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JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES, JR., M.D.DISTINGUISHED BIOLOGY ALUMNUS FOR 2001
Dr. James L. Hughes, Jr., a 1959 biology graduate of Mississippi College, has been selected as the 2001 Distinguished Biology Alumnus. Presently, Dr. Hughes serves as the M. Beckett Howorth Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. Dr. Hughes was appointed to the School of Medicine faculty at the University of Mississippi Medical Center faculty in 1977.

While attending Mississippi College, Dr. Hughes was member of the Pre-Med Club and the "M" Club. Additionally, Dr. Hughes was the Junior Class Vice President and served on the BSU Executive Council.

After graduating from Mississippi College in 1959, Dr. Hughes entered Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he earned his M.D. degree in 1963. From 1963 - 65, Dr. Hughes did his internship and subsequent residency in general surgery at Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY. Dr. Hughes served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps where he saw duty in Viet Nam 1965 - 67. After receiving an Honorable Discharge as a Captain in 1967, Dr. Hughes began his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. After completing his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery in 1970, Dr. Hughes served as a Fellow in Orthopaedic Surgery at several universities in Switzerland. From 1971-76, Dr. Hughes first served as an Instructor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and subsequently as an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Dr. Hughes served as Chief, Amputee Fracture Service, Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS, 1976 - 77. In 1977, Dr. Hughes began his illustrious career as an orthopedic surgeon at The University of Mississippi Medical Center.

An author or co-author of 115 medical publications, Dr. Hughes has distinguished himself as a medical scholar. Furthermore, he has received numerous honors and is a much sought after Guest Speaker.

Dr. Hughes is married to the former Virginia Louise Haynes ('59). They are the parents of three grown daughters. Currently, Dr. Hughes and his wife reside in Brandon, MS. They are members of The Church in Brandon.

Congratulations, Dr. Hughes!

BIOLOGY COMPUTER LABORATORY IS HERE !!!
The initial step towards the Biology Computer Laboratory was taken by Dr. Rob Hamilton, Associate Professor, who wrote the successful National Science Foundation (NSF) grant proposal. In a letter dated July 9, 1998, Dr. Howell Todd, President of Mississippi College, was informed that Dr. Hamilton's $38,137 Biology Computer Laboratory grant proposal had been funded. The NSF required Mississippi College to match NSF's $38,137 with an equal amount of money; however, MC's match could not be the money spent to convert a storage room adjacent to Hederman Science Building 201 (for some of you, the A&P laboratory) into a room for a computer laboratory. The estimated cost of this conversion was approximately $38,000. Thus, the approximate total cost for the Biology Computer Laboratory was $114, 000 - NSF's $38,000, MC's match of $38,000, and $38,000 to be raised from alumni for the room conversion and furnishing. To make a long story short, MC was hit by a severe financial crisis in February 2000. The end result was that Dr. Snazelle was told that MC's required match of $38,000 could not be met. So, instead of having to raise $38,000, the Department of Biological Sciences was left with raising $76,000. Thanks to the generosity of alumni most, but not all, of the required $76,000 was raised and the Biology Computer Laboratory is now a reality. It is designated as Hederman Science Building Room 200.

The Biology Computer Laboratory is equipped with four tables made by Electronic Classroom Furniture Systems. Each square table supports four computers. One of the tables is adjustable to meet the needs of handicapped students. Additionally, the Biology Computer Laboratory is furnished with sixteen Kismet™ Task Chairs. Seventeen 933 MHZ Gateway Pentium III CPU, 256 megabytes RAM, 40 gigabyte hard drive, CDRW and DVD, and 19" Mitsubishi Diamondtron monitors were purchased for the Biology Computer Laboratory. Sixteen of the Gateway computers are on the four computer tables while the seventeenth computer is on a separate table. This seventeenth computer is on another table which is also equipped with an Olympus CH30 Trinocular microscope mounted with a SPOT Insight Color Digital Camera, HP ScanJet 7400C scanner, and a HP LaserJet 4100 printer. Lastly, the Biology Computer Laboratory is equipped with a 3M Model MP8745 Multimedia projector and a HP OmniBook XE₃ Laptop computer.

To all the alumni who helped make the Biology Computer Laboratory a reality, we say, THANK YOU!

