F E A T U R E I N T H I S I S S U E

In a sign of the times, WPIC Library has closed its doors...... 2

Some 40-year staff members reminisce about the campus changes they’ve witnessed...... 9 While most of us are sleeping, some U N I V E R S I T Y Pitt staff are just starting their work day. A look at the “dark” side of Pitt. See pages 4-6. TIMES VOLUME 41 • NUMBER 9 JANUARY 8, 2009 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH Pitt takes cost-cutting steps University wants your elt-tightening is a neces- stated that while the University we possibly can.” sity on college campuses expects to move ahead with some Rather than order across- 2 cents on Pitt benefits Bthis season and Pitt is appointments, the hiring review the-board cuts, Knapp said A&S aculty and staff now can let the University know what they no exception. Executive pay has process has been implemented administrators are counting on think of Pitt’s employee benefits. been frozen, hiring decisions are “with the expectation that levels of department chairs to determine F Pitt’s Benefits Department, in cooperation with the Staff being scrutinized and classroom hiring will be significantly reduced where savings can be found. Association Council (SAC), is launching an internal benefits survey resources are being consolidated during the current year, as we wait “We’re trying to do things in an online at the Human Resources web site, www.hr.pitt.edu. The survey as the University responds to for the economy to stabilize.” intelligent way,” he said. link will be operational until Jan. 23. uncertain economic times. In addition, the five super That includes canceling classes According to John Kozar, director of Benefits, the survey is A second round of budget responsibility center heads (Nor- that fail to meet minimum enroll- soliciting opinions on Pitt’s current benefit offerings. cuts in Harrisburg is likely to lop denberg, Executive Vice Chan- ments (unless there is an extenuat- Questions also are included to obtain feedback on the University’s additional amounts from Pitt’s cellor Jerome Cochran, Provost ing reason to keep them); combin- Benefits Department customer service and internal communication, budget by the end of the fiscal year, James Maher, Senior Vice Chan- ing low-enrollment sections of the and opinions on additional benefits or services that should be con- bringing the expected reduction to cellor for Health Sciences Arthur same course into one, and offering sidered. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, Pitt’s combined $189.25 million in Levine and Vice Chancellor for some courses less frequently. Kozar said. state support to more than $11.3 Budget and Controller Arthur It also means that some part- A summary of the results will be released in February, he said. million. Ramicone) are responsible for time faculty are finding they Sherry Viann Shrum, chair of the SAC benefits committee, urged q determining where in their units no longer are needed as A&S employees to complete the survey. No layoffs or hiring freezes to find their area’s share of the state attempts to put as many tenure- “Benefits are very expensive to the University and during these have been implemented as a result money that likely will be withheld stream faculty into the classroom tough economic times it is critical that the current benefit pack- of the state budget cuts, accord- at the end of the fiscal year. as possible. ages being offered to staff members are fully utilized and that staff ing to Vice Chancellor for Public q Knapp said some faculty course members understand all of the benefits that are available to them,” Affairs Robert Hill. However, In the School of Arts and releases for administrative work Shrum said. “It is equally important that staff members are able to some vacant staff positions are Sciences, adjustments are being are being eliminated and some voice their opinion on the benefits being offered and that they have being left unfilled as a way to make made in the classroom. Faculty are vacancies are not being filled. In a high level of satisfaction with those benefits.” up some of the reduction in state not being laid off, nor are teach- addition, “we are not necessar- The survey addresses both those concerns, she said. “It will also funding and all hiring must be ing loads increasing, said Senior ily replacing courses” when, for give the University some insight on benefits they might want to approved by the appropriate super Associate Dean James Knapp. example, a faculty member is out offer in the future and help them gauge their cost effectiveness,” responsibility center head. However, “We are asking chairs on medical leave, he said. Shrum added. In a Dec. 18 University Update, to make sure the faculty resources Faculty have been very under- —Peter Hart n Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg we have are being as well used as CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Health’s Department of Biostatis- five-level scale ranging from “neg- tics, concluded that the margins of ligible” to “serious,” with “some safety identified by the FDA may concern” being the midpoint. In be inadequate. a prepared NIH release, NTP The subcommittee, consisting associate director John Bucher of two members of the Science stated, “We are expressing this Board and five scientists from level of concern because we see government and academia, dis- developmental changes occurring agreed with the FDA’s choice to in some animal studies at BPA exclude certain studies from its exposure levels similar to those Just how safe is safety assessment and found, in experienced by humans.” part, that in light of other stud- In the same release, Michael ies (and several published after Shelby, director of the NTP the draft was completed) that the Center for the Evaluation of Risks margins of safety may be “far less to Human Reproduction, noted your water bottle? than those defined by FDA as that more research is needed to ‘adequate.’” understand how the findings relate In addition, the panel pointed to human health and develop- out that the draft assessment did ment, “but at this point we can’t not examine cumulative expo- dismiss the possibility that the s your water bottle making you liquid infant formula or from sures, noting: “The human health effects we’re seeing in animals sick? What about the plastic BPA, an ingredient polycarbonate baby bottles when risks of the food contact applica- may occur in humans,” adding that Icontainer that holds the lunch boiling water is added to powdered tions may be understated when concerned parents can choose to you brought from home? formula. only a single source of exposure reduce their children’s exposure Among the most recent chemi- in many plastics, As often is the case, even the is considered and limited data are to BPA. cals targeted for public concern is the most recent scientists can’t agree about the available regarding other food q is bisphenol A, an industrial safety of BPA, leaving consumers contact exposures,” such as those In response to consumer chemical mainly used to make chemical to stir unsure whether they ought to be from polycarbonate “sippy” cups concerns, some manufacturers polycarbonate plastics and epoxy concerned. or sport bottles. and retailers already are turn- resins. scientific debate. A draft assessment by the U.S. q ing to alternatives. Toys ‘R’ Us BPA is among a number of xen- Food and Drug Administration A report released last Septem- has announced it will phase out oestrogens (artificial compounds should look for further identifica- concluded last August that “an ber by the National Toxicology baby products containing BPA. that mimic the effects of natural tion on the product package (such adequate margin of safety exists for Program (NTP) found that human Wal-Mart has stopped stocking estrogens) counted as estrogen- as “PC” for polycarbonate) or BPA at current levels of exposure exposure to BPA is of “some con- baby products containing BPA disrupting chemicals. contact the manufacturer. from food contact uses.” cern” for effects on development in Canada and plans to phase Polycarbonate plastics are People can be exposed to BPA But FDA’s own Science Board of the prostate gland and brain and them out this year in the United among those “other plastics” des- when it migrates from plastic subcommittee on BPA, in its for behavioral effects in fetuses, States. ignated with a 7 in the triangular containers into food or drinks, scientific peer-review of the infants and children. “BPA-free” is turning up recycling code stamped on the particularly during heating, or draft assessment, disagreed. The NTP, a research program at on more and more product product. However, not all plastics when it leaches from can linings. subcommittee, which included the National Institutes of Health’s labels. Tennessee-based Eastman marked with a 7 contain polycar- Babies are exposed to the chemical Howard Rockette, chair of National Institute of Environ- Chemical Co. is marketing a bonates. To be certain, consumers when BPA migrates into canned Pitt’s Graduate School of Public mental Health Sciences, uses a CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

point for the WPIC community,” Epstein said, recalling it as a space for many receptions and events. Closing the book(s) on WPIC’s library “It was a big recruiting tool,” she said, noting that prospective fter 66 years, the library by the end of March, but exact work of moving the materials, hires always were shown through at Western Psychiatric plans for dismantling the collec- the technical aspects are daunt- the collection, which was highly AInstitute and Clinic has tion are still in progress, Epstein ing as well. Sorting mainly will regarded in its field. shut its doors. Dec. 19 was the said. HSLS has another moving be done electronically, although She worked closely with former final day for patrons — mainly project in the works as its library some physical sorting will be WPIC librarian Lucile Stark from faculty, researchers or family at Children’s Hospital prepares required also. 1975 to 1985 before succeeding members of WPIC patients — to to relocate to the new hospital Reports will be run to deter- her in the position. During that walk into the library to use the campus in April. mine which books are used or not time, Stark envisioned a larger collection of works on psychiatry During the transition, print used. Duplicates will be culled library and raised funds that and behavioral sciences. materials from the WPIC library and little-used works will be enabled it to triple in size. “I give “There is a loyal core who will be available upon request (via sent to the HSLS storage facil- her credit for the library. It was a like to come to the library,” said HSLS for affiliates of UPMC and ity in Lexington Technical Park, wonderful collection that was in Barbara Epstein, director of Pitt’s the Schools of the Health Sci- Epstein said. a cramped, dark space,” Epstein Health Sciences Library System, ences; or through the University Because the history of psychia- said, recalling how some of the of which the WPIC library was a Library System for other Pitt try is comparatively short, many books in the collection prior to the part. But, she said, library users patrons), although there may seminal works were published in 1981 expansion show damage on have become scattered with be brief periods when certain the early 1900s. Historical gems their spines — testimony to how more and more faculty in remote portions of the holdings will be such as first editions will be sorted patrons had to pry them from offices, so “fewer and fewer have unavailable. out for special consideration. The the shelves, they were squeezed been using the on-site library,” “We’re still coming up with National Library of Medicine also together so tightly. she said. a timeline and a plan of attack,” may be offered some materials, Stark foresaw changes to librar- Neither WPIC president Epstein said, noting that there is Epstein said. “It is our challenge ies on the horizon and designed Claudia Roth nor psychiatry an art to moving a library. Movers, and obligation to be responsible a library to last 10 years, Epstein department chair David Kupfer for instance, need to realize that about this,” she said, adding that said. Indeed, changes came: card would comment on the reason for materials are sequential and can’t the national library — the world’s catalog cabinets now are used to the library closure or plans for the simply be jumbled together. Space largest medical library, affiliated hold audiocassettes, computer space it is vacating. calculations must be made to with the National Institutes of labs came and went and videotape Thousands of volumes of ensure print materials fit on the Health — could be a perfect home viewing areas became obsolete. books, bound journals and other shelves. Planning is key. for some of the materials. With some readjustments, the

materials from the library will “It’s going to be a big job,” said Earlier in her own library Kimberly K. Barlow expanded library lasted 25 years find new homes at HSLS’s Falk Epstein, who has moved libraries career at Pitt, Epstein spent two Barbara Epstein, director of instead of merely a decade. Library in Scaife Hall, in stor- before but never has closed and decades on the WPIC library staff. Pitt’s Health Sciences Library “Now it’s overdue for the next System, is heading up the dis- age or perhaps in other libraries. dismantled a collection. “The library, especially when it mantling of the WPIC library, phase,” she said. Her goal is to complete the move In addition to the physical was new and shiny, was a focal which closed last month. —Kimberly K. Barlow n State budget woes bad omen for Pitt appropriation n October, Gov. Edward G. of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Hailing Pitt’s successes to leg- you want to invest and stimulate ing hiring and leaving positions Rendell announced that more Institute and Clinic, Pitt’s dental islators won’t be hard, Supowitz the economy, we’re a good place unfilled isn’t sustainable forever, Ithan $7.25 million (4.25 per- clinic and the Center for Public said. “Pitt has a good story to tell. to do that.” since universities are a people- cent of Pitt’s appropriation) would Health Practice, which comes Everything at Pitt has gone so well In addition, Supowitz said intensive business, Supowitz be withheld from the University’s through the Department of Public over the last dozen or so years.” the point needs to be made that said. final appropriation payment of the Welfare with matching federal Citing the new technologies Pitt and its fellow state-related Given that tuition dollars fiscal year if the state’s financial funds, also is targeted for a $1.11 and new jobs the University gen- universities have “absorbed more and the state appropriation are picture didn’t improve. Follow- million, or 6 percent, cut. erates, he noted: “We really have than our fair share of the pain in the two unrestricted sources of ing a dismal mid-year budget The expected reductions to try to educate [legislators] and difficult budget years.” revenue used to pay employees, report, in December Rendell would cut more than $11.3 mil- open their eyes to the fact that The University weathered a he said, “We’re going to have to increased the freeze to Pitt and lion from Pitt’s combined $189.25 in a difficult economic period 3 percent mid-year cut from the start cutting if funding continues its fellow state-related schools to million in state support. research universities are one of state in FY02, followed by a 3.7 to be eroded.” 6 percent. Pitt’s overall FY09 budget is the best engines for recovery. That percent cut in FY03 and a nearly Regardless of the value of For Pitt, the cut of more than $1.71 billion. has to be an important part of the 5 percent reduction in its FY04 their arguments, University lead- $10.3 million to the Education The state’s financial picture discussion.” appropriation, cuts from which ers may find themselves facing and General and other line items has continued to worsen. State He pointed out that in western it was just beginning to recover. a tough audience of legislators would put the current appropria- officials report that general fund Pennsylvania job creation largely “We’ve more than shouldered our saying, “We’d love to help you tion below the University’s FY06 collections are lagging 6.8 percent has come through the region’s uni- share of the burden,” Supowitz but there’s no money here and appropriation of nearly $164.65 behind estimates and the deficit versities and hospitals. “Almost all said. we’re looking to take back money,” million. could rise as high as $1.7 billion of that is a result of research going Looking at the long term, Supowitz said. In addition, more than $18.5 by the end of the fiscal year. on here and research funding. If the current strategy of scrutiniz- —Kimberly K. Barlow n million in funding for the School Although the governor has made the cuts in Pitt’s appro- priation contingent on the eco- nomic situation, Associate Vice Pitt takes cost-cutting steps Chancellor for Commonwealth CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and City/County Relations Paul standing and accommodating, endowment value as of Nov. 30. be felt all at once. Distributions Supowitz said, “It would be Pol- Knapp said. “I think everyone Pitt’s endowment stood at nearly from the endowment are based U N I V E R S I T Y lyanna-ish to think there’s going to understands this is really a pretty $2.4 billion as of June 30, 2008, on a three-year trailing average be a turnaround and we’re going unprecedented — at least in according to the University’s FY08 to help smooth the effects of such TIMES to see that money.” our lifetimes — economic situ- consolidated balance sheets. market fluctuations. EDITOR In such a dismal financial cli- ation.” The FY10 operating budget In addition, Pitt’s distribution N. J. Brown 412/624-1373 mate, University officials aren’t q request Pitt submitted to the state formula includes a “floor” that [email protected] expecting much love from legis- While there have been no last September listed endowment guarantees the endowment will WRITERS lators when they travel to Har- wage freezes announced for Pitt income revenues of $51.45 million not distribute less money than it risburg next month to brief state Kimberly K. Barlow 412/624-1379 employees, as has been the case at in FY08. did in the previous year, enabling [email protected] House and Senate appropriations Carnegie Mellon University, Pitt’s When it comes to distribu- deans and schools to better plan committees on Pitt’s budget Board of Trustees’ compensation tions, however, the decline in the their budgets. Peter Hart 412/624-1374 needs. committee in December froze University’s investments won’t —Kimberly K. Barlow n [email protected] As it has since 2006, the the salaries of the University’s top BUSINESS MANAGER University requested an 8.5 leadership. Barbara DelRaso 412/624-4644 percent appropriation increase The trustees did not take any Pitt 13th among U.S. publics in world rankings [email protected] for the coming fiscal year (see action on the retention bonuses Pitt placed 13th among U.S. public universities and 35th among Events Calendar: [email protected] Sept. 25, 2008, University Times) of $75,000 for Nordenberg or all U.S. universities in U.S. News & World Report’s first World’s The University Times is published bi-weekly on Thursdays by the University of Pittsburgh. although legislators ultimately $50,000 for Cochran, Maher and Best Colleges and Universities rankings. The University also is listed Send correspondence to University Times, have bestowed much lower Ramicone should they continue among the top 100 universities worldwide. 308 Bellefield Hall, University of Pittsburgh, increases. Last year, for instance, in their positions through June. The rankings are based on data from the Times Higher Educa- Pittsburgh, PA 15260; fax to 412/624-4579 Pitt’s appropriation was increased (See Dec. 4, 2008, University tion-QS Quacquarelli Symonds Rankings, produced in association or email: [email protected]. just 1.5 percent. Times.) Without trustee action, the with QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a network for careers and education Subscriptions are available at a cost of $25 for the publishing year, which runs August-July. “It’s going to be very tough bonuses continue indefinitely. that has been publishing world rankings since 2004. Make checks payable to the University of because they’re looking for places q The other institutions in the top 13 public U.S. universities ranking are Pittsburgh. to cut in this year’s budget and Adding to the financial woes Michigan, UCLA, UC-Berkeley, Wisconsin-Madison, UC-San Diego, The newspaper is available electronically at: going forward into next year’s,” is an estimated drop of some Washington, Texas-Austin, Illinois, Georgia Tech, Minnesota, UC- www.pitt.edu/utimes/ut.html Supowitz said. 22 percent of the University’s Davis and Virginia. n

