Jefferson 1st place

JEFFERSON COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

T H O M A S J E F F E R S O N U N I V E R S I T Y • F A L L 2 0 0 7

THE DORRANCE H. HAMILTON BUILDING

Discoveries_fall07.qxd 11/20/07 11:38 AM Page 2

Robert L. Barchi, MD, PhD

This fall marks a momentous occasion forthe university, a turning point in Jefferson’shistory. The Dorrance H. Hamilton Building,the first new educational building to be erect-ed at Jefferson in over 15 years, is complete.This structure is the first tangible evidence ofa new strategic plan that will change both theuniversity and its surrounding community.

The Hamilton Building is just the initialstep in Jefferson’s facilities master plan, a planthat will create an urban campus – not just acollection of city buildings. Gateways mark-ing campus entrances, in conjunction withintegrating signage and streetscape, will identify Jefferson’s educational mission andhelp those who visit to understand the univer-sity’s history and connection to Philadelphia.

Specifically designed for team-based train-ing, the new education building gives us thespace not only to handle the training of medical students with an increased class size,but also offers space for new programs. Theauditorium can seat up to 300 students whocan attend smaller sessions in breakoutrooms for 15. Students from across the uni-versity will use these core academic spacestogether.

Each classroom has all the latest tech-nology with full audio-visual capabilities andinternet access. Classrooms are equipped forcontinuing education offerings; and sessionsthat are recorded can be broadcast to anyroom on a 10-second delay. We also have thecapability for off-site teleconferencing.

Surrounded by green space, the building sitsin a park-like setting that opens our campus tothe neighborhood. In this way, we continue tofulfill our historic mission, which has alwaysincluded service to the surrounding communi-ty. With the planned addition of an ambulato-ry care facility and additional research space,Jefferson will have modern spaces for education, research, and clinical care.

These plans reinforce the mission of theuniversity and embrace a dramatic vision forits future: to train tomorrow’s leaders in medical education, to do the research thatdefines the future of healthcare, and to set thestandard for a patient-centric model of compassionate clinical care.

Growth opportunities in all aspects ofhealthcare education demand a bold, mean-ingful response, and Jefferson is answeringthat call.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Barchi, MD, PhD

President

Thomas Jefferson University

Messagefrom thePresident

A DefiningMoment With the planned

ambulatory care facility

and additional research

space, Jefferson will

have modern spaces for

education, research,

and clinical care.


Fall 2007

EditorPatricia Shea

Managing EditorRobert Bartosz

Associate EditorsMelissa MitchellNikki Senecal, PhD

DesignJeffGraphics

PhotographyJeffGraphics& David Super

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DiscoveriesJEFFERSON COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

ContentsFeatures

6 Cooperative MD/PhD with Portuguese University

7 Hamilton Building

18 MPH Program

23 Graduate Student Association

24 Jefferson Postdoctoral Association

On Campus

4 Upcoming Events

4 New Director of Admissions

4 Distinguished Alumni Award Call for Nominations

4 Remembering Russell Schaedler, MD

4 Sigma Xi Student Research Day

JG 08.0538


8 Jefferson College of Graduate Studies DISCOVERIES

MaintainingJefferson’s Vitality

The Dean’s Column

2 Jefferson College of Graduate Studies Discoveries

James H. Keen, PhD

n the biomedical scientific community, asin many areas of scientific activity, the vitality ofU.S. innovation and discovery are often takenfor granted. It has been more than two genera-tions since we have had serious challenges toour preeminence in many of these areas, and itis sometimes hard for young scientists to imag-ine that, for example, Germany and GreatBritain were the world leaders in chemistry andphysics for generations before World War II.

During the past half century, the vision of sci-entific discovery, which would lead to improve-ment in our nation's health and well-being,inspired the leadership that made the researchprograms funded by the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH) preeminent in the world. Today,our graduate student and postdoctoral trainingprograms, as well as most of our facultyresearch laboratories, are predominantly sup-ported by funds from the NIH. During the lastdecade, this vision of discovery, and the possi-bility of translating research findings made overthe past 50 years into improved treatments forhumanity’s ailments, prompted a unitedCongress and executive branch to almost dou-ble the NIH research budget between 1998 and2003. This historic increase opened a tap thatnourished innovation and growth in the biomedical community across a wide variety ofdisciplines. While adjusting to a slower rate ofgrowth following this dramatic increase wasgoing to be challenging, the repercussions ofSeptember 11, 2001, both direct and indirect,have conspired to actually reduce the real NIHbudget over the past several years, i.e. below theinflationary rate. Remarkably, if these fundinggaps continue, the effect of the doubling will beentirely lost by 2008. From that perspective, theresearch community would have been betterserved by a steady, inflation-related pace of

growth, rather than the boom and bust cycle ofthe past decade!

How does this affect our current researchand training missions? The vast majority of ourgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows aresupported by NIH research grants to faculty,and they learn in part by conducting and contributing to the research programs of theirfaculty mentors. Whereas more than 30 percentof all grant applications that came to NIH peerreview panels were funded during “the dou-bling,” that rate is down, well below 20 percentnow and in single digits in many Institutes.Federal funding for training grants that specifi-cally support graduate and postdoctoral fellows is also correspondingly tighter. Whilethese review panels are good instruments forbroadly distinguishing great from mediocre science, many feel that they are less suited formaking the fine distinctions of excellent fromvery good proposals, i.e. those in the 10–25 percent range. As having a research proposalfunded has become more of a stochasticprocess, our faculty, like others nationwide, isspending more time writing grant applicationsand seeking other funding opportunities toensure that they have ample resources to keeptheir laboratories functioning. As good citizensof the research community, they are also spending more time serving voluntarily on thepeer review panels that make funding recom-mendations at NIH.

Despite these challenges, the faculty remainscommitted to providing the personalized,robust training environment that continues tocharacterize a Jefferson degree. For example,this fall the faculty has been examining, refin-ing, and maintaining the integration of thecomprehensive, first-year course curriculumimplemented three years ago for new PhD

The faculty remains

committed to providing

the personalized,

robust training that

characterizes a Jefferson

graduate degree.

I


Founded in 1982 by Harry Smith Jr., PhD’57, and Leonard Rosenfeld, PhD’64, the Jefferson College ofGraduate Studies’ Alumni Board of Directors was formed to assist the college in alumni relations.President Vince T. Armenti, PhD’79, MD’82, currently presides over the 10-member board, which hasbecome a dynamic force in advancing alumni relations for the college and the university.

The board members studied a wide variety of subjects from anatomy to pharmacology, from biochem-istry to virology. They hold professional positions in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology concerns, and academia. Three members are currently employed by Thomas Jefferson University, and two others teach elsewhere. This diverse board serves and unites the alumni for the purpose of supporting and advancing JCGS. Representatives promote the interests of the Alumni Association byserving on several committees, which are described below. Members attend four board meetings each year; work with prospective students; meet with fellow alumni; attract graduates and current students to alumni activities; and attend institutional and alumni programs both locally and on campuswhenever possible.

