2004 Events

Saturday, January 3, 2004, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Special Events Center

The Spring 2004 New Student Graduate Orientation will still be held on Saturday, January 3, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Special Events Center. If you have any questions or concerns please visit the Graduate and Professional Student Organization web site: http://www.gpso.usf.edu/orientation.html or contact the GPSO.

If you are interested in participating or volunteering to help, please contact the GPSO.

Tuesday, January 6, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Please RSVP to Audrey. The upcoming luncheon will be discussed.

Thursday, January 8, 2004, 11:30 a.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon

Luncheon menu: deli sandwiches from Publix.

Wednesday, January 14, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1018

Executive Board Meeting - Budget Discussion

There will be a meeting to plan the 2004-2005 budget this Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. in the Learning Lab (MDL 1018) - the room with the computers. Everyone's welcome - if you can't make it and have thought of things to add to the budget please email them to Audrey.

Friday, January 23, 2004, 1:00 p.m., FAO 17, Division of Research Grants Conference Room

Eduardo Lopez del Castillo, Program Management Specialist, in the University Research Division at NASA-Kennedy Space Center will be on campus to meet with faculty, post-docs and graduate students to discuss the educational programs and research opportunities being offered by Kennedy Space Center.

Mr. Lopez del Castillo indicated that those in the engineering, life sciences, and math disciplines would benefit the most from this discussion. The Office of Research would like to encourage all who are interested to attend.

Topics to be discussed will include:
        �       Internship Opportunities for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
        �       Faculty Fellowships and Post Doctoral Programs
        �       Sabbatical Opportunities
        �       Doing Business with NASA

To ensure adequate meeting space, please RSVP to Rebecca Puig, Director, Division of Research Communications, University of South Florida, if you plan to attend.

Wednesday, January 28, 2004, 5:00 p.m., Campus Recreation Gym

The Dirty Bombs are off to a great start in Men's Basketball, easily finishing off their first opponents. Come out tonight after work (5:00 p.m.) to the campus rec gym to see them move on to 2-0.

Friday, January 30, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Phyllis P. Marshall Center Room 271

USF Cardiovascular Initiative Symposium. Please contact Charmaine Disimile in the HSC Office of Research for more information.

Monday, February 2, 2004, 5:00 p.m., Campus Recreation Gym

The Dirty Bombs continue their domination of Men's C Basketball with a 37-26 win last week. Come cheer them on to 3-0 tonight at 5:00 p.m. in the campus rec center.

Wednesday, February 4, 2004, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Phyllis P. Marshall Center Room 100-100 (across from the USF Card office)

Attention ALL graduate students � Want to learn how to get MORE money back from the IRS???

Come to the "Preparing Your Taxes Workshop" at the next GPSO meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 from 3-5 p.m. in CTR 100/101 (across from the USF Card office)!!!!!!!

Free food and prizes!!!!!!! RSVP to gpso@grad.usf.edu.

Wednesday, February 4, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Please RSVP to Audrey. The upcoming luncheon and AMSGS Annual Awards Banquet will be discussed.

Thursday, February 5, 2004, 7:00 p.m., Phyllis P. Marshall Center Ballroom

An invitation from the College of Arts and Sciences & TIAA-CREF

Interim Dean Kathleen M. Heide, College of Arts and Sciences, cordially invites you to attend the Nobel Laureate in Science Lecture Series

Dr. William D. Phillips

National Institute of Standards and Technology Fellow

Group Leader, Laser Cooling and Trapping Group

Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics � 1997, will present:

"Almost Absolute Zero: The Story of Laser Cooling and Trapping"

Friday, February 6, 2004, 9:30 a.m., MDA 1097

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "A Requirement for MAP Kinase in the Assembly and Maintenance of the Mitotic Spindle", by Melinda Miller Horne (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). Melinda's major professor is Dr. Thomas Guadagno, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology / Interdisciplinary Oncology Program.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 5:00 p.m. in MDL 1022, the Graduate Learning Lab.

Monday, February 9, 2004, 9:00 p.m., Campus Recreation Gym

The Dirty-Bombs have their last regular season Men's Basketball game tonight at 9:00 p.m. in the gym. Come out and root them on to 4-1!!

Thursday, February 12, 2004, 11:30 a.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon

Luncheon menu: food from Taco Bell.

Friday, February 13, 2004, 5:00 p.m., FAO 126 (Faculty Office Building)

Ann Winch Fellowship

Master's level graduate students are invited to apply for the Ann Winch Fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

* Students over the traditional age in pursuit of a terminal Master's Degree AND,

* Must have been in the work force and/or maintained household;

* Proven track record of community service;

* Financial need;

* Demonstrated high academic achievement (GRE/GMAT or GPA);

* Demonstrate strong moral character and strong leadership capacity.

