Just so you know the whole thing about Iowa for caucus voting is really pretty simple and the results are going to be fun today as well. There have been all these rumours that we Richardson folks have been making deals with both Ron Paul and Obama supporters. Perish the thought.
The Richardson camp , in a room of , say 100 voters, will need to get as much as 15 of them collected into a corner. Then they're counted down. If there are less than 15, then the group can split up and go where they want to.
Its a game. A bit like that moment in "a beautiful mind" (ie, altruism is a strategy) where the candidate that they would go to, would not necessarily be the candidate that you would either ally to, or wish to pair up with in order to take out your immediate opponent. This is what Edwards did in 2004, when he sniped Kucinich supporters for a strong finish over Dean.
Voter turnout should make a mark higher than 10%, remember this is a primary running today. If we top like, 20% in turnout it means the ground is shifting under the enforced apathy and manufactured consent process that the lobbyists have installed at the behest of the conformist corporate intelligentsia. Their line of power exists in the ability to pull advertisements from circulation - this may not sound like much, but say GQ wants to run a story about, oh, say, child prostitution. What happens is Ford has learned that they can run their ads anywhere in the mag, and just as you see this prevalence of placement in the mass market - (ex. Cochitos Scoops Brand College Bowl, or the Stringles Brand Pretzel Tortilla Stack Golf Tournament ) - what you dont see is the behind the scenes games that corporations, de-facto lobbyists, and advertisers play (as they choose between their "bronze" and "platinum" advertisting package options). Say for example that Ford has uses "placement" (tied to lobbyist) companies that do their ad buys. These placement agencies exist to buy and sell advertising. And they are often special purpose constructions.
So back to the example, say someone at Ford will get the advance or rush copy of the issue of GQ that they are going to run their ads in, and they decide to say "alright, its all fine and good that you're going to run a story about that but we don't want the ford explorer ad running opposite page" . This usually amounts to heat on the editor, who has only so much space to move the ad around. They are usually forced to follow the advertiser and will even try to influence the writing in order to make it more commercially appealing (e.g. conformism institutionalized).
So you end up with deals behind the table all the way down the line until the end, deals on political ad buys, and finally, the day before, deals on viability. Most precinct captains know what their district is going to do.
Suppose the Richardson caucus gets 10%, needs 15, captain decides his group is unviable - what will happen next is that the captain will quietly discuss the next move - he knows the deal. Bear in mind also that these voters are all pretty well connected to their state representatives, and that this kind of voting is a big deal and they're aware of that fact. Every precinct that goes to a particular candidate makes headline news. So they will get a deal, at that state level or higher - and it will filter down to the captains which candidate plays better on crossover. In the case of Richardson, let's say it's Obama. So they'll cross over. Since all three candidates on the Democratic top tier are basically even, this could mean the difference between win or loss.
The really fun part? Iowans are sort of tough minded and will decide for themselves who they like. This should be good. I will tune in tonight to check it out.
You don't have to be political to vote, but if you do - imho primaries are the way to go, , because nobody seems to want to vote in them + so the candidates are really going to listen to you - if you participate in any GOTV or any primary work you end up getting connected to the people that will help you if you get a win. It's a bit more bang for the buck. The general election is just a sort of , if you'll pardon the expression. Media blitz?
No prediction from me, I know these Iowa voters have a surprise in store. I have .. um .. er.. better things to do . And he who lives by the crystal ball eventually must learn to live on a diet of ground glass. Thats the Iowa Deal.


This qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual intending to pursue a career in sport development. Occupational outcomes for this qualification can vary from managing competitions, sports venues and facilities and identifying and developing athletes. Work at this level would be undertaken with a high degree of autonomy. Career Outcome The following are indicative job roles for this qualification: Competition manager Program developer Talent development manager Sport development manager Pathways Information This qualification is suitable for an Australian Apprenticeship pathway, however is not suitable for School Based Traineeships/Apprenticeships. The course has two streams Golf and Sport.


The brass ensemble is comprised of intermediate and advanced level classical sacred musicians who participate at the various worship times throughout the year.
Participants in this ensemble commit to rehearsals on most Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. from September through May. They play about 10-15 services per year.


text:
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APPENDIX G
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ACCESS TO ORMIDHIA, XYLOTYMBOU AND DHEKELIA
Draft Exchange of Notes between the Representative of the United Kingdom authorised to sign the Treaty of Establishment and Archbishop Makarios and Dr. Kutchuk
A.-Draft Note to Archbishop Makarios and Dr. Kutchuk
Your Excellencies,
I have the honour to refer to the discussions during the drawing up of the Treaty concerning the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus of today's date, and to the question raised during those discussions about passage across the territory of the United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas to and from the the two villages of Ormidhia and Xylotymbou and the Power Station at Dhekelia which are situated in territory under the Sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus although surrounded by territory under the Sovereignty of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
2. I have the honour to propose that persons desiring in the course of normal life to move from either of these two villages or that Power Station to the rest of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus or vice versa or from either village to the other or from either village to the Power Station or vice versa shall, subject to paragraph 3 below, have freedom of access and communications to and through the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area. Such freedom shall include free movement of vehicles, animals, produce and other property.
3. If, in any exceptional circumstances, the military requirements or security needs of the United Kingdom should require the restriction or control of movement within the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, the United Kingdom authorities shall use their best endeavours to ensure that such restriction or control, which shall be temporary, is exercised in such a way as to avoid any unnecessary or unreasonable hardship or inconvenience. In such circumstances, special arrangements shall be made for close and effective consultation between the United Kingdom authorities and the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus to deal with any questions which may arise in this connexion.
4. I have the honour to suggest that, if these proposals are acceptable to the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, this Note, together with your reply to that effect, shall be regarded as constituting an agreement in this matter between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus which shall enter into force on today's date.
B.-Draft Reply by Archbishop Makarios and Dr. Kutchuk
Your Excellency,
We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Note of today's date which reads as follows:-
[text as above]
2. The arrangements set out in that Note are acceptable to the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and we have the honour therefore to confirm that that Note, together with this reply, shall constitute an agreement accordingly.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


While other comparison sites for auto loans exist, they all suffer from rate accuracy issues. While it is true that no lender can publish the actual rate each individual customer will receive, since they are general advertised rates, this results in comparison websites and most lender websites in showing artificially low rates. The reality is, rates vary far more at the individual level. One size really does not fit all.
How? This is mainly because all the rates they show are based on the highest credit scores, instead of scores that reflect the customer's actual credit score. So if you have near perfect credit, there is not a problem, but for the majority of shoppers this may be a problem.
To show artificially low rates just misinforms customers into thinking regarding rate they are going to get after they apply, but of course, after they apply, they are often surprised that they rates are quite different from what they saw being advertised.
How do we solve this? Our advanced AI algorythms ensure that the shoppers credit score is taken into account with the rates being shown, providing rates that are much closer to reality.
So while our rates may look higher for good, average, and poor, credit scores, the fact is, they are much closer to what you will actually get when you apply, saving you time and frustration.


An Indian chief lived together with his tribe on a reservation.
One year the previous winter had been very harsh and the tribe had been freezing as they still used firewood in their houses. As fall came the tribe asked the chief if he thought it was going to be another cold winter.
Not really sure what to answer the chief told the tribe to gather some extra firewood just in case.
After the chief thought it would be prudent to check with the local meteorologist. He called and asked if it was going to be a cold winter. "Well - it's probably going to be another cold winter" was the reply. Congratulating, himself having already asked for extra wood gathering, the chief told his tribe to go and gather even more firewood.
The day after the chief called the weather man again for confirmation. "Now we're sure it's going to be a cold winter" was the reply. The chief told his tribe to gather all the firewood they possibly could.
just to be sure the chief called the weather station the next day. "Are you QUITE sure it's going to be a cold winter?"
"We're damn sure" was the reply. "The Indians are gathering firewood like crazy!!!"


