111647 Frontiers Winter 02 12/19/01 2:09 PM Page 1

Winter 2002

FrontierMAGAZINE OF THE COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCESs Dream Teams All-star teams are giving the College a com- petitive edge in emerging areas of biology. This team develops microbial systems that produce earth friendly biochemicals for industrial use and environ- mental clean-up. Inside Biocatalysis and healthy ecosystems page 9

South of the border biology page 12 111647 Frontiers Winter 02 12/19/01 2:09 PM Page 2

From the dean

Collaboration drives growth in science and business

Team work has long been a buzzword in the business world. But it wasn’t long ago that scientists worked in relative isolation. When the word interdisciplinary first came into use at universities, many researchers were skeptical. Increas- ingly, however, we are recognizing the value of collaboration. In fact, scientists are seeing that discoveries are often made at the boundaries between disci- plines. And funding agencies are rewarding interdisciplinary efforts.

At the College of Biological Sciences, our its ecosystems. There are many other strategy for recruiting faculty is based on opportunities for a strong biotechnology the value of collaboration. We are forming industry here. “Dream Teams” in growth areas by identi- While the University has valued partner- fying our strengths and recruiting talented ships with a number of Minnesota compa- young faculty with skills and knowledge nies, the potential for much more collabo-

John Noltner that complement those of other team ration exists. In fact, compared to many Dean Robert Elde members. Some of these teams are featured states Minnesota is behind the curve. We in this issue of Frontiers. need to recognize and seize opportunities The next step is collaboration between to catch up. The planned Biotechnology academia and industry. Many universities Precinct is a step in the right direction, but already have taken this step and realized many other steps must be taken. scientific and economic benefits of these When people work together they can partnerships. In many cases, industries always accomplish much more than by have grown around universities to better working alone. It’s a simple but very true take advantage of their resources. Stan- idea that the University and Minnesota ford, UC Berkeley, MIT, and Duke Uni- companies need to take to heart. versity are examples. The article “Biocatalysis and Healthy Ecosystems” demonstrates some of this potential in Minnesota. A November forum presented by CBS and the Institute of Technology explored how using bio- Robert Elde catalysis to create new products from Dean, College of Biological Sciences renewable resources such as corn can be good for Minnesota’s economy as well as 111647 Frontiers Winter 02 12/19/01 2:09 PM Page 3

Frontiers Contents Winter 2002 Volume 4 Number 3

2 From the dean Dean Robert Elde 4 Dream teams Editor CBS is building all-star teams in hot areas of biology. Peggy Rinard Advisers Global ecosystem change Janene Connelly, Director of 7 Development and External Relations This “dream team” is looking at how humans are altering the Earth’s life Judd Sheridan, Associate Dean support systems. Kathleen Peterson, Director, Office of Student Services Biocatalysis and healthy ecosystems Paul Germscheid, Development 9 Coordinator Who says entrepeneurs and ecologists can’t be friends? Biocatalysis is good for Emily Johnston, Alumni Relations the environment and the economy. Coordinator Issue Design and Layout 10 No rest for Sleeping Beauty Shawn Welch, U of M Printing Services “Sleeping Beauty,” a novel technology for transferring Original Design Elizabeth Longhurst genes, is keeping busy. Frontiers is published three times a year 11 South of the border biology by the University of Minnesota College Plant biologists take field trips to Latin America. of Biological Sciences for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college. It is CBS news available in alternative formats upon 14 request; please call 612-624-0774 or fax U Legislative request includes $18.7 million for greenhouses. 612-624-2785. 15 Upcoming events Address correspondence to: You’re invited to a variety of events at CBS. Frontiers Editor College of Biological Sciences 123 Snyder Hall, 1475 Gortner Ave. 16 Alumni profile St. Paul, MN 55108 Rebecca Goldburg honored for environmental advocacy. e-mail: [email protected]

Student profile For information on College of Biological 17 Sciences programs and services, visit our Adrienne Kari keeps alumni connected to CBS. Web site at www.cbs.umn.edu.

18 Alumni News The University of Minnesota is committed David Parmelee remembered at Itasca dedication. to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and CBS Career Center employment without regard to race, color, 19 creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, The center helps students and alumni find jobs in biotechnology and other fields. marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. 20 Help Wanted Search firm seeks CBS alumni for executive posts in Minnesota’s growing Printed on elementally chlorine-free biotech industry. recycled paper containing 20 percent post- consumer waste.

Cover photo: Front: Larry Wacket, team leader; middle row, Claudia Schmidt-Dannert, Arkady FRONTIERS WINTER 2002 3 Khodursky, and Michael Sadowsky; back row, Michael Flickenger, David Sherman, and Janet Schottel 111647 Frontiers Winter 02 12/19/01 2:09 PM Page 4 Dreamteams Developmental Biology, was an important catch for the College, says Robert Elde, dean. The “dream team” approach has drawn other talented young faculty, such as Claudia Schmidt-Dannert, a molecular biologist recruited from California Insti- tute of Technology, named a rising star by U.S. News and World Report, and featured in Nature Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering News. Arkady Khodursky, recruited from Stanford, is another exam- ple. Khodursky, a mathematician with expertise in DNA microarray technology, Richard Anderson was courted by research universities around Members of the biocatalysis and biodegradation team take time out at Williams Arena. the country before choosing the College of From left to right are Janet Schottel, David Sherman, Michael Sadowsky, Claudia Schmidt- Biological Sciences. Dannert, Larry Wackett, Arkady Khodursky, and Michael Flickenger. Thanks to President Mark Yudof’s investment in biological sciences, the Col- The University of Minnesota is By using state funds for molecular and lege has the resources to hire these and cellular biology and reallocating other other talented new faculty. Not long after organizing all-star teams of resources, the College of Biological Sci- he arrived in 1997, Yudof announced the scientists in areas of biology ences, in collaboration with other schools, Molecular and Cellular Biology Initiative, a with strong growth potential. is forming “dream teams” in key areas such plan to position the University and the as biocatalysis and biodegradation, devel- state as leaders in biological sciences and opmental biology, molecular biology of biotechnology. Yudof recently told the OVE OVER MAGIC JOHN- plants, and global ecosystem change. Board of Regents that the University has son, Michael Jordan, and “It’s a novel strategy,” says Michael invested $865 million in biology and med- Larry Bird? O’Connor, “captain” of the developmental icine over the past few years. Since the term “dream team” biology dream team, who came here from The plan and investments are paying Mwas coined in the 1992 Olympics, when the University of California, Irvine a few off, says Elde. About half of the 41 faculty basketball’s finest formed the first profes- years ago to build a team. positions created by the initiative are filled. sional team to compete in the games, it “There are lots of good developmental The Molecular and Cellular Biology Build- has been used widely in popular culture. biologists at places like Stanford and Har- ing will be completed this summer, and Now, it’s moving into the scientific com- vard, but they aren’t integrated as teams. construction has begun on the Microbial munity. There’s a synergy on our team that you just and Plant Genomics Building, funded in Traditionally the University of Min- don’t find elsewhere,” he says. Because of part by a $10 million gift from Cargill. nesota, like most large, public research uni- this, he adds, he believes his group is on its Regents approved plans for a Biotechnolo- versities, has recruited faculty to cover the way to becoming one of the top programs gy Precinct on the St. Paul campus, which breadth of disciplines. But in biology par- of its kind in the country. will include several research and develop- ticularly, where boundaries are rapidly O’Connor, a Howard Hughes Insti- ment buildings. And there’s growing col- expanding, focus has shifted to depth in tute scholar and Ordway Professor of laboration among biologists across the Uni- areas of strength and growth potential. versity as well as in industry.

