CHANGING FORTUNES of the LIBRARY the Library Once Had A

Issue 15 NaturalSelections May 2005 A NEWSLETTER OF THE ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY CHANGING FORTUNES OF THE LIBRARY Interview with Jerry Latter, Associate Vice President and CIO VASANT MURALIDHARAN The library is one of the most central areas in library in the last academic year according to Why is that being built in the library? any university. It not only acts as a repository the card-reader system. That number only in- What you are referring to is the IT help for books, but also as an environment that cludes people who swiped themselves in. If desk. The idea was to turn the first floor of encourages research and study. The library you consider those who’ve been buzzed in by the library into one centralized point of help. world is currently trying to adapt to the infor- a security guard, or when groups of people Pat was very enthusiastic about the idea. The mation age. The Rockefeller Library has had a walk in right behind each other before the reference librarian is on that floor and we long and fine tradition of more than 73 years. door closes, the library patronage is actually thought it would be a good idea to locate the It currently houses almost 54,000 books and higher than that. We also have the self check help desk centrally to the campus as well. 51,000 bound journals. The mission state- -out system. In fact, this is the first university We’ve got so many researchers in the south ment of the library states: “Drawing on its in the country to have that system. We also end of campus. Right now the help desk is at own extensive collection in the life sciences, try to keep statistics on resource usage and the north end of campus in Smith Hall. It is which supports the research interests of the kind of an experiment. In addition to making university, and a wide array of information The library research and technical support more accessi- resources beyond the university, the library ble, we hope to increase usage of the building is able to link faculty, students and staff with once had a staff of and get more information to the campus. We the information they need to advance their also put up a computer training room in the research goals.” “ library. Right now there’s no place on campus 25 people and it Our library is undergoing some major where someone can give a video-conferenc- changes. The University Librarian Patricia E. now has 12...before ing lecture or where IT—or anyone—can Mackey recently retired after 23 years of ser- easily provide computer-based training. vice. Jerry Latter, Associate Vice President for my time, there were So we felt we needed a full-time computer Information Technology and Chief Informa- training room with audio/visual capabilities, tion Officer (CIO), is currently overseeing the two full-time people including videoconferencing. That was all library operations in the interim, while the possible through funding that came through search is going on for a new librarian. Natu- just dusting the the Sakmar administration with support ral Selections recently sat down with Jerry to from the IT advisory committee. Planning have a conversation about the library and the collection. and Construction and Plant Operations did changes that are currently happening. a great job on the room. There’s a computer Patricia E. Mackey recently retired and you training room on many campuses now and are looking for a new librarian. How is the that’s done through re-shelving. That’s why they are becoming more integrated with the search coming along? we ask people not to re-shelve” the books. library. We’ve already begun using the room We started the search about eight or nine Have you seen any kind of decline or any on a trial basis to test our setup. We expect to months before Pat retired. The search has changes in the usage? go live in July. been tough—as we knew it would be. Rock- That would require a detailed analysis. How has the Monday Lecture Series af- efeller is a very unique institution, and the li- People come into the library for different rea- fected the functioning of the library? We brary is no different. It’s not like other librar- sons so there may be changes in usage over have heard complaints about the furniture ies—even other research libraries. We have time. My sense is that there’s not been any- not being moved after the lectures, the ref- special research needs here. And on top of thing dramatic either way, although we’ve erence section being blocked by stacked up that, the library world (or the world of infor- seen people taking advantage of the wireless chairs. mation science) has started to overlap with access since it was deployed two years ago. I think it has gotten a lot better now that the world of information technology and so Are there any changes being planned for we’ve been able to establish a bit of a rhythm. many people in the library field have moved the library in the future? It’s been a very long time since the library has to the technology side of information science. So as you know, we have a new president been used in this way—as a common gather- Although we’ve had a couple of strong can- and we have to see where he wants to take ing place for information exchange between didates, we haven’t