N O T I C E I N T H I S I S S U E

Don’t forget to spring forward at We need to have new conversations the end of spring break. Daylight about race, two Stanford professors Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on say...... 7 Sunday, March 13. A traveling exhibit looks at the real science and medicine in the U N I V E R S I T Y “Harry Potter” books...... 8 TIMES VOLUME 43 • NUMBER 13 MARCH 3, 2011 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Chancellor’s Award for Staff for Excellence in Service to the University

Kazi Islam David W. Nanz Laurie A. Sallows Dorothy Shallenberger Kathleen Sidorovich

Chancellor’s Award for Staff for Excellence in Service to the Community

James P. Gallagher Christine E. Miller Bryan M.Valentine Cricket Wencil-Tracey

Chancellor’s Distinguished Chancellor’s Public Service Award awards announced Marie R. Baldisseri Rory Cooper Laurence Glasco See pages 4 & 5, 9-12

Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award

Graham F. Hatfull Mary Margaret Kerr Matthew R. Luderer John M. O’Donnell Sanjeev G. Shroff

Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award

Jeremy Levy Mary L. Marazita John D. Norton Edouard Machery Alexander Star

1 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

U N I V E R S I T Y S E N A T E MM AA TT TT EE R R S S / /Nathan John J.Hershey Baker Faculty salaries & gender: A nagging gap Women faculty at Pitt continue to question whether the salary difference between male and female faculty members is due to gender discrimination (Faculty Assembly minutes, Sept. 7, 2010; University Times article, Jan. 6, 2011). As shown in the table below, Pitt male full professors in 2009-10 averaged $131,400 for an adjusted nine-month contract, while females averaged $118,200 for a female-to-male salary ratio of 0.900. Male associate profes- sors averaged $86,300; females $81,100 (0.940). Male assistant professors averaged $74,300; females $66,500 (0.895).

Professor Associate Professor Assistant Professor

Male Female Ratio Male Female Ratio Male Female Ratio

Pitt* $131,400 $118,200 0.900 $86,300 $81,100 0.940 $74,300 $66,500 0.895 Public* Cat. I $119,255 $107,918 0.905 $82,675 $76,958 0.931 $71,217 $65,820 0.924 Public 4-yr. Title IV** $108,104 $ 95,942 0.887 $77,873 $72,867 0.936 $65,786 $61,578 0.936

* Source: American Association of University Professors (AAUP), Academe, March-April 2010. **Source: November 2010 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, “Employees in Postsec- ondary Institutions, Fall 2009, and Salaries of Full-Time Instructional Staff, 2009-10.”

The table shows a similar gender gap for all public Category I (doctoral) institutions and all public four-year Title IV degree- granting institutions in the United State. Thus, the gender gap in average faculty salaries is not specific to Pitt. Is it due to ingrained American cultural bias? Or are there are other reasons for it? The gender gap within ranks has been attributed to several fac- tors, the most important being differences in salaries and gender distribution for different academic fields (University Times, May 17, In a Feb. 25 photo, above left, Tom Harper checks on “Tatiana,” a titan arum that is preparing to bloom for the first time in a Pitt greenhouse. Harper, who manages the Department of Biologi- 2007, and “AAUP Faculty Gender Equity Indicators 2006” report). cal Sciences’ microscopy and imaging facility, has been documenting the plant’s rapid progress Information about faculty salaries in different fields at Pitt is pub- in photos that will be posted on the greenhouse web page later this month. The plant’s speedy lished annually in a report to the Senate budget policies committee growth is evident in a March 1 photo, above right, in which Tatiana has grown more than a foot taller than the thermostat on the greenhouse wall. that lists mean and median faculty salaries in each of the University’s responsibility centers (schools). This clearly shows large differences Photos by Kimberly K. Barlow in different fields(University Times, May 13, 2010). Nationally, information about gender distribution among academic fields is or two. published periodically by the National Academy of Sciences and A HUGE event at The event is a bit of a mixed the AAUP. These sources show proportionately more men than blessing. The titan arum’s other women in higher-paying fields such as engineering, business, law nickname is carrion flower. When and health sciences, and proportionately more women than men Pitt’s greenhouse the bloom opens, it will reek of in lower-paying fields such as the humanities. rotting flesh — the plant’s way of An often-cited but misleading and inaccurate indicator of rare event is in progress glass since the titan arum was dis- enticing the carrion beetles and gender salary inequity is the ratio of the average salary for all in the University’s green- covered in the late 1800s. flesh flies that pollinate it. women versus all men faculty for all faculty ranks. For all public Ahouse in Langley Hall. An And when the titan arum does “One big inflorescence every Category I schools, these salaries were $73,452 for women faculty amorphophallus titanum is prepar- flower, its bloom is … well, titanic. three-five years means the like- versus $93,112 for men faculty (March-April, 2010 Academe). The ing to bloom for the first time. While another Indonesian lihood of synchronizing with resulting ratio of 0.789 is much lower than the ratios of the average Blooming is a big thing for the plant, rafflesia arnoldii, has the another plant in bloom at the same salaries for women faculty versus men faculty in the three professor titan arum. Native to the Sumatran distinction as the world’s largest time is rare. They do a lot of work ranks (table above). rainforest, the plants bloom just flower, the titan arum is the plant to attract their pollinators,” York But this figure is not corrected for the fact that there are once every three-five years in the with the world’s largest inflores- added, noting that the titan arum many more men than women in the higher salary ranks and more wild, and even less frequently in cence, or cluster of flowers. Its will produce heat, warming itself women than men in the lower ranks. For example, in fall 2009, greenhouses. bloom consists of a maroon and to approximately human body there were 379 male professors and 290 male associate profes- According to Pitt’s plant green skirt-like spathe surround- temperature to help volatilize the sors at Pitt versus 117 female professors and 144 female associate growth facilities manager Ellen ing a tall central spadix, which sulfur compounds that produce its professors. In contrast, there were 256 female assistant professors York, there have been fewer than contains rings of male and female characteristic and nauseating odor. and 66 female instructors versus 226 male assistant professors and 200 documented bloomings under flowers near its base. (Several members of the arum 23 male instructors. These different proportions give a low skew One of a pair of titan arums at family — including a pungent local to the average salary ratio for all women versus all men faculty. Pitt, the budding Tatiana (named relative, the skunk cabbage — have On May 4, 2007, then-Vice Provost Patricia Beeson gave a for the patron saint of students, as similar thermogenic ability, York public presentation on gender salary differences at Pitt to the well as for the taxonomic allitera- noted.) Senate budget policies committee based on fall 2006 AAUP salaries tion) could reach 7 feet tall in full With no carrion beetles or (University Times, May 17, 2007). It identified the large number of bloom. flesh flies nearby, York said she will women hires in recent years, the gender makeup of the academic U N I V E R S I T Y York received the titan arums collect and freeze some pollen and ranks, the gender breakdown by school and academic discipline and — offspring of the University will attempt to help Tatiana self- the gender breakdown by tenure/tenure stream versus non-tenure TIMES of Wisconsin-Madison’s “Big pollinate in hopes of producing stream as factors accounting for most of the gap at that time. When EDITOR Bucky” — as 5-inch-tall seedlings seeds that can be shared. men and women faculty in the same school, discipline and rank with N. J. Brown 412/624-1373 nearly a decade ago at a national While blooming titan arums comparable tenure status, length of service and work record were [email protected] meeting of the Association of Edu- have drawn crowds at public compared, significant gender salary inequities were not observed. WRITERS cation and Research Greenhouse greenhouses and conservatories, Pitt has continued to close the average salary ratio gap since the Curators. Tatiana’s big day will come in 2007 study. At that time, the female-to-male average salary ratios Kimberly K. Barlow 412/624-1379 [email protected] The titan arum’s thick leaf the relative privacy of her hot were 0.879 for professors, 0.924 for associate professors and 0.882 stalks are 5-7 feet tall. While and humid greenhouse home in assistant professors. As the table shows, the fall 2009 ratios were Peter Hart 412/624-1374 Tatiana’s non-blooming sibling Clapp Hall, which is not open to 0.900, 0.940 and 0.895, respectively. [email protected] has four umbrella-like leaves, the public. However, Pitt has hired many new women faculty at the assistant BUSINESS MANAGER Tatiana, who now is sporting one However, Tom Harper, who professor level in recent years. New hires have lower salaries than Barbara DelRaso 412/624-4644 leaf and one bud, had only one manages the Department of Bio- longer-employed faculty with the same rank and academic field. [email protected] massive leaf about the width of a logical Sciences’ microscopy and This could explain why Pitt has a lower female to male assistant Events Calendar: [email protected] person’s calf, York said. imaging facility, has been captur- professor average salary ratio than all public Category I schools The University Times is published bi-weekly Only recently did Tatiana show ing photos of Tatiana’s daily prog- on Thursdays by the University of Pittsburgh. (0.924) and all public Title IV schools (0.936). signs of blooming. The leaf had ress. After blooming is complete, Send correspondence to University Times, Pitt’s administration can take credit for improvements in gender 308 Bellefield Hall, University of Pittsburgh, died back, and early last week York York plans to post photos at www. salary equity. But Pitt and all other educational institutions have a Pittsburgh, PA 15260; fax to 412/624-4579 noticed swelling at the base of the pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/ long way to go in achieving equity at the higher ranks, especially or email: [email protected]. plant, which revealed itself to be a greenhouses.htm. the full professor level. The Provost’s office plans another gender Subscriptions are available at a cost of $12.50 for the remainder of the publishing year, which bud that by Friday had grown to a Information on titan arums, salary equity study next year. We look forward to that report. n runs through July. Make checks payable to the height of more than 3 feet. including documentation of Big University of Pittsburgh. The plant will grow rapidly, Bucky’s blooming, can be found John J. Baker is past president of the University Senate and chair of the The newspaper is available electronically at: slowing as it approaches full at www.news.wisc.edu/titanarum. budget policies committee. www.utimes.pitt.edu. bloom, which lasts only a day —Kimberly K. Barlow n

2 MARCH 3, 2011

first hear the provost’s report, and facilitate participation by regional then either in a full session of the campus faculty who may not be Should Senate re-evaluate role Assembly or in small groups put able to attend the event in person. together questions relevant to the Suggestions from Assembly themes introduced by Pinsky for members included providing of faculty in information age? future discussion. van service from the regional q campuses to the plenary session hould the University Senate committee to address these issues, do well, and so having input into In other Assembly business: and/or using web technology to re-evaluate the roles of fac- I invited the provost to have a that is very important. I don’t have • Linda Frank, secretary of post the session for live or future Sulty as educators and role discussion on this,” Pinsky said. an agenda here. I do not want to the University Senate tenure and remote viewing. models, given the evolving needs “She felt that to a certain extent change what we’re doing, I want academic freedom committee, is • Pinsky reported that the of students? these items were covered by the to see what we’re doing.” chairing the group organizing the Division of Student Affairs has What defines the role of a specific departments, in terms of Assembly member Kevin Senate’s spring plenary session, established a Safe Zone, or Ally faculty member and the faculty- their curriculum. I stressed this is Kearns said, “I would encour- scheduled for noon-3 p.m. April Network, which is a program student interaction in the new not a concept of curriculum, this age us to try to integrate this 14 in the William Pitt Union designed to create a culture that is information age? is the concept of: What is educa- as much as possible with other Assembly Room. supportive of gay, lesbian, bisexual These were questions broached tion?” he said. ongoing activities. I understand Frank reported that the topic and transgendered (GLBT) per- by University Senate President “So I’d like to have members of that the Provost’s office is in the of the plenary session is “Teaching sons on campus. Michael Pinsky at the Feb. 22 the [Senate] educational policies third or fourth year of a pretty Excellence as Criteria for Promo- He said Student Affairs and Faculty Assembly meeting. committee, student affairs com- intense effort to measure learning tion and Tenure.” the Senate anti-discriminatory “The world has changed and mittee and tenure and academic outcomes as opposed to student The chancellor and provost policies committee, in conjunc- it’s our responsibility to be aware freedom committee to meet to at satisfaction. That’s been going on will offer remarks at the session, tion with the Rainbow Alliance, of that. Students’ and parents’ least obliquely discuss this and if in several units. I hope we don’t Frank said. Panelists will be Pro- is offering a training session on expectations have changed,” need be form an ad hoc commit- reinvent the wheel with respect to vost Emeritus James V. Maher; GLBT issues, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March Pinsky said. tee, including the provost, to take those initiatives that are ongoing.” Sharon Smith, president of Pitt- 25 in 548 William Pitt Union. “All our students use comput- these issues further,” Pinsky said. Pinsky noted that Provost Greensburg, and Thomas Smith- For more information, contact ers and the Internet has led to He said those discussions Patricia Beeson has agreed to erman, an Assembly member from Tynetta Hall, 8-7831 or hallt@ poorly validated research. The should be held confidentially. “I report to Faculty Assembly later the School of Medicine. pitt.edu. employment environment is com- don’t want an open discussion in the term on her office’s efforts Carey Balaban, chair of TAFC, • Assembly member Denise pletely different than students’ about it, because I don’t think to measure student outcomes. will moderate the event. Chisholm, co-chair of the Senate predecessors [faced] just 20 years that’s constructive,” Pinsky said. “Once you have that informa- The goals of the plenary ses- community relations commit- ago. Are we preparing the workers Initially, those committee tion, what do you do with it?” sion, Frank said, are: tee, invited members of the Pitt for this new age? Are we using the members should try to determine Pinsky asked. “What I want is —To discuss academic promo- community to attend an Oakland right tools and metrics?” if Pitt is meeting its educational the University Senate and the tion in the context of the three- planning event, 6-8 p.m. March 24 Clearly those questions will goals and whether students are faculty as a whole to be involved pronged mission of the University: at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox have different answers at different competing effectively for jobs, in the educational directions of teaching, research and public Cathedral, 419 S. Dithridge St. schools and in different depart- he said. the University, which seems to service; The event, titled “Oakland ments, he said. “We all are educators and it’s me a very reasonable goal. How —To identify models for inte- 2025: Planning Oakland’s Future,” “Before forming an ad hoc important to us that our students we do that, I don’t care, but I do grating teaching excellence into will be hosted by the Oakland believe we should be part of the faculty performance evaluations; Planning and Development Corp. discussion,” he said. —To identify factors and (OPDC). “It is not clear to me what the criteria considered in weighing Chisholm said the event will March 7 campus meeting role of the University should be teaching excellence in faculty launch a dialogue among the for the various students. In the promotion and tenure, and stakeholders in Oakland’s neigh- professional schools, maybe the —To discuss the develop- borhood improvement efforts, with Port Authority set measure is who gets jobs; in Arts ment of criteria that support and with the goal of developing a At the request of several groups at Pitt, the Port Authority of and Sciences, maybe not. I’m enhance teaching as one of the planning document later this year. Allegheny County is holding an open house brown bag lunch for not here to tell each school what primary goals of the University. For more information, contact the Oakland community on March 7, 11:45-1:30 p.m., in Alumni their metrics should be. I would Assembly member Beverly OPDC at 412/621-7863 ext. 17 or Hall’s Connolly Ballroom. like the schools to define that,” Gaddy of the Greensburg campus visit www.opdc.org. Port Authority representatives will discuss the March 27 service Pinsky said. asked if there were ways to —Peter Hart n reductions, focusing specifically on the Oakland area, and will “This is the perfect time for us distribute revised transit route timetables and route maps detailing to re-evaluate. It may well be that route changes and transfer points. (See Feb. 17 University Times.) we are in fact doing things very Port Authority spokesperson Jim Ritchie cautioned that the 15 well and don’t need to change a University wins suit percent cut in services set to go into effect in March is not open thing. But, in the spirit of shared for debate. “The board of directors has approved the decision and governance, I do believe faculty these cuts will happen on schedule,” he said. should have a voice in looking into over work at The Pete Twenty-nine routes will be eliminated and weekday service will it in a proactive fashion. I want to court has ordered two University Times.) be significantly reduced on 37 additional routes. Along with the know if we’re accomplishing the architectural firms to pay In his Jan. 7 ruling, James reduction in service, the Port Authority will close its Harmar bus goals we think are appropriate and APitt nearly $6 million for ordered Pitt to receive $3,614,026 division and eliminate about 270 jobs. that our students and their parents shoddy work during construction for heating, ventilating and The March 7 on-campus event is sponsored by the Oakland think are appropriate.” of the Petersen Events Center. air conditioning remediation, Transportation Management Association. OTMA staff also will Following Pinsky’s report, Common Pleas Court of $1,367,365 for errors and omis- provide information on commuting alternatives such as carpools Patricia Weiss, vice president of Allegheny County Judge Joseph sion change orders and $378,419 and vanpools. n the Senate, introduced a motion M. James ruled that Apostolou in administrative costs. resolving that Faculty Assembly Associates/Rosser International The University also will Inc. breached its contract with the recover $600,000 it paid to settle University by failing to perform claims that were made during con- its work “with due care and in a struction involving the architects Princeton Review/USA Today include manner that met the applicable and a steel contractor, for a total standard of care” during The judgment of $5,959,810. Pete’s construction, according to Apostolou/Rosser filed a Pitt among “best value” public schools court documents. motion for post-trial relief on Pitt is Pennsylvania’s only home to one of just 10 European eton Review, the selection of the The firms worked together Jan. 18, requesting that the ruling public higher education institu- Union Centers of Excellence schools in its “Best Value Colleges to install the heating, ventilating be vacated or a new trial take tion in a Princeton Review list, in the United States funded by for 2011” was based on academics, and air conditioning system in the place. The firms claim that the published last week, of the nation’s the European Commission”; cost of attendance and financial 12,500-seat arena, which opened court’s award is unsupported by 50 “Best Value” public colleges for “earning … a top ranking aid. “The methodology examined in 2002 at a total construction cost the evidence. and universities. in the Top American Research more than 30 factors using data of $119 million. In his Jan. 7 ruling, James also The Princeton Review teamed Universities annual report for from the company’s surveys of In 2005, the Board of Trustees ordered Pitt to pay the defendants with USA Today to present the four consecutive years,” and for administrators and students at property and facilities committee $204,000 by upholding their list in a web posting titled “The its Outside the Classroom Cur- 650 colleges with strong academic authorized an additional $5.6 counterclaim, filed in 2005, that Princeton Review Best Value Col- riculum program “designed to programs,” The Princeton Review million for repairs Pitt claimed the project’s initial costs were leges for 2011.” The Princeton help students systematically gain stated in a news release, adding, were necessitated in part by the increased by $4 million, which Review list also rates the top 50 experiences in a wide range of “Most of the data analyzed came architects. entitled the architectural firms to “Best Value” private colleges and areas that can contribute later to from surveys conducted from fall Pitt filed suit in 2004 against the additional fee. universities. successful job searches.” 2009 through fall 2010; all cost the joint architectural firm Apos- On Jan. 28, Pitt filed for Editors at The Princeton The profile added, “Students and financial aid data came from tolou Associates of Mt. Wash- post-trial relief to avoid paying Review commended the Univer- interested in the biological sci- fall 2010 surveys.” ington/Rosser International of the defendants, claiming that the sity for producing Rhodes, Mar- ences in particular will have The list of 100 “Best Value” Atlanta, alleging breach of con- award “is contrary to the law ... shall, Truman, Udall, Goldwater, amazing opportunities to conduct institutions is posted on the tract due to “actions, errors and and unsupported by the evidence,” Churchill and Gates Cambridge hands-on research at Pitt, as the web sites of both The Princeton omissions during the design and according to court documents. scholars; for the PITT ARTS University is ranked fifth for Review (www.princetonreview. construction” of The Pete, as well John Fedele, associate direc- program that “links students to receipt of National Institutes of com/best-value-colleges.aspx) as “delays, disruptions, interfer- tor of news, did not respond to a cultural amenities in the city”; for Health grants for research.” and USA Today (bestvaluecol- ences and additional costs” caused request for comment. holding “the distinction of being According to The Princ- leges.usatoday.com). n by the architects. (See Jan. 6, 2005, —Peter Hart n

