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Markwald honored with prominent award Roger R. Markwald, Ph.D., MUSC Cell Biology and Anatomy Department chairman and professor, received the American Association of Anatomy’s highest scientific accolade on April 5 during its annual meeting in San Diego. The Henry Gray award was co-sponsored by the American Association of Anatomists and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, which recognizes unique and meritorious contributions and achievements in the field of Anatomical Sciences by a distinguished AAA member.   Dr. Roger Markwald  Markwald is a distinguished university professor and also the MUSC Cardiovascular Developmental Biology Center director. He completed his undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry at California Polytechnic Institute and then received both his master’s and doctorate degrees from Colorado State University.   Markwald began his graduate research career with an interest in the male reproductive system but soon focused his attention on the developing heart that became his lifelong passion. Early studies focused on the role and ultra structure of a unique extra cellular matrix referred to as cardiac jelly. It is the epithelial/mesenchymal interaction of endocardial cells within this matrix that enables the heart to form valves and septa.    In recent years, his efforts were focused on identifying the molecular factors responsible for these interactions. As a natural outgrowth of his broad interests in developmental biology, he incorporated research on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine involving the use of stem cells to see if they have any promise in the treatment of cardiac disease.   Among Markwald’s numerous other awards, he received the S.C. Governor’s Award for Excellence in Science, the MERIT award from National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, the National Institutes of Health Research Career Development Award, and the American Heart Association (Texas Affiliate)—Lyndon B. Johnson Research Award. He also completed a 10- year stint as The Anatomical Record’s editor-in-chief, and serves on the editorial boards of Tissue and Cell Research, Circulation Research and the journal, Epithelium. His outstanding teaching accomplishments number 14 recognitions and include the MUSC Golden Apple award.     Friday, June 17, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.