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LBL Currents

April 7, 1995



Table of Contents

Engineering's new mentoring program aims high

By Diane LaMacchia, [email protected]

Mechanical technician Donna Jones would like to develop more career flexibility. "I like my job, and I want to stay with survey and alignment," she says, "but the workload varies, so I want to be more flexible."

Currently a surveyor for the ALS, Jones started out at LBL 26 years ago as a scanner of bubble chamber photographs. Eventually, with the help of some informal mentors, she became a technician.

"There were some people along the way who were nice enough to teach me things to get the job done," she says.

Now she is participating in the Engineering Division's new mentoring program to learn specific skills. "The mentoring program is a little more planned and complete," she says. "You set up an action plan and decide what your specific goals are."

Informal mentoring goes on all the time at the Laboratory. But as Harry Reed, head of LBL's Workforce Diversity Office (WFDO) points out, it can be "a relatively closed process that excludes most employees and often does not reflect diversity."

With the help of Reed and WFDO's Gail Kato, the Engineering Division established a formal program that recognizes diversity issues. "It takes the informal aspects of mentoring--which have always been invaluable--to a more formal level, which allows us to maximize the Lab's diverse population," Reed says.

The new program involves the creation of protege/mentor pairs in which less experienced employees are teamed up with more skilled or experienced employees. The goal is to transfer some of the skills and knowledge and help proteges become more competitive and productive, Reed says. "Over all, this will help the division remain technically strong and competitive."

The protege/mentor teams were selected through a process in which some people volunteered, some were solicited, and all were matched according to the proteges' goals. Team members come from a cross-section of administrative, technical, and professional positions in the Engineering Division.

Division Director Burgess says the mentoring program is a step toward reversing a downswing in the division's morale, brought about by budget cuts and lay-offs. He says he expects the program to result in measurable improvements in employee performance and skills.

"I look at it as making available to the employees one mechanism for pursuing their career objectives," Burgess says. "This is one thing we are doing to show a specific commitment to our employees. We can't promise any promotions, but if the opportunity arises, an employee should be in a good position to move to a more complex job assignment."

The mentoring program resulted from a recognition that people sometimes lack exposure to new skills and career possibilities.

"You can be in an assignment for years and years and never change," says Vicky Donelson-Jared, staff development coordinator for the division. "This can be true for engineers as well as clerical people. We kept hearing people all across the board saying, `We want career opportunities. How do we get career advancement?' The mentoring program is an opportunity to enhance their skills or learn a new skill through on-site training."

Jones, for example, has decided to learn ultrahigh vacuum technology. John Thomson, a lead technician in the mechanical engineering group at the ALS, has been assigned as her mentor.

"Since we work on the same project, it's going to work out easily for us," Thomson says. "I'll be able to give her opportunities to implement some techniques, once she takes some courses in vacuum science. Then I'll show her how we use vacuum science pertinent to the ALS."

Thomson, who has been at the Lab for 11 years, says he is enthusiastic about the mentoring program. "It makes people feel they have some direction and control over their career."

At the end of February, 16 mentor/protege teams met for an all-day orientation session at the Clark Kerr Campus. Participants began the process of constructing written agreements about skills to be learned and deciding how to conduct their mentoring relationships. Beyond the orientation session, mentoring activities take place on the employees' own time--before or after work, or during lunch.

According to protege Carolyn Rossington, the feeling at the meeting was anticipation and curiosity mixed with some shyness about what was to come. "We were all excited to be there," she says, "because it represents potential."

Rossington is a materials scientist who heads a research project to develop x-ray detectors for synchrotron applications such as the ALS. "I want to get more into managing technical projects," she says. "I'm excited about having a way to learn project management tools, rather than feeling I'm asking someone for a favor."

If successful, the Engineering Division's mentoring program could serve as a blueprint for other divisions to follow. Donelson-Jared will monitor the program carefully, holding periodic meetings with proteges and mentors. "Both parties have to be committed," she says. "Otherwise, it isn't going to work."


CAPTION -- Mechanical technician Donna Jones is learning new skills from her mentor, lead technician John Thomson.
Photo by Paul Hames


Harvard biochemist says genes, social policy a dangerous mix

By Mike Wooldridge, [email protected]

There is no place for nature-versus-nurture research in decisions about social policy, Harvard biochemist Jonathan Beckwith told a capacity crowd in the Bldg. 50 Auditorium last week. The scientific evidence linking our genes to our behavior is too weak, and the potential for serious social consequences too great.

Yet that is exactly what is happening with books such as the recent bestseller "The Bell Curve," he said, which argues that, because intelligence is inherited, programs such as welfare are doomed to failure.

Such accounts misrepresent the connection science has found between genes and behavior, he said. They lead to inaccurate stories about biological determinism in the media, and provide dangerous ammunition for those using genes-as-destiny arguments to curb social programs.

Beckwith, a member of the DOE/National Institutes of Health Human Genome Project's Working Group on Ethical, Legal and Social Issues, was invited by LBL's Human Genome Program to give the talk on March 28.

