The magazine of the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame Winter 2013 IMPACT

Training the next generation of scientists to impact the world Letter from the Dean

more than 1,000 celebrate transit of venus at notre dame The Notre Dame and South Bend communities came together on June 5 at the Jordan Hall of Science to witness the Transit of Venus, a rare astronomical event in which the Earth, Venus, and the Sun align. More than 1,000 visitors gathered to watch Venus transit the Sun for the last time this century. university of notre dame founder, father edward sorin, c.s.c., had a vision of the University becoming a powerful means for doing good in the country. Today, Notre Dame is fulfilling this bold vision, as well as expanding upon it by becoming a powerful means for doing good not only here at home, but around the world as well. This edition of Notre Dame Science highlights a unity of purpose in the research being conducted by faculty and students in the College of Science and in the community as a whole, as well as in cross-collaboration with both our campus counterparts in other colleges and with our off-campus colleagues at the Harper Cancer Research Institute. This unity of purpose broadens the scope of the University’s research initiatives while, at the same time, focuses each of our individual efforts on serving the common good Contents through purposeful research that, ultimately, leads to solving real-world problems. gregory p. crawford In 2010, Notre Dame created the Department of Applied and Com- William K. Warren Foundation Dean putational Mathematics and Statistics (ACMS). Part of the College of Feature Stories College News of the College of Science Science, ACMS enables the cross-fertilization of ideas by taking a mul- 2 Fulfilling Father Sorin’s Vision 22 Harper Cancer Research Institute Welcomes New Faculty tidisciplinary team approach to uncovering common patterns in diverse 4 New Dual Degree Prepares Physicians for Global Health 23 Partnering with the Ara Parseghian Medical Research and complex subjects. Careers Foundation Last year, Notre Dame became just the fourth college or university in 5 A Class of Its Own 24 ND LIGHTS Brightens Under-equipped High School the country to offer a Master of Science in Global Health. The interdis- 6 New Multidisciplinary Graduate Program Consolidates Laboratories ciplinary program will provide a mixture of both classroom and on-site Life Science Opportunities 25 Irish Students Bring their Passion and Innovative Spirit to learning where science is comprehended in the context of its promise to 8 One Department, Two Disciplines, Endless Possibilities ESTEEM improve the health of those who are disproportionately affected by pre- ventable diseases due to living in resource-poor settings. 10 Innovative Master's Program Prepares Graduates to Undergraduate News & Research Succeed in World of Big Data Finally, scientists from both the University of Notre Dame and the Indi- 26 Research Experience Impacts Career Decisions 11 Notre Dame’s New Sustainability Minor ana University School of Medicine are collaborating at the Mike and Josie 27 Undergraduates Publish Research in Scientia Harper Cancer Research Institute on research in cancer biology, placing 11 Department of Mathematics Offers New Minor in Actuarial 28 Undergraduate Students Learn Compassionate Care in special emphasis on genomics and proteomics, as well as breast, prostate, Science Medicine and colon cancers. Research News It is my sincere hope that this issue of Notre Dame Science enlightens 29 Student-Athlete Spotlight: Andrew Hendrix you to the truly groundbreaking work that’s going on at the University. 13 NSF Places the First Nuclear Accelerator Since the ‘80s 29 The Fight for Sight: Biology Club Raises Over $7,500 to It’s also my hope that it inspires you. Most of all, I hope the work, on and at Notre Dame Fight Blindness off campus and around the world, makes you as proud as it makes me, to 14 Notre Dame Taking the Lead in Adult Stem Cell Research New Faces be a part of Father Sorin’s vision and of the Notre Dame family. 15 Mini SRIs: Hartland, Huber, Fraser 30 College Expands Faculty 16 Sustainable Energy Initiative: Advancing Sustainable dean Gregory Crawford 31 Faculty Spotlight: Rebecca Wingert editor Marissa Gebhard Sincerely, Fossil, Nuclear, Solar Energy writers Mike Roe, Gene Stowe, Rachel 32 Graduate Student Spotlight: Doug Berry 18 Environmental Change Initiative Developing New Fellman, Stephanie Healey, and Jessica 32 Undergraduate Student Spotlight: MurphyKate Montee Stoller-Conrad Methods, Collaborations graphic design Noah Armstrong and 33 Alumnus Spotlight: Thomas Quinn Lotta Barnes 19 Innovation Fellows Advance Discovery from Bench photo credits Matt Cashore and Toward Bedside gregory p. crawford, ph.d. Barbara Johnston 20 QuarkNet Receives $6.1 Million NSF Award to Advance Standing Ovations Copyright © 2013. All rights reserved. William K. Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science Professor of Physics Program 215 Jordan Hall 21 GLOBES Fellow Combines Ecology and Law to Guide Notre Dame, IN 46556 science.nd.edu Ecological Restoration [email protected] (574) 631-4465 Feature Notre Dame Strengthens International

joseph bock, Collaborations director of global Fulfilling health training

Father Sorin’s Vision Although Notre Dame is located in the state of Indiana, known colloquially as the “crossroads of America,” the University has long been enriched by To Be One of the Most Powerful distinctly international perspectives. To extend Notre Dame’s global impact, Nich- Means for Doing Good in the Country olas Entrikin, vice president and associate provost for internationalization, was recruited to Notre and Around the World Dame in 2010 to enhance and expand the inter- national components of Notre Dame. Through his leadership, Notre Dame champions international study, research, and collaboration. In particular, it Joseph Bock, director of global health he University of Notre Dame is build- strengthens the University’s international collabo- training at the Eck Institute for Global ing upon its growing strength in global rations with institutes and researchers, other uni- Health, oversees the Master of Science in versities, study abroad opportunities, international health research and training, while also Global Health. Bock has been the Uni- student recruitment and support, government continuing its Catholic tradition of cre- versity’s liaison to Catholic Relief Services T partnerships, global corporate and foundation part- and has supported the University's work in ating a sense of human solidarity and con- nerships, international delegations, and University Haiti. Bock says the goal of the program is tributing to the common good, by offering marta michalska advancement. to “help people widen their perspectives, to worked at a hospital in Tanzania In the fall of 2012, Notre Dame International a Master of Science in Global Health. Notre look closely at the reasons behind extreme through the Eck Institute for hosted the inaugural Symposium on Study Abroad Dame is just the fourth college or university poverty and vulnerability, and to develop Global Health. Assessment that brought together scholars and ad- the practical skills to make a real and last- in the country to offer such a degree. ministrators of study abroad programs from a new ing difference in world health. This is not consortium of private research universities that just about intellectual curiosity. This is about include Princeton, Georgetown, Yale, Duke, Rice, having a passion to reach out to the poor The M.S. in global health provides a mix- and Columbia to explore ways to strengthen the and vulnerable.” ture of classroom and experiential learning academic quality of study abroad programs. Notre The inaugural class of 14 members grad- where science is understood in the context Dame ranks ninth in percentage of students study- uated in May 2012 after completing field of its promise to improve the health of those ing abroad among American doctoral/research in- experiences fighting Dengue fever in Puerto people in resource-poor settings who are dis- stitutions. proportionately affected by preventable dis- Rico, cholera in Haiti, and Hepatitis C in eases. The program requires course work to Malaysia. Nineteen students in this year's be completed over two semesters, followed class are headed to places such as Tanzania by one to two months of field experience in and India to fight infectious diseases that a location where access to health care is lim- are becoming more threatening because of ited. Finally, students are required to present increases in non-communicable diseases. a scholarly report based on either original or In his inaugural address in 2005, Uni- literature-based research. A few core cours- versity of Notre Dame President Rev. John es and electives include: Research Methods I. Jenkins, C.S.C. , said, “The world needs in Global Health Science, Population and a university that graduates men and women Disease Ecology, and Medical Microbiol- who are not only capable and knowledge- ogy. Additionally, the program emphasizes able, but who accept their responsibility to project management, study design, and cul- serve others—especially those in greatest tural sensitivity. need.” Notre Dame is that university. 

2 3 Feature Feature health of some of the world’s most under- New Dual Degree served populations,” says Gregory Craw- ford, dean of the College of Science at the A Class of Its Own University of Notre Dame. Prepares Physicians “The new joint effort will better pre- Notre Dame’s Master pare our graduates for highly competi- of Science in Patent Law for Global Health Careers tive global health careers at places like the World Health Organization, the U.S. Cen- Integrated program allows IUSM ters for Disease Control, and the National smartphones, search engines, and social geneticist and patent agent, with experi- Institutes of Health,” says Eck Institute networking, fuel-cell technologies, texting, ence evaluating the viability of intellectual students to pursue M.S. in Global Health for Global Health director, David Sever- and email, satellite radio, HDTV, and property and prosecuting patent applica- son. “This program will strengthen Notre GPS have revolutionized how we work tions before the United States Patent and Dame’s tradition of placement in these and play. But, without the legal protec- Trademark Office (USPTO). eginning in August, the Eck Institute This new academic collaboration is international organizations as well as the tion to exclusively manufacture and mar- Developed in collaboration with the for Global Health at the University offered to medical students from any of the thousands of non-governmental organiza- ket their products, what’s the incentive for Law School, the College of Science, and of Notre Dame and the Indiana Uni- IUSM campuses who plan to practice medi- tions such as Catholic Relief Services with an inventor or entrepreneur to invest their the College of Engineering, the master’s in versity School of Medicine (IUSM) cine in underserved settings. Students will whom we have existing relationships.” time and money in research and develop- patent law prepares students with a bach- B The one-year supplemental science-cen- will offer a new opportunity for IUSM medi- take a leave of absence during their third ment? elor’s degree in either science or engineer- cal students to receive global health training year of medical studies to join the master’s tric training program consists of 30 credit The reality is that innovative new ing to pass the patent bar. The program through a joint Medical Doctor/Master of Sci- students in global health at Notre Dame hours over two semesters and a summer products do much more than simply im- not only provides traditional classroom ence of Global Health (M.D./M.S.) Integrated for a 12-month program. Upon comple- involving a 6-8 week field experience in prove how we live; they create new jobs instruction in legal concepts, writing, and Dual Degree program. tion of the M.S. in Global Health degree, an international resource-poor location. and drive our modern economy. So, pro- research, but also teaches students how to “This effort capitalized on the shared rela- students will resume their medical degree All students complete a required master’s tecting products, typically through pat- search, prepare, and file a patent applica- tionship the South Bend campus and Eck studies following with the option of fin- research project, a scholarly report based ents, is absolutely essential. Yet, despite an tion, as well as how to analyze and respond Institute for Global Health has built around ishing at the IUSM-South Bend campus on original research or literature-based exponential increase in new patent filings, to USPTO communications. several shared research projects,” said Rudy for their third and fourth years. “We are research. “We are only in the second year the growth in the number of new patent There are several benefits of a career Navari, M.D., associate dean and director of excited about this joint effort that will pre- of the existing one year master’s program,” practitioners has remained steady. Notre as a patent agent versus that of a patent IUSM-South Bend. pare students to make a big impact on the says director of Global Health Training, Dame’s Master of Science in Patent Law is attorney. “Given a patent agent’s greater Joseph Bock, “and the demand has been one of the first programs of its kind to ad- technical expertise, lower salary require- more than we expected.” dress the growing need for the profession- ments, and equivalent ability to practice at Although there are similar five-year als necessary to legally protect the prod- the USPTO,” says Deak, “law firms often programs at other leading universities, this ucts that grow our economy and positively prefer them to patent attorneys.” Another degree program will be the first dual degree karen deak, impact our lives. benefit is that patent agents are registered director of the Master of of its type from two collaborating univer- “Currently, most patent agents learn with a federal bar, so they have more ca- Science in Patent Law sities.  and practice patent law through the same reer mobility than an attorney who is only apprenticeship-based model as that in licensed in one state jurisdiction. which junior associates are trained; a mod- The program enrolled nine students in el that can prove costly to a law firm, be- fall 2012, and the University anticipates a cause much of the time spent in training class size of 50–60 students in the coming is non-billable,” says Karen Deak, a Ph.D. years. 

