  | Selected alumni profiles. | |||||||||||||
Class Acts Profiles
Leonard Mortenson '50 The Science of Discovery Leonard Mortenson has been busy since he earned his chemistry/bacteriology degree from Rhode Island State College and his Ph.D. from Wisconsin. His career as a scientist and researcher for such major companies as Dupont and Exxon and his academic work at Purdue University and the Universitiy of Georgia have earned him an international reputation. In May Purdue, where he was a professor of biological sciences for 20 years, presented him with an Honorary Doctorate of Science. Mortenson's research focused on the biochemistry of nitrogen fixation, the process by which nitrogen in the air is changed by bacteria into ammonia that is used by plants. His research was the first to apply many new techniques to the study of metal-containing enzymes such as nitrogenase. One-third of all known enzymes are metalloenzymes in which discrete active centers are formed when metal ions or metal-containing cofactors are incorporated into proteins. These enzymes are involved in vital biological processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen metabolism. Metal centers also play crucial roles in regulating gene expression. "Without ammonia and the process of nitrogen fixation, we wouldn't exist," Mortensen says. "So it's important to study the field. The whole process takes place only in the absence of oxygen, so you can guess my research was not easy." Since his early discovery of ferredoxin, an electron donor to the nitrogen fixing system, and his isolation of nitrogenase, Mortensen has lectured around the world and has collaborated with researchers from Harvard to Marseilles. "I have been able to work with some of the best biochemists in the world," he says. "The knowledge gained from basic research doesn't have to create a product to be exciting. You are adding to the basic knowledge of mankind. Phil Carpenter and my other Rhode Island State mentors set me on the right track." --Jim Beardsworth '95
Anna Maria Virzi '79 From Typewriters to Technology Recognizing and responding to the rapid-fire demands of technology will be a determining factor for success in the 21st century. Luckily, Anna Maria Virzi is on the job. Recently, she became the managing editor of Baseline, a new publication that will help senior level IT and corporate executives navigate the complex world of information technology. Virzi has an impressive background that combines writing, editing, and technology. After graduating from URI with a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science, she spent 17 years at The Connecticut Post working her way up from reporter to Washington, D.C., correspondent to assistant managing editor. Motivated by her burgeoning interest in the Internet, she made what some considered a risky job change in 1996. She became the news editor of Internet World Magazine and in 1998 was promoted to the position of executive editor. Shortly thereafter, Forbes.com snapped her up to be their assistant managing editor. Virzi credits her time at URI with preparing her for the intense life of a journalist. She began working at The Good Five 5¢ Cigar in her freshman year and three years later became editor in chief, just as the paper became a daily publication. Virzi noted that writing never came easily to her, but she received first-rate guidance from classmate Paul Senzer '77, now a judge in Northport, N.Y. Journalism Professors Wilbur Doctor and Jack Thompson also played an important role in preparing her for the volatile atmosphere of a daily newspaper. "I remember one instance when Wilbur Doctor stood behind me as I looked at the blank page in my typewriter and bellowed 'What's the matter Virzi, can't make it sing?" She still keeps close ties with many of her colleagues from The Good Five 5¢ Cigar. In fact, she went on to marry fellow Cigar staffer Patrick F. Quinn '79. From typewriters to technology, Virzi has made an extraordinary journey. --Jennifer Sherwood '89
Lee Silvestre '83 The Key To Working Together Lee Silvestre might seem to have a pretty daunting job heading up subcontract partnerships for Portsmouth's Raytheon, a global technology leader providing products and services for defense electronics and special mission aircraft. But for this 1983 mathematics grad, the art of the deal is all encompassed in sound business practices that foster good working relationships. Silvestre was tapped in April of this year to fill this new post for the company's Naval & Maritime Integrated System unit. And the same business acumen that earned her company plaudits in the past has landed her in this new post, which she says is challenging and rewarding all in one. It's Silvestre's job to work with all of the companies involved that together will, for example, collectively outfit a whole combat system for a Navy submarine. This includes controls, firing devices, detectors, and many other highly classified components. She sums up her job in the following way: "The purpose is to bring better value to our customers." And that might include the Federal Government or foreign markets. "We are really looking at bettering our position globally and how to set up strategic partnerships," she says. "It's about back and forth and give and take. The strategy is to apply critical thinking to analyze how best we are serving our customers." Her job takes her throughout the United States and even to Canada. She says the key to success is all about "changing the way people think, making them feel empowered, and using the power they can bring if they are recognized and given the opportunity." Silvestre, who has 13 years prior work experience consulting with KPMG Peat Marwick, earned her M.S. in Industrial Engineering/Operations Research from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. --Jim Beardsworth '95