3 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES Chancellor’s staff award winners, 2011

Nine staff members have been awarded 2011 administrator in the Office of the Senior Vice bino Pianos that has resulted in Chancellor’s Award chancellor’s awards for excellence in service to Chancellor for the Health Sciences. many low-cost piano purchases for Staff the community and service to the University. for the department,” the chancel- for Excellence in Receiving the 2011 Chancellor’s Awards lor wrote. Service to Receiving the 2011 Chancellor’s Awards for Staff for Excellence in Service to the Com- Nordenberg also commended the University for Staff for Excellence in Service to the Uni- munity are: Shallenberger’s creation of the versity are: Love Award, to recognize those Five staff members have • James P. Gallagher, research systems who have provided excellent received the 2011 Chancellor’s • Kazi Islam, manager of the Peptide Syn- manager in the School of Dental Medicine; service to the music department. Award for Staff for Excellence thesis Core; • Christine E. Miller, an administrator in “Over the years, those fortunate in Service to the University. • Officer David W. Nanz of the University the Department of Health and Physical Activ- individuals — which include a The University service award of Pittsburgh Police Department; ity, School of Education; number of computer technicians, recognizes staff members “whose • Laurie A. Sallows, office administrator in • Bryan M. Valentine, director of Student building engineers, electricians performance not only exceeds the the Office of General Counsel; Life at Pitt-Johnstown; and piano tuners — have received standards and expectations of their • Dorothy Shallenberger, department • Cricket Wencil-Tracey, assistant to the certificates and cakes as a way of position but who also make a sig- administrator in the Department of Music; executive director of Enrollment Management saying ‘thank you for a job well nificant impact on the University • Kathleen Sidorovich, financial research at Pitt-Titusville. done,’” the chancellor wrote. through their commitment and Shallenberger, who has worked performance.” in the music department since A selection committee chaired synthesis of these peptides. … Not Delaney. “I was ecstatic,” Nanz receptionist. “I could type 100 1996, said the Love awards “let by Jane W. Thompson, associ- only did he succeed in developing said, expressing appreciation for words per minute, but I had no people know we appreciate every- ate vice chancellor, Planning a protocol and convincing the those who recommended him. law background,” she said. “They thing they do for us. So many and Analysis, reviewed the staff FDA that his system was valid, “It’s a very great honor.” wanted someone comfortable with people don’t get enough thanks.” nominations. The awards, open to the FDA adopted his system as its Along with Epitropoulos, Pitt transcription so I got that job.” The awards are a surprise for the employees who have been at Pitt standard for certified peptides. … police colleagues and staff in the Within a matter of months a recipients. “They come in and at least five years, are the highest He was able to save investigators Office of General Counsel and litigator in the office needed a new we’re waiting for them,” she said. honor the University bestows on the order of $100,000 on every Athletics also submitted letters of secretary. Again, her lack of a legal As for her own award, she upon staff. Honorees receive a peptide taken to clinical trial.’” support for Nanz’s nomination. background didn’t matter, Sallows said, “I am shocked and totally $2,500 prize and have their names The chancellor also cited praise Nanz also received support said. Credited with being friendly honored. It’s an amazing thing.” added to a plaque on display at from Ronald C. Montelaro, co- from beyond the University for and smart, she got the job and Noting that she was born in the the William Pitt Union. They director of the Center for Vaccine his role in assisting in the inves- learned by doing. When Alan Gar- year of the rabbit and that it again also were recognized at the Feb. Research, who wrote, “It is not tigation of bomb threats and finkel was named general counsel is the year of the rabbit, she said, 25 honors convocation and will an overstatement to say that Kazi explosives sweeps. in 1999, she began working for “I guess this is my lucky year.” be honored at a reception later has during the past 20 years been He and Allegheny County him. In addition to providing him Shallenberger credited “great this year. the primary driver in bringing Sheriff’s Office K-9 officer Maria direct support, “The bigger part staff,” her department chair and state-of-the-art synthetic peptide Watts provide backup for each is keeping everyone here happy, the Arts and Sciences dean’s office Kazi Islam, who has been technologies to the Pitt research other on an on-call basis, Nanz keeping the technical stuff run- for their support of her work in involved with Pitt’s Peptide Syn- community.” said. The chancellor cited a letter ning and making sure everyone the department. “I’m lucky I have thesis Core since its inception in Islam said, “I feel deeply from Watts, who stated, “Since has what they need to do their wonderful people around me. I’m 1991, consults one-on-one with honored to receive this award,” 2007, Officer Nanz is my first call job,” she said. ever grateful to be in the music investigators to produce custom adding, “It was a very pleasant to help me with a bomb threat. A large part of her work department,” she said. peptides at a reasonable cost. surprise. I’m thrilled.” He said he … Each time that I called Officer involves directing callers to the She plans to use the award (Shorter than a protein, peptides has not fully decided on what to do Nanz for help, it was before his right person in the department. money to vacation in a favorite are compounds formed by link- with the prize money, but plans to shift, and he was still at home. Unlike other areas where a single spot on the Outer Banks. ing amino acids together.) His donate a portion to a good cause. However each time, without contact person can be called upon, team has produced numerous Islam expressed thanks to his hesitation, Officer Nanz has areas of legal expertise differ, so Kathleen Sidorovich, recipi- conventional and custom pep- supervisor Montelaro, the many responded to the Downtown area the attorney who was able to help ent of a chancellor’s staff award for tides, including some used for investigators who supported his to help with the explosive sweep.” with one question isn’t necessarily service to the University in 2000, potentially therapeutic cancer nomination and his colleagues at Nanz said he has not settled the right person to approach with has continued to make extraordi- vaccines. Islam’s three-person the facility. “They do excellent on a plan for the award money, another issue. nary contributions to the Univer- team serves 50-70 investigators at work and I count on them every although he is considering a vaca- “A lot of what it is is problem- sity, Nordenberg’s congratulatory the University who use peptides in day,” he said. tion and some home remodeling. solving — trying to figure out the letter stated. research. The core supports Pitt right person to go to,” she said. “In making this award, the investigators and collaborators David W. Nanz, the Pitt In his letter, the chancellor She quipped that what started committee noted that it would first, but also may accept outside police department’s K-9 officer, noted that Laurie A. Sallows, as a way to help her son attend take a truly exceptional individual work if resources permit, he said. was commended for his role in office administrator and a para- college has turned into a satisfying to be found deserving of this rec- In his congratulatory letter, using CPR to save the lives of two legal professional in the Office of career. The third of her four boys ognition twice. However, after Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg people last year. General Counsel, was promoted will graduate from Pitt this spring. reviewing supporting materials for noted that the award selection In the span of less than two from her initial position as a The award “was really a great all nominated staff members, the committee was impressed with months, Nanz responded to two receptionist in that office. “You surprise,” she said, adding that she selection committee felt that since Islam’s contributions to Pitt’s calls in which victims had stopped are known for your grace under has a definite plan for the prize joining the Office of the Senior research mission, particularly in breathing. Sociology lecturer pressure — despite the conten- money. It will go toward replacing Vice Chancellor for the Health the development of cancer vac- Mike Epitropoulos collapsed tious nature of many matters you her 10-year-old car. The vehicle Sciences, you have continued cines. “Your nomination package while on a treadmill at the Uni- handle,” the chancellor wrote. “In has 150,000 miles on it and she to build a record of exceptional included letters of support from versity Club April 15; a campus writing in support of your nomina- needed to get by with it until her service to the University. The a number of our internationally Sodexo employee was stricken tion, Yvonne Keafer, director of son finished school. committee noted your willingness recognized researchers, all of June 2 in the Eureka Building. Risk Management and Insurance, “This will make a nice down to share your expertise in research whom praised the impact you (See June 10 University Times.) noted, ‘Among the attributes that payment,” she said. “The timing compliance and grant administra- have made to the development Both victims have recovered. Pitt set Laurie apart and make for truly was perfect.” tion with anyone in the University of pioneering peptide production police are trained in CPR and carry excellent service to the University community. In addition to serving techniques,” the chancellor wrote. automated external defibrillators is that she sees no boundaries to Dorothy Shallenberger was on numerous committees, task “Moreover, you developed quality on all calls for medical assistance. her work. Anyone needing help is praised for going the extra mile forces and working groups, you control standards that the U.S. Nanz, who also received an treated just the same — she does for faculty, staff and students in are also known as the person to Food and Drug Administration award from the American Heart everything in her power to find a the Department of Music. The see for questions regarding new uses for approval of peptides for Association, said he and Epitro- solution to their problem.’” chancellor cited Shallenberger’s and existing regulatory puzzles use in human clinical trials of poulos have developed a friend- Sallows said she joined the role in establishing a piano and complications,” the chancel- cancer vaccines. As Paul Wood, ship since the incident. He also University staff in 1993 as a replacement project in which she lor wrote. assistant director of Genomics had the opportunity to meet the part-time transcriptionist in the “almost singlehandedly” raised He cited praise from Chief and Proteomics Core Labora- Sodexo employee whose life he Learning Research and Develop- the money needed to purchase Financial Officer Arthur Rami- tories, relates, such peptides are saved when she delivered cookies ment Center, then began seeking a numerous baby grand and upright cone, who stated that Sidorovich extremely expensive in the com- to the police department over the full-time position four years later pianos for the department. “You “is always at the forefront of mercial market, costing ‘... on holidays. when her oldest son was a senior wrote grants, designed a brochure emerging issues that affect the the order of $150,000 for a batch Nanz learned he had been in high school. for the campaign, developed mail- day-to-day grant operations of the for a single trial. Kazi worked selected for the chancellor’s award She soon got a call from the ing lists and personally met with University on an operating and directly with the FDA to develop when he received a call during Office of General Counsel’s patrons. You also established a financial basis and she leads any an FDA-compliant scheme for the K-9 training from Chief Tim office manager. They needed a working relationship with Trom- CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

4 MARCH 3, 2011 Chancellor’s staff award winners, 2011

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 required process change imple- it is not just what you give to the Crescent Hills Civic Association a local Habitat affiliate. “Once Her passion for community mentation,” and from Arthur Scouts, but the ways in which you and her dedication to local and I realized what Habitat was, it service took hold more than two Levine, senior vice chancellor for inspire these young men to serve statewide anti-litter campaigns. became my passion,” he said. decades ago, when her son was Health Sciences and dean of the others through programs such The chancellor wrote, “As you Valentine said he has been born prematurely and required a School of Medicine, who praised as the Special Olympics and the know, we at Pitt take great pride in involved with Habitat for eight blood transfusion. Despite a fear her as a “critical resource for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank,” saying that the city is our campus, years. A past president of the of donating, she worked up her entire University community.” Nordenberg stated. and we demonstrate that through Central Westmoreland Habitat courage at a campus blood drive He wrote, “The great dedica- “In addition to the time you the community outreach efforts of for Humanity affiliate, he recently to repay the selfless act. When tion, professionalism and collegi- devote to weekly troop meet- our students. Certainly, then, I was resigned from the board to con- she learned that the Red Cross ality with which she approaches ings, weekend activities and a very glad to know that you success- centrate on his doctoral studies in couldn’t use her blood, she sought every facet of her very demanding two-week summer camping trip, fully lobbied to have Penn Hills the School of Education. other ways to give back, initially position are recognized by every- you also serve on the Steel City included as one of the communi- Valentine was a staff member walking in the March of Dimes one with whom she interacts.” district training committee and ties visited by our students on Pitt at Pitt-Greensburg for 10 years March for Babies on campus and Sidorovich expressed surprise are actively involved in mentoring Make a Difference Day, and that before leaving the University later taking on leadership roles at winning the service award a Scout leaders. Moreover, while you actively participate alongside briefly for a position at another and organizing events. second time. “But it’s a great leading weekly meetings, planning them. In addition to your service university. He joined the Pitt- Last year, the March of Dimes opportunity. I’m very happy,” she weekend activities and summer to your own community, you are Johnstown staff in 2007. consolidated walks as a cost- said. Sidorovich said she had not camping trips and helping the also a dedicated member of our There he assisted in establish- cutting measure, moving the decided on a plan for the prize Scouts of Troop 296 earn their Volunteer Pool, including your ing a campus chapter of Habitat local walk to Oil City. The move money. own merit badges, you found the work with our Day of Caring and for Humanity that has become one resulted in reduced participation Although her position is in the time to complete Scouting’s pre- Christmas Day at Pitt.” of the nation’s most active campus from the Titusville community, so Office of the Senior Vice Chancel- mier training course and earned Miller said she’s been involved Habitat groups. “I’m blessed to be she and others were determined to lor for Health Sciences, Sidorov- the Wood Badge. However, per- with the anti-litter efforts for five with the right students,” he said. re-establish the walk on the UPT ich said she has been assisting with haps your greatest impact has been or six years. After her children “Things clicked and have really campus this year, volunteering to University-wide initiatives includ- the work you have done that has were grown, Miller said she prayed taken off.” organize it so there would be no ing coordinating and developing a helped more than 300 young men about finding a passion. “I saw my Valentine, who is preparing to expense to the March of Dimes. way of tracking economic stimulus achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.” neighborhood getting messy,” leave this weekend for a spring The event is set for April 23. grants as well as working with the Gallagher, 33, said he has been she said, and realized, “I can do break work project in the Florida She lends her energies to other Office of Research Compliance involved with scouting almost something about it.” panhandle, said that working campus projects including the on new initiatives for electronic continuously since he joined the She admits that people do ask side by side with Habitat partner annual Christmas project that effort reporting. Cub Scouts in the second grade. how she can be so passionate about families is a powerfully emotional provides gifts and food for needy Over the course of nearly 40 He has been active with litter. It’s more about a passion for experience that students will never families from the community and years, Sidorovich said most of her Brentwood-based Troop 296 since the planet, she said. “You don’t forget. “That makes it all worth- the Titusville Love INC program career has been directly related to the fifth grade. “It started as some- want to see it littered. You want while,” he said. that feeds needy school children by research, covering all phases from thing different to do,” he said. “I to see people respect it.” In addition to continuing filling backpacks with a weekend’s basic data entry to departmental liked the outdoor aspects.” Gal- She not only works alongside the annual alternative spring worth of food each Friday. She’s administration functions. That lagher said he made many friends Pitt students on Make a Dif- break trips, last August Valentine also helping re-establish a faculty scope in addition to her long through scouting and continued ference Day cleanup projects, accompanied students to work and staff team to participate in the tenure at the University have through the program to become she also participates in Keep in partnership with a Concor- American Cancer Society Relay made her a go-to source for many an Eagle Scout himself. Pennsylvania Beautiful and city dia University Habitat affiliate for Life. people. “Given the experience I He was an assistant scout- Redd-Up events. In addition, in Montreal. That relationship “It builds better relationships have, I can answer questions, or master during his college years, the civic association has adopted will continue with an exchange and people work together better provide insight into the answers then after a period of inactivity a road in Penn Hills and sections program in which a Canadian when they get to know each to the questions,” she said. reconnected with his home troop of two other larger roads, which team will visit Pennsylvania this other personally like this,” she —Kimberly K. Barlow n in 2004, taking it upon himself to they clean up several times a year. summer while Valentine leads his maintains. build up the membership from five Miller multiplies her own efforts group’s work in Canada. Citing the close-knit nature of — the minimum number required by coordinating other volunteers “We want students to get as the small UPT campus, “I couldn’t Chancellor’s Award to maintain a troop — to its current through an email list. many different experiences as pos- do any of this without the support for Staff group of about 20 boys. She’s also become involved sible,” Valentine explained, noting of my fellow co-workers who vol- for Excellence in His own troop has produced with a new community develop- that the trip enables students to unteer their time and who donate Service to 32 Eagle Scouts, he said, adding ment corporation that was estab- experience a different culture. to our causes,” she said. the Community that he has been involved indi- lished recently in Penn Hills. He hopes to make the exchange “It’s not always my ideas,” she rectly with helping others in the Miller, who has been employed an annual event. added. “They come up with fun Four staff members have Pittsburgh council attain the rank at Pitt for 15 years, said, “It’s a Valentine is counting his and different things to raise money received the 2011 Chancellor’s as well. He serves as a merit badge nice honor more for the School of remaining vacation days with an and I try to implement them.” Award for Staff for Excellence counselor for some of the scouts Education, and Health and Physi- eye toward using his prize money Wencil-Tracey also took action in Service to the Community. and participates in district activi- cal Activity than just for me.” She to go on an international Habitat last year to ensure that her daugh- The community service award ties and adult training. plans to donate the prize money build. He’s found an opportunity ter, who was born with develop- recognizes staff “whose work Gallagher said he tries to to church and local causes. in Poland this May that has space mental delays, and classmates in the community surpasses the ensure boys will remain active in available and that would cost just a from the Riverview Intermediate expectation of the organizations the troop, particularly because Bryan M. Valentine, who little more than the prize amount. Unit life skills classroom had they serve and whose commitment young scouts look up to the older received a chancellor’s award for “It makes sense to use it for the opportunity to participate in and effort have made a significant boys. Recognizing that many teens service to the University in 2005, something like that,” he said. His prom night. impact on the community.” take on other responsibilities and was recognized this year for his participation would qualify him to “The kids in her class don’t A selection committee chaired develop other interests as they continued contributions to Pitt lead a future trip, he said, viewing typically go,” she said. Wencil- by Jane W. Thompson, associ- get older, he encourages them to and to the Johnstown community, it as a way he could further broaden Tracey came up with the notion ate vice chancellor, Planning complete as much of their scouting particularly in his dedication to options for students. that the classmates could attend as and Analysis, reviewed the staff work as possible before their first Habitat for Humanity. a group. Dinner and a limousine nominations. The awards, open to day of high school. “I’m still not “Committee members were Cricket Wencil-Tracey was were arranged and parents and employees who have been at Pitt that much older than them, so I particularly impressed by your recognized for a long record of classroom aides accompanied at least five years, are the highest can sound like a big brother, not personal involvement in not community service that includes the group. honor the University bestows like their dad talking.” only building houses, but also serving the March of Dimes. “I was in tears to see them that upon staff. Honorees receive a Gallagher said he was “totally in recruiting and coordinating “I was personally moved when night,” Wencil-Tracey said. The $2,500 prize and have their names shocked” to discover he was volunteers — including staff and I learned that it was not winning school plans to make it an annual added to a plaque on display at among the award winners. “I don’t faculty, as well as students,” the the award that was important to event, she said. the William Pitt Union. They do this for me, I do it for the kids,” chancellor wrote. you, but, rather, you hoped that Wencil-Tracey has some defi- also were recognized at the Feb. he said. “Still, it’s nice to get the Valentine first learned about your story would inspire others to nite plans for the award money. 25 honors convocation and will ‘attaboy’ pat on the back every Habitat’s efforts to eliminate service, just as you have inspired She plans to donate a portion be honored at a reception later once in awhile.” poverty housing when, as a Pitt- your own children to give back to to her church and use some to this year. Gallagher said he hasn’t settled Greensburg staff member, he their community,” Nordenberg buy high school yearbooks for on what to do with the prize became involved in accompanying wrote. students graduating from the James P. Gallagher was rec- money, but may use it for some students on an alternative spring Wencil-Tracey said she has life skills classroom who couldn’t ognized for his dedication to the home maintenance projects. break trip to build with a Habitat read about past years’ winners and otherwise afford them. Some also Boy Scouts of America and to affiliate in Florida. The experience their service and never imagined will go toward a house she and her Troop 296. Christine E. Miller was piqued his interest and when he that she would one day be among husband are building. “The committee noted that recognized for her work with the returned, he became active in the honorees. —Kimberly K. Barlow n

