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 for
the university, a turning point in Jefferson’s
history. 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 of
a new strategic plan that will change both the
university and its surrounding community.
The Hamilton Building is just the initial
step in Jefferson’s facilities master plan, a plan
that will create an urban campus – not just a
collection of city buildings. Gateways mark-
ing campus entrances, in conjunction with
integrating signage and streetscape, will
identify Jefferson’s educational mission and
helpthosewhovisittounderstandtheuniver-
sity’s history and connection to Philadelphia.
Specifically designed for team-based train-
ing, the new education building gives us the
space not only to handle the training of
medical students with an increased class size,
but also offers space for new programs. The
auditorium can seat up to 300 students who
can attend smaller sessions in breakout
rooms for 15. Students from across the uni-
versity will use these core academic spaces
together.
Each classroom has all the latest tech-
nology with full audio-visual capabilities and
internet access. Classrooms are equipped for
continuing education offerings; and sessions
that are recorded can be broadcast to any
room on a 10-second delay. We also have the
capability for off-site teleconferencing.
Surrounded bygreen space, the building sits
in a park-like setting that opens our campus to
the neighborhood. In this way, we continue to
fulfill our historic mission, which has always
included 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 the
university and embrace a dramatic vision for
its future: to train tomorrow’s leaders in
medical education, to do the research that
defines the future of healthcare, and to set the
standard for a patient-centric model of
compassionate clinical care.
Growth opportunities in all aspects of
healthcare education demand a bold, mean-
ingful response, and Jefferson is answering
that call.
Sincerely,
President
Thomas Jefferson University
Message
from the
President
A Defining
Moment
With the planned
ambulatory care facility
and additional research
space, Jefferson will
have modern spaces for
education, research,
and clinical care.

Fall 2007
Editor
Patricia Shea
Managing Editor
Robert Bartosz
Associate Editors
Melissa Mitchell
Nikki Senecal, PhD
Design
JeffGraphics
Photography
JeffGraphics
& David Super
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Jefferson College of Graduate Studies
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Discoveries
JEFFERSON 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
Maintaining
Jefferson’s Vitality
The Dean’s
Column
2 Jefferson College of Graduate Studies Discoveries
James H. Keen, PhD
n the biomedical scientific community, as
in many areas of scientific activity, the vitality of
U.S. innovation and discovery are often taken
for granted. It has been more than two genera-
tions since we have had serious challenges to
our preeminence in many of these areas, and it
is sometimes hard for young scientists to imag-
ine that, for example, Germany and Great
Britain were the world leaders in chemistry and
physics 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 research
programs funded by the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) preeminent in the world. Today,
our graduate student and postdoctoral training
programs, as well as most of our faculty
research laboratories, are predominantly sup-
ported by funds from the NIH. During the last
decade, this vision of discovery, and the possi-
bility of translating research findings made over
the past 50 years into improved treatments for
humanity’s ailments, prompted a united
Congress and executive branch to almost dou-
ble the NIH research budget between 1998 and
2003. This historic increase opened a tap that
nourished innovation and growth in the
biomedical community across a wide variety of
disciplines. While adjusting to a slower rate of
growth following this dramatic increase was
going to be challenging, the repercussions of
September 11, 2001, both direct and indirect,
have conspired to actually reduce the real NIH
budget over the past several years, i.e. below the
inflationary rate. Remarkably, if these funding
gaps continue, the effect of the doubling will be
entirely lost by 2008. From that perspective, the
research community would have been better
served by a steady, inflation-related pace of
growth, rather than the boom and bust cycle of
the past decade!
How does this affect our current research
and training missions? The vast majority of our
graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are
supported by NIH research grants to faculty,
and they learn in part by conducting and
contributing to the research programs of their
faculty mentors. Whereas more than 30 percent
of all grant applications that came to NIH peer
review panels were funded during “the dou-
bling,” that rate is down, well below 20 percent
now and in single digits in many Institutes.
Federal funding for training grants that specifi-
cally support graduate and postdoctoral
fellows is also correspondingly tighter. While
these review panels are good instruments for
broadly distinguishing great from mediocre
science, many feel that they are less suited for
making the fine distinctions of excellent from
very good proposals, i.e. those in the 10–25
percent range. As having a research proposal
funded has become more of a stochastic
process, our faculty, like others nationwide, is
spending more time writing grant applications
and seeking other funding opportunities to
ensure that they have ample resources to keep
their laboratories functioning. As good citizens
of the research community, they are also
spending more time serving voluntarily on the
peer review panels that make funding recom-
mendations at NIH.