To Apply

* Complete an Application Form (available in the Graduate Affairs Office, MDC 2535)

* Submit a Curriculum Vitae or Resume (eligibility criteria should be documented in a vitae or resume)

* Submit an Essay based on your belief that "one person can make a difference" (not to exceed 250 words)

* Two letters of Recommendation

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION TO FAO 126 IS 02/13/04 AT 5:00 P.M.

Monday, February 16, 2004, 4:00 p.m., Phyllis P. Marshall Center Ballroom

The Distinguished University Professors and the Provost's Office (University Lecture Series) invite you to attend the first university-wide Distinguished University Professor Lecture: "Stem Cells in Brain Repair", presented by Paul Sanberg, Ph.D., 2002-2003 Distinguished University professor, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, University of South Florida.

There will be a reception at 4:00 p.m., followed by the lecture at 4:30 p.m.

Monday, February 16, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Please RSVP to Audrey. The AMSGS Annual Awards Banquet will be discussed.

This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Cancelled: Thursday, February 19, 2004, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., MDC 2510

Habitat for Humanity orientation training.

This training session is mandatory for those students who would like to participate in field Habitat for Humanity construction and activities scheduled for April and May 2004. This is a great way to help out our community. Hope you can all make it! Please contact Joanne Mayer for more information.

Monday, February 23, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Please RSVP to Audrey. The AMSGS Annual Awards Banquet will be discussed.

Thursday, February 26, 2004, Health Sciences Center

The Health Sciences Center Research Day will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2004. All Health Sciences Center faculty, students, and staff are invited to participate and to submit abstracts for consideration for poster presentation at this event.

Graduate students and postdoctoral students (from HSC), along with medical students and residents who submit posters that are accepted for presentation will be eligible to receive an award that includes a plaque and $50 check. There is also a new $1000.00 best overall award for graduate students. Posters will be judged by a committee of faculty members from the HSC, and awards will be given for those rated as superior presentations.

Along with the poster presentations displayed and judged in the morning of February 26th, the Roy H. Behnke lecture, featuring Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., will be held at noon in the HSC auditorium. Dr. Green has his research laboratory at the Intramural Program of the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health. He serves as Chief of the Genome Technology Branch and Director of the Intramural Sequencing Center. Dr. Green's research focuses on the mapping and sequencing of mammalian genomes and the isolation and characterization of genes causing human genetic diseases. The title of his presentation is: Beyond the Human Genome Sequence: The Future of Genomics and Its Implications for Clinical Medicine. The awards ceremony will follow the featured presentation at 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 26, 2004, 2:00 p.m.

The co-ed slowpitch softball captains meeting will occur today. If you can play please email Nicole as soon as possible with your student ID number (really long number on your ID, begins with 6) and what position you can/want to play (we need pitchers).

Weather permitting, our first practice will be this weekend, so let Nicole know what day is best or impossible.

Monday, March 1, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Please RSVP to Eric. The March luncheon meeting and AMSGS Annual Awards Banquet will be discussed.

Tuesday, March 2, 2004, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., College of Medicine, Parking Lot 31

AMSGS and the USF HSC will be hosting a Florida Blood Services blood drive. The blood mobile will be parked in lot 31. All lifesaving donors will receive a T-shirt, wellness checkup, including cholesterol screening, plus a Chick-fil-A coupon for a free chicken sandwich and chicken biscuit! Please come out and donate if willing and able, the FBS is in desperate need of donors! Call 1-800-68-BLOOD for questions. Thank you!

Thursday, March 11, 2004, 11:30 a.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon

Spring Break this week.

Friday, March 12, 2004, 5:00 p.m., Beef O'Bradys (2802 Bearss Ave E @ Bruce B. Downs Blvd., 813-910-7705)

AMSGS Happy Hour!

Come and relax and watch some college hoops (conference games) prior to the start of March Madness. (Selection Sunday is March 14, 2004.) Contact Eric for more information.

Monday, March 15, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

The AMSGS Annual Awards Banquet will be discussed.

Wednesday, March 17, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., MDA 1096

Excellence in Research Seminar Series

Dr. Shyam Mohapatra, Department of Internal Medicine, cordially invites you to attend this week's Excellence in Research Seminar Series � Anuradha Ray, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, will present "Mechanisms of Tolerance Induction and Inhibition".
Contact Katja for more information.

