INSIDE Black History Conference at Pitt...... 2 Women’s History Month: Paula Davis...... 3 PittNewspaper of the University of PittsburghChronicle Volume IX • Number 11 • March 24, 2008 Pitt Gets $11.4 Million From Pitt Wins Big East Championship Gates Foundation to Research Four consecutive victories at Madison Square Garden move Pitt to NCAA Tournament Tuberculosis Treatments By Clare Collins

The University of Center for Vaccine Research has received an $11.4 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop new strategies to control tuberculosis (TB), a contagious disease that infects one-third of the world’s population and kills almost two million people every year. The grant will enable Pitt researchers to use new imaging technologies to study TB to shorten and simplify its course of treatment, potentially improving survival and curtail- ing the global TB epidemic. “One of the most challenging issues in treating TB and stopping its spread is the length of time it takes to adequately stem the infection,” said JoAnne Flynn, princi- pal investigator of the grant and professor of microbiology and molecular genetics in the Pitt School of Medicine. “Current drugs are available, but we don’t fully understand how or why they work. TB treatment must be continued for at least six months to be effective, placing an undue burden on those who are infected—often from the poorest and most disadvantaged countries.” Flynn said TB is difficult to control Continued on page 5 Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, WVU Consortium Receives Funding For Fossil Energy Research A consortium of three universities— Carnegie Mellon University, the , and West Virginia University (WVU)—will receive up to $26 million in funding over the next two years to develop clean and efficient technologies for the use of fossil fuels. The results of the consor- tium’s work could reduce regional as well as national dependence on foreign oil. The partnership, called CWP Inc., will

HARRY BLOOMBERG receive the funding through a subcontract with RDS Inc., an onsite contractor at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). NETL is the national laboratory On a Roll for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office The Pitt men’s basketball team continued of Fossil Energy with facilities in five states, its string of victories, trouncing Oral Roberts including and West Virginia. University 82-63 in Denver on March 20. The More than 75 scientists—with student win follows the Panthers’ four victories in researchers—at the three universities will four days when they claimed the school’s work with more than 150 NETL scientists second Big East Tournament champion- and researchers to address key areas of fossil ship: 74-65, Georgetown, March 15; fuel research. 68-61, Marquette, March 14; 76-69, Speaking on behalf of CWP Inc., Pitt Louisville, March 13; and 70-64, Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, who also chairs the group’s board, said, “The three Cincinnati, March 12. Those four HARRY BLOOMBERG victories sent the Panthers into the university members of this consortium have NCAA Tournament for the seventh distinguished records of research, as well straight year. Junior Sam Young as a proud tradition of effective partnering. (top) was named the Big East We are excited by the opportunities pre- Tournament’s Most Outstanding sented by the work to be done through this Player and junior Levance Fields consortium. Our researchers are positioned to have a significant and positive impact on was awarded All-Tournament honors. Photo at right, from left: the economy, the environment, and national seniors Ronald Ramon, Mike security, while further establishing our home Cook, and Keith Benjamin cel- region as a leader in energy research. We ebrate the Big East Champion- also are proud to have formalized this new ship victory. (Additional photos relationship with NETL, which is a national on Page 4.) Continued on page 5 2 • Pitt Chronicle • March 24, 2008 Pitt to Host “Crossroads of the World: 250 Years of African American History in Greater Pittsburgh” BrieflyNoted By Sharon S. Blake The role African Americans played in Moderator: Kenan Foley, instructor, shaping the Pittsburgh region will be the Department of African and African Ameri- focus of the 31st Annual Conference on can Studies, Indiana State University Pitt School of Law Lecture Black History in Pennsylvania, to be held Panelists: Nelson Harrison, trombon- To Feature Death Penalty April 3-5 on the University of Pittsburgh ist, composer, arranger, adjunct professor Opponent campus in . of Africana and ethnic studies, Community

PHOTO: U. S. TREASURY DEPT. This year, the annual conference, spon- College of Allegheny County; James John- Bryan Stevenson, known as one of the nation’s sored by the Pennsylvania Historical and son Jr., director, Afro-American Music Insti- most powerful speakers against the death penalty, Museum Commission (PHMC), is titled tute in Pittsburgh; Hosea Taylor, saxophonist and instructor, Homewood Jazz Workshop. will deliver a lecture titled “Race, Death, and Psychic “Crossroads of the World: 250 Years of Afri- Paul H. O’Neill can American History Harm: The Continuing History of No Truth and No in Greater Pittsburgh.” April 5 Honors College to Present Reconciliation.” Scholars, government 10:30 a.m.-noon Panel of Experts on “America’s Stevenson, a New York University School of leaders, preservationists, W i l l i a m P i t t Looming Fiscal Crisis” Law professor and founder and executive director of students, tourism profes- Union the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama, will deliver the sionals, and many others Screening of the The University of Pittsburgh Honors College will talk at noon March 27 in the ’s from across the state will WQED Pittsburgh-pro- present a panel discussion titled “America’s Looming Teplitz Moot Court Room. The event—a University of convene at Pitt to explore duced documentary Fly Fiscal Crisis: An Election Year Wake-Up Call” at 8 p.m. Pittsburgh School of Law Lawyering for Social Change this region’s Black his- Boys: Western Penn- March 25 in the Twentieth Century Club, Oakland. Lecture—is free and open to the public. tory—from local con- sylvania’s Tuskegee Airmen, sponsored by The presentation, part of the Honors College’s Stevenson graduated from Harvard University nections to the Civil War to how Pittsburgh Pitt and supported by American Experience Lecture Series, will be held in col- in 1985 with a master’s degree in public policy from musicians contributed to the Alcoa and Pitts- laboration with The Concord Coalition, a nationwide, the Kennedy School of Government and a J.D. degree jazz from its early years burgh foundations. nonpartisan grassroots organization that advocates from the School of Law. He became a staff attorney to the present. The reg- Presenters: Robert responsible fiscal policy. with the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta, istration fee is $65, but Hill, Pitt vice chancel- The panel will be moderated by Paul H. O’Neill, where he represented capital punishment defendants some conference events Mary Frances Berry lor for public affairs; former U.S. treasury secretary and the former chair and death row prisoners. In 1989, he began his work are at a lower cost or free. For Regis Bobonis Sr., vice and chief executive officer of Alcoa. The panel will fea- with the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organiza- complete information and a conference reg- president of the Daniel B. Matthews Histori-

