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Natural Sciences at LTU? Naturally!
By Renée Ahee

Aspiring physicians, dentists, veterinarians, physician assistants, pharmacists, physical therapists, and others, all have something in common…they all need an advanced degree. LTU’s Department of Natural Sciences paves the way for these students to enter their next academic level. “The multiple prerequisite courses for most health profession programs all reside in Natural Sciences,” said Dr. Jeffery Morrissette, associate professor of biology and pre-health advisor. It makes sense that the health-related fields that depend so heavily on technology are taught in a comprehensive technological university as LTU.

“We have always thought of engineering as more mechanical in nature. But we’re looking at the best ways to engineer and use telehealth and medical records to produce better health outcomes,” said Dr. Julie Zwiesler-Vollick, Natural Sciences department chair and associate professor of biology.

“The multiple prerequisite courses for most health profession programs all reside in Natural Sciences.”

– DR. JULIE ZWEISLER-VOLLICK

She described the updates going on in the department. “We’re revamping Natural Sciences. We reduced the number of degree programs from six to three, making them broader to appeal to students’ interests in ecology and the environment, for example.”

If you know anything about LTU, you certainly know the motto “Theory and Practice.” Morrissette is proud of the academic rigor and intensity of the Natural Science programs, especially the hands-on laboratory experience required of all students.

What’s next in health care? LTU continues to look to the future of healthcare-related professions to expand the University’s offerings. The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Srini Kambhampati , spearheads the Task Force on Health Profession Degree Programs that “is always seeking to stay ahead of the pack to benefit our students and our society.”

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LTU’s Academic Achievement Center.

Morrissette is convinced of the LTU advantages for their health-focused students. He said, “Our key differentiators: we have small classes; an excellent Academic Achievement Center; and our students have access to their professors as personal mentors. The letters of recommendation we can provide our students to get into these professional schools are based on our personal experiences with them. I can talk about their passion for the program, for example, which you can’t get at a huge, impersonal university!”

And finally, added Zwiesler-Vollick, “We place an emphasis on life-long learning. We want to teach you how to always keep learning and how to stay current.”

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Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.