Archive – February, 2007
Iranian filmmaker to discuss work, March 8
Posted February 28, 2007; 05:42 p.m.
Abbas Kiarostami, an internationally acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, will discuss his work at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Bush impeachment is topic, March 8
Posted February 28, 2007; 05:39 p.m.
Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman, who participated in impeachment hearings on President Nixon, will argue a case for the impeachment of President Bush in a lecture set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Lecture set on bioethics, March 7-POSTPONED
Posted February 28, 2007; 05:35 p.m.
This lecture has been postponed due to illness and is expected to be rescheduled for the fall semester.
"Bioethics: What Would the Founders Say?" is the title of a lecture by political scientist Diana Schaub, a Bush administration adviser, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, in 6 Friend Center.
Pinckney, Whitehead to read from work, March 7
Posted February 28, 2007; 05:28 p.m.
Writers Darryl Pinckney and Colson Whitehead will read from their work at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, in the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Reichl to speak on food's role in history, March 6
Posted February 28, 2007; 05:15 p.m.
Noted restaurant critic and author Ruth Reichl will present a talk titled "Watch What You Eat" at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, in McCosh 50.
Gary Hart to speak on religion, politics, March 6
Posted February 28, 2007; 05:12 p.m.
Former U.S. senator and presidential contender Gary Hart will discuss the relationship between faith and politics in a lecture titled "God and Caesar in America" at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
U.N. official to discuss Afghanistan, March 5
Posted February 28, 2007; 04:42 p.m.
Christopher Alexander, a special United Nations representative to Afghanistan and Canada's former ambassador to that country, will speak on "Afghanistan: The Current Situation" at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 5, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Katz embraces dynamic approach to convey richness of languages
Posted February 27, 2007; 10:39 a.m.
Associate Professor of Classics Joshua Katz likes to start the first day of class in "Origins and Nature of English Vocabulary" with what he calls his "party trick."
"I ask students to stand up and say a few words, and then I tell them where they're from," said Katz, who is an expert in historical and comparative linguistics. He follows up by revealing one or two of his secrets to deriving hometowns from people's speech. "The students are amazed that it's possible to get all that information from how a person speaks."
Gift of rare Chinese coins enriches University collection
Posted February 26, 2007; 12:00 p.m.
A gift of more than 2,000 coins to the University Library's Department of Rare Books and Special Collections will make relics from ancient and medieval China available to researchers on campus and around the world.
University operating on normal business hours, Feb. 26
Posted February 26, 2007; 05:44 a.m.
The University will operate on its normal business and academic schedule today. With a winter weather advisory still in effect, students, staff and faculty members are advised to check the Princeton home page for weather-related updates. Campus op
Alumni award winners stress value of public service
Posted February 24, 2007; 08:00 p.m.
Princeton's top alumni award winners, former U.S. Sen. Paul Sarbanes and Africare President Julius Coles, emphasized the need for people to engage in public service, from the local to the global level, in their Alumni Day addresses Saturday, Feb. 24. Sarbanes and Coles also joined Princeton scholars in a panel discussion exploring the global response to the genocide and humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan. The panel featured unscheduled comments from former U.S. Senate majority leader and Princeton alumnus Bill Frist, who was in Darfur just days earlier.
Percussionist to perform, March 6
Posted February 24, 2007; 07:09 p.m.
Percussionist Samuel Z. Solomon will perform a new piece by a Brazilian composer as well as the works of Princeton graduate students in a Composers' Ensemble concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, in Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall.
Jazz ensemble plays Ellington, March 3
Posted February 24, 2007; 06:49 p.m.
The University Concert Jazz Ensemble and Swingtet will present the music of Duke Ellington in a concert titled “Never No Lament: Duke Ellington and the Blanton-Webster Band,” at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
Princeton gives highest awards to top students
Posted February 24, 2007; 03:11 p.m.
Princeton University recognized the winners of the highest honors it awards to students at Alumni Day ceremonies Saturday, Feb. 24. Seniors Alisha Holland and Lester Mackey shared the University's Moses Taylor Pyne Honor Prize, and graduate students Carmen Drahl, Egemen Kolemen, Sarah Pourciau and William Slauter were presented as co-winners of the Porter Ogden Jacobus Fellowship.
Activist discusses Israeli-Palestinian conflict, March 1
Posted February 24, 2007; 10:58 a.m.
Israeli author and activist Tanya Reinhart will discuss Israeli and Palestinian relations at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in McCosh 10.
Hammond joins facilities senior management team
Posted February 23, 2007; 06:40 p.m.