ture David M. Walker, U.S. comptroller general from tion that defends the rights of the poor and people of istration form, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us or cal Society. 1998 until his resignation earlier this month; Robert color. Stevenson and his colleagues have successfully call the PHMC at 717-783-9871. Noon-2 p.m. Wesley Center African Methodist L. Bixby, executive director of The Concord Coalition; reduced or overturned death sentences in more than Selected conference highlights follow; Episcopal Zion Church, 2701 Centre Ave., Alice M. Rivlin, senior fellow at The Brookings Institu- 65 cases in Alabama. many conference sessions run concur- Hill District. tion; and Brian M. Riedl, senior policy analyst of The —Patricia Lomando White rently. Pittsburgh Awards Luncheon: Heritage Foundation. “Honoring the Unsung Heroes of the The event is free and open to the public, but Hollingsworth to Discuss April 3 African American Communities in Western seating is limited. Those interested in attending must Variation in Discovery Rates at 4-6:30 p.m. Pennsylvania” RSVP by noon March 25 with name, phone number, Research Institutions Twentieth Century Club Honorees: Aurora Reading Club; The and the names of additional attendees to uhcevent@ Reception and dedication ceremony for Frogs Club; William Pryor, owner of Pryor pitt.edu or 412-624-6880. J. Rogers Hollingsworth, professor emeritus at a Pennsylvania State Historical Marker in Furs, a 60-year-old Hill District business; —Anthony M. Moore the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an active honor of the late K. Leroy Irvis (LAW ’54), Bill Nunn Jr., former sports editor for the New Pittsburgh Courier and longtime scout researcher and lecturer, will present a lecture at the legendary Pennsylvania legislative leader, Pitt Law School alumnus, and Pitt emeritus for the ; and physician Pitt Wellness Fair Set University of Pittsburgh analyzing why the biomedical trustee. Irvis, who in 1977 became the first William Miller, whose medical practice was For March 25 research institutions vary widely in their capacity to African American speaker of the House in on The Hill. produce major discoveries. Pennsylvania and the first Black speaker In addition to Pitt, conference part- Pitt will host its 2008 Wellness Fair from Hollingsworth, whose talk is titled “Evaluating of any state house since Reconstruction, ners include the Senator John Heinz His- 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 25 in the William Pitt Performance of Biomedical Research Organizations,” sponsored in 1966 the bill that made Pitt a tory Center, Pennsylvania Council on the Union. will speak at noon March 27 in Scaife Hall’s Audito- state-related institution of higher education. Arts, Carnegie Mellon Center for African More than 35 booths will be on display to rium Six. His presentation is a Senior Vice Chancellor’s The marker will be on display, and it will American Urban Studies and the Economy, promote good health and fitness. Fred Goss, codirector Special Lecture. be permanently erected at a later date at the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and of Pitt’s Wellness Program, said the fair is a great “I find (Hollingsworth’s) research fascinating site of Irvis’ first legislative office, on Wylie Memorial, and VisitPittsburgh. opportunity to raise awareness of health issues within and thought-provoking, particularly in light of his Avenue in the Hill District. the University community. insights about successful biomedical research,” said April 4 Many interactive activities will be available, Arthur S. Levine, senior vice chancellor for the health 10-11:30 a.m. including health screenings for body composition, sciences and dean of Pitt’s School of Medicine. blood pressure, cholesterol, hand strength, nutrition, Hollingsworth has identified several key factors Screening of the film K. Leroy Irvis: The and hearing. There also will be that influence the rate at which major discoveries in Lion of Pennsylvania. professional demonstrations biomedical science occur. Presenters: Robert Hill, Pitt vice chan- PittNewspaper ofChronicle the University of Pittsburgh of pilates, yoga, aerobics, Institutions that are structured to adapt quickly cellor for public affairs; Catherine L. and kickboxing, among to the fast pace of scientific and technological changes Edwards Irvis, the widow of K. Leroy Irvis; and Laurence Glasco, a history professor others. have an advantage, he said. Institutions making PUBLISHER Robert Hill The Wellness Fair numerous major discoveries also at Pitt. 10-11:30 a.m. ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER John Harvith is part of the Wellness have visionary leaders who William Pitt Union EXECUTIVE EDITOR Linda K. Schmitmeyer Program’s education foster a high degree of “Preserving the Past: Major Col- EDITOR Jane-Ellen Robinet outreach activities. Pitt’s interdisciplinary activity lections on African American History in ART DIRECTOR Gary Cravener Benefits Department and across diverse fields of Pittsburgh” STAFF WRITERS Sharon S. Blake UPMC Health Plan are sponsor- science. Moderator: Samuel Black, curator of John Fedele Morgan Kelly ing the event. —Megan Grote African American Collections, the Senator Amanda Leff More information Quatrini John Heinz History Center. Panelists: Michael Dabrishus, Pitt’s Anthony M. Moore is available at www.pitt. Patricia Lomando White edu/~wellpgm. assistant University librarian for archives and special collections; Kerin Shellenbarger, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Clare Collins —By Anthony M. archivist of the Charles “Teenie” Harris Col- Megan Grote Quatrini Moore lection at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Noon-2 p.m. The Pitt Chronicle is published throughout the year by William Pitt Union University News and Magazines, University of Pittsburgh, Luncheon, with keynote address by 400 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, Mary Frances Berry, Geraldine R. Segal Phone: 412-624-1033, Fax: 412-624-4895, Professor of American Social Thought and E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chronicle.pitt.edu professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania and former chair of the U.S. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate upon any Commission on Civil Rights. basis prohibited by law. 2:30-4 p.m. William Pitt Union “Pittsburgh’s Jazz: An International Legacy” March 24, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 3

