MUSC Catalyst 2-14-2014

February 14, 2014

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Vol. 32, No. 26

Donation targets pediatric eating disorders

BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations

T

he year was 1983. With mellow ‘70s hits like “We’ve Only Just Begun” to her credit and more than 80 million records sold, pop singer Karen Carpenter died of complications related to a relatively new disorder called anorexia nervosa. The media reported Carpenter had literally starved herself to death and fans were stunned by her skeleton-like appearance at 80 pounds.

For years leading up to Carpenter’s tragedy, girls had been involved in the practices associated with what would later be termed eating disorders. At that time, however, the problem was not yet fully understood by the medical community.

At the same time, in Greenville, the Pazdans were a typical Catholic family with five children. Joe was in sales and traveled for a living and Mack, the nurturer, stayed home and raised kids. Big personalities filled the home and everyone vied to be heard at the table, especially, Donna, who, as the youngest, had the smallest voice of all. She felt invisible.

Donna left for college in Chapel Hill, N.C. Cute, social and vivacious by nature, she joined a sorority and had friends. Somewhere during that journey, Donna decided she needed to lose weight and like Carpenter, her quest went too far, continuing for 26 years. Fortunately, her outcome was very different.

For Joe and Mack Pazdan, Karen Carpenter’s tragedy hit too close to home. At the age of 19, their 5–foot–6– inch daughter weighed a mere 68 pounds. She was an inch–and–a–half taller, yet 12 pounds lighter than Carpenter. Donna wasn’t eating and was well on her way to starving herself to death. Sick with worry, her parents hardly knew what to do to help her. Following a physician’s advice, they placed Donna in a medical center’s mental health unit for a year.

Following intense therapy, she was discharged a year later weighing 107 pounds. While still very thin for her height, the nearly 40–pound weight gain was critical to

3

Faculty remembered A beloved faculty member is recognized for her contributions.

“I’m a survivor.”

photo by Sarah Pack Mt. Pleasant resident Donna Friedman weighed 68 pounds at age 19 and realizes how lucky she was she got the right treatment in the nick of time. Her experience led her and her husband to donate $1 million to MUSC to start an intensive, outpatient clinic to treat pediatric eating disorders. her survival. in nutrition. “This was a kind of make-shift, grassroots Soon, though, she was back down to 83 pounds. This treatment program,” Donna said. “My parents put me time, she had stopped eating entirely and her parents on a plane, and there I went. I can’t even imagine doing readmitted her to the hospital. With no real progress that today, but they were desperate to help me. The lady taking place, her doctor determined the only thing to stripped me down and took pictures — she made me do was to have her committed. Her father, however, look at them so I would me realize what I really looked would have nothing to do with his daughter being like. Her techniques were unconventional and really institutionalized. kind of crazy.”

Fortunately, at the time, a family acquaintance had Donna desperately wanted this program to work and, recently experienced success overcoming her bulimia as usual, she was compliant. “I always really wanted while working with a woman in Ohio who had a Ph.D. See Eating on page 6

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Safer Seafood

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Campus News

Researchers find seafood may need better safety monitoring.

5

Meet Tonia

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Classifieds

READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst

2 THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014

PEOPLE

Around Campus

EVENTS

Maj. Kevin Kerley,

6th Annual Radiothon

Maj. Kevin Kerley, MUSC Public Safety patrol commander, has been promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel and assigned as deputy director of Public Safety and deputy chief of police. Kerley started with MUSC in 2006. He was inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, in 2013.

WEZL and Y102.5 Cares for Kids Radiothon will take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 27 to 28. Organizers are seeking volunteers to answer calls and take pledges during this event.

The radiothon will take place at Clear Channel Media & Entertainment, 950 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Contact Sawyer Kilen, kilens@ uni.edu.

David French David French, M.D., assistant professor, Division of Emerency Medicine and director of prehospital medicine, joined MUSC in September. French is a graduate of UNC School of Medicine and completed an EMS fellowship working in both Charlotte and Carolinas Medical Center.

