Teaching junior high kids can be challenging. Teaching them computational thinking is a herculean task. But following months of preparation and research, one Truman academic club cut the Gordian knot—they developed a method to help teens learn some of the basics of computer science. At the OurCS conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, TWiCS (Tru-Women in Computer Science) presented the paper "Telephone: Phylogenetics Unplugged."

The Project
According to Jon Beck, associate professor of computer science and TWiCS mentor, the paper was designed to be a chapter in a book. "An academic group in New Zealand published a resource book for teachers called Computer Science Unplugged. It's designed to teach computational thinking to K-12 students," says Beck. Each chapter is a module that teaches one concept, based around an activity using objects like post-it notes or ping-pong balls.

TWiCS developed "Telephone: Phylogenetics Unplugged" as a chapter in the New Zealand group's next book. The chapter's concept is illustrated by playing the children's game "telephone," in which someone whispers a message and it gets passed down the line. "The idea is that you can simulate evolution as the message changes down the line," says Beck. "It teaches a bioinformatic concept, which is computer science plus biology."

The Preparation
While preparing this paper, TWiCS had to test, research, and keep in mind their junior high audience. "They had to make sure it wasn't too complicated, and they couldn't add too many rules," Beck says. "They also had to plan for ways the game could go wrong—so the teacher would be prepared."

The Conference
Seven Truman students worked on the presentation and attended the conference. Junior Amy McNabb said, "It was very exciting to present our ideas in front of such a large audience of peers and computer science professionals. Although we were a little nervous, our presentation went smoothly. It felt great to know that others thought our work was interesting and valuable, too."

She added, "Just being around other women interested in computer science was a great experience."

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National leaders in Washington, D.C., should possess honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. But according to Mark Grider, a Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, these attributes hinge upon an often overlooked quality: humility.

"Working in Washington, D.C. is a great honor," he says. "You need to constantly remind yourself that you're privileged to be in your position, and being a leader is about serving others."

A Notable Career
When you have a resume like Mark Grider's ('95), you would think humility would run short. But Grider possesses the rare combination of modesty and an impressive professional record. Currently, Grider works at the Department of Justice as the Executive Director of the Intellectual Property Task Force and advises the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General on computer crime and intellectual property matters. Additionally, he serves as Special Counsel on Health Care Fraud.

"I've had the opportunity to work with a number of great public servants from Missouri and elsewhere," he says. "Being mentored by good leaders is very important."

Choosing Truman
Grider is quick to praise his Truman education. During his tenure at Saint Louis University High School, he was recruited by many schools to play football—but Truman's stellar academic reputation stood out. "A strong academic program was the most important factor in my decision," he recalls. "The small class sizes also attracted me. You can't beat the professor-to-student ratio."

Grider was a communications major and enrolled in many political science classes to prepare him for law school and beyond. After interning at the Missouri state capital, he attended law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. After law school graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C., to work for United States Senator John Ashcroft and later became an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Eastern District of Virginia. Grider's AUSA position provided him the opportunity to be promoted to the position he holds today in the Department of Justice.

Words of Wisdom
Grider offers three keys to his success: "Faith, perseverance, and humility." He adds, "Faith inspires you and gives you hope, perseverance keeps you focused, and humility helps you remain teachable."

He also advises prospective students to remember that their college years—as well as every day—can be a fresh start. "It is not how you start, it is how you finish. If you achieved success in high school, you can't rest on your laurels. You always have to keep learning."

With this core set of values, Grider has become a public servant that Truman can truly boast about.

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Loyal fans who attended OKGo's December 7 performance at Truman were not disappointed. And for those of us who have never been exposed to OkGo's genre of music, we were impressed. The group was funny, related to the crowd well, and rocked out the stage and the floor.

When OkGo appeared, we weren't sure where to focus our attention. Smoke covered the stage, and the projection screen background flashed shapes, pictures, and colors that both confused and excited us. Then the band members came on the stage, complete in esoteric outfits. Two of the members were in suits, and two were wearing cabby hats and thick glasses. Somehow, it worked for them.

When they started to play, the experience was complete. Their music was not in any way disappointing, and their personalities were ever less so. They had a rare talent in relating to the crowd. The highlight of the show was when the band played several acoustic songs on a small stage in the middle of the audience, complete with a glockenspiel.

When we weren't focusing on the actual band, most of us were watching the background screen. Whether it was displaying various women being splashed with water, consumed in colorful spirals, or a montage of household items, the background was an effective backdrop to OkGo's already entertaining concert.

All of the effects of the concert culminated in the encore. It was difficult to concentrate on the music when the band members' clothing lit up, making for a fun, engaging performance. OKGo made a fan out of this skeptic, that's for sure.

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When a Truman freshman sends in a housing application, that student isn't just dealing with chance, dumb luck, or blue-sky dreaming that he or she will get the housing preferences requested. There is a system: first come, first served. So hurry, because all freshmen (with very few exceptions), are required to live in a university residence hall for their first year at Truman.

Live Where You Want To
Roommate requests, as well as specific building preferences, are granted on a timely basis. "Applying early for housing allows students to submit their preferences earlier, and increases the chances of getting their top choices!" says Andrea O'Brien, Director of Resident Life at Truman. If a student does not have a specific roommate request, Truman will use the information from your application to try and place you with someone compatible.

What Housing Offers
Residence halls at Truman range from a home-like building with only 68 students to a larger facility housing over 600. "Students who live on campus not only are able to make life-long connections, but also have easy access to performers, campus events, and faculty members," says O'Brien. Also, the campus offers security protocols and night monitors at each residence hall so that residents and their parents don't have to worry about the first year at school.

Application Information
The Residence Hall Placement Application card will be sent to your home address after acceptance into Truman, along with an informational packet with resident hall options. Additional information can be found at http://reslife.truman.edu.

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