Tracing Origins of a Deadly Disease

YOUR SOURCE FOR UNIVERSITY NEWS January 22, 2008 / Vol. 60, No. 16

PROFILE FIRST PERSON PEOPLE: Alumnus premier of Georgia 3

“I see good things Noel Leo Erskine CAMPUS: Founders Week lineup 5 in the future for reflects on the DISCOVERY: Study debunks obesity myth 6 physician assis- 45th anniversary tants,” says Mar- of King’s “I Have FORUM: Putting humanism in context 7 quitha Mayfield. a Dream” speech. Page 2 Page 7 EVENTS: Rushdie on campus in February 8 Tracing origins of a deadly disease

By carol clark

id Columbus and his men introduce the syphilis pathogen into Renaissance Europe, after Dcontracting it during their voyage to the New World? Or does syphilis have a much longer history in the Old World? Graduate student Kristin Harper has taken the first phylogenetic approach to this centuries-old debate, heading up a groundbreaking study that provides new support for the Columbus theory of syphilis’ origin. The results of the most comprehensive comparative genetic analysis ever conducted on the Treponema pallidum family of bacteria related to syphilis were published Jan. 15 in the Public Library of Science’s Journal of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Please see DISEASE on page 6 Kristin Harper Bryan meltz

‘Evenings with Authors’ Founders Week events will be feast for ears warm up mid-winter

By kim urquhart Roughly twice a semester, ebrate one another’s accom- By Carol Clark of the arts and sciences the community will be invited plishments as scholars,” adds commemorates the founding Life of the Mind, the popu- to attend a reading, discus- Academic Exchange Editor Al- Music, theatrical perform- of Emory College in 1836 lar lunchtime lecture series sion, reception and booksign- lison Adams. ances, art and museum and celebrates the role of the that spotlights Emory’s best ing with Emory scholars. Ono hopes that students exhibition openings, scholarly University in promoting inquiry and brightest faculty mem- “This is a recognition of the and staff will also attend, as lectures, and a mini-film and intellectual life,” says bers, is casting a glow on Em- significant time and scholar- many of the books will be of festival make up the 2008 Sally Wolff-King, assistant vice ory’s authors. ship involved in generating a general interest. Founders Week, Feb. 3-10. The president of the University. Evenings With Emory’s Au- new book, and we want to cel- The series begins Jan. 29 series of events will culminate Emory faculty featured thors Series is a collaborative ebrate that,” says Santa Ono, with Joseph Crespino, assis- with the Founders Ball and a during Founders Week include venture between the Office of vice provost for academic ini- tant professor of history, read- public lecture by Distinguished Harvey Klehr, whose topic the Provost and the Academic tiatives and deputy to the pro- ing from “In Search of Another Writer in Residence Salman “Espionage, Informing and the Exchange designed to recog- vost. Rushdie, titled “Autobiography nize recently published au- “It’s an opportunity for fac- and the Novel.” thors. ulty to come together and cel- Please see AUTHORS on page 4 “The mid-winter festival Please see FOUNDERS on page 4 EMORY REPORT January 22, 2008 2 People Let us share EMORY PROFILE: Marquitha Mayfield Your story Emory Report is starting the new year with a new look, designed to serve you better. Each issue of ER chronicles the accomplishments, endeavors and aspirations of the Emory community, and we wanted to create a design that would best present that story. We hope you’ll tell us what you’d like to see within these pages. Please send your suggestions or feedback to kim.urquhart@ emory.edu.

ABOUT US Emory Report serves as an informative, lively and comprehensive resource for news and events of vital interest to staff and faculty. The weekly publication highlights the Emory community’s accomplishments, endeavors and aspirations that reflect the University’s identity and strategic vision. SUBMISSIONS Emory Report welcomes contributions from readers,

