October 24, 1997

Art student Jerry Morgan continues with his painting as university administrators conduct members of the Board of Regents on a tour of Richards Hall. The Regents also visited Burr Hall and Burnett Hall Oct. 16 and took a bus tour of the Antelope Valley Major Investment Study Area. (Photo by Richard Wright)

He Loves Them . . . Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

NSF Funds Ratcliffe's Search for The Beetles

Brett Ratcliffe never knows what he'll find around the next bend in a jungle trail.

"You never know when you're going to run into something that you've never seen before, and that is just such a thrill," said field biologist Ratcliffe. "It's like an Easter egg hunt, except what we're doing is a little more important than hunting for Easter eggs. We're looking for species new to humanity, that we've never seen or recognized before."

Over the next five years, Ratcliffe, colleague Mary Jameson and their graduate students will get plenty of opportunities to explore those jungle trails looking for new species of scarab beetles thanks to a $740,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The grant is one of 10 nationwide under the NSF's Partnerships to Enhance Expertise in Taxonomy program, which has identified certain groups of animals and plants that particularly need attention.

"Insects are one of the groups that need attention because they're so poorly known and there are so many of them," said Ratcliffe, professor and curator of insects at the NU State Museum. "The purpose of our grant is four-fold. One is to train a new generation of taxonomists. Second is to produce monographs on poorly known groups of insects. The third is to disseminate electronically and in print all the databases that we create as well as the results of our research in the area of scarab beetle systematics. The fourth is creating a structure within the host countries so they can take responsibility for managing and discovering their own resources. Developing countries are recognizing that their national treasures also include biodiversity - their plants and animals."

Jameson, a research assistant professor at the museum, and Ratcliffe have taken on a monumental task. For example, one of every four living things on Earth is a beetle and there are more kinds of beetles than all other kinds of animal life.

"We really have our work cut out for us," Jameson said. "If you can imagine, within the scarabs, there are 35,000 species worldwide - that's our current estimate. I work on just one subfamily of scarabaeidae and that subfamily alone has about 4,000 species. All the mammals in the world total 4,000 species."

Ratcliffe, who has spent the last two decades studying insects in Central America, said the NSF grant will take his team on at least three major expeditions to South America, one to Amazonian Brazil and Brazilian museums in the southern part of the country, one to Ecuador and a third to French Guiana. On the trips, Ratcliffe and Jameson will gather specimens and train their students in collecting and identifying insects in the field. In addition, they'll learn the intricacies of dealing with foreign colleagues and museums and the bureaucratic protocols involved in returning collections to the United States. The rest of the time will be spent in laboratories at UNL analyzing and eventually publishing their findings.

"The product that we'll have will be a benchmark in systematics, which is the science of the diversity of life," Jameson said. "It will be used as a foundation for others to build on for years and years. It will be useful in looking at evolutionary and adaptation questions, conservation issues, management of natural resources, these sorts of things."

Scarab beetles are generally compact, heavy-bodied insects that range in size from a grain of rice to the 8-inch-long Hercules beetle. A few species are considered agricultural pests, but others are vital in pollination and in breaking down organic matter, thus fertilizing the soil.

"One of the severe crises we have in the developing world today is that rain forests are rapidly being destroyed for quick economic return," Ratcliffe said. "If we can have people trained in those countries to know why they should preserve those rain forests, then they will be better able to maintain those areas for sustained use.

"Simply because you can't see a direct benefit to you doesn't mean that beetles aren't valuable. That's a very shortsighted view. All living things are so interrelated that they make the whole ecosystem work and that is the foundation that allows humans on the planet to prosper. The more we keep undercutting that, the more our basis for survival is threatened."

Accepting the grant, of course, meant the crew would spend several weeks or months in tropical conditions that aren't up to Club Med standards. But that's part of the fun, Ratcliffe said.

"If you're a field biologist, one of the things you enjoy immensely are those rough circumstances where you don't have good roads, where you have irregular meals and the food is not that good," he said. "It's hot and humid in the lowland forest, but it's freezing when you're up in the mountains. In spite of mosquitos and chiggers, we absolutely love it because the adventure and discovery is what we live for."

-Tom Simons

Compromise and Concensus Hallmarks of Antelope Valley Study

The university has fared well in the recommended plans for the Antelope Valley Study, a long-range plan for the redevelopment of a huge part of downtown Lincoln with ramifications for the university.

Kim Todd, assistant to the chancellor for community affairs and campus planning, said the plan is "a compromise we think we can live with," adding that all the affected groups in the 600-block area had to give and take to reach concensus.

Teams from the university, the city and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District have met for months to come to an agreement, she said. In addition, dozens of public meetings with neighborhood groups, business owners and interested citizens were held to try to find the best solution.

The goals of the plan, which could take up to 20 years to fully realize, are floodwater control, traffic control and neighborhood revitalization.

