Pitt Alumnus Elected to Institute of Medicine IOM’S New Members and Foreign Associates

INSIDE Homecoming photos...... 3

Pitt grad programs in physical sciences and engineering...... 4

PittNewspaper of the University of PittsburghChronicle Volume IX • Number 31 • November 3, 2008 Pitt Alumnus Elected to Institute of Medicine IOM’s new members and foreign associates. “Members are elected through a highly selective process that recognizes people who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health.” “To be recognized by the incumbent membership of the Institute of Medicine for my scientific accomplishments in cancer health disparities and public health is incredible and overwhelming,” said Adams-Campbell. “As a member of the IOM and a resident of a city with unparal- leled disparities, I will strive to enhance the national focus on health disparities research and prevention education. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this phenomenal organization.” Adams-Campbell, who received her PhD in epidemiology from Pitt in 1983 and completed a National Institutes of Health- funded postdoctoral fellowship here before joining Pitt’s Department of Epidemiology as an adjunct professor of epidemiology, is an internationally recognized expert on Lucile L. Adams-Campbell health disparities. She specializes in community health research, interventions, and Patents Awarded to Pitt Innovators University of Pittsburgh alumnus outreach and has played a leading role in Lucile L. Adams-Campbell has been elected the Washington, D.C., cancer and public to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), an honor health community. membership organization established in Adams-Campbell studies issues that Rise 72% in FY 2008, Report Says 1970 as a component of the National Acad- affect populations at the greatest risk for By Lauren O’Leary emy of Sciences that serves as a national developing cancer with a focus on preven- advisory body on matters of health and sci- tion. She has participated and led several A tiny sensor composed of carbon innovators, from 21 in fiscal year 2007 to 36 ence policy. Adams-Campbell is associate large cohort studies of African American nanotubes that will alert asthma sufferers in FY 2008, and a nearly $2 million increase director for minority health and health dis- women and played a leading role in bring- to impending attacks. Training materials in revenue generated from licensed and parities research and professor of oncology ing to D.C. the Boston University Black for educators that are changing classrooms optioned innovations, from $7.13 million in at Georgetown University Medical Center’s Women’s Health Study, the largest study of around the country. These are just some FY 2007 to $9.09 million in FY 2008. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. African American women. of the innovations highlighted in the Uni- Patent applications increased as well, “The election of distinguished Pitt Much of Adams-Campbell’s research versity of Pittsburgh Office of Technology to 100 in FY 2008, up from 95 in FY 2007, alumnus Lucile Adams- focuses on energy bal- Management (OTM) 2008 Annual Report. and more than double the number just five Campbell to the Institute ance involving diet and “Innovation commercialization activity years ago, 49. of Medicine is richly Adams-Campbell, who exercise. Washington, at Pitt has continued at a brisk, healthy pace, Three new start-up companies were deserved recognition for D.C., has higher-than- fueled in part by increased education and spun off of Pitt innovations in FY 2008, her accomplishments received her PhD in average rates of obe- awareness efforts, cultural shifts, strides bringing the total number of startups cre- as an internationally sity, diabetes, cancer, in customer service, and the more than ated since 2003 to 42. Cardiorobotics, Inc., respected authority on epidemiology from Pitt cancer death, and heart $642 million in research funding received cofounded by Pitt professor of surgery Marco health disparities,” said disease, all of which last year by the University,” said Marc S. Zenati, is developing highly articulated Pitt Chancellor Mark in 1983 and completed may be affected by diet Malandro, associate vice chancellor for robotic probes designed for use in minimally A. Nordenberg. “Dr. a National Institutes of and exercise, she says. technology management and commercial- invasive surgeries. EPR-Technologies, Inc., Adams-Campbell has Through community- ization at Pitt. “The is using newly devel- been honored by her Health-funded postdoctoral based interventions, results of our unique oped medical proce- alma mater as a Distin- she hopes to decrease collaboration with dures involving emer- guished Alumni Fellow fellowship here before obesity and mortal- Pitt innovators shows gency hypothermia to and as the recipient of ity from these related that, once again, Uni- put trauma victims in the Graduate School of joining Pitt’s Department diseases. versity faculty, staff, a temporary state of Public Health Alumni Prior to joining and students are con- suspended animation Society’s Distinguished of Epidemiology as an Lombardi Cancer tributing significantly until appropriate treat- Alumni Award. Having adjunct professor of Center earlier this to the betterment of ment can be obtained. come to know her and her year, Adams-Campbell humankind through EPR (Emergency Pres- work, I, along with the epidemiology, is an inter- served as director of both their innovations ervation and Resuscita- Pitt community, salute the Howard University and their participation tion) uses a process and Dr. Adams-Campbell nationally recognized Cancer Center. in the commercializa- equipment developed and her groundbreaking Adams-Campbell tion process.” Pitt’s 2008 OTM Annual Report by Patrick Kochanek, research in community expert on health received her bachelor’s Last year, according Xianren Wu, and William health.” and master’s degrees to Malandro, more than Stezoski in Pitt’s Depart- Adams-Campbell is disparities. from Drexel Univer- 400 Pitt innovators participated in some part ment of Critical Care Medicine and Samuel one of only 65 new mem- sity. She currently of the commercialization process through Tisherman in Pitt’s Department of Surgery. bers and five foreign associates announced serves as a reviewer for or an editorial the OTM and its affiliate, the Office of Prevencio, LLC, was created to use a series at the IOM’s Oct. 13 annual meeting. Cur- board member of eight journals and has Enterprise Development, Health Sciences of protein signatures to discover signs of rent active members elect new members published more than 100 peer-reviewed (OED). vascular disease. The process was developed from among candidates nominated for their research papers. As the hub of commercialization activ- by William LaFramboise in Pitt’s Depart- professional achievement and commitment Among this year’s other IOM honorees ity at Pitt, the OTM works with innovators ment of Pathology and Oscar Marroquin, to service. is David H. Perlmutter, the Vira I. Heinz to bring their ideas from the laboratory to Dennis McNamara, and Suresh Mulukutla “It is a great pleasure to welcome these Professor and chair of the Department of the marketplace. Among the highlights in in Pitt’s Department of Medicine. distinguished and influential individuals Pediatrics in the University of Pittsburgh’s this year’s report, which details advances A complete PDF copy of OTM’s 2008 to the Institute of Medicine,” said IOM School of Medicine. (See Oct. 20, 2008, by the OTM and the OED, are a 72 percent Annual Report is available at http://www. president Harvey V. Fineberg in announcing Pitt Chronicle) increase in U.S. patents awarded to Pitt otm.pitt.edu. 2 • Pitt Chronicle • November 3, 2008 BrieflyNoted