Columbus, Ohio, accelerate the commer- Fimbel, who earned a Ph.D. in bio- Patent Law Students cialization of the hospital’s innovations. logical sciences at Notre Dame in 2007, Kerisha Bowen, Ashley Ferraro, and worked for three years at the Purdue Re- Apply Intellectual Ke Min are involved in the pilot study by search Foundation's Office of Technology Property Knowledge Intellectual Analytics, whose innovative Commercialization before returning to methodology, TechnoFlow, uses large data South Bend. sets to identify and predict the innova- tive output of research laboratories. They Three students in the Master of Science ralph pennino '75 expect to publish a peer-reviewed article performs emergency in Patent Law program are working with on Nationwide’s technologies and create surgery in Haiti after the Notre Dame alumnus Shane Fimbel, chief a series of dashboards for key metrics for devastating earthquake in operating officer at Union Station Tech- Nationwide’s technology transfer office as 2010. nology Center in South Bend, on a project well as measure the hospital’s innovative to help Nationwide Children’s Hospital of output.

4 5 Feature New Multidisciplinary Graduate Program Consolidates Life Science Opportunities

of the program, said the degree will provide an agile response to research in developing fields. “Science is becoming so interdisci- plinary,” she said. “We need to respond with new opportunities. Under this umbrella, we could focus on a number of fields and respond much more quickly to new research.” The program will consolidate research expertise that was previously found across campus in different departments. Uniting those efforts in the new umbrella program will also place the University high on stu- dents' online searches. Goodson said, “We think this is going to improve both the brian baker , holly goodson, number of students that are applying and co-director of the Integrated Biomedical co-director of the Integrated Biomedical also promote research.” Sciences Program Sciences Program For example, a biophysicist might need “Science is becoming so interdisciplinary. We need a cell biologist in the lab, but no one seeking a cell biology Ph.D. would normally apply to respond with new interdisciplinary graduate to a physics department. “Now that physi- programs.”— Holly Goodson cist can have a cell biologist in their lab, and the cell biologist can be learning both cell biology and physics,” Goodson said. Many other universities have devel- oped umbrella programs, but the Notre odern research in biochem- showcasing the range of biomedical research Dame IBMS program, by including the istry, molecular and cellular scattered across departments on campus Departments of Physics and Applied and biology, and the related bio- while simultaneously increasing interdis- Computational Mathematics and Statistics, medical sciences is highly ciplinary opportunities and collaborations. M is broader than most. Students will spend interdisciplinary. Modern biomedical scien- The newly launched program expects to their first year rotating through three dif- tists are not limited to the confines of only enroll up to 13 students in the fall of 2013 ferent laboratories independent of depart- one discipline, nor are they isolated within with support from the College of Science, ments and taking courses from a curriculum the confines single departments. the Graduate School, the Departments of specifically designed for their field. At the Notre Dame responded to this shift Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biological end of the year, they will choose an advisor, by creating the Notre Dame Integrated Sciences, Physics, and Applied and Com- whose department becomes responsible for Biomedical Sciences Program (ND IBMS). putational Mathematics and Statics, and their administration, but they remain in the The program offers graduate students the the Indiana University School of Medi- program and earn an Integrated Biomedi- opportunity to do research across disciplines cine –South Bend. cal Sciences Ph.D.  such as bioinformatics, biophysics, genom- Holly Goodson, associate professor of (l) liz loughran and ics, and proteomics. The innovative pro- chemistry and biochemistry, who initiated (r) peter feist, gram aims to attract graduate students by the idea with Brian M. Baker, co-director began pursuing Ph.D.'s in the IBMS program this year.

6 7 Feature Feature

ou have been told you have The ACMS department—part of the for statistical consultations and support are in developing cells, combustion modeling, breast cancer. So, what can you College of Science—supports a collabora- in the Departments of Biological Sciences, One high-performance fuel pumps, hurricane expect? At some point, there’s a tive, interdisciplinary approach to research Economics, Political Science, Psychology, storm surge prediction, and flow patterns strong likelihood you will have by preparing and empowering students and Sociology. Department, Y in coastal seas. ACMS also offers innova- New Statistics to undergo chemotherapy. But, is there a and faculty with deep domain knowledge Until the 2010–11 academic year, tive professional master's degrees designed scenario in which you might safely forego in mathematics and statistics to apply their the University did not have a department Two around private sector needs. Major Fills chemo treatments? Someday soon, statistics expertise, alongside researchers, in a variety of either applied mathematics or statis- Research projects in numerous areas are might provide the answer. of fields. Specific areas of research in ACMS tics. Today, Notre Dame has one depart- currently inhibited by the lack of a sophisti- Growing Need Disciplines, Steve Buechler is researching the appli- include: mathematical and computational ment that combines both, something that cated collaborator in statistics. Just as seri- cation of statistics to medicine, specifically, biology, numerical differential equations, is surprisingly uncommon among research for Graduates ous is the lack of research in fields in which Endless to personalized medicine that assesses the numerical algebraic geometry, bioinformat- universities. And, with state-of-the-art com- statisticians often find breakthroughs. The genetic state of breast cancer. Recently, he ics and biostatistics, applied partial differ- putational facilities and research centers like with Quantitative Department of Applied and Computational Possibilities developed an algorithm for determining the ential equations, and scientific computing. the University’s Center for Research Com- Mathematics and Statistics takes a multidis- Skills likelihood for relapse based on a measure- ACMS began offering bachelor’s and puting, Notre Dame is quickly moving ciplinary team approach to finding common ment of the expression levels of four genes doctoral degrees in fall 2010. Graduates toward achieving its goal of being among patterns in diverse and complex subjects, so in the initial biopsied tumor. Patients iden- earning doctorates will likely go on to the world’s top research universities, one as to enable the fruitful cross-fertilization of tified by his algorithm as unlikely to suffer work at research centers and institutes, that is committed to improving the quality The Department of Applied and Com- ideas. As Zhiliang Xu, assistant professor of recurrence could safely avoid chemothera- medical schools, and national laboratories of life for all people. putational Mathematics and Statistics mathematics, whose research in the appli- py treatment. That’s the power of applying like Argonne and Los Alamos, applying “We’re all very excited,” Buechler says. has launched a new degree, the Bach- cation of multiscale modeling and compu- mathematics and statistics to solving real- what they learned while at Notre Dame to “We’re working very hard, yet we’re not elor of Science in Statistics, as well as a tational approaches to studying biological world problems. And it’s why, in July 2010, researching a wide variety of topics, includ- trying to reproduce what other universities supplementary major in statistics. The problems says, “It’s a great opportunity to Notre Dame created the Department of ing blood clotting, tumor growth, spread of have done or are doing; we’re creating some- major addresses a large and growing combine the strength of applied mathemati- Applied and Computational Mathematics infection, cancer prognosis models, gas and thing unique, and something that someday need for experts in the field as big data cians and people from other fields on campus and Statistics (ACMS), chaired by Buechler. fluid flow in jets, movement of chemicals might not only save billions of dollars cur- becomes an important aspect of doing to tackle big problems.” It also contributes rently spent on health care, but also save business. Professionals in statistics are to the University’s goal of enhancing inter- countless lives.”  sought-after in industries from health disciplinary research. The deepest needs care and pharmaceuticals to academia and high-volume retail. The degree includes courses that develop a foundation in the meth- ods of applied mathematics and data analysis, in addition to courses in a wide variety of application areas. The supplementary major is particularly beneficial for students in business and the social sciences as well as the natural sciences and engineering. Graduates are qualified for jobs such as identifying transaction data patterns in online sales, estimating actual risk in the insurance indus- try, analyzing investment data in the

(l) steve buechler, banking industry, and analyzing per- chair of the Department of formance data in the manufacturing Applied and Computational sector. Graduates are also prepared to Mathematics and Statistics enter master or doctoral programs in statistics, biostatistics, computational biology, finance, or the social sciences.

8 9 Feature Feature Department of Innovative Master's Notre Dame's New Program Prepares or collaborations with business and indus- Mathematics try. “When it’s appropriate, the student will Sustainability Minor work with a faculty member on campus,” Offers New Graduates to Succeed Delaney says. “That works best for people nswering the Vatican’s call to action, the College of in the applied statistics degree program Science began offering students in all majors and Minor in in World of Big Data because there are a lot of opportunities for colleges the opportunity to minor in sustainability them to serve on campus as statistical con- beginning in the fall of 2011. Actuarial Science sultants. All the students are going to get Master of Science in Applied and Developed under the leadership of Biological Sciences a lot of attention from faculty, and we’re Associate Professor Jessica J. Hellmann and Chemistry and Computational Mathematics and hoping at some point to establish relation- Biochemistry Professor Anthony S. Serianni, the sustainabil- fter years of student requests, the Department ships with firms that can provide us some ity minor takes a multidisciplinary approach to examining of Mathematics began offering a new minor Statistics projects.” the theories, principles, and practices of sustainability; how in actuarial science in the fall 2012 semester. Computational finance and applied human activities affect sustainability; the technical and social Actuaries work in business and govern- statistics are the two most popular special- A approaches, and how to integrate each across disciplines; and, ment, using data sets and computer models to calcu- There are four specialties offered in ties. “For computational finance, the core quantitative problem-solving through independent research late cost and probability. Many former Notre Dame The need for talented scientists and engi- the program: applied statistics, compu- sequence has a lot to do with derivatives and interdisciplinary teamwork. Through a variety of course- students have excelled in this career field, but with the neers who can immediately apply their tational finance, predictive analytics and pricing,” Delaney says. “We are teaching a work addition of the actuarial science minor, preparation is knowledge and skills in the modern work- applied and computational mathematics. course that relaxes some of the most unre- One of the gravest challenges humankind will face in the 21st no longer an independent endeavor. place—and in service to the common “The professional specialties in the Master alistic assumptions of the classical option century is that of forging a new relationship with their natural In the past, demand for classes in the Mendoza good—has never been greater. The Col- of Science in Applied and Computational pricing theory and presents a more mod- world. Notre Dame’s sustainability minor will prepare students College of Business has made it difficult for non-majors lege of Science’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics train students ern approach to derivative pricing and risk to meet the challenge of satisfying current human needs, while to take courses in disciplines like accounting or finance. and Computational Mathematics and Sta- to solve complex management. Stu- preserving natural capital for future generations.  Students pursuing the actuarial science minor will now tistics (ACMS) is filling this growing need real-world prob- dents are going to have easy access to four courses within the college. through a highly innovative and intensive, lems with statisti- be well suited for The minor also includes course work in probability, ten-month degree program. cal, mathematical industries that trade “ … if these [soil, water, and climate], the world’s statistics, and economics. Though this course work was The new Master of Science in Applied and computational derivatives,” such as selected to prepare students for the actuarial exams re- and Computational Mathematics and Sta- modeling,” Delaney proprietary trading life support systems, are spoiled or destroyed quired to enter this career field, the minor also requires tistics is directed by James Delaney, assis- says. “This intensive, ten-month program firms, investment banking firms and insur- irreparably, there will be no viable economy for students take two exam review courses. tant professional specialist, who says the combines education in the discipline with ance companies. any of us … environmental concerns have to According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, de- aim of the program is to develop profes- training in business fundamentals and proj- The degree program expects to enroll be understood … as the basis upon which all mand for actuaries is expected to grow by 27 percent sionals who can solve real-world problems ect work on practical problems.” about 20 to 25 students each year who will economic—and even human—activity rests.” between 2010 and 2020. Though many recent college in business, science and industry with The degree is completed in two semes- graduate ready to make immediate and graduates face a tough job outlook, students pursuing the tools of statistics, mathematics and ters followed by a month-long capstone meaningful contributions in their chosen —h.e. archbishop celestino migliore, apostolic nun­ actuarial science have an edge in this competitive mar- computation. project that could involve faculty projects professions, and to our world at large.  cio, permanent observer of the holy see (statement ket, and the new minor seeks to prepare them for these to the 61st session of the u.n. general assembly, 2006) pursuits. 