Women’sHistoryMonth Paula Davis

The Change Maker By John Fedele

Paula Davis’ ties to the University of Pittsburgh are deep, both academi- cally and professionally. Not only did she receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pitt, but she also has worked at the University for all but five of the past 20 years. Her newest respon- sibility: to ensure that Pitt’s schools of the health sciences keep up with the changing face of the United States. In an ideal world, that means students, faculty, and trainees in Pitt’s six schools of the health sciences— including the School of Medicine—will reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of the patients whom they treat in clin- ics, medical offices, community-based programs, and hospitals across the country. “Pitt is committed to ensuring the face of the health sciences reflects the face of the country, and that regardless of a student’s background, he or she will be prepared to deal with any cultural differences with their patients,” says Davis, who until January was the assis- tant dean of admissions, financial aid, and diversity in the University’s School of Medicine. Davis made consistent and strong progress in recruiting top under- represented students: 50 percent of the current medical students are female and 14 percent of this past year’s enter- ing class are from underrepresented

groups. MARY JANE BENT/CIDDE Those successes resulted in Davis Paula Davis being promoted to assistant vice chan- cellor for diversity for the schools of In announcing Davis’ appointment in the health sciences. In her new role, she January, Arthur S. Levine, dean of the medi- oversees programs to replicate the medi- cal school and senior vice chancellor for the “AspiringDocs” Day to Be Held March 25 on Pittsburgh Campus cal school’s diversity successes in the health sciences, said “Given Paula’s consis- tent, outstanding performance in addressing other five health sciences schools: dental spiringDocs.org, a pilot program to attract more medical students from underrepresented com- medicine, nursing, pharmacy, health and issues of diversity in the School of Medicine rehabilitation sciences, and the Graduate and the clear regard our medical students munities, will hold “AspiringDocs Day” on the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus from School of Public Health. have for her and her team, I have asked Paula 4 to 6 p.m. March 25. The event at the William Pitt Union Assembly Room will give students the Some people to extend her services opportunity to learn more about careers in medicine from Pitt School of Medicine staff, faculty, to the other five health andA students. might call Davis a change maker. Some people might call sciences schools. I am Pitt is one of four universities participating in the AspiringDocs.org campaign, a pilot program of the Others might call her Davis a change maker. certain that, under Ms. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) designed to attract more diverse physicians who can serve “Mom,” mentor, or Davis’ leadership, all the growing health needs of culturally diverse communities. friend. Throughout Others might call her six schools of the health U.S. medical schools have a decades-long commitment to building diversity in medicine. But while her career at Pitt, she sciences will have suc- African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans make up 25 percent of the U.S. population, they account “Mom,” mentor, or friend. cess in identifying, has earned a repu- for only 12 percent of U.S. medical school graduates. To complement efforts to increase the number of tation for being a attracting, and retain- “doer” and a shep- Throughout her career at ing diverse student and prospective students, the AspiringDocs.org campaign has taken a new approach to reach an untapped market herd of sorts—to faculty populations.” of potential underrepresented students who may be interested in the field of medicine. AspiringDocs.org underrepresented Pitt, she has earned a Davis’ ties to Pitt provides a comprehensive online resource for students interested in medicine, as well as parents, teachers, students and others reputation for being a go back to the late and advisers who are critical in guiding students to pursue careers in the medical field. as well—in trying to 1970s. She earned a AspiringDocs.org is a two-year pilot outreach program being conducted at Pitt, Rutgers University, ease the rough edges “doer” and a shepherd of bachelor’s degree in California State University in Fresno, and the University of Arizona. Each school has a large percentage of a medical stu- English writing in 1981 of underrepresented undergraduate biology majors with fewer-than-expected students applying to and dent’s first year and sorts—to underrepresented and began working as a attending medical school. At the end of the two-year period, AAMC will use marketing techniques such as beyond. One of her counselor and program benchmark polls, Web tracking, and applicant data analyses to assess whether the campaigns have inspired students and others as manager at Pitt while most recent projects more students to consider medicine as a career—and helped to increase the number of underrepresented is coordinating Pitt’s working on a master’s role in a pilot pro- well—in trying to ease the degree in speech, rhet- students who apply to and enroll in medical school. gram called Aspir- rough edges of a oric, and communi- The campaign’s centerpiece is its Web site, containing comprehensive information from the AAMC and ingDocs.org. Spon- cation. She received other resources about key topics that students deemed important in focus groups. The site also creates a new sored by the Asso- medical student’s first her master’s degree online community for aspiring doctors where they can ask questions and receive advice from the AAMC, as ciation of American in 1985. After a five- well as other experts in the undergraduate and medical school community such as financial aid counselors, Medical Colleges, year and beyond. year post at Carnegie medical school students, and practicing physicians. Another feature allows students who register for the site the program seeks Mellon University’s H. to share their opinions and experiences with other students on a variety of issues in the medical field. to encourage more John Heinz III School In addition to providing extensive online resources, the campaign is designed to inspire students well-prepared African American, His- of Public Policy and Management, Davis with real-life stories of practicing physicians and medical students from underrepresented populations who rejoined Pitt in 1994 as a program director in panic/Latino, and Native American overcame challenges and barriers on their road to medical school. students to pursue careers in medicine. the School of Medicine. She was promoted to AspiringDocs.org kicked off its outreach assistant dean of student affairs and director Additional information about the campaign and a full summary of its resources are available at www. program at four universities across the AspiringDocs.org. United States, including Pitt. Continued on page 5 —By Megan Grote Quatrini 4 • Pitt Chronicle • March 24, 2008 Pitt Wins Big East Championship HARRY BLOOMBERG

Levance Fields Ronald Ramon HARRY BLOOMBERG Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, upper left, celebrates the Panthers’ Big East Championship victory with the team and its coaches. In the back row, Pitt Athletics Director Steve Pederson stands to Nordenberg’s Women’s Team Earns Appearance left and next to Panther Coach Jamie Dixon. In NCAA Tournament for 2nd Year

The Pitt women’s basketball team earned its second consecutive appear- Sam Young, named “Most ance in the NCAA Tournament and, as Outstanding Player” of press time, was heading to Albuquer- que, N.M., to play The University of Wyoming on March 22. Photo at right: Pitt senior center Marcedes Walker and Panthers Coach Agnus Berenato. Walker is the Panthers’ all-time leader in rebounds, breaking a 29-year- old Pitt record. Photo inset: Guard Mallorie Winn, senior.