BRUMFIELD CLASSROOM DEDICATED
On Friday afternoon, April 13, 2001, the Brumfield Classroom in the Department of Biological Sciences, Hederman Science Building, at Mississippi College was dedicated in honor of Vivian H. Brumfield and the late W. Basel Brumfield, Tylertown, MS. The monetary gift which made possible the creation of the Brumfield Classroom was made by Dr. Cynthia Brumfield, daughter of Vivian H. Brumfield and the late W. Basel Brumfield. Dr. Brumfield is a 1974 biology graduate of Mississippi College and was the 1997 Distinguished Biology Alumna. Currently, Dr. Brumfield is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Alabama Medical School.

The Brumfield Classroom is completely furnished and equipped with 48 desks, lectern, dry erase board, screen, 3M overhead projector with cart, TV and VCR with cabinet, and a 3M MP8745 Data/Video Projector and a HP Omnibook 4150 Laptop computer for PowerPoint presentations.

In addition to Dr. Brumfield, family members attending the Brumfield Classroom dedication were Dr. Brumfield's mother, Vivian Brumfield; and Dr. Brumfield's sister, Gwen Langhart, and Gwen's children, Alex and Jennifer. Also attending were Dr. Brumfield's cousins, Janice and Kristi Watson, from Birmingham, AL. Mississippi College was represented by Dr. Ron Howard, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Ted Snazelle, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences; Dr. Jerry Cannon, Chair, Department of Chemistry, and several biology and chemistry faculty members.

Thank you, Dr. Brumfield!

Focus on Alumni . . .
C. DAVID FINCH, JR., M.D.
Dr. David Finch graduated with a degree in biology in 1980 from Mississippi College whereupon he entered the School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. After receiving his M.D. in 1984, Dr. Finch served as a resident in internal medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from 1984 - 88. From July - December 1985, Dr. Finch served as Research Fellow in the Division of Cardiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center. Subsequently, Dr. Finch served as a Fellow in Nephrology, University of Mississippi Medical Center from 1988 - 1990. Dr. Finch is a Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine (1988) and a Diplomate, American Board of Nephrology (1990).

After completing his nephrology fellowship, Dr. Finch served from January - June 1991as Director of Dialysis, Methodist Hospital of Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg, MS. Since July 1991, Dr. Finch has been in the practice of nephrology and hypertension in both Vicksburg and Jackson, MS. Since 1991, Dr. Finch has served as Director of Dialysis at both Columbia Vicksburg Medical Center and Parkview Regional Medical Center, Vicksburg, MS. In December 1995, Dr. Finch became Medical Director of Renex NNA Dialysis Facilities, Inc., in Louisiana and Mississippi.

What really makes Dr. Finch unique among Mississippi College alumni is that he has been involved in the development of new equipment for treatment of chronic renal failure patients. Dr. Finch and his associates, Dr. Hendrik K. Kuiper and Mr. Jeffrey H. Burbank, hold numerous patents for the innovative LifeSite® Hemodialysis Access System which offers an alternative to current access techniques in treating chronic renal patients. The LifeSite Hemodialysis Access System provides fully-implantable blood access for patients who require hemodialysis while waiting for creation and/or maturation of a permanent access. Two LifeSite Systems are implanted subcutaneously; one system serves as the draw and the other serves as the return. In April 1996, Dr. Finch, Dr. Kuiper, and Mr. Burbank founded Vasca, Inc. which markets the LifeSite Hemodialysis System.

Dr. Finch is married to the former Emily Wilson. They are the parents of four children: Beth, Trey, Austin, and Patrick. The Finch family resides in Clinton, MS.

Focus on Alumni . . .
ROY WILLIAM (BO) SCALES, PH.D.
After graduating from Forest High School, Forest, MS, in 1961, Dr. Scales entered Mississippi College and later graduated with a degree in zoology in 1965. After graduating from Mississippi College, Dr. Scales entered the Graduate School, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, where he earned his MS (Physiology) in 1967 and Ph.D. (Immunology) in 1970. Subsequently, Dr. Scales received two postdoctoral fellowships: 1) United States Public Health Service Fellowship (1970 - 71), and 2) University of Florida School of Medicine Fellowship (1970 - 72). From 1972 - 77, Dr. Scales was employed by the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, where he first served as Chief, Gonococcal Research Section (Bacteriology) and later served as Chief, Immunochemistry Laboratory (Bacteriology). In 1977, Dr. Scales moved back to Mississippi and opened Scales Biological Laboratory, Brandon, MS. Since 1977, Dr. Scales has served as Graduate Research Consultant in Clinical Immunopathology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. In 1979, Dr. Scales served as Adjunct Professor of Microbiology at Mississippi College.