The biotechnology revolution, he said, puts human behavioral genetics in a vulnerable position. "The tremendous advances in genetics, and the existence of things such as the Human Genome Project, creates an environment where extreme claims about genetics and behavior might be accepted," he said.

The media's fascination with genetic explanations for how we act means researchers have to be on their guard, he said. "Geneticists must take care in publishing and talking about their work, and word their conclusions carefully. A single sentence in a paper can have a tremendous impact."

Beckwith emphasized that he isn't arguing for science to stop examining the role genes play in behavior. He said there are instances where good science has yielded important facts about genetic links, for example with mental illnesses such as manic depression and Tourette's syndrome. But it has been with studies of traits such as intelligence, aggression, and criminality--where evidence has been much less convincing--that genetics has had a tremendous social impact.

Beckwith cited studies in the late 1960s that linked the I.Q. test score gap to race, and studies in the 1980s that linked math ability to gender. The flurry of articles in the popular press that often follow the publication of such research often exaggerates the gene-behavior connection, he said. Displaying a Newsweek article entitled "Born Dumb" about genes, intelligence, and education, he asked, "What kind of effect do you think that has on a student who reads it?"

He also cited as a recent example "The Bell Curve," in which, he said, the authors misuse the same types of studies to make sweeping claims about social policy. The book's authors begin with the premise that intelligence is mostly inherited, and go on to conclude that the I.Q. score gap they see between upper and lower classes in society is practically unchangeable. They recommend that social programs be re-evaluated in this light.

"The Bell Curve" authors rely on evidence from genetic studies of families, Beckwith said, such as those charting the development of twins as compared to normal siblings. Because of the complexity of our environment, he said, family studies are no sure measure of the extent to which genes determine our behavioral fates. Such complex, long-term studies are also of limited use, since other researchers cannot accurately repeat them.

Beckwith said he is optimistic that with geneticists now focusing on recombinant DNA techniques to match genes with traits, studies of genes and behavior will be more sound. Unlike generation-long studies of families, scientific peers can easily repeat genetic comparisons in test tubes.

He warned, however, that there will always to be the issue of personal bias in a science as politically charged as human behavioral genetics. He cited several recent high-profile studies that linked genes to homosexuality. Some authors of the studies, he said, have admitted to having a strong political agenda--linking sexual preference to biology, the authors hoped, might provide evidence for fighting discrimination.

Scientists can never completely separate personal bias--noble as it may be--from research like this, he said. "The best we can do is be aware of our biases and be open about them."

The Human Genome Program plans to host more lectures in the future. Look for details in Currents.


Operations makes organizational changes

In an ongoing effort to improve services and reduce costs, Klaus Berkner, deputy director for Operations, has instituted a number of organizational changes in Operations, effective April 1.

"In seeking to achieve my goal of providing seamless, effective Operations Support to the Laboratory," Berkner said, "I have been reviewing the functions of various support units to configure the organization for optimal interactions. Our goal is to improve services and reduce costs--this restructuring is hopefully one move closer to reaching our objective."

In a move to "integrate similar functions and achieve efficiencies," the Materiel and Site Logistics Department has been realigned with other Operations organizational units. The changes are as follows:


Metric notes

The education reform act, "Goals 2000: Educate America Act," was enacted by Congress and signed by President Clinton in 1994. One of its goals is, "By the year 2000, United States students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement." Two of the three objectives for this goal refer to the metric system:

Open House date set

Mark your calendars: the 1995 Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Open House has been set for Saturday, October 28.

Planning has begun for a day of tours, demonstrations, exhibits, and activities as LBL welcomes East Bay communities, laboratory employees, and their families and friends to visit the lab and experience its many facets. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Open House Steering Committee, chaired by Michael Chartock, head of Planning and Communications, has set the schedule parameters and established a management mechanism to guide the planning. The structure will feature an overall project manager and five project leaders for planning of the program, site and logistics, external relations, education programming, and publicity and promotion areas. Individuals who fill those roles will be announced soon.

Division directors and program heads have been asked to identify planning coordinators within their units to develop and convey information about their particular Open House activities. An initial meeting of these coordinators has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Bldg. 50 Auditorium.

A preliminary program will be assembled by the end of May, so that participating units can begin work on their respective projects. A final program should be completed by August.

-- Contributed by Ron Kolb


Patent Department: In answer to your question

From time to time, the attorneys and patent agents in LBL's Patent Department receive questions from individual researchers, the answers to which may be of general interest to others in the Laboratory. The following are two such examples. If you have questions for the Patent Department, call X7058.


Women in Science & Engineering Seminar

Debonny L. Shoaf, manager of the Academic and Professional Affairs Department at Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company, will give the next talk in LBL's Women in Science and Engineering seminar series. Her talk, "Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering: Journey to the Next Millenium," is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. on Monday, April 10, in Bldg. 70A-3377 (refreshments at noon). The talk is co-sponsored by LBL's Center for Science and Engineering Education.