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“We’re building a critical mass of detect contaminants in soil and water. genes regulating protein turnover. The expertise to create the synergy we need to New members Claudia Schmidt- overlap between these areas creates a move up to the top,” Elde says. “Dream Dannert and Arkady Khodursky are basic strong synergy, O’Connor says. teams are an important part of that.” scientists who bring new tools and knowl- The group works with a family of Following are a few examples of dream edge. Schmidt-Dannert “shuffles” micro- gene products that relay information dur- teams. Others will be featured in future bial genes in test tubes to alter their activi- ing development. Called BMPs for bone issues of Frontiers. ty. In essence, she is speeding up evolution morphogenetic proteins, they were origi- to achieve a desired outcome, Wackett nally derived from cow bones. BMPs now Biocatalysis and says. Khodursky, who has a math degree include proteins involved in the forma- Biodegradation from Moscow State University and a bio- tion of heart, eyes, and skin as well as physics degree from UC Berkeley, did bones, and they function the same in In an era when pollution and dwin- postdoctoral research in the laboratory fruit flies, the group’s primary model dling fossil fuel supplies are serious con- where microarray screening, a key technol- organism, as in vertebrates. While the cerns, there aren’t many frontiers of science ogy for genomics research, was as promising as biocatalysis, the use of bio- developed. He uses microarrays logical processes and renewable resources to evaluate genome expression to create environmentally friendly prod- patterns in bacteria. ucts. Its counterpart, biodegradation— Bernlohr says the group is bacterial metabolism of environmental pol- unique. “There’s no other uni- lutants—is equally appealing. versity I know of with the faculty When the College was identifying horsepower we have in biocataly- areas of strength and potential growth for sis and biodegradation.” investment, this one topped the list. “It’s very compatible with other Col- Developmental Biology lege strengths and it’s a good fit for the state because we live in an agricultural area,” says Now that genomes of David Bernlohr, head of the Department many organisms have been of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and sequenced, developmental biol- Biophysics, where the team is based. ogists are turning their atten- Team members are all in the depart- tion to how genes interact as an ment’s Microbial Biochemistry and organism develops, says Biotechnology Division, headed by Larry Michael O’Connor, leader of Wackett. Simply put, the group develops the developmental biology microbial systems that create products or team, which is based in the clean up chemical contamination, says Department of Genetics, Cell Wackett. Biology, and Development. Wackett himself turns microbes into Complementary roles of members give the team an Richard Anderson clean-up crews. Working with soil scien- Developmental biology team members include Mike tist Michael Sadowsky, he engineered advantage. O’Connor’s interest O’Connor, Tom Hays, Catherine Kirkpatrick, and Tom bacteria that consume spills of atrazine, a is in signal transduction – how Neufeld. pesticide, in soil. David Sherman uses cells communicate with each group’s focus is understanding develop- bacteria from soil and the ocean to pro- other – while Jeff Simon studies tran- ment, some of the proteins have potential duce biochemicals active against cancer, scription, which is cued by signaling. for treating cancer and other diseases. viruses, fungi, and other bacteria. Tom Hays focuses on cellular motors that [Other members of the developmental Michael Flickenger and Janet Schottel transport proteins. Tom Neufeld identi- biology group focus on C. elegans and on engineer bacteria, then encapsulate them fies genes that regulate cell size and organ zebrafish. A story on the zebrafish team in plastic film to create biosensors that shape and Catherine Kirkpatrick looks at appears on page 10.]

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Arabidopsis Genomics model system can be used to improve “There are lots of good crops. The “green revolution” was launched If you walked by an Arabidopsis developmental biologists thaliana, you probably wouldn’t look at it with a mutant gene for dwarfism that twice, let alone recognize its significance in makes wheat more productive. Bill Gray at places like Stanford and studies auxin, another plant hormone. agriculture. This small, plain plant is a Harvard, but they aren’t model for biologists to better understand Other group members look at a variety of and ultimately improve key crop plants questions, such as how plants perceive light integrated as teams. Although it’s not a crop plant itself, (Min Ni), how hairs grow on leaves (David There’s a synergy on our Arabidopsis, a member of the mustard Marks), how proteins are transported family, was selected because it’s small, easy (John Ward) and how plants survive with- team that you just don’t to grow, goes from seed to seed in six in their ecosystems (Cynthia Weinig). find elsewhere.” weeks, and has a small genome. Since it “Although we’re all addressing differ- —Michael O’Connor was adopted as a model plant in the 1980s, ent questions, there’s a strong convergence it has since risen from obscurity to promi- among our interests.” nence. It was the first higher plant to have a very strong mixture of senior leadership its genome sequenced. Global Ecosystem Change and new expertise.” “It’s a powerful tool for studying ques- “We identified global ecosystem EEB has a long history in the field. tions in other green crop plants,” says Neil change as a top priority when we were Margaret Davis and Eville Gorham, now Olszewski, professor and team spokesper- considering areas for recruiting new fac- emeritus professors, studied how living son. Members of his team, based in the ulty,” says Robert Sterner, head of the things respond to atmosphere and climate changes. Evolutionary biologist Ruth Shaw is carrying on that work, looking at how plants may or may not adapt to predicted environmental changes. David Tilman, holder of the McKnight Presidential Chair in Ecology, is internationally known for his work on the value of biodiversity. Sarah Hobbie and new member Joe McFadden study the effect of global warming on frozen tundra and snow cover in the arctic. Jennifer King, also a new member, studies the impact of carbon dioxide and ultravio- let radiation on plants and ecosystems. And Jim Cotner looks at effects of ultraviolet light on aquatic ecosystems. [See story on this team, page 7]

Richard Anderson “Increasingly, society will be looking

Min Ni, Pete Snustad, John Ward, Neil Olszewski, and William Gray use Arabidopsis as a to scientists to provide information on model to study genomics of higher plants. how humans are changing the environ- ment, what effects those changes will have on humans and the planet, and on Department of Plant Biology, all use ara- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and how to mitigate those changes,” Sterner bidopsis in their research. Behavior. “It's a highly integrative subject adds. “I look to EEB and the University Olszewski, who studies plant hor- that includes genetic adaptations, how of Minnesota to be among the key gener- mones, looks for genetic mutants that organisms respond to environmental ators of this critical new knowledge.” cause growth defects. Potentially, genes changes, effects of reduced biodiversity, identified and knowledge gained in this and other topics. We’re fortunate to have —Peggy Rinard

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Global ecosystem change While most biologists tackle their subjects one mole- cule at a time, ecologists on the Global Ecosystem Change team take a broader view – how humans are altering Earth’s life support systems on a global scale.

HINGS JUST HAVEN’T BEEN Recently Davis the same since humans showed and evolutionary up on this planet. geneticist Ruth That in itself is no huge sur- Shaw published an Tprise: after all, every organism reshapes article in Science its environment. What is startling is the using that past to extent to which we are doing so. Thanks predict the future. to our ubiquity and our brains, our They noted that species is now altering Earth’s life sup- both migration port system on a global scale. and genetic adap- What exactly are we doing? What tation contributed are the implications? And how can and to the persistence should we alter our course? Those ques- of plant species tions are hot topics in the Department through prehistoric of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior climate change, (EEB), where global ecosystem change is and will likely both a growing focus. be important in “It’s a terribly important issue fac- the decades to ing society, and one sure to continue to come. But can evo- increase in public and scientific aware- lution keep pace ness,” says EEB head Robert Sterner. with anticipated Sarah Hobbie is learning how decomposition of frozen tundra, “It’s also a very broad topic, so it allows change, which is thawed by global warming, could affect the planet. for a lot of diverse scholarship.” expected to be an When most people think of global order of magnitude change they think of global climate higher than prehistoric rates? rates of evolutionary response are sub- change due to fossil-fuel-burning If a recent study by Shaw and for- stantially less than the rates of climate induced increases in atmospheric carbon mer graduate student Julie Etterson of change. So it does raise questions about dioxide. Groundwork was laid in this adaptation rate in a common plant, the the viability of wild populations through area years ago by now-emeritus profes- partridge pea, is any indication, perhaps the course of climate change.” sors Margaret Davis and Eville Gorham. not. Some global climate change Gorham looked at the impact of human The partridge pea “has ample genet- researchers focus on how increased alterations to the atmosphere on living ic variation in the populations,” Shaw atmospheric carbon dioxide and temper- things. Davis used records left by pollen says. “That would suggest plenty of ature affect plant growth. Assistant pro- to explore how plant communities potential for the plant to adapt to envi- fessor Sarah Hobbie is looking at the responded to prehistoric climate shifts. ronmental change. But the structure of other side of the coin—how warming that genetic variation indicates that the might alter decomposition. As tundra

