University of Massachusetts Amherst

School of Public Health and Health Sciences

News & Events from Spring 2007

David Buchanan and Lisa Wexler, Public Health receive a spring 2007 Research Leadership in Action grant from the Vice Provost of Research

UMass Amherst Vice Provost for Research Awards Spring 2007 Research Leadership in Action Grants

AMHERST, Mass. – Seven faculty members at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have received a total of $43,000 from the university’s vice provost for research through the Spring 2007 Research Leadership in Action grant competition. Funds will be used as program support for conferences to be held at UMass Amherst in 2007 and 2008.

Recipients include Sonia Alvarez, political science ($25,000), David Buchanan and Lisa Wexler, public health ($5,000), Wayne Burleson and Sandip Kundu, electrical and computer engineering ($3,000), Sarina Ergas, civil and environmental engineering ($5,000) and Massimo Fischetti, electrical and computer engineering ($5,000).

Recipients will organize and host the following conferences to be held at UMass Amherst:
David Buchanan and Lisa Wexler will host “Post-Colonial Prospects for Indigenous Circumpolar Peoples: Research Priorities in Alaska, Canada, Norway, Greenland and Russia.” The conference, tentatively scheduled for March 2008, will present current findings and lay out a research agenda to identify cultural resources that will help reduce disproportionate rates of suicide and alcohol and substance abuse in these countries.
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Kinesiology students with Kristine Lilly

Robert Hydahl, Kristine Lilly (captain of US Women's National Soccer Team), Ryan Laresen, and Anita Christie at the the 54th Annual ACSM meeting in New Orleans on May 30th - June 2nd, 2007.


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Clarkson Gives Wolffe Lecture at ACSM Meeting May 30, 2007
Priscilla Clarkson, professor of Kinesiology and interim dean of Commonwealth College, delivered the Joseph B. Wolffe Memorial Lecture on May 30 during the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in New Orleans.

The title of her lecture was “Muscle Soreness: Cause, Consequence and Cure.”

The Wolffe Lecture is the keynote address opening the conference attended by more than 4,500 participants.
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Please help us all in congratulating several students in the Kinesiology Department for their remarkable work and research.

Ryan Chang received a $2000 student grant from the
International Society of Biomechanics (ISB).
     Title: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Plantar Fasciitis.

 Anita Christie received a $5000 student grant from the American College of Sports Medicine.
     Title: Factors Affecting Maximal Motor Unit Discharge Rate.

 Robert Hydahl received a $5000 student grant from the American College of Sports Medicine.
     Title: SENP1, A Possible Novel Regulator of Muscle Atrophy.

 Ryan Larsen received a $4, 913 student grant from the American College of Sports Medicine.
     Title:In Vivo Oxidative Capacity in Young and Older Individuals.

Nina Moore received a $5000 student grant from the American College of Sports Medicine.
     Title:The Role of Zinc and Metallothioneins During Atrophy.

Ross Miller received a $863 student grant from the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB).
     Title: A Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model of the Iliotibial Tract".
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Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson is awarded $868,000 grant
Researcher Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson has received a five-year, $868,857 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institutes of Health to study women’s mental health, with special emphasis on premenstrual syndrome and the role vitamin D may play in counteracting its effects on women.

Bertone-Johnson is an associate professor of biostatistics and epidemiology in the Department of Public Health within the School of Public Health and Health Sciences.

Current estimates are that up to 90 percent of pre-menopausal women regularly experience psychological and/or physical symptoms prior to the onset of their monthly menstrual period. While the symptoms are mild in most women, between 8 percent and 20 percent experience symptoms that meet the clinical definition of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that substantially interferes with normal life activities and interpersonal relationships.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), experienced by 5 percent to 8 percent of women, is a more extreme form of PMS in which psychological symptoms predominate. Currently available treatments for PMS and PMDD are not effective in many women and have substantial side effects. It is therefore important to identify ways to prevent the initial development of PMS and PMDD, Bertone-Johnson says.

“Previous work by our research group suggested that high dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium may substantially reduce a woman’s risk of developing PMS,” Bertone-Johnson says. “This new research grant will allow us to further investigate the role of vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone in the development of PMS and PMDD.”

Bertone-Johnson and her research team will study the relationship between blood levels of these biochemical factors and risk of these disorders in the Nurses’ Health Study II, an ongoing prospective study of more than 117,000 women. They will also assess whether several genetic factors may be involved in the development of PMS and PMDD.