Wednesday, March 24, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., MDN 1018 (CON Auditorium)

Excellence in Research Seminar Series

Dr. Ronald Mervis, Department of Neurosurgery, cordially invites you to attend this week's Excellence in Research Seminar Series � Elliot Mufson, Ph.D., Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Medical School, Chicago, will present "Early Cholinotrophic Basal Forebrain System Neurodegeneration in Mild Cognitive Impairment as a Prelude to Alzheimer's Disease: Back to the Future".
Contact Katja for more information.

Saturday, March 27, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - Noon, Al Lopez Park (4810 N. Himes Avenue)

"Bark in the Park 2004" sponsored by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

This is a one mile dog walk-a-thon and all proceeds go toward The Humane Society of Tampa Bay to help provide food, shelter, and compassion for more than 13,000 animals each year and to also help support pet adoption, spay/neuter, and other programs.
The event will be held at Al Lopez Park at 4810 N. Himes Avenue and registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. and the event lasts until 12:00. There will also be pet contests, doggie arts and crafts, demonstrations, awards, vendors, and more. Contest prizes will include a Beach Getaway at Trade Island Grand Beach Resort, Centro Ybor Gameworks package, Gift Baskets, Dining Certificates, and Pet Food and Supplies.

Please contact Louis Crowley (MDC 3525, 813-974-9705) for more information.

Saturday, March 27, 2004, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., USF Riverfront Park

GPSO Spring Social Gathering

Please come join the Graduate and Professional Student Organization (GPSO) for our Spring Social Gathering! Enjoy the park, opportunity to meet other graduate students and free food from Jason's Deli and Gladstone's Chicken! Students are encouraged to bring significant others, friends, and/or family, or just show up on your own.

Wednesday, March 31, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., HSC Auditorium

Excellence in Research Seminar Series

Dr. Javier Cuevas, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, cordially invites you to attend the Excellence in Research Seminar Series � Jeffrey L. Ardell, Ph.D., Department of Pharmacology, James H. Quillen, College of Medicine, Tennessee, will present "Remodeling of the Cardiac Nervous System in Heart Disease."
Contact Katja for more information.

Thursday, April 1, 2004, 1:00 p.m., MDL 1005

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Strategies of Cancer Therapy Through Regulation of Apoptotic Proteases", by Kenyon Daniel (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). Kenyon's major professor is Dr. Q. Ping Dou, Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. in MDL 1022, the Graduate Learning Lab.

Thursday, April 1, 2004, 4:30 p.m., MDC 1507

All graduate students are invited to apply for the 2004 Medical Sciences Graduate Student Award for EXCELLENCE in RESEARCH. To be considered, the student needs to submit to the Graduate Office an updated copy of their curriculum vitae, copies of all of their peer-reviewed publications - not abstracts - and a letter summarizing their contribution to the published research. Applications will be judged on the quantity and quality of the published work and the student's contribution to that work. Recent productivity will be weighed more heavily. The award will be presented at the Annual AMSGS Awards banquest in May. All material must be received by April 1, 2004.

Please contact Dr. Eric Bennett for more information.

Friday, April 2, 2004, 9:00 a.m., Stabile Research Building, Conference Room 1

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of Transcription Factor YY2", by Nang Nguyen (Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology). Nang's major professors are Dr. Edward Seto, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology / Interdisciplinary Oncology Program and Dr. Peter Medveczky, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 4:00 p.m. in MDL 1022, the Graduate Learning Lab.

Monday, April 5, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Please RSVP to Eric. Some of the topics to be discussed include the finishing touches for the banquet, the slide show, elections, the FY 2004-2005 budget, and lunch for next week.

Tuesday, April 6, 2004, 1:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Molecular Mechanism of Vitamin D Action and its Implications in Ovarian Cancer Prevention and Therapy", by Feng Jiang (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). Feng's major professor is Dr. Wenlong Bai, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 4:30 p.m. in MDL 1022, the Graduate Learning Lab.

Wednesday, April 7, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Excellence in Research Seminar Series

Luis H. Garcia-Rubio, Ph.D., College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, will present, "The Use of Multiwavelength Spectroscopy for Medical Diagnosis and Real-Time, in-situ Monitoring."
Contact Katja for more information.

Thursday, April 8, 2004, 11:30 a.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon (food from Jason's Deli)

Elections for the 2004-2005 AMSGS executive board and selection of the 2004 Grasso Award winner will occur.

At 12:30 p.m. (room to be announced), there will be a Habitat for Humanity training session (~45 minutes). This training is required in order to participate in the Habitat for Humanity events. Please contact Joanne Mayer for more information.

Wednesday, April 14, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., HSC Auditorium

Excellence in Research Seminar Series

Dr. Murray E. Maitland, School of Physical Therapy, USF College of Medicine, cordially invites you to attend the Excellence in Research Seminar Series � Shrawan Kumar, Ph.D., P.T., Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, will present "Muscle Function in the Spine Determined By Electromyography".
Contact Katja for more information.