quite found a suitable re- it. You can see the text of the first town hall researchers. In a way, Paul Nurse is expand- placement. But I’m optimistic right now. meeting. He did mention it a few times. So ing (or you could say restoring) the function Does the university collect any data on the we’ll see. Paul also mentions Welch Hall and of the library. We met with Alex Kogan (As- usage of the library? the library in the publicly available draft of sociate Vice President, Plant Operations) and Yes, we do. Basically, we have the card- the strategic plan. He has expressed some in- are working with Plant Operations to iron reader system and using that we maintain terest in renovations. out the remaining kinks. For instance, they counts of the people going in and out of the There has been a new call center for IT built plan on only using the Southeast alcove to library. There were around 21,000 visits to the in the library, is that a temporary measure? continued on page 2 ‘Interview with Jerry Latter’ from previous page store chairs. Th ere are books there, but we basement levels are so dirty and dusty. NaturalSelections hope to shift the books out of that area. Th e Th e windows facing the desks are almost Editorial Board situation has improved. black. And sometimes when the library gets Th ey have been good about clearing the crowded on the upper levels, all that space Mary Abraham central area. However, there are still chairs in the basement goes to waste because no Anna Belkina stacked in the reference section blocking one wants to use the desks there. Is there access. Is there any particular reason the any possibility of getting Plant Operations Ian Berke Monday lectures are being held there? or someone to clean those areas once a week Allan Coop Let me just tell you that Paul Nurse decid- or so? ed to do that. I think it’s a wonderful thing. It Basically, these are tough economic times Alexandra Deaconescu has brought the library back to life. I went to right now and there have been tough times Paula Duque the fi rst one to see how it would come off and for the library for a long time. As things the turnout was amazing. It is bringing the stand right now, even something as seem- Muriel Lainé building back to life. I think that in the long- ingly simple as deciding to dust books once Martin Ligr term it is going to bode well and I’m optimis- a week could in the long term mean sacrifi c- tic. It has really brought people back to the ing journal subscriptions (we will look into Aileen Marshall library and I think that’s a really great thing. having the tables wiped down on a weekly Vasant Muralidharan I think it’s the right place for those lectures, basis). I ran into a grad student in the library even though some issues need to be worked who showed me a dusty book. Sometimes it’s Maurizio Pellegrino out in regards to the collection. not clear how much it’s really used by the stu- Sriram Is that being worked out? Or is it because dents. Would you say 50% of grad students the lecture series is new? use the library, while the other 50% say: “It’s Tari Suprapto It is new and it is not clear yet what’s go- all online, why do I need to go over there?” Esther Wu ing to happen long-term. Th e draft of Paul You always get a mix, you have students Nurse’s strategic plan which is publicly avail- who go the library when there’s an abso- able does mention this. [“To promote better lute need, like when there’s a reference not communication there is a need for an in- available online. But some go to the library and getting a fast turnaround service con- termediate-sized lecture room and meeting to write their grant proposals/papers/thesis tract. But for now, the copiers will probably facility. One of the two large library rooms and just for the environment in the library. remain where they are until we have a clear located in Welch Hall will be modernized I think that basically, this is really impor- sense what changes will be happening there to serve as such a lecture room and also as a tant for the entire campus to understand. Th e over the long term. Right now it has not been Board room. Improvements are also required statistics will never tell us everything about a super struggle having only one B&W. Do to the Library and IT facilities and these will who is using the library and how they’re us- you think that’s been a serious issue? form part of the renovation of Flexner, Welch ing it. I would want the future librarian to No, the problem is the other one, which is and Founder’s Halls. Th e Library area con- work with focus groups of postdocs, grad not working, it’s just blocking space. tains some of the fi nest rooms in the Univer- students, and faculty to start understanding I see what you are saying, but we will re- sity but has been neglected in recent years, what they really want. place it with the color copier. Journals have reducing the usefulness and quality of the Even for the gardens, it shouldn’t be hard to color more oft en now and we think that a space and the eff ectiveness of the Library. just put out a couple of chairs or some gar- color copier is needed. Relatively modest investment could much den furniture. Is there any space in the library where the enhance this space and help provide an ‘in- Th ere are usually four tables