including “First Person” KAY HINTON opinion pieces, calendar items Marquitha Mayfield, assistant professor and academic coordinator for the physician assistant program, was one of the and story ideas in general. first graduates of Emory’s program. Contact the Emory Report staff by phone at 404-727- 9507; by fax at 404-727- 0646; or by e-mail to kim. [email protected]. Building healthy communities DEADLINES The deadline for copy is Physician assistant pioneer chronicles diverse career path 10 days before the desired publication date. By Alison Amoroso time, oral contraceptives were After earning a master’s in new and hormone dosages were education, specializing in train- Marquitha Mayfield nearly Mayfield forecasts higher, which meant doctors ing clinical professionals, May- took her National Merit Schol- ‘good things’ for PAs were seeing more women with field returned to her alma mater, arship to Georgia Tech to study hypertension. As a PA, Mayfield “The whole health care en- of which she is immensely proud. architecture. She came to Emory assisted Hall in his research, vironment is changing. As we “Emory’s PA program was the College as a freshman with plans performing histories, physical move closer toward universal third program in the nation, and to transfer to Tech her junior exams and monitoring patients. health care, we will have to we’ve been consistently ranked year to become one of the few mi- “This position gave me clini- norities and female students on reassess how health care is or- in the top five over the years.” cal skills in gynecology,” says Mayfield is currently assistant EXECUTIVE EDITOR campus. Instead, she became in- Mayfield, “which opened the ganized and delivered. There professor and academic coordina- Nancy Seideman terested in Emory’s pre-med cur- door to directing a family plan- is already a physician and tor for the Emory PA program, [email protected] ricula and stayed to graduate in ning clinic for teens in a commu- nursing shortage. Also, the where she is course director for 1976 with a Bachelor of Medical nity health center. While there I population is aging and many clinical medicine courses. She EDITOR Science in Emory’s fourth class worked closely with the ob-gyn Iraq veterans will need life- of physician assistants. also teaches students physical Kim Urquhart physicians and expanded my long services. The demand for exam skills and how to evaluate [email protected] Mayfield hasn’t given up her clinical skills.” interest in architecture. She and medical services will increase. Mayfield’s research and clini- and manage common diseases. her husband, whom she married In addition to making ac- cal experience also landed her a “My responsibility is to get stu- DESIGNER while they were both college stu- cess to health care available, job at the then “new” Morehouse dents through the didactic cur- Christi Gray dents, set up a partnership to the United States has to have School of Medicine working with riculum,” she says. [email protected] provide housing for homeless vet- enough providers. I think phy- the now renowned doctor, David Emory’s program was one of erans. Over the years, they have sician assistants will play a key Satcher. Satcher, who was at the the first to offer a master’s degree PHOTO DIRECTOR built several houses. Mayfield is time chair of the Department role in the addressing some for PAs. “As a profession, we have Bryan Meltz the construction manager. of Family Medicine, once asked of the manpower issues. The come a long way in a short time [email protected] Their first construction proj- M.D.-PA model has proven to — only 38 years,” says Mayfield. ect involved buying and remod- Mayfield to give a lecture. “At be efficient and effective in “Now all programs are graduate eling a fixer-upper in Decatur, the end, he said, ‘You’re a good STAFF WRITER level and PAs have more clinical says Mayfield, who pursued a communicator. You should be- amplifying the physician’s abil- Carol Clark responsibility than ever. We are remodeling hobby all the while come more involved in the aca- ity to serve more people and intimately involved in all spe- [email protected] raising three children, pursuing demic side,’ and he encouraged to deliver quality services. cialties, not only diagnosing and degrees and working. Mayfield me to teach. So I did.” I see good things in the EDITORIAL ASSISTANT appreciates the options the PA Years later, one of the physi- future for PAs.” treating common disorders but Leslie King profession affords, and chroni- cians left the Morehouse faculty also assisting in the management cles a diverse career path. and offered Mayfield a position of extremely ill patients.” in vascular surgery. Mayfield “The PA profession provides Emory Report (USPS705-780) is “My first position was in clinical research at Emory Clinic says her remodeling experience an enormous amount of personal published and distributed free to faculty and professional flexibility along and staff of Emory University, 36 times with an outstanding physician, helped with surgery: “It’s the annually by the Office of Communications Dallas Hall,” she says. “He was same skill set. You look at some- with job satisfaction, diagnosing and Marketing. Periodicals postage is paid involved in clinical research in thing three-dimensionally in and treating diseases with physi- at Atlanta, Georgia. Postmaster: Send off- hypertension, which was becom- your mind’s eye, painting a pic- cian supervision,” adds Mayfield. campus address changes to Emory Report, ing recognized as a major risk ture about how the wound — or “I hope that more Emory students 1762 Clifton Rd., Plaza 1000, factor in cardiac disease.” At the cabinets — should look.” will consider becoming a PA.” Atlanta, Georgia, 30322. EMORY REPORT January 22, 2008 People 3 ACCLAIM Republic of Georgia draws Sander Gilman was inducted as an honorary member of the American Psychoanalytic Association at the association’s top official from Emory rolls winter meeting in New York. APsaA is a By Carol Clark professional “I had always known of organization of Lado Gurgenidze was a stand- psychoanalysts out student when he earned his his tremendous throughout the MBA at Emory in 1993. His aca- intellect but I was so United States. demic mentor, Jeff Rosensweig, Gilman, believed that big