USU Newsletter

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 WWW.USUHS.MIL July 13, 2009
Bill Bester

Acting Vice President for

 External Affairs and

Managing Editor

Ken Frager

Public Affairs Specialist

André Nicholson

Staff Writer

Staff Sgt. Matthew Rosine

Production Editor

MC1 Chad Hallford

Layout and Design

Christine Creenan

Contributing Writer

Production:

Editorial content is edited, 

prepared and provided by the 

USU Offi ce of External Affairs 

unless otherwise indicated. The 

Newsletter staff may include 

or exclude articles based upon 

news value, impact on the university and space availability. 

Submissions: 

The USU Newsletter will be 

published bi-weekly on Mondays. 

The deadline for submissions is 

at 4 p.m. Friday prior to the publication date. Submissions can be 

sent to usunewsletter@usuhs.mil 

or by calling 301 295-0895. 

by MC1 Chad Hallford

When the question, “Who at USU 

is committed to excellence of service?” 

is asked, the answer could be Michelle 

Anderson-Th omas and James Schooley 

Jr. Both recently earned distinction as 

Junior and Senior Employees of the 

Year.

Barbara Pedevillano, supervisory educational specialist and National Capital 

Consortium Residency Program Coordinator from the Department of Anesthesia, describes Anderson-Th omas as 

“the go-to person, a problem solver” and 

assures “she has the ability to function 

not only as a team member, but a team 

leader.”

Pedevillano further describes that 

Anderson-Th omas’s “motivation and 

mentoring skills are some of the best 

within the university.”

“I felt proud to be recognized — as a 

civilian in an organization that focuses 

on developing military medical professionals, my own professional development and my contribution to the 

mission of the university made a diff erence...,” said Anderson-Th omas.

Th e Senior Employee of the Year works 

as a laboratory technician in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, or APG, pursuing the same level 

of service to the university community.

Motilal B. Pamnani, APG professor boasts that Schooley’s “innovative 

thinking, perseverance and hard work 

has greatly contributed to the success of 

APG’s hypertension, shock and resuscitation research programs.”

Schooley’s exemplary performance as 

senior technician in collaboration with 

his department enabled more than 58 

scientifi c papers and abstracts to be 

produced during his stay.

Dr. Th omas Flagg, assistant professor 

of APG said, “I am happy that he was 

honored; his eff orts were instrumental 

to me to set up the lab, as I adjusted to 

the university.”

For their commitment to the University, the newest Junior and Senior 

Employees of the Year will receive time 

off with pay.

Anderson-Thomas, Schooley earn 

USU Employee of the Year accolades

Michelle Anderson-Thomas was recently 

named Junior Employee of the Year. AndersonThomas works in the Department of Anesthesia and is described as “the go-to person, a 

problem solver.”

James F. Schooley Jr. was recently named 

Senior Employee of the Year. Schooley works 

as a laboratory technician in the Department 

of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and is 

described as an “innovative thinker.”

Bill Bester

Acting Vice President for

 External Affairs and

Managing Editor

Ken Frager

Public Affairs Specialist

André Nicholson

Staff Writer

Staff Sgt. Matthew Rosine

Production Editor

MC1 Chad Hallford

Layout and Design

Christine Creenan

Contributing Writer

Production:

Editorial content is edited,

prepared and provided by the 

USU Office of External Affairs

unless otherwise indicated. The

Newsletter staff may include 

or exclude articles based upon

news value, impact on the university and space availability.

Submissions:

The USU Newsletter will be

published bi-weekly on Mondays.

The deadline for submissions is

at 4 p.m. Friday prior to the publication date. Submissions can be

sent to usunewsletter@usuhs.mil 

or by calling 301 295-0895.