and chairs copiers could be moved? It is just a little formation commons’ for the campus.” RU put out in the gardens in late spring, this will claustrophobic leaving very little space to strategic plan, p 17] not change. Budget constraints aside, when I move around. Are the gardens next to the library going to go out there, the FDR noise is really bad. Th at In order to make room for the IT help be open during the summer? Are there any wasn’t an issue years ago when the building desk area, the photocopiers needed to be plans on using that space? was constructed, but it’s an issue now. I have relocated. It’s not an ideal location but they Th e gardens are not closed, though not heard that there is a lunch group that uses the need to be in a convenient and accessible area a lot is being spent on their maintenance. gardens as well, but I would guess that usage for the staff to monitor and answer questions Th ere are no immediate plans for increasing was a lot higher before the FDR was built. Do to help people. Why don’t we go to the library the maintenance. Historically, the gardens you think people would still use that space and take a look around? were quite beautiful and I think that because heavily with the noise? Th e new computer training room is al- of tough economic times we had to reduce People might, I can’t say they would, but I most complete in room 108 in the Library. It the maintenance. I’m sure the economic de- defi nitely would use the garden, especially will be announced soon by IT and open to cisions took into consideration the reduced with the clutter in the journal room and the campus. Th ere are fi ve Macs and ten PCs usage, perhaps due to FDR noise. I’ve heard with the copiers being in the corridor (one for general use. Th ere is a video-conferencing that they were quite expensive to maintain. of them has actually been out of order for- and presentation set-up. Th ere are a few bugs Th e same holds true for the collection. You ever). that remain to be worked out, like air condi- can go downstairs to certain areas and fi nd Th e library space is in transition. We’ll tioner noise. Th e new IT help center is almost dust on the books. Th e library once had a have a new head librarian with his or her complete as well and will be opening soon. staff of 25 people and it now has 12. Th is was own ideas about the layout of the library and Regarding the copiers, they probably will again, before my time, but I heard that there Paul seems interested in the space, as can be remain in the space they are currently in. In were two full-time people just dusting the seen in his draft of the strategic plan. Right the next few months, we will be following up collection. now we’re looking into replacing the second on the changes happening in the library and Th at was the next question, actually, the black and white copier with a color copier reporting on them. ◉ 2 Our Jurassic Times! MURIEL LAINÉ Th e fi rst dinosaur appeared 220 million one’s hand, they were not able to chew paleontologists obtained a tremendous years ago in the late Triassic, at a time and had to gulp their food. amount of information by studying fos- when even the continents were very dif- Are we going to ever know why these sils. Now a door has opened and much ferent from now. Pangaea, hard to imag- animals are now extinct? Many theories more information is to come. ine! How the animal kingdom and the areare p proposed:roposed: meteor,meteor, volcano,volcano, bacte-bacte- vegetation were at the time is almost un- ria,ria, disease,disease, etc.etc. ButBut thethe recentrecent discov-discov- thinkable. Various kinds of marine rep- eryery ofof thethe softsoft tissuetissue byby MaryMary tiles, the fi rst crocodiles, turtles and the H. Schweitzer etet alal.1 earliest true mammals fi rst appeared, to willwill helphelp usus answeranswer be extinct soon aft er. During the Jurassic a questionquestion thatthat wewe era, 152 million years ago, the dinosaurs may not have ever came back, small in size, 1 to 4 m, they thought about. I kept on growing until they fi nally reached can’t stop think- 12 m or more. Th ere were two main types ing that if 10% of é of dinosaurs, named from the confi gura- our genome is in tion of their pelvic bones: bird-hipped and common with a lizard-hipped. banana,banana, a andnd 9 99%9% FloweringFlowering withwith thethe chimpan-chimpan- plantsplants zee,zee, howhow muchmuch inin commoncommon ap-ap- dodo wewe havehave w withith thesethese creatures?creatures? WhenWhen I gulpgulp mmyy lunchlunch isis itit reminiscentreminiscent of the way a T-rex ate his food? Can we illustrations by Muriel Lain know what made the crocodiles survive Th ese eras seem barbarous to us now and not other dinosaurs? and impossible to live in, but take a look Besides these silly questions, this at your PI and you will find many com- discovery will give us new information mon points with the animals of the Ju- to develop new concepts and theories. rassic era. To learn more about the dino- pearedpeared inin Were dinosaurs cold or warm-blooded saurs, or just for fun, you can go to the thethe latelate Juras-Juras- and which gene(s) do they have in com- American Museum of Natural History sic period, and in the mon with birds in that regard? Which starting May 14 and see