Shoaf, who is an Associated Western Universities Distinguished Lecturer, will discuss biotechnology and bioprocess engineering from the following perspectives: the traditional applications of this technology and the benefits to industry; changes and new paradigms that are required to achieve the potential benefits; and examples of activities and programs at Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. (Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company contracts with DOE to manage INEL). She will also address career opportunities in this area, and factors that students might consider as they face the challenges of a changing marketplace.

Shoaf has 21 years of experience in microbiology, enzymology, and molecular biology in the academic, industrial and government sectors. In addition to her achievements in science and engineering program development, she is active in science and engineering education from kindergarten to graduate levels.


International Women's Month

Wife, mother, scientist - or the other way around?

By Diane LaMacchia, [email protected]

In Mina Bissell's experience, women scientists have an image problem, and the problem is not simply in the minds of men.

"Women don't think of the woman scientist as a really attractive woman," declares Bissell, director of LBL's Life Sciences Division. "It is the image of someone who couldn't find a man."

Introduced by LBL Deputy Director Pier Oddone as a "force of nature" who has done "an amazing thing with science," Bissell wrestled with the image and roles of the woman scientist in a lively address entitled, "Wife, Mother, Scientist or Is It the Other Way Around?" She spoke to a noontime gathering in the Bldg. 50 Auditorium on March 27 in honor of International Women's Month.

A native of Iran, Bissell observed that "women grow up in this country with self doubt and questioning. It's transmitted to them through their parents."

Everybody has a certain amount of self doubt, Bissell said. "The problem that women have is they think they're the only ones. But everybody that is any good, including men, doubt themselves."

Bissell said she was fortunate to have had an extremely supportive family that always expected her to excel. "I'm stubborn, I think I'm good, and I have a certain amount of self-confidence," she said. She has excelled in her endeavors, starting out as the top high school student in Iran, going on to Bryn Mawr, Radcliffe, Harvard, and Berkeley, making a name for herself as a cell biologist.

Even so, she said she has struggled with the societal perception of the woman scientist as someone isolated and on the fringes. Like other women in a male-dominated setting, she has had to deal with the question, "How do we become part of the crowd and interact in a way that makes sense for us?"

For those not fortunate enough to have had supportive families, the help of mentors can make a big difference. But sometimes mentors are not available to women. Bissell told a story of eight women who met regularly over the years to support each other and had all become successful in their fields, most of them as professors.

"The group made for them the family they never had," Bissell said. "If you don't have the mentorship from your bosses, professors and others, make your connections, make these groups."

Bissell, who has two grown children, urged women to stop vacillating about what they are doing with their lives, thinking that they have a choice about whether to make a career or make a family.

"Lots of people think that women have a choice," she said. "They could stay home, garden, work, etc. But I don't think women have a choice. To feel good about yourself, you have to make something of yourself."

As well-established as she is as a scientist and a leader, Bissell said she still has to struggle with her image. "I'm still defensive," Bissell says. "When things go wrong, I really take it personally."

As for the title of her talk, "I don't know which way is right," she said. "I know that all is integrated, all is together, and that's the way it should be."


CAPTION -- Life Sciences Division Director Mina Bissell speaks on the challenges of being scientist, wife, and mother, not necessarily in that order.
Photo by Paul Hames


Women can be leaders

"Leaders have followers; executives have subordinates."

Cynthia Palmer, a chemist from LLNL and head of their nuclear waste technology program, gave a brief presentation at LBL's March 27 International Women's Month seminar. She contrasted leadership with management, both of which, she said, have their place in an organization.

"Management is a process that produces order and consistency," she said. "Leadership is a process of producing useful change. Organizations need both."

A leader establishes vision and direction, aligns people to the vision, and motivates them to stick with it. Establishing a vision can be a long process, taking anywhere from three to 20 years, she said, and requiring organizational knowledge, input from colleagues and subordinates, and an understanding of the current situation. To get people going in the same direction and keep them motivated to stick with it, a leader communicates the vision clearly and often, leads by example, involves people in decisions, and recognizes and rewards success.

The traits that people say they want their leaders to have--honesty, competence, vision, and the ability to inspire--are most often embodied by women, Palmer said. "There is a tremendous opportunity for women to be leaders," she concluded. --DL


Oops!

In last week's issue of Currents, a headline was out of agreement with the article it accompanied. The headline should have announced the naming of an asteroid (not a comet!) after our own Director-at-large, Glenn Seaborg.

Our apologies, Glenn. You're not the heavenly body we said you were!


Human Resources Corner

Get fit for spring

LBL employees have a number of options available for recreational sports programs. Cal Rec Club is located in the Recreational Sports Facility on Bancroft Street, at an LBL shuttle bus stop. Memberships are $145 a semester and $360 for the year. Call 642-7796 for more information.

Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area has swim memberships available for $75 for April through October. Call 643-6720 for more information. These rates are available by showing your LBL employee ID.

