INSIDE Joint education, history degree created...... 2 Pitt cardiologists find heart-attack gene...... 4 PittNewspaper of the University of PittsburghChronicle Volume VIII • Number 34 • December 3, 2007 Giuliani, Thornburgh Help Dedicate Waldman Room A native and alumnus of Taylor Allderdice High School in the city’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, Waldman, who died in 2003 at the age of 58, was a gradu- ate of Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In 1971, he served as assistant U.S. attorney under Thornburgh, then followed him to a post at the U.S. Justice Department in Washington, D.C., under President Ford. After managing Thornburgh’s success- ful Pennsylvania gubernatorial campaign in 1978, Waldman went to Harrisburg as one of the new governor’s “Five Musketeers”—his inner circle of close advisers. As executive assistant and general counsel to Thornburgh, Waldman became famous for his willingness to take the heat when the governor made difficult politi- cal decisions. The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin called him “the power behind the throne,” while the Philadelphia Inquirer Friends of the late U.S. District Judge Jay C. Waldman join Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for a new seminar room in . From left called him Pennsylvania’s “shadow gov- are Nordenberg; Ed Weiss, chief counsel at Time Warner Inc.; Dan Shapira, a Pittsburgh attorney; Shanin Specter, a Philadelphia attorney; Pitt trustee and former Pennsylvania Governor ernor.” Dick Thornburgh; Roberta Waldman, wife of the late ; former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani; U.S. Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania; Paul Critchlow, vice chair of Merrill In 1988, Waldman was appointed a U.S. Lynch & Co.; and Michael Smerconish, Philadelphia author and talk-show host. district court judge and began serving on the federal bench in Philadelphia. He was By Jason Togyer nominated by President George W. Bush to the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in With laughter and a few tears, friends (LAW ’57), and dozens of other dignitaries Thornburgh, who Nordenberg called a 2003, but died of lung cancer while waiting and family of the late U.S. District Judge to officially open the new Judge Jay C. “source of inspiration to Pitt students and to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Jay C. Waldman remembered his life during Waldman Seminar Room. faculty,” is a Pitt trustee and former U.S. Waldman lived his life “at the intersec- the dedication Tuesday of a new Hillman Located on Hillman’s first floor, the Attorney for the Western District of Penn- tion of law, politics, and intellectualism,” Library seminar room named in Waldman’s wood-paneled study area will be used for sylvania who also served as U.S. Attorney Specter said. “What a fitting tribute that honor. seminars by faculty and students. Shelves General in the Reagan and George H.W. he should be honored with a seminar room The intentionally low-key ceremony and walls display a selection of artifacts Bush administrations. The University has where people can think about those things was a surprise to Pitt students using the from Waldman’s career, including photos, been the official repository for Thorn- and try to emulate his achievements.” library, who got the unexpected chance to newspaper clippings, and his law school burgh’s papers since 1998 and has hosted Giuliani said he met Waldman in 1975, mingle with Republican presidential candi- textbooks, many of which are annotated in the Thornburgh Family Lecture Series on when both were federal prosecutors—one date Rudolph Giuliani. The former mayor of his own hand. Disability Law and Policy since 2003. in New York, the other in Pittsburgh. The New York City interrupted his campaign to The seminar room adjoins the library’s Waldman “had the capacity and plan- two bonded over their common love of the participate in the Waldman tribute. Dick Thornburgh Room—an appropriate ning ability to prepare for political and law—and cigars, he said. In later years, A close friend of Waldman, Giuliani place, Nordenberg said, because Waldman governmental challenges that no one else Giuliani came to depend on Waldman’s joined Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, served as one of Thornburgh’s most trusted anticipated,” Thornburgh said. “He devel- reliable, no-nonsense personal and profes- U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, former Penn- advisors for more than 30 years, and they oped what I called the ability to see around sylvania Governor Richard L. Thornburgh often had adjoining offices. corners.” Continued on Page 6

Pederson Returns to Lead University’s Athletic Department By E.J. Borghetti

Together they orchestrated a major the stunning transformation of our athletic as the past has been at Pitt, the future is even revitalization of Pitt athletics that resulted facilities. But this also was a period in which brighter. I am thrilled to be able to work in nationally ranked programs and state-of- our teams competed at dramatically higher with Pitt’s great coaches and staff, and I’m the-art facilities. levels, national atten- anxious to get to know That team re-formed Friday when Pitt tion was reignited, fan “ I am grateful to Chancellor our student-athletes. My Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg announced interest and attendance wife, Tami, and I are also the return of Steve Pederson as the Univer- soared, programs for Nordenberg for the oppor- excited to renew acquain- sity’s athletic director. the overall development tances with our great Pitt Nordenberg originally tapped Peder- of our student-athletes tunity to again be part of fans and welcome many son to head Pitt’s athletic department in were strengthened, and new fans to the Panther October 1996. During the next six years, uncompromising stan- this great University, city, family.” the Panthers’ athletic fortunes elevated dards of institutional “ St e ve w a s t h e dramatically, on and off the field, prompt- integrity were main- and region.” person who originally ing a Pittsburgh newspaper to dub Pitt tained. In my judgment, —Steve Pederson convinced me to come to “Comeback U.” and this assessment the University of Pitts- Pederson departed Pitt in December is shared by countless burgh back in 1999,” Pitt 2002 to become athletic director at his others, Steve Pederson is one of this coun- men’s basketball coach said. alma mater, the University of Nebraska. try’s most talented and accomplished ath- “He has continued to be a tremendous friend Steve Pederson He returns to Pittsburgh nearly 11 years to letic directors, and I am very pleased that and a person I have regularly sought out for the day of his initial Pitt appointment by he is returning to Pitt.” advice and direction over the years. I am Nordenberg. “I am grateful to Chancellor Norden- incredibly excited that Steve and his family Year honorees (football, men’s and women’s “For six exciting years, Steve Pederson berg for the opportunity to again be part are returning to our University. Everyone basketball, baseball, track and field, and led the through a of this great University, city, and region,” in our department is going to benefit from volleyball), an unprecedented achievement period of unprecedented progress in inter- Pederson said. “Leaving here five years ago his leadership.” by a Big East athletic director. collegiate athletics,” Nordenberg said. “For was the hardest professional decision of my During his initial Pitt tenure, Pederson many, the most visible development was life. Coming back was the easiest. As great hired six Big East Conference Coach-of-the- Continued on Page 3 2 • Pitt Chronicle • December 3, 2007 Education, History Dept. Team Up for Joint Degree New master’s combines graduate study in history with certification in secondary education to changing curricular demands, and remain engaged in their profession. The history department and education’s BrieflyNoted Social Studies Education Program devel- oped the new degree program. “As envisioned, the MAHE offers future teachers the opportunity to conduct gradu- ate study in history to learn the craft of the historian, and to develop professional rela- Pitt to Offer individuals for effective and ethical leadership in the public tions with faculty and peers,” said William Holiday Dinner arena. It has operations in Los Angeles, San Chase, Pitt professor of history. “Graduates To Needy and Francisco, New York, St. Louis, Kansas City, not only earn their certification, but also get Homeless Dec. 25 and Cleveland. By Patricia Lomando White to experience the rigors of demanding dis- For more information about today’s ciplinary training.” The two-year program Pitt’s Marketplace will host lecture, call 412-624-7382. Pitt’s School of Education and the requires students to take graduate-level