Despite these challenges, the faculty remains
committed to providing the personalized,
robust training environment that continues to
characterize a Jefferson degree. For example,
this fall the faculty has been examining, refin-
ing, and maintaining the integration of the
comprehensive, first-year course curriculum
implemented 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 of
Graduate 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 has
become 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 by
serving 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 campus
whenever possible.
JCGS Board Committees
The 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 both
nominate appropriate people for their associated awards. The Graduate Student Association
Support Committee meets with members of the GSA. The GSA president also attends the board
meetings and reports on student activities, explaining how the alumni board can help. The
Postdoctoral Committee reaches out to postdocs to get them more involved with the JCGS alumni
community. (Postdoctoral fellows have recently been granted alumni status within JCGS.) The
JMC/JCGS/JCHP Liaison Alumni Committee attends the other schools’ board meetings and reports
to 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 the
Web 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 Directors
President
Vincent T. Armenti, PhD’79, MD’82 (Anatomy)
Officers & Members
Steven 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 how
instruction in biostatistics can be tailored more
effectively to address the needs of our diverse stu-
dent constituencies in both the bench and popu-
lation health sciences. And faculty members have
been working to update several of our master's
programs to address new trends in the career
marketplace.
In all of these areas, we welcome and need
alumni support. Your support might come in the
form of monetary donations to grow the endow-
ment for student stipend support; teaching
awards to faculty who excel in graduate educa-
tion; travel fellowships allowing recipients to
attend meetings and present their work; or serv-
ing as a career networking contact or internship
host for our current students. Or you might give
of your time to reach out to your alumni col-
leagues on behalf of the college and its programs.
In these or other ways, please remember
Jefferson and be a part of our alumni communi-
ty. Your support is vital, and we look forward to
your contacting us at alumni.support@jeffer-
son.edu with your thoughts and suggestions.
James H. Keen, PhD
Dean
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 College
of Graduate Studies. Stearns comes to JCGS
from the Teachers College of Columbia
University where he was the associate director
ofadmissionsforsevenyears.Inhisnewrole,he
hopes “to continue to attract strong, talented
applicants to the PhD and Master’s programs
and get the word out about the amazing work
being done at JCGS and the university as
a whole.”
Distinguished Alumni Award
Call for Nominations
The Distinguished Alumni Award is
presented by the JCGS Alumni Association
recognizing the professional accomplish-
ments of alumni who help foster communica-
tion between current and former graduate
students. 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 at
hilary.bulman@jefferson.edu or the JCGS
Alumni Office, 1020 Locust Street, Room
M63, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
MD/PhD Training Programs
The Medical Scientist Training Program
(MSTP) at JCGS provides training for MD/PhD
students in basic research and clinical skills
with the goal of translating novel discoveries in
the laboratory into diagnostics and therapeu-
tics for individual patients and populations.
The objective of this program is to
provide students with training in areas of
major biomedical research such as cancer,
cardiovascular sciences, cell signaling, neuro-
science, genetics, and immunology and
microbiology. A carefully designed yet flexible
curriculum enables students to function
independently in both basic research and
clinical investigation. MSTP is recognized as a
premier institutional resource training
program structured around well-defined activ-
ities integrating the curricula of the
medical and graduate schools with clinical
training 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
medicalanddoctoralstudentsforover28years
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-
blockingdrugthatreducessymptomsofanxiety
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-
dentsinthethreeuniversitycollegesandunder-
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 to
students from the three Jefferson colleges,
undergraduates from Bryn Athyn College,
Chestnut Hill College, Haverford College,
Lafayette College, Lincoln University, Richard
Stockton College, University of the Sciences,
and Ursinus College presented their research.
Following the research presentations, David
Julius, PhD, professor and chair, department of
physiology, University of California, San
Francisco, presented the 2007 William Potter
lecture: “From Peppers to Peppermints: Natural
Products as Probes of the Pain Pathway.”