Ben Hammond has been appointed director of administrative services in the facilities department. As a member of the facilities senior management team, he will work on a variety of financial, administrative and systems-related projects. His areas of...
Indian dance troupe to perform, March 1-3
Posted February 23, 2007; 09:36 a.m.
Naacho, Princeton's Indian dance troupe, will premiere its new season with performances Thursday through Saturday, March 1-3, at the Frist Campus Center theater. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 6 and 9 p.m. Saturday.
Dan Rather, Joe Klein to discuss primaries, Feb. 27
Posted February 22, 2007; 04:21 p.m.
Veteran news anchor Dan Rather and Time magazine columnist Joe Klein will lead a "town hall" event titled "Race to the White House: Talking Politics at Princeton University" at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, in Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall.
Black Arts drama troupe presents 'Flyin' West,' Feb. 23-March 3
Posted February 22, 2007; 03:29 p.m.
The Black Arts Company: Drama troupe will present Pearl Cleage's "Flyin' West," a tale of four African American women in search of freedom, on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, and Thursday through Saturday, March 1-3. Performances will be held at the Matthews Acting Studio, 185 Nassau St. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays.
Acclaimed director Kenny Leon to speak, March 5
Posted February 22, 2007; 03:21 p.m.
Acclaimed director, producer and actor Kenny Leon will engage in a conversation with students and faculty at 5 p.m. Monday, March 5, in McCosh 4 (entryway B).
So Percussion to perform, Feb. 27
Posted February 22, 2007; 01:04 p.m.
So Percussion, a Brooklyn-based music ensemble, will perform the works of Princeton graduate students and a faculty member in a Composers' Ensemble concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, in Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall.
Scholars convene for 'Black Men in America' conference, March 3
Posted February 22, 2007; 11:00 a.m.
Scholars from Princeton, Harvard, Brown and other universities will join entrepreneurs, educators and civic leaders at the second annual State of Black Men in America Conference on Saturday, March 3, at Princeton University.
Nonprofit Career Week set, Feb. 26-March 2
Posted February 22, 2007; 09:10 a.m.
The Office of Career Services will host a Nonprofit Career Week Monday through Friday, Feb. 26-March 2, with events across campus that highlight "Careers in the Nation’s Service."
MacMillan receives award in organic chemistry
Posted February 22, 2007; 08:48 a.m.
David MacMillan, the A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Organic Chemistry, has been selected to receive an award for his work from the International Society for Heterocyclic Chemistry (ISHC).
Friends event to honor Fagles, March 4
Posted February 21, 2007; 11:54 p.m.
The Friends of the Library will hold a celebration in honor of professor Robert Fagles and his wife, Lynne, on Sunday, March 4, starting at 4 p.m. in the Chancellor Green Rotunda.
Murphy returns for constitutional symposium, March 2
Posted February 21, 2007; 11:51 p.m.
"Constitutional Democracy: Creating and Maintaining a Just Political Order," a new book by Princeton constitutional scholar Walter Murphy, is the focus of a symposium scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, March 2, in the Whig Hall Senate Chamber.
Williams to speak on black American society, March 1
Posted February 21, 2007; 11:48 p.m.
Journalist and author Juan Williams will deliver a lecture on black American society titled "Eyes Off the Prize? Why Bill Cosby Is Right and What We Should Do About It" at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Conference highlights women entrepreneurs, March 1
Posted February 21, 2007; 11:44 p.m.
A conference on women entrepreneurs is set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in the Friend Center Convocation Room.
Sculptor Hirschhorn to discuss work, Feb. 28
Posted February 21, 2007; 11:41 p.m.
Sculptor and installation artist Thomas Hirschhorn will present an illustrated lecture about his work at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Lecture focuses on teen pregnancy, Feb. 28
Posted February 21, 2007; 11:36 p.m.
A lecture exploring health, education and policy issues related to teen pregnancy will be presented at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Forum to feature emerging research, Feb. 27
Posted February 21, 2007; 11:32 p.m.
Princeton's Center for Innovation in Engineering Education will showcase emerging research with strong commercial potential at its second annual Innovation Forum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the Friend Center Convocation Room.
Tilghman names committee to advise on international opportunities
Posted February 20, 2007; 02:25 p.m.
President Shirley M. Tilghman has appointed a group of faculty members to advise her on how the University can best respond to the challenges and opportunities in the international arena.
Seniors earn ReachOut 56 grants for public service
Posted February 20, 2007; 02:24 p.m.
