N O T I C E IN THIS ISSUE

Navigating U N I V E R S I T Y New Human Resources head sees Oakland: A the recruitment and retention of Senate com- millennials as one of the challenges mittee tour ahead...... 5 shows it can be a challenge. Katz students turn car salespeople See pages 7 in hands-on marketing class...... 6 & 8. TIMES THE FACULTY & STAFF NEWSPAPER SINCE 1968

VOLUME 49 • NUMBER 7 NOVEMBER 23, 2016 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH Become engaged, faculty are urged after Nov. election n the aftermath of this month’s road, we need to be engaged,” elections, University Senate he said. IPresident Frank Wilson is The University Senate gov- urging faculty to become more ernmental relations committee engaged. “is trying to remake itself to be “We’re at a moment where, more engaged with the Office in my view, what we do is more of Governmental Relations” by important than it’s ever been,” said providing more research and Wilson in his Nov. 16 report to faculty expertise, as well as by Senate Council. “thinking of politics at the more “Those of us who teach are in grassroots level than we have the midst of a teachable moment before,” Wilson said. of some significance,” Wilson ‘We’re not a partisan group; said. “There are questions now we’re trying to act on behalf of about policy that’s being made the University and other institu- that will affect all of our lives.” tions of higher education which The systematic approach to are, without question, under the knowledge and objective pursuit gun,” Wilson said. of truth provide ways of dealing “We’ve known that for a Kimberly K. Barlow/University Times with issues at emotional times, number of years now and we can University Library System staffers Marilyn Dipaolo and Waide Matthews move books from the fourth floor he said. only expect it will continue or get of Hillman Library. “It’s important for a lot of the tougher. We’re hoping that we can Materials have been moved from one mile of shelves since late October. Seven miles of shelves on the public debates that are happening work in a collaborative way and fourth floor must be cleared before Facilities Management begins replacing the library’s mechanical systems now and that will unfold for us a more serious way and maybe in May. See story on page 4. to do what we do really well: to improve that situation too.” make the research that we’re doing In other Council business: known; to provide examples of • Justin Saver, Graduate and UHC dean qualifications discussed how to pursue answers to ques- Professional Student Govern- n open forum to discuss establish new college programs “Most of the things we should tions in an objective and system- ment president, said GPSG qualifications for the next during the next Pitt fundraising cherish most are difficult to mea- atic way, that if we can discern is working with Community AUniversity Honors College campaign; sure,” Jacobson responded. “It’s facts and we can agree on facts, and Governmental Relations to dean drew a small but passionate • Have experience outside of difficult to design your efforts” to we might be able to have serious increase graduate student involve- crowd of about 20 people to academia, which students find wind up with a more immediately debate about which way to go.” ment in Pitt Day in Harrisburg. Posvar Hall on Nov. 11. increasingly important; measurable impact. “You measure Wilson said: “It’s our job as a A research symposium is being The honors college has no • Make certain new department impact over a lifetime — so you public university to pursue that planned to highlight graduate dedicated faculty or official stu- chairs and new faculty know about have to do what you think is right and demonstrate it. ... I hope we student work. dents, which left attendees and the possibility of teaching an and stop fussing over measurable will do that in a responsible and a • Jacob Kantorowitz, a first- search committee chair Ariel honors college course; and impacts.” civil way, remembering that we are year medical student, has been Armony, senior director of • Ensure that honors college He noted too that, with a public institution that includes elected to represent the Schools of international programs and direc- courses are better known to honors college faculty distributed a variety of viewpoints. We are the Health Sciences as a graduate tor of the University Center for students. among their home departments, the place where difference is sup- student representative to Senate International Studies, wondering The University is seeking an it has been hard to create “an posed to engage in a principled Council. whether this will be an asset or internal candidate for the UHC atmosphere of excellence” in way so that we can move forward” • Natalie Dall, Student Govern- liability for its new leader, and for post. the school. together even amid disagreement. ment Board president, reported the college itself. Lew Jacobson, a biological To help guide the school’s Wilson called attention to that SGB, in conjunction with “Is the honors college flex- sciences faculty in the Dietrich future, Jacobson suggested the changes at the state level, where Student Affairs, is distributing ibility a strength?” Armony asked School of Arts and Sciences for school have its own faculty, Republicans expanded their safety information, including early in the session. “Could it be a almost 50 years, noted that the with scholars joining the college majorities in the Pennsylvania tips for securing homes over weakness or a problem in defining honors college offers courses temporarily, from both Pitt and legislature in this month’s elec- Thanksgiving break, in Oakland a clear vision?” that aren’t necessarily geared surrounding universities. “You tions, gaining three seats in the neighborhoods following recent Participants noted that honors toward career advancement, begin to build a clientele that is House to take a 122-81 majority, burglaries. college students can choose to while students during the recent dedicated to the institution — that and rising to a veto-proof 34-16 “We’re trying to make sure participate at a variety of levels: recession became oriented more is what I would like to see,” he majority in the Senate. that all our students who live off by taking one or more of its toward classes that lead to jobs said. “The honors college would “We know as the budget pro- campus know how to keep them- courses; living in honors col- after graduation. be a wonderful place for visiting cess for us and the state begins, selves safe and also watch out for lege housing; or taking part in “The honors college is the scholars from other institutions.” that’s really significant. If we think each other,” she said. college-sponsored extracurricular counterforce to that,” he con- Don Bialostosky, chair of about it for the years down the —Kimberly K. Barlow n activities. The honors college also tended. It is “essential that some the English department, said the The results of the Nov. 8 presidential elections prompted funds student research projects. place in the University stand up honors college is a selling point for a variety of reactions. There were campus demonstrations “It’s interesting that we are in for these sorts of values.” top student prospects considering here and nationwide. Chancellor Patrick Gallagher issued an engagement with students who Harvey S. Borovetz, faculty Pitt; it ought also to be a selling election message (http://chancellor.pitt.edu/news-story/ are not focusing on education member in bioengineering and point to attract top faculty to the just to get a job,” Armony said. chemical and petroleum engineer- University, he said. chancellors-election-message) that said we “must re-engage q in the shared task of addressing the challenges and oppor- “So where do we go from here?” ing in the Swanson School of tunities we face as a country.” Forum attendees suggested the Engineering, asked: “What will Forum participants also Others on campus shared their support and ideas about next honors college leader should: be the impact in the future” of debated what sort of impact the where we go from here. See page 3. • Be very accessible to students; the honors college, “and how do new dean could or should have • Seek an outside donor to you define that impact?” CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

1 UNIVERSITY TIMES

L E T T E R S Honors college dean qualifications discussed Supplier event CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 termed a success on the types of courses offered volunteer to do extra work to teach of being taught by senior faculty. will be ready after Thanksgiving, To the editor: by the honors college. in the honors college. He suggested better marketing he said. On Nov. 7 the University’s Sanjeev Shroff, bioengineer- “More creativity from the fac- of honors courses could counter Further suggestions for dean Facilities Management and Pur- ing chair and member of the ulty needs to be encouraged,” he such impressions. qualifications or specific can- chasing Services teams hosted a dean search committee, noted agreed, and yet “you can’t expect “Sometimes the word ‘chal- didates can be entered in the supplier diversity matchmaking that higher-level courses of the the youngest faculty to do things lenge’ has a negative connota- search committee’s online survey event at the University Club for type traditionally associated on a volunteer basis. They need tion” when describing honors (https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/ the African American Chamber with honors colleges already are to build their careers” — and courses, Armony said; perhaps jfe/form/SV_eVaJ2RmmCEn- of Commerce of Western PA offered at the Swanson school. honors college teaching may not other descriptions would attract VmVT) on the search website and the Eastern Minority Supplier He suggested Pitt’s honors college help a faculty member gain tenure more students to honors classes, (www.honorscollege.pitt.edu/ Development Council. should concentrate instead on or promotions. such as “stimulating.” Others uhc-dean-search). Matchmaking events are offering unique, interdisciplinary Jacobson also wondered why suggested “important,” “exciting” Besides Armony and Shroff, quick, concentrated introduc- courses that are taught by pairs in the last decade enrollment in and “broadening.” search committee members are tions between diversity suppliers or trios of faculty from different UHC courses has been declining In the end, Armony said, faculty members Joshua Ellenbo- and those with decision-making departments or schools. when a higher caliber of student students should be taught that gen, history of art and architec- authority. The objective is for “The students said exactly the — as measured by rising SAT/ honors courses have tremendous ture; Janelle Greenberg, history; diversity suppliers to connect same” at the student forum con- ACT scores — has been admitted value, and that great grades aren’t Kristin Kanthak, political science; with as many decision-makers as cerning the honors college dean to Pitt across the same period. He the only mark of accomplishment Adam Leibovich, physics and possible. The industry focus for search, Armony reported. “Could suggested that the new UHC dean in college — or even the most astronomy; Cindy Skrzycki, Eng- the Nov. 7 event was construction. the honors college be a place for will need greater support from the important. lish; and Alan Sved, neuroscience; Diversity suppliers in the con- experimentation?” administration in allowing under- Relating your Pitt experience to along with Jason Sepac, academic struction industry had the oppor- Brett Curtis, a senior neurosci- enrolled courses to proceed. employees in a coherent narrative adviser in the honors college; tunity to network with general ences major and honors college “If you want to have an honors should be a student’s paramount Marc Harding, chief enrollment contractors and decision makers student, said a strong dean is college at this institution, you’ve concern, he said. “I have always officer; and Joseph Kannarkat, from the Facilities Management needed to bring together profes- got to support it,” he said. told my students: If you have undergraduate student in the and Purchasing Services areas. sors from disparate departments Curtis confirmed that his graduated and you don’t have a Dietrich school. Several diversity suppliers to teach such new courses. fellow students sometimes feel good story to tell, you have wasted Current UHC Dean Edward had positive comments about The problem with seeking too intimidated to take honors your time.” M. Stricker plans to step down the event: faculty to teach interdisciplinary courses — both for fear of doing The job description and sub- and return to the Department “The intimate setting was per- courses, Jacobson said, is that poorly and harming their grade- sequent position advertisement of Neuroscience faculty next fall. fect. It allowed everyone plenty faculty essentially are asked to point average, and at the prospect for the honors college dean post —Marty Levine n of time and opportunity to have robust and in-depth conversations without being cut off prematurely. The ratio of diversity suppli- ers and contractors/buyers was excellent.” —Patricia Thomas-LaRoche, Cameron & Associates 8, LLC Carol Washburn “The event was extraordinary, and I would give it 10/10 points. The staff members from [the Uni- Coaching students about how to learn versity of Pittsburgh]…helped us to connect with each other. In An instructor recently provides the big picture and then discussed the reading within strated the levels of questions that fact, they made sure that we got expressed how disappointed he cognitive placeholders for further their assigned groups where they could evaluate how well students connected.” was with students after tallying information. answered each other’s questions understood the theory. Students —JD Lokula, the results of the first exam. 2. Based on the preview, and rehearsed their presentation. then revised their study questions Decision Distribution America “They are in college now,” he develop questions that the reading Next, the groups were scrambled to reflect the higher skill levels. “I truly appreciated the luxury lamented. “They should know might be able to answer. Ques- so that one person from each Cheryl Messick, a faculty of not waiting a long time to meet how to study!” tions might be about unfamiliar group made up their new group. member in the Department of and speak with other contractors. Faculty frequently comment words, the relationships among Communication Science and There was a very good atmosphere that students do not devote the concepts or about an unfamiliar Reading Groups Disorders, also teaches Bloom’s at this event, one that seemed to needed time or effort in their process. AAA BBB CCC taxonomy to her students. “Stu- say ‘we are here to listen and try courses to succeed. A 2013 study 3. Read one paragraph, then dents are surprised by the notion to work with you’. Thank you.” by the Higher Education Research stop and paraphrase that para- become that you can ask questions to —Craig Bingham, Institute found that 58.6 per- graph. Read the next paragraph, assess different knowledge levels,” All Systems Fire Protection Co. cent of first-year students spent then stop and paraphrase that Teaching Groups she explained. For many students, We plan to host other supplier fewer than six hours per week on paragraph, incorporating the ABC ABC ABC introducing Bloom’s demon- diversity matchmaking events in homework in their senior year of information from the first para- strates why they need to study the future. Each event will focus high school, yet 98.6 percent of graph. Each paragraph should Students within each of the differently in order to achieve on a different industry, and the those surveyed graduated from build upon the previous para- new groups taught their materi- the levels of critical thinking that attendance lists will vary accord- high school with an A or B aver- graphs. als to the others in their group faculty want. McGuire recom- ingly. age. Some students may be used Students who follow this and distributed a quiz to ensure mends that faculty take a four-step Julie Cursi to earning good grades without process report they have a deeper understanding. approach when teaching Bloom’s: Communications Manager applying themselves, but there are understanding of what they have Jigsaw groups are an efficient 1. Have students define the Financial Operations strategies that faculty can adopt to read. way to learn new material. Once in difference between studying and help students learn how to learn. Most instructors acknowledge the teaching groups, each student learning. U N I V E R S I T Y Saundra McGuire, author of that one of the best ways to learn must actively listen and rely upon 2. Ask students if they would “Teach Students How to Learn,” a new topic is to teach it, yet this the others to learn new informa- study harder to make an A on a believes that students don’t spend approach is rarely used with stu- tion. For the computer class, the test or to teach the materials to the time needed on their courses dents. Teaching a subject requires jigsaw minimized the amount of the class. TIMES because they don’t know how to higher levels of cognitive process- reading required, yet the students 3. Present Bloom’s taxonomy, engage with materials in ways that ing than memorizing information. still learned the concepts and were explaining each level of the hier- will produce results. She recom- A computer science instructor able to complete their projects. archy and then applying Bloom’s EDITOR N. J. Brown 412-624-1373 mends that instructors present was concerned because her Eng- Asking students to develop to a simple example. [email protected] students with methods that have lish as a Second Language (ESL) sets of questions that assess the 4. Ask students at what level of

WRITERS Kimberly K. Barlow been proven to increase learn- students were having difficulty main ideas is another way to have Bloom’s have they been operating 412-624-1379 ing. This advice comes with one completing the required read- students engage more with the and at what level do they need to [email protected] caveat; instead of using the term ings during the shorter summer materials. be operating now. Marty Levine study skills, McGuire refers to session. Each reading contained When a sociology instructor When you incorporate learn- 412-624-1374 these practices as metacognitive concepts needed for the develop- asked his students to write study ing strategies into your teaching, [email protected] strategies, supported by evidence ment of the final project. She questions as a practice activity you provide students with tools BUSINESS MANAGER Marsha Lee from cognitive psychology. Such found students struggling with the for the exam, he was dismayed that they need to succeed. Once 412-624-4644 [email protected] strategies can be distributed as a amount of decoding necessary, to discover the gap in skill students reap the rewards of their handout and discussed prior to so she decided to use the jigsaw between the students’ low level increased effort, they also learn EVENTS CALENDAR [email protected] the first assignments. strategy, a cooperative learning of questions and the questions a powerful lesson: Abilities are To engage students with the technique. he had prepared. The instructor not fixed, but can be continually The University Times is published bi-weekly readings, McGuire tells students The computer class was immediately postponed the exam improved upon with time and the on Thursdays by the University of Pittsburgh. to follow three strategies: divided into small groups. Each and presented a short lesson on proper effort. n Send correspondence to, 308 Bellefield Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 1. Preview the material. Read group was assigned a different Bloom’s taxonomy, a hierarchy of or email: [email protected]. the titles, headings, anything in reading that they were expected to thinking skills. Using the theory Carol Washburn is the manager of The newspaper is available online at utimes. bold or italics, and any charts teach to the rest of the class. Stu- of differential association as an teaching and learning at the Teaching pitt.edu. or graphs. This simple practice dents read their assignment, and example, the instructor demon- Center.