Tyrell Biggs

Coach Jamie Dixon MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE HARRY BLOOMBERG March 24, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 5 Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, WVU Consortium Paula Davis Women’sHistoryMonth Receives Funding for Fossil Energy Research Continued from page 1 of minority programs in 1997. It was in able letting you know when you weren’t this role that Davis became, in 2003, the on the right track and gave the tough resource and which has been an important generators and new fuel cell technologies first individual to win the Chancellor’s love that was required.” research partner for all three of our universi- that use coal-derived synthetic fuels, along Affirmative Action Award, an honor One of the biggest obstacles Davis ties for many years.” with new ways to capture and store green- normally bestowed upon campus orga- faces in getting students to choose Carnegie Mellon President Jared L. house gases instead of releasing them into nizations or programs. Pitt as their new “home” is a financial Cohon and WVU President Mike Garrison the atmosphere,” Gellman said. Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg one. also are members of the board. “The National Energy Technology lauded her programmatic achievements The Pitt health sciences schools’ Carnegie Mellon Chemical Engineer- Laboratory is encouraged and proud to work in creating the first “Minority Weekend” rise to international prominence means ing Professor Andrew Gellman has with researchers from Carnegie at the school and her that they now com- been appointed research director for Mellon University, the University successful work for pete for students the consortium. Under his direc- of Pittsburgh, and West Virginia the Summer Pre- “I am certain that, with health sciences tion, the university team will University,” said NETL Direc- medical Academic schools at Harvard, engage in a portfolio of research tor Carl Bauer. “By advancing Enrichment Program under Ms. Davis’ lead- Yale, Stanford, Johns programs aimed at develop- science and technology in the for high school stu- Hopkins, Columbia, ing new technologies for fossil region and the nation, this dents and the Student ership, all six Schools and Duke universi- fuel utilization, reducing the collaboration will provide National Medical of the Health Sciences ties, among others. environmental impact of fossil clean, affordable energy for Association. For the most part, energy use, and optimizing the many generations of Americans Nordenberg also will have success in those schools have efficiency of energy produc- and help secure national energy praised Davis for her substantially larger tion from fossil fuel sources. security.” role in implement- identifying, attracting, endowments and/or The combined capabilities and ing the Education far more state aid resources of the three universi- The consortium will address in Cultural Com- and retaining diverse than Pitt has. ties and NETL create an energy research these needs by focusing its research petence Opportu- For medical, enterprise with unique capabilities and within eight program areas: nity program. The student and faculty dental, and other breadth of scope, Gellman said. pilot program taught populations.” h e a l t h s c i e n c e s Pennsylvania and West Virginia hold • Materials for energy technologies; second-year medi- students—who can millions of tons of coal, a fuel that can meet • Process and dynamic systems cal school students —Arthur S. Levine graduate with sub- the country’s energy needs far into the future. modeling; Women’s Team Earns Appearance how to be sensitive stantial debt—stu- Policymakers are calling on the region and • Catalyst and reactor development; to cultural and racial dent aid is crucial and the nation to use more of its plentiful coal • Carbon management; differences in health is one of the major reserves to increase the nation’s energy • Sensor systems and diagnostics; In NCAA Tournament for 2nd Year behaviors and belief factors when a stu- security. Scientists can advance research into • Energy conversion devices; systems. That pilot spawned some dent, underrepresented or not, chooses better ways to use coal and convert it into • Gas hydrates; and changes in the medical school’s cur- another school. As a result of those cleaner-burning fuels, Gellman said. • Ultradeep and unconventional oil riculum and was presented at the 2001 financial pressures, a crucial part of “We need to develop improved turbine and gas production technology. national meeting of the Association of Davis’ job is visiting potential donors, American Medical Colleges. including philanthropies and alumni. In his comments, Nordenberg also Frequently, alumni remark about took special note of the interpersonal the changes in the health professions aspects of her work: “It is significant schools, all of which have transformed Pitt Gets $11.4 Million From Gates Foundation that a medical school student took the themselves from regional schools to time to nominate Ms. Davis,” he said. international powerhouses devoted “In his letter, Mr. McCrea (then-third- to health professions education and To Research Tuberculosis Treatments year medical student Leon McCrea) research. praised Ms. Davis as an advisor, “Some of the alums lament responses to particular drugs. They mentor, friend, and confidant to the the change,” she said. “But most will be using three imaging technol- minority medical school students. He are proud of the changes, as proud ogies—radionuclides, fluorescence, said that Davis has ‘created a space as I am to carry the Pitt banner.” and mass spectrometry—in combina- within the hallowed walls of the medi- tion to develop imaging probes and cal school, where it feels like home.’” techniques to precisely locate bacteria That feeling of home, Davis says, is associated with TB and to explore the one of the keys to recruitment at Pitt. underlying factors responsible for slow “We want to set up a situation drug metabolism. where we can provide comfortable roots “By applying the tools of modern and be as welcoming an institution medicine to TB, we hope to lay the as possible,” she said. “We have stu- groundwork for real-time measure- dents coming to the health professions ments of TB drug efficacy in clinical schools—which are rigorous enough in trials and develop new targeted thera- their academic demands—and leaving pies that will considerably shorten the behind their undergraduate mentors Continued from page 1 length of treatment,” Flynn said. and family, the people they trust Tuberculosis is a bacterial dis- to look out for their well-being. because the germs that cause the infection ease usually affecting the lungs. Called At the same time, they’re inter- hide from the immune system in small pulmonary TB, the disease is characterized acting with patients for the tissue nodules called granulomas, enabling by a persistent cough, shortness of breath, first time and deciding on a the infection to reactivate years, and even weight loss, and chest pain. Left untreated, course of study to determine decades, later. Although for the most part TB one person with active pulmonary TB will the best fit for their clinical is a curable disease, patients must adhere to infect on average between 10 and 15 other or professional practice. treatment long after symptoms have faded. people every year. The bacteria associated “That’s a lot of stres- This proves challenging in many regions with the disease also can infect nearly any sors all at the same time,” of the world where medication is not read- part of the body, such as the lymph nodes, Davis pointed out. ily accessible. Indeed, an inadequate or the spine, or bones. TB is deadly if left Both she and the stu- incomplete course of treatment is the major untreated. dents take the “home” factor that causes drug-resistant TB strains Other co-investigators on the grant analogy seriously: Davis to develop. These strains are alarmingly high include researchers from the National Insti- refers to the students as her in many countries around the world. tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, “kids,” just as more than “Current medications for TB were Vanderbilt University, Cornell University, one has referred to her as developed more than three decades ago,” The Scripps Research Institute, Oxford “Mom.” Flynn said. “To create significantly shorter University, and Novartis Institute of Tropi- “Paula was able to give and simplified approaches to treatment, we cal Diseases. you a pat on the back or must improve our understanding of this The Center for Vaccine Research hug and words of support disease and how current drugs are localized (CVR) at the University of Pittsburgh houses when they were needed,” said at the site of infection.” both the Regional Biocontainment Labora- McCrea, now a resident physi- To understand more about the basic tory and the Vaccine Research Laboratory. cian in family medicine at the biology of TB, Flynn and her colleagues Researchers at the CVR, directed by Donald Crozer-Keystone Health System are using the grant to develop positron S. Burke, dean of the University of Pitts- in Upland, Pa., south of Philadel- emission tomography (PET) and computed burgh Graduate School of Public Health phia. “Even more importantly, tomography (CT) imaging studies in non- and UPMC Jonas Salk Professor of Global though, she was comfort- human primates. By using combined PET/ Health, develop new methods and strategies CT, the researchers will be able to follow to prevent and treat infectious diseases,