If you are enrolled in the Health Net group insurance plan, the Benefits Office has discount cards available for 24 Hour Nautilus. With the discount cards memberships are $79 for enrollment and $29 per month facility fee. To request a card, send an e-mail request to [email protected] or call X6403. Leave your name and LBL mail stop.

Employee picnic

The annual LBL Employees' Picnic will be held on Sunday, June 4, at Marine World Africa USA. Tickets will go on sale in a few weeks.

AFSCME bargaining concludes

The University of California and AFSCME have completed bargaining negotiations for new three-year contracts for the Service Unit. The Systemwide Service Unit formally ratified the new agreement on March 21-22, and UC and AFSCME signed the agreement on March 30. The contract has provisions for wage increases for LBL-represented employees. The Human Resources Department will redistribute guidance to divisions on implementation of the salary review process for Service Unit employees.

Lab elects Employee Activities Association Advisory Panel members

The Employee/Labor Relations Office received more than 1,300 ballots during last month's elections to create the new five-member Advisory Panel for the Employee Activities Association. The results and the terms of each newly elected member are as follows:

  • Cultural Club Representatives:

  • Jacqueline Noble -- 3-year term

  • Jose Olivares -- 2-year term

    Member at Large:

  • Rachel McGee -- 3-year term


    CAPTION -- A larger-than-life locust spreads its wings and jumps--startling a visitor--at the Lawrence Hall of Science's "Insects Up Close" exhibit. The exhibit features six giant insect robots, as well as live insect displays and rare entomological collections from the Essig Museum at UC Berkeley. Those interested in seeing the bugs should hurry; the exhibit flies away April 16. LHS is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 642-5132 for more information.
    Photo by Mike Wooldridge


    LBL welcomes new employees

    LBL welcomed the following new employees to the Laboratory community in March:


    Calendar of Events -- April 10 to 21

    Calendar items may be sent via e-mail to [email protected], Fax to X6641, or Lab mail to Bldg. 65B. The deadline is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

    10 m o n d a y

    CHEMICAL DYNAMICS SEMINAR

    "Chemical Reaction of Electron Transfer in a Strong Time-Dependent Electric Field" will be presented by Yuri Dakhnovskii of the Carnegie-Mellon University at 11 a.m. in 425 Latimer.

    THEORETICAL PHYSICS SEMINAR

    "Probing New Physics in the Charm Sector" will be presented by Joanne Hewett of SLAC, at 2:30 p.m. in Bldg. 50A-3107.

    DEPARTMENT OF NUCLEAR
    ENGINEERING COLLOQUIUM

    "Spent Fuel Storage in the Ventilated Storage Cask (VSC)" will be discussed by Emerson L. McFarland of the Sierra Nuclear Corp. at 3:30 p.m. in 3105 Etcheverry; refreshments at 3:15 p.m.

    CHEMICAL ENGINEERING COLLOQUIUM

    "Manipulation of Solid Surface Interactions by Polymers and Amphiphiles" will be presented by Matthew V. Tirrell of the University of Minnesota at 4 p.m. in the Pitzer Auditorium, Latimer;
    refreshments at 3:30 p.m.

    PHYSICS DEPARTMENT COLLOQUIUM

    "Evidence for Neutrino Oscillations" will be presented by Hywel White of Los Alamos National Laboratory at 4:30 p.m. in 1 Le Conte; tea at 4 p.m. in 375 Le Conte.

    11 t u e s d a y

    EH&S CLASSES

    First Aid (EHS 116), 8 a.m.-noon, Bldg. 48-109. Call X6554 to register.

    Forklift Recertification (EHS 226), 10-11 a.m., Bldg. 51-205. Call X6612 to register.

    DEPARTMENT OF NUCLEAR
    ENGINEERING SPECIAL COLLOQUIUM

    "Underground Supercriticality from Plutonium and Other Fissile Material" will be discussed by Charles D. Bowman of Los Alamos National Laboratory at 10 a.m. in 3111 Etcheverry;
    refreshments at 9:45 a.m.

    EARTH MONTH ACTIVITY

    A litter pickup will be held from noon-1 p.m.; meet at Bldg. 65.

    ENERGY & RESOURCES GROUP TALK

    "Conserving California's Forest Resources" will be discussed by Richard Wilson from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection at 3 p.m. in 103 Mulford.

    LIFE SCIENCES DIVISION SEMINAR

    "Heat Shock Transcription Factor: How a Trimeric Protein Binds to DNA" will be presented by Hillary Nelson of UCB at 4 p.m. in the Bldg. 66 Auditorium.

    12 w e d n e s d a y

    EH&S CLASS

    Chemical Hygiene Safety Training (EHS 348), 8:30 a.m.-noon, Bldg. 66-316. Call X6612 to register.

    EARTH MONTH LECTURE

    "Bat Conservation" will be discussed by Christine Scott of the Bat Conservancy at noon in the Bldg. 50 Auditorium.

