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May 8, 1998
Student looks forward
to very cool research opportunity
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- A forestry major from Purdue University will spend the first
semester of his junior year on a frozen continent completely devoid of trees.
The National Science Foundation and the Boy Scouts of America have chosen Benjamin
Hasse of Kingsford, Mich., as their candidate to spend next fall helping Antarctic
researchers.
"No obvious connection to my major -- no trees in the Antarctic! But I should learn
more about how I'll function in a harsh environment," Hasse said. Harsh is an understatement
for the Antarctic, where the world's record low temperature was recorded -- minus 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit -- and wind gusts can reach nearly 200 miles per hour.
Every three years the National Science Foundation permits the Boy Scouts to designate
an Eagle Scout to join its scientists, helping to fulfill the U.S. government agency's
goal of providing students with research opportunities outside the classroom.
From October through mid-January, Hasse will travel to different research stations
on the frozen continent.
He becomes the ninth Eagle Scout chosen for the Antarctic Scout Program. Paul Siple
was the first, traveling with Adm. Richard Byrd's 1928 expedition at the explorer's
request. Siple eventually became a researcher and one of Byrd's right-hand men.
"We chose Ben from 112 candidates and four finalists -- all outstanding students with
proven scouting backgrounds," said John Alline, national director of Boy Scout training.
"His natural curiosity about science and strong communication skills made him a standout. We also were impressed with his continuing service at a Lafayette homeless
shelter."
Hasse said, "I don't have any specific scientific skills, but I'm told an extra pair
of hands will be useful. I would be happy to dig holes in the snow or pull sleds
myself just for the opportunity and adventure." Hasse, who is majoring in Spanish
along with forestry, has maintained a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average during his
two years at Purdue, and he is a Purdue Beering Scholar.
The Steven C. Beering Scholarships and Fellowships were created in 1986 by Purdue
President Beering to attract students of the highest caliber. The award covers all
college expenses, including fees and tuition, room and board, books and spending
money.
Undergraduate recipients who maintain the required standards hold the Beering Scholarship
throughout their time at Purdue and may convert it to a fellowship to pursue master's
and doctoral degrees at Purdue.
CONTACTS: Hasse, (765) 495-3546; (after May 14, call his parent's home at (906) 774-6820);
e-mail: bjhasse@expert.cc.purdue.edu ; and John Alline, (972) 580-7835; e-mail: jalline@netbsa.org
NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: A head-and-shoulders color photograph of Benjamin Hasse is available
from the Purdue News Service.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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