September 2011 GSO News

Volume 3, Issue 1, September-October 2011

Welcome Back from the GSO President

Welcome Back from the GSO President 2011/12 GSO Officers

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Student: Frank Spradley

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Student: Courtney McCraken

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Alumna: Yewei Xing

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Graduate Student Fundraiser: ‘Sell Out’ to help the Children’s Medical Center

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Welcoming New Students

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GSO Fall Camping Trip 2011

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Games: Word Search

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2011/12 GSO Officers Ashish Gurav and Namita Hattangady In addition to the GSO president’s welcome note, the GSO officers would also like to take the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves. Here the officers provide you with some basic information about themselves, their research at GHSU and the goals they are eager to achieve within this academic year.

...to “Officers”, pg. 2

The GSO News

It’s the beginning of a new academic year and the Graduate Student Organization is off to a great start! Thus far we have gotten to know many of the new students at a Luau that was graciously hosted by Dr. Ergul, a camping trip, and an informal happy hour or two. GSO has also jumped right into community service involvement with helping to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes as well as for the local charity, Bundles of Books.

In following with the traditions of the Graduate Student Organization our goals for this upcoming year are to continue to enhance the overall communication among the graduate student body in various programs, as well as to further increase the awareness of our organization on campus. With the presence of two graduate students now on

On behalf of the GSO and my fellow officers and SGA representatives, I would like to encourage you to get involved in those things that interest you and truly experience the resources that are around you in your time here. Good luck for a successful academic year and I look forward to seeing each of you at many of the upcoming events that we have planned.

Colleen Carey GSO President

Photographed by Dr. Patricia Cameron

Inside this Issue

the Student Government Association board, in addition to many SGA representatives throughout the programs within the College of Graduate Studies, now more than ever we hope to get to know, and become more involved with students across this campus. The opportunities that present themselves for involvement at the campus-wide level will provide for students to get a feel for the larger university that we are all a part of and everything that there is to be offered from such an enterprise.

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...from “Officers”, pg. 1

President Colleen Carey: I am a 4th year student in the Department of Genomic Medicine. As part of Dr. JinXiong She’s Lab I am currently attempting to identify novel anti-cancer therapeutics with little to no effect on the immune system as well as to identify the targets for these compounds and to understand their underlying mechanism of action with regards to cancer. My goals for GSO for this year are to continue the growth of the organization both within the College of Graduate Studies and the University as a whole. This will be accomplished by continuing our representation of the Graduate Student body with regards to various issues on campus, as well as community service and social activities.

Vice President Anil Bhatta: I am a 3rd year Pharmacology student in Dr. R. William Caldwell’s lab. My research interest is to define the role of diabetes induced arginase activity in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and fibrosis. My goals as an officer this year are to 1) increase the involvement of GSO in on-campus and community events, 2) serve as a GHSU Representative to raise your voice/concerns involving various housekeeping ...to “Officers”, pg. 3

The GSO News

CURRENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Frank Spradley Margaret Zimmerman Frank Spradley is a 6th year student in the Vascular Biology program. He is originally from Aiken, SC, where he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina Aiken. The decision to come to GHSU was based on the recommendation of an alumni undergraduate professor.

This year Frank will be spending his time writing his dissertation, and has already accepted a post-doctoral position with Dr. Joey Granger at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Frank’s decision to work in the Vascular Biology Center under Dr. Jennifer Pollock started when he got to know her during her Biochemistry lectures. He wanted to join Dr. Pollock’s lab because she was a high caliber researcher who blended biochemistry techniques with whole-animal studies to assess mechanisms of disease. Frank’s project has been to assess the mechanisms that result in blood vessel dysfunction in hypertension, specifically by examining the mechanisms of how high-fat diets induce hypertension in rats. Additional focus has been placed on how endothelial cells and perivascular adipose tissue regulate vascular function in rats on highfat diets. His research has also extended to the kidney, to assess mechanisms of high-fat diet-induced renal injury.

During his time at GHSU, Frank has maintained an excellent research record.

He has received two awards from the College of Graduate Studies, including the Fisher Scientific Award, and is currently funded by a pre-doctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association.

