Sul Ross State University

News Release for July 3, 2008

SUL ROSS STUDENT RESEARCHES 21ST CENTURY DENTAL PRACTICES

by Jason Hennington, News Writer

Interests in dental practices both present and future are a part of Sul Ross State University student Lucia DeLaRosa's McNair Scholars Program research.

DeLaRosa's project, "Reshaping of Dental Practices in the 21st Century," involves studying laser use. Her project, based on instrumentation, was extremely broad, so she chose lasers as the focus of her research.

"That's where it's going," DeLaRosa, San Antonio, said. "You can only do so much with drills. They [lasers] are not trying to replace drills, but are more convenient and acceptable."

DelLaRosa has gleaned much of her information from articles and journals given to her by Alpine dentist Dr. Jay Fielder. In addition, Fielder has let her observe laser use in his office.

"He has given me a lot of articles, journals, and course manuals," DeLaRosa said. "Thanks to Dr. Fielder, to help somebody like this is truly an act of kindness."

During her research, DeLaRosa learned the specific uses of different lasers and how much they can improve the dental field.

"It's cool because different lasers do different things. They are expensive, but can cut time off surgery," she said.

Her involvement in the McNair program is giving her a chance to be exposed to the dental world prior to going to a dental school. Her project is more of a "hands-on" experience rather than just research.

"My project is more focused on hands-on stuff. I'm exposed to things, not just reading in a book. I actually have a professional to ask questions and get direct answers," DeLaRosa said. "I wanted to be exposed to the drill and the suction, and know what else is out there."

Dr. Chris Ritzi, Sul Ross assistant professor of Biology, is her McNair Program research adviser.

"So far so good," DeLaRosa said of Ritzi. "He makes sure that I stay on track, and makes sure that I get everything done."

Ritzi meets with DeLaRosa at least twice a week to review any information she has gathered, investigate new sources, and work on compiling her review paper on the topic.

"In Lucia's case, we are combining an internship with our local dentist, Dr. Fielder, with a research paper. She gets to spend the majority of her mornings working at the dentist's office, in effect "shadowing" a professional in the field," Ritzi said. "This is not only a good experience for her, but also an important step toward admission into dental school."

DeLaRosa's project differs from the typical research-driven topics.

"She is using her internship experience to draw on the application and use of lasers in dentistry here in a rural setting," Ritzi said. "We are examining the literature and speaking to dentists in other parts of Texas to learn about other applications of laser dentistry."

DeLaRosa is a biology major at Sul Ross, which provides a solid base of pre-dental subjects. Along with being in the McNair program, she is also participates in the 3 + 4 Plan program, newly designed for students interested in the dental field.

The program is designed to get students into dental school, and is associated with the University of Texas San Antonio Health Center, which is one of the best dental schools in the nation.

The 3 + 4 Plan allows students to attend Sul Ross for three years, and then transfer to the dental school of their choice. Once accepted, they attend that school for one year as an undergraduate, then graduate three years later with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

"Lucia is the first student here at Sul Ross to be taking part in the DEAP program, which lets her complete her B.S. degree in biology at Sul Ross and her DDS in Dentistry from University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center in a total of seven years," Ritzi said. "As both her undergraduate adviser and McNair adviser, I have been helping her prepare for dental school admission."

The program requires a minimum 3.4 grade point average in science classes, all pre-requisite classes passed, and an 18 on the Dental Admissions Test. After taking the test, DeLaRosa will have met all the entry requirements.UTSA Health Science Center has accepted her, and she will attend UTSA after she completes her studies at Sul Ross.

"I went into the dental field not knowing if it's what I wanted to do," DeLaRosa said. "Now I know I'm going to be a dentist."

The McNair Program, named after African American astronaut Ronald E. McNair, who perished during the 1986 launch of the space shuttle Challenger, is designed to assist low income, first generation, and/or under represented students earn doctoral degrees. The program assists students to prepare for and pass the GRE, LSAT, and MCAT tests, as well as apply for doctoral programs at other institutions. The McNair program also sponsors travel to graduate fairs and symposiums, along with periodic workshops on how to find and secure graduate funding for involved students.

Each student receives free tuition, room and board, and a stipend for summer research. Each student is mentored by a faculty member appointed depending on field of choice. Recipients will receive three hours of college credit, and will engage in an intense research project in their field of interest.