things lay ahead pleased to see him distinguished for the ambitious young man grow into an ethical professor of from the Republic of Georgia, the liberal arts and sciences, is and he was right. After making and superb leader.” director of the ILA’s psychoanalytic his mark in international busi- studies program. ness, Gurgenidze was chosen as — Jeff Rosensweig, Lado prime minister of Georgia in Gurgenidze’s mentor The Multiple Myeloma Research November. Consortium awarded the 2007 “Lado not only picks up things MMRC Center of the Year Award Scholar and granddaughter very quickly, he thinks very to Emory University and Sagar of former President Eduard Lonial, associate professor of deeply,” says Rosensweig, asso- Shevardnadze, who received hematology ciate professor of finance in the degrees in anthropology and law and oncology Goizueta Business School. “He from Emory. at Emory’s could research, analyze issues Gurgenidze also came to Winship and write more quickly and pro- Emory through the exchange Cancer ductively than most students. program. After graduating, he Institute. This is serving him very well worked in New York and London The award now, because he stepped into a before returning to his homeland recognizes the crisis situation in Georgia and to direct the Bank of Georgia, a outstanding has had to draft many speeches private-sector institution. efforts of and policy documents in real- “Lado grew the Bank of an MMRC time.” Georgia beyond anyone’s expec- member institution and its A former member of the tations,” says Rosensweig. “He respective principal investigator Soviet Union, Georgia is located established quite a reputation, in advancing the field of multiple on the Black Sea and bordered not just in Georgia, but through- myeloma research and drug by Russia, Turkey, Armenia and out Western and Eastern Europe. development. Azerbaijan. While Georgia is I had always known of his tre- Special small and has limited natural mendous intellect but I was so Lado Gurgenidze, left, beams at his 1993 Emory graduation Carolyn Meltzer, chair of resources, the country enjoys a pleased to see him grow into an ceremony with his proud mentor, Jeff Rosensweig, associate Emory’s Department of Radiology, rich culture and a strategic posi- ethical and superb leader.” professor of finance. has been elected as a fellow tion in the Caucasus: pipelines Georgia’s parliament finance center and address the what it takes to help the country of the American College of across Georgia connect huge oil approved Gurgenidze as prime needs of vulnerable populations move to the next level. Neuropsychopharmacology. and gas reserves to ports on the minister in November, after in the country. “Lado is bright, he’s charis- The Black Sea. political unrest moved President nonprofit Emory’s long relation- Mikheil Saakashvili to make Ken Walker, a professor in the matic and he’s committed,” says organization is ship with Georgia includes an changes in his government School of Medicine, who for 15 Walker, who also served as a a professional exchange program with Tbilisi and call for snap elections. years has directed a consortium mentor to Gurgenidze. “He’s society State University dating back to Gurdenidze promised lawmak- of Atlanta institutions — includ- been an immensely successful dedicated to 1989. Among the early partici- ers that he would deliver a ing Emory — that is helping businessman, and now he’s tak- advancing pants were Tamuna Mosashvili budget surplus for Georgia in Georgia develop its health care ing all his abilities and moving the scientific Shengelia, a Robert W. Woodruff 2009, establish an international system, believes Gurgenidze has into the political arena.” understanding of, and facilitating communication about, disorders of the brain and behavior in order to advance their Witte’s commitment to rights honored prevention and treatment. Charles Nemeroff, Reunette W. By Kim Urquhart said Robert Seiple, council presi- and to engage in deep, direct, Harris Professor and chair of the dent. Upon accepting the award candid and cogent conversation Department of Psychiatry and on National Religious Freedom not only about legal and political Behavioral Sciences, was elected John Witte Jr. joined the ranks Day, Jan. 16, in Richmond, Va., technicalities, but also about ‘the president of of former U.S. Secretary of State Witte delivered brief remarks on weightier matters of the law.’” the American Madeleine Albright and former the “Superstition of Church and A specialist in legal history, Foundation Prime Minister of Great Britain State in America.” marriage and religious liberty, for Suicide Tony Blair when he received the “The metaphor of the ‘wall of Witte holds a law degree from Prevention. 2008 National First Freedom separation’ between church and Harvard University and has pub- Nemeroff Award. Presented by the Council state has held popular imagina- lished extensively in several lan- has served for America’s First Freedom, the tion so firmly that many have not guages. He has been selected 10 on the AFSP’s award recognized Witte’s contri- noticed that separation of church times by the students at Emory national board butions to advancing religious and state is no longer the law of Law as the “Most Outstanding of directors liberty in the United States. the land in America,” Witte said. Professor” and has won dozens of since 1999 and recently served as The Jonas Robitscher Professor After describing landmark other major awards for his teach- chair of the foundation’s scientific council. of Law and director of the Center Supreme Court cases and the ing and research. The AFSP is a national nonprofit for the Study of Law and Religion many shades of interpretation of The Council for America’s dedicated to understanding was selected for his “extraordi- the First Amendment, Witte con- First Freedom is dedicated to and preventing suicide through nary commitment to the pres- cluded: “It is a challenge for peo- increasing understanding and research and education, and to Special ervation and protection of the ples of all faiths, and of no faith, respect for religious freedom in John Witte reaching out to people with mood principles of religious freedom,” to take their place at the table diverse communities worldwide. disorders and those affected by suicide.

