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5-7-2009 Washington University Record, May 7, 2009

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V^^iingon University in StlDuis May 7, 2009 record.wustl.edu David C. Farrell receives Search Award at 42nd annual Eliot Society dinner

BY BARBARA REA ington University, the School of Medicine, and medi- cal education and health care." The Search Award — the William Greenleaf Eliot Farrell retired as chairman and chief executive Society's highest honor — was given to David officer of the May Department Stores Co. in 1998, C. Farrell at the society's 42nd annual dinner capping a career that spanned four decades. Under his April 16 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The award is pre- leadership, May became one of the nation's largest and sented each year to a person who has made enduring most profitable retailers. contributions to Washington University. Farrell is an emeritus trustee and a member of the In addition to the award ceremony, guests were Advisory Board of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center treated to a presentation by former NASA astronaut as well as the School of Medicine's National Council. Capt. Jerry M. Linenger. As a member of the Eliot Society's executive commit- At the ceremony, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton tee and chair of The Danforth Circle, he helped grow praised Farrell "for going the extra mile to ensure The Danforth Circle's membership by 28 percent in success in everything you undertake." three years. "Over the years, we have come to rely on David As a member of the Board of Trustees for 30 years, FarreU's expert guidance and counsel," Wrighton said. Farrell served on the executive, University finance, David C. Farrell (left) receives the Search Award from Chancellor "His commitment has advanced the mission of Wash- See Farrell, Page 5 Mark S. Wrighton at the 42nd annual Eliot Society dinner April 16. Drug reduces prostate Proctor, Gordon to be honored with cancer diagnosis 2009 faculty achievement awards BY CAROLINE ARBANAS placebo or a daily 0.5 mg dose of dutasteride (Avodart), manufac- BY CAROLINE ARBANAS They will receive their awards A drug widely used to shrink tured by GlaxoSmithKline. AND JESSICA MARTIN and give presentations of their enlarged prostates has been "Dutasteride has the potential scholarly work during a ceremo- shown to lower the risk of prostate to offer many thousands of men a Enola K. Proctor, Ph.D., a pio- ny in December. cancer by 23 percent in men who way to reduce their risk of being neer in the field of mental "Professors Proctor and have an increased risk of the dis- diagnosed with prostate cancer," health services research and the Gordon are outstanding selec- ease, according to results of an said lead investigator Gerald social work profession, and tions for this important honor," international clinical trial present- Andriole, M.D., chief of urologic Jeffrey I. Gordon, M.D., whose Wrighton said. "Both have made ed April 27 at the American surgery. "This should ultimately groundbreaking studies have extraordinary contributions Urological Association's annual mean more men will avoid treat- revealed the contributions of gut Proctor Gordon through their research, and each meeting in Chicago. ment for prostate cancer and the microbes to human health and has excelled as a leader in their The four-year, phase III trial, cost and unwanted side effects disease, will receive Washington Arthur Holly Compton Faculty field and at Washington Uni- known as REDUCE (Reduction by associated with treatment." University's 2009 faculty achieve- Achievement Award, and Gordon, versity. I am proud of their Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Men in the study had elevated ment awards, Chancellor Mark the Dr. Robert J. Glaser Distin- accomplishments and pleased to Events), is the first to look at PSA levels (2.5-10 ng/ml), indicat- S. Wrighton announced. guished University Professor and see their colleagues recognize chemoprevention for prostate ing they were at increased risk of Proctor, the Frank J. Bruno director of the Center for Genome them with these awards." cancer in men at increased risk for prostate cancer. They also had Professor of Social Work Re- Sciences, is the recipient of the Proctor is recognized for her the disease. The trial involved undergone biopsies that found no search and associate dean for Carl and Gerty Cori Faculty work in advancing the imple- 8,200 men ages 50-75 who were evidence of cancer within six research, is the recipient of the Achievement Award. See Awards, Page 5 randomly assigned to receive a See Drug, Page 6 Ultrasound imaging on smartphone may change global medicine

BY TONY FITZPATRICK uterine screenings and biopsies, and vascular probes for imaging Computer engineers at Wash- veins and arteries for starting IVs ington University are bringing and central lines. Both medicine the minimalist approach to medi- and global computer use may cal care and computing by cou- never be the same. pling USB-based ultrasound probe "You can carry around a probe technology with a smartphone, and cell phone and image on the enabling a compact, mobile com- fly now," Richard said. "Imagine putational platform and a medical having these smartphones in imaging device that fits in the ambulances and emergency palm of a hand. rooms. On a larger scale, this kind William D Richard, Ph.D., of cell phone is a complete com- associate professor of computer puter that runs Windows. It could science and engineering, and become the essential computer of David Zar, research associate in the developing world, where computer science and engineering, trained medical personnel are have made commercial USB ultra- scarce, but most of the population, sound probes compatible with as much as 90 percent, have access Microsoft Windows mobile-based to a cell phone tower." smartphones, thanks to a $100,000 "Twenty-first century medicine grant Microsoft awarded in 2008. is defined by medical imaging," In order to make commercial Zar said. "Yet 70 percent of the USB ultrasound probes work with world's population has no access smartphones, the researchers had to medical imaging. It's hard to to optimize every aspect of probe take an MRI or CT scanner to a design and operation, from power rural community without power." consumption and data transfer Zar said the vision of the new rate to image formation algo- system is to train people in remote A new addition tO CampilS Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton (right) plants a tree, a Swamp White rithms. areas of the developing world on Oak, in front of Brookings Hall with students April 22 to celebrate Arbor Day/Earth Day. The new As a result, it is possible to the basics of gathering data with tree replaces a Swamp Chestnut Oak, which had been removed because of disease concerns. build smartphone-compatible USB the phones and sending it to a The students are (from left) freshman Dan Robinson, junior Christine Orchard, sophomore Cindy ultrasound probes for imaging the centralized unit many miles or Gallin, junior Joey Stromberg, junior Will Fischer and junior Melissa Legge. kidney, liver, bladder and eyes, half a world away, where endocavity probes for prostate and See Smartphone, Page 6 2 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS

