Michael Summers, Chemistry and Biochemistry, HHMI, Receives Patent
Congratulations to Michael Summers, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and HHMI investigator, for his issued U.S. patent #7,361,459, entitled "Antiviral Inhibition of Capsid Proteins". This invention provides methods for evaluating the antiviral activity of test compounds. To view this patent in its entirety, go to www.uspto.gov, and click on Patents.

If you would like more information on patents, copyrights or start-up companies, visit the Office of Technology Development's Web site at www.umbc.edu/otd.

Theatre Faculty, Alumni Nominated for Helen Hayes Awards
UMBC Theatre is represented at the Helen Hayes awards this year. James Brown-Orleans ‘05 was nominated in the category of "Outstanding Lead Actor-Resident Play" for My Children! My Africa! at Studio Theatre. The production of Vigils at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company -- directed by Colette Searls assistant professor of theatre -- was nominated for four Helen Hayes Awards: Outstanding Lead Actress, Outstanding Supporting Actor, Outstanding Sound Design and the Canadian Embassy Award for Outstanding Ensemble.

Mandy Moore ‘07 and Eric Messner ‘01 were both in productions nominated for the Canadian Embassy Award for Outstanding Ensemble: Mandy was in Alone It Stands at The Keegan Theatre, and Eric was in Scenes from the Big Picture at Solas Nu.

For more information, visit www.helenhayes.org/sub/nr.cfm.