(l) james delaney, director of the master's program in applied and computational mathematics and statistics, instructs graduate student Amy Buchmann.

maria pia miglietta, maria pia miglietta director of the director of the sustainability sustainability minor minor 10 11 Research Research News News

NSF Places the First Nuclear Accelerator Since the ‘80s at Notre Dame

The first new accelerator for low-energy nuclear physics in the United States since the 1980s was installed at Notre Dame, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. the first new accelerator for low- opens new opportunities in the analysis of energy nuclear physics in the United art and archaeological samples. States since the 1980s was installed at Already, more than 100 user groups Notre Dame this past year. The $3.5 mil- from nearly 30 countries visit Notre Dame lion project includes a 10-ton tank installed regularly to conduct experiments, and the vertically in the center of Nieuwland Sci- new accelerator will increase interest. “It’s ence Hall and provides beams to the new- great visibility for Notre Dame,” Wiescher ly designed St. George Recoil Separator at said. “All these people are coming, and Notre Dame. they bring their students with them.” The “It’s mainly for nuclear astrophysics, Nuclear Science Laboratory has a grant for simulating nuclear reactions that take of $1.5 million a year, and JINA, a col- place in stars and other stellar environ- laboration that includes Michigan State ments,” said Michael Wiescher, the Frank University, the University of Chicago, and M. Freiman Professor of Physics and di- Argonne National Laboratory, has a grant rector of the Physics Frontier Center JINA of $2 million a year. (Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics). Notre Dame’s nuclear physics pro- michael wieschler, the Frank M. Freimann Professor Wiescher came to Notre Dame in 1985 to gram includes about 25 graduate students of Physics and director of the start the University’s nuclear astrophysics as well as research faculty and postdoctoral Nuclear Science Laboratory program, now one of the leading global fellows, making it one of the largest nucle- centers. ar physics groups in the world. Research- Ani Aprahamian, the Frank M. Frei- ers from other departments, from anthro- mann Professor of Physics, said the re- pology to archaeology and architecture, search would focus especially on the origin also use the facility in their work. of carbon and oxygen, essential elements In addition to the new accelerator, for life on earth, in the first star genera- which will produce heavy ion beams, two tions. other accelerators will continue to operate “Besides these fundamental research in Nieuwland, providing mostly proton questions, a number of more applied ap- and alpha beams to several experimental plications for the accelerator are being setups. envisioned,” she said. “These are mostly The new accelerator is the main source associated with providing new tools and of beams for the St. George separator that signatures for medical diagnostics and was installed in early 2011. This $3 mil- the nuclear accelerator is hoisted by a crane as workers treatment. Further developments are in lion project can find a single particle cre- below prepare to install it at the field of nuclear forensics and isotope ated15 by an alpha capture reaction from the Nieuwland Hall of Science. ani aprahamian, analysis with numerous applications in 10 beam particles. The equipment, devel- the Frank M. Freimann Professor geology, climatology, and biology. A new oped at Notre Dame, is a model for other of Physics program was recently highlighted that separators now being built.  12 13 Research News Research News strategic research investments

Mini SRIs the university of notre dame’s strategic research investments, or SRIs, are interdisci- * * * * plinary research projects selected for their outstanding thought, social value, and “The work that Prof. reflection upon the University as a preeminent research center. They are funded by David Hyde does is just Notre Dame a combination of internal resources, grants, and gifts. The project began with the 2007 creation of the Strategic Academic Planning Committee, which was tasked with one example of our in- Taking investing in the most promising projects proposed by faculty and given a budget of novative approach to $40 million for this purpose. Response was enthusiastic, and in 2008 the process was research. We believe the Lead repeated, bringing the total investment to $80 million and continuing the valuable and innovative dialogue between diverse groups of experts. that Notre Dame’s In addition to the three profiled here, existing SRIs include the Eck Institute for Glob- groundbreaking discov- in Adult al Health, Notre Dame Nanoelectronics research initiative, the Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility, Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics, and the Notre Dame Institute eries will be the future Stem Cell for Advanced Study. Nanowire Solar Cells: a Huber's Lab Fraser's Genetic of stem cell research.” new way to convert sun- Studies Nanoparticle Research Combats light into electricity Dangers Viral Diseases Research — dean gregory crawford greg hartland, Ken Kuno, Libai The laboratory of paul huber The laboratory ofmalcolm j. fra- Huang, and Prashant Kamat has been granted Strategic ser, jr. has been the site of dra- received a Strategic Research Research Investment funding matic advances in the field of major initiatives for interdisciplinary central nervous system as well as cure such for human healing by ethical stem cell means. Investment grant to investigate for research into the toxicity genetics, many of them stem- investigations involving non-embryonic stem diseases as heart disease, Parkinson’s dis- David Hyde, the Rev. Howard J. Kenna, the properties of semiconduc- of nanoparticles. Nanoparti- ming from the discovery of cells are positioning Notre Dame as a leader ease, and cancer. C.S.C. Memorial Director of the Center for tor nanowires, and to determine cle research is a rapidly grow- piggyBAC, a transposon vector whether these materials can be ing field; the particles' special which allows genes to be safely  in the field, adding the University’s unique As a Catholic institution and in accor- Zebrafish Research, was invited to partici- Malcolm Fraser, Jr.’s development used to create improved solar properties suggest a wide vari- and stably transferred to exist- Catholic voice and rigorous research to the dance with Catholic doctrine, Notre Dame pate in the First International Vatican Adult of the piggyBac transposon, a University- cells. ety of applications, from tar- ing cells, facilitating previously area that holds promise for a wide range does not conduct research involving the Stem Cell Conference in November 2011. patented transgene tool that is licensed and Semiconductor solar cells geted drug delivery systems to impossible advances in genetic of medical applications. Stem cell therapy destruction of human embryos, a practice In the past five years faculty members sublicensed to companies and research insti- work by absorbing photons medical nanomachines to the engineering. Recently, Fraser's (light) to create electrons and treatment of bacteria-resistant lab has been pioneering new could regenerate damaged organs such as antithetical to its respect for the dignity of have received more than $13 million in fed- tutions around the world to generate induced holes, which can be harvested to clothing. The potential hazards strategies to combat mosquito- the heart, kidneys, liver, and parts of the the human person, but it affirms the search eral and private funding with direct costs pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which are stem generate current. Present technol- of these new materials, however, spread diseases such as Dengue of about $10 million. Internal support has cells that are reprogrammed from ordinary ogy is based on silicon, which has are poorly understood, and they fever. In the process, Fraser and come from the Zebrafish Research Facility, adult cells such as skin or muscle. reached a fundamental limit in ef- remain unregulated by the FDA his team are taking steps beyond ficiency. In order to improve the even as millions of tons of them piggyBAC to develop a variety of  the Adult Stem Cell Initiative, the Strategic Kevin Vaughan’s studies in zebraf- performance of semiconductor are released into the environ- tools for effecting transgenesis, Research Initiative, and a recent endowment ish to examine if perturbations in the brain solar cells, the Notre Dame group ment yearly. or the introduction of genes into from Elizabeth and Michael Gallagher to neural stem cells affects different types of proposed to use a process called Huber's work aims to living organisms. hire three junior faculty in the College of neurons and possibly the progression of charge carrier multiplication, improve on previous studies The mosquito research where absorption of high-energy which have drawn optimistic involves the use of Group Science. In July 2011, the University hosted a Niemann-Pick Type C disease. photons results in the formation conclusions without adequate- I introns as antiviral agents. workshop on adult and non-embryonic stem  Rebecca Wingert’s research on kid- of multiple electron-hole pairs. ly ensuring that the cells in When introduced into suscep- cell research with prominent academics and ney regeneration and development, using This can potentially double solar question have assimilated the tible mosquito cells and tis- church leaders, including two member of the zebrafish to study what happens to cells after cell efficiencies; however, there are nanoparticles. His program sues, these introns can suppress scientific and engineering chal- has developed increasingly pre- the mosquito's ability to car- Pontifical Council for Culture at the Vatican. kidney injury and how small molecules can lenges that have to be overcome cise methods for introducing ry the virus and transmit it to A joint initiative between the College enhance kidney regeneration from the resi- to achieve this goal. the particles into cells, using humans. The success of this of Science and the Office of the Vice Presi- dent adult stem cells. To date, the group has syn- the embryonic cells of frogs approach has led to theoriza- dent for Research provided $50,000 each  Bob Schultz’s studies on regulating thesized a variety of different and zebrafish; these cells' sen- tion on its potential for use in types of semiconductor nanow- sitivity to change make them curing chronic virus diseases in for six projects for work related to stem cell blood formation that revealed key events ires, and has used ultrafast laser ideal for study, and researchers humans, specifically AIDS and research by the college and others on cam- necessary to maintain adult stem cells and spectroscopy to examine the fate have already observed poten- Hepatitis C. The realization of pus. Overall, research efforts involving the their differentiation into different types of of optically excited charge car- tial DNA damage during their this potential is an important College of Science include: blood and immune cells. The work could riers. A spin-off company, “US- development. research goal going forward; Nano,” has also been created to Ultimately, Huber's goal Fraser intends to seek funding  David Hyde’s research on neural lead to treatments for leukemia. exploit the advances in synthesis is to understand how nanopar- in future for a grant directed at regeneration in zebrafish that shows promise  Greg Timp’s research to create a syn- generated from SRI funding. US- ticles express their toxicity at multidisciplinary research into for treating such retinal diseases as retinitis thetic adult stem cell niche that can exert Nano has recently been awarded the molecular level. The proj- viral vaccines, viral transgene pigmentosa, glaucoma, and diabetic retinop- functional control over blood-forming stem both a Phase 1 and a Phase 1B ect is also an effort to develop vectors, antiviral drug agents, SBIR grant from the NSF, and an improved screening system, and human viral diseases. His athy. Hyde also conducts research involving cells. Timp also conducts research to improve its first products have just come one which will facilitate quick, recent work is made possible by (r) david hyde, cultured human adult stem cells derived from the efficiency and quality of iPS cells using to market. Current work is cen- cheap, large-group cellular injec- Strategic Research Investment the Rev. Howard J. Kenna, placentas and umbilical cord blood, isolated solid-state nanopores and optical tweezers tered on improving the efficiency tions that will help toxicity funding. C.S.C. Memorial Director of the after childbirth, to regenerate cells that are to control cell reprogramming.  of charge carrier extraction in research keep pace with the rest Center for Zebrafish Research nanowire solar cells. of the nanotechnology field. lost during macular degeneration.

