Students expand their horizons on field trips
Students in the Cell and Molecular Biology class had the remarkable experience to tour cell, molecular and genetic labs at U.C. Davis. In every lab, the students got to meet and interact with the professor as well as graduate students and lab managers.
There were enough researchers available that FRC students divided into groups of four students, where they each received individualized attention from the UC Davis employees.
Each laboratory had several microscopes or other displays set up for FRC students to observe the particular study organisms or specific aspects of the research.
After touring the lab, the class was treated to a talk by Dr. Juliano titled “My Road to Research,” in which she outlined her journey in science intermixed with her research and great tips on how to make the most of undergraduate and grad school.
Overall, the trip gave the students a real glimpse into how science works at a university and in graduate school. After the talk, students met with three former FRC students that now attend U.C. Davis, learning what it is like to be a student at Davis.
Rafael Blanco led an art fieldtrip to San Francisco in early November. This great experience motivated and inspired students. The group visited Jeff Koon’s “Coloring Book” public sculpture in Sacramento, Legion of Honor, public sculptures at the De Young Museum, Gallery 16, San Francisco Art Institute, Art Academy, SF Gallery opening receptions, SF MoMA, and, of course, they toured the city.
Ninth-graders with the Educational Talent Search program traveled from Greenville to Anderson to attend the North State STEM Career Day. This event was sponsored by a number of colleges and partners throughout the region, including FRC.
The freshmen watched engaging demos, interacted and conversed with many STEM career professionals and were encouraged to consider new and exciting career possibilities.
The students also participated in a workshop where they helped to construct prosthetic hands that will soon be given to amputees around the world.
The event was a chance for students to come together as an entire region and be introduced to successful, innovative global companies that are thriving in far northern California. The career day is the type of experience that causes students to dream and plan for their careers in a bigger way.
Upward Bound
The Upward Bound program, visited Chico State earlier this month. Ten UB participants from three Plumas County communities toured the campus and attended a show-tunes recital performance.
Quincy High School Upward Bound alumna Bree Taylor-Mays, currently in her second year at Chico State studying chemistry, gave the campus tour. Bree is now a participant in the TRIO program at Chico State and works for the program as a peer mentor.
The program also submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Education for another five-year cycle of funding. If awarded, starting fall 2017, Upward Bound would serve Plumas Charter School in addition to the four PUSD schools previously served by the program.
Buckle winner
Equine student Rachel Frantz won the first ever Collegiate Division Buckle series to be offered at Crooked River Ranch and sponsored by FRC. The ranch, in Orland, organized a series of Versatility Horse Shows from June through October that consisted of four different events (reining, ranch pleasure, trail and boxing) that challenge the versatility and training of the horse and rider.
More than a dozen students from FRC and Chico State participated. Rachel Frantz, a student in FRC’s bachelor’s degree program, won the high point award for each show in the series and was awarded the overall buckle.
Honor society
The Alpha Psi Zeta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society participated in a regional Chapters United and project in Chico on Nov. 5. Along with chapters from Butte College, Sacramento City and the service organization from Chico State, FRC students helped plan, set up irrigation for, and mulch 80 willow trees along a riverbank as part of a city of Chico restoration program.
The chapter inducted new members Nov. 18.
Member Chris Clements has announced his candidacy for Phi Theta Kappa international office.
The chapter has also been busy with service activities. Members are currently collecting donations of winter clothes and are busy stocking the student Pasta Pantry, preparing to distribute food to students for the coming holidays. Donations are welcome.
Election activities
Dr. Joan Parkin’s speech class held the seventh annual Town Hall Debate on Nov. 2. This year students debated four California ballot initiatives on death penalty repeal, marijuana legalization, ammunition regulation and felony sentence reductions. Students were well prepared and gave passionate, yet reasonable arguments before an audience of approximately 50 community members.
On election night, students from the Political Science 101 class hosted an election party in the student lounge. More than 90 students and employees stopped by to watch results come in on the newly installed TV and satellite subscription.
