Mountain Home, Arkansas   Judges for the Competition Mrs. Vicki Brantly 32-year veteran of teaching at the high school level Member of the National Council of Teachers of English Has served as a trainer-facilitator for both the Mid-South and the Arkansas Writing Projects Named Teacher of the Year in 1983 Co-chair of the Mountain Home High School English Department Sponsors both Quiz Bowl and the Bomb Squad (the FIRST robotics team) She and her husband have taught in the same school for 30 years with 22 years in the same building Their daughter is also a teacher The Brantlys attend East Side Baptist Church Mr. Cecil Brickell BA in science and education from Arkansas State University Graduate work at Southern Illinois University and University of Arizona in microbiology and chemistry Graduate work at New Mexico Tech in geology and mining Taught science and coached at Aztec Public Schools in Aztec, New Mexico Instructor at the Colorado School of Mines National Science Assisted in development of system wide curriculum and evaluation methods in Roswell, New Mexico Implemented farm programs for the 2000 acre Cecil Brickell Farms in Caraway, Arkansas Affiliations - a Monette Cooperative, Inc member; Craighead County Education Association; Caraway Ambulance Board; Caraway Public Schools, School Board; and Boy Scouts of America, Arkansas extension Ms. Ariel Chatman 2001 Graduate, summa cum laude, MHHS Student at Washington University in St. Louis studying Mechanical Engineering Member National Society of Collegiate Scholars Member Society of Women Engineers Member Student Admissions Committee Dean's List 01-02 2001 National Merit Scholar 1999 and 2000 Baxter Bomb Squad, robot operator and human player Mentored "Hot Shots" FLL team 1999 and 2000, Director's Award and Mentorship Award Mr. Mike Cameron BS in Electrical Engineering from Ohio Northern University Engineering Services Manager at Baxter Healthcare Corporation FIRST Team Leader for the "Baxter Bomb Squad" 1996-1998. Team received numerous awards at regional and national competitions. Team Leader for the "Hot Shots" FIRST Lego League competitons 1999-2000. Team received numerous awards including the "Directors Award" and the "Chairman's Award at the Arkansas State Tournament. Interests: Hunting and other outdoor activities Comments: Lego league provides our young persons the opportunity to get excited about problem solving, teamwork, and competition. Good luck to all the teams. Dr. Eddie Dry Hometown: Squires, MO Graduated from Ava High School in 1981 B.S. Agriculture, School of the Ozarks, 1985 M.S. Biology, Southwest Missouri State University, 1992 Ph. D. Entomology, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, 1999 Currently a professor at ASU Mountain Home, since 1997. Responsibilities at ASUMH include teaching general biology, botany, zoology, human anatomy & physiology, as well as some of the biology courses required for the mortuary science program. A new course in entomology (the study of insects)will be offered in spring 2003. Involved in various volunteer community service projects, Among them are the mentoring program through Baxter County Juvenile Services / Alternative School and participation in a social justice organization, Embracing Diversity Group. I also enjoy canoeing, camping, and backpacking.   Dr. Alex Dunlap Dr. Dunlap graduated from the University of Arkansas with his Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and in animal science in 1984. He earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Louisiana State University in 1989, and in 1996 he received his doctorate in medicine from the University of Tennessee. Between 1991-1995, Dr. Dunlap supported five NASA space flights - as a biospecimen program team member and a project veterinarian during the Spacelab Life Sciences; as a team member for the physiological and anatomical rodent experiment; as a payload Specials/support scientist and veterinarian for Spacelab Life Sciences; and as a veterinarian/surgeon at the Dryden Landing Site. Currently, Dr. Dunlap is a payload specialist candidate for STS-90, Neurolab. Dr. Dunlap is a member of : American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology American Veterinary Medical Association American Academy of Family Physicians Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians Mrs. Sarah Faitak Bachelor degree in Nursing from Indiana University Extensive career in developing and managing health care programs Currently Director of K-12 Education Outreach for the MicroElectronics-Photonics Program at the University of Arkansas NWA BEST volunteer Chair of Arkansas Regional BEST planning committee Ms. Markey Ford B.S. Secondary Education, Southeast Missouri State University, 1976 Currently Energy Education Coordinator, Arkansas Energy Office, ADED Coordinate presently fourteen 9th grade Active Physics programs around the state Past Professional Girl Scout, 12 Central Arkansas Counties, Outdoor Programs Past Water/Wastewater Advisory Committee Coordinator of Arkansas Toastmasters International and Outstanding Women of America Ridge Runners Bluegrass Band, Mandolin/Guitar/Vocals Mr. Howard King Associate of Arts degree from Southern Baptist College Commission and Pilot Rating through USAF Aviation Cadet Corps Bachelor and Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering from University of Arkansas Served Twenty years in the USAF as Fighter Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Electronics Maintenance Officer, Systems Analysis Officer in the Strategic Air Command, Training Command, Alaskan Air Command and Air Defense Command On Headquarters Staffs in two NATO assignments, USAFE (Germany) and RCAF (Canada); and in Headquarters, Tactical Air Command. Instructed in Industrial Electronics at Southern Arkansas University - Technical Branch where he created the Advanced Certificate Program in Robotics and Automation. Associate Professor-Emeritus, Arkansas State University-Beebe where he started the Electronics Programs in the Arkansas State Technical Institute Division. Under his direction, the Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology there was the first such degree in Arkansas to achieve ABET accreditation. Ashok Midha Professor and Chairman of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Missouri