In the News
“Once you jump behind the skull, there’s no hiding.”
—Joel Huizenga ’84S (MBA) in The New Yorker, talking about whether the brain-imaging technology known as functional MRI (fMRI) can be used to detect lies. Huizenga is the founder of a San Diego company, No Lie MRI, one of the first to capitalize on the idea that fMRI can be used to tell when someone is being less that truthful.
Tanzi ’80 Honored for Alzheimer’s Research
Rudolph Tanzi ’80, director of the Genetics and Aging Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, received the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2007 Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute Award in recognition of his groundbreaking genetic research and for his leadership in understanding the disease. Tanzi isolated the first Alzheimer’s disease gene in 1987 and collaborated on the identification of two more in 1995. He chairs the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Research Consortium.
American Geophysical Union Cites Rochester Graduate
Ho-kwang (Dave) Mao ’68 (PhD), a scientist in the Geophysical Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution in Washington, D.C., has been selected to receive this year’s Inge Lehmann Medal from the American Geophysical Union. The medal, awarded every two years, recognizes researchers who have made outstanding contributions to understanding the Earth’s mantle and core. Mao, who has been a staff scientist at Carnegie for more than 30 years, is noted for his research on ultrahigh pressure physics and for his work to develop technology that has applications for material sciences, geophysics, chemistry, and planetary science.
Shapiro ’95 Named ‘Best of Philly’
Josh Shapiro ’95, a second-term Pennsylvania state representative, was named “Best Legislator” by Philadelphia as part of the magazine’s annual “Best of Philly” edition published this summer. The magazine notes that Shapiro, a Democrat, has been “one of the leading voices for cleaning up the way things work in Harrisburg.”
Eastman Graduate Heads Duke’s Arts Initiatives
Scott Lindroth ’80E, an award-winning composer who has served as chair of Duke University’s music department, has been selected as the first vice provost for the arts at Duke, a new role designed to emphasize the university’s commitment to strengthening its arts programs. Duke’s strategic plan, approved last September, highlights the arts as one of six major themes and aims to transform the arts at Duke through enhanced programming, curricular opportunities, and crossdisciplinary research. In his new role, Lindroth will help implement Duke’s new initiatives as well as serve as an advisor to the provost on issues involving the arts and oversee the university’s performing arts facilities and venues.