14 15 Research News Research News strategic research investments

Sustainable Energy Initiative Energy Studies Engineering focuses on improving the of semiconductor nanostructures for sustainability of fossil energy. One key developing new strategies to capture Minor Attracts Advancing Sustainable area of inquiry concerns new ionic mate- and convert solar energy.” Students from All Fossil, Nuclear, Solar rials whose solid-to-liquid phase change The SEI has also funded a series on exposure to CO2 could dramatically of new laboratory facilities, which are Disciplines Energy reduce the energy required for capture, managed by cSEND. The Actinide which under the current technology Facility is a lab equipped for the study remains impractically high. of complex actinide materials contain- The minor in energy studies, The Sustainable Energy Initiative The nuclear research effort, led by ing transuranic elements and is entire- which started in the fall of 2011, (SEI) has been one of the University’s Peter Burns in the Department of Civ- ly unique in the nation. The Materials is part of the Sustainable Energy most notable success stories, transform- il and Environmental Engineering and Characterization Facility has an array of Initiative. ing its $10 million funding into a rich Earth Sciences, aims to develop novel instruments for solid and liquid material The minor equips students for interdisciplinary program. The Center actinide materials; actinides are the characterization by analytical methods a future in which energy efficien- for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame radioactive elements that fuel nucle- involving spectroscopy, heat transfer, cy and sustainable energy will be (cSEND), which was founded in 2011, ar energy, and Notre Dame scientists' X-rays, and BET. The Materials Char- increasingly vital. The program manages SEI. The SEI program currently refinements in synthesis and charac- acterization Facility also combines the offers separate technical and non- funds 27 seed projects and 40 project- terization of novel actinides position capabilities for material synthesis and technical tracks for students in dif- years of research to enhance the research them for a substantial step forward in modification. The Transformative Solar ferent fields. The first track surveys capabilities in sustainable energy. the safe disposal and even recyclability Facility is currently being assembled and the fundamental aspects of the In addition to funding new seed of nuclear fuels. will be equipped to evaluate the photo- energy infrastructure; the second projects, the SEI is funding four new The solar research effort is led by electro-chemistry of new materials. The examines the political, societal, and research facilities and has attracted six Prashant Kamat, the Rev. John A. Zahm SEI has also funded the Computation- business ramifications of that infra- new faculty members to the Univer- Professor of Science, whose work, as al Molecular Science and Engineering structure and its place in a world sity to pursue energy-related research: Kenneth Henderson, associate director Laboratory. All four laboratory facili- of depleting fossil resources and Franklin Tao, Haifeng Gao, and Vlad of cSEND and chair of the Department ties are available for use by the entire changing climates. Iluc in the Department of Chemis- of Chemistry and Biochemistry, explains, academic research community and by All students take a pair of over- try and Biochemistry, Ruilan Guo and “focuses on assembling semiconductor external users too. view courses which covers the William Phillip in the Department of nanostructures for light energy conver- cSEND is administered and oper- basics of both tracks. These are Chemical and Biomolecular Engineer- sion and obtaining fundamental infor- ated by faculty and staff who strive taught respectively by faculty in ing, and Tengfei Luo in the Department mation on electron transfer processes to enable the center to reach its full the Department of Physics and in of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineer- at semiconductor interface. In partic- potential in fulfilling its mission. Joan the Mendoza College of Business. ing. Among them, the six faculty have ular, his research group makes use of Brennecke, the Keating-Crawford Pro- After the overviews, students spe- benefited from the availability of SEI unique optical and electronic properties fessor of Chemical and Biomolecular cialize by completing three electives research funding and have Engineering, serves as the offered by the College of Engineer- received awards for 8 of the director of cSEND. This ing, the College of Science, the 27 SEI seed projects. past July, Stephen Takach College of Arts and Letters, and Although cSEND itself joined the University and the School of Architecture. On the acts as an epicenter for all became the managing direc- technical track, electives range from energy-related research, the tor of cSEND. He is a 1986 courses on alternative vehicles, to SEI focuses on improve- graduate of the University climate science, to nuclear physics; ments in three particular with a B.S. in physics. He non-technical courses from energy areas of sustainable energy: holds a master’s and Ph.D. policy, to environmental history, to fossil, nuclear, and solar in physics from Yale Univer- the psychology of changing behav- energy. The fossil fuels sity, and is responsible for (l) prashant kamat, iors toward the environment. The portion of the SEI, which the business management senior scientist, leads minor is completed with a capstone is led by William Schnei- of cSEND, its staff, and the the University’s research project under the guidance of the der in the Department of laboratory facilities.  efforts on solar energy. minor advisor. Chemical and Biomolecular

16 17 Research News Research News strategic research investments Innovation Environmental Fellows Change Initiative Advance Developing Discovery New Methods, from Bench (r) richard taylor and (l) cole stevens are investigating new Collaborations Toward cancer therapeutics based on protein translation Bedside inhibitors. notre dame’s environmental change Initiative (ND-ECI) examines the prob- lems of invasive species, agricultural land (l) david lodge, i n n ovat i o n f e l low s h av e m ov e d group aims to create a high-throughput genetic material from the bacterium into use, and climate change and their complex, director of the Environmental discoveries in Notre Dame laboratories screen for the diagnosis. It’s going to be a easily-grown E. coli to produce the mole- interrelated impact on water resources. It is Change Initiative closer to commercialization. The fellows pretty diverse and challenging project for cule. “Our role in the process is to develop (r) peter annin, also an important testing ground for new have advanced research that has already us. They have samples, and plan to target a scalable easy route to the molecule for managing director of the research techniques and novel collabora- Environmental Change Initiative become the basis of startup companies as proteins and RNA signatures. industry,” Stevens said, adding that the tions, combining biological and ecological well as journal publications and large grant Cole Stevens is working with principal work has also generated analogs and slight- science with technology and engineering to applications. In 2012, the third year of the investigator Richard Taylor, professor of ly different versions of the molecule and develop practical solutions that maintain program, the College of Science Entrepre- chemistry and biochemistry and associate provided insight into how it is produced. the delicate balance of environmental and dangers of implementing new techniques neurial Innovation Fund identified eight dean for research, on new cancer therapeu- Oleg Kim is working with principal social welfare. David Lodge, professor of with inappropriate timing and placement projects after funding three in the first year tics based on protein translation inhibitors. investigator Greg Crawford, dean of the biological sciences, and the ND-ECI’s direc- and without regard for local needs. and five in the second. Stevens helped set up a biological chemis- college, on ways to identify the age and tor, emphasizes that this blend of expertise Among the techniques in development Prachi Singh is working with principal try laboratory to produce gephyronic acid causes of bruises, an important tool in fields places his team “not only in a position, like to counter invasive species will be analysis investigator Jeff Schorey, associate professor molecules, an anticancer therapeutic, in a such as child protection. Kim focused on so many others, to diagnose the many prob- of organism spread under various climate of biological sciences, to develop exosome- scalable way. The bacterium that naturally data analysis and building a model, based lems that we have in the environment, but change scenarios, bioeconomic modeling based diagnostic tools for identifying tuber- produces the molecule is difficult to grow, on the Monte Carlo method for simulat- to actually help solve them.” of the mutual impact of environment and culosis in patients, using protein signatures and the synthetic method for producing it ing highly complex systems to calculate the The project’s scale is ambitious. Its trade, and experiments on the impact of spe- from people infected with the disease. The is also not scalable. The laboratory inserts amount and concentration of blood and researchers will partner with the National cies together with new genetic technologies other chemicals in a bruise. The research Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), for their detection. The ND-ECI will also used data from a small sample of patients a new, continental-scale research platform develop methods of modifying agricultural at a children’s hospital as well tests on skin (l) Jeff Schorey and which will gather detailed data on the eco- that had not suffered bruising. The group is land use to minimize the runoff of excess (r) Prachi Singh logical effects of climate change, land-use nutrients into local aquatic ecosystems, an are developing exosome-based also modeling the distribution of blood in change, and invasive species across the 48 ecologically destabilizing side effect of farm- diagnostics for tuberculosis. the bruise and expects to conduct research continental United States. NEON will also ing. It will create new and unique embed- with a larger sample to refine the model make this data fully available to research- ded sensor networks to measure runoff in calibration. ers and the public on a near real-time basis. field scale experiments, which will be the Other innovation postdocs are These resources will allow ND-ECI not only key to the effective design and testing of Maksym Zhukovskyi, working with Mas- to observe environmental processes, but to potential adaptive policies. aru K. Kuno on semiconductor nanowire examine the effectiveness and the results This past summer, the initiative yarns; Ziheng Wu, working with Mark of its testing across the breadth of North launched the Notre Dame Linked Exper- Alber on multi-scale blood clot model- America’s ecological variety. The ND-ECI imental Ecosystem Facility (ND–LEEF) ing for thromboembolic disease; and Nan project considers the exploration of these in collaboration with St. Patrick’s County Sun, working with Carol Tanner and Ste- new real-time research techniques to be an Park. The facility will not only provide an ven Ruggiero on high precision detection independent goal, closely intertwined with unrivaled opportunity for scientific and of nanoparticles. Five other projects are its immediate objects of study. Another environmental outreach, but will also allow planned including researching microves- goal is to incorporate the work of human- collaborating scientists and educators to fol- sicles as novel cancer biomarkers with Cris- ists, social scientists, and risk analysts in low the research in real-time through the lyn D'Souza-Schorey and novel vaccine its research, in order to be mindful of the Internet from anywhere in the world.  adjuvants with Mark Suckow. 