Pitt Hosts Social Scholar for 2008 Raymond R. Webb Jr. Lecture

The University of Pittsburgh will host Elizabeth Beck, a professor in Georgia State University’s School of Social Work, for the 2008 Raymond R. Webb Jr. Lecture at noon Nov. 5 in Pitt’s School of Social Work Conference Center. The lecture, titled “Conflict Transformation, Pitt Researchers Restorative Justice, and the Role of Social Workers in Addressing Neighborhood Violence,” is free and open Get $2.7 Million to the public. Beck is a coauthor of In The Shadow of Death: Restorative Justice and Death Row Families (Oxford For Radiation Drug University Press, 2007), an indepth look at the lives By Courtney McCrimmon of the family members of capital offenders. She has consulted on numerous death penalty cases and Researchers at the University of Pitts- conducts training sessions for capital defense lawyers burgh School of Medicine have been across the country. She teaches courses in social awarded $2.7 million from the Biomedi- welfare policy, social welfare history, and community cal Advanced Research and Development development. Authority, Department of Health and Human Pitt alumnus Raymond R. Webb was an Services, to develop a radiation mitigator drug that could counter the effects of radia- advocate for and practitioner of community mental tion exposure in case of large-scale public health. From 1969 to 1989, he directed the Allegheny exposure. East Mental Health/Mental Retardation Center, Inc. The ultimate goal of the contract is to Webb passed away in March 2006. In his memory, Pitt to Host 23rd Annual Polish develop an easily administered drug that the loved ones partnered with Pitt’s School of Social Festival Nov. 9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Work to create the Raymond R. Webb Jr. Endowed in the Department of Health and Human Fund, which provides financial support for graduate Music, dance, and delicious Polish fare are the high- Services can store and fly to hospitals and students in Pitt’s School of Social Work and supports lights of the University of Pittsburgh Polishfest, from noon to care facilities if and when an emergency the public and a reception will follow. Gordon and occurs. the annual Raymond R. Webb Jr. Lecture. 5 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room. Korie will explore the contemporary relevance of For more information, contact 412-624-6304 The Nationality Rooms Program and the Polish A team of researchers led by Joel Green- the issues and themes in the John Steinbeck novel, berger, professor and chair of the Depart- or visit www.socialwork.pitt.edu. Nationality Room Committee are sponsoring the free public, such as the foreclosure crisis, economic downturn, ment of Radiation Oncology in Pitt’s School —Anthony M. Moore family-oriented event. and domestic diaspora. of Medicine, will develop the GS-nitroxide The 23rd annual Polishfest, held to promote Pitt Night at the Opera for Grapes of Wrath drug JP4-039, identified by the Pitt research Pitt Honors College to Host and celebrate Polish culture and traditions, will feature will be held Nov. 15, when participants can meet team in 2004 as a radioprotector. Using both Lecture by International performances by the Lajkonik folk dancers and folk singer the “Opera Lady,” Beth Parker, and the opera’s mouse-model and human cell and tissue Security Expert Radoslaw Fizek, crafts for children, art demonstra- general and artistic director, Christopher Hahn. research, they have shown that the drug, tions, cultural displays, egg decorating, and Free desserts and transportation to the opera are when delivered 24 hours after irradiation, The University of Pittsburgh Polish imports, as well as instruction in Polish enhances cell recovery. included in the cost of a Cheap Seats ticket for Pitt According to Greenberger, JP4-039 can Honors College will present a folk dancing. Night. Reservations should be made at the PITT lecture titled “How the Next In addition, visitors can purchase be delivered directly to the mitochondria, the ARTS office in the William Pitt Union by Nov. 12. energy-producing areas of all cells. When President Can Win the War on such authentic Polish dishes as stuffed For more information about all three this occurs, the drug assists the mitochon- Terror,” featuring Robert Pape, cabbage, sausage sandwiches and programs, call 412-624-4498 or visit www.pittarts. dria in combating irradiation-induced cell professor of political science at sauerkraut, noodles and cabbage, pierogi, pitt.edu. death. the University of Chicago, at 2:15 and baked goods. Other items to be sold —Annabelle Clippinger “Currently, no drugs on the market p.m. Nov. 7 in the Honors College, at the festival include counteract the effects of radiation exposure,” Cathedral of Learning. A Harry S. inlaid wooden boxes, wood said Greenberger, whose lab is part of the Truman Scholar, Pape graduated summa Robert Pape carvings, and Polish plates. University’s Center for Medical Counter- cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, receiving Proceeds from the festival measures. the Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from benefit the Polish Room Scholarship Pitt’s School of Arts and Sciences in 1982. Fund. The event is free and open to the public, but More information is available at space is limited. 412-624-6150. A specialist in international security affairs, Pape —Patricia Lomando White PittChronicle has numerous publications, including Dying to Win: Newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism (Random Three Grapes of Wrath PUBLISHER Robert Hill House, 2005); Bombing to Win: Air Power and Opera Programs ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER John Harvith Coercion in War (Cornell University Press, 1996); Planned for November EXECUTIVE EDITOR Linda K. Schmitmeyer “Why Economic Sanctions Do Not Work,” International EDITOR Jane-Ellen Robinet Security (1997); “The Determinants of International PITT ARTS is planning three ART DIRECTOR Gary Cravener Moral Action,” International Organization (1999); programs in November for the Pittsburgh STAFF WRITERS Sharon S. Blake “The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism,” American premiere of Pittsburgh Opera’s The John Fedele Political Science Review (2003); and “Soft Balancing Grapes of Wrath. Morgan Kelly Against the United States,” International Security On Tuesday, Nov. 11, from noon Amanda Leff Anthony M. Moore (2005). to 1 p.m. in the William Pitt Union Patricia Lomando White Pape’s commentary on international security Assembly Room, PITT ARTS will offer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Annabelle Clippinger policy has appeared in The New York Times, Wash- a free opera luncheon featuring Ricky Reid R. Frazier ington Post, New Republic, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Ian Gordon, composer of the Grapes of Courtney McCrimmon Times, and Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, as well as Wrath opera, and the opera’s librettist HAPPENINGS EDITOR Lauren O’Leary on Nightline, ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, (writer of the text for the score) Michael and National Public Radio. His current work focuses Korie. Gordon will play and sing some The Pitt Chronicle is published throughout the year by on the causes of suicide terrorism and the politics of pieces from the opera. University News and Magazines, University of Pittsburgh, A Pitt music department col- 400 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, unipolarity. Phone: 412-624-1033, Fax: 412-624-4895, For more information, call Edward McCord, loquium on the opera will be held from E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chronicle.pitt.edu 412-624-6886. 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 in Room 132 of the Music Building. The event is free to The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal —Patricia Lomando White opportunity institution that does not discriminate upon any basis prohibited by law. November 3, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 3 Homecoming2008