Wednesday, April 21, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Excellence in Research Seminar Series

Wie Chen, Ph.D., Department of Physics, University of South Florida, will be presenting a seminar entitled, "Can We Physically Manipulate or Control the Functions of Electrogenic Pump Molecules in Cell Membrane?".
Contact Katja for more information.

Friday, April 23, 2004, 9:00 a.m., MDC 1507

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Characterization of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus VIL-6", by Mark Meads (Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology). Mark's major professor is Dr. Peter Medveczky, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 4:00 p.m. in MDL 1022, the Graduate Learning Lab.

Tuesday, April 27, 2004, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., College of Medicine, Parking Lot 31

AMSGS and the USF HSC will be hosting a Florida Blood Services blood drive. The blood mobile will be parked in lot 31. Please come out and donate to support the life-saving efforts of the FBS.

We would like to send a HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated to throughout the year! You've helped make the 2003-2004 school year one of the most successful years the HSC has had for donations; let's finish up with style!

Wednesday, April 28, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Excellence in Research Seminar Series

Dr. Ronald Mervis, Department of Neurosurgery, cordially invites you to attend the Excellence in Research Seminar Series � Edythe London, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, will present "Brain Imaging and Drugs of Abuse."
Contact Katja for more information.

Thursday, May 13, 2004

There will not be an AMSGS luncheon meeting today.

Friday, May 14, 2004, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., The Florida Aquarium (701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602; 813-273-4056)

Annual Awards Banquet; Explore-A-Shore Pavilion

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Cocktails and tour of the Aquarium

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.: Dinner and dessert followed by the awards ceremony

Please RSVP to Eric de Groh.

Friday, May 21, 2004, 9:00 a.m., MDC 1507

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "The Role of Human RAD9 in Cell Cycle Checkpoints and Apoptosis", by Michael W. Lee (Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics). Mike's major professors are Dr. Hong-Gang Wang, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics / Interdisciplinary Oncology Program and Dr. Paul Gottschall, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 2:30 p.m. in MDC 1507.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004, 1:00 p.m., MDC 1507

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "The Influence of Amyloid-Beta, a Major Pathological Marker, in Alzheimer's Disease, on Molecular Cognitive Processes of APP+PS1 Transgenic Mice", by Chad A. Dickey (Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics). Chad's major professor is Dr. David Morgan, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 4:00 p.m. in MDC 1507.

Thursday, June 3, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1018

Executive Board Meeting

Please contact Rachel with questions. Some of the topics to be discussed include the time of our summer monthly luncheons, the "PhD and Then ..." seminar series and new luncheon menu items. This meeting will also be a brainstorming session to establish goals for the coming year. Please think about the role AMSGS plays and what areas you would like to see us be involved in this year e.g. social activities to bring students together, community service projects etc., anything that is in line with the role of AMSGS and the AMSGS constitution.

Donuts will be served.

AMSGS Executive Board meeting minutes in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (USF_AMSGS_minutes_03jun2004.pdf).

Wednesday, June 9, 2004, 9:00 a.m., MDL 1005

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Akt Regulates Cell Survival and Growth and Contributes to Oncogenesis", by Hancai Dan (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). Hancai's major professor is Dr. Jin Cheng, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 4:00 p.m. in the Graduate Student Learning Lab/Lounge, MDL 1022.

Wednesday, June 9, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., NEW Stabile Research Building Conference Room 2

Florida Blood Services Blood Drive

If you have specific questions regarding being able to donate, you will need to contact Florida Blood Services. The following links should help: Guidelines for donating blood: http://inside.moffitt.usf.edu/common/pdf/ves/bloodguide.pdf. For more detailed information or if you have specific questions on donating, go to the Florida Blood Services web site at the following link: http://www.fbsblood.org/. If you need further assistance, contact Julie Watkinson at FBS at: (727) 656-3918.

Thursday, June 10, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., MRC Front Circle
Florida Blood Services Blood Drive

Thursday, June 10, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., MCC - Lot 33 outside the west entrance doors
Florida Blood Services Blood Drive

Thursday, June 10, 2004, 12:00 p.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon

Luncheon menu: food from Tijuana Flats Burrito Company, Inc.

Wednesday, June 23, 2004, 5:15 p.m., Tijuana Flats Burrito Company, Inc.

AMSGS Happy Hour!

Come and relax and listen to some music. Please contact Rachel for more information.

Tuesday, July 6, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Please contact Rachel with questions.