 JANUARY 8, 2009

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tive design,” the RFP stated. BPA-free plastic called Tritan, While MSI’s challenge found which it touts as being compliant no takers, Beckman believes with FDA, European Union and design should have a seat at the Japanese Ministry of Health and table when it comes to the devel- Welfare food safety standards. opment of chemical products. Sport bottle maker Nalgene “I don’t think a lot of design and baby bottle producer Evenflo goes into the materials we use,” are among manufacturers that Beckman said, noting that many have turned to Tritan in light of Just how safe is are accidents that were stumbled consumer demand for BPA-free upon then optimized rather than products. being designed with intent and q with attention toward alterna- James Fabisiak, a researcher your water bottle? tives. in Pitt’s Department of Environ- “Design of alternatives typi- mental and Occupational Health, cally isn’t thought about until pointed out that health risk con- you’re at the brink,” he said, troversies represent a two-edged noting that if an alternative is sword: The public nature of the of which are sure to be recognized to tease out, raising additional chemical into the environment found “it’s going to be found as a debate brings attention to the con- as more sophisticated toxicologi- questions. and to work with manufacturers crash course.” cern, but the intense focus on one cal measurements are developed, For example, a review using to reduce levels of BPA in infant That rush typically eliminates chemical also can divert attention Beckman said. National Health and Nutrition formula. The Canadian govern- academia from participating. from other dangers. q Examination Survey data associ- ment advised that adults do not “We’re too slow,” Beckman said. That’s not to say public atten- In addition to entering the food ated elevated urinary levels of need to quit using polycarbonate “We’re the odd man out just when tion can’t yield positive effects on supply, BPA and other estrogen- BPA with higher rates of diabetes bottles, tableware or containers, we’re needed most.” health, he noted, citing success in disrupting chemicals can enter and cardiovascular events. But, is but that those concerned about Once a health issue arises in decreasing lead in the environment the water supply through leachate BPA the cause? Individuals differ BPA migrating into food during products that are in use, rather by legislating it out of gasoline and from landfills, discharges from widely, not only genetically but heating may wish to switch to glass than discuss alternatives, “it paint, thanks to public demand and wastewater treatment plants and also in habit and lifestyle choices. or other alternatives. becomes an argument,” he said. ensuing government action. sewer outflows, exposing fish and Perhaps those with higher levels q The business and finance “We have to be very careful of other wildlife to multiple chemi- of BPA ate canned vegetables But are there good alterna- contingent argues that it will cost what we expose people to in food cals that can affect endocrine more than fresh vegetables. Were tives? too much to change. Toxicology and the atmosphere,” Fabisiak function. those who ate fresh veggies more In a request for proposals for a experts take the side that it would said, cautioning however that “it’s Endocrine disrupters have health-conscious overall? By their recent round of seed grant fund- be too expensive not to change. always easier to show something been associated with infertility; lifestyles could they have been ing, Pitt’s Mascaro Sustainability “People that design things never is unsafe than safe.” reproductive impairments; early exposed to more BPA or to less? Initiative presented the develop- get brought into the discussion,” Changes may or may not onset of puberty; endometriosis, “It’s hard to know, particularly ment of alternatives to chemicals he said. represent an improvement. For and breast, prostate, uterine and when you’re studying it years such as BPA as one research Good alternatives should be instance, health concerns about other cancers in humans and later,” Fabisiak said. challenge related to sustainable “better, greener and cheaper,” butter prompted consumers to wildlife. Concerned consumers need design. Beckman said. When replacement switch to margarine. Now trans- Research done by GSPH to educate themselves on where “We dangle ideas which fit materials are more expensive and fats found in those alternative graduate student Maxine Wright- they may be exposing themselves our criteria,” said MSA director don’t work as well, he said, his products are seen as bad. Walters in conjunction with fac- to BPA and how they may avoid Beckman, adding that MSA seeks question to those designing them He said the question becomes: ulty member Conrad Daniel Volz those exposures, Fabisiak said. proposals for areas representing a would be “Why did you stop?” Is the change that we make going suggests that existing risk models “I don’t think there are that “really big problem from a social Beckman said one example to be more or less hazardous? may underestimate the risk BPA many people getting sick from and/or economic standpoint” in an of alternatives being designed q poses in aquatic environments. exposure to BPA,” he said. How- area undersubscribed by research- came when chlorofluorocarbons BPA is used in products rang- Their review of additional toxic- ever, that’s not to say that people ers. “BPA fits the bill.” (CFCs) were implicated in the ing from food and drink containers ity studies suggests that aquatic don’t need to be protected. “But The RFP acknowledged the depletion of the ozone layer. to CDs and electronic equipment. environments aren’t protected who, and at what amount?” existence of widely used chemi- When the Montreal Protocol in A 2003-04 study by the Centers for sufficiently from BPA’s effects at Practically speaking, Fabisiak cals such as PVC, brominated the late 1980s set out a timetable Disease Control and Prevention concentrations of 8 micrograms or said, his rule is “don’t do anything flame retardants, phthalates and for phasing out ozone-depleting (CDC) found some 93 percent of less per liter established by earlier to excess.” bisphenol A that are sources of materials, “people got serious Americans have detectable levels research. Controlling the dose may controversy due to the combi- about designing alternatives,” of BPA in their urine. The researchers say that sug- be more practical than outright nation of high economic value he said. Working on the prob- “Polycarbonate is used all over gests that the effects on aquatic bans. “If the chemical industry and drawbacks such as human or lem starting with the molecular the place,” said Eric Beckman, a creatures’ survival, growth, devel- and wastewater can be regulated ecological toxicity. structure, then moving on to chemical engineer and director opment and reproduction “may to keep the dose low enough to “Although off-the-shelf alter- issues of performance and other of the Mascaro Sustainability start to begin at extremely low be protected, it would be better natives to these have been pro- characteristics, new generations Initiative in the Swanson School concentrations that are environ- than banning it,” he said. But, the posed, the alternatives typically do of CFC alternatives have been of Engineering. Industry estimates mentally relevant and have been question remains: How to find not match the original product in designed. put annual worldwide production reported in surface waters in that safe dose? price and performance. There is a “It’s an example of what you can of BPA at about 7 billion pounds, China, Germany, Japan, the Neth- q strong need to eliminate problem- do,” he said. “I wish you’d see that making BPA an economically erlands and the USA.” (Additional On its web site, the FDA states atic high-volume chemicals from more often but you don’t.” significant product. information is available on the Pitt that it believes FDA-regulated the environment through innova- —Kimberly K. Barlow n About 65 percent of BPA is Center for Healthy Environments products containing BPA are safe used in the production of polycar- and Communities web site at www. and that exposure levels from food bonate plastic. Some 30 percent is chec.pitt.edu/Documents.html.) contact are below those that may used in making epoxy resins, with Although BPA isn’t known cause health effects, a position it the remaining 5 percent used in to accumulate in the body, more says is consistent with BPA risk Pitt appeals OSHA citation other products, Beckman said. study is needed to examine the assessments conducted by the itt has appealed a citation issued by a federal agency as the BPA polycarbonates have effects of long-term exposure, the European Food Safety Author- result of an incident in a University laboratory. several attractive characteristics, researchers say. ity and the Japanese National POn Sept. 24, lab worker Patricia Boyle was bitten on her right he noted. Among them are high q Institute of Advanced Industrial hand while feeding a macaque monkey, requiring hand surgery and a impact strength (some football Pitt’s Fabisiak recommends Science and Technology. lengthy stay in the hospital. helmets are made from them) and that consumers take a cautious, “At this time, FDA is not rec- Following an investigation, the U.S. Occupational Health and a softening temperature above the reasonable approach. ommending that anyone discon- Safety Administration (OSHA) cited the University Nov. 21 for two boiling point, which makes the All chemicals can be toxic in tinue using products that contain serious violations, according to OSHA spokesperson Leni Fortson. material useful for medical equip- certain concentrations, he noted. BPA while we continue our risk Pitt failed to provide adequate training for its lab technicians and there ment because the equipment can And evaluating the dangers can assessment process. However, was insufficient safety equipment, including protective gloves, inside be steam sterilized without losing be complex. concerned consumers should the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory in the Biomedical Science its shape. Studying chemical mixtures know that several alternatives to Tower 3 where the incident took place, Fortson told the University Polycarbonates also are light- that may be more indicative polycarbonate baby bottles exist, Times last month. weight and transparent, which of actual exposures is difficult including glass baby bottles,” the The citation carries a $5,250 fine, she said. provides a cleaner look. because such experiments are site’s BPA page states. On Dec. 11, Pitt appealed the citation. By law, that appeal comes Other combinations of prop- more unwieldy than those focused Likewise, while a Canadian under the purview of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Review erties make polycarbonates the on a single substance, he said. government fact sheet on BPA Commission, the independent federal agency that serves as the court best material for use in CDs Timing also may make a differ- stated that current research indi- system to adjudicate disputes arising from contested work place safety — although that’s becoming less ence, but it’s difficult to pinpoint cates BPA does not pose a health inspections. important as iPods, memory sticks for study, especially in humans. risk to the general public, uncer- Commission executive secretary Ray Darling Jr. confirmed the and drag-and-drop computer Exposure to a substance at a critical tainty about the potential effects on appeal had been filed, but said a hearing date has not been set. technologies are reducing the point in development might yield infants and children has prompted John Fedele, Pitt associate director of news, said, “The University need for CDs, Beckman said. adverse impacts while no effect the government to move forward has appealed the citation. Our position is that the University provided Still, BPA is big both in its might be observed during other with a ban on polycarbonate baby all appropriate equipment and training.” Fedele declined to comment economic and environmental stages, he noted. bottles. It also plans to establish further. impact — emblematic of valuable Accounting for other subtle maximum BPA concentrations in Boyle could not be reached for comment. but problematic chemicals, more contributors also can be hard wastewater to limit release of the —Peter Hart n

 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

he majority of Pitt staff University’s academic schedule.” over the walkie-talkie radio to get members work during One consequence of night shift their people out, basically to do the Tthe day, usually Monday work is that it sometimes gives the front entrances and outside stair- through Friday. But for those custodians anonymity, he said. wells and go out to the sidewalk. who work night turn — and “The first thing that everybody Then I jump in the truck with Nate especially those who work rotat- sees when they come into work is [McCoy] and we start delivering ing shifts — it’s a different world the result of the night shift custo- salt to the various places.” on campus. dian who nobody knows.” While LaRotonda considers Five staff members in Facilities Sometimes, the day shift custo- his job both important and satisfy- Management recently discussed dian even takes credit for the night ing, his 11 p.m.-7 a.m. shift is far how their nontraditional sched- shift worker’s cleaning. “I just get from his preference. A ules affect their personal and social a kick out of that,” LaRotonda “I loved the 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. lives, as well as their professional said. “You’d think the building’s shift which is my ideal shift for my lives. occupants would realize that. But natural biological clock: getting All five staff members — Joe a lot of times they’re calling us up up at 4 and off work at 2:30 and LaRotonda and Nate McCoy, as the supervisors or managers being home before 3,” he said. assistant managers for custodial and giving the daytime guy all the In the early years he worked dif- services; Darwin Lane, custodial accolades” for work that’s been ferent shifts, but “sadly, I’ve been supervisor, and Joe Kosky and Bob done by the night-turn crew. on the night shift pretty much Karabinos, operating engineers, LaRotonda began working at for 20 years of the 30 I’ve been NIGHT maintain that their off-hour ser- Pitt in 1977 as a driver for food in Facilities.” vice is necessary to see that campus services; a year later he was hired He acknowledged that his buildings are in good working as a custodian for the 6 a.m.-2:30 schedule likely was a factor in order and to protect the engineer- p.m. shift. the failure of his first marriage. ing systems that ensure the smooth Now assistant manager of “She worked the day shift and continuation of research projects, custodial services, he is in charge we couldn’t spend a lot of time in the as well as to create a comfortable, of approximately half the build- together,” LaRotonda said. safe and clean environment for ings on campus and oversees a Nancy, his second wife, cur- the Pitt community. They also all dozen supervisors. He estimated rently is not working outside the agree that the atmosphere itself at that about 20 percent of his job home and that makes it easier to night is tangibly different from is paperwork, including keeping coordinate their schedules, he the daytime. track of payroll and filling equip- added. Not surprisingly, there are ment orders. Adjusting his normal sleeping some downsides to working an “The majority of my time patterns has been a years’ long off-hour shift: Illness seems to is spent out in the field doing battle, he said. be more common, given the a checks-and-balance system,” “I try to sleep as soon as I get disruption of normal eating and LaRotonda said. Supervisors home, somewhere about 7:30 or sleeping patterns that weaken the check on the custodians’ work 8. But I’m not always able to sleep. immune system, and social lives and LaRotonda checks on the If I have to, I take a sleeping pill,” are challenged severely by unusual supervisors. “So we have a variety LaRotonda said. “I get up about 1 LIFE schedule obligations. of eyes looking at the areas around or 2 o’clock and then I’m up for But they say that there also campus. I’ll take a building a night. the whole day. So, I get about five are positive aspects of their shifts, I don’t tell anybody which one. hours sleep.” including avoiding rush hour traf- Are there footprints in the hall? Is Similarly, adjusting his eating fic and finding readily available there dust build-up on the ledges? patterns has been a challenge. parking. Is there trash? I’ll go through the “I usually don’t eat a real meal building, check restrooms, the till about 5 or 6 o’clock in the ccording to 30-year Pitt corridors, the common areas, the afternoon, and we usually eat a veteran Joe LaRotonda, entrance points.” breakfast then. Then we have Awho works a steady 11 He keeps a daily log sheet with another meal about 9 o’clock, and The University never p.m.-7 a.m. Sunday-Thursday a quality checklist, ranking areas that’s dinner,” he said. schedule, most essential custodial as “below standards,” “meets stan- During his shift, he limits his services are rendered at night. dards” or “above standards.” eating to the occasional snack and sleeps, even when most The night shift does the LaRotonda also is responsible lots of coffee. “If you eat a heavy critical building areas: entrances, for summoning custodians for meal on the night shift, it will put corridors, restrooms, classrooms, snow-clearing duty. you out,” he said, something he’s of us are snug conference rooms. “I consider “A couple years ago, we incor- learned from experience. those the critical areas because porated using custodians for snow LaRotonda more or less main- those are the first areas that people removal. So I have to make the tains the same sleeping and eating in our beds. A look at the see and that get used the most,” judgment when they’re needed.” patterns on the weekends. “I might LaRotonda said. “You can’t be Because they are custodians and go to bed around 4 or 5 in the cleaning classrooms during the not grounds crew, some of them morning on Saturdays, to get a “dark” side of Pitt. day when there’s a class in them resent this duty, LaRotonda little extra sleep,” he said. or a conference room that’s in acknowledged. Vacations, however, are a dif- use. We have to work around the “I get a hold of the supervisors ferent matter, because after a few