“Acclaim” recognizes the accomplishments of faculty and NEWSMAKERS staff. Listings may include awards and prizes; election to boards and “Building non-traditional partnerships — that’s what you need to have if you want societies; and similarly notable more and more people to cycle.” accomplishments at Emory or in the wider community. Emory Report relies on submissions — Fred Boykin (‘72C), owner of Bicycle South, which offers mobile bicycle repair on campus as part of the Bike Emory for this column. Contact: kim. program, as quoted in Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, “Emory University Builds Campus Bike Culture,” Jan. 4. [email protected]. EMORY REPORT January 22, 2008 4 Campus TAKE NOTE REPORT FROM: Office of Information Technology

Sorting new mail vendors With key mail services Kindle fires up digital readers contracts expiring this summer, Emory is in the process Looking back over the last begs the question, ‘what is hap- I say ‘ready to read’ deliber- through a built-in browser that of preparing an RFP to select 10 years, there has been a diz- pening to the physical book in ately, for Kindle’s implementa- is truly first generation and one mail services vendor for zying parade of devices and ap- our digital culture?’ The Kin- tion of digital ink is the finest nearly unusable. the entire enterprise. proaches that announce them- dle refocuses that question in of any e-book reader commer- In the evolution of technolo- Emory’s mail services cur- selves as the ultimate solution a more tangible way, instead cially available. In a variety gies, one often looks for that rently cover 275 mail stops in to reading in the digital age. asking ‘what is happening to of lighting conditions, varying moment when the device or the ee 10 delivery routes, serves ap- the act of reading?’ from direct sunlight to the dim approach matures such that it ounders Yet the reading public has re- F k proximately 33,000 end users soundingly rejected these in- Amazon’s answers to these lighting of an airline seat, the is not only ready for adoption, and delivers to 13 zip codes, W novations in favor of the more questions are by far the most text was incredibly legible and but also that the likelihood in addition to its own unique tried and true physical book. intriguing and compelling of offered no problems with glare. exists that it actually will be zip code, 30322. More than 30 As one who loves books, I any e-book initiative up to this The controls, though quirky, adopted. No e-book device or million pieces of inbound mail participated in that rejection date. Kindle is the first to in- offer full and agile access to a approach preceding Kindle ex- are received annually. of the early e-book text and e- clude a ‘free’ (part of the initial download as hefty as a Sunday cited the reading public, but The mail services function book reader. I was like many purchase price) built-in high New York Times. Kindle is different. The user is both complex and large, speed cell service that allows Surprisingly, where Kindle interface behind this device is with service effectiveness readers thinking, ‘who could relatively easy to use, a huge dependent on clear division possibly want a dialog box that for fast downloads of more than falls down is in its ability to of labor between multiple says their text has just run out 90,000 texts that Amazon has fully support reading on the range of content is easy to ac- internal and external par- of power if I could have a physi- prepared for sale. Internet. One would have sus- cess, the reading experience is ties, including the U.S. Postal cal book that would always be In addition, Kindle offers pected that Amazon would have the best it has ever been for e- Service. Consolidation from on?’ daily and weekly paid sub- focused its efforts most strate- books, and the device is light- the current three outside Recently I had a chance to scriptions to national and in- gically in this area, for what is weight and easy to carry. vendors to one vendor will extensively use Amazon’s new ternational magazines and most revolutionary about the If it is not the future, it enable better coordination and portable e-book reading de- newspapers so that a morning device is that it acknowledges surely offers the shape of the management of the operation, vice, Kindle, and it changed cup of coffee with The Wall that the act of reading online future to those of us reading says Mike Mandl, executive my view. For the experience of Street Journal is just a down- has become as important as both online and off. vice president for finance and reading from Kindle is to un- load away. Provided you have reading a physical book. In- administration. derstand that the reading pub- left the cell service in Kindle stead, Kindle offers access to While the vendor con- lic has been asking the wrong with available power, the text a limited subset of blogs, all Alan Cattier is director of solidation is a large part question about these devices. arrives while you sleep and is by paid subscription, and al- Academic Technology Services in of enhancing service, other For many, the rise of the e-book ready to read on waking. lows limited surfing of the Web University Technology Services. elements of the operation will be addressed as well, such as updating mail stop codes for personnel who move locations on campus and reconsidering Emory’s “bulk mail” accep- Founder keeps Authors: tance policy. tradition alive The RFP for a new mail service vendor will be issued Sally Wolff-King recently Hear works and due in February, with began a new chapter in her the final selection expected in long career at Emory — in April. the new role of assistant of broad vice president. She will be Piedmont Project a member of the University administrative team, and sprouts new courses one of her key duties will be appeal Enhance your teaching to help launch a book series and engagement with envi- about the history of Emory. ronmental and sustainability “I am a loyal alumna of Continued from the cover issues by participating in the Emory and am simply de- seventh Piedmont Project this lighted to see its rapid and Country: Mississippi and the summer. Faculty applications powerful recent develop- Conservative Counterrevolu- are due Feb. 8. ment and am glad for the tion.” Free and open to the pub- For details, visit http://col- opportunity to work in this Aerial view of Glenn Memorial circa 1941 lic, the event begins at 5:30 p.m. lege.emory.edu/news/enewslet- new area,” Wolff-King says. in the Woodruff Library’s Jones ter/PPCall08.doc. Wolff-King earned a Room. Ph.D. in Southern literature “Joe’s topic is immediate,” Recycled paper from Emory in 1983. She says Adams. “The rise of South- joined Emory College in ern conservatism is something closes ‘loop’ Founders: Week 1989, when she began her Emory will begin using we are going to be looking at work as an assistant and pretty intensely in the next only 100 percent post-con- then associate dean, in ad- sumer recycled paper for its few months given the elec- spotlights heritage dition to helping establish tions.” University stationery, includ- Founders Week. As Crespino’s book demon- ing letterhead, envelopes and In her new post, Wolff- business cards. strates, the readings are de- Continued from the cover who will address “Television in King will be involved in the signed to appeal to a broad au- “We are completing the planning and administration ‘recycling loop’ when we Transition: Chaos, Confusion dience, Ono says, and may also and Promises.” of Convocation, Com- feature staff or student au- purchase 100 percent post- Movies: Hollywood’s Communist mencement and Founders The Michael C. Carlos thors. consumer recycled paper,” Problem” will elucidate “My Son Week. She will also contin- Museum will launch a new The initiative builds on the said Ciannat Howett, director John” and “On the Waterfront,” ue to serve on the Traditions exhibit, “Lost Kingdoms of the Feast of Words author celebra- of sustainability initiatives. shown during the mini-film and History Committee and Nile: Nubian Treasures from the tion the Academic Exchange “This paper is the byproduct series; William Brown, whose work closely with Vice Presi- Museum of Fine Arts Boston,” hosts each year at Druid Hills of the paper we each recycle exhibition will open with the dent Gary Hauk in establish- and unveil the new installation Bookstore, and addresses Year daily at our desk.” gallery talk, “Trying to Make Art ing the book series. of the museum’s permanent Manufacturer Mohawk with a Camera: Photographic In the coming months, of the Faculty conversations collection of sub-Saharan Fine Papers’ products and Strategies and Traditional plans will be firming up for that called for “the need to hon- paper mills are certified Media,” accompanied by the African art. the series, in which history or publicly and frequently the by the Forest Stewardship Emory Saxophone Quartet; and The musical lineup includes will be presented through scholarly accomplishments Council. The process chlorine Oded Borowski, who will speak Mika Yoshida — a marimba the lens of the University’s among our faculty,” Adams free paper is made using non- on “Archaeology of Destruction: player from Japan — with the strategic themes. “The vol- says. polluting, wind-generating Daily Life in Ancient Judah as Emory Chamber Music Society umes will tell the stories of “This is a very busy campus energy. It Emerges from Ruins.” of Atlanta; the Emory Annual some of the more remark- and it’s easy for us to get caught Emory is expected to con- Visiting lecturers include Jazz Fest Concert and Big able members of the Emory up in our immediate work. I sume 11 tons of this recycled Philip V. Bohlman and Christine Band Night; the Atlanta Bach faculty and the achieve- think it’s good for everyone to paper annually. According to Bohlman of the University of Ensemble; Wu Man — who plays ments of the University, step back, look at the bigger Mohawk, that equates to the Chicago, who will perform “The the pipa, a lute-like Chinese since the founding of Emory picture and see the incredibly elimination of 19,545 pounds Silence of Transcendence”; Sean instrument — and the Kronos College,” Wolff-King says. rich variety of accomplishment of greenhouse gases, the Kirkland of DePaul University, Quartet. across the board,” Adams says. discharge of 89,712 gallons of speaking on “The Tragic For more information, refer — Carol Clark For more information about wastewater and the planting Foundations of Aristotelian to the full listing of events in the series as it continues, call of 686 trees. Ethics”; and Horace Newcomb this issue of Emory Report, or the Office of the Provost at 404- of the University of Georgia, visit www.emory.edu/founders. 727-6055. EMORY REPORT January 22, 2007 Campus 5 oundersFebruary 3-10,ee 2008 SundayF 2.3.08 Friday 2.8.08 k 4:00 p.m. Noon W “Musical Offering” Lecture by Gary Hauk: by the Atlanta Bach Ensemble “Twice Upon a Time: The Founding Temple Descending Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall and Re-founding of Emory” by William Brown Woodruff Library, Jones Room 311 (opening Feb. 7) Monday 2.4.08 8:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Film screening: “My Son John” Open House for Educators White Hall 205 Michael C. Carlos Museum