text:
Most-read news stories of 2020
From research rankings to new buildings to returning to labs in a pandemic, these are the news stories that resonated most with the campus community this year
Office of Advancement Staff
Top news stories of 2020
Each year, we round up the most-read news stories based on Google analytics. Here are the most-read news stories of 2020.
UCalgary breaks ground on Mathison Hall
Construction began May 1 for the Haskayne Capital Expansion project, which includes the new four-storey, 10,000-square-metre Mathison Hall building and renovations to Scurfield Hall. These buildings will combine to become a new home for the Haskayne School of Business when construction is completed for September 2022. The LEED Platinum project will add a dozen new classrooms — ranging in size from 40 to 100 seats — to the business school as well as new spaces for study, group work, student advising, food services and events. Read more
Dr. Malinda Smith appointed vice-provost (equity, diversity and inclusion)
Smith is a nationally recognized leader in equity, diversity and inclusion. She is widely regarded for her contributions to developing next-generation equity policies, including several task force reports and advisory roles in the post-secondary sector and at various levels of government. A 2018 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellow, her research, "A Seat at the Table: Engendering Black Canadian Pasts and Futures," focuses on unearthing stories of Black hidden figures in Canadian politics, law and higher education. She is co-editor of the forthcoming volume, Nuances of Blackness in the Canadian Academy. Smith also serves on Statistics Canada's Expert Working Group on Black Communities in Canada, and on immigration and ethnocultural statistics. Read more
UCalgary No. 6 in Canada's Top 50 Research Universities rankings
Re$earch Infosource Inc. places Canadian universities into one of four tiers (i.e., medical, comprehensive, undergraduate, and specialized) and then ranks their performance based on the total amount of sponsored research income they generate. This includes all funds to support research received in the form of a grant, contribution or contract from all sources external to the institution. The gap between UCalgary's sixth-place performance ($487.8 million) and that of its closest top-five peer ($506.3 million) shrank to just $18.5 million or 3.7 per cent in this latest ranking. Read more
7 ways campus is looking different
While most of the campus community continues to work from home, some faculty and staff began gradual re-entry to campus in mid-July. During the summer months, UCalgary also hosted summer camps on campus. This was also followed by the return of some students and faculty to on-campus classes in September. Read more
Pregnant moms across Canada surveyed on COVID-19
To shed light on stress, depression and infant brain development during this time of extreme change, a research team at the Cumming School of Medicine and Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary is asking pregnant moms about the impact COVID-19 is having on their mental and physical health. Dr. Catherine Lebel, PhD, from the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, is leading the study, building on her prior research on the prenatal environment and paediatric brain development. Read more
How aerobic exercise helps us keep our wits about us as we age
There's no such thing as a panacea when it comes to maintaining brain health as we age, but exercise might come close according to a study published in the May 13, 2020, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study suggests older adults, even couch potatoes, can perform certain thinking and memory tests at the same level as someone four to six years their junior after just six months of aerobic exercise. Read more
Faculty of Kinesiology once again No. 1 sport science school in North America
UCalgary's Faculty of Kinesiology has maintained its position within an exclusive, international class of sports science schools. For the second time, the faculty is ranked No. 1 in North America according to the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments, and 11th out of 429 universities in the world. Read more
UCalgary study finds global trends in women's breast cancer show cause for concern
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health includes data on women from 41 countries and found that in higher-income nations, including Canada, rates of breast cancer in premenopausal women are increasing, while postmenopausal breast cancer is increasing more rapidly in lower-income countries. Read more
UCalgary launches UCeed, a pre-seed and seed funding program
UCalgary is powering the path to commercialization for discovery and research with the launch of UCeed, a new pre-seed and seed funding program. Funded entirely through philanthropic support, UCeed will spur innovation, help commercialize new technologies, and accelerate University of Calgary startup companies. Read more
New re-entry protocols take effect as designated researchers return to campus
Since mid-March, UCalgary's campuses have been relatively quiet as we focused on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to remote learning and working, while a significant number of researchers carried on their work on campus in critical areas. June brought the welcome news that summer camps will go forward on campus for July and August with restructured program offerings. And more good news: an additional group of researchers will begin returning to campus soon under a rigorous new set of health and safety protocols, allowing them to move forward on campus with timely research vital to fighting the pandemic and solving other societal challenges. Read more
Most-read research stories of 2020
Most-read student stories of 2020
Top research stories of 2019
UCalgary study finds a common vitamin may help our immune system battle a deadly brain tumour
most-read news


The customer journey can take many paths. It can be fast, smooth and as pleasant as a relaxing drive on a newly paved road; or it can be bumpy, frustrating and fraught with detours. Making the customer journey consistently satisfying comes down to three things, according to Jonathan Moran - planning, insight and flawless execution.
Enabling the best customer experience means you must be able to see all of your customer data (online and offline) in a unified way (think data hub). And it really needs to be all of your data - purchasing, social, third party, interdepartmental and even from outside of your brand.
The real proof of the payoff of using all your data (and the principles discussed above) is creating exceptional customer experiences. Raj has a couple of examples of companies that puts the customer front and center that illustrates the rewards that focus brings.
One is the telecom provider Telenor. With more than 200 million subscribers, it still manages to excel at being customer focused.
Another favorite is Vail Resorts. Putting an RFID tag in every ski pass enables Vail Resort to take advantage of gamification and social media to increase brand recognition. More than 100,000 were registered in the first season. Those customers accounted for about 35 million social impressions. But it's also a story about what Vail Resorts was able to do with all the data it collected via the badges. It uses the data to enhance every aspect of their customers' experiences – airport shuttles, ski activities, dining and shopping.


text:
Q: Skew-symmetry on Lie algebras over a field with characteristic not 2 I´d like to see the proof (I know it could be elemental) of this fact:
Let $L$ be a Lie algebra over a field $\mathbb{F}$ with characteristic not 2. Then $[x,x]=0$ for any $x \in L$ if and only if$ [x,y]=−[y,x]$.
Thank you all

A: I suppose that this not what you really want to ask, since the equivalence of those two conditions holds by the simple fact that both conditions hold for any Lie algebra.
However, for any algebra $(A,\star)$ over a field $F$ whose characteristic is not $2$, it is true that the conditions

*

*$(\forall x,y\in A):x\star x=0$;

*$(\forall x,y\in A):x\star y=-y\star x$
are equivalent. In fact, if the second conditions holds and if $x\in A$, then $x\star x=-x\star x$, which means that $2x\star x=0$. SInce the characteistic is not $2$, it follows from this that $x\star x=0$. And if the first condition holds, then, if $x,y\in A$,\begin{align}0&=(x+y)\star(x+y)\\&=x\star x+x\star y+y\star x+y\star y\\&=x\star y+y\star x\end{align}and therefore $x\star y=-y\star x$.

A: If $[x,x]=0$ for al $x$ then $0=[x+y,x+y]=[x,x]+[x,y]+[y,x]+[y,y]=[x,y]+[y,x],$ so $[x,y]=-[y,x].$
Conversely, if $[x,y]=-[y,x]$ for all $x,y$ then $[x,x]=-[x,x],$ so $2[x,x]=0.$ Since $F$ has characteristic not 2 then $[x,x]=0.$

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
The Promise Keeper's Wife
Summary and Analysis Part 8: The Word Shaker: The Promise Keeper's Wife
The night before Hans is to leave for training, he and Alex Steiner go to the Knoller where the owner allows them to drink for free. Hans returns home very drunk and cannot get his key to fit in the lock. He calls for Rosa only to discover that he's at Frau Holtzapfel's home. After he does make it inside, he goes to Liesel's room and watches her sleep. She thinks it's Max for a second and asks, then realizes it's her Papa. The next morning, Rosa finds Hans in the basement asleep on drop sheets. She throws a bucket of cold water on him. That afternoon, the Steiners come over to say goodbye; Alex will leave in four days. Liesel and Rosa go with Hans to the train station. He tells Liesel to look after his accordion and to keep reading during the air raids.
Himmel Street is not the same. Everyone's hearts are heavy. Weeks pass and Rudy comes over to Liesel's house and asks if she's coming with him. She doesn't know where they are going, but she follows. They walk for miles, and she finally asks where they're heading. Rudy says he's going to kill the Führer. It's getting dark. Liesel turns around and Rudy's angry. Eventually, he catches up with her and they finish their walk home, pausing to relive some of their memories. Rosa and Barbara Steiner are waiting for them, worried and angry, when they return. That same night, Liesel wakes to find Rosa sitting on the edge of her bed with Hans's accordion pressed to her chest. She remains like this and falls asleep this way, snoring.
This chapter serves not only to describe the changes that have come to Himmel Street, but also to provide a bit more examination of Rosa Hubermann's character. She tries to remain strong around those she loves, which she demonstrates by dumping cold water on Hans to get him up and ready for his train ride. But after he leaves, Liesel sees her in a softened state, holding Hans's accordion to her body. Liesel can see the great amount of love that she has for Hans, how worried she is about him. This chapter shows a rare look at Rosa's vulnerability.
It also shows the anger that's growing in Rudy, how he would like to take on the Führer in much the same way that Max used to take him on in his dreams.
Previous Punishment
Next The Collector


text:
Q: Substring comparison Given a string s respond quickly to queries (i, j, k, l) with:

*

*-1 if s[i..j] < s[k..l]

*0 if s[i..j] = s[k..l]

*1 if s[i..j] > s[k..l]
Assuming

*

*i <= j

*k <= l

*0 <= i, k < s.length - 1
In other words, perform a lot of lexicographical substring comparisons.
s[i..j] is a (j - i + 1)-character substring starting at position i (indexing from 0) and ending at position j (inclusive).
s[i..j] < s[i..j+1], that is a word's prefix is considered less than the word itself).
Because of the number of queries, which is O(s.length), the queries should be answered quickly, that is either in logarithmic or constant time. I've heard rumours that constant time solution is possible (obviously with some preprocessing).
So far I thought about using a hash function, e.g.
h[i] = (h[i - 1] + x^i * s[i]) mod m
where x > 26 (size of the alphabet) and m is prime.
Hash for s[i..j] would then be calculated by subtracting h[i] from h[j] and dividing by x to a (yet undetermined) power.
This approach has one significant problem - it doesn't allow me to check the less/greater than condition. I initially thought that h[i..j] < h[k..l] should imply s[i..j] < s[k..l]. This is invalid because

*

*Modulo.

*Let's consider strings azzz and b, and let's assume that m is big enough so that we don't have to perform the modulo operation. It's obvious that h['azzz'] > h['b'] but azzz < b.

This is homework. I'm not looking for implementations, rather general ideas and issues I should learn more about. A complete solution is of course welcome but not required.