2. MARY JANE BENT/CIDDE

1. JOE KAPELEWSKI/CIDDEJOE

1. Pitt played Rutgers in the Oct. 25 Homecoming game and lost 54-34. 2. Pitt alumni gather in the Cathedral of Learning’s Com- mons Room for a first-ever Welcome Back reception on Oct. 24. 3. Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and Inter- national Affairs (GSPIA) celebrated its 50th anniversary during Homecoming. Pictured are GSPIA Dean John T.S. Keeler (middle), Donald Stone Jr., and Nancy 4. Stone Dickinson. Stone and Dickinson are the children of GSPIA founding dean

Donald Stone. 4. Pitt’s NAGLE PATTY African American Alumni Council gave Sankofa Awards to five Pitt faculty and administrators during an annual awards ceremony on Oct. 26. Honored were (seated, from left) Toi Derricotte, professor of English; Betsy Porter, director of the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid; (standing, from left) Kathy W. Humphrey, vice provost and dean of students; Laurence A. Glasco, a professor of history; and (not pictured) Sandra Murray, professor of cell biology and physiology. Shirley A. Biggs, a professor emerita in the School of Education, accepted the award on Murray’s behalf. JIM BURKE/CIDDEJIM

2008 Awardees of Distinction Homecoming Royalty

The Pitt Varsity Letter Club honored six former letter winners as 2008 Awardees of Distinction during the club’s 48th annual Award Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg (far right) and F. James McCarl (CGS ’73), president Dinner on Oct. 24 in Alumni Hall. The awards honor varsity letter winners who have distinguished themselves in their professions of Pitt’s Alumni Association, congratulate Pitt’s 2008 Homecoming Queen Sandra and communities. Pictured are (from left) Rande Stottlemyer (EDUC ’78), wrestling; Nick Generalovich, (PHARM, Class of ’68), Abla and King Akere Atte. The pair was crowned during the half time of Pitt’s basketball; Donald Nania (EDUC ‘78, EDUC ‘86G), baseball; Rebecaa Zuccarelli Verbus (SHRS ’74, GSPH ’80), gymnastics; Henry Oct. 25 football game against Rutgers. Ford (CBA ’55), football; and James Covert (A&S ’91), football. JOE KAPELEWSKI/CIDDEJOE PETE MADIA 4 • Pitt Chronicle • November 3, 2008 Graduate and Professional Education: Mapping the Future

Creative Problem Solving Across Disciplines Physical sciences and engineering graduate programs approach research from multiple perspectives

JIM BURKE/CIDDEJIM From left, John Leonard, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science; Cheng Cen, a fourth-year physics doctoral student; and Pitt physics professor Jeremy Levy are researching oxide nanowires that are only two nanometers wide, created with an atomic-force microscope. Scientists believe nanowires could lead to increasingly smaller computers. “When you’re working with experts from other disciplines, you don’t have to be an expert in their fields, but you do have to know a little bit about what they do,” Levy says.

