Hayashida Representing Students' Dining Needs

In an attempt to enhance students’ overall dining experience on college campuses nationwide, Sodexo Campus Services, the provider of food services at UAB and abroad, created a Student Board of Directors in 1995. As a result, students are now included in the various decisions that are made about topics ranging from ambiance to food selection. UAB undergraduate Lisa Hayashida was recently named to this board, and, along with other members selected from around the country, will voice student opinions and suggestions about campus dining to the main Sodexo headquarters.

“If [my peers] want to see different foods come to the dining services then they can speak up, and I can take it to the conferences that I attend,” Hayashida said. “As a representative of UAB and Sodexo sitting on this student board, I speak for a large crowd. I know that you can’t always make everyone happy, but if they see changes then that means we’ve been heard and something is getting done.”

According to Leigh Ciarkowski, Campus Restaurants Marketing Manager at UAB, the Student Board of Directors help Sodexo keep up with the ever-changing food trends among college students.

“The latest trend with students nationwide is a push for not only healthy dining, but healthy living, focusing on low-fat, low-carb, less sugars, and vegetarian entrees,” said Ciarkowski. “And sustainability outside the dining facility, recycling, using biodegradable or reusable materials. This trend is true for UAB as well and we are working to meet our student’s needs.”

Being chosen for the Student Board of Directors is not a trivial matter. Applicants are considered based upon their performance with essay questions and also in interviews. Numerous applications are received from around the country, making competition tight.

“I was thrilled when I found out that I had been selected as the UAB representative,” said Hayashida. “It's a big selection process. They receive hundreds of applications and only twenty-five get selected. It's been a pleasure getting to work with the Sodexo crew here at UAB … It's been a really fun experience.”

As a board member, Hayashida will participate in monthly conference calls, submit monthly progress reports, and attend a national conference, all in an effort to improve campus food services.

“We come up with ideas and events to host in the dining services on all the campuses so that the food isn't just food. We try to make food service as fun as possible.”

Food is certainly an important topic to many people. Students can attest that a good meal is inextricably linked to intellectual and social prowess. Not only does food provide nourishment, it offers a chance for fellowship among friends who may be catching up on the latest news or between acquaintances that are getting to know each other. Hayashida believes that mealtime is instrumental in bringing people together.

“When people are around food they are happy,” she said. “People are open-minded when we are happy. This is a great way to communicate and build relationships around food. Food is something that should bring joy to your life so enjoy it while you eat with the people you love.”

Published in the UAB Kaleidoscope newspaper, 01/13/2009

South Dubbed "Stroke Belt"

More people who live in the southeastern U.S. die following a stroke than those living in any other region of the country, a statistic that’s resulted in this area being branded the “stroke belt”. The higher mortality rate, almost 50% greater in the southeast, has long been attributed to race and geographical differences; however, after factoring in variables such as race, age, and sex, researchers at UAB and the University of Vermont found that these aspects were insufficient to account for the entire discrepancy and actually represent only a minor part of the problem. So-called “non-traditional” factors may very well be responsible for this issue.

According to George Howard, Dr.PH. and Chairman of the Department of Biostatistics in the UAB School of Public Health, there may be numerous non-traditional factors that contribute to the increased number of deaths in the stroke belt, and sorting out their role will require additional studies.

“Inflammation and infection are the most important non-traditional factors,” he said. “Other potential causes are the micronutrients in our drinking water such as potassium and selenium. The outside temperature may affect the large difference in stroke mortality rate, as well as alcohol use, coagulation factors, and drugs such as aspirin, which thirty-five percent of the population takes as a prophylactic. And, although we are becoming aware of the effects of smoking, passive cigarette smoke has not been studied as thoroughly and could also contribute.”

While analyzing their data, the researchers also found that two traditional stroke risk factors, namely high blood pressure and diabetes, occur more frequently in the southeastern U.S. than in any other part of the country and contribute to the disparity in stroke mortality rate, both racially and geographically.