A: I guess you are from Poland, so here is great article, with very good aproach for that problem :
http://www.mimuw.edu.pl/~jrad/wpg/drobne_oszustwo.pdf
In fact, you are capable to check which word is greater using hashing. You have to use bin search to find first suffix of these two substrings, on which its have different hashes, and then check next letter. It will indicate greater word. The complexity is O(logm) where m is size of shorter substring. You can find hash in O(1) (use preprocessing of powers) and then bin search, which is O(logm). Hope it helps :)

A: There are a number of trivial cases that would allow the queries to return immediately, with no pre-processing required.  This is the divide-and-conquer approach.  Break the problem into sub-problems (using Python language in this case):
# compare the first character of the substrings
if s[i] < s[k]:
    return -1
if s[i] > s[k]:
    return 1
# first characters are the same
if i == k:       # same substring?
    if j > l:    # first substring is longer
        return 1
    if j < l:    # second substring is longer
        return -1
    return 0     # identical substring
# worst case: same first character but different substrings
# compare s[(i+1)..j], s[(k+1)..l], maybe with a hash

Hopefully this reduced your problem set.  I think there may be a smarter hash function.


text:
Valencia girls' volleyball beats Castaic in straight sets
Ryan Menzie
Castaic head coach Taylor Schubert talks to the team during the match. Dan Watson/The Signal
By Ryan Menzie
Signal Sports Writer
The Valencia Vikings won on the road against the Castaic Coyotes in three sets (25-15, 25-20, 25-17) for their first win of the season on Thursday. The Castaic Coyotes are still searching for their first win of the season after losing to Trinity Classical Academy 3-2 on Tuesday.
The Coyotes seemed outmatched, but always hung around in each set with sound defense and forcing the Vikings to make errors. Junior outside hitter Peyton Schneider led the Coyotes with four kills to go along with two aces. Coyotes head coach Taylor Schubert is pleased with her team's efforts and believes they can learn to capitalize off their strong serving.
"We played great defense for us and that's been one of the things we stressed in practice," said Schubert. "We need to start knowing our strengths and trying to execute that. We try to work on defense. I'm very pleased with how we played today. We played very well."
Despite the effort by the Coyotes, the Vikings proved too much. The Vikings were ready with counters of their own, setting up strong attacks at the net. Junior setter Brooke Tynon finished the game with a team-high 11 assists while senior outside hitter Jordan Henderson tied for the team lead with five kills at a .250 kill rate with junior middle Brooklyn Cohen.
"We've been working on setting a higher standard at practice," said Vikings head coach Kristin Dolan. "Calling plays and making sure we're communicating properly. We need to continue working on those things. (Castaic) hustle their butts off. I think we could implement some of that into our play on our side of the net."
Both Tynon and Henderson reiterated the communication was much better on Thursday than it was in their season-opening straight-set loss to Saugus on Tuesday, and they hope to keep the momentum and experience moving forward deeper in league play.
"We came in wanting to win after our loss on Tuesday," said Tynon. "We wanted to win our first league game. We knew we could so we came in with a positive mindset."
"We just have to keep the energy high and keep getting kills," said Henderson. "Keep the momentum moving forward into the league."
Ryan Menzie, a graduate student at Cal State University, Long Beach for Kinesiology with the option Sport Management, graduated from Cal State University, Northridge with a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Journalism. Have a story or want to talk about sports? Send an email to [email protected]


Glenn grew up in a construction family. Between his dad and uncle, he spent a good number of his early years on construction sites being mentored by his family in Greenville, South Carolina. At 18 he moved to Tulsa to get his MBA at Oral Roberts University. He married and started raising a family and Tulsa quickly became home. Glenn has built over 2000 homes in over 50 communities all around the Tulsa area since he started Shaw Homes. He is still very involved in every aspect of Shaw Homes even today, as homebuilding is his lifelong passion.
Aaron has ten years experience in the business of new home sales. He has worked in almost every aspect of new home construction from framing to finish. He studied Architecture at Eastern Michigan University and has worked in commercial architecture as a rendering artist. He has a passion for the new home industry and loves people.
Butch has 25 years experience in the business, ranging from construction worker to Construction Manager, to City Inspector. Butch has worked his way from the bottom up, making him an extremely valuable source of wisdom for Shaw Homes.