Department of History in the School of Arts history courses during the first year and the Second Annual Salvation Army —Sharon S. Blake and Sciences have joined to offer the Master courses in the School of Education’s Master Christmas Dinner for the homeless and of Arts in History Education (MAHE) of Arts in Teaching and Professional Year needy on Dec. 25. Director of degree, a new degree that combines graduate programs in the second year. The event marks the second Smart-Growth study in history with professional training Program graduates will acquire the year that the Pitt Volunteer Pool and Partnership and certification in secondary social studies history expertise required for the Master the Salvation Army have organized At UPG Elected education. of Arts in history. They will also earn the the free dinner. About 400 adults President of Pa. According to David Berman, educa- Instruction I certification in secondary and children are expected this year, Planning Association tion professor and coordinator of the Social social studies education that is required to said Gwen Watkins, a special events Studies Education Program in the School teach history and social studies in Pennsyl- coordinator with the University’s Office Alexander J. Graziani was elected to of Education, the idea for the MAHE is to vania public schools. In addition to the academic coursework of Community and Governmental a two-year term as president of the Pennsylvania better prepare history and social studies teachers to begin their careers on a solid needed to fulfill the MAHE degree require- Relations. The meal is also open to Planning Association (PPA). intellectual and pedagogical footing, adjust ments, students must pass the PRAXIS I University students who are unable to Graziani is executive director of the Smart Growth General Knowledge test to be admitted return home for the holidays, she said. Partnership of Westmoreland County, which is based at to the program. They must also take the Dinner will be served in the the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Founded in PRAXIS II Content Knowledge test, gen- lower level of from 2001, the center works to support meaningful economic erally taken during the second summer of approximately 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. growth that also improves Chronicling the program, to obtain the Internship Cer- Santa will make an appearance to give presents residents’ quality of life. An ongoing series highlighting tification required for the internship field to the children, and Mrs. Claus will read stories. PPA is a nonprofit, University of Pittsburgh history experience in the schools. Everyone attending will receive a gift bag, which nonpartisan organization The MAHE provides stipends from par- ticipating school districts for their internship will include a hat-and-glove set. for professional planners experience upon receipt of the Internship Watkins said donations of new hat-and-glove and planning officials, as Certificate. During the second year of the sets—for children or for adults—can be delivered to 710 well as other organizations program, students will serve an internship Alumni Hall by Mon., Dec. 10. Anyone wanting to volun- and individuals interested field experience in a local school district teer for the event can contact Watkins at 412-624-7702. in planning. It is a chapter from September through June of the public The Pitt Volunteer Pool was formed in 1991 by Pitt of the national American school year. staff and faculty who were interested in volunteering for Planning Association. Applications for admission to the Alexander J. Graziani local nonprofit organizations. The pool comprises 2,500 Graziani previously MAHE can be found on the history depart- faculty and staff who work primarily in teams on more served two terms as vice president and one term as ment’s Web site at www.pitt.edu/~pitthist/ than 100 community projects. treasurer of PPA. In 2004, Gov. Ed Rendell appointed him graduate/ and on the School of Education Web site at www.education.pitt.edu. The —Jane-Ellen Robinet to serve a four-year term on the reactivated Pennsylvania deadline for applications for the first year State Planning Board. of the program is Jan. 15, 2008. Sala Udin to Discuss Race, Graziani received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Poverty, and Sprawl Issues Westminster College and his Master of Public Policy and Management degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Sala Udin, president and CEO of the Coro Center —Wendy Mackall CORRECTION Dec. 3, 1942—Pitt was mourning the loss In the story “37 Weeks and Counting: Jazz Week Capped for Civic Leadership in Pittsburgh and a former Pittsburgh of the first “flying ace” of World War II City Council member, will deliver a lecture today on social UPB Names Director for With Sold-Out Concert” (Pitt Chronicle, Nov. 12), the and the youngest lieutenant colonel in name of jazz musician Joe Bonadio was misspelled. problems associated with urban decline. Business Resource Center the U.S. Army Air Forces (AAF). Boyd D. The lecture, from noon to 1:30 p.m., will be held “Buzz” Wagner, 26, had taken off several days at Pitt’s Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP), Ann R. Robinson was named director of the Business earlier in a P-40 fighter plane on a routine flight 2017 . CRSP is part of Pitt’s School Resource Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, from Alabama to Elgin, Fla. He never arrived. It was of Social Work. effective Oct. 1. months before the plane’s wreckage was found 25 The talk, which is free and open to the public, The center helps entrepreneurs begin or expand a miles north of Elgin. is part of the Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Fall 2007 business by assisting in the writing of business plans, iden- A native of Nanty Glo, Pa., Wagner entered PittNewspaper ofChronicle the University of Pittsburgh Speaker Series. Lunch will be provided, and registration is tifying financial help and training programs, and analyzing Pitt in 1934 to study aeronautical engineering, but PUBLISHER Robert Hill not required. finances and products. dropped out three years later to enlist in the AAF. He ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER John Harvith Udin’s lecture, titled “Challenges of Race, Poverty, “The Business Resource Center is an integral part of was stationed in the Philippines when the Japanese EXECUTIVE EDITOR Linda K. Schmitmeyer and Sprawl,” will examine what he calls “profound Pitt-Bradford, and Ann Robinson has played a key role in declared war on the United States. EDITOR Jason Togyer demographic changes over the past 50 years in the making it a success,” said Bridgett Passauer, UPB director of On Dec. 12, 1941, Wagner, flying alone on a ART DIRECTOR Gary Cravener STAFF WRITERS Sharon S. Blake population and resources of the urban core.” He said auxiliary services, who oversees the resource center. reconnaissance mission, was attacked by two groups that underrepresented people are locked in, prevented Robinson said the center assesses clients’ needs and John Fedele of Japanese fighter planes. He shot down four and Morgan Kelly from accessing jobs, housing, and quality education. points them to the appropriate small-business resources outraced the others. Five days later, Wagner and two Amanda Leff Meanwhile, he said, the quality of life inside the urban available. “It’s all about collaboration and regional partner- other pilots attacked a Japanese air base, destroying Anthony M. Moore core continues to deteriorate. “The long-term viability ships,” she said. nine planes and damaging seven others. Patricia Lomando White of the region is inextricably bound to the viability of the Robinson is also responsible for the administration of His exploits earned him the Distinguished CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michele Baum urban core to which it is connected,” Udin says. “If the the WEDnetPA Program, Pennsylvania’s Guaranteed Free Service Cross, and Time magazine called him “the E.J. Borghetti heart fails, the body dies.” Training Program. She assists regional manufacturing and best, the bravest, the hottest pilot, and the swellest Greg Hotchkiss During his 11 years on Pittsburgh City Council, Udin technology-based businesses in applying for and receiving guy in the Air Forces.” In 1953, a new high school Wendy Mackall became known as a voice for the poor and oppressed. grant funds for job training. In this fiscal year, Pitt-Bradford at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines was named Maureen McGaffin Michael Schneider He led the city’s contracting of a disparity study, which and the Business Resource Center, as a WEDnetPA Partner, in his honor. resulted in an unprecedented number of underrepresented will help to bring more than $330,000 in training dollars Maria Sticco Kimberly Marcott Weinberg