Tuesday 2.5.08 7:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Movie Mania Film Series: Lecture by Oded Borowski: “Archaeology “Lady in the Dark” of Destruction: Daily Life in Ancient White Hall 205 Judah as It Emerges from Ruins” Callaway Center S-319 Saturday 2.9.08 10:00 a.m. 6:30-8:00 p.m. Exhibition Opening: “Lost Kingdoms Transforming Community Project Experiencing Race at Emory Panel of the Nile: Nubian Treasures from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston” Timothy Albrecht, Atlanta Discussion: “Three Part Harmony: Bach Ensemble (Feb. 3) Issues Troupe (Feb. 6) Listening to the Voices of Emory, Michael C. Carlos Museum Morehouse and Grady” Sub-Saharan Galleries Reopening Cannon Chapel Michael C. Carlos Museum 8:00 p.m. Film screening: “On the Waterfront” 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. White Hall 205 Sustainability Summit on Food Cox Hall Ballroom © 1969 Columbia Pictures Corp. Wednesday 2.6.08 Noon-2:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Lecture and Musical Founders Ball Performance by Philip V. Bohlman: Emory Conference Center Hotel Tickets available at the Dobbs University Center and at “The Silence of Transcendence” the door on the day of the event. Michael C. Carlos Museum Reception Hall Screening of 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Wu Man with pipa (Feb. 9) “On the Waterfront” (Feb. 5) Issues Troupe Reception and Play: Kronos Quartet with Wu Man, pipa “A Beautiful Disaster” Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall Tickets available at www.arts.emory.edu Dobbs University Center, Winship Ballroom 8:00 p.m. Sunday 2.10.08 Lecture by Harvey Klehr: 5:00 p.m. “Espionage, Informing and the Movies: Lecture by Salman Rushdie: Hollywood’s Communist Problem” “Autobiography and the Novel” White Hall 205 Glenn Memorial Auditorium Tickets available Jan. 10 at www.emory.edu/events Sean D. Kirkland on Aristotle (Feb. 7) Thursday 2.7.08 4:15 p.m. Ongoing Exhibitions Lecture by Sean D. Kirkland: “Democratic Vistas: Exploring the “The Tragic Foundations of Danowski Poetry Collection” Aristotelian Ethics” Woodruff Library, Schatten Gallery “Lost Kingdoms of the Nile: White Hall 206 Jan. 15-May 19 Nubian Treasures from the 5:30-7:30 p.m. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston” Opening Reception and Gallery Talk: “From the Poet’s Desk: An Exhibition (opening Feb. 9) William A. Brown: “Trying to Make Art of Poems in Process from MARBL’s with a Camera: Photographic Strategies Literary Collections” and Traditional Media” Woodruff Library, Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library (MARBL) Emory Visual Arts Gallery Jan. 15-May 21

6:00-8:30 p.m. Lecture by Salman Rushdie (Feb. 10) “Robert Rauschenberg’s Currents: Sustainability Summit on Food Ann Borden Emory Creative Group Cox Hall Ballroom Features and Surface Series” Michael C. Carlos Museum Closes Feb. 17 8:00 p.m. Lecture by Horace Newcomb: “Television in Transition: Chaos, Confusion, and Promises” White Hall 205 Founders Ball Saturday, February 9 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Gary Hauk on the Founding of Emory (Feb. 8) Celebrating Emory University For detailed schedule, visit www.emory.edu/founders EMORY REPORT January 22, 2008 6 Discovery COVER STORY

Treponema bacteria cause different diseases that share some symptoms but have different means of transmission. Syphilis is sexually transmitted, but yaws and endemic syphilis are tropical diseases transmitted through skin-to-skin or oral contact. One hypothesis is that a subspecies of Treponema from the warm, moist climate of the tropical New World mutated into the venereal subspecies to survive in the cooler and relatively more hy- gienic European environment. The phylogenetic analysis of 26 pathogenic Treponema strains indicated that yaws is an ancient infection in humans while venereal syphilis arose relatively recently. The study results are especially significant due to the large number of different strains analyzed, including two never- before-sequenced strains of yaws from Guyana – the only known active site of yaws infection in the Western hemisphere. “By studying historical diseases, you can learn about trends in current ones,” says Harper, whose interest on the evolution of syphilis brought her to Emory to work with Armelagos. “I love research that tells a human story.” “I’ve been teaching for 40 years and Kristin is one of the bryan meltZ most talented students I’ve seen,” “I love research that tells a human story,” says Kristin Harper as she sorts through piles of ancient human bones. The graduate Armelagos says. “She seems so student is heading up a groundbreaking study of syphilis. quiet, and yet you’re just so blown away by what you see her produc- ing in the laboratory. Everything she does is just top notch.” Harper is now studying a DISEASE: On the trail of a killer mystery gene identified in the phylogenetic analysis that appears to be linked to the sexual transmission The preliminary results of the ing social and political history. that the first recorded epidemic of syphilis. “We believe it could Continued from the cover study won the Earnest A. Hooton It could be argued that syphilis of syphilis occurred in Europe be used as a diagnostic tool,” she Prize when Harper presented is one of the important early ex- in 1495, controversy has raged says. “When a child contracts a them at the 2006 American As- amples of globalization and dis- ever since over the origin of the treponemal disease, in addition “We concluded that the closest sociation of Physical Anthropolo- ease, and globalization remains pathogen. Most of the evidence in to treating it with penicillin, you relative of the modern syphilis gists meeting. an important factor in emerging recent years has come from bones could determine if the child may strains of bacteria were strains “Syphilis was a major killer in diseases.” of past civilizations in both New have been the victim of sexual collected in South America that Europe during the Renaissance,” Soft-spoken and petite, Harp- World and Old World sites, since abuse.” cause the treponemal disease says George Armelagos, chair of er sorts through piles of ancient chronic syphilis causes skeletal She is simultaneously work- yaws,” says Harper, a Howard the Department of Anthropology human bones as she explains the lesions. ing on several other research Hughes Medical Institute pre- and a member of the research tell-tale marks of treponemal dis- In many cases, however, skel- papers, including one involving doctoral fellow in Emory’s Popu- team. Armelagos is a skeletal bi- ease to visitors to the anthropol- etal analysis is inconclusive, an outbreak of treponemal dis- lation Biology, Ecology and Evo- ologist whose research put him at ogy lab. “It’s sad to think of how due to problems with pinpoint- ease among baboons in Tanza- lution program. “That supports the forefront of the syphilis debate painful this must have been,” ing the age of the bones and the nia, which could provide another the hypothesis that syphilis – or 30 years ago. “Understanding its she says, indicating a lesion in a lack of supporting epidemiologi- important genetic clue to how some progenitor – came from the evolution is important not just thigh bone. cal evidence. Further complicat- the disease is transmitted in hu- New World.” for biology, but for understand- While it is generally agreed ing the research is the fact that mans.