By Reid R. Frazier “Being a scientist isn’t like Veronica Miller has spent the past few PhD students who are gaining expertise in and wonder from bining information and years as a University of Pittsburgh gradu- the rapidly changing fields that have grown where you might be joining a guild, where you techniques from differ- ate student learning the intricacies of fluid up in the physical sciences and engineering able to draw a solu- ent fields,” says Redfern. dynamics, gaining expertise in concepts during the 20th and early 21st centuries. tion. It’s essentially acquire a set of skills and go “The problems we’re such as fluid flow and how turbulence is Pitt PhD students are very well grounded a creative process.” out and repeat those skills dealing with are com- measured. in the fundamentals of their chosen fields— Peter Koehler, plex and require new and But Miller, who is pursing a PhD in chemistry, biology, physics, or a number of professor and direc- over and over again. You innovative approaches.” mechanical engineering, wasn’t content to engineering specialties—but they are also tor of graduate stud- simply learn the concepts—she wanted to oriented to addressing problems that are ies in physics at have to be able to go out Going Outside a put her new knowledge to good use. So she outside of their fields. Their mission to be Pitt, says research Comfort Zone also is studying renewable energy at Pitt’s creative in other areas forces them to master requires scientists and digest someone else’s Training PhD stu- Center for Energy, focusing in particular on things at the boundaries of their fields and to have a certain dents to cross disciplin- hydroelectric turbines others, to work or con- intellectual fitness scientific understanding and ary boundaries is part that can be dropped sult with experts in other to approach a prob- incorporate it into your own and parcel of scientific onto a riverbed or ocean “Research isn’t just about fields, and to synthesize lem from multiple tradition, says David floor to harness elec- new solutions to problems perspectives. For line of inquiry.” Waldeck, professor and tricity from underwater answering problems at the with an amalgam of all instance, a physicist chair in Pitt’s Depart- currents. An expert-in- these resources. looks at a CO mol- —Stephen Weber ment of Chemistry. back of the textbook. You 2 training in mechanical The examples that ecule or cancer cell “Chemists have often engineering, Miller have to be able to study follow explore the rich differently than a called chemistry the is wading into other variety of questions that chemist does. But both approaches can help ‘central science’ because it links physics fields—environmental a problem, look for holes current Pitt science and advance research on the topic. and math to fields like biology and related economics, ecology, engineering PhD students “A real skill that needs to be developed sciences.” electrical engineering, in the data, and wonder are addressing. is how you define a problem,” says Koe- In recent years, emerging fields like computer modeling— hler. “You don’t want to be too narrow in nanoscience and engineering, biophysics, in an effort to make from where you might be The Creative Spark your training. You always want to keep an structural biology, and green chemistry her research connect able to draw a solution. A key component of a eye out for new horizons in research that have spurred collaboration, offering novel to real-world energy Pitt doctoral program—in may not have even been possible when you and different ways for scientists to address needs. It’s essentially a creative any field—is the opportu- started.” problems. “If I want to tackle nity for students to look at Quite often, the path to becoming a To prepare chemistry PhD students for something as big as process.” problems creatively, from successful researcher will lead to other interfacing with these fields, the program clean energy, I can’t —James V. Maher various vantage points. fields and disciplines, says Mark Redfern, requires them to complete a research pro- just focus on mechani- “Research isn’t just about a professor of bioengineering and associate posal outside their areas of concentration. cal engineering. In real answering problems at dean for research in the Swanson School of “It’s a way of learning how to be an inde- cases, you have to be the back of the textbook,” Engineering. The reason is that many of the pendent researcher in a controlled environ- more than an expert in just one area,” she says Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor most-pressing problems don’t fit neatly into ment,” Waldeck says. “How do we know the says. James V. Maher. “You have to be able to intellectual categories. Miller is one of more than 500 Pitt study a problem, look for holes in the data, “Research now often requires com- Continued on page 5 November 3, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 5 MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE From left, Steven Little, a chemical engineering professor, works with Sam Rothstein, a fourth-year chemical engineering doctoral student, and Jillian Tengood, a fifth-year bioengineering doctoral student. The team is using computer modeling and hands-on experiments to test new ways to deliver drugs for vaccines or healing battlefield wounds.

Continued from page 4 program works? Because students initially work outside their disciplines to find new will swim around them, “Pitt really fosters an has opened his eyes to the say they hate it. But after they’ve finished, lines of inquiry and stay on the leading edge and whether they’ll get possibilities for research they say they’re glad they did it.” of discovery. stuck in the turbine environment where we’re in alternative energy, a Stephen Weber, a Pitt professor and blades,” says Miller, rapidly developing field director of graduate studies for the chemistry The Search for Energy Solutions whose research could thinking about working that is attracting experts department, says being prepared to move The emergence of research centers in also lead to the develop- in engineering, chemistry, into an alternate research field is critical for energy, nanoscience, and computer simula- ment of a tidal turbine with people in other physics, and ecology. research PhDs. tion and modeling has accelerated this trend. that would generate elec- fields: I’m not a civil “That’s what a true PhD scientist is— Gerald Holder, the U.S. Steel Dean of the tricity from currents at Solutions From the someone who can go into a new field, read Swanson School of Engineering, says one the bottom of the ocean engineer or an electrical Nano Toolbox about it, learn about it, ask cogent questions of the Center for Energy’s purposes is to floor or tidal estuary. Interdisciplinary about it. That’s what we’re training our stu- encourage collaboration between faculty She’s also working engineer, but in order research also is promi- dents to do,” Weber says. “Being a scientist and their graduate students from a variety on a research proposal nent in nanoscience at isn’t like joining a guild, where you acquire a of disciplines, schools, and departments. with David Sanchez, a to solve some of these Pitt. The Petersen Insti- set of skills and go out and repeat those skills The energy question permeates all levels of graduate student in Pitt’s tute for NanoScience and over and over again. You have to be able to global society, Holder says, adding that it civil and environmental energy problems, I need Engineering involves go out and digest someone else’s scientific makes sense to pull as many bright minds engineering department, to be able to work with dozens of faculty mem- understanding and incorporate it into your into energy research as possible. to create a remote sensor bers from various Pitt own line of inquiry.” “Society’s interested in this, and so are for pollution in rivers these kinds of schools, including the In physics, students are encouraged the students. What we’re trying to do with that would measure elec- Schools of Arts and Sci- to take courses in related disciplines. In the center is to focus on creating new tech- trical current fluctua- researchers.” ences, Engineering, Medi- engineering, students should have at least a nologies by bringing people from around the tions caused by certain cine, Public Health, and basic understanding of other disciplines with University together to tackle the big issues,” kinds of pollutants. In —Veronica Miller Pharmacy. Students from which they interact, says Laura Schaefer, Holder says. addition, Miller is work- those schools have been codirector of the Center for Energy and a The prospect of working in the alterna- ing with a Pitt mechanical engineering grad able to tap a wide array of tools and faculty professor of mechanical engineering. That tive energy field attracted Miller to Pitt, student on a project to install river turbines collaborations through the center. means they must know the language of other where she is trying to determine which in Ghana. Among these faculty members is disciplines: a ‘parameter’ in engineering turbine designs can harvest the most energy “Pitt really fosters an environment Jeremy Levy, a professor of physics, who could be a ‘variable’ with the least impact on where we’re thinking about working with studies “nanostructures at the interface in chemistry. the aquatic environment. people in other fields: I’m not a civil engi- between insulating materials”—popularly “I’ll encourage “One of the Center for The devices work a lot like neer or an electrical engineer, but in order termed ‘nanowires.’ These are thin layers students to take a submerged water wheels to solve some of these energy problems, I of materials one molecule wide that can course in other depart- Energy’s purposes is to or windmills. Because the need to be able to work with these kinds of conduct electricity. Scientists think these ments or schools; even devices are in water, they researchers.” structures could lead to increasingly smaller the same course could encourage collaboration are propelled by drag or Miller enjoys working on a problem that computers that can be implanted in a variety be taught totally dif- between faculty and their lift, the same forces that has a solution with an immediate real-world of places or devices. Levy, who collaborates ferently,” Schaefer make airplanes fly. The impact. “It’s one thing to do all these things with materials scientists and chemists, says. graduate students from flow of water propels the on paper; it’s another to be able to generate thinks his research is an example of how This type of turbine’s blades, which clean, renewable electricity for people who interdisciplinary approaches are needed in cross-fertilization is a variety of disciplines, turn a shaft that generates really need it.” emerging fields like nanoscience. a critical component electricity. Using com- Florian Zink, another mechanical “These nanomaterials are an area I of graduate education. schools, and departments.” puter-modeling software, engineering PhD student, is researching didn’t know anything about two years ago,” While a student still —Gerald Holder Miller is analyzing how a thermoacoustic refrigeration—using sound Levy says. “Because I’m collaborating with needs to be an expert series of turbine designs waves as a component of cooling systems. other people, I don’t know how to make these in a specific field to would impact the aquatic Zink needs to understand the physics of materials, but I don’t have to. I still have to get a PhD, each stu- environment. acoustic waves in addition to the intricate understand what they’re doing, but I can con- dent realizes that no branch of science exists “If we know how water flows through science of heat transfer and fluid thermo- in a vacuum. Increasingly, students need to the turbine device, we can estimate how fish dynamics. Zink says his research at Pitt Continued on page 6 6 • Pitt Chronicle • November 3, 2008