John Vena John Vena, Ph.D., joined MUSC Jan. 1 as professor and founding chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences, formerly the Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Vena was previously professor and director of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University

Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425.

843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Interim editor: Cindy Abole catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu

Hoops for Hope

Sharlene Atkins, Office of Public Relations, receives a Valentine from Drummer, one of MUSC’s therapy dogs. Every year, Drummer and his owner, Patricia Votava of MUSC’s Children’s Hospital, distribute Valentine cards and candy to staff and patients. of Georgia and formerly with the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. He began his career at State University of New York at Buffalo’s Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

The Catalyst is published once a week.

Paid adver tisements, which do not represent an endorsement by MUSC or the State of South Carolina, are handled by Island Publications Inc., Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.

Hoops for Hope, a 3–on–3 basketball tournament and free–throw competition, will be held April 26 at the College of Charleston’s TD Arena, 301 Meeting St. The tournament will support the treatment and research for mental health disorders in children, adults and families. Registration and ticket sales for the fundraiser and silent auction begin March 15. Visit www. muschoopsforhope.org.

Melissa Cunningham Melissa Cunningham, M.D., assistant professor, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, has been selected to receive Genomic Medicine Pilot Project Program award funding.

Call for applications MUSC Presidential Scholars Program is seeking applications for the 2014– 2015 program. The Scholars Program is a two–semester experience for about 36 students, joined by selected program faculty scholars from each college.

Deadline for applications is Feb. 28.

Visit academicdepartments.musc.edu/ pres_scholars/stud_aply.html.

THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014 3

Physician remembered for MUSC commitment

BY JOHN WASHINGTON Public Relations

The MUSC community was deeply saddened by the passing of Hulda J. Wohltmann, M.D., on Saturday, Jan. 11. Wohltmann, who was 90 years old when she died, was a renowned clinician and researcher and a beloved educator.

Wohltmann, born April 10, 1923 in Charleston, was a graduate of the College of Charleston and the Medical College of South Carolina. She served at St. Louis Children’s Hospital from 1950 until 1965, returning to MUSC. She was certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and made significant contributions to diabetes research in pediatric medicine. She was published in numerous medical journals and was a member of many professional organizations.

Honored many times by the S.C. Diabetes Association, she was the recipient of the professional service award, life membership award and special award for Outstanding and Continuous Dedicated Service to S.C. Children with Diabetes. She was listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in America and Best Doctors in the U.S. In 1983, Wohltmann and John Colwell, M.D., Ph.D., emeritus professor of Medicine at MUSC, were

the principal investigators of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Intervention and Complications study at MUSC. This landmark trial, which studies the effects of good glucose control on the development of diabetic complications in Type 1 diabetes, is ongoing and MUSC remains one of the sites involved in following the patients enrolled. The long follow-up of these patients has allowed the medical community to understand and obtain a depth of knowledge concerning the development of diabetic complications and has led to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Wohltmann Memorials may be made to: All Saints Lutheran Church, 2107 N. Highway, Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29466 or East Cooper Meals on Wheels, 2304 N Highway 17, Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29466.

“I worked with Hulda Wohltmann and her patients in the NIH funded GCRC for 12 years, at a time when Clinical Research was in its beginnings at MUSC. She was a delight to work with and learn from. She was always smiling and her patients loved her. I remember

she loved iced coffee and we always tried to make sure there was a fresh but cooled pot at the ready for her.”

—Jan Maria Pittman, R.N., General Internal Medicine “I remember Hulda Wohltmann as a very kind, warm, caring and excellent physician. I enjoyed working with her when we provided care for two of her patients with a congenital kidney disease. She will be missed.”

—Perry V. Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., College of Graduate Studies “Hulda Wohltmann was truly a pioneer in diabetes management at MUSC. She saw the benefits of “good glucose control” before most clinical studies were even thought about. She was also Co-PI for the NIH study, Diabetes Control and Complications Trial 1983-1993.