As mentioned previously, Dr. Scales opened Scales Biological Laboratory in 1997 and continues to serve as its Director. Scales Biological Laboratory is a DNA testing laboratory, fully accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. To date, nearly 10,000 individuals have been "profiled" by DNA analyses. All of these analyses fall under the category of 'relatedness'/identity testing, i.e. parentage, siblingship, immigration, identification of remains, etc. The underlying common question that Dr. Scales attempts to answer is: "Are these two or more DNA samples related, and if so, how?" This question can also apply to a forensic setting.

In the early years of parentage testing, Scales Biological Laboratory served as a reference laboratory for DNA analyses. Currently, Dr. Scales is a member of the Parentage Testing Unit of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). This international committee, which is comprised of five members, is charged with formulating and writing the standard requirements for laboratory accreditation. Dr. Scales also serves as an Inspector/Assessor for other laboratories seeking accreditation by AABB.

Dr. Scales' wife is Barbie. Barbie is Bo's "right hand" at Scales Biological Laboratory. They are the parents of four children: Christian, Andrea, Brad, and Joey. The Scales family resides in Brandon, MS.

NEWS NOTES
HOPKINS PICKS MISSISSIPPI NATIVE
(Article in the Jackson Clarion Ledger) Claude Earl Fox, a public health physician who has headed federal and state agencies in a nearly three-decate career involving equal access to health care, has been appointed director of the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute.

Fox was state health officer in Alabama from 1985 to 1992 and prior to that served as deputy state health officer for Mississippi, his home state. A 1968 Mississippi College graduate, Fox earned his medical degree at UMC.

Mac H. Alford ('97) currently working on his Ph.D. at Cornell University, co-authored an article entitled "A New Species of Commelina (Commelinaceae) from Tanzania" which appeared in NOVON 2001.

Dr. Christopher Wiggs ('92) joined the Jackson Healthcare for Women clinic in July, 2001.

Kim Blair Smith ('98) graduated from UMC dental school in May 2001 and received many distinguished honors. She was awarded the following: Academy of Operative Dentistry Award, Community Preventive Dentistry Award, Clinical Achievement in Periodontics Award, Bradford A. Gordon Memorial Award-"This award is given to the student who typifies the traits most associated with Dr. Gordon: determination, perseverance and an overwhelming will to succeed in the face of adversity." The name of the recipient will be engraved on a plaque which hangs in the School of Dentistry. Congratulations, Kim!

Julie Porter ('01) had a very good M1 experience at UMC-she received a tuition scholarship and the Robert M. Herrin Scholarship.

Earl Conway ('86) stopped by the department in May for a brief visit. He is doing well in Colorado and shared pictures of his two children.

Randall Hicks ('86) has had an interesting journey since leaving MC. He did graduate studey at LSU and Tulane in Political Science; Worked with the MS State Department of Health as a Soil/Water Quality Public Health Environmentalist; earned the MPH degree from USM; was an advanced science teacher at D'Iberville Middle School and selected Lead Teacher for 2000-01; and is currently an Aerospace Education Specialist at the Stennis Space Center. He is married to Robin Barnett and they have two children, Claudia 6 and Emma 18 months.

Angelia McAlpin Woodward ('86) sent the following update: "I've been in Tuscaloosa, AL since 1993. After finishing residency at UMC, we moved here for Doug to do his residency. We have been working in the Emergency Department at DCH Regional Medical Center for several years. It is very interesting!"

Lauren Lentz Lyall ('89) is currently working at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She is supervisor of the Cytogenetics Laboratory. She likes her new position but gets weary of the administrative duties. She says she would prefer justing being at the microscope but now has the opportunity to make technical changes in the lab that improve the final product. He husband is General Director of the New Orleans Opera Association and they enjoy his busy schedule of performances, social events, and especially travel to exotic places.

Dr. Michael Rogers ('93) has joined the Rankin Children's Group in Brandon, MS in the practice of pediatrics.

John Raymond Hodge ('97) is employed in the Newton Municipal Schools as a Psychometrist.

Rev. Janet S. Ott ('89) is back in the Jackson area. She and her husband, Luther, were both ordained into the priesthood after receiving master's degrees from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. Janet is Rector at St. Columb's Episcopal Church in Ridgeland and continues to work with the children at Stewpot where Luther is Exective Director. He also serves as assistant at St. Phillips in Jackson.

