New Astronomy Thesaurus Could Help Future Research Projects

January 25, 2013

Lee Rannals for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

A new astronomy thesaurus called the Unified Astronomy Thesaurus (UAT) will help improve future information discovery for researchers.

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) and IOP Publishing (IOP) collaborated on the new thesaurus, making it a gift to the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

AAS will be making the UAT freely available for development and use within the astronomy community, while ensuring the thesaurus remains relevant and useful.

Further development of the thesaurus will be done by the John G. Wolbach Library at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in collaboration with the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) and the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA). The collaborative effect by these institutions will help to enhance and extend the thesaurus to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the astronomy community.

Adopting the UAT within the ADS will result better linking with the astronomer research journal articles through a common vocabulary, helping to improve the accuracy of information discovery.

Creating the UAT is a result of the combination of two separate initiatives to develop thesauri as part of semantic enrichment projects by AIP and IOP.

Thousands of resources are being published each year in the field of astronomy, and these kinds of tools can be vital for researchers to continue finding relevant information quickly and helping to improve the discoverability of research.

Access Innovations Inc, a privately held company that specializes in information management and database creation products, is working to combine the thesauri.

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New Astronomy Thesaurus Could Help Future Research Projects

Astronomy to go: University of Washington readies new portable planetarium

The University of Washington astronomy department is readying a traveling planetarium to take to schools for outreach -- and collaboration -- in Seattle and beyond.

It may look like a carnival bouncy house or an inflatable igloo, but the portable planetarium is in fact an innovative tool for teaching and spreading interest in astronomy.

The circular fabric dome, made by GoDome, is about 10 feet tall and 20 feet across -- big enough to hold a classroom of young astronomers -- and stays upright with the help of a high-powered fan.

It's a fully functional planetarium and then some, revealing the cosmos in multiple wavelengths and frequencies and over time, with three-dimensional simulations of the movement of planets, stars and galaxies, all powered by a laptop computer and Microsoft's freely downloadable Worldwide Telescope software.

The planetarium is the creation of a team of UW students and faculty originally led by post-doctoral researcher John Wisniewski, who has taken a faculty post at the University of Oklahoma. The team continues with doctoral student Phil Rosenfield as principal investigator. Joining him in the work are astronomy lecturer Oliver Fraser, undergraduate Justin Gailey and fellow doctoral student Nell Byler.

Rosenfield said recent department surveys show that while many students bus in to visit the UW planetarium, few are from the Seattle area. So the team decided to bring astronomy to the schools instead of the other way around.

This traveling planetarium will be more interactive than most.

"We are all working on curriculum for the students to create their own shows and use our planetarium like a presentation tool," Rosenfield said. The team is looking to Gailey and future undergraduates to keep the project going when Rosenfield finishes his degree.

Gailey helped develop the planetarium's mirror-based optics and wrote curriculum for its use in a high school setting.

"You essentially make little stops," Gailey said. "You can say, I want to look at this planet and you can pause the tour and talk about it, then move on and it will pan to the next subject."

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Astronomy to go: University of Washington readies new portable planetarium

Ball Aerospace finishes facility expansion

Published: Jan. 25, 2013 at 2:51 PM

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. spacecraft manufacturer Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. has completed its $75 million expansion, effectively doubling its production capability.

The company on Friday said its advanced satellite manufacturing center in Boulder. Colo., added 90,000 square feet and can handle simultaneous satellite and spacecraft builds for NASA and the U.S. Defense Department.

The expansion included a 60 percent increase in clean room space, state-of-the-art environmental testing systems and build-out capacity for a larger thermal vacuum chamber to test spacecraft.

"Ball Aerospace plays a vital role on many of our nation's most critical programs and is committed to meeting customer mission needs for decades to come," said David L. Taylor, Ball Aerospace president and chief executive officer. "The expansion we proudly unveil today also affirms our commitment to growing Colorado's dynamic aerospace economy."

Expansion of another Ball manufacturing facility -- in Westminster, Colo. -- was completed in 2011.

Ball Aerospace is a major provider of remote-sensing satellites as well as space-based systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information.

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Ball Aerospace finishes facility expansion

Ball Aerospace Completes Final Phase of $75M Manufacturing Expansion

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. opened the door today on a new era of space programs by celebrating the completion of an advanced satellite manufacturing center that more than doubles current spacecraft production capability. The 90,000-square-foot expansion is designed to accommodate larger and more sophisticated satellites and simultaneous spacecraft builds to fulfill new NASA and the Department of Defense contracts for space-related assets.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130108/LA39163LOGO)

The $75M capital investment includes expansion and improvements underway since 2005 at Ball's Fisher Integration Facility, 1600 Commerce Street, Boulder, Colo., and comes on the heels of the opening of expanded facilities at the company's manufacturing center in Westminster, Colo., in 2011.