UPCOMING
EVENTS
JANUARY 30
MS Program
Information Session
APRIL 18
JCGS Alumni Day
MAY 14
MS Program Information
Session
MAY 30
JCGS Commencement
JULY 30
MS Program Information
Session
APRIL 2008
Sigma XI
Student Research Day
MAY 2008
Postdoctoral Research
Symposium
For more information on these listings,
please visit www.jefferson.edu/jcgs

The lecture was followed by an awards
ceremony and reception. Student winners
received certificates and cash awards, with
one winner selected from each judging group.
TJU winners also received an invitation to
Sigma Xi membership. Of the 2007 winners,
two full members and 10 associate members
were initiated.
There were two new items featured at this
year’s research day. Graduate student mem-
bers of Sigma Xi judged the undergraduate
posters, giving the graduate students invalu-
able experience as judges for similar events
and providing the undergraduate students a
chance to talk to student scientists. In addi-
tion, as part of the Science Outreach program
at Jefferson, a new program, P.A.S.A.
(Promotion of Advanced Science Awareness in
High Schools) was introduced. The aim of
P.A.S.A. is to familiarize Philadelphia high
school science students with some of the sci-
entific research currently being conducted by
TJU students and the surrounding undergrad-
uate colleges. This year 10 local high school
students and their mentors visited several labs
at Jefferson, toured the poster session, and
went on campus tours led by JCGS graduate
students. While viewing posters, they had a
chance to ask questions about current
research projects and to interact with
undergraduate, graduate, and medical student
scientists.
Alan Cahill, PhD, TJU chapter president,
and Elias Argyris, PhD, judging coordinator
for the event, thanked the student presenters,
faculty, and students who served as judges,
and other staff who generously donated their
time to the event. Starting out as a program
fundedmostlybytheTJUSigmaXichapter,the
Sigma Xi Student Research Day has grown to
include financial and in-kind support from all
three 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 Graduate
Studies welcomed Ana Carvalho, an MD/PhD
student from the University of Minho, Braga,
Portugal, who is pursuing her PhD studies at
Jefferson. Through a cooperative agreement
between JCGS and the University of Minho,
Carvalho, who has already completed her pre-
clinical biomedical science studies as well as a
significant portion of her clinical clerkships in
Portugal, has joined the PhD program in neu-
roscience to pursue her doctoral research with
Elisabeth Van Bockstaele, PhD, professor of
neurosurgery and a member of the Farber
Institute for Neurosciences.
The University of Minho is the first
Portuguese university to establish an
MD/PhD program, which is supported in
part through a series of mutual exchange vis-
its between the university and Jefferson staff
members 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 of
Minho School of Health Sciences and direc-
tor of its new MD/PhD program, Keen and
Grunwald participated in a series of site vis-
its to Minho during the establishment of the
JCGS MD/PhD program and the student
selection process. This past summer, JCGS
hosted Palha, additional Minho faculty, and
potential MD/PhD students, who met with
various JCGS faculty and students to learn
more about JCGS’s PhD program options and
to select a laboratory.
With the fall semester underway, Carvalho
now 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 university
to establish an MD/PhD program.
Above: Ponte de Lima in the Minho region of
Portugal.
Top: From left: Joaquim Pinto Machado
(University of Minho); Catarina Oliveira (University
of Coimbra, Portugal); Maria de Sousa (University
of Porto, Portugal); Joana Palha (University of
Minho); Tiago Gil Oliveira (MD/PhD student); Ana
Raquel Franky Carvalho (MD/PhD student); Maria
Cecília Leão (University of Minho); Michael
Shelanski (director of the MD/PhD Program,
Columbia University Medical School, New York);
James Keen (dean, Jefferson College of Graduate
Studies)
Bottom: Ana Carvalho, visiting MD/PhD student
from the University of Minho with Elisabeth Van
Bockstaele, PhD, and Gerald B. Grunwald, PhD.

Fall 2007 7
future
clinical
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 first
critical step in realizing that vision is in place. We have shown the
world that our vision is not an empty plan to be put on the shelf and
dusted off for trustee meetings every few years. It is a roadmap for a
path we fully intend to travel, a blueprint for an edifice that we are
fully committed to build.