Dr. William Middleton ('49) sent us information about his wife Sarah Nell Grice Middleton ('54 Nursing). Sarah is a volunteer and has served as President of the North Central Medical for the last 16 years. She has been awarded the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Activity Award.

Faith R. Hanchey ('91) is "now working as a veterinary technician and loving it." She is the proud mother of Austin, 13 and Claire 11 (and four cats and one cocker spaniel!). She is a girl scout leader and treasurer of a boy scout troop. "Kids keep a person busy!"

Ray Halliburton ('84), is Laboratory Director, Lake Primary Care Physicians Laboratory and Diagnostic Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Ray and Deidre ('87 BSN) are the parents of Charlest, III (Trey), Andre'e, and William. Ray still recalls Dr. Bill Stark and his motto "stone flies forever!"

MARRIAGES
Daniel Rhett Simmons and Amanda Elizabeth Warren, May 19, 2001.

William David Sones, Jr. and Carrie Ellen Reid, May 26, 2001.

Thomas Matthew Murphy and Elizabeth Ann Dukes, June 16, 2001.

BIRTHS
Joshua ('98), Rebecca Winscott, and Big sister Mary Grace, welcomed Jack Robertson Winscott, September 13, 2000. Joshua is employed at Copeland Veterinary Hospital and is head Veterinary Technician, in Cookeville, TN.

Tad ('90) and Tammy Barham were blessed with twin girls-Emma and Lauren-born August 28, 2000.

DEATHS

The Department of Biological Sciences was saddened to learn of the death of the following alumni: James W. Tennyson ('56), February 27, 1999; Shelby M. Price ('29), September 23, 2000; Dr. Preston Ray Stodard ('50), March 31, 2000; Dr. James H. Stribling ('51), July 10, 2001.

HEALTH SCIENCES REPORT
*2001 Acceptances

University of Mississippi Medical School
Danielle Odom Blakeney ('99), Kimberly Cornelius ('01), Lamar Davis ('01), Chad Elkin ('01), Benjamin Gatewood ('01), Matthew Hunt ('01), John McCarter ('00), Matt Miles ('01), Stephen Miller ('01), Christy Murray ('01), Julie Porter ('01), Bill Sones ('01), Katie Taylor ('01), Nicole Valaire.

Ben Adams ('99), Pikeville, KY School of Osteopathic Medicine.

William Allen ('00), University for the Health Sciences, Kansas City, MO.

Jeff Carter ('00), East Tennessee State University, Medical School.

Jenny Holmes Perkins ('96), East Tennessee State University Medical School.

Melissa Robbins ('01), University of Tennessee at Memphis Medical School.

University of Mississippi Dental School
Brad Bryan ('01), Lee Gary('01), Amy Jones('01), Danny Niolet, Rhett Simmons ('01), Josh Simpson ('01), Lance Welch ('01).

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, Medical Technology School
Sarah Boyd ('00), Iram Nazir ('01).

Katie Ogletree ('01), University of Mississippi Occupational Therapy School.

University of South Alabama Physician's Assistant School
Katie Allison ('01), Rachel Burrell ('01), Megan Carlyle ('00).

University of Mississippi Physical Therapy School
Lisa Bain, Michael Meurrier ('01), Ryan Williams ('01).

University of South Alabama Physical Therapy School
John Kirk ('00).

Mississippi State University Veterinary School
Alana Gifford ('00), Eric Miller.

*All of these students were biology or chemistry majors.

Johnny Cooper ('01), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Graduate School.

Michele Dawley ('01), Mississippi College, Graduate School.

Juliana Wise Kyzar ('99), University of Middle Tennessee Graduate School.

Karen May ('00), Mississippi College, Graduate School.

Tyler Smith ('01), University of Texas - Austin, Graduate School.

Cliff Roy ('01), United States Air Force.

SENIOR RECOGNITIONS
At Honor's Day on April 24, 2001, Amy Lynn Graham Jones, received The Bailey Biology Award as The outstanding senior biology major. Lamar Davis received the Health Sciences Pre-Professional Award, was a recepient of the Perry Academic Award, Alpha Lambda Delta Book Award, and received a full scholarship to UMC. William Lowe Waller was awarded the Matthew Bradford Senator of the Year Award.

The following senior biology majors were selected for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges: Charles Belknap, Lamar Davis II, Marjorie McLin, Julie Porter, Melissa Robbins, Michael Schut, William Sones II, Katie Welborn Watkins.