“… [the results] suggest that stroke risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, are more common in African Americans than whites, and thus might explain some of the racial disparities in stroke,” said Mary Cushman, M.D. at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and lead investigator on the study. “This suggests that efforts to better understand these differences, and improve treatments, might help reduce these disparities.”

Howard believes that these findings provide important clues that will help identify why the stroke belt exists in the first place and, furthermore, the reasons why African Americans are more susceptible to having a stroke.

“With this information, as a society we can begin to target the pathways that contribute to these immense disparities, each of which carries an additional cost to society in the neighborhood of three billion dollars annually. Individually, it provides information that as southerners and African Americans, at least a substantial portion of the increased risk of stroke seems to be going through hypertension and diabetes, which are controllable risk factors.”

According to Howard, since high blood pressure and diabetes are linked to stroke risk, preventative measures such as weight control and reduction of dietary sodium may decrease the incidence of stroke. On the other hand, if either condition should arise, continuous monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose levels could also reduce the risk of having a stroke.

The stroke belt refers to Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

The work on this project stems from a large collaborative effort between various departments within UAB and from other universities around the country. This study is the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS).

Published in the UAB Kaleidoscope newspaper, 01/27/2009

Rape Victims Get a Helping Hand

Rape Response, a program dedicated to helping victims of sexual violence in the Birmingham area, is gearing up for their annual Raise the Voice event that will take place Thursday, February 5 at WorkPlay.

“Raise the Voice is the sole fundraising effort for the Rape Response and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs of the Crisis Center,” said Jen Hall Henderson, an intern with Rape Response and a UAB student. “All of the services offered by Rape Response and SANE are offered free of charge to our clients, so the auction is a crucial part of the annual funding for these programs. These programs are vital for the survivors of sexual assault in the Greater Birmingham area.”

Raise the Voice will feature live tunes from Jesse Payne along with a great selection of food including a London broil, hickory smoked trout canapé, and chicken fingers. A silent auction will begin at 6pm and a live auction at 7pm. The live auction will offer spectacular works of art by local talents, a wine country getaway, and spa trips.

According to Lauren Snyder, a Rape Response advocate and UAB student, this event not only provides great entertainment for the evening, but also affords an opportunity to meet some of the people who are the backbone of the Crisis Center.

“Raise the Voice is a wonderful way for us to spread information about our services to the community,” she said. “It is also a good chance to meet the fabulous people who work with Rape Response such as the director, education coordinator, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, and the advocates. Raise the Voice gives people in the community who want to contribute to the program a chance to make donations and provide financial support.”

According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. College age women, however, are 4 times more likely to be sexually assaulted.

“It is crucial that college students, particularly females, are aware of Rape Response because sexual assault is so prevalent for this age group,” Snyder said. “Rape Response provides a great deal of services including initial medical care and counseling, survivor support groups, and family or friend support counseling.”

The Crisis Center holds quarterly training sessions for those interested in volunteering with Rape Response. Classes cover the legal and medical issues of sexual assault and the most effective ways to communicate with survivors and their loved ones. Hands-on experience is acquired by shadowing an advocate for a period of time. According to Henderson, the work is tough but quite fulfilling.

“Working as a medical advocate is the most difficult thing I have ever done,” she said, “but it is also the single most rewarding experience of my life. It is virtually impossible to describe what it feels like to know that you are making a difference in the life of someone who has just experienced sexual violence.”

Tickets to Raise the Voice are $50 per person or $25 for students; these may be purchased at the door or by contacting Lauren Lanehart at 458-8982.

The Crisis Center, a United Way organization, has been assisting the Birmingham community since 1975.

Published in the UAB Kaleidoscope newspaper, 02/02/2009

Protecting Yourself From the Influenza Virus

Body aches. Runny nose. Fever. If you have these symptoms, chances are likely that you have the flu.

Influenza virus, the causative agent of the flu, is transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions released from an infected person when they cough and sneeze. Since students are typically exposed to large numbers of people, whether in class or at school functions, their odds of contracting this respiratory illness can be greater than other segments of the population.

