FALL 2004

DYSONA Publication of the news Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at The Power of Tea Schiffenbauer’s student research team finds white tea effective in fighting germs f you happen to walk by the biology enhanced the anti-viral and anti-bacterial department at four o’clock one afternoon effect of these oral agents. In addition, they Iand see professors and students taking found that the white tea extract exhibited a tea break, don’t be surprised. an anti-fungal effect on both Penicillium INSIDE Tea is a healthful drink, with many studies chrysogenum (the source for penicillin) and showing that its antioxidants may help lower Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast). Graduate Students Study Abroad the risk of certain forms of cancer. Now Learning and teaching informed by research at Oxford University research at Dyson College adds to the list of the benefits of tea.According to recent studies The results of this study,“Anti-viral,Anti- by the biology department on the downtown fungal and Anti-bacterial Effects of White Pace Students Participate in 2004 Tea,” were recently presented by the Pace Presidential Conventions student research team at the 104th General Meeting of the American Society for Micro- Florence L. Denmark Awarded Gold biology in New Orleans, Louisiana. Medal Award for Life Achievement Schiffenbauer’s present research team in Psychology in the Public Interest includes six Pace students:Tiffany Decuir, Tatyana Krieger, Lena Bovkoun, Katleen Bateau, Rosa Siragusa, and Jigar Gandhi. Dean’s Message “Without the tremendous work on the students’ part, this research would not be Jacobs Papers Project Awarded possible,” says Schiffenbauer.“They deserve $100,000 Grant a lot of credit for these findings, and for the From left: Prof. Schiffenbauer, Tiffany Decuir, Tatyana idea to test the extract against pathogenic Meet Jigar Gandhi ’05 Krieger, Lena Bovkoun, Katleen Bateau, and Jigar Gandhi microbial organisms.” campus, researchers found that “Study after study with tea extract proves MPA Launches New Environmental an extract derived from white tea inactivated Management Track viruses and destroyed bacteria that cause strep- that it has many healing properties. This tococcous infections, i.e., strep throat, is not an old wives’ tale, it’s a fact.” Save the Date for the Ninth Annual pneumonia, and cavities in teeth. —Milton Schiffenbauer Dyson Distinguished Achievement “Past studies have shown that green tea Scientific research for the greater good Awards Benefit Reception— stimulates the immune system to fight disease,” says Milton Schiffenbauer, a micro- March 31, 2005 Since the study’s findings were presented, biologist and professor in the biology Schiffenbauer has received many inquiries Rooftop department and primary author of the from other toothpaste and mouthwash manu- New York, New York research.“Our new research shows white tea facturers, such as Tom’s of Maine, to test their extract (WTE) can actually destroy in vitro products with WTE. Because white tea the organisms that cause disease. Study after extracts are a natural substance, the potential study with tea extract proves that it has many applications of this research are far reaching. healing properties.This is not an old wives’ “We can easily envision that, in the not-too- tale, it’s a fact.” distant future, white tea extracts will be found Schiffenbauer’s student research team’s on the market in toothpaste and mouthwash study found that the anti-viral and anti-bac- products, to help prevent disease and cavities, terial effect of white tea (Stash and Templar) and to kill germs that cause common infec- is greater than that of green tea, and, notably, tions,” says Schiffenbauer. Dyson College of Arts and Sciences that white tea extract may help inactivate Look for articles this fall in Redbook and bacteria, viruses, and fungi that affect humans. Fitness magazines about the team’s research. Where creative minds, The team also tested white tea extracts by For more information, contact Schiffenbauer critical thinkers, and adding them to toothpastes (Aim,Aquafresh, at (212) 346-1968. I instinctive leaders are made. Colgate, Crest, and Orajel) and found it