Missouri high-school science achievement tied to quality teachers, study finds

BY NEIL SCHOENHERR indicated in previous studies, this is the first to look at it in the While public officials aim context of science achievement to establish Missouri as in Missouri." an attractive destination The implication, Tate said, is a for emerging life-sciences com- need for increased public policy panies, a study by researchers in aimed at making sure students in the Department of Education in high-poverty and high-minority Arts 8c Sciences indicates that schools have high-quality teach- high-school science proficiency ers if the state wants to give in the state, especially among students an opportunity to learn high-minority and high-poverty science. populations, is greatly depen- "In the 'Obama world,' some dent on having a core group of people think we are living in a certified teachers who are highly postracial society and we are qualified to teach courses in 'beyond all that' and we don't their content area. need to talk about it anymore," The study, "School Compo- Tate said. "But our study indi- sition and Context Factors that cates that we still have students Moderate and Predict Tenth- in schools without high-quality grade Science Proficiency," will teachers and, in Missouri, race/ Thank yOU, Mrs. Mueller Senior Sonalee Ravi (left), a chemistry major in Arts & Sciences, be published in a forthcoming class interaction is very visits with her former teacher, Sandra Mueller (center), and Leonard Green, Ph.D., professor of issue of the journal Teachers important." psychology in Arts & Sciences, during the 2009 Cornerstone Mentor Awards presentation April 19 College Record. He said that while it is com- in Holmes Lounge. Mueller, a chemistry teacher at John Burroughs School in Ladue, Mo., was on "We wanted to examine the mon for progressive cities such hand to accept the Cornerstone Outstanding Teacher Award. Each year, Cornerstone: The Center relationship between lOth-grade as St. Louis or Kansas City, Mo., for Advanced Learning invites graduating seniors who have served as academic mentors to other science proficiency and school to want to become the next students to nominate an elementary or secondary school teacher they believe has significantly context factors related to school biotechnology or telecommuni- contributed to their intellectual and personal development. Ravi chose Mueller because "she environment, courses and teach- cations hub, the human resourc- greatly helped my intellectual growth, not only improving my confidence and writing skills but ers," said William E Tate, Ph.D., es development strategy often also helping me to realize that, with hard work, I had the capabilities to master any task." the Edward Mallinckrodt Dis- does not align with economic tinguished University Professor goals. in Arts & Sciences and chair of "I think this study has real Stanley named president of SUNY Stony Brook the Department of Education. implications for our state's largest "While we did find that cities," Tate said. "It says that a 25 years at WUSTL. Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., vice excellence and to position the largely minority schools with lot of people indigenous to those "During Sam Stanleys tenure, chancellor for research, has university to take its place among higher drop-out rates and higher cities won't have a chance to we have benefited enormously' been named president of State the truly great research universi- rates of free-reduced lunch participate in emerging science from his leadership and research," University of New York (SUNY) ties of the nation." resulted in poorer science efforts unless we change our Wrighton said. "He is a distin- Stony Brook effective July 1. Stanley, also professor of medi- scores, it's interesting to note policies." guished member of the faculty of In a press release issued by cine and of molecular microbiol- that higher science scores were Tate does not think, from a the School of Medicine with an SUNY Stony Brook, Chancellor- ogy, came to the School of Med- associated with greater percent- federal standpoint, there will be excellent track record of academic Elect Nancy Zimpher, Ph.D., cited icine in 1983 as a fellow in infec- age of master's degree teachers, money available to hire more contributions, including very Stanleys experience as an accom- tious diseases and has been a especially in largely minority master's degree teachers in the significant research accomplish- plished leader, administrator, member of the faculty since 1987. schools," Tate said. state. However, a program en- ments. He has substantially ad- educator, medical researcher and He was appointed vice chan- The study focused on 2002 acted last year in which anyone vanced the research at the Uni- physician as well as his demon- cellor for research in 2006. He data from 423 Missouri high with a college degree can become versity, overseeing more than strated commitment to excellence. also is an attending physician in schools with a lOth-grade class state certified without going back "I am honored to have been internal medicine and infectious $548 million in external funding size of at least 25. It was co- to school requires careful exami- selected as Stony Brook's next diseases at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for undergraduate, graduate and authored by Mark Hogrebe, nation for its potential. president," Stanley said. "In its and director of the Midwest Reg- faculty research. Ph.D., research statistician in the "They are making some at- short life, Stony Brook has accom- ional Center for Excellence for "We at Washington University education department. tempts to bring in people who plished remarkable things. I look Biodefense and Emerging In- in St. Louis will miss Dr. Stanley, "The good news of this study have training in a range of sub- forward to working with my new fectious Diseases Research. yet we are confident that he and is that having high-quality jects, including science and colleagues on the faculty, staff and Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton his new university home will teachers — in this case, quality math," Tate said. "However, this students in a collective and strate- said that Stanley has made signifi- thrive in response to the exciting defined as certified — can posi- is such a new program we don't gic way to continue Stony Brooks cant contributions to the Uni- opportunity for him at Stony tively influence achievement," know how successful it will be in remarkable trajectory of increased versity during his more than Brook," Wrighton said. Tate said. "While that has been the long term." Trustees hear report on endowment, investments WUSTL works to eliminate motor At its spring meeting, the Board of Trustees re- Wrighton indicated that the biomedical research vehicle idling on Danforth Campus ceived reports on the endowment, investments building — the BJC Institute of Health at Washington and budgets for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Reports also University — is scheduled for completion in De- The Washington University locations on campus. were delivered by the undergraduate and graduate cember 2009. Laboratory fit-out has begun on the Police Department and Park- Students and faculty associated student representatives. upper floors and will be completed after the build- ing and Transportation Services with the School of Law's Inter- In his remarks to the board, Chancellor Mark ing's core and shell are completed for this LEED- are partnering to increase aware- disciplinary Environmental Clinic S. Wrighton reviewed a number of extraordinary certified project. ness on campus about the impor- are working with Grace Hill accomplishments over the past few months, includ- Construction continues on Stephen F. and Camilla tance of eliminating vehicle idling Settlement House to inform the ing a new partnership between the University and the T. Brauer Hall, with completion expected in 2010. on the Danforth Campus. public about the benefits of idle Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. The new Opening next fall will be yet another LEED-certified Motor vehicle idling endangers reduction and encourage compli- program will involve joint programs, including in- "green" residential and dining complex on the South public health, pollutes the envi- ance with idle reduction laws. ternships, lectures and other educational activities as 40. Renovation of one of the University's oldest build- ronment and wastes both fuel and The City of St. Louis, St. Louis well as an agreement under which the Olin Business ings — Busch Hall — will be completed in time for money. County and the State of Missouri School will lead management of the Brookings' ex- summer move-in. This summer, WUSTL will all have adopted laws and regula- ecutive education programs. Wrighton praised the varsity athletics program for install "No Idling" signs at loading tions that limit idling by motor Wrighton noted that the largest research award in winning nine University Athletic Association cham- docks, bus stops and other key vehicles. the history of the Danforth Campus was made April pionships during the 2008-09 year, including a sec- 27 — a $20 million award from the U.S. Department ond consecutive national championship for men's of Energy to do research on plant-based, novel en- basketball and a No. 2 finish for women's basketball. ergy initiatives. Reviews of the past year were presented by under- 2009 Spector Prize goes to Kraft, Ye Similarly, the Donald Danforth Plant Science graduate student representatives senior Kavya Reddy Center will receive a $15 million award, creating Naini in the School of Engineering 8c Applied Each year, the Department of cine. His thesis was titled two new Energy Frontier Research Centers in the Sciences and junior Kira M. Sargent in Arts & Biology in Arts 8c Sciences "Activated Astrocytes Suppress St. Louis area supported by $35 million in funding Sciences. awards a prize in memory of Amyloid Plaque Pathogenesis in over the next five years. Researchers from the Speaking on behalf of graduate students were Marion Smith Spector, a 1938 APP/PS1 Mice." University and the Danforth Center will be working Timothy J. Bono in psychology in Arts & Sciences WUSTL graduate who studied Kraft will apply to M.D./Ph.D. on both projects. and Tracy Nicholson in molecular microbiology in zoology under the late Viktor programs this summer and will The chancellor also said that a $5.5 million grant Arts & Sciences. Hamburger, Ph.D., professor of continue to work in Lee's lab from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will Four new student representatives also were named biology and a prominent develop- during the application process. fund study of childhood malnutrition at the School to the board. mental biologist who made many Ye worked with Maurine of Medicine, focusing on severely malnourished Undergraduate representatives are junior Kaitlin important contributions while a Linder, Ph.D., professor of cell infants living in Malawi and Bangladesh. McFadden in Arts 8c Sciences and junior Danielle faculty member at the University. biology and physiology at the He reported on the first live Web broadcast to the Porter in the School of Engineering 8c Applied This year, the Spector Prize was School of Medicine. Yes thesis University community as part of a "State of the Science. The new graduate student representatives are shared by two recipients: Andrew was "Elucidating the Role of Erdl University" forum to discuss the University's current Brooke Curtiss, a dual-degree candidate in law and Kraft and Musi (Audrey) Ye. Kraft in Localization and Function of and future financial circumstances. social work, and Erik Shumaker in psychology. and Ye were nominated by their Pfa3, a Protein Acyltansferase in On April 17, David Kemper, chairman of the Trustees received reports from the following research mentors for their out- Yeast." Ye is planning to attend Board of Trustees, and Wrighton hosted the dedica- standing committees: nominating and governance, standing work in research and the medical school at Vanderbilt tion of the Danforth University Center attended by a compensation, development, educational policy, substantial contributions they University. large audience of alumni, students, faculty, trustees honorary degrees, medical finance, University fi- made to the field of that work. As part of the departmental and friends. Participants also included William nance, audit and the alumni board of governors. Kraft worked in the lab of recognition of this outstanding H. Danforth, chancellor emeritus; Robert L. Virgil, The trustees also observed a moment of silence Jin-Moo Lee, M.D., Ph.D., associ- work, the two students presented Ph.D., trustee emeritus; and Ann Rubenstein Tisch, and passed a memorial resolution in honor of trustee ate professor of neurology and of their work at a special biology trustee. emeritus Benjamin F. Edwards III. radiology at the School of Medi- department seminar April 27. record.wustl.edu WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS May 7,2009 3 School of Medicine Update New tool calculates risk of bleeding in heart attack patients

