October 30, 2008

"Naturally Obsessed" Documentary Wows NSLS Crowd, Second Screening Scheduled

Brookhaven employees filled the NSLS Seminar Room on October 10 for a special screening of "Naturally Obsessed," a one-hour documentary filmed in part at the NSLS.

Recorded over a three-year span, the documentary features the Columbia University student crystallographers mentored by NSLS user Larry Shapiro as they attempt to study a protein known as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which could reveal a new path toward the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Mixing humor and heartbreak, the film brings to light the challenging and uncertain path these eager students take toward their Ph.Ds.

Richard and Carole Rifkind

"As a graduate student studying protein crystallography at the NSLS, I found ‘Naturally Obsessed’ to be a dynamic, nail-biting, and honest review of life in the lab," said Stony Brook University’s Matt Engel. "With such a cast of fun and colorful characters, who wouldn’t want to go into science? It’s true we work hard, but that is part of our passion. Two thumbs up!"

The film was produced and directed by Carole Rifkind – an author and educator – and her husband Richard Rifkind – former head of the Columbia University Cancer Center and Chairman Emeritus of the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research – who were on hand for the screening. The NSLS screening was the second for the documentary. The first screening, held on October 6, attracted more than 600 Columbia University students, faculty, and staff.

As group leader of the Macromolecular Crystallography Research Resource (PXRR) at the NSLS, Brookhaven biologist Bob Sweet helps support one of the experimental stations that Shapiro’s group members used during their investigation. He said one of his favorite parts of the job is witnessing the excitement the experimenters show when they come to the NSLS to make their measurements.

"It was such a pleasure for me to watch Larry’s group show this excitement unreservedly," Sweet said. "The experience truly could be one of the high points of a young scientist’s early career. Or it could be the depths of frustration and disappointment if the results are bad. This video showed it all very clearly."

For NSLS User Administrator Gretchen Cisco, the film provided valuable insight into the "other side" of the challenges users face.

A scene from the documentary, "Naturally Obsessed"

"Normally, I see only the administrative side, but the film helped me to understand and appreciate our users from a different perspective," she said. "I believe this film should be shown to school-aged children of all disciplines to expose them to the path of scientific research."

Added Brookhaven biochemist, John Shanklin, "The feelings captured in ‘Naturally Obsessed’ mirrored many of the emotions I have felt and seen in others who share this journey we call science. ‘Naturally Obsessed’ should be required viewing for those striving for a career in science from high school to grad school. It accurately portrays the process of science with all the highs, lows, intensity, and humor that come with the experience."

If you missed it the first time around, come to the encore screening of "Naturally Obsessed" at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10 in Berkner Hall. Questions or comments about the film and additional showings should be sent to info@naturallyobsessed.com.