USU Newsletter

Cover photo:

Ken Frager

photo by Tom Balfour photo by Tom Balfour

PAGE 2
by Ken Frager

A new book, “For Children of Valor: Arlington National 

Cemetery” is dedicated to helping children and families of the 

fallen buried in Arlington Cemetery to cope with the loss of a 

parent. Th e book was dedicated recently during a ceremony at 

the cemetery, in front of dozens of uniformed dignitaries and 

special guests. 

“Th is small gift conveys our admiration and our respect by acknowledging the pain and the loss these sacrifi ces must bring,” 

said retired Army Maj. Gen. Carl H. McNair Jr., president and 

chairman of the Arlington National Cemetery Commemorative Project. “We wanted to provide a gift that captures the 

honor of Arlington National Cemetery.

“May this gift bring the spirit and fond memories of your 

family a little closer to home, and may you gain a greater 

understanding and appreciation of the hallowed grounds on 

which we stand,” McNair said. 

Th e Arlington National Cemetery Commemorative Project 

produced the book in conjunction with illustration and photography support from the Washington Post. USU professor 

Dr. Stephen J. Cozza advised and helped author portions of the 

book, while children’s author Linda Tyler wrote the main text, 

and artist Deborah Withey illustrated the book.

Th ere have been more than 340,000 American military 

members buried in Arlington Cemetery since the Revolutionary War, with millions of others buried elsewhere throughout 

the world. Army Secretary Pete Geren credited the families of 

the fallen for supporting their military loved ones despite the 

frightening realities of war. Th e families are heroes, too, he said. 

“Military families are the strength behind our servicemembers,” said Geren. “Th e families don’t get medals, but they’re 

heroes, and these heroes come in all ages and sizes.”

A copy of “Children of Valor” is available in the USU Learning Resource Center.

Book honors children of troops buried in Arlington Cemetery

A variety of stylized graphics appear in a new book called “For Children 

of Valor: Arlington National Cemetery.” The book was created to help 

children of the fallen buried in Arlington Cemetery and their families to 

cope with the loss of a parent. The book was recently dedicated during a 

ceremony at the cemetery.

In Memoriam... USU remembers Dr. E. John Ainsworth

Courtesy of Mr. Brent Ainsworth 

 

Dr. E. John Ainsworth---1933-2009

Surrounded by his loving family, John 

Ainsworth Jr., world-renowned scientist, 

tennis player and fan, photography buff , 

family man and eternal optimist -- gently 

passed away July 5 at his home in Pleasanton, Calif., after enduring esophageal 

cancer for nine months. He was 76.

Carolyn, his wife of 49 years, was so 

pleased that her husband’s illness brought 

the family even closer and this bond 

comforted him in his fi nal days. Th eir 

daughters, Sue Ellen Calcagno of Aptos 

and Lee Ann Caldwell of Pleasanton, 

joined their son, Brent Ainsworth of 

Novato, at their father’s side.

Earl John Ainsworth Jr. was born May 

18, 1933, in Indianapolis, Ind., as the 

son of Earl John Ainsworth and Cleo 

Frost Ainsworth. He grew up in New 

Castle, Ind., and Indianapolis and was a 

graduate of Shortridge High School and 

Butler University in Indianapolis. He 

earned master’s and Ph.D degrees from 

Brown University in Providence, R.I. and 

enjoyed a 39-year career as a research 

scientist and laboratory administrator, focusing on the fi elds of radiation biology, 

nuclear physics and biochemistry. 

He worked at the U.S. Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory in San Francisco; 

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Ill.; Lawrence Berkeley National 

Laboratory in Berkeley; and the Armed 

Forced Radiobiology Research Institute 

in Bethesda, Md., where he served as scientifi c director. While in Berkeley, he was 

awarded a Fogarty Senior International 

Fellowship by the National Institutes of 

Health, including a one-year sabbatical 

to an institute in Darmstadt, Germany, 

where he and Carolyn enjoyed living and 

traveling throughout Europe.