Eye Center trial Study debunks myths of slow envisions change recovery for obese patients

By joy bell of collagen cross-linking in the By aShante dobbs tion Medicine. “After several habilitation hospital to the time cornea, thereby strengthening analyses of the data, we contin- of discharge, median gains and Emory Eye Center is the first it. A stronger cornea will not Obese patients undergoing re- ued to get the same results — the speed of the gains in FIM U.S. site to conduct an innovative tend to steepen in the way that habilitation at an acute rehabili- even across various diagnostic scores were highest among the clinical study on patients with a diseased cornea steepens. tation hospital recovered faster categories. We can’t deny that most obese group. keratoconus. The condition The new trial, which will than patients of normal weight, this is a real phenomenon.” All obese patients progressed causes a bulging or steepening include about 300 patients, according to a study by an Emory The study assessed the asso- faster than did those who were in researcher. of the cornea that can lead to, may “revolutionize the practice ciation of body mass index with the normal weight and under- The findings, reported in the the functional independence in some cases, scarring of the of cornea and ophthalmic weight categories. external disease treatments,” January 2008 American Journal measure scores of 1,077 inpa- cornea, or corneal ectasia, a “While this study shows us says R. Doyle Stulting, a cornea of Physical Medicine & Rehabili- tients admitted to the medicine similar condition that can occur that obese patients can tolerate specialist at Emory Eye Center tation, debunk previous assump- service of an acute rehabilitation after refractive surgery. exercise and physical activity, The new treatment, a and principal investigator, who tions that the obese or overweight hospital. and in fact recover more quickly minimally invasive, quick will treat the very first patients have a slower recovery than do The study also examined procedure, involves riboflavin in the United States with this those who are normal weight. whether the association between than normal weight patients, it eye drops that are applied to the new procedure at the Emory Eye “The study’s findings are the patients’ BMI and FIM was dif- didn’t answer the question of why patient’s cornea and activated by Center. opposite of what you might ex- ferent across motor and cognitive this is the case,” Burke says. “We an ultraviolet light. In European The clinical trial is now pect,” says David T. Burke, lead skill categories. are currently engaged in studies studies, the treatment has been enrolling patients; for more study author and chair of Emo- The results showed that from that will help us understand shown to increase the amount information call 404-778-6155. ry’s Department of Rehabilita- the time of admission to the re- these results.” EMORY REPORT January 22, 2008 Forum 7 FIRST PERSON SOUNDBITES How global trends impact economy Where is the global Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. economy headed, and what does it mean to business and individuals? Professor Jeff Rosensweig, director of the By NOEL LEO ERSKINE Global Perspectives Program at Goizueta Business School, At the Democratic primary addressed this topic at a held in New Hampshire, Sen. recent Evening MBA “Bring Hillary Clinton claimed that Sen. Your Boss to Breakfast” Barack Obama made too much of event. words, because he calls on his au- Rosensweig said the diences to hope for and to dream crystal ball has rarely been a new America. She observed so clouded. “The economy is that Obama, who is skilled in the buffeted by concerns re- art of rhetoric, was influencing garding geopolitics, terror- and inspiring his audiences with ism, wars, along with the speeches, and that people should unfolding credit crisis. No note that words and speeches are one really knows whether inadequate tools for change. financial problems set off by Words should give way to deeds, the subprime mortgage mess Clinton argued, as the test of will throw the economy into words is their capacity to be recession,” he said. “I do see transformative. positive economic and demo- In responding to Clinton, graphic trends longer-term, Obama appealed to Martin Lu- so I remain optimistic — ther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” beyond a volatile 18 months speech, and noted how impover- ahead. ished the human family would be “Given the risks, I recom- without the inspiration and vi- mend maximum diversifying sion that words engender. He sug- of everyone’s wealth.” gested that words are the tools — Kim Urquhart with which King fashioned a new Kay hinton world. Noel Leo Erskine, associate professor of theology and ethics, is author of “King Putting humanism Of course, what neither sena- Among the Theologians.” His remarks about Martin Luther King Jr. most recently appeared in a tor noted is that for King, to hope book/CD set, “Voices: Reflections on an American Icon Through Words and Song.” in context or to dream was not a theoretical Humanism has suffered from its insensitivity to postulate unrelated to the world means to be human is to dream, children.” The dream of a new for a new humanity. King expect- abuses perpetuated in its in which people struggle for and he was not thinking of night world must be linked to justice- ed the church to model the join- name related to racism and meaning, but hoping and dream- dreams but day dreams. Accord- making for all of God’s children. ing of hope and justice-making, sexism and its tendency to ing were metaphors signaling the ing to King, dreams are the stuff My second commitment is to dream and reality, thus enabling neglect social inequalities divine presence accompanying of which we are made. dream a new church. Like Mar- the church to represent sacred and multiculturalism, said persons in their struggle to I dream of a world in which tin Luther King Jr. I am a son of space in which all God’s children Thomas Flynn in his “Life change the world. King’s confi- poverty will be eliminated. I