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warms, Hobbie expects decomposition Urbanization and introduction of Jennifer King, a biogeochemist who of the massive accumulation of organic nonnative species have been implicated will begin a joint appointment with material currently frozen into its soil to in yet another type of global change, loss EEB and the Department of Soil, Water, increase, releasing large amounts of car- of diversity within an ecosystem. McK- and Climate in January, is studying the bon and nitro- night Presidential Profes- impact of both increased carbon dioxide gen—a change “It’s really hard to sor David Tilman is and yet another global change – the with implications exploring the relation- increase in ultraviolet radiation (UV) for both plant understand the impact ship between the biolog- due to ozone depletion in the upper growth and of certain types of land- ical richness of an ecosys- atmosphere—on plant growth, plant atmospheric car- tem and its ability to chemistry, and ecosystem nutrient bon balance. cover changes unless weather the winds of cycling. Another we can work at large change. As we reduce King has found that grassland change Hobbie diversity, Tilman has plants under elevated carbon dioxide not anticipates as scales,” Joe McFadden found, we are also reduc- only are more productive and have lower tundra thaws is says. “Patterns snap ing the ability of ecosys- tissue nitrogen concentrations than the spread of tems to deal with other plants under normal conditions, but also shrubby plants into place at the global perturbations. may decompose more quickly. across the grass- scale that we can’t see “It’s been an area of Impacts of changes in UV on plant dominated land- heated debate in the dis- productivity and decomposition, she scape. Such a at other scales.” cipline,” Tilman says. says, will probably be more subtle. She shift would be far “We once thought that it has just begun a field study to examine more than a was which species, not the effects of altered UV on shortgrass change of scenery, says global ecologist how many species, that mattered. Our steppe ecosystem processes. Joe McFadden, who will join the EEB work shows both which species and how Large-scale impacts of increased UV faculty in January. many species matter.” are evident, however, in work by Jim Using field measurements and com- puter models, McFadden has shown that invasion of shrubs into Arctic tun- dra alters snow cover, which affects aquatic and soil ecosystems—in turn setting the stage for further vegetation modification. McFadden hopes to apply lessons learned in this research to exploring ramifications for global ecology of another large-scale change—urbaniza- tion. Why look at development on a global scale? McFadden says that, just as what appear to be random dots in a close-up view of a newspaper photo form a recognizable image when seen from a distance, a big-picture perspec- tive can produce insights not discernible at smaller spatial scales. “It’s really hard to understand the impact of certain types of land-cover changes unless we can work at large scales,” he says. “Patterns snap into place at the global scale that we can’t see at other scales.” David Tilman, McKnight Presidential Chair in Ecology, is a world authority on biodiversity.

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HE EARTH’S INCREASING to attendees that ecosystems population and the diminishing won’t continue to provide capacity of ecosystems to provide humans with basic needs such essentials such as clean air, water as clean air and water, fertile Cargill Dow is producing a biodegradable alternative Tand food are on a collision course, accord- soil, and removal of carbon to plastic made from corn. ing to David Tilman, McKnight Presiden- dioxide from the atmosphere tial Professor of Ecology. Tillman says we unless they are better managed. his company. The relatively new organiza- have about 50 years to restore ecosystems “Humans are using up the biological tion was created to develop sustainable and learn to manage them. If we don’t, capital of the world,” he said. Within 50 products from renewable resources. society will years, the Recently, they opened a plant in Nebras- incur great earth’s popula- ka to manufacture their first product, costs. “There’s going to be a paradigm tion is expect- “plastic” pellets made from a polymer The prob- shift from using petrochemicals ed to grow derived from lactic acid from corn using lem, its solu- from six bil- biocatalysis. So far, other companies have tions, and the as a basis for materials to using lion to nine turned the pellets into disposable plates, economic renewable resources such as billion, which cups, bottles, packaging, and wrapping. opportunities it could seriously The pellets can also be used to make creates were the corn. It’s inevitable because harm already fibers for fabrics and carpets. He said subject of a fall petroleum is running out. And strained there is a $10 billion market for PLA, and forum jointly ecosystems. a need for other biodegradable polymers sponsored by it’s good for the environment.” The made from renewable resources. Gruber the College of answer lies in has a Ph.D. in chemistry and an MBA Biological Sci- —Pat Gruber strategies that from the University of Minnesota. Cargill ences and the support rather Dow is a spinoff company created by par- Institute of Technology. Called “Forum on than deplete ecosystems, Tilman said. He ent companies Cargill and Dow. a New Science and a New Industry in Min- cited a recent decision in New York State to PLA can be recycled back to lactic nesota: Biocatalysis and its Synergy with restore an ecosystem that naturally purified Healthy Ecosystems” the event featured acid. Gruber showed a photograph of a water rather than build a water treatment yogurt cup in compost that decomposed Tilman and Pat Gruber, vice president and facility. He urged government agencies to chief technology officer of Cargill Dow, in 47 days. The polymer is made by fer- assess the health of ecosystems and to mentation, he said. It takes less energy to which is producing a biodegradable alter- incorporate knowledge into policy. The native to plastic made from corn. The audi- produce than plastic. There is no chemi- decision saved money in addition to saving ence included biotechnology industry lead- cal or polluting waste. And it isn’t harm- the environment. ers and government officials. ful to the environment. Industry, driven by consumer “The purpose of the forum is to explore “There’s going to be a paradigm shift demands, has been at least in part to how the University can improve the ecolog- from using petrochemicals as a basis for blame for the strain on ecosystems. But ical and economic health of the state by sup- materials to using renewable resources biocatalysis offers the opportunity for porting the development of a biocatalysis such as corn. It’s inevitable because petro- industry, academia, government, and con- industry,” said Robert Elde, dean of CBS. leum is running out. And it’s good for the sumers to be part of a win-win solution. Tilman, a widely recognized authori- environment.” Pat Gruber of Cargill Dow talked ty on ecology and biodiversity, explained about how that solution is playing out at —Peggy Rinard

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No rest for ‘Sleeping Beaut Since the novel gene transfer technology was created four years ago from an ancient fish gene, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ has won a $2.5 million grant from the Beckman Foundation, attracted $3 million from Techne Cor- poration to start a new company, and inspired another technology.