5 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES PittBenefits Office of Human Resources• March 2011

Retirement Planning Symposium Pitt Student Health 2011 Weight Race Update The Benefits Department is planning a series of retirement Service Pharmacy, The 2011 Weight Race has reached its midpoint. Over planning programs. The first program will be offered on “It’s Not Just For 300 faculty and staff members are participating. Of the 300 members, approximately 100 are taking advantage Friday, March 18, in the William Pitt Union Ballroom. The Students!” topics will be focused on faculty and staff within one year of the Weight Watchers on Campus program. Some of the to as many as 15 years of retirement. Future sessions will other participants joined UPMC Health Plan’s “Weigh to The pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh Student Wellness” program. The most recent tally for those who focus on members who anticipate retirement more than 15 Health Service is a full-service pharmacy that provides years in the future. You can never plan too far in advance! have self-reported shows that over 500 pounds have professional, confidential and economic prescription been lost! Continued best wishes to all participants for a The symposium will focus on the available investment service to students, faculty and staff. However, they offer successful campaign. services that can help you meet your financial goals for much more! retirement. Professionals will be present to discuss benefits The staff at Pitt Student Health Service Pharmacy will Interactive Wellness Fair upon retirement. Additionally, the keynote speaker will assist you in not only filling your prescriptions in a timely The Healthy Lifestyle Experience interactive wellness fair talk about life after retirement. This should make for an manner but also answering your questions. Their service will be coming to the William Pitt Union (Kurtzman Room) interesting day! Both TIAA-CREF and Vanguard will present emphasizes relationship-building by providing information, on March 17 from 11 am - 1:30 pm. Included as part of the on topics related to retirement planning. This also will be an education and patient counseling to their clients. The fair are: opportunity to sign up for a one-on-one financial counseling pharmacists’ personal service means that questions • Health Cooking Demonstrations session. are not just answered but encouraged. They can discuss • Nutritional and Physical Activity Advice Sessions Morning Session (8:30 am - noon) medication interactions, the effects of diet and exercise • Exercise Demonstrations on your health and other issues as they relate to the • Blood Pressure and Body Composition Assessments • Vendor Fair medications that you take. The pharmacists even can teach • Dance as a form of Exercise • Welcoming Remarks you how to operate your blood glucose meter! Did you know • Chair massages and more! • Concurrent Breakout Session I that medical research has shown that when patients are ◦ Medical Benefits Upon Retirement - Benefits satisfied with their pharmacy services, they are more likely Important Vendor Contact Information Department (Ballroom) to adhere to their medication regimen? ◦ Ready, Set, Retire - TIAA-CREF (Dining Room A) Benefits Department ◦ Transition to Retirement - Life Solutions This is all the more relevant as there have been important Office Hours 8 am-5 pm (Dining Room B) policy and regulation changes that increase the roles of 200B Craig Hall pharmacists in the professional scope of practice. For 412-624-8160 - Main Line • 412-624-3485 - Fax • Concurrent Breakout Session II instance, did you know that pharmacists now are allowed to www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits ◦ Social Security and You - (Ballroom) administer vaccines? Student Health Service pharmacists Please visit our Web site for more FAQs, downloadable ◦ How Am I Doing? - TIAA-CREF (Dining Room A) also can help with your smoking cessation efforts after you ◦ Smooth Transition - Vanguard (Dining Room B) speak with your clinician regarding prescription medications forms and other benefits information. to help you quit. The pharmacists remain current about Medical new drugs in the market, policies, protocols and insurance Lunch Session (noon - 1:30 pm) UPMC Health Plan coverage. Through the individual counseling initiatives, they • Lunch 1-888-499-6885 • www.upmchealthplan.com can make customers aware of any specific consumer issues • Keynote Speaker: Betsy Kyte Newman - Author of regarding their medications. Dental four books including “Retiring as a Career.” Betsy United Concordia is a nationally recognized executive coach and The mission of the Student Health Service Pharmacy is 1-877-215-3616 • www.ucci.com consultant on leadership and career management. to provide the best possible prescription service for their customers at very competitive prices. Vision Afternoon Session (1:30-3:00 pm) Davis Vision For your convenience, cash, personal checks, Visa, 1-800-999-5431 • www.davisvision.com • Concurrent Breakout Session III MasterCard, Discover, as well as flexible spending cards ◦ Smooth Transition - Vanguard (Ballroom) are accepted for payment. Patients enrolled in the UPMC Retirement/Savings ◦ Long Term Care/Elder Care Planning - Unum Health Plan can receive a 90-day supply of eligible TIAA-CREF (Dining Room A) medications at just two times the 30-day supply co-pay. 1-800-842-2776 • www.tiaa-cref.org ◦ Closing Remarks Vanguard As a reminder, effective Jan. 1, 2011, flexible spending 1-800-523-1188 • www.vanguard.com cards no longer can be used for over-the-counter purchases You may register for the symposium by completing the sign- Flexible Spending Accts. up form online at: without a prescription from a physician; therefore, Student Health Pharmacy welcomes you to stop in the pharmacy to UPMC www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits/symposiumSignUp.aspx take advantage of their deeply discounted prices and wide 1-888-499-6885 • www.upmchealthplan.com/myflex … or you may return the registration form to the attention variety of over-the-counter products. LifeSolutions of Stan Charie, retiree benefits analyst, in the Benefits 1-866-647-3432 •www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits/ Department: You can save time by phoning in refill orders at any time. You are invited to stop in and meet the staff: Shannon, lifesolutions.htm By Mail: 200-B Craig Hall, University of Pittsburgh Alyce, Megan and John. Payroll Pittsburgh, PA 15260 The Student Health Pharmacy is located in Suite 500 of the 412-624-8070 • www.bc.pitt.edu/payroll/index.html By Fax: 412-624-3485 Medical Arts Building at 3708 Fifth Avenue. Feel free to call Faculty Records By Phone: 412-624-8057 the pharmacy at 412-383-1850. 412-624-4232

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6 MARCH 3, 2011 TALKING about RACE

vents that revolve around construction, which in fact it is … race and ethnicity occur there is more motivation to engage Eevery day and are inescap- We need to have new conversations with others, to cross what seems, able. “This means we have to talk in some people’s minds, a divide.” about race and ethnicity,” said Stanford psychology professor about the subject, Stanford profs say “Everyone’s a little bit racist” Hazel Markus. “The trouble is “This conversation grows out most of us are nervous talking of frustration or resentment with about any issue that involves race how to realistically negotiate a and ethnicity.” diverse multicultural society with- Behind some of that trepida- out offending someone at every tion is that we’re still thinking juncture,” Moya said. about race and ethnicity in old and She said it’s evidenced when, flawed ways, she said. “We need after reacting to a racially insensi- to and we can think about them in tive remark someone is admon- new ways. The point is race is not ished, “Don’t be so sensitive.” a thing, but instead something that The concept that everyone is we do. It is a set of processes that a bit racist is true in part, Markus we are all involved in every day.” said. “We’re all a little ethno- In a Feb. 23 lecture hosted by centric because we’re all part of the Center for Race and Social this society. As a result of that we Problems, Markus, director of all carry with us negative racial Stanford’s Research Institute of associations.” But recognizing our Comparative Studies in Race and ethnocentrism and implicit biases Ethnicity, and literary critic Paula “should be the beginning of the M. L. Moya, a faculty member in conversation, not the end of it.” Stanford’s English department, outlined eight common conversa- “It’s a black thing — tions about race they examine in You wouldn’t understand” their 2010 book, “Doing Race: More common among people 21 Essays for the 21st Century.” of color than among whites, “This The discussions contain pow- slogan is a sound byte for a set erful, often hidden assumptions of attributes and beliefs about Photos by Mary Jane Bent/CIDDE about the importance, nature and Stanford University faculty members Hazel how race works in U.S. society,” meanings of race and ethnicity, Markus, above, and Paula M.L. Moya, right, Markus said. The main idea is that presented “Eight Conversations About Race and Markus said. “These conversa- Ethnicity” as part of the Center on Race and as a result of one’s racial identity, tions are like stereotypes. We Social Problems Reed Smith Spring 2011 Speaker one’s life is different in significant Series. The presentation is based on their co- use them all the time without authored essay that is part of their 2010 book, ways that can’t be understood thinking about them, and what “Doing Race: 21 Essays for the 21st Century,” adequately by outsiders. they do is recirculate narrow and which features contributions from scholars of “This conversation is often flawed assumptions about race race and ethnicity. intended as a rebuke to non-black and identity.” to stop people who differ from that tion rarely make it into discus- ethnicity, it is still having a power- people who assume, maybe too Most of the conversations standard from immigrating into sions, Markus said. “The current ful effect on you.” quickly, that they could under- dismiss race and ethnicity as the country, “or in the unfortunate framing of discussions about stand what it’s like to be black or legitimate topics for discussion, event that they’re already here, to immigration thus prevents us from “Race is in our DNA” that they could easily be accepted Moya added, arguing for a change send them home,” she said. addressing its real challenges.” This argument, which has into a black community,” she said. in the conversation by drawing on Immigration is a hard problem, fueled discriminatory policies, is “The problem here is, in fact, race decades of science and scholarship Markus admitted, adding that “That’s just identity politics” both one of the oldest and most and ethnicity do profoundly shape on the topics. when such hot political topics are This conversation, Markus current conversations: That race individual experience and people “We find that eight kinds of drawn into the diversity conversa- said, typically is a favorite of those is an essential part of a person associated with different races conversations tend to float free of tion, much of the public discussion in the white majority “who think and can be found in the blood or often live in very different worlds.” the evidence,” she said. “But we focuses only on the difficulties. that drawing attention to race is a genome. “Recent developments in On the one hand an inter-eth- actually know a lot about race and “It ignores how immigra- strategy that’s used by minorities biology and medicine have really nic conversation stopper, “at the ethnicity and how they work and tion actually contributes to the to gain admission to universities, reanimated this conversation,” same time, there’s something very we find that is what is not reflected economy, seeing it really only as a fellowships, financial aid, jobs Moya said, citing advertisements right about this conversation that in the conversations,” she said. threat,” she said, adding that eco- or promotions that they’re not from companies that, for a price, needs to be recognized,” she said, “Race and ethnicity are social nomic research shows that “states entitled to. This conversation will uncover a person’s ethnicity citing as an example the divergent processes that all of us do. For with a large influx of immigrants often expresses the frustration that from a DNA swab. responses to survey questions on that reason, we should be able to produce more, hire more and pay those who ‘have’ a race or ethnicity While the technology is fun racial issues. do them differently.” better wages.” are getting some kind of special and interesting and can reveal sig- When asked whether more Between 1990 and 2007, privilege that will be denied to nificant information about human changes are needed to give blacks “We’re beyond race” Markus said, “immigration was those that don’t have it.” migration patterns, the tests also equal rights with whites, 81 The colorblind notion that associated with a 6-10 percent real People who use this conver- can reinforce the notion that race percent of black people agreed, the only race is the human race, increase in income per worker in sation tend to ask such things as is a biological entity that resides compared to 36 percent of whites. Markus said, “has a heartwarm- those states. While it is true that ‘When is white history month?” somewhere inside people’s blood Fifty-five percent of blacks agreed ing sentiment, but it causes specific school districts and hospi- or to argue that discussing race or body, as well as the misappre- that racial discrimination is a very problems.” tals struggle with the cost associ- detracts from the real issue of hension that it marks something serious problem, compared to 17 Seeing all people as the same ated with serving immigrants, the social class, Markus said. significant about their character percent of whites, and 33 percent asserts a powerful belief in the increased economic activity over- “These conversations are a way and/or capacities, she said. of black people agreed that the ideal of racial equality. However, all generated by immigrant labor of taking race and ethnicity off the It’s imperative that we recog- standard of living gap between “We should not confuse that ideal outweighs the cost of social and table and out of the conversation,” nize that race is not in our DNA, blacks and whites has grown over with the reality,” she said. government services as a whole.” she said. Moya said. “Who we are and the past decade, compared to 16 “We are not beyond race,” In addition, immigrants stimu- “Some non-whites might think who we become is never attribut- percent of whites, she said. Markus said, noting that race late investment and promote labor that every month is white history able to genes alone.” DNA tests While this conversation fails to still affects many aspects of life, specialization, she said, adding month and actually it’s whites who merely uncover bio-geographical acknowledge the degree to which including, for example, a student’s that there is scant evidence that are always playing the race card ancestry groups and don’t reveal people of different races are able chances of getting a college educa- immigrants diminish the employ- by arranging the world so they the social aspects of race, she said. to communicate with one another, tion in this country. ment opportunities of U.S.-born always get the best deal, so there “Those two are not the same Markus said that changing it must workers. “This is not to say they are two ways of thinking about this thing.” involve uncovering why people of “Racial diversity is killing us” don’t affect some sectors of the conversation,” she noted. Citing recent social psychol- different races have such different Citing as an example Arizona’s population more directly than Regardless, Markus said, “Our ogy research, Markus said, “When answers to these questions. “What recent passage of a law requiring others,” Markus said, clarifying society is organized by race and race is understood as biological … is it about people’s experience police to ask for proof of citizen- that she isn’t denying that undocu- ethnicity so everyone has a race there’s significantly less motiva- that leads to these very divergent ship from anyone they suspect mented immigration is a problem, and an ethnicity whether or not tion to be friends with people of answers?” might be in the country illegally, but that the conversations tend to they recognize and claim it.” another race, as if somehow this q Moya said, “This conversation focus on the people rather than the Such divisions affect attitudes, idea that race is in our biology While the first six conversa- tends to be common among those effect. “We’re not taking in all of behavior, opportunities and how makes some distance between us tions denote negative racial atti- who imagine themselves as the the relevant information.” other people respond. and others that’s just too great to tudes, two are more positive about racial or ethnic gold standard of The facts about increased “Whether or not you decide traverse. When race is understood race and ethnicity, Moya noted. the United States.” Their goal is economic stimulus of immigra- to pay attention to your race and as an ongoing social and historical CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

7 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES The science of Georgia Duker, at left, a faculty member in “Harry Potter” cell biology and physi- arry Potter may be a fic- novel. ology, and tional character, but some “He was a real guy. The kids James R. very real medieval figures didn’t know that, but they know Johnston, H a faculty have contributed to the schooling it now. They were really excited. member in of J.K. Rowling’s young wizard. So were our exhibition people,” medicine, view the Lectures and library exhibits Greenberg said. Harry Potter on campus this month dig deeper Although the National Library exhibit in into the scientific roots underlying of Medicine collection contains Falk Library. some of the magic and wizardry only books that are related to made famous in Rowling’s popular medicine in some way, he esti- series. (See box on this page.) mated that a few thousand had As part of a Feb. 22 opening connections to concepts and reception, Stephen Greenberg of characters featured in the “Harry the National Library of Medicine’s Potter” series.