Princeton seniors Lillie Romeiser and Charles Staab have been awarded 2007 ReachOut 56 Fellowships, which provide the winners with a $25,000 grant to undertake a yearlong public service project after graduation.
Playground project benefits day care center and Princeton students
Posted February 19, 2007; 10:29 a.m.
In transforming a small vacant lot into an imaginative playground, Princeton architecture students are revitalizing a Trenton day care center while developing their own creative and analytical skills.
Summer Internship Fair planned, Feb. 23
Posted February 17, 2007; 04:09 p.m.
Undergraduate students looking for a summer internship can meet representatives from more than 50 organizations at the third annual Internship Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 in the Frist Campus Center Multipurpose Rooms.
Tulis to speak on statesmanship, Feb. 22
Posted February 15, 2007; 04:12 p.m.
The James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions will mark George Washington's birthday on Thursday, Feb. 22, with a lecture titled "On Constitutional Statesmanship."
Lecture explores foreign aid, Feb. 21
Posted February 15, 2007; 04:11 p.m.
An expert on foreign aid will discuss her recent book on why countries provide it during an address at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Poets Arvio and Harvey to read, Feb. 21
Posted February 15, 2007; 04:10 p.m.
Poets Sarah Arvio and Matthea Harvey will read from their work at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Artist to give workshops, lecture, Feb. 19-22
Posted February 15, 2007; 03:52 p.m.
Vannessa Tran, a Seattle artist whose work is informed by her Vietnamese heritage and her love of Chinese painting and landscape poetry, will present a lecture and three workshops on campus the week of Feb. 19.
'Trapped in War on Terror' is topic, Feb. 19
Posted February 15, 2007; 03:51 p.m.
"Trapped in the War on Terror" is the title of an address set for 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Archives exhibition tuned to the times
Posted February 15, 2007; 01:34 p.m.
A new exhibition, "Tune Every Harp and Every Voice," at the Mudd Manuscript Library draws upon the library's rich holdings to document more than two centuries of musical life on campus. On view from Feb. 19 until July 27, the display demonstrates that the history of music at Princeton bears witness to the changes of the University as a whole.
Princeton to premiere unrealized vision of classic Russian play
Posted February 15, 2007; 01:00 p.m.
A version of the classic Russian play "Boris Godunov" that was unrealized in the era of Soviet censorship some 70 years ago will have its world premiere at Princeton University in four performances April 12-14 at the Berlind Theatre.
Non-essential personnel on day shift dismissed early, Feb. 14
Posted February 14, 2007; 02:26 p.m.
Due to the weather conditions, all non-essential University personnel who arrived for work this morning will be dismissed between 2 and 3 p.m. today. All employees reporting for afternoon or evening shifts are expected to report for work as usual.
LaMarche named vice provost
Posted February 14, 2007; 12:00 p.m.
Paul LaMarche, a longtime University employee, has been named vice provost for space programming and planning, effective March 1.
University operating on normal business hours, Feb. 14
Posted February 14, 2007; 06:19 a.m.
The University will operate on its normal business and academic schedule today. With winter weather advisories still in effect, students, staff and faculty members are advised to check the Princeton home page for weather-related updates.
Canadian novelist Urquhart here, Feb. 15
Posted February 13, 2007; 11:24 p.m.
Canadian author and poet Jane Urquhart, whose latest novel is the best-selling "A Map of Glass," will discuss her work at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in 10 East Pyne.
Weather-related information available
Posted February 13, 2007; 07:45 a.m.
With a winter weather advisory in effect, Princeton students, staff and faculty members are advised to check the University home page for updates on any weather-related closings.
Step on the gas: New fuel cell design adds control, reduces complexity
Posted February 12, 2007; 05:00 p.m.
When Princeton engineers want to increase the power output of their new fuel cell, they just give it a little more gas -- hydrogen gas, to be exact. Though the simple control mechanism was previously thought impossible, Jay Benziger, a professor of chemical engineering, and Claire Woo, who graduated in 2006, showed it can work.
Memorial service for Alexander Adam set for Feb. 19
Posted February 12, 2007; 04:07 p.m.
A memorial service for Alexander Adam, a Princeton undergraduate who died in January, is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, in the University Chapel.
Statement submitted to CBS Evening News
Posted February 12, 2007; 01:40 p.m.
Princeton University submitted the following statement to CBS Evening News for a segment on the Robertson litigation that aired on Feb. 11, 2007. The statement was edited extensively and did not appear in its entirety.
