Utilizing MRI to Measure Blood Flow Over Atherosclerotic Plaques May Aid in Detection of Dangerous Plaques
(Boston) – Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure blood flow over atherosclerotic plaques could help identify plaques at risk for thrombosis. The findings, which appear in the March issue of Circulation Cardiovascular Imaging, offer a non-invasive application in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with atherosclerosis.
Dr. Hamilton
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of the human vascular system associated with lipid (cholesterol) accumulation and inflammation. It can remain silent and undetected for many years, but can cause acute cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attack. This often occurs when a high-risk, dangerous atherosclerotic plaque disrupts at the vessel surface facing the blood, followed by partial or complete blockage of blood flow through the lumen by a thrombus. An unmet challenge of diagnostic medicine is to find such plaques before disruption occurs in order to prevent these occurrences.
While most studies have focused on the plaque within the vessel wall, the flow of blood in the vessel (hemodynamics) also is known to be important in the progression and disruption of plaques.
In this study the researchers, led by James A. Hamilton, PhD, professor of biophysics and physiology at BUSM, found that the measurement of endothelial sheer stress (ESS), which is the indirect stress from the friction of blood flow over the vascular endothelium surface, can identify plaques in the highest risk category. After performing a non-invasive MRI examination of the aorta in a preclinical model with both stable and unstable plaques, a pharmacological “trigger” was used to induce plaque disruption. Low ESS was associated with plaques that disrupted and had other “high-risk” features, such as positive remodeling, which is an outward expansion of the vessel wall that “hides” the plaque from detection by many conventional methods.
These results are consistent with previous studies that examined coronary arteries of other experimental models using invasive intravascular ultrasound method to measure features of vulnerability but without an endpoint of plaque disruption, which is the outcome of the highest risk plaques.
“Our results indicate that using non-invasive MRI assessments of ESS together with the structural characteristics of the plaque offers a comprehensive way to identify the location of “high-risk” plaque, monitor its progression and assess the effect of interventions,” said Hamilton. “Early identification of “high-risk” plaques prior to acute cardiovascular events will provide enhanced decision making and might improve patient management by allowing prompt aggressive interventions that aim to stabilize plaques.”
This research was supported by grant funding from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under grant award number 5P50HL083801.The study’s co-authors are Ning Hua, PhD, Tuan Pham, BSc, and Alkystis Phinikaridou, PhD (currently at King’s College London).
GSDM Faculty Publishes Tutorial, Informs on Oral Anticoagulation Therapy
Increasing life expectancy and a growing elderly population lead to a high prevalence of chronic illnesses, including heart disease and stroke. These diseases often necessitate antithrombotic (blood thinning) therapy to prevent thromboembolic events, such as a heart attack, stroke, or, in some cases, pulmonary embolism.
Antithrombotic therapy can help an ailing heart by thinning the blood and letting it flow easily so the heart does not have to pump as hard. However, it increases the chance for bleeding episodes after dental extractions or other dental surgery.
To improve the dental community’s understanding of oral anticoagulation, Research Associate Professor Dr. Sok-Ja Janket published the article, “Tutorial in anticoagulation therapy” (e-version) in Medicina Oral on Monday, March 25, 2013. The issue will be available in print on May 1, 2013.
The first author is Hamidreza (Hamid) Fakhri AS 14. He presented preliminary research on the topic in the 2012 Science Day competition as a pre-matriculated student.
In the guide, the researchers encourage dentists to “fully participate in the medical decision-making for the peri-surgical management of patients on oral anticoagulation therapy.”
Renowned stroke expert Dr. Alison Baird, who had a smaller contribution to the research, applauded the team’s findings. Among the most significant is that Warfarin, one of the most commonly used oral anticoagulants, stays in the therapeutic range only 60% of the time and the effective blood level fluctuates with diet. Therefore, it is crucial to test the effective blood level of this medicine by international normalized ratio (INR) two to three days before the dental procedure.