AMSGS Executive Board meeting minutes in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (USF_AMSGS_minutes_06jul2004.pdf).

Wednesday, July 7, 2004, 9:00 a.m., Moffitt Research Center (MRC) Auditorium

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "BRCA1 185delAG Mediates Apoptosis in Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cells", by Nicole Johnson (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). Nicole's major professor is Dr. Patricia Kruk, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. in MDL 1022, the Graduate Learning Lab.

Thursday, July 8, 2004, 12:00 p.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon

Luncheon menu: food from Antraniks

Discussion: AMSGS annual welcome picnic

Thursday, July 15, 2004, 10:30 a.m., SRB Auditorium, Moffitt Cancer Center

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Cord Blood Cell Therapy for Ischemic Stroke", by Martina Vendrame (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). Martina's major professors are Dr. Alison Willing, Center for Aging and Brain Repair and Dr. Patricia Kruk, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. in MDL 1022, the Graduate Learning Lab.

Wednesday, July 21, 2004, 5:00 p.m., Mr. Dunderbaks, University Square Mall

AMSGS Happy Hour!

Please contact Rachel for more information.

Friday, July 30, 2004, 7:15 p.m., Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

Baseball: Tampa Bay Devil Rays versus Toronto Blue Jays

Please contact Josh O'Donnell for more information ($3.00/ticket; $1.00/beer).

The game starts at 7:15 p.m., however with Friday evening traffic it may take at least 45 minutes to travel to the field from USF. Therefore, anyone who is interested in attending the game should meet in the graduate student lounge (MDL 1022) at 5:45 p.m. and we'll leave shortly there after. This should allow us plenty of time to get there, park, buy tickets, and get situated before the game starts. Parking is $10 a car, so we'll try and car-pool as much as possible.

Monday, August 2, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

The main topic of discussion will be the Fall Welcome Picnic for the incoming graduate students. Please contact Rachel with questions or if you will be unable to attend the meeting.

AMSGS Executive Board meeting minutes in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (USF_AMSGS_minutes_02Aug2004.pdf).

Thursday, August 12, 2004, 11:45 a.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon

Luncheon menu: CiCi's Pizza

Tuesday, August 17, 2004, 5:00 p.m., Margarita Mama's, University Square Mall

AMSGS Happy Hour!

Come and help welcome all the new graduate students admitted into various programs. Please contact Rachel for more information.

Wednesday, August 18, 2004, 1:30 p.m., MDC 1507

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Protein Kinase C-alpha is Required for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion to Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells", by Homero G. San Juan Vergara (Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology). Homero's major professors are Dr. Shyam Mohapatra, Department of Internal Medicine and Dr. Peter Medveczky, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 4:30 p.m. in the Graduate Student Learning Lab/Lounge, MDL 1022.

Friday, August 20, 2004, 9:00 a.m., MDC 1507

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Peripheral Nerve Repair using Biomaterial Nerve Guides Containing Guidance Channels", by Oren D. Rosenthal (Department of Anatomy). Oren's major professor is Dr. Frank Liuzzi, Department of Anatomy.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 1:30 p.m. in the Graduate Student Learning Lab/Lounge, MDL 1022.

Friday, August 20, 2004, 3:00 p.m., MDC 1507 and Atrium Area

New Student Welcome - Ice Cream Social

Come and welcome all the new students admitted into various graduate programs within the College of Medicine. The event is sponsored by the College of Medicine, Office of Graduate Affairs.

Tuesday, August 24, 2004, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., NEW Stabile Research Building

Florida Blood Services Blood Drive

All donors will receive a special American flag pin, Moffitt cafeteria meal card, a choice of Florida Blood Services baseball cap or visor, two bowling games, and a wellness checkup including a cholesterol screening.

Wednesday, August 25, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., MCC - Lot 33 outside the west entrance doors

Florida Blood Services Blood Drive

Wednesday, August 25, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., MRC Front Circle

Florida Blood Services Blood Drive

Saturday, August 28, 2004, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., USF Riverfront Park (6200 East Fletcher Avenue)

Networking Social Event

Come and meet new and current graduate students from all departments at the University of South Florida. This free and informal social provides an opportunity for departments to share information, and graduate students to network. Food, games and canoeing will be available. Please RSVP to http://www.grad.usf.edu/rsvpsocial.html. You will need to park at the parking lots by the Intramural Fields on campus (off 50th Street). Shuttles will take you to the park.

This event is sponsored by the Graduate And Professional Student Council (GPSC). For more information, visit the GPSC website.