BY GWEN ERICSON researchers analyzed the medical histories of more than 89,000 With eight basic medical patients hospitalized in the United facts in hand, doctors can States for non-ST-elevation heart now estimate the risk of attack. This type of heart attack is bleeding for a patient having a the most common and usually heart attack. results from a partial blockage of Using clinical variables, re- the heart's arteries. searchers at the School of Medi- The patient histories were part cine, Duke University and collabo- of the CRUSADE (Can Rapid risk rating institutions have created a stratification of Unstable angina new method to estimate bleeding patients Suppress ADverse out- risk and help lessen the chances comes with Early implementation that heart attack patients will of the ACC/AHA guidelines) experience this common com- Quality Improvement Initiative, a plication. national multicenter program that "Until now, there hasn't been a aims to improve outcomes for simple tool applicable to the gen- heart attack patients. The risk- eral population that can predict assessment tool is called the the risk of bleeding before patients CRUSADE bleeding score. are treated for heart attack," said "A lot of treatment decisions Richard G. Bach, M.D., associate have to be made very promptly professor of medicine and an after the patient arrives," said Bach, author of the study. also medical director of They Ve got the beat (From left) Shaun Yockelson, Natalie Villafranco, Brandon Holmes,Tim "Older methods for the Cardiac Intensive Laumann and Eric Kim, all first-year students at the School of Medicine, play at the end of the estimating risk either Care Unit at Barnes- class show May 1 in Moore Auditorium.The show includes skits and videos produced by the were derived from a Jewish Hospital. "So we first-year class. low-bleeding-risk popu- designed a bleeding-risk lation or used variables stratification tool that that aren't available until would require only those after treatment is begun." variables that can be The assessment tool is obtained up front. It's a Medical students to benefit from described in a study in practical tool that can be the April 14 issue of used in any hospital Circulation. Bach setting." two new simulation centers Doctors treat heart The CRUSADE analy- BY BETH MILLER clinical practice. Mary E. Klingen- professor of pediatrics and direc- attacks with medications and sis identified eight factors that smith, M.D., associate director of tor of the center, said the simula- procedures intended to prevent could predict the odds that a heart Students at the School of the center and director of the tion experience will make medical ischemic complications! or dam- attack patient might suffer a bleed- Medicine have two new state- Surgical Skills Laboratory, over- students better prepared to handle age caused by lack of oxygen to ing event. The factors are gender, of-the-art simulation centers in sees this aspect of the center. a patient's bedside challenges the heart. But these treatments heart rate, blood pressure, hemat- which they can get handsVon.'. "Students are able to learn — improving responsiveness, — anticlqtting drugs and catheter- ocrit (the concentration of red cells clinical training. basic skills such as IV insertion situational awareness and team based interventions to the heart in the blood), creatinine clearance The Saigh Foundation Pediatric and some of the more invasive interactions. — also increase the likelihood of (a measure of kidney function), Simulation Center opened April aspects of the physical examina- "As a parent, I'd rather have the bleeding, which can be deadly. diabetes, peripheral vascular dis- 14 at St. Louis Children's Hospital, tion free from the pressures of most educated practitioner pos- "The risk of bleeding is sub- ease or stroke, and congestive and the Howard and Joyce Wood patient discomfort and harm," sible caring for my child," Fehr stantial in people with heart at- heart failure. Simulation Center at the Farrell she said. said. "This is a method of bringing tacks," said co-author Brian The bleeding score calculation Learning and Teaching Center The center was made possible education in an almost-real and F. Gage, M.D., associate professor assigns points to each factor so opened last fall. Both centers allow by a gift from Howard and Joyce immersive environment." of medicine and director of the that the total score coincides with medical students, interns and Wood, both graduates of the Olin Fehr and his team plan to use outpatient Anticoagulation Ser- risk of bleeding evidenced in the residents training at the school to Business School and certified • the simulation center to enhance vice. "We found that this popula- CRUSADE cases. The range of fine-tune diagnostic and treatment public accountants. Howard existing academic training tion could be risk-stratified, so possible scores is divided into five skills in a realistic situation. Wood is a member of the Board models. that people at high risk of bleeding categories from a very low to very The 5,600-square-foot Wood of Trustees, the Olin School of The center is set up to resemble could receive less-aggressive anti- high risk of bleeding. Simulation Center has manne- Business National Council and an operating room, with the same coagulant and antiplatelet therapy, The bleeding risk score is in- quins that allow instructors to the School of Medicine Finance tools, equipment and work sta- while those at low risk could re- tended to help guide critical early program changes in the circula- Committee. Joyce Wood is a tions one would find in a typical ceive full-dose therapy." treatment decisions for clinicians tion or respiratory system to illus- member of the National Council operating environment. The simu- Led by Sumeet Subherwal, caring for heart attack patients, but trate principles learned in the of the School of Medicine and of lated operating room sits between M.D., a former Barnes-Jewish the impact of its use on outcomes classroom, said David Murray, the National Advisory Council of a control room, where computer Hospital resident and now a cardi- will need to be tested in clinical M.D., the Carol B. and Jerome the Institute for Public Health. technology and robotics control ology fellow at Duke University, trials, Bach said. Potentially, the T. Loeb Professor and director of The 2,300-square-foot Saigh the subjects' signs and symptoms and in collaboration with several score will be used in conjunction the center. Foundation Pediatric Simulation and manipulate mounted cameras investigators, including Karen with other practice guidelines to Simulated events are used to Center, developed with support that allow instructors to closely Alexander, M.D., a Duke Clinical optimize heart attack treatment provide experiences in managing from the Saigh Foundation to monitor a drill in progress, and a Research Institute cardiologist, the and minimize risk. high-acuity conditions. The sce- St. Louis Children's Hospital, is debriefing room, where students narios and associated instructor the only medical simulation cen- can gather after the drill, watch a feedback provide a safe yet lifelike ter within 300 miles dedicated video replay and discuss what they Brain damage found in cognitively learning environment for medical specifically to pediatric patients. learned. students to acquire essential skills The center, on the fifth floor of The two new simulation cen- normal people with Alzheimer's marker required in clinical care. St. Louis Children's Hospital, has ters are in addition to the Clinical In addition, a task training three mannequins — a newborn, Simulation Center at Barnes- BY MICHAEL C. PURDY conclusions that successful room is available for students to a toddler and a young adolescent Jewish Hospital and the Surgical Alzheimer's treatments may only learn many of the physical exam — each with a unique physiology. Skills Lab at the School of School of Medicine researchers be possible if scientists find ways and procedural skills expected in James Fehr, M.D., associate Medicine. have linked a potential indica- to identify pre-symptomatic tor of Alzheimer's disease to brain sufferers. damage in humans with no signs The results are an encouraging of mental impairment. sign that this search for new indi- Faculty donate textbooks to hospital in Sudan Although their cognitive and cators may be succeeding, said neurological assessments were senior author David M. Holtz- School of Medicine clinical faculty and staff 600 of the most appropriate books were packed into normal, study participants with man, M.D., the Andrew and recently collected more than 1,500 medical 46 boxes, which members of the facilities department lower levels of amyloid beta 42 Gretchen Jones Professor and textbooks to be donated to the Lui Hospital in loaded onto two skids. (A-beta 42) in their cerebrospinal chair of Neurology and neurolo- the war zone of southern Sudan. Reed said Marc D. Smith, Ph.D., president of the fluid (CSF) had reduced whole gist-in-chief at Barnes-Jewish The Missouri Hospital Association made the Missouri Hospital Association, planned to come to brain volumes, suggesting that Hospital. request earlier this year, as the staff who work at St. Louis to pick up the books. But because of the Alzheimer's changes might already "We still need to confirm with Lui Hospital rely on outdated medical references, large load of books, Reed and Leo Lewis, administra- be damaging their brains. long-term follow-up studies that some dating back to the 1930s and '40s. tive assistant, offered to drive the books to Jefferson Scientists previously showed that subjects with this biomarker and Ivory Reed, director of facilities administra- City April 18 in the School of Medicine's mail truck, low CSF levels of A-beta 42 mark brain damage go on to develop the tion, said Kenneth Smith, custodian II, Brian which can hold up to 1,600 pounds, he said. the presence of amyloid deposi- cognitive changes characteristic of Ryterski, facilities technician I, and Steve Smith, Crane said the response was far greater than tion in the brain, a key diagnostic Alzheimer's," Holtzman said. "For facilities supervisor/receiving/mail, gathered the expected. marker of the amyloid plaques now, the evidence we've uncov- books from various departments and took them "We want to thank all those who contributed very that characterize Alzheimer's ered further proves that identifica- to a room to be sorted. usable medical literature and thank the facilities staff disease. tion and treatment prior to the James Crane, M.D., chief executive of the who transported hundreds of pounds of books to be Evidence is mounting that start of the symptoms of Faculty Practice Plan, and Laura Howard, execu- sorted," Crane said. Alzheimer's harms the brain for Alzheimer's disease are likely tive assistant, worked about nine hours sorting Books not used for the Lui Hospital will be sent to many years before symptoms can going to be essential to preventing and packing books. Of those collected, nearly other charities and hospitals. be detected and is leading to irreversible brain injury." 4 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS University Events

MFA exhibition to feature work of 27 at Kemper

BY LIAM OTTEN conflates college parties and historical painting. "No single medium, narrative direction theoreti- The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts will cal stance or sociopolitical position takes precedent present its annual MFA Thesis Exhibition in the over another/' Olynyk said. "Likewise, our students Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum beginning engage in a broad spectrum of creative methodolo- Friday, May 8. The exhibition will feature thesis gies and intellectual frameworks and are taught to projects by 27 master of fine arts candidates in the balance 'making' with the production of ideas." Sam Fox School's Graduate School of Art. The MFA Thesis Exhibition is curated by Works will explore a wide range of thematic terri- Meredith Malone, assistant curator for the Kemper tory, from formal concerns to social issues, ecological Art Museum. Other exhibiting artists are: Stephanie simulations and scientific research. Media include Barenz, Carolyn Dawn Bendel, Jacob Cruzen, Rachel painting, printmaking and sculpture as well as pho- Ann Dennis, Bryan Eaton, Maya Escobar, Meredith tography, video and site-specific installation. Foster, Morgan Gehris, Gina Grafos, Stephen "We live in an age that represents enormous rich- Hoskins, Hye Young Kim, Anne Lindberg, Goran ness in terms of diversity of perspective and both Marie, Kelda Martensen, Erica L. Millspaugh, overlapping and contrasting interests," said Patricia Carianne Noga, Shannon Randol, Elaine Rickles, Olynyk, the Florence and Frank Bush Professor in Michael Kenneth Smith, Dan Solberg, Glenn Art and director of the Graduate School of Art. "The Tramantano, Kathryn Trout and J. Taylor Wallace. range of issues that confront todays artists also chal- The exhibition will open with a reception at 7 p.m. lenge our artists-in-training. Friday, May 8, and remain on view through July 27. "It is no surprise that so many of our students are In conjunction with the exhibition, the Sam Fox responding to global sociopolitical and economic School will sponsor an open house and panel discus- forces and environmental issues with a sense of ur- sion at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Students will be pres- gency," Olynyk said. "Public practices are central to ent in the Kemper Art Museum and available to their concerns, and they are skilled in navigating answer questions about works on view. emerging technologies while offering playful coun- The panel discussion — which will touch on terpoints to the all-pervasive influence of digital issues of place, identity, online artistic practice and media." the artist and society — will begin at 5 p.m. in For example, Rebecca C. Potts' digital prints con- Steinberg Auditorium, located immediately adjacent template the effects of global warming through an to the museum. almost geological strata of paper, photographs, maps, In addition, the school will host a satellite exhibi- melting ice and growing plants. Natalie Toney's po- tion, titled "Runneth Over," at the University's South litically charged video "PTSPEACE" centers on mili- Campus (formerly Christian Brothers College High J. Taylor Wallace used a rocking chair, X-ray film, freshwater tary veterans and draws from psychology, medicine School) from May 9-22. mollusk shells, taxidermy fish forms, wood and stainless steel to and social services as well as film and the visual arts. Both exhibitions are free and open to the public. create "Daydream (Paradigms of Tennessee)," part of the MFA Process-oriented sculpture by Amelia Jones explores For more information, call 935-4523 or visit Thesis Exhibition on view at Kemper Art Museum May 8-July 27 the reuse of found materials, while Joel Parker wittily kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu.

