R a Stil The Second Best Thing About Payday

Family Lodge Dedicated with HIGHLIGHTS Zerhouni To Be 15th NIH Director Major Gift by Safra Foundation By Rich McManus By Dianne Needham Personal stories can have a positive public NIH Gets New r. Elias Zerhouni (pronounced eh-LEE-as zer-HOO-nee) Director result, as is demonstrated in the case of the was confirmed, by unanimous voice vote of the full U.S. family lodge planned for NIH. D Senate on May 2, to become A New 'Adults' Inn' 15th director of the National Institutes A ceremony marking the naming of the Planned of Health. Two days earlier, at a 75- facility was held Apr. 17 at the Russell minute confirmation hearing before Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. the Senate committee on health, The Foundation for the NIH formally Kolb To Give education, labor, and pensions chaired accept ed a $3 million donation from t he Pittman Lecture by Sen. Ted Kennedy (which also Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation voted unanimously to confirm), and announced the dedication of the Zerhouni offered a preliminary vision Edmond J . Safra Family Lodge at NIH. Asian Heritage of his plans for NIH , which include Events Set relying not only on the creative spark It w as a personal story that caught the eye of the individual scientist, but also on of Lily Safra, wife of the late Edmond Safra, a "new science" approach emphasizing who passed away in 1999. In the FNIH New CSR Seminar multidisciplinary teams working in annual report she read the account of a Debuts concert. patient with metastatic kidney cancer A successful administrator, entrepre- . . whose local doctor had told him nothing neur basic scientist and clinician Dr. Elias Zerhoum himse' lf during more than a quarter century at Johns Hopkins more could be done, but that NIH was con- Health and Safety SEE FAMILY LODGE, PAGE 8 Expo, June 11 University School of Medicine, Zerhouni, who appeared with his SEE ZERHOUNI, PAGE 6 New Firehouse Will Replace Aging The 'Haves' Still 'Racialize' Have-nots, Says Holt Facility, Due in March 2003 By Rich McManus By Rich McManus azz and blues singer Billie Holiday sang it many years ago, and There are such things as oldies but the Bible said it even earlier than that: "Them that's got shall goodies, but the current NIH firehouse-in Jget, them that's not shall lose," which capsulizes a message given operation since 1950-isn't one of them; it's by scholar Dr. Thomas C. Holt creaking, at the inaugural talk in a new ,. 1 cracking walls series launched by NCI's Center took additional, to Reduce Cancer Health albeit verbal, Disparities on Apr. 11. Wealthy blows on Apr. 23 elites of the new global economy as NIH officials still depend, as did their eco­ touted its nomic ancestors of the 16th successor-a U.S. Department century trans-Atlantic slave new 22,000- of Health and trade, on the cheap labor of an square foot Human Services exploitable workforce. Eco- facility scheduled Chief Gary Hess National Institutes nomic might, Holt argues, D Tl C H t o debut in March 0 1 of Health determines most facets of the '· ,omas · t 2003-at a groundbreaking ceremony held political economy of any historical era; the wealthy, therefore, can near the pit where work has already begun. May 14, 2002 "racialize," or stigmatize and exploit, whatever group constitutes SEE NEW FIREHOUSE, PAGE 10 Vol. LIV, No. 10 SEE HOLT LECTURE, PAGE 4 NIEHS' Robertson Collects Books, Illustrations By Colleen Chandler e intended to be a chemist, but it apparently in that series provide historical accounts of riverside H wasn't in the books for him. Then again, communities, and give information on natural maybe it was. history, human settlement and geology, he said. NIEHS library director William Davenport Robertson has always had somewhat of a hanker­ Robertson, better known as "Dav," is surrounded ing for history. After he discovered in college that by books these days, both at home and at work. lab work was not for him, he became a history Since he came to NIEHS as the first professional major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel librarian in 1977, when the institute's book collec­ Hill, specializing in East Asian history. tion numbered maybe a thousand, the library has He thought he had found his calling, and joined grown to 25,000 books and 500 subscriptions and the Peace Corps. He spent 2 years in Korea, teach­ has gone from the bookshelves into cyberspace. ing English at a university and developed a bond About 75 percent of the library's journals are now with the people there. He said he realized that he available online, and the library proudly offers its was not interested in studying these people, but he electronic resources to scientists in search of maintains a cultural interest in the art and history of information. the region. But it is the real thing- the old standby hard­ He returned to the United States and to Carolina to backs-that draws Robertson's study library science. Recently, he was elected to the attention. In the latter half of position of chapter cabinet chair-elect for the Special the 19th century, printers Li braries Association, an international association of began printing books on acidic libraries from 60 countries. EJ paper. Unless those books are kept away from light and moisture, they deteriorate. In Community Orchestra Concert, June 1 another 5 0 to 100 years, the The NIH Community Orchestra will perform on literary history of that time Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Figge Theater on period will literally be in the campus of Georgetown Preparatory School, crumbles, Robertson said. 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Selections His old-book collecting days will include: Bach- Brandenburg #4; Daum- Psalm began years ago when he 9:11; Verdi-Hymn and Triumphal March from stumbled across an old Sax Aida; Haydn- Symphony #100; Sibelius-Filzlandia. Rohmer mystery novel from For more information email Gary Daum at the 1930s in his mother-in-law's attic. He found NIEHS library [email protected]. Iii director Dav himself looking for- and finding-more of Robertson collects Rohmer's books. old books and He searches old book stores and other likely illustrations such sources for first editions, preferably signed by the as the artwork by author. All told, he says he has about 150 books N I H R f R a N. C. Wyeth that that are "worth something." No doubt he has became the cover plenty more with value that cannot be defined in Published biweekly at Bethesda, Md., by the Editonal Operations of Treasure Island. Branch, Division oi Public Information, for the information of monetary terms. His collection employees of the National Institutes of Health. Depanmenr of In addition to Rohmer, Robertson collects myster­ Health and Human Services. The coarent is rcpnntable without includes children's permission. Picn,res m.1y be .ivailable on request. Use of funds for books, natitre ies from modern mystery writer Nevada Barr and printing this periodical has been approved by the dtrector of the handbooks for North Carolina mystery writer Margaret Maron. Office of Management and Budget through Scpr. 30, 2002. kids and young A native of Hickory, N .C., Robertson also collects adults, mysteries books on the history of western North Carolina. NIH Record Office Phone 496-2125 Bldg. 31. Rm. 5B41 and books on One of his favorites, Happy Valley, is a genealogy of Fax 402-1485 natural history the William Lenoir family that settled in western