He has given three oral presentations and eight poster presentations at national meetings, winning three travel awards to attend those meetings. He currently has one publication and one in revision.

When reflecting on his time in the graduate program, Frank has found that the most rewarding part of it was participating in Physiology Understanding Week.

This program allows scientists to go into elementary schools and speak with the kids about life as a scientist and the importance of studying human disease. For new scientists in the program, Frank’s advice would be to not only enjoy the ...to “Frank”, pg. 6

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...from “Officers”, pg. 2 issues to the larger graduate student body within the University System of Georgia, 3) take advantage of the cultural diversity of GHSU’s students, faculty and staff and organize an “International/Inter-cultural Event” as an opportunity for all of us to learn about the culture, food, religion, etc. of our friends and/or colleagues.

Secretary Juan Mo: I am a 3rd year Cell Biology PhD student in Dr. Sally Atherton’s lab. My research interests lie in understanding ‘the relationship of apoptosis and autophagy during murine cytomegalovirus retinitis’. My goals as GSO Secretary for this year are to establish better communication between students in different years and programs, and to contribute to planning and organizing GSO activities.

Treasurer Davies Agyekum:

CURRENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Courtney McCraken Davies Agyekum 4th year GHSU graduate student, Courtney MacCraken, is pursuing a PhD in Biostatistics under the guidance of Dr. Stephen Looney in the Department of Biostatistics. Having already completed a master’s degree here at GHSU, the Kentucky native is now entering her final stages of completing a doctorate degree in Biostatistics. Courtney’s ambition to go to graduate school led her to GHSU, where she found the unique program offering post-graduate degrees in biostatistics. The program not found at the many universities located in the state of Georgia offered her a unique blend of affordability, a competitive financial package with fewer distractions.

In her four years in the PhD program, Courtney has already amassed 7 co-

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Biomedical Sciences, Ph.D. in Dr William Rainey’s laboratory in the Department of Physiology for six years and defended her thesis in August 2010. Her graduate research focused on exploring the regulatory mechanisms of adrenal steroid production in adrenal zonation and lipoprotein regulation of aldosterone synthesis in humans. Some of the factors that led Yewei to choose Dr. Rainey’s lab were her interest in the area of research, the lab environment and good funding.

I am a 4th year Molecular Medicine student in Dr. Steffen Meiler’s lab. My research concerns the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of Beta-hemoglobinopathies including sickle cell disease. My goal as the treasurer for GSO this year is to continue delivering good oversight of the finances of GSO to ensure our ability to provide excellent amenities to our student body.

Social Chair Ashley Wilson: I am a 2nd year student in Dr. David Kozlowski’s Lab. My research studies the molecular mechanisms underlying zebrafish ear hair cell regeneration and re-enervation. ...to “Officers”, pg. 5

The GSO News

author publications. Her thesis topic concerns the methodology utilized in left-censored data. Left-censored data is data that is unobserved but known to fall below a certain censoring point.

Courtney says, “one of the major goals ...to “Courtney”, pg. 6

Yewei Xing Namita Hattangady Yewei Xing graduated as one of the many successful and accomplished students of GHSU. She was a student of

Yewei is originally from China and joined GHSU for its areas of research, the friendly people and the warm weather of Augusta. While at GHSU, she has had several achievements to her credit.

She is the first author on five publications and shares authorship on several more. Yewei has also been the recipient ...to “Yewei”, pg. 6

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Graduate Students ‘Sell Out’ to help the Children’s Medical Center Kate Buckley The MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center (CMC) is this area’s only hospital dedicated completely to the care of children and adolescents. The CMC treats children with everything from common childhood illnesses to life-threatening conditions such as cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders. From outpatient services to intensive care units, the talented physicians and staff demonstrate great caring and compassion in helping to care for the children of our community and support their families. Health Care Credit Union (HCCU) serves the financial needs of providers in the health care industry and they organize yearly campaigns to benefit the CMC.