Membranes and Mysteries • Physical Activity and Weight Control

"University Events" lists a portion of the Lounge. For more information: Breast Cancer Prevention." Anne May 12.) Center for Advanced Medicine, School of Medicine. Co-sponsored by activities taking place May 7-20 at [email protected]. McTiernan, din, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Barnard Health and Cancer Info. Center. depts. of Genetics, of Biochemistry & Washington University. Visit the Web for 9:15 a.m. Pediatric Grand Rounds. Research Center. Center for Advanced To register: 362-7844. Molecular Biophysics, of Cell Biology & expanded calendars for the Danforth "Phosphorus. A New Cardiovascular Risk Medicine, Farrell Conference Room 2. Physiology and of Developmental Biology. Campus (news-info, wustl. edu/calendars) Factor. What Can We Do For Kids?" Keith 454-8981. Moore Aud. 362-2139. and the School of Medicine (medschool. Wednesday, May 20 Hruska, prof, of pediatrics, medicine and 5:30 p.m. Cardiac Bioelectricity S wustl. edu/calendars. html). 4 p.m. Institute for Public Health Faculty cell biology. Clopton Aud., 4950 Arrhythmia Center Seminar. "The Role of Seminar Series. "Dementia Screening in Children's Place. 454-6006. Connexons in Conduction of the Cardiac Diverse Communities, Global Applications of Action Potential." Andre Kleber, prof, of 11 a.m. Energy, Environmental and the AD8 Informant Interview to Detect physiology, U. of Bern, Switzerland. Chemical Engineering Seminar. Dementia." James Galvin, assoc. prof, of And More (5 p.m. reception.) Whitaker Hall, "Multiscale Atmospheric Modeling: From neurology. Steinberg Aud., Medical School. Rm. 218. 935-7887. Exhibits Urban Air Pollution to Global Climate." 454-7998. Yang Zhang, asst. prof, of marine earth Saturday, May 9 4 p.m. QUAD-Departmental Seminar Series. "Expressions of Jewish Life Through Texts and atmospheric sciences. Lopata Hall, 1 p.m. Memorial Service for Abdullah Tuesday, May 19 "Epigenetic Mechanisms of Pluripotency and and Objects." Through June 28. Olin Rm. 101.935-5548. Nassief. Farrell Learning & Teaching Center, 4:30 p.m. Freedom From Smoking Class. Lineage-Commitment." Stephen Baylin, prof, Library, Lvl. 1, Grand Staircase Lobby and Connor Aud. 286-0072. "Staying Smoke Free." (Also at 5:30 p.m. of cancer biology, The Johns Hopkins U. GinkgoRm. 935-4151. Monday, May 11 "MFA First-Year Exhibition." Through 5:30 p.m. Cardiac Bioelectricity & May 17. Des Lee Gallery, 1627 Washington Arrhythmia Center Seminar. "The Ave. 935-4523. Genetics of Hereditary Cardiac "MFA Thesis Exhibition." May 8-July 27. Arrhythmias." Silvia G. Priori, prof, of (Opening reception 7 p.m. May 8.) Kemper molecular cardiology, U. of Pavia, Italy. Commencement Week Art Museum. 935-4523. (5 p.m. reception.) Whitaker Hall, Rm. 218. 935-7887. "Rirkrit Tiravanija: Chew The Fat." A multifaceted video installation. May 8- This is a schedule of events for 8:30 a.m. Commencement exercises in George Warren Brown School of Social July 27. Kemper Art Museum. 935-4523. Tuesday, May 12 Commencement 2009. For more Brookings Quadrangle. Work Diploma Ceremony. Graham Noon. Molecular Microbiology & Microbial information, call the Commencement Chapel. Reception immediately The following programs begin Pathogenesis Seminar Series. "Infection Office at 935-5985 or visit the following: Lucy and Stanley Lopata immediately after the close of the and Spread of Alpha Herpes Viruses in Commencement Web site Courtyard, Goldfarb Hall. Commencement exercises: the Nervous System." Lynn W. Enquist, commencement, wustl. edu. Program in Occupational Therapy prof, of molecular biology, Princeton U. College of Arts & Sciences Diploma Lectures Cori Aud., 4565 McKinley Ave. 362-2689. Reception. Holmes Lounge. Diploma Wednesday, May 13 Distribution and Reception. The Green, Ceremony immediately following: 4:30 p.m. Freedom From Smoking Class. west of Olin Library and north of Graham Chapel. Thursday, May 7 "The New You." (Also at 5:30 p.m. 5 p.m. Black Senior Alliance Graham Chapel. Rain Location: Francis 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Program in Audiology May 12.) Center for Advanced Medicine, Commencement Celebration. Graham Gym, Athletic Complex. Program in Physical Therapy Chapel. Reception immediately following: Reception. Sheldon Concert Hall. and Communicalion Services. Annual Barnard Health and Cancer Info. Center. University College Diploma Distribution PACS Student Research Symposium. (Also To register: 362-7844. Tisch Commons, Danforth University Diploma Distribution and Hooding Center. and Reception. Ann W. Olin Women's Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. May 8.) Farrell Learning Building Lounge. & Teaching Center, Holden Aud. 747-0108. Wednesday, May 13 7:30 p.m. University College Recognition School of Law Diploma Ceremony. Ceremony. Simon Hall. Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Seeley G. Mudd Field. Rain Location: 4:30 p.m. Freedom From Smoking Class. 4 p.m. QUAD-Departmental Seminar Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. "Winning Strategies." (Also at 5:30 p.m. Recreational Gymnasium, Athletic Series. "On Sperm, Membranes and 560 Music Building, 560 Trinity Ave. in Complex. Reception immediately May 7.) Center for Advanced Medicine, Mysteries." Barbara Wakimoto, prof, of Thursday, May 14 University City. Reception immediately Barnard Health and Cancer Info. Center. following: Anheuser-Busch Hall. biology, U. of Wash. Co-sponsored by 10 a.m. College of Arts & Sciences following. To register: 362-7844. 1 p.m. Program in Audiology and depts. of Genetics, of Biochemistry Recognition Ceremony. Field House, Sam Fox School of Design and Visual & Molecular Biophysics, of Cell Biology Athletic Complex. Communication Sciences Recognition Arts College of Architecture/Graduate Ceremony and Diploma Distribution. Friday, May 8 & Physiology and of Developmental School of Archifecture & Urban Design Biology. Moore Aud. 362-2139. 2:30 p.m. School of Engineering Central Institute for the Deaf. Reception 9:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Center for the Study of Undergraduate Recognition Ceremony. Diploma Ceremony. Brookings Drive immediately following. Ethics & Human Values Conference. Field House, Athletic Complex. Reception Mall. Reception immediately following. "Justice and the American Metropolis." Friday, May 15 immediately following. Location: Lopata Rain time and location: 3 p.m., Graham 2 p.m. School of Engineering and Chapel. Reception immediately Applied Science Graduate (Continues 9:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 9.) 9:15 a.m. Pediatric Grand Rounds. Gallery and Whitaker Atrium. Co-sponsored by American Culture Studies following: Givens Hall. Recognition Ceremony. Edison "Walking the Highwire From Synaptic 4 p.m. Program in Clinical Investigation Theatre. Reception immediately Program, the Center for New Institutional Development to Axonal Degeneration." College of Art/Graduate School of Art Social Sciences and the Political Theory Recognition Ceremony. King Center. following: Lopata Gallery. Aaron DiAntonio, assoc. prof, of Reception immediately following. Diploma Distribution and Reception. Research Group. Women's Bldg. Formal developmental biology. Clopton Aud., Shapleigh Courtyard and Terrace, Earl 3 p.m. John M. Olin School of Business 4950 Children's Place. 454-6006. 5 p.m. School of Medicine Reception. E. and Myrtle E. Walker Hall. Rain Graduate Diploma and Awards Atrium, Farrell Learning and Teaching Location: Steinberg Hall Terrace. Ceremony. Field House, Athletic Center. Complex. Reception immediately Monday, May 18 John M. Olin School of Business following: Simon Hall. Green Your Office 8 p.m. Sam Fox School of Design and Undergraduate Diploma and Awards 4 p.m. Immunology Research Seminar Visual Arts College of Art/Graduate Ceremony. Field House, Athletic 3 p.m. School of Medicine Series. "Xbp1 and Mistl: Key Molecular School of Art Recognition Ceremony. Complex. Reception immediately Commencement Recognition Regulators of Cellular Architecture in If you need to buy office sup- Graham Chapel. following: Simon Hall. Ceremony. Ferrara Theater, America's plies, purchase recycled-content Epithelial and Immune Cell Development." Center. Reception immediately Jason Mills, asst. prof, of pathology & School of Engineering Undergraduate following: Atrium, America's Center. paper, pens and other necessi- immunology. Farrell Learning & Teaching Friday, May 15 and Graduate Diploma Distribution. ties. This helps create a market Center, Connor Aud. 362-2763. 8 a.m. Degree candidates assemble. Reception immediately following: for the things we recycle. Whitaker Atrium. 4 p.m. Siteman Cancer Center Seminar. "Physical Activity and Weight Control in record.wustl.edu WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS May 7,2009 5

Conference to examine 'Justice and the American Metropolis'