He retired in 1998 after an honor-fi lled 

see Memorial, page 5

Courtesy graphic

Courtesy photo

PAGE 3
by Ken Frager

When medical students have their 

fi rst exposure to the anatomy labs, they 

are taking a major step in their medical training. But long before they get to 

this point, there was a person, whom the 

students never knew, who chose to help 

them learn and further their education. 

And honoring those who donated their 

bodies to medical science is a small token 

of how USU and others can repay this 

gratitude.

“It’s impossible to put into words the 

importance this generosity has,” said Dr. 

Mark Teaford, chair of the Maryland 

State Anatomy Board. Dr. Teaford’s comments came during the annual Anatomy 

Board of Maryland Memorial Service, 

which was held June 15 on the grounds 

Memorial ser vice honors sur vivors, 

families for contributions to medical science

of the Springfi eld Hospital Center in 

Sykesville, Md. 

“Th e human body is still the ultimate 

resource for teaching about anatomy, 

and it is a privilege for us as physicians, 

and for our medical students around the 

state, to learn from these selfl ess gifts,” 

added Teaford. “Th ese are gifts that will 

never be forgotten and can never be 

repaid.”

Th e State Anatomy Board has recognized families of donors for nearly 

30 years, inviting the surviving family 

members to a memorial service where 

medical students, medical faculty and 

state representatives honor the donors.

“It’s critically important for our students, in particular, to attend the ceremony so they can appreciate and respect 

those who gave of themselves to better 

prepare the physicians and medical 

professionals of tomorrow,” said George 

Holborow, who along with Dr. Rosemary Borke, represent USU on the State 

of Maryland Anatomy Board. “And the 

students come away with renewed faith 

and compassion that will help them to 

become better and more caring physicians.”

Th e University was represented at the 

service by a number of medical students, 

along with the USU Joint Services 

Honor Guard and the Dermatones, the 

USU student chorale group.

Former USU faculty receives the Legion d’honneur

by Staff Sgt. Matthew Rosine 

A former USU Graduate School of 

Nursing faculty member received the 

French Legion of Honor medal at a 

special ceremony, April 29. 

Dr. Eugene Levine earned the prestigious award for his heroism during 

World War II and at Normandy. 

Th e Légion d’honneur or Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur (National 

Order of the Legion of Honour) was 

created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 

and is the highest decoration in France. 

Dr. Levine worked at the university 

for many years and was here during the 

founding of the Graduate School of 

Nursing. He helped build and establish 

the research enterprise at the GSN and 

coauthored several books. 

“Not only is Dr. Levine a longtime 

friend of the Graduate School of Nursing and the USU, he was also a great 

national hero during World War II,” 

said Army Col. Bruce Schoneboom, 

the associate dean of academic aff airs at 

the GSN. “He truly is one of the great 

Americans.”

Dr. Eugene Levine poses with the French Legion 

of Honor medal pinned to his chest following 

a special ceremony, April 29. He received the 

prestigious award for his heroism during World 

War II and at Normandy. 

The USU Joint Services Honor Guard performs during the recent annual Anatomy Board of Maryland Memorial Service. The ceremony invites the surviving family members to a memorial service 

where medical students, medical faculty and State representatives honor those who donated their 

bodies to medical science. 

photo by Ken Frager

Courtesy photo

PAGE 4
The recent postdoctoral fellows meeting in June breathed new life into 

the USU Postdoctoral Fellows Association. The action is intended to 

reinvigorate a support system for USU postdoctoral fellows.

by Ken Frager

Intent on reinvigorating a support system for USU postdoctoral 

fellows, Judith Fontana, Ph.D., called on the support of her colleagues in June to determine if others felt the same way. And the 

USU Postdoctoral Fellows Association (PFA) was reborn. 

Th e PFA is open to anyone affi liated with USU (including AFRRI and CPDR) who has a Ph.D. or equivalent degree 

(M.D., D.V.M., etc) and is not a principal investigator or faculty 

member. Approximately 25 USU postdoctoral fellows attended 

the June organizational meeting, participating in lively discussion 

about how the PFA can address the needs of the USU postdoctoral community. 