Dr. Janket praises Fakhri’s dedication to research.
“Hamid really worked hard and I salute his efforts,” she says. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a teacher is that my student actually encouraged me to reach for a higher goal.”
Also co-authoring the paper are Dr. Elizabeth A. Jackson, assistant professor of preventive cardiology and internal medicine at the University of Michigan; Dr. Alison E. Baird, professor of neurological disorders and stroke at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn; Dr. Richard Dinnocenzo, clinical associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at GSDM; and Dr. Jukka H. Meurman, professor of oral and maxillofacial diseases at the University of Helsinki.
“I commend the authors for adding to the dental profession’s knowledge of this critical topic,” says Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “Special congratulations go to Hamid Fakhri for his early and continued interest in pursuing research.”
BU PhD Student Studying Melanoma Metastasis Receives Melanoma Foundation Scholarship Award
The Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation (JMNMF) presented Elizabeth Shenk, a student in both the Boston University Biomedical Engineering Department and the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) Pharmacology Training Program with one of ten, nationally competitive, 2013 “Research Scholar Awards” (RSA). The $10,000 grants support exceptional graduate student melanoma research and also provide distinction to lab directors, universities and cancer research institutions across the U.S.
L to R: Rhoda Alani, Elizabeth Shenk, Greg Safko, JMNMF President
The JMNMF is the first program in the U.S. to fund graduate student melanoma researchers. The Research Scholar Award program was initially piloted with the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in 2006, and expanded nationally to benefit the broader academic, scientific, clinical and patient communities and encourage larger numbers of students to choose melanoma research as their professional career path. To date 146 students and 47 cancer research centers are distinguished through their active involvement in this nationally-renowned program.
Shenk graduated with honors and high distinction from Penn State in May 2010 and subsequently enrolled in the two Boston University PhD programs. She works under Rhoda Alani, MD, BUSM’s Herbert Mescon Chair of Dermatology, and collaborates with Joyce Wong, PhD, and Mario Cabodi, PhD, both of BU’s College of Engineering Biomedical Engineering department.
Shenk’s research aims to determine which tumors, specifically melanomas, are likely to metastasize using a three dimensional engineered platform. She has been instrumental in creating the cellular model of this system, which is expected to be used to develop novel therapies targeting the metastatic progress on an individualized basis for patients at risk for metastasis.
According to Regina Shannon Bodnar, JMNMF Chair, “Our Foundation’s ‘Research Scholar Awards’ are invaluable at the grassroots level, to specifically grow interest in melanoma research, at leading cancer research centers nationwide. If we can attract the brightest young minds, that are considering or are already within the nation’s cancer research pipelines, to pursue a career in melanoma research – we’re that much closer to better understanding the disease, identifying the means for effective treatments and, most importantly, finding a cure for this deadly and increasingly prevalent disease.”
April 3 Spring 2013 Thematic Seminar Series Lecture: Non Coding RNA in Health and Disease
The Spring 2013 Thematic Seminar Series, which focuses on Non Coding RNA in Health and Disease, begins on Wednesday, April 3, at 3 p.m. with a presentation on The synthesis and functions of non-coding RNAs. This lecture is being given by 1993 Nobel Laureate, Dr. Phillip Sharp, Professor of Biology, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Phillip Sharp
The Thematic Seminar Series is jointly sponsored by The Evans Center, the CTSI and the BUSM Department of Biochemistry. All interested staff, faculty and students are invited to the lecture. For additional information please contact Melissa Howard.
The synthesis and functions of non-coding RNAs
- Date: Wednesday, April 3
- Time: 3 p.m.
- Location: Keefer Auditorium, E111
Graduate students and postdocs are invited to a special lunch meeting at noon in K-103, 72 East Concord St. A 4 p.m. post-lecture reception will be held in the Wilkins Board Room, E120.