    TOASTMASTERS

    Build confidence and learn to effectively organize and present your ideas in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, 12:10-1 p.m., Bldg. 2-100.

    SURFACE/CATALYSIS SCIENCE SPECIAL SEMINAR

    "Surface Impurities and Catalytic Properties of Pt: An XPS, UPS and n-Hexane Reaction Study" will be presented by Z. Paal of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences at 1:30 p.m. in the Bldg. 66 Auditorium

    ENERGY & RESOURCES GROUP COLLOQUIUM

    "Industrial Ecology: Fantasy or Substance?" will be discussed by Catherine Koshland and Christine Rosen of UCB at 3:30 p.m., 2040 Valley Life Science Bldg.

    CHEMICAL ENGINEERING COLLOQUIUM

    "Engineering Soft Materials" will be presented by Matthew V. Tirrell of the University of Minnesota at 4 p.m. in Sibley Auditorium, Bechtel Engineering Center; refreshments at 3:30 p.m.

    ENERGY & RESOURCES GROUP TALK

    "Environmental Transitions in Central Europe: Legacies of Socialist Economics" will be discussed by Diana Vorsatz of LBL/UCLA at 4 p.m. in 24 Barrows.

    13 t h u r s d a y

    EH&S CLASSES

    Forklift Truck Safety (EHS 225), 9:30-11 a.m., Bldg. 51-205. Call X6612 to register.

    Fire Extinguisher Use (EHS 530), 10-11:30 a.m., Bldg. 48-109. Call X6554 to register.

    SURFACE/CATALYSIS SCIENCE SEMINAR

    "The Mechanism of Alkane Cracking Using Zeolites" will be presented by D. Santilli of Chevron Research, Richmond, CA, at 1:30 p.m, Bldg. 66 Aud.

    DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

    "Ultradeep HST Imaging of Faint Radio and Field Galaxies" will be presented by Roger Windhorst of ASU at 3:30 p.m. in 2 Le Conte; tea at 3 p.m. in 661 Campbell.

    MATERIALS SCIENCE SEMINAR

    "Role of Dislocations in High Mobility SiGe/Si Heterostructures" will be presented by Patricia Mooney of IBM T.J. Watson Research Center at 4 p.m., 105 Northgate.

    EARTH MONTH ACTIVITY

    The Environmental Spirit Symposium, featuring environmental scientist Luna Leopold, and former Governor Jerry Brown, will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Zellerbach Auditorium.

    14 f r i d a y

    EARTH MONTH ACTIVITY

    The Environmental Spirit Conference, featuring Carl Anthony and David Brower of the Earth Island Institute, will be held 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., in Boalt Hall; continues Saturday.

    CENTER FOR BEAM PHYSICS/ION BEAM TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM SEMINAR

    "Siberian Science" will be discussed by Efim Oks of the High Current Electronics Institute, Tomsk, Siberia, Russia at 10:30 a.m., Bldg.71 conference room.

    EARTH MONTH ACTIVITY

    The Community Garden Ground-breaking will be held at noon below Bldgs. 2 and 29.

    17 m o n d a y

    MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SEMINAR

    "Formation of Intermetallic Phases at Interfaces" will be discussed by Katy Barmak of Lehigh University at 9 a.m. in 458 Evans.

    CHEMICAL ENGINEERING COLLOQUIA

    "Mass Transport Around Microprofiles" will be presented by Gerhard W. Matzen, Ph.D. candidate; "Molecular Modeling of Methane Diffusion in Glassy Atactic Polypropylene Using Highly Multidimensional Transition State Theory" will be presented by Michael L. Greenfield, Ph.D. candidate, at 3:30 p.m. in Pitzer Auditorium, Latimer; refreshments at 3 p.m.

    PHYSICS DEPARTMENT COLLOQUIUM

    "Topological Orders and Edge States in Fractional Quantum Hall Liquids" will be presented by Xiao-Gang Wen of MIT at 4:30 p.m. in 1 Le Conte; tea at 4 p.m. in 375 Le Conte.

    18 t u e s d a y

    EH&S CLASSES

    Introduction To Environment, Health & Safety At LBL (EHS 10), 9-11:30 a.m., Bldg. 66 Auditorium.

    Laser Safety (EHS 280), 9:30 a.m.-noon, Bldg. 90-2063. Call X6612 to register.

    Lockout/Tagout Training (EHS 256), 9-11:30 a.m., Bldg. 48-109. Call X6612 to register.

    19 w e d n e s d a y

    EH&S CLASSES

    Adult CPR (EHS 123), 9 a.m.-noon, Bldg. 48-109. Call X6554 to register.

    Recertification Crane/Hoist (Level 1) Operator Training (EHS 216), 8 a.m.-noon, Bldg. 70A-3377. Call X6612 to register.

    EARTH MONTH ACTIVITY

    The LBL Eco-Fair will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the cafeteria lawn and parking lot.