What, exactly, have we done here? We have built this fantastic new
135,000-square-foot educational facility designed to teach the leaders
of tomorrow’s healthcare delivery teams, and to bring together all the
elements of healthcare that the expanded Jefferson will be training in
the future. In this marvelous new facility, Jefferson’s outstanding fac-
ulty will teach future physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other
health 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 Auditorium
has seating for the entire medical school class or a large number of
physicians pursuing their continuing medical education courses. It
has full audio/visual capabilities, including internet access and tele-
conferencing, so a lecture held here can be broadcast to, and receive
input 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 that
fundamentally transforms the look and feel of our campus. This new
plaza provides a place for informal learning and interaction between
students, faculty, and staff, and between our academic community
and 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 they
have 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 and
support of trustees, alumni, and friends, we have already raised near-
ly $47 million in gifts and pledges for the project, a remarkable effort
for an educational facility of this kind.
This support has allowed us to pour more than 12,000 cubic yards
of concrete, erect more than 1,000 tons of steel, expend more that
450,000 man hours of labor, and bring this project home on budget
and on schedule.
You might also be interested in the fate of the old parking structure
that stood on this site. Well, we removed more than 10,000 tons of
demolition debris at the start of this project, and 99 percent of that
material was separated and recycled for future use. Who knows? That
Remarks for the
Dedication of the
Dorrance H. Hamilton
Building and Sidney
and Ethal Lubert Plaza
President,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 true
healthcare university, educating the entire spectrum of healthcare
providers; a university that establishes powerful linkages with other
academic institutions in related areas of research and education; a
university 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 place
worthy of this great and historic institution, with green space and
buildings that support collegial interactions within our academic
community and between our community and our neighborhood; a
campus 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 will
be provided not by individual physicians or nurses working in isolation,
but rather by coordinated teams that include all the elements of the
health services. The Dorrance H. Hamilton Building is designed from
the ground up to educate the leaders of tomorrow’s healthcare delivery
teams, training nurses and physicians, occupational therapists and
pharmacists side by side in simulated clinical environments. This facil-
ity sets a new standard for healthcare education in the nation. Having
trained in the Hamilton Building, our graduates will bring to their sub-
sequent workplace and to their patients a new and powerful model of
patient-centered, team-based healthcare.
Today, Jefferson takes a major step toward creating a new and
exciting intellectual identity for our campus. However, just as impor-
tantly Jefferson has been an integral member of the Center City
Philadelphia community for nearly two centuries. We fully intend to
be a vital part of the city’s future as well as its past, so we are making
a major commitment to Philadelphia as much by what we are not
building as by what we are.
We are not planning high rises and high-density buildings that
dwarf our residents and shadow our streets. We are not filling every
available square inch with concrete and steel. Rather, we are commit-
ted to creating open spaces and to constructing buildings that are
human in scale, outward looking, and express our university’s open-
ness toward our Philadelphia neighbors. The Hamilton Building and
the 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 a
carefully crafted green space and outdoor plaza that create opportu-
nities for casual interaction. This combination will be the hallmark of
our new campus.
We also envision Jefferson as an urban citizen, taking a leadership
role in transforming this part of Center City. With the help of our com-
munity partners and our neighbors, we hope to extend the distinct
and inviting look and feel that you see around you right here, north-
ward toward Chestnut Street and eastward to 9th Street. With our
neighbors, we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us. Jefferson
straddles Walnut Street, and we believe strongly that Walnut Street
will become the main pedestrian thoroughfare in Center City leading
from Society Hill and Washington Square through the new Jefferson
precinct bordered by the Walnut and Forrest Theaters to the Avenue
of the Arts and onto Rittenhouse Square. We hope that our new cam-
pus will become a Philadelphia byword, and the new Jefferson Square
area that it defines will become a true destination point for people
whowill come here notonly fortheuniversity andthehospitalbutalso
for shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Continued on page 15
October 19 marked the opening of the Dorrance H. Hamilton
Building 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 and
Senior 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 Health
Professions were on hand when Dorrance H. Hamilton cut the
gauze to officiate the opening. Jefferson faculty, staff, and
students celebrated.