JCGS Board CommitteesThe Nominating Committee selects and presents to the Alumni Association a slate of nominees in good standing for membership on the board of directors and officers of the Alumni Association. Its principle goal is to create an effective board that reflects the interests of the entire alumni populations. The Distinguished Alumni Committee and Honorary Life Member Committee bothnominate appropriate people for their associated awards. The Graduate Student AssociationSupport Committee meets with members of the GSA. The GSA president also attends the boardmeetings and reports on student activities, explaining how the alumni board can help. ThePostdoctoral Committee reaches out to postdocs to get them more involved with the JCGS alumnicommunity. (Postdoctoral fellows have recently been granted alumni status within JCGS.) TheJMC/JCGS/JCHP Liaison Alumni Committee attends the other schools’ board meetings and reportsto them on JCGS activities and reports back to the board about the other boards’ and schools’ activities. The Web Site Committee recommends changes, updates, and additional features to theWeb site and online directory. Finally, the Alumni Relations Fundraising Committee suggests alumni outreach strategies and works to increase participation to the college’s fundraising efforts.They are expected to be current donors who support the college’s development endeavors.

The committee welcomes all inquiries regarding membership to the JCGS Alumni Board.

Board of DirectorsPresidentVincent T. Armenti, PhD’79, MD’82 (Anatomy)

Officers & MembersSteven W. Bass, PhD’70 (Pharmacology) Anthony Torre, MS’98, MBA (Biomedical Chemistry)Sanjoy “Biz” Biswas, MS’97 (Pharmacology) Scott A. Waldman, MD, PhD’80 (Anatomy)John S. Ellis, PhD’83 (Biochemistry) Mary J. Whitman, PhD’86 (Biochemistry)Fredda London, PhD’87 (Biochemistry) Bernadette Wildemore, MS’99 (Biochemistry)

Elected at the last meeting were:Jennifer Lata, PhD’88 (Microbiology & Molecular Virology)Joseph C. Marini, PhD’97 (Immunology)

students. They have also been evaluating howinstruction in biostatistics can be tailored moreeffectively to address the needs of our diverse stu-dent constituencies in both the bench and popu-lation health sciences. And faculty members havebeen working to update several of our master'sprograms to address new trends in the careermarketplace.

In all of these areas, we welcome and needalumni support. Your support might come in theform of monetary donations to grow the endow-ment for student stipend support; teachingawards to faculty who excel in graduate educa-tion; travel fellowships allowing recipients toattend meetings and present their work; or serv-ing as a career networking contact or internshiphost for our current students. Or you might giveof your time to reach out to your alumni col-leagues on behalf of the college and its programs.In these or other ways, please rememberJefferson and be a part of our alumni communi-ty. Your support is vital, and we look forward toyour contacting us at [email protected] with your thoughts and suggestions.

James H. Keen, PhDDean

Jefferson College of Graduate Studies

JCGS Alumni Board of Directors


OnCampusNew Director of Admissions

On May 29, 2007, Jefferson welcomed Marc Stearns as the new director of admis-sions and recruitment at the Jefferson Collegeof Graduate Studies. Stearns comes to JCGSfrom the Teachers College of ColumbiaUniversity where he was the associate directorof admissions for seven years. In his new role, hehopes “to continue to attract strong, talentedapplicants to the PhD and Master’s programsand get the word out about the amazing workbeing done at JCGS and the university as a whole.”

Distinguished Alumni AwardCall for Nominations

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented by the JCGS Alumni Associationrecognizing the professional accomplish-ments of alumni who help foster communica-tion between current and former graduatestudents. Nominations criteria include: significant scientific contributions; meritori-ous scientific endeavors outside his/her institution; evidence of outstanding mentor-ship; service to the community as a scientist;and contributions to promoting the stature of Thomas Jefferson University. Please send nominations to Hilary Bulman [email protected] or the JCGSAlumni Office, 1020 Locust Street, RoomM63, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

MD/PhD Training ProgramsThe Medical Scientist Training Program

(MSTP) at JCGS provides training for MD/PhDstudents in basic research and clinical skillswith the goal of translating novel discoveries inthe laboratory into diagnostics and therapeu-tics for individual patients and populations.The objective of this program is to provide students with training in areas ofmajor biomedical research such as cancer, cardiovascular sciences, cell signaling, neuro-science, genetics, and immunology and microbiology. A carefully designed yet flexiblecurriculum enables students to function independently in both basic research and clinical investigation. MSTP is recognized as apremier institutional resource training program structured around well-defined activ-ities integrating the curricula of the medical and graduate schools with clinicaltraining and individual investigative programs.

Remembering Russell Schaedler, MD

Longtime chair of the department of micro-

biology, Russell W. Schaedler, MD’53, died

this past May at the age of 79. His illustrious

career as a physician and world-renowned

microbiologist included working with the

Pulitzer Prize winning scientist, Rene Dubos,

MD, for 15 years. In the late 1960s he returned

to Jefferson as professor and chair of the

department of microbiology. He taught

medical and doctoral students for over 28 years

and had a new bacterium named after him in

honor of his pioneering work.

Sigma Xi Student Research Day

Want to learn more about a beta adrenergic-

blocking drug that reduces symptoms of anxiety

in a rat model of chronic cocaine use? Want to

learn how umbilical chord-derived mesenchy-

mal stem cells might be used to treat liver

disease? These topics were among research

posters presented by 82 undergraduate, gradu-

ate, and medical students at the 2007 Sigma Xi

Student Research Day on April 12, 2007.

The Thomas Jefferson University chapter of

Sigma Xi organizes and coordinates the annual

Student Research Day, which highlights

research by both graduate and professional stu-

dents in the three university colleges and under-

graduate students in regional undergraduate

institutions. Sigma Xi is a science honor society

that encourages research and collaboration.

Scientists are elected to membership based on

their research potential or achievements. Students competed for recognition and cash

awards, with a winner selected from each judg-ing group. Jefferson faculty from the three col-leges, working in teams of two, judged the stu-dents’ research presentations. In addition tostudents from the three Jefferson colleges,undergraduates from Bryn Athyn College,Chestnut Hill College, Haverford College,Lafayette College, Lincoln University, RichardStockton College, University of the Sciences,and Ursinus College presented their research.

Following the research presentations, DavidJulius, PhD, professor and chair, department ofphysiology, University of California, SanFrancisco, presented the 2007 William Potterlecture: “From Peppers to Peppermints: NaturalProducts as Probes of the Pain Pathway.”


UPCOMINGEVENTSJANUARY 30MS Program Information Session

APRIL 18JCGS Alumni Day

MAY 14MS Program InformationSession

MAY 30JCGS Commencement

JULY 30MS Program InformationSession

APRIL 2008Sigma XI Student Research Day

MAY 2008Postdoctoral ResearchSymposium

For more information on these listings, please visit www.jefferson.edu/jcgs


The lecture was followed by an awards ceremony and reception. Student winnersreceived certificates and cash awards, withone winner selected from each judging group.TJU winners also received an invitation toSigma Xi membership. Of the 2007 winners,two full members and 10 associate memberswere initiated.

