NEW YORK: A SCIENCE STATE OF MIND

Biophysicist Mark Kaplan Nutrition Science: Pushing the Frontiers of Fast-Tracks Patient Innovations Important for Policy Molecular Medicine Decisions?

www.nyas.org • Spring 2014 Board of Governors

Chair Vice Chair Treasurer NANCY ZIMPHER PAUL WALKER ROBERT CATELL

President [ex officio] Secretary [ex officio] Spring 2014 ELLIS RUBINSTEIN LARRY SMITH

Governors LEN BLAVATNIK ELAINE FUCHS MEHMOOD KHAN FRANK WILCZEK MARY BRABECK ALICE P. GAST JEFFREY D. SACHS DEREK YACH NANCY CANTOR BRIAN GREENE KATHE A. SACKLER MICHAEL ZIGMAN MARTIN CHALFIE THOMAS L. HARRISON MORTIMER D.A. SACKLER MILTON COFIELD THOMAS C. JACKSON GEORGE E. THIBAULT KENNETH L. DAVIS BETH JACOBS PAUL WALKER MIKAEL DOLSTEN JOHN E. KELLY III IRIS WEINSHALL

International Governors Chairman Emeriti Honorary Life Governors SETH F. BERKLEY TONI HOOVER JOHN E. SEXTON KAREN E. BURKE MANUEL CAMACHO SOLIS RAJENDRA K. PACHAURI TORSTEN N. WIESEL HERBERT J. KAYDEN GERALD CHAN RUSSELL READ JOHN F. NIBLACK S. KRIS GOPALAKRISHNAN PAUL STOFFELS President’s Council

PETER AGRE AARON CIECHANOVER GREGORY LUCIER ELLIOTT SIGAL Nobel Laureate & Univ. Nobel Laureate & Former Chairman and CEO, CSO, Bristol-Myers Squibb Prof. and Director, Johns Distinguished Research Prof., Life Technologies Corp MICHAEL SOHLMAN Hopkins Malaria Research Tumor and Vascular Biology RODERICK MACKINNON Former Exec. Director, The Inst., Dept. Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Nobel Laureate & John Nobel Foundation On the cover: Microbiology and Medicine, Technion-Israel D. Rockefeller, Jr. Prof., PAUL STOFFELS Samuel Stuart Photography Immunology, Bloomberg Inst. of Tech., Haifa, Israel The Rockefeller Univ.; CSO, Johnson & Johnson; School of Public Health PETER DOHERTY Investigator, HHMI Worldwide Co-Chairman, contents RICHARD AXEL Nobel Laureate & GERALD J. MCDOUGALL Pharmaceuticals Group Nobel Laureate & Researcher, St. Jude National Partner, Global MARC TESSIER-LAVIGNE Professor, Columbia Univ.; Children’s Research Pharmaceutical & Health President, The Rockefeller Univ. Investigator, HHMI Hospital, Memphis, TN; Sciences Practice, MARY ANN TIGHE DAVID BALTIMORE Univ. of Melbourne PricewaterhouseCoopers CEO, New York Tri-State Columns Op-Ed Nobel Laureate & President MIKAEL DOLSTEN LLP Region, CB Richard Ellis Emeritus, Caltech President, Worldwide RICHARD MENSCHEL SHIRLEY TILGHMAN Why Science? Why Now? ETIENNE-EMILE BAULIEU Research and Development; Sr. Director, Goldman Sachs President Emerita and 2 Letter from the President 7 A reporter’s question sparks a reflection on whether nutrition science has a Former President, French Sr. VP, Pfizer Inc RONAY MENSCHEL Prof. of Molecular Biology, New York Scientific Leadership: Academy of Sciences MARCELO EBRARD Chairman of the Board, Princeton Univ. role in policy discussions and decisions. PAUL BERG CASAUBÓN Phipps Houses; Board of XAVIER TRIAS Executive Editor From Dream to Reality Nobel Laureate & Prof. Mayor, Mexico City Overseers, Weill Cornell Mayor of Barcelona Diana Friedman Emeritus, Dept. of EDMOND H. FISCHER Medical College FRANK WALSH Cover Story Biochemistry, Stanford Univ. Nobel Laureate & Prof. HEATHER CEO, Ossianix, Inc. 4 Inside the Academy LEN BLAVATNIK Emeritus, Dept. of MUNROE-BLOOM GERALD WEISSMANN Art Director Chairman, Access Industries Biochemistry, Univ. of Former Principal and Vice- Prof. of Medicine, NYU News about Academy programs 12 New York: A Science State of Mind GÜNTER BLOBEL Washington Chancellor, McGill Univ. School of Medicine Ash Ayman Shairzay and activities An introduction to New York’s newest role: that of an undisputed scientific Nobel Laureate & Director, JEROME I. FRIEDMAN FERID MURAD JOHN WHITEHEAD Laboratory for Cell Biology, Nobel Laureate & Institute Nobel Laureate & Director, Former Chairman, Lower powerhouse. The Rockefeller Univ. Prof. & Prof. of Physics, IMM Center for Cell Manhattan Development Contributors 8 Academy eBriefings IRINA BOKOVA Emeritus, MIT Signaling, The University of Corp.; former Co-Chairman Director General, United JOSEPH GOLDSTEIN Texas at Houston of Goldman Sachs David Alvaro, Mandana Arabi, Summaries of recent eBriefings Member Memoir Nations Educational, Nobel Laureate & Chairman, JOHN F. NIBLACK GEORGE WHITESIDES Sharon Begley, Azra Jaferi, Scientific and Cultural Molecular Genetics, Univ. Former President, Pfizer Woodford L. & Ann A. A New Model for Industry Hannah Rice 22 Annals Highlights 18 Organization (UNESCO) of Texas Southwestern Global Research & Flowers Univ. Prof., Harvard Biophysicist Mark Kaplan explores a fast-track to bring innovation to SYDNEY BRENNER Medical Center Development Univ. Recent and upcoming Annals Nobel Laureate & S. GOPALAKRISHNAN PAUL NURSE TORSTEN N. WIESEL patients. Distinguished Prof., Salk Inst. Exec. Co-Chairman of the Nobel Laureate & President, Nobel Laureate & former Editorial Office volumes MICHAEL S. BROWN Board, Infosys Technologies The Royal Society; former Secy. General, Human 7 World Trade Center Nobel Laureate & Prof. of Limited President, The Rockefeller Frontier Science Program Academy Interview Molecular Genetics, Univ. PAUL GREENGARD Univ. Organization; President 250 Greenwich St, 40th Fl 25 Member News of Texas Southwestern Nobel Laureate & Prof. RICHARD ROBERTS Emeritus, The Rockefeller New York, NY 10007-2157 Awards, appointments, and 20 Medical Center of Molecular & Cellular Nobel Laureate & CSO, Univ. Changing the Face of Molecular LINDA BUCK Neuroscience, The New England Biolabs FRANK WILCZEK Phone: 212.298.8645 announcements about Academy Medicine Nobel Laureate & Rockefeller Univ. EDWARD F. ROVER Nobel Laureate & Herman Fax: 212.298.3655 members Investigator for HHMI; GLENDA GREENWALD President, The Dana Feshbach Professor of John O’Shea turns his passion for clinical care into a successful research member of the Fred President, Aspen Brain Foundation Physics, MIT Email: [email protected] Hutchinson Cancer Forum Foundation F. SHERWOOD ROWLAND ERNST-LUDWIG Calendar career. Research Center PETER GRUSS Nobel Laureate & Prof. of WINNACKER 26 KAREN E. BURKE President, Max Planck Chemistry & Earth Science, Secy. General, Human Membership & Annals Orders Upcoming Academy conferences Last Look Dermatologist & Research Gesellschaft, Germany Univ. of California, Irvine Frontier Science Program; Phone: 212.298.8640 Scientist WILLIAM A. HASELTINE BENGT SAMUELSSON former Secy. General, and meetings 28 MARCELO EBRARD President, The Haseltine Nobel Laureate & Prof., European Research Council; Fax: 212.298.3650 The Academy’s impact by the CASAUBON Foundation for Medical Medical & Physiological former President, Deutsche Former Mayor, Mexico City Sciences and the Arts; Chem., Karolinska Inst.; Forschungsgemeinschaft, Email: [email protected] THOMAS R. CECH Chairman, Haseltine Global former Chairman, The Germany numbers. Nobel Laureate & Health, LLC Nobel Foundation ANDREW WITTY Distinguished Prof., Univ. of ERIC KANDEL IVAN SEIDENBERG CEO, GlaxoSmithKline Advertising Inquiries Colorado, Boulder Nobel Laureate & Prof., Advisory Partner, Perella DATO ZAKRI ABDUL HAMID Phone: 212.298.8636 MARTIN CHALFIE Physiology & Cell Biology, Weinberg Partners LP; former Science Advisor to the Nobel Laureate & Univ. Columbia Univ. Chairman of the Board, Verizon Prime Minister of Malaysia Email: [email protected] Prof., Dept. of Biological KIYOSHI KUROKAWA ISMAIL SERAGELDIN ELIAS ZERHOUNI Sciences, Columbia Univ. Former Science Advisor to Director, Bibliotheca President, Global CECILIA CHAN the Prime Minister of Japan; Alexandrina, The Library of Research & Development, Visit the Academy online Managing Director, Gold Prof., National Graduate Alexandria, Egypt Sanofi-Aventis www.nyas.org Avenue Ltd. Institute for Policy Studies PHILLIP A. SHARP AHMED ZEWAIL (GRIPS) Nobel Laureate & Director, Nobel Laureate & Linus LEON LEDERMAN McGovern Inst., MIT Center Pauling Chair of Chemistry Nobel Laureate & Pritzker for Cancer Research and Physics, Caltech Prof. of Science, Illinois GUANGZHAO ZHOU Inst. of Tech.; Resident Former Chairman, Chinese Scholar, Illinois Math & Association of Science & Science Academy Technology Letter from the President New York Scientific Leadership: From Dream to Reality