LEEPING BEAUTY TRANSPOSON ker collaborations with people and compa- the group improved Sleeping Beauty’s fre- TM System “awakened” in 1997, nies interested in finding new genes and quency of gene delivery in cultured cells by when Perry Hacket turned a fish using the discoveries to design therapies for 10 times. gene dormant for 15 million years diseases with a genetic basis. This summer Sleeping Beauty has already been put Sinto a vehicle for integrating foreign genes the company got a $3 million boost from to work in the search for genes. Largaespa- into human chromo- Techne Corp. of da, along with scientists in Japan and else- somes. The tech- Minneapolis, where, has used the system to discover genes nique, not to men- Like the Sleeping Beauty bringing its total in mice. The researchers placed Sleeping tion the scientists Transposon SystemTM, investment to date Beauty in mouse sperm and let it insert into who support it, hasn’t to $3.9 million. chromosomes at random. The result was gotten much rest Morphant can be used to Two technolo- mice with mutated genes whose functions since then. In July of “knock down” the work- gies form the scien- are being investigated. Largaespada focuses 1999, Hacket and tific underpinnings on finding and studying genes that, when colleagues won a ings of individual genes. of DGI: Sleeping disrupted, cause cancer in humans. $2.5 million Tech- Beauty Transposon Then, by noting what goes In the future, Sleeping Beauty holds nology Development SystemTM and Mor- promise for gene therapy, Hackett and Grant from the wrong in an organism, the phant®. Sleeping McIvor’s primary interest. Working with Arnold and Mabel Beauty is essential- researchers can deduce mice, they have achieved longterm expres- Beckman Founda- ly an enzyme called sion of genes delivered to lung tissue by the tion to support fur- what the genes do. a transposase that Sleeping Beauty Transposon and the trans- ther development of can move a the system. The team defined seg- has used the funding to add a new technol- ment of DNA into chromosomes. ogy to their repertoire and has set up a When scientists insert genes into a company to tackle challenges in genomics. Sleeping Beauty Transposon, it fer- The four scientists—Hackett, Steve ries those genes into the nuclei of Ekker, David Largaespada, and Scott cells and then into chromosomes. It McIvor—had similar interests to begin originated as an obsolete fish gene with, but the grant has allowed them to that Hackett’s lab found, “awak- integrate their efforts and get a bigger ened” – hence the name – and return on their separate research funding. modified as an agent for transfer- “The Beckman grant served as a ring genes. They performed that nucleus that drew our four labs together,” work using cultured human HeLa Hackett explains. cells and zebrafish, a tiny fish that A fluorescent image of a two-day-old zebrafish In October 2000 the four scientists set with glowing cells that indicate the presence of makes an excellent model for genet- Sleeping Beauty transposons. up Discovery Genomics Inc. (DGI) to bro- ic studies. With Beckman funding,

10 FRONTIERS WINTER 2002 111647 Frontiers Winter 02 12/19/01 2:11 PM Page 11 uty’ Richard Anderson

posase. McIvor and Hackett hope one Dave Largaespada, Scott McIvor, Perry Hackett, and Steve Ekker use zebrafish genes to develop gene transfer technolo- day to perfect the gies. system to deliver genes to lungs via an inhalant, as well as to liver and blood-forming cells of bone healthy second dose of financing, the com- maintain close ties with the company and marrow in human patients. pany can perform further tests on the work- each other. Hackett has taken an indefinite But much remains to be done before the ings of both the gene and candidate drugs to leave from the University to serve as DGI’s Sleeping Beauty Transposon SystemTM can be bring a new therapy closer to clinical trials. chief scientific officer. Ekker, Largaespada, used in people. The second technology, Mor- DGI is well and McIvor served ® phant , is now on the front burner at DGI. positioned to fulfill “Our dream is to grow into on the board of Morphant® uses DNA analogs that the potential of directors, resigning leave chromosomes intact but block the both technologies a longterm therapeutic- when the license expression of genes by interfering with the in its stable. The agreement with translation of messenger RNA. Like the company holds based business, doing Techne was signed. TM Sleeping Beauty Transposon System , exclusive licenses basic research or provid- They remain consul- Morphant® can be used to “knock down” from the Universi- tants to the compa- the workings of individual genes. Then, by ty of Minnesota to ing lead compounds that ny, which counts noting what goes wrong in an organism, the develop technolo- them and the Uni- researchers can deduce what the genes do. gies related to are relevant to humans.” versity among its Ekker’s laboratory did much of the ground- stockholders. “knock-downs” in —Steve Ekker breaking work with Morphant® in zebrafish. zebrafish produced “I think there The system also works in frogs, chickens, by Morphant® and are excellent sea urchins, and fruit flies, he says. to the use of the Sleeping Beauty Transpo- resources in terms of personnel on the Min- DGI scientists can use Morphant® in son SystemTM. The reach of these technolo- nesota scene,” says Ekker. “We can compete two ways: first, by serving customers who gies was extended this summer by an agree- because we can do things cheaper, better want to find the function of a vertebrate ment that gives Techne Corp. the rights to and faster. Our dream is to grow into a gene; and second, to discover genes of inter- develop antibodies and immunoassays for longterm therapeutic-based business, doing est to DGI scientists themselves. Such genes proteins discovered by DGI and an exclu- basic research or providing lead compounds would be any whose functioning con- sive, royalty-free license to sell such prod- that are relevant to humans.” tributes to a health problem and, therefore, ucts in the research market. creates a potential target for drugs. With a The four scientists who began DGI —Deane Morrison

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South of the border

As Minnesota temperatures

drop, plant biologists head

south to study plant life around

the lakes of Brazil, and to

compare ecological similari-

ties and differences of South

American rainforests.

f the plant life on the St. Paul cam- pus was representative of Earth’s biodiversity, life would be simpler for College of Biological Science George Weiblen, CBS, Rebecca Montgomery, University of Wisconsin, and Kyle Harms, Louisana State University find a comfortable perch in a Latin American rain Iplant biology researchers, but much less forest. exciting. Luckily, they are sometimes called to the far corners of the earth to study exot- Brazil, partly to continue the research he complete,” Biesboer says. “We have pub- ic flora. And they count themselves espe- began there in 1993, which involves ecol- lished a few papers about these processes, cially lucky if duty calls as Minnesota’s ogy and limnology related to these coastal both in the coastal lagoons and in lakes of temperatures drop. This fall, for example, lagoons. But he was also there to carry out the Amazon. At the very least, we know David Biesboer and George Weiblen trav- his responsibilities as a Fulbright Scholar that these processes are different for the eled to Latin America to advance research to Brazil. Much of his time was spent at different lagoons (in Brazil) and are dif- each has been working on for almost a the Universidade Federal do Rio de ferent for the lakes in the Upper Mid- decade. Janeiro, giving seminars and teaching a west.” Here’s an account of what they saw graduate class. The “we” refers to Biesboer and the and did. When he wasn’t sharing his biologi- universadade’s Dr. Francisco Esteves, who cal expertise, Biesboer studied Brazilian has been studying coastal lagoons with Blame it on Rio lakes, which are called coastal lagoons. Biesboer since 1993. Biesboer’s trips have They’re found along the Atlantic coast been supported by the Brazilian govern- Given that David Biesboer, professor and can be hundreds or thousands of ment and the National Science Founda- of plant biology, lives and works in Min- acres in size but are very shallow – about tion and, currently, by the U.S. State nesota, it should be no surprise that his three or four feet on average. Biesboer’s Department. research involves plant life around lakes. research focuses on nitrogen and how it Research in Rio has its perks, as you But the lakes Biesboer studied this cycles from the atmosphere and soils into might expect. Some of the world’s top fall were a continent away and resemble the lagoons’ plants, a very complex beaches and breathtaking scenery are a Minnesota lakes only in that they contain process. start. But when temperatures creep up fresh water. That’s where the obvious sim- “The studies are often slow and labo- over 100 during the day, the coastal ilarities, for the most part, end. rious and may take several years to fully lagoons provide a refreshing retreat for Biesboer was in Rio de Janeiro,