days off he reverts to his built-in cleaned to departmental stan- biological patterns. dards. But I also do payroll, I do “Everything definitely changes. ordering for the department and I go back to a ‘normal’ schedule,” I do training for the custodial he noted. department,” McCoy said. LaRotonda said there are some Rank-and-file custodians are positives to working night turn. trained for six months, then tested, “The advantages right now are a process that McCoy oversees. parking and no traffic coming “We also always trouble shoot. in, no traffic going home. The You want to be proactive. You roads are usually clear. I live in never want to be in a reactionary North Huntingdon and it takes posture to where complaints are me a half-hour to get to work. If coming in and you’re just respond- I worked a daylight shift, I don’t ing to them. You want to have a even know how long it would take detailed eye to be proactive. That me,” he said. comes with experience.” McCoy primarily manages ate McCoy, LaRotonda’s 10 buildings but is on call for counterpart, performs problems that may arise campus- Nthe same duties but on a wide. slightly staggered shift. A 10-year “My responsibility is the Wil- Pitt staff veteran, McCoy works liam Pitt Union, Posvar Hall, a steady 2-10 a.m. shift Monday- Mervis, Frick Fine Arts, Barco, Friday. the Cathedral, Bellefield, Stephen Like LaRotonda, he oversees Foster, Craig Hall and the child 13 supervisors who are account- development center. But I’m really able for the 220 or so employees in responsible for the whole campus, Facilities Management’s custodial so there are times I’ll go to differ- and building services. ent buildings like BST3 and Trees Kimberly K. Barlow “My biggest responsibility is Hall,” he said. “I always have a Nate McCoy to ensure that our beats will be radio, and my supervisors have my

 JANUARY 8, 2009 cell phone number. Every night I There’s also a peacefulness to Paperwork, including main- Petersen, then there’ll be traf- “Sometimes, I don’t know go through some of the buildings the nighttime campus that McCoy taining the employees’ timesheets, fic,” Lane said. “But, if nothing’s whether I’m coming or going,” that my supervisors are account- enjoys. “When I compare working also keeps Lane busy. going on, you’ve got plenty of Kosky said. “We start out on a able for. I check in with them, in the Cathedral in the daylight While he enjoys his job and open spots. And as long as you’re Tuesday, come on at 11 p.m., and have one-on-one interaction. I hours as opposed to working his co-workers, he said there are out of here by 8 [a.m.], then you we do seven days of that. So we do so many buildings a night; if during night turn, it’s different. some drawbacks to working the won’t get a ticket.” finish up the following Tuesday I haven’t checked a building in a There’s more of a peaceful, serene night shift. Working the night shift also morning at 7 a.m., and then we couple nights, I’ll go out and make feel, instead of the hustle and “The biggest one is, I’m really allows him to make early morning come back out Thursday, 3 to 11 sure I do that.” bustle of everyone trying to get to a morning person. I’ve been here doctors’ appointments nearby. “I [p.m.] for seven days. Then we McCoy began his tenure at the elevator. You have a different eight years on night shift,” Lane like that. I can still keep my park- get a Thursday and Friday off Pitt as a custodial supervisor at the pace; you don’t have the rat-race said. “I’m still not really used to ing space and go to the doctors and we start out Saturday with Cathedral of Learning working mentality. Your senses are a little it. I adjust to it. You could never around here in Oakland, instead our six days of daylight from [7 daylight. Switching to the night sharper.” get used to it, you can only adjust. of going home and having to come a.m. to 3 p.m.]. Are you confused shift when he was promoted to That different atmosphere And how well you adjust is based back and look for parking,” Lane yet?” he said. assistant manager was no picnic. with fewer distractions enables on how well you take care of your said. “Or I can go straight to the Following their daylight shift, “It was a major adjustment for him to be more efficient, McCoy body.” Giant Eagle and it’s not crowded the pair get four days off, then my body. Normally, at 2 in the said. For Lane, that involves lots of at that time. You’re in and out. It’s begin the cycle of shifts again. morning, I’m asleep; I’m in rest “No one’s coming to my door vitamins and carefully watching a good schedule for my coaching Karabinos said, “By the sixth mode. Now my body is being saying: ‘I need this, I need that.’ his diet, especially while he’s work- basketball,” he added. day of a shift, you’re starting to asked to wake up and function The emails I catch up on and ing. “You have to stick to water, Lane recounted two incidents get used to it. You start to sleep at approximately 1 o’clock in the reply to when I first get to work, fruit, maybe a sandwich. Try not during his tenure that were a little longer. The first few days, morning. It’s like night and day,” then I don’t have to worry about to eat the heavy stuff, like anything unlikely to occur on other shifts. you might sleep four or five hours. he joked. someone emailing me at me at fried,” he said. “There’s a different feel to the The sixth day, you might sleep “I basically had to retrain my that hour. It’s definitely a benefit “When I get home after my nighttime. You’re expecting to be maybe a good seven hours. That body to function. Everything’s out for me: I know what I have to do, shift I eat breakfast. I’m a breakfast the only person in the building and seventh day, I try to stay up, to get of whack now. For example, I don’t I have the time to do it and there’s person, whether it be a bowl of you can get surprised,” he said. that full two days off. And then know when to eat. I try not to eat less interference. Consequently, I cereal, or hot cereal, pancakes or Once he was caught off-guard by Thursday, you come in at 2 at night, even though I’m up on can get more accomplished. With waffles, or eggs.” by a campus police officer who o’clock, you’re ready to go — and my shift, when my body is burning so much on my plate with all my Lane then reads the newspaper was responding to a report of an then my gosh, you hit the wall.” energy. I tell myself not to eat, or other interests, that’s important and checks his email for updates intruder in one of Pitt’s buildings. Kosky said, “When we’re on if I eat, don’t eat heavy, because to me.” on his basketball teams. “She came in with her gun pulled. what we call the midnight shift, I don’t want to gain weight. I’ll “I coach basketball at Shady- I said, ‘Wait a minute. You’re going that’s the toughest. Especially in brew a 12-cup pot of coffee and arwin Lane, a custodial side Academy, and I need to know to get somebody shot.’ I named her the summertime when after your between Joe [LaRotonda] and supervisor who reports if practice or a game is canceled, ‘Itchy Fingers,’” Lane said. shift, the sun’s up, you get that myself, we’ll drink that. That’s Dto LaRotonda, has 13 or if the site changed,” he said. Another time, he was sum- second wind as soon as you pull part of our routine. I may also buildings and 30 custodians in his “Once I see that, I’ll turn on the moned by a female custodian. “She in the driveway at home and then have a bottle of green tea and a charge. He works the same shift as TV. Eventually, I’ll fall asleep, went in to clean the restroom in you can’t go to sleep. The kids are bag of chips. Normally, I’ll eat a LaRotonda, 11 p.m.-7 a.m. maybe about 9 o’clock. I’ll get up Benedum and there was a guy in acting up, the neighbor decides it’s couple of hours after I get home, Among his duties are checking between 1 or 2 o’clock, so I get there who had a hammock set up time to get the weed-eater out and about noon or so. And it’s more critical building areas, establish- about four or five hours. That’s between the door and the stall. He you just want to kill him.” of a brunch-type thing.” ing priorities for the custodians standard for me. I cannot sleep was in there sleeping.” Karabinos said, “But you hate Typically, McCoy will have a and training new staff to meet much longer than that. I find The custodian guarded the to take off a night shift, too, or call bigger meal near traditional din- Facilities Management standards, myself wide awake. Even if I don’t door until Lane arrived. off sick, because somebody has to nertime — about the only thing he said. set my alarm, I wake up. Then I’ll “When I went in, he had work it. If it’s one of your buddies, normal in his schedule. “Wherever there’s a lot of get a meal about 6 or 7 p.m.” already jumped up, taken the you feel guilty.” Sleeping also presents prob- research going on, I have to stay His social life definitely is hammock down and crawled up The two engineers work in lems, he said, although McCoy on top of that. My critical build- affected, he said. His fiancée works into the ceiling. The tile in the tandem, each with about half the counts himself fortunate for being ings are the BST3, Victoria Hall. a day shift at West Penn Hospital, ceiling was missing,” Lane said. campus buildings under his super- able to get by with only about five Victoria is critical because it’s the so coordinating their schedules is “We called the Pitt police, and vision. Both are licensed engineers. hours of sleep, especially since nursing school and they do a lot of a challenge. one of them crawled up there, but Kosky has associate-level training he plays a number of roles away training. Their skill lab is an area On the other hand, he agrees they never found him.” as an electrician. Karabinos has 32 from the University. He’s work- that they always request that we with other night-turn work- years of experience working at the ing toward a master of divinity have buffed up,” Lane said. ers that the shift does have its oe Kosky and Bob Karabi- Carnegie Museums as an engineer degree, taking three night classes And with the ongoing Ben- advantages. nos are among a handful of and mechanic. at Geneva College and working edum Hall construction, main- “I live in the Hill [District]. Joperating engineers whose Karabinos said, “We share Sundays at his church. taining control over dust has One advantage is not having to rotating work shifts make it dif- the same schedule and we share “When I go home about 10:30 become a priority in that building, fight traffic, unless there’s a lot ficult to establish any kind of a the same job. Joe does the north [a.m.], I do not lie directly down. he added. of things going on, like at the schedule. campus, and I do most of the south I’m still wound up. My body is campus. There’s no overlap, but still functioning to a degree. I there are plenty of instances where just sit down and try to relax for we’ll help each other, like if there’s a few moments. I turn on the a catastrophe.” television. Such an incident happened “I watch a lot of the ‘judge’ on his second night at Pitt, said shows, because that’s what’s on at Karabinos, who has been on staff that hour,” McCoy said. for two and a half years. Following his noon meal, “It was in Langley Hall,” he McCoy studies. “After a couple said. “I got a call that there was hours of studying, I’ll try to make water coming from a ceiling in myself sleep for a couple hours or an office. I got there and I don’t so. It’s sometimes hard, because have a key, the custodian didn’t now my mind is functioning. It’s have a key and the [campus] police very difficult to make myself wind are standing there and they don’t down.” have a key. My partner showed up McCoy’s regular shift runs — Joe — no key.” from the wee hours of Monday Ever resourceful, Kosky then morning until 10 a.m. on Friday, “carded” the door open with a but his workweek has ramifica- credit card. “I asked the police for tions for his weekends. permission first,” Kosky said. “On Friday and Saturday Four-year veteran Kosky nights, I’m up. I may not be up at oversees 21 buildings north of 2 o’clock but I’m definitely up by 3 Fifth Avenue and Karabinos [a.m.]. My body is used to being up. has 25 buildings south of Fifth, Around 3:30 I’m brewing coffee. including the bioengineering I can’t go back to sleep; my body center on Technology Drive and will not let me. So I go back to the McGowan Institute on the my books, back to preparing my South Side. sermons, doing those things I have Kosky said, “We’re in touch to get done.” constantly. The way we look at it McCoy agrees with LaRo- is we’re the University’s cheapest tonda that one advantage of the insurance, because when we’re night shift is an easy commute.Pitt here at 3 a.m. till the morning, is a 10-minute ride at night from there is only one of us at both the McCoy’s home in Wilkinsburg. north and south of the campus. “That’s an advantage. I don’t have And problems always find us: to pay for a parking permit. I can Darwin Lane, left, and Joe LaRotonda park on the street,” he said. Peter Hart CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