Monday, August 30, 2004, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Special guest lecture

You are cordially invited to a lecture titled, "Toll-Like Receptor 3 Recognition of West Nile Virus Mediates Viral Entry into the Brain Causing Lethal Encephalitis", presented by Terrence Town, Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Fellow, Flavell Lab, Yale University School of Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Dr. Town is a graduate of the doctoral program in Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of South Florida.

Wednesday, September 1, 2004, 5:30 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

The main topic of discussion will be the Fall Welcome Picnic for the incoming graduate students. Please contact Rachel with questions or if you will be unable to attend the meeting.

Friday, September 17, 2004, 3:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Systematic Analysis of Recessive Congential Methemoglobonemia: Molecular Basis for Disease", by C. Ainsley Davis (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). Ainsley's major professor is Dr. Michael Barber, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 5:00 p.m. in the Graduate Student Learning Lab/Lounge, MDL 1022.

Saturday, September 18, 2004, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Compton Park Recreation Center

Annual Fall Welcome Picnic

Please contact Rachel with questions or to RSVP. Come and meet with fellow graduate students and faculty members. Picnic food and beverages will be provided. Other amenities include: volleyball and basketball courts, swimming pool, indoor air-conditioned pavilion where the food will be served, children's playground, grassy area for kickball, horseshoes, softball, etc.

Directions: 16101 Compton Drive, Tampa; Take Bruce B. Downs Blvd North and turn right (East) on Tampa Palms Blvd. Turn left (North) onto Compton Drive. Compton Park is on the right.

Monday, September 20, 2004, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., MRC Front Circle

Florida Blood Services Blood Drive

Please donate if you can since blood products are in short supply.

Monday, September 20, 2004, 5:00 p.m., Chili's Grill & Bar (2794 East Fowler Avenue)

AMSGS Happy Hour!

They have a special promotion to help raise $2 million for St. Jude's. Chili's will donate 100 percent of its profits on September 20, 2004 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The event is part of Chili's month-long campaign to Create a Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer.
For the entire month of September, Chili's will ask its guests nationwide to donate $1 for the opportunity to color the Chili's signature pepper logo.
So come and join us - it's all for a good cause!! Please contact Rachel for more information.

Friday, September 24, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., MDC 1507

Cardiovascular Research in Progress Seminar Series

You are cordially invited to a seminar titled "Microscopic Array Analysis of the Extracellular Matrix in Inflammatory Diseases" presented by Anna Plaas, Ph.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, USF and "Nanogene Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases: Food for Thought!" presented by Shyam Mohapatra, Ph.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, USF.
Please contact Charmaine Disimile, HSC Office of Research at 813-974-5200 for more information.

Wednesday, September 29, 2004, 5:30 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Please contact Rachel with questions.

Thursday, September 30, 2004, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., College of Medicine, Parking Lot 31

Florida Blood Services Blood Drive

Please come out and donate if willing and able; the FBS is in desperate need of donors! Call 1-800-68-BLOOD with questions. Thank you!

Monday, October 4, 2004, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. or 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Marshall Center Ballroom

Bull Session sponsored by Office of Student Activities (rescheduled from September 26, 2004 due to Hurricane Jeanne)

The Bull Session is an event designed to educate student leaders about how to effectively lead a student organization. How much fun can we have in two hours with learning and food!!!!! Each student organization is required to send TWO members to this event.

Stop by the Office of Student Activities, Marshall Center 259, to sign up your organization. Please call us at 813-974-7595 for more information!

Contact Kat Reed, Leadership Development Graduate Assistant, Student Activities Office, for more information.

Wednesday, October 6, 2004, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., FAO100N

Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) General Assembly Meeting

There will be an update on the Council, a free professional development workshop and refreshments. The workshop will cover presenting a paper at a professional meeting, how to help your faculty members write an effective letter of recommendation, how to get published, building supportive networks and colleagues and more....

To become involved, attend a monthly meeting, held the first Wednesday of every month from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. For more information, see the GPSC website.

Friday, October 8, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Cardiovascular Research in Progress Seminar Series

You are cordially invited to a seminar titled "The Role of Arginine Regeneration in Vascular Endothelial Nitric Oxide Production" presented by Duane Eichler, Ph.D., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, USF and "Novel Effects of Cardiovascular Hormones" presented by David L. Vesely, M.D., Ph.D., Department Physiology and Biophysics, J.A. Haley VA Medical Center.
Please contact Charmaine Disimile, HSC Office of Research at 813-974-5200 for more information.

Thursday, October 14, 2004, 11:30 a.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon

Food will be provided by the Pita Pit.