groups obtaining jobs or construction contracts for the to the region. HAPPENINGS EDITOR Tearsa Brown demolition of and the construction Robinson, who has been with the center since 2002, of PNC Park and . Udin served as chair of city was its interim director prior to her appointment. Previously, The Pitt Chronicle is published throughout the year by University News and Magazines, University of Pittsburgh, council’s finance and budget committee for three succes- she served as a field executive for the Keystone Tall Tree 400 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, sive two-year terms. Girl Scout Council for 10 years and owned Ready, Set, Grow Phone: 412-624-1033, Fax: 412-624-4895, E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chronicle.pitt.edu Coro is a national nonprofit organization that child development center for five years. seeks to strengthen the democratic process by preparing —Kimberly Marcott Weinberg The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate upon any basis prohibited by law. December 3, 2007 • University of Pittsburgh • 3 Pederson Returns to Pitt inaugural campaign in the 12,508-seat Petersen Events Cen- ter—was sold out. In football, Peder- son formed a marketing and ticket-pricing plan that resulted in record attendance for the 2003 season. Season tickets were sold out for the ’03 campaign as the Panthers averaged an all-time record 59,197 fans for their home season, surpassing the previous mark of During his first stint as Pitt’s athletic director, Pederson oversaw completion of the John M. 54,818 set in 1982. and Gertrude E. Pederson’s tenure witnessed a major Continued from Page 1 strengthening of Pitt’s athletic infrastructure. In 1999, he charged an unknown coach With Nordenberg, he helped shape the vision

from Northern Arizona University with the of the Petersen Events Center, the state-of- MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE task of resurrecting the Panthers’ struggling the-art convocation center that dramatically men’s basketball program. That coach, revolutionized Pitt’s campus upon its open- Pitt education senior John DeGroat and many former Pitt basketball players returned to pay tribute to the late Bill Baierl during , would build Pitt into a Big ing in 2002. an alumni game Nov. 4. Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg (inset) served as one of the referees. East power and was named the consensus The Petersen Center is widely consid- National Coach of the Year in 2002. ered one of the finest college basketball Pitt, which had not been to the NCAA venues in the country, and it also has been Athletics Honors Baierl With First Alumni Game Tournament in nine years, advanced to the a major asset for student life, providing “Sweet 16” in 2002 after posting a school- outstanding recreational facilities and an By Greg Hotchkiss record 29 victories. The following season, impressive venue for graduation ceremo- Pitt would reach No. 2 in the polls, capture nies. Pitt basketball stars of the past have (CGS ’87) and Sam Clancy had inadver- its first Big East Tournament championship, Pederson was at the forefront of the foot- paid tribute to one of the most generous and tently called a timeout before the shot. and again advance to the NCAA regional ball program’s move into the UPMC Sports enthusiastic contributors to the University’s Clancy was a basketball standout for semifinals. Performance Complex, which included the athletics programs. Pitt until 1981, when he left to pursue a Since that time, Pitt basketball has forging of a unique relationship between The inaugural Bill Baierl Alumni Game career in the National Basketball Associa- become one of the nation’s most consistent UPMC, a professional sports franchise, and was held Nov. 4 at the Petersen Events tion. He returned to Pitt in 2006 to complete winners, advancing to six consecutive college athletic program. Center in honor of the former basketball his degree. Rohrssen, now head men’s bas- NCAA tournaments from 2002 to 2007. Pitt football gained a sparkling new letterman and dedicated long-time supporter ketball coach at Manhattan College, was Pitt football was revitalized under Ped- home in Heinz Field under Pederson’s watch of the Pitt athletics program. a Pitt assistant coach and associate head erson’s watch. Upon his arrival, the Panthers in 2001.The Panthers created a prominent William R. Baierl, who during a five- coach. were coming off seven consecutive seasons presence at the new stadium with their logos decade career in business turned a single car With four seconds left, the Golds had without a bowl. By the end of his tenure, on the seating, gates and signage. Pederson dealership in Beaver County, Pa., into a $200 an opportunity to score but missed several Pitt earned four bowl berths in six years, additionally initiated the renaming of Mar- million chain of automobile businesses, died shots—including one blocked by Charles including back-to-back postseason wins in tindale Street to “Tony Dorsett Drive” to April 14, 2007. He was 78. Smith (CAS ’88)—to give the Blues its 2001 and 2002. further enhance Pitt’s identity on the North Baierl (EDUC ’51) provided the lead 51-48 win. The ’02 team finished 9-4, the pro- Shore. gift for the construction of the Petersen Smith, Big East Rookie of the Year gram’s best mark in 20 years, and ranked underwent a Center’s 43,000-square foot Baierl Student in 1984-85, Big East Player of the Year in No. 18 in the final polls. major renovation in 1998-99, providing Recreation Center and the Baierl Basketball 1988, Pitt’s leading all-time scorer, and Pitt enjoyed tremendous achievements Pitt’s Olympic sports programs with new Center, which houses Pitt’s locker rooms, 1988 Olympic bronze medalist, was one of in attendance under Pederson. In NCAA locker and training facilities. team meeting rooms, and training and many former Pitt basketball standouts who Division I men’s basketball, Pitt ranked also underwent major upgrades to accom- practice facilities. participated. among the nation’s top five schools in atten- modate both baseball and Pitt’s new softball Festivities at the event included an University of Memphis dance increase for two consecutive years program. autograph signing session during men’s basketball coach John (2001-02 and 2002-03). Pederson and his wife have three chil- halftime of the women’s game, Calipari also attended. The 2002-03 basketball season—the dren: Mark, Kari, and Kristin. a video tribute celebrating Calipari is a former Baierl’s life, and a 30-minute Pitt assistant men’s alumni game. basketball coach. The video tribute fea- For more infor- MEDICAL MISSION tured interviews with Pitt mation, visit: pitts- women’s basketball coach burghpanthers. Agnus Berenato, Pitt cstv.com men’s basketball coach Jamie Dixon, and Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. B a i e r l’s w i f e , Carole, and cousin, Lee, both spoke to the audience. A moment of silence in Baierl’s honor also was observed. Then a group of Pitt alumni—divided into Blue and Gold squads—battled for the first alumni game title in a closely contested game, Two Pitt faculty traveled with Project Africa Global Inc. (PAG) to Manzini, Swaziland, this summer to present an with the Blues defeating the Golds, anesthesia machine to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital. The machine—the first of its kind at the hospital—was 51-48. The Golds battled back from donated by Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. a large halftime deficit. After the Shown with hospital staff are, second from left, Condessa Curley-Haley (CAS ’76), chief executive officer Golds’ Darren Morningstar (CAS of PAG, and, center, Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, a professor in the Pitt Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and ’91) hit one of two free throws to Reproduction in Pitt’s School of Medicine and director of the department’s Global Health Program. Not shown is cut the Blues’ lead to 49-48, the Larkins-Pettigrew’s husband, Chenits Pettigrew, assistant dean of student affairs and director of diversity programs Blues’ Bobby Martin (CAS ’91) in Pitt’s School of Medicine. was fouled. Martin hit both of his free Based in Los Angeles and maintaining an office in the Pittsburgh area, PAG is a nonprofit organization that throw attempts, and the Golds trailed by links health care resources in the United States with the developing countries of Africa. As part of their work with three points with 10 seconds remaining. PAG, Pettigrew and Larkins-Pettigrew have traveled to Africa for the past three years to treat patients, present a On the next possession, the Golds’ Top photo: Alumni games organizer and participant Charles MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE medical conference, and teach teenagers about the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Antonio Graves (CAS ’07) hit a 3-pointer, but the points were disallowed because Gold Smith (CAS ’88). Bottom: Carole Baierl along with Bill Bairel’s coaches Barry Rohrssen, Curtis Aiken, cousin, Lee Baierl, share remarks before the game. JOE KAPELEWSKI/CIDDE 4 • Pitt Chronicle • December 3, 2007 Science&Technology Pitt Cardiologists Identify New Gene Responsible for Sudden Cardiac Arrest By Maureen McGaffin