Marie Younkin-Waldman '76 Cable Show Fits Her to a "Tea" Take a moment to have a spot of tea with Marie Younkin-Waldman of Narragansett and you might just realize that she is as warm and relaxed as a cup of Earl Grey on a rainy weekend morning. "Tea is definitely becoming popular," says Younkin-Waldman, who graduated from URI with a degree in biology. "The time has come for tea." You might wonder what the tie is between her science background and a good Darjeeling or chamomile, but Younkin-Waldman is quick to explain. "Biology is about life; life is fascinating; I am very curious about life." There is good reason for all this talk of tea. Younkin-Waldman is the host of Cox Cable television's Tea With Marie, a comfortable show where guests discuss such topics as Rhode Island history, sculpture, and culinary skills. In fact the show is really about slowing the hectic pace and getting back to a more refined and genteel approach to life, one of which Emily Post would be proud. Younkin-Waldman got into television through her work with the disabled and the cable show Able Too. Hearing impaired herself, she has always had to work hard and has a desire to help others. She has served on the Governor's Commission on Disabilities and consults with a program called TechAccess of Rhode Island, where she teaches disabled Rhode Islanders about technology that can make their lives a little easier. It's this background that has helped shape her latest endeavor, which seems to fit her to a tea. "I wanted to bring something helpful to local TV," she says. "Sharing local talent and people who are doing something worthwhile and uplifting." Tea With Marie can be seen on Cox 3 on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., Thursday at 3:30 p.m., Friday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at noon. --Jim Beardsworth '95
Sherri Hauer Scharf '93 Classic Rocks After working for five years as a jewelry sales representative, Sherri Hauer Scharf began to feel disenchanted with her job. "I was traveling two to three weeks out of the month and just getting tired of the nine-to-five," Scharf said. In search of a creative outlet, she took a class in jewelry making. Little did she know that her new hobby, which she says quickly became an addiction, would blossom into a successful business venture. Almost three years later, Scharf is the co-owner of a successful jewelry company, Classic Rocks, and she certainly has found a creative outlet. She and her business partner Krista Calame (who also happens to be her best friend) developed an innovative line of handmade jewelry. All of the designs are original and many are custom-made. They specialize in jewelry for special occasions, and their pieces have been placed in over 25 boutiques on both coasts. Additionally, a large portion of their business comes from catalog sales and craft shows. One challenge they face is how to expand the business while preserving the elements that have made them successful thus far--personalized service and handmade pieces. Scharf said they experimented with having one of their designs manufactured in bulk and distributed to retail chains. While the experience was not entirely positive, she said it provided an opportunity to reflect on what works and what sets Classic Rocks apart from other jewelry companies. Scharf, a textile marketing major, credits her professors at URI with teaching her about fashion trends, business, and marketing. She is thankful that her husband, Ed, was supportive of her desire to launch her own business. But in talking with her, one gets the sense that she is most thankful that she took the risk and followed her heart. For more information about Classic Rocks, email sherri@classicrocks.com --Erin Barrette Goodman '96
James Casavant '01 Creating Music When the Society of Composers, Inc., selected the 20 best student composers in America, James Casavant II, a music composition major, was among those chosen. Casavant's work, which he describes as contemporary concert music, was selected by a panel of six graduate composition students at Indiana University from a field of 250 applicants. With the support of the College of Arts and Sciences' Hope and Heritage Fund, Casavant was able to travel to Indiana to hear his scores performed by members of the Indiana University Music Department during the 2001 SCI Student National Conference. In addition to the excitement of hearing his work performed, Casavant said another benefit of the conference was the opportunity to talk with other composers and hear their work. "The best part was meeting the other composers," he said. "I learned a lot from the people who were there, and it gave me a lot of ideas." Casavant expressed his gratitude to the University and the Hope and Heritage Fund for providing the financial support that enabled him to attend the conference. He also thanked the faculty and students from the Music Department for supporting his work. "The students in the Music Department are very supportive of each other," he said explaining that this is not necessarily the case everywhere. "And we have a great faculty." Surprisingly Casavant does not come from a musical family. He says he always loved the orchestral music that accompanies cartoons and was 11 years old when he became interested in composing music himself. One day while shopping at a department store, he convinced his mother to buy a Mozart tape. "I absolutely loved it," he said. "I immediately started writing." Casavant, who also plays the piano, hopes to continue his studies at the graduate level next year. --Erin Barrette Goodman '96 |
 |