at Rolla since August 1997 Served as Professor of Design in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, where he taught for fourteen years Before joining Purdue, he taught briefly at Michigan Technological University, and for five years at The Pennsylvania State University Research interests are in the areas of mechanical design, kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms, rigid-body and compliant mechanisms design, and machine vibration Has received several best paper, design, and college research awards Recently, he received the ASME Mechanisms Committee Award for his distinguished contributions to the science of mechanisms theory and design Dr. Michael Langevin Dr. Langevin has practiced in Mountain Home since 1979. He received his B.S. in Zoology from Arkansas State University in 1975 and attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN for his doctorate. He is a member of numerous professional organizations and regularly lectures to the Anatomy and Physiology classes at ASU-MH campus. Dr. Langevin has raised two children and is active in the local soccer association. He has coached at all age levels and is still an active referee for recreational soccer as well as the state high school level. He was instrumental in the institution of the women's high school soccer team in Mountain Home. Comments: The appreciation of science and its everyday application in ones life cannot be over estimated. I am very happy to serve and make this a possibility in a young adults life. Larry G. Moser, Ed. D. Division Chair of Technology for Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas U.S. Department of Education TRIO Educational Talent Search Advisor assisting high school students with career and occupational decisions and training strategies for 6.5 years at Texarkana College-Texarkana, TX Adjunct Distance Learning Faculty in Public Administration Leadership for Texas A & M University-Texarkana Former City Manager having held certification in Water/Wastewater Treatment, Solid Waste Processing and Management, and Road Maintenance Technologies BS in Psychology from Southern Nazarene University-Bethany, OK Graduate degrees in Public Administration (Angelo State University-San Angelo, TX) and Higher Education Administration (Texas A & M University-Commerce, TX_ Ed.D. in Higher Education, Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A & M Dr. J. Keith Nisbett Dr. Nisbett is currently an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Missouri - Rolla, as well as the Associate Chair of the Mechanical Engineering program. He has 14 years teaching and consulting experience in machine design and analysis, with research expertise in mechanism synthesis. Mr. Ken Patton Engineering Manager in the Advanced Engineering group of GM Powertrain, the global manufacturer of engines and transmissions for General Motors Has several years experience in the areas of design and development of engines and powertrains Received his Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University Received his Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Member of the Huskie Brigade, FIRST team #65 from Pontiac Northern High School; he has been heavily involved in FIRST for six years Ken was the recipient of FIRST's 1999 Woodie Flowers Award, for excellence in communication in the art and science of engineering and design. Has been a student competitor, volunteer, and judge in other engineering competitions such as the Society of Automotive Engineers Mini-Baja Vehicle competition and Formula SAE competition   Mr. Rick Russell Mr. Russel graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1968. He received his BS degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University in 1971. He has worked at Capital Mercury Shirt Factory, Sears Roebuck and Co., and is currently with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. At Wal-Mart, his positions of responsibility have included Asst. Manager, Store Manager, Buyer of Lawn & Garden, Director of Transportation, District Manager, Regional Vice-President of Operations and Senior Vice-President of Forecasting/Replenishment/New Store Merchandising/Merchandising-Modular Planning. He and his wife Beverly have three (grown) children and four grandchildren all of Rogers, Ar. Mr. Ray Simon Ray Simon was selected by the State Board of Education and confirmed by Governor Mike Huckabee to serve as the Director of the Arkansas Department of Education, effective September 22, 1997. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from the University of Central Arkansas, Conway, and an educational specialist degree in school administration from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Previous to this time, he served seven years as Assistant Superintendent for Finance and six years as Superintendent for the Conway Public Schools. He worked 18 years in the North Little Rock School District as a mathematics teacher, food service director, and director of computer services. Mr. Simon was adjunct professor at the University of Central Arkansas Graduate School (Public School Finance), the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Computer Science for Graduate Teachers), and Arkansas State University, Beebe (Computer Science for Undergraduate Teachers). He has served in leadership roles for numerous professional organizations. United States Secretary of Education Rod Paige nominated him for the National Assessment Governing Board. He currently serves on this Board which sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress. He resides in Conway with his wife, Phyllis. They have one married daughter, Dr. Sandra Halliburton, currently working in Cleveland, Ohio Mr. Steve Sparks Graduate of Normal Community High School, Normal Illinois 1972 Associate Degree in Forest Technology, Southeast Illinois College 1974 B.S. Forestry Management, University of Missouri 1979 Worked with International Paper in forest management for 15 years Director of the Workforce Development Center at SEARK College 5 years Director of the Center for Business Industry and Workforce Development at ASUMH for 2 years. Currently Manager of Customized Training Incentives for Arkansas Department of Economic Development in Little Rock. Arkansas Quality Award Examiner for 2 years