12 FRONTIERS WINTER 2002 flaps 12/19/01 1:55 PM Page 2

Biocata healthy biology

Biocatalysis forum Biesboer. Who says science labs can’t be stand the ecological similarities and differ- explores how academia enjoyable? ences among rainforests in Latin America. Weiblen’s research involved the diver- Nature’s Nursery sity and distribution of hemiepiphtyes, and industry can work Assistant Professor George Weiblen plants that begin life by growing on trees has a piece of advice for anyone looking in the forest canopy but ultimately send roots to the ground. As he did in Papua together to improve the for biodiversity: Visit a rainforest. Take Panama’s rainforest, for exam- New Guinea, Weiblen focused his atten- ple. Panama is about the size of New York tion on strangling figs, which attack their State but has more species of trees than all host trees and eventually replace them in

earth’s ecosystems and David Biesboer of North America. It’s no wonder the forest. Weiblen’s fascinated by the biodiversity he Weiblen collected specimens of Minnesota’s economy. finds in rainforests. In fact, he has studied hemiepiphyte species, classified them and did every day; he walked through the for- rainforest plant life – specifically, figs – studied their evolutionary relationships est, surveyed the trees and collected small the past nine years in Papua, New Guinea. using DNA sequences. These collections, branches using a pruner that extended 40 But this fall, Weiblen and a group of and others Weiblen has accumulated, will feet. junior faculty and post-doctoral associates be added to permanent research collec- “In Panama, I used a research canopy toured the rainforests in Costa Rica, Pana- tions in Minnesota and around the world. crane, which provided a spectacular view ma, Peru, and Brazil to conduct individ- In documenting the diversity, of life above the forest floor,” Weiblen ual and group research to better under- Weiblen was assisted by a team of scien- says. tists from the United States, One of his most exciting finds in Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama was Cecropia trees, which partic- France, Holland, Brazil and ipate in mutualism with Azteca ants. The Mexico. They were sup- ants live in the hollow stem of the tree and ported by the U.S. - based feed on special food bodies that it pro- Organization for Tropical duces. In return for shelter and food, the Studies, which received a ants defend the tree against leaf-chewing grant from the Mellon insects. Foundation to carry out Weiblen sums up his experience best: rainforest comparisons. “The rainforest is such a complex envi- So, you might be won- ronment that you can walk the same trail dering, how do you sift every day and see completely new things, through all that biodiversi- and much that is new to science. That’s ty to focus on hemiepi- why I was there.”

David Biesboer phytes? According to In Brazil, David Biesboer studied coastal lagoons Weiblen, it’s as easy as tak- —Geoff Gorvin (above) and the vegetation that grows around them, such as the tropical flower above right. ing a walk through the rainforest. That’s what he

FRONTIERS WINTER 2002 13 flaps 12/19/01 1:53 PM Page 1

CBS News University of Minnesota at the Legislature

New facilities for plant growth are at the top of the University’s list of capital projects

The University will ask the Legisla- ture to approve funds for 12 renovation and construction projects when the ses- sion opens January 29, 2002. Total amount of the capital request, paid through bonds, is $239.8 million. The Jim Cotner (right) samples water in Lake state would pay two-thirds of that Michigan to understand how UV radiation affects aquatic ecosystems. amount, or $186.5 million. The largest portion of the request, $80 million, is for HEAPR (Higher Educa- Cotner, occupant of the Moos Chair in tion Asset Preservation and Replace- Limnology. Cotner is studying effects of ment) funds to support approximately 85 The University can’t maintain its leadership in agriculture and plant research unless the UV in aquatic ecosystems. He has found safety, building code, and renewal pro- greenhouses are upgraded. Control of temperature, light, and C02 levels is not adequate for that increased UV—due not only to ozone research. jects. Lake Itasca Forestry and Biological depletion but also to human-induced losses Station is among the facilities that will be urgent the need is this time. In 2000, the says, adding that the facilities won’t sup- in organic matter, which acts as a sort of improved by these funds. Legislature funded only a third of the port plant genomics research, studies of sunscreen—could deplete the food supply The request includes $18.7 million amount. The greenhouses aren’t reliable native prairie plants, or evaluation of of bacteria. for upgrading plant growth facilities on for research because temperature, light, genetically modified crop plants, all areas “UV essentially ‘burns up’ dissolved the St. Paul campus. Outdated facilities, and carbon dioxide levels can’t be con- she believes are important to Min- organic carbon, making it unavailable to including the Northwest Greenhouses, trolled, Shaw says. Recently, a large nesotans. microbes growing in the sea and in our would be replaced and others renovated experiment was abandoned because of CBS Alumni are encouraged to sup- lakes,” Cotner says. In addition, the loss of to meet research standards and comply temperature and light variations within a port the request by contacting their leg- the natural sunscreen makes organisms with state laws. greenhouse. islators. For contact information, go to themselves more vulnerable to the harmful Ecology professor Ruth Shaw, who “The University can’t maintain its http://districtfinder.urbanplanet.com/. effects of UV. These effects, he says, are has been involved in planning, says she leadership in agricultural and plant likely to have repercussions for the entire hopes the Legislature will recognize how research with these greenhouses,” she balance of nature in the world’s waters.

—Mary K. Hoff

David Sherman, microbiology and physics, received a 2001 Packard Fellow- the National Academy of Science reporting “We once thought that it the Biotechnology Institute, is one of ship for Science and Engineering, which that milkweed growing in cornfields was which species, not three researchers sharing a $2.5 million carries a grant of $625,000 over five years sometimes supports monarch butterfly federal grant to develop a drug against The program, established by the co- larvae at the same time the corn is shed- how many species, that smallpox. They are using a technique founder of Hewlett-Packard, recognizes ding pollen. The overlap implies that mattered. Our work shows Sherman developed to genetically engi- the nation’s most promising young scien- monarchs feeding next to corn genetically neer molecules that target an enzyme the tists and engineers. engineered to contain the insecticide both which species and virus needs in order to reproduce. Karen Oberhauser, ecology, evolu- Bacillus thuringiensis, (Bt) toxin, could be how many species matter.” Claudia Schmidt-Dannert, bio- tion and behavior, published a study in exposed to the toxin. chemistry, molecular biology and bio- the September 18 issue of Proceedings of —David Tilman