text:
Steven H. Zeisel, MD, PhD
steven_zeisel@unc.edu
Dr. Zeisel is recognized as an international leader in nutrition research. His team's work established the requirement for choline, a newly recognized essential part of our diet. His work on nutrition and brain development, genetic variation and diet requirements, environment and nutrition, and medical education are supported by grants from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Zeisel directs one of the NIH national centers of excellence in human nutrition research. Learn More.
Susan M. Smith, PhD
Professor, Nutrition and Deputy Director for Science
susan_smith@unc.edu
Dr. Susan Smith, Deputy Director for Science, joined the NRI in July 2016 after a long career as Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from UW-Madison and was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School in developmental biology. Her research investigates how genes and dietary factors interact to direct fetal outcome in alcohol-exposed pregnancies, and her work uses both animal models and clinical populations. Her work is supported by the National Institutes of Health, where she was a MERIT recipient and currently sits on the NIAAA Advisory Council. Learn More.
Eddie Serrano
Deputy Director for Research Administration
eduardo_serrano@unc.edu
Eddie joined the NRI in March 2018 as the Deputy Director for Research Administration. Eddie has over eighteen years working in academic research administration supplemented with operational leadership experience, in depth knowledge of eRA systems, and a strong research compliance perspective. Eddie joined us from Huron Consulting Group and was fortunate to work at many top universities and hospitals on interim staffing positions and transformational projects during his time as a consultant. These engagements have proven to be invaluable opportunities which have molded him into well-rounded research administration professional. Eddie received his Masters of Science in Information Systems Engineering at Florida International University.
Suzanne Dane
Director of Development and Community Outreach
suzanne_dane@unc.edu
Suzanne joined the NRI in May 2014 as the director of development and community outreach. She brings more than 20 years of nonprofit development experience, having worked previously at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte, and with the National Main Street Center and Historic Hotels of America at the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. Suzanne is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
Brandi Childers
Assistant Director for Training, Programs and Partnerships
brandi_childers@unc.edu
In April 2018, Brandi was promoted to the new position of Assistant Director for Training, Programs and Partnerships. She brings to her new position more than eight years experience in administration and community partnership management, and 11 years of experience at the NRI. She assists Eddie Serrano, Deputy Director of Research Administration, with Institute operations, oversee HR and administrative functions, plan and implement research-related programming, and continue to be the NRI liaison with the NCRC. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Brandi is a native of Kannapolis, where she has chosen to raise her family.
Carol L. Cheatham, PhD
Associate Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience
carol_cheatham@unc.edu
Dr. Carol L. Cheatham earned her PhD in child psychology and neuroscience in 2004 at the University of Minnesota. She is part of the Institute's brain research team. In addition to her appointment with the NRI, Dr. Cheatham holds an appointment as an associate professor in UNC's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. She has published research on memory recall in pre-term infants, the role of fatty acids in neonatal brains and how stress impacts brain development, as well as other topics. Learn More.
John E. "Jef" French, PhD
Professor, Nutrition
jfren43@email.unc.edu
John E. French, Ph.D. joined the Nutrition Research Institute as a Visiting Professor in September 2017. On July 1, 2019 Dr. French became a professor of nutrition at the NRI. His research interests focus on identifying the gene x environment interactions (including nutrients) and the underlying mechanisms that aid explanation of inter-individual differences in susceptibility and resistance to disease. Current NRI collaborative research projects in development using new genetically-diverse mouse models include the genetics of increased risk for basal-like breast cancer associated with obesity and resistance to carboplatin chemotherapy (Stephen Hursting Lab) and the genetics of maternal-fetal alcohol toxicity and the potential for dietary intervention (Susan Smith Lab).
Stephen D. Hursting, PhD, MPH
hursting@email.unc.edu
Dr. Stephen Hursting is interested in diet-gene interactions relevant to cancer prevention, particularly the molecular and hormonal mechanisms underlying energy balance-cancer associations. Learn More
Martin Kohlmeier, MD, PhD
mkohlmeier@unc.edu
Martin Kohlmeier's expertise is in laboratory diagnostics, nutritional genetics and the use of computers for professional and lay nutrition education, with doctorates in medicine, biochemistry and clinical biochemistry from the universities of Heidelberg and Berlin. He is director of the Nutrition in Medicine project, which provides comprehensive online nutrition education to medical students, physicians and other healthcare providers worldwide. Dr. Kohlmeier searches for small genetic differences that change how much of a nutrient people need for optimal health. He is developing online computer programs that use genetic and other personal information to guide individual food choices in a safe and effective way. He expects that personalized nutrition can make a major impact on the big killer diseases, such as reducing breast cancer risk by a third or more. Learn More.
Natalia Krupenko, PhD
Assistant Professor, Nutrition
natalia_krupenko@unc.edu
Natalia Krupenko, PhD, joined the UNC Nutrition Research Institute in April 2014 as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Krupenko's research is focused on the role of folate (vitamin B9) in promoting health and preventing disease in humans. Learn more
Sergey A. Krupenko, PhD
sergey_krupenko@unc.edu
Sergey A. Krupenko, PhD, joined the UNC Nutrition Research Institute in 2014. Dr. Krupenko's research focuses on vitamin folate and its role in liver function and cancer disease. Learn more
Philip May, PhD
philip_may@unc.edu
Philip A. May, PhD, joined the NRI on April 1, 2011 as a Professor in Nutrition, and is an expert in the field of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Dr. May has conducted extensive research on the epidemiology and risk factors for FASD, including alcohol use and abuse, and how FASD relates to mental health and deviance. Dr. May's specialty areas also extend to demography and medical sociology, focusing much of his research on community-wide prevention of the disorder. Learn More.
Katie Meyer, ScD
ktmeyer@email.unc.edu
Dr. Meyer is a nutritional and cardiovascular disease epidemiologist. Her research focuses on diet-related health behaviors and nutritional risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. She is a recipient of a Research Scientist Development Award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to study the gut microbiota, nutrient metabolites, and cardiovascular disease in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.
Sandra M. Mooney, PhD
Associate Professor, Nutrition
sandra_mooney@unc.edu
Dr. Mooney joined the NRI in August 2018. Her research program investigates the effect(s) of environment and genes on brain development, with a focus on prenatal alcohol exposure. Current studies use animal models to understand how nutritional needs change after alcohol exposure, thereby increasing the chances that modifying (or personalizing) nutrition will optimize growth and development. This work is supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Sandra Mooney received her Ph.D. from the University of Otago in New Zealand.
Wimal Pathmasiri, PhD
wimal_pathmasiri@unc.edu
Wimal Pathmasiri, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Nutrition Research Institute (NRI). An overarching goal of Dr. Pathmasiri' s research includes understanding the links between exposures (diet, constituents in natural projects, environmental chemicals, drugs), microbial metabolism, and human health. He was worked with the Sumner-Lab for over 12 years, as the director of a technology core for the NIH Common Fund Eastern Regional Comprehensive Metabolomics Resource Core (ERCMRC), and as a co-investigator in the North Carolina Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource Untargeted Analysis Laboratory (NC HHEAR UAL). Dr. Pathmasiri develops and applies metabolomics to reveal metabolic pathway perturbations associated with disease states, therapeutic treatments, and environmentally relevant exposures. He has contributed to research in the areas of cancer, childhood obesity, early-life exposure to antibiotics, environmental exposure, kidney disease, osteoarthritis, rare diseases, and toxicology. Dr. Pathmasiri earned a BSc and MPhil from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a Licentiate of Philosophy from the Uppsala University, Sweden. He earned a PhD in Chemistry from Uppsala University and conducted postdoctoral research at UNC Chapel Hill, and at RTI International.
Delisha Stewart, PhD
delisha_stewart@unc.edu
Delisha Stewart, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Nutrition Research Institute. Dr. Stewart has over 10 years of experience using genomics, metabolomics and high-throughput molecular bioassays to investigate mechanisms involved in cancer and inflammation. Dr. Stewart's primary research includes a portfolio of studies aimed at understanding the impact of diet (high fat, high carbohydrate) on weight gain, and breast cancer endpoints. She uses both in vitro and in vivo model systems of genetic diversity to gain insights into health disparities associated with cancer endpoints. Since 2012, she has worked with the Sumner-Lab to provide oversight for cancer and immunology studies conducted by the NIH Eastern Regional Comprehensive Metabolomics Resource Core (ERCMRC), and will continue in this role for the North Carolina Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource Untargeted Analysis Laboratory (NC HHEAR UAL) that was established in August 2019. Dr. Stewart earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and conducted postdoctoral research at UNC-Chapel Hill and at RTI International.
Susan Sumner, PhD
susan_sumner@unc.edu
Susan Sumner, PhD joined the UNC Nutrition Research Institute on December 1, 2016, as a Professor of Nutrition. Dr. Sumner is working to make personalized medicine a reality through metabolomics, the science of measuring thousands of chemicals in a small sample of a person's blood. Metabolomic analyses provide a more comprehensive view of a patient's metabolism than the limited measurements of glucose and cholesterol that doctors employ today. Learn More.
Saroja Voruganti, PhD
saroja@unc.edu
Saroja Voruganti, PhD, joined the UNC Nutrition Research Institute in November 2013 as an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Voruganti's long-term research goal is to understand the genetic and environmental factors that affect complex human diseases using a combination of statistical, molecular and bioinformatics (network/pathway analysis) techniques. Learn More.
Jody Albright
Research Technician, Hursting Lab
jodyalb@email.unc.edu
Jody Albright, a former business owner from Salisbury, is a 2011 graduate of Rowan-Cabarrus Comunity College with AS and AAS in Biotechnology degrees. He has recently joined the NRI in Dr. Bennett's lab as a laboratory technician. Jody is excited to use his recent education to develop several new protocols for the laboratory .
Emmanuel Baah, MD
Postdoctoral Research Associate, HRC
ebaah@unc.edu
Dr. Baah is from Ghana, where he practiced medicine before migrating to the United States. He will graduate from UNC-Charlotte with a Master's in Epidemiology in spring 2020. His areas of interest include genetic epidemiology, nutrigenomics, and nutrigenetics. Dr. Baah is currently working with Dr. Martin Kohlmeier to strengthen training programs in precision nutrition, particularly for physicians.
Executive Assistant to the Director
jenna_baker@unc.edu
Jenna Baker joined the Nutrition Research Institute in June 2018. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Communication Studies. Jenna joined us from UNC Charlotte where she served as administrative staff for five years within academic departments. She is a native of Concord and currently lives in Kannapolis with her husband. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, traveling or anything outdoors.
Keri Baron
Nutrition Graduate Student, N. Krupenko Lab
kab154@email.unc.edu
Keri Barron joined the NRI in August 2014 as a doctoral student in the Nutrition department at UNC Chapel Hill. She completed her undergraduate and masters programs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She graduated in May 2014 with her BS and MS in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism. Her research interests include the genetic variation in risk for cardiovascular disease and underlying mechanisms.
Joshua Baulch
Research Technician, Smith Lab
joshua_baulch@unc.edu
Joshua received his B.S. in Biology in May of 2016 from High Point University in High Point, NC. His undergraduate research focused on the phylogenetic differences of parasitic wasps in the piedmont area. His previous work at the NRI consisted of assisting the research of the Ideraabdullah lab during the summer of 2015. He joined the NRI in September 2016 where he currently assists the Smith lab with their research of ethanol and the impacts it has upon fetal neurological growth and development.
Abby Beuchler
Lab Assistant Intern, Hursting Lab
abby_buechler@unc.edu
Abby graduated from Gray Stone Day School in May 2019. She will be a lab assistant intern for a year in the Hursting Lab before deciding about the direction of her college studies. She is interested in dietetics and nutrition interventions in wellness.
Tondra Blevins
Medical Lab Technician
tondra_blevins@unc.edu
Tondra Blevins is the Institute's medical laboratory and clinical services technician. She works with research subjects for the NRI's human research studies and clinical trials. Tondra also serves as the Institute's phlebotomist. Tondra has more than 20 years of medical laboratory experience and has been employed by the Nutrition Research Institute since 2009.
Sierra Bonney, MS
Clinical Research Coordinator, Human Research Core
sierra1@email.unc.edu
Sierra Bonney worked as a graduate research assistant in Dr. Esposito's lab at the Plants for Human Health Institute from 2016 to 2019. She received her MS in Animal Science from NCSU where her research focused on the role of plant bioactives in wound healing, inflammation, and muscle health. After graduation, she joined the NRI in December 2019 as the Clinical Research Coordinator for the Human Research Core. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding on her family's farm in New London, baking, and running with the NCRC running club.
Grant Canipe
Psychology Graduate Student, Cheatham Lab
canipelg@live.unc.edu
Grant Canipe is a native of Concord. He started at UNC with Dr. Cheatham in August of 2013. In the past, Grant has focused on dopamine signaling along various pathways using nutritional and exercise interventions. He hopes to continue expanding his knowledge in areas of development, particularly brain aging, using nutritional interventions. As a graduate of Appalachian State University in May 2013, Grant will always call the Blue Ridge Mountains his second home. He loves the outdoors! You are likely to find Grant hiking, mountain biking, playing tennis, or riding his motorcycle.
Walden Cash
Technology Support Technician
walden_cash@unc.edu
Walden joined the NRI in September 2015, in the role of Technology Support Technician. Walden has a passion for all things technology related, and enjoys tinkering and learning about new tech. He comes to the NRI after serving T-Mobile, AT&T, and CompUSA. He is excited to bring that knowledge and passion, as well as a strong desire to help people, to the NRI.
Brea Correll
Research Assistant, Voruganti Lab
brea_correll@unc.edu
Brea received her Associate's in Applied Science in Biotechnology at RCCC. She was an intern for the Voruganti lab from May 2017 until being hired July 2017. Brea's focus is helping to recruit for studies and helping manage the Nutritional Genomics and Microbiome Core, as well as, lab work. She also learned and became certified in phlebotomy while working at NRI. Brea is from Advance, NC and when she is not at work, she enjoys time with her family, dogs, fishing, and going to the beach.
Ryan Dayvault
Facilities and Special Projects Coordinator
ryan_dayvault@unc.edu
Ryan Dayvault joined the NRI in May 2008, where he serves as the Assistant to the Deputy Director and Special Projects Coordinator. A native of Kannapolis and 2008 graduate of Catawba College, Ryan holds a B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in public administration and a minor in business administration. An avid supporter of the efforts at the North Carolina Research Campus, Ryan has served in various capacities throughout the development of this project while in college and maintaining his residency in Kannapolis.
Malick Dieng
malick_dieng@unc.edu
Malick's career experience in program administration began in 1995 with managing research projects for Fulbright Fellows, academics, and others working in his home country of Senegal. He comes to us with more than 18 years of experience in the following areas: extensive experience in grants administration, particularly US government grants, and has worked on various projects at the Children's Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Institute for Community Inclusion, Brigham and Women's Hospital Center for Neurologic Diseases, Northeastern University's Graduate School of Engineering and the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, (to name but a few).
"The sum of my background and experience has prepared me for the Research Business Manager and I am confident that I will contribute to the very important work of NRI."
James "Ike" Emerson
Research Technician - Smith Lab
jiemerso@email.unc.edu
Ike is a senior at NC state in biochemistry and human biology. He has one more semester before completing his undergraduate degree. After, he hope to gain acceptance into a Ph.D program for biochemistry in the triangle area. His previous undergraduate research focused on the characterization of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in the variety lanai. Ike joined the NRI in May 2019 where he currently assists the Smith lab with their research of ethanol and the impacts it has on fetal neurological growth and development.
George Flentke, PhD
Research Specialist, Smith Lab
gflentke@email.unc.edu
George Flentke received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his dissertation focused on the structure and catalytic activity of the enzyme UDP-galactose-4-epimerase, which is crucial for galactose metabolism. His postdoctoral research in Biochemistry and Pharmacology at Tufts University / New England Medical School focused on the design of inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase enzymes, which control immune function and HIV infection. After returning to UW-Madison he continued working with the immunosupressives cyclosporine and rapamycin. He is an experienced enzymologist/protein chemist and synthetic organic chemist. Currently, he manages Dr. Smith's lab, where he investigates the mechanism by which alcohol alters ribosomal signaling and mTOR activity in alcohol-exposed neural crest.
Denzel France
denzel_france@unc.edu
Denzel graduated from UNC Charlotte in December 2016, with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. In Denzel's spare time, he enjoys exploring the city with friends, trying new places to eat, going to the movies, reading, and he is also a member of a car club!
Herman Freeman III
Research Technician, Sumner Lab
herman_freeman@unc.edu
Herman Freeman III joined the Nutrition Research Institute as a Lab Technician in the Sumner Lab in October 2019. He is learning the foundations of, and expanding his knowledge of, metabolomics research and how it is applied in fields today. He works closely with Dr. Stewart where he is learning mechanisms of certain cancers and how nutrition can impact chemotherapeutic drug metabolism.
Walter Friday
Research Technician, Zeisel Lab
walter_friday@unc.edu
Walter Friday, a Kannapolis native, recently returned to Cabarrus County to get married. He is a 2010 graduate of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College with an AAS in Biotechnology. He is pleased to be working at the Nutrition Research Institute as a research technician. He enjoys spending time with his wife, reading, and traveling.
Claire Gates
Research Technician, Sergey Krupenko Lab
Claire Gates received Bachelor's degrees in Biology, with a concentration in cellular physiology, and Chemistry from UNCC in 2019. Her previous research focused on the elucidation and characterization of pathways involved in bacterial glycan synthesis. She is currently serving as a research technician in the Sergey Krupenko group, who are interested in the influence of folate on liver function and carcinogenesis. She hopes to begin her PhD in Biochemistry in 2020.
Madeline Hall
Research Technician, N. Krupenko Lab
madeline_hall@unc.edu
Madeline received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Alabama in May 2018, with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. After moving to North Carolina, she joined the NRI in March 2019 where she currently assists the Natalia Krupenko Lab with their research on the impact of folate on human health. Madeline hopes to begin her PhD in Biochemsitry in 2020.
Julie Hasken, MPH
Doctoral Student in Nutrition, UNC-CH; Project Manager, May Lab
jhasken@email.unc.edu
Julie earned a BS in Health Science from Truman State University and a Masters in Public Health, with a concentration in Health Education and Health Behavior, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a Certified Health Education Specialist, her prior work focused on tobacco prevention and control. At the NRI, Julie works with Philip May, PhD, on dataset management, quality assurance, data analysis, and manuscript preparation on the epidemiology of FASD in the United States and South Africa.
Dixie Marie Hedrick, MPH
Research Assistant - May Lab
dixie_hedrick@unc.edu
Dixie Hedrick joined the NRI in April 2018 as a research assistant in the May lab. Prior to joining NRI, she worked as a Dietetic Technician for 2 years at Park Ridge Health Hospital in Hendersonville, NC. She earned a BS in Nutrition and Foods, with a focus in Dietetics, from Appalachian State University and a Masters in Public Health, with a concentration in Community Health, from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Dixie is a native of Western North Carolina.
Kaylee Helfrich
Doctoral Student in Nutrition, Smith Lab
khelfri@live.unc.edu
Kaylee Helfrich joined the NRI as a doctoral student in nutrition in August 2016. She completed her BS degree in Biochemistry at Clemson University in December 2015. Her research focused on signaling mechanisms that controlled energy expenditure in plants. Kaylee works with Dr. Susan Smith to research prenatal alcohol exposure and its interaction with iron metabolism in the mother and infant.
Tonia Hermon, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Zeisel Lab
tonia_hermon@unc.edu
Dr. Hermon joined the NRI in January 2019. She received her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) & Old Dominion University (ODU) joint PhD program. She has more than 10 years of experience as a basic research scientist studying diseases and physiological processes that are highly regulated by steroid hormones such as estrogen. Over the past two years she has served as a volunteer clinical researcher managing and participating in projects that focused on nutrigenetic analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to choline metabolism. Her research interest is to identify genetic variations (SNPs) in genes related to the metabolism of the nutrient choline with specific focus on estrogen-responsive metabolites and genes. Overall, her long-term career goal is to become a competitive clinical research scientist faculty member in her hometown St. Thomas US Virgin Islands, focusing on the association of genetic variation, and nutritional requirements and status.
Lauren Hinkle
lauren_hinkle@unc.edu