ART DAYS 2013, Share Your Creativity
ART DAYS 2013- MONDAY-TUESDAY, April 1-2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- RECEPTIONS BOTH DAYS at 3 p.m.
- BUSM Instructional Building, Hiebert Lounge
All students, faculty and staff from all schools on the BU Medical Campus are encouraged to submit artwork of any medium to the 23rd annual Boston University School of Medicine gallery for the arts. “Art Days” was begun by then Dean Chobanian to foster the support and growth of the creative arts at BUMC. It has been very successful and has shown work from students, faculty and staff and family members. The exhibition is mounted by the Creative Arts Society.
NEW FACET–KEYWORD: This is the second year of a university-wide arts initiative with an annual Keyword to be used as a thematic organizer for various courses and events. The Keyword for this year is RESILIENCE. “Resilience is marked by flexibility, elasticity, and vivacity in the face of adversity.” Therefore, there may be a special section at Art Days for display of works addressing Resilience. However, it is also fine to submit work not related to the Keyword.
To be placed on the “submit list” or if you have any questions please contact: Dr. Keith Tornheim, 638-8296, email: tornheim@bu.edu
In late March (28 or 29), we will accept paintings, photos, poetry, sculpture, needlework, etc. Pieces should be framed if possible. Security will be provided. Works will be returned April 3. Specific instructions will be sent at a later date to those who respond to this announcement.
Vinci Appointed Joel and Barbara Alpert Professor and Chair BUSM Department of Pediatrics, BMC Chief of Pediatrics
Robert Vinci
Robert J. Vinci, MD, has been appointed Chief of Pediatrics at Boston Medical Center (BMC) and the Joel and Barbara Alpert Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at BU School of Medicine (BUSM).
For the past 20 years, Dr. Vinci has served as Vice Chair and Clinical Chief of the Department, providing leadership for the significant expansion of pediatric clinical services. His commitment to the community and to patients is highlighted by his central role in a number of initiatives. He co-founded the Kids Fund at BMC, which provides assistance for children’s most basic needs to give them a foundation for a healthy and bright future; led the campaign to establish a window fall prevention program for children in Boston, called Kids Can’t Fly, which has led to a dramatic decrease in the number of window fall-related injuries; and in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Dr. Vinci provided leadership to establish the Massachusetts Emergency Medical Services Program for Children, which created training protocols and guidelines for children in the statewide EMS system.
Dr. Vinci received his medical degree from the College of Medicine and Dentistry-Rutgers Medical School, now known as the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He completed his pediatric residency at the former Boston City Hospital (now BMC), serving as chief resident, in 1983. He joined the Department of Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine in 1984 and two years later he established the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Boston City Hospital.
An innovative leader in medical residency education throughout his career, he founded the fellowship program in Pediatric Emergency Medicine here in 1988 and has directed Pediatric residency training at BMC since 1989. In 1996, Dr. Vinci, along with Frederick H. Lovejoy, MD, established the Boston Combined Residency Program in Pediatrics, one of the nation’s leading Pediatric residency programs. He has also championed research activities, global health training and flexible training opportunities for pediatric residents. Dr. Vinci has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on the topics of pediatric emergency medicine and pediatric education.
Dr. Vinci has received numerous awards for teaching and mentoring, among them BUSM’s Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award in 2010. He is a member of the National Board of Directors for the Association of Pediatric Program Directors, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Academic Pediatric Association and the Academic Pediatric Society.
“We would like to thank Dr. Steve Christiansen, Chief and Chair of Ophthalmology, who chaired the search committee, and all of the members of the committee for their hard work,” said Karen Antman, MD, Provost, BU Medical Campus, and Dean, BUSM and CEO Kate Walsh, BMC President. “We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Vinci’s skill and commitment to lead our department. Please join us in congratulating him on his new role.”
GSDM Science Day Keynote Addresses Gum Disease/Diabetes Link
The diabetes epidemic is being worsened by the prevalence of chronic periodontal disease, according to current research. Both are lifestyle-related diseases that are considered biologically linked.