She was instrumental in establishing guidelines for carbohydrate counting and taught this “new method” of treatment not only to her patients but the house staff. She always tried to strive for excellence and worked tirelessly for all her pediatric patients and their families.”

—Denise Wood, former MUSC employee

See educator on page 9

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Study finds toxin in seafood causes kidney damage

BY DAWN BRAZELL Public Relations

I

t may not seem that Navy-trained sea lions, a plate of seafood, and a kidney research lab at the Medical University of South Carolina would have much in common.

It turns out they do.

Researchers at MUSC have found that domoic acid, which accumulates in seafood and is toxic to the brain, also damages kidneys at concentrations 100 times lower than what causes brain damage. These findings, recently released in a study appearing in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, points to the need for more research, especially since the Federal Drug Administration has set a legal limit of domoic acid in seafood based primarily on its adverse effects on the brain.

P. Darwin Bell, Ph.D., MUSC Division of Nephrology Research Endowed Chair, Jason Funk, Ph.D., MUSC Division of Nephrology, and their colleagues said the study uncovers new ground and raises important questions.

Bell “We want to generate awareness about this and the fact that this is something that may need to be looked at further, especially by the FDA in controlling exposure,” Funk said.

Ninety-nine percent of the existing research focuses on the neurologic effects of domoic acid. There is little evidence of its effect on other organs, said Bell. “The fact that we’ve found that domoic acid is so highly toxic to the kidney is novel and new and has not been recognized at all. There’s a view that repeated injury to the kidney accumulates over time and can lead to kidney failure. What we worry about is the fact that you’re getting these small exposures to domoic acid and have this cycle of injury, recovery – injury, recovery that can lead to renal failure at some point down the road.”

Some believe this type of exposure may be much more toxic to the elderly, young children, people with pre-existing kidney disease, and perhaps pregnant women, but there will have to be many more studies before those guidelines can be set. It’s too early “to set off alarm bells” until more studies can be done to validate results, said Bell.

It does bear monitoring, though.

“There’s warming of the ocean and an increase of the amount of algae in the ocean – this toxin is produced by algae. So there are these algae blooms that produce domoic acid. It doesn’t get broken down so it just stays at the bottom of the oceans and gets taken up by mussels, scallops and fish. A recent report stated that more than 50 percent of bottle-nosed dolphins in Sarasota Bay in Florida now have detectable levels of

MUSC researchers find toxin in seafood causes kidney damage in mice at levels considered safe for consumption. FDA may need to reconsider what levels of domoic acid in shellfish and fish are safe.

“The increase in domoic acid levels in our oceans is becoming more and more alarming.” photo provided

Dr. Jason Funk, Division of Nephrology, discusses his research.

domoic acid.”

Bell said that only in the last few years have domoic acid and other toxins been detected in the Gulf.

“The increase in domoic acid levels in our oceans is becoming more and more alarming.”

Previously, it was more of a West coast problem, which brings up how sea lions factor into the story. Bell said a catalyst for the research came from the work of colleague Michael Gregory Janech, Ph.D., who studies sea lions enlisted in the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program to patrol the harbor and provide protection for ships.

“They eat anchovies and sardines that have domoic acid. They get this electro-excitatory neurotoxicity, and they go crazy and they die. The Navy spends a huge amount of money to train these sea lions so he’s been looking at how to predict if a sea lion is getting domoic acid poisoning. One of the things they have found is the functioning of the kidney seems to be altered and

Dr. P. Darwin Bell that led us to do this study on mice.”

Though the brain is protected somewhat by the blood-brain barrier, the kidney is the primary mode of excretion. Funk said one of the first steps in their study was to expose mice to the acid to see where it distributed in the body.

“It was like four to five times higher in the kidney compared to any other organ we tested including brain.

That finding validated us going farther in this study.”

Funk said the next step is to study chronic repeated exposures to see what impact it would have on kidney function and to determine if these findings translate to human populations.