Creative Problem Solving Across Disciplines

Continued from page 5 centrate on another side of the equation.” Physics PhD students are still expected to have expertise in their field—they must know advanced electromagnetism, classical mechanics, and condensed matter physics. But when they go into fields like nanoscience, they’ll also need to know how to cover ground in chemistry, biology, medicine, and materials science, Levy says. “It’s important to be an expert in your own domain: The core task of training students in physics is still important. But you also have to learn how to learn, to learn what is needed to interface with collaborators in other disciplines. It’s a matter of becoming aware of what the possibilities are in research. When you’re working with experts in other disciplines, you don’t have to be the expert in their fields, but you do have to know a little bit about what they do.” One of Levy’s students, Cheng Cen, is studying the electronic characteristics of these nanowires, specifically how electrical charges influence how nanowires behave. She says the research shows the nanowires have the potential to be manipulated into “single-electron transistors”—the tiniest of computing devices. “It’s like you’re writing on a canvas the width of a couple of nanometers,” says Cen, a fourth-year student. Though she’s in the physics department, Cen uses techniques and tools from chemistry and engineering labs. “We have to learn to use a variety of techniques: If it’s learning JOE KAPELEWSKI/CIDDEJOE a new chemical process, you have to learn Designing hydroelectric turbines that can harness electricity from underwater currents is the focus of research being done by Veronica Miller, (left) a third-year doctoral student in mechanical it; if it’s using a machine from engineering, you have to do it.” engineering; Laura Schaefer, (center) professor of mechanical engineering; and David Sanchez, a third-year graduate student in civil and environmental engineering. Computer modeling and Like Cen, Matt Kofke studies nano- simulation assists them in their research. materials, but from the perspective of a chemist. Kofke, a second-year chemistry at a research problem like nanotubes from PhD student, is researching the optical trans- various disciplines—chemistry, biophysics, mission capabilities of some nanomaterials. materials science—is critical in being ready Researchers in the field think the interaction to follow the research wherever it leads, of light on nanomaterials could be the key Allen says. to developing sophisticated biosensors for “Graduate school really focuses you on certain antibodies, the development of more critical thinking—you’re taught to not just efficient solar cells, and improved fiber-optic memorize things but to understand all the communications. variables that can go into a problem,” Allen Kofke has had to learn concepts of wave says. “A lot of the research in my field is physics, materials brand-new. If you don’t science, and engi- have the ability to think neering along the “You look at the societal through what’s going way. The research on, you’re never going has involved read- problems we’re facing—energy, to be able to understand ing a lot of text- what’s happening when books in other the environment, health care, you stumble on some- fields, and, when thing new.” he’s stumped, and medicine. These are large, asking someone Computer BRADEN WOLFE/CIDDE for help. “That’s complex problems. The teams Simulation for Brett Lee Allen (left), a third-year doctoral student in analytical chemistry, works with an atomic-force microscope, which generally the best that tackle them have to be Complex allows researchers to visualize carbon nanotubes—tiny wires with diameters 100,000 times smaller than a human hair. way to learn, and Phenomena Allen is working with Alexander Star (right), a Pitt assistant professor of chemistry, to use carbon nanomaterials for medi- it’s worked pretty interdisciplinary because we’re In another nascent cal and energy applications, including sensors for greenhouse gases. well for me,” he area of scientific says. “The most working on problems that are research—computer important thing modeling and simula- release medication and a single-injection Looking to the Future to learn in gradu- all over the map. We have to tion—Pitt students also vaccine, have a combined 50 years of The goal for students like Rothstein, ate school is how are taking an interdis- research, and no one has come close Miller, Cen, and others is to help solve the to independently find expertise and opportunities ciplinary approach to to creating a better delivery system,” big scientific problems of the 21st-century. direct your own at every turn. And for grad solving big scientific Rothstein says. “Computer modeling is To accomplish this, they have to master the research, to solve questions. a way to examine more parameters, more tools and logic of their own disciplines while your own prob- students at Pitt, that Sam Rothstein, a possibilities, than the normal benchtop maintaining the intellectual acuity to under- lems without rely- fourth-year PhD chemi- approach.” stand and collaborate with scientists in other ing on someone opportunity can be found cal engineering student, Rothstein has taken an interdisci- fields. That is what has fueled the great sci- else doing it for is using computer mod- plinary approach to his research—a full entific discoveries of the past, and it is what you.” throughout the University.” eling to test ways to semester of medical school courses and funders like the National Science Foundation Brett Allen is —Larry Shuman deliver drugs to AIDS sessions with computer-modeling faculty are looking for, says Larry Shuman, profes- studying carbon patients and people with to develop his simulations. The approach sor and senior associate dean for academic nanotubes—tiny osteoporosis. Currently, works because it allows researchers like affairs in Pitt’s Swanson School. straw-like structures largely made up of many of these drugs require daily or even Rothstein to make faster progress on And it’s what Pitt is instilling in its carbon atoms. Scientists think these struc- twice-daily injections. Researchers want the question they’re addressing. Instead PhD students in the physical sciences and tures could have widespread use in medicine to make drugs that require only weekly or of working on one part of the problem, engineering, Shuman says: “You look at the and energy. Allen, a third-year chemistry monthly injections. Rothstein designed a like modeling a drug-delivery system, societal problems we’re facing—energy, PhD student at Pitt, has studied nanotubes’ model that predicts how quickly drugs are Rothstein can also take the results from the environment, health care, and medi- possible use as a biosensor for a gas that is released in the body with different types of his model and perform an experiment cine. These are large, complex problems. common in the breath of asthmatics. This delivery systems (“vehicles”). Having devel- in the lab to take the research to the The teams that tackle them have to be could be used as a diagnostic tool. He also is oped a model that works in the lab, he will next level. interdisciplinary, because we’re working studying the possibilities for nanotubes to be soon test the system in a real-world setting. “I can talk to people who are experts on problems that are all over the map. We used in carbon sequestration—the process of With computer modeling, Rothstein in modeling, and I can talk to people who have to find expertise and opportunities at taking CO2, the most abundant greenhouse says, he can make progress solving problems are experts in application. Being an inter- every turn. And for grad students at Pitt, gas, out of the atmosphere, to slow the effects faster than he would using only a lab. “The disciplinary researcher means I can move that opportunity can be found throughout of global climate change. The ability to look two problems I’m working on, a sustained- the project forward,” Rothstein says. the University.” November 3, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 7