Researchers in Pitt’s School of fied a mutation in a previously unstudied Medicine have identified a new gene gene, GPD1-L, on chromosome 3p24. This responsible for a rare, inherited form of mutation impairs the heart’s natural electri- sudden cardiac arrest known as Brugada cal ability to beat in a coordinated manner syndrome. and maintain a stable rhythm, he said. The team hopes identification of Patients with Brugada syndrome rarely this new gene will shed light on more have symptoms, London said, though they common causes of heart attacks and carry the genetic mutation all the time. “So, heart failure, and will help the develop- the question now is, why do arrhythmias or ment of new, effective therapeutic treat- sudden death happen on any one particular ments that will prevent all types of fatal day?” he said. “Something else is happening arrhythmias. concurrently with this mutation to trigger The team was led by Barry London, the potentially lethal rhythm problems.” the Harry S. Tack professor of medicine, With the identification of the GPD1-L chief of the division of cardiology in Pitt’s gene, London’s team hopes to discover School of Medicine, and director of the additional genes that control the heart’s University of Pittsburgh Medical Center rhythms and increase their understanding (UPMC) Cardiovascular Institute. of the mechanisms that lead to arrhythmias Their findings were reported in Brugada syndrome patients and in the Nov. 12 issue of Circula- others. tion: Journal of the Ameri- London’s collaborators can Heart Association. include Michael Michalec, NSF Grant Aids Study of The paper is online and Haider Mehdi, Xiadong Zhu, available by going to circ. Laurie Kerchner, Prakash ahajournals.org. C. Viswanathan, Mohan Power Plant Pollution Brugada syndrome is Madhusudanan, Catherine By Morgan Kelly a rare inherited arrhyth- Baty, Stephen Lagana, Ryan mia, more commonly Aleong, Rebecca Gutmann, The planet could breathe easier if new application,” Friedman said. “Suc- found in men. It can be dis- and Dennis McNamara, all research now under way in Pitt’s chemistry cessfully developing and applying covered when the patient has from the University of Pittsburgh department proves fruit- ca rbon- capt u r i ng an electrocardiogram (ECG) Barry London Cardiovascular Institute; along ful. Professors Lawrence molecules would be a after reporting unexplained with researchers from the Mayo Friedman and Toby Chap- This research is good method for get- fainting spells. Clinic College of Medicine, Ohio man are working with sev- ting our arms around In about 20 percent of Brugada syn- State University, Emory University, and the eral students to develop novel in that it uses carbon dioxide emis- drome patients, mutations in the heart’s Atlanta VA Medical Center. polymers that capture specifically designed sions.” sodium channels lead to less current His study was funded in part by the carbon dioxide emissions Friedman also flow and shorter heartbeats in part of National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, from coal-burning polymers to capture will develop and the heart. That puts patients at risk for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant power plants so teach a short course rapid, abnormal heart rhythms. Without and the American Heart Association Estab- they can be dis- carbon dioxide and has on green chemistry as warning, a seemingly healthy patient can lished Investigator Awards. posed of in an part of his fellowship pass out or suffer a sudden cardiac arrest environmen- immediate application and organize a semi- from an arrhythmia. tally friendly nar program that will Arrhythmias remain a major public way. as a potential solution bring leaders in green health problem leading to more than They are syn- for uncontrolled carbon chemistry and chemi- 250,000 sudden cardiac deaths thesizing the cal engineering to Pitt each year. Brugada syndrome was polymers in dioxide emissions. to make technical pre- only identified approximately 15 collaboration sentations and interact years ago and much is still not w it h D av id with students. understood about the condition, Luebke of the National Energy In addition, undergraduates will London said. It is found all over Technology Laboratory (NETL), who contribute to the development of green the world and presently there will test the polymers’ effectiveness. chemistry laboratory projects for is no cure. The project is supported by a Discov- mainstream introductory and organic The best therapy to ery Corps Senior Fellowship, which Fried- chemistry courses. These students date is to implant a defi- man received from the National Science also will be involved with outreach brillator into the chests Foundation’s (NSF) Division of Chemistry with the University’s College in High of patients who are and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activi- School program and with Bidwell clinically found to be ties for the 2007-08 academic year. Training Center’s Chemical Technician at high risk. Though in its early stages, the project program. Using posi- builds on previous work involving unique tional cloning and polymers (large molecules made of smaller gene sequencing on molecules) that are able to capture a family affected carbon dioxide from flue gases, are with Brugada syn- stable to flue gas components, and drome, London and are inexpensive to prepare in large colleagues identi- quantities. Although the concept of carbon-capturing materials is not new, this research is novel in that it uses specifically designed polymers to capture carbon diox- ide and has immediate application as a potential solution for uncon- trolled carbon dioxide emissions. “We’ve established a work- ing relationship with the National Energy Technology Lab that will result in the materials we make at Pitt going directly into an Lawrence Friedman (left) and Toby Chapman December 3, 2007 • University of Pittsburgh • 5 Awards&More

PSC Recognized for Innovation poets who take up a lot of space on my bookshelf.” HPCwire, a leading electronic news “Unlike other first book contests, service that covers high-performance where you get published then ignored, computing (HPC) and communication, has the Starrett Prize offers you the chance awarded two of its 2007 Reader’s Choice to develop a working relationship Awards for innovation to the Pittsburgh with an editor. This is increasingly Supercomputing Center (PSC). uncommon,” he said. “I really PSC’s biomedical research program, admire the series, and am truly the National Resource for Biomedical honored to have won this year’s Supercomputing (NRBSC), won an award prize.” Alumni Banners Awarded; for “Most Innovative Use of HPC in the Life McGriff describes his collection Sciences,” while ZEST, a PSC-developed as “a witness to the landscapes and Chicago Club Nets Top Prize file system that makes very large-scale industries of rural American life.” The scientific computing more efficient, won for poems focus on a blue-collar Oregon lumber The Pitt Alumni Association has “Most Innovative HPC Storage Technology town, much like his birthplace of Coos Bay. received an Award of Excellence. awarded the Pitt Club of Chicago its or Product.” The awards were presented He uses a broad range of styles—from the The Golden Triangle Awards, pre- 2007 Club/Council of the Year award— Nov. 12 during Supercomputing 2007 in strictly narrative to the expansively medita- sented by IABC/Pittsburgh, recognize the top award given to the banner status Reno, Nev., an international conference for tive, from the grounded to the surreal. excellence in communications manage- applicants. Along with this award, the high-performance computing, networking, Currently a Stegner Fellow at Stanford ment, skills, and creativity throughout alumni association also announced the storage, and analysis. University, McGriff attended the University Western Pennsylvania. blue and gold banner awards to various Established in 1987, NRBSC was the of Oregon and University of Texas at Austin, In all, 11 Awards of Excellence and Pitt alumni organizations. first external biomedical supercomputing where he was a James A. Michener Fellow 43 Awards of Honor were presented at Established in 1998, the banner program funded by the National Institutes in Poetry and Fiction. He’s been awarded a this year’s competition. program recognizes Pitt alumni clubs, of Health. NRBSC scientists conduct core Ruth Lilly Fellowship from the Poetry Foun- IABC/Pittsburgh presented Office of councils, societies, and