Francis Collins, professor of internal medicine and of human genetics, was awarded an honorary doctor of medical science degree May 29 at Brown University’s commencement exercises.
Collins is a physician-geneticist and the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health. As director, he oversees a complex multidisciplinary project aimed at mapping the 100,000 human genes to determine the exact sequence of the three billion nucleotides that form the building blocks of human DNA and to determine their functions.
Using positional cloning, Collins’ research team identified the gene for cystic fibrosis in 1989 and the neurofibromatosis gene in 1990, and a successful collaboration identified the gene for Huntington disease in 1993.
Bunyan Bryant Jr., professor of natural resources, received the School of Natural Resources and Environment Outstanding Teaching Award at the School’s April 29 Honors Convocation and Commencement Ceremony. Bryant was selected by the School’s faculty and administration because of his dedication to developing a teaching style that is motivating and empowering to students.
Bryant has written several books on environmental justice and has been active in the formation of national environmental justice policies. He was co-organizer of the 1990 U-M Conference on Race and the Incidence of Environmental Hazards, which had considerable national impact and led to discussions with Environmental Protection Agency administrators.
Kenneth “Red” Simmons, assistant professor emeritus of physical education and former women’s track and field coach (1978–81), competed in the Senior Olympics on June 17. He set a national record in the shot put and state records in the long jump and the discus.
John Voorhees, the Duncan and Ella Poth Distinguished Professor and chair, Department of Dermatology, was inducted into the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) at a June 21 ceremony. Approximately 15 non-United Kingdom physicians are selected annually from all specialties for induction into the college. Electees are chosen based on accomplishments within their field. In announcing his selection, the RCP cited Voorhees’ “unparalleled” contribution to world dermatology with extensive research in psoriasis and skin aging and his “influence on the development of dermatology in the United Kingdom.”
The RCP strives to set a standard for excellence in medicine throughout the world.
Alphonse R. Burdi, professor of anatomy and cell biology, research scientist, Center for Human Growth and Development, and director, Inteflex Program, received an honorary doctor of science degree May 26 from the University of Athens. The honor, recommended by dental and medical faculty at the university, recognizes Burdi’s numerous contributions to the literature on developmental craniofacial biology and the causes of such birth defects as clefts of the lip and palate.
Neal Krause, professor of health behavior and health education and senior research scientist, Institute of Gerontology, has received the Distinguished Gerontologist Award from the Institute of Life-Span Development and Gerontology at the University of Akron. The award is given to a distinguished graduate of the university. Krause obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Akron in 1978.
Terry Logan, clinical nurse II, Internal Medicine Clinic, University Hospital, received the Washtenaw-Livingston-Monroe Chapter of the Michigan Nurses Association’s first “Nurse Warrior Award” at a June 14 ceremony. The award, created in Logan’s honor, recognizes her courage in speaking out and sharing her personal story on behalf of legislation that would require health care facilities to use safer injection systems to protect nurses from needle stick injury.
Opal Lesse, clinical nurse III, Trauma/Orthopedics/Endocrinology, University Hospital, was recognized as the chapter’s “Nurse of the Year,” an award that is given for exemplary professional nursing practice, leadership and service to the community and to the professional organization. Lesse created a prostate health Web page and prostate screening patient brochure and has authored urology education booklets for clinic and inpatient use.
Patricia Butler, clinical nurse I, Clinical Research Center, was inducted into the Chapter’s “Hall of Fame,” recognizing her long-standing service to the nursing profession. Butler has worked in diabetes education, serving on committees of the American Diabetes Association, the Michigan Affiliate Diabetes Association and the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center.
Paul Pintrich, professor and associate dean, School of Education, and professor of psychology, is president-elect of Division 15-Educational Psychology for the American Psychological Association (APA). He will be president-elect this year, serve as president in 2001–02 and deliver his presidential address at the 2002 APA conference.
Carl Berger, professor of science and technology education and academic liaison and director, IT for Instruction, Office of the Chief Information Officer, accepted the “Golden Apple” (Macadamy) Award for High Technology at the Apple Learning Interchange ALIFEST 2000 conference on June 19. The award recognizes work done on the U-M Visible Human Project, begun in December 1999. Berger accepted the award on behalf of the team that is working to make the visible human database accessible to a wide variety of learners, from surgeons practicing new surgical techniques to middle school students.
Marvin W. Peterson, professor of education and director, Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, and graduate students Catherine Augustine and Marne Einarson received the Best Forum Paper Award from the Association of Institutional Research at its national conference in May. Their paper, “Organizational Practices Enhancing the Influence of Student Assessment Information in Academic Decisions,” was presented as a featured session. The paper is based on a national survey of organizational and administrative support for student assessment that Peterson and his colleagues conducted for the National Center for Postsecondary Improvement.