Saturday, October 16, 2004, 4:00 - 11:30 p.m., Raymond James Stadium

University of South Florida Bulls versus Army Black Knights FOOTBALL game (televised on ESPN)

4:00 p.m. - Bull's Roast Tailgate Party

Raymond James Stadium, Lot 6D (South Side)

Reminisce with alumni, faculty and friends at the all-inclusive, tailgate party with a Mardi Gras twist. Enjoy Budweiser beer, Cajun cuisine, live music from a New Orleans style band, and pick up your exclusive USF Mardi Gras beads. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for USF students and children under 12.

7:00 p.m. - Homecoming Football Game

Raymond James Stadium

Come cheer on the USF Bulls at Homecoming 2004 as they face off against the Army Black Knights. Coming off last year's winning season, USF is poised to enter the Big East conference in 2005. Students are admitted for free (with valid University ID).

Friday, October 22, 2004, 5:00 p.m., Chili's Grill & Bar (2794 East Fowler Avenue)

AMSGS Happy Hour!

Friday, October 22, 2004, 7:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m., Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

AMSGS Social Event!

Meet at Chili's on Fowler Ave from 5:00 p.m. for Happy Hour. We will be leaving Chili's at 7:00 p.m. because of the lines at Busch Gardens.

Keep an eye out for Pepsi discounts ($33.95 for ticket) or email Rachel for details on how to get the group rate ($29.95 + tax, Passport Holders $29.95 advance purchase). Remember � no costumes allowed!!

Tuesday, October 26, 2004, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Center for Urban and Transportation Research (CUTR) - Room 202

NSF Graduate Fellowship Application Workshop

To greater prepare USF students with applications to the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program and other external fellowships, the NSF funded IGERT and Bridge to the Doctorate Programs at USF (Tampa and St. Petersburg), the College of Engineering, and the Office of Research have scheduled a NSF Graduate Fellowship Application Workshop. As you may be aware, NSF fellowships are valued at $30K for up to 3 years towards a PhD degree in the social, biological, physical, engineering, and computational sciences. Please encourage all eligible students to attend. Additionally, we welcome the attendance of interested faculty and advisors. For further details and registration information, please visit the Office of Research's website at http://www.research.usf.edu/absolutenm/templates/newro.asp?articleid=669

Thursday, October 28, 2004, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Alfano Center, on the south side of Fowler Avenue, across from the University

Strategic Discussion with faculty, staff and students from the Health Sciences Center with Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, Dean, College of Medicine and Vice President, Health Sciences

Please join Dean Klasko on October 28th for a discussion of the future of the Health Sciences Center. This is the first opportunity Dean Klasko will have to meet with all the faculty, staff and students, across the three colleges of the HSC. This discussion will have a special focus on diversity and inclusiveness. Dean Klasko has outlined the five messages we will pursue in shaping our future - now it's time to apply those messages. In the case of diversity, he's interested in an action plan that will make us nationally prominent. And Dean Klasko believes diversity makes sense, not only in education but also in research, outreach and the integration of the Health Sciences Center and University.

Please RSVP to Michael Hoad if you can attend this dicussion.

Thursday, October 28, 2004, Refreshments served from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.; Panel Discussion from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., MDA 1096

Public Panel Discussion: Stem Cells and Stem Cell Research

The Tampa Bay Chapter of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, will be hosting a public information panel discussion at University of South Florida-Tampa. For information contact: Lorraine Diecidue at 813-974-5481.

Moderator: M. Ian Phillips, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Vice President for Research
Professor, Physiology and Biophysics
University of South Florida
President, Sigma Xi

Speakers: Paul Sanberg, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Distinguished University Professor
Associate Vice President for HSC Bio Technology Development
Director, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair
College of Medicine
University of South Florida

Speakers: Juan Sanchez-Ramos, Ph.D., M.D.
Helen E. Ellis Professor of Neurology and Parkinson Disease Research
College of Medicine
University of South Florida
Staff Physician
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital

Thursday, November 4, 2004, 5:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

The main topic of discussion will be the Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. Please contact Rachel with questions or if you will be unable to attend the meeting.

AMSGS Executive Board meeting minutes in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (USFAMSGSminutes_04November2004.pdf).

Monday, November 8, 2004, 9:00 a.m., MDL 1005

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Microglia Activation in Alzheimer's Disease", by Kirk P. Townsend (Neuroscience and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine). Kirk's co-major professors are Dr. Paul Sanberg, Center for Aging and Brain Repair and Neuroscience and Dr. Jin Cheng, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 5:00 p.m. in the Graduate Student Learning Lab/Lounge, MDL 1022.