This research will contribute to a greater understanding of the role of biochemical and genetic factors in PMS and PMDD, Bertone-Johnson says. Identification of factors that affect incidence of PMS and PMDD will provide women increased opportunities for modifying their risk of the disorders, with fewer drawbacks than pharmaceutical treatments.
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Dr. Chipkin is Honored by the Massachusetts Medical Society
Waltham, Mass. – May 15– UMass faculty member and Amherst physician Stuart R. Chipkin, M.D. has been honored by the Massachusetts Medical Society with its Committee Chair Service Award, an honor recognizing exceptional leadership and service to the Society. The award will be presented at the Society’s Annual Awards Luncheon, May 17, held as part of the organization's annual meeting at the Seaport Hotel in Boston.

      Dr. Chipkin, a research professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts School of Public Health and Health Sciences, was recognized for his leadership as chair of the Society's Committee on Nutrition, a committee that focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of nutrition, fitness, and healthy lifestyles. In his two years as chair, Dr. Chipkin has led the Committee in exploring ways to improve obesity prevention and treatment and promote physical activity through policy development and advocacy, media relations and public service advertising. He has also been a mentor to the medical students and residents on the Committee, encouraging working and mentoring relationships between committee members and students and residents interested in the fields of obesity and nutrition.  

      A board-certified endocrinologist practicing with the Valley Medical Group in Amherst, Dr. Chipkin is also the medical consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Diabetes Control and Prevention Program, is a member of the executive committee of the Diabetes Coalition of Massachusetts, and served as honorary chair (2004-2006) for the American Diabetes Association Walk for Diabetes. His research in the area of diabetes has been funded by regional and national organizations including the National Institutes of Health and his work has appeared in journals including Diabetes Care, the American Journal of Physiology and the American Journal of Medicine.

      The Massachusetts Medical Society, with some 18,600 physicians and student members, is dedicated to educating and advocating for the patients and physicians of Massachusetts. The Society publishes The New England Journal of Medicine, one of the world’s leading medical journals; the Journal Watch family of professional newsletters covering 11 specialties; and AIDS Clinical Care. The Society is also a leader in continuing medical education for health care professionals throughout Massachusetts. Founded in 1781, MMS is the oldest continuously operating medical society in the country. For more information, visit http://www.massmed.org
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April 19, 2007 - The Board of Higher Education approves the new Undergraduate Degree in Public Health.  Read more
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Spring 2007 Dean's List for Public Health & Health Sciences
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Lauren Doscher from Kinesiology and Lily Knowlton from Human Nutrition are winners of the William F. Field Alumni Scholars.

The William F. Field Alumni Scholars Program was established in 1976 to recognize and honor 60 third-year students for their academic achievements at UMass Amherst.  The program was named in honor of William F. Field, the university’s first Dean of Students, for his outstanding support of academic excellence and his personal commitment to bringing out the best in every student.
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Hermence G. Matsotsa is the recipient of a 2007-2008 U.S. Student Fulbrignt Fellows Grant
Hermence G. Matsotsa, a graduate student pursuing her MPH in Community Health Education is the recipient of a 2007-2008 U.S Student Fulbright Fellows Grant in St. Lucia.  Prior to her enrollment at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Ms. Matsotsa held a position with the Crisis Corps in St. Lucia where she worked as an HIV program facilitator and assisted the Department of Health with the development and training of a behavior change approach to HIV education and health promotion, entitled, Behavior Change and Communication (BCC). During her Fulbright Fellowship, she will be conducting a qualitative analysis of adult male sexual behaviors in St. Lucia. Her research will consists of  (a) a qualitative research assessment of the sexual behaviors and social norms of St. Lucian males that place them at risk of HIV infection; and (b) an analysis of existing male gender-specific outreach and educational strategies and approaches found within St. Lucian HIV/AIDS programs.  
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3rd Annual Kinesiology Graduate Alumni Celebration, April 20, 2007

On Friday, April 20, 2007 The Department of Kinesiology held their third annual graduate alumni celebration.  This year we honored Priscilla Clarkson.  The celebration was held in the Amherst room, 10th floor Campus Center. 
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19th Annual Virginia A. Beal Lecture & Dinner, April 25, 2007
Through the generosity of former students, friends, and Professor Emerita Virginia A. Beal, the Department is able to offer the annual Virginia A. Beal Lecture and Dinner, featuring nationally-renowned researchers in nutrition.  The event occurs each spring, and attracts alumni, students, dietetics professionals, and friends to an evening of conversation and learning. 

SPHHS Research Day 2007 Award Recipients


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Daniel Gerber-Receives 2007 Distinguished Outreach Teaching Award
The Outreach Awards Selection Committee is pleased to announce that they have selected Assistant Professor Daniel S. Gerber to receive the University of Massachusetts Amherst's 2007 Distinguished Outreach Teaching Award.

Professor Gerber is a faculty member of the Community Health Education Program in the School of Public Health.

