FDA Chapter of Sigma XI
The Scientific Research Society

Newsletter -- June 03, 2004

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• A joint meeting and lecture of the DC and FDA Chapter of Sigma Xi was held on Friday, May 14, 2004, at Maggiano's in Tyson Corner at Tyson Galleria. Prior to the lecture, we enjoyed an especially varied and delicious family style Italian meal. About 65 people attended the spring banquet including our special guests the regional science fair winners and their families. Jeff Yourick introduced each science fair winner and presented them with saving bonds and certificates of recognition. Most of the regional science fair judges were present and recognized. In addition, one poster winner was given a book "Keeping Mozart in Mind" by Dr. Gordon Shaw. The book describes how music can be a window into higher brain function. The student's grandmother had suffered a stroke. In her science project, the student 's grandmother was tested after listening to various types of music each day to evaluate the effectiveness of the music in regaining function. A complete list of first place and honorable mention regional poster winners is on our Chapter website http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sxfda.html or http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/sigmaxi
  
  In addition, new Sigma Xi members from both the DC and FDA Chapter were introduced and received their membership certificates. From the FDA Chapter these included: Dr. Wolfang Kantz (April 2004 newsletter) and Dr. Oscar Chiesa (this newsletter).
  
  
• The lecture was given by Dr. William Hooke, Director of the Atmospheric Policy Program and formerly chief scientist at NOAA. His topic was "Natural Extremes and Their Changing Implications". The talk was both entertaining and stimulating. All type of national and international weather and economic consequences were discussed. For example, increased rain falls in the industrial North West region of the US produce massive mud slides. This in turn closes roads and subsequently factories and services. People can't get to work; the factories loose money and the economy of the region is adversely affected. Plans must be in place that addresses the weather related problems and their consequences.
  
  

• 10^thAnnual FDA Science Forum -Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 & 19, 2004 was held at the new Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C. The theme of this year's Science Forum was: FDA Science, "The Critical Path from Concept to Consumer". Sigma Xi was again a proud sponsor of the poster exhibition for the FDA Science Forum. I want to thank all those Sigma Xi members who participated in the poster exhibition. Fred Fry has been exemplary as poster manager for the Science Forum. With the assistance of poster judges identified by each Center, Sigma Xi evaluated over 365 posters. The posters were complex, diverse and excellent examples of the science that is conducted at FDA. For a complete list of poster winners including the Clear Science Communication go to http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/forum04/sx04awds.html or our Chapter website at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sxfda.html or http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/sigmaxi
  
  

• The FDA Chapter of Sigma Xi welcomes, Dr. Oscar Chiesa as a full member of Sigma Xi (confirmed by National headquarters in May). Dr. Chiesa is currently employed at the Center for Veterinary Medicine. He has over 25 years of progressive responsibilities in training, breeding and conducting research with thoroughbred horses and other large animals. He received his Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Barcelona, Spain and his DVM from Buenos Aires University in Argentina. He is conducting studies for long term intravenous infusion of Ciprofloxacin into lactating dairy cows and the transfer of Ciprofloxacin by lactation to the new born calf. He also presented his work at the 10th Annual FDA Science Forum in a paper "Gentamicin drug residue levels in kidney biopsy samples obtained from live, standing Holstein steers". This procedure is both cost effective and minimally invasive to the animals.
  
  

• Election of Chapter Officer for 2004 - 05
  We need nominations for Chapter Treasurer. Please consider taking a leadership role in the FDA Chapter of Sigma Xi. One way to make this organization more applicable to your needs is to participate in the decision making process. Send in your suggested nominations to me (please feel free to nominate yourself): pwiesenf@cfsan.fda.gov or telephone (301) 827-8526.
  
  

• Chapter President beginning June 2004 - June 2006: Dr. Thomas F.X. Collins
• President-elect 2004 -2006: Dr. Jeffrey Yourick
• Secretary: Dr. Mary Shackelford
• Treasurer: open
  
  

• FDA Science Forum Poster Exhibition Lead: Dr. Fredrick Fry
• Past President - Advisor - CFSAN Liaison: Dr. Paddy Wiesenfeld (2002 - June 2004)
• Past President - Advisor and CVM Liaison Dr. Jurgen von Bredow (2000 - June 2002)
• Past President - Advisor and CDRH Liaison Dr. Howard Cyr
• Advisor and new CDER Liaison and Chapter Member: Dr. Linda Li Ng
  
  

Remember for information about the national organization go to: http://www.sigmaxi.org

For Chapter updates and other information go to our Chapter website: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sxfda.html or http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/sigmaxi