WNC Notes: Student takes part in Science Foundation project

Western Nevada College student Elana Ketchian is not just a future scientist. She is already doing valuable scientific work as she attends college. Ketchian was awarded a paid National Science Foundation research fellowship over the summer at the University of Nevada, Reno. She conducted the NSF-EPSCoR research project at the lab of UNR professor Laurel Saito.

Ketchian will speak about her project in a presentation from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 15 and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at WNC’s Jack C. Davis Observatory.

Ketchian’s research focused on evaluating the utility of pressure transducers at wildlife water developments. She also learned how the guzzler system or storage tank functions with climate-monitoring equipment and how a wildlife camera is installed.

“I learned so much from the experience of the project, including how to input and analyze data in Excel,” she said. “I created statistical regression graphs, double bar graphs and line graphs.”

Ketchian is working on her Associate of Science degree at WNC, and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation at UNR.

The scholarship opportunity came through chemistry professor Mike Sady, who has taken an advisory role for students in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

“The fellowship has given me confidence in learning new material and it has inspired me to become more involved in projects with a mentor, where I can actively participate in a field of study of my interest,” Ketchian said. “For other students that wish to seek a fellowship, I would encourage them to get in contact with their professors and ask them if there are any projects they may work on which relates to their future career.”

Stacy Woodbury Joins WNC Foundation

Stacy Woodbury has spent most of her adult life serving the public. She has represented Nevadans in a variety of ways for more than a decade and now will bring her experience and expertise to Western Nevada College. The Carson City resident is joining other residents on the WNC Foundation board of directors.

“With the funding cuts made to the WNC budget during the 2013 Legislature, the WNC Foundation will play a bigger role in keeping the doors open for students and our community,” Woodbury said. “I hope to be able to use my lobbying and persuasion skills to sell WNC to legislators and members of our community alike.”

WNC Foundation director Katie Leao said she is excited to welcome Stacy to the board.

“Not only is she an active member of the Carson City community, she has a passion for education and supports the mission of WNC to provide our students with the opportunity to attain a college education,” Leao said.

Golfers RAISE FUNDS FOR FOUNDATION

The 15th annual Western Nevada College Golf Classic on Sept. 27 raised more than $7,000 for students and programs through the college’s foundation. The 18-hole best-ball tournament featuring four-player teams took place at Eagle Valley West Golf Course in Carson City. According to WNC Foundation director Katie Leao, 19 teams, 17 volunteers, 13 corporate and team sponsors and 50 generous donors helped make the tournament a success.

“It was a fun-filled day that allowed the community to come together and support WNC,” Leao said. Players were provided with a barbecue, hole-in-one prizes, on-course refreshments, team photos and an awards ceremony, and the chance to win raffle and tee prizes.

Winners of the tournament low-gross title were Jim Kepler, Mark Sattler, Joe Tamburino and Steve McIntyre of the Eagle Valley Golf Course team. Runner-up honors went to the Carson City Toyota Scion team of Dana Whaley, Dan Luken, Greg Whit and Tim Milligan.

The low-net title was won by the threesome of Dave Troescher, Bill Pope and Bill Challenger. They were followed by Dorothy Ramsdell’s team of Eric Smith, Angela Andrade-Holt, Mitchell Tuffs and Dennis Baughman. Third place went to the Western Nevada College team of Mark Ghan, Chet Burton, Rigo Lopez and Joey McNinch.

Awards were handed out to Tamburino for the men’s longest drive, and to Susan Davila for the women’s honor. John Kadlic hit the closest shot to the pin on a designated par-3 hole, and Mitchell Tuffs won the poker run.