updated February 17, 2005

Rose-Hulman’s Chad Zarse Selected One of Nation’s Best; Named to Second Team of All-USA College Academic Team Chad Zarse’s groundbreaking research, a commitment to his community and outstanding academic credentials have recognized the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology senior among the nation’s top college students. He was selected to the second team of the 2005 All-USA College Academic Team, published today (Feb. 17) in USA TODAY.   Chad Zarse Profile   Class: Senior Major: Applied biology and biochemistry Grade Point Average: 3.83 Hometown: Camby, Indiana (Decatur Central High School) Parent: Karen Zarse    Profile Information Click Here Zarse, an applied biology and biochemistry major, was one of only three students from Indiana colleges & universities recognized this year -- among the 85 students named to the first (20), second (20), third (20) or honorable mention (25) All-USA teams. There were 602 nominees nationwide for the All-USA team this year. All-USA Academic Team Coordinator Tracey Wong Briggs states: “The field was particularly strong this year. The students are always impressive, but this year eve moreso.” “This recognition is a good reflection on what I’ve done during my undergraduate college career, a testament to the quality education that I have received at Rose-Hulman, and the fine mentors that I have had along the way,” Zarse said. This marks the second time in three years that a Rose-Hulman student has received this recognition. Rachel Lukens, a 2003 electrical engineering graduate, was also a second choice in 2003. Working In Laboratory: Rose-Hulman senior Chad Zarse has conducted undergraduate research with Applied Biology & Biomedical Engineering Professor William Weiner for the past four years. The All-USA College Academic Team program honors students for outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community service. The centerpiece of Zarse’s nomination was a student essay about his scientific research at the Indiana University School of Medicine that has developed a novel method by which helical CT “CAT” scans (HCT) can be used to measure the mineral composition for four clinically-relevant kidney stone types. This was the first study that accurately differentiated common stone types on HCT, and could pave the way for safer, more effective medical treatment of kidney stones, which affect between five and 15 percent of all persons. James C. Williams Jr., associate professor, and James A. McAteer, professor, of the IU School of Medicine’s Department of Anatonomy and Cell Biology stated that a letter of recommendation that “Chad helped us discover that CT beam attenuation values can actually be used to determine the mineral composition of stones. This is an important advance because knowledge of stone structure and composition helps the urologist decide how to treat the patient.” Zarse, who maintains a 3.83 grade point average, has also been the lead or co-author on nine major research papers or abstracts published in prestigious peer-review journals and national medical journals. He also received the Student Paper Contest Committee’s Award at the 2004 Rocky Mountain Bioengineering Symposium, the nation’s oldest bioengineering conference. “Chad’s most remarkable attribute is his passion for research,” states Rose-Hulman Assistant Professor of Applied Biology William Weiner. “The topics that Chad is investigating are significant, and equally important, Chad has taken a lead role in each of them . . . Chad’s scholarly credentials would make the most talented of graduate students envious.” Out of the laboratory, Zarse serves as a Homework Hotline tutor, was an officer in the Habitat for Humanity student chapter, has been a Big Brother Big Sister volunteer and helps give campus tours for the Admissions Office. He has received such honors as the Ralph and Dorothy Baumgardt Memorial Applied Biology Scholarship; the Barry Goldwater Scholarship; the Joseph and Rebecca Weaver Undergraduate Research Award; and the Boys & Girls Club’s Muriel and Ralph Stahl Scholarship. “I know first hand the importance of helping others,” Zarse states. “I’ve always heard about the unfortunate things that happened to my mother (single parent Karen Zarse), and how other people were always there to extend a helping hand. I’m just trying to pay back that generosity and serve as a good role model for others.” Zarse, who is from Camby, Ind., plans to pursue graduate or medical school. This year’s All-USA College Academic Team represents excellence in a variety of disciplines, from psychobiology and engineering to political science and the humanities. But as varied as their talents are, they share the ability to extend their scholarship beyond the classroom to make all kinds of connections in the world at large, according to USA TODAY Editor Ken Paulson. “It’s gratifying to be able to recognize the promise and passion of a new generation of students who are determined to make a difference,” he states.