14 FRONTIERS WINTER 2002 111647 Frontiers Winter 02 12/19/01 2:14 PM Page 15

The NSF has awarded more than $6 million for plant genomics research to faculty in the College of Biological Sciences, the Academic Health Center, and the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmen- tal Sciences. Half, $3,098,136, goes to a multi-college group consisting of Nevin Young, plant pathology and plant biology, Kate VandenBosch, professor and head of plant biology; J. Stephen Gantt, plant biology; Ernest Retzel, Academic Health Cen- ter; Deborah Samac, plant pathology; and Carroll Vance, agronomy and The proposal for the Biotechnology Precinct grew out of plans for the Microbial and Plant Genomics building, pictured above, which is under construction. plant genetics. The purpose of this research is to study the genome of the The Board of Regents approved plans Other components include an incuba- model legume, Medicago truncatula. for the University of Minnesota Biotech- tor for industry collaboration, facilities for The ultimate goal is to characterize nology Precinct on the St. Paul Campus in research and development of biocatalysis, and clone genes involved in valuable October, 2001. The proposed precinct, biomaterials, and biosensors, and renova- traits such as disease resistance, crop which grew out of planning for the Micro- tion of an historic barn to provide dining productivity, and nitrogen fixation— bial and Plant Genomics Building, will be services and meeting space. Construction the unique ability of legumes to sup- located on the northeast quadrant of the on the Microbial and Plant Genomics ply their own nitrogen. campus. building began in October. The other half, $3,081,245, goes to Regents’ Professor Ronald Phillips and USDA-ARS Adjunct Professor UPCOMING EVENTS Howard Rines, agronomy and plant genetics, to develop a radiation hybrid Capital Request Briefing for Alumni January 22, 2002, Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn how system for the physical and genetic you can help promote the U’s Legislative request. Displays, briefing by President Mark mapping of corn. Both awards are Yudof, buffet dinner, free parking. Refer to www.umaa.umn.edu for details. over four years, from 2001 to 2005. David Tilman Lecture—Alumni Invited Thirty-nine students and alum- February 21, 2002, Bell Museum, 3:30 p.m., reception at 5:00 p.m. David Tilman will pre- ni mentors met each other at the sent a special lecture to celebrate his appointment as McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Ecology. His topic is managing ecosystem services. BSAS Student/Alumni Mentor Pro- gram kick-off reception on Nov. 8. James Page Brewery Alumni Tour Mentors represented careers in phar- February 28, 2002, 6:30 p.m., James Page Brewery, 1300 Quincy Ave. NE. Alumni net- working event—includes tour, food, music, socializing with other U of M alums. Cost is macy, medicine, research, veterinary $12. Call Karla Hoff at 612-625-9195 to make a reservation. medicine, ecology, public health, and CBS Career and Internship Fair business. The program seeks to March 1, 2002, Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center, 11:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Students match CBS students with alums and alumni are invited to meet employers, learn about internships and careers. For working in their field of interest. details, contact Maggie or Traci, [email protected] Each year, needs for the alumni pool CBS Alumni Networking Event change in response to interests of stu- March 2, 2002, 3:00 p.m., Minnesota Commons Room, St. Paul Student Center. “Bio-weapons: How to See Through the Hype.” Discussion on how to interpret media sen- dents who apply. Pairs initially meet sationalism with Martin Dworkin, professor of microbiology. RSVP to Lija Greenseid, 612- to get acquainted, then make 625-7705 or [email protected]. arrangements to communicate Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium monthly by phone, e-mail, or in per- May 1, 2002, Earle Brown Center, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Undergraduate students will showcase their son. If you would like information contributions to life sciences research. For more information, call 612-624-3481. about becoming a mentor, contact 60th Anniversary of Cedar Creek Paul Germscheid at 612-624-3752 or September 21, 2002. Alumni gathering and celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Cedar Creek [email protected]. Natural History Area. Details in spring issue.

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Goldburg honored for public policy role

The University of Minnesota has selected Rebecca Gold- burg to receive an honorary Doctor of Law degree for her advocacy of public policy to promote food safety.

serves on the USDA’s Goldburg herself continues to inspire Advisory Committee on many at her alma mater. Professor Patrice Agricultural Biotechnolo- Morrow, who was Goldburg’s Ph.D. advi- gy and on the USDA’s sor, follows her career like a proud parent. National Organic Stan- “Becky’s advocacy is built on the best of sci- dards Board. She recently ence and on solutions that are practical and served on the National that work,” says Morrow. Academy of Science Com- mittee on Genetically “Without Rebecca’s Modified Pest-Protected Crops and the U.S. State efforts, much of the scien- Department’s Consultative Forum on Biotechnology. tific data related to these In her work with issues would not have Environmental Defense, Goldburg has been on the been collected, and most front line of public policy debates surrounding the ecological scientists consequences of antibiotic would have been left on use in farm animals, the Rebecca Goldburg, Ph.D. 1985, will receive one of the potential environmental the sidelines.” U’s highest honors. consequences of bioengi- neered food products, and —David Andow the environmental effects s the nation’s investment in agri- of aquaculture (fish farm- “It would be difficult to understate her cultural biotechnology grows, ing). Environmental Defense is a national role in enabling a scientific discussion of policymakers, consumers, and the nonprofit organization that combines sci- the environmental risks of genetic engi- media struggle to understand its ence, economics, and law to find solutions neering,” says David Andow, entomology. Afar-reaching effects – and they’re turning to to environmental problems. “Without Rebecca’s efforts, much of the Rebecca Goldburg for help. As a senior sci- “I find I’m someone who most enjoys scientific data related to these issues would entist at Environmental Defense, Goldburg working in several areas and being on the not have been collected, and most ecologi- is one of the nation’s leading experts on edge of what I know, rather than exploring cal scientists would have been left on the how our methods of food production affect a narrow subject in great depth,” she says. sidelines.” human health and the environment. This Renaissance approach is what led her In recognition of her outstanding Goldburg, who holds an A.B. in sta- to work in public policy. accomplishments, Goldburg has been tistics from Princeton University (1980) Goldburg was amply prepared for selected to receive an honorary Doctor of and an M.S. in statistics and Ph.D. in ecol- this role by her graduate work at the Uni- Law degree from the University. “The ogy from the University of Minnesota versity where, she says, “I found the grad- award brings honor to her and to the uni- (1985 and 1986), is an advocate for bal- uate students in the ecology department versity that helped to prepare her for an anced, coherent, and scientifically defensi- and elsewhere to be stimulating friends exceptional career,” says Morrow. ble public policy regarding food safety. She with a lot of new ideas. I remember grad- An award ceremony will be held in fall has been interviewed frequently by journal- uate students whose knowledge of natur- 2002. ists from the New York Times to CNN and al history and taxonomy was extraordi- nary and inspiring.” —Jennifer Amie

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SCHOLAR PROFILE

Adrienne Kari, social scientist

Adrienne Kari enjoys the social side of the CBS student experience. She also helps keep alumni in the loop.

f you had met Adrienne Kari at her find study partners. “It’s been a really ing today’s students to be tomorrow’s sixth grade science fair, you might good way to turn friends from classes alumni. “Now that we are together for have predicted her future. into social friends,” she says. “And I’ve four years, we’re forming stronger rela- Assigned to create three-dimen- gotten a lot of good advice on selecting tionships with each other and the col- Isional models of viruses, most of Kari’s classes because stu- classmates built simple examples that dents in every major looked like diamond-shaped lollipops. belong to the associ- But Kari constructed an elaborate ation.” spherical model of cytomegalovirus This year, Kari that cracked open to reveal spiraling has expanded her DNA inside. role by serving as Today, Kari brings the same kind of student representa- enthusiasm to her work as a University tive on the college’s student and president of the Biological alumni board. “I’m a Sciences Student Association. resource for alumni “I’ve always been interested in sci- who would like to ence,” says Kari. “There’s a lot of room understand what to move and always something new to CBS is like today,” discover.” she says. “Alumni But for Kari, there’s a lot more to who graduated 20 or her CBS experience than she finds in 30 years ago are sur- classrooms and labs. She’s also vitally prised to find out interested in discovering new friends how dramatically and supporting the social life of the things have changed. college, from networking with students For example, the Col- to keeping alumni in the loop. lege now admits stu- dents as freshmen, there are new build- "Now that we're together ings and labs, and even studying is dif- for four years, we're form- ferent because of the Internet.” ing stronger relationships Many alumni, she says, are curious

with each other and the Richard Anderson about today’s stu- College. I think we'll be dent experience. Adrienne Kari is president of the Biological Sciences Student “They’d like to know Association. more inclined to stay in if students are get- ting to know each touch after graduation." other better, and if CBS has a small- lege,” she says. “Because of this, I college feel,” Kari says. To meet alum- think we’ll be more inclined to come ni, Kari also volunteers at events such back to a reunion or to stay in touch Now a senior majoring in bio- as the homecoming picnic and after graduation.” chemistry, Kari joined the Biological reunions. Sciences Student Association as a As she prepares to graduate, Kari —Jennifer Amie sophomore, hoping to meet people and also realizes the importance of prepar-