MARY JANE BENT/CIDDE the progression of the disease in animals potentially improving and protecting global over time and analyze changes in tissue and health. The Change Maker

6 • Pitt Chronicle • March 24, 2008 Awards&More

German Cinema on the Edge Film Series to Begin March 28 By Anthony M. Moore

The University of Pittsburgh’s Depart- ment of Germanic Languages and Literatures will present the film series German Cinema on the Edge on March 28 and 29 and April 4 and 5. All screenings will be held at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The series will feature five recent German films, among them Rhythm Is It, which won the 2005 Bavarian Film Award for Best Docu- mentary. Screenings are free and open to the public, and all films have English subtitles. A list of the screenings follows. March 28—Kebab Connection (2005), 96 minutes, directed by Anno Saul. Synopsis: Kebab Connection humorously explores the contemporary clash of cultures and generations. This film follows the life The University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson The following were named Distin- Information on awardees from of Ibo, a young Turkish-German aspiring School of Engineering and its depart- guished Alumni within their respective elsewhere at Pitt follows. filmmaker, who has just shot his first film—a ments honored seven alumni at its departments in the Swanson School: commercial for his uncle’s fast-food restaurant. 2008 Distinguished Alumni Banquet Leigh Hoffman is the recipient His uncle is unhappy about Ibo’s use of ninjas March 20. The honorees are widely Marlin H. Mickle, Department of Electrical of the 2007-08 President’s Distin- to sell kebab. Ibo also has just found out that regarded as the top experts in their and Computer Engineering. Mickle is Pitt’s guished Service Award for Staff his girlfriend is pregnant. He struggles with respective fields and hail from across Nickolas A. DeCecco Professor of electrical at the University of Pittsburgh at his own doubts about impending fatherhood the nation and the world. and computer engineering and telecommu- Greensburg. Hoffman is the assistant and his family’s disappointment—until the nications. He earned all of his degrees at Pitt: dean of student services, the director customers start streaming in. Mahmoud K. Dabbous, who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical of orientation and cocurricular pro- March 29—Rhythm Is It (2004), 104 the Distinguished Alumni Award, is an engineering in 1961 and 1963, respectively, grams, and the judicial coordinator minutes, directed by Thomas Grube. international authority on techniques and a PhD degree in 1967. who oversees student disciplinary Synopsis: This documentary records the to maximize extraction from oil fields. actions. In presenting the award, first big educational project of the Berlin Phil- The Organization of Arab Petroleum Raymond P. Niro, Department of Chemical Sharon P. Smith, Pitt-Greensburg harmonic Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle. Exporting Countries, the Interna- and Petroleum Engineering. Niro is founder president, said Hoffman “never sits The film features 250 underprivileged German tional Energy Agency, the Society and senior partner of Niro, Scavone, Haller back to rest on past success but rather students as they train to dance to Stravinsky’s of Petroleum Engineers, and and Niro, a nationally recognized is always envisioning improvements The Rite of Spring with the world-renowned other organizations rou- intellectual property law firm to programs and innovations that orchestra. Seen through the eyes of three pro- tinely call upon Dabbous based in Chicago. He graduated will take us in new and exciting tagonists, Rhythm Is It follows the teenagers’ to speak about improved from Pitt with his bachelor’s directions. Her impact is extraor- perseverance during three months of rehears- oil recovery technology. degree in chemical engineer- dinary.” als and the development of a professional Dabbous is president ing in 1964 and from George Hoffman has worked at Pitt- performance. and CEO of the Dallas- Washington University Law Greensburg since 2003. She was pro- April 4—Vier Minuten [Four Minutes] based Improved Petro- School in 1969. moted to her current position in 2006. (2006), 112 minutes, directed by Chris leum Recovery Group She has a bachelor’s degree in psy- Kraus. of Companies. He earned James J. Lombardi, Depart- chology/education from Juniata Col- Synopsis: This film follows Traude, a his master’s degree in petro- ment of Civil and Environmental lege and a master’s degree in counsel- piano teacher, who has been giving piano leum engineering and his Engineering. Lombardi is executive ing from the University of Scranton.” lessons in a women’s prison for decades. She doctoral degree in chemical Mahmoud K. Dabbous vice president of SAI Consulting meets Jenny, a reserved young woman con- engineering at Pitt in 1969 and Engineers Inc., a Pittsburgh-based, Tao Cheng, a professor in the Pitt victed of murder, who was once considered 1971, respectively. employee-owned transportation School of Medicine’s biochemistry a child musical prodigy. Traude’s attempt to design and construction manage- and molecular genetics program, guide her pupil to victory in a music competi- Alka Patel received the ment firm with more than 150 received the Scholar Award from tion leads to a difficult, contradictory relation- Distinguished Young employees. Lombardi earned the Leukemia and Lymphoma Soci- ship between the two women. Alumni Award. Patel, of his bachelor’s degree at Pitt in ety. The grant includes $550,000 April 5—Wohnkomplex [Residential the Intellectual Property civil engineering in 1972. over five years and is given to Complex] (2005), 29 minutes, directed by Counsel for Allegheny highly qualified investigators who Rita Bakacs. Technologies, Inc., in Barbara Shelton, Depart- have shown a capacity for indepen- Synopsis: This film provides a glance into Pittsburgh, is regarded ment of Industrial Engineering. dent, sustained original investigation Halle-Neustadt, a city in the former German as an accomplished woman Shelton is the principal represen- in the field of leukemia, lymphoma Democratic Republic, after German reunifica- in a field dominated by men. tative of the U.S. General Services and myeloma. tion. In the midst of urban ruins, mass unem- After completing her bachelor’s Alka Patel Administration for the Mid-Atlantic ployment, and empty buildings vacated by degree in materials science at Region. Shelton earned a bachelor’s James Menegazzi, research asso- those who went elsewhere for jobs and a better Pitt in 1996, Patel worked as a metallur- degree in industrial engineering at Pitt in ciate professor of emergency medi- life, former GDR citizens find themselves gical engineer at Timken Latrobe Steel 1979 and a master’s degree in business cine in Pitt’s School of Medicine, living next to asylum seekers from all over the Company and was one of two women administration at Columbia University. won two awards from the National world. The film shows how the city that was at the plant at the time. She was respon- Association of EMS Physicians. He once designed as a socialist model town has sible for quality assurance, process Edward F. Sobota, Department of Mechan- won Best Scientific Presentation and become a shrinking metropolis. reliability, and managing 20 employees. ical Engineering and Materials Science. Best Cardiac Arrest Presentation. Yella (2007), 88 minutes, directed by In 2001, she earned her master’s degree Sobota is founder of Derry, Pa.-based Tech In addition, Jon Rittenberger, Christian Petzold. in business administration and her law Spec, Inc., a nationally acclaimed manu- a research fellow instructor of Synopsis: This film follows Yella, who degree at Duquesne University. Com- facturer and supplier of titanium bar and emergency medicine within Pitt’s flees her failed marriage and broken dreams to bining these with her Pitt engineering forging products for the aerospace, medical, medical school, won the Best Fellow begin again in Hanover. She finds work with a education, Patel focused on patents in chemical, and industrial product industries. Presentation. The awards were determined young executive and enters a ruth- the areas of materials science, chemi- Sobota graduated from Pitt with a bach- presented at the Annual Meeting of less world of big business. Seemingly helped cals, nanotechnology, medical devices, elor’s degree in metallurgical engineering the National Association of EMS by her looks, quick wits, and icy demeanor and software, and business methods. in 1967. Physicians held recently in Phoenix. just when she is poised to realize her ambitions, she finds herself haunted by truths from the past that threaten to destroy her new life.