“Our work is the first initial step showing that the kidney accumulates this toxin and that it causes kidney damage. It’s certainly something that the FDA and other governing agencies, as well as researchers, need to be aware of – that the kidneys are susceptible to injury at extremely low levels of this toxin.”

THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014 5

MEET TONIA

Tonia Shaw Department Medical University Hospital Authority Safety & Security How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC As a security officer, I’m supporting the safety of visitors and employees in the workplace.

How long at MUSC 1-1/2 years Children and their names Three boys, Kevonte, 12, Ryan Jr., 3, and Patrick, 2 What is your idea of a dream job Although I love my work, the co-workers and atmosphere at MUSC, my dream job would be to become an investigator.

A must-have in the fridge Plenty of juices for the kids and Moscato for myself.

Greatest moment in your life Learning when each of my three boys were born healthy Favorite quote Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. —Matthew 7:12

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EATING

Continued from Page One

help. I was never defiant, I was the best little patient,” she said. “The key for me was to lick it outside of a hospital setting because I would do whatever they told me to do. Then I would get out and fall apart. I think that’s true of a lot of people with addictions after they’ve been in a structured environment. I’d get back out into society and say, ‘ooh, what did I do?’”

Donna did pretty well on the “homeopathic woman’s” program, as she called it. “After I left, she made me call in every night at 6:00 and report what I ate and how I felt about it. My mom kept those records, and I found that journal the other day.”

Eventually, though, she fell backward.

The ensuing years were spent trying new programs and therapies – taking one step forward and two steps back – but she never stopped wanting to get better.

During a period in 2008, Donna would run for three hours every morning before dawn. She was eating far too little food to fuel her body through workouts or to make up for the lack of sleep.

Again she found herself facing physical collapse. Then, she was given a book that literally changed her life: “Gaining: The Truth about Life after Eating Disorders,”

by Aimee Liu. The book detailed experiences and essential information that for decades Donna had longed to hear. She learned that true recovery required understanding the roles of genetics, personality, relationships and anxiety as they related to eating disorders.

“Gaining” offered such great hope that Donna found herself writing to the author — never thinking she would write back. But she did, and the women who suffered so much in common became fast friends.

“In the 70s, Aimee suffered with anorexia. At the time, she didn’t know what it was, but she cured herself and wrote a highly-respected book on recovery. She had to come to Ann Arbor and speak. I knew her words could help so many, just as they helped me,” said Donna.

She and her husband, Randy Friedman, sponsored Liu’s visit to the University of Michigan and the local newspaper featured a story on Donna to promote the event. She was not prepared for the outpouring of letters, calls and emails she received. Until that

photos provided

Left photo: Donna Friedman, left, during her freshman year at UNCChapel Hill. Right photo: Friedman posed for a photo a year later in 1983. point, she hadn’t realized just how many people were suffering and desperate for information and help.

She shared her personal journey with the audience. It contained a powerful message like the one that had so deeply touched Donna. Liu, in a recent interview, recalls that time fondly.

“I met Donna when she was still battling to free herself from the grip of anorexia, but even at that fragile stage she showed such courage and generosity,” Liu said. “She dared to speak out publicly about her own experience of eating disorders, and in doing so, encouraged others to seek treatment.

This honesty also paved the way for her own full recovery, which in turn launched her as an activist in the field of eating disorder treatment and advocacy.

Today Donna is a tireless and fierce champion, a beautiful example of the power to be gained through recovery.”

Donna became involved with the Academy for Eating Disorders in the Chicago area and finally found a therapist who understood her and more importantly, recovery. She was ready to embark on a new treatment plan and for the first time, she began to really conquer her disease.

In 2011, the family moved to Charleston and immediately became involved in community initiatives.

Because of her personal interest in the subject, Donna realized there was a lack of resources available to treat children and adolescents who were dealing with

eating disorders. She learned that local schools were trying their best to assist with the number of cases they were seeing, and families were sending their children to other states, like North Carolina, for treatment.

