The GSO News

Inside this Issue

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Volume 4, Issue 2, Jan 2013

What does the consolidation mean for the COGS?

Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University have consolidated to become Georgia Regents University. This merger became effective starting January 9, 2013 and has stirred public interest across the educational community especially in the Southeastern region of United States. However this has left most of

us students wondering, “Now what does the consolidation mean for the College of the Graduate Studies (COGS) (besides the change in our email address, of course)?” For this purpose, the GSO has reviewed and compiled information from multiple resources including an interview with the current SGA President, Caitlin Madigan, President Azziz’s posts, and local newspapers to paint readers with a realistic picture.

The most obvious and common worry for the most us students is the financial impact this merger on our graduate student community. As Caitlin stated in the last SGA meeting, graduate students would expect to see an increase in fees every semester. However we must remind ourselves that the higher fees have resulted in several more athletic

Happy New Year to faculty, staff, and students from the College of Graduate Studies! We welcome our new students in all programs of graduate study that matriculated in 2012 and hope that your academic experience has been enriching and productive. We also welcome new faculty members appointed recently to the College of Graduate Studies and wish you well as you endeavor to train the next generation of young scholars in your field of study. 2013 promises to be an exciting time of transition for the College as we witness the consolidation of two fine universities! Opportunities abound for students to augment their graduate education as liberal arts and health sciences programs expand. Oneof our most exciting annual events, Graduate Research Day, will take

place this year on March 22, 2013. This event features outstanding research from pre- and post-doctoral fellows. It offers an excellent opportunity to learn of the exciting research initiatives on campus. Dr. Shu Chien Professor of Bioengineering and Medicine, University of California, San Diego will deliver the keynote address “Career Development: A Case History and General Thoughts.” Please mark your calendars for a day that promises to be most invigorating. As we reflect upon the year that has just passed, I would like to acknowledge the manifold contributions of Dr. Patricia Cameron for her exceptional service to the College of Graduate Studies, who in addition to her many duties as Vice Dean, also has served as our key liaison to facilitate a successful consolidation.

Special thanks also to Dr. Michael Brands for his tireless efforts in directing the Biomedical Sciences PhD program. Finally, heartfelt thanks to our terrific staff colleagues Marvis, Emily, Linda, Donna and Rhonda for their efforts in overseeing daily operations. Best wishes for a healthy and productive 2013! -Dr. Sylvia Smith

Dean’s Note.............................1 Consolidation...........................1JDRF........................................2

Dr. Kevin Frazier.................................2Student: Margaret Summers................3Photography........................................3Student Achievements/News..............4

Alumni: Brandon Hall, Ph.D............5Alumni: John Copland, Ph.D............5Ticker Trot 5 KM..............................8

Welcoming the New Year

Nicole Yiew, Namita Hattangady

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Dr. Kevin Frazier serves as the Chief Student Affairs Officer on campus, and is the key advisor to the President and Provost on all matters relating to student life and activities. In addition, Dr. Frazier is also heavily involved in student life; he personally counsels student, campus organizations and is responsible for student regulations, activities, as well as student growth outside the classroom. The GSO News therefore decided to reach out to Dr. Frazier to learn about him, his contributions, and explore reasons behind his passion in assisting students. Dr. Frazier moved to Augusta from Gainesville, Florida to teach in the GRU College of Dental Medicine starting in January 1995. Prior to joining GRU, Dr. Frazier was a high achiever at the University of

Florida (UF); he secured a double major- a B.A. in Anthropology and B.S. in Zoology, after which he joined UF College of Dentistry. As a student, Dr. Frazier was extremely challenged by the requirements associated with a college double major and his dental education. The encouragement that he received from a few key faculty members at his school made a huge difference and gave him the strength to persevere and occasionally excel in spite of tough conditions. In some ways, Dr. Frazier tries to repay those that helped him the past, by supporting current students. Dr. Frazier recalls one of his most memorable experiences as working with the Student Government Association to launch the service and leadership honor society- Alpha Upsilon Phi in 2008. Every spring the society honor an interdisciplinary group of graduating

seniors for their service and leadership activities on behalf of their colleges, our university, and the community.