BY GERRY EVERDING debates are driven almost exclu- sively by economic consider- Putting questions of justice in ations: by concerns about effi- the foreground of debates cient production and service about American urban and provision, and competitiveness in suburban politics is the goal of an an increasingly globalized econo- academic conference Saturday my. We want to help shift the and Sunday, May 8 and 9, in the terms of that debate." Women's Building Formal Thirty renowned scholars Lounge. will participate in this event, Titled "Justice and the including Harvard philosopher American Metropolis," the con- Tommie Shelby, Ph.D.; Princeton ference is designed to foster inter- political theorist Stephen action between political theorists Macedo, Ph.D.; Stanford legal who study justice and equality theorist Richard Thompson Ford, and empirical scholars who study J.D.; Harvard urbanist Susan historical, legal and political Fainstein, Ph.D.; and Yale politi- aspects of urban life. cal scientist Douglas Rae, Ph.D. Conference organizers Clarissa The conference is co-spon- Hayward, Ph.D., associate profes- sored by the Political Theory sor of political science in Arts & Research Group, the Center for From the ClaSSrOOm tO the Community Emily Hawkey (left) and Cristina Greavu (right), Sciences, and Todd Swanstrom, New Institutional Social Sciences, graduate students in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, work with Jodi Polzin, visiting Ph.D., an urbanist at the Uni- the American Culture Studies assistant professor, on a community project in Pagedale, Mo., May 2. Volunteers from WUSTL and versity of Missouri-St. Louis, plan Program and the Center for the the City of Pagedale — with support from St. Louis nonprofit organization Beyond Housing to publish papers presented at Study of Ethics and Human — spent the day working with residents of the 6500 block of Whitney Avenue to add bushes, fruit the meeting in an edited volume Values, all at Washington Uni- trees, flowerbeds and other individualized landscaping. The project was organized by graduate offering the best of normative and versity. It is co-hosted by the students Kate Lafsky, Megan Roy and Tim Wooster as part of Polzin's architecture seminar empirical work on power and Washington University Political "Reconsidering the Margin: Places of Meeting, Spaces of Transformation," which was funded in justice in the contemporary city. Theory Research Group and the part by a grant from the Gephardt Institute for Public Service. "The goal of both the confer- Des Lee Collaborative Vision ence and the volume is to put at the University of Missouri- questions of justice and fairness St. Louis. back in the foreground of urban The sessions, which run from WUSTL math team wins state meet policy debates in this country," 9:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m. May 8 and Hayward said. "Forty years ago, from 9:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 9, On April 16 and 17, two Washington University lecturer in mathematics. grassroots organizers, political are free and open to the public. teams took part in the 14th annual Missouri WUSTL has participated in this contest every year leaders and city planners debating For more information, includ- Collegiate Mathematics Competition, sponsored by since its inception and has taken the first-place posi- urban issues were motivated by a ing a detailed agenda of panel the Missouri Section of the Mathematical tion eight times. vision of a more just and egalitar- topics and speakers, visit Association of America, at Truman State University. Earlier this year, 12 students participated in the ian city. Today, our urban policy cniss.wusd.edu One team, seniors Alexander Cloninger, Jeremy William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition Diepenbrock and Jonathan Swenson, took first place in December 2008. in a field of 30 teams from 15 colleges and universi- Nearly 4,000 undergraduate mathematics students evaluation methodology as well as ties across the state. from the United States and Canada participate in this social work in health and mental A second team, senior Joseph Hutchings and annual event, which allows one team from each Awards health-care settings. She also leads sophomores Melissa Lim and Andrew Softer, cap- school and an unlimited number of students partici- Proctor, Gordon make a pre- and postdoctoral training tured third place. The teams were accompanied and pating individually. significant contributions program, now in its 13th year with sponsored by Ron Freiwald, Ph.D., professor of The WUSTL team finished 48th. Three students NIMH support. - from Page 1 mathematics in Arts & Sciences, and Russell ranked among the top 300 individuals, including Gordon is internationally S. Woodroofe, Ph.D., the Chauvenet postdoctoral freshman Alex Anderson, who ranked 145th. recognized for establishing a link mentation of evidence-based between obesity and the trillions practices in social service settings. of friendly microbes that live in For more than a decade, she the intestine. has led the Brown School's Center He recently received a Sports for Mental Health Services $5.5 million grant from the Bill Research (CMHSR). Continually & Melinda Gates Foundation to funded by the National Institute study whether those microbes may for Mental Health (NIMH) since also contribute to severe malnutri- Men's tennis to host 2009 University Athletic Associ- championship in 2007, when it its inception in 1993, CMHSR tion in infants who live in devel- ation champions. advanced all the way to the NCAA collaborates with its partners to oping countries. NCAA early rounds championship game. build a base of evidence designed Additionally, Gordon's research The No. 1-ranked and defending Softball No. 3 seed in to address the challenges of deliv- has helped launch a worldwide national champion men's tennis Women's tennis earns ering mental health services to effort to use genomic and compu- team will host the Central Region- Midwest Regional vulnerable populations. The center tational methods to characterize al of the 2009 NCAA Division The Softball team earned the No. 3 postseason bid is the only one of its kind that is the microbes and microbial genes III Championship Friday, seed in the eight-team NCAA The No. 14 women's tennis team part of a social work school. in the human body. May 8, through Sunday, May 10, Midwest Regional and will face earned an at-large berth into the Proctor's scholarship has sig- He earned a medical degree at the Tao Tennis Center. No. 6 seed Luther College at 2009 NCAA tournament field nificantly advanced the field of from the University of Chicago The Bears received an opening- 4 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at and will face Manchester College mental health services research. and completed his clinical training round bye and will face the win- Simpson College in Indianola, (Ind.) in the regional quarterfinals She is a national leader in the in internal medicine and gastro- ner of No. 4 seed Carthage Col- Iowa. on Saturday, May 8, in Green- scientific study of the movement enterology at Barnes-Jewish Hos- lege and No. 5 seed Westminster The Bears earned an at-large castle, Ind. of health practices from clinical pital and the School of Medicine College in the semifinal Saturday, berth into the tournament field The winner of the match be- knowledge to practical applica- and his research training at the May 9. No. 2 seed DePauw Uni- and are making their eighth tween WUSTL and Manchester tions, and her distinguished career National Institutes of Health. versity and No. 3 seed Grinnell straight postseason appearance, will advance to meet regional host is reflected in the more than 100 Gordon joined the School of College will meet in the second while Luther earned an automatic DePauw University Saturday, books and articles that she has Medicine faculty in 1981. He semifinal match. berth into the field as the Iowa May 9. The Bears are making their published or co-published over served as head of the Department The Bears qualified for their Intercollegiate Athletic Con- second straight trip to the NCAA the years. of Molecular Biology and Pharm- 10th straight NCAA tournament ference champions. tournament and their 10th in Nationally, Proctor was ap- acology from 1991-2004 before and earned an automatic berth as WUSTL last won a regional school history. pointed by the U.S. Department of being named director of the newly Health and Human Services to created Center for Genome Sci- serve on the National Advisory ences, part of the University's Mental Health Council of NIMH BioMed21 initiative in transla- — the only social work researcher tional medicine. established the David C. and including the Saint Louis Art to receive this prestigious appoint- Throughout his career, Gordon Betty Farrell Distinguished Museum, the Saint Louis Sym- ment. has been an advocate for interdis- Farrell Professorship in Medicine. They phony and the Boy Scouts of Among her numerous awards ciplinary science education. From are Annual and Life Members America Greater St. Louis Area Also active in many are recognitions by the National 1994-2003, he was director of the of The Danforth Circle. Council. civic, cultural activities Association of Social Workers and University's Division of Biology In 2006, the couple received His contributions for en- - from Page 1 the Alliance for the Mentally 111. and Biomedical Sciences, which the Robert S. Brookings Award, riching the quality of life for Proctor joined the Brown oversees all doctoral students in which is conferred by the Board St. Louisans were acknowledged School faculty in 1977. She cur- biomedical sciences. medical finance, development and of Trustees upon individuals for by the Regional Commerce and rently serves as associate dean for As an avid supporter of the compensation committees. advancing the alliance between Growth Association with its research, leading the development University's educational mission, He chaired the compensation the University and the greater Right Arm of St. Louis Award in of the school's research excellence Gordon has mentored 100 doc- committee from 1999-2005, at St. Louis community. 1997 and by The Mayor's Spirit of through the careful mentoring toral, M.D/Ph.D and post- which time he was elected to Farrell also has received an St. Louis Award in 1998. and support of faculty, the cre- doctoral students. emeritus status. honorary doctorate from The Search Award is a hand- ation of a strong research infra- He is a member of the National In 2003, he and his wife, Betty, WUSTL as well as the 2nd wrought replica of the sculpture structure and relentless work to Academy of Sciences, the made a leadership gift to build the Century Award from the School "The Search," designed by Heikki connect the scholarship of faculty American Academy of Arts and Farrell Teaching and Learning of Medicine. Seppa, professor emeritus of art. to external support. Sciences and the Institute of Center on the Medical Campus. In addition to his commit- The Eliot Society, founded in A generous and committed Medicine. A prolific scientist, Three years earlier, the Farrells, in ment to Washington University, 1959, has more than 5,000 mem- teacher to both doctoral and Gordon has published 400 scien- partnership with the former May Farrell is active in civic and bers providing unrestricted sup- master's students, Proctor's teach- tific papers and holds 23 U.S. Department Stores Co., cultural organizations, port for the University. ing focuses on research and patents. 6 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS

Master of Public Health program offers full-tuition scholarships The new Master of Public cations, journalism, marketing, Health program (MPH) at the public policy, sociology or related George Warren Brown School of fields with that of public health. Social Work is offering four new The school also is making a full-tuition, merit-based scholar- full-tuition scholarship available ships to support students inter- to a registered nurse who wants to ested in improving community pursue an MPH at WUSTL. The health locally, nationally and scholarship is available to prospec- internationally. tive students who have at least a The scholarships are available bachelor of science degree in to prospective MPH students nursing and who are seeking to who have professional interests advance their interests in public or experience in a range of areas, health. including health communica- The remaining full-tuition tions, nursing and community or scholarships will be awarded to public service as well as to pro- students with strong leadership spective students completing potential and academic records health and preprofessional health and who are committed to im- majors who seek career opportu- proving the health of communities nities in public health. Additional or specific populations. tuition assistance also is available The Brown School will give to students entering the program,, special consideration to those with 'Profound paper' Carl Bender, Ph.D. (left), the Wilfred R. and Ann Lee Konneker Distinguished which debuts with the fall 2009 extensive community service Professor of Physics in Arts & Sciences, and his son, Michael A. Bender, Ph.D., associate profes- class. experience or who are alumni of sor of computer science at State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook, share a light "Tackling todays public service corps such as Peace Corps, moment during the 2009 Quantum Mechanics in the Complex Domain conference, held at health challenges requires a new Teach For America, AmeriCorps, Washington University March 27 and 28. Some 60 mathematical physicists from around the world approach to graduate public City Year, Coro Fellows and oth- attended the conference, which recognized Carl Bender on the 40th anniversary of the publication health education," said Timothy ers. Undergraduates majoring in of his landmark paper, "Anharmonic Oscillator," in Physical Review in 1969. With more than 1,000 McBride, Ph.D., professor and health and preprofessional health citations, it is one of the most cited papers in quantum mechanics — the physics of very small, associate dean for public health. disciplines will be given special submicroscopic or atomic particles that underlies nearly all modern science and technology. "It is "Our innovative curriculum will consideration as well. one of the most influential and mathematically profound papers written on quantum mechanics in provide students with a frame- "I am pleased that we will be the latter half of the 20th century," said Barry McCoy, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Physics at work for understanding and able to offer financial assistance to SUNY Stony Brook and winner of the Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics. addressing public health chal- members of our inaugural MPH lenges that draws upon different class," McBride said. disciplines, including architec- "The Brown School has a his- ture, community development, tory of providing generous finan- Students win grants for social change economics, environmental engi- cial support to its graduate stu- BY NEIL SCHOENHERR one of the grants is given to a the $5,000 Gephardt Social neering, law, medicine and social dents, and we want to continue to student involved in any program Change Grant to begin a job- work. We believe this approach provide the resources needed to The Community Service Office supported by the St. Louis Hillel matching and training program will better prepare our graduates attract the brightest minds looking has announced the winners of center on campus. for young Cambodian women. with the skills they need for a to improve the quality of people's three Social Change Grants, Sophomore Maxwell Woods The Gephardt Social Change range of careers." lives," he said. awarded annually to students received the Kaldi's Social Change Grant is funded by supporters of Recognizing that changing Learn more about the MPH pursuing innovative ideas that Grant. The $5,000 award will help the Gephardt Institute for Public health behaviors is critical to program at gwbweb.wustl.edu or serve the common good in the Woods provide high-level music Service to broaden the availability improving individual and com- start an application online at app. spirit of social entrepreneurship. instruction to students currently of Social Change Grant funding munity health, the Brown School applyyourself.com/?id=wustl-sw. The grants have a total value of unrepresented in the music edu- resources for undergraduate, will award one full-tuition Health For more information, contact $22,000. cation system through the cre- graduate and professional stu- Communication Scholarship to a the Brown School's Office of Sophomore David Fox and ation of a Lemp Summer Music dents. This grant supports interna- prospective student interested in Admission and Recruitment at junior Jacob Siegel each received a Program. tional civic engagement or service melding an interest in communi- 935-6676. $6,000 Stern Social Change Grant The Kaldi's grant was estab- projects demonstrating capacity for projects on environmentalism lished in 2005 to enable students for sustainable impact on an iden- as a conduit for peace and inner to develop sustainable community tified community issue. their probe-smartphone concept city peace, respectively. projects in the St. Louis region. The Community Service Office into a suite of field trials for medi- The Stern Social Change Grant Awarded to one undergraduate provides mentorship and support Smartphone cal applications in developing was established in 2000 to provide student each year, the grant sup- to prospective grant applicants in from Page 1 countries. undergraduates with the means to ports full-time work to implement the development of their project "We're at the point of wanting pursue creative and meaningful a community project over the proposals and to grant recipients specialists can analyze the image to leverage what we've done with activities during the summer, summer as well as part-time work . in the implementation and wrap- and make a diagnosis. this technology and find as many geared toward rinding solutions to to sustain the project over the up of their projects. Zar wrote the phone software applications as possible," Richard society's needs. Two grants are following academic year. For more information, go to and firmware for the probes; said. available for domestic or interna- Graduate students Lindsey communityservice.wustl.edu/ Richard came up with the low- One such application could tional projects, and priority for Horton and Kelly Scott received grants. power probe electronics design. find its way to the military. He began working on ultrasound Medics could quickly diagnose system designs 25 years ago, and wounded soldiers with the small, group and 6.7 percent of men in in that span he has shrunk the portable probe and phone to the dutasteride group were found electronics from cabinet-sized to a detect quickly the site of shrapnel Drug "We are very encour- to have aggressive, high-grade tiny circuit board one inch by wounds in order to make the three inches. A typical portable decision of transporting the sol- - from Page 1 aged by this finding. tumors. "We are very encouraged by ultrasound device may cost as dier or treating him elsewhere on months prior to enrolling in the Clearly, the data show this finding," Andriole said. much as $30,000. Some of these the field. trial. Therefore, these men either dutasteride did not lead "Clearly, the data show dutas- USB-based probes sell for less Richard and Zar demonstrated did not have prostate cancer or teride did not lead to more high- than $2,000, with the goal of a a fully functional smartphone- possibly had microscopic tumors to more high-grade grade tumors, even though they price tag as low as $500. compatible USB ultrasound probe Richard and Zar have dis- that were too small to be detected tumors, even though would have been easier to detect at Microsoft Research Techfest by the pre-study biopsy. in the dutasteride-treated men cussed a potential collaboration 2009 in February, and Zar pre- The investigators performed they would have been due to their smaller prostates." with researchers at the sented the technology at the 2009 Massachusetts Institute of World Health Care Congress in scheduled biopsies on the men easier to detect in the Prostate cancer and BPH both two years after they enrolled in the can raise PSA levels. Dutasteride Technology about integrating Washington, D.C., April 14-16. study and again after four years. dutasteride-treated men blocks two forms of the enzyme After two years, prostate cancer due to their smaller 5-alpha reductase, which con- was found in 17.2 percent of the verts testosterone produced in men who took a placebo, com- prostates." the testicles into dihydrotestoster- pared with 13.4 percent who took one. In contrast, finasteride only GERALD ANDRIOLE dutasteride. After four years, inhibits one form of the enzyme. prostate cancer was diagnosed in Dihydrotestosterone is known to Volume 33, Number 33 another 11.8 percent of men who frequent urination that is difficult be a potent stimulator of benign Founded in 1905 • Washington University in St. Louis community news received a placebo and 9.1 percent or painful. The study was con- prostate growth and the develop- who received dutasteride. ducted because data collected as ment of prostate cancer. Associate Vice Chancellor Steven J. Givens Record (USPS 600-430; ISSN 1043-0520), "In these men, the most likely part of the FDA-approval process The REDUCE investigators Executive Editor Susan Killenberg McGinn Published tor the faculty, staff and friends explanation is that dutasteride suggested that men with BPH also found that dutasteride sig- Editor Leslie Gibson McCarthy of Washington University. Produced weekly worked by shrinking tumors and/ who took dutasteride had fewer nificantly reduced episodes of Associate Editor Neil Schoenherr during the school year, except school Assistant Editor Jessica Daues diagnoses of prostate cancer. urinary retention and the need holidays, and monthly during June, July or slowing their growth, thereby Medical News Editor Beth Miller and August by the Office of Public Affairs, making them less likely to be The investigators found no for surgery to alleviate BPH in Calendar Coordinator Angela Hall Washington University, Campus Box 1070, detected by a biopsy," Andriole significant increase in aggressive men taking the drug compared Print Production Carl Jacobs One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, M0 63130. said. tumors among men who took with those taking a placebo. Online Production Tammy Ritterskamp Periodicals postage paid at St. Louis, M0. The reduction in prostate can- dutasteride. This outcome was Prostate cancer is the second News & Comments Where to send address changes cer risk was constant across mul- closely watched because an ear- most deadly cancer in men after (314)935-5293 Postmaster and nonemployees: Record, tiple subgroups of men in lier trial of a similar BPH drug lung cancer. Worldwide, it is Campus Box 1070 Washington University, Campus Box 1070, [email protected] REDUCE — dutasteride worked — finasteride (Proscar) — for the responsible for more than One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, M0 63130. well in men regardless of age, prevention of prostate cancer 221,000 deaths annually. Medical News Employees: Office of Human Resources, prostate size, PSA level and family found that while the drug low- The REDUCE trial was con- (314)286-0119 Washington University, Campus Box 1184, history of prostate cancer. ered cancer risk, it was linked to ducted at 250 sites in 42 coun- Campus Box 8508 One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, M0 63130. [email protected] The U.S. Food and Drug more aggressive tumors, although tries. GlaxoSmithKline funded Reprint permission Calendar Submissions Administration approved dutas- a later analysis of the data sug- the study. Andriole is chairman Articles may be reprinted with appropriate Fax: (314) 935-4259 teride in 2001 for the treatment of gested that may not be the case. of the REDUCE steering commit- credit to Washington University in St. Louis Campus Box 1070 Record. benign prostatic hyperplasia Over the course of the study, tee and a consultant for the [email protected] (BPH). This condition causes 6.8 percent of men in the placebo company. record.wustl.edu WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS May 7,2009 7 Notables