2 NOVEMBER 23, 2016 POST-ELECTION THOUGHTS

Editor’s note: This is an edited tion — a domain many of us have you do, too. In my sixth year of Editor’s note: Hillman faculty We as librarians assist students version of remarks that Don too long neglected — to widen chairing this department and my librarian Robin Kear, who is no matter the question, without Bialostosky, chair of the Eng- respect for it. The voting patterns 12th of chairing in my career, vice president of the Univer- regard to our own personal opin- lish department, presented show just how far we have to go I sometimes feel that the job is sity Senate, submitted these ion, expertly and efficiently. The at a department meeting on but also how important our efforts tiring, tedious and occasionally thoughts on the role of libraries library is their third space, not Thursday, Nov. 10. have been. We also are committed thankless. There’s so much paper as keepers of the community home and not work, but a com- to making special efforts to bring to push that says what other docu- in times of crisis. munity. I love to walk through Yesterday, the morning after women, people of all races, reli- ments already say. There’s so little Hillman on a busy evening, seeing the election, I attended a very gions and nationalities, and people to give to colleagues who do so When Pitt students sponta- students of all types, sensing the glum meeting of the Humani- of diverse genders and abilities much. It’s hard to disappoint your neously reacted to their over- creative intellectual energy. It is ties Council. Before the meeting into this community not just as friends. It’s hard to face uncertain whelming emotions early on the one of the joys of my role here began, Katie Pope, Pitt’s Title students but as the next generation changes in the upper administra- morning of Wednesday, Nov. 9, in the University and an inspira- IX coordinator who addresses of teachers and researchers, and tion on which the department they marched and chanted. They tion for me to do the best I can sexual assault and harassment, we must hold fast to this goal in depends. It’s easy to envy those cried and argued. They ended up for them, to match their drive and said she was worried that the the face of newly stirred bigotry. who are just teaching and doing on the plaza of Hillman Library in curiosity. federal administrative mandate We are committed to vigorous their research, not to mention a peace circle, heatedly discussing In times of crisis, libraries, that led to the creation of her and civil exchange of divergent those who are retiring. politics, identity, race, sexuality academic, K-12 or public, are near position might well be revoked in views, and we must do all we But I can tell you that after and gender. I was very proud of by. We are second responders and the next administration. She also can to encourage vigor, practice these reflections on what the the restrained and constructive people come to us as a community commented that it would be hard civility and bring divergent views University and our department way they handled the night and hub. We stay open, keeping watch to address a group of 19-year-old into the arena of investigation stand for and on what universities even more proud of where they over our community, vigilant men about sexual assault with a without keeping discredited views mean to our fragile civil order, ended it. over the threads of what bind president-elect who has bragged in circulation. I am determined to stick it out Students at Pitt often use the us together. Our new Librarian about committing it and been The motto on Pitt’s seal is to the end of my term and do sidewalk space around Hillman of Congress, Carla Hayden, kept repeatedly accused of doing so. Veritas/Virtus, and perhaps I’ve everything I can to clarify and act Library as a peaceful public forum. the doors of Baltimore public These were hard words at a said enough about our commit- upon what it means to be com- Not only are we a central physical libraries open, when so many hard moment for all of us there. ment to the first term. Our com- mitted to veritas and virtus. There place on campus, we are a space doors were closing, in response But I told the group that the mitment to the second one opens is no more consequential place to that is central to intellectual free- to the protests and anger of the University policy adopted in ambiguities that can be troubling cultivate these values not just for dom. We actively cultivate a space death of Freddie Gray. Library response to the Obama adminis- or edifying, but parsing ambiguity their own sake but for the sake of where students can explore ideas director Scott Bonner used his tration’s interpretation of Title IX is one of the things we learn and the nation and the world we love that may challenge the boundaries public library branch as a way is now a University policy that we teach at the University. A quick and fear for. of their experiences. It’s a space to keep his community together can continue to uphold because look at, dare I say it, Wikipedia Today I see more clearly than that is central to our ability as a during the protests and anger it addresses a crucial issue of the reminds me that the term virtus ever that the University to which university to support our students. in Ferguson, Missouri, over the safety and good treatment of all originally was “used to describe our department belongs and the We welcome all students from all death of Michael Brown. You can of us here, an issue we should be specifically martial courage” universities like it are all crucial to disciplines to be curious, discuss, check #LibrariesRespond to see concerned about as a university. and associated with “masculine our future. I hope you will join me explore, research, write, learn and how libraries today are helping We can hold to it because it’s a strengths” but eventually grew to in defending what this University collaborate. Hillman is a space communities take a deep breath, good policy or modify it to make include a range of virtues such as and all good universities stand for that students deeply respect and reflect and connect. The Asso- it better without a federal mandate. prudence, justice, self-control and in the dark days ahead and work where everyone is accepted and ciation of Research Libraries, of The University enjoys a degree courage. We must be especially with me to make our department equal. Dare I say it, it is a common which Pitt is a member, recently of autonomy to make its own wary of the masculinist reading and Pitt more worthy to defend. space where they grow, mature and reconfirmed its commitment to commitments and policies, and of the term while taking pains to —Don Bialostosky n tackle difficult questions. diversity, inclusion, equity and I am determined to defend that think through the more inclusive social justice. autonomy. Pitt, like some of the reading. We are mandated by our Editor’s note: The day after the election, Melanie Weiser Many issues related to librar- hopeful blue spots on the electoral motto to cultivate the virtues on Krugel, president of Pitt’s Hispanic and Latino Professional ies, information and the academy map Tuesday night — Madison, that list in our own conduct and Association, sent this email on behalf of the HLPA leadership confront us and new ones will Wisconsin; Ann Arbor, Michigan; in our students, and we need to team. Krugel is assistant director of student and diversity continue to confront us: fake and Centre County, Pennsylvania, mobilize these virtues now. We recruitment in the Katz Graduate School of Business MBA news presented as journalism; where Penn State has turned a would be prudent to measure admissions office. data used in faculty evaluations; once red county blue — has a warily and patiently the threats the sheer overwhelming amount crucial role at this time. we anticipate and not to attack To our HLPA Familia, of information available; difficul- Universities have long been them quixotically. We would be When we awoke this morning we found our world changed. ties discerning bias and origin; bastions committed to values that just to weigh thoughtfully what For some of us it may have been a happy occasion; for others the value of human analysis Tuesday’s election undermined, has moved half of our voting like myself, a time of sadness, anger, frustration, fear and disap- versus the algorithms of massive and those of us committed to fellow citizens to repudiate so pointment. social networks; understanding university values need to rededi- much that we value and put us At this point it no longer matters whom we voted for or why and researching the nuances of cate ourselves to them. Modern all at what we feel is such a great but that we come together and strengthen our familia and our complicated issues; and living in a universities were founded to foster risk. We must restrain ourselves comunidad. To support one another, fight for one another, and sometimes seemingly post-factual the careful and collective testing from overreacting with rage or be there for each other. I can’t promise to know how things will world. Libraries will face these of claims to truth and to educate despair to the position in which turn out or what policies will come about or how it will impact issues as they always have, by young people to respect the results we find ourselves. We must be us, but I can promise that we are here for you, I am here for you adhering to our values, providing of that testing and to learn to courageous in standing up for our and that I hope that our country can move forward in peace, equal access, expert curation and participate in it. We need to hold values against strong opponents understanding and hope. unwavering privacy, in a common the political realm as closely as with the power to do them and If you need anything, a hug, a coffee, to talk, to cry or laugh, space. We will steadfastly continue possible to that standard and to us great harm. we’re here. We are your familia at Pitt and are here for you. in this vital role for the academy redouble our educational efforts I feel braced and ready for Melanie and the HLPA team and our students. in higher and in secondary educa- the struggle we face, and I hope —Robin Kear n

3 UNIVERSITY TIMES

Cornell University’s asso- a number of key projects and humanities and social sciences. the rapidly changing environ- ciate university librarian for initiatives, including partner- She also supervised Cornell’s ment of higher education for research and learning services ship programs within Cornell library annex, an environ- the benefit of the University will take over as Pitt’s Hillman and beyond. mentally controlled storage and our local and global University Librarian and direc- “I am delighted that Dr. facility. As an adjunct visiting users,” said Tancheva. tor of the University Library Tancheva has agreed to serve instructor at Sofia University, Tancheva will succeed New ULS System effective May 1. in this new role,” said Beeson. she teaches a master’s course Fern Brody, who has been Provost Patricia E. Beeson “Her vision for the ULS is on Drama and Theatre in the acting as interim director announced the appointment of well matched with our aspira- Age of the Internet. of ULS since the retirement Kornelia Tancheva last week. tion for the library and the She also has been on the of Rush Miller in December director Tancheva holds a PhD in University. With demonstrated faculty at Cornell and SUNY- 2014. American drama and theatre leadership experience in over- Binghamton. Pitt’s University Library from Cornell as well as three seeing a large and complex Fluent in three languages, System is the 25th-largest named master’s degrees—one in organization as it navigates the she is heavily involved in academic library system library science from Syracuse rapidly changing information research, is widely published, in North America. Under University, one in history and landscape, she is committed to and has presented on both the administration of the theory of drama and theatre guiding the ULS to new levels library- and theatre-related Hillman University Librar- from Cornell, and one in of excellence.” topics at conferences. ian and director, it includes English language and litera- Prior to her present position, “I am very excited about 12 libraries and holds more ture from Sofia University in Tancheva served as director of the opportunity to build upon than 7.1 million volumes, spe- Bulgaria. Cornell’s John M. Olin Library the considerable strengths and cialized collections and major Her career has included and Uris Library, which pro- achievements of the library foreign-language materials planning and implementing vide research materials in the system and charter its future in from around the world. n

that students have quiet study during the multi-year renovation, spots and places to work in groups and because funds won’t be allo- Hillman Library’s renovation during the renovation. cated all at once, he said. Said Brody, “There is user “We’re anticipating a phased space on the fourth floor, and renovation that will follow the means moving miles of books when the time comes, Facilities is most logical way to fix the going to help us find other spots mechanical systems,” he said. niversity Library System including scanning each book in sidered as part of the renovation, on campus that people can use as Programmatic additions will be (ULS) staffers have begun order to update its location in Cooks said. they’ve used the library for quiet determined phase by phase. Uemptying shelves on the PittCat — is designed to ensure At the request of the Provost’s study space or small group space.” Gusten commended Facili- fourth floor of Hillman Library that materials remain accessible, office, interim ULS director Fern Study space is being built into ties Management for its efforts in anticipation of building renova- regardless of where they’re being Brody chaired an advisory group other projects on campus, Gusten to create a greater benefit from a tions that are set to begin in May. kept. tasked with reviewing program- said. Among the first locations will mechanical systems project. On average, 3,000 items per q ming possibilities. be in Posvar Hall. “It’s a good example of day are being moved as ULS staff- Hillman’s entire fourth floor “This is all still very tentative, In addition, in conjunction taking an opportunity because ers work to clear some seven miles must be cleared by May to accom- but to be able to do anything, we with the Registrar’s office, the the right communications were of shelved material on Hillman’s modate the first phase of what’s knew we needed to define some Provost’s office is seeking to made. Facilities did not attempt fourth floor by mid-to-late April, planned as a top-down, floor-by- things,” Brody said. Additional identify when empty classrooms to do a mechanical project in a said library senior specialist Anne floor renovation. user space, especially more space can be made available for study. vacuum. They realized there was Koenig, who is coordinating the Exactly all that’s entailed in the for group work, is high on the Another important aspect of an opportunity to say ‘What bigger materials movement. Hillman Library “reinvention” list. In addition, ULS would like the renovation is that the library thing can we gain out of this?’ Library staff, bolstered by the has yet to be determined. Initially to add to its technology-enabled supports faculty and graduate And because it’s a multi-phase addition of temporary workers, the project will focus on updating spaces, Brody said. “We’re looking student research, Gusten said. project, it allows the kind of time have cleared about one mile of mechanical systems original to the beyond what we have right now. “That can be made even to begin to think about in great shelves since work commenced 1968 structure. The digital scholarship space has better,” she said, citing the need detail what programmatic changes on Oct. 23. “Our maintenance staff does been very popular. We know we for dedicated group and meeting and improvements should and do Each book’s circulation history a tremendous job at keeping sys- want to expand that.” space and technology to support we want to make.” was analyzed in order to generate tems running, but at some point ULS also wants to add more their work, separate from space Added Brody: “Everybody pull sheets that determine where major upgrades are required,” said services, building on its comput- for undergraduates. realized the value of the library each item will go. Owen Cooks, Facilities Manage- ing labs and workshop offerings q on the campus,” citing not only The most-used items will ment assistant vice chancellor for on knowledge creation and digital Some state money is in hand Hillman’s location, but its role remain on campus. Some will be planning, design and construc- scholarship themes, she said. for the mechanical systems work as a multi-disciplinary gathering moved temporarily to Hillman’s tion. New chilled water, steam and Kristin Gusten, senior director (see July 25, 2013, University Times) place. “It really has opportunities ground floor. Others are being air systems not only will make the of administration in the Office of but a total project budget has yet that everybody realized we need taken to the engineering library in building more energy efficient, but the Provost, said creating more to be determined. The project still to take advantage of,” she said. Benedum Hall, which had some also will improve comfort for its study space is a priority. “The must be presented to the Board q available space. occupants. space is so well utilized, there’s of Trustees property and facilities For a week-by-week timeline Pre-2011 journals and infre- When systems work is planned, still not enough,” she said. “If committee, probably in spring, of which items are being moved quently used books are being it’s Facility Management’s practice you see, there’s a student sitting Cooks said. and details on finding library placed in storage at the ULS facil- to ask users whether their space against every wall, plugged in The project is envisioned in materials, go to http://library.pitt. ity on Thomas Boulevard. still works programmatically, so somewhere.” phases — both because the library edu/hillmanreinvention. The meticulous workflow — that other changes can be con- Plans are underway to ensure can’t simply be closed to users —Kimberly K. Barlow n