There were two new items featured at thisyear’s research day. Graduate student mem-bers of Sigma Xi judged the undergraduateposters, giving the graduate students invalu-able experience as judges for similar eventsand providing the undergraduate students a

chance to talk to student scientists. In addi-tion, as part of the Science Outreach programat Jefferson, a new program, P.A.S.A.(Promotion of Advanced Science Awareness inHigh Schools) was introduced. The aim ofP.A.S.A. is to familiarize Philadelphia highschool science students with some of the sci-entific research currently being conducted byTJU students and the surrounding undergrad-uate colleges. This year 10 local high schoolstudents and their mentors visited several labsat Jefferson, toured the poster session, andwent on campus tours led by JCGS graduatestudents. While viewing posters, they had a

chance to ask questions about currentresearch projects and to interact with undergraduate, graduate, and medical studentscientists.

Alan Cahill, PhD, TJU chapter president,and Elias Argyris, PhD, judging coordinatorfor the event, thanked the student presenters,faculty, and students who served as judges, and other staff who generously donated theirtime to the event. Starting out as a programfunded mostly by the TJU Sigma Xi chapter, theSigma Xi Student Research Day has grown toinclude financial and in-kind support from allthree colleges.

Fall 2007 5

Marc Stearns

WINNERS OF THE 2007 SIGMA XI STUDENT RESEARCH DAY POSTER COMPETITION

Student Poster Title Laboratory Category

Zachary McCormick A PP2A B’ subunit may play a critical role in mediating apoptosis of auto-reactive thymocytes Punt, Haverford College BS

Bisola Awoyemi Gene expression in rat brain following exposure to synthetic fox odor - 2, 4, 5-trimethylthiazoline Rosen, Lincoln University BS

Amrita Batheja The role of Notch in thymic negative selection Punt, Haverford College BS

Jennifer Christophi Potential of hepatocyte-like UCB-derived MSCs in treatment of liver diseases Devine/Rouan MS*

Jinadu I. Oke Expression of recombinant protein in Archae bacteria Biswas MS*

Donna M. Brennan The dark side of desmosomal cadherins Mahoney MS*

Shannon Eble Suppression of inflammatory response to UPEC is TLR4 independent Trama BS/MS*

Zachary T. Schug Molecular characterization of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor pore-forming segment Joseph PhD*

Amy A. Baran Polyp suppression by the novel modifier of Min2 (Mom2) locus Siracusa PhD*

Kevin Dougherty Voltage sensor movement in slow motion: insights into inactivation gating in a neuronal K+ channel Covarrubias PhD*

Allison M. Beal Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity: Understanding effective delivery of a poison pill Sykulev PhD*

Kristen M. Kahle Asymmetry in HIV-1 inactivation following inhibitor binding to gp41 Root PhD*

Carla A. Rudoy Betaxolol, a selective B1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, diminishes anxiety-like behavior during Van Bockstaele PhD*

short-term (2 day) withdrawal from chronic cocaine administration in rats

John M. Busillo Characterizing the regulation of the chemokine receptor, CXCR4 Benovic PhD*

Shannon M. Gallagher A role for the lactate transporter MCT4 in regulating cell surface expression of CD147 in the Philp PhD*

metastatic breast cancer cell line MDAMB-231

Ahmara V. Gibbons Guanylyl Cyclase C (GCC) directs mesenchymal remodeling in intestine Waldman MD/PhD*

Laura M. Rosenberg Initiation of a critical pathway for pancreaticoduodenectomy at an academic institution Yeo MD*

Daniel Schwartz An investigation of inferior frontal cortex response to phoneme versus phone (letter) auditory stimuli Tracy MD*

Roi Altit Antiangiogenic agent, GW786034, potentiates the effect of ionizing radiation Dicker MD*

in the zebrafish model

Brooks Kuhn SCCmec type IV Staphylococcus aureus causing ventilator-associated pneumonia Flomenberg MD*

* Degree student at Thomas Jefferson University

PhD student Michelle Lazarus (left) discusses her research with Kevin Williams, MD.

2007 Sigma Xi Student Research Day award winners pose with David Julius, PhD,the Potter lecturer.


This fall the Jefferson College of GraduateStudies welcomed Ana Carvalho, an MD/PhDstudent from the University of Minho, Braga,Portugal, who is pursuing her PhD studies at

Jefferson. Through a cooperative agreementbetween JCGS and the University of Minho,Carvalho, who has already completed her pre-clinical biomedical science studies as well as asignificant portion of her clinical clerkships inPortugal, has joined the PhD program in neu-roscience to pursue her doctoral research withElisabeth Van Bockstaele, PhD, professor ofneurosurgery and a member of the FarberInstitute for Neurosciences.

The University of Minho is the firstPortuguese university to establish anMD/PhD program, which is supported inpart through a series of mutual exchange vis-its between the university and Jefferson staffmembers James H. Keen, PhD, dean of JCGS,and Gerald B. Grunwald, PhD, senior associ-ate dean. Working closely with Joana Palha,

PhD, associate professor at the University ofMinho School of Health Sciences and direc-tor of its new MD/PhD program, Keen andGrunwald participated in a series of site vis-

its to Minho during the establishment of theJCGS MD/PhD program and the studentselection process. This past summer, JCGShosted Palha, additional Minho faculty, andpotential MD/PhD students, who met withvarious JCGS faculty and students to learnmore about JCGS’s PhD program options andto select a laboratory.

With the fall semester underway, Carvalhonow joins 27 current Jefferson MD/PhD students and other neuroscience PhD stu-dents in their research and training activities.

Cooperative MD/PhD Training with Portuguese University

Jefferson is proud to collaborate with the University of Minho — the first Portuguese universityto establish an MD/PhD program.

Above: Ponte de Lima in the Minho region ofPortugal.

Top: From left: Joaquim Pinto Machado(University of Minho); Catarina Oliveira (Universityof Coimbra, Portugal); Maria de Sousa (Universityof Porto, Portugal); Joana Palha (University ofMinho); Tiago Gil Oliveira (MD/PhD student); AnaRaquel Franky Carvalho (MD/PhD student); MariaCecília Leão (University of Minho); MichaelShelanski (director of the MD/PhD Program,Columbia University Medical School, New York);James Keen (dean, Jefferson College of GraduateStudies)

Bottom: Ana Carvalho, visiting MD/PhD studentfrom the University of Minho with Elisabeth VanBockstaele, PhD, and Gerald B. Grunwald, PhD.



Fall 2007 7

futureclinical

care.

A dedication to the

of


12 Jefferson Medical College Alumni Bulletin

What an exciting day! It seems like just yesterday that we devel-oped a collective vision for the Jefferson of tomorrow. Now, the firstcritical step in realizing that vision is in place. We have shown theworld that our vision is not an empty plan to be put on the shelf anddusted off for trustee meetings every few years. It is a roadmap for apath we fully intend to travel, a blueprint for an edifice that we arefully committed to build.

What, exactly, have we done here? We have built this fantastic new135,000-square-foot educational facility designed to teach the leadersof tomorrow’s healthcare delivery teams, and to bring together all theelements of healthcare that the expanded Jefferson will be training inthe future. In this marvelous new facility, Jefferson’s outstanding fac-ulty will teach future physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and otherhealth professionals using the most sophisticated tools available.Students will work together in teams, both formally and informally.