Collaborations with students fuel Benziger's drive
Posted February 12, 2007; 10:52 a.m.
All of the fuel cells developed in Jay Benziger’s lab run on hydrogen, but much of his research is powered by the chemical engineering professor’s collaborations with undergraduates. Benziger is an expert in the design of fuel cells, which use hydrogen to make electricity with only water and heat as byproducts. Though these devices have attracted much attention as a clean alternative to fossil fuel-burning energy sources, there are many obstacles to their widespread use.
Two elected to National Academy of Engineering
Posted February 10, 2007; 04:11 p.m.
Stephen Chou and Sergio Verdu, professors of electrical engineering, have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the greatest honors in the engineering field.
Spring Dance Festival set, Feb. 23-25
Posted February 9, 2007; 01:32 p.m.
Princeton University's 2007 Spring Dance Festival on Feb. 23-25 will feature advanced student performers in new work by New York-based guest choreographers James Martin and Christopher Williams, dances by three faculty members and pieces by student choreographers.
Community House honors 'Unsung Heroes,' Feb. 25
Posted February 9, 2007; 11:00 a.m.
Local families who opened their hearts and homes to black students attending Princeton University in the late 1960s and early 1970s will be honored at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, during a reception at the Fields Center.
House Band performs concert, Feb. 13
Posted February 8, 2007; 09:41 p.m.
The House Band, under the direction of music professor Steve Mackey, will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, in Taplin Auditorium, Fine Hall.
L'Atelier presents 'Phedre,' Feb. 16-17
Posted February 8, 2007; 09:26 p.m.
L'Atelier, Princeton's French theater workshop, will perform Jean Racine's "Phedre" at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16-17, in the Chancellor Green Rotunda.
Outage affects computing services, Feb. 11
Posted February 8, 2007; 06:05 p.m.
The Office of Information Technology will conduct a planned computing power system upgrade from 12:01 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 11.
Sustainability efforts moving ahead
Posted February 8, 2007; 05:00 p.m.
Sustainability efforts at Princeton are advancing under the leadership of Shana Weber, who joined the University this summer in the newly created position of sustainability manager.
With eye on global warming, students analyze campus emissions
Posted February 8, 2007; 05:00 p.m.
Princeton students concerned about global warming are taking a close look at how the University can contribute to solving the problem.
Participants in a student-initiated environmental studies seminar spent the fall semester combing the campus for ideas on how to enhance the University's efforts to mitigate its emissions of carbon dioxide, the major culprit behind global warming. The students worked to develop various scenarios for environmentally friendly strategies, ranging from upgrading to more energy-efficient windows and lights to broader ideas such as expanding the use of geothermal or solar heat around campus.
Iraq war film event set, Feb. 15
Posted February 8, 2007; 10:51 a.m.
A screening of "The Situation," a dramatization of the war in Iraq, is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, followed by a panel discussion featuring Princeton faculty members. The film is directed by Philip Haas, who is teaching screenwriting and documentary filmmaking at Princeton this spring.
Pakistan's U.N. envoy to speak, Feb. 15
Posted February 8, 2007; 10:48 a.m.
Munir Akram, Pakistan's ambassador to the United Nations, will present a lecture on "Pakistan's Central Role in Promoting Security and Progress in South Asia and the Islamic World" at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Painter to lecture on her work, Feb. 15-CANCELED
Posted February 8, 2007; 10:44 a.m.
This lecture has been canceled due to weather conditions.
Painter Anoka Faruqee will give an illustrated lecture about her work at noon Thursday, Feb. 15, in Room 207 of 185 Nassau St.
Writers Moore and Wolitzer to read, Feb. 14
Posted February 8, 2007; 10:42 a.m.
Fiction writers Lorrie Moore and Meg Wolitzer will read from their work at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the Stewart Film Theater, 185 Nassau St.
Wigderson to present 'computational' worldview, Feb. 13-15
Posted February 8, 2007; 10:40 a.m.
Computer scientist and mathematician Avi Wigderson will deliver a series of three lectures titled "A Worldview Through the Computational Lens" at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 13-15, in McCosh 50.
Talk set on Democrats, religion, Feb. 13
Posted February 8, 2007; 10:37 a.m.
"Are Democrats Really 'Anti-Religious?'" is the topic of a lecture by Richard Parker, a lecturer in public policy at Harvard University, set for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Fischer to discuss Europe and Israel, Feb. 12
Posted February 8, 2007; 10:34 a.m.