According to Diana Lee Noah, Ph.D. and Research Virologist at Southern Research Institute who recently gave a lecture at UAB about this very topic, the flu takes its toll not only on the body, but also on a person’s level of productivity, an important issue for students who don’t want to fall behind in their studies. 

“The flu typically results in about seven to ten days of missed activities,” she said. “From a schoolwork perspective, that can be a very large block of time to be absent and result in a sizeable amount of make-up work.” 

Flu season usually peaks between December and March, and vaccinations for the upcoming season typically become available in late summer or early fall. It’s never too late to get vaccinated, though. 

“The flu season all over the USA and Jefferson County has been unusually mild for this time of the year,” said Kingsley Sathiakumar, an epidemiologist at the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH). “Flu vaccine, either a shot or the nasal spray ‘Flumist’, is still strongly advised even now, as we have not seen the end of the flu season for 2008-9.”

By far, vaccination is the best method for protection from the flu. Because the virus can mutate and thus change its components from year to year, an annual flu vaccine is imperative.  

There are two methods of vaccination against influenza virus, the flu shot and the intranasal vaccine, Flumist. The flu shot is administrated in the arm, and, because it is composed of influenza virus that has been killed, it’s not possible to get the flu from the shot. Oftentimes, people may feel side effects such as soreness and low grade fever that are associated with vaccines in general.

The intranasal vaccine is a mist that is sprayed through the nose and into the respiratory tract, which is the same route of infection taken by live influenza virus. Flumist, as the vaccine is called, actually consists of influenza virus that is attenuated, or greatly weakened, so a mild infection may ensue. The positive side, however, is that this particular vaccine may confer greater protection than the shot. Due to the risk of mild illness, though, Flumist is only approved in healthy individuals who are 2 to 49 years of age and for women who are not pregnant.

In the event that someone does contract the flu, early detection can be a key factor in making the illness a bit more tolerable. According to Aimee Holland, CRNP at UAB Student Health Services, students who believe they may have the flu should see their doctor as soon as possible. 

“If the onset of symptoms is within 48 hours, an antiviral medication may be started to help reduce the complications of the influenza virus and shorten the duration of symptoms.”

Holland also encourages people to maintain a healthy immune system, especially during the winter season by eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, exercising, considering a daily multi-vitamin and mineral, and keeping hands cleaned.

Several steps can be taken to avoid transmitting the virus to others. According to Dr. Elizabeth Turnipseed, M.D. and director of disease control for the JCDH, a person who has the flu should wash their hands frequently, stay home and avoid communal activities, and cover coughs and sneezes preferably with a tissue, rather than one’s hand.

UAB Student Health Services currently has 38 flu shots available to be administered. Alternatively, students may go to the JCDH, which offers the flu shot to anyone for $18.25.

 

Published in the UAB Kaleidoscope newspaper, 02/24/09

Women in Science

Throughout history, women have consistently made vast contributions to the advancement of science. The likes of Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Annie Jump Cannon have made great strides in furthering our knowledge about radioactivity, nucleic acid structure, and astronomy, respectively. But in addition to facing the obvious intellectual challenges associated with science, these women also endured a rough road that involved little to no recognition and recompense for their work. Even today, women continue to face challenges within the realm of science that include balancing work with family, charting a career course without gender-specific mentorship, and dealing with discrepancies in pay. Much of the difficulty, however, may very well be brought about by the gross differences in the number of women and men who work in the field.

“Science continues to be seen as a male-dominated work environment,” says Libby Yost, a 4^th year Ph.D. student of medical sociology at UAB whose Master’s thesis investigated gender differences in postdoctoral education. “This has an impact on who chooses to enter the professions and especially who continues into higher education tracks. Women fall out of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academic pipeline at a greater rate than their male counterparts.”