The recommendations put forward by the consultants hired conduct the study creates an open, landscaped channel for Antelope Creek and a new arterial boulevard east of the city campus.

The Antelope Creek flood plain, which stretches from Holmes Park in southeast Lincoln to Salt Creek in northwest Lincoln, encompasses a huge land mass, Todd said. In some areas, the plain is seven blocks wide. A flood plain affects property values, the ability to purchase insurance and the ability to develop, Todd said. No habitable structures can be built in a flood plain.

By creating a channel for a 100-year flood (similar to the flood that ravaged Colorado State University last summer), property owners and others can manage the future of their investments, she said. Should a 100-year flood occur, land in the flood plain would be six feet underwater.

More than 50 acres of the university's downtown campus lie in the flood plain, she said. These lands, mostly along the eastern edge of the campus now are filled mostly with recreation fields and parking lots, although some buildings, including the Beadle Center, lie in the plain. Beadle was built seven feet above the plain.

Todd said the university was particularly interested in keeping the campus contiguous and in how the plan will manage traffic flow. University officials wanted the new arterial to run east of the Beadle Center. And they got their wish.

The new arterial, which roughly parallels 21st street, will shift traffic from 16th and 17th, allowing for lower speeds on both streets. The plan also calls for an overpass near the Devaney Center allowing vehicles to "fly" over trains, which in the near future could number as many as 55 a day.

Kent Seacrest, a local attorney who chaired the study committee, told the Lincoln Journal Star the plan could cost as much as $200 million to implement. Possible funding sources include the federal government, particularly for the roads and flood projects. Todd said an aggressive timetable is projected, with some flood-control work beginning as soon as 2000.

The next stage, Todd said, is a series of public meetings set for Nov. 7 and 8. The process then moves to the Lincoln City Council and the Lancaster County Board for joint approval before a change in the Comprehensive Plan can be made.

The process, while time-consuming, has proved rewarding, Todd said. "We worked as a community working toward concensus. Clearly, there is an impact on all of us. We each had to ask 'Can we live with this solution? Will this make Lincoln a better community?' This is a compromise plan for everyone but it's clearly in the best interest of the neighborhoods and the city," she said.

"It's the kind of project that you do once in a century, if you do it right."

- Kim Hachiya

Neighborhoods and Parents Make Trick or Treating Safe

Several explanations exist for the beginnings of trick or treating on Halloween, said a University of Nebraska family scientist, but they all place the beginnings of the custom among neighborhoods - the Celts, Druids, Irish or English.

Today, trick or treaters need neighborhoods to play tricks on or get treats from, said Herb Lingren.

However,"questions of safety have resulted in some parents looking for other alternatives," Lingren said. He suggested taking kids to"haunted houses" set up by various organizations or to a movie. Or, parents could have a party at home.

"Parents can be creative," he said."The idea is to think of something more exciting than trick or treating. And I know that's no easy task."

Since safety has become more of an issue for trick-or-treaters in recent years, the NU Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist gives the following tips for neighbors who will be hosting"ghosts and goblins" as well as for parents.

For ghost hosts:

• Clear the yard and walkways. Remove obstacles like tools, ladders, skateboards or toys."That's a good idea even for folks who aren't turning the porch lights on and encouraging children to visit. Trick-or-treaters tend to run all over the neighborhood," Lingren noted.
• Repair any loose steps.
• Position pumpkins containing candles where they can be seen but won't get bumped or knocked over. Consider using flashlights rather than candles in outdoor jack-o-lanterns.
• Prewrap homemade popcorn or cookies and keep them near the door.
• If you plan to hand out treats, turn on the porch light as a welcome sign. Otherwise leave it off.
• Create a unique way to give out treats. Simply offering treats from a carved-out pumpkin or a basket makes them extra special.

For parents:

• Have your child walk in well-lit areas, with a flashlight, to help both the child to see what's going on and passing motorists to see the child.
• Make sure your child wears a flame-resistant costume. Keep the costumes short or make sure they can't trip on long ones.
• Make sure children wear their own shoes, both for comfort and safety.
• Use light-colored costumes or add white faces and reflective tape to make the children visible.
• Remind children to stay on sidewalks and to cross the streets with adults.
• Always check for package tampering before letting children eat their treats.
• Watch for pets and remind children to stay away from other people's pets.
• Make sure an adult or older child accompanies younger children.

Some say it was the Celts who began the practice of trick or treating by offering to buy off evil people with treats - before they played tricks, Lingren said. By making the effort to keep children safe, communities can keep the tradition.

- Faye Colburn, IANR news assistant

Crump, Garcia Assigned New Duties

Ricardo Garcia, (shown at right), assistant to the chancellor and director of affirmative action and diversity programs, has been tapped to become the associate dean of graduate studies at UNL.