hen he was a teenager grow- proached Kareem to remind him of their health and education, of poverty reduc- ing up in Brooklyn, his par- previous meeting—as two skinny kids on tion, of urban growth and sustainability. ents and teachers recognized the basketball court. Now here they were, A third factor: the most generous Wthat he had unusual talents in math and a winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiol- benefactors on the planet. We in New science. Lacking money, they sent him ogy and Medicine and a man known as York have always been blessed by this. to the renowned public magnet school, one of the greatest basketball players of all Edison and Bell saved the journal Science Stuyvesant, which, in those days, was just time, and it seemed safe to say, each had from bankruptcy. Andrew Carnegie gave east of 2nd Avenue on Stuyvesant Square. achieved his dreams. a million dollars to the five principal engi- Because he was tall and gangly, he made New York has always been a place for neering associations so they could come first-string center of the not-very-com- dreamers. It has been the embodiment of together in New York to create synergies petitive school basketball team. And that what the Dutch tried to inculcate in their that would make our city the world’s hub was his dream. As he plied the subway most international and democratic nation of engineering. And today, science-fo- back and forth from Brooklyn each day, of the 17th century: opportunity. And cused philanthropy is even more inven- he didn’t dream of getting into Harvard or from its earliest days, New York has been tive, more exciting—with philanthropists MIT, of winning a Nobel Prize, of saving the embodiment of what America wants focused on transformational giving. humanity from a dreaded disease; he just to believe it can be at its best. This too is the decade of institutions wanted to sink a game-winner as time ran In November, the Academy debuted a built to overcome the old zero-sum game, out on the scoreboard clock. special publication devoted to the trans- dog-eat-dog mentality that held us back One eventful day, this Brooklyn boy formation of New York that has taken for so long. There is collaboration not only found himself up against another local place in the first decade of the new mil- amongst individual institutions, but also Brooklyn student with the same dream. lennium. We invite you to access this pub- on the part of established organizations But that boy was shockingly tall, nearly lication online at www.nyas.org/science­ to create entirely new institutions that are a foot taller, and he dominated the game stateofmind. As every reader will see not about ownership, but about results. from the first buzzer. Then came a bi- from the cover story in this issue and the And last but not least, our own zarrely astute taunt from his opponent: associated online publication, in the face New York Academy of Sciences, which “What’re you gonna do now, Einstein?” of some of the most daunting challenges changed the culture in its own unique It was more than 40 years before the ever to confront a city—9/11, the worst way. First, we created a home for 15,000 two met again, and I was the fortunate financial implosion since the Great De- scientists who come annually from all of witness. It was at a Cold Spring Harbor pression, a devastating hurricane— New our institutions (academic and industry) Laboratory Gala at the Mandarin Ori- York’s institutions are flourishing as never to meet, to be mentored, to exchange ental. The truly tall boy—originally from before—and they are particularly flourish- ideas, and to build joint projects. Second, Power Memorial High—was by now well- ing in the realm of science and technology. we broadcasted our collective strength tions and challenges that only science and Forum on Hainan Island. My guide was University of Toronto.” I was impressed: known for the longest winning streak in Universities and academic medical to the world on the Internet and in print technology can answer. a Chinese student who had adopted the “So why did you choose NYU?” Her eyes college basketball, six MVPs in the pros, centers are on fire with novel ideas to over- so that scientists and students the world But key to it all is the quality of American name Lily. On the last day of the lit up: and, now, to his pleasure, his philanthro- come outdated traditions of disciplinary over started to see the unmatched scale young people trying to come to our city event, as she was escorting me to a meet- “New York: It’s where dreams are py in support of Parkinson’s research. His silos and seniority and create Big Dreams and power of New York in the biomedi- to achieve their dreams... and ours. The ing with the man who would become the made.”  name had been Lou Alcindor when the that will not merely transform their cam- cal sciences. Then we assembled—at the dream of New York as the science capital next Premier of China, she said: “I will be boys first met. But now the world knows puses but meaningfully contribute to the request of others—global public-private of the world is not merely achievable. As in New York in September.” When I asked him as Kareem Abdul Jabbar. world through research and development. partnerships in cutting-edge areas like the articles in the rest of the special publi- why, she answered with great excitement: The other boy—who was too small Similarly our companies—large and Alzheimer’s disease, nutrition, smart cit- cation demonstrate, the dream is becom- “I have been accepted to study at NYU.” I to head to the pros—had gone on not to small—are taking the boldest steps imag- ies, and more. These activities attracted ing reality as we come together. I close congratulated her and asked whether she Ellis Rubinstein Harvard, but to Columbia. And he had inable to reinvent themselves so that they leaders of governments across the globe with one more story: had applied to other schools as well. “Yes,” President & CEO certainly exceeded the expectations of his can better address the global challenges of to want to partner with New York as a In 2011, I was invited to participate in she said with special pride: “And I got into parents and his teachers. Richard Axel ap- center of gravity in a world full of ques- China’s version of the World Economic all of them: Duke, Boston College, the

2 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 3 Inside the Academy Reports from the directors of Academy programs and news about Academy activities. Read more online at www.nyas.org/academynews.

Leading Foundations Partner to Accelerate Critical Biomarker Mental Health Awareness Challenge Research Names Winners

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Initiative at the Academy, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, and with generous support by AstraZeneca, Jans- sen, Lilly, Merck, and Takeda, has awarded a $140,000 challenge grant to Blaine Roberts, PhD, Head of the Metalloproteomics Laboratory at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health in Australia. Roberts will be conducting research to vali- date a developmental blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. Roberts and his team have identified three plasma proteins that could be used as biomarkers, or biological indicators of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain. The proteins in the blood will Neuroscientists and be tested for their ability to correlate to amyloid plaques in the brain—one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease. His Neurologists Gather at team also hopes to develop hypotheses on interventions that may delay onset of Alzheimer’s disease and eventually develop Conference in Qatar a cost-effective diagnostic test to screen for Alzheimer’s 15 to 20 years before the manifestation of symptoms. On March 15 - 17, global experts in clinical neuroscience, “We calculate that the blood test we are developing will re- neurology, and psychiatry convened in Doha, Qatar, for the Qatar duce the cost of patient recruitment for clinical trials by more Clinical Neuroscience Conference, which featured programing on than half, and help identify specific therapies to treat individuals recent advances in the understanding and treatment of affective with the pathology,” says Roberts.  disorders, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. The conference was presented by the Academy, the Qatar Foundation for Education, Alejandra Leyton (left) and Veena S. Katikineni won Scientists Without Borders’ Mental Health Awareness Challenge. Science and Community Development, and Weill Cornell Medical Academy Hosts Alzheimer’s College in Qatar. “It is wonderful to see so many experts gathering in Qatar to Disease Summit Scientists Without Borders, a program of The winning idea, “Mhealth for Men- second home. I’ve traveled to India just share with us their knowledge of affective disorders like anxi- the Academy, in collaboration with Johnson tal Health,” proposes the use of SMS text about every year of my life, and each ety, depression, and bipolar disorder. These disorders can have The Academy’s “Alzheimer’s Disease Summit: The Path to & Johnson, announced the winners of a message service to directly supply rel- visit has served as a self-check making an absolutely devastating effect, not only on the sufferers, but 2025,” co-presented by the New York Academy of Sciences, the $10,000 open innovation challenge that evant information to the depressed or me reflect on two major points: (1) the also on their families and friends. I am sure the new science dis- Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease, and the U.S. Na- called for ideas to increase awareness and anxious patient and his or her family, responsibility I have to pay it forward, cussed at the conference will prove extremely valuable as we seek tional Institute on Aging/NIH, brought together global leaders utilization of mental health services for friends, and community in general, who and (2) how much I value my liberties novel treatments to relieve the real distress caused to people with from government, academia, NGOs, finance, and industry to ac- depression and anxiety disorders among are best positioned to support their loved as an American. To be honest, each visit affective disorders,” says conference chair and speaker Javaid I. celerate progress on Alzheimer’s research and development. patients in the developing world. one through his or her struggle. has shaken me enough to stay informed Sheikh, MD, MBA, Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in Expert presentations at the Summit explored how to: ac- The winners, who worked together on In keeping with the partners’ mis- and actively seek opportunities to get Qatar.  celerate the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics, the winning concept, “Mhealth for Men- sions, and Scientists Without Borders’ involved in different development areas. coordinate with government efforts to build research resources, tal Health” will share the $10,000 prize. open platform, the winning solution is On the flip side, each visit and subsequent re-engineer drug-development systems, and identify innovative They are: publicly available at www.scientistswith­ experience has connected me to truly Follow the Academy! technologies and financing mechanisms. For a recap of Sum- outborders.com to encourage further inspirational people—unsung heroes of mit presentations, view the eBriefing at http://www.nyas.org/ »»Veena S. Katikineni, a second year uptake and adaptation. Below, the win- all varieties, who live their mission. All The Academy announces two new Twitter handles: pathto2025-eB. medical student at the University of ners engage in a Q&A with the Academy. these stories fuel me to keep striving to @BlavatnikAwards, from The Blavatnik Awards for Young One of the many highlights of the Summit was the panel dis- Maryland, Baltimore, MD, and be the most that I can be, trying to think Scientists team, and @NYASAlz, from the Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Initiative team. As always, @NYASEvents provides the cussion focused on new and innovative funding models. Watch »»Alejandra Leyton, a Bolivian health Q: What is your personal and globally and act locally (or online!). latest information on Academy conferences, news, and deadlines. video highlights from that talk at http://bit.nyas.org/17wZGu6. economist perusing an MPH at Tu- academic background? Join the conversation by following the Academy today.  lane University in New Orleans, LA. Veena: Much of my family is in India, Alejandra: I’m currently finishing my and I think of Andhra Pradesh as my Masters in Public Health at Tulane