my wife. She does everything and in the Petersen Events Center, their areas. she even finds time to spoil me.” the boilers in Trees Hall and Karabinos said, “We really are Regardless of which shift Falk School and the air-condi- the eyes and ears of the University, they’re on, the two men first meet tioning equipment in several of from light switches and drippy with the people they’re relieving to the research-oriented buildings, faucets to complicated building review the status of any problems including the Graduate School of systems.” on the previous shift. They then Public Health and Chevron Sci- Kosky added, “A lot of times I’ll hop in a van and go to the Mel- ence Center. (Dedicated engineers admit it’s luck. For example, I just wood Avenue facility where Pitt’s are assigned to Scaife Hall and happened to be in an equipment trades offices and equipment are the Biomedical Science Tower 3, room [last month] and a pipe let located to make sure that facility among other research-oriented go. Thank God I was standing A is secured. areas.) right there and I was able to secure Only after that do they sepa- “Then I check my secondary the water and get the valves off rate and head for their priority buildings, those on O’Hara Street, and nip it in the bud. When I got buildings. where I have air compressors here I was told: ‘You’re nameless, Kosky said, “We religiously but no chillers and no boilers,” you’re faceless, you’re the cellar- have a routine where we check Kosky said. dwellers,’ because we’re in the specific equipment and we’re talk- Similarly, Karabinos first dark shadows, we’re in the corners, ing anything from air handlers, checks the chiller plant on the we’re really mostly unseen.” chillers, hot water heat exchang- roof of Posvar Hall and the air- “Until they need us,” Karabi- NIGHT ers, compressors — we check conditioning system in the Clapp- nos said. “And then we’re pretty everything. We have to know a lot Langley-Crawford complex. popular.” about building systems, and every Each keeps a log book of the “Like I said, we’re the Uni- building is different,” he said. shift’s activities and, once a week, versity’s cheapest insurance,” For Kosky, those priorities submits a log on the lighting Kosky said. in the include the chilled water plant systems, both inside and out, for —Peter Hart n LIFE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 We’ve got the radio, we’ve got water, we’ll do whatever it takes cell phones, we’ve got the pager. to get the situation under control. Pretty soon we’ll be wearing shock We have to rely on each other. It’s belts,” he quipped. like a good marriage: I know his “We get anything from eleva- strong points and his weak points tor entrapments, fire alarms, water and he knows mine.” leaks, gas leaks, steam leaks,” Speaking of marriage, both Kosky continued. “When there’s men maintain that the main reason a problem, they call us. We really the rotating shifts are manageable are the first responders. They is their respective stay-at-home call us first, and we call out the wives. appropriate trades.” “You really need an under- Karabinos added, “That’s only standing wife,” Kosky said. “My if we can’t rectify the problem wife does everything. She cooks, ourselves.” cleans, schedules the appoint- Kosky said, “Yes, only if we ments, orders my pills, every- surrender. We don’t just walk thing. When I come home it’s: away either. If we get called in for ‘Hi, honey, I’m home. What’s a water leak, for example, a lot of for breakfast, lunch or dinner?’ times on 3-11 you have a small — if I can even remember what custodial staff, so sometimes we’ll meal it is.” Peter Hart stay and help, we’ll squeegee the Karabinos added, “Same with Joe Kosky, left, and Bob Karabinos Trustees okay issuance of bonds for capital projects he executive committee acquisition and site preparation of ees’ committees estimated some indicates a low credit risk. home mortgage,” he said. of Pitt’s Board of Trustees Robinson Court property; Amos $25.4 million in financing would Likewise, rates are good on “If they’re favorable — because Thas authorized University Hall renovation; Van de Graaff be needed for capital budget the other side of the borrowing right now rates actually are fairly officers to issue up to $300 mil- Building second floor laboratory projects anticipated for fiscal year table. Ramicone noted that the low — we’ll refinance. If the lion in tax-exempt bonds to fund renovation and infrastructure 2010 and $139.2 million would be University always is watching market moves against us, we’ll stay current and future capital projects upgrades; mid-campus complex needed for FY08 and FY09 capital for opportune times to refinance with the current bonds.” and to refinance any or all of research generator installation; budget projects. In addition to existing debt, “just like with a —Kimberly K. Barlow n the University’s $655 million in William Pitt Union fifth floor that $164.6 million total, $133.6 outstanding tax-exempt bonds if renovation; the Pitt-Greensburg million in the University’s reserve market conditions warrant. recreation center, and South Loop and other institutional funding for Computer science gets $25,000 grant The executive committee, in a steam line distribution system the capital projects also may be The Department of Com- in college. Dec. 16 session that immediately revisions. eligible for reimbursement with puter Science has received a TLI’s primary outreach is followed a budget committee The trustees previously bond proceeds, the background $25,000 grant from the Equitable its Summer Academy, six weeks meeting, also approved $39.4 approved $2.5 million for the statement indicated. Resources Foundation to sup- of computer science and math- million in funding for capital projects; UPMC will contribute Future capital budget expendi- port its Technology Leadership ematics instruction, exploration budget projects as an addition to $1.23 million for steam line tures include preservation projects Initiative. activities and research. Students the University’s fiscal year 2009 upgrades. and classroom upgrades, “Unless TLI seeks to increase the design web sites, create com- capital budget. q things freeze up and things get number of local minority high puter programs, build computer More than $43.1 million in Art Ramicone, vice chancellor worse we’d continue to do that school students who demonstrate systems, learn about social and capital budget projects were for Budget and controller, said kind of maintenance,” Ramicone strong academic performance, ethical issues in computing, create approved by the trustees’ property the exact amount of the bonds said. particularly in mathematics and/or and manage database systems, and facilities committee Nov. 7. the University will float has not “Rates are pretty low these science, to engage in the computer produce research reports and (See Nov. 20 University Times). been determined. Background days if you have the type of credit sciences and to explore computer presentations and use and manage The seven projects are: the materials provided to the trust- rating we have — double A,” which science, math and related degrees multiple operating systems. n

 JANUARY 8, 2009

8. Participants will self-report to participate. during the other weeks. Organizers are hopeful that Registration starts for weight race Participants will not be permit- many of the people who donned he new year brings the and co-workers for donations of employees to form teams of three- ted to set a weight-loss goal that pedometers during the recently chance for a fresh commit- non-perishable food items for each fi ve members, but also permits would put them below a healthy completed Pitt Steps It Up walk- ment to healthier living. pound lost. For instance, a racer participation by individuals and body mass index or that would ing challenge also will commit to T require them to shed pounds the new weight race. Registration for Pitt’s second who drops 10 pounds and has two-person teams. MyHealth Weight Race is under- fi ve supporters who have pledged All participants will be eligible too rapidly. The maximum goal A new weight race feature is an way by logging onto MyHealth one food item for each pound for individual prizes. Members of permitted in the competition is activity tracker where participants OnLine at www.upmchealthplan. lost would collect 10 items from three-fi ve member teams also will 25 pounds. can keep tabs on their activity com and clicking on the weight each of those supporters at the be eligible for team prizes if all The weight race isn’t solely for levels by logging their steps or race icon. end of the race. The bounty will members complete the race. those who want to lose weight. converting other forms of exercise The new 12-week competition be picked up from participants’ Gift card prizes will be awarded Those who want to maintain a into their step equivalent. n starts Jan. 26, with fi nal weigh-ins offi ces in April. to the teams that achieve the healthy weight also are eligible —Kimberly K. Barlow the week of April 15. Details on the food raiser greatest percentage of their team’s Information on the race is and a printable pledge sheet are weight loss goal. (Random draw- available at www.hr.pitt.edu/fi t- available at www.hr.pitt.edu/fi t- ings will determine the winner in Key weight race dates ness/weightrace.htm. ness/foodbank.htm. case of ties.) In addition, partici- This year, participants can help Last year, more than 1,300 pants will receive an entry into a Jan. 10-18: Team and individual registration others as they peel off the pounds. weight race participants lost a prize drawing every time they The new race includes a “food total of more than three tons over self-report their weight by the Jan. 21-23, 26: Offi cial weigh-in raiser” to benefi t the Greater the course of the 12-week team weekly deadline. Week 1 Jan. 26: Weight race begins event sponsored by the UPMC Participants will face offi cial Pittsburgh Community Food Week 2 Feb. 6: Self-reported weigh-in deadline Bank. Weight racers are being Health Plan. weigh-ins at the start and fi nish asked to solicit friends, family This year’s race encourages of the race and at weeks 4 and Week 3 Feb. 13: Self-reported weigh-in deadline Week 4 Feb. 18-20, 23: Offi cial weigh-in Week 5 Feb. 27: Self-reported weigh-in deadline SAC to establish fundraising group Week 6 March 6: Self-reported weigh-in deadline he Staff Association Coun- the fi tness for life program are Research and Development Week 7 March 13: Self-reported weigh-in deadline cil (SAC) will establish a expected to attend. Center; Mary Sylvia Sanderlin, Tfundraising arm. • Colwell announced this year’s School of Law, and Jean Zamzow, Week 8 March 18-20, 23: Offi cial weigh-in SAC also announced it will winner of the SAC Endowed Book Department of Neurology, School Week 9 March 27: Self-reported weigh-in deadline seek to have a council member Fund for Children of Staff. Sarah of Medicine. assigned to a standing provost’s Bronson, a junior majoring in Associates serve the fi rst six Week 10 April 3: Self-reported weigh-in deadline committee. human relations at the Titusville months as non-voting members, Week 11 April 10: Self-reported weigh-in deadline Those were among the devel- campus, was awarded $250 for but are required to join at least opments discussed at SAC’s Dec. book purchases. Bronson’s mother, one of SAC’s nine standing com- Week 12 April 15-17, 20: Final offi cial weigh-in 10 meeting. Lisa Mabray, is coordinator of mail mittees. April 30: Winners announced The SAC steering commit- services in the Offi ce of Business —Peter Hart n tee, which comprises offi cers and Affairs at Pitt-Titusville. standing committee chairs and Beginning in 2001, SAC part- co-chairs, has formed an ad hoc nered with Institutional Advance- committee dedicated to raising ment to establish the $10,000 money to fund SAC’s charitable endowed book fund, a goal that activities. was reached in 2005. Ask The Dentist Jennifer Welton, who chairs At the Dec. 10 meeting, Col- By Dr. John Hart the research and information com- well said the book fund needed mittee and works in the School more publicity to drum up a bigger of Engineering’s development applicant pool. He charged SAC Q: Lately, I’ve noticed that my breath has an unpleasant offi ce, will chair the new ad hoc members with getting the word smell. I’m embarrassed to talk too closely to other people committee. out to staff regarding the book and feel very self-conscious about it. Is there anything I The staff group also discussed fund. (For more information, go can do to make my breath smell fresh and clean again? a web-based survey Human to the SAC web site.) For Dr. Hart, art has been a lifelong Resources will conduct this month • Monika Lasagio of the salary -Edward passion. Dr. Hart has dedicated on employee satisfaction with and job classifi cation committee Pitt’s benefi ts package. (See story reported that the committee tem- himself to the art and science of on page 1.) porarily suspended its investiga- creating exceptional smiles.

SAC’s benefits committee, tion of the redress procedures for America’s which developed the survey pro- staff members who are dissatisfi ed Top Dentists posal, hopes to collect data on with their salary increase, pending which benefi ts are most important a report expected at the University A: Dear Edward, in employee hiring and retention, Senate’s budget policies com- and whether certain benefi ts can mittee. (See Sept. 11 University You’re not alone: over 40 million Americans have chronic bad breath. It’s caused by be added to Pitt’s package. Times.) the decay of food debris and naturally occurring bacteria producing odor-causing SAC also will request having a BPC is responsible for moni- molecules. Another cause of bad breath is improper or inconsistent dental homecare. member assigned to the provost’s toring whether University units’ advisory committee on women’s planning and budgeting commit- Tobacco use, strong foods like garlic, dry mouth, certain infections, and gum disease concerns (PACWC), a committee tees have procedures in place for can also cause chronic bad breath. formed in 1983 to investigate the employees who wish to contest Regular professional dental cleanings and check-ups will help prevent bad breath and situation of women at Pitt and their pay raises and that those identify areas in which the Univer- procedures are disseminated to allow your dentist to detect gum disease and other dental health problems. If the sity could improve responsiveness the units’ employees. unpleasant odor is of oral origin, your dentist can help treat the problem. Professional to women’s concerns. The BPC report is expected breath products are available to help eliminate malodors. According to SAC President sometime early in 2009, Lasagio Rich Colwell, the staff council said. You should also maintain good oral hygiene at home to keep your mouth fresh and had a member on PACWC more • SAC announced nine new clean. Brush and floss daily, and use a tongue scraper and antibacterial rinse as part than a decade ago, but following associate members, who are of your routine. Brush the inside and outside surfaces of each tooth, holding your a retirement, the position was not expected to be affi rmed at the Jan. continued. 14 meeting: brush at a 45 degree angle to your gums. The best times to brush are after breakfast q Nam H. Do, Center for and before bed. In other developments: Innovation in Clinical Learning; Bad breath is embarrassing, but the good news is that with regular dental care and • SAC’s 2007-2008 annual Melissa Grzyb, Department of report has been completed by the Neurology, School of Medicine; the proper homecare routine, it can easily be reversed. research and information commit- Deborah Keelan, Department tee. The report is expected to be of Rehabilitation Science and United Concordia Participating Dental Provider posted this month on SAC’s web Technology, School of Health and site: www.pitt.edu/~sac. Rehabilitation Sciences; Jon-Paul Conveniently located near UPMC Medical Centers • SAC’s spring assembly is Matychak, Career and Leadership scheduled for April 8. The assem- Development Center, College of Call today to schedule bly will feature a marketplace of Business Administration; Exceptional Smiles your appointment! organizations centered on the Chianti S. Powe, basic research, theme of “a healthy University.” School of Medicine; Gail Podo- John W. Hart, DDS Representatives from organiza- binski, Center for Research and 200 North Craig Street 412-681-8011 tions such as UPMC Health Plan, Evaluation, School of Nurs- Pittsburgh, PA 15213 www.smilesbyhart.com TIAA-CREF and Vanguard, and ing; Carmela Rizzo, Learning

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

Measure of success. Developing confident, responsible, lifelong learners.

At Winchester Thurston, success responsible citizens of a rapidly college process, define the culminat- isn’t measured solely by test scores, changing and uncertain world. ing Upper School experience. although ours are among the Grades 6 - 12: Blending both academic and social strongest in the region. It’s apparent Challenging Academics and learning. Cultivating the character in a different kind of result: the Inspiring Experiential Learning to serve. Preparing citizens of the confidence, social responsibility, and world. And holding students to a intellectual curiosity that our students The cornerstone of Middle School, new and higher standard of rigor. carry with them to college and the Leadership Academy challenges That’s Winchester Thurston. That’s throughout life. students with outdoor experiential our measure of success. activities that build teamwork and In a supportive and student-centered self-reliance, and further develops environment, our students learn leadership skills through student- how to learn. To ask questions. Middle School driven community service projects To discuss, to give and take, and to Open House designed to effect change. collaborate in a dynamic process Thursday, January 29 of discovery and problem solving. Challenging internships and our 8:30 a.m. unique City as Our Campus initiative City Campus So in addition to a solid academic that links curriculum with neighbor- 555 Morewood Avenue, Shadyside foundation, WT prepares students ing universities, medical centers, and to be actively engaged, lifelong historical archives, coupled with Online registration at learners; productive, innovative expansive AP offerings, Junior and www.winchesterthurston.org members of the community; and Senior Seminar, and a personalized or call 412.578.7518

www.winchesterthurston.org 412.578.7518 Winchester Thurston is a PK-12, coed independent school with campuses in Shadyside and the North Hills.