regional asso- research that connects supercomputing with dation. His poetry and translations have Public Affairs projects and staff members ciations that participate in communica- the life sciences and develop collaborations appeared in Agni, Poetry, Field, Northwest with 14 Awards of Honor in 12 different tions, fundraising, student recruitment, with biomedical researchers around the Review, Crazyhorse, Poetry Northwest, categories: programs, and scholarships, among other country, providing computational resources, and elsewhere. A limited-edition collec- activities that support the mission of the outreach and training. tion of poems, Choke, was published by Annual Reports: 2006 Report of alumni association. “Over the past decade, computing has Traprock Books in 2006. His translation of Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg Criteria for the award include the become essential to almost all aspects of Tomas Tranströmer’s The Sorrow Gondola Annual Reports Design: Marci completion of annual requirements and biomedicine,” says PSC’s Joel Stiles, direc- is forthcoming from Green Integer Books Belchick, 2006 Community and Eco- one activity in each of the following tor of NRBSC. “Here at the NRBSC, we’re in 2008. nomic Impact Reports categories: financial strength, com- developing and distributing computational The Starrett Prize was established in Brochures/Leaflets Design: Coleen munications, student involvement, and tools in simulation, visualization, and 1981 and bears the name of the Press’s first Rush, What Will Be Your Legacy? partnerships. education that are helping to transform our director. It is awarded for a first full-length Communications Management: The association’s banner awardees understanding of life and disease.” book of poems and includes a $5,000 prize Madelyn A. Ross, associate vice chan- for 2007 are: ZEST, developed by PSC’s Advanced and publication in the Press’s acclaimed cellor for national media relations and Systems Group, is a prototype for speed- poetry series. The series was founded in University Marketing Communications, Blue Banner Status ing up the way that data is saved on large 1968 to publish the best in contemporary “Freedom House,” the celebration/com- Boston Area Pitt Club computing platforms, thus eliminating a American poetry. munications of the 40th anniversary of College of General Studies major bottleneck in transferring files. ZEST —Maria Sticco the Hill District-based Freedom House Alumni Society will directly apply to so-called “petascale” Ambulance Service, the world’s first Metro Pittsburgh Pitt Club platforms (computing systems comprised of mobile emergency medical care unit New York City Pitt Club tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands Public Affairs Staffers Receive Graphic Design (Book and Maga- South Florida Pitt Club of processors) and its goal is creating maxi- zine Covers): Marci Belchick, 2006 Com- mum reliability at low per-unit cost. 17 IABC/Pittsburgh Awards munity and Economic Impact Reports Gold Banner Status The PSC is a joint venture between the Graphic Design (Other): “Freedom African American University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of House” project Alumni Council University, and Monroeville, Pa.-based Public Affairs was honored with 17 awards Magazines: Cindy Gill, editor-in- Chesapeake & Potomac Pitt Club Westinghouse Electric Company. Estab- by the Pittsburgh chapter of the International chief, for Pitt Magazine Pitt Club of Chicago lished in 1986, PSC is supported by several Association of Business Communicators Magazines Design: Elena G. Cerri, Cincinnati, Columbus, federal agencies, the Commonwealth of (IABC). Pitt Med; and Don Henderson, Engineer- Dayton Pitt Club Pennsylvania, and private industry, and is a Three projects produced by Public ing News Graduate School of Public leading partner in the TeraGrid, the National Affairs claimed the top prizes in their cat- Newsletters Design: Amy Porta and International Affairs Science Foundation’s cyberinfrastructure egories. Kleebank, World of Giving Alumni Society program. The honors were presented Sept. 26 at Newspapers/Tabloids: Linda K. Graduate School of Public —Michael Schneider the 28th annual Golden Triangle Awards Schmitmeyer, executive editor, for Pitt Health Alumni Society ceremony, held at the Twentieth Century Chronicle Greater Philadelphia Pitt Club Club in . Master of ceremonies was Newspapers/Tabloids Design: Gary New Jersey Pitt Alumni Club Oregon Native Wins Press Jennifer Antkowiak, formerly a reporter at Cravener, art director, Pitt Chronicle Pitt Band Alumni Council KDKA-TV and currently the head of Jen- Special Publications: Blue Gold and Pitt Bradford Alumni Association 2007 Starrett Prize nifer Productions, which produces At Home Black 2006 and 2006 Community and School of Dental Medicine With Jennifer magazine, a locally syndicated Economic Impact Reports Alumni Society Michael McGriff is the 2007 winner of newspaper column, and a weekly talk show IABC is a not-for-profit international School of Education Alumni the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize—one for WTAE-TV. network of public relations and marketing Society of America’s most distinguished awards for Pitt’s 17 awards were the most of any professionals that develops educational School of Engineering a first book of poetry—for his collection organization entered in the competition. resources, services, and activities for indi- Alumni Society Dismantling the Hills. According to IABC/Pittsburgh organizers, viduals and organizations in the field. School of Health and McGriff’s manuscript was selected 132 entries were received this year. Earlier this year, Pitt’s Office of Rehabilitation Sciences from several hundred entries, with Ed The top prize—the IABC Award of Public Affairs received five Circle of Alumni Society Ochester, editor, serving Excellence—was presented to Executive Excellence Awards during the annual School of Information as this year’s judge. It will be published by Creative Director Marci Belchick in the cat- meeting of the Council for Advancement Sciences Alumni Society the University of Pittsburgh Press in the egory “Graphic Design: Book and Magazine and Support of Education (CASE) in New School of Medicine Alumni fall of 2008. Covers” for Blue Gold and Black 2006 and to York City. Society “To say the very least, I’m honored that Assistant Creative Director Don Henderson Public Affairs received a gold award School of Nursing Alumni Society Dismantling the Hills is an upcoming Pitt in the category “Publication Design: Annual in the category of “Individual Special School of Pharmacy Alumni title,” said McGriff, a 30-year-old Oregon Reports” for the 2006 Engineering Annual Events” for the Three Rivers Youth Society native who now resides in San Francisco. Report. 125th anniversary exhibition and open- School of Social Work “From Tranströmer to Levis, from Olds In the category “Publications: Maga- ing event, and a bronze award in the Alumni Society to Ostriker, from Kooser to Orr, the Pitt zines,” Pitt Med, the quarterly publication —Patricia Lomando White Poetry Series represents a broad range of of the University’s School of Medicine, also Continued on Page 6 6 • Pitt Chronicle • December 3, 2007 Awards&More Continued from Page 5 category “Individual Public Relations/ Diabetes Association (ADA) and the senior vice president for finance and treasurer of at Pitt and in Canada and the Nether- Community Relations Projects” for the vice president of the International Diabetes Drexel University and the Medical College lands, spanning the fields of sociol- same project. Foundation (IDF). She also has been named of Pennsylvania, has been presented annu- ogy, political science, and information In addition, bronze Circle of Excel- the chair of the 2009 IDF World Diabetes ally by UEI since 2001. science. lence Awards were presented to Pitt Med Congress. The Pittsburgh Pirates’s Minority Busi- In addition, the editorial team for in the category “Special Interest Maga- Past honors have included the ADA ness Advisory Board honored Pitt’s RISE: the curriculum guide Peace, Justice, zines,” Pitt Chronicle for “Print Internal awards for Outstanding Contributions to Reaching Inside Your Soul for Excellence and Security Studies has selected for Audience Tabloids/Newsletters,” and Diabetes in Youth and for Distinguished program during the team’s African Ameri- inclusion the syllabus from a course Pitt Magazine for “Periodical Staff Writ- International Service to the Cause of Dia- can Heritage Day celebration. that Carpenter teaches at Pitt called ing for External Audiences.” betes. A citation from Winifred Torbert, “Humanitarianism in World Politics.” A sixth CASE Circle of Excellence Siminerio received the award at the Pirates director of community development, Peace, Justice, and Security Stud- Award—bronze—was presented to