“The Silk Road and Early Connec- “Iron Chef Around the World: Creative Problem Solving Across Disciplines tions With the Korean Peninsula,” Japanese Food Television, Soft Sarah Nelson, University of Denver Power, and Cultural Globalization,” Happenings professor of anthropology, 2:30 p.m. Gabriella Lukacs, Pitt professor of anthro- Nov. 4, Seminar Room, Frick Fine Arts pology, 3 p.m. Nov. 7, 3106 Posvar Hall, Building, Pitt’s Department of the History Pitt’s Department of Anthropology, 412- of Art and Architecture, University Center 648-7500, www.pitt.edu/%7Epittanth. for International Studies, Asian Studies Center, www.ucis.pitt.edu. “Doom, Gloom, and Prosperity: 45 Years of Environmental Predic- “In the Shadow of Naram-Sin: tions,” Tim Savisky, Pitt-Greensburg Interpretive Paradigms and Biases assistant professor of biology, 7 p.m. in the Study of Some Mesopota- Nov. 10, Mary Lou Campana Chapel and mian Royal Monuments,” Melissa Lecture Center, Pitt-Greensburg, 724-836- Eppihimer, doctoral candidate in Harvard 7741, www.upg.pitt.edu. University’s Department of the History of Art and Architecture, noon Nov. 5, Room 203 Frick Fine Arts, History of Art and Miscellaneous Architecture Colloquium, Pitt’s Depart- ment of History of Art and Architecture, Musuhalpa, music from Peru, Bolivia, 412-648-2400, www.haa.pitt.edu. and Ecuador, free lunch, noon Nov. 5, Nordy’s Place, Lower Level, William Pitt “The Whole World Is Our Country: Union, Artful Wednesdays, PITT ARTS, Race, Ethnicity, and International- 412-624-4498, [email protected]. ism in Jewish and Italian American Anarchism, 1890-1940,” Kenyon Global Links Medical Supplies Volun- Hillman Library Zimmer, doctoral candidate in Pitt’s teer Day, organize medical supplies for Audobon print, Department of History, 4 p.m. Nov. 5, distribution to needy countries, 5:30- through November 17 3703 Posvar Hall, Pitt’s Department of 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, Bloomfield, 412-624- History, www.pitt.edu/~pitthist. 7709, www.commrel.pitt.edu/CRO-volun- teerpoolform.html. “How to Cope With Stress for Better Physical and Mental Health,” Bruce Teaching Excellence Fair, showcases Pitt PhD S. Rabin, Pitt professor of pathology and grant award winners from 2007-08, psychiatry, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 5, Carnegie 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 7, Connolly Ballroom, Dissertation Library, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Homewood, Alumni Hall, Provost’s Advisory Council 2008-09 Mental Health and Wellness Lec- and Center for Instructional Development Defenses ture Series, Western Psychiatric Institute and Distance Education, 412-383-9729, and Clinic, register with Mary Fisher at www.cidde.pitt.edu. Eric Hartman, Graduate School 412-383-2732. of Public and International Affairs, School of Health and Rehabilitation “Educating for Global Citizenship Paul Rusesabagina, humanitarian and Sciences Open House, for prospective through Service-Learning: A Theoreti- feature character of filmHotel Rwanda, 8 undergraduate and graduate students, 10 cal Account and Curricular Evaluation,” p.m. Nov. 5, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 8, Forbes Tower, 412- 9 a.m. Nov. 3, 3200 Posvar Hall. Downtown, Robert Morris University’s 383-6556, www.shrs.pitt.edu/openhouse. Pittsburgh Speakers Series, 412-392-4900, Sudeshna Dasgupta, Graduate www.pittsburghspeakersseries.org. Teaching Workshop, Survival Skills School of Public Health, “Association and Ethics Workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. of Paraoxonase-2 Genetic Variation “Impact of Incarceration on Commu- 8, Lecture Room 2, 4th Floor, Scaife Hall, With Serum Paraoxonase Activity and nities,” panel discussion, 8:30-10 a.m. Pitt’s Survival Skills and Ethics Program, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus,” Nov. 6, Duquesne University School of register at www.survival.pitt.edu or call 10 a.m. Nov. 3, 628A Parran Hall. Law, Room 203 Hanley Hall, 900 Locust 412-578-3716. St., Uptown, Pennsylvania Prison Society, Ben Laurence, School of Arts and RSVP at 215-564-6005 ext. 112, www. Hee-Sun Kim and K’Arts Korean Sciences’ Department of Philosophy, prisonsociety.org. Music Ensemble, traditional and con- “Ideal Theory as Democratic Theory,” temporary Korean music and dance, free, noon Nov. 5, 1001D Cathedral of “International Human Rights Nar- 8 p.m. Nov. 10, Bellefield Hall Audito- Learning. ratives and Women’s Health,” David rium, Pitt Department of Music, 412-624- Barnard, Pitt professor of medicine, noon 4125, www.music.pitt.edu. Tao Song, Graduate School of Public Nov. 6, Room 113 Barco Law Building, Health’s Department of Biostatistics, Pitt’s Center for Bioethics and Health Development and Comparison of Lysistrata, Pitt Repertory Theater, through November 9 Law, Grand Rounds Fall 2008, 412-647- Opera/ Different Methods of Evaluating Free- 5700, www.pitt.edu/~bioethic. Response Roc Systems,” 11 a.m. Theater/ Nov. 4, 325A Parran Hall. Concerts “Not a Pittsburgh Idea: History Michael Cavanaugh Sings the Music Mattress Factory, Inner & Outer Space, and the Eponymous Nickelodeon,” Dance Michael Aronson, author, lecture and book of Billy Joel & More, Nov. 6-9, Heinz through Jan. 11, 500 Sampsonia Way, Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown, PNC North Side, 412-231-3169, www.mattress. signing, noon Nov. 6, Room 501 Cathe- Cinderella, by Richard Rodgers and Pittsburgh Symphony POPS! Series, 412- org. dral of Learning, 412-624-6551. Oscar Hammerstein II, Nov. 6-9, 392-4200, www.pittsburghsymphony.org. Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in “Simian Amphibians: The Mermaid Downtown, Pittsburgh Trade in Early Modern Japan,” Emerson String Quartet, featuring the 18th and 19th Centuries, through Musical Theater, 412- works by Haydn, Shostakovich, and April 5, by the University of Pittsburgh Martha Chaiklin, Pitt professor of history, 539-0900, www. noon 4130 Posvar Hall, Asia Dvorak, 8 p.m. Nov. 10, Carnegie Music at the Senator John Heinz History Center, Nov. 6, pittsburghmusicals. Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, Pitts- 1212 Smallman St., Strip District, Over Lunch Lecture Series, Asian Studies com. burgh Chamber Music Society, 412-624- 412-454-6000, www.pghhistory.org. Center, 412-648-7370, www.ucis.pitt. 4129, www.pittsburghchambermusic.org. edu/asc. Lysistrata, political Films “Mrs. Polonius Goes to Italy: An comedy, Exhibitions Intimate Guide to Shakespeare’s through Las Doce Sillas (1962), directed by Europe,” Julia Reinhard Lupton, Uni- Nov. 9, Studio Phipps Conservatory and Botani- Tomas Gutierrez Alea, 7:30 p.m. versity of California at Irvine professor of Theatre, Room cal Gardens, Fall Flower Show, Nov. 5, Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, English and comparative literature, B-72 Cathedral 4 p.m. G24 Cathedral of Learn- through Nov. 9, One Schenley Park, Latin American Film Series, Pitt’s Nov. 6, of Learning, Pitt Oakland, 412-441-4442, Center for Latin American Studies, ing, Department of French and Italian Repertory Theatre, www.phipps.conservatory.org. www.amigosdelcinelatinoamericano2008. Languages and Literatures, 412-624-5220, 412-624-7529, blogspot.com. www.frenchanditalian.pitt.edu. www.pitt.play.edu. Hillman Library, Audubon Print, White-breasted Black-capped Nuthatch, We Never Got the Welcome Home: “The Formation of Helagell, SW- Mamma Mia! musical, Iceland, a Monogenetic Subglacial through Nov. 17, 412-648-7715. Western Pennsylvania Vets Remember through Vietnam (2008), produced by Northern Hyaloclastite Ridge: Sedimentol- Nov. 9, Benedum Center, 719 Liberty ogy, Hydrology, and Ice-Volcano Frick Fine Arts Building, Depart- Cambria High School students in coop- Ave., Downtown, PNC Broadway Across ment of Studio Arts Faculty Exhibition, eration with Pitt-Johnstown professor of Interaction,” Herdis Schopka, doctoral America, 412-456-6666, www.broadway- candidate in Cornell University’s Depart- through Nov. 21, University Art Gallery, history Paul Newman, 7 p.m. Nov. 10, acrossamerica.com. Pitt’s School of Arts and Sciences, 412- Pitt-Johnstown Living/Learning Center’s ment of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, 648-2430, www.studioarts.pitt.edu. Heritage Hall, Pitt-Johnstown’s Depart- 4 p.m. Nov. 6, 203 Thaw Hall, Fall 2008 Long Story Short, by Brendan Milburn Fall Flower Show ment of History, 814-269-2987. Colloquium Series, Pitt’s Department of and Valerie Vigoda, through Nov. 16, Phipps Conservatory, Geology and Planetary Sciences, www. Silver Eye Center for Photography, Pittsburgh City Theatre, 1300 Bingham through November 9 Eloquent Eggs & Disintegrating Dice: geology.pitt.edu/colloquium.html. St., South Side, 412-431-2489, www. Photographs by Rosamond Purcell, Lectures/Seminars/ citytheatrecompany.org. Reading on Mars, literary readings cel- through Nov. 29, 1015 E. Carson St., South Side, 412-431-1810, Readings ebrating Life on Mars, the 2008 Carnegie The Lady With All the Answers, by www.silvereye.org. International, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6, Carnegie David Rambo, Nov. 13-Dec. 14, O’Reilly “(Not) Measuring the Unmeasur- Library Lecture Hall, 400 Forbes Ave., Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown, Oakland, American Shorts Reading Series, Frick Art and Historical Center, From able: Strategies for Assessment in Pittsburgh Public Theater, 412-316-1600, Michelangelo to Annibale Carracci: A the Humanities,” Sherry Lee Linkson, 412-622-8866, www.pittsburghlectures. www.ppt.org. org. Century of Italian Drawings, through Youngstown State University professor of Jan. 4, 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze, English and American studies, 4:30 p.m. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now 412-371-0600, www.frickart.org. Nov. 3, 501 Cathedral of Learning, Pitt’s “Hopeless Return and Endless Change, by Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Department of English, 412-624-6506, Mourning: The Principles of Hope in Roberts, through Feb. 1, Theatre Square Andy Warhol Museum, 1958, www.english.pitt.edu. Lee Chang-dong’s Secret Sunshine,” Cabaret, 655 Penn Ave., Downtown, CLO through Seung-hwan Shin, doctoral candidate in Jan. 11, 117 Sandusky St., North Side, Cabaret Theater, 412-325-6766, www. 412-237-8300, www.warhol.org. “The Relativity of Inertia and Pitt’s Department of English, 2 p.m. clocabaret.com. Reality of Nothing,” Alexander Afriat, Nov. 7, 4130 Posvar Hall, Pitt’s Depart- Carnegie Museum of Art, 55th University of Urbino (Italy) professor of ment of East Asian Languages and Literatures, Asian Studies Center, www. Carnegie International, through Jan. 11; geometry, force, and general covariance, Worlds Away: New Suburban Landscapes, 12:05 p.m. Nov. 4, 817R Cathedral of pitt.edu/%7edeall. through Jan. 18; 4400 Forbes Ave., Oak- Learning, Lunchtime Talk, Pitt’s Center land, 412-622-3131, www.cmoa.org. for Philosophy of Science, 412-624-1052, www.pitt.edu/~pittcntr.