a major new ex- early Cretaceous period the fi rst fl owers one was bird-like or reptile-like? The hibition about them. ◉ appeared, as well as the fi rst fl ying dino- vessels found were very well preserved, saur Archaeopteryx and theropods that and structures similar to ostrich osteo- References are now defi ned as bird-like dinosaurs. cytes were found in the authors’ prepa- 1. Schweitzer MH, Wittmeyer JL, Horner JR, Th e most famous of the theropods is the rations. From these micro-structures, it Toporski JK. Soft -tissue vessels and cellular Tyrannosaurus and, believe it or not, even might be possible to extract intact pro- preservation in Tyrannosaurus rex. Science. though they had teeth longer than some- teins or some DNA. For many decades 2005; 307, 1952–1955. PDA News: Sponsorship for Summer BBQs Summer is here and grilling at the Faculty club is back. Use the grilling facility at the Faculty club to organize social events with family, acquain- tances, and other postdocs. The PDA will sponsor $120 for BBQ events or- ganized jointly by two or more labs. The sponsorship is part of a continu- ing effort by the PDA to foster social interactions between members of the Rockefeller community. Postdocs should send requests for sponsorship to the PDA ([email protected]; mention ‘BBQ Sponsorship’ in subject

cartoon by Sean Taverna line) ahead of the planned event. Reminder Afternoon Tea: Tea and coffee, Tuesday to Thursday from 3 Another juvenile, with what appears to be clean underwear! pm to 4 pm in the Faculty Club. ◉ 3 Musicalpolitik MARY ABRAHAM In Europe, on the evening of Saturday Th e verbal gymnastics are accompa- charm as well as a slightly sinister aura. May 21, over 150 million people will wal- nied by suggestive dance routines, and As the votes whisper through, “Hello Co- low in the annual Eurovision Song Con- the performers wear outrageous costumes penhagen, from an underground bunker, test, as nation competes against nation for that look as though they came complete this is Reykjavik calling with the votes of the tinsel crown of best original pop song with an evil spell. Th e visual spectacle is the Icelandic jury…” there are irresistible performance. It is a symphony in the key perfected by the ultrachic multi-million echoes of covert messages sent in old black of Spring; tumultuous, vivid, ferocious and dollar stage design, which usually looks and white spy movies. However, when tender. Eurovision is dressed (or rather semi-dressed) in a cloth embroidered with sequins, and so few dare to admit to watching it….but everyone is compelled to. In 1956, an idea was born that the ephemeral magic of pop music could help repair European stability. That first Eu- rovision, in which only seven countries competed, was not the most auspicious start, the Belgian entry was Messieurs les Noyés de la Seine (The Drowned Men of the River Seine), and the overall winner from Switzerland couldn’t remember all the words of her song. Nonetheless Eu- rovision swiftly gained in popularity, and the event has launched the careers of some big stars: Abba winning for Swe- den with the song Waterloo in 1974, and Céline Dion a winner for Switzerland in 1988. In 2005 a total of 39 countries are competing for one of the 24 spaces in the final, which is shown live across Europe on network television. The bor- ders for enrollment in Eurovision stretch geographically well beyond the twenty- five member countries of the European Union, to include places such as Iceland, Israel, Turkey, the Balkans, and former members of the Soviet block. In recent years the musical momentum seems to be swinging towards ‘new Europe’ with win- like a temple to modernity created by pondering the identity of these mysteri- ners from Estonia (2001), Latvia (2002), NASA in the year 3050. Th e lighting and ous juries, entrusted with the task of being Turkey (2003), and Ukraine (2004). The stage design evolve for each song, to create exquisitely in tune with a nation’s musical television commentator Terry Wogan has diff erent and appropriate backdrops. Th e tastes, images of anonymous Orwellian noted that the West won the Cold War, 2005 Eurovision website defi nes the visual bureaucrats lurk in the shadows. In recent but lost Eurovision. epiphany of this year’s stage set thus: “Th e years though, with democracy much in Th e vast majority of the songs are love stage will be a universe where mankind vogue, the process is losing its mystique songs, sung in either the contestant’s na- and nature merge. Tomorrow will replace with jury panels being replaced by nation- tive language, or in the international lan- yesterday. You, your surroundings and the al telephone voting. guage of europop—dismembered English. world as a whole will combine. New per- Th ere is oft en method to be discerned Some intellectuals recently decided not spectives will let you approach life with in the voting. Although the majority of to be constrained by linguistic conven- understanding and emotion.” I’m sure you the scores appear to refl ect obvious musi- tions at all, and in 2003 the Belgian entry have never had that kind of transcendence cal hits or misses, with careful observa- Sanomi was in an imaginary language. It observing the set of American Idol. tion some subtle patterns emerge. Some was the