Pitt’s 18th annual J.K. Lilly Distinguished Service praised the RISE program for its “outstand- ies compiles syllabi for schools to use School of Law for Today’s Cutting Edge Award Gala on Nov. 3 in Indianapolis. ing demonstration of selfless humanity” as they build new programs in peace Scholars in the category of “Individual Xiaoyan Zhang was awarded a 2007 and its dedication “to the enrichment and and security studies. The curriculum Institutional Relations Publications.” Erin McGurk Research Grant development of underprivileged guide is underwritten and produced by In other recent awards competitions, from the Orthopedic Research youths” in Pittsburgh. the Plowshares Project, a collaborative Pitt Magazine received the following Laboratory Alumni Council Administered by Pitt’s effort of Earlham College in Richmond, awards: (ORLAC) for a project entitled Office of Student Affairs, Ind.; Goshen College in Goshen, Ind.; International Galaxy Awards: Gold “A Subject-Specific Model of RISE is a mentoring program and Manchester College in North for University Magazines, Gold for the Anterior Cruciate Liga- that helps students perfect Manchester, Ind., and funded in part Copywriting, and Silver for Magazine ment.” the skills necessary to finish by a $14.3 million grant from the Lilly Design; and Zhang is a predoctoral their college degrees. RISE Endowment. MarCom Creative Awards: Platinum research fellow in Pitt’s Mus- staff were honored at an on- The editors of the book received for “Magazine (Educational Institution)” culoskeletal Research Center field ceremony at PNC Park more than 200 entries and selected only and Platinum for “Magazine Writing.” (MRC) and is conducting her Aug. 4 before the Pirates played 75 for publication. The next edition of work under the supervision of the Cincinnati Reds. the curriculum guide, used by nearly Linda Siminerio, executive director the MRC’s founder and director, Charli Carpenter Charli Carpenter, pro- 400 American colleges and universities, of the University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Savio L-Y. Woo, University Pro- fessor of international will be published next year. Institute and a professor in the Schools fessor of Bioengineering in Pitt’s School affairs in Pitt’s Graduate School of E. Maxine Bruhns, of Medicine and Nursing, has received of Engineering. McGurk grants provide Public and International Affairs director of Pitt’s Nation- the Josiah Kirby Lilly Sr. Distinguished funding for female graduate students to (GSPIA), has been awarded ality Rooms Program, Service Award for outstanding contribu- perform musculoskeletal research during $647,000 by the National was one of three alumni tions to the lives of persons with diabetes the summer. Science Foundation (NSF) from Bridgeport High mellitus. United Educators Insurance (UEI) to study why certain human School chosen to inau- The award is named for Josiah Risk Retention Group has honored Jane rights issues are adopted by gurate the school’s Kirby Lilly Sr., the son of the founder Thompson, Pitt’s associate vice chancel- the international community new “Hall of Fame,” of Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly & Co. lor for planning and analysis, with its while others are ignored. Her in Bridgeport, W.Va. A pharmaceuticals who became president prestigious Frank J. Bachich Award. UEI project, “Issue Adoption in 1941 graduate, Bruhns of the company after his father’s death is an insurance company owned by 1,160 Human Rights Advocacy Net- told the Bridgeport News in 1898. member colleges, universities, public school works,” will focus on the role of E. Maxine Bruhns that she remains “very Siminerio was the first woman districts, and other related organizations. A transnational advocacy networks close” to her alma mater editor of Diabetes Forecast magazine 20-year veteran Pitt employee, Thompson in issue creation. and was excited to learn that she was and has authored several books on dia- has served on UEI’s board of directors for Carpenter’s research team will map among the first three inductees. betes. In addition to leading numerous 10 years, including three years as secretary- the global human rights network using both Director of Pitt’s Nationality research projects and publishing both treasurer. surveys and analysis of advocacy Web sites, Rooms Program since 1965, Bruhns is scientific and patient articles, she has An accompanying citation on the determine what issues they consider salient, a graduate of and been a powerful advocate for diabetes Bachich Award calls Thompson “a model decide where gaps exist, and host a series of in May received an honorary Doctorate education worldwide. director, leading by example and demon- focus groups with human rights organiza- of Humane Letters degree from West Currently cochair of the Pennsylva- strating at every turn the highest level of tions to explore reasons why some issues Virginia Wesleyan University. She nia Action Plan for Diabetes, Siminerio loyalty, creativity, intelligence, ethical deci- receive more attention than others. and the other two Bridgeport alumni previously served as president of Health sion making, and hard work.” The award, The project is an international, interdis- were honored at a formal dinner on Care and Education for the American named for the late Frank J. Bachich, senior ciplinary collaboration between researchers Aug. 30.

Giuliani, Thornburgh Help University Dedicate Waldman Room Continued from Page 1 sional counsel. Institutional Advancement Al Novak; and But, Giuliani joked, both men were Rush Miller, Hillman University Librarian, wrong on the most important advice they director of University Libraries, and profes- gave each other; Waldman told Giuliani not sor of information sciences. to run for mayor of New York City, while The master of ceremonies was Paul Giuliani, afraid Waldman would find a fed- Critchlow, vice chair of Merrill Lynch & eral judgeship stifling, told him not to seek Co., who served as Thornburgh’s press an appointment to the bench. secretary from 1978 to 1984 and helped lead “I was completely wrong,” Giuliani the fundraising drive for the Waldman Room said. “I didn’t realize what a serious inter- along with Seif; Thornburgh’s son, John; and est he had in the law. He was tremendously Samuel S. Zacharias (CAS ’64), a principal dedicated, tremendously well respected by in Gateway Financial Group Inc., a member both sides. It proved that no matter how of Pitt’s Board of Trustees, and an emeritus well you think you know somebody, there’s president of the Pitt Alumni Association. always a deeper side to them. Other guests included philanthropist and “This is a joyous occasion because Jay Pitt benefactor Elsie Hillman; former Penn- was a very optimistic guy,” he said, “but sylvania attorney general D. Michael Fisher, I’m very sad and miss him tremendously, now a judge on the Third U.S. Circuit Court and I can’t go past Philadelphia in my many of Appeals and an emeritus member of Pitt’s travels without thinking of him.” Board of Trustees; and Evans Rose Jr. (LAW Giuliani and other speakers also paid ’59), a director of Cohen & Grigsby, P.C., tribute to Waldman’s wife, Roberta, an and an emeritus member of Pitt’s Board of assistant vice president at Merrill Lynch Trustees. & Co. James Seif, who worked with Wald- Roberta Waldman, widow of U.S. District Judge Jay C. Waldman, with former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani After the ceremony, Giuliani briefly man and Thornburgh on both the state and signed autographs for Pitt students, several federal levels, called Roberta Waldman “a Seminar Room as a reflection of the respect ebration included Provost and Senior Vice of whom took the opportunity to have their power package” and “a dynamo” behind her and affection we have for you, Bobbi,” Nor- Chancellor James V. Maher; Vice Provost photos taken using cell-phone cameras. late husband. denberg told Roberta Waldman. for Academic Planning and Resources Man- Guests then adjourned to the William Pitt “You should view this Jay Waldman Other Pitt officials included in the cel- agement Robert Pack; Vice Chancellor for Union for a luncheon. December 3, 2007 • University of Pittsburgh • 7

Spike-Timing-Dependent Potentiation Identified Through Investigation of Activity at Individual Synapses,” 10 a.m. Dec. 3, 1495 Biomedical Science Tower.

Debra M. Wolf, School of Nursing, Happenings “Effect of Patient-Centered Care on Patient Satisfaction at Hospital Dis- charge,” 11 a.m. Dec. 3, 331 Victoria Building.

Alison M. Colbert, School of Nursing, “Func- tional Medication- Taking, Health Lit- eracy, Self-Efficacy, and HIV Medication Adherence,” 3 p.m. Dec. 4, 451 Victoria Building.

Chen Li, Center for Neuroscience/Neu- robiology Graduate Program, “Cellular Specialization of Synaptic Integration in a Mammalian Sym- pathetic Ganglion,” 10 a.m. Dec. 7, 1496 Biomedical Science Tower.

