a beam line at roughly half
Michigan over two decades. And as an investment in U.S. competitiveness,
the speed of light—fast
the decision co site the facility on a university campus is a clear win for nuclear
enough to travel around
science education, a foundational STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
Earth four times each
mathematics) discipline.
second. But FRIB's accelerator will hurl dramatically more nuclei per second.
This technical capability is important because many of the most sought-after
rare isotopes pursued by scientists are unimaginably elusive.
One of the strengths of NSCL is the access it provides students at all
postsecondary levels to cutting-edge tools of nuclear science not often
readily available to students. FRIB is expected to enhance such opportunities
FRIB will assist scientists in deciphering galactic chemical evolution to better
understand Earth's origins and make possible countless experiments that have
the potential to transform nuclear theory and to lead to new applications.
for student research while energizing would-be researchers.
The kind of excitement that big, experimental science generates is evidenced
in the response to the "Large Hadron Rap" on YouTube. Created by MSU
Although the full impact of the discovery potential won't be known for another
physics graduate Katie McAlpine, the video—which explains the technology
10 to 20 years, experimental nuclear research already has made possible
and science of the world's most powerful accelerator, the Large Hadron
technologies that are making the world a safer place, including a high-precision
Collider in Geneva, Switzerland—was viewed more than four million times,
handheld device that detects a host of destructive elements. Advances in
and McAlpine now is working on a rap about rare isotope research.
accelerator technology used in nuclear and high-energy particle physics also
are leading to innovations in proton therapy, which is showing promise in
treating certain types of cancer.
The journey to make FRIB a reality has only just begun, but until the
next-generation facility is completed, a substantial upgrade to NSCL is
ensuring that today's finest scientific minds—and the next generation of
FRIB is expected to provide economic benefits as well. This science infrastructure
nuclear scientists—have uninterrupted opportunities for research that can
investment will bring an estimated billion dollars in economic activity to
capture the imagination and transform the world. 0
PA SU tiilei continued
director at MSU Hillel. "Michigan State helps us
including Fall Welcome events, concerts, and
Balancing cultural and religious programs with
do what we do and creates a comfortable
religious and cultural celebrations.
social events enables Hillel to reach more students
environment for Jewish students. Hillel is their
home away from home."
Hillel and JSU also partner with student groups
for community volunteer efforts. This year,
in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.
Throughout the year, students organize a number
of social activities, including Challahween, Israel
Nearly all of the programs Hillel offers are student
students joined members of the Muslim Students'
driven, which is one reason the organization is so
Association to pack lunches for a homeless shelter
successful at attracting students, according to
in Lansing. Hillel also organized outreach trips to
On April 2, a diverse group of students participated
Cindy Hughey, executive director of MSU Hillel.
Ronald McDonald House and Haven House, a
in Hillel's second annual Sparty's Bar Mitzvah party,
Recently, a 2,500-square-foot addition to the
local shelter.
an evening of fun that featured Sparty, MSU's
center was completed to accommodate the large
number of students and events.
"The Jewish Student Union is a great way for
students to build leadership skills," says David
Fest, Purim Party, and the Hillel bowling league.
beloved mascot, joining students in the festivities.
"I think events like Sparty's Bar Mitzvah party make
Throughout the year, many of the programs
Mindell, the organization's president. "We have
Hillel cool," says Aaron Schaer, a member of the
organized by Jewish students involve collaborating
representatives in student government and in
Jewish Student Union board. "It shows there's
with other cultural and religious groups on
residence halls who work to connect Jewish
something for everyone here." 0
campus to initiate dialogues—many that might
students to MSU."
not otherwise take place—in open and positive
environments.
To kick off fall semester, Hillel sponsored a block
party with United Methodist and Catholic student
groups, as well as the MSU Community Relations
Coalition, to welcome students to campus. And
earlier this year, Hillel invited the Black Student
Alliance to be part of a discussion about challeng-
es facing black and Jewish students. The dialogue
was followed by a traditional Shabbat dinner.
The Jewish Student Union (JSU), one of the largest
student government–funded organizations at
MSU, works closely with Hillel to provide regular,
free programs for the entire student community,
Learn more at msuhillel.org .
The second annual Sparty Bar Mitzvah party is one of many events and programs sponsored by MSU Hillel.