The Hamilton Building’s new, leading-edge Connelly Auditoriumhas seating for the entire medical school class or a large number ofphysicians pursuing their continuing medical education courses. Ithas full audio/visual capabilities, including internet access and tele-conferencing, so a lecture held here can be broadcast to, and receiveinput from, an off-site audience anywhere in the world. In addition,we can examine a patient on the fourth floor and project the exami-nation into this room for students to observe.

Outside, we have a 60,000-square-foot college green, a space thatfundamentally transforms the look and feel of our campus. This newplaza provides a place for informal learning and interaction betweenstudents, faculty, and staff, and between our academic communityand the neighborhood in which we live.

What you don’t see is the 120,000 square feet of underground park-ing and support facilities, convenient yet tucked away where theyhave the least impact on the fabric of our campus and our neighbor-hood. Certainly not the least expensive way to provide these servic-es, yet in our view the best.

All in all, this has been a 300,000-square-foot, $62 million construc-tion project. I am pleased to tell you that through the generosity andsupport of trustees, alumni, and friends, we have already raised near-ly $47 million in gifts and pledges for the project, a remarkable effortfor an educational facility of this kind.

This support has allowed us to pour more than 12,000 cubic yardsof concrete, erect more than 1,000 tons of steel, expend more that450,000 man hours of labor, and bring this project home on budgetand on schedule.

You might also be interested in the fate of the old parking structurethat stood on this site. Well, we removed more than 10,000 tons ofdemolition debris at the start of this project, and 99 percent of thatmaterial was separated and recycled for future use. Who knows? That

Remarks for theDedication of theDorrance H. HamiltonBuilding and Sidneyand Ethal Lubert PlazaRobert L. Barchi, MD, PhDPresident,Thomas Jefferson University


Fall 2007 9

old steel and concrete could well wind up in our next Jefferson con-struction project…

But what about our broader plans for the university and its physi-cal environment? Our vision encompasses a Jefferson that is a truehealthcare university, educating the entire spectrum of healthcareproviders; a university that establishes powerful linkages with otheracademic institutions in related areas of research and education; auniversity that discovers through its world-class research new knowl-edge that will define the future of clinical care.

It is also a vision for an urban campus that creates a sense of placeworthy of this great and historic institution, with green space andbuildings that support collegial interactions within our academiccommunity and between our community and our neighborhood; acampus that becomes a clear cultural destination not just for our aca-demic family but also for the residents of our city.

In our vision of tomorrow, quality and compassionate healthcare willbe provided not by individual physicians or nurses working in isolation,but rather by coordinated teams that include all the elements of thehealth services. The Dorrance H. Hamilton Building is designed fromthe ground up to educate the leaders of tomorrow’s healthcare deliveryteams, training nurses and physicians, occupational therapists andpharmacists side by side in simulated clinical environments. This facil-ity sets a new standard for healthcare education in the nation. Havingtrained in the Hamilton Building, our graduates will bring to their sub-

sequent workplace and to their patients a new and powerful model ofpatient-centered, team-based healthcare.

Today, Jefferson takes a major step toward creating a new andexciting intellectual identity for our campus. However, just as impor-tantly Jefferson has been an integral member of the Center CityPhiladelphia community for nearly two centuries. We fully intend tobe a vital part of the city’s future as well as its past, so we are makinga major commitment to Philadelphia as much by what we are notbuilding as by what we are.

We are not planning high rises and high-density buildings thatdwarf our residents and shadow our streets. We are not filling everyavailable square inch with concrete and steel. Rather, we are commit-ted to creating open spaces and to constructing buildings that arehuman in scale, outward looking, and express our university’s open-ness toward our Philadelphia neighbors. The Hamilton Building andthe Sidney and Ethal Lubert Plaza represent Jefferson’s first install-ment on this commitment. Here in this block, you can see the com-bination of a human-scaled, open, and welcoming building with acarefully crafted green space and outdoor plaza that create opportu-nities for casual interaction. This combination will be the hallmark ofour new campus.

We also envision Jefferson as an urban citizen, taking a leadershiprole in transforming this part of Center City. With the help of our com-munity partners and our neighbors, we hope to extend the distinctand inviting look and feel that you see around you right here, north-ward toward Chestnut Street and eastward to 9th Street. With ourneighbors, we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us. Jeffersonstraddles Walnut Street, and we believe strongly that Walnut Streetwill become the main pedestrian thoroughfare in Center City leadingfrom Society Hill and Washington Square through the new Jeffersonprecinct bordered by the Walnut and Forrest Theaters to the Avenueof the Arts and onto Rittenhouse Square. We hope that our new cam-pus will become a Philadelphia byword, and the new Jefferson Squarearea that it defines will become a true destination point for peoplewho will come here not only for the university and the hospital but alsofor shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Continued on page 15

October 19 marked the opening of the Dorrance H. HamiltonBuilding at the heart of Jefferson’s academic precinct.

President Robert L. Barchi, MD, PhD; Thomas J. Nasca, MD,MACP, The Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean andSenior Vice President for Academic Affairs; James Keen, PhD,Dean of Jefferson College of Graduate Studies; and James B.Erdmann, PhD, Dean of Jefferson College of HealthProfessions were on hand when Dorrance H. Hamilton cut thegauze to officiate the opening. Jefferson faculty, staff, andstudents celebrated.



Welcome to the

Dorrance H. Hamilton BuildingThe main entrance of the building opens up into a

spacious lobby, which features large expanses of

glass. The facility’s curved façade opens onto the

plaza to highlight the heart of campus. Keeping

the space open to the community helps Jefferson

be a true partner in this urban environment. The

first floor also houses two retail spaces — one on

the corner of 11th and Locust Streets and the

other mid-block on Locust Street, fulfilling the

request of the redevelopment authority and zoning

requirements.

$25 millionDorrance H. Hamilton

$10 million — $24.9 millionDr. and Mrs. Robert D. Rector

$1 million — $9.9 millionConnelly Foundation

The Arcadia Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. William E. Conrady

Ira Lubert

$250,000 — $999,999The Stratton Foundation

Helene K. Jacoby

Joan and Doug MacMaster

Lennox K. Black

Suzanne and Jim Ksansnak

Hill-Rom

The Kresge Foundation

$100,000 — $249,999Louis Leventhal, MD

Dr. and Mrs. Edward A. Wrobleski

Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Barnaand Family

Dr. Phillip J. and Mrs. Carmela Marone

Dr. and Mrs. Michael F. Rieders

David A. Krevsky, MD

Mrs. Gustave G. Amsterdam

Donald P. Elliott, MD

Ann and Tom Morris

$25,000 — $99,999Driscoll Family

Dr. Charles H. and Mrs. Candy Klieman

Drs. Catherine T. and F. Michael Rommel

Dr. Thomas D. and Mrs. Patricia C. Griffin

Muffly Family

Dr. Peter R. and Mrs. Mary W. Hulick

William J. Antognoli, MD

First Penn Bank Charitable Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. Simon C.Brumbaugh Jr.

