Month: November 2009

A UConn Connection on the Space Shuttle Atlantis

Posted on by Melanie L Burnat

Space Shuttle AtlantisWe’ve all heard a lot about the recent space shuttle trip, but did you know that a UConn flag accompanied astronauts on their journey to the International Space Station?

I’m proud to say the connection is through a former colleague of mine, Robert (Bobby) Satcher, Jr., Ph.D., M.D., who worked in my lab at MIT. Dr. Satcher, who is not only an astronaut but also an orthopaedic surgeon and distinguished researcher, agreed to bring the UConn flag on the Atlantis’ current trip.

On November 16, I had the great honor of watching Bobby and the other astronauts as the space shuttle Atlantis lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center. I was joined by longtime friends and benefactors of the Health Center, Bess and Michael Economos, who are also the founders of the Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research. It was an incredible experience and a moment of pride for my friend and former colleague.

As for the UConn flag, I will let you know when it returns to Farmington.
Space Shuttle Atlantis

Space Shuttle Atlantis

Academic Plan Is Completed

Posted on by Melanie L Burnat

I am very grateful to all who contributed to the completion of the School of Medicine’s Academic Plan, particularly those who served on the ad-hoc committee over the past few months: Marja Hurley, M.D., Charles Huntington, P.A., M.P.H., Bruce Koeppen, M.D., Ph.D., Marc Lalande, Ph.D., Carolyn Lyle, Adam Silverman, M.D., and Gerald Maxwell, Ph.D.

As you may recall, creation of the Academic Plan followed Provost Nicholls’ call for all Schools within the University to develop plans that were modeled on the structure and format of the University’s Academic Plan.

Health Center Faculty Vote to Unionize

Posted on by Melanie L Burnat

The vote from the faculty is in — and the time to work together is now. At this point, it is critically important that all of us, regardless of how you voted this week, stay involved and engaged in the process. It is the community of ideas that we have that makes us great, and in the coming weeks you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the union.

I’m grateful to all for a respectful and thoughtful campaign. Let’s commit to work together for the common good for our institution so we can continue to move our institution toward top tier status, toward being a destination place for healthcare, and toward being a place that is an engine for growth and prosperity not just for ourselves, but for our region and our state.

Let’s proceed. Thanks.