    ENERGY & RESOURCES GROUP COLLOQUIUM

    "The Biopolitics of Fish in the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary System" will be discussed by Peter Moyle of UCD at 4 p.m., 2 Le Conte; reception at 3:30 p.m. in 100A, Bldg. T-4.

    20 t h u r s d a y

    THE MATERIALS SCIENCES DIVISION SCIENCE FOR SUPPORT STAFF LECTURE

    "The Motorcycle as a Vehicle for MSD Research" will be presented by Jeff Reimer of LBL at 11 a.m., Bldg. 66-316.

    SURFACE/CATALYSIS SCIENCE
    SEMINAR

    "The Causes and Consequences of Epitaxial Roughness" will be presented by A. Zangwill, Georgia Institute of Technology, at 1:30 p.m. in the Bldg. 66 Auditorium.

    MATERIALS SCIENCE SEMINAR

    "Boundaries in Superconducting Oxides: Friends or Foes?" will be presented by Siu-Wai Chan of Columbia University, at 4 p.m., 105 Northgate.

    21 f r i d a y

    EARTH MONTH LECTURE

    "Public Art: A Pathway to our Natural Heritage" will be presented by Erica Fielder of the California Coastal Conservancy at noon in the Bldg. 50 Auditorium.

    BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING SEMINAR

    "Bioresorbable Biomaterials" will be presented by Hari Dharan of UCB at 1 p.m., 3110 Etcheverry.


    F l e a M a r k e t

    Flea Market ads may be sent via e-mail to [email protected], Fax to X6641, or Lab mail to Bldg. 65B. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.

    AUTOS/SUPPLIES

    '68 VOLVO 142, approx. 230K mi., runs well, numerous new(ish) parts, needs paint job & misc. work, 1 owner for last 9.5 years, service records to early '80s. $800/b.o. Alan, 559-9567

    '80 TOYOTA Corolla, a/t, 115K mi., reliable, 2 owners, one since '82, $1500/b.o. Sandy, 642-2320, 223-5439

    '80 TOYOTA Corolla, 5-spd, tinted windows, runs, needs work, $595/b.o. Dave VanDyke, X5562, X5490, (707)257-3164

    '81 Datsun 210, 5-dr hatchbk, 5-spd, over 100K mi., avail. 4/13, $800. Ken Matsuta, X4145

    '85 Porsche 944, red w/blk int., sun roof, low mi., $5900. Russ, 339-9812

    '85 TOYOTA Camry, 4-dr sedan, a/t, about 90K mi., needs repair, avail. 4/13, $1K. Ken Matsuta, X4145

    '88 FORD Club XL, seats 12, exc. cond., 80K orig. mi., V-8, front & rear a/c, cass., cloth seats, tinted windows, $10950. Dave VanDyke, X5562, X5490, (707)257-3164

    '93 MIATA, white, 23K mi., a/c, stereo, p/s, golf/bike attachment, cover, $15.5K/b.o. Tom Kutz, X4590

    AUTO TRANS. CORE w/ torque converter, GM 350, $25 out of truck, you carry; pressure plate (flywheel), $20; new GM auto tie rod ends & center link 1/2 price; 15" VW 4 bolt wheels, $7; Carb $10; 1500-1600 cylinder head $25; bug rear glass $10; Ghia rear bumper, $65 482-3030

    CARPOOL

    RIDER NEEDED for 4 person carpool from Vacaville/Fairfield area, share driving, Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. work hrs. Mark, X4671, (707)448-7979

    WANTED

    MOVIE PROJECTOR, 8mm, any make, model, age or cond. Ann, X6985, 845-2052

    POOL table, 8' or 9', 3-pc. slate. John, 637-1811

    RABBIT CAGE, sm. 521-7105

    SOCCER PLAYER, female, 27 or older, for coed league, Lafayette team, prefer soccer skills, but will train athletic woman. Jean, X4596, 283-3895

    UNUSED BASEMENT or other space to set up darkrm, in exchange for rent or possible share arrangement. Ann, X6985, 845-2052

    WOODWORKER for some home projects, reliable, reasonable, asap. Mari, X5437

    MISCELLANEOUS

    ARMCHAIR, sm. & stuffed, hideous pattern but very comfortable, a chair in search of a slipcover, $20. Jana, X4335, 548-8752

    BABY BATHTUB, Gerry, $10; exc. cond., bed bumper, $5; like new, child bouncer chair (Sassy brand), $5. 527-0693

    BASS GUITAR, Kaman Industries "Applause," P-style body, white on red, maple fret board, new Seymour-Duncan pickups, $150. Tom Reese, X6025, (707)426-0717

    BOAT, '79, 16 ft., i/o Bowrider, fish/ski, $2500. 656-3011

    CLARINET, Buffet, gd for advanced student, $800 firm. Ann, X6985, 845-2052

    EXERCISE BIKE, Air Pro, computerized, w/independent handles, $250/b.o.; 170 ft. of new galvanized raingutter with corners, flashing, downspouts & spacers, $225/b.o. Dayna Powell, X4580

