Minot State University
to host energy symposium
Minot State University will host "Energy Impact Solutions" on Tuesday, Aug. 14 as part of a Western North Dakota Energy Impact Symposia series. MSU and Dickinson State University are sponsoring this symposia series in cooperation with the Great Plains Energy Corridor. A U.S. Department of Energy grant funds these symposia.
"The solutions conference is a great opportunity for people to discuss the solution models that have been developed and to share their own ideas about how to deal with the 'new reality' in western North Dakota," said Joanne Beckman, conference coordinator.
"In addition, a number of individuals and organizations are working on various energy impact studies and projects, and we hope that representatives of all of those efforts will attend the conference," Beckman continued. "Bringing these individuals together is an important step in creating a coordinated effort to address the opportunities and challenges as we move forward."
Researchers have prepared solution models to address community culture, education, emergency preparedness and response, leadership and public health issues which surfaced due to North Dakota's increased energy activity. The researchers presenting solution models are Steven Doherty, DSU assistant political science professor; John Hurlimann, DSU Office of Extended Learning director; Jeanne MacDonald, MSU business administration instructor-Bismarck program; Suzanne Russ, DSU assistant psychology and education professor; and Kostas Voutsas, DSU assistant business professor.
Registration is required by Aug. 7; however, there is no attendance fee. To register or review the conference agenda, go to (www.minotstateu.edu/energy).
For questions about "Energy Impact Solutions," contact Beckman at 224-2614 or JoAnne.Beckman@minotstateu.edu.
Minot native tops field of more than 1,800 on board
Mallori McLees Aschenbrenner, a fourth-year optometric intern at Southern California College of Optometry, received the highest score in the country on the first part of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry out of 1,811 students. She also received the 2012 Dr. Norman E. Wallis Award for Excellence.
Aschenbrenner is a Minot High School graduate and a 2009 Minot State University graduate. She also attended schools in Watford City as a child and young teenager.
She is the daughter of William and Kim McLees. Her husband is Kyle Aschenbrenner.