Lauren joined the NRI in July 2018 as a Research Technician for the Zeisel Lab. She is currently a senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in Public Health. Lauren is a Charlotte native and enjoys traveling, and spending time with her family.
Rick Hoffärth
rick_hoffarth@unc.edu
Rick joined the NRI in 2017 as a communication specialist in Development and Outreach. He earned a BS in Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University and was a juvenile probation officer and program developer for three years. He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ and was a full time pastor for 27 years. After retiring, Rick added a degree in Digital Design from the Art Institute of Charlotte in 2014 . He works with Suzanne Dane to interpret the work of the NRI to current and potential donors.
David Horita, PhD
Scientific Grant Writer
david_horita@unc.edu
David Horita joined the NRI in 2013 as a grant writer. He assists faculty by identifying funding opportunities and writing/editing research proposals. David developed research and writing experience in metabolism and cell signaling during his 13 years as a faculty member in Biochemistry at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He did postdoctoral work at the NCI/NIH and obtained a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and a BA in chemistry from Carleton College.
Sarah Hreyo
sarah_hreyo@unc.edu
Sarah is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, and is a few classes away from completing a graduate degree at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health. In Sarah's spare time, she loves reading, cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors (especially at the Whitewater Center). Sarah loves trivia and once appeared on an episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire!
Sunil Hwang, PhD
Lab Manager–Zeisel Lab
sunil_hwang@unc.edu
Sunil Hwang received his Ph.D degree in Animal Science and Biotechnology from Kyungpook National University, South Korea. He was a senior scientist investigating the clinical and translational proteomics research at Carolinas HealthCare System. He has extensive experience in biomedical and pharmaceutical analytics, automatic sample preparation, subcellular fractionation, and molecular cellular proteomics using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Sunil is currently working on the Choline Status Study, designed to detect changes in the metabolome that reflect choline intake status.
Scott Jaworski
Applications Analyst
scott_jaworski@unc.edu
Scott Jaworski joined the NRI in May 2008, where he serves as the Applications Analyst and IT Consultant. Scott brings years of experience in the University IT field, having worked in the IT Technical Support field both as a student and staff member at UNC Charlotte, where he graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science in 2001.
Kristen Jeffries, PhD
Postdotoral Research Associate, N. Krupenko Lab
kristen_jeffries@unc.edu
Kristen Jeffries received her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of South Florida in May of 2015. Her dissertation focused on the metabolism of long-chain fatty acid amides, a family of cell signaling lipids. Dr. Jeffries joined the NRI as a postdoctoral research associate in Natalia Krupenko's lab in 2015 and her research is focused on the functional connection between folate and sphingolipid metabolism.
Kristine Kay, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Sumner Lab
klkay@email.unc.edu
Kristine Kay, PhD joined the Sumner-Lab as a postdoctoral fellow in 2019. Her research interests focus on improving human health through characterization of bioactive compounds and structure-function relationships within cellular pathways. Dr. Kay has over 10 years of experience using NMR and Mass Spectrometry for the detection and identification of small molecules, peptides, and proteins. She earned a PhD in inorganic biochemistry in 2017 from The University of East Anglia (UEA, Norwich, UK), where she developed intact protein mass spectrometry and molecular spectroscopy methods to characterize highly conserved copper-binding proteins. Prior to completing a PhD, Dr. Kay conducted research at the Quadram Institute, UK, where she used mass spectrometry and biomolecular NMR to design peptidomimetic therapeutics for proteins and receptors involved in pathways upregulated in cancer. Dr. Kay will use her training to conduct metabolomics analysis for the Sumner-Lab.
David Kirchner, MS
Research Associate, Sumner Lab
david_kirchner@unc.edu
David Kirchner, MS is a Research Associate in the Sumner-Lab at NRI. He uses his training in mass spectrometry to analyze proteins and metabolites in biospecimens. Mr Kirchner has over 20 years of experience working in laboratories to conduct studies using genetic, molecular and cell biology, bioanalytical chemistry and bioinformatics approaches. He will contribute his knowledge to studies conducted for the Sumner-Lab. Mr. Kirchner earned a MS in Biochemistry from Indiana University of PA in 2010.
Cecilia Kwan, PhD, RD
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Smith Lab
cecilia_kwan@unc.edu
Cecilia received her PhD in molecular nutrition from Cornell University. Her dissertation project focused on the effect of maternal choline supplementation during mouse pregnancy on placental function and offspring development. While at Cornell University, Cecilia also completed the dietetic internship and is currently certified as a Registered Dietitian. Cecilia joined the NRI in the fall of 2017 to work with Dr. Smith where she will conduct studies examining how maternal nutritional status interacts with alcohol consumption to modulate placental development and offspring health. This understanding will facilitate the development of dietary interventions to improve outcomes in children who are prenatally exposed to alcohol.
Maricela Lara-Segura
maricela_lara@unc.edu
Maricela came to the Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) as an intern student from RCCC. She was hired in May 2018 as a research technician by Dr. Meyer to study the diet of rodents and primates with a focus on how the gut microbiome relates to health. In late 2019, Marcela moved to the Zeisel Lab where she continues to work as a research technician.
Yuanyuan Li, PhD
yuanyli4@unc.edu
View Dr. Li's CV.
Yuanyuan Li, PhD is the manager of the mass spectrometry facility in the Sumner-Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Nutrition Research Institute (NRI). Dr. Li oversaw the development of the Sumner-Lab untargeted analysis workflow for the NIEHS-funded Children's Health Exposure Analysis Resource (CHEAR) program, and serves as the technology core leader for untargeted analysis for the North Carolina Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource Untargeted Analysis Laboratory (NC HHEAR UAL). She has extensive experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and incorporates that knowledge in her research at NRI which focusses on prevention and management of metabolic syndromes, including obesity, diabetes, and their complications, through nutritional approaches and herbal remedies. Dr. Li earned a BS in 2003 Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China and a PhD in biochemistry from City University of Hong Kong in 2014.
Anju Lulla, PhD
Research Associate, Meyer Lab
anju_lulla@unc.edu
Anju Lulla, PhD joined the NRI as a Research Associate in August 2018. She received her Phd from St. John's University, NY, in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a focus in pharmacology. Prior to joining NRI, Anju was a research assistant at UNC Charlotte in the Bioinformatics Department. She brings with her expertise in bioinformatics and statistical analyses of genomic and microbiome data. She is working with Dr. Katie Meyer to study associations between nutritional metabolites, gut microbiome and cardiovascular health.
Michael Mackin
Lead Accounting Technician
michael_mackin@unc.edu
Michael Mackin joined the Nutrition Research Institute in March 2016 as an Accounting Technician. As a local native, Michael once worked at the Pillowtex plant, before it ceased operations, where the NRI was later built. He enjoys spending time with his daughter, walking, and watching sports.
Baba Mass
Research Technician, Voruganti Lab
bmass@live.unc.edu
Baba graduated from Gambia College School of Education with an AS in science and mathematics. He taught Junior Secondary School science for three years before migrating to the U.S. to pursue higher education. Baba joined the Voruganti lab as a student intern from RCCC before officially joining the team as research technician in July 2015.
Susan McRitchie
Program Manager, Sumner Lab
susan_mcritchie@unc.edu
Susan McRitchie, MA, MS, is the lead biostatistician in the Sumner-Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Nutrition Research Institute (NRI). She has over 20 years of experience using statistics and modeling approaches to associate survey data and laboratory measures from basic, clinical, and epidemiology investigations with a wide variety of health outcomes. She served as the Program Coordinator for the NIH-Common Fund Eastern Regional Comprehensive Metabolomics Core (ERCMRC, 2012-2019), and contributed to working groups on data analysis and visualization, and promotion and outreach. She is currently the Program Coordinator for the North Carolina Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource Untargeted Analysis Laboratory (NC HHEAR UAL) that was established in August 2019. Ms. McRitchie's research interest lies in understanding how diet, and nutrients, can mitigate against adverse effects from exposures to drugs, medications, and environmentally relevant chemicals. Ms. McRitchie earned a MA in Mathematics from UCLA and a MS in Biostatistics from UNC Chapel Hill.
Carolyn Munson
Research Technician, Mooney Lab
camunson@email.unc.edu
Carolyn Munson graduated in 2015 from Rowan Cabarrus Community College with an AAS in biotechnology. She is working as a research technician in the Surzenko Lab at the NRI. Much of her work is directed by Dr. Natalia Surzenko performing immunohistochemistry work.
Kendra Lynn Nelson, MPH
Graduate Student, Voruganti Lab
klnelson@live.unc.edu
Kendra received her undergraduate degree in Nutrition from Southern Utah University and worked as a sanitarian prior to attending UNC. She completed her MPH/RD program at UNC-Chapel Hill in December 2019, while working in Dr. Voruganti's lab at the NRI. Her prior research focused on the accuracy of consumer fitness trackers and their value as an assessment tool in dietetics practice and future nutrition research.
Chinmayee Panda, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Voruganti Lab
chinmayee_panda@unc.edu
Dr. Chinmayee Panda is passionate about research that benefits human health. She earned her PhD in Plant Biology from NCSU in August 2017, with a focus in genetics and molecular biology. She joined NRI thereafter as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Voruganti Lab to investigate the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in influencing renal-cardiovascular disease risk. She is currently involved in a project that aims to characterize the nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic determinants of obesity and related comorbidities in children. She also hopes to characterize key phenotypes and environmental factors that increase susceptibility to metabolic diseases in genetically isolated population like Parsis in North America. In her spare time, she dabbles in food photography and blogging. She enjoys travelling with her husband.
Evan Paules
Graduate Student, S. Zeisel Lab
paulese@live.unc.edu
Evan Paules joined the NRI in August 2016 as a doctoral student in the Nutrition Department. He completed his undergraduate program at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. He received his BS in 2016 with a double major in Biochemistry and Behavioral Neuroscience. His research interests include folate metabolism with relation to its role within the central nervous system, as well as cellular homeostasis. Evan was a 4-year member of Rider University's Division 1 swim team.
Peter Pediaditakis, PhD
Research Scientist, N. Krupenko Lab
pathos@unc.edu
Dr. Peter Pediaditakis joined UNC Nutrition Research Institute in 2015 as a research scientist in the N. Krupenko Lab after several years in an academic setting. His work involves understanding how folate metabolism affects hepatocytes and how those hepatocyte effects influence the whole body. Additionally, Dr. Pediaditakis is creating specific genetic mutants in immortalized cultured hepatocytes to more clearly understand the role of the liver using metabolomics-based methods. Dr. Peter Pediaditakis received his PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. His thesis work was in the laboratory of Dr. George Michalopoulos where he explored the role of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor in liver homeostasis and regeneration. Upon completion of his doctorate, Dr. Pediaditakis joined the laboratory of Dr. John Lemasters at UNC Chapel Hill where he received an individual Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award. The focus of his post-doctoral work explored the role of protein kinases A and G in the protection of hepatocytes from mitochondrial-induced cell death. After his fellowship, Dr. Pediaditakis worked as a scientist at various institutions and private companies where he continued his work on human and mammalian hepatocyte isolation and metabolism. Dr. Pediaditakis left the laboratory for several years and taught biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry at both the high school and college level.
William Pressel III
william_pressel@unc.edu
Before getting a B.S. in Biology from UNC Charlotte, Bill completed an A.A.S. in Biotechnology at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and worked with protein-polyphenol aggregates as a technician in Dr. Lila's lab at PHHI. After graduating, their interests in the intersections of Nutritional Biology and Social Ecology have led their work/study through diverse occupations such as greenhouse management, restoration agriculture, community organizing, and worker cooperatives (currently they are involved in an exploratory group to build natural houses and pools, and do permaculture landscaping). They are also very excited to be back in a lab environment and interested in continuing their education by entering a graduate program in the near future.
Brandon Presswood
brandon_presswood@unc.edu
Brandon received his B.S. in Biology in August of 2018 from the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. His undergraduate research focused on investigating long non-coding RNAs in translation and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Before that he was in the US Air Force from January 2007 to January 2016. Brandon joined the NRI in August 2018 where he currently assists the Smith lab with their research of ethanol and the impacts it has upon fetal neurological growth and development.
Dane Ricketts
dane_ricketts@unc.edu
Dane received his BS in Marine Biology from UNC Wilmington in 2012. After graduating he spent 3 years abroad working and traveling in Australia, where he worked as a Dive Master on the Great Barrier Reef; in Fiji, where he became a SCUBA Instructor and helped start a coral transplanting project; working and backpacking in New Zealand, and working as a SCUBA Instructor in Thailand. Dane moved back to the United States in October of 2015 and decided to return to the lab, leading him to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to earn an AAS in Biotechnology in May of 2018. He worked as a contractor at DHMRI in the Analytical Science lab over the summer and in September 2018 became a part of Dr. Mooney's lab as a Research Technician.
Olivia Rivera, PhD
olivia_rivera@unc.edu
Olivia completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences at Penn State University, where she investigated the role of the micronutrient zinc in mammary gland development and the influence of genetic variation on lactation outcomes. Olivia joined the NRI in July 2019 to focus on nutrient-gene interactions and precision nutrition during development. As a postdoctoral research associate in Dr. Smith's lab, she will explore epigenetic mechanisms to understand how alcohol disrupts fetal development.
Blake Rushing, PhD
blake_rushing@unc.edu
Blake Rushing, PhD, is a postdoctoral research associate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Nutrition Research Institute (NRI). Dr. Rushing's is trained in pharmacology and toxicology, and has experience using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, in vitro model systems, and various biochemical assays to study the interactions between small molecule toxins/drugs with macromolecular targets such as proteins and DNA. He is well versed in using analytical instrumentation to study metabolic products of exogenous small molecule agents and their biological effects. Dr. Rushing earned BS in Chemistry for Catawba College, a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2018 from East Carolina University. Dr. Rushing will use his background in drug/chemical metabolism and toxicology to contribute to the identification of unknown signals in untargeted analyses for the Sumner-Lab.
Nipun Saini, PhD
nipun_saini@unc.edu
Nipun Saini joined the NRI in the summer of 2017 for her second postdoctoral position and will be working with Dr. Smith on fetal alcohol syndrome. She completed her PhD. in Biochemistry from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where her dissertation was focused on the characterization of inhibitors of fatty acid transport protein-2 in cell and animal models to reduce obesity, lipotoxicity and related diseases. After earning her PhD, she moved to the North Carolina Research Campus as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at North Carolina Central University and worked on understanding the mechanism of microRNA-mediated regulation in metformin treated breast cancer cells.
Teresa Seagroves
Business Services Coordinator
teresa_seagroves@unc.edu
Teresa has lived in the China Grove area most of her life. She is a South Rowan High School graduate. Teresa has one son, Adam Earnhardt and a daughter-in-love Anna. Teresa is an only child and is thankful to have both her parents still with her. She loves the beach, traveling, reading, her mini dachshund Lola and anything to do with sea turtles. Being a life-long Tarheel fan she is in Carolina heaven working for the Nutrition Research Institute!
Alyson Hope Selchick
aly_selchick@unc.edu
Alyson received her B.S. in Biology from the College of Charleston in May of 2017. Shortly after, she began her career as a Research Specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. She assisted with research focused on the effect(s) of alcohol exposure on the brain. After moving to North Carolina, Alyson joined the NRI in February 2019 as a Research Technician and is currently assisting the Mooney Lab with their research of the effect(s) of environment and genes on brain development, with a focus on prenatal alcohol exposure.
Melissa Shaffer
Research Assistant, Cheatham Lab
melissa_shaffer@unc.edu
Melissa Shaffer joined the Nutrition Research Institute in January of 2020 as a research assistant in Dr. Cheatham's Nutrition and Cognition Lab. In 2015 she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. Melissa has a professional background working directly with underserved populations with addictions in the city of Philadelphia, but she is grateful and excited for the opportunity to begin a career in research. Melissa is passionate about how the research being conducted in the Cheatham Lab positively impacts both the immediate community surrounding it, as well as its potential to impact the global community. Melissa hails from New Jersey, but she is enjoying discovering all the charms North Carolina has to offer.
Jaspreet Sharma, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate, S. Krupenko Lab
sharmaj@email.unc.edu
Jaspreet Sharma joined the NRI in the summer of 2017 in the S. Krupenko's Lab to investigate the role of folate-metabolizing enzymes in cancer progression and metastasis. She received her PhD from the Graduate Program in the Department of Gastroenterology, PGIMER, Chandigarh (India). Her graduate studies focused on prevention of colon cancer by dietary supplements. She has received her postdoctoral training in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Colorado, Denver, working on the receptor-mediating signaling in tumorigenesis.
Jon Shea
jon_shea@unc.edu
Jon Shea joined the Nutrition Research Institute in the summer of 2017 as a research associate. He is a graduate of UNC Charlotte's Bioinformatics program. He has worked in several labs working on research in single cell sequencing studying the transcriptomic changes in yeast and c. elegans as well as plant metabolites using HPLC and mass spectrometry. He is currently studying the gut microbiome and its connection to cardiovascular health with Dr. Katie Meyer.
Susie Smith
susie_smith@unc.edu
Susie Smith joined the Nutrition Research Institute in March 2016. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Her work experiences include Social Work, Hospice Care, Business and Marketing. She is married with two grown children. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cycling and traveling. She is pleased to be a part of the NRI.
Julie Stegall
Study Coordinator, Zeisel Lab
julie_stegall@unc.edu
In January 2018, Julie took on a new role as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Zeisel Lab. She joined the NRI in 2009, and has worked on research studies with babies, toddlers, school age children, and adults, as well as managing other lab responsibilities. She was drawn to the NRI in 2009 by the opportunity to work with Carol Cheatham, PhD as a recruiter for her studies with children. She quickly became a research assistant and lab manager during her 5 years with the Cheatham team. An opportunity presented itself for her to focus in a different area with Philip May, PhD. As a result of her past experiences with children diagnosed with a FASD, Julie became engrossed in May's research to understand more about this challenging problem. Julie earned a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications and a Masters in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her work with children and families spans a variety of locations and settings. Julie is a native of Kannapolis.
Valentina Talevi
Data Analyst, Voruganti Lab
vtalevi@unc.edu
Valentina Talevi received her M.S. in Bioinformatics at UNC Charlotte. She is working as a research technician in the Vorugati Lab. Her previous research focused on the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms that potentially could increase the susceptibility of oral diseases in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. She enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
Isis Trujillo, PhD
isis_trujillo@unc.edu
Isis Trujillo received her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Her research was focused on the role of metabolic proteins associated with biotin in transcriptional regulation. She also collaborated on breast cancer research projects. Her interests include nutrigenomics, epigenetics and metabolism. She is now investigating how bioavailability of choline affects epigenetics neural progenitor cells.
Melissa VerHague, PhD
Research Associate, Hursting Lab
melissa_verhague@unc.edu
Melissa VerHague earned her PhD in molecular pathology from Wake Forest University. Her dissertation investigated the impact of apolipoprotein A-IV on triglyceride secretion and lipoprotein particle expansion associated with hepatic steatosis. A native of Buffalo, NY, she joined the NRI as a postdoctoral research associate in September of 2014. Her primary research focus is understanding the role of CD44 in atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.
Manjot Virdee
Research Associate, Smith Lab
manjot_virdee@unc.edu
Manjot joined the NRI in June 2019 as a research associate, conducting statistical analyses for the lab. He received his MS in Bioinformatics from the University of Birmingham in England where he focused on machine learning methods in Genomics and Metabolomics. His long-term interests are in how science policy will integrate new technologies and discoveries from genomics into healthcare. In his spare time, Manjot enjoys debating philosophy, playing chess, and reading fantasy.
Kathleen Walter, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Mooney Lab
kathleen_walter@unc.edu
Katie joined the NRI in August of 2019. She is a nutritional immunologist and received her PhD in Animal Science from North Carolina State University. Her dissertation focused on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation as a means to dampen immunosuppressive effects of respiratory pathogens. She is now investigating impacts of fetal alcohol syndrome on Alzheimer-related pathologies and behavioral impairments.


