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Prior to 1954, the departments from P&BS existed in various colleges -- Arts and Sciences, Science, and Engineering.
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The Russian launch of Sputnik, Earth's first artificial satellite, led to an increase of interest in the sciences among SEU students.
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The Chemistry Building, later named the Carriage House was the science hub on campus until the construction of Fleck Hall. Fleck was named after chemistry professor and then-president Raymond Fleck, who constructed many buildings on campus during his time at SEU.
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By the end of the 1963-'64 school year, a computer center existed in Fleck Hall and computer classes were being offered.
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Moody Hall is constructed, becoming the prime building for science classes (some still took place in Fleck Hall). Moody included Biology and Chemistry laboratories and a computer center.
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Declining enrollment in studying the sciences becomes a clear trend when a national survey shows only 7% of students choosing a science major. SEU responds by expanding the format of environmental studies to attract students less interested in physical-based science and more geared toward careers like wildlife management and environmental planning.
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A 20x32ft curved-eve greenhouse erector kit was purchased with a grant gifted to the university, replacing the old facility on the roof of Fleck which could not support more weight. Students and faculty including professors Jimmy Mills and Brother Daniel Lynch worked all summer to build the structure, located between Fleck and the library.
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The J.B.N Morris family committed to a donation of $500,000 in the summer of 1980. The gift was to be used to improve instruction in the sciences and led by a faculty chair in honor of Brother Lucian, who taught at St. Edward’s from 1927 to 1971.
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Computer Science was the largest major in P&BS, and one of the largest on campus.
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Long-time professor Brother Daniel Lynch became the first Lucian Chair in P&BS.
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The name of the science unit changed from “Division of Physical and Biological Sciences” to “School of Natural Sciences,” and the chief administrator title changed from “Division Chair” to “Dean.”
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The Senior Seminar transformed from a course into a requirement for Biology, Math, Chemistry and Computer Science majors. The first Symposium took place on Friday & Saturday, April 23-24th in Fleck Hall, Andre Hall and the library, with a total of 50 presentations based in scientific literature as well as the student's own undergraduate research.
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Some members of the school's original advisory board included Admiral Bob Inman, Donna Van Fleet (who went to become a university trustee), and Chipp Walters (CEO of Human Code at the time).
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The Lucian Chair at the time, Dr. Jean McKemie, organized the first annual Lucian Symposium -- an event open to the public that brings noted scientists to campus and highlights natural science research.
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SEU magazine announced that preparations were being made for a new science facility -- The John Brooks Williams Science Center -- made possible through a record-breaking $7.5 million gift from the Houston businessman it would be named after. The plan had 2 phases -- the 1st building would occupy chemistry and biology, and the 2nd would house mathematics, physics and computer science.
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Brother Romard received the university’s Distinguished Teaching Award in May 2005, recognizing his 5 decades of teaching at SEU. Romard used his award check to create a scholarship in his name. A good friend and former student of Romard's, Bob Wilems, provided a substantial contribution and led the effort by contacting fellow students of Romard’s from the 1960s for support.
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The Fall 2006 SEU magazine introduced the newly built John Brooks Williams North building. Moving chemicals, specimens, and equipment from Fleck to JBWN was a memorable challenge faced by faculty. Physics moved into Moody Hall, waiting for the south building to open.
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Computer science professor Richard Kopec secured an Army Research Office grant to fund the new facility located in the Woodward building.
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St. Edward’s acquired part ownership of Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve to help protect the natural resources and create a living laboratory.
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The program, which helps students establish their credentials as experienced scientists, was funded by a National Science Foundation grant. This grant also established the Freshman Accelerated Research Methods workshop which allows select STEM students to live and learn on campus in the week prior to regular classes.
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The research center located in the preserve was named.
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Biology professor Allan W. Hook established the fund in May with his wife Rosemary, turning their appreciation for nature and desire to protect the ecosystem at Wild Basin into a research opportunity available to students from any school.
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The $22 million John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center's South Building was completed in the fall, thanks to 250+ donors. Its features include mathematics research/tutoring labs, Carter Auditorium, and the naturally lit Wilems Atrium entryway.
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Physics professor and dean of Natural Sciences Gary Morris received grants to support an air-quality monitoring system -- 2 cameras on the roof of the John Brooks Williams South building.
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The garden demonstrates how multiple plant species -- normal, and ozone-tolerant -- visibly react to ozone pollution.
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In spring, the program awarded its 3-star rating certificate to the building for its environmentally-sensitive design. The sun penetrates southern-facing windows in the winter to increase solar heat intake, while large overhangs and window screens limit solar radiation in the summer.
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Forensic Science was introduced as a new major in Natural Sciences under Chemistry in 2016 and became its own department the following year. For the decade prior, it had been a major in the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
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In spring, these additions to the air-quality monitoring system on the JBWS roof were made, and weather balloons were launched from the hilltop.
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The grant-funded program's mission: to prepare students for the 4th industrial revolution and the jobs of tomorrow in fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, nanotechnology, fingerprinting, and more
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In spring, the university responded to the Coronavirus by moving classes online for the rest of the semester -- an entirely new challenge for students, faculty, and staff alike. Campus was closed, including living facilities. In May, budget challenges led to the termination of many faculty and staff members, as well as certain athletic programs, the School of Education, and more. Kinesiology joined the school of Natural Sciences.
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With social distancing, masks, and other safety measures in place, campus re-opened to students in fall. Online classes were the new normal with the exception of courses that could only take place in person.
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The February winter storm in Texas nicknamed Snowpocalypse led to widespread power and water outages. Seven class days were canceled, as were the (mostly virtual) Homecoming week events. Areas of campus served as warming and water bottle stations. Some buildings, including the north science building, suffered water leak damages.
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