History of Medicine Division Within a few days, the library’s Kimberly K. Barlow discussed the history of the travel- exhibition staff had pulled together of Woodcroft, for instance — represented with his hand on the the art of distillation, Hierony- ing exhibit “Magic and Monsters an initial exhibit, “Do Mandrakes are inventions of Rowling’s own pommel of the sword, Greenberg mus Brunschwig’s “Liber de Arte in the Stacks: How Harry Potter Really Scream?” (see www.nlm. imagination. Others such as Circe, noted. Despite some unorthodox Distilland,” features hand-colored Came to the National Library of nih.gov/exhibition/mandrakes) Morgana and Merlin are mythical claims, “You can’t quite dismiss woodcuts, some of which are Medicine.” and later developed the travel- or literary characters. him,” Greenberg said, citing pictured in the traveling exhibit. Several copies of the exhibit ing exhibit that features magic, Still others were real. Paracelsus’s important contribu- The book also is part of a separate have been traveling to librar- potions, monsters, herbology and Heinrich Agrippa was a 15th- tions to medicine and pharmacy. National Library of Medicine ies across the nation since 2009 fantastic creatures referenced in century numerologist. Paracelsus, He pioneered the use of metals in online digitization project that with itineraries that are booked the “Harry Potter” series. who lived at the turn of the 16th pharmaceuticals and is credited enables a close-up view of the through 2012. “Rowling never makes a mis- century, was “one of the great with the notion that “all medicines work. (See http://archive.nlm.nih. q take when it comes to alchemy nuts of the history of medicine,” are poison, it’s just a matter of the gov/proj/ttp/books.htm.) Greenberg traced the exhibit’s or to creatures. Sometimes she Greenberg said. dosage,” Greenberg said. q history to a hot summer day in injects her own stuff, but when Born Philippus Aureolus The National Library of The first “Harry Potter” book 2008 when he was called upon she pulls something out of history, Theophrastus Bombastus von Medicine exhibit also contains was published in 1997 as “Harry to find a rare book for a visiting she got it right,” Greenberg said. Hohenheim, he chose the moniker images of creatures from Conrad Potter and the Philosopher’s group of middle-schoolers. In a scene from Rowling’s ini- Paracelsus to show himself greater Gesner’s 16th-century bestiary Stone” in England, and as “Harry He selected a treatise ascribed tial novel, Harry and Ron Weasley than his predecessor, the physician “Historiae Animalium,” includ- Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” to 14th-century alchemist Nicolas buy chocolate frog confections Celsus. An anti-establishment ing famous illustrations of an in the United States. A decade Flamel who, in the book with that include wizard trading cards. contrarian of his time, he claimed owl and a unicorn. Humanoid later, the seventh and final book of Albus Dumbledore, is credited Some of the people featured he carried the elixir of life with representations of mandrake roots the series, “Harry Potter and the with creating the philosopher’s on the cards — Dumbledore, him in the pommel of his magic come from a 15th-century work, Deathly Hallows,” had an initial stone in the first “Harry Potter” Alberic Grunnion and Hengist sword. In portraits he always is “Hortus Sanitatis.” The roots press run of 44 million copies. were believed to possess not only “I don’t know if Harry Potter medicinal powers, but magical will survive as a classic into the ones as well. When pulled from next century,” Greenberg said. the ground, mandrakes were said “But I think the Harry Potter TALKING about RACE to emit a fatal scream. mentality strikes a chord with us Early distillation equipment as individuals. There’s something CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 is pictured in works by Ambroise about people like Harry, who is the “Variety is the spice of life” criminal, or — as research data on q Pare, a French barber surgeon outsider in two worlds. He’s not “People say, ‘I love ethnic arrests, policing and sentencing In conclusion, Markus said the whose illustrated writings feature really at home with the Dursleys food,’ or ‘I listen to ethnic music’ policies show — “that the current eight basic conversations create treatises on alchemy and monsters and he’s not really at home at or ‘I buy ethnic jewelry,’ but of judicial system is unfair by design,” problems because they dismiss as well as instructions for distil- Hogwarts. He doesn’t know all the course since everyone is ethnic, she said. race and ethnicity as legitimate lation of various essences and stuff that Hermione and Ron do. all food, music and jewelry are topics, they fail to represent all compounds. … But there’s something a little ethnic at some level,” Moya said. “I’m ___ and I’m proud” the facts and existing research “This was a very important special about Harry. We would like “We don’t just differ in our taste Also more common among and they convey negative and step in the history of chemistry to believe in magic. We’d like to for food or music or jewelry. We racial minorities, this conversation inaccurate information. — something Paracelsus was very believe there is something special also differ in substantial ways — comes in many ethnic variants However, they represent the interested in — taking something in magical stones and potions and in how something matters to us, and represents a more positive way that people currently discuss and distilling the essence of it,” such. It’s kind of fun.” what matters to us, how we live view of race and ethnicity, Moya race and ethnicity. “If we’re going Greenberg said. Vital essences For more information on the our lives.” said. It has its historical roots in to do anything about it, they’ve have a spiritual connotation as exhibit, visit www.nlm.nih.gov/ Human diversity can be cre- the 1960s and ’70s, when ethnic got to be our necessary starting well, he noted. exhibition/harrypottersworld. ative and constructive, “but that activists rejected what they viewed points for more productive con- Another medieval textbook on —Kimberly K. Barlow n deep, rich understanding is not as assimilation by their forebears versations,” Markus said. what we’re talking about in this to demand recognition and respect “What makes these conversa- Harry Potter exhibits conversation,” she said. “People for their particular racial and tions into barriers rather than Two Harry Potter-themed library exhibits are on display on who use this conversation tend to ethnic identity. bridges is that they all conceive of campus through March 26. mark their appreciation in the way “What these activists did was race and ethnicity as things people At the Health Sciences Library System’s Falk Library in Scaife I said before — that everybody’s to take previously denigrated have or are,” she said. “It’s directly Hall is the National Library of Medicine’s traveling exhibit, “Harry basically the same, they just have identities that had been imposed at odds with what has emerged Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine.” these superficial differences.” on them by others — like black from the last 40 years of scholar- Exhibit hours are 8:30 a.m.- 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m.-1 The idea fails to address the or Chicano — and claim them ship on race and ethnicity, which p.m. Saturdays. very real diversity of social experi- as positive. This very important understands race and ethnicity as A rare books exhibition is on display outside Rooms 271 and ence, Moya said, “diversity in ways conversation reflects the fact that social systems.” 363 in Hillman Library during regular library hours. “Renaissance of thinking, feeling, acting that race and ethnicity are not always Underlying any change in Science & Magic — the World of Harry Potter” features a collec- often are associated with different perceived negatively. They are conversation is a broader under- tion of secondary scholarly works that Harry Potter might have races and ethnicities. not only a source of prejudice and standing of what race and ethnicity found useful while attending the Hogwarts School of Wizardry “Nor does this conversation discrimination but also a source are, Markus said. and Witchcraft. register what scholars of race of pride, identity, motivation and “Race and ethnicity are not know: that there is the important belongingness,” she said. things inside people. A more Harry Potter lectures role of power in assigning meaning Positive pride that implies accurate and more productive Co-sponsored by the C.F. Reynolds Medical History Society to difference.” nothing negative about others understanding of race and ethnic- and Pitt’s Health Sciences Library System in conjunction with the Differences are not always can be good, Moya said, but the ity is that they are ‘doings.’ It’s only National Library of Medicine’s traveling exhibit is a lecture set for superficial or fun, she said. “Racial conversation can reflect a racist when we begin as a society and a 6 p.m. March 15, “The World of Harry Potter: Medieval Medi- differences can be quite conse- form of ethnocentrism when, in culture to understand that race and cine, Science and Magic,” presented by Robert Morris University quential,” she said, citing statistics claiming one’s own identity, others ethnicity are ‘doings’ and that we English studies faculty member Sylvia Pamboukian. that show a disproportionate per- are put down. “In this society we are all part of the social systems Another lecture, “Harry Potter and the Ultimate In-Between: centage of blacks and Hispanics all have to learn to navigate the that are creating and maintain- J.K. Rowling’s Portals of Power in the Harry Potter Series,” in the prison system compared very slippery slope between having ing the social distinctions of race presented by Pitt English lecturer Lori M. Campbell, is set for 2 to their percentage of the nation’s pride in who we are on one hand, and ethnicity that we’ll be able to p.m. March 24. population. One can conclude and denigrating those who are not change them.” Both talks take place in Scaife Hall lecture room 5. n that blacks and Latinos are more like us on the other,” Moya said. —Kimberly K. Barlow n

8 MARCH 3, 2011 Chancellor’s faculty award winners, 2011

Chancellor’s his wing. He also cited William Distinguished Thirteen faculty members have been hon- the School of Medicine, and “Wild Bill” Bailey, a professor at Teaching Award ored as winners of the 2011 chancellor’s awards • John D. Norton, director of the Center the University of Connecticut, for distinguished teaching, research and public for Philosophy of Science and professor in where Luderer earned his PhD. service. the Department of History and Philosophy of “These two individuals made A selection committee, chaired Distinguished teaching award winners are: Science. such a positive impact on my life by Juan J. Manfredi, vice provost • Graham F. Hatfull, Eberly Family Profes- Distinguished research award winners in the and career that I love them like a for undergraduate studies, recom- sor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Profes- junior scholar category are: second father. If it wasn’t for them, mended the teaching award win- sor and chair of the Department of Biological • Edouard Machery, associate professor and I would not be where I am today,” ners after reviewing supporting Sciences; director of graduate studies in the Department Luderer said. materials. Chancellor Mark A. • Mary Margaret Kerr, professor and chair of History and Philosophy of Science, and He also extended thanks to Nordenberg sent congratulatory of the Department of Administrative and Policy • Alexander Star, assistant professor in the his students, past and present. “I letters to the winners, citing some Studies and professor in the Department of Department of Chemistry. have been very fortunate to have of their accomplishments. Psychology in Education, School of Education; Distinguished public service award winners a very good relationship with all “The very existence of this • Matthew R. Luderer, assistant profes- are: of my students. My ultimate goal award underscores the high insti- sor in the Department of Chemistry at Pitt- • Marie R. Baldisseri, associate professor in as a teacher is not to win awards, tutional priority that we assign to Greensburg; the Department of Critical Care Medicine in but to do anything I possibly can our teaching responsibilities, and • John M. O’Donnell, associate professor the School of Medicine and medical director, to help my students achieve their your individual efforts stand as an in the Department of Acute and Tertiary Care critical care services and the intensive care unit goals in life. That is truly the best inspiring example of excellence in and director of the nurse anesthesia program, at Magee-Womens Hospital; award any teacher can receive,” the role of University teacher,” School of Nursing, and • Rory Cooper, Distinguished Professor Luderer said. Nordenberg wrote to the teaching • Sanjeev G. Shroff, professor and Gerald and FISA-Paralyzed Veterans of America Chair “My classes range from 12 to 65 award winners. McGinnis Chair in Bioengineering and profes- in the Department of Rehabilitation Science students. For me it doesn’t really sor of medicine. and Technology in the School of Health and matter the size. I do my best so Graham Hatfull of biologi- Distinguished research award winners in the Rehabilitation Sciences, and director of Human they can learn as much informa- cal sciences, who previously was senior scholar category are: Engineering Research Laboratories, and tion as possible to help realize their a recipient of the Chancellor’s • Jeremy Levy, professor in the Department • Laurence Glasco, associate professor in dreams,” he said. Distinguished Research Award in of Physics and Astronomy; the Department of History. “When I cover advanced both the junior and senior scholar • Mary L. Marazita, professor and vice chair Each awardee will receive a $2,000 cash prize topics, I always relate them back categories, was recognized for of the Department of Oral Biology in the School and a $3,000 grant for the support of his or her to the basics. It’s just like building having a constructive impact on of Dental Medicine, director of the Center for teaching, research or public service activities. a house, you have to start with a his department’s teaching mission. Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, professor The awardees were recognized Feb. 25 during strong foundation. If the founda- “Your positive influence on the of human genetics in the Graduate School of Pitt’s honors convocation. Their names will be tion isn’t there, the student will undergraduate learning experi- Public Health and professor of psychiatry in inscribed on plaques in the William Pitt Union. have a very hard time succeeding ences of your students has enabled as the course wears on. Along with them to pursue their education in tively, each can advance the other. Kerr told the University Times in those courses is posted on the that, I also try to instill confidence dynamic and intellectually chal- The University can thus optimize that, given the caliber of previous School of Education’s school- with as many students as I can with lenging ways,” Nordenberg wrote its effectiveness and the use of its winners, she was stunned to win based behavioral health web praise and admiration.” in his Feb. 9 letter to Hatfull. resources by having its research the teaching award. “Ironically, I site (www.sbbh.pitt.edu), which Luderer believes teaching “As is evident from your excel- programs advance its educational had just come from a conference receives approximately 800,000 excellence is a combination of lent student evaluations, your mission and vice versa,” he said. session on how to be a better on- hits a year from professionals, fam- native ability and dedication. “We commitment to teaching and “So, I don’t really view myself line instructor [when I learned I’d ilies and youth seeking resources are all born with the ability to do creating learning opportunities as a ‘teacher,’ but as a scientist- won],” Kerr said. in children’s mental health. something great, it’s just a matter for students — both inside and educator. I was led to this in part “The biggest influences on of figuring out what that unique outside the classroom — inspires by recognizing that success in my teaching have been my men- Matthew Luderer of Pitt- ‘special’ quality is. When I first and stimulates students to pursue science is perhaps not so much tors, especially Nicholas J. Long Greensburg’s Department of started teaching, I didn’t think I their academic interests outside a about facets such as being ‘smart,’ — a charismatic educator and Chemistry was recognized by was doing that great of a job and it traditional course curriculum.” ‘gifted,’ ‘creative’ — or whatever clinician — and my imaginative Nordenberg for his many con- took time — years — for me to get The chancellor noted that in — as much as it is about having and accomplished students, who tributions to the biology and to the point where I confidently 2010 the Howard Hughes Medi- access to opportunities. I was continue to amaze and delight chemistry curricula on his campus. felt I was effectively communicat- cal Institute (HHMI) awarded a given those opportunities as an me,” she said. “My largest classes Specifically, the chancellor ing with a great majority of my four-year, $1.2 million grant to undergraduate, and without them in recent years have been around noted Luderer’s development of students,” he said. support Pitt’s academic initia- I am sure that I would not have had 40 or so. Without question, class an organic chemistry laboratory tives, through the Department of an academic career. I have tried size makes a difference in teaching manual published by McGraw Hill The chancellor recognized Biological Sciences, that cultivate to provide similar opportunities techniques. In a large class, it’s a in 2007. Luderer also developed John O’Donnell of the School of high school and undergraduate to others.” bigger challenge to make each a teaching assistant training pro- Nursing for his contributions to students’ interest in science and student feel known and engaged.” gram for the organic laboratories the school and the nurse anesthesia biology by involving them in active Mary Margaret Kerr of the It takes effort to learn how to designed for students who plan program in particular. research. At the same time, HHMI School of Education was recog- be a good teacher, Kerr main- to pursue a graduate degree in “Your dedication to teaching renewed Hatfull’s appointment as nized by Nordenberg for training tained. “On the other hand, an chemistry or biology. is clear as you have sought new one of just 13 HHMI Professors future teachers to identify trou- individual who does not possess “Your classroom teaching is opportunities for teaching stu- nationwide and the only one in bled students and to help those fundamental traits is not likely to inspiring while simultaneously dents at all levels — from baccalau- Pennsylvania. students progress with effective enjoy the role. Those traits include making a traditionally diffi- reate students to Pitt faculty — and Hatfull told the University behavioral interventions. patience, energy, curiosity and cult subject, organic chemistry, in your development of workshops Times that when he learned he “This honor, more particularly, comfort when all eyes are upon enjoyable for your students,” using innovative technologies to had won the teaching award, “I recognizes your passion for using you,” she said. Nordenberg wrote. “Your efficacy teach regional, national and inter- was shocked and surprised. But inventive real-world approaches Kerr’s primary teaching values as a teacher is demonstrated in national educators at the School very pleased.” to classroom teaching and your are academically engaging instruc- the 45 students who sought you of Nursing’s instructional series,” Hatfull teaches both graduate ability to develop, and teach, tional practices; content knowl- to mentor them through their Nordenberg wrote. and undergraduate students in innovative curricula,” the chancel- edge and skills derived from the undergraduate senior capstone The chancellor further noted typically small classes. lor wrote. “Inside the classroom, best research in the field, and experiences. You consistently of O’Donnell, “your instruction “Effective teaching requires you prepare students for concrete meaningful assessments. provide your students with the is clear and concise and your pas- active engagement of students in problems by creating a classroom “I believe that graduate stu- tools and methods to pursue their sion for your subject is palpable. their own learning. This is true environment that prompts them to dents expend optimal effort in professional goals.” Your efforts do honor to the title in both the classroom and in the respond, examine and hone their a classroom where high expec- Luderer told the University of ‘teacher.’” research laboratory,” Hatfull said. behavioral observational skills, tations are coupled with an Times, “Anytime you have the O’Donnell told the University “The role of teacher as a passive thus preparing them for careers instructor’s personal interest in privilege to win an award like Times he was surprised but deeply communicator of information is, as educators.” their academic and career goals. this, one has to acknowledge honored to learn he had won the frankly, a pretty nutty idea. But Nordenberg further noted, “As Meaningful assessments, such as those mentors who got you award. “I know how competitive an instructor that can unleash the is clear from your student evalu- those developed by students in there.” He cited his parents, his this award is.” power of motivated self-learning ations, your teaching provokes, some of our courses, not only brother and in particular John O’Donnell primarily teaches is unstoppable.” challenges and educates students document mastery of competen- Wood, “a very caring — tough graduate nursing students study- Separating Pitt’s three-pronged while also providing a firm theo- cies but also give students a unique but fair — professor of organic ing anesthesia, as well as some mission of teaching, research and retical foundation that will remain opportunity to contribute to their chemistry” at Indiana University undergraduate nursing students service is a mistake, Hatfull main- an important asset throughout field,” Kerr said. of Pennsylvania who at first failed who are interested in a career in tained. “When approached effec- their careers.” She noted that student work Luderer and then took him under CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