"Ball Aerospace plays a vital role on many of our nation's most critical programs and is committed to meeting customer mission needs for decades to come," said David L. Taylor, Ball Aerospace president and CEO. "The expansion we proudly unveil today also affirms our commitment to growing Colorado's dynamic aerospace economy."

The larger aerospace manufacturing complex in Boulder includes a 60-percent increase in clean room space, state-of-the-art environmental testing systems, and build-out capacity for a larger thermal vacuum chamber to test spacecraft. These spacecraft include NASA's Joint Polar Satellite System, the WorldView-3 remote-sensing satellite for DigitalGlobe, the Sentinel Mission for the B612 Foundation and multiple Department of Defense and national security missions.The new facilities enable Ball to provide the full range of manufacturing, assembly, integration and test capabilities needed to be the industry's go-to partner for high-performance satellites and instruments.

Ball Aerospace has more than 2,800 employees and reported sales of $784 million in 2011. In the past five decades, the company's strength has grown in several areas, including space science and exploration; space-based monitoring of the Earth's weather and environment; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; supporting the military in creating an integrated battlespace; and building space superiority for the nation. Ball is also a leading provider of commercial remote-sensing satellites.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions for national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications. For more information visit http://www.ballaerospace.com.

Ball Corporation (BLL) is a supplier of high quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide and reported 2011 sales of more than $8.6 billion. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit http://www.ball.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates, " "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key risks and uncertainties are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99.2 in our Form 10-K, which are available on our website and at http://www.sec.gov. Factors that might affect our packaging segments include fluctuation in product demand and preferences; availability and cost of raw materials; competitive packaging availability, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; crop yields; competitive activity; failure to achieve anticipated productivity improvements or production cost reductions; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; political instability and sanctions; and changes in foreign exchange rates or tax rates. Factors that might affect our aerospace segment include: funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts. Factors that might affect the company as a whole include those listed plus: accounting changes; changes in senior management; the recent global recession and its effects on liquidity, credit risk, asset values and the economy; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. FDA and other actions affecting products filled in our containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; governmental investigations; technological developments and innovations; goodwill impairment; antitrust, patent and other litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return projected and earned on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding the U.S. government budget and debt limit; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and changes to unaudited results due to statutory audits or other effects.

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Ball Aerospace Completes Final Phase of $75M Manufacturing Expansion

RF3 – Thermal Physiology and Protection – Video


RF3 - Thermal Physiology and Protection
Thermal Physiology and Protection Neal W. Pollock, Ph.D. Rebreather Forum 3.0 - May 18, 2012 Diving is carried out in a wide range of environments and conditions. Thermal stress can be an important issue, particularly for the long exposures associated with technical diving. Proper preparation can improve comfort, performance and safety. This presentation will discuss thermal stress, thermal protection and implications for diving health.

By: DiversAlertNetworkTV

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RF3 - Thermal Physiology and Protection - Video

Nutrition Class for On the Move Set for Feb. 7

January 24, 2013

Special to the Times-Record Sharon Buhr, LRD, at both Sanford Health and Mercy Hospital and Dr. Misty Anderson, internist at Sanford Health, are sampling some new recipes that will be available to taste at the Nutrition, Heart Disease, Cholesterol and You class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Valley City Public Schools Administration Building on Central Avenue. Call 845-6456 for more information or to register.

Special to the Times-Record

Nutrition, Heart Disease, Cholesterol and You, a 1-1/2 hour class sponsored by Barnes ON THE MOVE, will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 7, in the Valley City Public School Administration Building, 460 Central Avenue North in Valley City. Everyone is welcome.

The class is free for ON THE MOVE members, $6 for non-members with scholarships available.

Dr. Misty Anderson, internist at Sanford Health, will discuss how hypertension and diabetes are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. She will also discuss the symptoms of heart disease, the value of prevention and various treatments. There will be time for questions for Anderson.

Sharon Buhr, licensed registered dietitian at Sanford Health and director of the Young Peoples Healthy Heart Program at Mercy Hospital will talk about the role of fat, sodium, fish, omega 3 fatty acids and a plant based diet in the prevention of heart disease.