4 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 5 Op-Ed

University, an amazing experience that was possible thanks to Q: Do you find that working together in a team makes the support of the Fulbright Scholarship. Born and raised in these challenges easier to solve? Why Science? Bolivia, I studied Economics and began my path to become a A: It doesn’t make it easier—it makes it possible! Working as a Health Economist while working at the World Bank for Latin team guided this project in two major ways. First, the creative America. My main inspirations have been my family, who serve process requires personal inputs (experience, knowledge), and as my main role model, and the ideas of the economist Amartya the more, the better. Second, and even more important, working Why Now? Sen captured by this quote: “What is particularly serious as as a team was the fuel that kept us working till the end. It is the an injustice is the lack of opportunity that some may have to same principle we proposed in our solution; social support is A reporter’s question sparks a achieve good health because of inadequate social arrangements, a huge driver in helping people to reach their goals. For us, as opposed to, say, a personal decision.” working together was that social support that made us invest reflection on whether nutrition time and effort until the end. science has a role in policy Q: What motivated you to solve this challenge? A: We’ve seen and experienced the devastating consequences of Q: What are your plans for the solution? Where would discussions and decisions, such as mental health diseases in the U.S. as well as in the developing you like to see it implemented? those that took place at UNGA week countries we have worked in. Mental health affects everyone A: Our plan is to not leave this as a paper proposal. This solution regardless of socio-economic status; as aspiring health was designed for the developing world, and we would like to in New York City. professionals, we felt it was an important challenge to consider. apply it all over the world. One of the goals of this intervention by Mandana Arabi, MD, PhD is to reduce social stigma around depression and anxiety. We Q: What insight or knowledge did you draw upon to feel that thus far we are best positioned to dissect the social solve this challenge? interactions complicating mental health in the U.S., India, and A: We built this project upon the idea that access to accurate Bolivia. Depression and anxiety are problems that are universally reporter asked me an interesting question recently: information and a strong network of social support will human, and exploring these issues in any context would be “Were you aware that it was the United Nation’s General empower patients to overcome depression and anxiety. Also, fascinating. Assembly week when you scheduled this event?” The Mhealth would not give all the responsibility to the patients, We’d like to send a message to readers—please contact us at eventA in question was The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Sci- but helps family and community members to actively take part [email protected] with interest in this proj- ence’s “Call to Action” event on malnutrition in September 2013. in the healing process. Many caregivers suffer the ripple effect ect, including potential collaboration, networking opportunities The underlying, unstated question was: Why would you of depression/anxiety, so reaching them as a secondary user with the global mental health community, and funding sources. schedule, what’s on the surface, an event about science during progress against malnutrition, we need to start with science. We audience was important to us.  the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week, where need to identify the most urgent knowledge gaps that are hold- there is huge (monumental even!) competition for people’s time? ing us back from designing and implementing more effective Interview by Chenelle Bonavito After all, The Sackler Institute is part of the New York Academy solutions to the problems of malnutrition. With this tenant in of Sciences, located in NYC—the very hub of UNGA activity. mind, the Agenda was created. The reporter’s question couldn’t have been better. The short Thanks to wide-spread participation and many months of answer—yes, we knew—has an underlying message as well. dedication, we now feel confident that we know where research save the date UNGA meetings are, largely, about policy and science has to be is most urgently needed to move the field of nutrition science a part of the policy conversation. If fact, I’ll go as far as to say, forward, to meet that ultimate goal of mitigating malnutrition. The Board of Governors of The New York Academy of Sciences cordially invites members to the science should drive the policy conversation. But now comes the really challenging work: activating the Re- At The Sackler Institute, we work off of the premise that poli- search Agenda. cies and programs should be created based on evidence that they As Dr. Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of the renowned pub- will serve the populations they’re intended to serve, with the de- lic health-focused peer-reviewed journal The Lancet said at our sired effect (not just in theory or in a lab, but on the ground, in event, it’s not enough to simply belabor the point that we need TH the areas where the need exists). more research. “What we really need is action.” Recently, a lot of money has been committed to nutrition. I’m happy to report that Horton’s words were not lost—he This is a truly positive step. But let’s be frank: the money currently delivered them, powerfully and passionately, to attendees, many committed, if it is indeed translated into resources, is still not of whom had spent the entire day at the Academy, working with enough to significantly mitigate all of the overwhelming nutrition The Sackler Institute to create real pathways to activate the Re- 196 challenges (obesity, diabetes, childhood stunting, micronutrient search Agenda—to make it come to life in labs, in government deficiencies) that the world is facing. And we certainly cannot af- offices, on farms, and in homes. annual meeting ford not to spend it as wisely and as efficiently as possible. So, yes, we booked a science event during UNGA week, but Followed by a welcome reception in honor of new Academy members This is why during the heart of UNGA activity, The Sackler it’s a decision we would repeat again, because science conver- Institute held an event aimed at bringing together representa- sations should not be separate from policy conversations; they tives from every sector—academia, private industry, govern- should be intricately intertwined. After all, science is the basis for Thursday, September 18 ment, nonprofit, advocacy—to talk about the new report, A making informed decisions that can effect real change in areas as Global Research Agenda for Nutrition Science. The report was central to our collective health and well-being as nutrition.  developed by The Sackler Institute over the course of two years, 1:00 PM RSVP by September 10 in collaboration with the World Health Organization and more Mandana Arabi, MD, PhD, is Founding Executive Director, The 7 World Trade Center [email protected] than 55 leading nutrition researchers, experts in public health, Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy 250 Greenwich Street +1.212.298.8640 universities, and nonprofits. of Sciences. For more information about The Sackler Institute’s 40th Floor The agenda represents the hard work of all of these parties, work, including access to A Global Research Agenda for Nutri-

KEVINJEON00 / ISTOCK who came together under the premise that in order to make real tion Science, visit www.nyas.org/nutrition.

6 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 7 Academy eBriefings eBriefings are online multimedia reports documenting recent Academy events. Find new and noteworthy ones previewed here and more at www.nyas.org/eBriefings.

Recent eBriefings

Dendritic Cell Therapies for Cancer: Biotech’s Bumpy Road to the Market www.nyas.org/DendriticCells-eB