Graduate Students Study Abroad at Oxford University Faculty Book Notes Unique master in public administration seminar course offers access to Oxford Mary M. Timney, Chair and Pro- fessor of Political Science, had her leven students traveled to Oxford area of interest from multiple dimensions, book Power for the People: Protecting University this July as part of their and gain new insights about their own form States’ Energy Policy Interest in an Era E“Seminar in Government Manage- of government and potential areas of of Deregulation published by M.E. ment” course in the master in public improvement in their own work and lives,” Sharpe (2004). administration (MPA) program. Students says Nickerson. majoring in any one of the program’s four Prior to the trip, Nickerson arranges for Janetta Rebold Benton, Profes- tracks—health care administration, govern- most students to interview an elected or sor of Fine Arts, had her book ment, nonprofit management, and appointed official on a policy issue or prob- Medieval Mischief:Wit and Humor environmental management—are eligible lem relevant to their areas of interest. In The Art of The Middle Ages pub- to take advantage of this remarkable oppor- Students develop a portfolio that includes an lished by Sutton Publishing, tunity to learn more about the United essay that compares and contrasts the United Gloucestershire (2004), and had Kingdom’s public sector management Kingdom and American local governments, the second edition of Arts and Cul- innovations and the major issues facing an analysis of their policy issue, a reflection ture:An Introduction to the Humanities, local government. on their cultural and historical experience, a two-volume text she coauthored “Because the United Kingdom has been and a synthesis of their key insights. with Robert DiYanni (formerly an active laboratory of experimentation with According to MPA student Carla Prioleau, of Pace), published by Prentice Hall different local public management practices “This trip was a wonderful opportunity (2004). and policies over the last several decades, for me. I interviewed a City of Oxford Martha W. Driver, Distinguished health care official whose job it is Professor of English, and Sid Ray, “It was a fascinating look into how their to promote the city’s available medical Associate Professor of English, services and inform those people who coedited The Medieval Hero on universal health care system benefits the are underserved in the community Screen: Representations from Beowulf entire community and how it is focused on about these services. It was a fascinat- to Buffy, which was published by ing look into how their universal providing preventative health care, not just McFarland & Company, Inc. (2004). health care system benefits the entire caring for the sick.” —Carla Prioleau community and how it is focused on Jean Fagin Yellin, Distinguished providing preventative health care, not Professor Emerita of English, had just caring for the sick.” her biography Harriet Jacobs:A Life The cultural and historical aspects of (Basic Books, 2004) favorably the trip are an ancillary benefit.“Tour- reviewed in , ing the city’s museums, historical sites, “‘Harriet Jacobs’:To Be A Slave,” and cultural venues was both enjoyable by David S. Reynolds, this July. and educational,” says Prioleau. An accountant with the Westchester Country Department of Health, Pri- oleau says that she gained a new perspective of the policy side of issues. “Because I deal with the numbers side of programs, I now have gained a Prof. Nickerson and Carla Prioleau greater appreciation for the development students come away with a plethora of of policy and delivery of health care services. information from which they can compare This course has helped me to think more existing American practices and anticipate creatively on the job.” DYSONnews problem areas or strengths of potential The MPA program has sent five groups of EDITOR Angela Nally reform ideas,” says Brian Nickerson, profes- students to Oxford. Says Nickerson,“There sor of political science. is no other MPA program that offers study Dyson News is published Students develop a unique perspective abroad with Oxford University, and very four times each year in the spring, summer, fall, and winter. of the UK’s governance and policy manage- few that have any direct international-based

CHANGE OF ADDRESS ment through classroom instruction, experience similar to this.” Office of Alumni Relations including lectures given by Oxford profes- For more information about the MPA One Pace Plaza New York, NY 10038-1598 sors, readings, research, field visits, program, contact Mary Timney, director, at interviews, and actually living within [email protected], or Nickerson at bnick- To submit ideas or comments, contact Angela Nally, at (212) 346-1505 Oxford for two weeks.“They gain an [email protected] the Web site at or [email protected]. invaluable learning experience about their www.pace.edu/dyson/mpa. I