“We want an organization where postdocs feel included and are 

encouraged to get involved,” said Dr. Fontana, the current organizer of the PFA. “Th is is really an initiative to revitalize a group 

that was established in 2002 by Dr. Jozwik and her colleagues, 

but when she completed her postdoc no one came forward to 

continue to push the organization along. Fortunately for us, she is 

still at USU and has been instrumental in getting us going in the 

right direction.” 

Cathy Jozwik, Ph.D. will serve as a faculty advisor for the 

current PFA. Under the guidance of Dr Lee Metcalf, the USU 

Graduate Education Offi ce has committed University resources 

to support the revived PFA.

Th e inaugural meeting included a brief summary of the USU 

Research Week Postdoctoral Symposium plenary talk followed 

by a discussion, led by Shilpa Kulkarni, Ph.D., on the importance 

of having a postdoctoral fellows association at USU. Dr. Jozwik 

discussed the history of the USU PFA – how it came to be established, what it has thus far accomplished, and where the group 

might go next. Finally, a survey was presented to the attendees by 

Dr. Fontana. 

Th e survey was intended to prioritize the functions of a postdoctoral fellows association, as viewed by the USU postdoctoral 

community; to identify interested individuals that would implement the ideas garnered by the survey; and to establish a consistent meeting schedule for future, monthly PFA meetings.

Th e results of the survey indicate fi ve areas of primary interest 

for postdoctoral fellows:

1. Career Development (workshops for public speaking, grant 

writing, job search strategies, etc.)

2. Information clearinghouse (website, newsletter and/or 

manual providing information on various issues of interest to 

postdoctoral fellows)

3. Scientifi c training (through either mini-courses, lecture 

series, or a coordinated mentoring program)

4. Orientation (assistance for international and domestic postdoctoral fellow relocation, welcoming committees and information on being a postdoctoral fellow at USU)

5. Networking (to provide a forum for networking with USU 

and non-USU postdocs through social events, special interest 

groups, etc.)

Th e monthly USU PFA meetings will be held on the third 

Wednesday of each month. Th e next meeting will be held on 

Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 4 pm, location to be announced.

If you have any questions about the PFA or would like more 

specifi c details of the survey, please do not hesitate to contact 

Judith Fontana at judith.fontana.CTR@usuhs.mil.

Postdoctoral fellows association meeting called a ‘success’

career that included milestone experiments on the medical 

benefi ts and fallout dangers of radiation on living things. 

He has close friends and former cohorts all over the world. 

John’s family and close friends will miss this warm, sensitive, 

loving man; his professional colleagues will miss his vast knowledge, keen wit, global perspective and boundless humor. 

Th e fi eld of radiation research will miss a signifi cant contributor whose loss will diminish the world’s intellectual wisdom. 

His life was one of great achievements and dreams fulfi lled.

John continued to contribute to science posthumously by 

gifting his remains to the University of California-San Francisco Willed Body Program so medical students can learn about 

many things, including esophageal cancer, one of the more rare 

and most lethal forms of cancer.

He is survived by: wife Carolyn; daughters Sue Ellen and 

Lee Ann; son Brent; sons-in-law James Calcagno and William Caldwell; daughter-in-law Edie Ainsworth; granddaughters Kyla Ainsworth, Shannon Ainsworth, Melanie Caldwell, 

Lauren Caldwell and Serena Calcagno; and grandsons J. Dante 

Calcagno and Jared Caldwell.

A private family ceremony was held in one of his favorite 

places, by his rose garden and hummingbird feeder, in recognition of his tremendous joy of nature. Th e family wishes to thank 

the team at Hope Hospice of Dublin, Calif., for its exceptional 

support. In lieu of fl owers, the family requests that you perform 

a simple act of kindness in his memory.