Welcome to the
Dorrance H. Hamilton Building
The 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 million
Dorrance H. Hamilton
$10 million — $24.9 million
Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Rector
$1 million — $9.9 million
Connelly Foundation
The Arcadia Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. William E. Conrady
Ira Lubert
$250,000 — $999,999
The Stratton Foundation
Helene K. Jacoby
Joan and Doug MacMaster
Lennox K. Black
Suzanne and Jim Ksansnak
Hill-Rom
The Kresge Foundation
$100,000 — $249,999
Louis Leventhal, MD
Dr. and Mrs. Edward A. Wrobleski
Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Barna
and 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 — $99,999
Driscoll 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 AUDITORIUM
The 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 spaces
located throughout the build-
ing allow enough space for
groups of 300 —— the entire
seating capacity of
the auditorium —— to break
out into groups of 15. Every
classroom has full audio/
visual capabilities including
internet access. A special
digital system can display
anything that is being filmed
in the specialty labs or exam
rooms via the internet in
the building’s small group
spaces on a 10-second delay.
Classrooms hold groups of
15, 30, and 75.

INTERPROFESSIONAL
EDUCATION
The university's strategic plan focuses on Jefferson becoming a
leader in delivering quality healthcare, and trends show that the
best healthcare is delivered in an interdisciplinary team model.
“One way to meet the goal of delivering high quality patient care is
to change the education. That's what we're doing,” explains Molly
Rose, 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 graduates
to be interdisciplinary leaders and to work as a team.
JCIPE follows medical education trends towards preventing and
managing illness, which involves interdisciplinary care. “I am amazed
at how much enthusiasm there is at medical education venues in
general, not to mention on our campus,” Christine A. Arenson, MD,
associate professor, department of family and community medicine
and director, division of geriatric medicine, says. “I have had many
conversations with people who recognize that this is where we need
to move, and they are glad Jefferson has a plan.”
The Hamilton Building will have an immediate impact on JCIPE's
activities. Space is the most obvious factor: the new building will
enable a large group of students to meet together in one room.
“Right now, we are challenged to find a space for the mentoring
curriculum orientation,” Arenson says. “When the building opens,
that won't be such an issue. Students used to graduate with little
knowledge 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 now
housed on the third and fourth floors of the Hamilton Building,
doubling the current space devoted to clinical skills education and
improving student access. The building has the capacity to record
standardized patient interactions and medical simulations and
project them into a large auditorium for student debriefing.
Sophisticated software will allow students to analyze the data and
evaluate their performance in patient interactions. Teleconfer-
encing capabilities allow for classes to be projected to Jefferson's
affiliates and clinical sites. “So much of classroom instruction is in
a 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,” says
Katherine Worzala, MD, director of the Dr. and Mrs. Robert D.
Rector Clinical Skills Center. A $10 million bequest from the estate
of Robert D. Rector, MD’48, and his wife, Dorothy, in support of
the center was made in 2005.
Through the generosity of Michael F. Rieders, PhD’85, the
Rieders Library has opened in the new Dorrance H. Hamilton
Building. The library will serve many purposes for the JCGS
community: a classroom for JCGS courses, including the inte-
grated course for all first-year PhD students and a meeting
room for student and faculty seminars, the college administra-
tion, the Graduate Student Association, the Postdoctoral
Fellow Association, and career and scientific presentations by
visiting professionals and alumni.
Pictured (left to right) are Michael Rieders, Margaret Hamilton
Duprey, 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. They
will enjoy a vibrant area with more green space and a renewed sense
of community. They will find buildings that open to the community
and 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 for
community that was so essential to the man who is our namesake.
That is our vision for Jefferson. It starts here today. And thanks to
all the donors who have contributed nearly $47 million dollars toward
this 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 entire
academic community: students, staff, and faculty. Each piece of this
plan reflects the thoughts and efforts of many people. Today, as we
celebrate the opening of the Dorrance H. Hamilton Building and the
Sidney & Ethal Lubert Plaza, there are many individuals who deserve
our recognition. In particular, we want to thank the architects from
Burt Hill, especially David Madiera and Lois Matheson, who turned
our fuzzy dreams into sharply focused designs; Jose Almaniana and
the landscape architects of Andropogon Associates who designed
this award-winning plaza; Steve Keener and Pat Pasquariello from P.
Agnes who transformed our plans into reality; and Ron Bowlan, Dan
Bosin, and the entire Jefferson facilities team who worked so hard to
make this day possible.
