Findings
Houston, Texas
Volume 7, Issue 10
November 2009

News Briefs

Shine new president of International Society for Neurochemistry

Dr. H. David Shine, associate professor of neurosurgery at BCM, was installed as president of the International Society for Neurochemistry at the group's 22nd biennial meeting in Busan, South Korea.

Shine, who also holds appointments in the department of neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology and the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at BCM, will hold the presidency for two years. His research focuses on molecular neurobiology, nervous system regeneration and gene therapy of the nervous system.

The International Society of Neurochemistry is a professional society of molecular and cellular neuroscientists with world-wide membership. In addition to its biennial meeting the society publishes the Journal of Neurochemistry, supports meetings of its regional sister societies and special conferences and symposia, and provides financial support for investigators in economically deprived and developing countries.

Baker named to immunization advisory committee

Dr. Carol Baker, professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology, has been appointed chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health and Human Services.

The committee provides advice on the most appropriate application of antigens and related agents for effective communicable disease control in the civilian population. The committee also specifically provides advice that will assist HHS and the nation in reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and increase the safe usage of licensed vaccines and related biological products.

Baker also serves as director of the TCH Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research.

Kline earns pediatrics award

The New York Academy of Medicine presented the 2009 Millie and Richard Brock Lectureship and Award in Pediatrics to Dr. Mark W. Kline, professor and chair of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and physician-in-chief at Texas Children's Hospital.

The Brock Lectureship and Award was established by Millie and Richard Brock in 1995 on the 100th anniversary of NYAM's Section on Pediatrics. The award is given annually to a nationally recognized leader for distinguished contributions to pediatrics who engages in a visiting professorship at a New York-area pediatric training program and delivers the Brock Lecture.