The University Library System has added tempo- rary staff to move materials from the fourth floor of Hill- man Library before renovations begin in May.

At left: Ben Kuster pulls books destined for storage from the library’s fourth floor stacks.

At right: In a staging area on the Hillman Library’s ground floor, David Bruno and Chris Stoessel fill “trucks” with books destined for storage.

Each day 15-20 of the metal carts are sent to the Thomas Boulevard storage facility.

Photos by Kimberly K. Barlow/University Times

4 NOVEMBER 23, 2016

ince joining the University as we haven’t used as fully,” she associate vice chancellor for adds. How long does it take to SHuman Resources on July 1, fill specific types of positions at Cheryl Johnson has seen the chal- New HR head to look Pitt? “I would not be able to tell lenges ahead. First among them: you that right now,” she says. Does the silver tsunami. During every one source of potential new hires year since 2011, and projected to work better than another? What last through 2030, 10,000 baby at recruiting, retention, is the turnover rate for particular boomers will be turning 65: some positions, and why do people of them will be retiring; others leave or stay? These are important will continue to work. questions that data analytics may Says Johnson: “We anticipate technology, pay levels answer and help HR redirect its there is going to be attrition. How hiring practices, she says. do you continue so that boom- q ers still feel engaged but yet you interview, Johnson noted that she Benefits are a top tool for Other future HR moves for source people” — search and find still is introducing herself to other employee retention, of course, employee retention may include the right new hires — “to come University officials, including and she praises the work of John “a complement of work-life bal- and work beside the boomers and deans and Pitt’s business officers. Kozar, assistant vice chancellor ance benefits,” she says, perhaps feel welcome as well?” The University received 56,000 for Benefits, and his office: “I including job sharing and flexible That conundrum crops up applications last year for about 640 think that team has done an amaz- work spaces and hours, “as long because many of the new Pitt positions, Johnson reports, which ing job in making sure we have a as we have core hours and are employees will be millennials, and means “we are an employer who rich benefit program … and also meeting the needs of students studies suggest that millennials are can still attract talent.” Yet finding managing cost containment.” and the community,” she cautions. looking for different things than the right person for a particular job But her office intends to And of course diversity in boomers from their employers nonetheless may be challenging, compare Pitt salary levels to peer hiring, and creating a welcoming and their overall careers. she said: “We have a long way to institutions to determine how work climate, especially during the “I don’t know that this is nec- go, but we know we have to source Pitt’s base-pay levels stack up. provost’s Year of Diversity at Pitt, essarily a fact,” Johnson counters. talent differently if we want to get “We’ve not really benchmarked will continue to be an emphasis But she has observed that mil- the talent.” our jobs since 2000, so it’s time for her department. She’ll be lennials may not be interested in For instance, she says, HR to do that again,” she says. In working with everyone from the scanning long job descriptions, so personnel will be seeking candi- addition, Johnson’s team will be Staff Association Council and the she will be looking at using social dates “who might not be actively looking at instituting new devel- unions to Associate Vice Chancel- media and other short verbal takes looking for a position and really opment training and programs lor for Diversity and Inclusion to communicate more effectively attract them to the University.” Cheryl Johnson, associate vice for employees “so people feel Pamela Connelly, she says, to with them. These are so-called “passive chancellor for Human Resources that they will grow” and develop make certain these principles can “I am told millennials come candidates” who may be sought asks. “And how do we create leadership skills at Pitt. be applied to University hiring. into an organization not necessar- as prospects for job openings job families and career ladders She also sees “tons of oppor- “I don’t want to make any quick ily with the thought that they are that don’t yet exist. If someone within the University … so you tunities to leverage enabling judgments,” she says when asked going to be with an organization makes an impressive presentation don’t necessarily need to change technology.” At her last univer- about new areas where diversity for 30 years,” she added. “How do at a conference, for example, an organizations” to advance your sity, Kansas State, where she was might need to be addressed in you engage them with the thought HR rep in attendance should seek career? Under such circumstances, vice president for human capital the workforce. “I think there’ll be that, if they can give you five good that person’s business card and she says, employees may stay services, job applicants could more to come in that area. years, that’s a victory?” direct appropriate Pitt openings longer at Pitt. apply for employment using a “When you have diversity in Indeed, for all employees, she to their attention when the open- At the same time, she says, smartphone or iPad. Pitt could faculty and staff,” she says, “it says, one of her main tasks will be: ings occur. the University needs to maintain offer its job hopefuls the same just really enhances the academic “How do we create a welcoming Better use of social media as a accessibility and affordability for convenience, she believes, and also experience, the way in which we climate?” recruitment tool also may attract students, and streamlining HR extend such mobile technology to present curriculum, the way we q better candidates, she adds. processes to contain costs will be benefits enrollment for current challenge students to look at the As she sat down with the In addition, “How do we get part of that effort. employees. world through a global lens.” University Times for her first to the internal talent?” Johnson q “Data analytics is something —Marty Levine n Admissions office expands recruiting areas aced with the prospect of Allegheny County rose this year for taking a leadership role in a our students,” Sbragia said. The that she said is especially helpful up to a 30 percent drop to 18 percent, up from 13 percent school activity, she said. first newsletter was sent Oct. 25 for applicants from outside the Fin graduating high school in the prior year. The hope is to begin engaging to all 9,718 graduate and profes- region and outside the United seniors within a 300-mile radius The group represents 43 states high schoolers in their freshman sional students at Pitt, Sbragia States. of the University, Pitt’s admissions and includes 162 international year, she said, but sophomores, said. Another will be sent in The Center for Doctoral and staff is broadening its recruitment students from 28 countries. juniors and seniors can retroac- spring term. Postdoctoral Career Develop- focus. Including international stu- tively enter their activities to earn • Two new websites are linked ment’s new website at www.dpcd. Major recruiting for freshman dents, nearly 39 percent of the new the scholarship dollars, she said. to Pitt’s home page: pitt.edu includes a campus-wide students is focused on a 300-mile students are minorities. “We are In other business: Resources for grad students career and professional develop- radius of the University — the looking to both increase numbers • The committee reviewed can be found by clicking on grad/ ment event calendar. distance most students are willing and diversity of our international a draft financial aid satisfactory professional under the “academ- Sbragia said staffer Jennifer to go to attend college, said Kellie students, to bring a lot more of academic progress policy that, in ics” tab at pitt.edu. Walker works closely with GPSG Kane, Office of Admissions and that culture here onto campus,” part, would increase the minimum Topics include health and to support its initiatives. In addi- Financial Aid director of opera- Kane said. GPA for graduate students to wellness; diversity and inclusion; tion to her work on improving tions and strategic planning. The remain eligible for federal finan- career planning; city information; communication via the newsletter 300-mile radius remains a key Expanding access cial aid from 2.0 to 3.0, to match parenting; safety; and teaching and website, Walker is helping market, but recruitment efforts For the first time, Pitt and the graduation requirement for support. GPSG set up procedures for also are targeting areas with high Penn State are together in a shared Pitt’s graduate programs (except The site points prospective stu- preserving institutional memory, concentrations of Pitt alumni and application portal as part of the in law, which has a 2.0 graduation dents toward resources as well as background that is important for the Atlantic Coast Conference Coalition for Access, Affordability requirement). to www.coolpgh.pitt.edu/, which incoming GPSG officers. states where Pitt athletic events and Success, Kane said. The group • Alberta Sbragia, vice provost provides an overview of the city —Kimberly K. Barlow n are televised, Kane said in a recent (www.coalitionforcollegeaccess. for graduate studies, updated presentation to the University org) includes more than 95 col- SAAA on enhanced commu- Senate student aid, admissions leges and universities that have nications and support for Pitt’s Translation for 200 languages available and affairs committee (SAAA). joined the platform of online graduate students. The University Center for International Studies has estab- Pitt has recruiters stationed in tools designed to smooth the The committee last year lished new translation and interpretation services for more Texas, Illinois, New York, New process of applying to college. focused on the graduate student than 200 languages. Language Select is now available to Jersey and the Washington, D.C./ In part, the group aims to help experience and recommended faculty members and staff for written translation services and Maryland area and within the low-income and first-generation improved communication, sup- interpretation services. Interpreting is offered via telephone next year will add a New England students navigate the admission port for graduate students and or remote video as well as on-site interpreters. recruiter as well as a California- process and prepare for college. for Graduate and Professional “Across campus, I’ve had many faculty and staff asking based one, she said. Kane described Raise.me, a Student Government (GPSG) for reliable and professional translation services,” said Ian new micro-scholarship program activities. (See April 14 University McLaughlin, global concierge for the University. “Language Pitt’s incoming class through which low-income and Times.) Select will let us communicate effectively with anyone in the Pitt welcomed 4,836 new other qualifying students can earn • GPSG has received permis- world and not have language or cultural differences impede undergraduates on the Pittsburgh up to $7,000 a year in scholarships sion from the provost to email our partnerships.” campus this fall — 4,035 freshmen good on any Pitt campus, through one newsletter each semester Translation and interpretation services are accessed at the and 801 external transfer students. academic and leadership activities to all graduate and professional Pitt global operations support website (http://globalopera- Sixty-four percent of the new beginning in ninth grade. For students at Pitt. “We are very tions.pitt.edu/translation-services/), which will guarantee students come from Pennsylvania, instance, students can earn $150 conscious that we don’t want users the Pitt preferred billing rates. n she said. And the percentage from for an A in a core course or $400 many mass emails going out to