Indeed, by the time a woman reaches the higher education path for science, she has already lived much of her life in opposition to what society considers “gender appropriate roles.” Oftentimes, the support and encouragement offered to male counterparts when choosing a career in science is not as readily extended to her. And as she continues to advance through higher education and eventually enters the world of academia, she will likely find dwindling numbers of female peers and a noticeable increase in male professors. To a large extent, the severe number of females who drop off the pathway to professorship can be attributed to the age at which training is completed, a time at which many women decide to start a family.

“Women entering STEM academia are typically [in their] early to mid 30s by the time they complete their education,” says Yost. “This is typically seen as a time to have children and start a family for those who might wish to do so. However, these first six years in tenure track positions are arduous at best and require long hours of work and great amounts of production. Having a child is often looked down on because it will impede the amount of work a woman can complete. Striking a balance between work and personal life is tough on good days, but adding relationships and children can be time consuming especially when trying to balance work and family and start a career.”

According to Robin Lorenz, M.D., Ph.D., and professor in the UAB department of pathology, one of the main challenges she faces as a female scientist is making sure that her career as well as her life runs smoothly. Although she believes it is certainly possible to have a career in science as well as a family, she also acknowledges that this duality requires a lot of sacrifice.

“You have to learn to efficiently get your work done in the time you have,” she says, “as you may need to leave a little earlier than your male colleagues to pick up a kid from daycare, take them to the doctor, etc. You also have to learn to focus in short time frames by reviewing a grant at the skating rink or reading a journal article while waiting to pick up your daughter from dance.”

Lorenz says that much of the need for this multi-tasking can be attributed to the ongoing cultural bias that women are the caregivers of the family. 

“In addition to being scientists, [women] also have to be the cook, driver, buyer, planner, etc. of the family. For some stay-at-home moms, this is a full-time job so adding it on top of a demanding career sometimes leads to burnout.”

Another difficulty encountered by women is a lack of female mentorship available to those who are en route to becoming new scientists.

“If women are mentored by men,” Yost says, “there is a functional social aspect that is missing … I think more specialized mentoring programs for junior faculty in STEM areas should be put into place to help women better adapt to the environment. If they are mentored by other women who have already had to ‘jump through the hoops,’ I think they will be [better] able to see that it can be done …" 

And still the issue of pay discrepancies continues to plague the field of science. Kristina Leuner, Ph.D. and a visiting scientist at UAB, says that in her home country of Germany, men are seen as the breadwinner of the family and, oftentimes, this very viewpoint creates differences in pay scales for men and women.

“Another graduate student in our department was given a salary raise to that of post-doc levels even though he was still a student. I was told that he received this promotional increase because he had to support a family. I had to wait until I graduated and officially became a post-doc before I could receive my salary increase.”

Maaike Everts, Ph.D. and assistant professor in the UAB department of pathology suggests that an underlying reason women lag behind men in the field of science is the perception that a female’s worth is less than that of a male’s.

“Both men and women have this unconscious bias, and there is a lot of fascinating literature about how words like ‘leadership’, ‘authority’, and ‘expert’ still conjure a male image in our mind. Also, when women get to leadership positions, they are scrutinized to a much larger extent than men with respect to the way they behave, dress, talk, you name it. This all points to the fact we’re still not so much used to women being in charge.”

Most college campuses now offer assistance to women who have chosen careers in one of the STEM areas. UAB ADVANCE, which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, aims to increase recruitment, retention, and promotion of women who are in one of these STEM areas. According to their website, the ADVANCE initiative has worked to implement Family Friendly Policies in addition to offerings such as Lunch and Learn seminars for female faculty, Seminars for Success that may be attended by female and male faculty, a mentoring program for junior faculty, and administrative leadership training.

Above the difficulties, however, many women scientists enjoy their career immensely and can’t imagine doing anything else.

“You get to decide what type of research to do, you are always learning, your get to find out new facts that no one else knows, and it is very flexible so you can be a mom/wife in addition to being a scientist,” Lorenz says. “If I had to choose again, I would do exactly the same pathway. I love what I do and I look forward to coming to work every day.”

Published in the UAB Graduate Student Newsletter, March 2009