Hats Off to Bacteria! www.nyas.org/Bacteria-eB

The Microbiome in Health, Disease, Unlocking the Secret of Global Health Victories www.nyas.org/GHIT2013-eB and Therapeutics: Bugs, Guts, and Drugs Fibrosis: Therapeutic Target or Inevitable The advent of fast, cheap DNA ity,” he said. The microbial gene products leagues quickly discovered that the prog- Accelerating Translational Outcome? sequencing technologies has al- in turn produce thousands of metabolites, ress of the disease and its treatment can www.nyas.org/Fibrosis-eB lowed scientists to probe a long- many of which appear to have far-reach- alter a patient’s microbiome, distorting Neurotechnology: Fourth Tstanding question: How many microbial ing physiological effects on everything research results. That realization led to Navigating Immigration and Visa Issues: A species are there, and exactly what are from immunity to appetite. the creation of a new cohort study that Annual Aspen Brain Forum Guide for Scientists they doing? Until recently, researchers The microbiota may also alter our tracks pediatric Crohn’s disease patients www.nyas.org/VisaIssues-eB could only study microorganisms that minds. While trying to develop mouse from disease inception. Neurotechnology encompasses electrical, chemical, and could be cultured in the lab, leaving an models for common gastrointestinal Besides uncovering the normal role medical devices and products that can interact with or intervene Preclinical Drug–Drug Interaction: Risk unknown but presumably large number diseases, Stephen M. Collins and his col- of the microbiome in health and disease, in the activity of the central nervous system. These technologies Assessment and Toxicity of species unexamined. leagues noticed changes in the animals’ scientists also hope to use newly discov- include neuroprosthetics, neuroengineering, neuroimaging, www.nyas.org/RiskAssessment-eB The infant field of microbiomics has behavior. By deliberately altering or re- ered microbes as sources for novel drugs. optogenetics, neuromodulation, and neural stem cell therapies. already revealed vast, immensely power- placing the intestinal microbiota of differ- Michael A. Fischbach described a series Translating neurotechnologies from the laboratory into clini- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy ful ecosystems of bacteria and viruses in ent mouse strains, they uncovered a bidi- of computer algorithms that enable his cal and commercial products has been an arduous process. Yet www.nyas.org/PML2013-eB every niche scientists have investigated. rectional brain–microbe axis: changes in team to identify gene clusters that make many of these new tools show great potential to revolutionize Looking at the human body alone reveals the brain can select different microbiota pharmaceutically interesting compounds. the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders including distinct microbiomes in every orifice and in the intestine, and changes in the intes- They did not have to look far. He reported depression, pain, headache, epilepsy, neuromuscular disease, a complex web of microbial interactions tinal microbiome can influence behavior. that “some of the most interesting gene Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain and new biomarkers to enable earlier identification of patients. and metabolic products influencing every David Artis moved the focus to the clusters we found weren’t in the exotic soil injury. In particular, a whole-brain approach to treatment will require part of our lives. immune system, which interacts exten- and marine microorganisms ... they were The “Fourth Annual Aspen Brain Forum: Accelerating Trans- a better understanding of how neural circuits interact. Because On October 4, 2013, scientists work- sively with microbes on every surface of in gut and oral and skin isolates.” lational Neurotechnology,” held from September 18–20, 2013, of the variability in brain architecture among different patients ing on the frontiers of human micro- the body. Multiple epidemiological stud- “When we start talking about bugs in focused on developments in neurotechnology that will advance and the complexity of the brain itself, individualized treatment biomics met at the Academy to discuss ies have linked microbial diversity—or a the realm of pharmaceuticals we always the translation of neuroscience research to clinical applications. requires massive amounts of data, systems to analyze these data, the profound effects our personal micro- lack thereof—to allergy susceptibility, but think about killing them,” said Peter S. The conference was presented by the Aspen Brain Forum, Sci- and collaborations to utilize data effectively. biomes have on health and disease, and Artis wondered whether the microbiome DiStefano, who gave the final presenta- ence Translational Medicine, and the Academy. Collaboration was a key theme for this year’s conference, to ponder the possibilities of a new era of might also help to improve protective im- tion. DiStefano and his colleagues are Speakers at the conference presented advances in treating particularly between scientists and developers but also including microbially-based medicine. munity. In a series of experiments com- taking the opposite tack, developing new neurological diseases and injuries, ranging from stem cell-based manufacturers and regulatory agencies. Large-scale initiatives, In the symposium’s first presentation, paring antibiotic-treated mice with un- databases and computer algorithms to therapies to improve function in neurodegenerative disorders to including the Obama administration’s BRAIN Initiative (Brain Jeremy K. Nicholson explained that the treated mice, his team identified several identify ways to restore healthy microbi- neuroprosthetic skeletons to help restore movement to patients Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) microbiome of the human gut contains ways in which alterations to the normal omes. with paralysis, FDA-approved devices to recover some sight in and the European Commission’s Human Brain Project are driv- over ten million distinct microbial genes, microbiota may redirect the adaptive and Throughout the day’s presentations retinitis pigmentosis-induced blindness, and devices in develop- ing collaborations that will help not only to spur the develop- utterly eclipsing the human genome in innate immune responses to pathogens. and during networking breaks, attendees ment to treat Meniere’s disease-associated vertigo. ment of new technologies but also to bring these technologies genetic potential. “We’re ... well less than Other researchers talked about hu- echoed biologists’ growing appreciation However, progress in neurotechnology will require continued to market. 1% human in terms of actual gene activ- man studies, where sampling and experi- of the microbiome. As DiStefano com- investigation of basic neuroscience, novel advances in imaging, Many speakers expressed excitement about current work in mental conditions are often hard to con- mented, “I think it’s pretty clear from a lot neurotechnology. While any new technologies are still in their On the Web trol. After attempting to track microbial of the discussions today [that] the bugs On the Web infancies, the provide hope that some of the most difficult and Full eBriefing by Alan Dove: changes in the intestines of patients with are really important players in this tre- Full eBriefing by Michael Linde: debilitating neurological diseases and injuries will have better www.nyas.org/microbiome2013-eB Crohn’s disease, Dirk Gevers and his col- mendous ecosystem.”  www.nyas.org/Neurotechnology-eB treatment options in the future. 

8 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 9 Academy eBriefings

Frontiers in Agricultural Venomics: Drug Discovery from Sustainability: Nature’s Deadliest

Protein Supply The deadly cocktails produced by venomous animals such as spi- ders, snakes, sea snails, and leeches contain many compounds The Food and Agriculture Organization recently estimated that act on vital systems in their prey. Thus, venoms have enor- that more than 800 million people are chronically hungry. This mous therapeutic potential as drugs or as tools for drug develop- number could increase: a UN report released in June 2013 ment. A few peptides isolated from snake and cone snail venoms projected that the world population will reach 8 billion by 2025 have been developed and approved as drugs. Based on this suc- and 11 billion by 2100, emphasizing the urgent need to find cess, pharmaceutical companies are investing in venom-based sustainable solutions to food insecurity. drug discovery programs. However, most currently approved The Academy’s December 2013 “Frontiers in Agricultural products were developed from easily accessible snake venom Sustainability” conference featured discussions on the science proteins with cardiovascular specificities. New technologies are of food proteins, challenges, and bottlenecks in achieving opening the field; analgesics, anti-tumor agents, and even agri- a sustainable protein supply, new technologies for protein cultural pesticides await discovery as researchers begin mining production, and nutrition interventions implemented at the the venoms of species that have yet to be explored. level of the farm, community, and country. Venomics—an integrated approach combining genomic, Hunger and micronutrient malnutrition are distinct proteomic, and transcriptomic data—aims to characterize this nutritional problems. Hunger is a problem of food quantity, immense and largely untapped reservoir of molecules and to un- Download the NatureJournals app for iPad and alongside while micronutrient malnutrition is a problem of food quality. derstand the evolutionary history of venoms and venomous ani- Nature, Nature Communications and Scientific Reports In her keynote address, Barbara Burlingame explained that food mals. This research is made possible by recent advances in mass – you can now access the Nature Research and Nature quality has often been misguidedly targeted through clinical spectrometry and next-generation sequencing technologies that and pharmaceutical solutions such as individual nutrient enable high-throughput analyses of venoms. On November 4, Reviews titles. Full access to Nature is free with an Academy supplements, fortifications, and ready-to-use therapeutic 2013, researchers gathered at the Academy for a symposium Professional membership. formulations. titled “Venomics: Drug Discovery from Natures Deadliest.” The Burlingame argued that to improve food quality we should symposium focused on recent discoveries in venomics, tools and For membership information contact the Academy Customer instead focus on dietary diversity, whole foods containing a strategies for venom analyses, and future goals for the study of Service Department [email protected] or access spectrum of nutrients and beneficial bioactive non-nutrients, bioactive compounds in venoms. and sustainable farming systems. She discussed the need for Venoms contain a diverse array of peptides and other bioac- the Member Center online at nyas.org/Membership dietary interventions to complement local biodiversity—the tive compounds that perturb vital physiological systems, includ- variety of livestock, crops, forestry, and fish available within an ing the nervous, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular systems. Tap in and discover more. ecosystem—to provide sustainable solutions to malnutrition. Most bioactive compounds in venoms are small peptides, ap- Dennis Miller, who is also interested in micronutrient proximately 10–100 amino acids long. Many of these peptides malnutrition, agreed with Burlingame’s emphasis on dietary are rich in conserved cysteine residues that form disulfide appstore.com/naturejournals diversity but argued for the use of micronutrient fortification. bonds, which stabilize their 3D structure. Venomous peptides He pointed to data in livestock showing that bio-fortified food have evolved an exquisite affinity and selectivity for their mo- crops can overcome micronutrient deficiency and improve lecular targets, which include ion channels, transporters, and animal health.  receptors.  iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc.