Donna spent 24 months doing her own personal research on the subject and was disheartened by the statistics. The S.C. Department of Mental Health states that anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents and estimates that of the 8 million Americans who suffer with an eating disorder, 95 percent of those are between the ages of 12 and 25. Further, 50 percent of girls between the ages of 11 and 13 see themselves as overweight and 80 percent of 13-year-olds have already attempted to lose weight.

But the most alarming statistic of all served as a personal call to action for Donna: the mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate related to all causes of death for females 15-24 years old.

Donna reflected on the gravity of this statement and the tremendous need for resources to help children with eating disorders in the Charleston community.

With her history in mind and a sincere desire to help, she and Randy decided to fund a pediatric intensive outpatient program at MUSC and committed $1 million to lead the initiative.

Charles Darby, Jr., M.D., professor emeritus and executive director of the Center for Child Advocacy, said when

the Friedmans moved to Charleston a few years back, it was obvious that they loved the community.

“Donna is a ‘recovering’ anorexic and very knowledgeable about the disease – she quickly found a weak spot in our health services. She and Randy have generously committed their time and resources to help the MUSC Department of Pediatrics recruit a first class team of specialists to form a center of excellence in eating disorders, and we are committed to researching the causes, treatments and methods of prevention that are not currently fully understood,” said Darby.

In addition to being integrally involved in all aspects of planning, Donna is also working on her master’s degree so she will have the credentials to play a significant role in the new program.

“I am incredibly committed to this project. Anorexia robbed me of so many important moments throughout my life. My goal now is to help others understand this illness and completing my M.S. in psychology will enable me to work directly with those who need help the most.”

Donna also was named to the AED board and serves as the first member to represent the patient’s perspective.

The global professional organization is a leader in the research, education, treatment and prevention of eating disorders.

“I am pleased to be the voice of the patient as I believe I bring a different point of view to the table. It is important to humanize this issue that for too long has been stigmatizing,” she said.

Donna proudly calls herself a survivor.

She will always need to remain vigilant, but today she is healthy. And while she still speaks to her therapist in Ann Arbor once a week, there are no signs of protruding bones, sunken eyes or the brittle hair that typically characterizes someone in the throes of anorexia.

Warm, vibrant and slender describe the Donna Friedman of today.

Thirty–one years after the death of Karen Carpenter, awareness and treatment have greatly improved, yet society is more body-conscious than ever.

Models get thinner, photo-shopping is a common trick to make perfection look attainable, and TV programs aimed at promoting fast weight loss underscore society’s prejudice against the

See Eating on page 9

THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014 7

Unsung heroes get the job done during ice storm

BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations

A

s word of Charleston’s mild winters and no measureable snowfall for years at a time made its way north and west, the city became the “worst kept secret.” Then winter 2014 decided to stir things up.

Even during challenging events like an ice storm, it goes without saying that uninterrupted patient care is critically important. For an institution to operate efficiently, it takes preparation, procedures and personnel.

When things run smoothly, people rarely think about it. It’s often not until access, convenience or safety become an issue that they realize just how much they take these things for granted.

When people are able to safely get from point A to point B, stay warm when it’s 19 degrees outside or ride an elevator because the power is running – they probably have the Department of Engineering and Facilities to thank.

MUSC is an enormous health care complex that comprises 82 acres and 95 buildings. When an impending event threatens Charleston, MUSC

Buckets of salt de–icing mixture were spread around campus.

Engineering and Facilities personnel go into high gear to ensure hatches are battened down and conditions inside and out are monitored on a minute–by– minute basis.

During the 48–hour ice storm that some refer to as “Icepocalypse 2104,” many MUSC employees stayed on campus, often putting their own personal needs on hold to make sure the needs of the patients and staff were met and operations were able to run as necessary.

Freezing rain quickly turned to ice, making travel and getting around campus treacherous. While area bridges closed due to ice, the MUSC Grounds shop removed inches of ice from the helicopter pad by hand and kept it cleared for the duration of the storm, allowing emergency flights to land and take off without incident.

