The Autism Puzzle: DU Researchers Examine the Pieces
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
The Autism Puzzle: DU Researchers Examine the Pieces Also in this issue: The Spiritan Inspiration Century Club Inductees The Positive Impact of Nature Trails DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE is published three times annually by The Positive Impact Duquesne University’s Office of Public Affairs of Nature Trails Vol. 7, Number 2 page 6 Winter 2009 Editor Bridget Fare Associate Editor Megan Tressler The Legacy Fund Editorial Board page 18 Ralph L. Pearson, Ph.D. Rod Dobish Edward Kocher, Ph.D. Kathleen Glenister Roberts, Ph.D. Rev. John Sawicki, C.S.Sp., Ph.D. Julie Shepard Cherith Simmer, R.N. Solving the Puzzle Writing page 26 Randy Cole Karen Ferrick-Roman Emily Goossen Carolina Pais-Barreto Beyers Rose Ravasio Kimberly Saunders Richard Tourtellott Also in this issue: Bob Woodside All in the Family ..........................................................................................................page 2 Design Catching Up With Christopher Koch ...........................................................................page 3 Jeremy Neeley Century Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Inducts Five New Members page 8 Taylor Tobias ........................ Pharmacy School Creates New Health Initiative to Duquesne University Magazine Help Uninsured Families .......................................................................................page 10 Office of Public Affairs DU Researchers Study Melatonin and Bone Loss ......................................................page 11 216 Fisher Hall Snapshots ............................................................................................................................. page 13 600 Forbes Ave. A Foundation for Learning page 14 Pittsburgh, PA 15282 .................................................................................................. Tel: 412.396.6050 What’s New at DU .............................................................................................................. page 16 Fax: 412.396.5779 The Spiritan Inspiration Lives on at Duquesne ................................................................. page 22 Email: [email protected] Business is Booming ........................................................................................................... page 24 Awards Recognize Graduates’ Commitment to Duquesne’s Mission ............................ page 34 The National League for Nursing Designates Duquesne a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education .........................................page 36 The Spirit Bishop Zubik to Keynote Downtown Luncheon page 37 Who Gives Life .............................................................. Homecoming Highlight: Blessing of the Rings ................................................................ page 37 Athletics News .........................................................................................................page 38 On the Road with the DU Magazine ................................................................................ page 40 Figures From the Past .......................................................................................................... page 46 Our Bluff in Brief ................................................................................................................. page 47 Alumni Updates................................................................................................................... page 49 Gratitude .............................................................................................................................. page 58 Gormley Named Interim Law Dean .................................................................................. page 60 A Catholic University Duquesne Law School Interim Advisory Board ............................................................... page 60 in the Spiritan Tradition Alumni Calendar ............................................................................................... inside back cover Duquesne has always been a great teaching University. Our small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and Spiritan sense of community make learning on our Bluff a deeply personal process—not just the rote memorization of facts, figures, theories, and procedures, but the sharing of knowledge and skills that help students to analyze and solve problems, to understand and communicate ideas, and to excel in their professional careers as well as all other aspects of their lives. Less heralded—but no less important—is our increasing prominence as a research University. Other nearby schools may be better known in this realm, but we are rapidly gaining notice for the breadth and depth of our research. In terms of external grant funding, we are now the ninth largest research institution in Charles J. Dougherty, Ph.D. Pennsylvania, receiving more than $13.2 million in fiscal 2008. Duquesne University President For us, tension between teaching and research does not exist; it is not an either/or proposition. Outstanding scholarly inquiry fuels great teaching, and vice versa. But there is an even greater question that must be considered. How are our research and teaching applied in addressing our world’s most vexing dilemmas and pressing needs? This is where Duquesne truly shines. The riddle of autism provides evidence of our impact. So much is unknown. What causes autism in the first place? Why is the number of afflicted children increasing so dramatically? What factors might explain the differences in the severity of its impact from child to child? And how can we help those diagnosed with the condition to live fuller, more functional, happier lives? Our cover story reveals the extent of Duquesne’s leading efforts in the field. Our natural scientists, for example, have developed sophisticated models for the microscopic study of environmental toxins and their effects on human genetics. Their studies seek to allow earlier diagnosis and treatment of autism, and perhaps to unlock the ultimate mystery of prevention. This alone is impressive, but it’s only the beginning. In our Rangos School of Health Sciences, researchers use cutting- edge imaging technology to explore differences in brain function among children with autism and typical children— searching for the solutions to complex communication puzzles. School of Education faculty members are discovering ways to help young people with autism overcome the disorder’s social effects, thus keeping victims out of the justice system and in meaningful jobs. Duquesne’s interdisciplinary research focus on autism is just one example of how our faculty and students are making a difference. In this issue, you will learn how our pharmacists are attacking another growing health concern—osteoporosis— through groundbreaking research on melatonin. The Mylan School of Pharmacy is also attacking the health insurance crisis, establishing a first-in-the-nation medication management program providing counseling to uninsured families. Meanwhile, as more and more of our landscape is paved over and built upon, psychology student researchers have documented the economic and social benefits of preserving and enhancing green spaces. As a Spiritan community, we are called to teach, to conduct research, and to serve. We do so in the classroom, in the laboratory, and throughout the world. As alumni and friends, you share in our mission. Within these pages, you will also find passages from Spiritan writings that illuminate our distinctive legacy. As the new year begins, I invite you to reflect upon these excerpts, and to join us in our never-ending vocation of discovery, enlightenment, and service. Sincerely, Charles J. Dougherty, Ph.D. President 1 All in the Family Triplets, Little Sister Join Their Mother on Campus Triplets, plus one. At Duquesne, the Matthis crew covers a variety of That’s the crew that Karen and Russell Matthis sent to academic interests. John is majoring in chemistry, while Duquesne University this past fall. Russell is majoring in accounting, Christopher in biology The 20-year-old Matthis triplets—John, Russell and and Erin in nursing. Christopher—transferred as sophomores and their younger Look-alikes Russell and Christopher sometimes play sister, Erin, 18, entered the freshman class at Duquesne, the “twin” game with their classmates on campus. When where Karen started working last year. one is mistaken for another, the brothers often just play “They decided, surprisingly, to stick together,” says along—and the other brother eventually hears, “I met your Karen Matthis. “They just didn’t want to miss the brother today.” opportunity of going to college together. When you have The Matthises commute, juggling rides together while five children in three years, like I did, they have no choice still managing early-morning workouts at Duquesne’s but to be the best of friends or the worst of enemies.” Power Recreation Center along with their classes and When the boys were attending Peters Township High mother’s work schedule. School outside of Pittsburgh, each played athletics. Meanwhile, the youngest Matthis, high school junior John, the oldest by one minute, considered Division III Emily, 17, had a major life adjustment to make. football scholarship offers, but opted instead to stick with “I have to go to high school all by myself,” she told her his “younger” brothers. The boys initially commuted to mother. Washington & Jefferson College after graduating from In two years, that may change. high school in 2007. They transferred to Duquesne as “She would love to come here to