Web address and western North Carolina before the American Revolution. http://www.nih.gov/news/NIH-Record/archives.htm North Carolina Lenoir was Robertson's great great great great history. grandfather. Robertson is named after William Editor The NIH Record reserves Richard McManus rhe right to make Davenport Robertson, who married Lenoir's [email protected] correcrions, changes, or daughter and built Walnut Fountain, a historic deletions in submitted home that still stands today near Lenoir, the town Assistant Editor copy in conformity with Carla Garnett the policies of the paper named for the family. [email protected] and HHS. Other Robertson favorites are in the Rivers of America series that also began in the 1930s. Books ~ The Record is recyclable as office white paper. Kolb To Give Pittman Lecture, May 29 NIH Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Dr. Helga E. Kolb, professor in the department of Program Holds Two Events, May 17 and 28 ophthalmology and visual sciences at the John Moran Eye Center, University of Utah in Salt Lake This year, the NIH Asian/Pacific Islander Ameri­ City, will deliver the annual Margaret Pittman can Heritage Program will celebrate its 30th Lecture (which had to be postponed from last anniversary. All are invited to join in the festivi­ October) on Wednesday, May 29 at 3 p.m. in Masur ties, which consist of two lunchtime programs on Auditorium, Bldg. 10. May 17 and 28, respectively. Details of the events Dr. Ronald In a lecture titled, "The Organization of the are as follows: Suddendorf has Vertebrate Retina," she will describe the neural Friday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Bldg. moved to the circuitry and basic design of the vertebrate retina 31A patio: There will be sales of food from Center for along with the manner in which the various neurons China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Scientific Review in the pathways "talk" to each other. She will Thailand. In addition, the event will feature a to become an bonsai exhibition and demonstrations of calligra­ assistant chief in discuss comparisons between the organization of the its Receipt and photoreceptor mosaics and the consequent differ­ phy, and floral arrangement (Ikebana), and a performance by Korean drummers. Referral Division. ences in design of the whole retina in different He comes from species as an adaptation to the environment in Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Masur the National which they live. Auditorium, Bldg. 10: There will be a program of Institute on Kolb has made valuable contributions to under­ classical Chinese, Indian and Japanese music and Alcohol Abuse standing the complex circuitry of the retina. She dances performed by the Hua Sha Chinese Dance and Alcoholism, began her career in eye research with Dr. Geoffrey Center, Pushpanjali School of Dance, and the where he was a Arden at the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, in Kikuyuki Dancers, respectively, and story telling scientific review November 1961. In 1966, she came to the United by Linda Fang. administrator. He received a States to work at the Wilmer Institute at Johns A reception in the Visitor Information Center will immediately follow the program. Everyone is Ph.D. in analyti­ Hopkins University in Baltimore. From 1971 cal chemistry through 1979, she was a visiting scientist at NEI and invited to the reception to meet the artists and to sample Asian pastries and snacks. There is no from the Univer­ then moved on to NINDS where she continued sity of Arizona by studying the functional neurocircuitry of the verte­ admission charge for the performance and advancing brate retina. In 1979, Kolb moved to the University reception, and no reservations are necessary. analytical of Utah to expand her research opportunities and to The NIH Asian/Pacific Islander American methods for work with many collaborators from Europe, Israel heritage committee, the NIH Asian/Pacific elemental and China. Islander American Organization, various ICs, analysis. He then The lecture is being hosted by NEI. For more NIHFCU and the R&W Association are sponsors joined the Food for the programs. For information on reasonable and Drug information or reasonable accommodation call Administration Hilda Madine at 594-5595. Ill ' accommodation, contact Michael Chew, 496- 6301. Sign language interpretation will be and developed bioanalytical Rothstein To Give Solowey Lecture provided. For more information about the events methods for contact Victor Fung, 435-3504, [email protected]. ' identifying toxic Dr. Jeffrey D. Rothstein will present the 2002 and nutritional Mathilde Solowey Lecture Award in the Neuro­ elements in foods, sciences on Thursday, May 16 at noon in Lipsett GM Scientific Conference, June 4-5 biological tissues, Amphitheater, Bldg. 10. He is a professor of and environmen­ neurology and neuroscience in the department of Some of the world's foremost researchers will tal samples. neurology at Johns Hopkins University. The topic of present their latest findings on "New Directions in Before coming to his presentation will be "Stumbles and Twitches: Cancer Treatment" at this year's General Motors NIAAA, he How Disorders of Glutamate Transporters Contrib­ Cancer Research Foundation annual scientific evaluated data ute to Neurological Disease." conference, June 4-5, in Masur Auditorium, Bldg. supplied by The lecture is sponsored by the Foundation for 10. In addition, the NIH Director's Wednesday pharmaceutical Afternoon Lecture Series on June 5 will host presen­ companies to A?vanced Education in the Sciences. A reception ensure the safety will follow the talk. For more information, call tations by each of the winners of the 2002 General Motors Cancer Research Foundation Awards. N IH of food products FAES at 496-7975. Iii from animals investigators and staff are invited to attend the treated with new Muscular Leg Pain? conference, which starts at 8:1 5 a.m., June 4, in drugs. Masur. There is no registration. Program details are If it is caused by blocked arteries and it occurs with available at http://www4.od.nih.gov/gmcrf/. For activity but improves with rest call NIH at 1-800- more information, contact GMCRF at (919) 668- 411-1222 for more information on a new study. Iii 8018 or email [email protected]. Ill HOLT LECTURE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the impoverished of the moment. problem ... but that Dubois perceived the multina­ In United States history, the vulnerable group tional or global dimensions of the problem," happened to be of African American heritage, and including colonialism going on at the time in Asia we are still extricating ourselves from the conse­ and Africa. "[Dubois] recognized the insidious, quences of their exploitation, 400 years after it more powerful aspects that lay beneath the violence started and nearly 140 years after emancipation. on the surface," Hole argued, concluding that it was Nowadays, however, it is just as likely to be poor global monopoly capital that was changing the basis women in Thailand or Mexico who form an eco­ of how groups treated one another. nomic underclass, identifiable not necessarily by Because he has a young daughter to whom he physical characteristic but by financial status. dedicates his most recent book, Holt, who is James Poverty alone, not skin color or other physical Westfall Thompson professor of American and quality, tends to determine where people live, how African American history at the