 JANUARY 8, 2009

media attention followed. “I even was stopped and asked for my autograph,” Doss said. A sports lover, he has enjoyed the chance to rub elbows over TRUE BLUE (& GOLD) the years with many Pitt coaches and players. Among the biggest changes he recalls is the demoli- 18 staff members = 720 years of service at Pitt tion of Pitt Stadium and con- struction of the Petersen Events Center. Doss plans to retire April 30. q Betty Edwards began as a secretary in the Department of Medicine’s pulmonary division. “It was very frightening at first,” she recalled. “Learning how to type scientific papers and figure out the process for keeping the accounts for our grants was very mind-blowing.” In 1971 she was recruited to the Division of Infectious Dis- eases, where she now is office manager. For her, the biggest changes have come thanks to office technologies. She recalls using manual, then electric typewrit- ers. Younger people today think, “Typewriters… what’s that?” She also outlasted onionskin and carbon paper, mimeograph machines and making slides for presentations and transparencies for overhead projectors. Other advances — the inven- tion of Wite-Out, fax machines

Jim Burke/CIDDE and the construction of the walk- Long-term staff were honored Dec. 4 at an annual recognition Back row, from left, Linda Ostroski, Rosemary Rinella, Gregory ways that bridge Pitt buildings and ceremony.Pictured are staff members who reached the 40 years Doss, Kenneth Patrene and John Settles. of service milestone during 2008. Front row, from left, Roberta Those 40-year staff members who did not attend the ceremony UPMC hospitals — all have made Bates, Dianne Cafeo, Gail Austin, Constance Tomko, Elizabeth are: Cathleen Barr, William Carson, Russell Culley Jr., Theodora her job easier. Edwards, Nancy Gilkes, Patricia Duff. Fakles, Barbara Hunt and Donna Radcliffe. Edwards also has a claim to fame — being mentioned in a book he year was 1968. Wesley time at the University where I have student service area, as I have for Later assigned to duties at written by professor emeritus and Posvar was chancellor. met many students, faculty, staff 40 years, you do all sorts of odd the chancellor’s residence, he got retired chair of the Department of TCivil rights demonstra- and community representatives things to aid our students, staff a surprise introduction to the Infectious Diseases and Microbi- tions and student activism against along the way,” she said. and faculty.” Nordenberg family dog when ology Monto Ho, for whom she the Vietnam War continued on q Among her amusing recollec- the shepherd pounced on him in worked from 1971 to 1993. She campus. Nancy Gilkes, manager of tions was installation of the beau- the yard. After the unexpectedly also wrote a brief tribute recalling The new Hillman Library benefits/relationship in Human tiful display case Pitt’s carpenters abrupt start to the relationship, her work with Ho when he was opened its doors and fundrais- Resources, is another of the 40- built to hold the Heisman and “the dog got used to me and we honored recently for service to ing was underway for a Learn- year staffers who have spent their Sugar Bowl trophies. It was to be became the best of friends,” he the University. ing Research and Development entire career in one department. secured in a vault in the Scaife Hall said. Edwards said the years have Center building. The University Her initial job title was senior registrar’s office, but when they Among the biggest changes gone by surprisingly fast. “After Center for International Studies secretary in what then was Pitt’s tried to put it in the vault, escorted he recalls over his 40 years are 40 years, it does not feel like it’s and the Department of Black personnel department. by campus police, it wouldn’t fit. the demolition of Forbes Field been that long. I really love my Studies were established. Among her initial duties was They hadn’t measured the door- and the construction of Mervis job and enjoy working with my On the playing field, the Pan- staffing the personnel committee, way to the vault before building Hall and Forbes Quadrangle, now co-workers,” she said. thers suffered one of their great- which reviewed and approved the display case. Posvar Hall. q est losses in the Pitt-Penn State or denied departments’ staffing One change in the University During his time at Pitt, Settles’ Kenneth Patrene began his rivalry, falling 65-9 in a Nov. 23 requests and which also was in that impresses Bates is the recogni- interest in landscape design grew. career at Pitt as a stackmaster in the game at Pitt Stadium. charge of staff classification and tion long-term staff now receive. He has had a hand in selecting brand-new Hillman Library and Fast forward to 2008. Eigh- salary administration. Other tasks, “I worked here for 23 years before replacements for the O’Hara as a fill-in at several departmental teen of the employees hired in however, might not seem to be so anyone thought about acknowl- Street elm trees that needed to libraries. He now is a research spe- 1968 were among the honorees closely related to personnel duties. edging long-term employees,” be removed after being attacked cialist/lab manager in the Depart- recognized Dec. 4 as part of the At one time preparing and pub- she said. by pests. He also has designed ment of Medicine’s Division of University’s annual long-term lishing the campus phone direc- q landscaping for Scaife Hall and Hematology/Oncology. staff recognition ceremony and tory and even hand addressing the Groundskeeper John Settles euonymus plantings outside the Choosing a career in research reception. chancellor’s holiday cards fell to started his Pitt career as a custo- Cathedral of Learning. The has required him to be available Whether indoors in labs, the department, she noted. dian in Physical Plant —it wasn’t attractiveness of his work on to conduct ongoing experiments offices or libraries, or outdoors Gilkes said among the high- yet called Facilities Management. the middle campus has drawn regardless of the day or the hour tending to the University grounds, lights of her daily work is the Assigned first to Scaife Hall, then compliments and even brought but also has enabled him to help the long-time staffers have shared opportunity to interact with a few years later to the new LRDC him customers for his own side master’s and doctoral students in and contributed to Pitt’s world-class faculty and staff and building, he became acquainted business, he said. “People notice with their research projects and growth. Here, several share their learn about their professional not only with faculty and staff but things you do even though you has allowed him to collaborate memories. accomplishments — and now also with the Falk School students think they don’t,” he said. with amazing researchers, he q to hear about their children’s as who kept the LRDC building’s q said. Patrene has co-authored Rosemary Rinella has spent well. third floor lively in a special experi- Gregory Doss also started as several scientific papers, includ- her entire 40 years in the School q mental classroom there. a custodian, moved to the grounds ing one that appeared in Science of Social Work, making her the Bobbie Bates started as a In 1988 Settles moved to the crew in 1976 and now is a crew magazine. school’s longest-serving staffer. clerical aide, pulling class cards grounds crew and was welcomed leader. He became an unlikely The importance of grant fund- Initially hired as secretary to and master statistics cards for with a bang. Preparing Pitt Sta- celebrity in 1988 after Pitt bas- ing remains constant, but was the dean, she now is assistant to each student who came into the dium’s field and setting up other ketball forward Jerome Lane shat- more difficult and time consuming the dean. Widely regarded as the University Registrar’s office. athletic events were among the tered the backboard at Fitzgerald in pre-computer days, Patrene school’s institutional memory, She now is the office’s records grounds crew’s non-landscaping Field House with a famous dunk recalled. “Racing to the airport to among her official duties are manager, ensuring that historical duties. during a game against Providence see the submitted grant safely off coordinating social work’s annual documents are microfilmed and On his first day on that job, College. Someone had to clean up was not uncommon,” he said. speaker series and serving as assis- properly kept and protected off- Settles said, he got out of the truck the glass and replace the basket. Among the other changes tant editor of its bi-yearly Bridges site. She also assists with athletics’ on Sutherland Drive to enter the That someone was Doss. he’s noted around the University magazine. Her Panther pride is and veterans’ certification. stadium and promptly was hit by “I dismantled the basket, took is its growth and expansion, the evident and reflects the sentiments Beyond her official duties, a student pedaling a 10-speed bike off the clock and the wires,” he increasing diversity of students of many of her fellow long-time she’s sometimes stepped up to down the hill. Knocked uncon- said. “I didn’t think anything of and the addition of many student staffers. “The University has tend to fussy babies or entertain scious, he was picked up off the it.” services. “It almost makes me grown considerably and become small children while their par- street by members of the football The replacement was touted want to re-enroll for classes after a leading academic and research ents conducted their business in team and awoke in Presbyterian as the fastest ever — delaying the retirement,” he joked. institution. I have cherished my the office. “When you work in a Hospital. game by only 32 minutes — and —Kimberly K. Barlow n

 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

wo talented Pitt profes- continued ever since. sors will pick up guitars, Likewise, when Weber Tbass and harmonicas next returned from Sweden in 1992, week for an hour-long set of blues he discovered the Calliope guitar and more in the Cup and Chaucer class. Café in Hillman Library. q Chemistry professor Steve Smith has incorporated music Weber and English professor into his classes. He teaches a Bal- Phil Smith are stepping out of lads and Blues class; one section the classroom to perform at is being offered this term. As an 12:30 p.m. Jan. 15 as part of a English course, the class focuses free Emerging Legends concert on lyrics and how traditional series jointly sponsored by the oral expression is passed on by University Library System (ULS) memory, then finds its way to and Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk written form. Students are wel- Music Society. come to write and present their The series was launched last own ballads as part of the class. November and continues with a Smith’s guitar makes appearances total of six free concerts featuring in the class as well. local and nationally known artists Weber admits there is less throughout the academic year. (A opportunity to incorporate music full schedule is available at www. into his chemistry classes. Because library.pitt.edu/uls/news/calliope. electromagnetic oscillation cor- html.) relates with the colors of the Their audience can expect a rainbow, some principles of optics mix of blues, ragtime and gospel can be illustrated roughly with the styles, as well as covers of Grateful guitar. But he uses such illustra- Dead, Bob Dylan and Peter Rowan tions infrequently. In the science tunes, the professors said. domain, musical principles might Smith and Weber, both Cal- better mesh with a materials sci- ence course to study, for instance,

liope board members, have pre- Kimberly K. Barlow sented educational programs to English professor Phil Smith, left, and chemistry professor Steve Weber practice at Smith’s home for the factors that impact the making enhance the experience of students their Jan. 15 concert at Hillman’s Cup and Chaucer Café. of a fine violin. “For chemistry, it’s attending Calliope events through tough,” he admits. the Pitt Arts program, such as “My musical life is not high- teaching a roomful of students to profile here,” he said. The respon- play a simple harmonica tune as a Outside the classroom, this sibilities for a lab and 15 graduate precursor to a blues concert. But, students mean music definitely they never have played together on has to take second place, although campus in a concert setting. professor duo plays the blues Weber does play with the Monon- Now instead of solely enabling gahela Sheiks. The band has students to attend Calliope shows, opened for Calliope concert the folk and traditional music can headliners and played such local be brought to them as well. “It’s a (as well as ragtime & gospel) venues as Club Café on the South wonderful way to bring music to Side. the campus by bringing it to the to Calliope. They met through derful part of summer,” Smith In 1991 Weber went on sab- Smith plays with Smokestack Cup and Chaucer,” Smith said, Calliope teacher Bill Weiner, with said. batical to Sweden and on a whim Lightning, a folk group with roots noting that fellow Calliope board whom both studied guitar. They Smith and Weber don’t play packed his guitar. As fate would in Pitt’s history department that member Rush Miller, ULS direc- also have attended summer-camp- together regularly, although they have it, his neighbor there played performs songs related to Ameri- tor and Hillman Librarian, helped style blues workshops together do get the chance to jam each as well and his love of the music can labor. make the new concert series at the and, with a handful of fellow summer in Millwood. was rekindled. Academic duties precluded the library possible. attendees at the blues week offered Both professors grew up loving Smith’s return to playing came duo from rehearsing their Cup and Weber said he enjoys the by Davis and Elkins College’s music — Weber was inspired by in the late 1980s and early 1990s Chaucer set together until just a opportunity to showcase what he Augusta Heritage Center, 11 years Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and Buffy when his wife encouraged him few weeks ago, after final grades calls “handmade music.” Without ago started their own blues week Sainte-Marie; Smith enjoyed Pete to take up music again as a way were completed. While the fall knocking technologic advances, held each summer in Millwood, Seeger, the Kingston Trio and to unwind from the administra- term was in session, the acoustic he noted that it’s fun to expose Va. Harry Belafonte. Both played tive tasks associated with being a professors relied on technology students to the simple pleasures The group of 15-18 musi- guitar in high school and college department chair. — exchanging recordings or com- that come with acoustic styles. cians each summer invites several before the pressures of graduate He found Calliope’s group puter files for each other to play q professional musicians to instruct school and new careers in aca- classes — “I just wanted to go along with — as they prepared to Smith and Weber owe their them. The week concludes with a demia forced them to set their someplace to play and learn showcase their old-style music. acquaintance with one another house concert. “It’s been a won- music aside. something,” he said — and has —Kimberly K. Barlow n UPG, UPJ staffers win campus president’s awards Two regional campuses have In presenting the award, Johnstown Staff Activities and announced the winners of annual campus President Jem Spectar Concerns Association and raised staff awards. said, “Keenly committed to our nearly $500 as the team captain for Michele Shuey, an academic students, Ms. Lenio is known the Susan G. Komen Passionately adviser in the Office of Academic across the campus for the sincer- Pink for the Cure Campaign. Affairs at Pitt-Greensburg, has ity and warmth with which she She also is involved with the won UPG’s President’s Distin- welcomes everyone who enters the annual Trick or Treat for Pitt- guished Service Award for Staff. Personal Counseling Center. Her Johnstown students, freshman The purpose of the UPG award nurturing style and compassion- move-in day, commencement is to recognize regular staff who ate attitude reassure the students and the staff picnic on the campus have demonstrated a consistent and contribute significantly to the mall. pattern of extraordinary dedica- success of the Personal Counsel- Lenio was recognized at the tion to the University, above and ing Center.” annual staff luncheon held Dec. beyond the staff member’s job Lenio, who joined UPJ in 16 where she was presented with responsibilities. The award carries 1998, is an member of the Pitt- an engraved mantel clock. n a $500 prize. According to one of her nomi- UPJ scholarship honors campus advisory board member nation letters, “Ms. Shuey deserves Concurrent Technologies Corp. will honor CTC head Daniel R. recognition for her willingness to Michele Shuey Diane Lenio DeVos by establishing a $50,000 Pitt-Johnstown scholarship endow- take on extra responsibilities to ment, the Daniel R. DeVos Science and Technology Scholarship. meet the needs of the campus. She (Maryland), her bachelor’s degree recipient of the President’s Staff CTC is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and has also been successful in finding in education and her master’s Award for Excellence in Service development professional services organization providing management innovative ways to improve the degree in geography and regional to Pitt-Johnstown. and technology-based solutions to government and industry. Under work of academic advising. A spe- planning from California Univer- This annual award recognizes DeVos’s leadership, the company has grown from 15 to more than cial strength is her ability to col- sity of Pennsylvania. staff members who demonstrate a 1,400 employees at more than 50 locations across the nation. laborate with other departments q commitment to the campus above The scholarship will support seniors who are majoring in engineer- and individuals on campus.” Diane Lenio, administrative and beyond their job responsi- ing technology, computer science, nursing or some other technology Shuey received her associate’s assistant in the Personal Coun- bilities, and who have compiled a and/or scientific major. degree in university studies from seling Center at the Johnstown record of voluntary service to the DeVos has served on the UPJ advisory board for two decades. He Allegany Community College campus, was named this year’s Pitt-Johnstown community. holds a master’s degree in education/administration from Pitt. n

