Collegiate Times

During his hour-long presentation, Smithies spoke on the progression of his research with fondness. He used projections of his actual journal entries, showing excerpts from the early 1950s to as recent as last week, to exhibit the development of his ideas. Smithies stated that he has over 130 journals full of his scientific notes and deliberations.

Smithies addressed the audience with ease, frequently eliciting laughter from the audience.

The 83-year-old Nobel Laureate, who admitted he still works in his laboratory seven days a week, projected onto the screen one 1982 journal entry with less writing than previous dates and joked, "It was my birthday."

At the end of his presentation, Smithies, an avid pilot and airplane enthusiast, showed personal records of a time when he once flew into Virginia Tech's airport, jokingly citing problems with landing and lodging because of the crowds of football fans in Blacksburg for a Homecoming game.

Along with pictures of his airplane, Smithies also showed pictures of his wife, who smiled as she watched from the audience.

In addition to work, Smithies pointed out, "You have to have people you love and you have to have a fun hobby. That's what makes life worthwhile."

Smithies is the fifth Nobel Laureate to speak at VCOM's Via Research Recognition Day, an annual event dedicated to acknowledging research at VCOM and Tech, organizations that frequently collaborate on investigations, particularly in the areas of biomedical research.

"We are very fortunate to be associated with Virginia Tech," Misra said. "We work closely together and feel blessed to be partnered with Tech faculty and research."

In addition to Smithies, other speakers included VCOM dean Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, who spoke about the remarkable development of the school since it was founded in 2003, and Tech President Charles Steger, who discussed current Tech research and goals for the future.

"Our goal is to increase research spending to $569 million by 2010," Steger said, citing an impressive ambition to amplify the $366.9 million in research expenditures reported to the National Science Foundation in 2007.

VCOM students showed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their own work and also observe the research of fellow investigators, including other students and notable scientists in the field.

"I think it's really important to see what our professors are doing and that they're involved in the community," Shenk said. "I am interested in seeing the types of research available and how students can become involved."

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