Keasling to Direct
Physical Biosciences

Keasling

Director Steve Chu has announced the appointment of Jay Keasling as director of the Physical Biosciences Division. He is currently head of that division's Synthetic Biology Department. He replaces Graham Fleming, who is now serving as deputy director for the Lab. Go here for more information on Keasling's appointment.

Lab Nurse Lauded
For Photo Program

Corr has compiled photos like this one, which documents unsafe handling of hot materials.

Wendy Corr, with the Lab's Health Services group, received second place in an essay contest sponsored by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. Corr's essay described the photos that she and others in Health Services take at the scene of accidents. The documentation, she says, raises awareness of hazardous practices and conditions. The information is then used to make improvements and increase safety.

Spaces Still Available
For Leadership Class

Managers and supervisors are invited to attend a Franklin Covey class on the "Four Roles of Leadership" May 16 and 17 in Perseverance Hall. A pre-work session for this course must be completed by Thursday. Attendees will be given tools to improve their strategic thinking, long-term vision, and positive influence on others. Go here to register (ASD 0227).

Synthetic Biology Ethics
Topic of Talk Today

Zoloth

Bioethicist Laurie Zoloth will give a lecture today as part of the Physical Biosciences Division's Synthetic Biology Seminar Series. Her talk, "May We Make the World? Ethical Issues in Synthetic Biology," will take place at 4 p.m. in the Sibley Auditorium (Bechtel Engineering Building, campus). Zoloth is a professor of medical ethics and humanities, and of religion, at Northwestern University, and Director of Bioethics for Northwestern's Center for Genetic Medicine. Her current research includes work on the emerging issues in medical and research genetics, the ethical issues in stem cell research, and distributive justice in health care. For more information about the seminar series or Synthetic Biology Department, go here.

Campus Meeting Focus: Tech in Developing World

Several renowned experts in health care, education, energy and resources, and information technology will be discussing the roles of technology in the developing world at a three-day conference beginning Thursday at UC Berkeley. "Bridging the Divide" brings together scholars, practitioners, and government and corporate policy makers into a single forum focused on accelerating the development of emerging economies through technology, innovation and education. Panels, lectures, and workshops will be featured in the conference, co-sponsored by the UC Berkeley Management of Technology Program and the United Nations International Development Organization. Go here for registration and program information (Berkeley Lab employees can register at the UC Berkeley employee rate).