Ken Dawson-Scully, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University, will present “Function vs. Survival: Neuroprotection and the cGMP-PKG Pathway ” on Monday, November 2 from 12:20 to 1:20 p.m. in the Cox Science Center, room 166. Dawson-Scully’s research focuses on three areas: subcellular mechanisms responsible for cellular homeostatis during stress, the relationship between neural dysfunction and cell death resulting from cellular stress, and genetic screens for novel molecules associated with neural protection. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Natasa Strbo, assistant scientist in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in Eckhard Podack’s lab, will present a seminar titled “Gp-96 Based HIV Vaccine” on Monday, November 2 at 12 p.m. in the Rosenstiel Medical Science Building, room 3109. For more information or to add your name to the distribution list, e-mail Ilse Duarte at [email protected].

Over 50% of small businesses fail in the first year and 95 percent fail within the first five years according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. This is not even taking into consideration the impact of the recent global financial crisis. The prevailing belief is that the majority fails because of financial difficulties. This is supported by conventional business wisdom that holds the bottom line as the benchmark for small business performance. However, new research reveals some interesting facts. The purpose of this workshop is to unveil a contemporary method to the way entrepreneurs chart strategic direction in uncharted, turbulent water. The workshop will investigate the core areas that make up any organization, discuss a set of tools for evaluating small business vulnerability and its ability to recover from destructive actions that lead to interruption in its operation. We will conclude with a group participation exercise that will illustrate the theoretical knowledge covered in the first part of the presentation. The event occurs Monday, November 2 from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. at the Toppel Career Center Library. Pizza and drinks will be provided. The event is sponsored by the University of Miami Citizens Board.

The Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology is designed for practicing ophthalmologists in Latin America and the Caribbean and emphasizes practical approaches to selected clinical problems. In addition to the course material, presented with simultaneous English-Spanish translation, more than 60 commercial exhibitors will participate in an accompanying trade show. The event takes place Sunday through Wednesday, November 1-4 at the Hilton Miami Downtown. For more information, call 305-326-6110, fax 305-326-6518, e-mail [email protected] or click here.