9 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES Chancellor’s faculty award winners, 2011

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 anesthesia. His classes range from Shroff told the University Times. described you as a leader in the six to 50 students. “I always believed that the best field of oxide electronics and “With small groups I typically way to learn something new or quantum computation. You have attempt to use more interactive or to gain deeper insights into what achieved national and interna- immersive techniques, including one already knows is to teach it tional eminence as an outstanding use of human patient simulators. to someone else. I put a great scholar in your field and made With the larger groups I also deal of emphasis on learning to many contributions to the basic prefer interactive methods such as think ‘generically.’ The goal is to understanding of complex oxides case studies, group discussions and motivate students to see common and their application to quantum interactive lectures. I like using conceptual patterns among prob- information science.” audience response systems and lems from seemingly disparate Levy’s research has been whiteboards to leverage engage- domains, so that the knowledge described as an unusual combi- ment,” O’Donnell said. and tools acquired in the context nation of depth, breadth, inter- Teaching techniques can be of one domain can be readily disciplinary focus, leadership, learned, practiced and developed, transferred to another domain.” achievement and high impact, the he said. “However, the ability to Shroff’s early academic career chancellor wrote. ‘connect’ with a class is a gift that focused on conducting research in Nordenberg noted some I think you either have or you the cardiovascular area. “I find the of Levy’s honors for his work: don’t. My philosophy is to try to teaching experience deeply satisfy- the Nano 50 Award in 2008 understand and value the learning ing — at par with the euphoria of for his invention of an oxide- needs of each individual student. discovery in the research arena,” based nano-transistor, and being In support of this philosophy, I he said. named a fellow of the American attempt to stimulate reflection, “I do believe that some indi- Physical Society for inventing new interaction, immersive learn- viduals have an innate ability to tell approaches to creating electronic ing and a democratic classroom a ‘good story.’ It is quite likely that circuitry at unimaginably small environment. I also think that these individuals begin the teach- scales, such as a working transistor educational activities have to be ing journey with an advantage. with wires only two nanometers carefully scaffolded in support of However, I also believe that one wide. student progression.” can learn to be a good teacher — as Levy told the University O’Donnell credits early role long as there is a strong commit- Times, “It is a great honor to be models for helping him make ment to teaching, willingness to chosen. I was thrilled.” an easy transition from nursing put in the effort and willingness to Levy, who previously also training to teaching. “A big part learn from one’s experiences and won a Chancellor’s Distinguished Beeson addresses honors convocation of nursing is teaching — teaching from others,” Shroff said. Teaching Award, sees an inter- ittsburgh is blessed with two major research universities that have health and create higher standards of living for Americans and people patients, teaching other providers He said there are many paths relationship between his research helped the region to weather the current economic recession much throughout the world,” Beeson maintained, adding that many of the great and teaching families,” he said. to being a successful teacher and and his teaching. “Teaching and Pbetter than most other regions. innovations that have moved societies forward have come directly or indi- “I always admired teachers who that a teacher must find his or her mentoring are important for what “What is it about colleges and universities, and particularly research rectly out of universities. were spontaneous, interactive and own way. I do — they are essential since the universities, that provide this strong foundation for economic success and What is it that makes these institutions great? clearly in total command of their “However, these different work is carried out by a group of individual well-being?” asked Patricia E. Beeson, Pitt provost and senior vice “An intellectually engaged and highly productive faculty; highly qualified material and have tried to emulate paths seem to share some common investigators. Teaching as a form chancellor, who addressed the 35th annual honors convocation last week. and curious students; excellence in teaching, and loyal and accomplished these traits in my own teaching.” features: innate love for teaching, of communication helps in giving Beeson noted she came to Pitt more than 28 years ago as a faculty member alums,” Beeson said are among the chief characteristics. Great research uni- willingness to learn and adapt and research talks and writing papers,” specializing in urban economics and has written extensively on the role cities versities also share a core set of values, including valuing achievement and Sanjeev Shroff of the Swan- willingness to put in the neces- he said. play in their local communities. the spirit of discovery; excellence in teaching and learning, and vision and son School of Engineering and sary effort. I have learned that “I was always interested in “When I arrived in Pittsburgh in 1983, the city was coming off a nine- high aspirations, she said. Such institutions value free inquiry and promote the School of Medicine was domain expertise is a necessary math and physics. My experiences month period of unemployment rates in excess of 15 percent and it would be the open exchange of ideas. They foster a collaborative environment, a com- recognized by Nordenberg for but not sufficient condition for as an undergraduate — and in high another year before the unemployment rate dipped below 10 percent,” said munity working together that goes beyond the walls of any particular institu- his passion for teaching students being a successful teacher. In this school — were particularly forma- Beeson to a packed Carnegie Music Hall crowd of faculty, staff, students and tion, she said. “Finally, the truly great universities recognize and nurture the both in the classroom and in the context, being a good teacher is tive for me. I also had two great alumni, as well as family and friends of honorees at the Feb. 25 convocation. contributions they make to the public good through their educational and laboratory. not a destination; instead, it is a physics teachers in high school,” “Now, with an economy more dependent on ‘eds and meds’ and less on scholarly activities,” Beeson said. “Among your many accom- journey — never ending, yet quite Levy noted. manufacturing,” she said, “I have watched over the past 20 years as Pittsburgh Every year Pitt confers nearly 8,000 degrees; its alumni contribute to com- plishments as an educator is joyous and fulfilling.” “I am interested in fundamen- has become an incubator for small, high-tech firms drawn by the presence munities economically, socially and culturally, and its faculty publish thousands your pioneering contribution —Peter Hart n tal research in physics that also of two major research universities. For the past 30 years, I have also seen of scholarly reports and conduct hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsored to the creation of innovative, has bearing on future technolo- Pittsburgh consistently rated as one of the most livable cities in America.” research that supports tens of thousands of local jobs, the provost noted. simulation-based teaching tools gies. My goal is to discover new Communities with research universities have stronger and more stable “But the contributions of a great university like ours cannot be fully captured that are having a national impact Chancellor’s and interesting physics that may growth and, by many measures, a higher quality of life, Beeson noted. in these numbers. Because it is not just scale of activity that is important, it is on the training of bioengineers, Distinguished revolutionize the way we under- “As much as 80 percent of leading new industries in the U.S. are directly the exceptional accomplishments of individual faculty, staff, students and alums health care providers and medical Research Award stand and interact with our world. or indirectly related to research done at universities and 65 percent of the that distinguish this institution and other research universities,” Beeson said. students,” the chancellor wrote. Being able to conceive ideas and differences in growth across metropolitan areas in the 1990s can be attrib- Pitt alumni include two Nobel laureates, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a “It is evident from your student A selection committee, chaired bring them to life is enormously uted to high-tech activity closely tied to universities. Even looking back MacArthur Genius Award recipient, as well as scientists who have laid the evaluations that you have a unique by George Klinzing, vice provost addictive. I would never want to over hundreds of years, we find that human capital and the institutions that foundation for the biotechnology industry and for magnetic resonance imag- ability to engage students and that for Research, recommended the give up this line of work.” produce it are as important as physical infrastructure in explaining the growth ing, among other outstanding examples of accomplishment, the provost said. your instruction is precise, insight- senior and junior scholar win- of cities,” she pointed out. “It is the exceptional contributions made by the faculty we recognize ful and very exciting for them. ners after reviewing supporting Mary Marazita of the schools But why is this true was the question Beeson tackled in her address. here today, including: exceptional teachers of biology, chemistry, education, Your instruction provides students materials. of dental medicine and medicine “First, and perhaps most apparent, universities serve as steady providers nursing and engineering; exceptional researchers whose work is laying the with the tools they need to become and the Graduate School of of the highly skilled, highly educated workers that firms need to be competi- foundation for quantum computing, the early detection of asthma and repair- independent researchers and to Senior Scholar category Public Health was recognized tive,” she said. In addition, research universities provide educated and trained ing cleft palates, and whose scholarly endeavors are helping us develop an pursue careers in bioengineering The senior scholar category by Nordenberg for her work in students who fill the employed ranks in the nation’s corporations, industrial understanding of the history and philosophy of such scientific discoveries,” and medicine.” recognizes “an outstanding and craniofacial and dental genetics. labs, government and nonprofit organizations. Beeson said, referring to this year’s winners of chancellor’s awards. Shroff teaches both graduate continuing record of research and Marazita’s work has led to However, a university does more than help individuals develop skills and “It is the exceptional contributions of our faculty who use their expertise and undergraduate students in scholarly activity.” 53 grants totaling almost $48.5 technical competence. “A university education also helps individuals develop in service to the broader community including work that has advanced public courses ranging from five to 15 million and she has published an ordered intellect, the ability to think for themselves, to learn how to learn health, improved the lives of individuals with disabilities and preserved the students in graduate bioengi- Jeremy Levy of physics and more than 200 peer-reviewed and to see things as a whole,” Beeson said. “These are the traits and habits of history of black Pittsburgh,” she said. The University’s greatness also lies in neering classes to as many as 120 astronomy, who previously won manuscripts, Nordenberg noted. the mind that prepare individuals not just for a single job, but for a lifetime the exceptional contributions of the staff who advance Pitt’s mission through students in medical school classes. a Chancellor’s Distinguished “The selection committee of careers. They give confidence to the innovators and leaders in every field their commitment and performance and who advance their communities “I do not let the number of stu- Research Award in the junior was particularly impressed by of endeavor; they are characteristics of the risk-takers, the problem-solvers through their volunteer efforts. dents influence my basic approach scholar category, has continued to the enormous contributions you and those who are eager to imagine what the future may be.” “Looking to our hope, our future, it is the exceptional contributions that to or philosophy of teaching. make extraordinary contributions have made to understanding the Access to such individuals in part is what attracts firms to locations with will be made by the students we recognize today ... contributions to our However, I do make a distinction to his field, Nordenberg noted in complexities of cleft lip and palate research universities, she added. community, our city, through their leadership, their study and their service,” between an introductory class his Feb. 9 letter. genetic birth defects,” he wrote. “It is the research and scholarly endeavors conducted at research universities Beeson said. She noted that current Pitt students have won Rhodes, Goldwater versus an advanced, graduate-level “The selection committee “Your contributions have that distinguish us from other institutions,” Beeson said. Of the more than and Udall Scholarships and earned recognition from the American Council of class. In the latter case, I am likely was particularly impressed by helped establish the School of 4,000 institutions of higher education nationally, only about 100, including Learned Societies, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes to hold students more responsible the letters of recommendation Dental Medicine as a nationally Pitt, can claim to be among the great American research universities that are of Health and the Fulbright Foundation. “It is these achievements that define for their learning and use student- from well-known authorities in recognized center for research in the envy of the world, she said. this great University — exceptional contributions that transform individual initiated discussions as the major the field,” Nordenberg wrote. oral/dental disease, with particular “The development of new knowledge and technologies at these research lives that advance our city and our society,” she said. component of in-class teaching,” “Your colleagues and peers have CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 universities has helped to promote economic development, improve public —Peter Hart n

10 MARCH 3, 2011 Chancellor’s faculty award winners, 2011

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strengths in genetics and tissue the genesis of Einstein’s theory of in a community of our colleagues regeneration.” general relativity,” Nordenberg and students. I’ve been teaching Marazita told the University noted. long enough to have seen students Times, “I felt very honored to “Your contributions to the go out and become established receive this award as a recognition philosophy of space and time, themselves as major figures. Like of not only my research accom- inductive logic, the role of thought all teachers, I take an utterly plishments, but also as recognition experiments and the ways scien- unjustified pride in their success.” of my terrific research group in tific theories should be evaluated the Center for Craniofacial and all are highly regarded. As one Junior Scholar category Dental Genetics and my many fellow scholar stated, ‘No one so The junior scholar research productive collaborations both brilliantly combines these disci- category recognizes those “whose inside and outside of the Uni- plines as does John Norton.’” exceptional early contributions versity.” Norton told the University have demonstrated great potential She caught the science and Times he felt “tremendously and have already produced a mea- research bug as far back as middle honored” to win the senior scholar sure of international standing.” school because of an inspiring sci- research award. ence teacher, and was introduced “We do the work we do because Edouard Machery of the to genetics as an undergraduate. we are eager to find out answers Department of History and “I knew that human genetics was to interesting questions, such as Philosophy of Science was recog- the field for me,” Marazita said. ‘How did Einstein find his discov- nized by Nordenberg for having “In those days, human genetics eries?’ It is then quite gratifying to achieved “an outstanding record was not yet the dominant biomedi- learn that others find the answers [that] adds to the distinction of cal enterprise that it is today — I interesting too,” Norton said. the University. You are considered feel very fortunate that my career He said he gravitated toward one of the best philosophers of has spanned those early days up science as a youth and spent cognitive science in the world. through the accomplishment of much of his adolescence reading The committee noted that in the Human Genome Project, and chemistry books. “I was always order to even find appropriate beyond.” mixing things up in a crude lab comparisons, one would need to Jim Burke/CIDDE After receiving her PhD in in our family garage. I had many look at scholars with considerably genetics, Marazita earned a post- good teachers, but the strongest more years of experience.” doctoral fellowship in craniofacial influence has always been the The chancellor noted Mach- biology. “During the course of that extraordinary pull of the science ery’s prolific scholarly output, Beeson addresses honors convocation postdoc I became very intrigued itself,” Norton said. which includes more than 60 health and create higher standards of living for Americans and people with understanding craniofacial He said his research focus articles and book chapters in the throughout the world,” Beeson maintained, adding that many of the great birth defects, particularly cleft eventually moved from pure sci- best journals in both philosophy innovations that have moved societies forward have come directly or indi- lip and cleft palate. At that time, ence to the history and philosophy and psychology. rectly out of universities. there were many theories about of science. “That is a very natural Machery also is recognized as What is it that makes these institutions great? the causes of such birth defects evolution for some of us. We one of the leading contributors to “An intellectually engaged and highly productive faculty; highly qualified but little was known for certain,” become fascinated with how all the development of experimental and curious students; excellence in teaching, and loyal and accomplished she said. “I am happy to say that I the amazing science we now have philosophy, a new area within the alums,” Beeson said are among the chief characteristics. Great research uni- have played a part in the impressive came about,” Norton said. “In my discipline, the chancellor noted. versities also share a core set of values, including valuing achievement and accumulation of knowledge about case, it was Einstein. There was “Your studies also include the spirit of discovery; excellence in teaching and learning, and vision and such birth defects over the last 15 a particular idea, that gravity is a philosophical issues raised by high aspirations, she said. Such institutions value free inquiry and promote years. Although we still have gaps curvature of space-time. That was psychology and cognitive neuro- the open exchange of ideas. They foster a collaborative environment, a com- in our knowledge, we have made such an extraordinary idea, I had to science with a special interest in munity working together that goes beyond the walls of any particular institu- great strides.” know how Einstein could not just concepts, moral psychology, the tion, she said. “Finally, the truly great universities recognize and nurture the Marazita said doing research think it up but establish that it is relevance of evolutionary biol- contributions they make to the public good through their educational and is highly rewarding on a number the way gravity really is,” he said. ogy for understanding cognition, scholarly activities,” Beeson said. of levels. Once one starts examining modularity, the nature, origins and Every year Pitt confers nearly 8,000 degrees; its alumni contribute to com- “Nothing compares to the feel- science’s big ideas — space, time ethical significance of prejudiced munities economically, socially and culturally, and its faculty publish thousands ing when you discover a new gene and infinity, for example — “you cognition, and the methods of of scholarly reports and conduct hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsored that may be involved in cleft lip, or realize that the philosophical psychology and cognitive neu- research that supports tens of thousands of local jobs, the provost noted. when you have a novel insight that community provides a group of roscience,” Nordenberg wrote. “But the contributions of a great university like ours cannot be fully captured helps to move the field forward. like-minded thinkers, eager to get “To sum up the high regard in in these numbers. Because it is not just scale of activity that is important, it is It is also wonderful to influence a precise understanding of the big which you are viewed, one col- the exceptional accomplishments of individual faculty, staff, students and alums and train the next generation of ideas,” Norton said. league wrote that you are ‘a force that distinguish this institution and other research universities,” Beeson said. scientists, and to interact with “Nothing is quite as exhila- of nature … a strikingly original Pitt alumni include two Nobel laureates, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a families of children with birth rating as that moment when you thinker … ferociously smart and MacArthur Genius Award recipient, as well as scientists who have laid the defects,” she said. know you’ve found something. I … astonishingly productive.’” foundation for the biotechnology industry and for magnetic resonance imag- “One of my most rewarding will never forget the moment I Machery told the University ing, among other outstanding examples of accomplishment, the provost said. moments occurred when my sister opened a book of Einstein’s teach- Times, “I discovered philosophy “It is the exceptional contributions made by the faculty we recognize and her husband were considering ing notes [when he was] deep in in high school. Before this I here today, including: exceptional teachers of biology, chemistry, education, adopting a baby girl with a cleft the process of finding his general wanted to become a mathemati- nursing and engineering; exceptional researchers whose work is laying the lip and cleft palate: I was able to theory of relativity. Inductive cian, but I found in philosophy a foundation for quantum computing, the early detection of asthma and repair- answer their many questions, and inference has provided some of the distinct kind of rigor. I also found ing cleft palates, and whose scholarly endeavors are helping us develop an was delighted to welcome my most vexing philosophical puzzles. it more challenging than the math understanding of the history and philosophy of such scientific discoveries,” niece to the family.” There was a moment when I real- I was taught in high school. So, Beeson said, referring to this year’s winners of chancellor’s awards. ized a new approach to it — that I ‘fell in love’ with philosophy.” “It is the exceptional contributions of our faculty who use their expertise Nordenberg recognized John I’d played with on a whim — was He said he’s always been in service to the broader community including work that has advanced public Norton of the Center for Philoso- actually correct and solved many interested in research. “In France, health, improved the lives of individuals with disabilities and preserved the phy of Science and the Depart- of the puzzles. There’s that voice where I come from, students history of black Pittsburgh,” she said. The University’s greatness also lies in ment of History and Philosophy in your head that says ‘Oh, I get have to specialize very early on. the exceptional contributions of the staff who advance Pitt’s mission through of Science for having achieved it now!’” he said. I specialized in philosophy from their commitment and performance and who advance their communities national and international emi- Norton said his research is the very beginning of my under- through their volunteer efforts. nence as an outstanding scholar. inexorably linked to his teaching. graduate studies, although I took “Looking to our hope, our future, it is the exceptional contributions that “The selection committee was “I cannot imagine doing the courses in other disciplines, such will be made by the students we recognize today ... contributions to our particularly impressed with your work I do without being sur- as logic, psychology, history of community, our city, through their leadership, their study and their service,” detailed analysis of Einstein’s rounded by the constant stimula- art,” Machery said. Beeson said. She noted that current Pitt students have won Rhodes, Goldwater Zurich notebook and the many tion of this extended community of “Philosophy is difficult, but and Udall Scholarships and earned recognition from the American Council of papers you have authored on colleagues and students,” Norton incredibly rewarding. It is fun. Learned Societies, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes Einstein’s thinking on a variety said. Thinking through difficult argu- of Health and the Fulbright Foundation. “It is these achievements that define of fundamental questions. “We generally start out with a ments, being cautious and sophis- this great University — exceptional contributions that transform individual “Your work in this area has quest for these solitary moments ticated about arguments, and so lives that advance our city and our society,” she said. earned you the distinction of being of discovery. However, we soon on, this is one of the most exciting —Peter Hart n the world’s preeminent scholar on learn the satisfaction of working CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

