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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. 4 FRONTIERS WINTER 2002 111647 Frontiers Winter 02 12/19/01 2:09 PM Page 5 “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.