Bissell Joins American
Philosophical Society

Bissell

Mina Bissell, with Berkeley Lab's Life Sciences Division, has been elected to the American Philosophical Society, one of only six new members chosen this year for the biological sciences section. Founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, the APS is the oldest scholarly society in the United States. It recognized Bissell for her pioneering work on the relationship between cancer genetics and the three-dimensional structure of cells and tissues. In a letter of congratulations, UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, himself elected to the APS last year, said Bissell exemplifies Franklin’s charge to “promote useful knowledge” for the public interest.

EH&S Employee to Lead
Health Physics Chapter

Bakhtiar

Steve Bakhtiar, with the Waste Management Group of Berkeley Lab's Environment, Health and Safety Division, was elected president of the Northern California Chapter of the Health Physics Society (HPS). Bakhtiar will take office this summer as president-elect of the chapter and will serve over the next three years. Bakhtiar, the past president of the Radiochemistry Society, will aid the chapter in co-hosting the January 2008 HPS meeting on “Radiation-Generating Devices” in Oakland.

Fast Lane for Federal Agencies on Internet2
By Lisa Guernsey

Johnston

If the Internet is an information highway, Internet2 is the autobahn. Since its founding more than 10 years ago as a network for the research and education community, Internet2 has become known for its speed, allowing users to send data-heavy files in seconds. Now the network is undergoing a transformation that Internet2 officials say will make it not only faster but also more flexible. “What the scientists want is bandwidth on demand,” said William Johnston, with Berkeley Lab's Computational Research Division and manager of ESnet, which has formed a partnership with Internet2. Full story.

Top Universities Offer
Free Lectures Online

Muller

To attend the country's most prestigious private colleges, you'll probably need more than $40,000 a year. Even the University of California can cost more than $20,000. But some of that high-powered education is now available free. A UC Berkeley class called "Physics for Future Presidents" is very popular with Cal students, and in the last year, it's also made Cal professor and Berkeley Lab physicist Richard Muller an international star on the Internet. Full story.

Business Competition
For Clean Technologies

The California Clean Tech Open, a statewide business plan competition, is hosting a Technologies and Entrepreneurs Matching Event on June 4. Technologies in the areas of air, water and waste, energy efficiency, green building, renewables, smart power, and transportation are eligible. Berkeley Lab researchers interested in participating can contact Pam Seidenman (x 6461) with the Technology Transfer Department.

Lodging for Lab
Staff and Guests

Lodging is now available to Berkeley Lab employees and guests at the Advanced Light Source Apartments. The apartments are located at Oxford St. and Hearst Ave., near Lab shuttle stops. Go here to read a description of the apartments and services included, and to fill out an online reservation request.

Universal Studios Tix
On Sale Tomorrow

Representatives from the Lab's Employee Activities Association will be in the cafeteria lobby tomorrow between noon and 1 p.m. selling discount tickets for the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. Tickets are $49 each, or purchase a three-day pass for $61 or "Buy a Day, Get a Year Free" for $109. Checks or money orders (made out to UC Regents) will be accepted. Those purchasing tickets will have their name entered into a drawing for a Universal Studios gift bag. For more information, contact Valerie Espinoza-Ross.