runner up that year. When trying Aft er the fi nal note of the fi nal song countries form mutual appreciation pacts to reach a common chord across language has collapsed into silence, the long ritual and, regardless of the musical merits of barriers, some sort of catchy zaniness ofof tallying the votes is oft en the most en- their songs, invariably give each other the ten works, for example Sweden’s winning tertaining part of Eurovision. One by one, maximum twelve points. Th e most noted entry in 1984 titled Diggi-loo Diggi-ley or each of the competing nations are con- off enders in this category are Greece and Monaco’s Boum Badaboum in 1967. Sim- tacted to deliver their scores, which range Cyprus, followed by the less blatant, but plicity is another approach to make an from zero to a maximum of twelve points. still obvious Baltic voting cartel. A poet impact, such as Spain’s winning entry in Naturally enough, nations cannot vote for said that, “History is history, and it is not 1968 La La La or France’s 1959 song, Oui, themselves. Th e voting process has an air a story that ends in love,” and some coun- Oui, Oui, Oui. of secrecy, which gives it both romantic tries are equally dependable in their diffi -

4 The French Vote for the European culties in forgiving past grievances such as ping the poll four times in fi ve years. Th e trade disputes, sovereignty infringements, huge costs of staging the event (it is $7 mil- Constitution massacres, and bitter soccer defeats. A lion dollars this year) progressively deci- MURIEL LAINÉ website exists with detailed statistical mated the budget of the Irish national TV analysis of how decades of Eurovision vot- broadcaster and there were a lot of reruns Saturday May 28 2005 is the date chosen ing patterns reveals each country’s friends in that era. Th is also led to dark specula- by the French government for the refer- and foes. Once in a while, a country will tion that until the danger of bankruptcy endum on the European Constitution. endure the ignominy of not receiving a had passed, behind the scenes manipula- French citizens can vote here at the con- single vote for its song—the dreaded “nul tion would ensure that Ireland’s entry had sulate or via a procuration. To vote via points.” In the affl icted country the fallout no chance of winning. Th ese conspiracy procuration you have to be registered of such a disaster is a period of headline theories inspired a famous comedy episode in France and file the paper work at news, national mourning, soul-searching in which My Lovely Horse is deliberately the consulate. But don’t forget this will and much recrimination. Politicians are chosen so it will receive “nul points” with take 15 days. If you are registered here hauled up for questioning to determine if the lyrics, “ I want to shower you with sug- at the consulate, you need your carte foreign policy could be to blame. Neigh- ar lumps, and ride you over fences, polish d’immatriculation and your passport to boring countries oft en indulge in some your hooves every single day, and take you vote. The consulate is located at 934 Fifth schadenfreude. In 2003, a German news- to the horse dentist.” But would such a dire Avenue (between 74th and 75th St.) and paper taunted, “England, motherland of song be guaranteed to lose? Th e whole de- will be open from 8 am to 8 pm Saturday pop, in last place.” light of Eurovision is the unpredictability, May 28. If you need more information Th e country that wins must host the and sometimes even the most unlikely and call (212) 606-3600. Listed below are the event the following year. Like hosting the impossible song can win. I suppose that is consulate website, that you probably al- Olympics it is a source of national pride the great European dream. ◉ ready know, and websites regarding the and a chance to boost tourism—between Offi cial website: http://www.eurovision. European Constitution. ◉ each song, a short clip is shown of contes- tv/english/index.htm www.consulfrance-newyork.org/fr/ tants larking about at a scenic tourist at- For statistics on voting patterns: http:// vieany/formalites/etatcivil.htm traction. But you should be careful what www.kolumbus.fi /jarpen/ www.europe.gouv.fr you wish for. In the mid 1990s Ireland went For translated lyrics: http://diggiloo. www.constitution-europeenne.fr on a record breaking winning spree top- frac.dk/

New York State of Mind This month, Natural Selections features Eric Davis, Senior Network Technician, Information Technology Country of Origin: USA 1.. How long have you been living in New York? I have been liv- and pension funds, ing in Westchester since July 2004. while the home- 2. Where do you live? Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. Nice quiet lit- less are begging for tle suburb with not much to do except wonder what’s going on in their lives. the city. It also has a nice walking trail behind my apartment that 7. Describe a per- runs from Croton to the Bronx. fect weekend in 3. Which is your favorite neighborhood? I love Union Square. NYC. A trip to the Huge melting pot of everyday people. From skaters to punk rock- Strand on 12th and ers to club kids to yuppies. Broadway…read 4. What do you think is the most overrated thing in the city? some books while And underrated? Th ose Damn Yankees. Way overrated. If I sitting on the Union owned the team with the most money and talent, I would expect Square Park steps. to win every year too. It gets boring, watching the same team win See a Broadway play over and over, I love underdogs. A nice stroll along the river… (dying to see Avenue underrated…goes from Battery Park all the way to the George Q) and have dinner Washington Bridge. On a hot summer day, the river provides a at a nice Indian res- photo byMartin Ligr nice cool breeze and the many faces that pass you by are fantastic taurant. to watch. 