18 19 Research News Research News

GLOBES Fellow Combines Ecology and

(r) mitchell wayne, principal investigator of Law to Guide QuarkNet, explains a radiation study to Michael Tripepi, a Ecological local high school student involved in QuarkNet. patrick shirey Restoration plans to graduate this May with a Ph.D. QuarkNet Receives $6.1 Million NSF Award to Advance Program

patrick shirey, a fel low of notr e Lamberti in the journal Nature in 2011 commercial entities, and non-government Dame’s Global Linkages of Biology, the called for enforcing existing regulations of organizations including botanical gardens. the university of notre dame has received a five-year, $6.1 including investigations into new scintillators, a presentation of Environment and Society (GLOBES) pro- trade in rare plants. Their research showed This research is part of Shirey’s inter- million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to particle physics in the Notre Dame Digital Visual Theater, inves- gram, holds a master’s degree in wildlife sci- that over 10 percent of the 753 plants disciplinary dissertation, where he uses support the continuation of the nationwide QuarkNet program, tigations using the Compact Muon Solenoid e-Lab, and cosmic ence and a law degree. As a graduate student listed as threatened and endangered under ecology, history, and law to inform envi- which uses particle physics experiments to inspire students, and ray studies. in biological sciences, Shirey will complete the U.S. Endangered Species Act are being ronmental policy and ecological restora- provide valuable research, training, and mentorship opportuni- In the past few years, the reach of QuarkNet has become an NSF Integrative Graduate Education and offered or at least advertised for sale on- tion efforts. Additional projects include ties for high school teachers. international, with QuarkNet-sponsored activities such as cosmic Research Traineeship (IGERT) as part of line. Of the sellers offering plants for sale monitoring the response of the Juday Through the QuarkNet program, physicists at Notre Dame, ray studies and masterclasses now being offered to students and GLOBES. He has applied his research to between states, very few are obtaining the Creek fish community to stream restora- Fermilab, and 50 other research institutions will continue to teachers around the world. Since 2006, more than 2,100 stu- a wide field and won national honors and required permits. Some shoppers are indi- tion on the Notre Dame campus, leading mentor teachers in research experiences, enabling them to teach dents have participated in masterclasses in 25 countries. broad exposure for his work. He expects to viduals or groups conducting “assisted col- field efforts to survey brook trout streams the basic concepts of introductory physics in a context that high Notre Dame was one of the initial QuarkNet Centers. When complete his Ph.D. in spring 2013. onization” projects aimed at moving the in Michigan and Wisconsin, and con- school students find exciting. Faculty, students, and teachers work Randy Ruchti, professor of physics, started the Notre Dame cen- In an article for the journal Conserva- plants to new environments to mitigate tributing to a historical evaluation of the together as a community of researchers, which not only develops ter 15 years ago, he worked with three other physicists to start the tion Letters, Shirey and his advisor, chair for climate change. Shirey and Lamberti Namekagon River in Wisconsin to plan scientific literacy in students, but also attracts young students to national QuarkNet program as well. The Large Hadron Collider of the Department of Biological Sciences emphasize that there are consequences to for river restoration. careers in science and technology. (LHC) was still a decade away from operation. His vision was to Gary Lamberti, warned of potential legal such haphazard moves that could harm ef- Building on his Namekagon River Mitchell Wayne, professor of physics and principal investi- inspire and educate high school students who would be interested problems that could hamper efforts to help forts to protect species, such as spreading work, he was awarded a 2012 George Me- gator of the NSF grant, said, “The Notre Dame QuarkNet Cen- and engaged in particle physics, and who would be prepared to species adapt to climate change. Shirey pests or plant pathogens, or creating un- lendez Wright Climate Change Fellowship ter is a great example of the mentoring and training provided by work on the large LHC project. To reach these students meant studied how the Endangered Species Act desirable hybrids. Along with Notre Dame from the National Park Service to support particle physicists at universities and national laboratories across reaching out to their teachers and engaging these skilled profes- might apply to moving species out of their coauthors, including an undergraduate research on water temperature, fish habi- the country. It has become a focal point for educational outreach sionals in the research effort. He says, “the program has worked historical ranges, sometimes called assisted student, they have a forthcoming in-depth tat, and native brook trout. As part of the into our community. Hundreds of local high school students and amazingly well, and is a two-way process: for teachers and stu- migration or assisted colonization. He dis- article on the conservation implications of field component led by Shirey, two addi- many of their teachers have done research in particle physics at dents—professional development and forefront research expe- covered that bureaucratic regulations at- commercial trade in endangered plants. tional graduate students and three under- the center.” In addition, other education and outreach programs riences; for physicists—critical educational input from master tached to the law in the 1980s could arm “Environmental agencies and govern- graduate students participated in habitat have been initiated by QuarkNet teachers, most significantly the teachers and expansion of the research effort to nontraditional, opponents of such moves. Shirey, who ing bodies must better enforce existing surveys, sampled fish populations, worked Notre Dame extended Research Community (NDeRC), a sig- enthusiastic participants.” focuses on ecology in the context of his- species protection laws and re-evaluate alongside state and federal agency person- nificant GK-12 effort that brought interactive projects in physics, Students and teachers in the QuarkNet program helped to tory, says the research grew out of his class legal frameworks to monitor and manage nel, and engaged with the public. After chemistry, biology and engineering to thousands of local school build elements of the major Fermilab and LHC experiments over project in a GLOBES course taught by this rise of species redistribution,” Shirey graduating from Notre Dame, he plans to children. the last decade and are working on new detector upgrades. They Jessica Hellmann and Jason McLachlan, said. He suggests that if assisted coloniza- continue to use his education in science One key feature of QuarkNet is the summer research experi- are able to look at the latest scientific data from the LHC experi- international experts in climate change tion is to be used for species conservation, and law to address research questions and ences that participating centers offer for teachers and students. ments, including events from the search for a Higgs-like Boson, adaptation. it should be a coordinated effort between solve problems that are relevant to envi- Recently, 15 teachers, 14 students, 9 mentors, and a graduate stu- whose discovery was announced at CERN, the Center for Euro- An invited comment by Shirey and government agencies, concerned citizens, ronmental management.  dent worked on nine different projects with Notre Dame faculty, pean Particle Physics, on July 4, 2012. Ruchti says, “It just doesn’t get more scientifically exciting than this!” 

20 21 College College News he partnership between the College of Science at Uni- News Harper Cancer versity of Notre Dame and the Ara Parseghian Medi- Partnering with cal Research Foundation supports research initiatives Research Institute T to find a cure or treatments for Niemann-Pick Type C the Ara Parseghian (NPC), a rare and deadly neurodegenerative disease that primar- Welcomes New Faculty ily strikes children before or during adolescence, including three Medical Research of Coach Parseghian’s grandchildren.  Foundation

the mike and josie harper cancer Research Institute, a collaboration between Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine, focuses on innovative and inte- grative cancer research, with an emphasis on establishing multidisciplinary teams to address cancer-specific problems. The institute is located in Harper Hall, which Parseghian Classic, June 21-24,2013 opened in spring 2011 after a $10 million at Pebble Beach contribution to Notre Dame from Charles Dean Greg Crawford’s third cross-country bike M. “Mike” Harper which was matched ride last summer raised awareness and funds for with a $10 million appropriation from research to find a cure or treatments for NPC dis- ease. The Road to Discovery ride took him 3,250 the state of Indiana to Indiana University miles from Boston to Pebble Beach, Calif., in time for the project. for the ParseghianClassic at Pebble Beach Resorts® M. Sharon Stack, the institute’s direc- focuses on the contributions of the epithe- The Biosample Repository, directed which raised funds for research to fight the disease. tor, says the initiative has recruited new lium and surrounding stroma/microenvi- by Zonggao Shi, research assistant profes- The 2013 Parseghian Classic will be held June 21-24 at Pebble Beach Resorts® to benefit NPC faculty, established the Tumor Bioreposi- ronment to both cancer progression and sor of chemistry and biochemistry at Notre research. tory, and developed the interdisciplinary normal mammary gland development; Dame, collects tissue and biofluid samples parseghianclassic.nd.edu Science Program Working Group struc- Jenifer Prosperi, an assistant professor of from cancer patients and control groups to ture that includes faculty from colleges of biochemistry and molecular biology at help the institute’s researchers investigate science, engineering, and arts and letters. Indiana University School of Medicine– the mechanistic basis of human cancers, Four new researchers were hired this South Bend whose research focuses on identify new therapeutic targets and assess year: Reginald Hill, an assistant profes- breast tumor biology, including mutation novel biomarkers of disease incidence or sor of biological sciences at Notre Dame of a tumor suppressor; and Siyuan Zhang, progression. The repository is a collabora- whose research focuses on genetic models an assistant professor of biological sciences tion with pathologists at the South Bend of pancreatic cancer; Laurie Littlepage, an at Notre Dame whose research focuses on Medical Foundation and physicians at St. assistant professor of chemistry and bio- cancer metastasis and resistance to anti- Joseph Regional Medical Center and Memo- chemistry at Notre Dame whose research cancer treatments. rial Hospital of South Bend. 

The Education of a Science Dean supports NPC research The Parseghians and the cross-country bike rides fill four chapters of Crawford’s recent book, The Education of a Notre Dame Science Dean: My Four-Year Ride with the Irish. The 200-page book, published by Corby Books, is the dean’s personal account of his experiences. Working with Coach Parseghian in the fight against NPC, he says, m. sharon stack laurie littlepage siyuan zhang reginald hill fulfills his childhood dream of playing for a Notre Ann F. Dunne and Elizabeth M. Campbell Family Assistant Nancy Dee Assistant Professor Archibald Assistant Professor Dame coach as his Great-Uncle Pomp played for Riley Director of the Harper of Cancer Biology Professor of Cancer Research of Cancer Research Knute Rockne. Allproceeds from the book go to Cancer Research Institute the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation. 22 23 College News College News O’Donoghue came from Ireland to study a comprehensive business plan for a nano- in the ESTEEM program through the technology start-up company,” explains Irish Students Naughton Fellowship Program. Naugh- O’Donoghue. “Although it was challeng- ND LIGHTS ton fellowships provide Notre Dame and ing to come up to speed with a field of michelle joyce, Bring their Irish students with the opportunity for study relatively unfamiliar to me, I am Brightens associate director of an international education in science, thoroughly enjoying the whole process. the Mass Spectrometry technology, engineering, or mathematics. With the continued help of the great fac- and Proteomics Facility, Passion and Under- administers the ND The goal of the program is to encourage ulty mentors and advisors I have, it will be LIGHTS program. Innovative research and build connections with host a great success.” equipped institutions and countries. Post-graduation plans for the Irish Spirit to “Meeting and exchanging ideas with students vary, but all four hope to stay in people from a broad range of backgrounds the United States for a while. Collins will High School has been very exciting,” explains Collins. launch his own start-up and believes the ESTEEM “To do this at the University of Notre United States is the ideal place to bring his Laboratories Dame was a major plus given its golden ideas to life. McQuillan wants to work history, tradition, and strong relations for a large company where he can develop with my country of birth.” products that impact millions of people the master of science in engineering, nd lights—notre dame laboratory “Notre Dame's reputation, particu- daily. O’Donoghue would like to work for Science, Technology and Entrepre- Instrumentation Giving Hope To Stu- larly with regards to its business faculty, a start-up because he enjoys the early de- neurship Excellence (ESTEEM) is an dents—has expanded its laboratory equip- meant I was fully confident that someone interdisciplinary degree that integrates velopment phases of a project. McCarthy ment donation program to include train- technology innovation with entrepre- like me, who came from a purely technical says he will gain valuable experience from ing for teachers using student-designed neurship. The course work provides background in engineering, could develop working in the United States and would experiments. The program has also given students with the core understanding of business acumen,” says McCarthy. “There like work with some of his ESTEEM col- equipment to colleges as well as high business principles needed to comple- is a lot of emphasis at Notre Dame for en- leagues in the future. “They say if you find schools in need of laboratory equipment. ment their scientific, mathematic, or gineering to provide social good, which talent, you should stand next to it. The Michelle Joyce, associate professional engineering backgrounds. Students are also resonated with me.” students in the ESTEEM program this specialist in the Department of Chem- challenged to become technologically The one-year program focuses on a year are truly talented.” istry and Biochemistry, administers the innovative leaders who can deliver solu- capstone thesis, which takes an idea from Their enthusiasm for the ESTEEM program. She teaches a spring semester tions to the problems of today's chang- its initial formation to commercializa- program and Notre Dame is clear. Mc- undergraduate laboratory course, Instru- ing world. tion. “My capstone, which utilizes my Quillan sums up his experience quite well. mentation and Science Education, where This year, Tomas Collins, Shane Mc- new knowledge of commercialization of “I’m having the year of my life so far. It's students develop pre-packed experiments Carthy, Shane McQuillan, and Conor high-tech products, consists of developing just a pity it's going so fast!”  for high school students to perform using the donated instruments. In spring 2012, a science-business major, a premed major, and a chemistry major prepared a total of six equipment packets. The chemistry major, who joined Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Edu- cation (ACE) program, took a set of donated materials to her school in Ba- ton Rouge, La. Other high schools who received equipment were Washington, Clay, and Riley in South Bend, and West Catholic and Grand Rapids Catholic Cen- scopes, rotary evaporators, pH meters, tral in Grand Rapids, Mich. High school a voltmeter and glassware, among other teachers came to campus for training in things. The rotary evaporator, for exam- how to use the instruments and perform ple, came with reagents and accessories to the experiments. Scientific supplier VWR extract and separate pigmentation from donated the materials used in the experi- leaves that students collect, allowing them ments. to compare leaves from different species College-level equipment was donated and leaves from the same species in differ- schools’ ability to buy laboratory supplies to Saint Mary’s College, a Jesuit university ent seasons. The Office of Sustainability and equipment. “I feel like this is part of in West Virginia, and Catholic University assisted in preparing instructions for class- our mission—to transfer the tools of sci- of Eastern Africa, a connection through room experiments. entific discovery,” Joyce said. “If we have (l-r) shane mccarthy, shane mcquillan, the Ford Family Program. The donations are especially impor- instrumentation, and we’re not using it, we tomas collins, and conor o'donoghue Instruments included optical micro- tant at a time when budget cuts strain should definitely pass it on.”  collaborate with other ESTEEM students at Innovation Park. 24 25 Under- Undergraduate News graduate News + mason faulk uses mass accelerator Research spectometry to date artifacts.