WANTED: NEWS FROM ALUMNI
The Biophiles would like to continue to provide news of interest about our distinguished alumni. It would be of great help if you would supply us with updated information about yourself or others. Please use the following form or a personal letter to help us do a better job of providing a useful biology newsletter.



		News from 2001 JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES, JR., M.D.DISTINGUISHED BIOLOGY ALUMNUS FOR 2001 Dr. James L. Hughes, Jr., a 1959 biology graduate of Mississippi College, has been selected as the 2001 Distinguished Biology Alumnus. Presently, Dr. Hughes serves as the M. Beckett Howorth Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. Dr. Hughes was appointed to the School of Medicine faculty at the University of Mississippi Medical Center faculty in 1977. While attending Mississippi College, Dr. Hughes was member of the Pre-Med Club and the "M" Club. Additionally, Dr. Hughes was the Junior Class Vice President and served on the BSU Executive Council. After graduating from Mississippi College in 1959, Dr. Hughes entered Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he earned his M.D. degree in 1963. From 1963 - 65, Dr. Hughes did his internship and subsequent residency in general surgery at Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY. Dr. Hughes served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps where he saw duty in Viet Nam 1965 - 67. After receiving an Honorable Discharge as a Captain in 1967, Dr. Hughes began his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. After completing his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery in 1970, Dr. Hughes served as a Fellow in Orthopaedic Surgery at several universities in Switzerland. From 1971-76, Dr. Hughes first served as an Instructor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and subsequently as an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Dr. Hughes served as Chief, Amputee Fracture Service, Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS, 1976 - 77. In 1977, Dr. Hughes began his illustrious career as an orthopedic surgeon at The University of Mississippi Medical Center. An author or co-author of 115 medical publications, Dr. Hughes has distinguished himself as a medical scholar. Furthermore, he has received numerous honors and is a much sought after Guest Speaker. Dr. Hughes is married to the former Virginia Louise Haynes ('59). They are the parents of three grown daughters. Currently, Dr. Hughes and his wife reside in Brandon, MS. They are members of The Church in Brandon. Congratulations, Dr. Hughes! BIOLOGY COMPUTER LABORATORY IS HERE !!! The initial step towards the Biology Computer Laboratory was taken by Dr. Rob Hamilton, Associate Professor, who wrote the successful National Science Foundation (NSF) grant proposal. In a letter dated July 9, 1998, Dr. Howell Todd, President of Mississippi College, was informed that Dr. Hamilton's $38,137 Biology Computer Laboratory grant proposal had been funded. The NSF required Mississippi College to match NSF's $38,137 with an equal amount of money; however, MC's match could not be the money spent to convert a storage room adjacent to Hederman Science Building 201 (for some of you, the A&P laboratory) into a room for a computer laboratory. The estimated cost of this conversion was approximately $38,000. Thus, the approximate total cost for the Biology Computer Laboratory was $114, 000 - NSF's $38,000, MC's match of $38,000, and $38,000 to be raised from alumni for the room conversion and furnishing. To make a long story short, MC was hit by a severe financial crisis in February 2000. The end result was that Dr. Snazelle was told that MC's required match of $38,000 could not be met. So, instead of having to raise $38,000, the Department of Biological Sciences was left with raising $76,000. Thanks to the generosity of alumni most, but not all, of the required $76,000 was raised and the Biology Computer Laboratory is now a reality. It is designated as Hederman Science Building Room 200. The Biology Computer Laboratory is equipped with four tables made by Electronic Classroom Furniture Systems. Each square table supports four computers. One of the tables is adjustable to meet the needs of handicapped students. Additionally, the Biology Computer Laboratory is furnished with sixteen Kismet™ Task Chairs. Seventeen 933 MHZ Gateway Pentium III CPU, 256 megabytes RAM, 40 gigabyte hard drive, CDRW and DVD, and 19" Mitsubishi Diamondtron monitors were purchased for the Biology Computer Laboratory. Sixteen of the Gateway computers are on the four computer tables while the seventeenth computer is on a separate table. This seventeenth computer is on another table which is also equipped with an Olympus CH30 Trinocular microscope mounted with a SPOT Insight Color Digital Camera, HP ScanJet 7400C scanner, and a HP LaserJet 4100 printer. Lastly, the Biology Computer Laboratory