March 24, 2008 • University of Pittsburgh • 7

“Deconstructing Place: Objectivity The Big Bang, through April 27, and the Theory of Lived-Space From Miscellaneous Theater Square Cabaret, 655 Penn Ave., Husserl to Casey,” Edward Slowik, Downtown, CLO Cabaret Theater, professor of philosophy at Winona 2008 Pitt-Greensburg Writers Festi- 412-281-2822, www.clocabaret.com. State University, 12:05 p.m. March 25, val, featuring nationally acclaimed poets 817R , Pitt Center and visual artists, today through Happenings for Philosophy of Science, www.pitt. March 28, campus coffee house, Pitt- Pitt PhD Dissertation edu/~pittcntr. Greensburg writing program, schedule available at www.upg.pitt.edu. Defenses Joshua Cohen, literary reading of his book A Heaven of Others, 7:30 p.m. University of Pittsburgh Wellness Daniel Handley, Department of March 25, Kiva Han Café, 420 S. Craig Fair, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 25, Wil- Human Genetics, “Systems Approach to St., Oakland, Pitt Cultural Studies Pro- liam Pitt Union, Pitt Wellness Program, Analyzing the TGFbeta/SMAD3 Gene gram, 412-624-7232. 412-648-8251. Regulatory Pathway in A549 Cells,” 4 p.m. today, PACCM Conference “From Vienna to Budapest: World’s “Careers Over Lunch,” discussion, Room, NW 628, Montefiore Hospital. Fairs and Croatian Art,” Rachel noon-1:30 p.m. March 25, Room S100, Rossner, a Fulbright-Hays Fellow at the Biomedical Science Tower 2, Brown Adriana Lopez, Department of University of Chicago, noon Bag Lunch Series, Survival Skills and Statistics, “Markov Models March 26, 4217 Posvar Hall, Pitt’s Ethics Program, 412-578-3716, www. for Longitudinal Center for Russian and East European survival.pitt.edu. Course of Youth Studies, 412-648-7407. Bipolar Disorder,” “On Men, 9 a.m. “The Reaper’s Garden: Death and Women, and March 28, Room Power in the World of Atlantic the Rest of 230, Cathedral of Slavery,” Vince Brown, a professor Us,” featuring Learning. in Harvard University’s Department of author and African and African American Studies, performer Philip Murphy, 4 p.m. March 26, 3703 Posvar Hall, Kate Bornstein Graduate School of Public Pitt’s Graduate Program Speaker Series in an evening and International Affairs, and Atlantic History Seminar, www.pitt. of slapstick, per- “Self, Group, and Society: edu/~pitthist/news/lectures/index.html. sonal monologue, and Emergence of New Political slam poetry, 8:45 p.m. Identities in the Republic of “Dancing on Drugs: Normalization, March 26, G8 Cathedral Macedonia,” 10 a.m. Culture, and Adolescent Recreational of Learning, Pitt’s March 28, 3200 Posvar Drug Use in Hong Kong, ” Nicole Women Studies Hall. W.T. Cheung, sociology professor at the Program, Chinese University of Hong Kong, noon Mark Abbott, Depart- March 27, 4130 Posvar Hall, Pitt Asian ment of Anthropology, 412-624-6485, “Bread, Sweat, and Studies Center, Asia Over Lunch Lecture www.pitt. Series, asia ucis.pitt.edu. Tears? The Ascendance @ edu/-studies. of Capitalist Accumula- tion Strategies in the “Book Symposium: Managing the Desire, 2005 film, 7:30 p.m. Dragon,” Jack Perkowski, chair and Russian Republic of March 27, G24 Cathedral Karelia, 2001-2002,” CEO of ASIMCO Technologies, of Learning, Pitt Women’s 3:30 p.m. March 27, 117 , noon March 28, Studies Film Series, www.pitt. 3106 Posvar Hall. Pitt’s Asian Studies Center and Interna- edu/~wstudies/. tional Business Center and the Society for International Business, Blackburnian Warbler, Kate Dimitrova, School of Health and , through Department of www.ucis.pitt.edu/main/events-one- Rehabilitation Sciences month.shtml. today the History of Art Spring Open House, 10 and Architecture, a.m.-1 p.m. March 29, Forbes “Was Jesus’ Foster-Father a Martyr? “Unraveling Christ’s Tower, 412-383-6556, www. Passion: Archbishop Constructing the Death of Joseph the shrs.pitt.edu. Carpenter” Pamela Sheingorn, profes- Dalmau de Mur’s Patronage and Brahms x 6: The Sextet, March 27 Franco-Flemish Tapestries in Fifteenth- sor emerita of history at the City “Grants Over Lunch,” discussion, University of New York, 4 p.m. Century Spain,” 1 p.m. March 28, noon-1:30 p.m. March 31, Room 260, Room 104, . Concerts March 27, Room 501 Cathedral of Victoria Building, Brown Bag Lunch Learning, Pitt Departments of History Series, Survival Skills and Ethics Pro- Spring College/Community Choir Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, One and Religious Studies, 412-624-5220, Ava Puccio, School of Nursing, “Effect gram, 412-578-3716, www.survival.pitt. of Short Periods of Normobaric Hyper- Concert, features Mozart’s Vesperae Potter’s Touch Affects a Generation of [email protected]. edu. de Dominica and Haydn’s Missa in Artists and Their Communities, Kerr oxia on Local Brain Tissue Oxygenation Angustiis, 7:30 p.m. March 26, Bro- Gallery, through April 4, 1815 Metro- “Head Injury and Your Brain,” fea- and Cerebrospinal Fluid Oxidative meley Family Theater, Pitt-Bradford, politan St., North Side, 412-322-1773, turing three speakers from Pitt’s Depart- Stress Markers in Severe Traumatic 814-362-0248, www.upb.pitt.edu. www.manchesterguild.org. ments of Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Opera/Theater/ Brain Injury,” 9 a.m. March 31, Room Surgery, 7-9 p.m. March 27, Room 331 Victoria Building. University of Pittsburgh Symphony 707 Penn Gallery, Suggestion/Submis- A221, Langley Hall, Brain Awareness Dance Orchestra, featuring new music by sion, through April 5, 707 Penn Ave., Forum 2008, Pitt’s School of Medicine, John R. Shaffer, Department of Aida by Verdi, March 29-April 6, Ben- Human Genetics, “Genetic Epidemiol- Benjamin Harris, 8 p.m. March 26, Downtown, 412-325-7017, www.pgharts. School of Arts and Sciences, and Center edum Center, 801 Penn