Research Experience Impacts Career revathi kollipara Vol 3 Spring 2012 uses paper analytical devices to test for Decisions counterfeit drugs. Scientia Undergraduate Journal of Scientific Research University of Notre Dame he College of Science Summer essential to research, so I honestly believe contraceptive vaccines for cats and dogs. Undergraduates Undergraduate Research Fel- that this summer encouraged me to grow She said the summer provided a window lowship program, which began as an analytical thinker,” said Lapid who into the life of a scientific research as well Publish Research six years ago, integrates stu- expects to pursue a Ph.D./M.D. as specific scientific knowledge. Michael dents into research teams across the col- Mason Faulk worked with Philippe Kraft said his study of vector biology with in Scientia lege where they gain valuable experience Collon, associate professor of physics, on Zainulabeuddin Syed, assistant professor in research that can help them prepare for an accelerator application to art and arche- of biological sciences helped develop his graduate school and make career decisions. ology, using accelerator mass spectrometry lateral and critical thinking skills that will Marton participated in a developmen- heavy ion experiment that uses the LHC More than 75 students were support- to detect very small concentrations of Car- advance his goal of becoming a doctor. tal biology project at Cold Spring Harbor to collide lead ions to study conditions ed during the summer by the college in bon 14 for dating artifacts. The procedure He studied the attraction of Culex pipiens in summer 2012, where she worked with theoretically present in the early universe. 2012, with mentors from across the Col- was able to detect Carbon 14 in a sample toward plant produced odorants. Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm The software has been added to the AL- lege of Science and beyond. Students said with as little as one part per trillion. “This experience proved extremely that is a valuable model organism for the ICE repository. As a section editor, Mc- they gained skills beyond the laboratory Revathi Kollipara worked with Marya helpful in discerning my career goals and study of genetic manipulation. Cotton, Dermott gathers submissions from phys- experience in the academic curriculum. Lieberman, associate professor of chemis- reaffirming my decision to pursue further a member of Mary Ann McDowell’s lab, ics researchers, reviews and edits them and “I truly feel that I, in a sense, lost my try and biochemistry, on the paper analyti- education,” said Matthew Sarna, who undergraduate students produce their studies the disease-causing parasite Leish- selects two or three for each journal issue. ‘training wheels’ in the lab, and I have be- cal device project, focusing on detection of aims for a Ph.D./M.D. He studied infec- own scientific journal,Scientia, that mania. She has completed internships at He joined the staff in his junior year. come more confident in my ex- tious diseases with Joshua launched in 2010 and is supported by the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immu- “Notre Dame takes pride in educat- periments and the conclusions Shrout who holds a joint Charles Edison Fund. Teams of students nology, Washington University in St. Lou- ing the next generation of scientists, and that I draw from them,” said appointment in the Col- review submitted articles and manage the is, and the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases learning in the classrooms and laborato- Danica Lapid, who worked lege of Science and the layout and design of the annual publica- at the National Institute of Allergy and In- ries is only part of the educational experi- with Richard Dahl at the Indi- College of Engineering. tion. Submissions are published online fectious Diseases (NIAID). ence,” Greg Crawford, dean of the College ana University School of Medicine on leu- counterfeit antimalarial drugs. “Research He studied the regulation of quorum even if they are not included in the print Physics section editor Kevin McDer- of Science, wrote in the 2012 edition of kemia, specifically how MiR-24 regulates has not only taught me the importance of sensing and swarm motility suppression edition. mott, a senior, spent nine weeks conduct- Scientia. “Our undergraduates also need hematopoiesis through targeting tribbles teamwork but also to be responsible for for Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown on Coeditors-in-chief Rebecca Marton ing research at CERN, home of the Large to learn the methods of scientific writing, protein, Trb3. “This summer was simply my own project,” she said. hard surfaces. “What’s more, I feel that and Rachel Cotton both joined Scientia as Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland peer review, and editing. Through this incomparable to course labs, in which the Janet Mostrom, who worked on vac- my summer experience assisted in my de- freshmen, when they took responsibility in the summer of 2012. He rewrote the publication undergraduates are sharing experiment almost always works out, and cine development with alumnus Michael velopment of stronger critical thinking, for its layout. Both of them are involved software package to monitor the quality of their own new knowledge while honing there is always someone to troubleshoot Munks of National Jewish Health in time management, and communication in research, both on campus and beyond, data from the ALICE (A Large Ion Col- their scientific communication skills.”  the problems for you. Problem solving is Denver, researched the development of skills, “ he said.  as well as publication. lider Experiment) detector, a dedicated

26 27 Undergraduate News Undergraduate News

Student-Athlete Spotlight Science Preprofessional Major

* * * * if you named two things football and balanced challenging football practices science have in common, hard work and with a rigorous academic schedule that Andrew Hendrix resilience would likely come to mind. included Physical Chemistry and Statis- Notre Dame quarter- tics for Life Sciences. “It has been one of back Andrew Hendrix the more difficult things I have done and knows all about both. sacrifices had to be made,” explains the The junior from quarterback. “Summer classes allowed me Cincinnati is majoring to get ahead on requirements, and proper in science preprofes- time management allowed me to balance sional studies. “Both athletics and academics.” of my parents are in Like all Notre Dame fans, Hendrix the medical field, and is proud of the football team’s success, on since I was little I and off the field. “To see a whole team of dreamt of becoming a your good friends succeed like we did was doctor. I have always unbelievable. To know how hard everyone loved helping people, works outside of football on class work, and the human body resulting in carrying the nation’s highest and science have al- graduation rate makes our accomplish- ways fascinated me.” ments all the sweeter! We couldn't be more andrew hendirx, dominic vachon, During the foot- proud of our accomplishments in 2012.” quarterback, fights off the director of the Ruth M. Hillebrand ball season, Hendrix BYU defense on Oct. 20, 2012. Center for Compassionate Care in Medicine, teaches the courses Medical Counseling Skills and Compassionate Care in Medicine. The Fight for Sight: Biology Club Undergraduate Raises Over $7,500 to Fight Blindness Students Learn "Compassionate care in medicine is essential to the best practice of medicine. To think otherwise now is three years ago, maria sellers, ’11, a said Sellers. “He spoke of his love of read- members raised more than $7,500 at the Compassionate student in the Mendoza College of Busi- ing, but how he’d been losing his sight to third annual walk on Oct. 28, 2012. Fam- scientifically outdated." —Dominic Vachon ness, visited Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, macular degeneration and had resorted to ilies from Chicago, Cleveland, and Co- Care in Medicine C.S.C., and was inspired to find a way to listening to books on tape.” lumbus also came to Notre Dame to walk help fight retinal degeneration. Sellers began researching retinal dis- in the event. “As an avid reader, I was drawn to the eases and learned about the Foundation "To see the turnout of people that the ruth m. hillebrand center for health professions. The course covers both evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and many books that lined his office walls,” Fighting Blindness and the Vision Walk. I didn't even know who had just heard Compassionate Care in Medicine trains research methods in the emerging field and psychology, as well as medicine, spiritual- “After attending a Vision Walk in Fort about it from their friends, from their aspiring and practicing physicians in the the practice of compassionate care, includ- ity, and business organizational dynam- Wayne, I worked with church, or from their families; that was interpersonal dimension of patient care, ing the balance between being emotional- ics aimed at fostering supportive caring the Biology Club to inspiring," said Antoinette Pusateri, ’14, fulfilling its mission to advance the scien- ly detached and emotionally overinvolved environments for medical professionals to coordinate the walk at co-chair of this year’s event. tific theory and practice of compassionate with patients. practice. The center is named after the late Notre Dame,” Sellers More than 10 million Americans of all care in medicine and to promote effective “Many people in medicine have come Ruth M. Hillebrand, a clinical psycholo- explained. “It seemed ages and ethnic groups suffer from retini- communication skills in physicians, nurs- to think that bedside manner is not critical gist in Manhattan. She became acutely like a great fit, as Prof. tis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and es, and allied health professionals at every to the practice of medicine,” Vachon says. aware of the need for compassionate care Hyde was in charge of other retinal degenerative diseases. Vision level of training and practice. “Now, we can prove the opposite is true: in medicine when she received her termi- groundbreaking retinal Walk events are held nationwide and pro- Dominic Vachon, ’80,’85, an expert in compassionate care in medicine is essential nal cancer diagnosis in a brusque late-night degeneration research ceeds from the events provide funding for the emerging field of caring science, is the to the best practice of medicine. To think phone call from a doctor who then hung nd vision walk 2012 (l-r): Nestor Agbayani, with zebrafish on cam- research in areas such as genetics, gene director of the center and teaches a basic otherwise now is scientifically outdated.” up. After her death in 1994, her brother Vision Walk co-chair; Prof. David Veselik, pus.” therapy, transplantation, artificial retinal course, Compassionate Care and the Medi- The center takes a rigorous scientif- Joseph Hillebrand granted her wishes in biology club advisor; Antoinette Pusateri, Over 75 students, implants, and pharmaceutical and nutri- cal Professions, that applies caring science ic approach to such topics as compassion endowing the center and a similar train- Vision Walk co-chair; Maria Sellers, ND faculty, and South tional therapies.  theory to the practice of medicine and allied and burnout, with attention to biology, ing facility in Toledo in 2004.  Vision Walk founder; and Prof. David Hyde Bend community

