Today's HWI Interns Tomorrow's Scientists - Hauptman Woodward ...

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HWI’s 36th Annual Summer Intern ProgramHWI’s summer program is the best experience for students whoare pursuing a science-related career. According to Dr. Jane F.Griffin, principal research scientist and summer intern programcoordinator, “Being an active part of a research group for 10weeks or more enables the student to find out if research is heror his passion. Internships with significant learning opportunitiesare an invaluable way to fit your interests to a career path.”The students are immersed in science and by the end trulyunderstand different approaches to research. HWI’s summerprogram is designed to involve students in scientific projectsand expose them to real-life lab procedures and state-of-the-artequipment. The students study molecular biology, biochemistry,crystal growth, and X-ray diffraction to assist scientists withtheir research. Following the program, the students presentwhat they have learned from the program in front of theirmentors and peers. Students in the 2009 internship are:Anny Caceres and Karen DeWispelaere, both honorsstudents from the University at Buffalo, are working with Dr.Debashis Ghosh. Caceres, a returning summer intern, is aMcNair Scholar and will be working on purifying and crystallizinghuman CytochromeP450 Reductase (hCPR) in conjunctionwith CytochromeP450 Aromatase. DeWispelaere isworking on an Interphotoreceptor Retinoid-Binding Protein(IRBP) related project. The McNair Scholar program wasnamed in honor of Ronald E. McNair, a scientist and payloadspecialist who died in the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle“Challenger.” This program was designed to encourage low-income, first-generation college students and under-representedstudents to pursue advanced degrees.Jane Caty, a biology student at Cornell, is working with Dr.Roopa Thapar to express and purify two proteins that playimportant roles in RNA-mediated gene expression. She willhelp initiate structural analysis on these proteins using bothNMR and X-ray crystallography.Deanna Driscoll, a student in pharmacology at the Universityat Buffalo, and Erin Crawford a Biology student at the StateUniversity of New York at Binghamton, have joined Dr.DeTitta and Liz Kish in their work in designing a newapproach to crystallization. As such, they will be preparinghundreds of new crystallization cocktails, and measuring theirphysical properties such as surface tension, density, viscosity,and vapor pressure lowering.David Dziak, a student in Bioinformatics at the RochesterInstitute of Technology, is working with Dr. William L. Duax.Dziak is writing computer programs that analyze biologicaldata magnitudes of time faster than can be done by hand. Heis creating a webpage that displays codon bias statistics for usein researching the evolution of the codes for amino acids.Daniel Dykstra and Adam Ferin are working in Dr. MichaelMalkowski’s research group. Dykstra, a student from SUNYFredonia, is working on projects related to understanding thedifferences in substrate specificities exhibited by COX-1 andCOX-2. Ferin, a chemistry student at Case Western ReserveAnny Caceres Jane Caty Erin Crawford Karen DeWispelaere Deanna M. Driscoll Daniel W. DykstraDavid DziakBrittany MontrossAdam FerinLeah HerzogColleen JudgeEmily LiKelly LyonsJessica Nowak Elliot Penna Jackie Sikora Elizabeth Stewart Kelsey TaylorUniversity, is working with Dr. Mary Rosenblum preparingand characterizing chemical solutions utilized in the highthroughputcrystallization laboratory to identify initial conditionsto crystallize membrane proteins.Leah Herzog, a student at Washington & Jefferson, is workingwith Dr. Timothy Umland on two projects this summer. Shewill be optimizing initial crystallization leads on a set oftranscription factor-DNA complexes that regulate humandevelopment. This project has the goal of understanding howspecific developmental genes are turned on or off in theproper temporal and spatial order. She also will participate ina project to identify virus-host protein-protein interactioncomplexes critical for viral replication.Colleen Judge, a student at Princeton, is working with Dr.Daniel Gewirth, doing experiments to explore functionaldifferences between different members of the hsp90 chaperonefamily. Hsp90s are molecular chaperones that arerequired for the maturation and activity of many cellularproteins. Chemical inhibitors of hsp90s are promising newleads for treatment of a variety of pathologies, includingcancer, heart disease, infection, and aging.Emily Li and Kelsey Taylor are working with Dr. Andy Gulick.Li, a human biology student at Brown University, is working