Dr. William F. and Mrs. Eileen Rosner

Drs. Richard F. and Wai Chang Spaide

Robert L. Schmouder, MD

Ruggiero Family

Dr. Albert D. and Mrs. Celeste A. Janerich

Dr. Robert G. McCairns Jr. and Mrs. Regina C. McCairns

Mrs. Douglas T. Corwin

Dr. Arthur W. and Mrs. Mary A. Colbourn

DeLeo Family

Mr. and Mrs. R.R.M. Carpenter III

Dr. Louis M. and Mrs. Pamela Palermo

Joyce and Elliot Zaleznik, MD

The Blaum Boys and Emily

William P. Crutchlow, MD

Drs. James L. Stefanelli and Joyce A. Perih

Drs. Cynthia and James McMurtry

Dr. Warren W. and Mrs. Mary E. Brubaker

The Ashland Foundation

Dr. Todd and Mrs. Barbara Albert

Baltzell Family

Schroy Family

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Tierney

Drs. David and Esther Nash and Family

Dorrance H. Hamilton Building Donors*

* As of October 18, 2007


Fall 2007 11



CONNELLY AUDITORIUMThe technologically advanced Connelly Auditorium is located

on the main floor lobby. The auditorium was designed to hold

300 students and will be used for continuing medical education

as well. With full audio-visual capabilities, including internet

access, the auditorium has teleconferencing capabilities, so a

lecture held here can be broadcast to and receive input from

an off-site audience. For example, scientists at other institu-

tions could ask questions of a lecturer they’ve been watching

in the Connelly Auditorium. Additionally, the lobby is connected

to the auditorium so that speakers can be broadcast into the

lobby as well if there is an overflow audience.


Fall 2007 13

Small group study spaceslocated throughout the build-ing allow enough space forgroups of 300 —— the entireseating capacity of the auditorium —— to breakout into groups of 15. Everyclassroom has full audio/visual capabilities includinginternet access. A specialdigital system can displayanything that is being filmedin the specialty labs or examrooms via the internet in the building’s small groupspaces on a 10-second delay.Classrooms hold groups of15, 30, and 75.


INTERPROFESSIONALEDUCATIONThe university's strategic plan focuses on Jefferson becoming aleader in delivering quality healthcare, and trends show that thebest healthcare is delivered in an interdisciplinary team model.

“One way to meet the goal of delivering high quality patient care isto change the education. That's what we're doing,” explains MollyRose, RN, FNP, PhD, professor, Jefferson School of Nursing and co-director of the Jefferson Center for Interprofessional Education(JCIPE). JCIPE was established to develop educational opportuni-ties for multiple disciplines in the university, to prepare graduatesto be interdisciplinary leaders and to work as a team.

JCIPE follows medical education trends towards preventing andmanaging illness, which involves interdisciplinary care. “I am amazedat how much enthusiasm there is at medical education venues ingeneral, not to mention on our campus,” Christine A. Arenson, MD,associate professor, department of family and community medicineand director, division of geriatric medicine, says. “I have had manyconversations with people who recognize that this is where we needto move, and they are glad Jefferson has a plan.”

The Hamilton Building will have an immediate impact on JCIPE'sactivities. Space is the most obvious factor: the new building willenable a large group of students to meet together in one room.“Right now, we are challenged to find a space for the mentoringcurriculum orientation,” Arenson says. “When the building opens,that won't be such an issue. Students used to graduate with littleknowledge of what other disciplines do. That's not true anymore.We are dispelling stereotypes.”

The Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Rector Clinical Skills Center is nowhoused on the third and fourth floors of the Hamilton Building,doubling the current space devoted to clinical skills education andimproving student access. The building has the capacity to recordstandardized patient interactions and medical simulations andproject them into a large auditorium for student debriefing.Sophisticated software will allow students to analyze the data andevaluate their performance in patient interactions. Teleconfer-encing capabilities allow for classes to be projected to Jefferson'saffiliates and clinical sites. “So much of classroom instruction is ina centralized place yet students are scattered all over the country.The Hamilton Building's teleconferencing and recordable simula-tion capabilities make interactive distance learning possible,” saysKatherine Worzala, MD, director of the Dr. and Mrs. Robert D.Rector Clinical Skills Center. A $10 million bequest from the estateof Robert D. Rector, MD’48, and his wife, Dorothy, in support ofthe center was made in 2005.

Through the generosity of Michael F. Rieders, PhD’85, theRieders Library has opened in the new Dorrance H. HamiltonBuilding. The library will serve many purposes for the JCGScommunity: a classroom for JCGS courses, including the inte-grated course for all first-year PhD students and a meetingroom for student and faculty seminars, the college administra-tion, the Graduate Student Association, the PostdoctoralFellow Association, and career and scientific presentations byvisiting professionals and alumni.

Pictured (left to right) are Michael Rieders, Margaret HamiltonDuprey, Mrs. Dorrance H. Hamilton, and Betty Jean Rieders.


And all who come here will welcome wide, well-lit, tree-lined side-walks. They will find ample but unobtrusive parking, enhanced land-scaping, and helpful signs directing them to their destination. Theywill enjoy a vibrant area with more green space and a renewed senseof community. They will find buildings that open to the communityand share light and activity all around the clock.

And at the heart of it all they will find Thomas Jefferson University— an academic village that honors the passion for learning and forcommunity that was so essential to the man who is our namesake.

That is our vision for Jefferson. It starts here today. And thanks toall the donors who have contributed nearly $47 million dollars towardthis building and plaza, it will continue to set the standard for excel-lence in education, research, and clinical care.

Our vision for Jefferson represents the collective input of our entireacademic community: students, staff, and faculty. Each piece of thisplan reflects the thoughts and efforts of many people. Today, as wecelebrate the opening of the Dorrance H. Hamilton Building and theSidney & Ethal Lubert Plaza, there are many individuals who deserveour recognition. In particular, we want to thank the architects fromBurt Hill, especially David Madiera and Lois Matheson, who turnedour fuzzy dreams into sharply focused designs; Jose Almaniana andthe landscape architects of Andropogon Associates who designedthis award-winning plaza; Steve Keener and Pat Pasquariello from P.Agnes who transformed our plans into reality; and Ron Bowlan, DanBosin, and the entire Jefferson facilities team who worked so hard tomake this day possible.

I would love to be able to thank individually each of the 260 donorswhose contributions made this building possible, but time does notallow me to do so. However, let me specifically recognize the generos-

ity of the estates of Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Rector and Dr. and Mrs.William Conrady, as well as support from the Arcadia Foundation andits president Marilyn Steinbright, the Connelly Foundation and itspresident Josephine Connelly Mandeville, and especially our majorbenefactor, Mrs. Dorrance H. Hamilton, for the key support that madethis building possible.

I will return in just a few moments to Jefferson’s dear friend DodoHamilton. But first, I would like to recognize the support of Mr. IraLubert, a member of our university’s board of trustees, whose giftmade possible the construction of the plaza that surrounds us today.Ira’s gift honors his parents, and we take pride in dedicating theSidney and Ethal Lubert Plaza.

Well, in good literary tradition, we save our highest thanks for last.I would like to acknowledge the tremendous benevolence of Mrs.Dorrance H. Hamilton. Dodo is a university trustee who made possi-ble our first major construction in a decade and a half, and first newteaching facility in more than 40 years, with her contribution of $25million — the largest gift Jefferson has ever received.

Dodo, your wisdom, foresight, and generosity have transformedthis campus. You have personally helped to shape Jefferson’s educa-tional vision, and to enrich the surrounding community. On behalf ofeveryone at Jefferson, you have our deepest thanks.