Weiqun Yu, Depart- Gamelan Open House, , Dec. 5 ment of Biological Sciences, “Umbrella Cell Mechanotransduction and Stretch-Regulated Concerts Exocytosis/Endocytosis,” 1:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 1145 Scaife Hall. College-Community Choir, Annual 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Chatham University’s Childhood: Pictorialist Family Photogra- Science Tower, Pitt Office of Academic Winter Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Laughlin Music Center, Woodland Road, phy, c. 1890-1940, through Jan. 13, On a Career Development, www.oacd.health. Bromeley Family Theater, Pitt-Bradford, Shadyside, Chatham Baroque, 412-687- Grand Scale: The Hall of Architecture at pitt.edu. Opera/Theater/Dance www.upb.pitt.edu. 1788, www.chathambaroque.org. 100, through Jan. 27, and Design to Be Lit, through Feb. 10, 4400 Forbes Ave., “Autophagy, a Cellular Survival Season’s Greetings and The Santaland University of Pittsburgh Symphony The Pittsburgh Camerata, Star in the Oakland, 412-441-9786 ext. 224, www. Mechanism in Cancer Cells,” Xiao- Diaries by David Sadaris, Orchestra, performing works by Felix East, 8 p.m. Dec. 8; also 3 p.m. cmoa.org. Ming Yin, Pitt professor of pathology, 8 p.m., Dec. 6, 7, 8, Studio Theatre, B72 Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahm, Dec. 9 and 8 p.m. Dec. 15, various noon Dec. 12, 1104 Scaife Hall, Pitt Cathedral of Learning, Pitt Department 8 p.m. Dec. 5, Bellefield Hall Audito- church locations, 412-421-5884, www. Mattress Factory, India: New Instal- Department of Pathology, 412-648-1040, of Theatre Arts, 412-624-7529, www. rium, Pitt Department of Music, 412- pittsburghcamerata.org. lations, Part II, through Jan. 20, 500 http://path.upmc.edu. play.pitt.edu. Suggested donation of $5; 624-4125, www.music.pitt.edu. Sampsonia Way, Northside, 412-231- proceeds benefit the Pitt student chapter Christmas 3169, www.mattressfactory.org. “Managing Up: Obtaining the of the United States Institute for Theater Randy Weston’s African Rhythms Concert, various times through Dec. 9, Resources and Support to Succeed,” Technology. Quintet, Dec. 6-9, Manchester Crafts- Heinz Chapel, Pitt Department of Music, Cathie T. Siders, psychological and orga- men’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan St., 412-624-4125, www.music.pitt.edu. Lectures/Seminars/ nizational consultant at Siders Consult- A Different Drummer, various times Northside, MCG Jazz, 412-322-0800, ing, 8-10 a.m. Dec. 13, S100 Biomedical Dec. 7-10, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 www.mcgjazz.org. Life in Balance, 2-3 p.m. Dec. 9, Readings Science Tower, Pitt Office of Academic Penn Ave., East End, Dance Alloy The- Outdoor Deck, Carnegie Library of and Career Development, www.oacd. ater, 412-363-4321, www.dancealloy.org. Wandering Minstrels, A Pluckin’ Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, “Challenges of Race, Poverty, and health.pitt.edu. Good Time, 8 p.m. Dec. 7, St. Stanislaus Sunday Afternoon Music Series, 412- Sprawl,” Sala Udin, president and CEO A Christmas Carol, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Church, Smallman Street, Strip District, 622-3151, www.carnegielibrary.org. of Coro Center for Civic Leadership, Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Pitt- Chatham Baroque, 412-687-1788, www. noon-1:30 p.m. Dec. 3, School of Social Miscellaneous Johnstown, Nebraska Theater Caravan, chathambaroque.org. Cuarteto Latinoamericano With Work Conference Center, 2017 Cathedral www.nebraskatheatercaravan.com. Entrequatre, 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Carnegie of Learning, Pitt Center on Race and Robust Red and Whites for Winter, Kenny G Christmas Concert, 8 p.m. Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, Social Problems, 412-624-7382, www. 6:15 p.m. Dec. 5, Cabaret at Theater This Wonderful Life, 8 p.m. through Dec. 7, Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society, crsp.pitt.edu. Square, 655 Penn Ave., Downtown, Dec. 16, O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown, 412-456-6666, www. 412-624-4129, www.pittsburghchamber- Wednesday Wine Flight Series, 412-456- Ave., Downtown, Pittsburgh Public The- pgharts.org. music.org. “Former Colonies: Local or Univer- 6666, www.clocabaret.com. ater, 412-316-1600, www.pgharts.org. sal?” Roberto Schwarz, Brazilian liter- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, ary critic, 4 p.m. Dec. 4, 501 Cathedral Book Talk: Helen Clay Frick—Bitter- Murderers, 8 p.m. through Dec. 16, Phatasmagoria by Corigliano, Cello Exhibitions of Learning, Pitt Department of English, sweet Heiress by Martha Frick Syming- Lester Hamburg Studio, 57 S. 13th St., Concerto by Elgar, Symphony No. 39 by www.english.pitt.edu. ton Sanger, 4-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Dec. 5, City Theater, South Side, 412-431-2849, Mozart, Dec. 7-9, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Hillman Library, Cat Bird, through Frick Art Museum Auditorium, Frick Art www.pgharts.org. Ave., Downtown, 412-394-4900, www. today, Ground Floor, Pitt Department of Andrea Hollander Budy and Sheryl and Historical Center, 7227 Reynolds pittsburghsymphony.org. Special Collections, 412-648-8191, www. St. Germain, poetry reading, 8 p.m. St., Point Breeze, 412-371-0600, www. library.pitt.edu. Dec. 5, Carnegie Lecture Hall, 4400 frickart.org. University Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Forbes Ave., Oakland, 412-621-9893, Great Russian Nutcracker, 3 and Regina Gouger Miller Gallery, www.thepoetryforum.org. Dog Walking and Cat Cuddling, Special Events 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Patricia Maurides, Michelle Stitzlein, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 8, Animal Rescue League, Ave., Downtown, and Julie Stunden, “Protein Conformational Dynam- 6620 Hamilton Ave., East End, Pitt Vol- Gamelan Open House, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Heinz Hall Special through Dec. 21, ics and Allostery: Insights From unteer Pool, 412-624-7709, [email protected]. Dec. 5, 309A Bellefield Hall, Pitt Depart- Presentation, 412- Purnell Center Network Models,” Ivet Bahar, John K. ment of Music, 412-624-4126, www. 394-4900, www. for the Arts, 5000 Vries Chair in Computational Biology in Holiday Swags for the Door or Table, music.pitt.edu. pittsburghsym- Forbes Ave., Pitt School of Medicine, 4-5 p.m. Dec. 6, Adult Greens Workshop, 1:30-4:30 p.m. phony.org. Oakland, Carnegie Auditorium 5, Scaife Hall, Pitt McGowan Dec. 8, Lexington Education Center, Mellon University, Institute for Regenerative Medicine Frick Art and Historical Center, Alejandro 412-268-3618, Seminar Series, www.mirm.pitt.edu. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze, Escovedo, 7:30 p.m. www.cmu.edu/mil- 412-371-0600, www.frickart.org. Dec. 8, Carnegie lergallery. “The First Step: Mechanics of Start- Lecture Hall, 4400 ing a Small Business,” 7:30-10 a.m. Build Your Own Gingerbread Forbes Ave., Calli- The Andy Warhol Dec. 7, 104 , Pitt Small Busi- House, Holiday Workshop for ope Concert Series, Museum, Andy ness Development Center, 412-648-1542, Families, 412-394-3533, www. and Oz: Parallel www.pittentrepreneur.com. 12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Frick calliopehouse.com. Visions, A National Art and Historical Center, 7227 Gallery of Australia “Methods and Issues in the Study Reynolds St., Point Breeze, 412- Pitt Women’s 25th Anniversary of Expertise,” Robert Hoffman, senior 205-2022, www.frickart.org. Choral Ensemble Exhibition, Georgia research assistant at the Institute for Holiday Concert, O’Keeffe and Andy Human and Machine Cognition, Building Collaborations for 8 p.m. Dec. 8, Heinz Warhol, and Elusive noon-1 p.m. Dec. 7, Pitt Medical Educa- the Future, Annual Research Chapel, 412-624- Signs: Bruce tion Grand Rounds, 412-648-9000, www. Poster Day, 4125, www.music. Nauman Works medschool.pitt.edu/megr. 3-6 p.m. Dec. 10, Assembly pitt.edu. With Light, all Room, , Pitt Picturing Childhood: Pictorialist through Dec. 30, “Pluralism About the Sciences of Institute of Aging, 412-624-1019, Anne-Marguerite Family Photography, c 1890-1940 117 Sandusky St., Behavior,” Helen Longino, professor of www.aging.upmc.com. Michaud, Holidays Carnegie Museum of Art Northside, 412-237- philosophy at Stanford University, With Harp, 8 p.m. through Jan. 13 8300, www.warhol. 