Science faculty, students and professionals from across the state met in Pittsburg, Kansas, for the 147th Annual Meeting of the Kansas Academy of Science to hear the latest research from local colleges and universities. Sterling College was represented by three students, Rachel Grafel, Hannah Kelley and Matthew Schmidt, as well as Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Wai-Foong Hong, who presented research on increasing planting yields during drought conditions. All three presentations included research conducted in 2014.

A unique opportunity to hear John Jacobson, a firearms examiner from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, will take place on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. in Heritage Hall of Cooper Hall on the campus of Sterling College. He has over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, several of those spent in forensics. The public is invited to hear his Friday evening presentation, “A Case Study: Accident or Murder? You Decide.”

Sterling College Senior Shelby Huber added three awards to her resume on Sunday at the Rice County Arts Council’s 41^st annual Prairie Art Exhibition. Chosen from a selection of 78 pieces, Huber’s oil painting “Enervated” was named Best of Show and the Patrons Choice Award. Her second oil painting, “Sean,” was given a Merit Award. Huber, of McPherson, Kansas, will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in art and design with concentrations in drawing and painting, graphic design, illustration and studio art.

Four Sterling College seniors will exhibit their final collection of work as college students in a group show titled “Communitas,” opening April 23. Hannah Gardner, Cody Green, Shelby Huber and Stephen Newby will hold a reception from 5-7 p.m. in the gallery of the Art and Media Center where their work will be displayed until May 16. The Art and Media Center is located at the corner of 8^th Street and Washington Street.