8. What is the most memorable experience you have had in NYC? 5. What do you miss most when you are out of town? Th e restau- Piece of cake…9/11. Will never forget it….no need to expand since this rants. You simply cannot fi nd the variety of restaurants you get in has been overdone. NYC anywhere in the US. And why should you? Th e restaurants 9. If you could live anywhere else, where would that be? San Fran- only refl ect the fact that this city has so many diff erent kinds of cisco area or maybe somewhere in Colorado. I love to hike and the people. Rockies are bigger than any mountains we have in the East. 6. If you could change one thing about NYC, what would that be? 10. Do you think of yourself as a New Yorker? Why? Sorta. I was born Wall Street….get rid of it. It makes for such a contrast between the in Brooklyn, but grew up in Jersey City. I came into NYC so much that haves and the have-nots. Rich fat cats wheeling and dealing stocks I know it as though I lived in it. ◉

5 Studying Infectious Disease in a Developing Country: Reports from Cambodia KATIE HISERT Having finished my PhD at Rockefeller, I re- Penh, especially in the architecture, the in a Francophone country, I am delighted turned to Cornell Medical College in April French presence here is much dissipat- by this chance to live in a French microcosm of 2004 to complete my medical training. ed. French citizens still represent one of here in Phnom Penh and have this oppor- Missing the intensity of the bench, I left the largest groups of foreign nationals in tunity to improve my language skills. New York Hospital in January to begin 7 Phnom Penh, but English-speaking Non Inside the laboratories of the IPC, I feel months of an international elective. I was Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and right at home: this is a satellite facility of very fortunate to have been invited by Anne aid groups are rapidly taking root here. the Pasteur Institute in Paris, and therefore Goldfeld of the Center for Blood Research Moreover, because English is becoming it is thoroughly outfitted with modern re- Institute at Harvard to travel to Cambodia the international language of travelers, search equipment and tools. The language and work on a project initiated by members more and more people in Cambodia are of the laboratory is a universal language: a of her laboratory. Now in Cambodia, I re- port back on life in Phnom Penh. This installment will be merely to set the scene. Everyone comments about the heat. You can’t get away from it here in Phnom Penh. April is the hottest month of the year, before the rains begin. In the morn- ing it’s not so bad, but by noon the heat is oppressive, and the heavy, scalded air per- sists well after sundown until late in the evening. You become too familiar with sweat, and you comment about the heat in most conversations right after, hello, how are you? After the cold New York winter, I really don’t mind. It’s nice to feel the (intensely hot) sun on my bare skin. Of course, the laboratories and offices here at Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) are air-conditioned. One of the bonuses of do- tie Hisert ing research is that most experiments need to be carried out at specific temperatures, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge

thus requiring laboratories to be clima- photo byKa tized. The immunology lab is actually so well cooled (in order to protect the laser in learning English rather than French, and pipette is a pipette in any lab in the world, the FACS machine) that I tend to wear a most of conversations between tourists or and everyone uses machines sold by BD sweater whenever I’m acquiring or analyz- ex-pats and Khmers take place in English. Biosciences for flow cytometric analysis ing samples. Life at the IPC, though, is French. In involving basic science investigation. Be- The comfortable work environment fact, the entire neighborhood surrounding cause it is one of the most technologically is one of many ways in which my experi- the IPC is saturated with French influence. advanced laboratories in the country, a ences working here in Cambodia are dif- The building next door to the north is portion of the research done here is per- ferent from many of the other ex-pats in Calmette Hospital, initially heavily fund- formed in collaboration with the Cambo- town. My other main luxury is my apart- ed by the French, and the building next to dian Ministry of Health. Additionally, the ment within the Pasteur’s compound that that is the French Embassy. Not surpris- IPC provides services to local doctors and is both air-conditioned and supplied with ingly, the favorite local restaurant caters to patients; specifically HIV related tests, as chilled, fresh