ona family of enzymes that bacteria use to produce secondarymetabolites, compounds that bacteria use to communicate andthat are responsible in some cases for the virulence of pathogenicbacteria. Emily’s project is to investigate many differentproteins within this family to enable the prediction of proteinactivity. Taylor, a junior at Connecticut College, will be workingon firefly luciferase, an enzyme that is closely related to thebacterial enzymes being studied by Gulick’s group. Kelsey iscurrently working with Gulick’s collaborator, Dr. Bruce Branchini,on variants of this enzyme to understand the function andthe relationship between protein structure and the color of lightthat is produced.Kelly Lyons, a student from Holy Cross College, is workingwith Dr. Barnali Chaudhuri. She is concentrating on cloningbacterial chromosome segregation proteins and purifyingthese proteins for crystallization.Brittany Montross, a student from the University at Buffalo, isworking with Dr. Hongliang Xu on a project that determines thestructure of microcrystals from x-ray diffraction data. The goalof this project is to develop powder diffraction biocrystallographyas a useful and practical tool for determining the structuresof potential pharmaceuticals and intermediates in their synthesiseven when only microcrystals of these substances can beobtained. She will test new mathematical algorithms, analyzetesting results and optimize computational procedures.Elliot Penna, of Lehigh University, is working in the Joseph Luft/Eddie Snell laboratory conducting investigations related tomacromolecular crystallization. His efforts will further researchunderway at HWI to understand macromolecular crystallizationat a fundamental level, while simultaneously applyingexisting high-throughput technologies that were developed atHWI to structurally uncharacterized macromolecules.Elizabeth Stewart and Jessica Nowak are working in Dr.Vivian Cody’s lab. Nowak, a student at Canisius College, isworking on the characterization (expression, purification,crystallization) of a new protein in the folate metabolicpathway as part of Cody’s AIDS-related drug design project.Stewart, a student from Wake Forest University is working onthe purification and crystallization of mutants of the Pneumocystiscarinii dihydrofolate reductase, the target enzyme intheir AIDS-related drug design project.Jackie Sikora, a student at Allegheny College, is working withDr. Wayne Schultz on a project geared toward understandinghow animal viruses mutate to infect humans. Her specificproject is to produce complexes of human and virus proteinsthat occur during infections with SARS and influenza viruses.The structures of these complexes will help us to understandhow viruses infect cells and what mutations are necessary toestablish infections in new species.Special ThanksCutbacks in funding from foundation and government sourcesthat have traditionally funded the Summer Intern Program havecaused this year’s intern class to shrink in size. Due to the currentnational economic issues, we are especially grateful to FirstNiagara, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY and the JosephineGoodyear Foundation for their continued support of a programdesigned to further the education and career decision-makingprocess of today’s young adults. Every penny of the moneyraised for the summer program is used for stipends for theinterns and supplies used for their laboratory work.We also would like to thank almost a dozen families, whosechildren previously participated in the program, for graciouslydonating $3,550 to help provide other students with the sameopportunities that their own children were afforded.We want to thank Dr. George DeTitta and Adele DeTitta, fortheir generous $4,000 gift as well as Mr. and Mrs. CharlesBalbach, who donated $2,500 toward the program.The First Niagara Foundation has donated $25,000, throughtheir Mentoring Matters program, for the HWI summerProgram. The foundation has made a commitment to fundlocal communities mentoring programs. They make decisionsregionally to ensure that the needs of local communities aremet through charitable donations.The Josephine Goodyear Foundation has donated $10,000to the Summer Intern Program. The foundation, which offersgrants to non-profit organizations helping low-incomewomen and children in Western New York, encouragescollaboration between organizations. The Josephine GoodyearFoundation has supported events, organizations, educationaland scholarship programs in the Greater Buffalo area.The BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York has donated$5,000 to the HWI Summer Intern Program. They are knownfor their generous community support through a variety oflocal sponsorships.2 3
