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News Briefs

Inventors of the year

The UVA Patent Foundation named professors Kevin R. Lynch and Timothy L. Macdonald the 2010 Edlich-Henderson Inventors of the Year. Their work happens at the intersection of chemistry and biomedicine; their patents are related to signaling molecules that cells use to communicate with each other and have potential to lead to treatments for diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders.

What would TJ do?

The 2010 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals were awarded to environmentalist, scientist and ethicist E.O. Wilson, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano (Law ’83) and chief executive officer of ARAMARK Joseph Neubauer. The medals recognize the achievements of those who embrace endeavors that Thomas Jefferson held in high regard, namely architecture, law and citizen leadership.

In good hands

The Health System has opened a hand center to treat conditions related to a range of ailments, including arthritis, nerve damage, cancer and injuries.

“The hand has a beautiful and complex anatomy confined to small spaces. Its repair requires a deep understanding of its parts along with a meticulous use of technique and equipment,” said Dr. Abhinav Chhabra, vice chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Big award for Small

Albert H. Small (Engr ’46) was awarded a National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama. The medal honors Small’s work as a philanthropist and collector as well as his devotion to sharing early American manuscripts with the nation’s cultural and educational institutions. Bob Dylan and Clint Eastwood were among the other honorees.

New head of Madison House

Madison House, the student volunteer center at UVA, appointed Elizabeth Bass as executive director. She had been on staff since 2003 and was a founding member of the Madison House Alumni Council, an organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening the tradition of service at Madison House through alumni involvement.