Bear in Mind: Research at UC Berkeley

Abstract: This three-part edition of Bear in Mind explores the innovative world
of research at UC Berkeley. Join Chancellor Robert Birgeneau as he
travels to several labs and engages some of the university's top
scientists in a lively discussion ranging from stem cells to smart
buildings. Part One: "Stovepipes" vs. Multidisciplinary Research
15:27 minutes The chancellor talks to Beth Burnside, professor of
cell and developmental biology and vice chancellor for research.
Burnside begins with an update on her own research into
photoreceptors in the eye and how they wear out and replace
themselves. She then discusses how, as vice chancellor for research,
she is trying to help Berkeley overcome the typical university
tendency to be a "stovepipe," a top-down-driven information silo, in
favor of a level, multidisciplinary collaboration - and how that
percolates into the classroom. Part Two: Stem Cells, Industry
Partnerships, and Berkeley's Strengths 40:10 minutes Randy Schekman,
developmental biology professor and a campus leader in stem cell
research; Eva Harris, assistant professor of public health and a
pioneer in battling infectious disease in developing countries; and
Robert Tjian, biochemistry and molecular biology professor and the
faculty director of Berkeley's Health Sciences Initiative, sit down
for a discussion with the chancellor about their own investigations
and common interests. Tjian explains how humans may have similar
hardware to lowly plants, but the software running our development is
very different; Schekman discusses why embryonic stem cells are
crucial to research; and Harris questions whether industry
partnerships inhibit academic freedom. Part Three: Energy Pricing,
Green Buildings, and Putting Technology in California Homes 25:17
minutes Birgeneau talks to Paul Wright, professor of mechanical
engineering and associate dean at the College of Engineering; Edward
Arens, professor of architecture and director of the Center for the
Built Environment; and engineering graduate student Will Watts about
their development of energy-saving technologies. From developing
technology that will rely on flexible energy prices tied to peak
demand, to integrating sensor networks into "smart" buildings, the
work these men are doing for the Center for Information Technology
Research in the Interest of Society is helping CITRIS more than live
up to its name. For more information, visit the Bear in Mind
website.

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