University of they live and with whom they can freely associate, Chicago, now asks if race will dominate the 21st not to mention how their health fares during the life century. "It continues to be a problem of extraordi­ cycle. nary scope and pervasiveness," he declared. Though his talk was dense and encyclopedic, with Racism, he explained, is the meaning that people references to popular culture (music, sports), attribute to different bodies and cultures, not economics, something that inheres in a particuJar group. "To history and put it simply, God didn't make races, people do." politics (much The meanings of race have changed over the course time was of modern history, he added. "The meaning of race devoted to and the forms racism takes are not innate, primor­ deconstructing dial or arising from within; they arise from the the meaning of political economy.. .Race should be thought of as a two prominent verb rather than a noun. It's the process by which black lives­ people identify, segment-off and stigmatize another Michael group. Any group can be racialized; the Turks now Jordan's and living in Germany are racialized. The Chinese were Colin considered a heathen, unassimilable race in the Powell's), it American West of the 1800s, but not now." Holt (r) is was when Holt, a native of Southside Virginia, Holt described three historical periods or "racial interviewed spoke more colloquially of his own life, and that of regimes": pre-Fordist, which coincides with the following his talk his father and 3-year-old daughter, that the lecture start of the slave trade, when a "racialized" by Dr. Harold came more vividly alive. workforce became crucial to production on a world Freeman, director He recalled growing up in a segregated society scale; Fordist (after Henry Ford's invention of the of NCI's Center to where blacks were never seen or heard in the media. assembly line), when it was recognized that the Reduce Cancer "When I grew up, it was unusual to see a black worker is also a consumer, and Northern cities Health Dispari­ person became industrial centers; and post-Fordist, an era ties. on television or hear one on the radio. When we'd take a drive up Interstate 95, it wouldn't be still dominated by multinational corporations that until we got near New York City that we could hear tend to be more dispersed globally and which relies black people on the radio. In our town, it was a on a "newly racialized" class of workers. great cause of celebration when a black person made Each era carried with it signature phenomena on it on TV. It was a big deal, too, in those days to see the part of subjugated workers who, in the earliest a black basketball or football player. And you could periods, simply ran away to other geographic forget about golf, tennis or ice hockey." locations, and later learned to use boycotts, strikes Holt said his father served in a segregated Army and labor union actions to express resistance. during World War II in the Pacific, yet notes that the States, too, became more powerful players, arbitrat­ modern U.S . Army was recently led by Gen. Powell. ing private-sector conflicts and providing, via "Clearly there had been a seismic shift between one welfare, a softening of the impact of the business generation and another," he said. cycle. Beyond taking note of racism's influence on the Today, says Holt, "race no longer follows a color everyday commerce of human interaction, which he line-whites are exploited too in certain cultures, for doesn't scant, Holt framed his talk in terms of a example if they come from Turkey or Vietnam." prophecy issued by W.E.B. Dubois in 1903 that the The current "postmodern" era is marked by interde­ "color line" would be the major problem of the 20th pendence among nation-states, and is a time when century in America. "What was most striking about even values and identities have become consumable. this prophecy was not just the recognition that "Our existence has never before been so racism was and would continue to be a commodified," Holt said. He noted that blacks are no longer almost solely The Center for Information Technology's adopted economic producers, but "are still racialized in a school, Woodrow Wilson High School, held its annual different way and to different purposes. Blacks are science fair recently; two Division of Computational today more part of the consumption end of the Bioscience staff scientists, Charles Schwieters and Alex economy than the productive end-witness Michael Wang, helped judge the entries, along with volunteers from other federal agencies, including the Department of Jordan-and serve more symbolic purposes for Energy. After spending hours reviewing more than 95 American life than clear economic exploitation as in submissions, the former times." judges handed out One of those purposes became evident following 24 prizes, including the events of 9/11; Holt has noted that the face of honorable mentions, American power these days is more black-including during the awards Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, a national ceremony. The first­ security adviser to President Bush-which he claims place winners are has also made a difference in how America is also entitled to enter perceived abroad. He has also noted in the media their winning projects in this an "ostentatious embrace of diversity in the U.S.," a year's District of phenomenon that he suspects "has little effect on Columbia citywide real issues like affirmative action. It's easier to do science fair, where symbolically than on a practical level." Immigration they will compete with other local high school science policy, too, is tightening, and has become more fair winners. Also attending the awards ceremony was contentious. Gloria Richardson (1), CIT's diversity and employee He concluded by warning that the era of the slave concerns officer; she is the main contact between CIT ships, thought to be long over, is not entirely out of and Woodrow Wilson High. CIT adopted the school in view yet: sweat shops employing Thai and Mexican 1992 to encourage and support area students interested women were uncovered in the summer of 1995 in in mathematics, science and technology. With Richardson are a few of this year's winners. Los Angeles, and continue to be found in some of the world's global cities. "Our fates," he cautioned, "are linked with theirs, both in an emotional and Tessier-Lavigne Inaugurates CSR Director's Seminar historical sense." Iii All are invited to attend the first annual CSR Director's Seminar, which will feature a lecture by Dr. Marc Tessier-Lavigne on the formation of Human-Machine Interface Explored nerve connections in the brain and spinal cord: "The Logic and Molecu­ lar Mechanisms of Axon Guidance, Branching and Regeneration." It The staff training in extramural programs will be held on Wednesday, May 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. in Conf. Rm. 3087 (STEP) will hold a Science for All module titled, in the Rockledge 2 Bldg. "Cyberscience: Biomedical Applications of Tessier-Lavigne will discuss the different mechanisms that control the Human-Machine Interfaces," on Wednesday, growth of neural connections, highlight his recent studies in this area, May 30, from 9 a.m. to noon in Masur Audito­ and discuss the possibility of regenerating rium, Bldg. 10...... ---... these connections following paralyzing injury. Cutting edge technology and recent advances in Like future CSR Director's Seminars, this one biomedical research are providing