Olin Business School honors Arts & Sciences presents alumni awards, Dean's Medal Arts & Sciences will recog- University of Missouri-St. Louis Arts & Sciences National distinguished alumni, faculty nize the achievements of and at community colleges. In Council. His wife, Jill (A.B. '66, BY MELODY WALKER school; Peacock also serves as a five alumni at 4 p.m. 1972, she married John M.A.'85), is pursuing a doctor- director for the American Red May 15 in the Jerzewiak Family Dubinsky (A.B. '65, MBA '67). ate in American literature at A choreographer, bank presi- Cross St. Louis Area Chapter and Auditorium in the Arts & Sci- Since earning a visual arts WUSTL. dent, investment banker and St. Patrick's Center. ences Laboratory Sciences degree, she has taught at the Pamela L. Tremayne, J.D., the president of the United Sally H. Roth (MBA '95) is Building. Truro Center for the Arts at Ph.D. (A.B. '64), earned a bach- States' largest brewer were among president of Regions Bank Upper Ralph S. Quatrano, Ph.D., Castle Hill in Massachusetts and elor's degree in sociology with the honorees at the Olin Business Midwest Area — 128 branches in interim dean of Arts 8c Sciences at the University of Chicago; an emphasis in Latin American Schools 2009 Distinguished Missouri, Iowa and western and the Spencer T. Olin later in 2009, she will teach at studies and Spanish; a master's Alumni Awards April 22 at the Kentucky. Banking is her second Professor in Arts 8c Sciences, the Provincetown Art degree in Latin American stud- Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton. career; her first was teaching. also will present the Dean's Association and Museum in ies from the University of More than 500 alumni, faculty and From positions at Mercantile, Medal to Edward S. Macias, Massachusetts. Her awards Florida; and a juris doctorate friends attended the ceremony, Bank of America and the Private Ph.D., provost, executive vice include the Cite Internationale and a doctorate in sociology where winners of the second Bank, Roth moved to Regions chancellor for academic affairs des Arts residency in Paris. from Emory University. annual Olin Award and Dean's Bank in 2002. and the Barbara and David A member of the WUSTL In 1986, she established the Medal were also named. She serves on the board of the Thomas Distinguished Professor Art National Council, she has Law Offices of Pamela L. Tre- Olin Alumni Association, where in Arts & Sciences, who served served on search committees for mayne in Atlanta. As principal Dean's Medal she is past president; the BJC- as Arts & Sciences dean for two art deans. in the law firm, she represents Mahendra R. Gupta, Ph.D., Hospital Foundation; the Regional 13 years before stepping down Shelby L. Jordan (A.B. '74), clients from business, medicine, dean and the Geraldine J. and Chamber and Growth Association; June 30, 2008, to take on ex- considered one of the greatest law, politics and professional Robert L. Virgil Professor of and the Wyman Center. She also is panded leadership responsibili- pass blockers in National athletics in high-asset, complex Accounting and Management, a member of Olin's National ties as provost. Football League history and a domestic relations matters, member of the 1984 world including divorce and custody. presented the Dean's Medal to Council. Distinguished Jerald L. Kent (BSBA '78, MBA Lawrence E. Thomas (BSBA champion Los Angeles Raiders, The St. Louis native enhanc- 79) and Judith L. Kent in recog- '77) is a partner, minority market Alumni Awards has tackled different adversaries es her practice with academic, nition of their $3 million Olin recruiting, at Edward Jones. An The Distinguished Alumni since 1989: scarce affordable cultural and international expe- scholarship program that will internship at Edward Jones during Awards are presented annually urban housing and services for rience and hours of pro bono significantly support 20 under- his years at Olin led to a job in the to recognize those who have those in need. work. graduate students over the next corporate bond trading depart- attained distinction in their Jordan and his wife of 30 The first woman president seven years. ment and a lifelong career with the academic or professional careers years, Donzella, fund and direct and longest-serving president of Jerald Kent's commitment to firm. and have demonstrated service a Los Angeles nonprofit eco- the International Club of scholarship funding also has been Thomas, with two other Olin to their communities and to the nomic development corporation Atlanta, Tremayne also is a reinforced by his work on the alums, founded "The Tie That University. that permanently removes seven-year board member of Board of Trustees. Kent founded Binds" a scholarship initiative Joel W. Abramowitz, M.D., blight, stabilizing neighbor- Big Brothers/Big Sisters. A Charter Communications and is challenging African-American Ph.D. (A.B. '69), is chief of staff hoods once characterized as member of the WUSTL Atlanta president and CEO of Cequel III alumni campus-wide. He also at Memorial Hermann Memor- economically and socially frag- Regional Cabinet, she has host- LLC. Judy Kent is a community sponsors two annual Olin scholar- ial City Hospital in Houston ile. The results include six af- ed alumni events and served on volunteer and co-owns a women's ships and an endowed scholarship and listed among the "Top fordable housing complexes for the Alumni Board of clothing boutique. at the University. Doctors in America" for families and seniors. Governors. While in WUSTL's Career Thomas serves on Olin's oncology. Dean's Medal Distinguished National Advisory Council and He studied zoology at Scholarship Program, directed the Executive Alumni Association WUSTL and earned medical by his mentor, the late Gloria During Macias' tenure as Alumni Awards W. White, Ph.D., Jordan excelled dean of Arts & Sciences and David C. Dorfman (BSBA '77) as well as the University's Alumni and doctoral degrees in bio- Board of Governors and the Board chemistry from the State academically and athletically. executive vice chancellor from is a noted dancer and choreogra- A premed student, he earned 1995-2008, Arts 8c Sciences pher who founded his eponymous of Trustees. He serves on multiple University of New York civic and educational boards in Downstate Medical Center in a degree in psychology while advanced to the first tier of the dance company in 1985. He is working part-time and gaining nation's best undergraduate and chair and the William Meredith St. Louis. Brooklyn. He completed a fel- lowship in hematology and local and national collegiate graduate liberal arts programs. Professor of Dance at Connecticut Olin Award athletic distinctions. He attri- Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton College. oncology at M.D. Anderson Richard Mahoney, Olin execu- Hospital in Houston. butes his success as a student- calls Macias "one of the most Dorfman draws on his Olin athlete to the environment effective academic leaders in studies in organizational behavior tive in residence and former chair- He is defined professionally man and CEO of the Monsanto by his reputation for being an created by then-Chancellor America." to get the most out of his dancers. William H. Danforth, who Equipped with what one David Dorfman Dance is an Co., presented the second annual excellent private-practice on- Olin Award for faculty research. cologist who cares for and sup- inspired people to be their best. department chair called "broad award-winning company that has Martin K. Sneider (A.B. '64) vision, excellent judgment, the performed on stages around the The $10,000 award, initiated by ports his patients and their Mahoney, highlights scholarship families during an extraordi- majored in history before earn- ability to make tough decisions, world. Dorfman has received a ing a master's degree in journal- all combined with personal Guggenheim fellowship and four that has practical and perfor- narily difficult time in their mance-enhancing applications to lives. ism from the University of warmth and diplomacy," Macias National Endowment for the Arts Missouri and an MBA from strengthened Arts & Sciences fellowships. critical management issues. He and his late wife, Joan, This year's winning paper, titled endowed the Jesse Nathan Harvard University. He joined by recruiting superb faculty and David A. Peacock (MBA '00) is Edison Brothers Stores, the students and by fostering inter- president of Anheuser-Busch "A Theory of Strategic Problem Abramowitz Scholarship in Arts Formulation," is authored by & Sciences in memory of their nations largest retailer of wom- disciplinary programs. InBev, responsible for all U.S. en's shoes at that time. Because Arts & Sciences is operations for the newly com- Markus Baer, Ph.D., assistant oldest son, who died shordy professor of organizational behav- after his 1999 graduation from Sneider played a key role in the heart of the University, its bined company. Peacock's career developing Edison's men's and programs are essential for the began in advertising at A-B and ior; Kurt Dirks, Ph.D., professor Washington University. of organizational behavior; and Abramowitz is married to Rita women's apparel divisions. interactions Macias is now quickly moved to corporate plan- building among all schools. Jackson A. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mosko Berger; his middle and When named president and ning, brand management, corpo- co-CEO in 1987, he became the In his role as provost, he rate media and retail-sales the Frahm Family Professor of youngest sons are Michael Organization and Strategy. The Abramowitz and Carl Matthew first person outside the Edison works with WUSTL's seven promotion. family to hold that position. deans to explore common edu- As a graduate of the Olin paper is under consideration for Abramowitz (A.B. '04), a publication in the Harvard Spanish major. Before stepping down in 1995, cational issues from intraschool Executive MBA program, he Sneider had successfully trans- programs to internationaliza- maintains close ties with the Business Review. Yvette Drury Dubinsky (A.B. '64, M.A. '66, MFA '90) is formed the company into a tion, and he is developing new an award-winning St. Louis multicategory fashion retailer ways to enhance diversity as he artist whose works — which operating approximately 3,000 meets critical academic, budget- Law school center, clinic renamed often combine photography stores and generating sales of ary and capital planning with printmaking, drawing or $1.5 billion. responsibilities. collage — have been featured in For the past 16 years, Sneider Macias joined WUSTL's The School of Law's Center for Center for Entrepreneurial national and international exhi- has been an adjunct professor at chemistry faculty 39 years ago Research on Innovation & Studies, the original center has bitions and are part of museum, the Olin Business School, teach- after completing a doctoral Entrepreneurship has been re- transformed into the Center on program at MIT. corporate and private ing retailing and corporate named the Center on Law, Law, Innovation 8c Economic In addition to teaching, he collections. social responsibility courses and Innovation & Economic Growth Growth," McManis said. "The new long studied the chemistry and After earning two degrees in receiving numerous teaching (CLIEG). name more accurately reflects the sociology, she worked as a re- awards. physics of atmospheric particles Gerrit De Geest, J.D., Ph.D., research mission of the center and their effects on air searcher and taught at the He chaired the Alumni Board professor of law, is the new co- henceforth, and, in particular, of Governors and served on the pollution. director with founder Charles highlights professor Gerrit De McManis, J.D., the Thomas and Geest's interest and expertise in Karole Green Professor of Law. comparative law and economics." Academic Team's First Team. York presented his research on "With four years of accumu- In addition, the Intellectual Of note The 20 First Team students were acoustic source localization lated experience to build on and Property & Business Formation selected by a panel of judges using an array of microphones the encouragement of the Legal CHnic is now the Intel- from hundreds of students nom- and generalized cross-correla- University-wide Skandalaris lectual Property & Nonprofit Alexandre Carter, M.D., inated by colleges and universi- tion signal processing algo- Organizations Clinic to better Ph.D., instructor in neurology, ties across the United States. rithms. His research was con- reflect the clinic's work with the has received a $420,000 grant Judges considered grades, lead- ducted as an Undergraduate Obituary nonprofit sector. The clinic is from the Robert Wood Johnson ership, activities and, most im- Research Project under the associated with CLIEG. Foundation for a four-year post- portantly, how students extend supervision and guidance of Both renamings were celebrat- doctoral research award under the their intellectual talents beyond Arye Nehorai, Ph.D., the Eugene York, 91 ed with a virtual ribbon-cutting foundation's Harold Amos the classroom.... and Martha Lohman Professor ceremony in which the touch of a Medical Faculty Development Joshua York, senior in elec- and chair of the Department of Simone York, head reserve divi- computer key allowed the previ- Program.... trical engineering, won the Electrical and Systems Engi- sion and library assistant from ous name to morph into the new Kelley Greenman, senior in first-place award for best overall neering, Patricio La Rosa, grad- 1952-1974, died April 6, 2009, in one on a large video screen. environmental studies in Arts & presentation at the St. Louis uate research assistant, and Ed Chaumont, France, after a brief For more information, visit Sciences, was named to USA Area Undergraduate Research Richter, research associate in illness. She was 91. law.wustl.edu/CLIEG. TODAY'S annual All-USA College Symposium April 4. electrical engineering. 8 RECORD WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS May 7,2009 Washington People