The GSO accepted the invitation from HCCU and, in a great team effort, successfully worked through the month of May, selling 263 t-shirts and raised $2,630 to benefit the CMC. The effort kicked off on the first Friday of the May, in downtown Augusta, with a base stand in front of Stillwater Taproom; graduate student volunteers walked around downtown and sold t-shirts to patrons on the sidewalk as well as inside generous local merchants. During the following two weeks, graduate students were seen walking the halls, knocking on the doors of GHSU offices and lab with bags of tshirts.

The GHSU faculty and staff were very supportive and purchased several shirts. The Department of Biochemistry was especially encouraging with every lab purchasing at least one t-shirt. The middle of the campaign involved a full night working the GHSU Family Night at the Green Jackets Stadium. GSO’s final sale attempt ended at the Augusta Market on May 28th. In June, Rui Wang and Kate Buckley represented the GSO at the HCCU check presentation at the CMC. The effort of all of the wonderful students of the GSO was greatly appreciated and HCCU made a donation of $500 to the GSO in appreciation of the students’ efforts. O

Provided by Colleen Carey

In April of 2011, in recognition of the Graduate Student Organization (GSO) receiving the 2011 Campus Contributor Award, HCCU asked the GSO to help the completion of the sale of CMC t-shirts as part of a fundraising effort. The design on the CMC t-shirts was originally the CMC-award winning art work of an eleven year-old pa

tient at the hospital. All proceeds from each sale were donated to the CMC.

The GSO News

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...from “Officers”, pg. 2

GSO Ambassador Namita Hattangady: I am a 4th year student in the laboratory of Dr William E Rainey in the Department of Physiology. My research project aims at understanding the gene regulation of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) in normal physiology and in pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disorders. My goal as Ambassador this year is to help the GSO grow as an organization, increase student participation and make our efforts felt within and outside of the graduate school. As the new chief editor ...to “Officers”, pg. 6

The GSO News

Incoming Biostatistics Ph.D. Class

SGA Representatives 1.

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Christina Torres Bhavna Desai Rui Wang Juilee Rege Katie Spitler Sadiki Deane

Photographed by P L Cameron

I am a 3rd year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student in Dr. Vadivel Ganapathy’s lab. My research interest is to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind suppression of colonic inflammation by gut bacterial metabolites. My goals as a GSO ambassador for this year are to make the GSO activities more effective by facilitating better coordination between various appendages of the GSO and to promote the mission of GSO to other student organizations on and beyond the GHSU campus.

Photographed by Namita Hattangady

GSO Ambassador Ashish Gurav:

Incoming Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Class

Photographed by Namita Hattangadyv

My goals for GSO this year are to 1.

Improve GSO activities 2. Increase membership enrollment and participation through improved event planning 3. Coordinate with organizations outside of GSO, allowing students to branch beyond the scope of the Biomedical Science Program and 4. Assist the GSO Vice President, Anil Bhatta, in co-ordinating and ensuring the success of his plan for an annual “International/Inter-cultural Event” for the GHSU student body.

The GSO extends a warm welcome to the new students from the various College of Graduate Studies Programs!

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Medical Illustration Class of 2013

...from “Frank”, pg. 2 science you are doing, but to develop a good working relationship with your boss because of the things they can teach you. Also, keep asking questions. O

...from “Yewei”, pg. 3

Provided by Mr. Bill Andrews

Continued... ...from “Courtney”, pg. 3 of my research is to find ‘the best’ statistical method for correlating two continuous left-censored variables under lots of different parameter conditions”.

To determine this, Courtney is conducting a massive computer simulation using thousands of simulated data sets.

Although navigating the social scene in the CSRA hasn’t been as challenging as compared to metro-Atlanta, Courtney has found out that with great finds, a good time is always as near as a friend’s house. Through the years, Courtney and her friends have enjoyed countless nights during impromptu gatherings, hanging out Bees Knees and or grabbing a bite at Takosushi. These companionships have played a key role, she says, in her survival of the challenges that graduate school poses. Courtney’s most rewarding experiences, so far, come in the classroom where she has always sought to help fellow classmates facing challenges. In 2009, she received the ‘

The GSO News

Outstanding Graduate Student’ award from the Department of Biostatistics for her academic accomplishments.

Following her time here at GHSU, Courtney plans to become an assistant professor, preferably near Emory University, where her husband is doing residency.