is equipped with a 3M Model MP8745 Multimedia projector and a HP OmniBook XE₃ Laptop computer. To all the alumni who helped make the Biology Computer Laboratory a reality, we say, THANK YOU! BRUMFIELD CLASSROOM DEDICATED On Friday afternoon, April 13, 2001, the Brumfield Classroom in the Department of Biological Sciences, Hederman Science Building, at Mississippi College was dedicated in honor of Vivian H. Brumfield and the late W. Basel Brumfield, Tylertown, MS. The monetary gift which made possible the creation of the Brumfield Classroom was made by Dr. Cynthia Brumfield, daughter of Vivian H. Brumfield and the late W. Basel Brumfield. Dr. Brumfield is a 1974 biology graduate of Mississippi College and was the 1997 Distinguished Biology Alumna. Currently, Dr. Brumfield is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Alabama Medical School. The Brumfield Classroom is completely furnished and equipped with 48 desks, lectern, dry erase board, screen, 3M overhead projector with cart, TV and VCR with cabinet, and a 3M MP8745 Data/Video Projector and a HP Omnibook 4150 Laptop computer for PowerPoint presentations. In addition to Dr. Brumfield, family members attending the Brumfield Classroom dedication were Dr. Brumfield's mother, Vivian Brumfield; and Dr. Brumfield's sister, Gwen Langhart, and Gwen's children, Alex and Jennifer. Also attending were Dr. Brumfield's cousins, Janice and Kristi Watson, from Birmingham, AL. Mississippi College was represented by Dr. Ron Howard, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Ted Snazelle, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences; Dr. Jerry Cannon, Chair, Department of Chemistry, and several biology and chemistry faculty members. Thank you, Dr. Brumfield! Focus on Alumni . . . C. DAVID FINCH, JR., M.D. Dr. David Finch graduated with a degree in biology in 1980 from Mississippi College whereupon he entered the School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. After receiving his M.D. in 1984, Dr. Finch served as a resident in internal medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from 1984 - 88. From July - December 1985, Dr. Finch served as Research Fellow in the Division of Cardiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center. Subsequently, Dr. Finch served as a Fellow in Nephrology, University of Mississippi Medical Center from 1988 - 1990. Dr. Finch is a Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine (1988) and a Diplomate, American Board of Nephrology (1990). After completing his nephrology fellowship, Dr. Finch served from January - June 1991as Director of Dialysis, Methodist Hospital of Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg, MS. Since July 1991, Dr. Finch has been in the practice of nephrology and hypertension in both Vicksburg and Jackson, MS. Since 1991, Dr. Finch has served as Director of Dialysis at both Columbia Vicksburg Medical Center and Parkview Regional Medical Center, Vicksburg, MS. In December 1995, Dr. Finch became Medical Director of Renex NNA Dialysis Facilities, Inc., in Louisiana and Mississippi. What really makes Dr. Finch unique among Mississippi College alumni is that he has been involved in the development of new equipment for treatment of chronic renal failure patients. Dr. Finch and his associates, Dr. Hendrik K. Kuiper and Mr. Jeffrey H. Burbank, hold numerous patents for the innovative LifeSite® Hemodialysis Access System which offers an alternative to current access techniques in treating chronic renal patients. The LifeSite Hemodialysis Access System provides fully-implantable blood access for patients who require hemodialysis while waiting for creation and/or maturation of a permanent access. Two LifeSite Systems are implanted subcutaneously; one system serves as the draw and the other serves as the return. In April 1996, Dr. Finch, Dr. Kuiper, and Mr. Burbank founded Vasca, Inc. which markets the LifeSite Hemodialysis System. Dr. Finch is married to the former Emily Wilson. They are the parents of four children: Beth, Trey, Austin, and Patrick. The Finch family resides in Clinton, MS. Focus on Alumni . . . ROY WILLIAM (BO) SCALES, PH.D. After graduating from Forest High School, Forest, MS, in 1961, Dr. Scales entered Mississippi College and later graduated with a degree in zoology in 1965. After graduating from Mississippi College, Dr. Scales entered the Graduate School, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, where he earned his MS (Physiology) in 1967 and Ph.D. (Immunology) in 1970. Subsequently, Dr. Scales received two postdoctoral fellowships: 1) United States Public Health Service Fellowship (1970 - 71), and 2) University of Florida School of Medicine Fellowship (1970 - 72). From 1972 - 77, Dr. Scales was employed by the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, where he first served as Chief, Gonococcal Research Section (Bacteriology) and later served as Chief, Immunochemistry Laboratory (Bacteriology). In 1977, Dr. Scales moved back to Mississippi and opened Scales Biological Laboratory, Brandon, MS. Since 1977, Dr. Scales has served as Graduate Research Consultant in Clinical Immunopathology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS. In 1979, Dr. Scales served as Adjunct Professor of Microbiology at Mississippi College. As mentioned previously, Dr. Scales opened Scales Biological Laboratory in 1997 and continues to serve as its Director. Scales Biological Laboratory is a DNA testing laboratory, fully accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. To date, nearly 10,000 individuals have been "profiled" by DNA analyses. All of these analyses fall under the category of 'relatedness'/identity testing, i.e. parentage, siblingship, immigration, identification of remains, etc. The underlying common question that Dr. Scales attempts to answer is: "Are these two or more DNA samples related, and if so, how?" This question can also apply to a forensic setting. In the early years of parentage testing, Scales Biological Laboratory served as a reference laboratory for DNA analyses. Currently, Dr. Scales is a member of the Parentage Testing Unit of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). This international committee, which is comprised of five members, is charged with formulating and writing the standard requirements for laboratory accreditation. Dr. Scales also serves as an Inspector/Assessor for other laboratories seeking accreditation by AABB. Dr. Scales' wife is Barbie. Barbie is Bo's "right hand" at Scales Biological Laboratory. They are the parents of four children: Christian, Andrea, Brad, and Joey. The Scales family resides in Brandon, MS. NEWS NOTES HOPKINS PICKS MISSISSIPPI NATIVE (Article in the Jackson Clarion Ledger) Claude Earl Fox, a public health physician who has headed federal and state agencies in a nearly three-decate career involving equal access to health care, has been appointed director of the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute. Fox was state health officer in Alabama from 1985 to 1992 and prior to that served as deputy state health officer for Mississippi, his home state. A 1968 Mississippi College graduate, Fox earned his medical degree at UMC. Mac H. Alford ('97) currently working on his Ph.D. at Cornell University, co-authored an article entitled "A New Species of Commelina (Commelinaceae) from Tanzania" which appeared in NOVON 2001. Dr. Christopher Wiggs ('92) joined the Jackson Healthcare for Women clinic in July, 2001. Kim Blair Smith ('98) graduated from UMC dental school in May 2001 and received many distinguished honors. She was awarded the following: Academy of Operative Dentistry Award, Community Preventive Dentistry Award, Clinical Achievement in Periodontics Award, Bradford A. Gordon Memorial Award-"This award is given to the student who typifies the traits most associated with Dr. Gordon: determination, perseverance and an overwhelming will to succeed in the face of adversity." The name of the recipient will be engraved on a plaque which hangs in the School of Dentistry. Congratulations, Kim! Julie Porter ('01) had a very good M1 experience at UMC-she received a tuition scholarship and the Robert M. Herrin Scholarship. Earl Conway ('86) stopped by the department in May for a brief visit. He is doing well in Colorado and shared pictures of his two children. Randall Hicks ('86) has had an interesting journey since leaving MC. He did graduate studey at LSU and Tulane in Political Science; Worked with the MS State Department of Health as a Soil/Water Quality Public Health Environmentalist; earned the MPH degree from USM; was an advanced science teacher at D'Iberville Middle School and selected Lead Teacher for 2000-01; and is currently an Aerospace Education Specialist at the Stennis Space Center. He is married to Robin Barnett and they have two children, Claudia 6 and Emma 18 months. Angelia McAlpin Woodward ('86) sent the following update: "I've been in Tuscaloosa, AL since 1993. After finishing residency at UMC, we moved here for Doug to do his residency. We have been working in the Emergency Department at DCH Regional Medical Center for several years. It is very interesting!" Lauren Lentz Lyall ('89) is currently working at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She is supervisor of the Cytogenetics Laboratory. She likes her new position but gets weary of the administrative duties. She says she would prefer justing being at the microscope but now has the opportunity to make technical changes in the lab that improve the final product. He husband is General Director of the New Orleans Opera Association and they enjoy his busy schedule of performances, social events, and especially travel to exotic places. Dr. Michael Rogers ('93) has joined the Rankin Children's Group in Brandon, MS in the practice of pediatrics. John Raymond Hodge ('97) is employed in the Newton Municipal