FOCUS - September 3, 2004 -LEADERSHIP: Brugge Named Chair of Cell Biology and Knipe to Lead Graduate Program in Virology

September 3, 2004

Neurology:
Huntington's Defects Manifest Far from Damaged Brain Tissue

Public Health:
Sugary Drinks Raise Risk of Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes

Neuromuscular Research:
Action Uncovered in Mutant Protein's Link to Nerve Cell Death in ALS

Leadership
Brugge Named Chair of Cell Biology

Knipe to Lead Graduate Program in Virology

Armenise Program:
Postgenome Technology Illuminates Cancer Biology at Eighth Armenise Symposium

Protein Reveals How a Growing Axon Steers

Genetic Variation Among People May Be Ten Times Higher than Previously Thought

Compound Fends Off Stroke Damage

Novel Drug Design Apporach Aims at Resistant Bacteria

Integrated Gradaute Program Created in Life Sciences

Innovators of Tomorrow

Center to Probe Immune Tolerance in Type 1 Diabetes

SPORE Grant Awarded in Ovarian Cancer Research

Broad Breaks Ground for New Building

Named Professorships Approved

In Memoriam:
Edward Frank

Cultural Competence May Limit Stereotyping

CDC Overhauls Organization, Shifts Toward Preparedness

Front Page

LEADERSHIP

Brugge Named Chair of Cell Biology

Joan Brugge
Photo by Liza Green, HMS Media Services

Joan Brugge, HMS professor of cell biology, has been named chair of the Department of Cell Biology. In making the announcement, HMS dean Joseph Martin commented on Brugge's "scientific accomplishments and vision, keen judgment and unique set of skills, as well as her deep commitment to the department, the faculty, and her colleagues." Martin also noted her strong leadership as interim chair of the department since October 1, 2003.

"During the period in which I served as acting chair, I became engaged significantly in department affairs and interactions with the faculty and trainees," Brugge said. "Then, as I guided the department through our outside review at the end of the academic year, I was energized by our strategic planning process and thinking about the essential features of an environment that facilitates the next breakthroughs in cell biology and inspires its future leaders. In addition, I was motivated by the support of the department, the strength of our community, and my strong interest and excitement about the research in our department."

The major effort in the Brugge lab involves use of a three-dimensional cell culture model that mimics structural features of breast epithelial cells to study the cellular processes and pathways that regulate cell proliferation, adhesion, and survival of normal cells, and the ways in which alterations in these pathways lead to the development of cancer.

Brugge succeeds Marc Kirschner, the Carl W. Walter professor of systems biology at HMS and head of the Department of Cell Biology from 1993 to 2003. Kirschner now heads the year-old Department of Systems Biology at HMS.

Knipe to Lead Graduate Program in Virology

David Knipe
Photo by Liza Green, HMS Media Services

David Knipe, the Higgins professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, has been appointed the director of the Graduate Program in Virology at HMS and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Knipe has already contributed in many ways to the education programs at HMS, previously directing the Virology Program and the Tri-department Program in the Division of Medical Sciences. HMS dean Joseph Martin said Knipe brings "great dedication and energy along with his insights and innovations to one of our oldest programs, which both serves HMS and reaches across the University community."

Knipe's research focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of herpes simplex virus replication and latent infection and the design of vaccines against herpes and AIDS. He succeeds Elliott Kieff, who was director of the program for 13 years.

"The Program in Virology has grown and flourished under the leadership of Elliott Kieff," Knipe said. "I am excited about further enhancing the educational experience of the virology program students and promoting community among the virologists at Harvard University."