In Brief

Slava Bernat Receives Myotonic Dystrophy Fellowship

Slava Bernat, a research associate in the Disney lab at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), has received a Fund-a-Fellow postdoctoral award from the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, an international patient organization whose mission includes advancing research focused on treatments and a cure for the those living with the genetic disorder myotonic dystrophy, the most common form of the muscular dystrophy that begins in adulthood.

The Fund-a-Fellow program is intended to draw new researchers into the myotonic dystrophy field, particularly those in molecular biology and basic science.

Bernat’s project is entitled “Precise Lead Therapeutics for Myotonic Dystrophy via in cellulo Synthesis.”

Italian Consul General Visits TSRI

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The Italian Consul General of Los Angeles, Antonio Verde, took the time to visit Scripps California this week. Professor Marisa Roberto, Associate Professor Marta Perego and Faculty Club Coordinator Nancy de Monte noted he seemed genuinely interested in the Italians living under his jurisdiction, aiming to maintain open lines of communication and foster interaction of people with ties to Italy. Shown here are (back, left to right) Giordano de Guglielmo, Elisa Barile, Verde, Roberto, Pietro Sanna, de Monte and Perego and (front, left to right) Alessandra Matzeu, Marsida Kallupi and Guya Marconi.

10 Tips: Coping with Disaster

In response to this week’s news from Nepal, Counseling and Psychological Services has updated its “10 Tips for Coping with Disaster” article. “Many of us are deeply concerned about the devastation, and some of us have friends and family in the region,” writes Daphne Lurie, director of Counseling and Psychological Services. The updated resource provides suggestions for coping and feeling useful in the face of such challenges.

Career Workshop: Interview Skills

“Ace the Interview,” a training session for TSRI postdoctoral fellows and graduate students will be held on May 14, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM, in the graduate office seminar room, Hazen Theory building, first floor.

Conducted by Ryan Wheeler, director of TSRI’s Career and Postdoctoral Services, the workshop will cover the basics of interviewing, including sample questions, response strategies, body language and interview etiquette.

RSVP is required.

FL SRF Postdoctoral Travel Award Applications Due May 21

Applications for the 2015 Mark A. Hall Memorial Travel Award, sponsored by the Scripps Florida Society of Research Fellows (SRF), are due at the organization’s monthly meeting on Thursday, May 21.

SRF will award two grants of up to $1,000 each. Winners will be announced at the June 18 SRF meeting. The award is named in memory of the late Mark Hall, a Scripps Florida postdoctoral fellow in cancer biology.

Eligible applicants must be full-time postdoctoral fellows; one proposal per applicant may be submitted. Previous SRF Hall or Sandelman travel award recipients are not eligible.

Complete eligibility criteria and application guidelines are available on the SRF website.

SRF Celebrates Global Cultures on FL Campus

The Scripps Florida Society of Research Fellows (SRF) will celebrate the far-ranging cultural diversity on campus at its third annual International Party, scheduled on Friday, May 15, 5:30 to 8 PM in the Scripps Café.

Guests are encouraged to bring a food dish representing their cultural cuisine; beverages will be provided. Activities include games and prizes and music. Family and “significant others” are invited to attend.

For additional information, contact SRF Event/Activities Co-chairs Jenny Morgenweck, jmorgenw@scripps.edu, or Christelle Doebelin, cdoebeli@scripps.edu.

Wee Companions Project Seeks Volunteers

The next ScrippsAssists California volunteer opportunity with Wee Companions, a small, furry exotic animal care and rescue agency, is available at Wee Companions’ Adoption Center, 3368 Governor Dr., Suite F, San Diego, on Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 8 PM.

Every first Wednesday of the month, ScrippsAssists volunteers help clean and set up guinea pig cases; no animal handling is involved with the tasks.

In addition to the ScrippsAssists project, Wee Companions offers other volunteer opportunities, including serving as foster homes for small animals (rats, guinea pigs or other animals), providing adoption counseling or brief clerical and staff work.

To volunteer or for more information, contact ScrippsAssists Project Lead Sasha Moola at smoola@scripps.edu.

At the Auditorium: Mainly Mozart, Chamber Music

The Mainly Mozart Spotlight Series will offer a ”Four-Piano Spectacular” Saturday, May 9, featuring Anne-Marie McDermott, Pedja Muzijevic, Anton Nel and Stephen Prutsman performing Czerny’s Quartet for 4 pianos in C Major, Op. 230 and Bach’s Concerto for Four Pianos in A Major, BWV 1065. A reception will be held at 6:30 PM, followed by the concert at 7:30 PM and an artist “Talk-Back Session” at 8:45 PM.

Ticket and additional concert information is available on the Mainly Mozart website.

The Auditorium at TSRI is located at 10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego 92121.

Send comments to: mikaono[at]scripps.edu

CA ScrippsAssists Honored for Food Bank Service

ScrippsAssists-California was recently honored for its “outstanding volunteerism and support” of long-time community partner the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Above, ScrippsAssists project lead Mishelle McClanahan-Shinn (right) and veteran ScrippsAssists Food Bank volunteer Shirley Sanchez attended the award ceremony.

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