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Students Participate in Presidential Conventions Washington Center Internship Program awards scholarships to six Pace students n two weeks I saw students go from Students gain real-world experience Networking “ being bright-eyed but reticent to being Lee Pinzow, a political science/history Tackach says Isavvy, networking political animals,” major and Dyson Dean’s Achievement that because of the says Christopher Malone, assistant professor awardee, says,“I was really happy to have been many contacts she made at of political science and Pace faculty liaison chosen to receive the scholarship.” Pinzow, the RNC, she learned what to the Washington Center for Internships along with Yvonne Lews, master of public she wants to do in her future and Academic Seminars. administration student, and Davis John Abra- career.“I met a woman who had ham ’04, political science and CSIS dual her own political consulting busi- major, were chosen for the program at the ness.After learning from her about Democratic National Convention (DNC). the range of things she does— For the RNC, students Stephanie Tackach and fundraising, meeting and conference Violet Fredericks, political science majors, and planning, and the like—I now know Michael Iwankiw, English major, were chosen. that that is what I want to do.” As part of the academic components of “I met with the New York delegate from the program, students kept journals, heard Ossining,” says Pinzow.“He gave me some guest lecturers, had readings, conducted terrific advice about how to get into politics.” interviews, and wrote papers. Students were He says that he now has a much better Prof. Malone; Violet Fredericks; Priscilla Gabella, Pace volunteer; President Caputo; Stephanie Tackach; Gene placed in field assignments, where they had understanding of the political process and the Alpert, Vice President, Washington Center, at the RNC the opportunity to meet delegates and possibilities of a political career.“After I grad- connect with people from a variety of non- uate, I have decided to work on the public Six Pace students were awarded scholarships governmental agencies and nonprofits, all relations side of a campaign, and run for the for a two-week academic program that pro- related to the world of politics. Council.” vided convention-related internships at the Field placements Democratic and Republican National Conven- tions, organized by the Washington Center.The Students were assigned field placements, center works closely with party officials, can- which they performed each afternoon after didates, public officials, the media, political attending morning lectures and seminars.At consultants, corporations, and the host cities to the DNC, Pinzow was assigned to Democratic create an exciting environment for college stu- Gain, which provides leadership training and dents interested in learning about being a part job placement in the field of politics. He of the political process. helped with check-in for the seminars at the Prof. Malone, Yvonne Lews, Davis John Abraham, When he learned of the Washington Hines Convention Center in Boston.“James and Lee Pinzow at the DNC Center’s programs, Malone sensed a unique Carville, Howard Dean,Al Sharpton, and Adri- Convention highlights opportunity for Pace students. He was instru- anna Huffington were some of the speakers at With some dogged networking, and a bit mental in arranging for Pace to be the host these seminars. I was able to attend their ses- of luck, Pinzow and Tackach were able to university to 172 college students from across sions, which I found very interesting and attend sessions in the convention halls.“The the country who would serve as interns in the informative,” says Pinzow. highlight of this experience was being in internship program at the Republican Nation- Tackach was placed with GOPAC, an Madison Square Garden the night that Vice al Convention (RNC) in New York City. In organization that assists candidates for political President Cheney and Senator Zell Miller doing so, Pace received six $3,500 scholarships office with workshops and seminars on cam- (D-GA) spoke.The energy in the Garden for its students to attend the center’s two-week was so high,” says Tackach. Pinzow felt the academic program at both parties’ conventions. “These seminars engage our students same way when he heard John Edwards speak This intensive program combines volunteer in the political process and they gain at the Fleet Center.“His speech was truly fieldwork with seminars and guest lecturers an understanding of politics in a way inspiring.To hear it live, amongst all the other from the world of practical politics. delegates, was very exciting.” According to Malone,“At President that most Americans don’t.” According to Malone, this program was Caputo’s request, we opened the application —Christopher Malone a tremendous opportunity for Pace students. for the scholarships to all Pace students.To “The students learned about our political sys- apply, they completed an application about paign strategies. She greeted attendees and tem up close and in person.These seminars are their academic standing, and submitted a 500- handed out CDs, pins, and fliers about the important because they engage our students word essay explaining why they wanted to go organization. In addition,Tackach says,“I was in the political process and they gain an to the convention and why they were deserv- able to sit in on meetings with the New Jersey understanding of politics in a way that most ing of the opportunity.” Six students were delegation and hear discussions about motions Americans don’t.” chosen—three to attend each convention. on the floor and current issues facing the state Malone will continue to liaise with the In addition, six students served as volunteers of New Jersey. It was a fascinating look at how Washington Center for future student intern- for the RNC. politics works on the state level.” ship opportunities and placements. I