Dr. George W. Taylor researches the relationships between oral and systemic health, particularly the connection between periodontal infection and diabetes. He discussed how treating periodontal disease may improve diabetes outcomes as the keynote presentation on Science Day, “Periodontal Disease: Evidence for its Role in the Diabetes Epidemic,” Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
“Given the current evidence,” Dr. Taylor says, “it is prudent to consider treating periodontal infection in people with diabetes as an important component of their overall diabetes management.”
Science Day is a research celebration that features a keynote address; posters and oral presentations by pre- and post-doctoral dental students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, and staff; and a dental vendor exhibition. Fifteen judges evaluated twenty-five posters and twelve oral presentations.
Winners were awarded in five categories:
Pre-doctoral poster
Sonal Chhanabhai, Grace Hannawi, Bruce Herrara, Hatice Hasturk, Thomas Van Dyke, and Alpdogan Kantarci. Department of Periodontology at Forsyth Institute: “Impact of Platelets on Neutrophil Function.”
Pre-doctoral oral presentation
Martha Neely, Lillelany Santana, Susan Rich, Pushkar Mehra, and Judith Jones. Department of General Dentistry: “A Retrospective Review of Emergency Room Visits for Dental Reasons in Adults.”
ADA/Dentsply Award
Erik Harriman, Yoshio Ohyama, and Yoshiyuki Mochida. Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology: “Characterization of Wdr72 Knockout Rats, Causative Gene for Amelogenesis Imperfecta.”
Post-doctoral poster
Adriana Valery-Lara, Guoxian Wei, Na Tian, Frank Oppenheim, and Eva Helmerhorst. Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology: “Gluten-degrading bacteria From Human Fecal Samples.”
Post-doctoral oral presentation
Najla AlRejaye, Richard Pober, and Russell Giordano. Department of Restorative Sciences/Biomaterials: “Strength of Esthetic Brackets During Archwire Tipping.”
Judges, presenters, and mentors are invited to attend the Science Day Awards Luncheon scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Hiebert Lounge.
Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.
Medical Campus Faculty Promoted to Full Professor
Awarded to 14 recipients with different medical, research disciplines
BU recently promoted 14 Medical Campus faculty members, spanning a wide range of expertise and disciplines, to full professorships. Photo by BU Photography
Elizabeth Hatch’s research looks at prenatal exposures to the synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES), and its long-term health effects. Christopher Hughes studies the microbiology and microbial ecology of dental diseases, with a focus on early childhood tooth decay. And as director of the School of Medicine’s New England Centenarian Study, Thomas Perls wants to know why centenarians (people 100 years and older) and supercentenarians (people 110 years and older) live so long.
They are 3 of 14 faculty members on Boston University’s Medical Campus who have recently been promoted to full professor. Hatch is now a School of Public Health professor of epidemiology, Hughes, who is chair of pediatric dentistry at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, has been promoted to professor, and Perls has become a professor of geriatrics at MED. Faculty are selected for promotion based on the quality of the research and scholarship conducted in their classrooms and laboratories.
“We would like to congratulate our professors from the three Medical Campus schools who have earned this recognition,” says Karen Antman, provost of the Medical Campus and dean of MED. “Two serve at our VA Boston Healthcare System affiliate. They represent an array of disciplines from pediatric dentistry to epidemiology, clinical faculty, and basic scientists.”
Hatch says she is thrilled to be promoted to full professor. “Going up for promotion can be a rather arduous process and it’s nice to be recognized,” Hatch says. “I plan to continue my research (as funding allows), teaching and mentoring students and younger colleagues.” Hatch received a 2012 Merit Award
Hughes was also elated when he heard the news, largely because it allows him to continue to work with students. “I love working with the residents because pediatric dentistry attracts bright, diligent, dedicated, and conscientious young people,” says Hughes, who has been at BU since 1993. “They are my favorite thing about my job at BU.”
