teaching and
research responsibilities in neuroscience, neuroanatomy,
clinical neurological physical therapy, and secondary academic
responsibilities in gross anatomy, pediatrics, and health care
administration. He has also served as an instructor, curriculum,
and accreditation consultant for the University of Texas at El
Paso, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Touro University
Nevada, and Rocky Mountain University in Utah. Dr. Brewer
also serves on the advisory council and faculty in the Doctor of
Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program at HSU. Prior to a Ph.D.
in Leadership Studies (2010) from Dallas Baptist University,
Jacob received his Bachelor of Science (1994) from Wayland
Baptist University where he played college basketball, followed
by his Master of Physical Therapy (1998) then Doctor of Physical
Therapy (2005) from HSU. He has led numerous state and national
research presentations and courses related to both clinical neurology
and healthcare leadership, completed a Leadership Internship at APTA
headquarters in Washington DC, and is an inaugural faculty member of
the APTA’s Health Policy and Administration section’s Institute for
Leadership in Physical Therapy. Dr. Brewer is happily married to the
lovely Melanie Brewer (Wayland BA 1995, HSU MBA 1998) and they
have 5 wonderful children (18, 16, 13 and 6 year old twins).
Professional Travel
Geology is everywhere! And the geologists at WBU love to get in the field and explore it. For two weeks
in June, Dr. Walsh, along with 2 WBU Geology alumni and students and professors from Westminster
College, traveled in Nebraska and South Dakota finding and collecting fossils. Although it rained a great
deal, the trip was successful, and they collected several mammalian skulls, turtles and some dinosaur
limb bones. In the first week of August, Dr. Walsh returned to the Badlands in SD for more prospecting.
He was also able to attend a professional meeting and short course on Geosteering with one geology
student and one WBU geology alumnus. Geosteering is the procedures used while horizontal drilling to
control the drill bit to maintain the correct orientation and direction.
Dr. Emilia Moore attended a Symposium conference on July 2-6, 2014. The
conference is intended to bring past Summer Math Program for Undergraduate
Women participants who have now earned their doctorate degrees to mentor
and encourage the current program participants. Dr. Moore served on the
graduate school panel during which students learned about the process for
applying to and completing graduate programs in mathematics.
Dr. Kasner led a group of 8 students in an
extended field trip to Rockport and Port
Aransas, Texas for the summer course of
Invertebrate Biology (BIOL 3401). The
course is focused on field identification
and ecology of aquatic invertebrates.
Students were able to have hands on
experiences with many different species
of snails and invertebrates, while also
forming a deeper appreciation for the care
of God's creation. Along with the extended
field trip, student were also able to collect
in freshwater springs on a private ranch
along the Caprock.
Faculty Profile
Dr. Parker was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. His main
interests are in volcanology and igneous petrology that originated
during visits to Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains of
West Texas while he was a teenager. He has followed this interest
for more than forty years, chiefly focusing his research upon major
and trace element geochemistry of silicic systems. Dr. Parker
believes that integrated studies of volcanic systems, involving both
field and laboratory analysis, provide the best approach to solution
of problems associated with these systems. Dr. Parker’s wife,
Rebecca, has worked as a Christian Educator and also as a florist. She
is originally from Hays, KS. They have two children Travis and
Cimarron. Travis is a military policeman, currently serving in
Kandahar, Afghanistan. Cimarron graduated from Baylor last May
with a BA in French and is moving to Paris, France this month to study
for a Master's degree in French from New York University.
We are very pleased to have Dr. Parker join our Wayland family.
Not only will he add a bit of "hard rock" to our department, but will also be a great contributor in
carrying out our School's mission. To read more about Dr. Parker, go to his faculty webpage on
www.wbu.edu/mathsci/
Integration of Faith and Science
To some, faith and science seem to be separate. But the School of Math and Sciences knows that the
two complement and strengthen each other. Our School's mission statement says; "The activities of the
School, both academic and professional, intentionally reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His
centrality to all of creation". Our faculty members live to serve the Lord and show it by prayer, providing
a Christian environment for the students, and in some cases even leading mission trips around the
world.
In July, Dr. Reinhart helped lead a mission trip of mostly college students from his church to Bangalore,
India. They chose this city of 11 million people because less than 2% of the people there are Christians,
most of the people under the age of 40 speak English and are open to talk about spiritual matters. The
group worked with a long term church planting team that has been very effective in planting and
multiplying house churches. They had a very fruitful trip and saw many Hindus and Muslims give their
lives to Jesus and get plugged in to the house church movement.