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Prof. Denmark Awarded Gold Medal Professor is recognized for achievement in psychology Florence L. Denmark received her PhD in social psychology from rofessor of psychology as they progress in their the University of Pennsylvania and Florence L. Denmark was careers. It is enormously is also the recipient of four honorary Pawarded the American satisfying to know that I doctorates. She has been the Robert Psychological Foundation’s Gold have made a positive impact Scott Pace Distinguished Professor Medal Award for Life Achieve- on their lives and careers.” at the University and is a fellow ment in Psychology in the Colleagues at Pace Public Interest at the founda- of the American Psychological Asso- pay tribute to Denmark ciation, the American Psychological tion’s 112th annual convention Society, and the New York Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii, in July. According to Herbert of Sciences. The citation for the award Krauss, chair and professor As one of the founding members states:“As an internationally of psychology at Pace, “I’ve known Florence of APA’s Division of the Psychology recognized activist, scholar, “It is enormously satisfying of Women and a pioneer in that and researcher, in all of her since 1971.We first met field, Denmark’s most significant professional and personal to know that I have made at . Since research has emphasized women’s activities in psychology, Flo- a positive impact in their that time she has, more leadership and leadership styles, the rence L. Denmark has focused effectively than anyone lives and careers.” interaction of status and gender, on and devoted herself to the else I have known, fur- thered the cause of women in cross-cultural perspective, public interest. Florence Den- —Florence L. Denmark and the contributions of women mark helped to legitimize the providing an equal place to psychology. She has authored psychology of women by teaching the first for women and people of color in the or edited 15 books, more than 100 doctoral psychology course in this field and society in general and higher education in articles and book chapters, and has through her scholarly texts and articles. She particular.” Krauss and Denmark are copresi- given numerous scholarly presenta- continues to have an impact on the psychol- dents of the International Organization for tions at universities and psychology ogy of women through her journal editorial the Study of Group Tensions. meetings in the United States, memberships, her writing of articles for Barbara Mowder, director of graduate Europe, Canada, Central and South books and journals, her television and news- psychology programs and professor of America. One of her publications, paper interviews, and through her psychology, adds,“Having worked with Flo- The Handbook of the Psychology of mentoring activities. Someone once said, rence Denmark since 1988, I cannot think Women (coedited with Michelle ‘Florence is the den mother of us all.’” of a better recipient of this award. Florence, Paludi) was selected by the journal Denmark has served as the chair on in every thought, word, and deed, aspires to Choice, in 1995, as an academic more than 40 doctoral dissertations, served make the world a better place. She tirelessly book of excellence. on numerous other doctoral committees, conducts research and writes, but always has Denmark is a past-president of and mentored and advised hundreds of the time for individual students and col- the American Psychological Associa- other students. In addition to her devotion leagues.” Based on her many years of close tion, the International Council of to eliminating barriers to women’s achieve- professional and personal acquaintance with Psychologists, the Eastern Psycho- ment, she has been a tireless advocate on Denmark, Mowder says,“Florence truly logical Association, and the New behalf of ethnic minorities, children, people stands out in every way as an outstanding York State Psychological Association. with disabilities, the elderly, lesbians, gay psychologist; she not only has devoted her She also serves as the co-president men, and bisexuals. professional writing to the public interest, of the International Organization “Receiving this award is like winning but in addition, in every behavior, she acts for the Study of Group Tensions an Olympic gold medal, so to speak, in the in accord with her beliefs and convictions.” and is an APA NGO (Non-Govern- field of psychology. I was walking on air,” According to American Psychologist, mental Organization) representative says Denmark.As one of the pioneers in the “Denmark’s leadership has paved the way to the United Nations. field of the psychology of women, Denmark for a global perspective in psychology. Her Married to Robert Wesner, the says that the more she looked into the psy- professional activities have promoted the mother of five children and grand- chology of women, the more questions study of the psychology of women through- mother of four children, Denmark there were to answer.This, she says, is what out the world, and she has made it possible resides in Manhattan’s Upper East has kept her motivated and interested in this for disadvantaged women from various Side.A Philadelphia Eagles season- field during the span of her career, and what countries to participate in international ticket holder, Denmark is an avid has led her to her many diverse interests, psychology events.” pro-football fan and enjoys the from cross-cultural research to the establish- We congratulate Professor Denmark theater, the ballet, and reading. ment of international congresses. on receiving this well-deserved honor and Of her many accomplishments, Denmark thank her for her continued support and has found her greatest satisfaction in mentor- guidance of Pace University students. If you ing students.“I have so enjoyed working with would like to contact Denmark, she may be students, and particularly, hearing from them reached at [email protected]. I