Joschka Fischer, former German minister of foreign affairs and currently a visiting professor in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, will deliver a lecture on "Europe and Israel" at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Lecture explores legal traditions in Islam, Feb. 12
Posted February 8, 2007; 10:32 a.m.
A lecture titled "God, Nature or Man: Whose Law for a Free People? The Experience of Islam" is set for 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in 104 Computer Science Building.
Princeton sets third consecutive applications record
Posted February 8, 2007; 12:00 a.m.
Princeton University set another record this year for students applying for admission, receiving 18,891 applications for the class of 2011. This marks the third year in a row for record applications.
Events set for Black History Month
Posted February 7, 2007; 05:29 p.m.
A series of discussions, performances and other events celebrating Black History Month have been scheduled throughout February.
Ice skating available on Lake Carnegie
Posted February 7, 2007; 03:59 p.m.
The recent run of cold weather has resulted in Lake Carnegie freezing over for the first time in several years. Members of the University and local communities can take advantage of the six-plus inches of ice to get out their skates. Skating is allowed during daylight hours between the bridges on Washington Road and Harrison Street.
Forum set on Asian American student life, Feb. 8
Posted February 7, 2007; 01:29 p.m.
The Asian American Students Association and The Daily Princetonian are sponsoring a forum on the experience of Asian American students on campus at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, in Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall.
Fields Center plans move to revitalize mission, increase accessibility
Posted February 6, 2007; 11:00 a.m.
The Fields Center plans to increase its presence on campus with a move to a renovated building at 58 Prospect Ave. in 2009. Planners say the move will allow the center to open its doors to greater cultural and social opportunities while also providing more space for existing and expanded programming.
Griffith selected as master of Rockefeller College
Posted February 5, 2007; 01:00 p.m.
Marie Griffith, professor of religion, has been named the new master of Rockefeller College, one of Princeton's six residential colleges. Because she will be on leave during the next academic year, Jeff Nunokawa, professor of English, will serve as acting master during 2007-08, with Griffith assuming her new role on July 1, 2008.
Investigating clues to a life, Biehl discovers larger reality
Posted February 5, 2007; 12:47 p.m.
While doing fieldwork for his Ph.D. in his native Brazil in 1995, anthropologist João Biehl was taken on a detour by a local activist who told him there was a place he "just had to see."
That place was Vita, a site in Porto Alegre not far from where Biehl grew up, that is populated by the sick, mentally ill and poor who have passed beyond the care of families and social institutions. Vita is a place where individuals are left behind in what Biehl calls a "zone of social abandonment."
Library joins Google project to make books available online
Posted February 5, 2007; 12:00 p.m.
A new partnership between the Princeton University Library and Google soon will make approximately 1 million books in Princeton's collection available online in a searchable format. In a move designed to open Princeton's vast resources to a broad international audience, the library will work with Google over the next six years to digitize books considered in the public domain and no longer under copyright.
Anderson feted for 'Go' contributions, Feb. 10
Posted February 2, 2007; 05:57 p.m.
Philip Anderson, the Joseph Henry Professor of Physics Emeritus at Princeton, will receive a lifetime achievement award from Nihon Ki-in, the association of Japanese professional Go players and teachers, during a ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, in the Frist Campus Center Multipurpose Room.
World Bank official speaks on fighting poverty, Feb. 8
Posted February 2, 2007; 01:02 p.m.
Katherine Marshall, a World Bank official and Princeton graduate alumna, will deliver a talk titled "Ethical Pragmatists: Fighting Poverty From the Catseat of the World Bank" at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Halper to discuss U.S. foreign policy, Feb. 7
Posted February 2, 2007; 12:57 p.m.
Stefan Halper, a former adviser to four U.S. presidents, will discuss "American Exceptionalism, Institutional Failure and U.S. Foreign Policy" at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Students who served in Iraq to speak, Feb. 6
Posted February 2, 2007; 12:54 p.m.
Several graduate students in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs who recently served in Iraq will discuss their experiences at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in 16 Robertson Hall.
Scientists build a world in a grain of silicon
Posted February 1, 2007; 11:22 a.m.
Ever since Charles Darwin proposed that animals adapt to their environment, scientists have dreamed of experimenting with this theory in a real-world landscape. Holding them back was the difficulty of creating a complex ecosystem that could be manipulated and controlled without placing wildlife at risk.
Now, Princeton scientists have found a way around this problem by fashioning a living, changeable ecosystem out of a tiny chip of silicon. Their creation is one of the strangest and smallest environments ever seen, but it could provide a valuable model to help researchers better understand how organisms survive in the natural world.