the church and serve as theolo- are celebrated. of the Mind” lecture Jan. 16. dence of the divine presence in dream of the day when every gian and pastor within the church. My third commitment is to in- The Samuel Candler Dobbs the midst of a community strug- home in the world will have ac- During the early 1980s I had the vite you to dare to dream a new Professor of Philosophy con- gling and agitating for change cess to clean water. This means a pleasure of team-teaching a you and for me to dream a new cluded that these problems allowed him to conjoin word and willingness to share resources in course at the Candler School of me. A new self that is open to don’t mean that humanism deed, theory and practice. a more equitable way. It has been Theology on King’s theology with dreams of brotherhood and sis- should disappear. This conversation between the pointed out that although the Coretta Scott King. Occasionally, terhood. One of the themes that “Contextual thinking is senators reminds me that 2008 is United States comprises about 6 students would write papers on runs through King’s speeches is: what I think humanism has very significant in reflection on percent of the world’s population, King as philosopher or on King as “ I cannot be all that I can be until to learn. And I think its chal- the life and thought of Martin Lu- we consume more than 40 per- theologian, and invariably Coret- you are all that you can be. And lenges are contextual,” he ther King Jr. This year the world cent of the world’s resources. ta would point out that King was you cannot be all that you can be, said. “But that doesn’t mean, celebrates his 79th birthday, and One way in which we could first and foremost a minister of until I am all that I can be.” We as one of my professors used as one who lives and works in At- translate dream into a new real- the church. are fashioned “in a single gar- to say in graduate school, lanta, I am very proud that his ity in which there would be less In his “Letter From the Bir- ment of destiny.” We belong to the that we should be so open- first steps and words were in this famished children is to link the mingham City Jail,” King beck- family of God. minded that our brains fall city that “is too busy to hate.” dream of a new world to justice- ons the community to join him in Elsewhere I have said of my out. One can have a certain Further, April 4 will be the 40th making. If I may paraphrase dreaming a new church: “I must mentor and teacher: “King was sense of what principles one anniversary of his assassination, Clinton’s question: How are honestly reiterate that I have always concerned about those is committed to.” and later Aug. 28, the 45th anni- dreams translated to changed been so greatly disappointed with who were excluded from the table — Carol Clark versary of his “I Have a Dream” circumstances for the poor? the church. I do not say this as of brotherhood and sisterhood. It speech. One aspect of the answer is to one of the negative critics who did not matter if they were young, Because this literary gem has link dream of a new world to jus- can always find something wrong old or on the margins of society. Political expert influenced so many persons, long tice-making on behalf of the poor. with the church. I say it as a min- His passion was to bring all peo- on campaign trail before Obama’s “Audacity of King states: “Now is the time to ister of the gospel, who loves the ple together in a symphony of love. “The Political Brain: The Hope,” I would like to suggest in make real the promises of [eco- church; who was nurtured in its He referred to this coming to- Role of Emotion in Deciding the context of a new year that nomic] democracy; now is the bosom. . . . In the midst of blatant gether of all of God’s children as the Fate of the Nation,” by there are three steps I plan to time to rise from the dark and injustices inflicted upon the Ne- reconciliation. Reconciliation Professor of Psychology Drew take in reflection on, and in cele- desolate valley of segregation to gro, I have watched white church- was the main key in which his Westen, has been generating bration of, the 45th anniversary the sunlit path of racial justice; es stand on the sideline and advocacy for excluded persons interest for its assertion that of King’s “I Have a Dream” now is the time to lift the nation merely mouth pious irrelevancies was set. He understood the love of emotion is more important speech. from the quicksands of racial in- and sanctimonious trivialities.” God as the power of reconciliation justice to the solid rock of broth- King beckons us to dream a that unites races and fractured than logic in determining My first commitment is to how people vote. dare to dream a new world. King erhood; now is the time to make new church in which divisions of communities.” justice a reality for all of God’s race, class and gender make room Let the celebration begin. Westen appeared on “Dan suggests that a part of what it Rather Reports on Politics,” a live broadcast from the Jan. 8 New Hampshire primaries on HDnet. In one comment, Westen EMORY VOICES pointed out a psychological aspect that may have fac- “Martin, the racial landscape of America has changed radically in the past 40 years! You tored into Hillary Clinton’s surprise comeback: when would be utterly astounded at the change. Your heart would rejoice at the evidence of she teared up at an event in your leadership and that of others. ….[but] the battle is not over….The more challenging Portsmouth, N.H. “To a lot of people what it said was, task is still before us: to change hearts and attitudes, as well as create a milieu that does wow, she’s a person after all not give root to such attitudes in the first place.” and she actually has feelings after all,” Westen said. “That was I think a tremendously — Woodie White, bishop-in-residence at Candler School of Theology, who each year writes a “birthday” letter to Martin Luther important moment.” King Jr. about the progress of racial equality in the United States. Courtesy of United Methodist News Service. — Kim Urquhart EMORY REPORT January 22, 2008

