Joseph Bonventre announced in early December that he will be stepping down as Director of HST at the end of this academic year.

In addition to the growth of our academic programs, which has been the great pride of Joe's distinguished 16-year career with HST, under his leadership we have also seen new NIH- and Howard Hughes-sponsored training programs initiated and older ones expanded; mentoring activities extended to undergraduates through programs like BioMatrix; a strong alumni association put into place; and strong connections established with HST's external community through the Advisory Board and Council.

Joe's history with HST spans its own history: he was a student in the very first MD class. His HST life has encompassed roles as alumnus, faculty member, and Associate Director before he was named Director, with Martha Gray, ten years ago.

Joe will continue to work with HST as a faculty member and at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, where, in true HST phenotype fashion, he plays significant roles in no less than three major research and clinical areas.

We are planning a Celebration of Service for May 2007 (details to come). We wish Joe well as he steps away from what must be one of the most demanding jobs in academia.