Please join the Chemistry and Physics departments for the seminar "GC-MS Toxicological Investigation of  the Designer Drug 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)," presented by Courtney Whetstine, candidate for the master of science degree in forensic science at Buffalo State, on Thursday, October 26, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in Science and Math Complex 169. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome.

Abstract
3,4–methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a synthetic cathinone, an analog of a-pyrrolidinophenones, that has become popular as a designer psychostimulant. Synthetic cathinones and their derivatives are commonly abused as “bath salts” and classed as a schedule I drug in 2011 because of it effects. MDPV is a newer class of psychostimulants, which biochemically change into different metabolites within the human body. This makes MDPV-related intoxication difficult to analyze in bodily fluids.

During the years 2014–2016, a comprehensive collection of 23 cases of MDPV related intoxications were successfully  analyzed in urine and blood samples by Lower Saxony police department in Germany. One of the challenges faced in the MDPV-related intoxications was the presence of other psychoactive drugs consumed along with MDPV, such as opiates, cannabinoids, and cocaine; however, the authors in this paper were able to deconvolute the presence of MDPV and other co-administered drugs using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry techniques. They were able to quantify MDPV serum concentration ranged from 10 ng/mL up to 576 ng/mL. Intoxication cases indicate that the recreational use of MDPV may be fatal depending on overdosing and combination with other psychoactive drugs. The increasing frequency in the abuse of MDPV highlights the need for analytical methods other than GC-MS for the detection and quantification of MDPV.

Please join the Chemistry and Physics departments for the seminar "Handheld X-ray Fluorescence: Technique Improvements for Forensic Science," presented by Jefferson Sinnott, master of science degree candidate in forensic chemistry, on Thursday, October 19, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in Science and Math Complex 169.

Abstract
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is a rapid, nondestructive, simultaneous multi-element analytical methodology for solid or liquid samples. X-ray fluorescence is an established laboratory-based method, but it is also one of the few atomic spectrometric techniques that can be used for field portable instrumentation. An opportunity for a field-portable analytical instrument would be advantageous for forensic scientists to allow processing of physical evidence without disturbing a crime scene. This presentation with discuss the basics of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, compare the capabilities of portable and benchtop instruments, and discuss field studies using a handheld XRF instrument.

The first case study discusses a comparison between a benchtop XRF spectrometer and a handheld XRF model. The paper examines the performance of handheld XRF instrumentation operated in air compared to a traditional benchtop XRF device that has the ability to control the analysis atmosphere. The study shows that as the measurement atmosphere affects detection levels for calcium and phosphorus, Ca/P ratios obtained from the instruments and analysis conditions were found to differ significantly. The second case study discusses a validation of a handheld XRF spectrometer for use in the field of forensic anthropology. The purpose of this research is to develop a method to distinguish human and nonhuman bones or teeth from nonbone materials of similar chemical composition. The third case study details the analysis of ochre pigments found in the city of Pompeii. Wall paintings from Pompeian houses were analyzed by means of a handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to develop a fast method that allows chemical differentiation between red and yellow ochre. The samples were also analyzed in the laboratory with use of a benchtop energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to confirm the elemental composition and the conclusions drawn from the in situ analysis.

Please join us for the professional development workshop "Managing Student Workers Part 1: Supervising as a Coach" on Tuesday, November 7, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Butler Library 181B. Breakfast will be provided, sponsored by the Buffalo State chapter of United University Professions (UUP).

Student workers can be vital to the success, operations, and productivity of many departments, but at times their skills and perspectives are underutilized. Supervising student workers using strengths-based coaching strategies provides opportunities for students to develop career competencies and can help supervisors improve student performance in their departments. During this session, participants will explore and practice student worker management coaching strategies. Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

"Managing Student Workers Part 2: Creating Student Employment Learning Experiences" will be offered during the spring 2018 semester.

Please join the Great Lakes Center, the Biology Department, and the Great Lakes ecosystem science program today, October 30, for the seminar "Land Cover Types as Predictors of Wetland Vegetation Quality," presented by Martin Stapanian, research ecologist with the USGS Great Lakes Science Center, from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center West. All interested faculty, staff, and students are welcome.

Please join the Great Lakes Center, the Biology Department, and the Great Lakes ecosystem science program for the seminar "Land Cover Types as Predictors of Wetland Vegetation Quality," presented by Martin Stapanian, research ecologist with the USGS Great Lakes Science Center, on Monday, October 30, from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center West. All interested faculty, staff, and students are welcome.

Please join us for the professional development workshop "Managing Student Workers Part 1: Supervising as a Coach" on Tuesday, November 7, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Butler Library 181B. Breakfast will be provided, sponsored by the Buffalo State chapter of United University Professions (UUP).

Student workers can be vital to the success, operations, and productivity of many departments, but at times their skills and perspectives are underutilized. Supervising student workers using strengths-based coaching strategies provides opportunities for students to develop career competencies and can help supervisors improve student performance in their departments. During this session, participants will explore and practice student worker management coaching strategies. Please register through the Workshop Registration System.

"Managing Student Workers Part 2: Creating Student Employment Learning Experiences" will be offered during the spring 2018 semester.

Students interested in communication careers are invited to Meet the Professionals Night on Wednesday, October 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Butler Library 210.

The free event will feature a panel discussion with local PR professionals and journalists, followed by speed networking. Students can talk to the pros to learn how they launched their communication careers and, in turn, get advice on how to start their own careers. Students should dress in business casual and bring their rsums. Refreshments will be served.

The annual event is hosted by Buffalo State's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Villa Maria College will host the annual Western New York Student Leadership Conference, "Giving Thanks through Action," from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18. The conference is designed to bring together students from various colleges and universities throughout Western New York to explore how they, as students, can demonstrate leadership and make change in both their campuses and local communities.

Students will engage in highly interactive experiences where they will meet others and learn valuable tools to take back to their home institutions.

The cost is $25 per registrant. Registration details and more information are available online.

Please contact D. J. Schier, director of student life at Villa Maria College, with questions.

Villa Maria College will host the annual Western New York Student Leadership Conference, "Giving Thanks through Action," from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18. The conference is designed to bring together students from various colleges and universities throughout Western New York to explore how they, as students, can demonstrate leadership and make change in both their campuses and local communities.

Students will engage in highly interactive experiences where they will meet others and learn valuable tools to take back to their home institutions.

The cost is $25 per registrant. Registration details and more information are available online.

Please contact D. J. Schier, director of student life at Villa Maria College, with questions.

Villa Maria College will host the annual Western New York Student Leadership Conference, "Giving Thanks through Action," from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18. The conference is designed to bring together students from various colleges and universities throughout Western New York to explore how they, as students, can demonstrate leadership and make change in both their campuses and local communities.

Students will engage in highly interactive experiences where they will meet others and learn valuable tools to take back to their home institutions.

The cost is $25 per registrant. Registration details and more information are available online.

Please contact D. J. Schier, director of student life at Villa Maria College, with questions.