5 UNIVERSITY TIMES

celebrities read mean tweets about a song from Irwin’s playlist, a clas- themselves. The other parodies sic cover of a Bruce Springsteen Matthew McConaughey’s Lincoln song: “Blinded by the Light,” by Hands-on marketing class commercials. Here, a driver of a Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. car — not an Acura — subjects the They didn’t know most of the viewer to near-catatonic blather convoluted lyrics, with their designs Acura campaign about luxury. Soon we realize he internal rhymes, but they ended is actually an Uber driver talking up with a positive impression of to his passenger, who decides to the car — and an internalization get out early rather than listen to of the campaign’s message. to appeal to millennials more pronouncements — and “It told us a little about the calls his friend with an Acura to car and got us to learn about the obert Gilbert, business been focused on marketing to graduate” and “To make a good pick him up. stereo system — that’s big,” said administration faculty millennials, some have focused life for my family.” The class marketing efforts junior Dom Forys. Rmember in the Katz Gradu- on other consumer groups. A Students see such ideas as part include putting ads on exercise “It seems out of my league,” ate School of Business, stepped previous campaign, marketing the of “adulting,” explained Alexis machines in campus gyms with said senior Shane Craig. “It’s too away from the blare of the National Football League’s Play Bovalino, a senior in Gilbert’s class the message “When you feel nice. But you’ve got to aim higher.” WPTS DJ and the organized 60 initiative to encourage active and head of the class agency’s PR like giving up, aim higher.” The q tumult his Projects in Marketing children, for instance, required efforts. “We joke about becoming ads include part of an inspiring How does Bob Gilbert grade course students had created in appealing to elementary school adults, so we use ‘adult’ as a verb Spotify playlist, in the hope that such a class? the Schenley Quad. This Nov. 7 teachers and younger parents. … pretty much as a reference to gym users will venture to the cam- “Ultimately their grade is event, designed to promote the Gilbert recalled encountering the fact that we don’t know what paign website to view the entire related to the success of their cam- Acura ILX car during a semester- the Play 60 tagline for the first time we’re doing and as we grow up playlist — and see promotional paign,” he explained. The class’s long class project, also featured and knowing his class would need we realize our parents were right.” material about the car as well. students evaluate each other’s free food, a roving magician, the to make big improvements on it. Senior Kelsey Magilton, the Class members also have attached competencies and performances Pitt cheerleaders, an opportunity “It was something like ‘The NFL class’s agency coordinator, said 3-D-printed basketball hoops as workers in their ad agency, to contribute canned goods to movement for an active genera- the team was holding such an with the Acura logo to recycling both above and below them in the charity by filling the trunk of one tion.’ It was, in our opinion, too event “not just to promote the bins on campus, in concert with agency hierarchy. “So I get a lot 2017 ILX parked nearby, and the long, not inspiring.” So his class Acura ILX; we’re here with a the “Aim Higher” theme, and have of input,” he said. “Even though chance to play car karaoke (a riff suggested: “Make every day game relatable message.” The slogan given out water bottles with their I am able to see to a certain extent on James Corden’s viral “carpool day.” “Aim Higher” was devised to Acura message at Penguins games. the level of contribution of indi- karaoke” videos from “The Late “The NFL and Steelers loved show that a car purchase — and Their biggest challenge, Boval- viduals ... those assessments are Late Show”). it,” Gilbert said. After pitching of course buying the Acura ILX ino said, is that a car is one of very helpful.” It’s the 10th year Gilbert has it to Steelers personnel at the in particular — could signal a life’s largest purchases. To counter Kelsey Magilton, for one, saw shepherded a group of mostly team’s South Side headquarters’ person’s progress in life, “getting that, the “Aim Higher” message Gilbert’s course as the pinnacle seniors through this class, offered team meeting room, he recalled, bigger and better, always striving includes an implicit message: Aim of her experience as a market- twice a year. “My role is more of his students encountered coach for goals,” she said. higher for the future. ing major: “This class is the first a facilitator, even a CEO-kind of Mike Tomlin in the hallway. He “It’s a lot in two words,” she “You know how beer compa- class where you have the actual role” than as a traditional profes- asked to hear the class’s strategy admitted. nies try to captivate 6 year olds experience to put your knowledge sor, Gilbert said. He organizes and tag line. While the class’s advertising with their ads?” she explained. to use,” she said. “Sometimes I the students into an advertising “He kind of looked off into efforts include the traditional “So when you go to make that forget it’s a class and think it’s a agency, then into agency depart- space and put his hand on his chin flyers, banners and print ads, it’s purchase they’ve had years and part-time job. Experience-based ments (public relations, research, and said, ‘Yeah, that’s a lot better their videos, social media efforts years of impressions.” learning: There’s not a price tag campaign strategy and advertis- than what we’ve got,’” Gilbert and guerilla marketing that may Asked whether the event was you can put on it.” ing) and chooses department recalled. With that high praise, reach the most millennials. effective, other class members “We just got a chance to ana- heads, creating the structure “the kids floated out of the room.” “Millennials aren’t too keen on reported receiving questions lyze our post-campaign research,” for them to accomplish each q advertising,” Magilton allowed. In about the car and requests to peek Gilbert said, and all indicators are semester’s marketing project. He “The hands-on, practical, real- fact, she added, “we’re very aware at the interior. positive. steers them away from marketing world opportunity to apply what that people tend to avoid ads no Inside one ILX, Jesse Irwin Among 500 responses from approaches that are inappropri- they have learned is really the matter what.” — not a class member, but the millennials on campus to the ate for the project or wildly off- motivation to do this,” Gilbert The class is concentrating popular host of the “Pitt Tonight agency’s post-campaign survey, strategy, and offers lessons on said of his decade-long experience social media efforts on Facebook Show” on the web — ran the car there were measurable increases branding and positioning, PR and with Projects in Marketing. and Instagram, since not enough karaoke. Before he let one group in top-of-mind awareness of the advertising. A prior class spent the semes- millennials are using Twitter, their of students pick their song, he Acura brand, perceptions of how Gilbert admits Acura may be ter trying to market the Chevy research found. Class members did his own warm-up act. The innovative Acura is, and whether a tougher selling task for these Volt, an electric car that was aimed are sharing photos of their own Acura has a keyless lock, he told respondents will consider Acura millennial students than were at older buyers with more income advertising flyers and posting them: “Tell me a funny story for future purchase. past designated clients such as the than a typical millennial student. video ads, including two that they about when you were locked out “This is a marketing project,” National Football League, Ameri- Targeting millennials with the hope are both humorous and of your house.” he concluded, “but there are a lot can Eagle or the United Way. Acura, perceived as a luxury brand, eye-catching. One, called “Pitt “There’s an automatic trans- of budgeting and even HR issues “Every campaign is a little dif- and its ILX, with a base price of Professors Read Mean ‘Rate My mission here,” he added after a they experience. It’s a real-world ferent, but what I am really happy about $28,000, “there is a chal- Professor’ Reviews,” is modeled few lockout stories. “But who opportunity and the students about is the energy the students lenge right off the bat,” Gilbert after a segment on the “Jimmy here can drive a stick?” really thrive in it.” in my class are transferring to the noted: Millennials are reported Kimmel Live!” show in which The students eventually picked —Marty Levine n other students,” he said. “What to be altogether less interested we are trying [is] to get this brand in cars than previous American into consideration, if not for their generations, let alone an Acura. immediate next purchase, for a Yet, according to his class’s down-the-road purchase. We’re research among their peers at getting a lot of people into the Pitt, three quarters of millennials car, which is a big priority.” plan to purchase a car in the next Half of his class campaigns five years. have been for local companies One of the class’s initial press or nonprofits, Gilbert said, while releases — representing just the the other half, such as this semes- tip of their marketing plan — ter’s Acura campaign, are part of noted that these same millennials a national competition among have “relatively low knowledge 21 universities run by EdVen- and interest in cars. ture Partners, which develops “On the flip side, cars, accord- industry-education partnership ing to millennials, are a mark of programs. This semester’s mar- success,” it continued. “They feel keting class, dubbing themselves purchasing a car will give them “Pros In Motion,” will know by feelings of security and accom- Dec. 2 whether they’re among the plishment.” top three teams and are headed for Hence the class’s marketing Torrance, California, to present theme: “Aim Higher.” their campaign and its results to This marketing theme was Acura executives. Top prize is a reflected in the Nov. 7 event. $5,000 contribution to Pitt — and Between the two Acura vehicles Gilbert’s Pitt class has won before. parked in the Schenley Quad was When the business school was an older auto, which they were first approached a decade ago encouraging students to cover by EdVenture, said Gilbert, “it with Post-it notes reflecting seemed like just a terrific idea and their aspirations. On the vehicle Marty Levine/University Times we quickly realized it deserved to — symbolically, a student’s first, Projects in Marketing class students with the Acura ILX car they are promoting to millennials as part of a be a class unto itself.” less-expensive car — were notes nationwide contest. Behind them is the older vehicle on which students at the class’s Nov. 7 event posted their While most campaigns have saying: “To live on my own,” “To aspirations — part of the class’s “Aim Higher” marketing theme.

6 NOVEMBER 23, 2016

Above: DJ Stemmler, a Pitt staffer Above: Automatic door push who uses a power wheelchair, plates aren’t always visible, and points out to University Senate may be obscured by sandwich community relations committee boards, Stemmler said. This one, members the newly painted curbs outside Red Oak Cafe on Fifth that identify handicap parking Avenue, is easy to reach and in spaces in Oakland. NAVIGATING OAKLAND working order. Tour shows Senate group area’s accessibility issues tairs, heavy doors and side- In addition to her work as the program’s partners. that Oakland should be a model vehicle traffic. Add crowds and a walks narrowed by utility a staffer in the HIV/AIDS Stemmler, along with Georgia community for accessibility in few sandwich boards — some on Spoles, alfresco seating and prevention and care project in Petropoulos, OBID executive particular because the UPMC and the left, others on the right — and sandwich board advertisements the Department of Infectious director, and Kannu Sahni, Pitt’s VA hospitals are here. the sidewalk becomes an obstacle are among the barriers Graduate Diseases and Microbiology, Stem- director of Community Relations, The city’s hilly terrain can make course. School of Public Health staffer mler is a consumer advocate and pointed out what’s good, what’s traversing Oakland streets more Sandwich boards are among DJ Stemmler navigates daily in founding member of Oakland for bad and what’s improving as they difficult for wheelchair users who Stemmler’s biggest peeves: Elimi- Oakland. All: Beyond Accessible, (oakland- led the committee on a half-mile don’t use power chairs, Petropou- nating them “would make moving Stemmler, who uses a power forall.org), a group that advocates trek through Oakland. los pointed out. Stairs — up or around easier for everybody,” she wheelchair, provided her perspec- for a more accessible Oakland Said Petropoulos: “We take a down from the street level — pose says. “Think about lunchtime on tive as the University Senate com- business district. Pitt, UPMC, the lot for granted. The world was not additional problems for individu- Fifth Avenue, trying to dodge munity relations committee (CRC) Oakland Business Improvement designed for people who can’t see, als with mobility challenges. those boards and steps and all took to the streets last week for District (OBID) and Oakland who can’t walk, or who can’t hear. Sidewalks on Fifth and Forbes the other people,” she says. “I a firsthand look at accessibility Transportation Management “Sometimes we’re temporar- avenues are narrow in spots, the have a 350-pound machine and in Oakland. Association (OTMA) are among ily disabled,” she said, adding result of efforts to accommodate CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

A tight squeeze

Far left and center: Pedestrians, stairs and sidewalk adver- tisements turn the stretch of Fifth Avenue between Meyran Avenue and Atwood Street into an obstacle course for wheel- chair users.

Above: Handicap ramps, utility poles and street signs, in com- bination, can narrow sidewalk space.

Photos by Kimberly K. Barlow/University Times

7 UNIVERSITY TIMES

may make their waiting rooms initiative and roundtable discus- accessible, yet their office man- sion will focus on Homewood, the ager’s space may not be. “If you’re Hill District and Larimer — the NAVIGATING OAKLAND discriminating against customers three communities where centers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 you’re also discriminating against are to be launched. A faculty panel everyone gets out of the way,” impaired. Petropoulos said. employees,” she said. When will discuss applied research that whereas people who use a walker Oakland for All aims for a The group meets monthly to renovating an office or business, engages, works with and benefits may have more difficulty manag- positive approach in encouraging strategize about issues that need “Keep in mind, you want to attract both the campus and the com- ing in the midst of it all. businesses to become more acces- addressing. Its influence can be consumers and business, but you munity. q sible through actions including an seen in physical improvements, also want to attract employees.” “The idea is to promote more Many businesses have accom- annual “ramp crawl” — a Cinco de such as the newly painted blue Accessible housing also can applied and engaged research and modations such as automatic Mayo bar crawl in which groups curbs denoting handicap-acces- be problematic, Stemmler says, scholarship among faculty and doors, and temporary or perma- of participants, including some sible parking in Oakland and noting that even when rental get stronger recognition in the nent ramps to help patrons enter with disabilities, visit multiple bars other city neighborhoods, and units are handicap-accessible, the University for that,” he said. their buildings. and restaurants, spend money and also in negotiating changes such monthly cost may be out of reach • Sahni noted that presenta- Although the Americans With have a good time. as a bike lane policy that allows for an individual with a disability. tions from last month’s p4 summit Disabilities Act (ADA) became Sahni noted that business paratransit and other vehicles to q are posted at www.p4pittsburgh. law 25 years ago, few businesses owners then can see the value in enter bike lanes when necessary In other business: org. The two-day conference, in Oakland can be considered making their establishments more to pick up and drop off at the • Tracy Soska said the upcom- sponsored by the City of Pitts- truly accessible, Stemmler noted. accommodating. curb passengers with disabilities ing Academically Based Commu- burgh and the Heinz Endow- Even when there is no barrier “It’s a positive approach to or special needs. nity Engagement Idea Exchange, ments, brought leaders together at the door, service counters and encourage businesses to make q set for 2-5 p.m. Dec. 1 in the around the themes of people, bar seating may be too high or it more accessible,” Petropoulos Accessibility isn’t just a matter William Pitt Union Assembly place, planet and performance, bathrooms may be impossible for said. Cost often is the root of resis- of helping customers and attract- Room, will feature faculty dia- with a focus on economic and wheelchair users to reach. tance from business and property ing business, Stemmler says. logue roundtables and a poster social equity and justice. Restaurant menus and busi- owners. Oakland for All has grant Accommodation in employment session/reception. • CRC’s next meeting is set ness websites may not accom- money and can offer consulting is another facet of ADA. Speakers will discuss Pitt’s for Jan. 17. modate patrons who are visually to aid in making improvements, Doctors’ offices, for example, community engagement center —Kimberly K. Barlow n

