Two former Scholars who exemplify the Rita Allen Foundation tradition of embracing excellence and sharing important research are Dr. Sam Wang (Class of 2000) and Dr. Robert Weinberg (Class of 1976).
In this week’s editions of the New York Times, both appeared prominently in articles addressing questions important to all of us -- ways to improve our eyesight and understanding our brains.
Dr. Wang co-authored an op-ed, “The Sun is the Best Optometrist,” which urges us to get outdoors in sunlight to help maximize our vision.
nytimes.com/2011/06/21/opinion/21wang.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general
In addition to appearing regularly in prominent newspapers around the country and on television, Dr. Wang is best known as the co-author of “Welcome to Your Brain.”
He is an associate professor of molecular biology and neuroscience at Princeton University, and is planning another book with his co-author: “Welcome to Your Child’s Brain: How the Mind Grows from Conception to College.”
Dr. Wang serves on the Rita Allen Foundation Board of Directors.
Dr. Robert Weinberg is mentioned in another article: “In Tiny Worm, Unlocking Secrets of the Brain.”
nytimes.com/2011/06/21/science/21brain.html?_r=1
Scientists studying roundworms believe we can learn much from the lowly creature because their nervous system uses many of the same working parts as the human brain, but is much less complex and therefore easier to understand.
A biologist working on the project, Dr. Cori Bargmann, cites Dr. Weinberg’s lab as an important part of her educational development.
Dr. Weinberg is a founding member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in Cambridge, MA, where he continues to serve, and also a Professor of Biology at MIT. He was just recently awarded the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Science of Oncology Award.