Ave., Downtown, Bellefield Hall Auditorium, Pitt Depart- org. for Neuroscience, 412-648-3585, Cnup. ogy of Longitudinal Change in Bone Pittsburgh Opera, 412-281-0912, www. Mineral Density in Mexican Ameri- ment of Music, 412-624-4125, neurobio.pitt.edu/. pittsburghopera.com. www.music.pitt.edu. Wood Street Gallery, Urban Living, cans,” 11 a.m. March 31, Room A312 Crabtree Hall. through April 5, 601 Wood St., Down- “What Appeals to Chinese Custom- Fiddler on the Roof, March 27- Brahms x 6: The Sextet, with Andres town, 412-471-5605, www.woodstreet- ers? International Advertising of April 6, Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Jean A. Grace, Department of English, Cardenes conducting and as violinist, galleries.org. Global Brands in China,” Kun Tian, Downtown, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, 8 p.m. March 27, Carnegie Music Hall, a graduate student in Pitt’s East Asian “Working Knowledge: Composition and 412-539-0999, www.pittsburghmusicals. the Teaching of Professional Writing,” 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, Pitts- KOA Art Gallery, Affairs of the Art Studies program, 2 p.m. March 28, com. burgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra, 2008, through April 11, Blaisdell Hall, 4130 Posvar Hall, East Asian Languages 2 p.m. March 31, Room 527 Cathedral of Learning. 412-392-4900 www.pittsburghsymphony. Pitt-Bradford, 814-362-0248, www.upb. and Literatures Colloquium Series, Late Night Catechism, March 27-April org. pitt.edu. 412-624-5568. 20, City Theatre’s Hamburg Studio, 1300 Molly Stitt-Fischer, Department of Bingham St., South Side, 412-431-2489, Environment and Occupational Health, An Evening with Bebe Neuwirth, Silver Eye Center for Photography, “All Frills: Girlie Taste and Japanese www.citytheatrecompany.org. March 27-30, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., In Search of America, photographs by Consumer Culture,” Tomiko Yoda, “Nitric Oxide-Mediated Signaling in Pulmonary Endothelial Cells,” 2 p.m. Downtown, PNC Pittsburgh Symphony David Graham, through April 12, 1015 professor in Duke University’s Depart- Lavendar Lizards and Lilac Landmines: Pops, 412-392-4900, www.pittsburghsym- E. Carson St., South Side, 412-431-1810, ment of Asian and African Languages March 31, Fifth-Floor Conference Layla’s Dream, directed by Linwood Room, Bridgeside Point. phony.org. www.silvereye.org. and Literatures, 2 p.m. March 28, 3106 Sloan, through April 5, Kuntu Reper- Posvar Hall, Pitt’s Asian Studies Center, tory Theatre, Seventh-Floor Auditorium, SHANGHAI, CHINA: Shanghai Quartet, Carnegie Science Center, Bodies: www.ucis.pitt.edu/main/events-one- Ning Zhang, Department of Anthro- Alumni Hall, 412-624-7298, www.kuntu. pology, “Donkey Friends: Travel, March 31, Pittsburgh Chamber Music The Exhibition, through May 31, month.shtml. org. Society, New Hazlett Theatre, 1 Allegheny Ave., North Shore, Voluntary Associations, and the Public 6 Allegheny Square East, includes 412-237-3400, “NASA’s Future Lunar Exploration Sphere in Urban China,” 1 p.m. A Number, through April 6, O’Reilly April 1, 3106 Posvar Hall. music by Zhou Long and Bright Sheng, www.carnegiesciencecenter.org Program: What Can We Learn About Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown, survivors of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, Earth Processes From the Lunar Pittsburgh Public Theater, 412-316-1600, 412-624-4129, www.pittsburghchamber- Surface?” Mike Ramsey, professor www.ppt.org. music.org. Lectures/ in Pitt’s Department of Geology and Planetary Science, 3:45 p.m. March 28, Seminars/Readings 203 , Department of Geology Exhibitions and Planetary Science Spring 2008 Col- , Pitt Poetry Series editor, loquium Series. www.geology.pitt.edu/ Carnegie Museum of Art, Great Brit- informal talk at 3:30 p.m., poetry colloquium.html. ish Art: 200 Years of Watercolors, Draw- reading at 7 p.m., both today, campus ings, and Prints From the Bank of New coffeehouse, Pitt-Greensburg, 2008 “Improvisation, Creativity, Collabo- York Mellon Collection, through Pitt-Greensburg Writers Festival, ration: Fueling Innovation in the May 18; Ecology.Design.Synergy, 724-836-7481, www.upg.pitt.edu. 21st Century,” free symposium featur- through June 1, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oak- ing speakers and performers who will land, 412-622-3131, www.cmoa.org. “She Said: Women’s Words,” poetry address improvisation, collaboration, reading featuring poet Naomi Shihab and innovation, 4:30 p.m. Hillman Library, Audubon Print, Nye, Pitt English Professor Dawn Lundy March 28, Manchester Craftsmen’s Blackburnian Warbler, through today, Martin and others, 7:30 p.m. today, Cab- Guild Music Hall, U.S. Japan Innova- 412-648-7715. aret at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., tors Network, reservations required, Downtown, Women’s History Month, 412-322-0800, www.mcgjazz.org. Andy Warhol Museum, Ron Mueck Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 412-456-6666, at the Andy Warhol Museum, through www.pgharts.org. “Do You Consider Yourself a Jewish March 30; Canis Major: Andy Warhol’s Writer?” Dara Horn, author of The Cats and Dogs (and Other Party Ani- “Careers in Biotech,” Kenneth World to Come, 7:30 p.m. March 30, mals), through May 4; Neke Carson: Giuliano, principal scientist at Cellumen 1501 Posvar Hall, Pitt’s Jewish Studies Eyeball Portraits and Beyond + Neke Inc., noon-1:30 p.m. March 25, S100 Program, [email protected]. Paints Andy ’72, through June 1, 117 Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Sandusky St., North Side, 412-237-8300, Tower, Pitt Survival Skills and Ethics www.warhol.org. Program, 412-578-3716, www.survival. Late Night Catechism, City Theatre pitt.edu. March 27-April 20

