Overview

How are life science experiments conducted in space and what can we learn from such activities? Cancers and HIV/AIDS continue to drastically impact lives. And, the threat of bioterrorism pervades everyday life. What will scientific research into these areas offer for the future? In this symposium, a former astronaut will discuss life science research conducted in space labs and the challenges involved in working in space. Scientists from the National Institutes of Health will discuss what progress is being made in dealing with two major diseases, cancer and HIV/AIDS, and the research and defenses being devised to deal with infectious diseases,and related issues including bioterrorism.

Speakers

Carole Heilman
Director, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Carole Heilman’s responsibilities include scientific direction, oversight and management of all infectious diseases, except AIDS, within the NIH. Previously, she served as deputy director of the Division of AIDS for three years. She holds a doctorate in microbiology from Rutgers University. She completed post-doctoral work in molecular virology at the National Cancer Institute and continued on at the NCI as a senior staff fellow in molecular oncology. Heilman moved into the health science administration area in 1986, focusing on respiratory pathogens, particularly vaccine development. She has received numerous awards for scientific management and leadership, including two Department of Health and Human Services’ Secretary Awards for Distinguished Service for her efforts on pertussis vaccine and AIDS vaccine development.

Terence T. “Tom” Henricks
U.S. Air Force Colonel, Retired; Former NASA Astronaut / Space Shuttle Pilot & Commander
Tom Henricks became an astronaut in July 1986. He piloted two Space Shuttle missions and served as commander of two others. The Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission that he commanded was the first to combine a full microgravity studies agenda and a comprehensive life science investigation. It served as a model for future studies on board the International Space Station. In addition to his time in space, Henricks held key technical and management positions at both Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers. In 1991, Henricks became the youngest colonel in the U.S. Air Force. A Top Gun and test pilot, he served tours in England and Iceland. Henricks has earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, an honorary doctorate from Defiance College in Ohio and a space in the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. He has a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master’s of public administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, Calif.

Michael A. Polis
Senior Investigator, Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Since 1985, Michael Polis has researched the management, treatment and prevention of opportunistic infections associated with HIV infection. In particular, he has conducted clinical trials to improve the treatment and management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, the most common blinding infection in persons with HIV infection. More recently, with effective treatments available for HIV, he has concentrated on optimizing efficacy and reducing the toxicities associated with these treatments. Polis completed a medical degree at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, followed by a residency and fellowship training in infectious diseases at the George Washington University Medical Center. He also holds a master’s of public health from Johns Hopkins University.

Denise Simmons
Intramural Fellow, National Cancer Institute; Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Maryland
Denise Simmons earned a doctorate in biological sciences at UT–Austin in 1998. She completed the research requirement at the UT–M.D. Anderson Research Science Division in Smithville, Texas, where she studied mechanisms of skin carcinogenesis. Upon graduation, she accepted an NCI extramural fellow award in medicinal chemistry at UT–Austin, where her work focused on anti-cancer drug design. In September 2000, Simmons received a Cancer Research Training Award to join the NCI as an intramural fellow. There, she began research on retinoid metabolism as it relates to novel strategies for intervention, early diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma. She has received several patents based on her work at the NCI and continues to develop new concepts based on elucidation of mechanisms of retinoid metabolism during melanocyte pathogenesis.