Memorial (from page 3)

photo by Ken Frager

PAGE 5
USU needs to remember Summer safety in 2009

by André Nicholson

Th e period between Memorial Day and 

Labor Day has come to be known as the 

“101 Critical Days of Summer.” Now, 

well into those 101 days it is imperative to 

remember to put safety fi rst. 

According to DoD offi cials the critical 

days of summer is typically the time for a 

spike in vehicle and recreational accidents. 

It is during this time that more people are 

traveling and enjoying outdoor activities. Th e 

unfortunate result is an increase in accidents.

Last year, 115 servicemembers died 

in off -duty accidents during the 101 

Critical Days of Summer. In an eff ort to 

reduce accidents and raise awareness, the 

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps 

and Coast Guard launched the 2009 

Safe Summer campaign in May 2009. 

Th e joint campaign provides information on a range of safety topics including the use of seatbelts, grilling outside 

and motorcycle driving. 

According to a recent National Highway 

Traffi c Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 

seat belt study, nearly one in fi ve Americans, approximately 18 percent nationally, 

still fail to regularly wear their seatbelts 

when driving or riding in motor vehicles. 

Additionally, NHTSA research shows 

there is a problem with drivers and passengers not buckling up at night when the 

risk of a fatal crash is even greater. Th is is 

clearly an indication that some individuals 

are not taking the seat belt law seriously. 

Seatbelt use is the single most eff ective way 

to protect people and reduce fatalities in 

motor vehicle crashes. NHTSA statistics 

show that in 2006, 72 percent of passengers 

who were buckled up when involved in a 

fatal crash survived.

Commander of the Naval Safety Center 

Rear Adm. Arthur Johnson said, “Th e hope 

is that everyone, military, civilians and family members are aware of the statistics so 

they don’t become one.”

For more information on summer safety 

visit the following Web sites:

Army Combat Readiness and Safety 

Center: https://safety.army.mil/

Naval Safety Center: http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/index.asp

Air Force Safety Center: http://www.afsc.

af.mil/

Marine Corps Safety Division: http://

hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/sd/index.htm

Information for this article was obtained 

from the service Web sites and the American Forces Press Service.

an ensemble algorithm of clustering data 

(EACCD) incorporating the TNM system to create a more robust and adaptable 

staging system that can be used by clinicians in their cancer care decisions. 

De Soto presented his data in a talk 

titled, “Th e use of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1) inhibitors in the treatment of Cancer.” 

De Soto showed how this new class of 

anticancer drugs PARP1 inhibitors could 

be used to treat breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer in combination with standard 

chemotherapy enhancing the killing of the 

cancer while at the same time minimizing 

the toxicity of chemotherapy to normal 

tissue. 

He presented preliminary evidence suggesting that PARP1 inhibitors could prevent the development of hereditary breast 

cancer. Dr. De Soto states that, “It was an 

honor to talk to such an esteemed group 

of World Experts – it was also a humbling 

experience.” 

Chen, De Soto recognized at World Cancer Congress

Courtesy of Dr. Joseph De Soto 

Two USU faculty members, Drs. 

DeChang Chen of the Deptartment of 

Preventative Medicine and Biometrics and 

Joseph De Soto of the Graduate School of 

Nursing, were recognized for their cancer 

research and invited to speak at the 2009 

World Cancer Congress in Beijing, China 

in June. 

An assembly of the world’s leaders in 

cancer care, treatment and research were 

present at the World Cancer Congress 

was.

Chen presented to the International 

community. His talk was entitled, “Ensemble clustering algorithm enhances TNM 

prognostic assessment in lung cancer.” 

Th e TNM (tumor size, number of lymph 

nodes, metastasis) system is used by oncologists to classify cancers and guide their 

counseling and treatment decisions.

 Chen presented an advancement of 

the standard TNM system by utilizing 

Dr. Joseph De Soto of the GSN was recognized 

for his cancer research and invited to speak at 

the 2009 World Cancer Congress in Beijing, 

China in June.