Finally, I want to recognize the extraordinary faculty and studentsof Thomas Jefferson University. Through you, we will realize a newuniversity dedicated to integrated healthcare, breakthrough research,and committed, compassionate patient care. It is in your work thatthese important investments will find their ultimate reward.

I couldn’t be happier to put our future in your hands.Thank you.

Continued from page 9

The rooftop terrace on the fourth floor provides beautiful views ofcampus and was designed with events in mind. From this vantagepoint, the Sidney and Ethal Lubert Plaza is fully visible. The egg-shaped plaza signifies Jefferson’s new approach to teaching. Curvingaround the statue of Samuel Gross, an important part of Jefferson’shistory, the plaza is lined with granite benches surrounded by greenspace fronted by trees. Steps lead to the center of the plaza, but thearea is graded to be wheelchair accessible. Ceremonies —— gradua-tions, white coat, pinnings —— will take place in this plaza at the heartof campus, which has provisions for tents to be installed. To fulfillPhiladelphia’s requirement that one percent of the construction costsof large new development projects in the city must be spent on publicart, a copper wall etched and punched with medical phrases in differ-ent languages has been placed in the park-like setting.

Fall 2007 15



When constructing the newDorrance H. Hamilton Building, agreen space was created to serveas the academic center ofJefferson’s campus. The plaza willgive students, faculty, staff, andcommunity members a place togather. Remarkably, it is the largestconcrete-to-green space conversionin Philadelphia’s recent history.

University Trustee Ira M. Lubert hasnamed The Sidney and Ethal LubertPlaza in honor of his parents. Hismother is “proud, happy, and excit-ed” about the honor, but Lubertthinks his late father would be “over-whelmed; he was a pretty shy guy.”Lubert made this important gift“because of the care my mother hasbeen receiving at Jefferson, thequality of caring, and professionalismof the whole staff. We are satisfiedwith and appreciative of everyaspect of care.”

“Jefferson is unique,” Lubert contin-ues, “because of the combination ofthe people. From the bottom up andtop down, all share a caring andpositive attitude. [President]Barchi’s leadership has broughtexcitement to Jefferson that youcan see in the growth of the cam-pus. I’ve had the privilege of work-ing with very dedicated board mem-bers, and they care about makingJefferson a better place forPhiladelphia and the region.

“I think Jefferson will continue togrow and be a healthcare leader inthe region. Researchers will makenew discoveries; the medical schoolwill continue to prosper and sendambassadors out in the field. Thefuture is very bright.”

THE SIDNEYAND ETHALLUBERT PLAZA


With the naming of the new building,Dorrance “Dodo” H. Hamilton leaves a lastingmark on Jefferson.

Mrs. Samuel M.V. Hamilton began her rela-tionship with Jefferson in an unlikely way. A pregnant Hamilton was asked by Mrs.Tristram C. Colket, who was on the Women’sBoard’s maternity committee, to have herbaby at Jefferson and report back to thecommittee. Thus began a nearly 40-year relationship with Jefferson.

Over the years, Hamilton has had numerousopportunities to assess Jefferson’s perform-ance. Her husband’s family, the Vauclains,also had a Jefferson connection. Family leg-end has it that Mr. Vauclain paid Dr. Martin E.Rehfuss when the family was healthy; whenthey got sick, the payments stopped ——Rehfuss wasn’t doing his job. At least, that’show the story goes…

“The reputation Jefferson has for caringabout their patients is true. When Sam wasn’twell, we were told everything that was goingto happen and what to expect. It was all doneso gently, so lovingly —– it was wonderful.People there cared about you,” she explainsat her home in Newport, RI, overlooking theAtlantic Ocean.

Hamilton served as president of the Women’sBoard from 1969 — 1972. In this position, sheoversaw nine committees, the expansion ofPennywise Thrift Shop, and fundraising forthe heliport on Foerderer Pavilion. She wasthe first woman named to the board oftrustees. When other boards were inviting“token women” to join their boards, “I wasasked to join the board with a vote. None ofthe other hospitals that asked the presidentof their Women’s Board to join gave them a vote.”

Her most recent gift of $25 million estab-lished the Dorrance H. Hamilton Building,dedicated to creating an environment forteam teaching. This gift demonstrates herconcern about education. As a trustee,Hamilton understood the vision set forth inthe new strategic plan. “It seemed so appar-ent that there were ways of doing things thatwere better or easier. Jefferson seemed to begoing along the right path.”

Hamilton is concerned about philanthropiceducation as well. She believes that it isimportant to instill the spirit of volunteerismat a young age, with both her children andnow her grandchildren. Her own childrenstuffed envelopes on their vacations and sort-ed clothes at Pennywise.

Widely known for horticultural pursuits,Hamilton looks forward to the opening of theadjoining Sidney and Ethal Lubert Plaza aswell. “The fact that the building and plaza aregoing to be open to the community is bril-liant!” Hamilton enthuses. She remembersJefferson Alumni Hall changing the face ofthe neighborhood. “I guess that was the firstexpansion of Jefferson that really made animpression on the community, and this oneshould too.”

Fall 2007 17

DORRANCE H. HAMILTON



MPH ProgramH


RENCE

Fall 2007 19

RRecognizing the growing need for public health professionals, the

College of Graduate Studies has instituted major changes in the

development of its Master of Public Health (MPH) program. The

first change came when the part-time Master of Science in Public

Health program transformed into both full- and part-time MPH pro-

grams. The program is accredited as a nationally recognized profes-

sional degree by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

with re-accreditation under newly developed guidelines to occur in

2008. Fifty-four students are currently enrolled in the program.

The full-time curriculum, known as “One Year Plus,” allows

students to complete their MPH degree in a little more than a year.

(In some cases, students carrying an extensive course load with up

to nine approved community-based transfer credits can complete

study in a single year.) With the addition of full-time students, the

program will increase active student involvement throughout the

university, helping to pave the way for the expansion of other joint

degree programs beginning in the 2007-2008 academic year. In

addition to the regular full- and part-time MPH curricula, new

public health certificate programs will be offered, which combine

three-to-five courses in a specific focus area that can be used as a

precursor for entering the MPH program.

m Takes New Steps to Meet Health Needs of the Community


A“Jefferson recognizes the growing need for leaders

who want to effect social change.”

Joint Degree ProgramsThis year a joint degree program in law and public health was creat-

ed in conjunction with the Widener University School of Law. The cur-riculum will integrate topics of increasing national interest in suchareas as environmental health, tobacco control, and obesity. Two jointdegrees, Juris Doctor/Master of Public Health (JD/MPH) and Master ofJuris Prudence/Master of Public Health (MJ/MPH) will be offered toprovide students with the knowledge and skills required to achieve pro-fessional positions in healthcare law, advocacy, and policy practices.

Recognizing the growing need for physician leaders who want toeffect change in societal health and to develop competencies in population and community health, additional plans for the program’sfuture include a five-year MD/MPH program option at JMC and JCGS.MD/MPH candidates will take specific public health courses, along witha community-based health clerkship, and complete a capstone project,in order to obtain an MPH degree in conjunction with their MD.

