People: CRD’s Meza Wins 2008 Blackwell-Tapia Prize
Juan Meza, head of the Computational Research Division’s High Performance Computing Research Department, has been named recipient of the 2008 Blackwell-Tapia Prize. The prize honors the legacy of David Blackwell and Richard Tapia, two distinguished mathematical scientists who have been inspirations to African American, Latino/Latina, and Native American students. Meza was honored for his record as a scientist, leadership of a large, cutting-edge computational science department, and for serving as a role model and advocate for under-represented groups in the mathematical sciences. More>
In The News: Lab Research Featured in Two Leading Newspapers
Two recent stories on Berkeley Lab research have been featured in key media outlets. The first — on the development of a stress meter for earthquake fault zones — appeared in the Los Angeles Times last Saturday. The Washington Post printed an article on the FEMA trailers provided for Hurricane Katrina victims and a study by Lab researchers on their toxicity, which appeared on July 3. See “Berkeley Lab in the News” on the News Center (bottom right side) to read other media clips.
Professional Development: Leadership Group Seeks New Members
Leadership East Bay, sponsored by the Berkeley and Emeryville Chambers of Commerce, begins a new year in September. Each annual class consists of people who work or live in Berkeley or Emeryville, meets one day a month, and explores topics that include education and research, the arts, and government. Public Affairs will sponsor two Lab participants this year. If interested, contact Don Medley. Participants will be chosen competitively based on strategic value to the Lab and the community.
Campus News: Center Created to Tackle Infectious Diseases
HIV, tuberculosis (right), malaria and a dozen other neglected diseases place a terrible medical burden upon developing nations, in many cases because vaccines and treatments do not exist and aren't commercially viable to develop. UC Berkeley is stepping into the breach with the Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases (CEND), which aims to bring together innovative ideas and patient treatments. Lab researcher Tom Alber is the faculty director of CEND, while Jay Keasling is a faculty affiliate, working on synthesizing the antimalarial drug artemisinin. More>
Special Event: ‘Women in Science’ Meeting on Balancing Work and Family
The East Bay Association for Women in Science presents a light dinner and panel discussion on “Work and Family: Achieving Balance," on Thursday, July 24. The gathering takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Novartis in Emeryville. New UC-wide family-friendly policies, taking a break to raise children, and reentering the workforce after time off will be discussed. Scientists and science enthusiasts, men and women, are welcome. Meetings are free and open to non-AWIS members. More>
Safety Note: Red Wing Shoemobile Has a New Location
The Red Wing Work Shoe vendor will park in a new location near Strawberry Gate, due to upcoming work in the Bldg. 51 parking lot. Red Wing will be here tomorrow from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Employees may be required to wear safety shoes to protect from potential hazards. Employees working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, may be required to wear safety shoes and may be authorized to purchase them by their supervisor. To learn more go here.
Employee Activities: Discount Tickets for Bull Riding Event
Lab staff can purchase discount tickets for the Professional Bull Riding Built Ford Tough Series, taking place at Oaklands’ Oracle Arena on Friday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Sept. 27. Go here to order tickets, using BERKLAB as the promo code.