News Briefs

CMU Research Helps Provide Insight Into Genetic Makeup of Autism

Statistics Professor Kathyrn Roeder's work helped to identify three genes that affect a child's risk for autism. The findings provide a clear path forward for genetics research into the underpinning of autism. Read more at: http://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2012/april/april4_autism.html

"Last Lecture" Enhanced Ebook Edition Available April 17

Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture," which remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 112 weeks and was translated in 48 languages, will be available April 17 with video and new insights in an enhanced ebook edition titled "The Last Lecture — The Legacy Edition" (Hyperion). The enhanced ebook includes more features such as:

• a new foreword by Randy’s widow, Jai Pausch, who writes about how the book affected Randy, their family, and the larger community before and after his passing;
• video clips from the Last Lecture throughout the book, providing readers with
• a truly immersive reading and viewing experience;
• never-before-seen photos of Randy and his family;
• never-before-seen video with the book's co-author, Jeffrey Zaslow, in which he shares details on his friendship with Randy and why he thinks Randy touched millions of people;
• memorable clips from Diane Sawyer's ABC News special, such as Randy visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers and loving one of his childhood dreams by playing ball with legendary receiver Hines Ward;
• Randy's commencement speech to the Carnegie Mellon class of 2008;
• Jeffrey's convocation speech to the Carnegie Mellon class of 2014;
• a new "Your Last Lecture" section that includes a series of questions to prompt readers' inspiration into action, such as: As a child, what were your dreams? Did you find a way to make them come true, in some form, as an adult? Does Randy’s perspective help you look at current brick walls in your life differently? What is the most difficult question you’ve ever had to ask?

For more and to purchase a copy, go to http://www.thelastlecture.com/aboutbk.htm

CMU's Miller Gallery Opens First California Exhibition

The Miller Gallery produced exhibition "Intimate Science" opens at Southern Exposure in San Francisco on April 20 and will remain there until June 2. The exhibition features international artists conducting projects in scientific or technological domains, and includes School of Art faculty member Rich Pell of the Center for PostNatural History. Details on the exhibition are at: www.cmu.edu/millergallery/exhibitions/intimatescience.

Tartans Abroad Showcases Planned

Student groups who received financial support from the Tartans Abroad Group trip fund will offer presentations on their travels next week. Members of the Orphanage Outreach group who traveled to the Dominican Republic and the Alternative Spring Break Costa Rica group will present at 4:30 p.m., Monday, April 9 in the Wright Room, University Center (UC). Students from the SIFE Panama and Global Medical Brigades Honduras, will present at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 12, in Rangos 3, UC.

Holocaust Memorial and Remembrance Day Seeks Readers

Carnegie Mellon's annual Holocaust Memorial and Remembrance Day is Tuesday, April 17, when volunteers from the university community will read names of Holocaust victims from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fence. Each volunteer will read names during 10-minute periods. If you'd like to participate, sign up online at http://signupschedule.com/danischles. Contact Danielle Schlesinger at drschles@andrew.cmu.edu with questions or for more information.

Applications Sought for Libraries' Posner Center Internship

Applications are being accepted through Monday, April 30, for one 15-week, $3,000 research and exhibit internship for the fall 2012 semester. Any CMU undergraduate or graduate student may apply by submitting a proposal for individual research in the Posner Collection of fine and rare books, culminating in a public exhibit at the Posner Center. Students who wish to earn academic credit must gain permission from their academic department and/or school before the internship begins. The intern should have a faculty adviser. The internship is sponsored by the University Libraries and funded by the Posner Fine Arts Foundation. For more information and to apply, go to http://www.cmu.edu/posner-center/internship/

Wall Street Journal To Remember Jeff Zaslow, April 29

The Wall Street Journal will hold a memorial gathering for CMU Alumnus Jeff Zaslow (DC'80) on Sunday, April 29 at Columbia University’s Faculty House in New York from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A longtime Wall Street Journal columnist, Zaslow majored in Creative Writing and may be best remembered at Carnegie Mellon for co-authoring "The Last Lecture" with the late CMU Computer Science Professor Randy Pausch. Zaslow was killed in a car accident in February. The Journal is hosting the memorial as an opportunity for Zaslow's friends and colleagues at the Journal and elsewhere to share stories about the his life and work. In a message to the Journal's staff, Zaslow was called "one of the WSJ's greatest journalists, who inspired literally millions of readers around the world." Zaslow's family will be in attendance. For directions to the memorial, visit http://facultyhouse.columbia.edu/content/contact-us-new-york-event-and-reception-venue#Directions.

Buggy Push Practice Announced

Through Thursday, April 19, Buggy has been granted permits to hold their annual push practice from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through Friday (weather permitting). Push practice occurs on Tech and Frew streets. Roads are not closed, but there will be barricades and Buggy team members to help direct traffic. Vehicles traveling through the area should look for directions from Buggy team members. Buggy teams will need to take their buggy and driver off the road to the sidewalk to let vehicles pass. For any questions or concerns, contact buggy@andrew.cmu.edu.

New Ticket Offers From the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is offering students, faculty and staff discounted tickets to several performances in March, April and May. They include:

• PJO NEA Jazz Masters (April 21 at the August Wilson Center);
• National Geographic Live: A Camera, Two Kids and a Camera – Annie Griffiths (April 22 at the Byham);
• Lar Lubovitch Dance Company (April 28 at the Byham);
• PMT’s Legally Blonde (May 3 – 13 at the Byham).