water; two amenities that are French clientele. The owners are a Khmer well as rabies vaccinations. Basic science not guaranteed in many apartments and couple who are fluent in French, and the research also takes place here, although guest-houses throughout town. menu includes both Khmer specialties as much of it is patient-related. My project There is also the issue of language: de- well as French favorites. (The specials are focuses on the cellular mechanisms of spite having been a French colony, Cam- always written en français.) Thus my life immunity to tuberculosis, but it is based bodia has become much less of a franco- takes place almost entirely in French. For- on differences in immune responses in a phone country over the last 30 years. We tunately, I learned French during grade specific patient population, and thus can have just reached 30 years to the day since school and high school, and I am thus able be performed only here in Cambodia. It’s a the Khmer Rouge began their rein of ter- to keep up with conversations, although I great combination: a stimulating research ror: April 17, 1975. French culture was vir- realized immediately that my high school project in a well-equipped lab, coupled tually eradicated here, as the intellectual French classes neglected to teach words with the wonderful challenge of being and foreign nature of French culture was like “antibody,” “cell,” and “experiment.” transplanted into a completely foreign cul- seen as a threat to Pol Pot’s regime. Cam- (I discovered that my vocabulary is totally ture. bodians were killed if they revealed that devoid of words for discussing things like Next installment: descriptions of they could speak French. Thus, although the Terri Schiavo case; how do you say, Phnom Penh and Khmer culture. ◉ there is continued evidence of the previ- “persistent vegetative state” in French?) ous French colonial influence in Phnom Having never had the chance before to live Contact Katie at [email protected] 6 New York, is one of the premiere climbing locations in the country. The cliff top views of the Hudson Valley are gorgeously re- warding and there is a huge range of climbing routes from gentle inclines to life-defying overhangs. The routes are a mix of single and multi-pitch climbs; that is, they are either a single rope length or multiple rope lengths from top to bottom. In the Shawana- gunks, a single pitch climb will take you to about 100 feet, whereas a multi-pitch climb can take you as high as 300 feet. Elsewhere big wall climbs extend for thousands of meters and multiple days. Outdoor climbing is where it’s at. But very few people grab a rope and head to the cliffs without picking up some pointers and confidence by climbing inside first. Most people will have no- ticed Extra-Vertical near Lincoln Square, and too many people get suckered into a terrible introduction to climbing on these poorly maintained routes. The most impressive indoor climbing wall in the city is the famed Chelsea Piers. The wall measures a majestic

, courtesy of Chelsea Piers 46 feet by 100 feet and is blessed by a decent stereo system, laid back instructors, and the opportunity to watch good climbers show how it’s done. Unfortunately, a day pass costs a hefty $35 as a guest of a member, or a horrific $50 if you rock up uninvited. There are more wallet-friendly indoor spots which allow you to play around for an afternoon or allow serious aficionados a regular place to practice technique and build endurance. Manhat- tan Plaza Health club offers a reasonably sized wall complete with Climbing Out of the Rat R a c e photo by Bebeto Matthews chimneys. This is a great place for learners and children because it’s away from traffic, less populated, and has a decent number of KELLY-ANNE WILSON easier routes. For those with transport I’d suggest heading to the New Jersey Rock Gym, which is the kind of spacious facility not New York is a hustling, shoving, shouting, ranting, raving, whis- possible with New York property prices. For those without trans- tling, honking, cursing rat race. So is it really any surprise that a port I’d suggest Sports Club LA which doesn’t have a fantastic large number of New Yorkers are willing to haul themselves up a wall, but is just around the corner and is the perfect place to meet cliff for a moment of quiet contemplation? those Upper East Siders who can afford a car so you can get to the The Shawanagunks cliff range, about a 90 minute drive from cliffs in style instead of hoofing it on the train. ◉ The Rockefeller University Strategic Plan Selected Quotes who will reach, or have already reached, Further Suggestions 1) “Many of the remaining worldwide age 70 between now and FY[financial HUGH CARYOT scourges of humankind can be expect- year] 2010” (p 19) ed to yield to scientific progress in the 9) “A working knowledge of science is es- 1) Conversion of the top ten floors of Scholars’ coming decades” (p 1) sential to being a well-rounded, broad- Residence into commercial luxury condos. 