Police, ambulance crews and the air ambulance have attended an incident at the Peterborough Fair in the city centre this evening, Friday March 31.
The Peterborough Telegraph has received numerous messages after the air ambulances and emergency services attended the scene this evening.
Police confirmed they were dealing with a number of emergency incidents at this time, but as a result could not confirm details as to the specifics at this time.
Police at Peterborough Fair were unable to provide our reporter on the scene with further details.


Mumbai, March 19, 2019: Taj Safaris' four lodges in India offer a decade of safari expertise, coupled with legendary Taj service – all while situated in the very best destinations from which to spot the royal Bengal Tiger. The latest addition to the Taj Safaris portfolio, Meghauli Serai is in Nepal's Chitwan National Park, an area renowned for its protection of the one-horned Rhinoceros.
From Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh National Park, Baghvan in Pench National Park, Banjaar Tola in Kanha National Park and Pashan Garh in Panna National Park, each lodge allows guests to experience the unparalleled beauty of the jungle and spot the famous Bengal Tiger in their highest densities. Departing just after sunrise, guests can enjoy early morning jungle drives in specially designed 4x4 jeeps with Taj's trained naturalists. Meghauli Serai is located in one of the best wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia, Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to over 100 Bengal Tigers. Uncommonly, visitors are free to walk in Chitwan – allowing them to get even closer to the wilderness.
Taj Safaris offer Central India's first and only tiger circuit with its four lodges in Madhya Pradesh which remain open between October and June. Chitwan National Park is open year round. For a minimum three night stay, the offer includes all meals, two game drives and other exciting activities across lodges. To know more and to make your reservation, please visit www.tajhotels.com.