10 JANUARY 8, 2009

R E S E A R C H N O T E S and self-assembly has potential applications in information stor- Sock collection Small local tems can assist those attempting a new molecule and a new radical age and in nanolithography, a pro- communities to revitalize distressed communi- that proceeded to the sulfur-sulfur cess used in producing microchips runs till Feb. 6 lack strong IS ties. bond of the next molecule. The and circuit boards. Pitt’s Volunteer capacity “In the Pittsburgh region, how- process repeated itself through a The research was conducted Pool is sponsoring a Research conducted by stu- ever, many of our municipalities do series of molecules. with Peter Maksymovych, who sock-a-thon to dents in the Graduate School of not have the capacity to establish Because the demonstrated received his PhD in physical aid the home- Public and International Affairs good information systems. What reaction involved several mol- chemistry from Pitt in 2007 and less and needy found that many small local can communities and officials do ecules on a surface, it reframes is now at the U.S. Department d u r i n g t h e municipalities lack adequate to expand existing neighborhood researchers’ understanding of of Energy Center for Nano- winter months. information systems and do not information systems to more surface-based chain reactions. phase Materials Sciences; Dan The effort runs have sufficient staff or computer users and more municipalities? “The conventional wisdom held C. Sorescu of NETL, and John through Feb. 6. resources to use data regularly This project investigates this that a surface reaction would fizzle T. Yates Jr., a former Pitt Mellon New socks can be dropped off from neighborhood information question through a case study of soon after the electron was intro- Professor of Chemistry now at at the Volunteer Pool Office, systems such as the Pittsburgh the PNCIS and the Turtle Creek duced,” Jordan said. “Our work, the University of Virginia. Maksy- 710 Alumni Hall. Neighborhood Community Indi- Valley Council of Governments. however, shows that reactions on movych and Yates carried out For more information, cator System (PNCIS). The study concludes that many metal surfaces can be sustained the experiments and Jordan and contact Gwen Watkins at The project, “Strengthening of Allegheny County’s smaller over long distances.” Sorescu performed the supporting 412/624-7702 or watkins@ the Turtle Creek Valley Council municipalities lack adequate infor- Jordan said that the ability to theoretical calculations. pitt.edu. n of Governments Communities mation systems, web-based public initiate molecular chain reactions CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Through Collaborative Data information and internal planning Systems,” was conducted as part capacity. Councils of Government of a capstone seminar under can fill those capacity and technol- the leadership of faculty adviser ogy gaps with financial assistance Sabina Deitrick. from the commonwealth through The researchers studied com- the Department of Community munity indicator systems within and Economic Development.” the National Neighborhood Indi- cator Partnership, a consortium of Nano neighborhood indicator systems chain reaction from around the country based at reported the Urban Institute in Washing- Researchers from Pitt and ton, D.C. From this review, they the U.S. Department of Energy identified important issues within National Energy Technology a community, such as education, Laboratory (NETL) in Pittsburgh housing and economic develop- have demonstrated a nanoscale ment, and collected data relevant molecular chain reaction on a to those issues. They also analyzed metal surface, they report in the the communities they studied in Dec. 12 edition of Science. the Turtle Creek Valley Council The team found that a single of Governments to gauge their electron caused a self-perpetuat- ability to use the data and their ing chain reaction that rearranged technological capacity to work the bonds in 10 consecutive mol- with PNCIS. ecules positioned on a gold sur- The researchers used the face. As each molecule’s original group as a case study to explore bond was broken by the reaction, the feasibility of extending PNCIS the molecule rearranged itself to to the Turtle Creek Valley com- form a new molecule. munities and beyond. The project Study co-author Kenneth is intended to provide a framework Jordan, Distinguished Professor that can be extended to other levels of Chemistry and co-director of the of government. University’s Center for Simulation In analyzing the ways such and Modeling, and his colleagues systems can be adopted by the worked with dimethyldisulfide technologically savvy and those molecules — two CH(3) methyl with less technology know-how, groups bonded by two adjoining the researchers found that nearly sulfur atoms. The added electron half of the communities studied split the bond between the sulfur lacked the capacity to maintain atoms of one molecule, creating records on computers and would a highly reactive free radical that not be able to dedicate enough attacked the sulfur-sulfur bond of trained personnel to use a program the neighboring molecule. The such as PNCIS on an ongoing radical split the bond, resulting in basis. “Neighborhood informa- tion systems create practical opportunities for residents and officials to engage in commu- nity-building and policymaking that will improve neighborhood conditions,” said Deitrick, pro- fessor of public and urban affairs and international development. “Making public data more acces- sible through web-based applica- tions and mapping tools through geographic information systems, neighborhood information sys-

The University Times Research Notes column aims to inform readers about fund- ing awarded to Pitt researchers and to report briefly on find- ings arising from University research. We welcome submissions from all areas of the University. Submit information via email to: [email protected], by fax to 412/624-4579 or by campus mail to 308 Bellefield Hall. For submission guidelines, visit www.umc.pitt.edu/utimes/ deadlines.html online.

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

R E S E A R C H N O T E S substance that delivers lipids to pathways involved in the disease the liver or cells that need more and may lead to the development CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 lipids. The study will explore the of new treatments that specifically Nursing versus when self-directed by Systems, received $402,555 for her relationship between apolipopro- target them. research patients versus care as usual. research, “After-hours Communi- tein E and the development and Ulcerative colitis, a form funded Donovan’s research is funded cation Support for Hospice Family duration of delirium in patients in of inflammatory bowel disease through June 2013. Caregivers and Patients.” intensive care units. (IBD), causes inflammation and Four School of Nursing faculty • Paula Sherwood, Depart- Caregivers rate communica- Alexander’s research is funded ulceration in the inner lining of members have received grants ment of Acute and Tertiary Care, tion as essential to the support through July 2010. the rectum and large intestine. from the National Institute of received $2.7 million for her they receive from hospice provid- Senior author of the study Nursing Research, part of the research, “Patient and Health ers and perceive the telephone Horseradish Richard H. Duerr, professor National Institutes of Health. Care System Outcomes Following as an emergency back-up tool in good for of medicine and human genet- • Heidi S. Donovan, Depart- Expanded Endonasal Approach pain and symptom management. nano-cleanup ics at the School of Medicine ment of Acute and Tertiary Care, (EEA).” The study will compare the use Pitt researchers have devel- and Graduate School of Public was awarded $2.9 million for her In EEA, endoscopic proce- of videophones to telephones in oped a natural, nontoxic method Health, said: “Ulcerative colitis research, “Web-based Ovarian dures are used to remove brain after-hours hospice calls to mea- for biodegrading carbon nano- and Crohn’s disease are chronic Cancer Symptom Control: Nurse- tumors through the nose, instead sure patient-reported pain and tubes, a finding that could help conditions that impact the day-to- guided Versus Self-directed.” of having to open the skull and quality of life for hospice patients diminish the environmental and day lives of patients. IBD is most Donovan and her team have dissect through cerebral tissue, and family caregivers. health concerns surrounding the often diagnosed in the teenage developed Written Represen- or craniotomy. The study will Courtney’s research is funded materials. years or early adulthood. While tational Intervention to Ease compare EEA with standard through July 2010. The researchers found that patients usually don’t die from Symptoms (WRITE Symptoms) craniotomy on multiple patient • Sheila Alexander, Depart- carbon nanotubes deteriorate IBD, affected individuals live to help women with recurrent and health care system outcomes ment of Acute and Tertiary Care, when exposed to the natural with its debilitating symptoms ovarian cancer gain control over including functional and neuro- was awarded $151,500 for her enzyme horseradish peroxidase during the most productive years their cancer and treatment-related logical status, return to work, reso- research, “Long-term Outcomes (HRP), according to a report of their lives.” symptoms. lution of preoperative symptoms, in ICU Patients: Delirium and published recently in Nano Let- Because IBD tends to run in Currently, nurses deliver cost, length of stay and mortality Apolipoprotein E.” ters co-authored by Alexander families, researchers have long WRITE to patients via online and morbidity. Delirium is a disturbance in Star, chemistry professor, and thought that genetic factors play a message boards. The study will Sherwood’s research is funded consciousness with inattentiveness Valerian Kagan, professor and role. The researchers performed a compare patients’ quality of life through November 2013. accompanied by a change in cogni- vice chair of the Department of genome-wide association study of and symptoms when WRITE • Karen Courtney, Depart- tion or perceptual disturbances. Environmental and Occupational hundreds of thousands of genetic Symptoms is delivered by nurses ment of Health and Community Apolipoprotein E is a transport Health in the Graduate School of markers using DNA samples from Public Health. 1,052 individuals with ulcerative These results open the door to colitis and pre-existing data from further development of safe and 2,571 controls, all of European natural methods — with HRP ancestry and residing in North or other enzymes — of cleaning America. up carbon nanotube spills in the Several genetic markers on environment and the industrial or chromosomes 1p36 and 12q15 laboratory setting. showed highly significant asso- Both Kagan and Star are ciations with ulcerative colitis, associated with a three-year-old and the association evidence Pitt initiative to investigate nano- was replicated in independent toxicology. European ancestry samples from Star said, “The many applica- North America and southern Italy. tions of nanotubes have resulted Several nearby genes also were in greater production of them, but implicated as possibly playing a their toxicity remains controver- role in ulcerative colitis. sial. Accidental spills of nanotubes The study also found highly are inevitable during their pro- suggestive associations between duction, and the massive use of ulcerative colitis and genetic nanotube-based materials could markers on a chromosome in the lead to increased environmental gene family known to play a role pollution. We have demonstrated in intestinal health and disease. a nontoxic approach to success- The study confirmed previously fully degrade carbon nanotubes identified associations between in environmentally relevant ulcerative colitis and genetic vari- conditions.” ants in the interleukin 23 receptor The team’s work focused on (IL23R) gene on chromosome nanotubes in their raw form as a 1p31 and the major histocompat- fine, graphite-like powder, Kagan ibility complex on chromosome said. In this form, nanotubes have 6p21. caused severe lung inflammation Duerr said the next steps are in lab tests. Although small, nano- to research the functional signifi- tubes contain thousands of atoms cance of the genetic variants and on their surface that could react develop new treatments that target with the human body in unknown the biological pathways implicated ways, Kagan said. by the genetic discoveries. “Nanomaterials aren’t com- The study’s authors represent pletely understood. Industries the IBD Genetics Consortium, use nanotubes because they’re which is funded by the National unique — they are strong, they Institute of Diabetes and Diges- can be used as semiconductors. tive and Kidney Diseases of the But do these features present National Institutes of Health. unknown health risks? The field Other member institutions in of nanotoxicology is develop- the consortium are Cedars-Sinai ing to find out,” Kagan said. Medical Center, the University “Studies have shown that they of Chicago, Johns Hopkins Uni- can be dangerous. We wanted to versity, Université de Montréal develop a method for safely neu- and the Montreal Heart Institute, tralizing these very small materi- Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto als should they contaminate the and Yale University. natural or working environment.” Other study authors who collaborated with the consor- tium include researchers from Genetic Carnegie Mellon University, the markers for Cleveland Clinic Foundation, The colitis found Feinstein Institute for Medical An international team led by Research, Massachusetts General School of Medicine researchers Hospital, CHUM-Hôpital Saint- has identified genetic markers Luc in Montreal, The Hospital associated with risk for ulcerative for Sick Children and Princess colitis. Margaret Hospital in Toronto, The findings, which appear CHAUQ-Hôpital du St-Sacre- online in the journal Nature ment in Quebec and the IRCCS- Genetics, bring researchers closer CSS Hospital in S. Giovanni to understanding the biological Rotondo, Italy. n

