Harding University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

On Monday following their hospital rotations, SURF met HUF to tour the museum of Opera del Duomo which contains the impressive art and history of the Baptistry and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. They visited both of these sites, concluding with the climb of Brunelleschi’s dome (a 462 step endeavor in the Tuscan heat). Dana and Mandy Steil were able to join them.

Friday when SURF returned from the hospital they joined HUF for a painting class led by Robbie Shackelford. On Saturday everyone took a day trip. They road bikes around the walled city of Lucca then in Pisa, visited the baptistry and cathedral before climbing the Leaning Tower.

SURF: Yesterday after the morning in the hospital we toured The San Lorenzo Basilica, the Medici Chapel and then visited The Academia Gallery to see The David.

SURF was back at the hospital today, but yesterday they toured the archaeological site of Pompeii with the HUF group. (Quite a bit of science was learned along the way.)

SURF update: After a few days in the lab/hospital SURF/HUF started their trip to Rome. We visited the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major before heading to our reservation to tour the Vatican Museum. Day 2 was to see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum before having the rest of the day to “Roam around Rome”.

Several of us had the opportunity to attend a farewell lunch for Dr Ed Wilson (to the right of Dr White), who will be moving soon. Dr Wilson taught in the chemistry department for many years before he retired; however, many of you have still seen him around the building because he has still been mentoring research students. Dr Wilson was also one of the founding members of the AR Space Grant Consortium. We sure will miss him when he moves later this month!

We were missing a few because Dr Matlock, Dr Murphy, and Mrs Taylor were all out of town. We were blessed to have a few others join us. Many of you remember Dr Schramm (behind Dr Hatvany and Mrs Huff), who retired a few years ago. Dr Don England (far left, and yes, his name is on the science building) and Dr David Cole (between Dr White and Dr England) are both former chemistry department chairs and also taught for many years before retiring. All four of the retired men were great mentors, teachers, and men of faith, and we've been blessed to know them!

SURF update: Day 2 in the Casentino Valley was a free day to explore the town of Stia. Many toured the Wool Museum (with added biochemistry content provided, of course), and some swam in the crisp waters of the Arno. Before heading back to the Villa today we explored the Poppi Castle and the Franciscan Sanctuary of Laverna.

Dr Matlock update: 1st day in the Casentino Valley. Stopped for breakfast at Consuma Pass and visited Castle Rowena.

From Dr Matlock: SURF group made it to the villa and got room assignments, lunch and orientation, and trying new flavors of pizza. Yesterday was their first day at the hospital followed by seeing some sites in Florence, shopping at Marco’s Leather (and signing the HU flag).

SURF and HUF group are on their way!