Not all accommodations include a permanent handicap ramp, Stemmler notes. Above: Customers needing assistance to enter Sushi Fuku on Oakland Avenue can knock or dial a phone number posted at the door. The restaurant and restrooms inside also are accessible, Stemmler says. At right: A portable ramp eases access to this storefront on Meyran Avenue. these efforts. cations for its book fund, which “We’re going to have to form awards money to staff members’ Changes at 5th & Bellefield sought an alliance” on campus to make children enrolled at Pitt to cover he Staff Association Coun- in the Bus Rapid Transit planning latter two projects are city plans these safety views known to the school expenses. Five winners cil (SAC) is pushing for process and the Complete Streets for better accommodating walk- entities that own this intersection, will be announced at the Dec. Tincreased pedestrian/ bicy- initiative (which City Council ers, bikers and vehicular traffic on including the City of Pittsburgh, 5 chancellor’s long-term staff clist safety measures at the corner passed Nov. 21) to communicate city streets. Stephany said. “It’s going to be recognition event. of Fifth and Bellefield avenues. to the University community Stephany said that the chancel- an uphill battle.” • The next SAC meeting will Andy Stephany, SAC vice updated strategies and timelines lor had responded by urging the In other SAC news: be Jan. 19. president of public relations, surrounding each initiative. The group to work with Supowitz on • SAC has received 21 appli- —Marty Levine n announced the effort at SAC’s Nov. 16 meeting. Spurred by staff concerns and Not sure what to do when Pitt’s extreme weather policy authority to do so declares a state by a bus injuring a pedestrian in winter weather makes travel to lines surrounding University clo- should be contacted within the of emergency, staff employees July, SAC wrote to Chancellor work difficult? sures due to inclement weather: first hour of the workday. Such will be expected to abide by Patrick Gallagher; Paul Supowitz, University Policy 07-04-02, • Only the chancellor may offi- an absence will be charged against those directives and will not be vice chancellor for Community Extreme Weather Conditions cially close the Pittsburgh campus the employee’s accrued vacation required to use accrued vaca- and Governmental Relations; and can be found in the Faculty/ of the University. or personal days. tion or personal days for their other Pitt administrators urging Staff section of the University’s The presidents of the regional Sick time may be taken if care absence. action on the issue. Policy and Procedure Manual or campuses are authorized to close for a dependent family member • Any changes to normal SAC’s letter suggested Pitt and accessed through the University’s their respective campuses. is necessitated by the closure or University operations will be the City of Pittsburgh collaborate home page at: www.pitt.edu. Heads of responsibility centers delayed start of a care facility or announced as early as possible on several steps, including: Additional procedures may be may not suspend daily operations school because of severe weather through the ENS, the Univer- • Installation of a 20-25 second implemented by individual areas because of inclement weather conditions. sity’s official web page (www.pitt. pedestrian-only crossing signal on or departments. without the express consent of • Cancellation of classes does edu), Twitter (@PittTweet) and the western side of Fifth Avenue, The University’s Emergency their respective senior officer. not imply that the University is local news media outlets. and at both North Bellefield cross- Notification Service (ENS) • The University will remain closed. • Employees covered by col- walks, allowing for pedestrians to is used to communicate with open in all but the most extreme • Should the University offi- lective bargaining agreements cross prior to vehicles. subscribers through voice, text circumstances. 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8 NOVEMBER 23, 2016

thoughts at the table. You have all remembered answering one 911 white males at the table? You’re call, only to be greeted at the white Local police official discusses going to think like all white males. caller’s front door with “What do “When black females came on you want? I called the police.” the job for the first time, there Another great example of race & gender bias on the job was no connection” to the way of black female leadership in the ace is something many police force in 1977 did not come she had to work amid denigrat- thinking among white male police Pittsburgh police was RaShall here in Pittsburgh have without its challenges,” she said. ing speech and photo spreads of officers who dominated the force, Brackney, the first female supervi- “Ra difficult time talking The police department was under naked women from Playboy left she said. They may not have hated sor for the city’s special deploy- about,” Allegheny County Police a recent court order to increase the open on police desks. the new black and female recruits, ment unit, now heading law Assistant Superintendent Maurita hiring of minorities and women, “Despite the issues on the job, she allowed, but “they just couldn’t enforcement at George Wash- Bryant told the crowd at her Nov. and this created a stigma for I was determined not to quit,” connect to them … so there was ington University. “She was 8 talk on race and gender in the Bryant and other black women she said. With the help of female a period of adjustment.” smarter than a lot of her male police, part of the 14th annual who were newly part of the force, mentors, “I developed my sense She counseled that minorities counterparts, and they resented lecture series by the Center for she said: “We were considered the of purpose.” and women entering previously it,” Bryant said. “But they had to Race and Social Problems in the least qualified of all our peers [and] She vowed to make sure people white- or male-dominated profes- respect her work.” School of Social Work. only advanced to fill a quota.” in poorer neighborhoods received sions “have to earn your respect Bryant also called Commander And police are no different, The court order did its job, equal police services, and sought through relationships with people Lavonnie Bickerstaff, today in she said. however: By 1998, 25 percent of more education for herself, as well … and those racial barriers break charge of the major crimes unit, Racial bias exists in the police the 1,100 officers were women, as more supervisory positions. down after that. When we don’t “a unique crime fighter. She came department as much as anywhere, the highest percentage of any “You have to be at the table talk to each other,” it is impossible up with new ideas, how to interact Bryant said, although it is less law enforcement agency in the to influence decision-making,” to create mutual understanding, with the community, how to get blatant today. Gender bias may U.S. at the time and more than she noted. she added. the detectives to do a better job.” be even stronger. twice the average percentage, she “Then the court order was q q Bryant experienced this first- reported — up from 1 percent lifted,” Bryant said. Bryant, 64, had to overcome Today, less than six months hand during 38 years with the in 1975. There also was a much Today, women make up only a number of obstacles before into her new job helping to lead the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, higher percentage of women in 16 percent of the force. undertaking her police career. county police, Bryant discovered beginning in 1977. She retired command positions. q Born and raised in Home- that county police weren’t spend- as assistant chief of the city’s “It did not mean that women In general, Bryant added, wood, she was separated from her ing enough time interacting with investigations unit and started her were well-regarded in the depart- people “think of diversity as mother at an early age and stayed the community, since they most county job in June. ment,” Bryant added. just black and white. Diversity with relatives who physically often patrolled large county facili- “Being a black female in the Indeed, she said, too often is having people with different abused her, she said. Removed ties such as the county airport. from that home by a local child Put in charge of the county’s protection agency, she was taken uniformed service division, she in by her grandmother, then instituted its first street patrol, in reunited with her mother at age Wilmerding. 8. She married at 16, and had her She also found herself one first daughter the next year, and of only six blacks on the county another daughter the following force, so she intends to increase year. Then her husband came back recruitment of minorities. from Vietnam a heroin addict, She expects that the number she said. of minorities on the city police “He gave a new meaning to force will increase as well. Former the word ‘domestic violence,’” she city police chief Cameron McLay, said; the only reason their marriage who resigned recently, had already lasted 10 years was because “he “changed a lot of things for the was constantly in and out of jails,” better in recruitment, so I think she said — and she thought she their numbers will go up,” she said. could fix him and their relation- In the past, police recruiters ship. She labeled herself naïve, would hold roundtables to assess with low self-esteem. new candidates and would dis- “Those are challenges that card applicants who owed large most police officers cannot amounts of their student loans understand or find empathy for as “not reliable,” Bryant reported. women,” she noted. “And I’m sitting there thinking, Seeking to move from her early I owe my student loan. Some work cleaning office buildings, people, they come from an area “my driving force was strictly where they’ve had no challenges survival, raising my daughters … they had no dramas, so they

Tom Altany/Photographic Services and moving out of the projects,” look at things through that lens.” Allegheny County Police Assistant Superintendent Maurita Bryant she said. “That roundtable process Once with the police, there — Chief McLay stopped that, were many black female officers because it was too subjective,” who, alongside her, “weathered she added. the storms while living on the She also said that police recruit Commercialization funds available glass cliff ” — working in police testing was not able to accurately leadership positions associated assess recruits’ qualifications for aculty innovators have until innovations toward commercial- academic discoveries toward with a greater risk of public criti- the job, nor was it geared to the Dec. 1 to apply for awards ization, said Evan Facher, Innova- commercialization. It’s the way cism and failure. The late Gwen younger generation of recruits Fof up to $35,000 to help tion Institute senior director for these innovations are going to Elliott, the first black female being sought. “I used to hate move their discoveries toward innovation commercialization. have societal impact.” sergeant and commander on the when they said, ‘We can’t find commercialization. “We want these things to get to Full-time tenured/tenure- force, was most influential, Bryant any qualified blacks,’” Bryant said. Two new funding opportuni- society where they can have an stream Pitt faculty with a primary said. She called Elliott “a true “You ain’t looking.” ties are available as part of $1 impact,” he said. appointment in an academic champion for children,” citing Police shootings in the news million in Chancellor Innovation From among the applicants, up department may apply. the Moms and Cops program have made her extra-conscious Commercialization Funds that to 10 semifinalists will be selected Awardees must have submit- that Elliott founded and Bryant of the impact on police. “If it have been committed over the to present a five-minute pitch and ted an innovation disclosure later headed; the formation of happens in California, you would course of two years. answer questions before a panel covering their discovery to the a police domestic violence unit; think it had happened here,” • Awards of up to $35,000 of judges on Jan. 20. Innovation Institute. and the creation of the nonprofit Bryant remarked. “Our police get are available to move innova- Semifinalists be notified by Invention disclosures, the Gwen’s Girls. the stigma.” Yet McLay, before tions toward commercialization. Dec. 15 and, in alignment with the first step in commercializing an “It’s such a shame that, while leaving, had already “greatly” A pool of $75,000 is available. Innovation Institute’s underlying innovation, have been on the rise she was on the police force, improved police relations with •Awards of up to $35,000 are educational mission to enhance at Pitt, with disclosures topping that’s not where she received the black neighborhoods, she said. available for innovators who are entrepreneurship on campus, 300 in each of the past two fiscal most accolades and recognition,” “I’m hopeful this interim chief, working with a partner that can will be coached by Innovation years. Nearly 1,150 disclosures Bryant said. Scott Schubert, who is a good provide a dollar-for-dollar cash Institute staff to develop their have been filed over the past Bryant also praised the work of guy, will continue a lot of those match. Partners could include a pitches, Facher said. four years, with a record-high Ophelia “Cookie” Coleman, now initiatives with the community.” private investor, foundation, an Winners will be notified by Jan. 314 filed in fiscal year 2016, chief of police for Wilkinsburg. It still bothers her when black industry partner, another uni- 24 and funds will be awarded Feb. according to Innovation Institute “She advanced that fairness, the police officers badmouth the cur- versity or a regional economic 1, running through July 31, 2017. annual reports. equity, for minorities officers,” rent state of bias among police, development group. A pool of The speedy timeline is designed For more details or to submit Bryant said. Bryant recalled their she said. $75,000 is available. to simulate a fast-paced, deadline- a proposal, visit www.innovation. work together at the West End “When you want things to This funding targets faculty driven development environment. pitt.edu/programs/chancellors- police station in the late 1970s. change, you’ve got to sit at the who have developed technology “There’s a different speed to busi- innovation-commercialization- “That was a section of town table. You step up and join the on campus and who need funds ness,” Facher said. funds/. where they weren’t used to African force and you be the one to change to continue developing their “We’re trying to move our —Kimberly K. Barlow n Americans, especially women, in the force.” a blue uniform,” Bryant said. She —Marty Levine n

