So, in light of my recently swim-heavy posts, I though that
I would share a bit of the academic side of my life. Every Monday afternoon,
the Biology Department puts on a seminar with interesting research by
presenters from near (Oregon Health and Science University, or OHSU) and far
(Columbia). This year I have gotten to
go to three of them. The most recent one was about using prairie voles to
model alcoholism and the effects of alcohol in humans. It sounds a little out there, using a rodent
to mimic human actions, but it was actually super interesting and her research has
loads of potential. Who knew?!? The presenter, Dr. Allison Anacker did her PhD research at OHSU
where she found evidence of social binge drinking, peer-pressure, the sponsor
effect (reducing alcohol consumption when a high drinker spends time with a low
drinker), and (my personal favorite) social relationship differences between
males and females when under the influence of alcohol. In this last one, she
found that male prairie were less monogamous after consuming alcohol than their
female counterparts (who become more monogamous) in the same condition. Which I
found to be highly amusing!
In SAAC last week we reviewed and voted on NCAA legislation for up coming seasons. It was interesting to hear about some of the controversies
related to networking and recruiting in DIII athletics. It was also nice to know that our L&C
representatives would advocate for our collective L&C SAAC perspective at
the regional then national level.
In terms of competition, L&C swimming raced Whitman and
Whitworth this weekend. We raced really
well, especially on Friday night, and were 5 points ahead of Whitman until the final
two events. One highlight of the evening was one of the Freshmen boys breaking
a school record in the 100 breaststroke!
Freshman, Tyler Moody, and our coach Chris Fantz celebrating the new record! |
And, finally, my roommate, Emily, turned 21 on Saturday! Yay! She and her over 21 year old friends went out to celebrate while I stayed in with some of my under 21 compatriots and watched Mulan. All in all, I think it was a good week.
Also pictured is Pippin the puppy who visited from off-campus to say Happy Birthday to Emily too! Note the difference in apparel between Emily (left) and myself (right). (Photo Credit: Kate Garvey) |