For more information the McNair Program, contact Mary Bennett, McNair Program director, (432) 837-8478 or mbennett@sulross.edu.

SUL ROSS CLOSED JULY 4

Sul Ross State University will be closed Friday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday.

Classes will resume and offices will re-open Monday, July 7.

SUMMER II, AND FALL 2008 REGISTRATION UNDERWAY AT SUL ROSS

Registration for Summer II and Fall 2008 classes ais underway at Sul Ross State University.

Online registration for Summer II will end Monday, July 7 at midnight, with late registration scheduled for Tuesday-Friday, July 8-11. Classes begin Tuesday, July 8.

The Summer II academic calendar is as follows:

• Monday, July 7: on-line registration ends a midnight.
• Tuesday, July 8: classes, late registration and schedule changes begin.
• Friday, July 11: last day for schedule changes and late registration. Fourth class day.
• Wednesday, July 23: mid-term.
• Friday, July 25: last day to drop a course with a "W." Drops must be processed in the Registrar's Office by 4 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 8: final examinations
• Saturday, Aug. 9: summer commencement, Pete P. Gallego Center, 10 a.m.

Fall 2008 online registration will end at 4 p.m. Aug. 19, with late registration Aug. 20-25. Classes begin Aug. 20.

"BRANDING TOGETHER 2008" JULY 18-20 AT SUL ROSS

Program Council members from 1976-2004 will be honored during Sul Ross State University's annual "Branding Together" alumni and friends reunion, scheduled July 18-20 in Alpine.

Hosted by the Sul Ross Alumni Association, "Branding Together "is open to all alumni, past and current faculty, staff and friends of Sul Ross. Registration and entry forms for events and activities are available online at www.sulross.edu/mybarsrbar.

Planned activities include: a Friday night social, campus tour, Saturday "Branding Together" fun and games, 5K run/walk and "Branding under the Stars" at the Reata patio with music by Tunes of Texas.

For more information, contact Maggie Miller, (432).837-8423 or Saul Garza, director of Alumni Affairs, (432) 837-8697 or via email sgarza@sulross.edu.

LANDSCAPE PAINTING CLASS OFFERED AT SUL ROSS JULY 7-30

A landscape painting class will be offered at Sul Ross State University during the second summer session, July 7-30.

This class will meet Monday-Friday from 5-8 p.m, beginning Monday July 7. Students may choose any medium that they are comfortable using and are asked to stick with that medium throughout the semester. A van for transportation will be provided and daily painting excursions are planned to the Kokernot Park in Alpine, the Post in Marathon, The Paisano Encampment between Alpine and Marfa, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute in Fort Davis and the Indian Lodge in the Fort Davis State Park.

Three credit hours are available for this class or students may opt take the class for no grade. Class is open to the public, however all tuition and fees must be paid in order to participate in critiques and lessons.

For more information, contact Carol Fairlie, (432) 837-8258 or fairlie@sulross.edu.

JOE RAY RAMIREZ RECEIVES BAR-SR-BAR AWARD FOR EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE

Joe Ray Ramirez, a building maintenance worker for Physical Plant is the most recent recipient of the Sul Ross State University Bar-SR-Bar Award for Employee Excellence.

The distinction includes a cash award and certificate in recognition of exemplary performance. Ramirez has been employed at Sul Ross since March 2002.

"Joe Ray...understands the importance of efficiency and quality work for our students," Ramirez' nomination stated. "He has established a positive relationship with housing staff and the students of Sul Ross."

Ramirez, who serves the new Lobo Village Residential complex, has worked in the Residential Living area for five years. He was praised for his hard work, dedication and "is quick in responding to residential concerns and this type of response is what our students expect and deserve," the nomination continued.

Ramirez enjoys the Sul Ross environment, particularly the student contact. In addition to his regular duties, he and his wife, Corina, serve as advisers to the Newman Club.

"I enjoy working with the students," he said. "As time goes on, I get to know most of them in Lobo Village on a first-name basis. It's fun getting to know people from different areas."

"Sul Ross has been a good place to be," Ramirez said. "It's small, comfortable and we're in a vacation spot all year around."

An Alpine native, Ramirez moved with his family to Holbrook, Ariz., then to Marathon, where he graduated from high school.

He and his wife, Corina, his high school sweetheart, have one daughter, Alayna, 12. He spends much of his spare time coaching his daughter's athletic endeavors.