9 UNIVERSITY TIMES

R E S E A R C H N O T E S shows applying pharmacogenom- ways to protect people against ics to achieve a precision medicine radiation, such as what would Brain model sought The study reported significant concluded. approach in cardiac stent patients be given off in a terrorist attack. results: About 60 percent of Earlier this year, UPMC Pres- can provide significant benefits.” The findings gave them reason to for Alzheimer’s, patients with the genetic defi- byterian became one of the first Other institutions that partici- think that ferroptosis may underlie schizophrenia ciency were given a different, more medical centers in the country pated in the clopidogrel research radiation-induced cellular damage The Department of Biomedi- effective medication. Using the to make this test available for were the University of North as well. cal Informatics in the School of genetic data to guide changes in patients as part of the PreCISE- Carolina, the University of Mary- Said Bayir: “More and more, Medicine and biopharmaceuti- therapy reduced the percentage of Rx (pharmacogenomics-guided land-Baltimore, the University of we’re appreciating that the damage cal company Pfizer are working deaths, heart attacks or strokes by care to improve the safety and Alabama-Birmingham, Vander- from acute radiation is happening on developing a computational nearly half compared with those effectiveness of medications) bilt University Medical Center, to the lining of the intestine, and model to help identify the drivers who continued taking clopidogrel, initiative. the University of Illinois-Chicago, that damage triggers a cascade of of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s the researchers found. Among Approximately 10 percent of Indiana University-Indianapolis, health complications that lead to disease and related brain diseases those who had the genetic defi- the study population was analyzed Sanford Health, Duke University sepsis, a very deadly syndrome. We and enable researchers to better ciency and continued taking clopi- by the team at Pitt and UPMC, one and the University of Pennsyl- believe that the radiation is trig- understand and treat the diseases. dogrel, 8 percent experienced one of the affiliates in the IGNITE vania. gering ferroptosis in the cells that Faculty member Kayhan Bat- of those complications. Network. line the intestine. If we can stop manghelich will be the principal Significantly fewer adverse Said Philip Empey, pharmacy that process and get the body to investigator in the one-year study. events occurred among patients and therapeutics faculty member Decoding cellular repair, rather than systematically The goal of the study is to develop who were switched to an alter- and leader of the Pitt team: “This death signals destroy, those cells, we might save a statistical model that relates native drug, the researchers study is a major step forward as it A multidisciplinary interna- the victims of devastating dirty abnormal anatomical variations tional team of scientists solved the bomb attacks.” of brain structure to the underly- mystery of a recently discovered Conversely, in cancer, the ing genetic markers of the diseases type of controlled cell death, body is failing to destroy dys- in order to develop an algorithm mapping the path to potential functional cancer cells, allowing that explains causal relationships therapies for conditions ranging tumors to grow unchecked. By between such heterogeneous data, from radiation injury to cancer. understanding the ferroptotic and to be able to use the method The study, led in part by Graduate pathway, the researchers hope to in similar settings for precision School of Public Health faculty, find medications that can prompt medicine. was reported in Nature Chemical it to recognize and kill cancer cells. Said Batmanghelich: “In Biology. The researchers already have addition to the genotype data, Ferroptosis is a way the body partnered with several UPMC measurements from magnetic uses iron to catalyze a reaction that clinicians to explore ways to trans- resonance brain images will be safely destroys and recycles a mal- late their scientific findings into used to characterize abnormal functioning or damaged cell. Until therapies that could help patients. brain variations. By studying brain this study, scientists didn’t know The other Pitt leading inves- images and relating the variations how the body signaled — within tigators are Joel Greenberger, of each brain region to the genet- the damaged cell and to other Rama K. Mallampalli, Clau- ics and clinical observations of cells — that this well-regulated dette St. Croix and Simon Wat- patients, we provide deeper insight death needed to occur. kins. Colleagues from Columbia about the underlying biology of Said Valerian E. Kagan, University, Helmholtz Zentrum the diseases.” faculty member in environmental München and the University The study will use the pub- and occupational health and lead of Heidelberg in Germany also licly available datasets of ADNI author of one of the two papers contributed. (Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimag- produced from the study: “Our The research was supported ing Initiative) and private datasets team successfully decoded the by NIH, Deutsche Forschun- of the GENUS (Genetics of signaling language that cells use gsgemeinschaft and the human Endophenotypes of Neurofunc- to trigger ferroptosis. You can frontier science program. tion to Understand Schizophre- think of it like the scanners and nia) Consortium, both of which radios that policemen use to find contain images, genetic informa- and arrest a criminal. The goal is Heart care improves; tion, biological information and Patient view part of nursing activity analysis to communicate enough informa- hospitalizations up clinical observations of patients, As the role of technology continues to grow in the health care tion to neutralize the problem and Although hospitalizations to develop software that can be industry, a UPMC quality improvement project coupled patient remove the criminal, or damaged have increased in recent years used to associate the images with surveys with observations, nurses’ self-reports and electronic health cell, but without creating such a for patients with congestive heart gene patterns. record (EHR) data to better understand how nurses allocate their commotion that you disrupt the failure, survival rates and length time during a shift. society, which, in this example, of stay have improved, according The findings, published online in the Journal of Nursing Care would be other, well-functioning to research from the School of Genetic test aids Quality, are intended to help the health system take additional steps cells.” Medicine and the UPMC Heart heart stent patients to improve care quality and the patient experience. Through two years of experi- and Vascular Institute. A genetic test recently imple- Said Linda Higgins, lead author of the project: “UPMC nurses ments bridging fields ranging The results, published in Clini- mented at UPMC Presbyterian had expressed concerns that they were spending too much time from public health and critical cal Cardiology and presented at can significantly reduce the risk of entering information into the EHR and not enough time at the bed- care medicine to basic biology the American Heart Association’s cardiovascular events by helping side caring for patients. It also was unclear how patients felt about and chemistry, the team analyzed (AHA) scientific sessions, were to identify more effective medi- the time they spent with their nurses, so we designed this project to hundreds of molecular combina- based on more than 15 million cation for some heart patients, gather multifaceted data that could provide a comprehensive picture tions generated in the ferroptotic U.S. hospital admissions between according to the results of a study of nursing activity and guide future improvements in workflow and process to discover that only four 1996 and 2009 due to congestive conducted in part at the School patient satisfaction.” molecules actually signal for the heart failure. of Pharmacy and UPMC. The Over five months, 11 trained observers visited four inpatient units, cell to die. All four are phospholip- The prevalence of heart failure findings were presented at the shadowing one shift for each of the 79 nurses involved in the project. ids, naturally occurring molecules is increasing in the U.S. due to its American Heart Association’s The observers chronicled 900 hours of nursing activity and logged it that make up cell membranes. aging population and significant annual scientific sessions. according to predetermined categories. Following the observed shift, “Scientists have long known advancements in management of The test identifies a genetic nurses filled out a questionnaire, and the observers interviewed the that these lipids were important associated co-morbidities, such as deficiency that affects the body’s patients cared for by the observed nurses. for encasing the cell and giving ischemic heart disease, diabetes, ability to activate clopidogrel, a In the interviews, patients reported spending an average of 74 it structure,” said Kagan. “What stroke, peripheral vascular disease common anti-clotting drug given minutes with their assigned nurse, and 90 percent rated the amount of they didn’t know — what we’ve and hypertension. More than 5 after a coronary artery stent is time with their nurse as “excellent” or “good.” However, the observ- only learned in recent scientific million Americans are living with inserted. About 30 percent of ers estimate that the nurses actually spent only about 40 minutes with history — is that they do so heart failure, and close to 500,000 all patients have the genetic defi- each patient. This suggests that the quality of the time that nurses much more, including commu- patients are newly diagnosed each ciency, which can lead to decreased spend with their patients may impact the patients’ perceptions of the nicating and signaling messages year. clopidogrel effectiveness and length of time their nurses spend with them. like ‘danger’ inside the cell itself, Heart failure also is a common increased risk for adverse cardio- The most frequently observed shift activities were: documenting to other cells and to the cellular cause of hospital admissions, vascular events, such as strokes, in (11.5 percent) and reviewing (9.1 percent) the EHR; patient assess- community as a whole, so that leading to significant costs for heart attacks and death. ment and interaction (8.9 percent); in-person communications with organisms can function in a coor- the nation’s health care system. In the current study from health care workers about patients or patient care (7.5 percent); and dinated way.” A recent report from the AHA the Implementing Genomics patient care and bedside procedures (7.2 percent). Overall, nurses were Kagan and Hülya Bayir, estimated the annual direct and in Practice (IGNITE) Network observed to spend an average of 33 percent of their shift interacting faculty member in the School of indirect costs associated with at the National Institutes of with technology. Medicine’s Department of Critical heart failure in the U.S. at more Health (NIH), researchers at Other project findings indicate that nurses overestimated the time Care Medicine and senior author than $30.7 billion. However, until Pitt’s pharmacy school and other they spent directly caring for patients and charting in the EHR com- of one of the papers, previ- this study, little was known about sites throughout the country ana- pared to observations. Nurses also reported mostly positive attitudes ously worked together to decode recent trends involving those lyzed medical outcomes in 1,815 toward the EHR and other technology in terms of user experience. another type of more well-known admissions, including length of patients who had genetic testing Additional authors were Judith A. Shovel, Andrew L. Bilder- cell death called apoptosis. They stay and in-hospital mortality. at the time of their cardiac proce- back, Holly L. Lorenz, Susan C. Martin and Debra J. Rogers, then decided to pursue the more Said Muhammad Bilal dure. The testing allows physicians all of UPMC. esoteric ferroptosis, which had Munir, faculty member in the to pinpoint the best anti-clotting The project was funded by the Masimo Corp. and Pitt’s Health been discovered in 2012. Division of General Internal medication for each patient. Policy Institute. Kagan and Bayir also study CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

10 NOVEMBER 23, 2016

R E S E A R C H N O T E S lengthening of telomeres (ALT). and contributes to many aging- Growing evidence also sug- related diseases, explained lead CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 gests that tumors that activate study author Patricia Opresko, Medicine and corresponding as climbing motions.” Cancer cells hijack the ALT pathway are aggressive environmental and occupational author of the study: “There has The photomotility of these and more resistant to treatment. health faculty member and a been significant progress in heart specific polymers is the result DNA repair in order Although ALT was identified member of UPCI’s molecular and failure management over the past of their spontaneous formation to stay alive almost two decades ago, identify- cellular cancer biology program. two decades, but more has to be into spirals when exposed to UV Research by scientists at the ing how this mechanism works In contrast, in most cancer done. The number of hospitaliza- light. Controlling the exposure University of Pittsburgh Cancer has proved elusive. cells, levels of the enzyme telom- tions has increased, identifying a enables a corresponding motion Institute (UPCI) has revealed how Said senior author Roderick erase, which lengthens telomeres, need to implement heart failure without the use of external power cancer cells hijack DNA repair O’Sullivan, pharmacology and are elevated, allowing them to quality measures stringently to sources attached directly to the pathways to prevent telomeres, chemical biology faculty member divide indefinitely. reduce these admissions, therefore polymer itself. the endcaps of chromosomes, in the School of Medicine and Said Opresko: “The new infor- reducing heart failure-associated In addition to simple forward from shortening, thus allowing a member of UPCI: “Identify- mation will be useful in design- health care costs.” movement, the team was able to the tumor to spread. The findings ing the parts that the cancer cell ing new therapies to preserve The number of heart failure make the polymers climb a glass were published in Cell Reports. tweaks to reset the countdown telomeres in healthy cells and hospitalizations increased from slide at a 15-degree angle. While The moment a cell is formed, timer could provide targets for ultimately help combat the effects 1,000,766 in 1996 to 1,173,832 in the flat polymer strips are small a countdown clock starts ticking developing new cancer drugs of inflammation and aging. On 2009, according to study results. — approximately 15 mm long and that determines how long the cell or making existing ones more the flip side, we hope to develop The mean length of stay fell from 1.25 mm wide — they can move can live. The clock is the telomere, effective.” mechanisms to selectively deplete 6.07 days to about 5.26 days, a at several millimeters per second a series of repeating DNA letters O’Sullivan and his team tackled telomeres in cancer cells to stop decrease of 3.41 percent. propelled by light. The movement at the ends of each chromosome this problem by using a recently them from dividing.” Researchers say the findings can be perpetual, as long as the in the cell. developed technique called prox- A number of studies have likely reflect the changes in the material remains illuminated. However, cancer cells cleverly imity dependent biotinylation shown that oxidative stress — a management of heart failure “The ability for these flex- hijack this telomere clock, reset- (BioID), which allowed them to condition where damaging mol- across the country, which include ible polymers to move when ting it and lengthening the telo- quickly identify proteins that were ecules known as free radicals numerous advances in care exposed to light opens up a new mere every time it shortens. This physically close to, and hence build up inside cell — accelerates such as new drug therapies and ground game in the quest for leads the cell into thinking that it potentially associated with, telo- telomere shortening. Free radicals sophisticated devices. Further soft robots,” Shankar said. “By is still young and can divide, thus mere lengthening in cancer cells. can damage not only the DNA efforts are needed to curb the eliminating the additional mass spreading the tumor. When comparing cancer that make up telomeres, but also cost of heart failure management, of batteries, moving parts and Most cancers do this by cells in which either telomerase the DNA building blocks used to experts agreed, with a focus on other cumbersome devices, we increasing the activity of an or ALT were active, the BioID extend them. reducing heart failure hospital can potentially create a robot that enzyme called telomerase, which technique identified 139 proteins Oxidative stress is known to admissions and readmissions, would be beneficial where excess lengthens telomeres. But approxi- that were unique to ALT-activated play a role in many health con- especially for patients with less weight and size is a negative, such mately 15 percent of cancers use cells. As the research team took ditions, including inflammation severe symptoms who could be as in space exploration or other a different mechanism for reset- a closer look, one enzyme, DNA and cancer. Damage from free treated with aggressive outpatient extreme environments.” ting the clock, called alternative polymerase η (Polη), took them radicals, which can be generated management. by surprise. by inflammation in the body as Additional Pitt study authors Said O’Sullivan: “We expected well as environmental factors, is from the UPMC Heart and Vas- to see DNA repair proteins, but thought to build up throughout cular Institute were Michael S. seeing Polη was really unexpected the aging process. Sharbaugh, Floyd W. Thoma, as it was known to be activated The goal of the new study was Muhammad Umer Nisar, only in cells that were damaged to determine what happens to Amir S. Kamran, Andrew D. by UV light, which we did not telomeres when they are damaged Althouse and Samir Saba. use in our experiments. Its role by oxidative stress. The research- in the ALT pathway is completely ers suspected that oxidative independent of how we think of it damage would render telomerase Self-powered soft normally.” Knowing the molecu- unable to do its job. robot developed lar players in the ALT pathway “Much to our surprise, telom- One of the impediments opens up a whole new area of erase could lengthen telomeres to developing miniaturized, research and many potential drug with oxidative damage,” Opresko “squishy” robots is the need for targets, according to O’Sullivan. said. “In fact, the damage seems to an internal power source that Laura Garcia-Exposito, a promote telomere lengthening.” overcomes the power-to-weight postdoctoral fellow in O’Sullivan’s Next, the team looked to see ratio for efficient movement. An lab, is one of the co-first authors what would happen if the building international group involving Pitt, Does exercise contribute to brain health? of the study. blocks used to make up telomeres Inha University and the Air Force Improving your memory and brain function as you age might be as Other Pitt study authors were instead subjected to oxidative Research Laboratory (AFRL) has simple as investing in a good pair of sneakers, but studies recommend- include Arindam Bose, Simon damage. They found that telom- built upon their previous research ing that still are met with skepticism because the exercise/brain-health C. Watkins, Patricia Opresko, erase was able to add a damaged and identified new materials that connection has not been tested to the rigors of a large-scale, Phase Callen Wallace and Justin L. DNA precursor molecule to the directly convert ultraviolet light III trial. Kirk Erickson, psychology faculty member in the Dietrich Roncaioli. Also contributing end of the telomere, but then was into motion without the need for School of Arts and Sciences, will conduct such a trial thanks to a were colleagues from the Cancer unable to add additional DNA electronics or other traditional five-year, $21.8 million grant from the National Institute on Aging. Research Center at the University molecules. methods. The research was pub- Said Erickson, director of the Brain Aging and Cognitive Health Lab: of Toulouse and New York Medi- The new results suggest that lished in Nature Communications. “This study will more definitively address whether exercise influences cal College. the mechanism by which oxida- The group includes M. Ravi cognitive and brain health in cognitively normal older adults, as well The research was funded by tive stress accelerates telomere Shankar, co-author and industrial as understanding the mechanisms of physical activity on the brain.” the Competitive Medical Research shortening is through damaging engineering faculty member in the Erickson’s study, “Investigating Gains in Neurocognition in an Fund and Stimulating Pittsburgh the DNA precursor molecules, Swanson School of Engineering. Intervention Trial of Exercise” (IGNITE), will be conducted in col- Research in Geroscience at Pitt, not the telomere itself. “We The experiments were conducted laboration with Northeastern University, the University of Kansas NIH, Labex Toucan and La Ligue also found that oxidation of the at the AFRL’s Materials & Manu- and the University of Illinois. contre le Cancer. DNA building blocks is a new facturing Directorate at Wright- The project will study 639 cognitively normal adults between 65 way to inhibit telomerase activ- Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. and 80 years old. Participants will be broken into three groups to test Mechanisms of ity, which is important because it Other investigations have pro- different “doses”: the first group will engage in moderate-intensity could potentially be used to treat posed the use of ambient energy exercise — brisk walking — at the public-health recommended dose cancer, aging and cancer,” she said. resources such as magnetic fields, of 150 minutes a week; the second group will exercise for 225 minutes inflammation found Opresko and her team now are acoustics, heat and other tem- a week; and the third group will do stretching and toning exercises A team of researchers from beginning to further explore the perature variations to avoid adding for 150 minutes a week. the Graduate School of Public consequences of oxidative stress structures to induce locomotion. Participants will be examined at the beginning of the study to Health and UPCI has uncovered on telomeres, using a novel photo- However, Shankar explained that establish baselines in their cognitive and physical health, using a com- new details about the biology of sensitizer, developed at Carnegie light is more appealing because of prehensive battery of neuropsychological tests as well as measures of telomeres, “caps” of DNA that Mellon University, that produces its speed, temporal control and physical function, fitness and brain health. protect the tips of chromosomes oxidative damage selectively in the ability to effectively target The IGNITE study will explore four main aims: and play key roles in a number telomeres. the mechanical response. For • whether a moderate-intensity exercise intervention improves of health conditions, including Funding for the research was the material, the group zeroed cognitive health; cancer, inflammation and aging. provided by NIH, the American in on monolithic polymer films • whether that intervention improves MRI-measured markers of The findings were published in Cancer Society and the Abraham prepared from a form of liquid brain health and whether those changes are dose dependent; Nature Structural and Molecular A. Mitchell Distinguished Inves- crystalline polymer. • whether changes to the nervous system, heart and metabolism Biology. tigator Fund. Explained Shankar: “Our mediate improvements in the brain and in cognition; and Telomeres, composed of Additional Pitt collaborators initial research indicated that • how individual differences such as age and genetics affect the repeated sequences of DNA, are were Elise Fouquerel, Justin these flexible polymers could be results. shortened every time a cell divides Lormand and Arindam Bose. triggered to move by different The researchers also hope to discover whether the baseline brain and therefore become smaller as a Researchers from Johns Hopkins, forms of light. However, a robot measurements lend insight to participants’ compliance with the person ages. When they become the University of Illinois, the or similar device isn’t effective intervention, as well as the usefulness of analytical brain imaging too short, telomeres send a University of South Alabama and unless you can tightly control its in understanding the effects of physical activity on the aging brain. signal to the cell to stop dividing the University of Kansas Medical motions. We were able to demon- In addition to Pitt, Northeastern and Kansas will serve as inter- permanently, which impairs the Center also contributed. n strate directional control, as well vention sites. ability of tissues to regenerate —Compiled by Marty Levine