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8 • Pitt Chronicle • November 3, 2008 Free at Last? Slavery Exhibition Reception

The University of Pittsburgh’s pioneering exhibition Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in the 18th and 19th Centuries, opened with an Oct. 24 reception and program at the Senator John Heinz History Center. Below, wax figures portray slaves Ellen—in disguise—and William Craft, a married couple who made an ingenious escape to freedom in 1848. The 1. exhibition runs through April 5.

1. Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg (left) and author Marcus Rediker, Pitt professor and chair of the Department of History; 2. High school student Top: Panels displaying Allegheny County’s vintage Amani Davis viewing a wax figure of Henry documents, which contain 55 slavery-related records; Highland Garnet, who escaped in 1829 above, visitors viewing the exhibition. with nine of his siblings from Maryland to Pennsylvania; 3. Robert Hill, Pitt Left: Rev. Johnnie Monroe (left) of Grace Memorial vice chancellor for public affairs and Presbyterian Church, which is recognized in the executive-in-charge of the exhibition; exhibition and was recognized during the recep- and 4. Valerie McDonald Roberts, who tion for its 140th anniversary, and Pitt professor discovered the original documents that emeritus Greg Morris, a Grace Memorial parishioner. prompted the exhibition, in video during the program.

PUBLICATION NOTICE The next edition of Pitt Chronicle will be published Nov. 10. Left: During the reception, three Pitt Items for publication in the newspaper’s professors signed copies of slavery- Happenings calendar (see page 7) should related books they wrote or edited. be received six working days prior to the desired publication date. Happenings items Marcus Rediker (foreground), should include the following information:

PHOTOS ©BY ELLIOTT ©BY PHOTOS CRAMER/DENMARSH PHOTOGRAPHY Pitt professor and chair of the title of the event, name and title of speaker(s), Department of History; Laurence date, time, location, sponsor(s), and a phone A. Glasco (middle), a professor of number and Web site for additional information. Items may be e-mailed to chron@ history and history director of the pitt.edu, faxed to 412-624-4895, or sent by exhibition; and Seymour Drescher, campus mail to 422 Craig Hall. For more University Professor of History and information, call 412-624-1033 or e-mail Sociology. [email protected].