On the Web On the Web Full eBriefing by Hema Bashyam: Full eBriefing by Nicholette Zeliadt: www.nyas.org/ProteinSupply-eB www.nyas.org/Venomics-eB

10 www.nyas.org 24939-19 NYAS fall ad.indd 1 03/09/2013 10:53 Cover Story

An introduction to New York: New York’s newest role: A Science that of an undisputed scientific powerhouse. State of Mind by Sharon Begley

ome, New York has long beckoned: come achieve your dreams and create what has never existed before—come build America’s first department store and largest stock exchange, her first pizzeria and first public brewery. Come make NewC York City the nation’s capital of finance and media and fashion, and come invent the inventions that change the way we live (air conditioning, toilet paper), the way we remember (photographic film), and the way we sing (folk rock). Come immerse your- self in neighborhoods filled with other artists and writers and thinkers who will nurture and challenge your ideas, producing the critical mass that will enable you to achieve what you cannot in isolation. Come change the way an entire nation thinks, as when the abolition movement put down roots in Rochester in the mid-1800s. Even as New York City and State have called the world’s doers and dreamers to their shores for centuries, scientists became almost an afterthought by the mid-20th century. Yes, Nikola Tesla did pioneering experiments on alternating current in lower Manhat- tan during the Golden Era for New York science in the late 19th century; biologists at The Rockefeller University discovered in the 1940s that DNA is the molecule of he- redity; and physicists using particle accelerators at Brookhaven National Lab on Long Island in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s discovered some of the basic building blocks of the universe and the magical rules that govern them. But by the post-war era, science and technology had become less central to the life, commerce, and the very identity of New York than the rising commercial behemoths of advertising, finance, law, and business. Now, New York is exulting in a science renaissance. You can measure it in glass and steel, like the $350 million Advanced Science Research Center that The City University of New York is building on St. Nicholas Park in Upper Manhattan and which, when it is completed next year, will house scientists whose work will be driven by a revolutionary new way of organizing research. You can measure it in bold new collaborations, such as the New York Structural Biology Center in Harlem or the $50 million New York Genome Center in SoHo, both of which attract researchers from around the country and around the world. You can measure it in the ways that long-established institutions are expanding their research footprint: in West Harlem, Columbia University is building an entirely new campus, allowing it to increase the size of its engineering faculty by 50%. “Never before in our city’s history has there been... so much scientific investment,” said then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg in his 2013 State of the City address. A-DIGIT / ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

12 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 13 Cover Story

research renaissance that is rejuvenating well-established insti- tutions. The Rockefeller University, established in 1901, recently launched a Center for Genomic Medicine—which is barely two years old. And Mount Sinai Medical Center, whose roots go back to the 1850s, expanded its clinical and research space by nearly 30% last year with the completion of the Hess Center for Science Did You Know? and Medicine, which promotes a trans-disciplinary approach to NY Tech Meetup now boasts patient-centered care. more than 34,000 members, The research renaissance doesn’t peter out once you leave the gathering monthly to hear from five boroughs. New York State, spurred in part by the need to replace lost manufacturing jobs, is making its own big bets on groundbreaking tech science and technology, and drawing national support. A dozen start-ups. years after its founding in 2001, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the State University of New York (SUNY) has attracted more than 3,100 scientists, engineers, stu- dents, and faculty to its world-class labs, drawing researchers from IBM, Intel, Samsung, Toshiba, and many others. Albany has not only CNSE but, as of 2010, The RNA Insti- tute, also part of SUNY, which in turn taps the expertise of fac- Did You Know? ulty at the University at Albany School of Business to develop and commercialize new biotechnology in the Capital Region. A new College of Nanoscale On Long Island, the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Science and Engineering initiative Center is leveraging $45 million from the state to bring together relocates part of the U.S. Department 14 universities, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and telecom of Energy’s SunShot intiative, which And you can measure it in the ways that New York is hanging come, Silicon Alley. For sheer creative and intellectual energy, companies—among others—to accelerate and commercialize aims to make solar power up “Science Wanted” signs, such as its offer of land on Roosevelt Paris in the 1920s has nothing on New York City in the 2010s. research on solar and wind energy, fuel cells, and the efficiency economically competitive Island and up to $100 million to induce world-class institutions In Upper Manhattan, CUNY’s Advanced Science Research and security of the electric grid. with other forms of energy, to build a state-of-the-art applied sciences and engineering cam- Center will be welcomed to the neighborhood by the five-year- In a collaboration that fuses upstate with downstate and from Silicon Valley to pus. Welcome, Cornell Tech, a collaboration between the Itha- old CUNY Energy Institute, the new CUNY Hub for Innovation medicine with engineering, the Icahn School of Medicine at ca, NY, university and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, and Entrepreneurship, and a new City College science building. Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan and Rensselaer Poly- upstate New York. which has been hailed as “the most exciting economic develop- A subway ride away is Columbia University’s new Mortimer B. technic Institute (RPI) in Troy signed an agreement last May to ment project our city has ever undertaken.” Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. build on the institutions’ respective strengths—Mount Sinai’s in Only a decade ago, New York, the city as well as the state, Continue downtown to the three-year-old Alexandria Center biomedical research and patient care, and RPI’s in engineering were behind other regions with relatively well educated popula- for Life Science on the East River, which has already drawn such and invention prototyping. tions and leading universities in attracting scientists and research tenants as Kadmon Pharmaceuticals, ImClone Systems, and It’s clear from just a quick dive that New York has indeed re- funding. That began to change when Bloomberg vowed that the Pfizer’s Centers for Therapeutic Innovation, and has spawned claimed its place as a scientific powerhouse. In the special pub- city would rise from the ashes of the 9/11 attacks with a more dozens of life sciences startups. With NYU Langone School of lication, New York: A Science State of Mind, many of New York’s diversified economy, one in which science would take its rightful Medicine and Bellevue Hospital close by, Midtown East is as major research institutions have highlighted some of their most place alongside other creative, forward-looking fields. The city’s dense with biologists and physicianscientists as 6th Avenue in exciting new initiatives, those which they expect to further shape “ultimate goal,” Bloomberg said in a 2009 speech, is “reclaiming the 20s is with wholesale florists. the New York science community over the coming decade. They our title as the world’s capital of technological innovation.” Global organizations that could have chosen headquarters in are truly astounding—and will no doubt have implications far Did You Know? Just as Wall Streeters and Mad Men, as well as denizens of Beijing, Boston, Baltimore, or anyplace else with an abundance of beyond the local area. the diamond and garment districts, draw much of their energy science talent are lately choosing New York, including The Global Articles exploring other facets of New York’s science eco- New York City counts 124 and hone their competitive instincts from sheer proximity to Alliance for TB (tuberculosis) Drug Development and the Inter- system—from inter-institutional collaboration to corporate re- institutions of higher learning one another in the neighborhoods where they cluster, so too national AIDS Vaccine Initiative’s (IAVI) AIDS Vaccine Design search, philanthropy, global partnerships, and tri-state area in- within its borders. have scientists formed a critical mass in New York, both upstate and Development Lab. Both leverage New York City’s status as novations—round out the publication, which is dedicated to the and downstate. the crossroads of the world—and the international hub of finance researchers and technology professionals, the universities and New York City is home to more students than any other city and communications—to carry out their ambitious missions. academic medical centers, the corporations, and the funders who in the country. Attracted by the city’s dynamism and culture, to New arrivals have long brought new energy and new ideas to are driving this renaissance. We guarantee you’ll be astonished at say nothing of the access to capital, ideas, and the growing pres- the city, starting well before a soaring copper-and-wrought-iron how New York has indeed become a science state of mind.  ence of others like them, young people are streaming into New lady with a torch welcomed them in its harbor. The scientific York to study, to invent, and to start technology companies; wel- groups putting down stakes today are doing the same, igniting a Sharon Begley is a science journalist and author in New York.

14 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 15 Cover Story

We invite you to access the full version of the special publication, New York: A Science State of Mind, at www.nyas.org/sciencestateofmind. Once you’ve perused the issue, tell us: Is your city in a science state of mind? If you live in a city outside of New York that is undergoing significant scientific development or a scientific renaissance, we’d love to hear about it. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what makes your city special from a science point of view. Letters may be published in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

Enhancing educational initiatives in “the sciences and educating a diverse population of young scientists are high priorities for me. That’s why I support the Academy.”

Ronnie Halperin, PhD Chair, School of Natural and Social Sciences Purchase College, SUNY Member since 1974

Increase your impact: www.nyas.org/donorimpact

You can also donate by phone at 212.298.8640 or by email at [email protected].

16 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 17 Member Memoir A New Model for Industry Biophysicist Mark Kaplan explores a fast-track to bring “I found myself more attracted to solving problems than to exploring ideas. innovation to patients. That’s what motivated me to take a leap and get my first job in industry.” by Hannah Rice