The Donald and Victoria HessEndowed Memorial FundDonald and Victoria HessThe Donald and Victoria Hess Endowed Memorial Fund hasbeen established to benefit the Hauptman-WoodwardInstitute and to honor the longtime contributions of Don andVicky Hess. With the support of the Hess children, Lura(Mitch) Bechtel and Johanna, the fund was created by ChuckDowdell, Don’s longtime business partner. The goal of theDonald and Victoria Hess Endowment fund is to raisepermanent funds to further secure the financial strength ofHauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute.Don and Vicky were killed in a plane crash on November13, 2008. They were on their way to Florida to visit withfamily when the accident occurred.Don, a native of Rochester, New York, graduated with anEngineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology. Chuck and Don co-founded Amherst SystemsInc. in 1975 and became business partners and life-longfriends. After his retirement from Amherst Systems Inc., Dondonated many hours of technical support in HWI’s crystallographylaboratory. He then joined HWI as a boardmember in 2000 and beginning in May 2005 served asChairman of the Board until his death.“It was truly an honor to work with Don on HWI’s Board ofDirectors. He provided the strength, passion and leadershipto help HWI’s continued development and success,” JamesBiltekoff, chairman of HWI’s Board of Directors, said.Hannelore Victoria Hess, Vicky, was born in Munich,Germany. She moved to the United States to pursue studiesin English. She received both her bachelor’s degree and hermaster’s degree in Linguistics from the State University of NewYork at Buffalo. An avid world traveler, she enjoyed skiingand hiking, and was an enthusiastic collector of contemporaryart and furniture. She served as a member of the BrookfieldCountry Club, the Twentieth Century Club, the ClarenceContemporary Club, UB World Connect and the BuffaloSchwaben Choir.HWI will invest the earnings from the Donald and VictoriaHess Endowment Fund in basic research and in the search forcures to a variety of diseases. The support will focus mainlyon new scientific hires and on the Scientific Chair Program.Throughout the next decade HWI intends to hire scientistswho will bring innovative ideas and new areas of expertiseto our renowned faculty. The Scientific Chair Program isdesigned to maximize the productivity of HWI scientists andto improve their position when they compete for researchgrants. Specifically the program will support originalresearch projects or extensions of existing ones, providematching funds for grant requests, and enable HWI topurchase needed laboratory equipment.“Our financial stability is important to our ability to continueour work on the basic biomedical research that will unlockkey information needed to better treat an array of majordiseases,” according to Dr. Ed Lattman, HWI chief executiveofficer and executive director.The Hess endowment funds will be raised through communityoutreach and may be gifted through a variety of methodsincluding monthly and quarterly payments over a multi-yearperiod, annual investments for three or more years, fulfillmentpayments by participating companies, and foundationmatching grants. In addition to the long-term vision for theFund, HWI has set short-term annual goals, such as increasingthe number of donors, number of people seeking donors,and the sum of money donated.“Every individual’s contribution, no matter how small, canmake a big difference,” Dowdell, Hess Endowment Fundchairman, said.Your support of the Hess endowment fund can help shortenthe time to achieve cures for major diseases such as breastcancer and AIDS. “By contributing to the Donald and VictoriaHess Endowed Memorial Fund, you have the potential tochange history and, more importantly, save lives,” LaurieElliott Krajna, HWI development director,said. “As a worldleader in structural biology research, HWI is clearly a worthwhileinvestment.”For more detailed information on how you can partner withthis fund call Laurie Elliott Krajna at 716-898-8597 or visitthe HWI website at www.hwi.buffalo.eduDr. Hauptman Receives an HonoraryDegree and a Humanitarian AwardUB’s President John B. Simpson congratulates Dr. Herbert A. HauptmanMay was an exciting month for Hauptman-Woodward Institute’s president Dr.Herbert A. Hauptman. The University at Buffalo held its 163rd commencementon May 10, 2009, where Dr. Hauptman was presented an honorary degree inscience by Carl T. Hayden, chair of the SUNY Board of Trustees and UB’s PresidentJohn B. Simpson.The State University of New York awards a select number of individuals honorarydegrees each year to recognize their success and achievements in their