    FREEZER, frostless, white, full sz., upright, $125; refrigerator, avocado, not used recently, $75; French provincial-style bdrm set for girls rm, white w/gold trim; bed, desk, hutch, makeup table, 4 pcs., $375. Dave VanDyke, X5490, (707)257-3164

    GARAGE & BAKE SALE, Sat., 4/8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 1519 Ada St., Berkeley (between Hopkins & Rose, nr Monterey Market), benefits the Berkeley-Borneo Big Home Project, we will also accept your donations incl. baked goods, will pick up. Joe Lamb, 649-8460

    HILLSIDE TROLLEY, like a miners cart for moving dirt/other stuff up or down a hill, bigger than a wheelbarrow, w/track section, safety brake, auto dump lever, etc., $250. 482-3030

    MAC IIsi, 68030 processor, 20 MHz, 5MB RAM, 40 MB HD, color monitor, brand new extended key board & mouse, all instructions & manuals, software, FileMaker Pro, MacDraw II, MacWrite II, Quicken 3.0, Print Shop, After Dark screen saver & At Ease, $800. Pat Cooper, 373-7290

    MAC SE 30, 98 MB HD, 5 MB RAM, RAM doubler, double-page b/w monitor (free), $550. Kalima, 843-0519

    MOUNTAIN BIKE, Bianchi Nyala, '90, 21-spd, 21'' frame, $100/b.o. Wayne, X6435, 251-9734

    ORGAN, Yamaha Electone model C-2B. 523-1284

    PIANO, console, Bradbury, 16 yrs. old, very gd cond., must sell, $300. Paul, X7834, 223-1521

    POOL TABLE, full sz., gd cond., $500/b.o. Paul Berdahl, X5278, 530-4458

    PUPPIES, Rottweiler, AKC papers, Germanline, 2 females whelp 01/02/95, $500/negot. 637-1705, (415)991-1872

    SOFA, $30; table + 4 chairs, $30; single seat sofa, $10; big chair, $10. Sushil, X6670, 548-0930

    HOUSING

    ALBANY, furn. rm in pvt home, sep. ent., pvt bth, kitchen privs., share washer/dryer, nr trans. & shops, quiet non-smoker, avail. 6/18, $450/mo. incl. utils. 526-2355

    ALBANY, 1-bdrm apt in 4-plex, refrig., stove, oven, carpet & hardwd flr in bdrm, 1-car locked garage w/storage rm, no pets, yr. lease, 2 blks from El Cerrito Plaza/BART, $625+$800 dep. Tom/Judy, 527-8766

    ALBANY VILLAGE (UC Family), sublet, avail. 5/10 - 6/21, #52 bus runs from Village to UCB every 15 min. & connects w/LBL shuttle, $600 for 6 wks or $100/wk (negot.). Lynn Scholl, X4364, 525-3071

    BERKELEY, Henry St. nr Berryman St., furn. 3-bdrm, 2-bth house, carport, balcony, washer/dryer, dishwasher, nr shops & bus, $1500/mo. 845-8086

    BERKELEY, nr Rose Garden, Summer St./Spruce St., nr UCB, park & buses, rm in pvt. home, own bth, semi-pvt entrance, deck, view, laundry fac., limited cooking, refs. req., $450/mo. mo. to mo. rent. 548-2988

    BERKELEY, sm. furn. studio apt, Ocean View area, nr 4th St. shops & cafes, nr bus, $485/mo. 540-0385

    BERKELEY, sm. studio apt., skylight, sunny kitchen, wood floors, sm. garden, nr gourmet ghetto, 15 min. walk to UC/LBL shuttle, can be furn., avail. 4/15, $525/mo. 540-0385

    BERKELEY, 1-bdrm apt, parking, sm. garden, 20 min. walk to UC/LBL shuttle, nr shops, BART & park, avail. 4/15, $535/mo. 548-9869

    BERKELEY, Northside, share lg., unfurn. 2-bdrm apt w/quiet, older U.C. grad student, wood flrs, sep. dining rm, living rm, big kitchen w/gas stove, washer/dryer, 2 blks to LBL bus stop, $475/mo. + 1/2 PG&E + your own phone. Andy, 204-9685

    BERKELEY, Channing/Ellsworth, house mate wanted, sunny, lg. rm in 2-bdrm apt, parking extra, take over lease (May-July), option to stay, quite, non-smoker, prefer female, $251/mo., $800 dep. Suet, X7985 (msg. after 5 p.m.)

