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2005 News Releases 12.16.05 8.02.05 7.8.05 4.28.05 |
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Midwest Research Institute Awarded Environmental Toxicology Program Contract (Kansas City, MO) December 16, 2005—Midwest Research Institute (MRI) was awarded a five-year, $47.9 million contract to support the federal Environmental Toxicology Program. The Contract was issued by the National Institute of Environmental Sciences (NIEHS), one of the National Institutes of Health. MRI scientists analyze the program’s specified study materials for purity, including impurity identification, prepare and analyze dose formulations of the materials for toxicological studies and then analyze biological samples from the studies. The data from the toxicological studies are used by NIEHS to evaluate the impact of toxins on human health. MRI, a not-for-profit scientific research organization, has supported the NIEHS Environmental Toxicology Program since 1972. The mission of NIEHS is to reduce the burden of human illness and dysfunction from environmental causes by understanding how environmental factors, individual susceptibility and age interrelate. “Throughout our 60-year history, Midwest Research Institute has been diligent in developing comprehensive experience and nationally recognized scientific expertise in the field of toxicology, the environment and analytical chemistry,” said James L. Spigarelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Research Institute. “We are pleased to be awarded the NIEHS Environmental Toxicology Program contract once again and our scientists look forward to the opportunity to assist NIEHS in safeguarding public health through our efforts to research the effects of chemicals on the environment and on society.” The Environmental Toxicology Program investigates a diverse category of chemical types, most of which do not have analytical methods developed to allow for quantitation at very low levels. In the past, MRI scientists have developed analytical methods for materials that are diverse and have ranged from nutraceuticals and dietary supplements such as goldenseal, Kava, ginkgo, pine bark and grape seed extract, to chemical compounds such as dioxins and phthalates. About National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences NIEHS, a component of the National Institutes of Health, supports research to understand the effects of the environment on human health. For more information on environmental health topics, please visit the NIEHS website at: http://www.niehs.nih.gov. MRI Salute to Science Seminar Features: Lawrence D. Burns, General Motors Vice President of R&D Speaking on “Advanced Automotive Technology and the Hydrogen Future” (Kansas City, MO) August 20, 2005—Lawrence D. Burns, General Motors Vice President of Research and Development, will be the featured speaker at Midwest Research Institute’s Salute to Science Seminar on Tuesday, October 4. Burns will be speaking on “Advanced Automotive Technology and the Hydrogen Future,” a topic of increasing interest with consumers who are feeling the pinch of soaring fuel prices and are concerned about the long term projections for global fuel shortages. The October 4 Salute to Science Seminar begins at 5:30 PM and will be held at MRI’s Arthur Mag Conference Center located at 4920 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO. The seminar is free and open to the public; however, reservations are requested by calling MRI Salute to Science Coordinators at 816.360.5302. Burns oversees GM’s advanced technology, innovation programs and corporate strategy and is a member of GM’s Automotive Strategy Board. In addition to driving innovation into today’s vehicles, Burns is championing GM’s “reinvention” of the automobile around advanced propulsion, electronics, telematics and materials technologies. Burns holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. He also has an M.S. degree in engineering /public policy from the University of Michigan and a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University.) Burns is a member of the USCAR Operating Council and the FreedomCAR Partnership Executive Steering Committee. MRI created the Salute to Science Seminar Series in 2004 in conjunction with its 60th Anniversary celebration. The seminars are an outreach program designed to bring timely topics of scientific interest to the Kansas City community. Stem Cell Expert Discusses Therapeutic Strategies (Kansas City, MO) August 2, 2005—As part of Midwest Research Institute’s continuing Salute to Science Seminar series, Evan Y. Snyder, of the Burnham Institute, in La Jolla, Calif., will offer a free presentation in August on stem cell biology. Snyder, M.D., Ph.D., will discuss "Stem Cells: Developmental Principles Should Guide Therapeutic Strategies" at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the Arthur Mag Conference Center, 4920 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. Please RSVP to Lisa Straight, 816-360-5381. A reception follows. Snyder, a neurobiologist, is professor and director of the Stem Cells and Regeneration program at the Burnham Institute and coordinates the Southern California Stem Cell Consortium. He is experienced in stem cell biology (including human), neurobiology, animal models of disease states, and transplantation. Snyder joined the Burnham Institute in 2001. