Toni Tishon

Title: Scientific associate, laboratory of Professor Michael B. A. Oldstone, Department of Neuropharmacology.

Duties: Keeping the lab running smoothly and conducting experiments in immunology and virology—mainly on measles, lymphocytic chormenigitis viruses, and immunosuppression.

Started at Scripps: 1961, as one of the original group of 32 people moving to Scripps from the University of Pittsburgh. "Coming from Pittsburgh was an adventure. It had all just started. Everything was new and we had great times discovering La Jolla together."

Biggest Changes Since Then: "Better techniques and equipment. The transgenic mouse opened up a whole new area of research... And, of course, Scripps grew, departments were added, and the campus expanded."

Favorite Part of the Job: "There has always been something new. I have learned a lot and it's been very rewarding. And I've worked with such nice people!"

Extracurriculars: For the last five years, Tishon has been the project leader for Torrey Pines Trail Maintenance with ScrippsAssists, the volunteer club for employees of TSRI, Scripps Hospitals, and Scripps Clinic. The group, which adopted the Guy Fleming Trail, works all over the park. "We have cleared off ice plants to make way for native plants, trimmed trails, performed soil recovery, and replaced old posts. Most recently, we painted the landing at Yucca Point. The ranger has gotten to know us and now feels comfortable giving us challenging projects." The Torrey Pines Trail Maintenance group meets once a month, usually on the second Saturday.

In addition, Tishon is involved in the Kiwanis Club, especially Meals on Wheels, and enjoys hiking, playing bridge, and gardening. She recently started learning about Bonsai.

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Scientific Associate Toni Tishon was one of the original group of 32 who moved to La Jolla in 1961 with renowned immunologist Frank Dixon. "Coming from Pittsburgh was an adventure," she recalls. "It had all just started." Photo by Kevin Fung.