a glimpse into will provide NIH and CSR staff an opportu­ the future, with the melding of biology and nity to learn about and discuss an emerging engineering. These advances sweep across area of science. multiple scientific disciplines and applied With his colleagues, Tessier-Lavigne has technologies: neural prostheses, augmented identified the first known chemoattractants sensory systems and robot-assisted surgery are a and the first known branching factors for few examples from a broad spectrum of research developing nerve cells in vertebrates. He has activities. also been at the forefront of discoveries of The module will explore how some of these other brain wiring proteins and receptor new technological advances are being used both Dr. Marc Tessier-Lavigne mechanisms. to augment the performance of the human body Tessier-Lavigne is the Susan B. Ford profes­ and to restore lost function. Attendees can sor in the School of Humanities and Sciences and professor of biological expect to be both entertained and intellectually sciences at Stanford University. He is also a Howard Hughes Medical invigorated by specific examples of what Institute investigator. He was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University biomedical science has already delivered, and before earning his Ph.D. in physiology from University College London. more amazingly, what it promises to deliver in He has received grants from NIDCR and NIMH. the future, in the evolving story of the merging For information and reasonable accommodation, call Dr. Marcia of man and machine, say organizers. Attendees Steinberg at 435-1023. Ii) earn ESA credit. ZERHOUNI, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 mother, his wife Nadia and three children, as well as many scientific disciplines, from the most basic to with a friend from his native Algeria whom he has the most clinical. With respect to the former, he known since the sixth grade, fielded mostly compli­ declared, "I am convinced that further fundamental ments from Kennedy's committee, who called him a discovery will help us face fu ture challenges in "rare find," an encapsulation of the American health care." He added, "We still have to make dream, and a man whose trademark humility should discoveries that will facilitate the way we deliver not, in the words of Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), health care. " Calling for a more rapid translation of prevent him from "going at it with both fi sts [in the fruits of basic research to patient care, he said, Congress] to get everything you can get for N IH." "Biomedical research in the year 2002 is at a turning Committee members Sen. Paul Sarbanes of Mary­ point that may require new strategies." He then land, along with Sen. Barbara Mikulski, also of produced two items: a DNA chip, representing a Maryland, offered introductory biographical details "revolution in technology that is unprecedented in about Zerhouni (see below). Establishing a friendly its rate and scale," and a tiny needle whose point tone from the outset, Sarbanes even told the hearing was nonetheless larger than an individual cell, which that his wife, a schoolteacher, had instructed holds "all human D A-the entire molecular Zerhouni's daughter Yasmin and gained "a very machinery... While we have discovered the compo­ positive impression of the family. " nent parts of the human genome, the real challenge Zerhouni, who was most recently executive vice for the 21st century is to discover how all the parts dean of the Hopkins medical school, chair of its work together. That is the biggest challenge for department of radiology and radiological science, medicine." The quest will require multidisciplinary and professor of radiology and biomedical engineer­ teams and cross-cutting initiatives, he said, as well as ing, said his experience in Baltimore has taught him the "creative spark of the individual that leads to that he could not succeed without getting input from new knowledge and progress."

New Director No Stranger to NIH

resident Bush's choice to lead NIH Sweden. "He ies across basic science and clinical Pis not a stranger either to the agency showed Dr. disciplines, a departure from traditional or government. In 1985, he was a Zerhouni the specialty 'silos' characteristic of aca­ consultant to the W hite House, and is world's first CT demic medicine. He is known as an currently a principal investigator on scan images of the innovator with a knack for identifying three NIH grants and coinvestigator on brain soon after major trends within complex situations, two others. He also holds five patents, they were made by defining a vision and building consensus one singularly and four jointly. His 35- England's Dr. for action. " page curriculum vitae lists 157 publica­ Godfrey The Hopkins biography concludes, tions as author or coauthor, and 11 Hounsfield, "Married to Nadia Azza, a pediatrician book chapters. prompting his and medical school classmate whom he According to a biographical sketch Dr. Elias Zerhouni nephew's pursuit met when both qualified for the Alge­ prepared by Johns Hopkins, Dr. Elias of radiology, a rian national swimming team during Adam Zerhouni, 51, was born in field that combined his interests in high school, the couple has three Nedroma, Algeria, a small mountain physics and mathematics with medicine. children. Wi ll, 25, is a second-year town on French Algeria's western (A poignant honor for Dr. Zerhouni student at Harvard Law School. border. He was one of eight children earlier this year was his appointment as Yasmin, 22, just finished her under­ and his dad taught math and physics. Hounsfield lecturer at the European graduate work at Columbia University He came to the U.S. at age 24, having Congress of Radiology.)" and will pursue a master's degree in earned his medical degree at the Zerhouni is credited with having "led education at Columbia. Adam, 16, is a University of Algiers School of Medi­ efforts at Hopkins to restructure the junior at the Severn School in Severna cine in 1975. He completed his school of medicine's Cli nical Practice Park, Md., where the family lives. Now residency in diagnostic radiology at Association; developed a comprehensive fl uent in English, French and Arabic, Hopkins in 1978 as chief resident. strategic plan for research; helped and conversant in German as well, Except for a 4-year stint in the depart­ reorganize the school's academic leader­ Zerhouni plays lute and piano ('neither ment of radiology at Eastern Virginia ship and worked with elected officials to very well!' he insists) and shares an M edical School, he has spent his entire plan a major biotechnology research enthusiasm for opera and tennis with career at Johns Hopkins. park and urban revitalization project his wife [who works at the international Zerhouni's choice of radiology, says near the Hopkins medical adoption clinic at Johns Hopkins]." He the Hopkins bio, reflects the influence campus ... Zerhouni believes that bringing adds, "Free and scuba diving with the of his maternal uncle, a well-known the fruits of biomedical research to the kids is something we love doing, too." radiologist who trained in France and bedside requires integration of discover- Zerhouni-who has also been vice dean for their own "ecosystem" that must be managed and research at Hopkins, as well as a member of the understood; and maintained N IH must do more to National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine understand the self-destructive