It is often stated that hypertension is a disease that people automatically get as they age. But this is not true, said Anderson; by eating healthy and exercising hypertension can be prevented. Presently in the U.S. 30 percent

Various foods such as Promises Activ margarine, which is being sold to reduce cholesterol, will be available to taste. Other healthy heart food samples will also be served.

In addition, all class participants will receive Healthy Heart recipes and menus.

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Nutrition Class for On the Move Set for Feb. 7

Will product refinement drive the next decade for the ‘booming’ sports nutrition category?

The sports nutrition category is expected to continue to boom, but the pipe may be empty for new product categories, says the CEO of the International Society for Sports Nutrition (ISSN).

Jose Antonio, PhD, told NutraIngredients that he expects the sports nutrition category to refine its current offerings, with no new categories on the horizon.

There may be new ingredients, but no new categories, said Dr Antonio, who is also a member of faculty at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

I do expect to see more protein blends, however. But for amino acids, there is nothing new down the pipe. We had beta-alanine but that was about five years ago. Is there a new beta-alanine? I dont see it.

Maturing discipline

Sports nutrition has undergone an incredible decade of development and growth, he said. Go back 10-12 years and sports nutrition did not really exist as a field.

If you wanted to do science on sports nutrition or dietary supplements you would be laughed at. Today, it is a legitimate field, and there are dissertations being written about dietary supplements and sports nutrition. Today, its a booming category for both academia and industry.

While the segment has evolved, so have the consumers. Consumers are a lot more savvy about science-based ingredients. As the US population ages, there is a widening of the category, he said, so that is not only bodybuilding, but more about general health.

Flavor is the number one issue, he added. Such is the importance of flavor that this is often what leads consumers to stay with a product, rather than a traditional brand loyalty. Sports nutrition consumers will try all sorts of different products. Take a post-workout protein shake, for example, consumers will try multiple products and often settle for the one that tastes the best.

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Will product refinement drive the next decade for the ‘booming’ sports nutrition category?

Purina Animal Nutrition Launches New Products to Help Horses Stay Hydrated and Support Joint Health

ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwire - Jan 24, 2013) - With more than 100 years of trusted science and dedication to animal nutrition, Purina Animal Nutritionis expanding its line of equine products to include three electrolyte supplements, a joint supplement and a hydration hay block product.

The supplements have been developed through a partnership with U.K. based Science Supplements to improve performance and health for a variety of horses. These products include

"After many formulations, trials and refinements, we found a way to deliver the boost necessary for horses to perform at their best," said David Hoogmoed, executive vice president and chief operating officer, feed, Purina Animal Nutrition. "The technology and research from Science Supplements that is behind these supplements is the key factor that sets them apart from other products on the market."

ElectroEase Electrolyte Supplement and HydraSalt Salt Supplement contain smooth MicroBead Technology, which encapsulates each electrolyte granule and salt particle with oil, so they do not mix with gastric liquids.The coating forms a barrier, making the electrolytes gentle on the stomach. Once the particles pass through the stomach, the oil coating is broken down in the small intestine, where electrolyte uptake is optimal.

In addition, while most electrolyte and salt supplements rely on heavy doses of sugar to promote intake, these supplements feature a palatable non-sugar-based formula that horses will readily consume.

In addition to the supplement products, Purina Animal Nutrition has independently developed Hydration Hay Original Horse Hay Block, a forage product designed to keep horses hydrated after competition or strenuous exercise, and while on the road.Each two pound block soaks up five times its weight in water in about 10 minutes and masks the taste of foreign water sources, supplements and medications, helping ensure horses receive ample water and nutrition while on the road.

To learn more about these supplements, visit http://www.purinahorsesupplements.com or visit your Purina feed retailer.

About Purina Animal NutritionPurina Animal Nutrition LLC is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers throughout the United States. With an uncompromising commitment to animal excellence, Purina Animal Nutrition conducts industry-leading R&D initiatives that create and sustain North America's most valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. Species served by Purina Animal Nutrition include both large animals -- cattle, horses and swine -- and small pets, including hamsters, gerbils and rabbits. Headquartered in Gray Summit, Mo., Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O'Lakes, Inc.

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Purina Animal Nutrition Launches New Products to Help Horses Stay Hydrated and Support Joint Health

Nutrition Council brings advocacy to Abra

PILAR, Abra -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) advocates and some media partners spent the weekend in Barangay Bolbolo to impart to parents of malnourished kids the importance of good nutrition.