or Mark Kaplan, a biophysicist who chose industry after pens when a specific DNA repair mechanism is inhibited. Cells Drug discovery as a field is always racing to find new ther- his postdoc, the appeal of science lies in its predictability. repair DNA after it is damaged by exposure to environmental apies: to contend with internal competition, to meet patient From an early realization that he could position the stars insults such as radiation, and errors in DNA that are not cor- demand, and to keep up with itself by replacing drugs whose Fand planets by studying astronomy—and check his predictions rected can lead to cell growth abnormalities. This time, Kaplan patents are ending. Although Kaplan wonders whether the “easy peering through his own telescope—to his work in drug discov- could design experiments to target a particular section of DNA drugs” that can keep up with the growing costs of R&D have been ery, his interest has drawn on a fascination with tracing the logic in the lab, and then find out how the modifications affect a living found, he answers his own query by saying that if he thought so, behind phenomena and harnessing it to answer questions. animal using gene-knockout technology. he’d be in a different business. Kaplan thinks that large molecules “There are those who are more motivated by ideas and those After completing his postdoc, Kaplan decided to work in in- such as monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates more motivated by problems; there’s a relationship between the dustry because of its focus on translating research into solutions hold the greatest promise for therapeutic advances in coming two, but I found myself more attracted to solving problems than for patients. He says he realized that “if your motivation is to years, as well as cell-based therapies (stem cells), which when to exploring ideas,” Kaplan says. “That’s what motivated me to solve problems, then industry is probably a better place for you.” fully realized will be a “quantum leap in terms of what we can take a leap and get my first job in industry.” do for patients.” Kaplan is now a senior principal scientist at Pfizer’s Centers Open innovation for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI) New York, a new facility at the Today, Kaplan works with a staff of 25 at CTI-NY, which is not Building networks Alexandria Center for Life Sciences, where he works with aca- intended to replace the traditional pharmaceutical model, with Kaplan says, with a tinge of irony, that it’s “an interesting time demic research labs to design drugs in several disease areas. In thousands of researchers on a campus shepherding medicines to be a scientist in New York,” pointing in the next breath to the December 2012 Kaplan brought his work on myocardial infarc- from inception to large-scale clinical trials and rollout. Instead, it old Chinese curse, May you live in interesting times. There are tion (i.e., heart attack) to the Academy, co-organizing a success- serves as a bridge between academia and industry, and its scien- fewer industry jobs in New Jersey, where big pharmaceuticals ful Hot Topics in Life Sciences symposium that explored investi- tists look for ways to speed the transition from “a really interesting have traditionally been based in the metro area. But New York gational treatments such as cell-based therapies and strategies to scientific discovery [to] a new compound and a new medicine.” City is home to innovation that is driving research in new direc- preempt heart damage. Although his background is in oncology, Kaplan is leading tions, with projects like CTI leading this effort. There is also a a team of scientists to develop drugs for cardiovascular disease, strong research base at universities, and smaller biotech com- Finding drug discovery and he says that this flexibility is central to the CTI strategy. CTI panies and nonprofits are in vogue: “If you are actively manag- But when Kaplan tried to organize an astronomy club in junior is “disease agnostic,” meaning that researchers are not focused ing your career and looking for exciting opportunities they’re high school, he was disappointed by the response: “Being the on a specialization but are instead searching for agents that seem absolutely there.” nerd that I was, I couldn’t understand why that many other peo- particularly promising for medical uses. Their approach involves The ability to take new directions often depends on leader- ple weren’t interested,” he says. working closely with experts in the field at research institutions, ship, and Kaplan is quick to acknowledge the role mentors have “One particular aspect that always struck me is that when and CTI-NY is designed to be conducive to such collaboration— played in his career. He is particularly grateful to those who gave you look at the stars you’re also looking back in time: the light it’s centrally located in NYC, it provides lab space on-site, and him independence to take on projects that didn’t always match that you’re seeing was emitted hundreds or thousands of years project leadership is shared between a university PI (a professor) his qualifications, allowing him to “go out and fail,” as he jok- ago. The star that you’re looking at could have blown up and and principal scientist at Pfizer. The idea is to create an equal ingly describes it. Indeed, Kaplan’s career is defined by adaptabil- given the vast distances of space you won’t know it.” partnership, so intellectual property is also co-owned and aca- ity. He calls his transition to new research areas at Pfizer “a great Despite this vastness, we can study the stars and watch as demics can present results in medical journals. learning opportunity” and talks with enthusiasm about his ex- their movements validate our models. In high school, Kaplan The pharmaceutical industry has shifted away from a “closed periences interacting with other scientists in CTI and academia. was drawn to this same predictability in the periodic table of system” toward greater openness; a “striking emphasis on exter- The Academy too serves as an important venue for cross-sector Mark Kaplan elements. And eventually, as he began searching for patterns nal innovation” now prevails, Kaplan says. Previously, compa- and cross-organization interaction, Kaplan points out; you could

Senior Principal Scientist, that govern life, he became interested in understanding “life nies pursued therapies created by their own scientists, but they “run into professors you might want to collaborate with.” Pfizer’s Centers for Therapeutic Innovation New York as a chemical reaction,” explaining how biochemistry can “give are now seeking to “access the scientific breakthroughs that are In our hyper-connected world where sharing is the it verb, it’s life, make things alive, and give you memory and emotion.” Al- occurring in the wider world,” which he thinks is an exciting perhaps no surprise that science has followed suit, with scientists PhD: University of California, San Francisco, Biophysics though Kaplan recognizes that this depiction is perhaps too re- change. The CTI model is replicated in other cities (Boston, San from every sector and discipline looking for new ways to team up AB: Harvard University, Biochemistry ductionist, it’s a quest that intrigues him. Francisco, and San Diego), bringing Pfizer staff into proximity to find solutions for some of our most challenging diseases.  Scientific Organizer: For the Academy’s “Novel Therapeutic Targets in Kaplan studied biochemistry at Harvard as an undergraduate with academic medical centers in these local areas. Kaplan ex- Myocardial Infarction” symposium in 2012 and pursued a PhD in biophysics with a focus on radiation biol- plains that “being able to meet face to face is important for build- Hannah Rice is an editorial associate at the New York Academy (view the eBriefing atwww.nyas.org/MyocardialInfarction-eB ) ogy at UCSF. As a postdoc studying the genetic basis of cancer ing trust and for making sure that goals are aligned.” of Sciences. at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he looked at what hap-

18 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 19 Academy Interview

just classical protein coding genes, so we are also interested how microRNAs, lncRNAs, and eRNA are all regulated by cytokines. The basic question we are still Changing the Face of We are also interested in how Jak inhibitors do or do not work in patients with autoimmune disease. Will second genera- trying to answer—how cell Molecular Medicine tion selective inhibitors be as effective and be safer or not? What behavior is changed by external is the best way to use these new drugs, and for which diseases? cues—is not so different from the John O’Shea turned his passion for clinical care into a successful research NYAS: How has the field of molecular immunology changed since you started—and how will it continue one we began asking decades ago. career focusing on understanding the molecular basis of cytokine action, to change? with the aim of providing better treatment options for patients. JOS: What is most different about doing science now versus a What is astonishing is how these decade or two ago is that today many experiments are set up in a way that the denominator is often the entire genome or products questions can now be answered. John O’Shea, MD, Director, National Institute of Arthritis of the entire genome. More and more this will be the case, and and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Intramural Research as such the analysis of the data becomes increasingly complex. Program, NIH, has pushed the frontiers of molecular medicine We will be perturbing cells in many of the same ways, but the during his career through research that has led to new treatments analysis will be vastly more complex and comprehensive. We for immune diseases. He was recently named the 2014 winner of will also use single cells and not heterogenous populations of NYAS: Do you think that medical education currently The Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine, which honors research- cells, adding yet more complexity to the analysis. has enough of an emphasis on research? ers whose discoveries change the way medicine is practiced. But the basic question we are still trying to answer—how cell JOS: I worry that at a time like this, when there is so much Dr. O’Shea and other researchers will present a scientific behavior is changed by external cues—is not so different from opportunity, that we are not doing everything we can to foster symposium, “2014 Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine: Advances the one we began asking decades ago. What is astonishing is how the development of physician-scientists and translational basic in Immunomodulation,” on June 9 at the Academy, at which Dr. these questions can now be answered. researchers. At the same time, physicians-in-training have O’Shea will receive his award. For more information, visit www. so much to learn these days—the amount of knowledge that nyas.org/RossPrize2014. NYAS: How important is collaboration in the field of students in medical school have access to now, and need to molecular medicine? absorb, is just astronomical compared to what it was in my day; NYAS: How did you get involved in studying JOS: I have had very edifying interactions with industry not to mention there is also the technology they have had to immunology? scientists over the last 20 years with the outcome that patients become proficient in using, and complex societal changes that JOS: I was drawn to immunology after admitting a veteran to with rheumatoid arthritis have a new treatment option. These have taken place. So working as a team, with people with the hospital, who had vasculitis and, sadly, died of this illness. people are experts in making treatments a reality and they are different specialties and knowledge sets becomes increasingly At the time, the NIH was the center for research on vasculitis, so essential to moving the field forward. important. that’s what ultimately led me to join the NIH for training beyond Additionally, the NIH has been an extraordinary place to internal medicine. work. From my first experiences, the support from so many col- NYAS: What does winning The Ross Prize mean to I initially worked on complement receptors and then the T leagues has been astonishing. One really feels like the only limi- you? cell receptor in my postdoctoral training at the NIH. When I tation to discovery is one’s creativity and ability. It is troubling JOS: Being that the prize is focused on molecular medicine, it is set up my own lab, the importance of tyrosine phosphorylation at a time when so much could be done to really understand ba- very gratifying—this is exactly how I think about myself in terms as a first step in signal transduction was becoming increasingly sic biological processes and mechanisms of human disease that of my career focus. It’s very humbling, but also very exciting apparent. We therefore set out to find kinases expressed in lym- funding is limited. This is a loss on many levels, but most of all a because that’s sort of what I was hoping to accomplish from the phocytes and cloned one of the Janus kinases, right around the loss for patients with debilitating diseases. start —to make discoveries that are important scientifically, but time it was becoming clear that this family of kinases was critical The other big plus of place like the NIH is the ability to move also directly help people. For me, it doesn’t really get any better for cytokines. from very basic problems directly to the bedside and back again. that.  This was a common occurrence during my training—physician- NYAS: Why are cytokines so exciting as a research scientists moved from one realm to the other. focus? JOS: Cytokine signaling is of particular interest to me because it is a very basic problem: how cells respond to external cues. What is exciting is that the pathway is an evolutionarily ancient About The Ross Prize in Molecular one employed by Dictyostelium and everything from insects to mammals. Advances from all these diverse organisms and Medicine models are valuable in understanding the basic problem. Equally, The Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine was established in though, these insights often are directly relevant to patients with conjunction with the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research immune-mediated disease. and Molecular Medicine. The Ross Prize recognizes biomedical scientists whose discoveries have changed NYAS: What questions are you currently trying to the way medicine is practiced. The prize is awarded to answer? midcareer scientists who have made a significant impact in the understanding of human disease pathogenesis and/ JOS: We remain very interested in how cytokine signals cause or treatment and who hold significant promise for making cells to grow and differentiate. What that means to us now is how even greater contributions to the general field of molecular external cues impact epigenetic changes and how this relates to medicine. control of gene expression. Of course, “genes” means more than

