Watson School students featured; Cathy Soref honored
Cold Spring Harbor, NY — On September 20, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) held the 14th annual Women’s Partnership for Science luncheon, a summer staple among New York’s female philanthropists who support biomedical research. Since 2002, the event has raised $1.5 million for pioneering research on the genetic causes of cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders as well as innovative genetic education programs.
The event featured guest speakers Anja Hohmann and Maria Nattestad. Anja and Maria are current Ph.D. students at CSHL’s Watson School of Biological Sciences (WSBS), and spoke together about the exceptional educational opportunities afforded by the laboratory in their talk, “We Chose Science”.
This year’s luncheon also included a special honor for enthusiastic Laboratory supporter, Cathy Soref. Cathy has been part of the CSHL community for over 25 years. In 2006, Cathy initiated the Double Helix Medals dinner which to date has raised over 32.6 million for CSHL’s science and education programs. This year the Laboratory celebrates the tenth Double Helix Medals, which will be held on November 9th at the American Museum of Natural History. Cathy is also the founder DNA Stuff, a commercial venture with for philanthropic support of CSHL, which reflects Cathy’s love for all things DNA.
CSHL President and CEO, Bruce Stillman, applauded her efforts, saying, “We are so grateful for her friendship and support. Anyone who knows Cathy knows of her passion for the Laboratory.”
The event, which drew 200 attendees from the greater New York metropolitan area, was co-chaired by Elizabeth Ainslie, Lori Bahnik, Kristina Perkin Davison, Irene Klein – The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation, Virginia Knott, Mickie Nagel, Jamie C. Nicholls, Louise Parent, Dr. Marilyn Simons, Cynthia Stebbins and Marjorie van de Stouwe, M.D.
Banfi Vintners, longstanding supporters of the Women’s Partnership for Science, generously donated the wines for the annual luncheon.
l-r: CSHL Assistant Professor Camila Dos Santos; WSBS student Anja Hohmann; CSHL development director Karen Orzel; WSBS student Brittany Cazakoff; WSBS student Jackie Giovanniello; CSHL Assistant Professor Jessica Tolkuhn
Written by: Communications Department | publicaffairs@cshl.edu | 516-367-8455