11 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES Chancellor’s faculty award winners, 2011

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 forms of intellectual endeavor.” and more effective tools for medi- both educational and due to lack with disabilities, and military dedicated to assistive technology Machery added he was very cal diagnostics and therapeutics.” of personnel. Having worked in service members and veterans. It and rehabilitation science research pleased to win the chancellor’s —Peter Hart n many areas where natural disas- energizes and inspires me. It is nice and development.” award, especially given the fact ters have occurred, I have seen to see that such activities are valued that two (including John Norton) the devastation that results from by the University leadership.” Laurence Glasco of the of the eight primary faculty in his Chancellor’s poor medical infrastructure and His public service work with Department of History was hon- department were recognized with Distinguished lack of disaster-preparedness. people with disabilities is insepara- ored for his innovative efforts chancellor’s awards this year. Public Service Award Most recently, this has been my ble from his teaching and research and commitment “to preserve the “This is a recognition of the focus in teaching,” Baldisseri said, efforts, Cooper said. history of black Pittsburgh and excellence of the Department A selection committee, chaired adding that her career goals have “My students and many of my to make that history available to of History and Philosophy of by Alberta M. Sbragia, vice changed over time. colleagues participate in public current and future generations,” Science, which is, incidentally, provost for graduate studies, “As a young clinician, my service. It has led to new research Nordenberg wrote. “The impact widely viewed as one of the best recommended the winners after primary goal was simply to work and educational ideas and oppor- of your work, which includes departments in the world in its reviewing supporting materials. hard and learn as much as I could. tunities,” he said. documentaries, exhibits, writings, field,” Machery noted. In his letter to the public ser- As a more seasoned academician For example, Cooper said, con- presentations and radio and televi- vice award winners, Nordenberg and clinician, I’ve now had the ducting research at the National sion appearances, has reached far Alexander Star of the Depart- stated, “This award underscores liberty of working outside the Veterans Wheelchair Games is a beyond the classroom and into our ment of Chemistry was recognized the high institutional priority that venue of the ICU and have been focal point of his programmatic community.” by the chancellor for innovative we assign to applying the expertise able to work in austere environ- research, and has led to pilot Glasco’s work serves the contributions to the field of carbon of faculty members to address ments in many different countries projects with educational benefits, public by revealing significant nanomaterials. social problems in ways that are in the world,” she said. “It gives including organizing state-of-the- accomplishments of outstand- “You were among the first consistent with our teaching and me immense satisfaction both science symposia at Walter Reed ing African Americans and by researchers to chemically modify research missions.” personally and professionally to Army Medical Center and the celebrating black history in the carbon nanotubes in an effort to help others through teaching National Naval Medical Center. western Pennsylvania region, the affect their biological properties, Marie Baldisseri of the and clinical activities. Work- “Many students have assisted chancellor noted. paving the way for their use in Department of Critical Care ing in resource-poor areas truly and attended, and had the oppor- “As a result, individual citizens medical applications, as well as Medicine was recognized by makes me recognize how blessed tunity to meet severely wounded, have come together in groups to their safe and effective removal Nordenberg for her national and we are in the United States with injured and ill military service form a vision for revitalizing their from the environment,” Norden- international humanitarian work outstanding medical resources.” members first hand. Learning communities based on a collective berg wrote. “You also were one of in public health service. public services is at the core of memory,” Nordenberg wrote. the first researchers to recognize “As a physician with academic Rory Cooper of the Depart- our program, and helps students “More broadly, your work has that single-wall carbon nanotubes and clinical responsibilities in the ment of Rehabilitation Science to become better clinicians and garnered national recognition, are an ideal platform on which field of critical care medicine, and Technology was honored people,” Cooper said. and historians are now focusing to construct chemical sensing you have used your expertise far for his dedication to improving “I am very fortunate. When, on the importance of Pittsburgh’s devices.” beyond the University,” Norden- the lives of individuals with dis- by a twist of fate, I acquired a African-American legacy.” Star’s research also has been berg wrote. abilities. spinal cord injury resulting in Glasco told the University instrumental in fabricating new As a volunteer for numerous “Your academic accomplish- lower extremity paralysis, I found Times, “One of the pleasures of materials consisting of carbon medical missions, Baldisseri was ments have been unparalleled a calling. At first, I was able to teaching and researching local his- nano-capsules for use as nano- instrumental in designing and in the field of rehabilitation apply my engineering research tory is that it allows me to engage containers, which have many implementing the first intensive engineering, as evidenced by to the problems facing me and with the community in a way that potential applications such as care unit in the capital of Swazi- your distinguished academic my friends. Because of the many enhances rather than distracts material storage, nano-reactors, land, the chancellor noted. appointments, by your nine opportunities that have been from those two aspects of my drug delivery vehicles and chemi- Following the 2010 earthquake issued or pending patents and by afforded to me, that reach has professional career. It makes the cal sensing, the chancellor noted. in Haiti, Baldisseri was part of your receipt of countless honors, expanded and has greater impact community service doubly plea- “Your colleagues have a team that within three days including both the Olin Teague on the quality of life of people with surable in that I seldom have to described your investigations as brought the Society of Critical Award and the Paul Magnuson disabilities,” he said. wonder whether it is taking away a unique blend of fundamental Care Medicine fundamentals of Award, among the highest forms of “My greatest thrills are seeing from my teaching and research.” and applied research that have critical care support course to phy- recognition from the Department people with disabilities benefit Teaching and doing research combined to propel you to the sicians in the Dominican Republic of Veterans Affairs,” Nordenberg from our work, and from seeing on race-related issues is quite forefront of carbon nanotube caring for Haitian victims. wrote. students and colleagues develop satisfying, Glasco said. “It allows research,” Nordenberg wrote. “These volunteer experiences Cooper founded the Human independent careers and to make me to apply my professional Star told the University Times, as well as many others influenced Engineering Research Laborato- their own important contribu- knowledge in a way that can make “It is very humbling and reward- you to focus your attention on ries in 1994 and, in 1999, this facil- tions toward helping people with a practical difference. And doing ing to receive such recognition in educating health care workers ity became the first, and remains disabilities. it on the local level gives me the this early stage of my career. I was to prepare for natural disasters,” the only national VA Rehabilita- “There are so many unan- chance to see the impact up close very excited.” Nordenberg wrote. tion Research and Development swered questions, and people with and personal. In addition, I get to He gravitated toward research “Of particular note is your Center of Excellence in Pennsyl- disabilities and veterans need and meet a lot of wonderful people early in his academic career. more recent role as the founder of vania, the chancellor noted. truly appreciate having bright and outside the academy.” “Growing up in a family of the Critical Care Disaster Founda- Nordenberg wrote: “Beyond public service-oriented people —Peter Hart n academics, I was always interested tion, which is dedicated to working the University, you have worked in science and medicine for as long and teaching in areas preemptively tirelessly to ensure that advances as I can remember. I started to be before a disaster strikes. Further, in technology help the people Birdwatching, new & improved involved in research during my you are incorporating this new who need it most. You have been Fans of the peregrine pair that nests atop the Cathedral of undergraduate studies,” Star said. knowledge in the training of stu- responsible for creating and advis- Learning will have better access to the avian action this season, “During my postdoctoral work dents within the University and of ing a myriad of veteran, military thanks to improvements to the National Aviary’s webcams. at the University of California-Los colleagues within the profession.” and civilian programs that have Two falcon cams are trained on the nesting box that sits on a Angeles, I was introduced to the Baldisseri told the University had a long lasting and enormously ledge outside the 40th floor. One webcam provides live streaming exciting research field of nanosci- Times, “No one who does medical positive impact on people with dis- audio and video; the other refreshes still shots every 15 seconds. ence and to carbon nanomaterials mission work is in it for the fame abilities,” including counseling the Phil Hieber of Facilities Management said the peregrines’ nest- in particular.” and glory but it is a tremendous Department of Defense to estab- ing box was cleaned and the new webcam was installed earlier this His research is intertwined honor to be recognized by the lish the Armed Forces amputee year. The birds are just beginning to visit the site, he said. with his teaching, Star said. University of Pittsburgh where I patient care program at Walter Soon it will be prime time for more activity. Eggs typically “During my tenure at the Uni- have worked for over 20 years. I Reed Army Medical Center. appear in late March or early April and hatch about a month later. versity of Pittsburgh, I have was absolutely delighted!” “Your service as a leader within A team from the National Aviary and the Pennsylvania Game developed a new course on nano- She says her research overlaps community organizations and as Commission band the young birds in May. By late summer, the materials — CHEM 1620/2620. nicely with her teaching, based a political adviser at the state and young birds head off to a new territory of their own. In addition to chemistry majors, on her training and experiences national levels is equally distin- Peregrines have nested at the Cathedral of Learning since 2002. I had also students from physics, at UPMC. guished. Thanks to your efforts, Between 2002 and 2007, female peregrine Dorothy and her mate materials science, chemical and “I have focused on teaching Pittsburgh will host the 2011 Erie fledged a total of 22 chicks, according to aviary statistics. Erie electrical engineering enrolled in health care providers who have National Veterans Wheelchair disappeared in 2007 and in 2008 Dorothy began nesting with a new my class, indicating a true inter- not been trained in critical care Games,” the chancellor noted. mate, E2. Together they have fledged a dozen chicks. disciplinary nature of nanoscience medicine how to manage acutely Cooper told the University The Cathedral of Learning webcam can be viewed at www. and nanotechnology,” he said. ill patients in resource-poor Times, “The public service itself aviary.org/cons/falconcam_cl.php. “I like to believe that in the long countries. In these resource- is a tremendous reward. I thor- — Kimberly K. Barlow n run our research will provide new poor areas, the challenges are oughly enjoy helping other people

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R E S E A R C H N O T E S of the Cardiovascular Institute and The University Times Research Suresh R. Mulukutla and Aryan Notes column reports on funding Supercomputer the combination of these seven percent lower odds than whites N. Aiyer of the Department of awarded to Pitt researchers and on Medicine. findings arising from University time awarded factors: nonsmoking; a body mass of meeting five or more criteria. research. index less than 25; goal-level Only 2 percent met all four The study was funded by the We welcome submissions from Kenneth Jordan, Distin- National Institutes of Health and guished Professor of Computa- physical activity; a healthy diet; heart-healthy behaviors (non- all areas of the University. Submit untreated cholesterol below 200; smoking, BMI below 25, goal- the Pennsylvania Department of information via email to: utimes@ tional Chemistry and director pitt.edu, by fax to 412/624-4579 blood pressure below 120/80, and level activity and healthy diet); Health. of Pitt’s Center for Molecular or by campus mail to 308 Belle- and Materials Simulations, and fasting blood sugar below 100, while just 1.4 percent met all three field Hall. Wissam Al-Saidi, a faculty explained senior investigator and heart-healthy factors related to BCI initiatives For submission guidelines, cardiologist Steven Reis, associ- blood pressure, cholesterol and funded visit www.utimes.pitt.edu/?page_ member in the Department of id=6807. Chemical and Petroleum Engi- ate vice chancellor for clinical blood sugar levels. Funding has been awarded neering, in collaboration with research at Pitt. A multipronged approach, for two projects that will place materials researchers at Univer- “Of all the people we assessed, including change at the individual brain-computer interfaces (BCI) placed on the motor cortex surface sity College London, have been only one out of 1,900 could claim level, the social and physical envi- in patients with spinal cord injuries of a spinal cord injury patient’s awarded 17 million processor ideal heart health,” said Reis. “This ronment, policy and access to care, to test if it is possible for them to brain for up to 29 days. The neural hours on a supercomputer at Oak tells us that the current prevalence will be needed to help people not control external devices such as a activity picked up by the BCI will Ridge National Laboratory as part of heart health is extremely low, only avoid heart disease, but also computer cursor or a prosthetic be translated through a computer of the Department of Energy’s and that we have a great challenge attain heart health, Reis said. limb with their thoughts. processor, allowing the patient to Innovative and Novel Compu- ahead of us to attain the AHA’s “Many of our study partici- The projects build upon learn to control computer cursors, tational Impact on Theory and aim of a 20 percent improvement pants were overweight or obese, ongoing research conducted in virtual hands, computer games Experiment (INCITE) program. in cardiovascular health rates by and that likely had a powerful epilepsy patients who were able to and assistive devices such as a The computational resources 2020.” influence on the other behaviors move cursors and play computer prosthetic hand or a wheelchair. will be used to support the project As part of the Heart Strate- and factors,” he noted. “Our next games after having the interfaces The second project, funded by “Quantum Monte Carlo Brings gies Concentrating on Risk step is to analyze additional data temporarily placed on their brains, the Defense Advanced Research New Realism to Surface-Science Evaluation (Heart SCORE) study, to confirm this and, based on the as well as in monkeys that through Projects Agency for up to $6 Modeling.” the researchers evaluated 1,933 results, try to develop a multifac- BCI guided a robotic arm to feed million over three years, is part The binding of molecules to people ages 45-75 in Allegheny eted approach to improve health. themselves marshmallows and of a program led by the Johns surfaces underpins many impor- County with surveys, physical That could include identifying turn a doorknob. Hopkins University Applied Phys- tant processes including catalysis, exams and blood tests. Less than 10 predictors of success or failure at In one project, funded by an ics Laboratory. It will develop corrosion, gas sensing, crystal percent met five or more criteria adhering to the guidelines.” $800,000 grant from the National technology tested in monkeys by growth and others. However, and after adjustment for age, sex Other Pitt researchers involved Institutes of Health, a BCI based Pitt neurobiology faculty member according to the researchers, the and income level, blacks had 82 in the study were Andrea Dinga on electrocorticography will be CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 accuracy and realism of current modeling methods fall short. The project proposes to use quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) techniques to produce accurate benchmark values for quanti- ties such as molecule adsorption energies. The project will utilize QMC to produce highly accurate binding energy curves for water on graphite, water on the surface of magnesium oxide, water on the surface of sodium chloride and carbon monoxide on the surface of copper. According to the researchers, the project will move the field of electronic structure theory to calculate binding energies with chemical accuracy in many other systems where such accuracy is needed to solve important scien- tific and technological problems. The 2011 INCITE pro- gram awarded nearly 1.7 billion processor hours on two of the world’s fastest and most powerful supercomputers — the Cray XT5 Jaguar at Oak Ridge and the IBM Blue Gene/P Intrepid at Argonne National Laboratory — to 57 projects, the largest-ever awards of DOE supercomputing time. According to the DOE, Jaguar’s computational capacity is roughly equivalent to 109,000 laptops all working together to solve the same problem. Intrepid is roughly equivalent to 26,000 laptops. Projects were chosen for their potential to advance scientific discoveries, speed technologi- cal innovations and strengthen industrial competitiveness. More than half of the projects are led by university researchers, with the remainder of the awards going to government and industry sci- entists and engineers. Study finds local heart health rare Only one out of more than 1,900 local people evaluated met the American Heart Association (AHA) definition of ideal cardio- vascular health, according to a new study led by researchers from the School of Medicine. Their findings were published online recently in Circulation. Ideal cardiovascular health is