This coming May, Drs. Reinhart and Kasner are planning another medical mission trip to Honduras. The
first trip was in March of 2013 with a team of 12 people, including seven students to an area
approximately 30-45 miles northeast of the Honduran capitol of Tegucigalpa. Over that one-week
period, the team conducted several medical clinics, did some construction work at an orphanage and
visited an international school. Team members also did gospel presentations and taught children's Bible
stories to those who were seeking help through the clinics. The trip was a great success and we are
expecting the same from the trip in May. Stay tuned for more information.
News and Events
September 5: Math and Sciences Ice Cream Social: Fellowship is shared over ice cream sundaes
with faculty and new and returning students. Information is provided on student organizations,
scholarships, and undergraduate research.
September 17-21: Geology Field Trip: Dr. Parker will be leading a group of about 12 students on an
extended field trip to northern New Mexico.
September 19: Guest Alumnus Speaker Dr. Jacob Brewer: Join us for a
Homecoming talk by WBU graduate Jacob Brewer at 1:30 p.m., Moody Science
Building 110. Dr. Brewer will provide insight on his personal journey and how he
got where he is today. Reception to follow.
September 20: Breakfast for Math & Sciences faculty, alumni, and students.
Breakfast will be provided at 8 a.m. in the LRC atrium. We are very proud of all our
alumni and would love to see everyone there. RSVP’s are appreciated by Sept. 12
to mcphersonm@wbu.edu or (806) 291-1130.
September 24-26: West Texas Geological Society Meeting, Midland, TX: Dr. Walsh and geology
alumnus, Hunter Green, will be presenting their on-going research in evaluating the quality of data from
hand held devices. The surface data is used to determine types of rock and other interpretations which
are then used in correlation to rock formations in the subsurface (in oil wells). Over the summer, Dr.
Walsh used Gamma Ray surveying equipment, burrowed from Oklahoma State University. Other
equipment used in the research has been provided by our own equipment at WBU and from Texas Tech
University. Collaboration with other Universities allows us access to both their equipment and their
data, which helps us estimate the variability inherent in the process.
September 25: 9th Annual Fall Cookout: The School of Math and Sciences provides a cookout to all of
our majors and minors and their families. Everyone comes together for food, fellowship, games and
prizes. Businesses in the community provide gift cards or merchandise to help support our students. It is
a great time that is we look forward to every year.
October 1-4: General Ecology and Vertebrate Biology Field Trip: Drs. Grover and Kasner will be leading
a combined field trip around New Mexico and learn how to apply various field techniques.
Welch Grant: The Welch grant has been renewed for the 2015-2016 academic year. Qualifying students
are granted a stipend of a total of $2,400, 3 hours course tuition provided by WBU, and participation in
research projects in the chemistry department.
About Wayland Baptist University
Dreaming big for more than a century
Wayland began in 1908 as the dream of pioneers who respected the life-altering value of education. Now
the oldest university in continuous existence on the High Plains of Texas, Wayland Baptist reaffirms that
commitment every day through a distinctive combination of offerings.
Mission
Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically challenging, learning focused,
and distinctively Christian environment for professional success and service to God and humankind.
Location
Main campus in Plainview, a community of 25,000 on the high plains of West Texas between Lubbock and
Amarillo. External campuses in Amarillo, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Wichita Falls, Texas; Anchorage and
Fairbanks, Alaska: Sierra Vista and Phoenix, Arizona; Aiea, Hawaii; Albuquerque and Clovis, New Mexico;
Altus, Oklahoma; and Kenya, Africa.
Our School
The School of Mathematics and Sciences emphasizes a rigorous, ethical approach to the study of
mathematics and science. We believe that success in these disciplines requires a broad base of content
knowledge and the development of the critical thinking skills necessary for the ongoing acquisition,
processing and communication of current subject matter. The activities of the School, both academic and
professional, intentionally reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His centrality to all of creation.
Support our Program
If anything in this newsletter sparks your interest and you would like to provide your financial support to
our students, either by funding specific areas of research or by providing scholarship moneys, there are
easy ways for you to give.
Contact our Development Team:
Phone: 806-291-3430
Fax: 806-291-1984
E-mail: hope@wbu.edu
Mail: 1900 W 7th Street #621
Plainview, TX 79072
You can also give online: https://give.wbu.edu
If you would like your funds to be directed toward research or scholarships in our School, please
designate your gift. Our Development Team will make sure our students receive your support.
Prepared by Dr. William Hahn, Associate Dean and
Megan McPherson, Administrative Assistant
School of Mathematics and Sciences, Wayland Baptist University