behaviors that lie since 2000, and has served on NCI's board of behind much preventable disease. scientific advisors since 1998- acknowledged that Asked a very broad question by Mikulski concern­ advances in genome and stem cell science have given ing managing everything from fire trucks to Nobel rise to "deep moral issues" and that the debate over Prize winners, along with recruiting and retaining such issues "can be polarizing." He said he had mi nority investigators, Zerhouni calmly admitted made a series of personal visits with senators to that he didn't have a catch-all answer in his pocket. Dr. Shen Yang discuss his views on these and other issues, and Mikulski laughed, "I'm sure the White House has joined the concluded, "Disease knows no politics-NIH must warned you not to break new ground or break any Center for serve all of us .. .it must not be factional, but must knuckles today." Zerhouni said the loss of capable Scientific Review remain factual." NIH's role is to present data to minorities was the number-one problem in biomedi­ as scientific inform debate on moral issues, he said. cal training, observing that science does a good job review adminis­ One of his greatest recent successes at Hopkins was of attracting such trainees, but a poor job of keeping trator for the SSS- securing funds to establish an Institute of Cell them. "It took me 5 years to break in to being 1 study section, which reviews Engineering, which is expected to take advantage of funded by NIH," he commiserated. "I think role small business stem cell research, an area where fe deral funding has models could play an important role in enticing new grant applications lagged to date, he said. scientists to stay." for the oncologi­ He completed his opening statement by acknowl­ Kennedy ended the hearing by congratulating cal sciences edging the outstanding service of Dr. Ruth Kirsch­ President Bush on nominating such a strong candi­ integrated review stein, who has been acting NIH director since Jan. 1, date. "I think our country is very fortunate to have group. He earned 2000 (she was also hailed by virtually every member Dr. Zerhouni at the helm of the NIH, and the world his Ph.D. in of the committee, and was recognized with an is, too." Ill biophysical ovation) and the advice of NIH's last director, Dr. chemistry from Harold Varmus. "Both have been very helpful to me Three NIH'ers- Kay Johnson-Graham(/), Rose Pruitt Yale University, studying con(or­ during this process," said Zerhouni. (c) and Dr. Arlyn Garcia-Perez-were honored recently at the inaugural Women of Color in Health, Science and mational changes Echoing a sentiment he expressed at his Mar. 26 oft-RNA. In nomination ceremony at the White House, Zerhouni Technology Awards Conference in Nashville, Tenn. Cohosted by Hispanic Engineer & Information Technol­ postdoctoral concluded, "As an immigrant, I am very touched by ogy magazine, U.S. Black Engineer & Information studies there, he being here today. It says about our great country Technology magazine, Women of Color Conference worked on what no other country can say about itself." magazine, Career Communications Group, Inc. and U.S. sequencing RNA Kennedy began the questioning, asking Zerhouni Alliance Group, the annual award recognizes "excep­ and purifying what he hoped to achieve as director. "I want to tional aminoacyl-t-RNA reestablish morale and momentum, and provide the achieve­ synthase for vision and energy to recruit a number of institute ments of RNA-protein interaction directors in order to make the agency even more distin­ guished studies. He then effective than it has been," Zerhouni said. He added studied carcino­ that priority-setting would be a major challenge. women who have gen metabolism "Science is evolving at such a pace that cross-cutting excelled in and the liquid initiatives need to be encouraged," he continued. He the fields chromatography said he would work to enhance interactions among of health, and mass scientists, identify bottlenecks to research progress science and spectrometry and address them. technol­ interface at the He also said scientists need more resources, and ogy." California proposed a National Molecular Library, which could Johnson-Graham, EEO officer and minority outreach Institute of Technology. quickly provide researchers with biological mol­ coordinator for N IDCD and NINR, was honored for affirmative action in government; Pruitt, program Yang continued ecules of interest. "That's my own notion," he his metabolic cautioned. "I haven't yet sought the advice of my director in NIDDK's Office of Minority Health Research Coordination, was cited for community service in research as an peers." He also mused about a National Institute of government; and Garcia-Perez, assistant director of NCI senior staff Emerging Biotechnologies, to take advantage of a NIH's Office of Intramural Research, earned recognition fe l/ow. Prior to broad range of breakthroughs in such areas as for advancing health care in America. coming to CSR, nanotechnology. he was involved On other issues, Zerhouni said he would live in metabolic and Need Help Quitting Smoking? within established guidelines on stem cells and pharmacokinetic research at conduct such research in an "open and transparent" American University is offering free group treatment manner; emphasized that NIH should play a major DuPont Pharma­ for smokers who want to quit as part of a research ceuticals and at role in "ingraining a culture of safety" in trials study in the psychology department. To learn more, Merial. involving humans; explained that clinical trials have call (202) 885-1784. Ill FAMILY LODGE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ducting a clinical study that might help. The patient would undergo an experimental bone marrow transplant at the Clinical Center, which obliged him and his wife to remain nearby for several months, When that story drew Mrs. Safra's attention, she stepped forward with a contribution to the foundation's Family Lodge Campaign, Her hus­ band had suffered from Parkinson's disease so she knew firsthand about the challenges of being a daily caregiver. Unlike many fa milies dealing with illness, however, she possessed the financial resources to ease the burden. It was her empathy for patients and their families in their most dire moments that inspired Mrs, Safra's gift. Celebrating the dedication of the Edmond], Safra At a mid-day ceremony in the Senate caucus room, Family Lodge at a ceremony on Capitol Hill are (from 1): she said the lodge reflects "the spirit and values" of Ohio Congressman Ralph Regula; Foundation for NIH her late husband, "When my husband became ill, board of directors chairman Dr, Charles Sanders; Lily my world narrowed quickly, Helping Edmond was Safra; actor and patient advocate Michael]. Fox; NBC­ not my most important goal; it was my only goal," TV anchorwoman Barbara Harrison; and Massachusetts she said. Sen, Ted Kennedy. The lodge is planned as a temporary residence for caregivers of patients taking part in clinical trials, a good night's sleep," he said. "And following CC director Dr. John Gallin told the audience that intensive therapy patients and family members need patients come from every state in the union, travel­ a facility where they can transition to home. They Residents of the ing great distances because of the hope that NIH need a place where they can gain confidence in lodge (rendered provides-hope that "our research will save their home-care