To up and coming graduate students, her advice is to “learn to find balance in your life. It is important to study but it is also important to reward yourself”. The GSO wishes Courtney the best in all her future endeavors! O

...from “Officers”, pg. 5 of the newsletter, I also hope to increase readership, and encourage students to make full use of GSO activities and GHSU opportunities. O

of several honors such as invitations for oral presentations, competitive awards such as travel awards, the Young Investigator Award in 2010 and the Award for Research Excellence in Physiology 2008 and 2009. She is also a recipient of the American Heart Association Pre-doctoral Fellowship and the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company Research Fellowship.

Yewei involved herself in several other activities, including holding the posts of Social Chair of the GSO and SGA representative. She also volunteered at the MCG Hospital and at Blood Donation drives. Outside of academic life, Yewei enjoys hanging out with friends, going shopping and traveling for relaxation and visiting family.

Her advice to students is that hard work and critical thinking are the most important factors in becoming an independent researcher. Reflecting on her student life at GHSU, Yewei believes that the GHSU system of lab rotations, intense course work in the first year and the opportunities to attend conferences, prepare students well for a career in research. Yewei plans to continue working in the field of academics and has currently assumed the position of a Post Doctoral fellow in adrenal physiology at the University of Michigan. The GSO is proud of Yewei’s achievements and wishes her the best in all her future endeavors! O

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Provided by Ashish Gurav and Colleen Carey

GSO Camping Trip Ashish Gurav As a continuation of what has now turned into a tradition, the GSO organized the 3rd Annual Fall Camping Trip at the beautiful Hamilton Branch State Park in South Carolina between September 9th and 11th 2011. The camping venue was located on the banks of the magnificent Clarks Hill Lake. This weekend-long camping trip was open to all graduate students and their families, as a social gathering. This event also allowed for some of the new students to get to know some of the beautiful places

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around Augusta, their second home for the next five years!

The trip was more than just camping. It provided an excellent opportunity for the new students to meet the returning ones in a light-hearted environment. It was refreshing to see our fellow classmates and colleagues talking about something other than science! Around 40 GSO students from all research centers and departments had gathered along with their friends to make this event as successful as it has been in previous years.

During the trip everyone received what he or she was longing for. Some enjoyed chatting in the vicinity of campfire, while

others enjoyed the barbecued food. For some, this trip provided relaxation from the physically and mentally tiring everyday schedules in the labs, while for some of the adventure seekers it was an opportunity they couldn’t resist as the lake was calling them for swimming and paddling in almost perfect weather.

In all, the 3rd Annual GSO Camping Tradition was a great success. Let’s hope that the fun that was had here will encourage continued participation in such social gatherings in future. For those who couldn’t attend the trip, please be on the lookout for the next camping trip and make sure you plan well in advance to attend! O

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Provided by Colleen Carey Designed by Namita Hattangady

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The GSO News

GAMES:

Namita Hattangady Dear Readers, In an attempt to make the GSO newsletter more interesting and fun, we decided to start including a section on games. For this issue, we have designed a ‘word search’ with ‘pathological conditions’ being the theme. Over time, we do plan to expand this section and hopefully, make it more interactive and fun!

We hope you enjoy this new section. Your input is appreciated. To contact us, please email us at gso@ georgiahealth.edu

Pathologies: Aldosteronism Alzheimers Aneurysm Aphasia Arrhythmia Atherosclerosis Dementia Diabetes

Epilepsy Glaucoma Graves Hypertension Nephritis Psoriasis Thalassemia

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Contact Information

Newsletter Staff

Website

Co-Editor in Chief

http://www.georgiahealth.edu/gradstudies/students.html

Namita Hattangady Colleen Carey

Facebook Group

Address

Students of GHSU GSO

Graduate Student Organization College of Graduate Studies Georgia Health Sciences University 1120 15th St. CJ 2201 Augusta, GA 30912-1500

Email

GSO@georgiahealth.edu

Editors Margaret Zimmerman Kate Buckley

Davies Agyekum Ashish Gurav

Layout Design Meg Gullotto

The GSO News

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