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Dean’sMessage Jacobs Papers Project Wins $100,000 Grant Project offers students valuable internship opportunities

istinguished Professor of English A lesson in basic research Emerita Jean Fagan Yellin and her “I have learned a great deal about how Dstaff were awarded a National His- to do research,” says Brumitt, who graduat- toric Preservation and Record Commission ed in June with a dual major in history and grant of $100,000 this summer to complete English, and began the doctoral program in her two-volume edition of Harriet Jacobs’s English at Lehigh University this fall. Stu- papers. Jacobs (1813–1897) was a fugitive slave dents use a variety of resources for their There is something about the crisp who wrote the landmark memoir Incidents in research and access primary and secondary air of fall that is energizing, signaling the Life of a Slave Girl:Written by Herself and sources, such as newspaper articles, diaries to all of us in academia that a new is the only African-American woman held in and other historians’ research found in, school year is about to start.As a new slavery whose papers are known to exist. among others, the New York member of the Pace community, Archives and its Schomburg Center I look forward to meeting the for Research in Black Culture, returning faculty and students after , the the relative quiet of the summer. Library Archives, the Virginia Histori- Dyson College is continuing with its cal Society, and Ancestry.com.“I have major initiatives: excellence in teach- been amazed at how fascinating ing; an innovative core curriculum the research has been as well,” and learning communities; the Cen- Brumitt adds. ter for Community Outreach with its This summer, the project had eight support of civic engagement for our interns working 15 to 20 hours per students; the development of multi- Back row (l-r): Lara Cohen, Ondra Thomas-Krouse, Scott Korb, week for eight weeks.These students disciplinary programs that meet the Melanie Monroe, Eileen Brumitt, and Ndidi Obicheta. were attracted to the project from other needs of today’s complex society, such Front row (l-r): Laura Ann Pechacek, Helen Schubert, Jean Fagan colleges and universities, including as forensic science, environmental Yellin, Andrea Ferrand, and Kate Culkin Sarah Lawrence, Penn State, St. John’s, science, women’s studies; and the According to Kate Culkin, the project’s Indiana University, University of Georgia, strengthening of our traditional associate editor in residence at Pace,“This SUNY Geneseo, and Ramapo College. majors and minors. additional funding will allow us to complete “Since this is such a unique project, it is Dyson is also expanding its reach, the remaining cataloguing and annotating, very prestigious for students to be involved focusing more attention on scholar- much of which is done by our student with it,” says Culkin.“These are the letters ship and research for faculty and for interns.”The project is scheduled for comple- of a woman held in slavery, who actually students; enhancing our ability to tion in the fall of 2005. wrote them herself. It’s what makes the assess what we do so we can keep Under Culkin’s direction, students have project so remarkable.” what works well and improve what been conducting all of the basic research that needs change; and working to improve is involved in verifying the information found ”Since this is such a unique project, the resources available to the college in Jacobs’s letters. Pace student intern Eileen it is very prestigious for students to for all of its programs.We have Brummitt explains,“We have to research the recently hired a new director of people and organizations that Jacobs refers to be involved with it.” —Kate Culkin development,Adrienne Capps, who in her letters in order to establish that they This fall, the PBS documentary series will work with Dyson faculty, stu- indeed existed and provide the biographical Slavery in America will include a segment dents, alumni, and administrators and historical context for the annotations.” featuring Jacobs, the papers project, and to help us achieve our fundraising The interns also write the footnotes and Yellin’s research. goals, and hired 11 new faculty endnotes that explain the letters, and data Visit www.harrietjacobspapers.org for members, including a new director entry the letters.Two students work together more information on the Harriet Jacobs for the forensic science program. to enter Jacobs’s letters into Word documents Papers project, or contact Kate Culkin at I’d like to welcome all of the new and proofread them. [email protected]. I and returning faculty, staff, and stu- dents to Dyson and wish you a productive, dynamic, and rewarding year. I look forward to working with Save the Date for the Ninth Annual you to strengthen Dyson College and its programs so they can continue to DYSON DISTINGUISHED March 31, 2005 provide the entire Pace community ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Tribeca Rooftop with a quality education combined New York, New York with fulfilling cocurricular activities. Benefit Reception Dean Nira Herrmann

5 DYSONnews NON-PROFIT ORG. Dyson College of Arts and Sciences U.S. POSTAGE One Pace Plaza PAID

New York, NY 10038-1598 PACE UNIVERSITY

[email protected] or (914) 422-4299. (914) or [email protected]

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