Schools as a Psychometrist. Rev. Janet S. Ott ('89) is back in the Jackson area. She and her husband, Luther, were both ordained into the priesthood after receiving master's degrees from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. Janet is Rector at St. Columb's Episcopal Church in Ridgeland and continues to work with the children at Stewpot where Luther is Exective Director. He also serves as assistant at St. Phillips in Jackson. Dr. William Middleton ('49) sent us information about his wife Sarah Nell Grice Middleton ('54 Nursing). Sarah is a volunteer and has served as President of the North Central Medical for the last 16 years. She has been awarded the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Activity Award. Faith R. Hanchey ('91) is "now working as a veterinary technician and loving it." She is the proud mother of Austin, 13 and Claire 11 (and four cats and one cocker spaniel!). She is a girl scout leader and treasurer of a boy scout troop. "Kids keep a person busy!" Ray Halliburton ('84), is Laboratory Director, Lake Primary Care Physicians Laboratory and Diagnostic Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Ray and Deidre ('87 BSN) are the parents of Charlest, III (Trey), Andre'e, and William. Ray still recalls Dr. Bill Stark and his motto "stone flies forever!" MARRIAGES Daniel Rhett Simmons and Amanda Elizabeth Warren, May 19, 2001. William David Sones, Jr. and Carrie Ellen Reid, May 26, 2001. Thomas Matthew Murphy and Elizabeth Ann Dukes, June 16, 2001. BIRTHS Joshua ('98), Rebecca Winscott, and Big sister Mary Grace, welcomed Jack Robertson Winscott, September 13, 2000. Joshua is employed at Copeland Veterinary Hospital and is head Veterinary Technician, in Cookeville, TN. Tad ('90) and Tammy Barham were blessed with twin girls-Emma and Lauren-born August 28, 2000. DEATHS The Department of Biological Sciences was saddened to learn of the death of the following alumni: James W. Tennyson ('56), February 27, 1999; Shelby M. Price ('29), September 23, 2000; Dr. Preston Ray Stodard ('50), March 31, 2000; Dr. James H. Stribling ('51), July 10, 2001. HEALTH SCIENCES REPORT 2001 Acceptances University of Mississippi Medical School* Danielle Odom Blakeney ('99), Kimberly Cornelius ('01), Lamar Davis ('01), Chad Elkin ('01), Benjamin Gatewood ('01), Matthew Hunt ('01), John McCarter ('00), Matt Miles ('01), Stephen Miller ('01), Christy Murray ('01), Julie Porter ('01), Bill Sones ('01), Katie Taylor ('01), Nicole Valaire. Ben Adams ('99), Pikeville, KY School of Osteopathic Medicine. William Allen ('00), University for the Health Sciences, Kansas City, MO. Jeff Carter ('00), East Tennessee State University, Medical School. Jenny Holmes Perkins ('96), East Tennessee State University Medical School. Melissa Robbins ('01), University of Tennessee at Memphis Medical School. University of Mississippi Dental School Brad Bryan ('01), Lee Gary('01), Amy Jones('01), Danny Niolet, Rhett Simmons ('01), Josh Simpson ('01), Lance Welch ('01). Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, Medical Technology School Sarah Boyd ('00), Iram Nazir ('01). Katie Ogletree ('01), University of Mississippi Occupational Therapy School. University of South Alabama Physician's Assistant School Katie Allison ('01), Rachel Burrell ('01), Megan Carlyle ('00). University of Mississippi Physical Therapy School Lisa Bain, Michael Meurrier ('01), Ryan Williams ('01). University of South Alabama Physical Therapy School John Kirk ('00). Mississippi State University Veterinary School Alana Gifford ('00), Eric Miller. All of these students were biology or chemistry majors. Johnny Cooper* ('01), University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Graduate School. Michele Dawley ('01), Mississippi College, Graduate School. Juliana Wise Kyzar ('99), University of Middle Tennessee Graduate School. Karen May ('00), Mississippi College, Graduate School. Tyler Smith ('01), University of Texas - Austin, Graduate School. Cliff Roy ('01), United States Air Force. SENIOR RECOGNITIONS At Honor's Day on April 24, 2001, Amy Lynn Graham Jones, received The Bailey Biology Award as The outstanding senior biology major. Lamar Davis received the Health Sciences Pre-Professional Award, was a recepient of the Perry Academic Award, Alpha Lambda Delta Book Award, and received a full scholarship to UMC. William Lowe Waller was awarded the Matthew Bradford Senator of the Year Award. The following senior biology majors were selected for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges: Charles Belknap, Lamar Davis II, Marjorie McLin, Julie Porter, Melissa Robbins, Michael Schut, William Sones II, Katie Welborn Watkins. WANTED: NEWS FROM ALUMNI The Biophiles would like to continue to provide news of interest about our distinguished alumni. It would be of great help if you would supply us with updated information about yourself or others. 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