I would love to be able to thank individually each of the 260 donors
whose contributions made this building possible, but time does not
allow 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 and
its president Marilyn Steinbright, the Connelly Foundation and its
president Josephine Connelly Mandeville, and especially our major
benefactor, Mrs. Dorrance H. Hamilton, for the key support that made
this building possible.
I will return in just a few moments to Jefferson’s dear friend Dodo
Hamilton. But first, I would like to recognize the support of Mr. Ira
Lubert, a member of our university’s board of trustees, whose gift
made possible the construction of the plaza that surrounds us today.
Ira’s gift honors his parents, and we take pride in dedicating the
Sidney 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 new
teaching facility in more than 40 years, with her contribution of $25
million — the largest gift Jefferson has ever received.
Dodo, your wisdom, foresight, and generosity have transformed
this campus. You have personally helped to shape Jefferson’s educa-
tional vision, and to enrich the surrounding community. On behalf of
everyone at Jefferson, you have our deepest thanks.
Finally, I want to recognize the extraordinary faculty and students
of Thomas Jefferson University. Through you, we will realize a new
university dedicated to integrated healthcare, breakthrough research,
and committed, compassionate patient care. It is in your work that
these 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 of
campus and was designed with events in mind. From this vantage
point, the Sidney and Ethal Lubert Plaza is fully visible. The egg-
shaped plaza signifies Jefferson’s new approach to teaching. Curving
around the statue of Samuel Gross, an important part of Jefferson’s
history, the plaza is lined with granite benches surrounded by green
space fronted by trees. Steps lead to the center of the plaza, but the
area is graded to be wheelchair accessible. Ceremonies —— gradua-
tions, white coat, pinnings —— will take place in this plaza at the heart
of campus, which has provisions for tents to be installed. To fulfill
Philadelphia’s requirement that one percent of the construction costs
of large new development projects in the city must be spent on public
art, 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 new
Dorrance H. Hamilton Building, a
green space was created to serve
as the academic center of
Jefferson’s campus. The plaza will
give students, faculty, staff, and
community members a place to
gather. Remarkably, it is the largest
concrete-to-green space conversion
in Philadelphia’s recent history.
University Trustee Ira M. Lubert has
named The Sidney and Ethal Lubert
Plaza in honor of his parents. His
mother is “proud, happy, and excit-
ed” about the honor, but Lubert
thinks his late father would be “over-
whelmed; he was a pretty shy guy.”
Lubert made this important gift
“because of the care my mother has
been receiving at Jefferson, the
quality of caring, and professionalism
of the whole staff. We are satisfied
with and appreciative of every
aspect of care.”
“Jefferson is unique,” Lubert contin-
ues, “because of the combination of
the people. From the bottom up and
top down, all share a caring and
positive attitude. [President]
Barchi’s leadership has brought
excitement to Jefferson that you
can 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 making
Jefferson a better place for
Philadelphia and the region.
“I think Jefferson will continue to
grow and be a healthcare leader in
the region. Researchers will make
new discoveries; the medical school
will continue to prosper and send
ambassadors out in the field. The
future is very bright.”
THE SIDNEY
AND ETHAL
LUBERT PLAZA

With the naming of the new building,
Dorrance “Dodo” H. Hamilton leaves a lasting
mark 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’s
Board’s maternity committee, to have her
baby at Jefferson and report back to the
committee. Thus began a nearly 40-year
relationship with Jefferson.
Over the years, Hamilton has had numerous
opportunities 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; when
they got sick, the payments stopped ——
Rehfuss wasn’t doing his job. At least, that’s
how the story goes…
“The reputation Jefferson has for caring
about their patients is true. When Sam wasn’t
well, we were told everything that was going
to happen and what to expect. It was all done
so gently, so lovingly —– it was wonderful.
People there cared about you,” she explains
at her home in Newport, RI, overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean.
Hamilton served as president of the Women’s
Board from 1969 — 1972. In this position, she
oversaw nine committees, the expansion of
Pennywise Thrift Shop, and fundraising for
the heliport on Foerderer Pavilion. She was
the first woman named to the board of
trustees. When other boards were inviting
“token women” to join their boards, “I was
asked to join the board with a vote. None of
the other hospitals that asked the president
of 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 for
team teaching. This gift demonstrates her
concern about education. As a trustee,
Hamilton understood the vision set forth in
the new strategic plan. “It seemed so appar-
ent that there were ways of doing things that
were better or easier. Jefferson seemed to be
going along the right path.”