en Katie Plax, M.D., talks about her life and career, there's one concept she repeats often: how luckym she is. But it's more than luck that has gotten this Washington Uni- versity pediatrician to her role as director of the Adolescent Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital. "We are incredibly fortunate to have Katie Plax as a member of our School of Medicine faculty," says Alan L. Schwartz, Ph.D., M.D., the Harriet B. Spoehrer Professor and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. "She is the real deal — a gifted clinician, a passionate advocate for children and teens, especially those chal- BY BETH MILLER lenged by suboptimal family and life circumstances, a committed educator and a revered role model for so many junior faculty. If 'impact' is the coin of the realm, Katie delivers." Plax did not always want to be a doctor — she started under- graduate premedicine courses at Brown University but ended up earning a psychology degree. She first worked at a nonprofit agency Katie Plax, M.D. (left), and Regina Whittington, director of Supporting Positive Opportunities for and with pediatric hematologist/ with Teens (SPOT), discuss some of the resources the SPOT offers its clients. "(Dr. Plax's) presence at oncologist Peter Smith, M.D., at the center is a powerhouse of resources for youth accessing services," Whittington says. "She Brown University, who cared for approaches medicine in a practical manner and empowers youth with knowledge and understanding. boys with hemophilia who be- ... Her work is not confined to an exam room — she is actively engaging in the community and deter- came infected with HIV. Smith mining action that can be taken to promote and foster a healthier life."

1,000 individual youth and tested A close family more than 500 for sexually trans- Plax and one of her brothers, mitted diseases, including HIV. Danny Plax, M.D., instructor in Advocating for youth "It's really rewarding to see this clinical pediatrics at the School model work and to see the young of Medicine and a pediatrician Plax's work with worked with parent organizations Children's Health Insurance people who come to the SPOT now in private practice, had another at schools to allow the boys to Program (CHIP). In addition, she referring people to us — to me, pediatrician role model — their teens goes from attend school. started exploring changes to cur- that's the ultimate seal of approval," father, Steven Plax, M.D., profes- "I went out with him on these rent policies that would make it she says. sor emeritus of clinical pediat- exam room to presentations, and I thought to easier to enroll children in the Regina Whittington, director of rics, who she says loved his job, myself, 'That's the kind of doctor I program. the SPOT, says it is a privilege to was good at it and set a very community want to be,'" she says. At the same time, she received work with Plax. high standard of what a pediatri- She went back to school at a two-year fellowship through the "Dr. Plax is one of the most cian can be and can do. She also night to finish premed courses. Soros Foundation. This allowed inspirational physicians I have ever says both parents set an incred- During medical school, she con- her to spend about half of her met," Whittington says. "Her pres- ibly high standard of how to be a tinued to work on issues related to time working on what led to a ence at the center is a powerhouse good parent HIV, teaching community groups state policy called presumptive of resources for youth accessing Plax and her partner, John and volunteering at a homeless eligibility, which allows income- services. She approaches medicine Cross, have two sons: Jacob, 6, shelter. eligible children to be immedi- in a practical manner and empow- and Jeremy, 2V4. The family likes "It was very clear then why I ately enrolled in Missouri's CHIP ers youth with knowledge and to do anything outside, includ- wanted to go into medicine — to program at community sites with- understanding. She doesn't just see ing playing ball and gardening. work with an underserved com- out a waiting period. a patient, she forms a relationship She also loves to cook, and each munity," she says. Splitting time and advocates for them. Her work week, Plax and her family get She came to Washington is not confined to an exam room together with her parents and University and St. Louis Children's Plax splits her time between pa- — she is actively engaging in the Danny's family for Sunday night Hospital for her residency and tient care and advocacy. She has community and determining ac- dinner. She also has two brothers then went to work as a pediatri- been legislative chair for the tion that can be taken to promote who live in Chicago. cian at St. Louis County's John Missouri chapter of the American and foster a healthier life." Plax says the support of C. Murphy Health Center in Academy of Pediatrics since 2004. Plax is quick to praise the SPOT Cross, her family and her col- Berkeley, Mo. Less than a year She continues to work on expand- staff for their role in the project's leagues have helped her balance later, the county reorganized its ing CHIP coverage in Missouri early success. the demands of a career and a health-care model and released its using funds from the federal "Frankly, I've been incredibly family. physicians. That's when the door stimulus package as well as work- fortunate that I have the most "One of the things I see again to Plax's interest in politics and ing with the state to use stimulus amazing people to work with and and again at the SPOT is that not academic medicine opened. She funds to reverse cuts to health and who share the vision," she says. everybody has a family they can joined an effort opposed to the social service agencies. "Sometimes you get to dream rely on," she says. "I have a fam- reorganization and learned about She also spends some of her about things you'd like to see hap- ily I can rely on. the county political system. free time in politics and says she pen. I got to dream about this, I got "One thing that's very clear "During this experience, I met loves to work on campaigns. Last to go out and do it, and everybody personally and professionally is a lot of people in the community fall, she canvassed for President was excited about doing it with me. that you can't do it alone. If you who were interested in caring for Barack Obama and attended his Katie Plax How many times do people get to can find those partnerships, it underserved families, and it gave inauguration. do that in their life? That's just a makes a huge difference." me the opportunity to develop huge gift." Education: B.A., Brown University; skills that you don't necessarily get On the SPOT Plax is sharing M.D., University of Rochester to develop in medicine, like When she started working in the her passion and Title: Associate professor of speaking at a County Council Adolescent Center at St. Louis vision for under- pediatrics, medical director of the meeting or writing letters to the Children's Hospital, pediatricians served teens with SPOT and director of the Adolescent editor," she says. were beginning to treat teenagers resident physi- Center at St. Louis Children's She also developed a relation- who had been infected with HIV cians who are Hospital ship with Lynn White, M.D., then at birth as well as those who had helping out at the director of the Adolescent Center behaviorally acquired HIV. Plax SPOT Also directs: A pediatrics rotation at St. Louis Children's Hospital, joined the team and now spends "I'm excited called Pediatricians in Community, who offered Plax a job. one half-day a week in the hospi- about that because which allows residents to make "I was incredibly lucky because tal's teen HIV clinic. I think about what patient home visits with community I had this model doctor of some- Her love of medicine and Peter Smith did social services agencies to give one working in the community advocacy combined again in 2008 for me," she says. residents a deeper understanding of serving a population of adoles- when she became medical direc- "I think some- how the agencies help families cents in need and who was willing tor of the SPOT (Supporting times you just Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, to do the needed work to advocate Positive Opportunities for and need to see things playing outside with her sons, travel, for patients," Plax says. with Teens). The first of its kind in in living color and reading and politics Before she left John C. Murphy, the St. Louis area, the SPOT is a expand people's Plax noticed that 40 percent of the one-stop, drop-in center for youth Fascinated with: The Supreme horizons about center's patient population was ages 13-24 that provides testing Court. "I read the biography about what doctors can uninsured, despite Missouri's for HIV and sexually transmitted former Supreme Court Justice Harry do. We're only policy that allows children to get diseases, health care and counsel- Blackmun," she says, "and I loved limited by our state coverage. Working with ing, social support, prevention 'The Nine.'" own creativity, and Legal Services of Eastern and case management services at I'm hopeful that I Likes to read: Fiction, nonfiction and Missouri, she trained volunteers no cost. can pass on that the Sunday New York Times to help uninsured families enroll Since its September 2008 open- good hands-on (From left) John Cross, Jacob (standing), in Medicaid, now known as the ing, the SPOT has treated nearly message." Jeremy and Katie Plax.