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Minnie Dlamini Jones's traditional outfit gives potential clues about the baby's gender
By Toni Jaye Singer - 25 September 2020 - 13:52
Minnie Dlamini Jones, pictured here at the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2020 pageant earlier this year, is expecting her first child with husband Quinton Jones.
Image: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu
Mrs Jones is poised to become Mama Jones. To break the happy news to her fans, Minnie Dlamini Jones posted a gorgeous photo of herself cradling her baby bump on Instagram last week.
In celebration of Heritage Day, Dlamini Jones has now shared a post revealing the deeper meaning behind the stunning traditional outfit she wore for the photo shoot, which was set in her back garden to "represent where [her] child will be raised".
As a "proud Zulu woman", the celeb wanted her threads to pay tribute to her culture, which "is so rich with amazing clothing, patterns, colours and designs, all of which have symbolic meaning".
As such, she wore a bespoke pregnancy apron that was handmade by fashion designer Asanda Madyibi.
Madyibi said on Instagram that she was "inspired by [Dlamini Jones's] vision of reimagining and honouring an old tradition", adding that she learnt a lot about the Zulu culture in the process.
A post shared by Minnie (@minniedlamini) on Sep 24, 2020 at 1:00am PDT
Dlamini Jones explained that historically her maternity apron would have been made from a hide from a hunt gifted to her by her father-in-law, while her mother-in-law would have been responsible for the beadwork, the design of which would have included "messages and symbols of the family lineage almost like the western family crest".
"I'm so proud to show off my culture in a time where so much creativity and evolution has made us look at the art instead of the rich cultural meanings behind the items we fashionably wear today," the mom-to-be said.
"The patterns on a maternity apron determine many things, among which is the sex of the baby," she added with an emoticon wink. Could a trendy gender reveal be in the works? We can't wait to find out.
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text:
The Audio Cynic
A Familiar Story
By Bill Leebens
This story has nothing to do with audio. It does, however, have a lot to do with the "Cynic" part of this column's title. I've encouraged Copper's writers to go somewhat far afield when they feel the need, and I hope you'll indulge me as I stray a bit.
I'm sad to say that I'm not very familiar with how most families operate. A number of moves and a natural inclination towards introversion have kept me from intense involvement with many families. Often, that has included my own.
But I do know enough to know that all families have stories. Some are happy: how a no-longer-young couple first met and overcame their aversion to one another, and fell in love. Some are sad: family members lost to war or natural disaster. Most people seem to have stories that they've known for as long as they remember, and those stories seem to shape their characters.
The story I've always known is like that. It helped to make me wary and distrustful of authority. It made me skeptical of easy answers and demanding of deeper truths and real meaning. It made me aware of the darkness in the world and the possibility that bad things do indeed happen to good people.
So here is my story:
My parents were married May 6, 1941. My father's 27th birthday was December 6, 1941. You know what happened the day after that.
My father was a dentist, and had set up practice in my mother's hometown a few years earlier. Like many others after war was declared, he enlisted in the armed forces. He chose the Navy, which seems an odd choice for a lifelong, landlocked Minnesotan. I don't know why he chose the Navy.
Nor do I know all the details or chronology of his Navy service, and my father isn't around to ask. But following whatever training he received, he was assigned to a large ship as the ship's dentist. He would also be a medical officer as need arose, in battle. My mother moved to San Francisco to be there when the ship periodically returned to Mare Island Naval Shipyard.
The ship was a heavy cruiser, the USS Indianapolis. It was the length of two football fields, heavily armored, and carried massive armament and catapults for launching planes. The crew sometimes referred to their ship as "Indy Maru", following the Japanese convention of naming ships, acknowledging that the Pacific waters they would traverse were occupied by the Japanese.
Indy Maru was big and fast, covered tremendous distances, and was involved in a number of battles and campaigns. As a child, I would sometimes wear a souvenir from one campaign, the heavy woolen face mask that had been issued to my father during the Aleutian Islands campaign in the arctic waters near Alaska. The mask was dark blue, and had a flap that snapped over the mouth. It appealed to me as it was scary-looking, like something out of the horror movies I loved.
Indy was involved in the battles at Saipan, the Mariana islands, and was involved in the first attacks on the Japanese mainland. Providing pre-invasion bombardment at Okinawa from its 8″ guns, Indy was hit by a bomb dropped from low altitude by a Japanese fighter plane. Several crewmen were killed and the ship was heavily damaged, but managed to return to Mare Island yet again for repairs and a refit.
Indy was the flagship of Admiral Spruance. I have photographs showing Admiral Nimitz on board ship, as well.
In July of 1945, Indy was chosen for a secret mission, likely because of its speed. The ship left San Francisco and made it to Pearl Harbor in less than 75 hours, averaging 29 knots. The record time it set still stands today.
From Pearl, Indy proceeded to the American-held island of Tinian, where it delivered its cargo. That cargo was half the refined uranium U-235 that existed in the world, along with the components that would be assembled to form "Little Boy". The Hiroshima bomb.
Indy went to Guam, then headed to Leyte, with the ultimate destination of Okinawa, where it would rejoin the fleet. Indy never made it.
Sailing unaccompanied on open water, Indy was hit by two torpedoes. The exploding warheads caused massive damage, and within 12 minutes the ship rolled over, the stern rose in the air, and she began to sink. About 300 of the crew of 1196 went down with Indy.
Perhaps due to the secrecy surrounding the mission, perhaps due to oversight, perhaps due to incompetence, the unaccompanied Indy was not reported missing for three days. Halfway through the fourth day, a spotter plane saw survivors clinging to wreckage, and dropped life rafts and a radio transmitter. Ships and planes were immediately directed to the site.
Three days in shark-infested ocean waters without fresh water or food culled the number of survivors, many of whom had suffered injuries from the explosions. Some were taken down by sharks. Some became delusional due to dehydration and exposure, and simply drifted away. Some chose to go below the surface of the water and stay there.
Ultimately, 317 of the 1,196 on board had survived. 879 were lost.
My father cannot be properly listed as a survivor, as he was not on board. Some time before this last mission, he'd been rotated to duty at a base on shore. That didn't mean he was unaffected. Hundreds of men he served with, treated, helped in battle, died. I doubt if my father was aware of the term "survivor guilt", but he lived it, nonetheless. As I recently said to a friend, "he never talked about it, but it was always there."
For whatever reason the Indy had been misplaced, the damage didn't end there. My mother, older than the wives of most of the crew, accompanied a young Naval chaplain as he went to inform young brides that their husbands would not be coming home. My mother spoke of how many of the wives were barely out of their teens, and how many were pregnant.
My father's longtime wardmate on board, Lt. Charles McKissick, was officer of the watch, and was on the bridge when the torpedoes hit. He survived, and became an ophthalmologist. After my father's death, I met with Dr. McKissick, who told me things about the ship and its sinking that my father could not or would not. Forty years later, he still choked up when describing the suffering of his fellow shipmates.
Captain Charles Butler McVay survived, and likely wished he had not. McVay, the son and grandson of Admirals, was court-martialed for the sinking of his ship, allegedly for failure to set a zigzag course. In a kangaroo court, the Commander of the Japanese sub that had sunk Indy was brought in to testify, and said that zig-zagging wouldn't have kept him from sinking Indy Maru. Admiral Nimitz set aside the charges against McVay, and put him back on active duty. McVay ultimately retired as a Rear Admiral in 1949. McVay was the only Captain to be court-martialed in World War II for the loss of his ship. Hundreds of US Naval vessels had been lost in the war.
The specter remained. In 1968, McVay blew his brains out with his Navy-issued revolver.
My father had a framed glossy photograph of the Indy on his desk until the day he died. He rarely spoke of the ship's loss, but when he did, the anger and disgust he felt towards the Navy for putting Indy in harm's way and for disgracing McVay were clear to see.
That's what I grew up with.
That's my story. And I'm stuck with it.
The memorial to CA-35, heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis, in Indianapolis. Very little, very late: but it's something.
About Bill Leebens
Bill Leebens is Editor of Copper, and Director of Marketing at PS Audio. He has been in and out of the audio business for over 40 years, and each time he returns to it, he becomes more cynical. He does not intend to go quietly.
War is hell as someone famous once said. The sad fact is that most of us 60+ year olds are here in the US because of war in one way or another. My oldest relatives here came in the early 1900's to escape war and plunder in eastern Europe. I'm sure many others have similar stories.
Rudy Radelic April 8, 2019 at 8:04 am #
Indeed we do have connections to the wars. I'm not sure when my mother's side of the family came over from Europe, but on my father's, there were a couple of direct connections. My grandfather came over to the US from Serbia via Austria around the era of WWI, worked in the Pennsylvania coal mines with his Slavic brethren (where he also met my grandmother, who was born here in the US), moved to Detroit and worked at Packard for 25 years before finally falling ill and dying from black lung disease not too long after I was born. (My only memories of him were going to their house and hearing that "grandpa is sick in the bedroom." And, I have his gold watch from his 25 years at Packard.)
My father and uncle were both part of the war effort for WWII. My dad being the youngest, he took up a job at Pratt & Whitney, hoisting 80 pound superchargers onto a conveyor belt that left him with herniated discs in his back. My uncle fared worse–he left Detroit as a practical joker and a bit of a character (I can't repeat the story about the dime here), but was changed when he came back. In the Marines, he had "seen a lot" (that's all we were told), had fallen ill with malaria, and came home with a habit of heavy smoking and drinking, and a foul mouth and cynical attitude (when he wasn't drunk) to go along with it. Their family always scraped by–he would be fired from one job after another throughout life. He would die of emphysema in his 60s, only a year or two after my grandmother passed. Despite that, he made sure his sons had a good start in life, and they have done well.
bdp24 April 8, 2019 at 12:28 pm #
I asked my Dad why he chose The Army Air Corp in which to enlist (the U.S.A. did not yet have a separate Air Force when it entered WWII), and he told me he didn't want to be a sitting duck, getting shot at down on the ground. I was shocked by him being so concerned about his own well being, and being so open about it. From having him tell me that, I was therefore not surprised when I realized he did not want me to go to Vietnam when I turned 18 in '68. It was already obvious by then that that war was a lost cause, and he had no intention of sacrificing his only son for the pride of politicians (Lyndon Johnson didn't want to be the first president to lose a war). I didn't know anyone who went to Vietnam from our little suburb of San Jose, Cupertino (now home to Apple and ebay)—everyone I knew went to college if for no other reason than to get a draft deferment. But my sister did—her boyfriend, who, on his first patrol, stuck his head up from behind whatever he was laying behind, and was rewarded with a bullet into his forehead and out the back of his head. I later did meet and play one gig with a Vietnam vet, a Blues pianist who worked with Robben Ford when Robben lived in San Jose in the early-70's. The pianist is somewhat of a mess, still dealing with PTSD.
Bill Leebens April 8, 2019 at 12:49 pm #
Along similar lines, I asked my Dad why he became a dentist rather than a general surgeon like his dad.
He was quiet for a long time and finally answered, "ya don't lose too many patients."
George Moneo April 8, 2019 at 2:28 pm #
The story of the Indianapolis — and the subsequent railroading of its commander — remains one of my favorite stories from World War II. Here are two excellent books on the event:
'Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man'
(https://www.amazon.com/Indianapolis-Disaster-Fifty-Year-Exonerate-Innocent/dp/1501135945/ref=sr_1_1)
'In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors'
(https://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Indianapolis-Extraordinary-Survivors/dp/0805066322/ref=sr_1_2)
Bill Leebens April 8, 2019 at 2:33 pm #
Thanks. I've read both, and several others as well. Thanks for reading, and for writing.
BHK April 9, 2019 at 9:07 am #
Thanks Bill! That was very interesting
Bill Leebens April 9, 2019 at 9:09 am #
Thanks, Bascom.
Real Religious Fervor
Great Opera