A World of Professional OpportunitiesFuture physicians and public health professionals with the

MD/MPH degree will have an expansive career track available to

them, including the administration of public health departments,

community health centers, and health insurance organizations,

as well as opportunities in the fields of academia, the pharmaceuti-

cal industry, and the clinical health practice. Other curriculum and

potential dual degree options are being explored to enhance inter-

disciplinary collaboration across campus.



ANGE

year before the Pan American Games. After his Peace Corps stint, he returned

to the U.S. and took a position as a program manager for the American Lung

Association of Los Angeles County where he managed respiratory disease

programs and policies for both children and adults, and directed the associa-

tion’s tobacco prevention, cessation, and policy efforts. Simmons helped lead a

unique public health milestone in the development of the Coalition for a Healthy

California that created Proposition 99 in 1988, the first earmarked tobacco

excise tax that was passed by the voters (the first major defeat of the tobacco

industry) and generated $600 million annually for public health, preventive

health research, and the beginning of California’s innovative tobacco control

program. During that time, he enrolled in UCLA’s School of Public Health and

received his DrPH in community health sciences. After completion of his doc-

torate, he and his family moved to northern California where he worked for the

California Department of Health Services directing the Office of School-linked

Health Services in a joint program with the California Departments of Health

Services and Education. In 1996, Simmons accepted a position as chief of health

education at Christiana Health Systems, Eugene du Pont Preventive Medicine

and Rehabilitation Institute in Delaware. While at Christiana, he was appointed

manager of government and community relations and served as an advocate

and lobbyist for the healthcare system.

In 2004, Simmons turned his professional focus to academia and began

teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Delaware, Delaware State

University, West Chester University, and Drexel University’s School of Public

Health. In 2005, he became an assistant professor at Drexel University’s School

of Public Health where he also helped coordinate the university’s doctoral pro-

gram in public health and was a co-principal investigator on two public

health research projects.

This past year Simmons became the program director of JCGS’s MPH pro-

gram, a challenge he looks forward to meeting head on. “This is an opportu-

nity to really help grow a program from its very beginning as we expand to

include a full-time curriculum tract and initiate combined degree programs

such as the JD/MPH, and MJ/MPH. Next year we look forward to beginning

an MD/MPH program here at Jefferson,” says Simmons. “Public health is such

a fascinating area; it has grown and changed over the past decade with an

emphasis on cross-discipline integrative, private-public health initiatives to

address our complex health problems of the 21st Century. I look forward to

what lies ahead.”

Simmons is currently serving as president of the Society of Public Health

Education (SOPHE), the nation’s leading health education organization. As

president, he hopes to enhance national health promotion programs and

policies in collaborative relationships with government agencies such as the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) foundations and private

industry on creating national initiatives relating to public health education

and promotion.

This past spring, Rob Simmons, DrPH, MPH, CHES, was

appointed the new program director for JCGS’s Master of Public Health (MPH)

program. Simmons comes to Jefferson with an extensive background in pub-

lic health education and management.

Simmons’s 30 years experience in public health education began in

California. He started his career in education and soon developed a

personal interest in health. Eventually, the combination of these two interests

led to his career in health education. He enrolled in an MPH program at Loma

Linda University School of Public Health. It was through his experience there

that he learned about the integration of health beliefs with health behaviors

within a community environment and how these beliefs formed an interdisci-

plinary educational model.

Upon graduation, Simmons worked for the San Diego county department

of health. It was his work with the county that his interest in international

health work rose. Soon after he joined the Peace Corps and traveled to

Colombia, South America, to direct an emergency medical response system

for the Central American and Caribbean Games, a 15-country event held the

DirectorMeet the


SPOTLI

Joshua Gagne, MPHJoshua Gagne, a 2007 graduate of JCGS’s Master in Public Health (MPH)

program, was surprised to learn that pregnant women in Italy were oftengiven drugs with known risks. As the concluding part of his MPH program,Gagne presented his capstone project, which involved researching prescrip-tion drug use among pregnant women in Regione Emilia-Romagna, Italy.Working with his research committee, Gagne identified approximately33,000 women who gave birth in Emilia-Romagna during a one-year period.The team reconciled all of the prescription drug records for these women inorder to understand what medications they had been prescribed, then ratedeach of the drugs according to several pregnancy risk classification systems.Their research found that pregnant women are frequently exposed to pre-scription medications that have known risk factors to the fetus. “I hope thatthis study proves to be not only a capstone project for MPH, but also a step-pingstone for future research,” says Gagne.

Gagne’s interest in population-based research as it applies to drugs anddrug utilization began during his years at the University of Rhode IslandCollege of Pharmacy, where he studied pharmacoeconomics and pharma-coepidemiology. After completing his doctor of pharmacy degree, Gagnewas awarded a two-year postdoctoral outcomes research fellowship inJefferson Medical College’s department of health policy (DHP) in conjunc-tion with Johnson & Johnson. The program offered him an opportunity totranslate his studies into an academic clerkship in a variety of healthcaresettings, gaining real-world, hands-on research experience while developing

a broader public health perspective. Outcomes research fellowships typical-ly provide research training in pharmacoeconomics and quality-of-life research through the combination of application of health economicand epidemiological principles. This particular program was attractive toGagne for many reasons, not the least of which was the quality of researchersin DHP and at J&J. The program also offered a unique opportunity for himto garner research experience in both academic and industry settings.Another appeal of the DHP fellowship was that he could pursue an MPHdegree. He immediately applied to and enrolled in the program.

One thing Gagne found to be unique about the MPH program was thediversity of student backgrounds and the different perspectives eachbrought to class. “An important lesson that I have learned in graduate schoolis that the value of student participation in class is immense,” he says.“Jefferson’s MPH program brings together students from many fields —physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, oral hygienists, basic researchers,technicians, and on and on. The contributions of students with differentperspectives are really that from which I gained the most.”

But it was the course instructors and the mentoring he received duringhis DHP fellowship and MPH experience that impressed Gagne. “It is quite

evident that the teachers want their students to succeed and to develop intoproductive contributors to public health,” says Gagne. “The teachers will do everything that they can to help students achieve their personal and professional goals.” He adds that the networking process maintained by thefaculty has also been instrumental in encouraging him to fulfill his professional goals.

Having presented his capstone project this past July, Gagne completedhis MPH program in two years and is now ready to continue to work towardhis true calling in academia and research. He is currently enrolled in a doc-tor of science in epidemiology degree program at Harvard and is studyingepidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, and biostatistics. “Ultimately, I hopeto amalgamate my pharmacy training, MPH degree, and outcomes researchwith the training I am receiving at Harvard to pursue an academic teachingand research position. I believe that in many cases drugs can and do helplessen pain and suffering and improve the quality of life, but that a lot moreattention must be directed toward the safety, appropriate utilization, andcost-effectiveness of these medications in order to fully harvest the poten-tial benefits that they can offer in improving health for all.” The program willtake about four to five years for Gagne to complete.

“Jefferson’s MPH program brings together students from many fields – I gained the most from that aspect.”



Fall 2007 23

Graduate StudentAssociationThe Graduate Student Association (GSA) offers

academic, cultural, social, and community service-

related events, specifically tailored for students of JCGS.