His contributions and achievements will be recognized at the annual Outreach Awards Reception on April 25th.

We Congratulate on his excellence in teaching and his strong commitment to our students.
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Barry Braun - Recipient of the 2006-2007 Distinguished Teaching Award
Please help us in congratulating that Associate Professor Braun as he is recognized by both faculty and students for his efforts to advance the teaching mission of this university.

Professor Braun is a faculty member of the Kinesiology Program in the School of Public Health.

He will be recognized at both the Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies. 
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Liz Bertone-Johnson-2007 College Outstanding Teacher
The School Curriculum Committee announces that Associate Professor Elizabeth R. Bertone-Johnson  has been  selected  unanimously as  the 2007 Outstanding Teacher for the School of Public Health and Health Sciences.   Professor Bertone-Johnson is a faculty member of the Biostatistics and Epidemiology Program in the Department of Public Health.  Congratulations on her excellence in teaching.
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Priscilla Clarkson named Distinguished Professor
Priscilla Clarkson, professor of Kinesiology and interim dean of Commonwealth College, has been appointed a Distinguished Professor by President Jack Wilson. The appointment was approved March 14 by the Board of Trustees.

Clarkson was recommended for the honor by Chancellor John V. Lombardi and Charlena Seymour, provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, who called her “an international leader” in the areas of exercise-induced muscle damage and repair and the genetic underpinnings of muscle growth and atrophy. The chancellor and provost also praised her as an “excellent role model for both students and faculty” and for service to her profession.

A member of the faculty since 1977, she served as associate dean of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences for 12 years before being appointed interim dean of Commonwealth College last year.

The author of three books, Clarkson has also written more than 200 articles for leading professional publications such as the Journal of Physiology, Journal of Applied Physiology, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise and the European Journal of Applied Physiology. She has also presented her research at nearly 350 regional, national and international meetings.

Clarkson has supported her research with $4 million in external funding, including grants from the Christopher Reeve Foundation, Medinova, Inc., Quaker Oats Company, Proctor and Gamble, and Whitehall Laboratories.

She is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the preeminent international association in sports medicine, and has held several leadership posts in the group, including president (2000) and vice president (1994-96).

In 2005, Clarkson received ACSM’s Honor Award, its highest recognition, and this year was chosen to deliver the JN Wolffe Lecture, the keynote address of the association’s international meeting.

On campus, she was recognized in 2005 with an award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Research or Creative Activity. Clarkson received the Chancellor’s Medal as a Distinguished Faculty Lecturer in 1997.

A UMass Amherst alumna, Clarkson earned her B.S. in Zoology in 1969, her M.S. in Zoology/Marine Science in 1973 and her Ph.D. in Exercise Science/Human Movement in 1977.
March 15, 2007.
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Idali Torres, named Acting Assistant Dean for Practice & Outreach

Professor M. Idali Torres has agreed to serve as Acting Assistant Dean for Practice and Outreach until Associate Dean Priscilla Clarkson returns from her assignment as Dean of Commonwealth College.  Idali will work closely with Risa Silverman on matters relating to community and state partnerships/connections/activities and on the activation of the Office of Practice & Outreach.   Room 125 Arnold will be the location for this Office.
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Chasan-Taber to study how exercise can help prevent recurring gestational diabetes
Lisa Chasan-Taber, associate professor of Epidemiology, is launching a study of the effects of exercise programs on pregnant women with a history of gestational diabetes – a condition triggered by pregnancy that puts them at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

A five-year, $2.24 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) will fund a team of researchers headed by Chasan-Taber that is investigating the effects of a motivationally tailored, individually targeted 12-week physical activity program on risk of recurrent gestational diabetes (GDM) among women with a history of the condition.

“Focusing on women who have had gestational diabetes provides us with an excellent opportunity to intervene years before the development of type 2 diabetes,” Chasan-Taber says. “Pregnancy is a special time for women when they may be interested in adopting new behaviors. This new study builds upon our current work studying the causes of gestational diabetes and moves forward into preventing the consequences of this disease. This is particularly important as the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise worldwide.”

Chasan-Taber will work with Edward J. Stanek III, professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and associate professor Barry S. Braun and assistant professor David Marquez of Kinesiology. They will enroll and follow 364 prenatal care patients from Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Investigators from Brown University will also be involved in the design and administration of the intervention.

This study builds upon a five-year grant Chasan-Taber currently has, also from the NIH/NIDDK which studies how physical activity and psychosocial stress affect the risk of GDM among Latinas.

The goals of this latest proposal also include encouraging pregnant women to achieve the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy (30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week) through increasing walking and developing a more active lifestyle.
January 24, 2007.
http://www.umass.edu/sphhs/