procedures in order to gain independence below) will find lives, or improve the lives of family members, or the from the hospital. " amenities that lives of others who have their disease," He noted Offering thanks to Lily Safra and the Safra Foun­ reflect the that patients frequently spend months in the dation, as well as to partners in industry, for their comforts of home generous gi fts, Gallin said the lodge would be a as well as the Clinical Center and that it becomes their home support and away from home, Despite special amenities such as much-needed refuge to welcome and comfort companionship of recreation rooms, a gym and a school, he said there caregivers. He predicts the facility will become an others facing was more that could be done. important model for other clinical research centers. similar challenges. Gallin expressed concern about two things in NBC's morning news co-anchor Barbara H arrison Groundbreaking particular. "The stress of chronic and severe illness moderated the event. The program also included will occur th is is enormous, especially when far away from home, FNIH board chairman Dr, Charles Sanders, actor summer with and too many families fracture. What is missing is and patient advocate M ichael J. Fox (who also completion a convenient place near the hospital to take a break suffers from Parkinson's disease), Ohio Congress­ projected for and get a moment of solitude, or take a nap, or get man Ralph Regula, Massachusetts Sen. Ted 2003. Kennedy, and Dr. Patricia Grady, director, ational Institute of Nursing Research. "This is what the American people are all about, helping people help others, As people committed to giving, Lily we thank you," said Sanders. Regula noted, "Mrs. Safra, the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge will stand as a monument for years. Those who will never know you will realize that your gift says there are those who care." "I want to thank Lily Safra for the work she does," added Fox. "Her gift here represents the high standard she brings to everything she does." Both Kennedy and Grady agreed with Gallin that the lodge might become a model for others to follow, " Patients get better more quickly when they have a family member nearby and their treatment is more effective," said Kennedy, adding that he hoped news of the Safra Family Lodge would soon "echo forth, causing it to be replicated throughout the Five Join Women's Health Advisory Committee country and world." "Patients are often discharged from a hospital Five new members recently joined the NIH advisory without knowing how to cope with their condi­ committee on research on women's health. They tions," Grady observed. "Their caregivers are are: Myrna Blythe, senior vice president, publishing challenged, too. Caregivers need special knowledge director and editor-in-chief of Ladies Home Journal to deal with many challenging issues and attend to and More magazines; Dr. Otis Brawley, associate their own health as well. An NIH program to director for cancer detection, control and interven­ address these issues for Safra Family Lodge residents tion, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute; would provide lasting benefits as they return home Teri Fontenot, presi­ and pick up their caregiving responsibilities again. dent and chief execu­ The program could become a model for other tive officer, Woman's research and care organizations to follow." Hospital, Baton Rouge; Residents will find amenities that reflect the Dr. Martha A. comforts of home as well as the support and Medrano, director, companionship of others facing similar challenges. Hispanic Center of Groundbreaking for the lodge will occur this Excellence, University summer with completion projected for 2003. of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; A Tribute to Edmond J. Safra and Irene Pollin, founder and chairper­ uring his lifetime, Edmond J. Safra, son, Sister to Sister Dconsidered by many to have been the 20th Foundation. century's greatest private Blythe has worked banker, quietly con­ with the Office of ducted a major philan­ Research on Women's Health for many years to On hand ata thropic mission. Rarely bring women's health research to the public. She meeting of the taking personal credit, was an official American delegate for the UN Fourth advisory he supported thousands World Conference on Women in Beijing and served committee on of students, underwrote on the host committee that organized the Beijing research on medical research, built women's health Plus Five meeting. are (front, from and restored schools and Brawley is an oncologist with a wealth of experi­ synagogues as well as 1) Irene Pollin, ence in cancer detection, control and community ORWH director churches and mosques, prevention, particularly among minority popula­ Dr. Vivian Pinn, endowed professorships tions. As cochair of the Surgeon General's task force and Myrna and contributed to on cancer health disparities and former director of Blythe. At rear countless humanitarian, NCl's Office of Special Populations, he is adept at are (from 1) Joyce religious, educational marshaling federal resources to further research and Rudick, ORWH and cultural causes. He Edmond]. Safra improve health. director of founded the Edmond J. Fontenot brings to the ACRWH many years of programs and management; Dr. Safra Philanthropic Foundation in 1999 to carry experience in hospital and health care administra­ forward his philanthropic heritage. Martha tion. Her organizational expertise and financial Medrano; Dr. After Safra's tragic death, the foundation and his perspective will provide unique insights into trends Otis Brawley; wife, Lily, who was a charter member of the in health care that affect women's health research. and Teri foundation and serves on its council, supported Medrano, a psychiatrist with a degree in public Fontenot. many projects consistent with his vision and in his health, is an expert on the effects of childhood memory. With the dedication of the Edmond J. trauma on women drug addicts and has worked to Safra Family Lodge at NIH, his foundation carries develop cultural competence teaching materials at forth Safra's lifetime commitment to medical the University of Texas. research and humanitarian causes.-Dianne Pollin has long been an asset to the Washington, Needham D.C., community; as president and founder of the Linda Pollin Foundation, she works to improve the Drug Treatment for INCL psychological care of chronically ill patients and their families. Iii Help doctors at NIH determine if a drug called Cystagon can be an effective treatment for INCL­ Have Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)? infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. For more NIH offers a variety of studies for POF. If you are information call 1-800-411-1222 or 1-866-411- 18-42, you may be able to take part. Call 1-800- 1010 (TTY). Iii 411-1222 or 1-866-411-1010 TTY. Iii NEW FIREHOUSE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The new building, located on a 1. 