|
|
MORE
INFORMATION
|
The
Wells College Alumnae Association is proud to announce its selection of
Dr. Dorothea “Thea” Smith Sawicki, Class of 1966, as its 2009  Alumnae
Awardee. Thea will be honored at a campus convocation on Saturday, May
30 during Reunion Weekend for her distinctive contributions in the field
of virology; all Wells alumnae are invited to attend. |
After
graduating from Wells in 1966 with her degree in biology, Dr. Dorothea
Sawicki earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from Columbia University in 1972
and conducted post-doctoral work at the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer
Research from 1972 – 1977. For over thirty years, she has taught at the
University of Toledo College of Medicine, formerly the Medical College
of Ohio, where she held the positions of assistant professor; associate
professor; professor; director of the molecular and cellular biology training
program; and currently, professor and director of the infection, immunity
and transplantation track.
During this time, Thea was
a thesis advisor for nine doctoral students and served on the advisory
committees for an additional 16 doctoral students. She is recognized as
an international authority on the replication of alphaviruses, and has
served on NIAID, NIH, and USDA scientific advisory committees. She has
also served on the editorial boards of journals, spoken at national and
international conferences, and published more than 40 articles.
|
|
Dr. Sawicki’s research has focused
on the mechanisms used by alphaviruses and related groups of animal and
plant RNA viruses to control the synthesis of their viral RNA genome. Alphaviruses
are spread by mosquito bites and cause disease mainly when they attack
the brain but also can produce severe joint pain. Thea’s research asks
questions about how viruses multiply within cells by studying mutant viruses
and the interaction between the virus and its host. This is an increasingly
important aspect of virology — host cells have developed anti-viral defenses
and viruses find ways of avoiding them. By looking at how viral RNA synthesis
is controlled in infected cells, her studies could potentially lead to
the development of new anti-viral agents that target viral RNA synthesis.
She also collaborates on the study of coronaviruses with her husband, Dr.
Stanley Sawicki, also a professor at the University of Toledo. Coronaviruses
cause such diseases as the common cold and SARS in humans.
According to Dr. Harry Greenberg
of Stanford University, Thea is a “superb virologist…who has published
numerous articles in important peer reviewed journals…and has truly exceptional
academic credentials.” Dr. Peter Palese of Mount Sinai says “Dr. Sawicki
is one of the most prominent RNA virologists in the country and she has
been at the forefront of this field for several decades.” Dr. Ann Palmenberg
of the University of Wisconsin adds that Dr. Sawicki is “frequently invited
to speak at many prestigious conferences” and has been a long-term member
of “NIH Study Sections, a privilege accorded only to the most respected
colleagues.” Dr. Stuart Siddell of the University of Bristol (England)
says Thea is “acknowledged as a world authority in her specialist research
area.”
Click
here to read Thea's Acceptance Address.
2008
Award Recipients
2007
Award Recipients
2006
Award Recipient
2005
Award Recipients
2004
Award Recipient
2003
Award Recepient
2002
Award Recipient
The Alumnae
Award Committee is actively seeking nominees for the Wells College Alumnae
Award. The Award honors Wells women of high achievement in professions
and careers, in volunteer and community work, in service to their alma
mater, or in some combination of these endeavors. Only living alumnae are
eligible, and no alumna may nominate herself. Both graduates and non-graduates
are considered alumnae. Points to be considered in making a nomination
are as follows: quality of performance in her field of creativity, continuity
of effort, leadership skills, willingness to accept responsibility, recognition
by her community, and loyalty to Wells. Please bear in mind that the research
process is lengthy and not all candidates who are reviewed will receive
the award. Hence, your nomination must remain confidential. The Alumnae
Award is a significant honor. Its meaning lies in selecting those who have
been uniquely empowered by their undergraduate experience – those who see
their Wells education as providing a special foundation or sense of direction
and whose subsequent contributions reflect distinction on them as well
as the college.
Alumnae
Award Nomination Form
Last updated 6/24/09
|
