UA receives $15 million grant
The UA received a $15 million grant from the United Sates Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences. The UA has been selected as one of 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers to receive a grant, which was announced on Monday by President Barack Obama.
“”They’re fairly competitive and it’s a lot of money too,”” said Scott Saavedra, a professor in the chemistry department. “”It’s hard enough to get a grant for just a couple thousand dollars.””
The UA was given the grant to conduct research into the conversion of solar energy to electricity, according to the EFRC website.
The centers are meant to be a way to enroll the talents of scientists and engineers around the country to “”address current fundamental scientific roadblocks to U.S. energy security,”” the EFRC fact sheet said.
ð-Marissa Hopkins
Obama nominates UA professor
The U.S Senate Committee of Indian Affairs has announced their endorsement of UA professor Yvette Roubideaux to the position of director of Indian Health Service.
According to Tamsen Bassford, department chair of family and community medicine, Roubideaux is known around campus for her work with the Indians into Medicine program as well as her research on diabetes and heart disease among American Indian populations.
“”She has an absolute commitment to the health and well-being of American Indian communities,”” she said. “”She’s intellectually impeccable and will bring great clarity and vision to that work.””
Alisse Ali-Christie, a third year doctoral student in American Indian Studies has known Roubideaux for four years through her work at the Native American Research and Training Center.
“”She is the most delightful, loving person. I think that her personality says it all,”” she said. “”Then when you put that with her extensive background in health and educational issues, she’s just the perfect person.””
Ali-Christie said she thought it was unique to find someone who has succeeded in the ways Roubideaux has.
“”We’re all so excited, I have a huge smile on my face just talking about this,”” she said. “”Her desire to help and give back is amazing, she is just amazing.””
-Rikki Mitchell