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981. He completed residencies in pediatrics and neurology at Children's Hospital-Boston and postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. In 1992, Snyder was appointed an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School and was promoted to assistant professor in 1996. (Golden, CO, and Kansas City, MO) July 8, 2005—Two technologies developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are among this year’s most significant innovations, as judged by officials at Research & Development (R&D) Magazine to receive R&D 100 Awards for 2005. Midwest Research Institute (MRI) has managed and operated NREL for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) since 1977. NREL’s two R&D 100 Awards are for: 1) a silicon testing system that helps manufacturers evaluate the quality of silicon material in the early stages of solar cell production, and 2) an energy modeling software that determines building energy consumption and cost effective energy efficiency upgrades for buildings. “These awards demonstrate that DOE scientists and researchers are hard at work developing the technologies of the future,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman. “In the past, breakthroughs like these have played an important role in both our economic and national security.” “Once again NREL researchers have shown their leadership in developing energy technologies that can improve our daily lives,” said James Spigarelli, MRI President and CEO. “I’m proud to say that our leadership of this national laboratory for the past 28 years has helped build an environment in which researchers are able to produce award-winning technologies.” The two awards this year bring to 39 the number of R&D 100 Awards received by NREL. “NREL’s goal is to invest in research that will ultimately benefit consumers while enhancing our nation’s energy security and reducing our reliance on foreign sources of oil,” said Dan E. Arvizu, NREL Director and Sr. Vice President of MRI. “These technologies will help consumers save energy in their homes and help renewable energy companies make better consumer products.” The Sinton QSSPC Silicon Evaluation System is a method of detecting impurities and defects in silicon boules – the material from which solar cells are made -- early in the manufacturing process. A boule tester sends short pulses of infrared light into the boule and measures minority-carrier lifetime in p- or n-type silicon. Using radio frequency (RF) sensing, the tester determines quasi-steady-state photoconductance (QSSPC), then uses this information to calculate the bulk minority-carrier lifetime. Next it calibrates the results of the photoconductance analysis to determine the absolute lifetime and then determines grain structure and calculates levels of unwanted impurities. This process gives manufacturers information to identify substandard silicon before it is made into cells, thereby increasing the number of efficient cells produced, boosting yields and reducing manufacturing costs. The evaluation system will enable the solar industry to keep up with product demand and growth. The award is shared by NREL and Sinton Consulting, Inc. NREL researchers who worked on this project are David Mooney and Katie Brown. The energy modeling software, called TREAT 2.6 for Targeted Residential Energy Analysis Tools, is a comprehensive energy analysis tool that models a building’s energy consumption and identifies the most cost effective energy efficiency upgrades for both single-family and multifamily buildings. The tool gives building performance contractors and energy auditors a competitive edge in the areas of accurate energy-use analysis, energy efficiency improvement options and customer confidence. It was developed specifically to address the problem of inefficient and excessive residential energy consumption. To that end, TREAT helps reduce home energy consumption and emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants to the environment while minimizing home energy costs. The award is shared by NREL, Taitem Engineering, Performance Systems Development and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority. Michael Deru is the NREL researcher for the project. Richard C. Green and William B. Neaves Elected to Officer Positions of Midwest Research Institute Board of Directors and Board of Trustees (Kansas City, MO) June 21, 2005—Richard C. “Rick” Green succeeds Louis W. Smith whose term expired after serving as MRI’s chairman for four years. Smith will continue as a board member. “We are fortunate to have dedicated individuals with an exceptional sense of community awareness serving as leaders for the Board of Directors of Midwest Research Institute,” said James L. Spigarelli, president and chief executive officer of MRI. “Lou’s leadership has helped to guide MRI through significant growth in the past four years, while Rick’s corporate leadership experience and involvement in community affairs and Bill’s renowned leadership in the life sciences will further strengthen MRI’s momentum in the future.” Green was instrumental in forming the utility company that is now named Aquila and has been chairman there since 1989. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Civic Council, Hall Family Foundation, and YouthFriends, and he is a trustee of the Urban Institute in Washington D.C. In 2001, he was appointed to the U.S. Department of Energy Electricity Advisory Board.