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R E S E A R C H N O T E S ling for age, gender and number with the period when western of co-morbidities. One index states developed water-use poli- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 found that 61 percent of patients cies. “Western states happened Andrew Schwartz, who is a senior the School of Medicine’s Depart- rosurgeon, is the lead surgeon on were poor sleepers and 33 per- to build dams and water systems investigator on both projects. ment of Physical Medicine and both projects. cent reported pain that disturbed during a period that was unusually It uses an interface that is a Rehabilitation and director of the their sleep three or more times wet compared to the past 6,000 tiny 10-by-10 array of electrodes UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, per week. years,” he said. “Now the cycle implanted on the surface of the said, “Our ultimate aim is to Poor sleep “Not sleeping well at night can has changed and is trending drier, brain to read activity from indi- develop technologies that can give affects arthritis contribute to greater pain sensi- which is actually normal. It will vidual neurons. Those signals patients with physical disabilities patients tivity and fatigue during the day, shift back to wet eventually, but will be processed and relayed to control of assistive devices that will Poor sleep quality correlates which in turn can limit a patient’s probably not to the extremes seen maneuver a sophisticated pros- help restore their independence.” with higher levels of depressive ability to engage in activities of during most of the 20th century.” thetic arm. Boninger, a senior scientist symptoms, more severe pain, daily living and discretionary The team produced a climate Schwartz said, “Our animal on both projects, added, “We are increased fatigue and greater activities,” Luyster said. “These record from the lake mud by mea- studies have shown that we can now ready to begin testing BCI functional disability in patients results highlight the importance suring the oxygen isotope ratios of interpret the messages the brain technology in the patients who with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), of addressing sleep complaints calcite. The mineral precipitates sends to make a simple robotic might benefit from it the most, according to a study by School among patients with RA.” from the lake water every summer arm reach for an object and turn namely those who have lost the of Nursing researchers recently Collaborators on the study and builds up in fine layers on the a mechanical wrist. The next step ability to move their upper limbs published in the Journal of Clini- were nursing school Dean Jac- lake floor, accumulating more in is to see not only if we can make due to a spinal cord injury. It’s cal Sleep Medicine. The study queline Dunbar-Jacob and wet years than in dry ones. these techniques work for people, particularly exciting for us to be suggests that addressing sleep faculty member Eileen Chasens. They reproduced their find- but also if we can make the move- able to test two types of interfaces problems may have a critical The study was funded by the ings by measuring grayscale, or ments more complex.” within the brain.” impact on the health and quality National Institutes of Health. the color of mud based on calcite In the study, which is expected Elizabeth Tyler-Kabara, a of life of patients with RA. concentration, with darker mud to begin by late 2011, participants faculty member in neurologi- Nursing faculty member Faith Drier signifying a drier year. will get two separate electrodes. In cal surgery and bioengineering, S. Luyster led the study that sur- Northwest The record in the sediment future research efforts, the tech- said, “By expanding our research veyed 162 patients with RA about predicted core was then compared to the nology may be enhanced with an from the laboratory to clinical their sleep quality, depression, A multi-university team led Palmer Drought Severity Index, innovative telemetry system that settings, we hope to gain a better fatigue, functional disability and by Pitt researchers extracted a which uses meteorological and would allow wireless control of a understanding of how to train and pain severity. 6,000-year climate record from tree-ring data to determine prosthetic arm, as well as a sensory motivate patients who will benefit Results showed that sleep a Washington lake that shows drought cycles dating back 1,500 component. from BCI technology.” quality had an indirect effect on the famously rain-soaked Pacific years, Abbott explained. The Michael L. Boninger, chair of Tyler-Kabara, a UPMC neu- functional disability after control- Northwest not only could be in Castor Lake core matched the for longer dry seasons, but also is Palmer Index reconstructed with unlikely to see a period as wet as tree-ring data and expanded on the 20th century any time soon. it by 4,500 years, suggesting that In a recent report in the Pro- lakebeds are better records of ceedings of the National Academy long-term climate change, the of Sciences, the team linked the authors contend. longer dry spells to the intensi- Analysis of the sediment core fying El Niño/La Niña climate revealed that the climate of the pattern and concluded that west- Pacific Northwest fluctuated ern states likely will suffer severe more or less evenly between wet water shortages as El Niño/La and dry periods for thousands Niña wields greater influence on of years. Droughts tended to be the region. lengthier with 25 percent of dry The researchers analyzed a periods during the past 6,000 years sediment core from Castor Lake persisting for 30 years or more and in north-central Washington to the longest lingering for around plot the region’s drought history 75 years. Wet periods tended to since around 4000 BCE and found be shorter with only 19 percent that wet and dry cycles during lasting more than 30 years and the the past millennium have grown longest spanning 64 years. longer. The team attributed this Abbott said that since approxi- recent deviation to the irregular mately 1000 AD, these periods pressure and temperature changes have become longer, shifted less brought on by El Niño/La Niña. frequently and, most importantly, At the same time, they reported, ushered in more extreme condi- the wet cycle stretching from the tions. 1940s to approximately 2000 was The two driest cycles in the the dampest in 350 years. past 6,000 years occurred within Lead researcher Mark Abbott, only 400 years of each other — the a faculty member in geology first in the 1500s and the second and planetary science, said those during the Great Depression, unusually wet years coincided CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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R E S E A R C H N O T E S and 89 percent of the impacts to 683, or 24.5 percent, reporting land. some impact. At the end of the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 The total number of incidents assessment period, 449 of those researchers found. Wet periods better understand and prevent outstanding students in all the reported represents a 14 percent cases had been resolved. showed a similar pattern shift with underground mine subsidence disciplines necessary to prepare increase over the 1998-2003 • The average time to resolve five very wet eras crammed into from damaging above-ground the report, and our proximity to period. DEP is examining the impacts to structures, land and the past 900 years. The wettest property and water supplies, the mines. Both were not only incident reports to determine what water supplies was 207 days, 246 cycle of the past 6,000 years began which continues to be a problem strengths but a necessity.” factors, if any, contributed to the days and 321 days, respectively. around the 1650s, and the second in southwestern Pennsylvania. According to the report, there increase and to identify trends that In a prepared statement, DEP most sodden began a mere 300 The assessment, led by Pitt were 50 underground coal mines can be used in designing the next Secretary John Hanger said, years later, in the 1940s. engineering faculty member active during the reporting period five-year assessment. “Mining has been — and, for the The change in cycle regularity Anthony Iannacchione, beneath 38,256 acres of land. In Other findings of the report foreseeable future, will continue to Abbott and his colleagues found addresses the effects of mining total, there were 1,247 different included: be — a part of our economy and correlates with documented activ- in Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, “effects,” or incidents reported • Of the 3,735 structures way of life. Unfortunately, mine ity of El Niño/La Niña. When the Clearfield, Elk, Greene, Indiana, to DEP during this most recent inventoried in the target counties, subsidence is often associated with patterns became more intense, Jefferson, Somerset and Wash- five-year period by its staff, coal 456 (12 percent) were impacted the industry’s activities. While coal wet and dry cycles in the Pacific ington counties, August 2003- companies or landowners. by mining, while 108 of the 3,587 companies have made advances Northwest became more erratic August 2008. Pennsylvania Act Eight longwall mines in properties (3 percent) inventoried to reduce underground mining’s and lasted longer, Abbott said. 54 requires such a report to be Greene and Washington counties were impacted; impact on the surface, this report Abbott worked with his former prepared every five years. accounted for nearly 94 percent of • Nearly 2,800 wells, springs gives us a chance to better under- graduate student, lead author and Act 54 held deep mine opera- the incidents involving structures and ponds were undermined with CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 Pitt alumnus Daniel Nelson; tors legally responsible for surface geology and planetary science damages caused by their mining faculty member Michael Rosen- operations for the first time in meier; Nathan Stansell, a Pitt Pennsylvania’s history. Under- PhD graduate now a postdoctoral ground coal mines that operated researcher at Ohio State Univer- prior to 1994 did not have a legal sity, and Pitt geology and planetary obligation to protect or restore science graduate student Byron surface structures or water sup- Steinman. The team included plies. researchers from Columbia, Kent The study analyzed the effects State, Idaho State and North of mine subsidence from 50 under- Cascades National Park. ground mines with data collected A timeline of the wet and dry by DEP and through University cycles, a graph illustrating the field monitoring studies. The average duration of each cycle and investigation focused on the a photo of the sediment core are subsidence effects to residential available at www.news.pitt.edu/ and commercial property as well news/Abbott-wet-dry-cycles- as water sources such as wells, American-West. springs, streams and wetlands. The report details the number Pitt joins in of structures, water supplies and new bipolar streams undermined during the research five-year assessment period. It The Department of Psychia- provides an overview of the type try’s mood disorders treatment and severity of any damages to research program is participating surface structures and surface in Bipolar CHOICE (Clinical features, as well as information on Health Outcomes Initiative in how long it took to resolve those Comparative Effectiveness), a issues. The report also describes 10-site nationwide trial evaluating and assesses the effectiveness of the advantages and disadvantages mitigation measures designed to of quetiapine versus lithium. minimize structural damage and The study, funded by a $10 damage to water resources. million grant from the Agency Preparing the report brought for Healthcare Research Quality, together faculty and students is being conducted locally by psy- across Pitt’s Swanson School of chiatry faculty member Edward Engineering as well as from the S. Friedman. geology and planetary science and Friedman and his research biological sciences departments. team are seeking adults ages 18-68 Iannacchione, director of Pitt’s with bipolar disorder who are mining engineering program, experiencing at least mild symp- said, “Pitt was chosen to write toms of depression, hypomania or this assessment for two important mania. Participants will receive reasons: our expert faculty and either lithium or quetiapine as a mood stabilizer for six months. The pharmacologic treatments for bipolar disorder have shifted away from lithium in favor of newly Blackboard Upgrade developed antipsychotics, such as Blackboard quetiapine. Both drugs have well- Will Provide Easier Editing documented side effects. Que- is about to get better at Pitt! tiapine may cause drowsiness and weight gain and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lithium Faculty who use CourseWeb/Blackboard will notice faster editing tools and easier navigation in May when the is associated with the risk of long- University of Pittsburgh upgrades to version 9.1. Bb9.1 provides more user-friendly tools teamed with fewer term thyroid and kidney problems. mouse clicks and improved features, including: “We hope this study will help us determine which medications • Content transferring: All course materials in your most recent CourseWeb class will upload to the new work best for patients with bipolar version - no re-creation required. disease with the least amount of side-effect burden. These results • Easier content creation: Editing tools are now at your fingertips throughout the course – no Control Panel may help us to design personalized treatments,” noted Friedman. access needed. Additional information on the • Built-in Blog and Journal tools, for better communication. study is available at www.pitts- burghbipolarstudy.com. • Easier assignment downloading: Now you can pull all student files submitted for a particular assignment into a single zip file – and Bb9.1 names each file with the assignment title and student username. Study looks at effects of mine • Multiple group development: Plan a group activity by creating several groups at once, let the students subsidence form their own, or have students randomly assigned to groups for you. A new report from Pitt and the Department of Environ- mental Protection is providing For more information visit the CourseWeb/Bb9 Support Site: www.cidde.pitt.edu/bb9. information that will be used to

15 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

R E S E A R C H N O T E S developed scientifically or with New York City-New Jersey, the efficiency in mind. Southeast and the Rust Belt — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 In the end, livers are wasted, he while the Western states form stand how those incidents occur, ers instead trimmed the network Health. said. In some cases, dense popula- two expansive regions anchored where they’re occurring, and how down to six regions that better The project was supported by tions supply and draw from rural by dense areas. The entire West we can prevent them or address account for urban and rural popu- grants from the National Science areas that have neither the requi- Coast — including population them more timely.” lation differences, geographic Foundation and the Air Force site need for nor stock of donor giant California — is combined The full report is available at distance and the anticipated supply Office of Scientific Research. livers. For instance, Seattle is the with the Mountain states, the www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/depu- of and demand for donor livers. “We’re simply redesigning largest city in the region covering Southwest and Alaska and Hawaii. tate/minres/bmr/act54_2008_ They calculated that their rear- the hierarchy by geographic and the entire Pacific Northwest, plus The northern Midwest joins the report/cover.htm. rangement could result in up to demographic information to Hawaii and Alaska. Oklahoma is Chicago area in one model and, 14 percent more transplants each increase the likelihood that recipi- paired only with Texas, which has in the other, is part of an area that year, a sizable increase considering ents will be found closer to the more than six times the popula- sweeps from North Carolina to Liver donation that more than 6,000 transplants liver’s point of origin,” Schaefer tion. At the same time, large popu- Arizona and from Texas to North optimization were performed in 2009 alone. said. “Under the current system, lation centers such as New York Dakota. Although the Western proposed Researcher Andrew Schaefer, a liver harvested in New Jersey City and New Jersey, which could regions are huge, Schaefer said, A redesign of the nation’s a faculty member in industrial is more likely to go to a patient easily support each other, are in the data the team used showed donor-liver distribution network engineering, said that the team’s in Beckley, West Virginia, than separate regions while a swath of that grueling journeys from, say, developed by Pitt researchers proposed regions do not change one in New York City. Plus, it countryside in the Great Plains Houston to Minnesota are not could result in several hundred how livers are allocated — the is well known that there are big states has no large city handy. common and that giving sparsely more people each year receiving most critical patients still receive geographic disparities in procure- To determine the most efficient populated areas access to a larger the transplants they need. an organ first — but rather put ment and that there are some regional arrangements, the Pitt supply of potential donors makes The team reported in the more potential donors and recipi- places where it is better to be on researchers plugged procurement such long distances worthwhile. journal INFORMS Manage- ents within range of one another. an organ waiting list than others.” data from OPOs nationwide into Illustrations of the current ment Science that donor livers Schaefer worked with his former Roberts, whose research an optimization model they devel- regional breakdown and both currently are doled out to 11 doctoral student and lead author includes developing mathemati- oped called an integer program Pitt rearrangements are avail- national regions that evolved with Nan Kong, a Pitt alumnus now cal models for efficient treat- that considered more than a tril- able at www.news.pitt.edu/news/ little regard for geography and at Purdue University; Brady ment, explained that regions are lion configurations before finally Schaefer-donor-liver-redesign. demographics, an arrangement Hunsaker, a former industrial used by local organ-procurement deciding on the two most efficient, The team’s next step is to maxi- that prevents many livers from engineering faculty member now organizations (OPOs) to provide Schaefer said. mize fairness within the regions getting to prospective recipients at Google Pittsburgh, and Mark livers to recipients in other parts Both Pitt models basically so that even more people have in time. S. Roberts, professor and chair of the country if recipients are break the Eastern United States access to donor livers, Roberts Using an optimization model of health policy and management not available at the local level. into four proportioned popula- said. The team demonstrates a they developed, the Pitt research- in the Graduate School of Public But the national regions were not tion clusters — New England, method for ensuring equality in a paper to be published at a future date in the INFORMS Journal of Computing. “If we can find a structure that benefits everyone, that’s the best chance of pushing these kinds of changes through,” Roberts said. “Still, it’s important that through this rearrangement we waste fewer organs and get more people trans- planted by what is a significant number when you consider that that number represents real peo- ple.” n GPU users group set up The Center for Simulation and Modeling (SAM) recently announced a new users group to bring together developers and users of graphics processing units (GPU) computing from various disciplines and experience levels. The center is dedicated to supporting and facilitating com- putational-based research across campus. SAM serves as a catalyst for multidisciplinary collabora- tions among faculty, sponsors modeling-focused seminars, teaches graduate-level modeling courses and provides individual consultation in modeling to Pitt researchers. The GPU users group, called GP3UG (Greater Pittsburgh general-purpose graphics process- ing users group) will be led by the SAM consultant team. Monthly meeting topics of discussion will include: • Project updates by users of SAM’s GPU resources; • GPU code development tips and tricks; • Useful libraries for scientific computing; • Product announcement news releases, and • Articles on GPUs for scien- tific computing. Users can register at http:// collab.sam.pitt.edu/og/sub- scribe/791. For more information, contact Akila Gothandaraman, akila@pitt. edu. n

16 MARCH 3, 2011

P E O P L E O F T H E T I M E S The People of the Times column features recent news on faculty and staff, including awards and other honors, accomplishments and administrative appoint- ments. Tracy Soska, director of con- the liaison between the American of the steering committee of the We welcome submissions from all areas of the University. Send information via email to: [email protected], by fax at 412/624-4579 or by campus mail to 308 tinuing education at the School of Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Chemistry in Cancer Research Bellefield Hall. Social Work and American Society of Metabolic working group (CICR) of the For submission guidelines, visit www.utimes.pitt.edu/?page_id=6807. co-director of and Bariatric Surgeons, working American Association for Cancer the University’s to promote safety and quality Research. Wisner’s research has been the effects during pregnancy of Community standards in plastic surgery after The mission of CICR is to funded by the National Institute mental illness from medications Outreach Part- weight loss. promote the future success of of Mental Health (NIMH) since used to treat it. nership Center, cancer research through the 1988. She has served on NIMH Wisner was elected to the will be honored Eric Swanson, a faculty scholarly exchange of chemistry- grant review sections since 1994. American College of Neuro- in May with the member in the Department of related information within the She is only the second Ameri- psychopharmacology in 2005. Community Physics and Astronomy, recently community of researchers that can to be elected president of the She received the Dr. Robert L. Ally Award, given by Community was elected as a fellow of the Amer- utilize chemical sciences and Marce International Society for Thompson Award for Commu- Human Services. ican Physical Society. Swanson was technologies in accomplishing the study of Childbearing Related nity Service from CHS provides shelter, housing, elected for “contributions to the their objectives. Disorders. Healthy Start of a food pantry, free medical and theory of hadron spectroscopy, Day’s research has centered on Her major interest is women’s Pittsburgh in 2006 mental health services, homeless especially in the areas of charm- the chemistry and pharmacology/ health across the life cycle, with a and the Pennsylva- outreach, rental assistance, com- quark mesons, gluonic excitations toxicology of cancer, particularly particular focus on childbearing. nia Perinatal Part- munity support and in-home help and mesonic molecules.” anti-tubulin/ She is a pioneer in the develop- nership Service to adults with disabilities. Swanson’s research concen- microtubule ment of strategies to distinguish Award in 2007. n In announcing the award, trates on describing the structure agents, anti- Adrienne Walnoha, CHS chief and interactions of hadrons, those estrogens, anti- executive officer, said, “As we were particles that are made of quarks topoisomerase planning for this year, we could and gluons. II agents and not think of a person who more nitric oxide genuinely embodies the spirit of Francesca (Checka) Lein- and pro/anti- civic engagement, community wall has been named vice presi- oxidant bio- development and relationship- dent of Student Affairs at the chemistry. building than Tracy. In these Titusville campus. challenging times ... it is people Leinwall comes to Pitt-Titus- Annette Devito Dabbs, a fac- like him that inspire us to dig ville from the University of North ulty member in the Department of deep, stand our ground and bring Carolina-Greensboro, where she Acute and Tertiary Care, School of the best of ourselves to work each most recently was director of Nursing, has been named Clinical and every day.” campus activities and programs Nurse Specialist Researcher of the Soska has had long commu- and associate director of student Year by the National Association nity-related service, notably on the life. of Clinical Nurse Specialists, an University Senate’s community She is a member of Student organization that represents all relations committee. He was a Affairs Administrators in Higher clinical nurse specialists in the recipient of the Chancellor’s Dis- Education, the American College United States. tinguished Public Service Award Personnel Association and the in 2002. American Institute of Parliamen- Katherine Wisner, a faculty tarians. member in psychiatry, recently The School of Medicine She completed her bachelor’s received the American Medi- recently named J. Peter Rubin, degree at Western Maryland Col- cal Women’s Association’s 2011 an expert on lege and graduate degrees from Women in Science Award. adult stem cells the University of Virginia and The award is presented to a derived from fat Penn State. woman physician who has made tissue and body exceptional contributions to medi- contouring sur- Billy Day, a faculty member cal science, especially in women’s gery, as chief in pharmaceutical sciences at the health, through her basic clinical of the Division School of Pharmacy, was elected research, her publications and of Plastic and as the 2011-12 chairperson-elect leadership in her field. Reconstructive Surgery. In addition to his role as divi- sion chief, Rubin is director of the UPMC Life After Weight Loss Program. He is co-director of the Adipose Stem Cell Center and co- director of the UPMC Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center. Rubin’s laboratory research focuses on applications of adult adipose- derived stem cells for restoring damaged tissues after trauma and cancer therapy. He currently is the lead investigator for clinical trials using technologies designed to improve the lives of wounded military personnel. Rubin has received numerous awards for his research work, most notably for the Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineering and for his National Institutes of Health-funded work with fat-derived stem cells. As a past president of the International Federation for Adi- pose Therapeutics and Science, Rubin led a group of scientists worldwide who study the use of fat stem cells for treating numerous disorders. He also has been chair of the Plastic Surgery Research Council, the oldest basic science research organization in the field of plastic surgery. He currently serves as chair of a joint task force of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Sur- gery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons on the use of stem cells. Additionally, Rubin serves as