7-acre site near the county firehouse at the corner of Old George­ town Rd. and Cedar Ln., is actually a two-building, T-shaped complex and will be everything the present NIH firehouse, Bldg. 12-built initially as a garage and maintenance facility-isn't. It will have room for eight vehicles in a drive-thru lane, and a two­ story segment with space for administrative offices (the Fire Protection Services office in Bldg. 15G2 will relocate there), the fire station operations office, and plenty of living, dining and sleeping areas for the two platoons that will call it home. "Chief [Gary) Hess and his staff have done an absolutely outstanding job of protecting the 21,000 people on this campus from a wide variety of Participating in the groundbreaking are (from l) NIH hazards," said NIH acting director Dr. Ruth acting director Dr. Ruth Kirschstein, Associate Director Kirschstein at the brief outdoor ceremony. "The fire for Research Services Steve Ficca, DES Director Anthony PHOTOS: ERNIE department is especially important to me because I Clifford, Hess, and Dexroy Chism, project officer. BRANSON not only work here, I live here [in one of a handful of on-campus residences]." project one of the most important in his 32-year Since the events of 9/11, people have come NIH career, noted that fire fighters had converted an to realize the important role fire fighters old car-wash adjacent to Bldg. 12 into a bunk play in our society, Kirschstein observed. facility, and that as the fire department bought more r,i "Three hundred-forty three fire fighters lost apparatus, more vehicles were parked outdoors. their lives on that day, which reminds us of "It's tough answering a call on a winter night when the incredible bravery, commitment and the first thing you have to do is scrape ice off the selflessness it takes to become a fire truck's windshield," he said. fighter... You are and will always be our Steve Ficca, director of the Office of Research heroes." Services, congratulated the fire department's parent She pointed out that Bldg. 12 was funded Division of Public Service for outstanding service during the 81st Congress as part of the and caring since the events of 9/11 and said he is original Clinical Center construction "looking forward to a strengthened, improved and Clifford said the budget. Ten years later, it was home to two divi­ much-enhanced fire department that will be exem­ project is a sions-the Division of Research Services and the plary in public service." The NIH fire fighters will highlight of his Division of Business Operations. The structure assist both the National Naval Medical Center 32-year NIH needed modifications as early as 1956, she reported, across Rockville Pike from NIH, and the nearby career. when electric heat was installed. But eventually it county, he added. could no longer adapt to the needs of a growing Chief Hess, who has been at NIH for 16 years, campus. recalled a stint earlier in his fire-fighting career at Although Congress funded the replacement Walter Reed Army Hospital: "On my first day on firehouse in 1996, it has taken time to design and the job, the captain showed me plans for a new site the facility on a campus already burgeoning with firehouse. Well, my son works there now, and it's new construction, Kirschstein said. "We have come still not built!" He acknowledged that planning for a long way, but construction of this facility will be a NIH's firehouse, also known as Bldg. 51, took time, major accomplishment for NIH. It will benefit not but said, "It's a really good feeling to see it coming only our employees and visitors, but also the out of the ground." He said members of the fire and surrounding community." emergency response section, which is the "It's a little difficult to find a piece of ground at department's formal title, work 72-hour weeks in NIH that hasn't been broken yet," quipped Tony rotating 24-hour shifts. "They're basically here as Clifford, director of the Division of Engineering much as they are at home." As in a large family, he Services, ORS. He said Chief Hess had given him a continued, life can become contentious, particularly tour recently of Bldg. 12, and Clifford, an engineer, when members are confined to close quarters. noticed strain gauges-instruments that measure "Sometimes it's hard to get along, particularly when stress-on the walls. "The living quarters there are the call load runs heavy. This new facility will be very tight, the quality is poor, and the bunk beds are such an improvement." so close to the ceiling that fire fighters have to avoid He said the building will house an instrument shop bumping their heads when they pop up at night to where firefighters can repair and calibrate tools, a answer the klaxon." Clifford, who called the self-contained breathing apparatus shop, and a fire extinguisher maintenance facility, to keep the HRDD Class Offerings campus' population of some 4,000 extinguishers in working order. "And the days of scraping ice (off The Human Resource Development Division windshields) at 2 a.m. will end," he declared. supports the development of NIH human resources Hess noted that his section answered 1,446 calls in through consultation and provides training, career 1995, and more than 7,000 calls last year. "Already development programs and other services designed we are running ahead of last year's rate," he said. to enhance organizational performance. For more "We're running more multiple calls, too. It used to information call 496-6211 or visit http:// LearningSource.od.nih.gov. be that you ran fires; now we're running EMT Dr. Mariela (emergency medical technician), confined-space Budget Formulation 5/21, 22 Shirley has joined calls, and hazmat calls (especially during the anthrax Successful Management at NIH 5/22, 23, 24 the Center for scare last fall)." Consulting Skills for Human Resources Scientific Review As guests enjoyed refreshments after the ceremo­ Professionals 5/23, 24 as scientific nial groundbreaking, workmen continued to lay Purchase Card Training 5/24 review adminis­ Intermediate MS PowerPoint 2000 5/28 footers for the new building. There is no pausing trator for the Advanced Project Management 5/29, 30 now that the project is under way. Iii SSS-N study Intermediate MS Access 2000 5/29 section, which Processing Personnel Actions: A Refresher 5129, 30 Dr. Van S. Hubbard, director of N IH's Division of reviews grant Price Reasonableness in Simplified Acquisitions 5130 applications for Nutrition Research Coordination and chief of N IDDK's Introduction to MS Excel 2000 6/3 Nutritional Sciences Branch, is the first recipient of the the risk, preven­ North American Association for the Study of Obesity's tion and health (NAASO) George Bray Pounders Award. Presented to behavior integrated review him recently at NAASO's annual 1'10T Computer Classes meeting held in conjunction with group. She has National Nutrition Week in San studied behav­ All courses are on the NIH campus and are given ioral interven­ Diego, the award recognized his without charge. For more information call 594- outstanding contributions in tions to minimize 6248 or consult the training program's home page at cancer treatment advancing the scientific and http://training.cit.nih.gov. clinical aspects of understanding distress and and treating obesity. He received Hands-On EndNote 5 for Windows 5/14 evaluated alcohol his Ph.D. in biochemistry and his WIG - World Wide Web Interest Group 5/14 use in patients at M.D. degree from the Medical MapViewer Quick Start 5/14 the Roswell Park College of Virginia, Virginia Bu ilding a Secure Home Network 5/15 Cancer Institute Commonwealth University. Prior Data Warehouse Query: Research Contracts in Buffalo. She to coming to NIH in 1976, he & Granrs 5/15 also evaluated completed an internship and residency in the department IT Investment Review (Capital Planning alcohol use of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Hospitals, and Investment Control) 5/16 typologies