Welcome to Elements, the inaugural edition of The Citadel School of Science and Mathematics newsletter. We hope that it will inform you about, and interest you in, the activities of the School of Science and Mathematics as we strive to further the School's mission to: Prepare students to become well-informed, effective and principled leaders in a world that is increasingly needful of scientific modes of thought.

The Citadel School of Science and mathematics inaugurated its Distinguished Alumnus Award on March 14, 2008 with the presentation of the first award to Harry Y. "Hap" McSween, a '67 Chemistry graduate and former Executive Officer of Band Company. Hap earned his M.S. degree in Geology from the University of Georgia and his Ph.D. in Geology from Harvard University. Currently he is University Distinguished Professor of Science and Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Danny Gustafson of the Biology Department organized, with support form Dr. Sam Hines, Provost and Dean of the College, the 2008 Undergraduate Research Conference on March 14-16 in Daniel Library. Twenty nine research projects, comprising the work of fifty three undergraduates and the advice of numerous faculty mentors, representing all disciplines in the School of Science and Mathematics, and in psychology, where showcased at the conference.

The Citadel Science and Mathematics Council (CSMC) is a newly formed group of highly accomplished professionals, appointed by the President of The Citadel, who are committed to advancing the programs of the School of Science and Mathematics. Dr. Marc Settin, of Charlotte, NC, chairs the CSMC.

Cadet Biology majors continue to excel in faculty-mentored research. This year a Biology major again took first place in The Citadel Undergraduate Research Conference.

The Department of Chemistry has had an active year. Three papers by department members were presented at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, there has been a temporary change in Department Head, and two open analytical chemistry positions were successfully filled by hiring Dr Ron Hemingway and Dr Paul Simone.

Eight cadets from the Department of HESS were awarded Second Place at The Citadel Undergraduate Research Conference held 14-16 March 2008.

The Citadel's Department of Mathematics and Computer Science hosted the 87th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Section of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA-SE).

The Department is pleased to announce the addition of a new tenure-track faculty member. Capt. Scott A. Yost is a native of Pennsylvania.

Thomas Francis McGarey Award for outstanding achievement in the field of natural science.

New alumni of the School of Science and Mathematics include Corps of Cadets students with undergraduate degrees, as well as Citadel Graduate College students with graduate degrees.

We'd like to hear your stories about how you are doing since graduating.

Donors often want to know how they might designate a gift to the School of Science and Mathematics or to one of its departments. It is The Citadel's policy that any such gifts restricted to the School of Science and Mathematics must be made through the authorized fund-raising organization for the College - The Citadel Foundation.