These activities include “Presentations and

Conversations in Research” (PCR) that allow students

to present their research in a relaxed atmosphere to

other students, science career seminars, and trips to

local attractions. Visit their Web site for more informa-

tion about upcoming events: www.jefferson.edu/jcgs/gsa.

GSA Executive Board 2007-08 (below)

(L-R) Christine Lightcap (treasurer), Kristen Kahle (VP,

career development), Sudarshan Phani (VP, external

affairs), Jillian Scavone (VP, academic affairs), Michael

Powell (president), Katie Kidd (VP, social affairs),

Jacquelyn Roth (secretary). Not pictured: Tara Robinson

(VP, internal affairs), Lisa Ambrose-Lanci (past president).



Jefferson PostdoctoralAssociationThe Jefferson Postdoctoral Association (JPA) has

had a busy summer and fall hosting two of their

most successful events. In August, JPA held

“A Night at the Carnival,” their fourth annual

summer barbecue. Heather Montie, PhD, JPA’s vice

president for social affairs, coordinated the event,

which was well-attended by postdocs and their

families. Highlights of the party included carnival

games, carnival food, and face painting. The

Technical Skills Seminar Series resumed in

September featuring two presentations: the first

focused on RNA isolation, amplification, and analy-

sis, while the second focused on real-time PCR

and miRNA. These presentations are open to the

university community and are well attended. Add-

itional upcoming events include monthly open meet-

ings with guest speakers, and monthly social hours.

JPA RepresentativesAttend NPA MeetingDenise Fitzgerald, PhD, and Georgia Anyatonwu, PhD, represented the Jefferson Postdoctoral Association (JPA) at the NationalPostdoctoral Association (NPA) Meeting in Berkeley, CA, in March2007. They presented a poster, along with Lisa Kozlowski, PhD, assistant dean for postdoctoral affairs and recruitment, which highlighted the synergistic relationship between the JCGS Office ofPostdoctoral Affairs and JPA. This model, as proposed by NPA, hasresulted in an increased scope and scale of events for Jefferson postdocs, such as the Postdoctoral Research Symposium, thePostdoctoral Fellowship Application Program, and many socialevents. The JCGS Alumni Association provided financial support to Fitzgerald to attend this meeting, while Anyatonwu received a travel award from the NPA. Both Fitzgerald and Anyatonwu servedon JPA’s 2006-2007 executive board.

Photo, above.Left to right: Georgia Anyatonwu, Denise Fitzgerald, and Lisa Kozlowski.

JPA Executive Board 2007–08 PresidentAnne Shriner, PhD, Dr. Kishore Alugupalli lab

Senior Vice PresidentJaime Lindsay, PhD, Dr. Richard Pestell lab

Vice President, CommunicationsGeorges Lahoud, PhD, Dr. Howard Gamper lab

Vice President, Social AffairsHeather Montie, PhD, Dr. Diane Merry lab

Vice President, Career Development Ayanna Augustus, PhD, Dr. Michael Lisanti lab

Vice President, Nomination & ElectionsSteve Pedrini, PhD, Dr. Piera Pasinelli lab

SecretaryJia-Ling Huang, PhD, Dr. Hui Zhang lab

TreasurerMarzena Fabis, PhD, Dr. D. Craig Hooper lab

Photo, right.Front, left to right: Ayanna Augustus and Jaime Lindsay. Back, left to right: Georges Lahoud, Anne Shriner, Steve Pedrini, MarzenaFabis, Heather Montie. Not pictured: Jia-Ling Huang.


Photos, from top: “A Night at the Carnival”

Gerald Grunwald, PhD, Anne Shriner, PhD, James Keen, PhD, and Lisa Kozlowski,PhD, at the fourth annual JCGS summer barbecue.

Marzena Fabis, PhD, and Anne Shriner, PhD, showing off their new face paintings.

Ayanna Augustus, PhD, and Jaime Lindsay, PhD, making snow cones.

Second Annual PostdocResearch Symposium

The JCGS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)and the Jefferson Postdoctoral Association(JPA) hosted the second annual PostdoctoralResearch Symposium on June 19, 2007. Theevent showcased the research of Jeffersonpostdocs who work in a variety of diverse professional fields.

The symposium provides a unique opportunityfor postdoctoral fellows to practice their oral

presentation skills. Twenty-eight postdoctoral fellows were selected to giveoral presentations in two sets of concurrent sessions with 26 postdoctoralfellows giving poster presentations. A panel of Jefferson faculty judgedthe presentations. Seven winners received cash prizes toward professionalexpenses: four prizes for the best oral presentations were donated by theJCGS Alumni Association; one prize for best poster presentation prize wasdonated by James H. Keen, PhD, and the JCGS dean’s office; and twoposter presentations prizes were donated courtesy of the symposium’sproceeds. Fredda London, PhD’87, chair of the postdoctoral liaison committee of the JCGS Alumni Association, was on hand to present theawards as well as welcome postdoctoral fellows into the JCGS AlumniAssociation. Current JCGS Alumni Association president, VincentArmenti, PhD’79, MD’82, was also in attendance.

This year the JPA began a tradition of presenting the DistinguishedMentor Award. In this inaugural year, the JPA and the OPA presented the award to Gerald Grunwald, PhD, for his mentorship of the Jefferson postdoctoral community. Subsequently, postdoctoral fellows will nominateaward recipients.

The keynote address was given by Kenneth Fischbeck, MD (pictured),chief of the neurogenetics branch of the National Institute of NeurologicalDisorders and Stroke (NINDS). His speech, titled “Hereditary Motor Neuron Diseases,” was well received. Also featured at the symposium wasa mini-career and vendor fair, which included several TJU alumni and wasopen to graduate students as well. Representing Merck were MarcAbrams, PhD’05, and Philip McKenna, PhD’04. As a sponsor, John Ellis,PhD’83 (incoming president of the JCGS Alumni Association), showcasedthe work of his organization, the Pennsylvania Society for Bio-medicalResearch. Peter Jackman, MS’96, represented his patent law firm,Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein, & Fox, which is located in Washington, DC. Theday-long event concluded with a martini reception.

Fall 2007 25


Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDPermit #182

Bensalem, PA

925 Chestnut Street, Suite 110Philadelphia, PA 19107-4216

C h a n g e S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d

The Annual Fund helps to provide travel fellowships for students so that they can present research at selected meetings of theirrespective disciplines. These fellowships give students the opportunityto network with their colleagues as well as test out their research conclusions.

If you would like to join the Jefferson College of Graduate Studiesalumni who have contributed to the Annual Fund, please contact theAnnual Fund office toll-free at 1-877-533-3443.

You can also make a gift online at www.jefferson.edu/jeffgiving..

Thank you.

An OpportunityThomas Jefferson University was chosen asone of three institutions out of 87 applicantsthat can receive $500,000 in grant supportfrom the prestigious Kresge Foundation ifthey can raise $2.6 million by April 1, 2008.

Your support will help Jefferson build astronger organization that will continue togrow and revitalize the science and practice of medicine. To make a gift, please contactFritz Ruccius at 215-955-8733.

KresgeChallenge

The

Jefferson students thank you for investing in their future through your support of the

Annual Fund.


Documents

Jefferson 1st place