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 817R Cathedral of Coffee and Culture: Victorian Dec. 8, Parlor Con- org. Learning, Pitt Center for Philosophy Christmas, 10-11 a.m. Dec. 12, cert; 3 p.m. Dec. 9, of Science, 412-624-1052, www.pitt. Frick Art and Historical Center, Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, Renais- Wood Street Galleries, Workin’ Down edu/~pittcntr. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze, sance City Winds, 412-394-3533, www. Under, through Dec. 31, 601 Wood St., 412-371-0600, www.frickart.org. proartstickets.org. Downtown, 412-471-5605, www.wood- “Climate Change, Sustainablity, and streetgalleries.org. Global Health,” Donald S. Burke, dean John Prine, 8 p.m. Dec. 8, Benedum of Pitt Graduate School of Public Health, Pitt PhD Center, 719 Liberty Ave., Downtown, the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 2500 William Pitt Outback Concerts, 412-456-6666, www. Regional History Center, Points in Union, Pitt Asian Studies Center, 412- Dissertation pgharts.org. Time, Glass: Shattering Notions, and 648-7370, www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc. Discovery Place, through Dec. 31, 1212 Defenses A Christmas Carol Barry Bauguess and Webb Wiggins, Smallman St., Strip District, 412-454- “Writing Dynamic Abstracts and Sci- Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center Bohemian Rhapsody: Eastern European 6000, www.pghhistory.org. entific Papers,” Kevin L. Kraemer, Pitt David W. Nauen, Center for Pitt-Johnstown, Dec. 12 Elegance, 8 p.m. Dec. 8, Synod Hall, professor of health policy and manage- Neuroscience/Neurobiology 125 N. Craig St., Oakland; also Carnegie Museum of Art, Picturing ment, 3-5 p.m. Dec. 11, S120 Biomedical Graduate Program, “Mechanisms of

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8 • Pitt Chronicle • December 3, 2007 Pitt Survey: Privacy Rules Slow Medical Research, Add Cost Ness’ report in JAMA says many health care studies delayed or abandoned

tional time was required “Public opinion polls consent for a st udy under the rule to complete declined from more than projects.” show that more than 96 percent to 34 percent. Established in 2003, In another study at Michi- HIPAA was designed to 90 percent of the gan, the implementation enhance patient privacy public thinks it’s a of HIPAA resulted in a by restricting access to nearly 73 percent decline medical records while pre- priority for us to pro- in patient recruitment and serving the legitimate use a threefold increase in the of such information for ceed expeditiously in time spent recruiting. important social goals. At the same time, Ness said that aca- uncovering new causes only a quarter of epidemi- demic institutional review ologists said they thought boards (IRBs) and other of and treatments for HIPAA had achieved its institutional bodies that disease. Without any goal of improving the govern research on human confidentiality of patient subjects vary widely in their question, this survey information. By Michele Baum interpretation of the rule. “Public opinion polls That, she said, has resulted suggests that the show that more than 90 Federal rules intended to protect patient Epidemiologists analyze the develop- in a mishmash of conflict- percent of the public privacy also slow research necessary to ment and control of a wide array of illnesses ing procedures across the HIPAA legislation is thinks it’s a priority for find treatments and cures, a Pitt survey and their impact on public health. country, adding that some us to proceed expedi- has found. Ness’ report, titled “Influence of the IRBs continue “business impeding the progress tiously in uncovering new Implementation of the U.S. Health HIPAA Privacy Rule on Health Research,” as usual,” while others have of such research.” causes of and treatments Insurance Portability and Accountability appeared in the Nov. 14 issue of JAMA. essentially shut down many for disease,” Ness said. Act (HIPAA) has severely eroded the She surveyed 1,527 epidemiology prac- research projects. —Roberta B. Ness “Without any question, process of scientific research, delaying titioners employed in academia, govern- “According to our this survey suggests that some clinical studies and curtailing ment, industry, and other groups. survey, there is a percep- the HIPAA legislation others before they even begin, Two-thirds of the respondents tion that HIPAA may even be having a is impeding the progress of such research. said Roberta B. Ness, professor said that HIPAA had made negative effect on public health surveillance And for those institutions that may have a and chair of the Department of research “a great deal” more practices, and a lot of it is because of this breakthrough in the offing, it’s going to add Epidemiology in Pitt’s School difficult to accomplish. variability in interpretation,” said Ness, months to years to discovery.” of Medicine. In addition, a signifi- president-elect of the American College of Her findings, reported cant proportion of respon- Epidemiology. “Some public health depart- last month in the Journal dents reported more negative ments are defining a much broader portfolio of the American Medical consequences for protecting of activities as research, and, therefore, Association, are part of the human subjects than positive are subject to HIPAA, more than other PUBLICATION NOTICE The next edi- first national survey of epide- effects. health departments. At this point, we’re not tion of Pitt Chronicle will be pub- miologists commissioned by the All respondents were part of absolutely sure what that means in terms of lished Dec. 10. The deadline for sub- Institute of Medicine, part of the Roberta B. Ness the Joint Policy Committee of the public health – whether this poses any threat mitting information is noon Dec. 5. National Academies of Science. Societies of Epidemiology, which to combating epidemics or other dangers.” Items for publication in the newspaper’s “HIPAA is adversely affecting our cosponsored the study. While documenting negative HIPAA Happenings events calendar (see page 7) should be submitted to [email protected]. ability to conduct biomedical research,” “We asked questions about both posi- effects on a nationwide basis has been diffi- Happenings items should include the fol- said Ness, who also serves as an associate tive and negative potential impacts from the cult, single-institution experience indicates lowing information: title of the event, name investigator at the Magee-Womens Research HIPAA privacy rule, including the impact on widespread problems. and title of speaker(s), date, time, location, Institute (MWRI) and as an advisor to the subject privacy, confidentiality and public Recruitment for one study being con- sponsor(s), and a phone number and Web Institute of Medicine committee study- trust, as well as on research procedures,” ducted here at Pitt, for example, declined site for additional information. Items ing the issue. “The privacy rule has made Ness said. “Almost 40 percent of respon- from more than a dozen people a week prior may be faxed to 412-624-4895 or sent by research more costly and time consuming. dents indicated that the privacy rule had to HIPAA to an average of five at most after campus mail to 422 Craig Hall. For more As a result, some possibly important studies increased research costs by a large degree, the rule took effect. information, call 412-624-1033. are just not being done.” and nearly half said that significant addi- At the University of Michigan, patient