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AlumNews

From the president

Join an alumni ‘dream team’ adopting this strategy by forming “dream teams.” (See story, page 4.) Seeking talented everal years ago, I participated in a researchers and building high-powered Citizen’s League research commit- teams will make the College more compet- tee that evaluated the quality of itive in important areas of biology. Not graduate education and research at only is this exciting from an academic Sthe University of Minnesota. Our report point of view, but from an economic point was titled “A Competitive Place in the of view. Dream teams attract great stu- Quality Race: Putting the University of dents and investments in Minnesota busi- Minnesota in the Nation’s Top Five Public nesses. Dick Osgood Research Universities.” We undertook the This is good stuff. As alumni, we too effort to support President Yudof’s goal of can create “dream teams” to serve the Col- making the University of Minnesota one of lege. There are lots of opportunities to help these dream teams or about the work of the top five public research universities in with events planning, the Legislative Net- the Biological Sciences Alumni Society. I the nation. work, the Mentor Program, volunteering at also encourage you to attend one of our We concluded that the U’s role as a the CBS State Fair exhibit, and Board par- events or meetings. land-grant institution and the state’s higher ticipation. Please reflect on your talents education policies impeded this goal. Our and how you can use them to serve on one recommendations to overcome these of these teams. Your involvement will have impediments included focusing resources a big impact on CBS students and the on fewer emerging research opportunities quality and reputation of the college. Dick Osgood, and strengthening their respective depart- I invite alumni to contact me or Emily President, Biological Sciences ments. Johnston, Alumni Relations Coordinator, Alumni Society It is gratifying to learn that CBS is at 612-624-4770 or to learn more about

Alumni Weekend at Itasca a dedication ceremony to rename the Homecoming Picnic. The well-attended About 120 alumni, family, and friends recreation field in honor of Professor event was held on the front lawn of Snyder enjoyed a beautiful fall weekend at Lake David Parmelee, who was station director Hall. Activities included a buffet dinner, Itasca Forestry and Biological Station Sept. from 1971 to 1986 and died in 1998. His hayride, tours of Biodale, drawings for 28-30. In addition to the usual hikes, boat widow, Jean, who took part in the cere- prizes, and a tug-of-war between depart- rides, classes, and other activities, there was mony, made a generous gift to upgrade ments. The Dean’s Office, winner of the the field. Improvements include a new tug-of-war, was presented with the coveted baseball diamond, badminton Golden Microscope Award. The Spirit court, playground equipment, Award went to the Department of Ecology, and landscaping. Dean Elde Evolution and Behavior. EEB’s prize was a spoke about Parmelee’s many bagel breakfast served by Goldie Gopher. contributions to the College Bob Burgett from the UM Alumni Associ- and students, and alumni ation attended to present Dean Elde with a shared memories of him. Hats Off award for his ability to explain complex biological concepts to lay audi- CBS Homecoming ences. Following the Homecoming Picnic, Picnic guests attended the University’s Home- Alumni joined students, coming bonfire and rally behind the St. Paul Student Center. David Parmelee remembered at Itasca dedication. faculty, and staff on October 19 for the First Annual CBS

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BIOTECHNOLOGY IN MINNESOTA

CBS Career Center brings employers and graduates together

CBS Career Center and Andcor are working to find biotechnology jobs for CBS graduates and meet workforce needs of the state’s growing biotechnology industry.

Looking for a biotechnology job ciation (UMAA) in Minnesota? Or a skilled employee to Career Connec- fill a biotech job? Whether you’re a cur- tion contracts rent student, an alumus, or an employ- with national er, the CBS Career Center can help. career and job Richard Anderson Eric Erickson gets advice from Maggie Kubak, Career Following are some of the ways posting sites. To Center coordinator. the Career Center brings job seekers learn about their and employers together. Web accessi- services and ble resources and databases are being view postings, developed or improved to provide bet- refer to www.umaa.umn.edu. The Job postings ter service. Career Connection is under the head- Listings of jobs are maintained by ing “Get Active.” The College of Con- BSAS Mentor Program the Career Center. For information, tinuing Education administers the The Alumni Mentor Program contact [email protected]. Career and Lifework Center, which matches CBS students with alumni Position openings are also advertised provides a “front door” to the U for working in biotechnology or other via e-mail newsletters to alumni and adults seeking education to refocus fields of interest. The purpose is to students. and enrich their careers and lives. Refer offer students exposure to a variety of to www.lifework.umn.edu. Career and Internship Fair areas to help them make career deci- Come to the Career and Internship sions. The program is open to all CBS Internships Fair on March 1, 2001 in the McNama- students and on an individual basis to Gain valuable experience in a field ra Alumni Center. Learn about careers alumni making career changes. Alum- of interest while you make connections and job opportunities. Meet with ni are always needed as mentors. Con- that could lead to a career opportunity. prospective employers/employees. For tact Paul Germscheid at 612-624- Or hire an intern to work at your com- more information, contact career- 3752 or [email protected] for pany. R&D Systems will fund eight [email protected]. further information. internships for CBS students this sum- Building relationships with mer. Amgen recently invited CBS to col- Informational interviews and job biotech companies is a top priority of shadowing laborate on an internship program. Many Maggie Kubak, new Career Center other Minnesota companies offer paid Talk to a CBS grad at a Minneso- coordinator. By strengthening con- and unpaid experiential opportunities. ta biotech company who has a job that nections, she hopes to better serve Contact [email protected]. interests you. Or spend a day job CBS job seekers while helping shadowing to learn even more about a Resume Filing Service biotechnology companies meet work- company and type of job. Contact the Submit your resume to this ser- force needs. Alumni Career Network, career- vice, offered as a free resource to Min- “Biotechnology is one of the [email protected]. nesota employers. Resumes that fastest growing job markets for biolo- University career services match job requirements are forwarded gy graduates,” says Kubak. “There are The University also offers career to employers. Send your resume to new jobs emerging all the time in services and access to job postings. [email protected]. health care, agriculture, environmen- University of Minnesota Alumni Asso- tal clean-up, and biocatalysis.”

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BIOTECHNOLOGY IN MINNESOTA Andcor recruits biotech execs for Minnesota companies

Dan Johnson left Minnesota after For the lifestyle rea- graduation from the University of Min- past 10 years, sons. nesota to find his fortune in Silicon Val- Andcor has “There’s ley. Within ten years he had achieved focused on something that goal as an executive with a software emerging special about company. growth com- Minnesota But by this time Dan’s values had panies based that brings changed. He and his wife wanted a dif- in Minneso- people back ferent kind of environment for raising ta. These —the peo- their three children than California tend to be ple, culture, could offer. They realized they had left young com- quality of another kind of fortune in Minnesota panies with life, econo- and wanted to explore the possibility of exceptional my, schools,” returning home. growth says Dennis Dan contacted Andcor, a Minneso- potential Anderson, ta firm that recruits executives for emerg- that are Richard Anderson CEO and Dennis Anderson, Terri Naughtin, and Jack ing growth companies. At the time And- capable of Hauser of Andcor. founder of cor didn’t have the kind of job Dan was attracting Andcor. looking for, but they added him to their venture capi- “You can’t database and about a year later contacted tal. And lately, many have been biotech- find a better place to live and raise a fam- him about a position with a new compa- nology and medical companies. ily. We’re especially interested in people ny. The company has grown explosively Minnesota has a lot of potential for who have ties to Minnesota and are since he joined it a few years ago. developing a strong biotechnology looking for opportunities to return.” “The reason companies like this industry, Naughtin says. In fact, Andcor Andcor is looking for people with one grow is because of talented people is working with the University to help exceptional skills in all areas of biotech- like Dan,” says Jack Hauser, Principal grow the state’s community of biotech nology, from research and development and CFO. “One of our main goals at companies by focusing on the human to sales, marketing, and management, Andcor is to match the right people with capital component. The University is a who have an entrepreneurial spirit. the right companies and watch them fertile ground for new product ideas. “We’re looking for people who have take off.” But, she says, “It takes more than ideas. an interest in working in an entrepre- Andcor, which began 30 years ago It takes talented, capable, experienced neurial environment, who want hands- as a search firm, today offers a wide people. Team is the important thing.” on involvement, and are willing to take range of services to help companies be Hauser and Naughtin believe risks in exchange for equity and growth successful. graduates of the College of Biological opportunities,” Hauser says. “This can be as broad as securing Sciences are just the kind of people To learn more about Andcor, refer financial resources, forming a board of they’re looking for. Andcor has begun to their web site at www.andcor.com. directors, and building an executive working with CBS to build a database CBS Alumni are also invited to contact management team, or as narrow as fill- of talented people with biotechnology Jack Hauser at [email protected], ing one or two key positions,” says expertise who want to relocate to Min- Terri Naughtin at tnaughtin Principal Terri Naughtin, who special- nesota. They are particularly interested @andcor.com, or Dennis Anderson at izes in organizational design for emerg- in alumni like Dan Johnson, who have [email protected]. ing growth companies. moved away and want to come back for