In addition, the following individuals were elected as new trustees to MRI’s Board of Trustees: Ray Beagle, Jr. Robert Bernstein Phillip Brown Dr. Robert Clark Kevin Kessinger Mariner Kemper Dr. Shirley Pomponi Robert Regnier Kristy Schloss Midwest Research Institute launches Test, Evaluation and Validation Center for PCR assays and process applications (Kansas City, MO) May 6, 2005—Midwest Research Institute (MRI), a leading not-for-profit scientific research organization with more than four decades of experience in the biological and chemical defense fields, announced today the launch of a Test, Evaluation, and Validation Center for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assays and related process applications. “With the increased demand for bioterrorism detection since 2001, more and more companies involved in life sciences are now expanding their technology offerings to include biodefense detection systems,” said Michael Helmstetter, Ph.D., MRI senior vice president and director of Research Operations. “This growing demand also drives the need for testing and validating new equipment, instruments, and reagents used in an industry still evolving its standards and standardized methods for evaluation and validation of biological detection assays.” The newly created PCR Test, Evaluation, and Validation Center, (PCR TEV Center) allows MRI to leverage its wealth of scientific expertise as well as its extensive experience in working with government agencies and industry to address the growing demand for testing technologies, products, and instruments used for biological detection in the defense and homeland security sectors. MRI’s credentials for offering this specialized service include its highly qualified staff of scientists led by Ph.D. level professionals who are recognized within the industry, its state-of-the-art BSL-3 registered laboratories, and all necessary certifications to work with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention list of select agents, such as Bacillus anthracis, which causes anthrax. At the cornerstone of the TEV Center is a PCR Method Validation Program designed by Ted Hadfield, Ph.D., MRI’s Chief Biological Science Advisor and one of the industry’s leading experts in medical microbiology, bioterrorism diagnostics, and biological safety. While developing the program, he was able to draw upon his previous experience as Division Chief for Microbiology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. The rigorous approach used in the program provides efficient standardization of the validation process and produces a high level of confidence for detecting targets in specified matrices. “Our PCR Method Validation Program incorporates a rigorous schedule of tests designed to reduce the variability that clients might experience due to varying preparations of reagents produced by multiple sources,” said Hadfield. “The number of tests we conduct allows for statistical analysis and an accurate determination of the level of confidence for the test method.” “Because we are an independent research laboratory working with hundreds of commercial and government clients, we have the broad hands-on experience to identify the unique aspects of PCR methods that could potentially produce false measurements,” added Hadfield. The TEV Center, an operational activity integrated throughout MRI, will draw on the unique expertise of the biologists, chemists, and engineers located at MRI’s facilities in Kansas City, MO, Rockville, MD, and Palm Bay, FL. Teams will be selected on a project basis to collaborate on an integrated approach in providing the test, evaluation, and validation services customized to meet the clients needs. Some of the specific services provided by MRI’s TEV Center include:
Quality Assurance is an integral part of the validation process. MRI operates under a formal quality assurance system that incorporates GLP studies. Additionally, the TEV Center has a quality assurance unit with responsibilities that include laboratory operational assessments, applicable audits, and data verification. Along with other measures, these reviews assure a high level of confidence in the evaluation process. Other associated services include PCR assay development, validation of microbial identification methods, extraction of nucleic acids, protocol development, and development and validation of immuno-assays for detection of microbial pathogens. Midwest Research Institute employees complete first solar home for Kansas City Habitat for Humanity (Kansas City, MO) April 28, 2005—Employees from Midwest Research Institute (MRI) celebrated the completion of the first solar home to be constructed for Habitat for Humanity in Greater Kansas City. The 1,300-sq. ft. solar home, located at 3435 Euclid, Kansas City, MO, is the creation of employees from MRI who volunteered to build the home as a community service project commemorating the 60th anniversary of MRI. During the celebration, MRI President and CEO James L. Spigarelli officially presented the home to its new owners, the Haimonot Gebre family, who moved to Kansas City from Ethiopia three years ago. “Nine months ago this weekend, the