Courtesy photo

USU Night with the Baltimore Orioles

Sunday, Aug. 16 - Orioles vs LA Angels

Saturday, Sept. 5 - Orioles vs Texas Rangers

 (The USU Color Guard has been invited to present colors for this game)

Tickets will be available in the USU Alumni Bookstore beginning July 21.

Questions, please contact Ken Frager at (301) 295-3981 or via e-mail at: 

kenneth.frager.ctr@usuhs.mil.

PAGE 6
Helpdesk Closure: Th e UIS helpdesk is closed for training on Th ursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. During this time, you 

can leave a voicemail message at 295-9800, utilize the HEAT 

Self Service (http://www.usuhs.mil/uis/forms/trouble.html), 

or email help@usuhs.mil. If an emergency should arise, please 

call 295-9870.

Personal Exercise/Fitness Areas: Physical Fitness training should be conducted in designated areas. Th e only authorized space for PT within the university is room G060. 

All other spaces within the university are not authorized for 

exercise or fi tness, with the exception of the Student Community Lounge area during specifi ed PFT testing dates/

times. Indoor PT is also authorized on base at the Comfort 

Zone Complex, or CZC, in building 23. Th e CZC hours of 

operation are Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 

on weekends and holidays from are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2009 Field Exercises: Operations Bushmaster and Kerkesner will be conducted from July 7-24 at Fort Indiantown 

Gap, Pa. Advance personnel will deployed on July 7 and 

main body personnel deployed on July 12. Th ese exercises 

are unique to our university and require the support of all 

university uniformed personnel. Only emergency leave will 

be granted during this time frame as there are more than 145 

uniformed personnel needed to support this mission.

Proper Use of Computer Resources: Security incidents 

continue to be a drain to limited USU Information Assurance manpower. Th e following highlight current DoD policy 

and best practices: Personnel must not install self-coded or 

non-licensed software on network resources; add, remove, 

confi gure, or attempt to modify USU computer operating 

systems or programs; move audio/visual or network cables, 

computers or attempt to connect personal computers to the 

network including MDL and lecture hall spaces; connect personal devices except for those previously authorized by UIS; 

download pornographic material and store or display off ensive 

material, such as racist literature, sexually harassing or obscene 

language or material; store or process classifi ed information 

on any USU system; permit unauthorized individuals access 

to a government-owned or government-operated system or 

program; access online gambling, games and social engineering sites.

Military Awards Nominations: Th e next military awards 

panel will convene July 28. Nomination packages will be due 

through the chain of command no later than July 21. Any 

award with higher precedence than the Defense Meritorious 

Service Medal must be submitted 150 days prior to presentation. Please provide a signed copy as well as an electronic 

version to Air Force Tech. Sgt. Louella Campbell at (301) 

295-1515 or lcampbell@usuhs.mil or HM2 Sylvia McBee at 

(301) 295-3423 or Sylvia.mcbee@usuhs.mil.

photo by Ken Frager

USU Briefs

Caption contest winner

“No, I’m serious about this, I think a group hug will do 

all of us a world of good,” from retired Navy Cmdr. Dr. 

David Schauer, Department of Radiology and Radiological 

Sciences.

Congratulations to Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Habblett, runner up, and Dr. Quinn Biggs, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, third place ...and thanks to all who submitted.

How would you like to go down in history as the 

person who named the USU newsletter? Well, 

here’s your chance. Since we started the newsletter 

several years ago we have used a generic “USU 

Newsletter” name. We know there is a good name 

out there, so we’re looking to you, our readers, for 

help. We’d love to hear your suggestions.

We’d like a name that refl ects the University’s mission, our expertise and our audience. The name 

should cross services and programs, and should 

be memorable...but short, catchy and fun. 

Please send your recommendations to us at 

usunewsletter@usuhs.mil by Aug. 15. We will select the top entries and give you one more chance 

to vote. 

PAGE 7

Name the USU 

Newsletter Contest