17 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

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18 MARCH 3, 2011

C A L E N D A R Bradford Campus Empty Ctr. for Neuroscience Bowls & Baskets Dinner “Neuronal Encoding of Brief CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 Mukaiyama U Rm., Frame- Time Intervals in the Visual Clinical Oncology & Hematol- Neurology Grand Rounds Asian Studies Lecture Westerberg Commons, UPB, System,” J. Patrick Mayo; March ogy Grand Rounds “Neurobiology of Insomnia,” “Comparative Health Status of 5-7 pm 15, LRDC 2nd fl. aud., 9 am “Malignant Pleural Mesothe- Daniel Buysse; 1105 Scaife, 4 pm Women & Children in Indo- Latin American Film GSPH/Environmental & lioma: Improving Treatment PACWC Women’s Network- nesia, the Maldives & Solomon “Ciclovida Lifecycle”; FFA aud., Occupational Health Options,” Lee Krug; UPMC ing Event Islands,” Astri Ferdiana, epi- 6:30 pm “Peroxynitrite Reactions With Cancer Pavilion Herberman UClub, 4:30-6 pm demiology; 4130 Posvar, noon Mitochondrial Cytochromes,” Conf. Ctr. 2nd fl. aud., 8 am GSPIA Ridgway/UHC Ameri- (8-7370) PhD Defenses Elisenda Lopez Manzano; March HSLS Lunch With a Librarian can Experience Lecture ADRC Lecture 15, Bridgeside Point 5th fl. conf. “Making a Dent in Your Personal “Midnight in Mexico: Descent “Anticipatory Grief After a New Engineering/Industrial Engi- rm., 3 pm Paper Silo,” Patricia Weiss; Falk Into Darkness,” Alfredo Cognitive Diagnosis,” Linda neering Engineering/Bioengineering Library conf. rm. B, noon Corchado, Dallas Morning Garand, nursing; ADRC conf. “On Solving Selected Nonlinear “Development & Evaluation World History Workshop News; 20th C. Club, 8 pm rm. S439 Montefiore, noon Integer Programming Problems of a Novel Method for In-Situ “Environment as World His- (4-1514) Humanities Colloquium in Data Mining, Computa- Medical Image Display,” Gaurav tory,” Tom Anderson; 3703 “Property Rights: Autobiogra- tional Biology & Sustainability,” Shukla; March 16, 102 Benedum, Posvar, noon Thursday 17 phy & the Ownership of Life,” Andrew Trapp; March 3, 1038 2:30 pm Pathology Research Seminar Silvia Molloy, NYU; 602 CL, Benedum, 9:30 am “Assessing the Warburg Effect Molecular Biophysics/Struc- 12:30-2 pm Education/Administrative & Theatre From a Systems Biology Per- tural Biology Seminar Aging Inst. Lecture Policy Studies spective,” Zoltan Oltvai; 1104 “Mechanism in Membrane Biol- “Suicidality in Late Life: Results “Parental Influences on First- Kuntu Repertory Theatre Scaife, noon ogy: From Protein Kinase C to from Scandinavia,” Margda Generation College Students: “Mahalia Jackson: Standing on Humanities Forum the ESCRTs,” James Hurley; Waern; Scaife 4th fl. aud. 6, 4 pm Case Studies of Enrollment & Holy Ground”; through March “Bilingualism & Translation,” 6014 BST3, 11 am Civil & Environmental Engi- Persistence Among Trio Par- 12; 7th fl. aud. Alumni, Thu.-Sat. Silvia Molloy, NYU; 602 CL, Epidemiology Seminar neering Lecture ticipants,” Kelly Matthew Austin; 8 pm, Sun. 4 pm, also March 5 12:30-2 pm “The Effects of Obesity & “Fatigue & Fracture: A Chal- March 3, 4321 Posvar, 2 pm at 1 pm & March 10 at 11 am HSLS Workshop Sodium on the Vasculature: Pri- lenge for Existing & Future Steel A&S/Chemistry (4-8498) “Microarray Data Analysis,” mary Results of the SAVE Clini- Bridges,” John Fisher, Lehigh; “New Methods in Heterocycle Uma Chandran; Falk Library cal Trial,” Kim Sutton-Tyrrell; FFA aud., 4:30 pm Preparation,” John Maciejewski; Exhibits classrm. 2, 1-3 pm A115 Crabtree, noon March 3, 307 Eberly, 3 pm Engineering/Bioengineering HA&A Exhibit “The Impact of Slip Exposure on “Mind Space, Maximalism in Gait,” April Chambers; March Contrasts”; through March 18; 10, 229 Benedum, 2 pm U Art Gallery, FFA, 10 am-4 pm A&S/Music M-F (8-2400) “Morton Feldman’s ‘For Samuel HSLS Exhibit Beckett’: The Semiotics of “Harry Potter’s World: Renais- Musical Time and ‘i meet you. i sance Science, Magic & Medi- remember you.’ (an original cine”; through March 26; Falk composition for violin and cham- Library, reg. library hours ber orchestra),” David Matthews, Law Library Exhibit March 11, 114 Music, 9:30 am “Landscapes: Imagined/Real,” Engineering/Bioengineering Timothy Thompson; through “Characterizing the Effects May 20; Barco Law Library Gal- of Simulated Injury on the lery, reg. library hours (8-1376) Structure & Function of the Glenohumeral Capsule”; Carrie Deadlines Voycheck; March 14, 203 Ctr. for Biotechnology, 300 Technology Philosophy of Science Con- Dr., 9 am ference Medicine/Immunology Deadline is March 15 to register “Tim-3 & Galectin-9 Regulation for Epistemology of Modeling & of Effector T Cell Activation & Simulation Nat’l Conference to Function,” Ee Wern Su; March be held April 1-3 at the UClub. 14, S100 Starzl BST, 2 pm (www.modelingepistemology. pitt.edu/registration) n

C L A S S I F I E D W/D; extra storage available. 24-hour garage • $8 for up to 15 words; $9 for 16-30 attendant. Mail room. $1,150/mo. Includes words; $10 for 31-50 words. all utilities. Minimum 1-year lease. Parking • For University ads, submit an account outdoor or indoor. $40-$80/mo. No pets. To number for transfer of funds. view, please write to [email protected]. • All other ads should be accompanied by OPPORTUNITY a check for the full amount made payable PART-TME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY to the University of Pittsburgh. Do different. Get different. Independent • Reserve space by submitting ad copy pre-paid legal associate. Contact P. Sallie: one week prior to publication. Copy and 412/758-6743. payment should be sent to University Times, 308 Bellefield Hall, University SERVICES of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh 15260. ELDER LAW—ESTATE ATTORNEYS Michael H. Marks & Associates. Elder law; • For more information, call Barbara nursing home/Medicaid cost-of-care planning; DelRaso, 412/624-4644. wills; POAs; trusts; probate & estate administra- tion; real estate. Squirrel Hill: 412/421-8944; FITNESS Monroeville: 412/373-4235; email: michael@ INTERESTED IN ROWING? marks-law.com. Free initial consultation. Fees A HOLIDAY REMINDER FROM THE The Pitt Masters Rowing Club is recruiting quoted in advance. Personal & informative. new members. Staff & faculty of all skill levels SUBJECTS NEEDED OFFICE OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT & ages are welcome to join. Includes indoor practice sessions & in-season water rowing. For BLOOD PRESSURE & THE BRAIN All faculty, staff and students are reminded to turn off computers, more details about club membership, contact Research study with one MRI and two interview [email protected]. sessions seeks healthy adults ages 35-60. Cannot radios, copiers, printers, fax machines, automatic coffee machines, LAUGHTER YOGA have hypertension, heart disease or diabetes. 35 min. of free & friendly laughter/exercise in $150 compensation. Some invited to repeat lights & other items in their area before leaving for Spring Break. a joke-free zone. No special clothing or equip- study in 2 years with additional compensa- ment needed—just a willingness to have some tion. Contact Kim Novak at 412/246-6200 or Please take a moment to shut these items off. This will help reduce good old-fashioned fun at no one’s expense. [email protected]. 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 pm, First Unitarian CAREGIVERS University utility costs & lessen the potential for physical damage Church (Morewood & Ellsworth) Shadyside. Are you helping a friend or family member with Call 412/271-7660 for more info. memory loss? The University of Pittsburgh to this equipment. School of Nursing invites you to participate in a HOUSING/RENT research study about caregiving strategies. The Facilities Management thanks you for your OAKLAND study involves a combination of home visits & Great location. Walk to Pitt, CMU, UPMC. phone calls. A small monetary compensation consideration and wishes you a Happy Spring Holiday! Secure condominium building, pre-war: 1 will be provided. Call 1-800/653-9234. BR, DR, LR, gallery entryway, parquet floors.

19 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

C A L E N D A R Chemistry Seminar Chemistry Seminar “Natural Product Synthesis at “Coupling of Adiabatic Reac- the Interface of Chemistry & tions & Protein-Solvent Dynam- March Biology,” Jiyong Hong, Duke; ics in Radical Enzyme Catalysis,” Thursday 3 SHRS/CIDDE Workshop GI Research Rounds 307 Eberly, 3 pm Kurt Warncke, Emory; 12A “Assessment Strategies: Objec- “Update on Celiac Disease,” Chevron, 4 pm tive Exams & Capstone Proj- Ciaran Kelly; M2 conf. rm. Molecular Biophysics/Struc- Saturday 5 ects,” Carol Washburn & Lorna Presby, 7:30 am tural Biology Seminar Friday 11 Kearns, CIDDE; 4060 Forbes Endocrine Conference “Single Molecule FRET Studies Men’s Basketball Tower, 3-4:30 pm “Lumps & Bumps in the Pediat- of Nucleosome Dynamics,” Jorg Vs. Villanova; Petersen, 4 pm • University closed in obser- Chemistry Seminar ric Thyroid: Current Approaches Langowski; 6014 BST3, 11 am vance of spring holiday. “Evolving New Specificities in to Treatment,” Steven Wagues- Epidemiology Seminar Sunday 6 a Superfamily of Phosphatases,” pack; 1195 Starzl BST, 8:30 am “The Future of Epidemiology: WPIC Meet the PI Lecture Karen Allen, BU; 12A Chevron, WPIC Clinical Grand Rounds Innovation,” Roberta Ness; A115 • No classes due to spring “MR Imaging Predictors of 4 pm “Addiction Medicine Services,” Crabtree, noon break through March 13. Treatment Response in Late- Gut Club Lecture Dennis Daley; WPIC 2nd fl. Asian Studies Lecture University offices & buildings Life Depression,” Howard “Tackling the C. difficile Epi- aud., 11 am-12:30 pm “The Real of the Real: Kyoto remain open & staffed except Aizenstein; WPIC 2nd fl. aud., demic: Antibiotics & Beyond,” ULS Emerging Legends Con- Vegetables & Discourses of on Friday, March 11. 11 am-12:30 pm Ciaran Kelly; UClub Ballrm. A, cert Authenticity,” Greg de St. Mau- 6-8:15 pm T. Mitchell Bell; Cup & Chaucer, rice, anthropology; 4130 Posvar, Monday 7 Monday 14 Latin American Film ground fl. Hillman, noon noon (8-7370) “La nana (The Maid)”; FFA aud., Sr. VC’S Research Seminar Chemistry Seminar Neurobiology of Brain Dys- Neurobiology of Brain Dys- 6:30 pm “Preterm Birth as a Precursor “Self-Assembly of Nanopar- function Lecture function Lecture of Maternal Cardiovascular ticles, Amphiphilic Polymers & “Parkinsonian Syndromes,” “Traumatic Brain Injury,” Pat Disease: Role of Lipids,” Janet DNA,” Sojung Park, Penn; 12B Friday 4 Sarah Berman & Michael Zig- Kochanek; 114 Victoria, 9:30- Catov; Scaife aud. 6, noon Chevron, 2:30 pm mond; 114 Victoria, 9:30-11:30 11:30 am Renal Electrolyte Lecture Vagantes Medieval Graduate • Spring term deadline for am Greensburg Campus Writer’s “Immune Mechanisms of Acute Student Conference students to submit monitored Port Authority Open House Festival Kidney Injury,” Mark Okusa; 501 CL, 2:30-6:30 pm (also withdrawal forms to dean’s Connolly Ballrm. Alumni, 11:45 Through March 18, Village F-1145 Presby, 12:15 pm March 4, 9 am-6:30 pm & March office. am-1:30 pm Coffee House, UPG; daily lec- 5, 9 am-9 pm; www.vagantescon- ture 4 pm, daily reading 7 pm ference.org) Tuesday 8 (info: 724/836-7481) HSLS Film MWRI Seminar “Harry Potter & the Half-Blood “Reproductive Function of the Prince”; Scaife lecture rm. 6, TGFB Family Signal Trans- 7 pm duction Pathways,” Stephanie Pangas; MWRI 1st fl. conf. ctr., Tuesday 15 noon Chemistry Seminar GI Pathophysiology/Board “Microfabricated Chemical & Review Biochemical Analysis Systems,” “Dysmotility Syndromes of the Richard Mathies, UC-Berkeley; GI Tract,” Priya Roy; M2 conf. 12B Chevron, 4 pm rm. Presby, 7:30 am .Org Career Fair Wednesday 9 WPU Assembly Rm., 10 am-2 pm (registration: www.regonline. Orthopaedic Surgery Grand com/org_career_fair) Rounds Health Services Research “Giant Cell Tumor,” Lisa Ercol- Seminar ano; LHAS Aud., 7th fl. main “The Promise & Peril of New level Montefiore, 7 am Medical Technology,” Peter Clinical Oncology & Hematol- Groeneveld; 305 Parkvale, noon ogy Grand Rounds Senate Community Relations “Development of a Novel Strat- Committee Mtg. egy for Prevention of GVHD: 272 Hillman, noon From Bench to Bedside,” Pavan Social Work Lecture “Creating & Testing Social Inno- The Russian National Ballet Theatre will perform “Romeo & Juliet,” March 15 in Bromeley Theatre Reddy; UPMC Cancer Pavilion on the Bradford campus. Herberman Conf. Ctr. 2nd fl. vations,” Michael Sherraden, aud., 8 am Washington U in St. Louis; 2017 HSLS Workshop CL, noon (info: 412/335-4457) “Adobe Photoshop for Begin- Philosophy of Science Lecture UNIVERSITY ners,” Julia Jankovic; Falk Library “How to Weigh Evidence,” classrm. 2, 9-11 am Heather Douglas, U of TN; TIMES Staff Assn. Council Mtg. 817R CL, 12:05 pm (4-1052) 532 Alumni, 12:15 pm Humanities Lecture Neurology Grand Rounds “Living Bilingual: A Reflection publication schedule “Intractable Epilepsy: The on Cultural Encounters,” Silvia Audacity of Hope,” Gregory Molloy, NYU; 602 CL, 1 pm Cascino; 1105 Scaife, 4 pm Global Health Film Events occurring Submit by For publication “The World’s Toilet Crisis”; Thursday 10 A115 Crabtree, 3:30-5:30 pm March 17-March 31 March 10 March 17 HSLS Lecture UPCI Symposium “World of Medieval Medicine March 31-April 14 March 24 March 31 “Cancer Genomics & the Impact & Harry Potter,” Sylvia Pam- of Next Generation Sequenc- boukian, Robert Morris; Scaife April 14-28 April 7 April 14 ing”; UPMC Cancer Pavilion lecture rm. 5, 6 pm Bradford Campus Perfor- April 28-May 12 April 21 April 28 Herberman Conf. Ctr. 2nd fl. aud., 8 am-3:45 pm mance May 12-26 May 5 May 12 Endocrine Research Confer- “Romeo & Juliet,” Russian ence National Ballet Theatre; Bro- May 26-June 9 May 19 May 26 “The Biology of Lactational meley Theatre, Blaisdell, UPB, Bone Loss,” Andrew Stewart; 7:30 pm (814/362-5155) June 9-23 June 2 June 9 1195 Starzl BST, noon CRSP Lecture Wednesday 16 June 23-July 7 June 16 June 23 “Intergroup Relations/Implicit Bias,” John Dovidio, Yale; 2017 Orthopaedic Surgery Grand July 7-21 June 30 July 7 CL, noon-1:30 pm (4-7382) Rounds Yuri Lansinger; LHAS Aud. 7th July 14 Chemistry Seminar July 21-Sept. 1 July 21 “Photoredox Catalysis: En- fl. Montefiore, 7 am The University Times events calendar includes Pitt-sponsored events as well as non-Pitt events held on abling Chemical Synthesis With a Pitt campus. Information submitted for the calendar should identify the type of event, such as lecture Visible Light,” Corey Stephen- or concert, and the program’s specific title, sponsor, location and time. The name and phone number of son, BU; 12B Chevron, 2:30 pm a contact person should be included. Information should be sent by email to: [email protected], by FAX to: 412/624-4579, or by campus mail to: 308 Bellefield Hall. We cannot guarantee publication of events received after the deadline. CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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