MRI team launched a project to build Kansas City’s first solar Habitat for Humanity house,” Spigarelli said. “Our staff shed their lab coats and strapped on tool belts for the past 36 Saturdays. It was a daunting project that turned into a labor of love for many of our employees and we couldn’t be more delighted to celebrate this occasion with the Gebre family. It’s also rewarding to be able to give back to the community that has supported MRI for more than 60 years.” During the ceremony, Yahna Gibson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Kansas City, Inc., provided the official blessing of the new home and congratulated all the volunteers for their accomplishments. MRI also presented the family with a basket of Kansas City products as a house warming gift. “We were fortunate to have a very dedicated team that contributed over 2,300 volunteer hours to the construction of this two-story home,” said Erin Weir, MRI employee and project manager for the MRI Habitat house. “The experience was truly gratifying and gave us the opportunity to really get to know the Gebre family who spent many hours working alongside our volunteers.” The MRI team also benefited from the construction expertise of JE Dunn, Platte-Clay Electric Co-op, and BNIM Architects, who served as corporate partners on the project; while members of IBEW Local Union 124 installed the electrical work in the home, including the connections with the solar system. The home’s solar and energy efficient components, including a 1.0 kilowatt photovoltaic system and insulated concrete forms, provide benefits that will lower utility costs and make the home more environmentally friendly. Approximately 200 homes have been built or renovated in Kansas City through the Habitat for Humanity organization. In August 2005, Habitat for Humanity International will celebrate completion of the 200,000th home constructed since the global nonprofit homebuilder laid its first foundation nearly 30 years ago. Rotary Club 13 Names James L. Spigarelli Business Executive of the Year The Business Executive of the Year award, presented by Rotary Club 13 President Sally Bibb, recognizes a non-Rotarian for major contributions they have made to their business and the local community. It also recognizes the executive’s high ethical standards in their professional and personal life that exemplify Rotary’s philosophy of “Service above Self.” Spigarelli was nominated by Leslie Dunn, a Rotary member and executive director of Teel Institute. In her nomination, Dunn recognized Spigarelli for his vision of science as a business, his passion for developing solutions to life’s challenges, and his charismatic leadership style that not only transformed MRI into a stronger, growing business but also helped to establish the Kansas City region as a significant contender in the highly competitive, fast-growing biotech and life science industries. The “Rotary Centennial Service Award for Professional Excellence” was presented to Spigarelli by Rotary District Governor John B. Miller. This award, commissioned by Rotary International during Rotary’s centennial year, recognizes community leaders for exceptional professional achievements that are consistent with the ideals of the Rotary and uphold the organization's four-way test of ethical behavior: is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build good will and better friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned. In accepting the awards, Spigarelli said he was honored and humbled to join an elite group of previous recipients and that he was honored to be chosen by an organization with the vision, values, and accomplishments of the Rotary Club, especially Club 13. Rotary Club 13 is the thirteenth oldest Rotary Club in the world. Dan E. Arvizu Named Director of National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Senior Vice President at Midwest Research Institute (Golden, CO and Kansas City, MO) January 4, 2005—The appointment of Dan E. Arvizu as Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, CO, and Senior Vice President at Midwest Research Institute was announced today by James L. Spigarelli, President and CEO of Midwest Research Institute (MRI). Arvizu, formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Technology officer for CH2M Hill, succeeds Vice Admiral Richard H. Truly whose retirement was announced last June. Arvizu’s appointment is effective January 15, 2005. MRI, headquartered in Kansas City, has operated and managed NREL for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) since the NREL facility opened in 1977. Beginning in 1998, Battelle has teamed with MRI in managing and operating NREL through an integrated subcontract agreement. “Dan brings an exceptional cache of energy expertise, significant technology transfer capability and strong leadership experience, not only with national laboratories but also with public and private businesses, that make him the ideal candidate for this important position,” said Spigarelli. “We are pleased to have him join our management team and look forward to his leadership role as he works with the NREL team and the DOE to address the