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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Come hear the “world’s funniest neuroscientist” at UIC
AHS’ 2007 Ruth French Distinguished Lecturer in Health is Robert Sapolsky, PhD, a biologist and neuroscientist who became an expert on the effects of stress on health by living with baboons in Kenya on and off for more than 20 years. He is the author of A Primate’s Memoir, Monkeyluv and Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers—all written for general audiences in a style that the New York Times described as “two parts favorite campus prof, one part cruise-ship comedian.”

When Dr. Sapolsky is not in the field, he’s a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and professor and researcher in neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University.
»Read more about Dr. Sapolsky’s work

Please join us for this very unique presentation.

Date: October 24
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (a light lunch will be served)
Location: UIC Student Center West, 828 S. Wolcott St.

Seats are limited. R.S.V.P. by Oct. 17 to (312) 413-9180 or jons@uic.edu.

Departments unite to prepare for future of their fields
The College of Applied Health Sciences has taken a step that signifies our promise to confront obesity and related health concerns. Given the inseparable roles that physical activity and nutrition play in the epidemic in the U.S., our departments of movement sciences and human nutrition have merged to become the integrated Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition.

The decision came after more than a year of study and dialogue about the merits of blending the two departments. Most persuasive was a truth that our alumni know well: Our society has a growing interest in, and understanding of, the interrelatedness of nutrition and physical activity in managing health and wellness. In academia, there are a growing number of career and research opportunities in interdisciplinary fields that span nutrition, fitness and the health sciences. By blending the departments, we also blend the resources and expertise of our students, faculty and researchers.

“You could say there wasn’t really a choice to make,” says Dean Toby Tate about the merger. “We’ve always given our students an education that prepares them for the contemporary climate of their disciplines. This change simply reflects a movement in the fields and in society.”

Mark Grabiner, head of the former movement sciences department, will lead the new department. Earlier this year, Dr. Grabiner won a UIC Silver Circle Award for Excellence in Teaching, and his faculty received a UIC award for departmental teaching excellence.

Keep an eye on the AHS Web site, www.ahs.uic.edu, to observe our progress as we continue to integrate these departments.

Our own artists’ work featured at home and away
If you get a chance to visit the world headquarters of Bristol-Myers Squibb/ConvaTec in Princeton, N.J., prepare to be floored by the wall—the lobby wall, which now features a 5’ x 10’ mural by Scott Barrows, BVIS program director (with help from Greg Blew, BVIS ’98, clinical assistant professor). The mural is a composition of images representing the history of medicine. A kiosk nearby provides a bio of Barrows, with a nod to UIC.

Closer to Chicago, a new video wall in the lobby of Edward Heart Hospital in Naperville, Ill., features animations by nine current or former BVIS students. Each student animated a specific heart-health topic, and each animation is blended with film footage and narrative by a staff cardiologist. Together, the pieces become a 35-minute educational film for patients and visitors.

To see images of both installations, visit www.ahs.uic.edu/bhis

Research seminar schedule is posted
Fall 2007 seminars in physical therapy, movement sciences and nutrition are now listed on the AHS Web site. October topics include: Stress and Wound Healing (MVSC/HN); Physical Activity and Latinos: Barriers and Facilitators (MVSC); Case Study: Low Back Pain (PT); and Rater Reliability of the Physical Therapy Activities Form (PT). Visit www.ahs.uic.edu to see the full season’s schedule.

Correction regarding the Netter Award
The last issue of @AHS reported that UIC’s “Virtual Eye/Virtual House” project, winner of the 2007 Frank H. Netter Award, is housed in the College of Engineering’s Electronic Visualization Labora­tory. In fact, the project is housed in AHS’ VRMedLab. We regret the error.

What do you remember about the Circle?
Submit your memories or comments about life at UIC’s “Circle” campus through the UIAA Web site. Entries will be posted in the site’s Virtual Memory Book through fall 2007. The Chicago Circle committee is also developing a display to celebrate the creation and early life of the Circle campus; it will be unveiled in the Circle Lounge in Student Center East (formerly Chicago Circle Center) this fall.