12 JANUARY 8, 2009

P E O P L E O F T H E T I M E S flourished to the point that Pitt- The three faculty members are Bradford was one of five colleges among seven educators honored Three School of Medicine Martin’s work will be published in from 1971 to nominated for Campus Activities by this Excellence in Teaching faculty members recently were Daedalus, the academy’s journal. 2005, and has Magazine’s Campus of the Year Award, offered annually by the named fellows of the American been a member for 2008. WISE consortium. Association for the Advancement Three staff members in the of GSA for Graham serves on the national The consortium was created of Science (AAAS). Swanson School of Engineering more than 20 advisory board of Campus Activ- to expand online course offer- Bernie Devlin, associate have been named as winners of years. ities Magazine and was the ings, increasing the educational professor of psychiatry and the inaugural Swanson School H e a l s o regional conference coordinator opportunities available to students human genetics; George K. Staff Awards. The awards were is a charter of the 2004 NACA Mid America at any of the participating WISE Michalopoulos, Maud L. Menten established this year by U.S. Steel member of the regional conference. schools. WISE uses advanced Professor and chair of pathology, Dean of Engineering Gerald History of Earth Sciences Society online technology to enrich and Herbert L. Needleman, Holder to recognize staff who (HESS), serving as president-elect Three faculty at the iSchool education and foster relation- professor of psychiatry and pedi- provide outstanding performance 2001-2003, and president 2003- — part of the School of Informa- ships among students, faculty and atrics, were selected for their sci- and service to the school and to 2005. He continues to engage in tion Sciences — will be honored universities. entifically or socially distinguished highlight the accomplishments of HESS activities and publishes on this month by the Web-based efforts to advance science and its staff members. Staff with two or topics of historical interest in the Information Science Education Several faculty in the Schools applications. more years of service at the school society’s journal, Earth Sciences (WISE) consortium, a collab- of the Health Sciences recently Devlin, Michalopoulos and are eligible. History. orative distance education model received awards or accolades. Needleman are among the 486 The staff award recipients Brice was a founding member that increases the quality, access Ian McGowan, professor of AAAS members who will be are: and inaugural president of the and diversity of online educa- medicine in the Division of Gas- inducted as fellows on Feb. 14 • Betty Victor, director of Petroleum History Institute and tion opportunities in library and troenterology, Hepatology and during the AAAS annual meeting the Office of Administration, who in 2003 he became editor, produc- information science. Nutrition and the Department in Chicago. manages the school’s fiscal activi- tion manager and supervisor of Professors Mary Kay Biagini, of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Devlin was elected as a AAAS ties, including publishing and chief contributor Bernadette Callery and Ellen Reproductive Sciences, has been fellow as part of the association’s the Univer- to Oil Industry History. Detlefsen will receive 2008 named chair of the Food and Drug section on statistics for his novel sity budgets, He has been a member in the awards for Excellence in Online Administration’s antiviral drugs statistical methods to detect dis- gifts, research, National Association of Geosci- Teaching, Best Practices. The advisory committee. ease-causing mutations and his endowments ence Teachers and the Association awards are given to faculty nomi- Andrew B. Peitzman, Mark research on the validity of DNA and cost cen- for Women Geoscientists, where nated by WISE students from M. Ravitch professor and vice fingerprinting, IQ heritability and ters. She also he served as a member of the edu- institutions other than the faculty chair, and chief of general sur- the cause of heritable paragan- oversees faculty cation committee, 1993-1994. member’s home institution. gery in the School of Medicine’s gliomas, which are rare tumors of and staff personnel actions and Biagini was nominated by Department of Surgery, recently certain kinds of neuroendocrine undergraduate probation and University Professor Savio students who was elected president-elect of tissues. dismissal, as well as legal and L-Y. Woo recently received an t o o k h e r the American Association for the Michalopoulos was elected as a audit issues. honorary Doctor of Engineer- Resources for Surgery of Trauma. AAAS fellow as part of the section Victor has served in various ing degree from the University Young Adults Kenneth McGaffin, assis- on medical sciences for his con- capacities at the school for nearly Council of the Hong Kong Poly- class in spring tant professor of medicine at the tributions to understanding the 50 years. She also has served on technic University. The honor 2008. Her stu- medical school and UPMC Car- pathways of growth factors that various Pitt committees. recognizes the contributions Woo dents noted that diovascular Institute, has received lead the liver to regenerate. • Richard Colwell, who has made to the advancement of “her passion for the American Heart Association’s Needleman was elected as a started working at the University musculoskeletal biomechanics and working with James A. Shaver, M.D., Research fellow as part of the section on in 1985 as an electronics techni- engineering sciences, especially young adults came across in many Award. The award is presented neuroscience for his exemplary cian. He currently is responsible in the area of novel orthopaedic ways throughout the course, and to the top-scoring project by a commitment to translating find- for maintaining the computer sports medicine and rehabilitation it was clear that she keeps up with physician-scientist in western ings to public policy, particularly systems, net- treatments. trends in the field.” Pennsylvania. as it influences child health. work and serv- Woo is the founder and Callery was nominated by Mary Beth Happ, associate AAAS is an international non- ers for several director of the Musculoskeletal WISE students professor in the Department of profit organization dedicated to of the school’s Research Center at the Swanson in her Museum Acute/Tertiary Care at the School advancing science around the departments, School of Engineering. He is a A r c h i v e s of Nursing, was selected as an world. The tradition of AAAS in addition to pioneer in bioengineering and is course, offered American Association of Criti- fellowship began in 1874 and is three state-of- renowned for his almost 40 years i n s u m m e r cal-Care Nurses Circle of Excel- an honor bestowed upon AAAS the-art com- of translational research in knee 2 0 0 8 . T h e lence Award recipient. The award members by their peers. puter teaching ligament healing and repair. n o m i n a t i o n recognizes excellent outcomes by The full list of this year’s AAAS labs and various other high-tech More recently, his work has noted that her individuals in the care of acutely fellows can be accessed in the labs. focused on functional tissue engi- “courses were and critically ill patients and their AAAS news and notes section of Colwell has served as presi- neering for ligament and tendon extremely well designed, cover- families. the Dec. 19 journal Science. dent and vice president of the regeneration from the molecular ing all aspects of the profession Nursing school faculty mem- Staff Association Council and as to cellular to tissue and organ and presenting multiple points bers Yvette Conley, associate Dawn Lundy Martin, assis- a member of various University levels, as well as the use of robotic of view.” professor in the Department of tant professor of English, has search committees. technology to examine the joint Detlefsen was nominated Health Promotion and Devel- been awarded • Brittany Guthrie, who function. by students opment, and Janice Dorman, the American started at Pitt in 2002. Despite Woo has been inducted into who took her professor and associate dean for Academy of Arts the fact that the engineering the Institute of Medicine, the Health Sciences scientific and international affairs, and Sciences undergraduate student body has National Academy of Engineer- Resources and received the President’s Award (AAAS) Poetry doubled since she began work- ing and the Academia Sinica, Services course at the International Society of Prize. Martin ing, Holder said, Guthrie has only one of four individuals who in fall 2008, Nurses in Genetics’ recent confer- is among five continued to maintain an extensive have received all three of these particularly for ence. ISONG is a global nursing poets to receive student data- honors. her efforts to be specialty organization dedicated the AAAS award, which recog- base, develop “aware of those to fostering the scientific and nizes emerging poets of excep- solutions to Christina Graham, Pitt- of us who are virtual students, both professional growth of nurses in tional promise and distinguished students’ aca- Bradford’s director of student mentioning our ‘presence’ to the human genetics and genomics. achievement. demic con- activities, has been named Out- class and including us with her Martin is a founding member cerns and serve standing Professional at the style of lecturing.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 of the Black Took Collective, as web editor National Association for Campus a group of experimental black for her depart- Activities mid-America awards poets; co-founder of the Third ment, mechni- conference. Wave Foundation, and co-editor cal engineering Graham joined Pitt-Bradford Mark O. Gustine of “The Fire This Time: Young and materials science. in 2002 and has demonstrated out- Activists and the New Feminism.” She also is a member of the standing leadership at the regional Long-time Facilities Man- Patrick and Frank; brothers Frank Her books include “The Morn- Staff Association Council. campus, said Holly Spittler, associ- agement staff member Mark O. and Robert, and sisters Joanne and ing Hour,” a collection of poems ate dean of student affairs. Gustine died unexpectedly Jan. Mary Louise. that was selected for the Poetry William Brice, Pitt-John- Spittler said, “She has a strong 5, 2009. He was 53. Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Society of America’s National stown professor emeritus in geol- impact on students as she serves as Gustine started at Pitt in 1984 Jan. 8 and 9 at William Slater II Chapbook Fellowship, and “A ogy and planetary science, recently the adviser of the Student Activi- as a custodian. He had been sta- Funeral Service, 1650 Greentree Matter of Gathering/A Gathering received the Gerald M. and Sue ties Council, the co-adviser of tioned at Mervis Hall for the past Rd., Scott Township. A funeral of Matter,” which won the 2006 T. Friedman History of Geology Student Government Association 10 years. Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. Cave Canem Book Prize. Distinguished Service Award from and coordina- “Mark was an exemplary 10 in St. Winifred Church, 550 Presented for the first time the Geological Society of America tor of the fall employee, a good worker who Sleepy Hollow Rd., Mt. Leba- this year, the poetry prize was (GSA). new student was always on time,” said Will non. established to honor the memory The Friedman award is given orientation Mitchell, senior manager of cus- Donations in Gustine’s of longtime AAAS fellow May to an individual or individuals program.” todial services. “He was quiet and memory may be made to the Sarton, a poet, novelist and teacher for exceptional service to the U n d e r kept to himself for the most part, Seton-LaSalle High School who encouraged the work of advancement of “our knowledge G r a h a m ’s but was well-liked. His death is a Tuition Assistance Program, young poets during her career. of the history of the geological leadership, shock to all of us.” 1000 McNeilly Rd., Pittsburgh The AAAS Poetry Prize carries sciences.” S A C a n d Gustine is survived by his wife, 15226. a $2,000 honorarium. In addition, Brice was on the UPJ faculty SGA have Kathleen; children Heather, Kelly, —Peter Hart n

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

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 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 and staff, including awards and other honors, accomplishments and A b h i n a v possible to patients with end- Humar received his medical administrative appointments. H u m a r , a stage organ failure. Additionally, degree from the University of We welcome submissions from all areas of the University. Send nationally rec- his skills as a scholar in academic Ottawa. He completed his general information via email to: [email protected], by fax at 412/624-4579 ognized expert medicine will help bolster the surgical residency at the Univer- or by campus mail to 308 Bellefield Hall. in abdominal mission of the Starzl Institute by sity of Ottawa and later a surgical For submission guidelines, visit www.umc.pitt.edu/utimes/dead- organ trans- fostering the continual improve- fellowship in transplantation at lines.html online. plantation, has ment of the clinical, scientific the University of Minnesota. He been appointed and social aspects of transplanta- joined the faculty at the University clinical director tion to improve the lives of our of Ottawa School of Medicine in in LaJolla, Calif. professor of medicine and chief of the Thomas E. Starzl Trans- patients.” 1998. A year later, he became the Smith also has experience on of the Division of Pulmonary plantation Institute and chief, Humar currently is medical service director in the Division of the boards of the NASD, the Medicine, previously worked at Division of Transplantation in director of the liver and living Transplantation at the University Security Traders Association and NIH. His research interest lies the Department of Surgery at donor programs at the Transplant of Minnesota and, in 2000, he was its foundation and the NASDAQ in nitrites and how they and other UPMC. Center of the University of Min- appointed medical director for the Stock Market Educational Foun- molecules control blood flow and Humar will oversee all clini- nesota Medical Center and pro- living donor transplant program. dation, among others. vascular function. cal and clinical research activi- fessor of surgery in the Division He also serves as a staff physician ties of one of the world’s most of Transplantation Surgery at the at Fairview University Medical Edward P. James G. Terwilliger, a active transplant programs. He is University of Minnesota School Center and the VA Medical Center Krenzelok has veteran health care professional expected to assume the position of Medicine. in Minneapolis. b e e n n a m e d with more than 20 years of man- by March. Arthur S. Levine, senior vice His areas of research include the inaugural agement experience, has been “Dr. Humar is known as a chancellor for Health Sciences and partial liver transplants and studies Dr. Gordon J. named executive director and vice gifted surgeon and a man of integ- dean of the School of Medicine, of hepatic regeneration, clinical Vanscoy Chair president of UPMC Cancer Cen- rity and his credentials speak for said: “With Dr. Humar joining outcome studies in kidney, liver of Pharmacy at ters. Terwilliger previously served themselves,” said Timothy R. Bil- an already outstanding transplant and pancreas transplants, cyto- the School of as vice president of operations at liar, the George V. Foster profes- team, the Starzl Institute will con- megalovirus disease in transplant Pharmacy. Krenzelok is director UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside. sor of surgery and chair, Depart- tinue its distinguished tradition of recipients, outcomes in pediatric of the Pittsburgh Poison Center In his new role, Terwilliger ment of Surgery in the School of leading the field in research and kidney and liver transplants and and Drug Information Center is responsible for all clinical Medicine. “His presence at the clinical advances that improve small bowel transplantation. His at UPMC and is professor of administration, operations and Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation treatment not only for our own research pursuits have resulted in pharmacy and pediatrics at the financial matters for UPMC Institute will enable us to continue patients but for transplant patients numerous National Institutes of University. Cancer Centers and affiliates. providing the most advanced care everywhere.” Health and multi-year pharma- A $1.5 million endowment was He also will work with Charles ceutical grants. established by Gordon J. Vanscoy, Bogosta, president of UPMC’s chair and chief executive officer International and Commercial Sharon P. Smith, president of University Pharmacotherapy Services Division, on the interna- of Pitt-Greens- Associates, associate dean of tional and commercial operations burg, has been business innovation and associ- of the cancer centers, and Nancy appointed to ate professor of pharmacy and Davidson, recently appointed the Financial therapeutics at Pitt’s pharmacy as director of the University of Industry Regula- school. Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. tory Authority Krenzelok plans to focus his (FINRA) Inves- efforts on promoting the impor- Nancy Tannery, Health Sci- tor Education tance of poison and drug resources ences Library System (HSLS) Foundation board of directors. throughout the University. associate director for user services, The Securities and Exchange Krenzelok is board-certified in has been named a Commission has accepted Smith clinical toxicology by the Ameri- National Library to serve as a public board member can Board of Applied Toxicology of Medicine/Asso- of the foundation. and is a fellow in the American ciation of Aca- FINRA is the largest non- Academy of Clinical Toxicology. demic Health Sci- governmental regulator for all He was chair of the U.S. phar- ences Libraries securities firms doing business in macopeia clinical toxicology and leadership fellow. the United States. FINRA over- drug expert committee, a former This one-year sees nearly 5,000 brokerage firms, member of the Food and Drug program focuses on preparing about 174,000 branch offices and Administration nonprescription emerging leaders for the position approximately 677,500 registered drug advisory committee and past of library director in academic securities representatives. Created president of the American Acad- health sciences libraries. Five fel- in July 2007 through the consoli- emy of Clinical Toxicology. lows are selected each year. dation of the National Association Currently, Krenzelok serves Tannery has worked at HSLS of Securities Dealers (NASD) and on the board of directors of the since 1995, beginning as a refer- the member regulation, enforce- American Association of Poison ence librarian at Falk Library. In ment and arbitration functions of Control Centers. her role as associate director, she the New York Stock Exchange, oversees all HSLS instructional FINRA is dedicated to investor Bennett Van Houten has programs, reference and access protection and market integrity joined the School of Medicine as services, as well as specialized through effective and efficient the Richard M. Cyert Professor information service areas such as regulations and complementary of Molecular Oncology in the history of medicine and molecular and technology-based services. Department of Pharmacology and biology. The FINRA Investor Educa- Chemical Biology. He also will tion Foundation provides inves- direct the University of Pittsburgh Several members of the Pitt tors with high-quality information Cancer Institute’s molecular and community were named among and tools to better understand the cell biology program. 50 Men of Excellence in 2008 by markets and the basic principles Van Houten came to Pitt the New Pittsburgh Courier. of saving and investing. To fur- from the National Institute of The Pitt awardees were: ther this mission, the foundation Environmental Health Sciences, trustee William E. Strickland awards grants to fund educational where he held appointments in Jr., president and CEO of Man- programs and research aimed at both the intramural and extramu- chester Bidwell Corp., in the social segments of the investing public ral programs. He is an expert in services category; Christopher who could benefit from additional the mechanisms of DNA damage Allen, clinical assistant profes- resources. and repair. sor of medicine at the School Smith earned her PhD in eco- Van Houten is a five-time of Medicine and cardiologist at nomics from Rutgers University National Institutes of Health UPMC Shadyside, in the health and also is a professor of economics Award of Merit winner and an care category; Larry Davis, dean at Pitt-Greensburg. After working NIH Director’s Award recipient. of the School of Social Work, as an economist for the Federal Robert Hill, vice chancellor for Reserve Bank of New York, Smith Mark Gladwin has been Public Affairs, Clyde B. Jones worked for American Telephone named director of the newly cre- III, president of the University and Telegraph Co. and later as ated Hemostasis and Vascular of Pittsburgh/UPMC Medical visiting senior research economist Biology Research Institute. The and Health Sciences Foundation, at Princeton University. institute will study disorders of and John M. Wilds, assistant vice Most recently, she served in the blood and blood vessels. It chancellor for Community Rela- several senior administration and was created with grants from the tions, in the education category, academic positions at Fordham Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Alonzo Webb, head coach of University schools of business and the Hemophilia Center of the women’s and men’s track and and business administration and Western Pennsylvania. cross country teams, in the sports the National University System Gladwin, who also was named category. n

