CLU professors receive project grants

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - May 3, 2012) The California Lutheran University Community Leaders Association has awarded $15,000 in grants to support faculty projects.

Kristopher Karsten, an assistant professor of biology, received $5,000 to take students on two trips to the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona this summer to research the behavioral ecology of lizards.

Karen Renick, a professor of French, received $3,000 for the university's annual French film festival.

Nathan Carlson, an assistant professor of mathematics, and Hala King, an associate professor of mathematics, received $1,500 to expand the Thousand Oaks Math Teachers' Circle that they formed to connect local high school and middle school math teachers with professional mathematicians and other teachers. Math circles are a growing national trend, and this is the first one in Southern California.

Bob Rumer, a physics and bioengineering instructor, received $1,500 to purchase supplies for CLU's 3-D printer, which allows faculty and students to produce physical models. The grant will also pay for models designed by local high school students involved in robotics clubs and a summer engineering course at CLU.

Rahuldeep Gill, an assistant professor of religion, received $1,400 to allow student researchers in his Global Religions class to visit a variety of religious communities in Los Angeles County.

Chad Barber, an assistant professor of biology, received $1,000 to fund student research into multiple developmental programs with mouse embryonic stem cells in vitro.

Diana Stephens, an assistant education professor, received $1,000 for a free symposium presented by the Graduate School of Education.

Debby Chang, a lecturer in the Languages and Cultures Department, received $700 to pay performers at the university's annual Chinese New Year celebration.

CLA was founded in 1963 to stimulate the community's interest in CLU's academic, athletic and cultural programs. Members organize fundraising and social events throughout the year to support academic departments and scholarships. The organization has provided more than $1.8 million through the years.