Hallett Honored for Dystonia Work
Dr. Richard Lewis (l), medical education leader of the Dystonia
Medical Research Foundation, presents Dr. Mark Hallett, chief of
the Medical Neurology Branch and human motor control section,
NINDS, with a special recognition award at the foundation's recent
25th anniversary celebration dinner. Hallett was one of several
NINDS'ers recognized for their exceptional work on behalf of
persons with dystonia. Other NINDS honorees included former
director Dr. Gerald Fischbach, associate director for extramural
research Dr. Constance Atwell, and program director Dr. Giovanna
Spinella. At the dinner, which was held at the Bethesda Marriott, the
foundation applauded NINDS for its "leadership in shaping the
future of brain research" and for its "commitment to encouraging
collaboration." Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder
characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting
and repetitive movements or abnormal postures that are sometimes
painful. The foundation — established in 1976 — has
awarded more than 350 grants totaling $16 million for dystonia
research.
Wassermann Awarded Visiting Professorship
Dr. Eric Wassermann, chief of the brain stimulation unit in the
Office of the Clinical Director, NINDS, and a neurological
consultant at the Clinical Center, was recently awarded a visiting
professorship in psychiatry in the department of neurology at
Cincinnati Children's Medical Center. The purpose of the
professorship — which is sponsored by Pfizer
Pharmaceuticals and provides $7,500 to the medical
center — is to enhance the clinical and educational activities
of medical schools and teaching hospitals in the United States.
Wassermann, who joined NINDS as a neurological consultant and a
postdoctoral fellow in the human motor control section in 1989,
earned his undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College and his
medical degree from New York Medical College. His laboratory
studies include investigations of human brain physiology, primarily
with the technique of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Under the
professorship, Wassermann will spend 3 days at the medical center
teaching and collaborating on studies of motor cortex function in
children with movement and behavioral disorders.
Landis Honored by Wellesley
Dr. Story Landis, NINDS scientific director, recently received the
Wellesley Alumnae Achievement Award from her alma mater
Wellesley College. The award is given annually to "alumnae who
have brought honor to themselves and to Wellesley College through
their outstanding achievements." The award was established in
1969, and is the highest honor given to alumnae for excellence and
distinction in their fields of endeavor. Landis graduated from
Wellesley in 1967 with an undergraduate degree in biology. She
earned her master's degree and her Ph.D. — both from
Harvard University — in 1970 and 1973, respectively. Landis
was recognized for the significant contributions she has made to the
field of neuroscience including her extensive research on the
development of the nervous system and her exceptional leadership
both at Case Western Reserve University and, more recently, at the
Intramural Research Program at NINDS. Currently, her laboratory
is studying the developmental interactions required for the formation
of functional synapses.
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