Roof problems cause closure of MSEL's Moravia Park site

The Milton S. Eisenhower Library has closed its off-site Moravia Park shelving facility, home of approximately 1.2 million infrequently used items, until further notice. The building was closed when library officials became aware of signs of corrosion in the building's roof structure.

"Moravia Park will remain closed until we can guarantee that it's safe for staff to be inside," said Nancy Roderer, interim dean of library services. "We're assessing our options for restoring access, including the feasability of shoring up the roof. We also are evaluating alternative sites and other options for long-term off-site storage."

A private engineering firm's initial evaluation of the building found significant rusting in the metal roof deck. Additional surveys are being taken to further quantify the problems and identify potential solutions.

While the facility is closed, requests for published materials housed at Moravia Park will be filled by obtaining the materials from other libraries through Interlibrary Services. Staff of Moravia Park have been temporarily relocated to the Eisenhower Library, where they will help process the anticipated increase in interlibrary loan requests.

"We regret any inconvenience to our patrons, and will keep the Hopkins community apprised of this situation," Roderer said.

Whiting lecture series honors newly tenured professors

The Whiting School of Engineering continues the tradition begun in 1993 to honor newly tenured professors through a special lecture series. What began as the Inaugural Professorial Lectures are now known as the Don P. Giddens Inaugural Professorial Lectures to honor the first dean of Engineering at Johns Hopkins and the originator of the series.

The first of seven lectures to be held during the 2001- 2002 academic year will be given by Carey E. Priebe, professor of mathematical sciences, at 3 p.m. on Nov. 29 in Levering's Arellano Theater on the Homewood campus. The lecture is open to the public, and a reception will follow in the Sherwood Room.

Undergraduate Research Symposium set for Dec. 1

Eight undergraduates from a range of academic disciplines will present their independent research projects at the first Johns Hopkins Undergraduate Research Symposium, which will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, in Mudd Hall on the Homewood campus.

The daylong event is sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University Honors Society for Neuroscience, NuRhoPsi, to give undergraduates in all disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences, an opportunity to share and receive recognition for their work.

"We hope this is the first step to motivate the entire undergraduate population toward independent thought and to promote interaction between the academic departments at the student level," said Michael Yassa, member of NuRhoPsi and co-director of the symposium.

The event will begin with a welcoming speech by Gregory Ball, professor of psychology and chair of the neuroscience program in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. Then, during morning and afternoon sessions, students will give 15-minute presentations, each followed by a question-and-answer period. The keynote speaker, at 5 p.m., will be Chi Dang, a professor of hematology in the School of Medicine.

For more information, go to http://www.jhu.edu/~hsfn/ursapply.html.

APL developing system to destroy biological threats

An APL team is developing a system to destroy biological agents in the air as they move through heating and air-conditioning ducts. Research is focused on destroying pathogens (spores, bacteria and viruses) using a unique combination of ozone, water, high-intensity ultraviolet lights and a porous metal matrix.

Using a representative group of bacteria, viruses and spores, initial test results showed the system was highly effective in destroying the agent simulants. For added safety, a catalyst that destroys excess ozone generated by the process is being tested as part of this system.

Daniel Mark Epstein to read on Sunday at Theatre Hopkins

On Sunday, Dec. 2, Theatre Hopkins will host author and poet Daniel Mark Epstein, who will read from his new biography of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, What Lips My Lips Have Kissed, which is currently receiving national attention.

An accomplished playwright, essayist and translator as well as poet and biographer, the Baltimore resident is the recipient of the Prix de Rome and a Guggenheim fellowship. His body of work includes Sister Aimee, The Biography of Aimee Semple McPherson, a biography of Nat King Cole and several volumes of poetry.

Epstein's reading from What Lips My Lips Have Kissed, along with selections from Millay's poetry, will be followed by a reception and book signing at the Merrick Barn. The events begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Merrick Barn, Homewood campus. There is no admission charge, but those wishing to attend are asked to make reservations in advance. For reservations, or further information, call 410-516-7159 or write to thehop@jhu.edu.