As every journey is made of flowers and thorns, one of the most challenging aspects of Dr. Frazier’s duty is to encourage students, whose academic performance suffers due to their substantial involvement with extra-

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GHSU Team Trialnet raises money to ‘Bring Home the Cure’Colleen Carey

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GHSU Team Trialnet stepped out again this year for the Augusta/Aiken Walk to Cure Diabetes in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Numerous fundraising events were held to help us reach our goal of over $7,000 raised here on campus. Our team kicked off the year with a Silent Auction back in June, with generous prizes/gifts donated from businesses all over the CSRA.

From there, a bowling tournament was held at the bowling alley on Washington road- and many of the families of Type 1 Diabetics from the area came out and participated! We once again held our ‘Crazy Sneakers Zumbathon’ and had our annual bake sale in the annex too. Additional new events this year included a softball tournament playing on the

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Dr. Kevin Frazier Nicole Yiew

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The Photography Interest Group was recently started by a group of first-year medical students when they learned about the lack of such organization on the GRU campus. The group was established to bring together students and faculty who share a passion for photography and use the club as an opportunity to fundraise for a local charity. This year, the club has chosen to donate all the funds raised to

the Children’s Medical Center (CMC).

They have already had the chance to photograph the new medical education groundbreaking ceremony and various departmental Christmas parties to kick start the fundraising. We encourage students to participate if they are interested in helping the community or in refining their photography skills.

Although initiated by medical students, the group welcomes students from all disciplines. For more information, please contact Paul at ppark@gru.edu or Duane atdjurma@gru.edu.

Photography Club

Nicole Yiew

Student Spotlight: Margaret Summers

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Margaret Summers is a second year student in the Masters in Physician Assistant (PA) Science Program. She is native to Covington, GA and made the firm decision to come to GRU due to the caliber of the PA program and the close proximity of the university campus to her family. Despite being in a demanding course, Margaret has made her mark on campus through her involvement in extra curricular activities. She is currently the student ambassador in her program and was a trainee of the Student Leadership Institute in 2012.

As graduation is fast approaching, Margaret’s plan for the future is to simply find a job that she loves in a city that she cherishes. When asked about

her strategy to ‘survive’ in Augusta, Margaret responds “Besides studying, I try to do something for myself once a day, whether it be reading, exercising, cooking, or going out. Augusta has great dining places if you are up for exploring.”

Margaret encourages current students to make friends and do not be afraid to seek help from fellow students or faculty members when needed. Margaret also advises students to often remind themselves about how lucky they are and how many people would love to be in their shoes. As I thought about Margaret’s advice, I realized how often we find ourselves thinking that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

In the words of the wise classical book writer, Robert Fulghum, “Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered.” Margaret can be contacted MSummers@georgiahealth.edu for further questions or advice. The GSO thanks Margaret for sharing her story with us and wishes her the very best in her future endeavors.

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Duane Jurma

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Colleen Carey5th year Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. student. Colleen recently became engaged to her long time boyfriend, Phil Davis. A September 2013 wedding is to be held in the Adirondack Mountains in NY.

Namita Hattangady5th year Biomedical Sciences graduate student. Namita was awarded the 2012 Endocrine Society’s Presidential Poster Award in recognition of research contributions to the field of endocrinology, at the Endocrine Conference 2012 at Houston, TX, for her poster titled ‘Novel Genetic Mechanisms for Primary Aldosteronism’.

Lani Hold2nd year Family Nurse Practitioner student. Lani is planning to tie the knot with her sweetheart, Justin Hendrix, on 2/2/2013.

Paramita Pati5th year Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. student. Paramita was awarded the AHA Predoctoral Fellowship and the Armand Karow Award from the Pharmacology & Toxicology Department in 2012.

Shuiqing Qiu4th year Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. student. Shuiqing has been granted an AHA Predoctoral Fellowship to support 2 years of her graduate study.

Buvana Ravishankar4th year Biomedical Sciences Ph.D.student. Buvana made the year 2012 a year of excellence; she has earned a first author publication in the prestigious journal PNAS; she also presented her work in a poster and an oral session as well as received an abstract award at the American Association of Immunologists meeting; Buvana was granted the Rasmussen Award for Excellence in Molecular Medicine, been nominated for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and is now working on a co-authored review article for the Journal Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.

Juilee Rege5th year Biomedical Sciences Ph.D.student. Juilee achieved international success by securing a Young Researcher’s Award at the 15th International Congress on Hormonal Steroids and Hormones &

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Student News and AchievementsWarmest Congrats Fellow Students! We are proud and happy for you!