28 29 New Faces

College Expands Faculty Faculty Spotlight In August 2012, eight new tenure-track faculty joined the College of Science, including three just in the * * * * Harper Cancer Research Institute. Rebecca Wingert Justin Crepp Laurie Littlepage Frank M. Freimann Campbell Family Assistant Assistant Professor, Professor of Cancer Research, Since 2007, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has A growing global healthcare burden, chronic kidney Physics Chemistry and Biochemistry, bestowed its director’s New Innovator Award upon excep- disease affects the quality of life for millions of children and Research: Search for Harper Cancer Research Institute tionally creative, early-stage researchers whose ground- adults worldwide—23 million adults in the United States planets orbiting stars other Research: Cancer biology and breaking work in the fields of biological and behavioral alone, according to the NIH—and the loss of life for thou- than the sun therapies sciences has the potential to significantly impact research sands of others. And while kidney diseases are diverse in ori- and, ultimately, improve public health. In 2011, the gin, many share a common trait: damage to the basic unit of Kenjiro Kimura Gomes Adrian Rocha extremely competitive $1.5 million award was granted the kidney called the nephron. Wingert is researching neph- Frank M. Freimann Assistant Professor, to 49 promising new investigators, two of whom are in ron cell regeneration in zebrafish, whose kidneys are similar Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, Notre Dame’s Department of Biological Sciences, includ- to ours, and her findings not only are leading to a better Physics Environmental Change Initiative ing Rebecca Wingert, the Gallagher Family Assistant understanding of how the human kidney regenerates, but Research: Experimental Research: Land and atmosphere also could lead to more effective treatments for those with condensed matter interactions and ecosystem carbon cycling Professor of Biological Sciences. “The New Innovator Award provides tremendous kidney disease. funding support over the next five years,” says Wingert, “I am delighted to be pursing this line of research at the Reginald Hill Roxana Smarandache as well as an “amazing opportunity to forge ahead with University of Notre Dame,” she says. “I am inspired every Archibald Assistant Professor Associate Professor our work on kidney regeneration.” day by the excitement and passion of the undergraduate and of Cancer Biology, Mathematics, Engineering graduate students who have made my lab a special place for Biological Sciences, Research: coding theory; discrete the pursuit of knowledge.” Harper Cancer Research Institute mathematics Wingert earned her Ph.D. at Harvard University, and Research: Pancreatic cancer; tumor performed her postdoctoral training as a research fellow in microenvironment; chemoresistance medicine at Harvard Medical School. In addition to receiv- ing NIH’s New Innovator Award, her research program is Jun Li Siyuan Zhang funded by a Mentored Career Award from the NIH (2009– Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor, 2016) and a March of Dimes Basil O’Connor Starter Schol- ACMS Biological Sciences , ar Award (2012–2014). She was previously a recipient of a Research: Applied Harper Cancer Research Institute Harvard Stem Cell Institute Seed Grant Award (2008–10) statistics, biostatistics Research: Tumor microenvironment, Additional cancer metastasis and resistance to and a Polycystic Kidney Foundation Fellowship (2007–09). faculty hires anti-cancer therapies A four-time recipient of the Harvard University Certificate of Distinction in Teaching (2005–08), Wingert’s teaching in 2012-2013 philosophy is to provide students with a skill-set for con- Lacey Haussamen Sonja Mapes Liangliang Sun ceptualizing, managing, and analyzing the overwhelming Travis Bailey Asst. Professional Specialist, Research Asst. Professor, Research Asst. Professor in and ever-increasing amounts of information pertinent to the Biological Sciences, Mathematics Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Asst. Professor, study of biology, while also cultivating in them a lifelong Eck Institute RESEARCH: commutative alge- RESEARCH: capillary elec- Biological Sciences fascination with the science. RESEARCH: developmental bra and combinatorics trophoresis, mass spectrom- biology; organ regeneration Huy Huynh etry, immobilized trypsin, Asst. Professional Specialist, Shahir Rizk proteomics ***** Mary Beard Applied and Computational Research Asst. Professor, Research Asst. Professor, Mathematics and Statistics Biological Sciences, Tetsuya Tanaka The Gallagher Family Professorships in Adult Stem Cell Re- Physics RESEARCH: biological diversi- Center for Rare and Neglected Research Assoc. Professor, search was established in 2012 thanks to a $5 million gift Diseases RESEARCH: understanding ty; multinomial maximum and Biological Sciences, from alumnus Michael Gallagher and his wife, Elizabeth. RESEARCH: protein engineer- nuclear reactions in stellar and its application; probability and Chemical & Biomolecular Professorships such as Wingert’s strengthen the University’s exotic environments statistics for risk management ing, rare and neglected infectious Engineering, Advanced diseases leadership in the field of stem cell research, while enhancing Carlos Gartner Diagnostics and Therapeutics Ankita Jain RESEARCH: stem cell biology dialogue between the biomedical research community and Research Asst. Professor, Asst. Professional Specialist, Daniel Robertson the Catholic Church on matters related to the use and ap- Chemistry and Biochemistry Applied and Computational Research Asst. Professor, plication of stem cells and regenerative medicine.  RESEARCH: chemical biology Mathematics and Statistics Physics and proteomics analysis RESEARCH: stochastic RESEARCH: experimental low- modelling; probability and energy nuclear astrophysics statistics

30 31 New Faces New Faces

Graduate Student Spotlight Alumnus Spotlight * * * * * * * * doug berry, a graduate student in the Department of Physics who nelli, research assistant professor. Berry completed course work in thomas quinn '69, '70 has spent more than “I realized right then I wanted to pursue about to pay off in very a big way. “I had worked for nearly four years at CERN, was a recent co-discoverer advanced physics, from theoretical mechanics to quantum field 30 years studying the transmission and both biomedical research and the practice just finished my training in infectious of the Higgs Boson. He worked intensely over a two year period theory, for two years. spread of HIV/AIDS. Now a leader in his of medicine to take care of patients with diseases and came back to the NIH [and as a member of the core analysis team searching for the Higgs He went to CERN in May 2009 and started work on the field, director of the Johns Hopkins Center these types of tropical diseases.” Johns Hopkins]. It was July 1981, and in decaying to two photons detected by the CMS detector. Higgs search in November 2010. The study focused on the decay for Global Health, and associate director Earning a bachelor's degree in bio- June 1981, there was this report of homo- On July 4, 2012 the discovery was announced and received of a Higgs boson into two gamma rays. Berry made many signifi- for international research at the National logical sciences, Quinn decided to con- sexual men coming down with this deadly worldwide attention. Berry made two of the critical plots shown cant contributions to the analysis. One of these was in the ver- Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, tinue his tropical disease research at Notre disease, and they didn’t know what was at the announcement. He analyzed large data sets collected by the texing group, tracking how photons convert to electrons in flight Quinn traces his success back to his time Dame, subsequently completing a master’s causing it,” says Quinn. CMS experiment. “The real in order to find the primary at Notre Dame. degree in 1970 under his mentor Craig. Quinn and his colleagues were wit- work is working on the anal- vertex of the Higgs boson. “From high school onward, I was fas- With years of laboratory research under nessing the beginning of the AIDS epi- ysis and getting the analysis Berry, who expects to cinated by biology,” he says. Though he his belt, Quinn left Notre Dame to study demic in America. Realizing that migrant right," he said. complete his Ph.D. in May completed a variety of course work as an the clinical aspects of disease in medical farm workers in Maryland were presenting Berry grew up in Mid- 2013, continues to work undergraduate in the life sciences, a parasi- school at Northwestern University. with the same symptoms, Quinn tracked land, Mich., where his fa- with the team that expects tology course taught by Prof. George Craig “After medical school I did my intern- the virus to Haiti and eventually to Africa, ther worked at Dow Chemi- to produce a full analysis on proved to be his career-defining moment. ship and residency, and there you just take being one of the first to investigate the cal and his mother at Dow the 2011–2012 data set and “I fell in love with his enthusiasm care of patients; you don’t have time for geographical source of HIV/AIDS. Corning. He graduated from significant improvements in for the science. It was something that re- research at all. I realized then how much I “That was an eye-opener, because the University of Michigan the cross section measure- ally opened up my excitement for the … missed the research, and I decided I had to [when we arrived] the epidemic had al- in 2007, and came to Notre ment in the spring. He ex- pursuit of tropical medicine,” says Quinn. get back into that,” he says. ready been there for 10 years, but nobody Dame, where he is advised pects to continue working Quinn ac- had recognized it,” says Quinn. “It was by Colin Jessop, professor in the high– energy particle cepted a fellow- explosive—it was spreading like wildfire. of physics and Nancy Mari- physics field.  ship at the Na- This was a worldwide epidemic … and it tional Institutes was hitting everyone that came in contact of Health, where with the virus that we now call HIV.” he worked with Quinn and his colleagues published Undergraduate Student fellow Notre their findings in top journals, also collabo- Spotlight Dame alumnus rating with virologist Luc Montagnier, * * * * Bob Gwadz in who would go on to win the 2008 Nobel the research of Prize in Medicine for his work in the iden- murphykate montee ’13, Sweeney Todd (2012) at the University of a senior honors is advised by Frank Connolly, professor of malaria. Seek- tification of HIV. Notre Dame and will be the lead soprano mathematics and music double major, mathematics and director of the SUMR ing to complete In the past three decades, Quinn’s in Notre Dame’s 2013 production of Pou- has been named 2013–2014 Churchill program. his training as work and expertise have taken him around lenc’s Dialogues des Carmelites.  Scholar, and has also received the 2013 In addition to excelling in mathe- an infectious the world. “All the training I picked up at Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize, a prize matics, Mon- disease expert, Notre Dame came in handy, as I flew from awarded by the Association for Women in tee also has Quinn moved one country to another, figuring out why Mathematics to only one undergraduate a passion for on to a fellow- this disease was being spread and what it woman in the United States each year. music and is ship at the Uni- was doing.” Montee is a member of the Seminar pursuing a versity of Wash- Though he’s already made a number for Undergraduate Mathematical Research concentra- ington, where of significant contributions in the field of (SUMR), a program designed for the most tion in vocal studied human HIV/AIDS, Quinn is now using his un- talented mathematics students at Notre performance infections and derstanding of the virus to develop tech- Dame. Montee is completing a senior as part of her sexually trans- niques for effective control and preven- honors thesis titled “On the Construction second major mitted diseases. tion. He has impacted thousands of lives, of the Chern Classes of Complex Vector in music. She Thomas Quinn, M.D. ’69, ’70 He didn’t but he said he’ll always have a special place Bundles.” She has already coauthored sang the lead director of the Johns Hopkins' know it yet, but for the professional and social connections three research articles, two of which have mezzo-sopra- Center for Global Health, was those years of he made while at Notre Dame. He says, “I named the Graduate School’s been submitted for publication and have no role in training were truly did enjoy every day that I was there.”  appeared on the Mathematics ArXiv. She Sondheim’s Distinguished Alumnus for 2012.

