Political science prof named associate dean

A Kansas University associate professor of political science will become interim associate dean of international programs during the 2003-2004 academic year, officials announced recently.

Thomas Heilke will replace Paul D’Anieri, who recently accepted the position of director of Russian and East European studies at KU. A search for a permanent replacement for D’Anieri will take place this spring.

Heilke, who researches political theory, politics and religion, international relations and Canadian studies, has directed the humanities and Western civilization study abroad program in Florence, Italy, and Paris. He served as director of graduate studies in political science from 1997 to 2001.

Associate nursing dean receives national award

The associate dean for academic affairs at the Kansas University school of nursing has received an award for the use of technology in health care.

Helen Connors received the sixth annual International Recognition Award for Advancement of Computer Technology in Healthcare from the annual International Nursing Computer and Technology Conference.

The award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the use of computer technology in the delivery of health care.

Geological Survey recognizes students

Two graduate students at Kansas University have been recognized for their accomplishments at the Kansas Geological Survey.

Shaun Morrell, Salina, and Gary Hecox, Lawrence, received cash awards and certificates last month from the KGS.

Morrell received the survey’s Norman Plummer Outstanding Student Award for his work in the survey’s library. The award goes to a student who provides support services at the survey.

Hecox received the William W. Hambleton Student Research Award. He has been a research assistant at the survey since 2000, studying groundwater declines and water-level measurements in northwestern Kansas.

‘Upward Bound’ powwow draws 200 youngsters

About 200 American Indian youngsters last week took part in a powwow at Haskell Indian Nations University.

The youngsters were participants in “Upward Bound” programs at Haskell, Kansas University, Kansas State University and Emporia State University.

The program offers mentoring and intensive instruction to low-income students who wish to attend college after high school.

Wednesday’s powwow featured contests, as well as a meal of Indian tacos and fry bread.

Weather service touts lightning safety week

The National Weather Service is reminding people this week to give lightning the respect it deserves.

Weather Service meteorologists are observing the third annual Lightning Awareness Safety Week, which begins today and runs through Saturday.

Mike Akulow, warning coordination meteorologist in Topeka, said Kansas ranked second among states in number of lightning damage reports, 22nd in lightning injuries and 25th in lightning deaths. Between 1959 and last year, he said, lightning killed 60 people and injured nearly 200 more in Kansas.

Among those hit was Traci Pillard, a Kansas University senior from Salina. Last August, her clothes were torn to shreds when lightning struck her as she walked along a sidewalk on Campanile hill on the KU campus.

For information about lightning safety, go to www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

Student conservation internships available

The Student Conservation Assn. has internships available in national parks across the United States for students to study such disciplines as historical preservation, environmental education, ecological restoration and revegetation, wildlife fire prevention and public relations and communications.

Interns selected receive a travel grant, a weekly living allowance, paid housing and insurance coverage. In addition, past interns have qualified for AmeriCorps education awards.

For more information, e-mail your contact information to makecontact@thesca.org.