Hamilton is concerned about philanthropic
education as well. She believes that it is
important to instill the spirit of volunteerism
at a young age, with both her children and
now her grandchildren. Her own children
stuffed envelopes on their vacations and sort-
ed clothes at Pennywise.
Widely known for horticultural pursuits,
Hamilton looks forward to the opening of the
adjoining Sidney and Ethal Lubert Plaza as
well. “The fact that the building and plaza are
going to be open to the community is bril-
liant!” Hamilton enthuses. She remembers
Jefferson Alumni Hall changing the face of
the neighborhood. “I guess that was the first
expansion of Jefferson that really made an
impression on the community, and this one
should too.”
Fall 2007 17
DORRANCE H. HAMILTON

MPH Program
H

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 Programs
This 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 such
areas as environmental health, tobacco control, and obesity. Two joint
degrees, Juris Doctor/Master of Public Health (JD/MPH) and Master of
Juris Prudence/Master of Public Health (MJ/MPH) will be offered to
providestudentswiththeknowledgeandskillsrequiredtoachievepro-
fessional positions in healthcare law, advocacy, and policy practices.
Recognizing the growing need for physician leaders who want to
effect change in societal health and to develop competencies in
population and community health, additional plans for the program’s
future include a five-year MD/MPH program option at JMC and JCGS.
MD/MPHcandidateswilltakespecificpublichealthcourses,alongwith
a 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 Opportunities
Future 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
Director
Meet the

SPOTLI
Joshua Gagne, MPH
Joshua Gagne, a 2007 graduate of JCGS’s Master in Public Health (MPH)
program, was surprised to learn that pregnant women in Italy were often
given 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 approximately
33,000 women who gave birth in Emilia-Romagna during a one-year period.
The team reconciled all of the prescription drug records for these women in
ordertounderstandwhatmedicationstheyhadbeenprescribed,thenrated
each 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 that
this 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 and
drug utilization began during his years at the University of Rhode Island
College of Pharmacy, where he studied pharmacoeconomics and pharma-
coepidemiology. After completing his doctor of pharmacy degree, Gagne
was awarded a two-year postdoctoral outcomes research fellowship in
Jefferson Medical College’s department of health policy (DHP) in conjunc-
tion with Johnson & Johnson. The program offered him an opportunity to
translate his studies into an academic clerkship in a variety of healthcare
settings,gainingreal-world,hands-onresearchexperiencewhiledeveloping
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 economic
and epidemiological principles. This particular program was attractive to
Gagneformanyreasons,nottheleastofwhichwasthequalityofresearchers
in DHP and at J&J. The program also offered a unique opportunity for him
to garner research experience in both academic and industry settings.
Another appeal of the DHP fellowship was that he could pursue an MPH
degree. He immediately applied to and enrolled in the program.
One thing Gagne found to be unique about the MPH program was the
diversity of student backgrounds and the different perspectives each
broughttoclass.“AnimportantlessonthatIhavelearnedingraduateschool
is 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 different
perspectives are really that from which I gained the most.”
But it was the course instructors and the mentoring he received during
his DHP fellowship and MPH experience that impressed Gagne. “It is quite
evidentthattheteacherswanttheirstudentstosucceedandtodevelopinto
productive 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 the
faculty has also been instrumental in encouraging him to fulfill his
professional goals.
Having presented his capstone project this past July, Gagne completed
hisMPHprogramintwoyearsandis nowreadytocontinue towork toward
his true calling in academia and research. He is currently enrolled in a doc-
tor of science in epidemiology degree program at Harvard and is studying
epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, and biostatistics. “Ultimately, I hope
toamalgamatemypharmacytraining,MPHdegree,andoutcomesresearch
with the training I am receiving at Harvard to pursue an academic teaching
and research position. I believe that in many cases drugs can and do help
lessen pain and suffering and improve the quality of life, but that a lot more
attention must be directed toward the safety, appropriate utilization, and
cost-effectiveness of these medications in order to fully harvest the poten-
tial benefits that they can offer in improving health for all.” The program will
take 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
Student
Association
The 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
Postdoctoral
Association
The 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 Representatives
Attend NPA Meeting
Denise Fitzgerald, PhD, and Georgia Anyatonwu, PhD, represented
the Jefferson Postdoctoral Association (JPA) at the National
Postdoctoral Association (NPA) Meeting in Berkeley, CA, in March
2007. 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 of
Postdoctoral Affairs and JPA. This model, as proposed by NPA, has
resulted in an increased scope and scale of events for Jefferson
postdocs, such as the Postdoctoral Research Symposium, the
Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Program, and many social
events. 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 served
on JPA’s 2006-2007 executive board.