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Dr. Brandon J. Hall grew up in Aiken, South Carolina. Familiar with the reputation of GRU’s biomedical research program, he decided to join

the Pharmacology department as a graduate student. He initally pursued his research work under the expert mentorship of Dr. Jerry Buccafusco; but upon Dr. Buccafusco’s untimely passing, he completed his thesis under the guidance of Dr. Alvin Terry. He investigated the prospect of treating drug addiction via mechanisms involving use-dependent antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Dr. Hall derived his inspiration from his profound interest in translational research, especially on drug development. In addition, the introduction to behavioral research at the Small Animal Behavior Core further ignited Dr. Hall’s interest for science. He received a travel award to the

Southeastern Pharmacology Society’s annual meeting. He also received an Excellence in Research Award for Graduate Research Day two years in a row. By the end of his student career, Dr. Hall had a solid publication record with three first author publications related to his research, and he also co-authored a review paper. Dr. Hall is currently a postdoctoral associate with Dr. Ed Levin at Duke University, North Carolina.

Apart from being an avid reader, Dr. Hall enjoys strolling in public parks and playing golf. Dr. Hall considers GRU as one big extended family. He believes that GRU has provided him the opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds while developing networks

Alumni SpotlightDr. Brandon Hall

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Dr John Alton Copland III is an alumnus of Georgia Reagents University. He was invited and honored as one of seven distinguished alumni at GRU’s homecoming in April 2012. The GSO used this opportunity to talk to the very humble and approachable Dr. Copland about his journey in attaining excellence in science. Dr. Copland has valuable advice for students and some wonderful stories about his time at GRU. We hope to communicate some highlights of this interview.

Dr. Copland was born in Calhoun and raised in Columbus, Georgia. He joined the Ph.D. Program at the then Medical College of Georgia (MCG) under the Department of Endocrinology and Physiology. Dr. Copland trained under the renowned Dr. Virendra Mahesh in the field of reproductive endocrinology,

exploring the antitumor activity in breast cancer of a novel compound with anti-estrogenic activity. After graduating from MCG in 1993 with several honors and strong publications, Dr. Copland is now an associate professor in Department of Cancer Biology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He has had an illustrious career, securing several grants from a variety of funding sources. His laboratory focuses on discovering new genes and signaling pathways hijacked by cancer cells, with the long term goal of potentially identifying novel molecular targeted drugs that could cure cancer or it turn cancer into a chronic disease.

Speaking fondly about his ‘good times’ at MCG, Dr. Copland reminisced about several interesting experiences and his strategies to survive graduate school within the then tight stipend of $8500/year. By befriending Augustans, he learned and performed odd jobs, such as cutting grass, painting and roofing houses, pouring concrete driveways and putting in French drains to pay the bills. He even learned to make his own

furniture from a neighbor! Dr Copland credits these experiences to helping him to grow up and become mature.

His advice to students is ‘focus first and foremost on your education’. He elaborates saying that this is also the time in a student’s life to push him/herself to academic and scientific excellence. He advices students, “Push yourself to study and be prepared for tests and to participate in lectures and especially seminars. Set a goal to ask one question for every seminar that you attend. Get to know

Alumni SpotlightDr. John Alton CoplandNamita Hattangady

Simarjot Pabla

Obtained from Dr. Hall’s website

Photo courtesy of the GRU website

The GSO News

Cancer, Kanazawa, Japan and was also an invited seminar speaker at Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.

Erin ScottMD/Ph.D. student. Erin has been rewarded for her outstanding performance by receiving the Junior Investigator Travel Award to attend the 2013 International Stroke Conference and having two papers accepted for publication in the journal Steroids and Brain Research, respectively. Last but not least, Erin and her husband,

Carson, celebrated the birth of their lovely daughter, Ehlana Orin Scott, on November 30th; she weighed 6 lb. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long ☺

Nicole Yiew2nd year Biomedical Sciences Ph.D.student. Nicole is a finalist for the 2013 Water and Electrolyte Homeostasis Section Predoctoral Research Recognition Award at the upcoming Experimental Biology 2013 conference in Boston.

Margaret Zimmerman3rd year Biomedical Sciences Ph.D.student. Still early in her career, Margaret has already accomplished much. Margaret secured an AHA Predoctoral Fellowship last July, was the lead author of an article accepted by the American Journal of Hypertension, received the GHSU Faculty and Spouse Club Scholarship as well as earned the Physiology Chair Fellowship. With the latter, Margaret is looking forward to attending the APS Professional Skills Workshop! Finally, Margaret is the finalist for 2013 Water and Electrolyte Homeostasis Section Predoctoral Research Recognition Award in the upcoming Experimental Biology conference in Boston.