Pitt Chronicle University News and Magazines University of Pittsburgh 400 Craig Hall 200 South Craig Street Pittsburgh, PA 15260

8 • Pitt Chronicle • March 24, 2008

Etch A SketchTM Toy Inspires Pitt Team in Nanotechnology Discovery New technology may lead to more powerful, compact information technologies two readily formed insulating mate- nanoscale dimensions, and his student rials from an electrical conductor to Cheng Cen, the paper’s first author, brought an insulator and back. The research’s the idea to fruition. Research by C. Stephen considerable technological applica- Hellberg from the Naval Research tions stem from this adjustabil- Laboratory contributed to the ity, Levy said. theoretical understanding of The process works the project. The work was like a microscopic Etch supported by the Defense A SketchTM, L e v y Advanced Research explained, referencing Projects Agency and the drawing toy of his the National Science youth that inspired his Foundation. idea. The interface lies Levy has worked between a crystal of in the field of oxide strontium titanate and a electronics for the last 1.2 nanometer-thick layer decade and has been rec- of lanthanum aluminate, ognized by Pitt with the both of which are insulators. Jeremy Levy Chancellor’s Distinguished Using the sharp conducting probe Teaching Award in 2007 and of an atomic-force microscope, the the Chancellor’s Distinguished Research team created wires less than four Award in 2004. nanometers wide at the inter- face of the two materials. These conducting nanostruc- “The prospect of making both logic and tures can subsequently be memory devices with the same material is erased with a reverse voltage or with light, rendering the very intriguing, and at this small a scale it’s interface an insulator once almost unheard of.” more. “This work is not only —Jeremy Levy potentially useful for techno- logical applications, but also fascinat- ing from a fundamental perspective,” Levy said. “The prospect of making PUBLICATION NOTICE The next edition of both logic and memory devices with Pitt Chronicle will be published March 31. the same material is very intriguing, Items for publication in the newspaper’s and at this small a scale it’s almost Happenings calendar (see page 7) should unheard of.” be received six working days prior to The physical model still needs the desired publication date. Happenings By Morgan Kelly tested in crucial ways, but provides an items should include the following infor- important framework for future research mation: title of the event, name and title of A University of Pittsburgh-led research devices, and quantum computers. speaker(s), date, time, location, sponsor(s), directions, Levy said. and a phone number and Web site for addi- team developed a process in which the abil- The findings were published online The idea originated from a visit Levy tional information. Items may be e-mailed ity to conduct electricity can be turned on March 2 in Nature Materials with the print made to the University of Augsburg in Ger- to [email protected], faxed to 412-624-4895, and off at nanoscale dimensions. This capa- version scheduled for April. many, where coauthors Jochen Mannhart or sent by campus mail to 422 Craig Hall. bility holds promise for more powerful and Led by Jeremy Levy, a professor of and his student Stefan Thiel showed Levy For more information, call 412-624-1033 or compact information technologies, includ- physics and astronomy in Pitt’s School of how the entire interface could be switched e-mail [email protected]. ing ultrahigh density information storage, Arts and Sciences, the researchers discov- between a conducting and insulating state. reconfigurable logic devices, single-electron ered how to switch, at will, the interface of Levy thought of adapting the process to