Monday, November 8, 2004, 9:00 a.m., MRC Auditorium

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Novel Approaches to Targeting Tumor Cell Apoptotic Signaling Pathways", by Deborah Kuhn (Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program at Moffitt). Deborah's major professor is Dr. Q. Ping Dou, Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 4:30 p.m. in the Stabile Research Building, 2nd floor atrium conference room.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., David Murphy Conference Room (first floor), Stabile Research Building

AMSGS Thanksgiving Luncheon

You are cordially invited to attend the AMSGS Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. Come and join friends and faculty for this social event and fantastic food! Celebrate Thanksgiving early!

Please RSVP to amsgsRSVP@yahoo.com to ensure a seat. This event is free to all AMSGS students. A $5.00 donation is requested from faculty members, payable on the date of the event. The event will be catered this year, so please RSVP by November 5, 2004 so we can have an accurate count.

The food was well received and the venue was appropriate. Thanks to all attendees and organizers/helpers.

Sunday, November 21, 2004, Time and Location TBA

Volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries

AMSGS will be volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please email Rachel Haviland havilarc@moffitt.usf.edu for more information.

Monday, November 22, 2004, Noon, Tampa campus, northeast corner of Holly and Magnolia, at the site of soon-to-start construction of the USF Center for Advanced Health Care

Celebration time - HSC Picnic!!

Please join Dean Donna Petersen, Dean Patricia Burns and Dean Stephen Klasko and picnic on the grass, under the trees.

To: All students, staff and faculty of the HSC are invited.

Hosts: Donna Petersen, ScD, new dean of the College of Public Health

Patricia Burns, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing

Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, dean of College of Medicine and Vice President

Location: Tampa campus, northeast corner of Holly and Magnolia, at the site of soon-to-start construction of the USF Center for Advanced Health Care. This is a beautiful location, between the USF Psychiatry Center/ Physical Therapy and the Moffitt research buildings. It's a 7-minute walk from the HSC buildings on the Tampa campus, or you can park on the grass! We'll try to get a shuttle too!

Bring: A can of food to add to Thanksgiving donations by students.

Food: We'll have hot dogs and hamburgers (and veggie burgers for non-meat eaters along with baked beans, onion rings, chips, iced tea, lemonade.

Wednesday, December 1, 2004, 1:00 p.m., MDL 1022

Executive Board Meeting

Topics of discussion include: December luncheon and the banquet for next May, so if you have any ideas/comments but can't make tomorrow's meeting, then please email Rachel.

AMSGS Executive Board meeting minutes in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (USFAMSGSminutes01dec2004.pdf).

Saturday, December 4, 2004, 11:00 a.m., Raymond James Stadium

University of South Florida Bulls versus the University of Pittsburgh Panthers FOOTBALL game (televised on ESPN)

(rescheduled game due to Hurricane Frances)

Monday, December 6, 2004, Noon - 1:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Cardiovascular Research in Progress Seminar Series

You are cordially invited to a seminar titled "The Roles of Fluid/Solid Interactions and Material Properties in Heart Valve Performance: Implications for Native Disease and Prosthetic Design" presented by Michael VanAuker, Ph.D., Colleges of Engineering and Medicine.

Please contact Jo Ann Moore, HSC Office of Research at 813-974-9446 for more information.

Thursday, December 9, 2004, 12:00 p.m., MDC 1507

AMSGS Monthly Luncheon

Catering will be provided by CiCi's Pizza. Please bring a canned food item to donate for our food drive. We are hoping to have an Angel Tree for those wishing to purchase Christmas presents for underprivileged children.

Thursday, December 9, 2004, 4:00 p.m., MDL 1003

Neuroscience Seminar

You are cordially invited to a seminar titled "Proving the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis. Novel Insights into the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotted Mind" presented by Carol A. Colton, Ph.D., Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.

Hosted by the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and the Office of Graduate Affairs.

Friday, December 10, 2004, 9:00 a.m., MDL 1005

Defense of a Doctoral Dissertation, "Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease: Characterization and Modification of the Response of Transgenic Mice to Intrahippocampal Lipopolysaccharide Administration", by Donna L. Herber (Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics). Donna's major professor is Dr. Marcia Gordon, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

In anticipation of a successful defense, please attend a Defense Celebration at 12:00 p.m. in the hallway/atrium area outside of room MDC 1507.

Tuesday, December 14, 2004, 6:00 p.m., Chili's Grill & Bar (2794 East Fowler Avenue)

AMSGS Happy Hour!

Thursday, December 16, 2004, 11:00 a.m., MDL 1003

Neuroscience Seminar

You are cordially invited to a seminar titled "Post-translational Protein Modification as the Substrate for Long-Lasting Memory: A Protein Synthesis Free Theory" presented by Aryeh Routtenberg, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Neurobiology and Institute for Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

Hosted by the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and the Alzheimer Research Laboratory.