Jennifer M. Naylor, Ph.D., in April 2004 joined IITRI's Microbiology and Molecular Biology Division as a Research Biologist. Her responsibilities include evaluation, selection, adaptation and modification of technical and scientific procedures employed at IITRI, as well as preparation of proposals and identification of project opportunities.

In her former position as a Research Associate for Northwestern University Medical School, Dr. Naylor studied the role of iron acquisition in Legionella pneumophila pathogenesis and investigated the role of iron loading in the increased risk for Legionnaire's disease in smokers. She received a Ph.D. from Auburn University, Alabama. Dr. Naylor is a member of the American Society for Microbiology and is the co-author of five publications.

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Lucy Touma-Youakim, M.S., Research Quality Assurance Auditor in the QA Unit, in June 2004 became a Registered Quality Assurance Professional in Good Laboratory Practices (RQAP-GLP). This distinction shows her understanding of compliance assessment, compliance management and the application of this knowledge as it relates to the FDA, EPA and OECD GLPs. Ms. Touma-Youakim has been an IITRI employee since 1994.

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Up in Lights The Chicago White Sox extended a special welcome to IITRI's employees and guests at the June 11, 2004, game against the Atlanta Braves in Chicago. (Sox lost, 6-4, and no, not all of the people in the picture work for us.)

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Marilyn Marlow, B.S., Senior Quality Assurance Auditor, in June 2004 celebrated 40 years with IITRI. Ms. Marlow performs laboratory inspections and data and report audits for nonclinical studies in toxicology and carcinogenicity programs to ensure compliance with GLP regulations. Ms. Marlow has more than 35 years of experience in pharmacologic and toxicologic research. She is a member of the Society of Quality Assurance and is the coauthor of five publications.

William Mega, B.S., Research Biologist in the Microbiology and Molecular Biology Division, in August 2004 marked 25 years with IITRI. Mr. Mega supervises the Microbiology and Immunology laboratories. He has been involved in testing microbial and biochemical pesticides for toxicity, pathogenicity, irritation and their immunomodulatory effects on the reticuloendothelial system. He also has been involved in assessing viable aerosols emitted from water reclamation plants and evaluating monitoring equipment for such assessments. He is a member of the Society of Toxicology, Midwest Regional Chapter; the American Society for Microbiology; and the Illinois Society for Microbiology - Environmental Counselor. He is the co-author of eight abstracts.

Ione Pelke, Senior Administrative Assistant in the Business Operations Division, in May 2004 celebrated 20 years of service with IITRI. Ms. Pelke provides administrative support to the Assistant Vice President and Director for Administration and Senior Contracts Administrator and the Financial Manager.

Mary Kwiatkowski, Senior Accounting Specialist in the Financial Operations Division, in June 2004 celebrated 20 years of service with IITRI. Ms. Kwiatkowski provides administrative support and performs numerous duties within her division.

Bruce Gingras, Ph.D., Senior Microbiologist and Microbiology Section Head in the Microbiology and Molecular Biology Division, in May 2004 marked 10 years with IITRI. Dr. Gingras is leading a 5-year, multi-million dollar government contract, which involves development of new methods for recovery and identification of bacteria from environmental matrices. He is currently the Section Head for the Microbiology BSL-3 Laboratory. Dr. Gingras is also involved in biodefense testing of novel agents against biosafety level-3 agents. A member of the American Society for Microbiology and the Illinois Society for Microbiology, Dr. Gingras is the author or co-author of 15 publications and presentations.

Rebecca Linnell, B.S., Senior Contract Specialist, in August 2004 marked 10 years with IITRI. Ms. Linnell works in Contracts and Procurement and conducts proposal preparation and contract administration for IITRI's government and commercial sponsors.

Fannell Matthews, BA, Financial Manager and Group Controller, in May 2004 marked 5 years of service with IITRI. Ms. Matthews oversees IITRI's financial operations.

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