As part of the Nutri-Pasada activities for Nutritionally Depressed Barangays in the Cordillera, officials of the Cordillera office of the National Nutrition Council (NNC-CAR) led by Rose Lulu Pagaduan went to Barangay Bolbolo as its first stop. The said baragay posted the highest rate of underweight children in Pilar town.

Around 79 parents and children were given lectures on proper nutrition, nutrition guidelines for Filipinos and organic farming.

Candiz Willy, the municipal nutritionist and dietician, said the causes of malnutrition include Poor infant practices such as exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding-poor attendance to married classes; Poor child care; Limited knowledge and skills on child rearing; Limited takers of family planning method; Large family size; Unemployment; Limited trained nutrition staff; Individual problems laziness; Ease of access of children to junk foods; Teenage pregnancy; Inactive BNC and Unsupported Nutrition Programs.

Dr. Leona Beronia, provincial nutrition action officer, who also lectured the participants on nutrition guidelines, told parents not to allow their children to eat junk foods, instead cook nutritious foods that could be taken from their backyards.

The children were treated to parlor games with emphasis on the eating of nutritious foods while parents joined the vegetable cooking contest which was anchored on the criteria: nutritious, delicious, palatable and made up of indigenous vegetables.

Charilyn Barcena and her daughter Dennilyn Fae Barcena bested 10 other pairs in the vegetable cooking contest as she cooked ginisang patani mixed with tomatoes and squash.

Barcena said the program serves as an empowerment for them to try to make changes in the food that they are serving their children since there are numerous vegetables that are available to be used as sources of vitamins and nutrients for them and their children.

Corazon Barber, municipal social welfare assistant, said the parents and children were able to learn a lot from the Nutri-Pasada activities, thus, she hopes that they have internalized the lessons and put them to practice to help in reducing malnutrition incidents in the barangay in the future.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on January 24, 2013.

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Nutrition Council brings advocacy to Abra

Nutrition Label Changes May Mean Better Dietary Choices

January 23, 2013

Lee Rannals for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

A new study suggests changing nutrition labeling could help guide consumers to making better dietary choices.

The Nutrition Facts label first came into being 20 years ago, helping consumers see important information like serving size, calories per serving, nutrients per serving, etc. However, research shows consumers miscalculate the number of calories and the nutritional content of products that have two or more servings per container.

Researchers writing in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics say two nutrition-labeling changes could have the potential to make nutritional content information easier to understand. These changes include a dual-column information layout that details single serving and total package information, as well as an area declaring nutritional information for the entire container.

The team performed an online study with more than 9,000 participants to measure consumers accuracy in using modified versions of the Nutrition Facts label, and to understand their perceptions of how useful, trustworthy, and helpful the label was.

FDA commissioned this experimental study to look at whether different ways of presenting the serving size and nutrition information on the Nutrition Facts label might help consumers, Amy M. Lando of the Food and Drug Administration, said in a statement. In particular we were interested in studying products that have two servings per container but that are customarily consumed in a single eating occasion.

Study participants evaluated nine modified Nutrition Facts labels and the current label format for four fictitious products. The labels were classified into three groups.

The first group of labels used single-column format to display information for products with two servings per container. The second group used versions of a dual-column format to display information for products with two servings per container, while the third used single-column formats that listed the contents of the product as a single, large serving.

The team also tested whether changes in formatting, such as enlarging the font size for the declaration of Calories, and removing the information on the number of calories from fat. They also changed the wording for the serving size declaration, helping consumers better determine the calories and other nutrient information for a single serving as well as for the entire package.

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Nutrition Label Changes May Mean Better Dietary Choices

Complete Nutrition to Nearly Double System Size in Three Years Through Franchising

OMAHA, NE--(Marketwire - Jan 24, 2013) - Complete Nutrition, the fast-growing nutritional supplement retailer known for its consultative approach to health and fitness, will add approximately 150 franchise stores to its network in the next three years, marking a renewed commitment to franchise development.

The move to expand through an aggressive franchise program comes on the heels of significant improvements to the company's support programs aimed at ensuring the long-term success of franchisees. Key initiatives include the system-wide roll out this year of an online learning management system that will streamline franchisee training, as well as the designation of a corporate field consultant for each franchisee.

"We've completely overhauled our training program for franchisees so they are fully prepared for success on day one and beyond," said President Ryan Zink. "We're ready to create the next chapter of the Complete Nutrition brand as we seek to grow with qualified individuals who are passionate about health and fitness all over the country."

New training tools for franchisees include ongoing educational videos on products, operations and local-store marketing, as well as an online dashboard that aids in customer tracking and retention. Franchisees can also access analytical sales data, allowing them to forecast trends and understand how their stores compare to system-wide averages in real time.

