"The Iowa caucuses are a matter of organizational strength, " said Dennis Goldford, professor of political science at Drake University.

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Professor Cathy Lesser Mansfield of Drake University Law School has studied default and foreclosure rates in the subprime mortgage industry.

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Drake Deming, professor at the University of Maryland, points out that Earth can be seen transiting the sun from many vantage points throughout our galaxy.

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Both missions would be controlled from the university's Science Operations Center, Drake said.

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The mission also enhances the overall reputation of the university, bringing attention to other great things happening on campus, Drake said.

CNN: University of Arizona looks beyond Mars mission