text:
Court dismisses Port Towage Lisbon's claims of predatory pricing.
The Tribunal Administrativo de Círculo de Lisboa has found no wrongdoing on the part of Svitzer in tendering for the Portuguese Navy's 2018 towage contract for the Lisbon port, rebuffing claims of predatory pricing and violation of competition law.
The court found that the arguments submitted against Svitzer on its pricing for the tender were irrelevant, and further found that Svitzer was operating at an appropriate cost level which was not anticompetitive with the rest of the market.
The court also found that a document containing costs that was submitted by Svitzer to the Lisbon Port Authority in 2014 was obsolete in reference to the 2018 tender, as it could not be used as a basis to establish the existence of below-cost sales, given the passage of time between those years and changes in the market that came with them.
Finally, the court found that there was no evidence of anticompetitive behaviour by Svitzer, nor of any alleged intent to force its competitors out of Portugal's towage market. The court also rejected a request from the plaintiff to send a copy of the claim to Portugal's Competition Authority.
Speaking on the ruling, Kasper Nilaus, Managing Director, Svitzer Europe said: "We have cooperated fully with the Portuguese authorities and are pleased with the ruling. We have always been completely committed to ensuring that our business meets the very highest standards, complying with all laws and regulations."
Pernille Brandis Rosengaard
Head of Global Communications & Branding
T: + 45 31128822