20 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 21 Annals Highlights Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences is the premier publication of the Academy, offering review articles in topical areas and proceedings of conferences. Learn more and order copies at www.nyas.org/annals. Recent Annals

Every Child’s Potential: The Year in Cognitive Integrating Nutrition and Early Childhood Development Neuroscience: A Tribute Interventions Volume 1308, to Jon Driver January 2014 Sociability, Responsibility, and Criminality In any busy environment, we tend to of the brain. Sensory processing can oc- Advances in pay attention to some things while disre- cur in a bottom-up fashion, driven by in- Can ongoing breakthroughs in neu- ogy, anthropology, and evolutionary biol- Meditation Research: garding others. For example, at a crowded tense sensory stimulation, such as bright roscience and neurotechnology provide ogy to discuss the variety of studies and Neuroscience and restaurant, we can focus on a conversa- colors, loud sounds, or moving objects a scientific framework for understanding viewpoints that represent current topics Clinical Applications tion with the person in front of us and that reflexively capture our attention. But societal issues like ethics and morality, of interest within neuroethics. Volume 1307, ignore the background bustle and noise. Driver’s work showed that processing in the genetics of criminal behavior, the sa- Papers presented in this Annals vol- January 2014 This ability to focus, consciously or un- sensory brain regions is also influenced can in fact see, for example, an object in credness of religious and political values, ume reflect the range of inquiry that consciously, on those stimuli that are cur- in a top-down fashion by which stimuli the left side of their space if their atten- and legal responsibilities for individuals’ characterizes the field as a whole. Sev- rently relevant for behavior is referred to we choose to attend to on the basis of tion is explicitly drawn to the object. An behavioral pathology? Is it ethically per- eral papers focus on the neurological as selective attention in the field of cogni- behavioral goals—that is, selective atten- in-depth review included in this Annals missible to use neuroscientific tools like bases of morality, antisocial behavior, tive neuroscience. Because our brains are tion. This important insight into normal issue presents progress and challenges in brain interventions, brain imaging, and and psychopathy: exploring whether all Childhood Onset capable of processing only a fraction of cognition helped shed light on the nature mapping the anatomy of spatial neglect pharmacological enhancement to predict pathological behaviors and personality Developmental incoming sensory (e.g., visual, auditory, of spatial neglect, another of Driver’s pre- in the brain, highlighting the role of the and treat addictive or antisocial behavior, disorders reflect disruptions in cerebral Disorders tactile) stimuli at any given moment, se- vailing interests. parietal lobe and interconnected brain to improve cognitive performance, or to function, and if so, what implications Volume 1304, lective attention represents an important Unilateral spatial neglect is a complex regions in controlling selective attention, determine whether an individual can be such findings should have for the ethical November 2013 ability to filter and select the sensory in- neurological disorder that develops after and how damage to these brain regions held accountable for criminal acts? These and legal responsibilities of such an indi- formation that is most necessary and rel- damage to one hemisphere of the brain, may be an important component of atten- questions are at the heart of the burgeon- vidual; as well as the ethical implications evant for the specific behavior at hand. particularly to the parietal cortex (dur- tional deficit in spatial neglect patients. ing multidisciplinary field of neuroethics, of pharmacological treatments designed The concept of selective attention ing, for example, stroke), that leads to Other compelling reviews in this An- which comprises investigations into both to alter moral values. A pair of papers was one that motivated the work of Jon disabling deficits in attention and spatial nals issue explore the neural basis of hu- the neuroscience of ethics, or the under- address issues related to social cogni- Driver, a prominent psychologist and awareness. In Driver’s neuropsychologi- man consciousness, the neurocognitive standing of the neural bases for ethical, tive neuroscience, exploring social fac- The Emerging Science neuroscientist whose 20 years of scientific cal studies of patients with left unilateral foundations of our capacity to imagine moral, and social behavior and pathol- tors that influence the objectivity of jus- of Consciousness: research shaped neurobiological mod- neglect, patients seemed to be oblivi- future situations (episodic foresight), and ogy; and the ethics of neuroscience, or tice judgments and feelings of empathy, Mind, Brain, and the els of selective attention and influenced ous to the side of space opposite to their the practices and pitfalls of using brain determining the proper and appropriate envy, and schadenfreude. Several papers Human Experience numerous other subfields of cognitive brain lesion, often behaving as if the left imaging techniques to answer questions means of using the available and emerg- approach neuroethics from the perspec- Volume 1303, neuroscience, including spatial neglect, side of their world no longer existed. For about how the brain represents informa- ing neuroscience and neurotechnology to tive of evolutionary biology, examining November 2013 consciousness, and short-term memory. example, after a right hemisphere lesion, tion. Together, the reviews presented in address these and other issues. the phylogenetic and evolutionary bases The sixth installment of the annual series patients may fail to dress the left side of this latest installment of The Year in Cog- Sociability, Responsibility, and Crimi- of cooperation, trust, and the persistence The Year in Cognitive Neuroscience pres- their body, to eat food on the left side of nitive Neuroscience advance our under- nality: From Lab to Law reports the pro- of religious beliefs and sacred values de- ents reviews of significant contributions their plate, or to turn their head to voices standing of both normal cognition and of ceedings from the B-Debate conference spite their conflict with intuition and to cognitive neuroscience research, with a coming from the left side of the room. cognitive deficits following brain injury, “Neuroethics: from Lab to Law. A Scien- pragmatic or funglble values. Synthesiz- Understanding special focus on the fascinating work and Yet these patients are clearly not blind and present possible future directions for tific Scrutiny of Sociability, Responsibil- ing these disparate but complementary Adipogenesis and life of Driver. or deaf. Rather, research shows that the cognitive neuroscience research. As Driv- ity, and Criminality,” held on November perspectives and knowledge bases is a key Functions of Brown Fat A common theme throughout Driv- principal deficits of unilateral spatial ne- er once said, “A great thing about neuro- 12–13 in Barcelona, Spain. This confer- challenge in the evolution of neuroethics Volume 1302, October er’s research, and evident in this Annals glect involve brain mechanisms control- science is that (unlike many art forms) ence gathered international experts from from a timely new investigative area into 2013 issue, is an interest in the factors that in- ling the orientation of attention in space. the very best work in the field certainly diverse disciplines including psychiatry, a legitimate scientific discipline.  fluence sensory processing in the cortex Interestingly, unilateral neglect patients still lies ahead.”  social neuroscience, psychopharmacol-

The Year in Cognitive Neuroscience Sociability, Responsibility, and Criminality: From Lab to Law Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Volume 1296, August 2013 Volume 1299, September 2013

22 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 23 Annals Highlights Member News Dietary Phosphorus Excess Share professional news with your colleagues. and Health Submit announcements to [email protected].