In addition to Hatch, Hughes, and Perls, the following are becoming full professors:
Linda Barnes, MED professor of family medicine
Barnes is a medical anthropologist, a religion scholar, and a historian who directs the master’s program in medical anthropology and cross-cultural practice through MED’s Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. She also directs the Boston Healing Landscape Project, which integrates the study of cultural, therapeutic, and religious pluralism in the United States, with a focus on culturally and religiously grounded practices among minority and immigrant patient communities in Boston. She is writing a cultural history of Chinese medicine and healing traditions in the United States from 1849 to the present.
Gerard Doherty, MED professor of surgery
Doherty is the James Utley Professor of Surgery, chair of MED’s department of surgery, and surgeon-in-chief at Boston Medical Center. He researches endocrine oncology and diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, endocrine, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
Louis Fiore, MED professor of general internal medicine
A leader in clinical epidemiology research at the VA, Fiore is the author of 45 peer-reviewed publications and 10 book chapters and reviews. In 2011, he was named executive director of the Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), where he oversees all four MAVERIC components.
Elaine Hylek, MED professor of medicine
Hylek is an internationally regarded expert in the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disease. She has authored numerous editorials, participated in several internationally convened guideline-writing groups, including the American College of Chest Physicians and the European Heart Rhythm Association, and lectured at numerous international scientific meetings.
Douglas Katz, MED professor of neurology
Katz has been the medical director of the Brain Injury Program at the Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital for more than 25 years. His research includes predictors of recovery after traumatic brain injury. He is involved in neurorehabilitation education and training and is chair of the Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital Annual Neurorehabilitation Conference and director of BU’s neurorehabilitation fellowship.
Darrell Kotton, MED professor of medicine
Specializing in stem cell biology and gene therapy related to lung injury and repair, Kotton is a founding member and senior director of the BU Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM). The Kotton Lab uses several stem cell populations, including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, to develop novel stem cell-based therapies for lung disease.
Amy Rosen, MED professor of surgery
As a national expert in risk adjustment and quality-of-care measures, Rosen (CAS’70, SSW’73) developed a psychiatric risk-adjustment measure specifically for veterans with mental health and substance abuse disorders that is used to evaluate resources and veterans with these problems. She is a senior research scientist at the Center for Organization, Leadership, and Management Research (COLMR), a Center of Excellence of the VA Health Services Research and Development Service.
Andrew Taylor, MED professor of ophthalmology
Taylor discovered the neuropeptide regulation of ocular immunobiology, which has implications for the suppression of inflammation in the eye and other tissues and may help eliminate pathologic immune responses. He has collaborated with vision researchers in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Irina Zhdanova, MED professor of anatomy and neurobiology
Zhdanova studies the role of the circadian system in development and aging and the impact of circadian factors on the effects of abused drugs. As well as having a heavy research commitment, she has directed one of the semester-long medical neuroscience laboratories as well taught other classes.
Howard Cabral, SPH professor of biostatistics
Cabral (SPH’86, GRS’98) is an expert on longitudinal data analysis. He is codirector of the school’s biostatistics graduate program and has won the SPH Excellence in Teaching Award four times. He has more than 130 published articles and book chapters, the majority on health research in economically disadvantaged families.
Joseph Massaro, SPH professor of biostatistics
Massaro (GRS’89,’94) has won seven SPH teaching awards. He has over 15 years of experience in the design and statistical analysis of clinical trials and has coauthored several articles. He performs longitudinal statistical analysis for the Framingham Heart Study, assessing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and dementia. He also is a member of the biostatistics curriculum committee.
This BU Today story was written by Amy Laskowski
BUSM Researchers Identify Chemical Compounds that Halt Virus Replication
Could lead to the development of broad spectrum antivirals for deadly viruses
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have identified a new chemical class of compounds that have the potential to block genetically diverse viruses from replicating. The findings, published in Chemistry & Biology, could allow for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral medications to treat a number of viruses, including the highly pathogenic Ebola and Marburg viruses.