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Valentine Card Sale benefitting the

Wounded Warrior Project

Give back by buying your sweetheart a Medical Valentine’s Day Card!

On sale Feb. 7-14th in the student center and terrace dining room

Cheaper than Hallmark, and more funny too!

Sponsored by the Medical Illustration Department

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Consolidation continued from pg. 1...

opportunities for students, including admittance to the Jaguar Student Activities Center (JSAC) located on the Summerville Campus. In an interview conducted by Metro Spirit, the Summerville campus Athletic Director, Mr. Clint Bryant, suggested that the merger would favorably impact student life. Mr. Bryant listed several possible new sports including rowing, swimming and diving, lacrosse, and soccer.

GRU has also provided a much needed convenience between the two campuses. With the additional transportation fee of $35 annually, the University has effectively introduced the GRU Jaguar Express Bus - a bus that shuttles students between both campuses every 15 minutes of each schooling day. The Augusta Chronicle highlighted that the bus ride will be useful for students who have classes on both campuses and students from the Summerville campus who wishes to utilize the wellness center on the Health Sciences campus. So if you are seeking some extra-curricular training at the Summerville campus such as singing, dancing, or even learning a new language, just hop onto the Jaguar Express Bus! The bus runs from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. Monday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. The bus makes stops at the University Hall on the

Summerville campus and the old Dental School Building on the Health Sciences campus.

On the Health Sciences campus, we may witness the possibility of yet another new cancer research building. According to President Azziz, there will be a proposal to construct a $100 Million Cancer Research Building. In its fiscal year 2014 budget request, the Board of Regents voted to include $45 million

in bond funding for this construction project. Quoting President Azziz, “This building, if funded by the legislature, will eventually serve as the cornerstone for a new Comprehensive Cancer Center complex as we move to become host to Georgia’s 2nd National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center.”

The formation of GRU has also rekindled the proposal to narrow Laney-Walker Boulevard from four lanes to two to ensure public safety. As in the past, this proposal has sparked a public outcry among not only GRU employees and students, but also the local Augustans. According to Augusta Chronicle, Vanessa Merriweather, the owner of Sew Sister on Laney-Walker, said she wanted to see more statistical evidence of how a narrower road would calm traffic. She

believes that hiring crossing guards and improving crosswalks would improve safety and keep the road the same. More discussions are expected on this issue. The GSO hopes to keep students posted on any outcomes of this debate in the next GSO Newsletter issue.

Whether for improving our biodata or for the true love for teaching, the most obvious change that students hope for, is an increase in teaching opportunities. The GSO explored this potential change in graduate student responsibility. Caitlin’s response to this query is, “We don’t have student teaching opportunities available immediately, but I would venture to say it’s a real possibility in the near future.” Therefore, graduate students may be involved in fostering the development of younger minds on the GRU campus someday. With the establishment of student organizations like the Community Education Outreach (CEO), this path is already in the making! While students must be cautioned about biting more than they can chew, in Mark Twain’s words ’It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others.’ So, let’s cross our fingers, and hope for the best.

Thus, overall, we hope to see several improvements such as improved transportation, better athletic facilities, a safer walking campus, and a hope for teaching opportunities at the small cost of higher fees. The COGS sure faces a bittersweet (but mostly sweet) transformation, as we make the journey towards forming a consolidated GRU administration. So, fasten your seat-belts and enjoy the ride! Keep reading the GSO news for further updates on this epoch making event in the history of GRU.

Photo provided by Emly Rose Bennett

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JDRF continued from pg. 2...

curricular activities, to give up a leadership role. It is always tough because it involves something that the students are fully invested in.

One of Dr. Frazier’s most significant contributions to GRU is being the co-founder of the Student Leadership Institute (SLI). The idea sparked after attending a one-year long leadership program with the American Dental Education Association. Dr. Frazier enjoyed learning and applying leadership skills so he decided that our students should have this chance as well.