    BERKELEY HILLS, furn. 1-bdrm, 1-bth apt, remodeled, nr shops & trans., non-smoker, avail. June, $850+utils. 524-9039

    BERKELEY HILLS , bed & bkfast. 286-7612

    NO. BERKELEY, Francisco & Grant, 1 rm in 3-bdrm, 2-bth duplex, walk to LBL shuttle, BART & shops, share w/2 grad students, both 30, modern, big room, wash/dry, $425/mo.+utils.+dep. 704-8448

    NO. BERKELEY, 4-bdrm, 2-bth house, hardwd flrs, remodeled bths & kitchen, nr park, swimming pool, cafe & gourmet shops, $1950/mo. + util., lease-purchase option avail. Doug, X6626, 526-4644

    NO. BERKELEY, unfurn. 1-bdrm apt, avail. 4/15 (flex.), $515/mo. to mo., $600 dep. req. Sushil, X6670, 548-0930

    NO. BERKELEY, 4-bdrm, 2.5-bth home on very quiet street, 1 mi. from UCB, avail. 8/15/95 - 1/15/96, $1800/mo., $3K sec./cleaning dep. Helen/Viviana, 526-1944

    NO. BERKELEY, furn./unfurn. 1-bdrm, 1-bth condo, ofc., hardwd flrs, frpl, chandeliers, French doors, garage, walk-in closets, laundry, modern kitchen, garden, deck, newly remodeled, views, single/couple, walking distance to UC, LBL, shopping & gourmet ghetto, mo. to mo. or lease. 486-0641

    NO. BERKELEY, furn. 1-bdrm penthouse, kitchen appliances, TV, dbl bed (linen & towels incl.), ofc. w/leather sofa, elec. entrance, 1-1/2 blks from UCB, LBL shuttle, public trans., shopping, etc., garden, patio, laundry rm, st. parking, or sec. parking w/fee, 1 or 2 people max., no pets, no smoking, avail. 5/21, $1200+dep. 548-8658, 548-6528 (FAX)

    CONCORD, share 4-bdrm house, all privs., big yd, $325/mo.+ util. Terry, 637-1871, 674-1303 (eve.)

    EL CERRITO, nr Berkeley, spacious furn. 3-4 bdrm house, 2 bth, view, living/dining rm, family rm, decks, lg. yd, nr BART, avail. 8/95 - 7/96, $1700/mo. Miriam, 525-0386

    HERCULES, 3-bdrm 2.5-bth condo, 2-car garage, nr park, lease option to buy $1370/mo. or assume loan $139K/5% down. 799-0818

    MIRA VISTA, unfurn. 1-bdrm apt, stove, refrig., $450/mo. Kathy or Jack, 235-4987

    OAKLAND, 2-bdrm top-floor flat, Adam's Point, walk to BART/Grand Ave., quiet non-smoker(s) pref., $750 incl. util.+dep. 268-0674

    TARA HILLS/PINOLE, 3-bdrm, 2-bth house, dishwasher, view, patio, $950/mo. 724-9450, 758-1030 (eve.)

    WANTED: El Cerrito/Paris house exchange, 3-4 bdrm, 2-bth, living/dining rm, family rm, nr Berkeley, decks, lg. yd, view, for apt. in Paris, 8 or 9/95 to 6/96, renting also possible. Miriam, 525-0386

    WANTED: Furn. 2-3 bdrm apt/house for visiting German prof. w/family, 6/1 - 8/30 (some flex.). Reinhard or Elke, 843-4930

    WANTED: Accommodations for visiting professor & family from England, any 2 wks in Aug., rental, house-sitting, or exchange for lovely countryside house 50 min. from London. Gerson, 524-6049

    WANTED: Anything from 2-bdrm apt to house for responsible, non-smoking, middle-aged couple, 8/15-1/1 (flex.). Luanne, X5853

    WANTED: Furn. 2-bdrm house for family from Japan, 8/1-31, prefer in Berkeley or nearby & nr trans. (415)331-6742

    WANTED: 2-bdrm apt or house, avail. April or May, N. Oakland, Albany or Berkeley. Mae, X6230

    WANTED: 2-bdrm apt/house for visiting family from Boston, 8/1-15. Gene, 642-7422

    VACATION

    SO. LAKE TAHOE, deluxe townhouse, lakefront, all amenities, nr all play spots. Herbert, 422-8845, 455-5595

    LOST & FOUND

    FOUND: Keys on shuttle bus. X4165

    FOUND: Sterling silver earring w/blk bead, in front of Bldg. 69 on 3/28. Helen, X4571

    LOST: Silver brooch, leaf/pine cone design, green stone, irreplaceable sentimental value. Deborah Haynes, X6765

    FOR FREE

    CACTI AND SUCCULENTS, nothing exotic, but established, prefer that you dig them up. Janet, X4450

    DOGS (2), need a home together, both vaccinated & neutered, found abandoned, female black lab mix, male shep. mix, 2 yrs. old. 524-9896, 865-0950 (before 9 p.m.)


    Currents

    Published weekly by the Public Information Department for the employees and retirees of Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

    EDITOR:
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    [email protected]

    STAFF WRITERS:

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    EDITORIAL ASSISTANT:

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    Alice Ramirez

    FLEA MARKET/CALENDAR:

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    Public Information Department

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