Kudos:

Bartfai, Lerner, and Wong Elected AAAS Fellows
Scripps Research Institute President Richard A. Lerner and Scripps Research Professors Tamas Bartfai and Chi-Huey Wong have been awarded the distinction of being named American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellows, an honor bestowed upon members by their peers.

Bartfai, who is director of the Harold L. Dorris Neurological Research Center at Scripps Research, was cited "for distinguished contributions to the field of neuropharmacology, including identification of brain muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and for pioneering work on several neuropeptide signaling systems."

Lerner, who is Lita Annenberg Hazen Professor of Immunochemistry, recipient of the Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Chair in Chemistry, and a member of the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology at Scripps Research, was cited "for distinguished contributions to chemistry and biology, including the development of catalytic antibodies that provide otherwise unattainable catalytic activation and selectivity for classical chemical reactions."

Wong, who is the Ernest W. Hahn Professor and Chair in Chemistry and a Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology investigator, was cited "for achievements in bioorganic and synthetic chemistry, particularly in the area of enzymes for synthesis, and in carbohydrate chemistry and biology."

New fellows will be presented with an official certificate and a rosette pin on Saturday, February 19, at the 2005 AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.

Bank of America, San Diego, Renews Support of Teacher Interns
The Bank of America, San Diego, has renewed its support of teachers in next year's Summer Research Internship Program.

"The Bank of America, San Diego, has been one of our strongest supporters," says Jennifer Bardi, director of the Scripps Research Education Outreach Programs. "Teachers bring so much back to their classrooms from their summer experience in a Scripps Research lab—a knowledge of cutting-edge techniques, an appreciation of what it takes to succeed in science, and rekindled enthusiasm for the subject matter."

Teachers in the intensive, hands-on eight-week internship program conduct basic biomedical research in a laboratory under the supervision of a Scripps Research scientist. The program emphasizes the scientific process, research planning, bench experience, experimental design, data analysis, and interaction with laboratory personnel. As an adjunct to their day-to-day responsibilities, teachers attend specially designed programs and field trips throughout the course of the summer.

Other supporters of the teacher internship program include Bank of America, Palm Beach County, and the John and Susan Diekman Endowment.

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