Complete Nutrition will open 25 franchise stores this year through agreements already signed, elevating the total store count to 196. Among the key markets for further expansion include Columbia, S.C., Tri-Cities, Tenn. (Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol), Charleston, W.Va., and the following markets in California: Bakersfield, Redding, Chico, Sacramento and Eureka.

Complete Nutrition began franchising in 2008 and in five years catapulted to 171 stores with projected revenue of $110 million by year's end. To keep pace with system growth, Complete Nutrition has beefed up its corporate staff from five to more than 50 employees in the past two years, including the hiring of CEO Sheldon Harris who previously served as president of Cold Stone Creamery amidst rapid franchise expansion for the ice cream concept.

For more information on Complete Nutrition franchising, visit CompleteNutritionFranchising.com.

About Complete NutritionComplete Nutrition is a network of high-quality nutritional supplement retail stores whose mission is to create a safe and effective weight loss management, sports nutrition, and healthy aging program to help customers look better, feel better, and perform better. Since 2005, Complete Nutrition has been helping people achieve their health and wellness goals by offering exclusive supplements at affordable prices. Staff members are athletes, certified personal trainers, nutritionists, and other people with experience in the fitness and health supplement retail industry. Founder Cory Wiedel and President Ryan Zink were named finalists of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2012 Central Midwest award. Complete Nutrition was recently named to the Entrepreneur 2013 Franchise 500. Complete Nutrition also earned the following top honors from Entrepreneur Magazine in 2012: Franchise 500 award recipient, No. 2 Top New Franchise, No. 36 Fastest-Growing Franchise. Additionally, Complete Nutrition was named to the 2011 Allbusiness.com AllStar Franchises Top 300 list. For more information about Complete Nutrition, call 866-366-5766 or visit CompleteNutrition.com.

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Complete Nutrition to Nearly Double System Size in Three Years Through Franchising

Ohio State student named 2013 Marshall Scholar

South Yorkshire, England, apparently bares some striking resemblances to Solon, Ohio.

At least according to Alex Chaitoff, who recently became the sixth Marshall Scholar in Ohio States history.

Chaitoff, a fourth-year in microbiology and political science, became one of 34 students to be named a 2013 Marshall Scholar. He is the first Marshall Scholar that OSU has seen since 2007.

Hes very unusual in the sense that he has a lot of initiative and just loves to learn about new things, said Thomas Wickizer, a professor within the OSU College of Public Health who has worked with Chaitoff for the past two years. He really came to appreciate learning about public health sciences. He came to figure out how he could take that new found understanding and combine it with the want to go to medical school. And I think thats how he came to win the Marshall Scholarship.

The Marshall Scholarship was founded in honor of U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall by a 1953 Act of Parliament in order to pay tribute to the Marshall Plan, a World War II-era program where the U.S. provided monetary aid to Europe. The scholarships fund opportunities for American students to do one to three years of graduate study at any institution in the United Kingdom. Between 30 and 40 scholars are chosen each year with the aim of fostering mutual understanding between Great Britain and America through the advancement of any field of study a Marshall Scholar wishes to pursue, according to the scholarship website.

Chaitoff, who was also awarded the competitive national Truman Scholarship in 2012, has done research with Wickizer in the College of Public Health and with Tina Henkinin the Department of Microbiology. He is also involved with Global Health Initiative, the Undergraduate Research Office's Student Advisory Committee and Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. He co-founded and directs research for the Pure Water Access Project, a nonprofit organization that helps people in developing countries access clean water. Chaitoff acknowledges several people for his successful record, including Wickizer and Henkin. But he said without the guidance of Dana Kuchem, an adviser in the Undergraduate Fellowship Office, he never would have been able to successfully maneuver each scholarship application.

Without the Undergraduate Fellowship Office, I would have been completely lost, Chaitoff said. Without them, I guarantee I never would have been awarded any of these fellowships.

Kuchem said working with students like Chaitoff is why the UFO was established.

The fellowship office has only been around for a handful of years, and the whole reason the university created it was because of these types of national competitions, Kuchem said. The university really wants to invest in OSU students, and they know that that means somebody has to help them.

Chaitoff has chosen to pursue a masters degree in public health at the University of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England. I chose Sheffield because Im really interested in the social-cultural components of health care, Chaitoff said. Sheffield has an MPH program, and they have people that work with government institutions and have connections to the British health care system, which Im very interested in learning about.

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Ohio State student named 2013 Marshall Scholar