As the growing importance of leadership abilities in our society, the old-fashioned way of only studying and working hard does not guarantee students success anymore. Dr. Frazier’s advice to students is, “ Learn about

your personality preferences, read about leadership, study other leaders and observe them in action, and look for chances to practice leading.” The authors that Dr. Frazier have found useful include Jim Kouzes & Barry Posner and John C. Maxwell, and Mike Krzyzewski. According to Dr. Frazier, one of the most common themes of leadership is influencing others: “Each and every day we are influenced by others and we in turn influence others. Understanding how we can best influence others for the common good is the most essential responsibility of leadership.” Dr Frazier has been an invaluable part of this school and a source of inspiration to many students.

The GSO thanks Dr. Frazier for sharing his experiences and for providing valuable insights to our readers on leadership.

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2012 walk theme of “bringing home a cure”, a month long car wash campaign at Sparkle Express Car Wash, and a dining give back night at Red Robin in Evans.

Each event was a huge success in helping us to meet and exceed our fundraising from last year. Fundraising efforts were celebrated at the walk itself which was held at Savannah Rapids Pavilion on Saturday November 3rd. Thanks to all who participated in the many events and to those who helped to support through donations.

Famous American middle and long distance runner Steve Prefontaine once said “what kind of crazy nut would spend two or three hours a day just running?” before his running legacy and legendary status had even begun. If you concur with Pre’s early-life thoughts but still need to work off those extra pounds from Christmas, or have a new year’s resolution to exercise more that has failed to materialize to this point, Christina Torres and her merry gang of volunteers have the event for you.

In accordance with GRU’s Graduate Student Organization (GSO), the first annual Ticker Trot 5km to benefit the American Heart Association is being

held on March 16th. The Ticker Trot 5km is an out-and-back race on the Canal near the humane society entrance (Milledge Rd and Lakeshore Loop junction). It costs $25 to enter and is open to all GRU students, staff, and faculty, as well as the public. Many GRU graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty receive generous sponsorship from the American Heart Association. Therefore, running and participating is the least we can do to show our appreciation!

If running is absolutely not your thing, and you would rather contribute to this great cause as a volunteer, contact Christina Torres (chtorres@gru.edu) and you will be allocated a race day or pre-race day responsibility. However, if you want to evaluate how your new year’s resolution is going, or just want

some inspiration of working towards a physical goal, this event is for you. Pre famously said “to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” and hereby, in the only way Pre knew how, the challenge is yours.

Ticker Trot 5 KMCam McCarthy

Logo design by Brittany King

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Dr. Copland continued from pg. 5... Dr. Hall continued from pg. 5...

your mentor(s) and advisory committee members professionally and personally. These are guides that help you move forward professionally and importantly show you the very human side of science.” Dr Copland also suggests that there should be a balance to prevent a burnout. Students should therefore keep time aside to develop some outside interests that allow you to de-stress and relax. Overall, it is important to take active social roles remembering not to sacrifice your academic excellence.

With regard to training in research, Dr Copland advises, “Do not be discouraged by apparent failures. They are incredible learning experiences. Be patient with yourself. Create clear goals and strategies for attaining your

goals. Vet the goals with your mentor and fellow graduate students. Often we do not get needed information critical for our success. Always remember that you, in the end, are responsible for your success, not your mentor and not your teachers.”

It was a delight talking to Dr Copland and, while constraint of space prevents the GSO from writing about the entire interview, Dr Copland would be very happy to talk to students. He can be contacted with any questions on guidance at copland.john@mayo.edu. The GSO would like to thank Dr Copland for his time and for sharing his refreshing and inspiring life experiences.

that enabled him to steer his career in desired direction. Citing golden words of Dr. Buccafusco, “You can’t rush science”, he advises current students to be patient, diligent and respectful towards people who have the potential to influence their future.

Brandon’s passion towards his work is a source of inspiration for students. He exemplifies dedication through his continual achievements of his goals over the years. The Graduate Student Organization is enormously grateful to Brandon for sharing his story and we wish him the very best in his professional endeavors.

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Contact Information

Websitehttp://www.georgiahealth.edu/gradstudies/students.html

Facebook Group AddressStudents of GHSU GSO Graduate Student Organization College of Graduate StudiesEmail Georgia Regents UniversityGSO@gru.edu 1120 15th St. CJ 2201 Augusta, GA 30912-1500

Newsletter Staff

Co-Editors in ChiefNicole Yiew Namita Hattangady

EditorsColleen Carey Simarjot PablaCam McCarthy Duane JuamaDr. Sylvia Smith

Layout DesignEllen Davis Jamie Rippke