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Class notes James March, Ph.D. (B.S. 1964; M.S. 1967) and their daughter, Jamie, moved to the Little has retired from the Wisconsin Department of Falls area in November. Natural Resources after 31 years. His career Chris Jameson (B.S. 1993) graduated from the included variety of positions from research biolo- University of Michigan with a master’s degree in gist through administrator. biology and is looking for employment in the Vicki Schuman (B.S. 1979) is working in mar- area of international conservation. After earning keting communications for technical industries at his B.S. at CBS, Chris worked as a Peace Corps Schuman and Associates. wildlife biologist in Niger, West Africa and hopes Julie Anderson Kirihara (B.S. 1981; Ph.D to continue to work on African conservation and 1988) recently became president of MNBIO, a resource management issues. He would like to

Minnesota association of biotechnology compa- hear from alumni working in this field, particular- Peggy Rinard nies. Kirihara is founder and CEO of ATG Labora- ly in Washington, D.C. He can be reached at tories, Inc. [email protected]. Goldy Gopher pays a visit to Biodale, the College’s one-stop shopping cen- Maria Legatt Taft (B.S. 1993) completed a Ariana Lindemann, (B.S. 1987) recently joined ter for advanced research services. the staff of the Department of Plant Biology, master of science degree from Midwestern Uni- where she is engaged in collaborative work in versity. She works for Park Nicollet Clinic as a family practice physician assistant. genomics with responsibility for overseeing a Joe Fong (B.S. 1998) completed an MBA in robotic facility. Lindemann received a number of Melinda Bimberg (B.S. 1994) is working health care management and is currently in awards while she was an undergraduate at CBS, for Chiron Corp in the San Francisco Bay Anchorage, Alaska, serving a fellowship with including the Eloise Pittman Scholarship and the Area. She invites other alumni interested in Providence Health System. Biological Sciences Alumni Society scholarship. working in northern California to e-mail her at David Watrous McCabe (B.S. 1998) is in his [email protected]. Paula Penning (B.S. 1989) provided emer- second year of the Ph.D. program in biomolecu- gency support services following the Sept. 11 Jeff Humbert (B.S. 1995) was featured in a lar chemistry at the University of Wisconsin destruction of the World Trade Center. Penning Star Tribune article this fall about the cost of School of Medicine in Madison. He is working in works for 3M’s Occupational Health & Environ- Medical School. Jeff is a first-year resident in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Sheets. mental Safety Division, which manufactures pediatrics at Fairview-University Medical Center. Katherine Himes Lescher (B.S. 1999) com- occupational health products including respirato- Robert Wild (B.S. 1995, Ph.D. pharmacology, pleted an MBA at the University of Wisconsin, ry protection. Members of her group went to 2000) recently joined the oncology drug discov- Madison, where she was named one of two top New York and Washington, D.C. to provide on- ery group at Bristol-Myers-Squibb Pharmaceuti- students in her class. She recently began a Ph.D site assistance on respiratory products. Paula cal Research Institute in Princeton, New Jersey. program in neuroscience at the University of was a member of the emergency response team He is a research investigator responsible for all in Minnesota. located in St. Paul. vivo pharmacology aspects of oncology drug Malcolm Johns (B.S. 1999) is working in a Beau Liddell (B.S. 1992; M.S. 1997) has been development. Previously he was an oncology neurobiology lab at Georgia State University in promoted to area wildlife supervisor for Little research scientist at Sugen, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlanta. Falls, Minnesota by the Minnesota Department Pharmacia Corp. Jennifer Johnson (B.S. 1999) recently returned of Natural Resources (DNR). In his new position, Daniel Liedl (B.S. 1996) is a captain for the from Gambia, where she served as a Peace he is responsible for directing, promoting, and U.S. Army Health Care Team based in Blooming- Corps volunteer. Johnson worked on the R.T. implementing DNR wildlife programs and poli- ton, MN, and lives in Apple Valley. He recently Rybak mayoral campaign and plans to remain in cies in Benton, Morrison, and Todd counties. Pre- published a paper on digital temperatures for the the Twin Cities for a while. viously he was the acting area wildlife manager Mayo Clinic. Liedl can be reached by e-mail at in Redwood Falls. Beau, his wife, Judy (B.S.1992), [email protected]. Darren James Baker (B.S. 2000) is working in a cancer research laboratory at Mayo Clinic. His group published a study in the Nov. 16, 2001 issue of Science Baker is applying for medical school. Cassandra Hamilton (B.S. 2000) is in Rochester going to nursing school. David Simmons (B.S. 2000) recently accepted a new position with ATG Laboratories, Inc., a Minnesota biotechnology company founded by Julie Kirihara. Amy Steffenhagen (B.S. 2000) is a technical services specialist for Gentra Systems, Inc., in Ply- mouth. Her position involves lab research and communication with customers. She works closely with the sales department and often has the opportunity to travel. Christa Van Patten (B.S. 2000) was hired in August by DiaSorin. Wade Anderson (B.S. 2001) is in the Ph.D.

Peggy Peggy Rinard program in biochemistry at Stanford University. His e-mail address is [email protected]. The Dean’s Office staff shows off their muscles during the Homecoming tug-of-war. Dan Owens (B.S. 2001) is in medical school at The team won the coveted Golden Microscope. the University of Michigan

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A night to remember

Donors and scholarship recipi- ents meet at annual Recognition and Appreciation Dinner. It was almost like watching a reunion of long-lost friends or rela- tives. Donors who endowed scholar- ship funds and student recipients moved through the crowd in Memo- rial Hall, scanning nametags for the special person they had come to meet. The search often ended with smiles and a hug. In most cases, this was the first time

donors and students had met each Tim Rummelhoff other. Every year the College awards approximately 75 scholarships fund- ed by endowments created by or to honor faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. About 300 donors, students, Donors, students, and parents enjoy dinner and parents attended this year’s and conversation at the Recognition and Recognition and Appreciation Din- Appreciation Dinner. ner, held for the first time at the McNamara Alumni Center. Robert Elde, dean, spoke on “Cele- brating Investments” in students. CBS, which has a scholarship endowment of approximately $1 million, hopes to raise that to $10 million to remain competitive with other schools and to help students pay rising tuition costs.

Laura Brunner, Class of 2002 and recipient of the Harold Paul Morris Scholarship, was student speaker. Tim Tim Rummelhoff Brunner, who is from Alaska, talked Henrietta Miller, with student Jackie about why she chose Minnesota Chan, right, and her parents, left. A and expressed her appreciation to scholarship was established in Miller's name when she retired from the Bio- donors for putting their money and Tim Rummelhoff chemistry Department. faith in CBS students. Robert Elde, CBS dean

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