Items are compiled from the University’s master calendar, Events@Emory, and from individual submissions to Emory Report. Submit events at least two weeks prior to the publication date at www.events.emory.edu or christi.gray@ 8 Events emory.edu. Listings are subject to space limitations. “Luminaries in Science Lecture: Isaac Farris Jr., The King Center, Athletics Seminars ‘Order and Disorder in the speaking. 4 p.m. Boynton ADVANCE Emotional Brain.’” Richard Auditorium, Goizueta Business Friday, Jan. 25 Tuesday, Jan. 22 Davidson, University of School. Free. 404-727-7697. NOTICE Men’s and Women’s Basketball “G Protein-Coupled Receptor Wisconsin-Madison, presenting. Reception following. v.s. University of Rochester. Heterodimerization: A Noon. 311 Bishops Hall. Free. Rushdie lecture 6 p.m. Woodruff P.E. Center. Role in Signaling and Drug 404-727-3990. Sunday, Jan. 27 tickets on sale Free. 404-727-6547 Development.” Lakshmi Curries and Kabobs: Indian Salman Rushdie, cel- Arehole Devi, Mount Sinai Friday, Jan. 25 Cooking Class for Kids. ebrated author and Emory’s School of Medicine, New York, “International Student Coffee 2 p.m. Carlos Museum. $15; Distinguished Writer in Film presenting. Noon. 5052 Rollins Hour Panel Discussion: $12 members. 404-727-0519. Residence, will deliver a Research Center. Free. 404-727- ‘Civil Rights Within the Preregistration required. public lecture titled “Auto- Thursday, Jan. 24 5983. International Community.’” biography and the Novel” KING WEEK: “Soul of Justice: AntiquiTEA: “Recent Acquisition, David Key, Baptist studies, at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 Thelton Henderson’s an Acrolithic Head of the facilitating. 11:30 a.m. Winship Visual Arts at Glenn Memorial Audi- American Journey.” 6 p.m. Greek Goddess Demeter.” Ballroom, Dobbs Center. Free. torium. Tickets, which are Harland Cinema. Free. 404-727- Jasper Gaunt, Carlos Museum 404-727-3300. $10 ($5 with Emory ID), Now Showing 4148. Curator of Greek and Roman, are available now at www. KING WEEK: Keynote “Images of Reconciliation: presenting. 4 p.m. Reception emory.edu/events. Lecture: “There Goes the Visual Reflections of the 2006 Friday, Jan. 25 Hall, Carlos Museum. Free. “The lecture will be an Neighborhood: Race, Ethnic Journeys of Reconciliation www.carlos.emory.edu. examination of how the “The Lives of Others.” 7:30 p.m. and Class Tensions in Four trips to South Africa and lives of writers intertwine 205 White Hall. Free. 404-727- Chicago Neighborhoods.” India.” Dobbs Center Main with their work, and in 5886. Wednesday, Jan. 23 William Wilson, Harvard Gallery. Free. 404-727-6225; what ways, if at all, the life “Ser/Thr Phosphatases, Are University, presenting. 4 p.m. [email protected]. can be said to be the best Tuesday, Jan. 29 They Even Better Targets for Cannon Chapel. Free. 404-727- Through Jan. 31. 6328. explanation of that work,” “Golden Rule Politics.” 7 p.m. Antitumor Drug Development “Noodle Noodle: New Work by said Rushdie of the presen- 311 Bishops Hall. Free. 404-727- Than Their Kinase Counter- Sang-Wook Lee.” Visual Arts tation. 6350; [email protected]. Panel parts?” Richard Honkanen, Special Gallery. Free. 404-727-5050. discussion following. University of South Alabama, Through Jan. 26. Current issues in presenting. 2 p.m. Ground Floor Tuesday, Jan. 22 Auditorium, Whitehead Research “Robert Rauschenberg’s special collections Performing Arts Building. Free. 404-727-5960. Volunteer Emory Service Trip Currents: Features and Current issues in special Orientation. 7 p.m. Harland Surface Series.” Carlos KING WEEK: “Women Talking collections is the focus of a Tuesday, Jan. 22 Cinema. Free. 404-727-6268. Museum. 404-727-4282. Feb. 1 symposium hosted by with Women: Reflecting on Through Feb. 17. Emory University Libraries. “Rainbow Timbres: Recital by Race, Ethnicity and Culture.” “Democratic Vistas: Exploring “New Covenants in Emory Faculty Percussionist Pamela Epps, Emory Counseling Wednesday, Jan. 23 the Danowski Poetry Special Collections: A Sym- Michael Cebulski.” 8 p.m. Center, moderating. 4 p.m. KING WEEK: Readings: “Words Collection.” Schatten Gallery, posium on Obligations and Emerson Hall, Schwartz Center. Center for Women Conference That Changed the World.” Woodruff Library. Free. 404- Opportunities,” will address Free. 404-727-5050. www.arts. Room, Cox Hall. Free. 404-727- Emory students, faculty and 727-5050; www.arts.emory.edu. how the special collections emory.edu. 2001. staff, reading. Noon. Coca-Cola Through April 23. community can best serve KING WEEK: Concert and KING WEEK: “Boys to Men: An Commons, Dobbs Center. Free. its myriad audiences and Birthday Cake Celebration. Intergenerational Dialogue.” 404-727-4265. “From the Poet’s Desk: An prepare for new challenges. Exhibition of Poems in Voices of Inner Strength, per- 6 p.m. Winship Ballroom, Dobbs Candler School of Theology Emory’s Ronald Schuchard, Process from MARBL’s Literary forming. 8 p.m. Coca-Cola Center. Free. 404-727-6211. State of the School Address. Rudolph Byrd and Erika Collections.” Manuscript, Commons, Dobbs Center. Free. Jan Love, dean, presenting. Farr are among the fea- Archives and Rare Book Library, 404-727-5355. Thursday, Jan. 24 11 a.m. 311 Bishops Hall. Free. tured presenters. Woodruff Library. Free. marbl. 404-727-6322. The conference wraps up Thursday, Jan. 24 “Bacterial Proteins Modulate the library.emory.edu. Through May with an informal conversa- Surface Expression of CFTR.” KING WEEK: Community 21. tion between Distinguished “Faculty Dance Concert.” Gregory William Guggino, Johns Hopkins Service Awards and Lecture: Writer in Residence Salman Catellier and George Staib, University. 9 a.m. 600 Whitehead “Balancing the Scales: Social Rushdie and Rosemary directing. 8 p.m. Performing Arts Research Building. Free. 404- Justice on the Forefront.” Magee, vice president and Studio. $12; $6, over 65 and 727-7401. secretary of the University. under 12, professional artists The conference is free and students. 404-727-5050; and open to the public and box [email protected]. Also Jan. will be held in the Jones 25-26. Room of the Woodruff Li- KING WEEK: Jazz Vesper Service. SNAPSHOT brary. The Rushdie conver- 7 p.m. Cannon Chapel. Free. sation is scheduled for the 404-727-6153. reception hall of the Carlos Museum. Friday, Jan. 25 For more information, contact Donna Bradley at “Mika Yoshida, marimba, and Organists 404-727-7620. Emory Chamber Music Concert.” 8 p.m. Emerson Hall, celebrate music Schwartz Center. $20; $15 under CDC chief kicks off 18 and over 65 and other dis- of Messiaen lecture series count category members; Free, On Jan. 12, University A new seminar series pre- students. 404-727-5050; box sented by Emory’s Institute [email protected]. organist Timothy Albrecht, for Advanced Policy Solu- graduate organ alumni, tions, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Religion and current organ studio Control and Prevention, members presented a full premiers with a Jan. 30 Tuesday, Jan. 22 seminar, “The Healthiest KING WEEK Ecumenical day of events celebrating Nation,” by CDC Director Celebration. Eugene Emory, the 100th anniversary of Julie Gerberding. The in- psychology, speaking. augural event begins in the Interdenominational Choir and the birth of 20th-century Woodruff Library’s Jones Voices of Praise, performing. French composer Olivier Room at 4 p.m. Seating is 7 p.m. Old Church Chapel, limited; RSVP by Jan. 25 to Oxford. Free. 404-784-8392. Messiaen (1908–1992). [email protected]. The day featured two The institute and the Thursday, Jan. 24 CDC created the Health lectures by Albrecht, System Transformation KING WEEK: Chapel Service. Rev. a reception and a Seminar Series as a forum Gina Stewart, Christ Missionary to discuss health system Baptist Church, Memphis, Tenn., performance of Messiaen’s transformation, health care preaching. 11 a.m. Cannon organ music, including reform and health policies. Chapel. Free. 404-727-6153. Former House Speaker the composer’s first and Newt Gingrich, currently Sunday, Jan. 27 last organ compositions. the executive director of the KING WEEK: University Worship. Center for Health Transfor- Bevel Jones, Emory retired United mation, is the invited speak- Kay Hinton Methodist, preaching. 11 a.m. Pictured left to right: Collin Richardson, er for the next seminar in Cannon Chapel. Free. 404-727- March. Professor Timothy Albrecht, Marena Vittorio, 6225. Reception to follow. Rachael Peyton-Cushing and Heather Paisar.