“Making sure patients can get safely on and off campus is the most important aspect of the grounds shop during an ice storm like this. Making sure the helicopter pad is clear of ice is difficult, but very rewarding. When we saw the helicopter land, we knew our work was helping others. That is what we like about working on the grounds the most,” said Robin Smith, grounds supervisor.

Smith and four of her crew spent one or both nights on campus and worked shifts up to 27 hours at a time.

They were out in the elements nearly the entire time and responsible for spreading the 3,400 pounds of de–icing salt mixture — 68 huge containers. They cleared roads like Ashley Avenue, making them passable, as the city was busy with other priorities. “Somebody had to stay and clear the roads and chisel out the helipad,” she said.

In addition to the Grounds shop, the Engineering and Facilities Department had numerous crews running around the clock. The Boiler, Electric, and HVAC shops, Unit Maintenance, Zone Maintenance techs and the Service Call center all worked 24/7, according to Mark Brown, director of Facility Operations. Thanks to their dedication, MUSC patients, visitors and staff were safe, comfortable and in good hands.

photo provided

MUSC Grounds shop’s Kyle Lewis takes a break after completing 27 hours of work.

“I am proud of our team. We had a rather unique even, and we were able to address it with few problems. Our staff is

the first responder for these events and they rose to the occasion,” said Greg Weigle, chief facilities officer.

WOFFORD STUDENTS VISIT DENTAL SCHOOL

photo provided

Wofford College students Michelle Ruse, from left, Kris Bultz, a fellow student and Joseph Hubbard, visited the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine Jan. 29 as part of the school’s pre-dental advising program.

8 THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014

GO RED FOR WOMEN DAY AT MUSC MUSC employees come together for the annual National Wear Red Day or MUSC Go Red for Women Day midday event on Feb. 7. Participants were invited to free blood pressure screenings, heart health information, CPR demonstrations, fitness demonstrations, chair massages and other activities at Ashley River Tower’s Atrium area. Booth and table sponsors included the Harper Wellness Center, MUSC Outpatient Nutrition, Sodexo, American Heart Association, Fleet Feet and other businesses. Later, participants who wore red were invited to form a human heart commemorating women’s heart health.

photo by Brennan Wesley, Business Development & Marketing Services

THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014 9

EDUCATOR

Continued from Page Three

“Love for her patients and an intense desire to prevent them from developing complications was one of Hulda Wohltmann’s main goals in life and her enthusiasm and dedication to ensure that her patients had a long and healthy life was boundless and quite inspiring.

Besides being one of my most significant mentors, she was a loyal friend that valued honesty and fairness above all.

She always expected that you give your best effort but in return you would have her absolute support. She taught me that love for research and conducting it with absolute honesty, as well as applying research findings to the improvement of patient care were the main requirements to pursue a successful medical research career. She was right and I will always be grateful for her support and fairness, which had a very significant impact in the early stages of my development as a scientist.”

—Maria F. Lopes-Virella, M.D., Ph.D. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Medicinal Genetics

“Hulda Wohltmann changed my life in two ways. She got me excited about Diabetes that lead to me becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator and getting to guide and teach many newly diagnosed patients during my years in the General Clinical Research Center.

The second thing, that I still do to this day, is drink iced coffee. She was drinking it before it was cool. She was an amazing lady.”

—Debbie S. O’Rear, R.N.

EATING

Continued from Page Six

overweight — things that conspire to undermine the self–esteem of young girls and cause unrealistic behaviors.

For nearly three decades Donna lived a nightmare, but now she lives a dream.

She has a devoted husband, four beautiful children and two charming golden doodles all of whom she adores; a spectacular home that sits at the confluence of Shem Creek and harbor where shrimp boats bring in their catches and paddle boarders test their skills; and a mission in her heart to improve the lives of children who fall victim to an erroneous perception of perfection.

10 THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014

2014 Just symposium features speakers, celebrates science Staff Report

T

he annual Ernest E. Just Symposium is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28 in the James E. Clyburn Research Center Auditorium. The symposium celebrates the life and scientific achievements of Ernest E. Just, Ph.D., a native Charlestonian and prominent black marine biologist who made significant contributions to the areas of cell biology, cell structure and tissue development throughout his career.