fields.Receiving an honorary doctorate from the SUNY system is “the highest form ofrecognition offered by the State University to persons of exceptional distinction.”This award distinguishes persons who havecarried out SUNY’s mission by achievingexcellence in the fields of science, humanities,the arts, scholarship, education,business, philanthropy, social services, andpublic affairs; have given outstandingservice to the nominating campus, to SUNY,or to humanity; and have served as an inspirationto students of the nominating campus.Dr. Carol Fullerton, the younger daughterof Dr. and Mrs. Edith Hauptman and aresident of Bethesda, Maryland, deliveredher father’s remarks about the work that ledto the 1985 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.Hauptman also was honored by theDr. Carol Fullerton Niagara Lutheran Health Foundation whichgave him the Humanitarian Award on May 14, 2009. The Niagara LutheranHealth Foundation is known for recognizing several exceptional communityleaders at a special dinner that raises funds to support resident care. TheHumanitarian Award is the highest honor granted by the Board and Trustees ofthe Niagara Lutheran Health System. The recipient is chosen for makingpositive contributions to the quality of life in Western New York.“Everyone likes to feel that their work is appreciated and I certainly feel thatway,” Hauptman said.Structures is published three times a year toinform the public about some of the things thatare happening at Hauptman-Woodward and theindividuals that make it happen.BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERSJames R. Biltekoff ................. Chairman of the BoardHerbert A. Hauptman, Ph.D. .................... PresidentEaton E. Lattman, Ph.D., CEO & Executive DirectorWalter A. Pangborn, Ph.D., Executive Vice PresidentRichard Aubrecht, Ph.D., Chairman Finance CommitteeLisa A. Foti, CPA ................. Chief Financial OfficerElizabeth S. Mitchell ............................... SecretaryMichele O. Heffernan, Esq. ......................... CounselStuart H.Angert ............................................ DirectorNorbert A. Bennett ..................................... DirectorAmy L. Clifton ............................................ DirectorGary Crosby ................................................. DirectorJennifer Daniels .......................................... DirectorPaul Davis, M.D. ....................................... DirectorNancy L. Dowdell ...................................... DirectorAlan L. Dressler ......................................... DirectorChristopher G. Gibas ................................. DirectorChristopher T. Greene ................................... DirectorJane F. Griffin, Ph.D. ................................. DirectorChristopher L. Jacobs ............................... DirectorAnthony M. Masiello ................................. DirectorAlejandra C. Montante .................................. DirectorPeter T. Ostrow, M.D., Ph.D. ...................... DirectorPatrick Reilly ............................................. DirectorMary Engler Roche .................................... DirectorDavid Schneeweiss ................................... DirectorWalter F. Stafford, III, Ph.D. ....................... DirectorJoseph A. Voelkl ........................................ DirectorAndrew M. Gulick, Ph.D. ....... Chairman, ScientificGovernance Council, HWIEMERITUS DIRECTORSAlan P. Bagley Robert J. A. IrwinThomas R. Beecher, Jr. James R. Kanski, M.D.Constance S. Constantine Charles A. Martin, Jr.Wilson Greatbatch Donald F. NewmanL. Nelson Hopkins, III, M.D. Pamela R. VogtAlbert J. Wright, IIISCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEEMarvin Cassman, Ph.D.David C. Hohn, M.D.F. Raymond Salemme, Ph.D.SCIENTIFIC GOVERNANCE COUNCILAndrew M. Gulick, Ph.D. - ChairmanDaniel T. Gewirth, Ph.D. - Vice ChairmanTimothy C. Umland, Ph.D. - SecretaryRobert H. Blessing, Ph.D.L. Wayne Schultz, Ph.D.Edward H. Snell, Ph.D.Vivian Cody, Ph.D., - AlternateStructures, Design and Photography by:The Computer Graphic Design DepartmentGloria J. Del Bel and Melda TugacArticles are courtesy of: Tara A. EllisInterns, Mitch D’Agostino, John Dicairano,Angela Negron and Lindsay PohlmanFor further information, please contact: Tara A. Ellis,Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs700 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203-1102Phone: 716 898-8596 Fax: 716 898-8660web site: www.hwi.buffalo.edu4 5
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Page 5 and 6: ExxonMobil Awards $20K Grant to HWI
Page 7 and 8: Hauptman-Woodward on the Move .....
Page 9: Dr. David Langs, Research Scientist

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