Claire Marie Filone, PhD, postdoctoral researcher at BUSM and the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), is the paper’s first author and led this study under the leadership of John Connor, PhD, associate professor of microbiology at BUSM and the study’s corresponding author. John Snyder, PhD, professor of chemistry at Boston University (BU) and researchers from the Center for Chemical Methodology and Library Development at BU (CMLD-BU) were collaborators on this study.
Viruses are small disease-causing agents (pathogens) that replicate inside the cells of living organisms. A group of viruses known as nonsegmented, negative sense (NNS) ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses cause common illnesses such as rabies, mumps and measles. These pathogens also cause more serious deadly diseases, including Ebola, Hendra and Nipah. Currently, there are no approved and effective treatments against these viruses, which, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are associated with mortality rates up to 90 percent following infection.
“Identifying broad-spectrum antivirals is an important step in developing successful therapies against these and other viruses,” said Filone. The basic idea of a broad spectrum antiviral is similar to that of broad spectrum antibacterials in that they would allow one drug to serve as a common treatment for many different viral illnesses.
The compounds that inhibit the replication of genetically diverse viruses are illustrated as green molecules “blocking” spread of orange Ebola virus virions from an infected cell. Image by Filone and Connor; Ebola virus micrograph by Chris Reed at USAMRIID.
In this study, researchers identified a new chemical class of compounds that effectively blocked genetically diverse viruses from replicating by limiting RNA production by the virus in cell culture. These indoline alkaloid-type compounds inhibited a number of viruses from replicating, including Ebola.
“Because the production of viral RNA is the first step in successful replication, it appears that we have uncovered an Achilles heel to halt virus replication,” said Filone. “These compounds represent probes of a central virus function and a potential drug target for the development of effective broad-spectrum antivirals for a range of human pathogens.”
Research highlighted in this press release was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under grant award numbers RO1 AI1096159-01 and K22AI-064606 (PI: Connor).
BUMC Provost, BUSM Dean Karen Antman, MD, Receives MD Anderson Cancer Center’s 2013 Kripke Legend Award
Karen Antman
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center named BUMC Provost and BUSM Dean Karen Antman, MD, as the recipient of the 2013 Margaret L. Kripke Legend Award for Promotion of Women in Cancer Medicine and Cancer Research.
A recognized expert on breast cancer, mesotheliomas and sarcomas, Antman also is widely known as a physician scientist for developing a standard treatment regimen for sarcomas, as well as for her team’s research on blood growth factors. She fought for insurance coverage of patients involved in clinical trials, which resulted in improved relationships between investigative research and the insurance industry.
“Dr. Antman’s accomplishments set a very high bar that signals to women faculty that leadership positions such as hers are obtainable,” said Elizabeth Travis, PhD, MD Anderson associate vice president of Women Faculty Programs. “Walking in Margaret Kripke’s footsteps, she’s an ideal Legend Award recipient.”
The award recognizes scientific and medical leaders who have made extraordinary efforts to hire diverse workforces, promote women to leadership roles, nominate women for awards and otherwise advance their careers. It was established in honor of University of Texas Professor Emerita Margaret Kripke, PhD, a distinguished scientist who achieved many firsts for women at MD Anderson, culminating in her appointment as executive vice president and chief academic officer. Previous winners include Nancy Hopkins, PhD, Amgen, Inc. Professor of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD, president, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and director, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center; and Janet Rowley, MD, Blum-Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, and of Human Genetics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center.
“The Kripke award is a tremendous honor,” Antman said. “Margaret Kripke is a pioneer who opened doors for me and many other women in medicine and science. As president of the American Association for Cancer Research, she gave me the first opportunity to be an AACR program chair, and I’ve always regarded her as a role model.”
