Ever wondered why the layout of the University science complex is so complicated? There actually is a reason. As told in “From the Sidelines,” the entrance of Streisinger Hall was intentionally designed so that it would be difficult to find because during the early 1980s People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals activists frequently raided University laboratories and “liberated” experimental rabbits, and scientists were worried about losing their research subjects.
The story of the University’s Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) is full of such quirky tidbits. “From the Sidelines,” a recent book published by University of Oregon Press, tells “the story of the Institute of Molecular Biology at the UO told by a nonscientist observer,” according to author Lotte Streisinger.
Streisinger’s late husband, George, was one of four professors (along with Aaron
Novick, Frank Stahl and Sidney Bernhard) who formed the IMB in the early 1960s.
“At the time, there were `no
other such institutes,” Streisinger said.
The IMB integrates biology, chemistry and physics in its approach to understanding basic cellular, genetic and developmental mechanisms in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
Currently it has 17 regular
faculty members (plus three or four more associated with the department) and includes select graduate students from the biology, chemistry and physics
departments. It receives $20
million in grants per year, according to IMB office manager Kathy Campbell.
Aaron Novick was the first
director of the IMB in 1959; he was responsible for inviting George Streisinger to move to Oregon and join the faculty.
Lotte Streisinger explained that when Novick died in December 2000, her daughters saw his obituary on the front page of the newspaper and suggested that she write the book.
Streisinger said she chose
to publish the book at University of Oregon Press because
“it seemed natural, since it’s a University institute.” University of Oregon Press, situated in Chapman Hall, is also known
for producing the “Atlas of
Oregon” series.
Streisinger’s background is in art.
“I have been a potter all my life,” she said.
In recent years, her interests have come to include printmaking, such as the linoleum cuts she did to illustrate her book. She is also known in Eugene for hosting a biweekly radio program on the arts and founding Eugene’s Saturday Market.
Streisinger was appointed non-
voting chair of the art selection
committee when the University built five new science buildings in 1989.
She was commissioned by the IMB professors to make a clay piece for the entrance of Streisinger Hall, named after her husband.
Lotte Streisinger will give a free public reading at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Browsing Room of Knight Library. The reading will be followed by a reception and book signing. Copies of the book will be available at the event.
Eva Sylwester is a freelance reporter for the Daily Emerald