14 JANUARY 8, 2009

C A L E N D A R Katz Pitt History Exhibit “Project Leader’s Dual Socializa- “Free at Last?”; Heinz History CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 tion & Its Impact on Team Learn- Ctr., Strip District, 10 am-5 pm Senate Budget Policies Com- Senate Community Relations ULS Workshop ing & Performance: A Diagnostic daily through April 5. (412/454- mittee Mtg. Committee Mtg. “RefWorks Basics”; Hillman gr. Study,” Tanvi Gautam; Jan. 15, 6000) 501 CL, noon-2 pm Hillman 2nd fl. conf. rm., noon- fl., 4:30-6 pm 101 Mervis, 2:30 pm Ctr. for Philosophy of Sci- 2 pm A&S/Communication Deadlines ence Talk Ctr. for Philosophy of Sci- Thursday 22 “Toward a Grammar of the “Structural Explanation,” Laura ence Talk Blogosphere: Rhetoric & Atten- University Times Books, Jour- Felline, U of Rome; 817R CL, “Measuring Variations,” Fed- Emergency Medicine Grand tion in the Networked Imagi- nals & More Supplement nary,” Damien Pfister; Jan. 16, 12:05 pm erica Russo, Catholic U of Lou- Rounds Submissions for annual supple- vain; 817R CL, 12:05 pm “Is My Patient in Shock?’’ Brian 1128 CL, 10 am ment due Jan. 31. Submit online Saturday 17 Pharmacology & Chemical Suffoletto; “Mortality & Mor- Medicine/Biochemistry & at www.umc.pitt.edu/utimes/ Biology Seminar bidity,’’ Michael Turturro; “Oral Molecular Genetics books.html. (Info: 4-4644) Greensburg Campus La Cul- “Automated Phenotyping of Core Content,’’ Tracy Moore; “Role of ING2 (Inhibitor of Int’l Conference on Knowl- tura Winter Gala Transgenic Zebrafish Embryos,” “Potpourri,’’ Adam Yates; 230 Growth Family Member 2) in edge Generation, Communi- “Sapphire Celebration at Pitt- Andreas Vogt, Drug Discovery McKee Pl. classrm. A, suite 500, Cellular Responses to DNA cation & Management Greensburg”; Millstein Library, Inst.; 1395 Starzl BST, 3:30 pm 8 am–noon Damage,” Guoming Sun; Jan. Author notifications due Jan. UPG, 5:30 pm (info or reserva- (412/383-7757) CRSP Lecture 16, 1395 BST, 10 am 14. Camera-ready full papers tions: 724/836-7039) Bioethics Medical History “Measuring Race & Ethnicity A&S/Anthropology due Feb. 11. Submit online at Women’s Basketball Lecture in a Changing, Multicultural “The Domestic Mode of Pro- www.2009iiisconferences.org/ Vs. USF; Petersen, 2 pm “The 200th Anniversary of America,” Howard Hogan, US duction & the Development KGCM/organizer.asp. Music on the Edge Concert Abdominal Laparotomy: The Census Bureau; 2017 CL, noon- of Sociopolitical Complexity: UCIS Global Academic Part- Clarinetist Jean Kopperud & pia- Ephraim McDowell Story,” John 1:30 pm (4-7382) Evidence From the Spondylus nership Grant Competition nist Stephen Gosling; Bellefield Raves, AGH; Scaife lecture rm. GSPH/Epidemiology Semi- Industry of Coastal Ecuador,” Submissions due Jan. 30. (Guide- aud., 8 pm 5, 6 pm nar Alexander Martin; Jan. 16, 3307 lines & details regarding eligibil- “Long-Term Effects of Prenatal Posvar, noon ity: www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/ Monday 19 Wednesday 21 Cocaine Exposure,’’ Gale Rich- gap) ardson & Marie Cornelius; A115 Theatre Faculty Development in Int’l • University closed in obser- Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Crabtree, noon-1 pm Business Study Trip vance of Martin Luther King Rounds CIDDE Workshop Kuntu Repertory Theatre Applications for “European Jr.’s birthday. Dominick Tuason; LHAS aud. “Developing a Course,” Joanne “Clean Drums”; Jan. 22-Feb. Economies in Transition” due Montefiore, 7 am Nicoll; 815 Alumni, 11 am-1 7, Th-Sat. at 8 pm, Sun. at 4 Feb. 2. (info: www.ucis.pitt. Men’s Basketball Clinical Oncology & Hematol- pm pm, also Jan. 31 at 1 pm & Feb. edu/cgi-bin/events/ucisextra. Vs. Syracuse; Petersen, 7 pm ogy Grand Rounds GSPIA Ridgway Lecture 5 at 11 am; 7th fl. aud. Alumni pl?jid=2865) “Genomic Determinants of Sen- “The Future of US Nuclear (4-7298) Int’l Multi-Conference on Tuesday 20 sitivity & Resistance to EGFR Weapons Policy,” Charles Fer- Engineering & Technological Targeted Agents,’’ Pasi Antero guson, Council on Foreign Exhibits Innovation Faculty & Staff Blood Drive Janne; Herberman Conf. Ctr. Relations; FFA aud., 7 pm Camera-ready full papers due WPU lower lounge, 8 am-4 2nd fl. aud., 8-9 am Hillman Library Audubon Feb. 4. Email submissions to pm (also Victoria 1st fl. lobby, Pathology Research Seminar PhD Defenses Exhibit [email protected]. 8 am-2 pm) “Thymomas: Controversies “American Crow,” through Jan. Int’l Symposium on Academic HSLS Workshop & Diagnostic Pitfalls,” Cesar Medicine/Molecular Phar- 19; Hillman gr. fl. exhibit case, Globalization “The WOW Factor: PowerPoint Moran, U of TX; 1105 Scaife, macology reg. library hours (8-7715) Full papers due Feb. for Posters,” Sam Lewis; Falk noon “Expression & Function of Uro- Barco Law Library Exhibit 11. Submit online at Library classrm. 2, 10-11:30 Renal Research Seminar thelial Nicotinic Acetylcholine “Watercolors” by Roc Prologo; www.2009iiisconferences.org/ am Becky Hughey; F1145 Presby, Receptors,” Jonathan Beckel; through Jan. 16; 4th fl. exhibit AG. Basic Research Seminar noon-1 pm Jan. 9, 1395 Starzl BST, 2 pm gallery, Barco, reg. library hours Provost’s Faculty Diversity “Epigenetics & Chromatin HSLS Workshop A&S/History & Philosophy (8-1376) Seminar Organization in Human Embry- “Protein Information of Science Nationality Rooms Holiday Application package including onic Stem Cells,’’ Paul Sammak; Resources,” Ansuman Chatto- “Practices, Perception & Nor- Displays CV, syllabus, cover letter & Cooper Conf. Ctr. classrm. B & padhyay; Falk Library conf. rm. mative States,” Julie Zahle; Jan. CL; Taped tours weekends department letter due Feb. 20 C, noon–1 pm B, 1-3 pm 14, 1001-B CL, 10:30 am through Jan. 18; Sat. 9 am-2:30 to Joanne Nicoll, 820 Alumni. pm, Sun. 11 am-2:30 pm; (4- (info: 412/383-9729) 6000) UNIVERSITY C L A S S I F I E D • $8 for up to 15 words; $9 for 16-30 words; flat driveway, 3 storage rooms & much more. TIMES $10 for 31-50 words. New appliances included; range, fridge, DW, • For University ads, submit an account number W/D & more. $206 K. Must sell ASAP. Contact for transfer of funds. Dr. Dodani: 706/447-5167 or 412/657-5423. publication schedule • All other ads should be accompanied by a SERVICES check for the full amount made payable to the University of Pittsburgh. ELDER LAW—ESTATE ATTORNEYS Events occurring Submit by For publication • Reserve space by submitting ad copy one week Michael H. Marks & Associates. Elder law; prior to publication. Copy and payment should nursing home/Medicaid cost-of-care planning; Jan. 22-Feb. 5 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 be sent to University Times, 308 Bellefield Hall, wills; POAs; trusts; probate & estate administra- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh 15260. tion; real estate. Squirrel Hill: 412/421-8944; Feb. 5-19 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 • For more information, call Barbara DelRaso, Monroeville: 412/373-4235; email: michael@ 412/624-4644. marks-law.com. Free initial consultation. Fees Feb. 19-March 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 quoted in advance. Personal & informative. SPECIAL GYM MEMBERSHIP RATES March 5-19 Feb. 26 March 5 HOUSING/RENT New Life Lady Fitness Gym (www.newlife- OAKLAND ladyfitness.com) is currently offering special March 19-April 2 March 12 March 19 2-BR apt. with equipped kitchen, bath. All membership rates to female faculty & staff at utilities included. $600. 412/687-6306. the University of Pittsburgh. Machines & free- April 2-16 March 26 April 2 OAKLAND weights, cardio equipment, aerobics classes, 5-room row house at 3351 Parkview Ave. personal training, spinning & tanning. Email April 16-30 April 9 April 16 Basement & nice back yard. No pets or Eileen at [email protected] or call x4- children, couples preferred. $750 + utilities. 4463 for coupon. Offer expires 1/31/09. April 30-May 14 April 23 April 30 412/821-8594. SUBJECTS NEEDED SHADYSIDE/NORTH OAKLAND May 14-28 May 7 May 14 Luxury 4-BR apt. Updated fully equipped YOUNG ADULTS kitchen. HW floors, high ceilings. On-site Pitt researchers seeking subjects 24-35 yrs. to May 28-June 11 May 21 May 28 laundry, yard. $1,200 + G/E. Robb R.E. investigate effects of a continuous administra- 412/682-7622. tion of Human Parathyroid Hormone-related June 11-25 June 4 June 11 Protein (PTHrP 1-36). Requires wearing a HOUSING/SALE portable IV pump & staying overnight for 1 June 25-July 9 June 18 June 25 FOX CHAPEL week for observation & laboratory testing. Beautiful 3-BR house on .5 acre. 2.5 baths, Limited leave allowed. Monetary compensa- July 9-23 July 2 July 9 finished & furnished basement, covered patio, tion provided. Call: 412/647-6470 or email: beautiful big garden, separate 2-car garage with [email protected]. July 23-Sept. 3 July 16 July 23

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C A L E N D A R gists Never Had to Think McKee Place classrm. A, suite About,” Merrill Egorin; 2nd 500, 8 am-noon January fl. aud. Herberman Conf. Ctr., IRB Workshop UPMC Shadyside, 8 am “Ask the IRB for Exempt/Expe- Thursday 8 Saturday 10 Office of Research/NCURA HSLS Workshop dited Research,” Christopher Broadcast Workshop “PubMed Basics,” Jill Foust; Falk Ryan; 211 Lawrence, noon “Audits & the Audit Process”; GSPH Epidemiology Semi- UPMC Sports Medicine Mara- Library classrm. 1, 9-10:30 am ([email protected]) Scaife lecture rm. 6, 11:30 am- nar thon Training Seminar CLAS Lecture EOH Seminar 3:30 pm (4-7405) “Current Controversies in Dia- “Getting Started: Marathon “El Salvador: Next Presidential “Personalized Approaches to ULS Workshop betes: A Pittsburgh Perspective,’’ Training & Preparation,” S100A Elections & New Challenges,” Environmental Health Care: “RefWorks Basics”; Hillman Trevor Orchard; A115 Crabtree, Starzl BST, 10 am (412/392- Horatio Castellanos Moya; 4130 Can a Community Bypass Library gr. fl., noon-1:30 pm noon-1 pm 1021) Posvar, noon (8-7392) Health Care Professionals to Basic Research Seminar Women’s Basketball Pathology Research Seminar Save Itself?’’ Robert Branch; Nikola Vujanovic; Cooper Con- Friday 9 Vs. DePaul; Petersen, 2 pm “Immunologic & Proteomic Bridgeside Pt. conf. rm. 540, ference Ctr. classrm. B & C, Music on the Edge Concert Blood-Based Biomarkers for noon-1 pm noon-1 pm Pathology Seminar Sirius String Quartet; Andy Lung Cancer Detection & Prog- GSPH/Epidemiology Semi- Ctr. for Philosophy of Sci- “Pathwork (r) Tissue of Origin Warhol Museum, North Side, nosis,” William Bigbee; 1104 nar ence Talk Test: Application of Genom- 8 pm Scaife, noon “Does the Menopause Increase “On the Implications of Oversim- ics-Based Microarray Testing in Renal Research Seminar CV Risk? What We Have plification,” Nicholas Rescher, Difficult Cases of Tumor Clas- Sunday 11 Darwin King; F1145 Presby, Learned From SWAN,’’ Kim philosophy; 817R CL, 12:05 sifications,” Catherine Dumur, noon-1 pm Sutton-Tyrrell; A115 Crabtree, pm VA Commonwealth U; 1103 Men’s Basketball Practical Flow Cytometry noon-1 pm HSLS Workshop Scaife, 10 am Vs. St. John’s; Petersen, noon Lecture HSLS Lunch With a Librar- “Introduction to HSLS PT Clinical Rounds “Reliably Recognizing Phe- ian Resources & Services at Falk “My CI Has Never Seen This Monday 12 notypic Abnormalities,” Fiona “Finding Full-Text Articles,” Library,” Carolyn Biglow; Falk Craig; S100A Starzl BST, noon Mary Lou Klem; Falk Library Before. Now What? 2 Case Stud- Library entrance, 1-2 pm (412/623-7780) conf. rm. B, noon-1 pm ies,’’ Sven Lynch; G23 Parran, HSLS Workshop Pharmacology & Chemical Staff Assn. Council Mtg. Pitt Research Network Semi- 11:40 am-12:45 pm “Measuring Health: Finding Biology Seminar 1175 Benedum, 12:15 pm nar Medical Education Grand Mental Measurement Tools,” “Dissecting Tumor Suppressor HSLS Workshop “Infrastructure Resources of Rounds Ester Saghafi; Falk Library Signaling Regulated by Recep- “Genetic Information the CTSI: What Are They & “Anesthesiology: Competency- classrm. 1, 10:30 am-noon tor Protein Tyrosine Phospha- Resources,” Ansuman Chatto- How Can I Access Them for Based vs. Faith-Based Education: Biostatistics Seminar tase T,” Zhenghe John Wang, padhyay; Falk Library conf. rm. My Research Protocol?” Daniel Are We Serious About Practicing “Rats! Analyzing Tumor Xeno- Case Comprehensive Cancer B, 1-3 pm Buysse & Dawn Guzik Stocker; What We Preach?” Larry Grup- graft Data Is More Complicated Ctr.; 1395 Starzl BST, 3:30 pm Men’s Basketball S100A Starzl BST, noon-1:30 pen, U of MI; Scaife lecture rm. Than It First Appears,” Daniel (412/383-7757) Vs. S. FL; Petersen, 7 pm pm 3, noon (8-9000) Normolle, U of MI; A115 Crab- HSLS Workshop Anthropology Colloquium tree, 3 pm Wednesday 14 “Searching EBSCOHost “Social Change In Pre-Colum- SIS Information Session Thursday 15 CINAHL,” Charles Wessel; Falk bian San Ramon De Alajuela, 522 IS, 6:30-8 pm Orthopaedic Surgery Grand Costa Rica, & Its Relation With Emergency Medicine Grand Library classrm. 1, 3-4:30 pm Rounds Adjacent Regions,” Mauricio Rounds Tuesday 13 Justin Hohl; LHAS aud. Mon- Murillo Herrera; 3106 WWPH, “Child Abuse Cases & Update,’’ Friday 16 tefiore, 7 am Janet Squires; “Respiratory 3 pm HSLS Workshop Clinical Oncology & Hematol- Emergencies in Pediatrics,’’ • Spring term add/drop period “EndNote Basics,” Pat Weiss; ogy Grand Rounds Sonia Singh; “CSI: Cases of ends. Falk Library classrm. 2, 10 “Oral Chemotherapy: Issues Special Interest,’’ Kavitha Ant- am-noon That My Generation of Oncolo- onyraj & Kristin Strukus; 230 CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

UNIVERSITY TIMES Books Journals & More

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Furnish information on peer-reviewed books, journals, CDs, electronic publications, art exhibitions, films, plays or musical compositions you wrote, edited or produced during Submission 2008 only. Books must have a 2008 copyright. No individual articles, short stories, poems, deadline: chapters or self-published works will be accepted. Questions? Contact Barbara: [email protected] or 412/624-4644. January 31 Online submission at: www.umc.pitt.edu/utimes/books.html

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