11 UNIVERSITY TIMES

P E O P L E O F T H E T I M E S The People of the Times column features recent news on faculty and staff, including awards and other honors, accomplishments and Three Pitt employees are tist appointed to Children’s Mellon Swanson school and serves as a administrative appointments. We welcome submissions from all areas of the University. Send among this year’s Fuerza Award scholars program, which enables center associate for the Learn- information via email to: [email protected], by fax at 412-624-4579 honorees. Diego Chaves- promising researchers in the early ing Research and Development or by campus mail to 308 Bellefield Hall. Gnecco, Gloria J. Rodriguez- stages of their careers to pursue Center. For submission guidelines, visit www.utimes.pitt.edu/?page_ Ransom and Melanie Weiser potential breakthrough research Her principal research is in id=6807. Krugel were honored at a Nov. projects in biomedicine. engineering education assess- 18 event at Alloy 26 on the North Canna’s research focus is ment. Besterfield-Sacre’s current Awards’ Established Artist Award. Dec. 5 at the August Wilson Side. The awards, presented by on autoinflammatory disorders research focuses on innovative Sponsored by The Pittsburgh Center. Cafe con Leche, celebrate the where the body’s immune system design and entrepreneurship, Foundation and The Heinz The Carol R. Brown Creative contributions of Latino/Latina attacks its own tissues. In particu- engineering modeling and global Endowments, the awards recog- Achievement Awards event is part leaders in the Pittsburgh region. lar, he studies an inflammation- competency in engineering. nize exemplary artistic achieve- of the Investing in Professional • Chaves-Gnecco, a faculty inducing molecule called IL-18 She earned a bachelor’s degree ment by an established artist Artists: The Pittsburgh Region member in pediatrics at the School and how it may contribute to in engineering management from and an emerging artist each year. Artists Program, a multiyear ini- of Medicine, is a developmen- human diseases including mac- Missouri Institute for Science and Candidates were nominated by tiative established jointly by The tal-behavioral pediatrician and rophage activation syndrome, a Technology, a master’s degree artists and regional arts leaders Pittsburgh Foundation and The founder/director of the program potentially life-threatening com- in industrial engineering from and chosen by an independent Heinz Endowments. Salud Para Niños. plication of certain childhood Purdue and a PhD in industrial panel that reviewed applications The awards program was A graduate of Gimnasio inflammatory diseases. engineering from Pitt. Before and work samples. Recipients are conceived in 1991 as the Creative Moderno in Bogotá, Colombia, Canna comes from the returning to Pitt, she was an indus- awarded $15,000. Achievement Awards by Carol he earned his MD from Pontificia National Institute of Arthritis trial engineering faculty member Harvey is the author of the R. Brown, who was president Universidad Javeriana. Following and Musculoskeletal and Skin Dis- at the University of Texas-El Paso. poetry collection “Hemming the of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust his residency in pediatrics at Hos- eases, where he was the Metzger Shuman’s research has focused Water,” winner of the Kate Tufts 1986-2001. pital Universitario San Ignacio, he Scholar of Translational Research on health systems planning, engi- Discovery Award from Claremont Brown oversaw the transfor- came to Pitt in 1998 as a faculty and head of the autoinflammatory neering ethics and most recently Graduate University and finalist mation of a 14-square-block area member in the Center for Clinical pathogenesis unit. He received on improving the engineering for the Hurston-Wright Award. of Downtown Pittsburgh from Pharmacology, where he worked his bachelor’s degree from Johns educational experience. Her work has been anthologized a red light district to a nationally until 2002. He obtained a master’s Hopkins and his medical degree Within the Swanson school in several publications, including recognized model for arts-based degree from the Graduate School from George Washington Uni- he has led the development of “A Poet’s Craft: A Comprehensive community redevelopment. of Public Health in 2000. versity. the cooperative engineering Guide to Making and Sharing The awards went on hiatus In 2002, he started his resi- education and study-abroad Your Poetry” and “The Force of 2002-11. In 2012, The Pittsburgh dency in pediatrics at Children’s Judith Yang, a Swanson programs. Under Shuman’s lead- What’s Possible: Accessibility and Foundation and The Heinz Hospital and joined its commu- School of Engineering faculty ership, 45 percent of Swanson the Avant-Garde.” Endowments resurrected the nity oriented residency education member in chemical and petro- school seniors graduate with at Harvey, along with emerging awards and renamed them the (CORE) program, an area of leum engineering, has been elected least some form of international artist awardee fashion designer Carol R. Brown Creative Achieve- concentration in the pediatric a fellow of the American Physical education experience. Tereneh Mosley, will be recog- ment Awards. n training program that aims to train Society (APS) “for seminal contri- Shuman and Besterfield-Sacre nized during a public program —Compiled by K. Barlow leaders in community health and butions to in situ environmental are leading a Swanson School child advocacy. transmission electron microscopy, effort to introduce innovation As part of his CORE training, the fundamental understand- and entrepreneurship across the in 2002 he created the region’s first ing of metal oxidation and the undergraduate programs. pediatric bilingual-bicultural clinic application of nanomaterials and “Mary and Larry have worked in southwestern Pennsylvania, catalysis.” hand-in-hand over the past few which has since expanded into Yang is among 15 members years to transform our under- the program Salud Para Niños of the APS Division of Materials graduate engineering curriculum, (Health for the Children). Physics to be named fellows this and I am very pleased that one will • Rodriguez-Ransom, a year. The APS caps the number be passing the torch to another,” licensed professional counselor, of new fellows elected each year noted Gerald D. Holder, U.S. Steel works in the Office of Child to 0.5 percent of its 51,000 inter- Dean of Engineering. “Larry is Development providing mental national members. internationally recognized not health supportive services to Nominees are evaluated based only within the industrial engi- children, their families and school on exceptional contributions to neering discipline, but also for his age/early education providers. the physics enterprise, including impact on engineering education. A native of San Juan, Puerto outstanding research, application, Likewise, Mary’s own research Rico, she came to Pittsburgh leadership or service and contri- has helped to transform how to attend college in 1991. She butions to education related to our faculty teach, and how our received a BA in psychology from the field of physics. students engage with one another La Roche College then earned an Yang joined the Pitt faculty in in the classroom. I thank them MEd in school/community coun- 1999 and has received numerous both for their contributions to seling at Duquesne University. awards including a 2005 Chan- the University and the Swanson She led the creation of the cellor’s Distinguished Research school.” Latino Family Center for the Award. Allegheny County Department Amanda Godley, a faculty of Human Services, along with A leadership transition is member in the Latino community leaders and on the horizon at the Swanson School of Edu- Latino families. School of Engineering’s Office cation, has been She is active in the Latin Ameri- of Academic Affairs. named co-editor Winter essentials, holiday can Cultural Union, currently Mary Besterfield-Sacre, of the journal serving as vice president. faculty member in industrial English Teach- • Weiser Krugel, assistant engineering, has been appointed ing: Practice and gift drives underway director of student and diversity associate dean for academic affairs Critique for a Pitt’s annual winter essentials and holiday gift drives are recruitment for the Katz Graduate effective Jan. 1. Larry Shuman, two-year term. underway. School of Business, is president Distinguished Service Professor This peer- • New hats, gloves, scarves and socks are being collected and founder of Pitt’s Hispanic and of Industrial Engineering, will reviewed international journal as part of the winter essentials drive, which runs until Dec. Latino Professional Association remain senior associate dean encourages critical, reflective 12. The items will be distributed to those in need, including (see Sept. 3, 2015, University Times) for academic affairs through his practice and classroom-based attendees at the Christmas Day at Pitt celebration. and is involved with diversity retirement in spring 2018. research on issues related to Donations can be dropped off at the following campus and inclusion initiatives across Besterfield-Sacre will assume literacy. buildings: Alumni; Benedum; Cathedral of Learning; Craig; campus. full responsibility for the Swanson Godley is a faculty member in Eureka; Hillman Library; Mervis; O’Hara Student Center; Additional information school’s academic affairs Jan. 1, English education and language, Park Plaza; Petersen; Public Safety; Scaife; Thackeray; on the awardees is at www. 2018. These duties include the literacy and culture. She holds Thomas Boulevard; Posvar; University Store on Fifth; and cafeconlechepgh.com/fuerza- first-year (or freshman) program, secondary appointments in the William Pitt Union. 1/#fuerzapittsburgh. transfers, scholarships, EXCEL Department of Linguistics and in Donors also can choose to select items online using the and Investing Now, and the inter- the gender, sexuality and women’s drive’s Amazon wish list (www.amazon.com/gp/registry/ A researcher from the National national, co-op and innovation studies program. She is affiliated wishlist/?ie=UTF8&cid=A3PTVMI4J1T5TS). Institutes of Health with a strong and entrepreneurship programs, with the University’s Center for • Donations for Pitt’s holiday gift drive, which provides background in inflammation in addition to ABET and new Urban Education and the Learn- a gift to each child attending Christmas Day at Pitt, can be research has been recruited to academic program development. ing Research and Development dropped off through Dec. 16 at the Office of Community join the Richard King Mellon She will continue to direct the Center. and Governmental Relations, 710 Alumni Hall. Departmental Foundation Institute for Pediatric Engineering Education Research pickups can be arranged by calling 4-7755. Research at Children’s Hospital. Center. Poet Yona Harvey, faculty The drive is targeting specific age groups for gift drive The institute’s faculty and pro- In addition to her academic member in English in the Dietrich donations. Email [email protected] to request the number of grams are part of the School of role, Besterfield-Sacre is found- School of Arts and Sciences, is labels needed for the gift drive in your department, and Com- Medicine. ing director for the Engineering the recipient of the 2016 Carol munity Relations will send them in the right age-group mix.n Scott Canna is the fifth scien- Education Research Center in the R. Brown Creative Achievement

