Academic Honors & Events

Excellence Recognized — Drs. Liise-anne Pirofski and Kami Kim will be inducted into the prestigious Association of American Physicians (AAP) at the joint meeting of American Society of Clinical Investigation and AAP, in April 2013. Dr. Pirofski is professor of medicine (infectious diseases) and of microbiology & immunology, chief of the division of infectious diseases, and the Selma and Dr. Jacques Mitrani Chair in Biomedical Research. Dr. Kim is professor of medicine (infectious diseases), of microbiology & immunology, and of pathology.

Fitting Memorial — The family of Dr. Richard Hays, professor emeritus of medicine who died Thanksgiving morning in Greenwich, Connecticut,  has established a fund in his honor at the New York Community Trust, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to distribute the income from charitable funds to improve the quality of life in New York City. The fund honoring Dr. Hays’ memory will support students in the sciences. Dr. Hays was a member of the Einstein faculty for more than 40 years and served as director of the division of nephrology from 1979 to 1988. A much-beloved mentor, he received Einstein’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2003. He was 85 at the time of his death.

Origins of Cell Biology — Dr. Peter Satir is author of “Cilia and the Cytoskeleton,” a chapter within the section, “Early Explorations into the Fine Structure of Cells,” which appears in Entering an Unseen World:  A Founding Laboratory and Origins of Modern Cell Biology 1910-1974 (The Rockefeller University Press). The book, edited by Carol L. Moberg, contains first person chapters by Dr. Satir and 21 other scientists describing how their research led to the discovery of the scientific field of cell biology. Dr. Satir, distinguished university professor of anatomy & structural biology, is well known for his fundamental contributions as a pioneer in the field of cilia biology.

Recognizing Excellence — Dr. Britta Will a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Ulrich Steidl, has been selected as a finalist for the Regeneron Prize for Outstanding Research. On May 6, for the final round, she will describe the “dream project” she designed to the selection committee at the company’s headquarters in Tarrytown, NY.  The mission of the competition is to honor excellence in biomedical research done by early-stage scientists.  Finalists are awarded $5,000 and winners (one graduate student and one postdoctoral fellow) will receive $50,000 for themselves and an additional $50,000 for their home institutions. 

Academic Accolade — Dr. Susan Horwitz, distinguished professor and co-chair of molecular pharmacology and the Rose C. Falkenstein Chair in Cancer Research at Einstein, has been inducted into the inaugural class of Fellows of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy, comprised of 105 of the world’s leading investigators. The AACR Academy was established to recognize distinguished scientists, selected through a rigorous peer review process, whose scientific contributions have had extraordinary impacts in the field of cancer biology. Dr. Horwitz’ research was instrumental in evaluating and identifying the active properties of Taxol, a revolutionary anti-cancer drug that has saved millions of lives in treating breast, lung and ovarian cancers. Membership in the academy represents the most prestigious honor bestowed by the AACR. In addition to her induction into the academy, Dr. Horwitz has received the 8th AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research. 

Recognizing Excellence — Dr. William Jacobs and Dr. Robert Singer have the prestigious honor of election to the National Academy of Sciences, in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Dr. Jacobs is professor of microbiology & immunology and of genetics, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Dr. Singer is professor and co-chair of anatomy and structural biology, as well as  co-director of the Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center and of the Integrated Imaging Program. He also holds the Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Anatomy & Structural Biology.

Laudable Leadership — Dr. Yvette Calderon was chosen by the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® (ELAM®) Program for Women at Drexel University College of Medicine as a member of its 2013-14 class of fellows. The program, now in its 19th year, is the only one of its kind nationally dedicated to preparing senior women faculty for leadership at academic health centers. Selection as an ELAM fellow is based on a national competition whose metrics include demonstrated academic leadership accomplishments and potential for senior leadership growth. Dr. Calderon was nominated by Deans Allen M. Spiegel and Edward R. Burns. She is professor of clinical emergency medicine, as well as associate dean for minority enhancement.

Honorable Mention — Dr. Kami Kim has been elected as a 2013 Academy Fellow of the American Academy for Microbiology. Fellows of the Academy are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Kim’s significant contributions to the field of microbiology. She is professor of medicine (infectious diseases), of microbiology & immunology and of pathology.

A Presentation First — Dr. Vern Schramm, professor and chair of biochemistry, presented “Enzymatic Transition States and Drug Design” as the inaugural Ferrier Lecture at Victoria University of Wellington, in New Zealand.  Dr. Schramm discussed his pioneering work on the design and synthesis of transition state analogues, which inhibit the enzymes involved in the progression of various pathologies, such as leukemia, gout, cancer, malaria and antibiotic-resistance. Two of the inhibitors designed by the Schramm laboratory are currently in clinical trials while others are in earlier stages of drug development. Dr. Schramm also holds the Ruth Merns Chair of Biochemistry.

IAHD Accolade — The Institutes for Applied Human Dynamics honored Dr. Robert Marion with a Distinguished Humanitarian Award in May. The honor recognizes Dr. Marion’s dedication and service to countless patients with developmental disorders and their families, and for the exceptional mentorship he has provided to students and staff throughout his career. Dr. Marion is professor of pediatrics and of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health, chief of child development and of genetics, within pediatrics and director of the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center. He also holds the Ruth L. Gottesman Chair in Developmental Pediatrics.