at the Minneapolis. He currently represents NIH on a number Data Warehouse Query: Procurement Research of interagency and interdepartmental committees & Market Requisitions 5/16 Institute on concerned with obesity, nutritional sciences and food Creating Presenrations with PowerPoint Addictions in safety. He is the colead for the nutrition and overweight for the PC 5/17 Buffalo. Shirley focus area of Healthy People 2010. Windows XP - What's New 5/20 then studied Data Warehouse Query: Human Resources health care utilization in BIG Hosts Spring Fashion Show, May 16 Fellowship Payment 5/21 Macinrosh OS X - What's New for Users 5/22 comorbid The Young Adult Resource Development (YARD) Elementary S-PLUS 2000 5/23 individuals and committee will present its first annual spring fashion Data Warehouse Query: Budget & Finance 5/23 evaluated brief show extravaganza, "Dressing for Success in the Finding NIH Employee Information interventions at the Addiction Workplace," on Thursday, May 16 in the Natcher on the Web 5/29 Research Conference Center, Balcony B from 10:30 a.m. to Foundation in noon. The YARD committee of the NIH chapter of NIH Library Offers Training Toronto, Blacks in Government addresses the needs of and Canada. Before develops opportunities for African-American young Learn something new this season at any of the free, coming to CSR, adults employed at NIH. The committee's mission is hands-on classes applicable to researchers, summer she was an to promote personal development, professionalism hires, and nurses, among others. A listing of the assistant and excellence in government by sponsoring activi­ summer 2002 seminars is now posted on the NIH professor of ties that enhance communication and leadership Library training page at http://nihlibrary.nih.gov/ psychology at the skills and strengthen relationships between genera­ University of training/calendar.pd£. Of special note is the new North Carolina tions. For more information or reasonable accom­ class, Alternatives in Animal Research. llJ at Wilmington. modation, contact Felecia Taylor, 594-2463 or [email protected]. Iii Thrift Savings Plan Open Season NIH Holds Health and Safety Expo, June 11 The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is having another ant to step back from the day-to-day work open season from May 15 through July 31, 2002. W to see the "big picture" of the National FERS employees who were hired before July 1, Institutes of Health? Of course, NIH is one of the 2002, as well as CSRS employees have an opportu­ world's foremost medical research centers, and a nity to change their election or make an initial lot of exciting work goes on here. But what election. exactly does that mean to you as an employee or Eligible FERS employees may elect to contribute up as a health care consumer? What does it mean to to 12 percent of their salary this open season and your family and friends? will receive matching agency contributions on the The NIH Health and Safety Expo on Tuesday, first 5 percent (once they become eligible for the June 11 will help answer these questions. It will agency contributions, i.e., the second open season provide an easy way to after being hired). CSRS employees may contribute experience and under­ up to 7 percent of salary this open season, but do stand the range of NIH's not receive agency contributions. FERS employees research, and to learn who do not contribute receive an automatic 1 about the workplace percent agency contribution each pay period (once safety and health they become eligible to receive agency contribu­ programs that exist here tions). to support employees. The features of the TSP and directions on how to The expo will kick off make an election or to change your current with­ at 10 a.m. in Masur holding are described in the Thrift Savings Plan Box Seats to Auditorium, Bldg. 10, Open Season leaflet, which will be distributed to Orioles Games with "Biodefense: The eligible employees by their IC personnel office. Response and Role of More detailed information is provided in the The R&Whas Dr. Carole Heilman NIH," presented by Dr. Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal season tickets to Carole Heilman, director of NIAID's Division of Employees booklet and is available in your IC see the Baltimore Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. personnel office. Orioles at Camden Then from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Bldg. 10, Both the leaflet and the booklet explain how you Yards. Tickets are exhibitors from various N IH institutes, centers, can allocate your contributions and any agency still available for a and programs will host fun and interactive contributions among the five TSP funds. Iii variety of home displays in the Visitor Information Center and in games. R&W has the Bl lobby. Cancer Prevention Fellowships Available first-base line The purpose of the expo is to help employees tickets that lead happier and healthier lives. The Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) include a pair of provides a foundation for clinicians and scientists to field box seats for train in the fi eld of cancer prevention and control. $68 in section 14, As part of the program, master of public health row BBB and four NCl's Freeman Honored by UCSF training is offered at accredited universities during terrace box seats Dr. Harold P. Freeman, director of the Center to the first year, fo llowed by up to 4 years of mentored in section 12 row Reduce Cancer Health Disparities, NCI, is one of research with investigators at NCI. NN for $108. For four recipients of the UCSF Medal, the most In addition to opportunities for cutting-edge basic more information prestigious honor bestowed by the University of science laboratory studies, epidemiologic research on available game California, San Francisco; it is given annually to and behavioral research that have been hallmarks of dates or to individuals who have made outstanding personal the program since its inception in 1986, new tracks purchase tickets, contributions associated with the university's health are offered in clinical cancer prevention and in the call the activities science mission. He received the award at the ethics of public health and prevention. Other desk, 496-4600 or university's Founders Day banquet on Apr. 25. educational opportunities are provided throughout stop by Bldg. 31, Freeman, who is chairman of the President's the fellowship period to complement the fellows' Rm. B1W30. Don't Cancer Panel and medical director of the Ralph training, including the NCI Summer Curriculum in forget about the Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention and Care in Cancer Prevention, molecular prevention laboratory R&Wbullpen New York City, was described in a UCSF press training, leadership and professional development party on July 13 release as "a national advocate for poor and training, the weekly NCI Cancer Prevention and when the O's take underserved patients who has focused critical Control Colloquia Series and weekly fellows' on the Oakland attention and research on their needs and has research meeting, as well as a variety of training Athletics. argued that poverty and diminished access to opportunities outside NCI. The application dead­ healthcare are the principal underlying causes of line is Sept. 1, 2002. For more information visit racial disparities in death rates from cancer and http://www3.cancer.gov/prevention/pobl or contact other diseases." Iii Barbara Redding, 496-8640. Ii)