Dear College of Science Faculty and Staff,
The coastline between Monterey and San Francisco is a lovely array of dunes, in whose salty sand happily grow plants – some native perennials, some invasive and damaging, but all beautiful to the casual observer. I saw these first-hand this week on a trip to California, that had several goals.
1. I attended the 10th Zebrafish PI Meeting in Asilomar near Monterey. The zebrafish is similar to human in its genes and organs, but also inexpensive to grow in the lab. So, zebrafish are a terrific ‘model’ for exploring the magic of how animals form from a single cell, and for uncovering disease etiology. One powerful use of the fish is as part of the NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) that is defining causes of genetic disorders previously unexplained. The approach uses three animal models (worm, fly and fish) to test whether animals built with DNA changes found in people with a UD, also alter structure or function of the worm, fly or fish. Those mutations that do may be causal of the human disorder, and this information is pivotal for people to understand their disorder and provides key steps to finding a treatment. I would love Northeastern to join the UDN and please contact me or Associate Dean Erin Cram if you are interested.
2. Our Northeastern University Oakland campus is green and peaceful any time of the year. And the City of Oakland is interesting and lively, including the fantastic Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). A big part of my trip was to meet with students, faculty and staff in Oakland, in order to optimize the Science student experience. It takes much work to organize each of our global campus sites, and we are developing mechanisms to build community among faculty teaching College of Science courses in Oakland, and to ensure a great experience for students taking our courses. This semester we are teaching 54 sections at NU Oakland, involving every COS department. Thank you!! to everyone contributing.
3. Finally, with our Director of Development, Veronica Jorge-Curtis, I met with wonderful College of Science families, alumni and friends in the Bay Area. Each person was so excited to hear of the innovations and success of our College, in education and research.
I hope you have a pleasant long weekend, as we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, that marks the birthday of Dr. King. The day reminds us of the ongoing work needed towards equity and against systemic racism, so we become a truly respectful, inclusive nation. Warmest regards.