many significant energy challenges of the future.” "Dan is well known around the Department of Energy as someone who understands energy technology-not just renewable energy, but nuclear and fossil energy as well,” said David K. Garman, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U. S. Department of Energy. “Dan shares our view about the importance of getting our technology out of the lab and into the marketplace, and he is an excellent choice to lead NREL. Under Dan's leadership, we expect NREL to achieve new heights of technical excellence and market relevance." Arvizu joined CH2M Hill in Englewood, CO, in 1998, as vice president and director of the Energy and Industrial Systems Business Group, a newly created group. After successfully leading the energy group to become a $100 million dollar operation, in 2002, he was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for the Federal and Industrial Client Sector spanning seven business groups. It was the position he held prior to his new appointment at NREL. Before joining CH2M Hill, Arvizu had a distinguished career at Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) as a researcher and manager in the field of energy. In 1973, he joined Bell Laboratories Technology Staff in Denver; then in 1977 he was transferred to SNL’s solar energy division in Albuquerque, NM. At the time SNL was operated by Bell Labs. While in this assignment he managed the construction of the heliostat field for what was at the time the largest solar facility in the world. In 1984, Arvizu was named supervisor in the Photovoltaic Cell Research and Concentrator Research Division at SNL. He progressed through a succession of management assignments where he was responsible for a number of significant advancements in solar cells. He and his team received international recognition for achieving world records in solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency. In 1988 Arvizu was promoted to manager of Technology Transfer and Industrial Relations and two years later to director of the Technology Commercialization Center where he led SNL’s efforts in creating industrial alliances and in developing and implementing a technology maturation program to ensure rapid commercialization of technology for U.S. industry. In 1992, he became director of the Advanced Energy Technology and Policy Center and in 1996 he was named director of the Materials and Process Science Center, the position he held until joining CH2M Hill in 1998. For the past several months Arvizu has also held an interim position as a loaned executive with the University of Chicago as executive director of Energy Programs working with officials to leverage research resources toward new energy initiatives for the University. Arvizu holds both a PhD and Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from New Mexico State University. Arvizu was recently appointed to the National Science Board by President George W. Bush and serves on a number of distinguished boards and councils including the Army Science Board for the Department of Defense, the National Coal Council for the Department of Energy, Corporate Advisory Board for the Colorado School of Mines, Board of Directors for the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award Conference, and the Board of Advisors for the Greater Metropolitan Denver Salvation Army. He has received numerous awards including being named one of the “Top 50 Most Important Hispanics in Business and Technology” by Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology Magazine. For more information contact: About National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for DOE by Midwest Research Institute and Battelle. More information is available at www.nrel.gov. About Midwest Research Institute MRI is an independent, not-for-profit laboratory that has conducted scientific research for government and industry since 1944. Its programs span the areas of national security and defense, life sciences, energy, engineering, and agriculture and food safety. MRI has managed and operated the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy since 1977. Headquartered in Kansas City, MO., MRI has additional laboratories in Florida and Maryland. More information is available at www.mriresearch.org. About Battelle Memorial Institute Battelle is a not-for-profit institute that develops new technologies, commercializes products, and provides scientific solution for clients in government and industry. Battelle, headquartered in Columbus, OH, provides these services in laboratories and offices worldwide. More information is available at www.battelle.org. |
Neaves has been president and CEO of Stowers Institute since June 2000. Prior to joining the Institute, he served in a number of distinguished assignments at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, including Dean of Southwestern Medical School, and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Neaves also serves on a number of local boards.About MRI - Research Services - Working with MRI - Outreach - Careers - News - Search - Contact Us - Site Map
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