12 NOVEMBER 23, 2016

C A L E N D A R November MWRI Work in Progress Seminar Clinical Oncology/Hematology Molecular Biophysics/Structural Wednesday 23 “Pelvic Floor Biomechanics: Falla- Grand Rounds Biology Seminar cies & Facts,” John DeLancey, U of “Hospice Utilization & Advanced “Study on UVDDB-Parp1 Interac- • Thanksgiving recess for stu- MI; Magee-Womens Research Inst. Care Planning for the Oncologist,” tion to Reconstitute the Initial Rec- dents through Nov. 27. Conf. Ctr. 1st fl., noon Keith Lagnese; Hillman Cancer Ctr., ognition Steps of the NER Pathway GI Lecture Herberman Aud., 8 am (millerc5@ Using Single-Molecule Technique,” Thursday 24 “Endoscopy I: GI Bleeding,” Kevin upmc.edu) Sunbok Jang; Hillman Cancer Ctr. McGrath; Presby admin. conf. rm. FSDP Workshop 2nd fl. conf. rm., 9 am • University closed through Nov. M2 C-wing, noon “Family & Medical Leave Act for Ctr. for Teaching Workshop 25 in observance of Thanksgiv- Philosophy Lecture Supervisors,” Keith Kapusta & “ProAction,” Theater Delta; O’Hara ing. “When Is a Genetic Cluster a Race?” Amelia Kephart; 211 Lawrence, Student Ctr. ballrm., 9:30 am Quayshawn Spencer, Penn; 817R 9 am (www.hr.pitt.edu/training- (register: www.teaching.pitt.edu/ Friday 25 CL, 12:05 pm development/faculty-st) workshops/) Ctr. for Teaching Faculty-only FSDP Workshop HSLS Workshop • University closed. Workshop “Role of the Responsible Employee,” “Pathway Analysis: NIH DAVID “Are You Aware?” Theater Delta; Katie Pope; 342 Craig, 9 am (www. & IPA,” Ansuman Chattopadhyay; Monday 28 O’Hara Student Ctr. ballrm., 3:30 hr.pitt.edu/training-development/ Falk Library classrm. 2, 1-4 pm pm (register: www.teaching.pitt. faculty-st) ([email protected]) Ctr. for Teaching Workshop edu/workshops/) UHC Climate Change Lecture “Grading & Feedback”; B23 Pharmacology/Chemical Biol- “From Climate Change to Politi- Alumni, noon (register: www.teach- ogy Seminar cal & Personal Change: Building ing.pitt.edu/workshops/) “Novel Role for Heme Oxygenase-1 a Prosperous, Sustainable World,” John Sterman of MIT will lecture on “From Climate Change to Politi- in Heme Clearance,” Solomon John Sterman, MIT; UClub ballrm. cal & Personal Change: Building Tuesday 29 Ofori-Acquah; 1395 BST, 3:30 pm B, 4 pm a Prosperous, Sustainable World” CTSI Networking Event GI Grand Rounds Nov. 30 in University Club ball- room B. Senate Athletics Com. Mtg. “q-Med: Celebrating Pgh’s Biomedi- Andrew Chan, Harvard; 1105AB Petersen Minno Conf. Rm., 11 am cal Modeling Community”; UClub Scaife, 5 pm ([email protected]) Cell Biology Seminar ballrm. A, 5 pm (www.ctsi.pitt.edu/ Bradford Campus Holiday GI Research Rounds “Inositol Phosphates Act as Struc- bio.shtml) Concert “Eosinophilic Esophagitis: The tural Cofactors to Regulate Bio- Greensburg Campus St. Clair Boston Brass; Bromeley Theatre Tale of a Stuck Steak,” Ron Schey, logical Processes,” John York, Lecture Blaisdell, UPB, 7:30 pm (www.upb. Temple; Presby admin. conf. rm. Vanderbilt; Eye & Ear Inst. 5th fl. “Bouquets From the Cannon’s pitt.edu/TheArts) M2 C-wing, noon boardrm., 11 am Mouth: Soldiering With the 8th UCSUR Seminar Molecular Medicine Research Regiment of the PA Reserves,” “Modeling Predatory Mortgage Seminar Robert Eberly, author; Ferguson December Lending,” Kristen Crossney, West “GH/IGF-1/Insulin Axis & Theater, UPG, 7:30 pm (www. Chester; 3911 Posvar, noon (rsvp: Cancer,” Derek LeRoith, Mt. Sinai; greensburg.pitt.edu) Thursday 1 [email protected]) Rangos Research Conf. Ctr., noon Senate Research Com. Mtg. Basic/Translational Research Wednesday 30 GI Lecture 156 CL, 1 pm Seminar “Endoscopy 2: GI Bleeding,” Kevin Philosophy Lecture “What Telomeres Can Teach Us OACD Workshop McGrath; Presby admin. conf. rm. “Expressive Means & Intelligibility About Replication & DNA Repair,” “Academic Writing From the M2 C-wing, 7:30 am in Mathematics,” Kenneth Manders; Jan Karlseder; Hillman Cancer Ctr., Reader’s Perspective”; 7th fl. Alumni ABC/NPR commentator Cokie World AIDS Day Conf. 817R CL, 3:30 pm Roberts will deliver the American Cooper Conf. Ctr. rm. D, noon aud., 8 am-5 pm (www.oacd.health. Experience lecture “Why Trump UClub, 8:30 am-5:30 pm (www. pitt.edu) and What’s Next?” Dec. 6. maaetc.org/events/view/8202) Saturday 3 FSDP Workshop “Microsoft Excel 2013 Funda- Holiday Concert UNIVERSITY mentals,” Vernon Franklin; 302 Heinz Chapel Choir; Heinz Bellefield, 10 am (www.hr.pitt.edu/ Chapel, 8 pm (tickets: www.pitt. training-development/faculty-st) edu/~heinzcc/tickets.html) TIMES Molecular Biophysics/Structural Biology Seminar Sunday 4 2016-17 publication schedule Eddy Arnold; 6014 BST3, 11 am HSLS Workshop Holiday Concert “Painless PubMed,” Melissa Heinz Chapel Choir; Heinz Events occurring Submit by For publication Ratajeski; Falk Library classrm. 1, Chapel, 3 pm (tickets: www.pitt. 1 pm ([email protected]) edu/~heinzcc/tickets.html) Dec. 8-Jan. 5 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 FSDP Workshop Jan. 5-19 Dec. 22 Jan. 5 “Train the Trainer,” Maureen Lazar; Monday 5 342 Craig, 1 pm (www.hr.pitt.edu/ Jan. 19-Feb. 2 Jan. 12 Jan. 19 training-development/faculty-st) Ctr. for Teaching Workshop UHC Workshop “Blackboard: Using the Grade Ctr.”; Feb. 2-16 Jan. 26 Feb. 2 “Academically-Based Community B26 Alumni, 10 am (register: www. Engagement: An Idea Exchange on teaching.pitt.edu/workshops/) Feb. 16-March 2 Feb. 9 Feb. 16 Community Engagement, Research Chancellor’s Long-term Staff & Scholarship”; WPU Assembly Recognition Ceremony/Recep- March 2-16 Feb. 23 March 2 Rm., 2-5 pm ([email protected]) tion Medicine Seminar WPU Assembly Rm., 2 pm March 16-30 March 9 March 16 “The Autophagy Nobel: Plenty to March 30-April 13 March 23 March 30 Digest,” Charleen Chu, pathology; Tuesday 6 Donna Beer Stolz, cell biology; & April 13-27 April 6 April 13 Marijn Ford, cell biology; Scaife HSLS Workshop lecture rm. 5, 3 pm “Painless PubMed,” Charlie Wessel; April 27-May 11 April 20 April 27 Community Holiday Concert Falk Library classrm. 1, 9 am (cbw@ Heinz Chapel Choir; Heinz Chapel, pitt.edu) May 11-25 May 4 May 11 5:15 pm FSDP Workshop “Excel 2013 Quick Start: Charts May 25-June 8 May 18 May 25 Friday 2 & Pivot Tables: Level 1,” Vernon June 8-22 June 1 June 8 Franklin; 302 Bellefield, 10 am FSDP Workshop (register: www.hr.pitt.edu/training- June 22-July 6 June 15 June 22 “Financial Freedom: Strategies for development/faculty-st) Reducing Debt & Saving More,” GI Fellows Lecture July 6-20 June 29 July 6 Vanguard Group; 342 Craig, 9 am “Jeopardy I,” Mohannad Dugum; (register: www.hr.pitt.edu/training- Presby admin. conf. rm. M2 C-wing, July 20-Aug. 31 July 13 July 20 development/faculty-st) noon The University Times events calendar includes Pitt-sponsored events as well as Psychiatry Grand Rounds CRSP Lecture “Suicide Prevention Across the Life “Just Discipline & the School-to- non-Pitt events held on a Pitt campus. Information submitted for the calendar Cycle,” David Brent, Katlin Szanto Prison Pipeline in Greater Pgh: should identify the type of event, such as lecture or concert, and the program’s & Alexandra Dombrowski; WPIC Local Challenges & Promising specific title, sponsor, location and time. The name and phone number of a contact aud., noon Solutions,” James Huguley; 2017 person should be included. Information should be sent by email to: [email protected]. CL, noon (www.crsp.pitt.edu) CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

13 UNIVERSITY TIMES

C A L E N D A R CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 GI Sadie Gerson Scholar Award Lecture Wednesday 7 “Tailoring Colorectal Cancer Inst. for Entrepreneurial Excel- Screening: Ready for Prime Time lence Event or Work-in-Progress?” Thomas “Doing Business With Pitt”; WPU Imperiale, IN U; Montefiore LHAS ballrm., 7:30-11 am aud., noon Apple Sale for Faculty/Staff Basic/Translational Research University Store on 5th, 8:30 Seminar am-6 pm “Advances in Immunotherapy for FSDP Workshop Head & Neck Cancer,” Robert “Intercultural Competency: Beyond Ferris; Hillman Cancer Ctr., Cooper the Basics”; 342 Craig, 9 am (reg- Conf. Ctr. rm. D, noon ister: www.hr.pitt.edu/training- Philosophy Lecture development/faculty-st) “What Quantum Measurements Senate B&W Com. Mtg. Measure,” Robert Griffiths, CMU; 702 Benedum, 9 am 817R CL, 12:05 pm Critical Care Medicine Grand Faculty Assembly Mtg. Rounds 2700 Posvar, 3 pm “Medical Education,” Nicole Rob- Pharmacology/Chemical Biol- erts, City College of NY; 1105AB ogy Seminar Scaife, noon “Role of Caspase Cell Death Path- GI Ctr. of Excellence Lecture ways in Neurological Diseases,” “Neurogastroenterology & Motility Robert Friedlander; 1395 BST, Disease,” David Levinthal;. Scaife 3:30 pm 11th fl conf. ctr., 5 pm GSPIA Lecture “4 Crises of American Democracy,” Alasdair Roberts, U of MO; WPU Thursday 8 dining rm. A, 4:30 pm (rsvp: lfmc- [email protected]) FSDP Workshop Concert “Understanding Harassment: How Pitt Gospel Choir; FFA aud., 7 pm to Recognize & Respond,” Katie The Boston Brass performs Nov. 30 at Pitt-Bradford’s Bromeley Theatre in Blaisdell Hall. Honors College/Dick Thorn- Pope; 342 Craig, 9 am (register: www. hr.pitt.edu/training-development/ burgh Forum American Experi- GI Lecture Provost’s Inaugural Lecture ments During Performance of Static ence Lecture faculty-st) FSDP Workshop “Journal Jeopardy I,” Swaytha “Up to My Eyeballs in Alligators: Standing Balance Exercises,” Saud “Why Trump & What’s Next?” Ganesh & Arun Mannem; Presby Adventures in Teaching & Practicing Alsubale; Dec. 1, 232 Bridgeside “Excel 2013 Quick Start: Charts Cokie Roberts, ABC & NPR; 7th admin. conf. rm. M2 C-wing, noon Entrepreneurship,” Eric Beckman, Point, 10 am & Pivot Tables: Level 2,” Vernon fl. Alumni aud., 7 pm (reservations: ADRC Lecture engineering; 2500 Posvar, 4 pm A&S/Hispanic Languages & Franklin; 302 Bellefield, 10 am http://www.honorscollege.pitt. “The Effects of Everyday Physi- Blast Furnace Demo Day Literatures (www.hr.pitt.edu/training-develop- edu/about/newsletter/fall2016/ cal Activity on Cognitive & Brain O’Hara Student Ctr. ballrm., 5 pm “2666: En Búsqueda de la Totalidad cokieroberts) ment/faculty-st) SAC Seminar Health in Late Life,” Chelsea Perdida,” Pedro Salas; Dec. 2, 1325 Concert Stillman; Montefiore S439 conf. CL, 4:30 pm “Holiday Cultural Traditions,” WPU Defenses Pitt Symphony Orchestra; Bellefield rm., noon A&S/Anthropology ballrm., noon (register: www.sac. aud., 8 pm Senate EIADAC Mtg. “Sacred Secular Relics: World Trade pitt.edu) A&S/Chemistry Epidemiology Seminar 826 CL, noon “Photo-Induced Electron Transfer Ctr. Steel in Off-site 9-11 Memorials HSLS Workshop in the US,” Senem Biyikli; Dec. 5, “Design & Implementation of a in Molecular Systems & Nanopar- “Endnote Basics,” Andrea Ket- 3106 Posvar, 2 pm Sustainable Public Health Pro- ticle Assemblies,” Brittney Graff; chum; Falk Library classrm. 2, 1 A&S/Physics & Astronomy gram to Combat Malnutrition in Nov. 30, 307 Eberly, 3 pm pm ([email protected]) “Multi-Photon Photoemission Rural Zambia,” Leah Goeke; G23 SHRS/Physical Therapy Study of Tio2 for Photocatalysis,” Parran, noon “Postural & Perceptual Measure- Adam Argondizzo; Dec. 6, 219 Allen, 2 pm A&S/Hispanic Languages & Literatures “A Dynamo of Violent Stories: Reading the Feminicidios of Ciudad Juárez as Narratives,” Roberto Cor- dero; Dec. 8, 5601 Sennott Sq., noon Deadlines

Heinz Chapel Choir Tour Fund- raiser Deadline for donations is Dec. 31. (www.engage.pitt.edu/proj- ect/2705) Pitt Sustainability Awards Submit nominations by March 10. (www.engineering.pitt.edu/MCSI/ Forms/Sustainability-Awards- Page/) Exhibits

Bradford Campus “Contemporary Figurative Work: An Exhibition in Graphite & Watercolor,” Anna Lemnitzer; KOA Gallery Blaisdell, UPB, Dec. 1-16; M-F 8:30 am-6 pm (opening show Dec. 1, 7 pm; www.upb.pitt.edu) Falk Library “The Ultimate Service Pin: A His- tory of Nursing,” Dawn McBride; display cases main fl., through Jan. 5; M-Th 7 am-mid., F 7 am-10 pm, Sat 9:30 am-10 pm & Sun 11 am-mid.n

Heinz Chapel Choir will kick off its holiday concert season with a free holiday concert for members of the Pitt community in Heinz Chapel at 5:15 pm on Dec. 1. A series of ticketed concerts will be held on Dec. 3, 4, 9 and 11. For those concerts, tickets must be purchased in advance at www.pitt. edu/~heinzcc/tickets.html.

The choir also is conducting a fundraising campaign through Dec. 31 to help cover the cost of a 12-day educational/performance tour to England and Scotland next year. For more information about the campaign, see the group’s EngagePitt page at https://engage.pitt.edu/project/2705.

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