Photo, above.
Left to right: Georgia Anyatonwu, Denise Fitzgerald, and Lisa Kozlowski.
JPA Executive Board 2007–08
President
Anne Shriner, PhD, Dr. Kishore Alugupalli lab
Senior Vice President
Jaime Lindsay, PhD, Dr. Richard Pestell lab
Vice President, Communications
Georges Lahoud, PhD, Dr. Howard Gamper lab
Vice President, Social Affairs
Heather Montie, PhD, Dr. Diane Merry lab
Vice President, Career Development
Ayanna Augustus, PhD, Dr. Michael Lisanti lab
Vice President, Nomination & Elections
Steve Pedrini, PhD, Dr. Piera Pasinelli lab
Secretary
Jia-Ling Huang, PhD, Dr. Hui Zhang lab
Treasurer
Marzena 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, Marzena
Fabis, 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 Postdoc
Research Symposium
The JCGS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
and the Jefferson Postdoctoral Association
(JPA) hosted the second annual Postdoctoral
Research Symposium on June 19, 2007. The
event showcased the research of Jefferson
postdocs who work in a variety of diverse
professional fields.
The symposium provides a unique opportunity
for postdoctoral fellows to practice their oral
presentation skills. Twenty-eight postdoctoral fellows were selected to give
oral presentations in two sets of concurrent sessions with 26 postdoctoral
fellows giving poster presentations. A panel of Jefferson faculty judged
the presentations. Seven winners received cash prizes toward professional
expenses: four prizes for the best oral presentations were donated by the
JCGS Alumni Association; one prize for best poster presentation prize was
donated by James H. Keen, PhD, and the JCGS dean’s office; and two
poster presentations prizes were donated courtesy of the symposium’s
proceeds. Fredda London, PhD’87, chair of the postdoctoral liaison
committee of the JCGS Alumni Association, was on hand to present the
awards as well as welcome postdoctoral fellows into the JCGS Alumni
Association. Current JCGS Alumni Association president, Vincent
Armenti, PhD’79, MD’82, was also in attendance.
This year the JPA began a tradition of presenting the Distinguished
Mentor 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 nominate
award recipients.
The keynote address was given by Kenneth Fischbeck, MD (pictured),
chief of the neurogenetics branch of the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). His speech, titled “Hereditary Motor
Neuron Diseases,” was well received. Also featured at the symposium was
a mini-career and vendor fair, which included several TJU alumni and was
open to graduate students as well. Representing Merck were Marc
Abrams, PhD’05, and Philip McKenna, PhD’04. As a sponsor, John Ellis,
PhD’83 (incoming president of the JCGS Alumni Association), showcased
the work of his organization, the Pennsylvania Society for Bio-medical
Research. Peter Jackman, MS’96, represented his patent law firm,
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein, & Fox, which is located in Washington, DC. The
day-long event concluded with a martini reception.
Fall 2007 25

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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 their
respective disciplines. These fellowships give students the opportunity
to network with their colleagues as well as test out their research
conclusions.
If you would like to join the Jefferson College of Graduate Studies
alumni who have contributed to the Annual Fund, please contact the
Annual Fund office toll-free at 1-877-533-3443.
You can also make a gift online at www.jefferson.edu/jeffgiving..
Thank you.
An Opportunity
Thomas Jefferson University was chosen as
one of three institutions out of 87 applicants
that can receive $500,000 in grant support
from the prestigious Kresge Foundation if
they can raise $2.6 million by April 1, 2008.
Your support will help Jefferson build a
stronger organization that will continue to
grow and revitalize the science and practice
of medicine. To make a gift, please contact
Fritz Ruccius at 215-955-8733.
KresgeChallenge
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Jefferson students thank you for
investing in their future through
your support of the
AnnualFund.

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