2) “Interconnections among floors and gauged member of society” (p 24) 2) Adoption of a university cat (Schröding- buildings at the Institute to produce 10) “A seven-year [fund raising] campaign er) to build community spirit. a sense of a single scientific neighbor- with a goal of $500 million” (p 26) 3) Graduate students and postdocs to be hood” (p 3) 11) “The University has one of the most out- phased out by December 2009, see Na- 3) “Some laboratories have become rather standing graduate programs in the world, ture (2004) Vol 427, 247-252. isolated while others have formed lobby which could be named in perpetuity for a 4) iPOD given to first author of every groups promoting particular agendas” donor who makes a leadership gift in the Cell/Nature/Science paper in the next (p 5) $30 to $50 million range” (p 26) six years. 15% increase in pipetting and 4) “ ‘Lone Wolf’ scientists, as long as they 12) “Endowment may be the tortoise, and cloning efficiencies during the next fi- are truly exceptional, will not be over- not the hare, but ‘what is hare today is nancial year. looked” (p 7) gone tomorrow’ ” (p 28) 5) Four year cost saving drive. Professors 5) “Construction of a ‘bridging’ building 13) “As his recent appearance on The Char- allowed either an appetizer or a dessert between Smith and Flexner that will lie Rose Show attests, the University has a (but not both) with their entree when create several floors of large, open, flex- great asset in its current President” (p 31) dining on expense accounts at Per Se. ible horizontal space that will make pos- 14) “New faculty will have more chances to Cookie rationing (each scientist is given sible an evolving re-organization of key communicate with tenured faculty, per- a voucher for one free seminar cookie aspects of the University’s laboratory ac- haps inspiring in the senior scientists a per month). commodation” (p 11) greater desire for regular conversation” 6) Two more Nobel prizes within the next 6) “Cluster of tenure-track laboratories will (p 32) ten years (B**—it can’t be long now). serve as a kind of ‘nursery’ where the re- The full text of the plan is available online at 7) Public outreach by the release in Sum- searchers can learn their ‘trade’ ” (p 12) www.rockefelller.edu/strategicplan mer 2005 of the album Baby, I Wanna 7) “The cell is the basic unit of life” (p 13) To comment on the University’s Strategic Be Your Positive Control by Biological 8) “We assume there will be some move to Plan, please attend the meeting with Paul Noise (a group of scientist musicians af- Emeritus status in the ranks of the elev- Nurse on Wednesday May 4 at 3 pm in filiated with the Centre for Physics and en HOL [Head of Laboratory] faculty Caspary Auditorium. Biology). ◉ 7 Rockefeller University Film Series LUKASZ KOWALIK

May is the last month of the RU Film Series until we start again in Natural Selections is not an official October. Enjoy it while you can! publication of The Rockefeller University. Th e fi rst movie, another Polanski’s feature aft er Th e Pianist, is University administration does not Rosemary’s Baby. It’s set in Th e Dakota at 72nd St and Central Park produce this newsletter. The views West, a massive, fortress-like apartment building with rich gothic expressed by the contributors to this detail, providing a great backdrop to the dark story. publication may not necessarily reflect Rosemary (famously played by Mia Farrow), who has just moved into the new apartment with her husband (John Cassavetes), starts views or policies of the University. to have suspicions that slowly lead her to believe that her pregnancy is part of a demonic scheme...Th e greatest horror movie for some, more of a dark fairytale to others—come and judge for yourself. A great opportunity to see this classic on a big screen. Two weeks later, to fi nish off on a diff erent note, we are show- ing Takeshi Kitano’s Zatoichi, for a Japanese alternative to Kuro- sawa or Ringu. It’s a story of Zatoichi, a blind masseur and a master Natural Selections needs YOU! swordsman —the legendary hero of Kan Shimozawa’s novels—who Please send articles, alone stands up to the Ginzo gang controlling the town he wan- letters to the editors, dered into. It is an action fi lm, “a masterpiece of wry violence and or get involved in stylized mayhem” (Michael Wilmington of the Chicago Tribune), the production of and a musical at that—watch out for the line-dancing samurai. Natural Selections. Th e fi lm series has been a success, thanks to your attendance. Please continue to send in your suggestions to kowalik@rockefeller. edu, as the schedule for next year is being worked out.

all ﬁ lms are in Caspary Auditorium at 8 pm Rosemary’s Baby (1968) — 16 mm NaturalSelections by Roman Polanski [email protected] Monday May 2 http://selections.rockefeller.edu The Blind Swordsman: box 24 Zatoichi (2003) — DVD by Takeshi Kitano Monday May 16 E INSTEIN F EST 2005 marks the centenary of Einstein’s Annus Mirabilis, when he published a series of astonishing papers on quantum theory, Brownian Motion, and relativity. Rockefeller University will be hosting a special event to celebrate Einstein’s achievements. Tuesday May 10 1-6 pm Caspary Auditorium Speakers: John Rigden “Einstein 1905: The Standard of Greatness” Daniel Greenberger “Appreciating Einstein’s Contributions to Quantum Theory” Albert Libchaber “Brownian Motion Einstein, Perrin,and Molecular Motors” William Carithers “A Voyage Through Dark Energy” Paul Steinhardt

cartoon by Xander Arguello and Cristi Frazier “Einstein, Time and the Future of the Universe”