Instructor of Quality Management, Team Leadership and Facilitator Skills at SEARK College 5 years Mrs. Phyllis Speer Regional Education coordinator, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Coordinates Becoming an Outdoors-Woman® program for Arkansas Coordinates Watchable Wildlife Take A Look program Appears on "Arkansas Outdoors" for AETN. "I'm the Cook." Works in all the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Education Programs Life Member of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ozark Society, and Arkansas Bowhunters Association Member of National Wild Turkey Federation, National Audubon Society, Arkansas Native Plant Society, and National Association Interpreters Member & President of Arkansas Dutch Oven Society "I live on a mountain overlooking the confluence of the Buffalo National River and the White River at Buffalo City. I share the good life with husband and buddy, Sam, as well as two black labs named Moses & Sassafras, , a Manx cat named Gus, and a Tabby cat named Woodrow. Wildlife abounds and fish bite as well." Outdoor passion is Turkey Hunting with a Flintlock and bowhunting. Also likes to fish, canoe, camp, garden, cook, and read. Dr. Ray Stahl, MD Received his Doctor of Medicine and completed his Surgery Residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Practices general, thoracic and vascular surgery in Mountain Home, Arkansas Fellow, American College of Surgeons and Southeastern Surgical Congress Active in youth soccer and Scouting Sons participated in FIRST Comments: I am very honored and excited to judge the LEGO LEAGUE and again witness the wonderful imagination and talent of our area's young people.   Mr. Andrew Wright BS in mechanical engineering from University of South Carolina Masters degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Designed digital aircraft engine control systems while at Textron Lycoming Doctorate of Philosophy in mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Associate Professor in the Applied Science Department (since 1996) and Systems Engineering Department (since 2000) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Affiliations-American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Acoustical Society of America, American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, Tau Beta Pi, Phi Beta Kappa, International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Ms. Candace Zieleniuk Graduated summa cum laud from Mountain Home High School Student at University of Arkansas studying biochemistry Member of the 1998 and 1999 Baxter Bomb Squad Dr. Stephen L. Johnson Professor of Industrial Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville for 20 years teaching and conducting research in ergonomics, quality control and design of experiments. He is also a Professor in the Occupational and Environmental Health program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Masters in Engineering Psychology from the University of Illinois. Prior to joining the U of A he was at General Motors Institute (now known as Kettering Institute) in Flint Michigan for five years and was a Principal Engineer at Calspan Corporation (now known as Veridian Corporation) in Buffalo, NY for five years. His research and development experience has included managing the development of the training program for the US Air Force B-1 aircrew, conducting automobile interior design studies for Hyundai and Kia Motors in Korea, and providing occupational ergonomics consulting services for over 50 Fortune 500 companies. A registered engineering and a member of the Board of Directors for the national organization that certifies professional ergonomists (BCPE).   Neil Chandler Retired partner, Deloitte & Touche, after a 30 year Certified Public Accounting career in Springfield, IL. Among several community activities, served as president of Springfield, IL Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Tourism Commission, and Governor's appointed chairman of Capital City Planning Commission. B.S. from Bradley University, Peoria, IL. Served in the USAF, held reserve commission as Captain. Resident of Mountain Home for 15 years. Activities now include golf, quartet and church choir singing, golf, writing, golf, and acting. The LEGO League Tournament should be a challenge and a new adventure.   Ms. Jackie Leatherman Louisiana is my home state. Mountain Home and the Ozarks have been home for the last 25 years I taught Junior and Senior High Government, History, and English in Louisiana, Cotter and Mountain Home for a total of 15 years I worked in the landscape and nursery business after teaching For the past 10 years I have worked for the City of Mountain Home as the Superintendent of City Parks I am an avid organic gardener and member of the Baxter County Master Gardener Program Member of the Arkansas Native Plant Society Exploring the Ozarks to discover the native plants of Arkansas is a favorite pastime Camping and canoeing on the Buffalo River is my preferred escape Also, enjoy horseback riding, reading, music, and cooking I am excited for the young people participating in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge and grateful to Baxter Healthcare for their commitment to the youth of our community. I appreciate the opportunity to share this experience with all of you.   Bernard W. Petkovich DDS PA Received BA in Biology from the University of Missouri, St. Louis and Microbiology /Virulogy from the University of Missouri, Columbia Received doctorate from University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry Currently in private practice in Mountain Home   Mr. Tyrone Fowler Received BS in Wildlife and Conservation management from Southwest Missouri State University Has worked for Corp of Engineers for 11 years Coordinates Lake Clean Up Program, Hunters Education Program, Kids Fishing Derby, J.A.K.E.S Event, and Boat Education Classes Affiliated with Ducks Unlimited and National Wild Turkey Federation Enjoys turkey and duck hunting, weight lifting, and spending time with daughter Aubrey. Comments: "I think that learning science and technology, as well as team work and sportsmanship, are important for young adults. This program will be quite an experience for the students and for the judges"

This page last updated 12/4/02