International Education
Focus of D.C. Summit

This week in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings will convene a U.S. University Presidents' Summit on International Education to initiate a dialogue on the need for government to work collaboratively with the non-governmental sector on the future of U.S. higher education in a global arena. The urgent meeting is in part an outgrowth of the recent National Academy of Sciences report, "A Gathering Storm," and subsequent conversations by Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu and other NAS Committee members with administration officials about the need to strengthen U.S. investments in global education. Go here for more information on the summit, scheduled for tomorrow and Friday.

Volunteers Needed
For Science Bowl

A regional competition for the Department of Energy's National Science Bowl will take place at Berkeley Lab on Saturday, Jan. 28. The event's sponsor, the Center for Science and Engineering Education, is seeking volunteers to work as judges, scorekeepers, and timekeepers. A commitment of four hours is ideal (mainly between 8 a.m. and noon). Volunteers will receive a free lunch and commemorative t-shirt. Training will take place on Thursday, Jan. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. or Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 4 to 5 p.m., both in Building 7-211. Those interested in participating should contact Joe Crippen (x5816).

Studying Extremophiles
For Enzymatic Reaction

Clark

In the deepest oceans, near incredibly hot volcanic vents, a strange, hearty organism survives and thrives. Many scientists study these microorganisms, called extremophiles, for the clues they may hold about the origins of life. Douglas Clark, with Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technologies Division, is interested in them for a different reason. The extremophiles contain enzymes that spur biochemical reactions even in the harshest conditions. And much of Clark's research is concerned with novel enzymatic reactions, particularly how they may improve industrial processes and aid in pharmaceutical production. Full story.

Space is still available for several January classes being held by the Berkeley Lab Institute (BLI). The one-hour classes start at 11 a.m. and are free of charge. Employees can attend eRoom Basics next Monday or Tuition Reimbursement on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The supervisory training course "Be Prepared to Lead" will be held Monday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. Seats are still available for "7 Habits of Highly Successful People" on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The cost for this daylong class is $110. Go here to register for these courses, and here to view all the classes offered by BLI.