MUSC interim president and provost, Mark S. Sothmann, Ph.D., and Etta S. Pisano, M.D., dean of the College of Medicine will welcome guests and Stephan Lanier, Ph.D., associate provost for Research, and Jacqueline McGinty, College of Graduate Studies interim dean will introduce the day’s speakers.

Stephon H.S. Alexander, Ph.D., the Ernest Everett Just 1907 professor of

Natural Sciences, Ernest E. Just program director and associate professor of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College will speak about the life of Dr. Just and present a lecture on "The Importance of the Liberal Arts in a Scientific Education and Career."

Also included in the morning session will be symposium keynote speaker James Jackson, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Social Research and Daniel Katz distinguished Jackson professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan.

Jackson’s presentation is titled, “Understanding Radical Group and Education Differences in Obesity.”

Part three of the science section

features graduate presenter Sybil Price-Nelson, a doctoral candidate with MUSC’s Department of Public Health Sciences. Price-Nelson’s will review details of her research in her presentation, “Genetic and Environmental Factors Leading to Lupus in the South Carolina Gullah Population.”

At midday, symposium coordinators will present the Ernest E. Just Undergraduate Award for Excellence in Research. Visiting undergraduate students will then tour the campus and meet with MUSC admissions officers.

Afternoon sessions will be led by Jennifer West, Ph.D., Fitzpatrick Family University professor of Engineering, Duke University School of Medicine; Boris Hinz, Ph.D., associate professor, Matrix Dynamic Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto; and Joan Siefert Brugge, Ph.D., chair and professor of cell biology, Harvard Medical School. West will speak on “Biomimetic Microfabrication to Manipulate Cells.” Hinz’ presentation is titled, “Mechanics and Fibrosis” and Brugge will speak about her research

The Ernest E. Just Symposium is sponsored by MUSC’s Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology; Office of the Provost; Student Diversity; the Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dental Medicine, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and the S.C. College of Pharmacy; MUSC Public Information and Community Outreach; Hollings Cancer Center; NIH/NCI P20 SC CaDRe Grant; South Carolina EPSCoR/IDeA; Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture at the College of Charleston; S.C. NASA Space Grant; and U.S. Department of Energy. in her presentation, “Modeling Morphogenis, Tumorigenesis and Drug Sensitivity in 3D Cultures.”

The full program can be found at http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/ grad/just/.

For additional information, email Keisha Vaughn, brownkn@musc.edu or Titus A. Reaves, Ph.D., reaves@musc.edu or call 792-1282.

THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014 11

YES Family Fund

Furniture

Items for Sale

Full Mattress Set with Euro Pillow Top New $115. Please Call: 843-270-4283

Kenmore black frig $100 Whirlpool W/D white $100 (both) 843-709-9668, Brenda

Bed Set,Queen New pillowtop mattress set. with cherry wood sleigh bed $350 843-270-4283

Rental Properties

Bed-Queen Pillowtop that is Brand New in Plastic. Will take $125. Please call 843-270-4283 Need to make space, Selling New King Size Mattress Set $275 843-270-4283

3003 Allison Cove Dr, Charleston, SC, $335,000.

4 bdr, 3/1 bath, 2404 sq.ft.

Open Fl plan, Fenced yard, garage. Cul-de-sac.10 min to MUSC, can walk to schools and local shopping center.

(843) 814-1474

The MUSC Family Fund, sponsored by the Yearly Employee Support Campaign, is accepting grant applications.

The application should include name, department, phone, name of project and amount of funding requested.

Applications should include a brief summary explaining the project or program and how the funding will benefit MUSC’s mission.

For information, call 792-1973, email mcluen@musc.edu or visit www.musc.edu/ catalyst/archive/2013/ co2-8familyfund.html.

Applications are due no later than March 31.

12 THE CATALYST, February 14, 2014