Garcia will fill the position vacated by Suzanne Ortega while she is on a fellowship with the American Council on Education. Linda Crump, associate director of affirmative action and diversity, will become the director of the office and the assistant to the chancellor. Garcia and Crump assume their new duties Nov. 1.

Chancellor James Moeser said Garcia, who is a tenured full professor in curriculum and instruction, will be an asset to graduate studies.

"Ricardo's strength in recruiting students of color will be a boon to our graduate programs, which already have an impressive reputation for serving a diverse population of students," he said. "I'm pleased to have someone with his distinguished academic background in the position. The combination of his experience with curriculum, instruction and diversity issues will enhance the total education for our students pursuing advanced degrees."

Crump, (shown at left), an attorney who has worked in the UNL affirmative action and diversity office for five years, also brings impressive credentials to her new position, Moeser said.

"Linda's background and experience in the office and her strong ties to the Nebraska community through civic activities will be valuable in her new position," he said. "We are fortunate to have someone like Linda to lend her substantial talents to a smooth leadership transition and the future progress of diversity goals at the university."

IANR Announces Administrative Changes

Recent administrative appointments made within the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources will assure strong leadership during the transitional period, said Irv Omtvedt, IANR vice chancellor.

"With all the emerging priorities and critical issues facing the areas of food, agriculture and natural resources, the university as a land-grant institution cannot stand to mark time in offering innovative educational, research and service programs for the people we serve as we move into the 21st century," he said.

Glen Vollmar, dean and director for IANR International Programs, has been named interim associate vice chancellor for IANR. Vollmar will serve full time in that capacity until July 1, 1998, when a permanent, full-time associate vice chancellor is expected to be hired.

UNL Chancellor James Moeser approved increasing the associate vice chancellor's position to full time when Omtvedt added part-time duties as vice chancellor for extended education Oct. 1. Omtvedt has been IANR vice chancellor since 1988 and was appointed NU's vice president for agriculture and natural resources in 1992.

Vollmar has been dean and director of IANR International Programs since October 1985. Vollmar began his new responsibilities on Oct. 1 and said he looks forward to working with Omtvedt and the IANR administration to provide leadership for some of IANR's day-to-day administrative operations.

"These are different responsibilities and represent a wider range of responsibilities," he said.

John Foster, professor of entomology, will serve as acting dean for IANR International Programs. Foster began his new duties Oct. 20.

Foster headed UNL's entomology department from 1990-1993, and has been a professor of entomology since then.

"I'm looking forward to this opportunity," Foster said. "I have a deep interest in international programs and most of my current graduate students are international students."

Darrell Nelson, dean of IANR's Agricultural Research Division, has been IANR interim associate vice chancellor on a part-time basis since July 1, 1996, when Omtvedt was appointed interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. Nelson will return full time to ARD.

- Molly Klocksin, IANR news writer

Department Chair Recalls Robert Miewald's Modesty, Wit

Robert Miewald, a longtime professor of political science who died of a heart attack Oct. 18 at age 59, is being remembered by students and colleagues for his unique wit, his modesty, and his ability to reach students in classrooms both large and small.

Funeral services were Tuesday in Lincoln for Miewald, who was known as one of the state's foremost experts on Nebraska government and politics. But within the university community, he is warmly remembered for so much more.

David Forsythe, chairman of the political science department, said he related stories at Tuesday's service which he felt exemplified Miewald's humor, teaching skill and humility.

Forsythe said that Miewald had "dynamite" student evaluations, even from students in the "monster sections," those large classes in American Government that would contain 200 or even 300 students.

"He had a way of reaching students even in those very large classes, especially those students who weren't sure what they were doing with their lives," said Forsythe. "I once told Bob that I wanted to put him up for a teaching award, but he would not let me do that. He just didn't need that kind of recognition that most faculty crave. He didn't want it, he didn't care about that sort of thing. He was very modest and reserved with most people."

Forsythe also praised Miewald for his work ethic.

"One of the ways we teach American Government is through the Keller Plan, which was created by Mike Steinman. When Steinman left to become associate dean of arts and sciences, he was the only person who had ever run the Keller plan. I was left with the challenge of how to run this computer-based specialized teaching program with more than 600 students," said Forsythe.

"Bob said 'I'll do it.' I offered to switch some of his workload and but he said no, he would do it in addition to what he was already doing. When I offered him more money as compensation for the extra workload, he said that he wasn't interested in that.

"That was the kind of guy he was."

Miewald earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Oregon in 1960 and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in 1966. He taught at California State College-Long Beach before coming to Nebraska in 1971. He was author of the book, "Nebraska Government and Politics," and was a member of the American Society of Public Administration, the American Political Science Association, the Pi Sigma Alpha Honorary, Phi Beta Kappa and the American Legion Post No. 3.

The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association.

- David Ochsner

Back to menu