ert Wood Johnson Medical Awards School, received the 2013 R. Walter Schlesinger, MD Basic Elaine Fuchs Receives Science Mentoring Award. Award for Cancer The award was presented Research at the Dean’s Research and Academy Board of Gover- Faculty Mentoring Sympo- nors member Elaine Fuchs, sium at Rutgers Robert Wood PhD, received the 2014 Pez- Johnson Medical School in coller Foundation-American November 2013. Association for Cancer Re- Lewis is the author of the search (AACR) International book, The Rise of Conscious- Award for Cancer Research at ness and the Development the April 2014 AACR Annual of Emotional Life (Guilford Meeting in recognition of her Press, 2014), which synthe- seminal work contributing to sizes decades of research and the understanding of mam- theory regarding the centrality of consciousness for emotional malian skin, skin stem cells, development.  and skin-related diseases, particularly cancers, genetic diseases, and proinflammatory dis- The enhanced appearance, flavors, and textures of processed phosphorus intake with the risk of cardiovascular disease, can- orders. foods—the moistness of delicatessen meats, the even melt of cer, obesity, hypertension, kidney disease, and bone loss. Fuchs is the Rebecca C. Lancefield professor and head of the Honors processed cheeses, the distinctive flavor of cola, the leavening of Phosphorus is regulated in healthy individuals by endocrine Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development at The cakes—are made possible by the addition of phosphorus ingre- pathways involving hormones such as parathyroid hormone Rockefeller University in New York and an investigator of the Kathryn Uhrich Named dients. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient and almost all natural and fibroblast growth factor 23. Disruptions in these pathways Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She also serves as a judge for as National Academy of foods contain phosphorus as inorganic phosphate salts. How- have been shown to promote tissue damage and are associated the National Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists competition. Inventors Fellow ever, phosphorus intake has been rising as a result of the grow- with cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. However, demon- “Dr. Fuchs is an exceptional scientist, and we are delighted Kathryn Uhrich, PhD, ing consumption of highly processed restaurant, fast, and conve- strating that high dietary phosphorus intake is the cause of the to recognize her pioneering research on the biology of skin stem professor of Chemistry & nience foods that contain phosphorus as an additive. American disruptive changes in hormones that regulate phosphorus has cells and how they go awry in human diseases of the skin, includ- Chemical Biology, Rutgers, adults typically consume an average of 1400 mg of phosphorus been challenging. This is, in part, because of the difficulty in ac- ing cancer,” says Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hon.), chief executive The State University of New in their daily diets, an amount that is double the recommended curately estimating dietary phosphorus intake from insufficient officer of the AACR. “Her seminal studies have had a profound Jersey, and a 2007 finalist dietary allowance of 700 mg/day. information on food product labels and because of the pro- impact not only on the field of cancer research, but also on the in the Regional Blavatnik Although the contribution of abnormally high serum phos- nounced natural circadian variations in the concentrations of research disciplines of genetics and dermatology.” Awards for Young Scientists phorus to cardiovascular disease and mortality is well-known serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and fibroblast growth According to AACR, Fuchs is highly regarded for her stud- competition, was one of 143 in patients with chronic kidney disease, evidence for the po- factor 23. Taking these and other challenges into consideration, ies using reverse genetics to understand the biological basis of innovators named to The Na- tential adverse effects of excessive dietary phosphorus intake an insightful review included in this Annals volume explores normal and abnormal skin development and function. Among tional Academy of Inventors on health in the general population is now emerging. A recent whether phosphorus intake in excess of nutrient needs disrupts her important research discoveries was the clarification of the (NAI). Election to NAI Fellow status is a high professional dis- conference sponsored by the Sackler Institute for Nutrition phosphorus regulation and negatively influences bone mineral molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of skin stem cells tinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrat- Science at the New York Academy of Sciences, “Current Di- density in healthy individuals. to produce the epidermis and its appendages, including hair fol- ed a highly prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitat- etary Phosphorus Intake: Are there Potential Implications for The reviews in this Annals volume also discuss the implica- licles and sweat and oil glands. She has also defined how the nor- ing outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on Public Health?”, brought together leading experts to provide a tions of recent findings for future research and nutrition policy, mal biology of skin stem cells can be deregulated in skin cancers quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society, public health perspective on the implications of high dietary and provide a basis for thoughtful consideration of whether and other hyperproliferative disorders of the skin.  according to NAI. phosphorus intake or elevated serum phosphorus levels for phosphorus should be added to the list of nutrients recommend- Uhrich and her counterparts were inducted by the Deputy the general population. The Annals volume stems from this ed for reduced intake by the future 2015 Dietary Guidelines for U.S. Commissioner for Patents, Andrew Faile, from the United conference and presents current evidence associating excess Americans.  Michael Lewis Honored with Mentoring Award States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), during the 3rd Academy member Michael Lewis, PhD, University Distin- Annual Conference of the National Academy of Inventors in Dietary Phosphorus Excess and Health guished Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, and director, March. A plaque listing the name and institution of each NAI Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Institute for the Study of Child Development, Rutgers Rob- Fellow will be on permanent display at the USPTO.  Volume 1301, October 2013

24 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 25 Academy Calendar For further details on meetings and conferences, visit our calendar at www.nyas.org/events. Meetings Policy

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»»Registration is required for most and strongly encouraged for all events. To register to attend an event, please use the Academy events calendar online at www.nyas.org/events or contact the meetings department at 212.298.8640 or [email protected]. October June July »»Unless noted otherwise, Academy events are held at: Tue, Oct 28 ∙ 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Mon, June 9 ∙ 10:00 AM - 3:15 PM Thu, July 31 ∙ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thu, Sept 18 ∙ 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM The New York Academy of Sciences 2014 Ross Prize in Molecular Fifty Years of the Genetic Code: A 196th Annual Meeting of the New Pharmacologic Resolution of 7 World Trade Center Medicine: Advances in Symposium to Honor the Legacy of York Academy of Sciences Inflammation as a Novel Therapeutic 250 Greenwich St at Barclay, 40th Fl Immunomodulation Marshall Nirenberg Please join us for the Academy’s 196th Approach New York, NY 10007 This symposium will honor Dr. John Annual Members Meeting, followed by a Uncontrolled, chronic inflammation plays a O’Shea, the recipient of the 2014 Ross Welcome Reception in honor of our new »»Photo ID is required for entry. Prize in Molecular Medicine, in recogni- Members. Learn about how your Academy key role in the progression of many diseases, tion of his discoveries in immunology and is evolving to meet the many challenges and elucidation of biochemical pathways pro- cytokine biology. ahead, then meet and mingle with fellow vides novel targets. This symposium reviews Academy Members. discoveries, approaches, and opportunities for June 19 - 20 treatment and prevention. Targeting VEGF-mediated Tumor The identification of the genetic code has Fri, Sept 26 ∙ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Angiogenesis in Cancer Therapy offered many opportunities in scientific, Early-Life Influences on Obesity: This conference will examine issues in medical and biological discovery. This From Pre-Conception to Adolescence anti-angiogenic cancer therapy such as: (i) symposium honors Nobel Laureate Mar- November inherent / acquired resistance, (ii) immu- shall Nirenberg and showcases research in nomodulation (iii) enhanced invasiveness, a range of therapeutic areas. Thu, Nov 6 ∙ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and (iv) lack of validated predictive and Food Safety Considerations for prognostic biomarkers. Presentations will Innovative Nutrition Solutions explore VEGF-dependent and alternative September mechanisms of angiogenesis. Mon, Sept 15 ∙ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM This conference will present how mater- Thu, June 26 ∙ 7:45 AM - 6:00 PM Click Chemistry in Biology and nal nutrition, the microbiome, metabolic Demyelination and Remyelination: Medicine: New Developments and disorders, and fetal development affect From Mechanism to Therapy Strategies Save the Date obesity rates. This translational conference will highlight Click chemistry offers a reliable method 2014 Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine biological and clinical findings in myelin for discovering chemical connectivity, Tue, Sept 30 ∙ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM This conference will discuss issues of food Elucidating GPCR Functional development, new techniques for brain with great potential in drug discovery security, economics, policy, and communica- Advances in Immunomodulation imaging and for screening molecular tar- and biomedical research. This symposium Selectivity: Novel Opportunities for gets, and novel therapeutics that promote explores recent developments that offer Drug Development tion related to food safety. remyelination. new technologies for disease diagnosis and Hear presentations from academic, indus- Monday, June 9, 2014 therapy. try, basic and translational researchers, including Nobel Laureate Robert Lefkowitz December The New York Academy of Sciences Thu, Sept 18 ∙ 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Duke University Medical Center) and 196th Annual Meeting of the New discuss the development of functionally Tue, Dec 9 ∙ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Join the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and York Academy of Sciences selective GPCR-biased ligands for CV and Diabetic Kidney Disease: Drug Please join us for the Academy’s 196th CNS disease drug discovery. Discovery and Clinical Development Molecular Medicine in honoring Dr. John J. O’Shea, the Annual Members Meeting, followed by a winner of the 2014 Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine, Welcome Reception in honor of our new Challenges Members. Learn about how your Academy Identifying and prosecuting drug targets is with a scientifi c symposium at the Academy. Featuring is evolving to meet the many challenges challenging due to a poor understanding leading immunologists, the symposium will explore ahead, then meet and mingle with fellow of pathogenesis and few biomarkers. This new ways of modulating the immune system to treat a Academy Members. symposium identifies targets for preventive or therapeutic interventions and discusses chal- spectrum of human diseases, including cancer. lenges in clinical development.

26 www.nyas.org The New York Academy of Sciences Magazine • Spring 2014 27 Last Look Science that is clear, relatable, and fun! The Academy’s Impact by Numbers

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Participating in the Academy’s The New York Academy of Shortly after I began my “afterschool program was a “ Sciences serves as a central “career, I joined the Academy. very rewarding experience. hub of science in New York Attending meetings and Not only did I get to refresh and the surrounding area. presenting papers over the my knowledge on genetics, It is the go-to place to hear years widened my vista I also got to experience how seminars and lectures by beyond my own research, hands-on learning can help to leaders in science.” helping me learn about enhance the education Samie R. Jaffrey, MD, PhD significant developments of children.” Professor of Pharmacology, outside my area. Exposure to Regan Johnson, MBA Weill Medical College, Cornell University this variety greatly enriched Director of Operations, Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists my scientific career.” Griffiss Institute Winner 2013 Academy Afterschool STEM Mentor Kiyomi Koizumi, MD, PhD ,MS Distinguished Professor of Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center Pioneer in hypothalamic electrophysiology Academy member since 1952

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