32 33 Standing Standing Ovations Ovations

William J. Hank Family Professor program above the mean for the who has made outstanding con-  michael hildreth, professor of of Mathematics, julia f. knight, top-quartile chemistry programs tributions to biophysics, but has physics, has been named a 2013 Charles L. Huisking Professor of nationwide. Baker encourages fac- not reached the rank as a full Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Mathematics and the director of ulty to support more students on professor. Clark was selected for LPC Senior Fellow. The LHC Graduate Studies for the Depart- external grants, and has changed her contributions and research on Physics Center (LPC) at Fermilab ment of Mathematics, mei-chi the department’s teaching assistant the biophysics of protein folding is a regional center of the CMS shaw, professor of mathematics, support model. in the cell. She is the first Notre collaboration. andrew sommese, the Vincent J. Dame faculty member to win and Annamarie Micus Duncan  bruce bunker, professor of an award from the Biophysical Professor in Mathematics and physics, was elected as Chair of Society. nancy k. stanton, professor of the International X-Ray Absorp- mathematics. The fellows desig- tion Society for a three-year term.  norman dovichi,  franklin tao, assistant profes- nation recognizes members who IXAS oversees activities and edu- the Grace-  anthony serianni, profes- sor of chemistry and biochemistry, have made outstanding contribu- cation to promote the growth of Rupley Professor of Chemistry, sor of chemistry and biochemis- was selected as the 2012 recipient tions to the creation, exposition, the field of fine structure associ- received the 2012 Robert Boyle try, was named a 2012 Fellow of of the Paul H. Holloway Young advancement, communication ate with inner shell excitation by Prize for Analytical Science by the the American Chemical Society. Investigator Award by the Ameri- and utilization of mathematics. various probes. Royal Chemistry Society. Dov- He is one of only 96 researchers ichi’s group was partially responsi- selected nationwide. Serianni can Vacuum Society (AVS), Thin Bunker was also named a 2012 Faculty ble analytical instrument used by was selected for his outstanding Film Division. Tao received the American Physical Society Fel- award for his contributions to Accolades the Human Genome Project when contributions in the development low for his contribution to the it successfully determined the  boldizsár jankó, research and commercialization of syn- the understanding of surface and development of X-ray absorption primary structure of the human professor in the Department of thetic methods. Serianni was interfacial processes in thin film * * * * spectroscopy and applications to genome. The prize is award to Chemistry and Biochemistry, and nano-materials systems, based  philippe collon, associate also named a 2012 Fellow of the complex nanoscale materials. the candidate whose work is of accepted the invitation to join on the development of instrumen- professor of physics, was named Royal Chemistry Society. Ten University faculty members broadest relevance to the science the editorial advisory board of the tation for structural and electronic a 2012-2013 Kaneb Faculty Fel- were named fellows of the Ameri- community. Journal of Combinatorial Chem- property characterization of sur- low. The Kaneb Center names fac- can Association for the Advance- istry. The American Chemical faces under catalytically relevant ulty fellows each year to recognize Dovichi was also named a 2012 ment of Science (AAAS) in honor Society has published this peer- conditions. their teaching excellence. Fellows Fellow of the Royal Chemistry of their efforts towards advanc- reviewed scientific journal since share teaching experiences and Society. ing science applications that are 1999. deemed scientifically or socially  ani aprahamian, the Frank techniques in workshops, research, distinguished. Nine of the new M. Freimann Professor of Physics, and discussion groups. Notre Dame AAAS fellows are has been appointed to a three-year faculty members from the Col- term on the Physics Policy Com- nor- lege of Science including, mittee of the American Physics man dovichi, grace-rupley Society. The Physics Policy Com- crislyn Professor of Chemistry; mittee addresses science policy  paul bohn, Arthur J. Schmitt d’souza-schorey, Notre Dame issues that affect the development Professor of Chemical and Biomo-  m. sharon stack, science Professor of Biological Sciences; of physics, the health of the insti- lecular Engineering and concur- director of the Harper Cancer jeffrey feder, professor of bio- tutions in which physics is prac- rent professor of chemistry and Research Institute, has become a logical sciences and director of ticed, the resources available to biochemistry, has been named a member of the editorial board of  Zoltán Toroczkai, professor the GLOBES-IGERT Program physics, and the balanced use of Fellow of the Society by the Soci- the journal Cancer Research. of physics and concurrent asso- (Global Linkages of Biology, these resources for the nation's ety for Applied Spectroscopy. holly goodson, an associ-  shahriar mobashery, the ciate professor of computer sci- the Environment, and Society); scientific and technological needs. ate professor of chemistry and Navari Family Professor of Life ence and engineering, accepted an stefan frauendorf, professor  jeffery diller, professor of biochemistry, received the 2012 Sciences, received the 2012 invitation to serve on the advisory of physics; peter garnavich, mathematics, received the 2012 Thomas P. Madden Award, rec- Research Achievement Award board of Chaos: An Interdisciplin- professor of physics; randal Father James L. Schilts, C.S.C./ ognizing exceptional teaching of for his contributions to biomedi- ary Journal of Nonlinear Science. ruchti, professor of physics; Doris and Eugene Leonard Teach- first-year students. In her 12 years cal research. He is best known As a member of the advisory jeffrey schorey, professor of ing Award, presented for excellence at Notre Dame, she has developed for his work on drug-resistant board, he will submit articles to biological sciences; m. sharon in teaching at the undergraduate a reputation as an educator who bacteria and diseases of the extra- the journal, solicit articles from stack, ann f. dunne and eliz- or graduate level. He earned the inspires students to think creative- cellular matrix, which are being other researchers, and provide abeth riley, Science Director award for his salutary influence on ly beyond traditional disciplinary applied to diabetes, stroke, and ides for the direction of future of the Harper Cancer Research students in and out of the class- boundaries. This is exemplified by cancer metastasis. He has recent- issues, including ideas for poten- Institute and professor of chem- room. His exemplary teaching her leadership in providing first- ly developed therapeutics for tial focus areas. istry and biochemistry; and olaf ability is evidenced through the year engineering students with an stroke and brain injury that can  jennifer tank, the Galla Pro- wiest, professor of chemistry and other recognitions he has received Toroczkai was also named a 2012  patricia clark, the Rev. John understanding of the biological potentially reduce damage caused fessor of Biological Sciences, has biochemistry. in his career, including the Kaneb American Physical Society Fel-  brian baker, associate pro- Cardinal O’Hara, C.S.C., asso- aspects of chemistry. by these events. been selected as a 2013 Leopold low for his contributions to the ciate professor of chemistry and Teaching Award (2003), and the Five faculty have been named fessor of chemistry and biochem- Leadership Fellow. She is one of understanding of the statistical biochemistry, was the recipient Joyce Award for Undergraduate fellows of the American Mathe- istry, received the 2012 Director only 20 academic environmen- physics of complex systems, in of the Michael and Kate Bárány Teaching (2008). matical Society for 2013, includ- of Graduate Studies Award. Bak- tal scientists selected from across particular for his discoveries per- william g. dwyer, Award for Young Investigators. ing professor er has been an integral part in the nation to be named a Fellow taining to the structure and dy- This award is given to someone emeritus of mathematics and the placing the University’s graduate this year. namics of complex networks.

34 35 the United States, and provides  matthew polinski, a Ph.D. Standing Ovations three years of support. student, has been awarded second place in the U.S. Department of karen bauer, a biochemis- Energy’s Innovations in Fuel Cycle try graduate student, was the Research Awards. His award-win- recipient of the Indiana Clinical ning paper was published in Ange- Undergraduate Translational Science Institute wandte Chemie. Accolades Predoctoral Trainee Award. She performs molecular expression  jordan scott was awarded * * * * profiling in primary colon cancer the American Heart Association’s tissue to identify patients that can Predoctoral Fellowship, which is lexie below, taylor boland,  nancy paul was the recipient given to students who research matthew collins, patrick fagan, avoid chemotherapy. of the Dean’s Research Award. cardiovascular function and dis- and rachel rogers are recipients A physics major in the Glynn  matthew cooper, a gradu- ease and stroke. of the Braco Award for Excellence Family Honors Program, she was ate student in the Global Link- in cell biology research, funded the first undergraduate physics  jessica stoller-conrad has by Dr. Robert Braco. It is award- ages of Biology, Environment and student to receive the National been awarded the Mass Media ed each year to sophomore Cell Society (GLOBES) program, was Science Foundation Graduate and Science and Engineering Fel- 27241 research teams that have recently nominated for a one-year Research Fellowship. She is now lowship by the American Asso- generated exemplary results in term on the Integrative Graduate pursuing graduate studies at the ciation for the Advancement of their research. Education and Research Trainee- University of Notre Dame. ship (IGERT) program’s trainee Science. advisory board.  matthew sarna, has received  sabrina strauss, a physics the American Society for Micro- graduate student, received the biology Undergraduate Research Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship. Fellowship from the Department of Energy National Nuclear Secu- rity Administration.

 anna woodard, a physics graduate student, was awarded a three-year Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Sci- paul lambert, was the recipi- ence Foundation. Woodard col- ent of the 2012 Dean’s Award, which  major gooyit, won the Bax- laborates with other scientists at recognizes a graduating senior for ter Young Investigator Award for exemplary personal character, service, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider his work on the elucidation of and scholarship. He began working in Switzerland. molecular mechanisms of gelati- in Amanda Hummon’s lab in 2009  jennifer schulte, was the nase-dependant diseases, such as researching colorectal cancer and pub- recipient of the 2012 Dean’s lished a paper in the journal Proteomics. diabetic wounds. Award, which recognizes a grad- He is now attending the University of As members of a Catholic research university, Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. uating senior for exemplary per-  brian hayden, a physics grad- Alumni sonal character, service, and uate, has been awarded the Rodger Notre Dame faculty are committed to making a difference. scholarship. She was an active Doxsey Prize from the American * * * * volunteer throughout her col- Astronomical Society (AAS). lege career, primarily working in  christopher porter, who recently completed his Ph.D. in hospitals and health care-related  paul kroger, a biology grad- mathematics and philosophy, organizations. She is now attend- uate student, received second- Professor Amanda Hummon and Coleman Professor Zach Notre Dame faculty are making significant contributions has received an International ing the University of Chicago place honors from the Society for Research Fellowship from the Schafer are two of our recent endowed chairs, prestigious to human health and to other areas of great importance: Pritzker School of Medicine. Developmental Biology for his National Science Foundation to faculty positions that attract only the best teachers and sustainable energy, the environment, peacebuilding, and oral presentation on transmem- conduct mathematics research for brane proteins expressed in fly scholars. They boast impeccable academic pedigrees. Both so much more. two years at the Université Paris immune cells. Diderot. recently completed postdoctoral fellowships, Hummon at Graduate the National Cancer Institute and Schafer at Harvard murphykate montee, a senior  shailaja kunda a graduate stu-  Mariana Safronova, who honors mathematics and music Accolades dent in chemistry and biochem- Medical School. earned a Ph.D. in physics in double major, has received the istry, received the Faculty for the 2001, received the honor of being **** 2013 Alice T. Schafer Mathemat- * * * * Future Award. Sixty-three fellow- ics Prize, an honor awarded to only named the American Physical Both are working to better understand the processes Learn more about how you can help by visiting  karen antonio, a chemis- ships were awarded to 28 women one undergraduate woman in the Society’s Woman Physicist of the try and biochemistry gradu- around the world. that govern the onset and progression of cancers such as United States each year. Montee Month for August 2012. Safron- ate student, has been awarded ova is an associate professor at the colorectal and breast—research that could save lives with has also received a Churchill Sco-  chad meyer, a physics graduate a National Science Foundation University of Delaware where she more effective methods to prevent or treat cancer. larship to attend graduate school at student, received the 2012 Center Graduate Research Program has become a leader in the theory University of Cambridge next fall. for Research Computing Award Fellowship. This fellowship of atomic structure. She has pub- for Computational Sciences and helps to enhance the scientific lished a paper every five weeks Visualization. and engineering workforce in since 2010.

36 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Notre Dame, IN Permit No. 10 Office of the Dean College of Science 215 Jordan Hall of Science University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN 46556 science.nd.edu

Senior Kevin McDermott spends the summer at CERN

Kevin McDermott, a senior physics major at the Univer- sity of Notre Dame, was one of only 10 students selected from the United States to conduct summer research at the Euro- pean Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. CERN is home to the Large Hadron Collider, the most powerful particle accelerator in the world. “For the last seven years, I had dreamed of working at CERN,” says McDermott. “My experience at CERN was once in a lifetime, and this was undoubtedly the best summer of my life.”