UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
Faculty of Medicine
Institute for Medical Immunology
Protein Kinase C: A key regulator of dendritic cell function
Jolyn Johnson
Director of thesis: Dr. Michel Goldman Co-director of thesis: Dr. Fabienne Willems
October 2007
Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Biomedical Sciences
In memory of my fuzzy angels who began this journey with me but were unable to witness its completion.
Fraidy Turkey
Chico
Link
Acknowledgements
Dr. Michel Goldman, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to join your laboratory and partake in the experience and knowledge housed within. Thank you for your dedication to my success.
Dr. Fabienne Willems, thank you for your scientific expertise, supportive and understanding demeanor and attention to detail. Your ‘go above and beyond’ work ethic is more than I could have ever hoped for in a mentor.
To the IMI crew (past and present) who offered friendship, support, discussion and laughter to the first (but not the last) ‘American girl’ over these memorable and at times tumultuous years. I thank you all for my greatest European experience.
I thank Peter Van Vlasselaer who put the crazy notion of studying in Europe in my head (and made it possible). Thank you for always giving me the ‘at the end of the day’ truths.
I would like to thank my adoptive family: Jamila, Lilya, Nawar, Abdou, Aziz, Moez, Faraj and Medhi. Thank you for the extended family and great meals.
I would like to thank Télévie-FNRS and U.L.B. for my financial support. I also thank and salute all of the many supporters of Télévie-FNRS.
I thank my huge family and cherished childhood friends who have thought, wondered and/or worried about me or sent good vibes during my time away from home.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my beloved parents: Irene Johnson and Conrad Johnson. I am so blessed to have such supportive (spiritual and financial), caring, thoughtful, selfless parents. I admire your courage and self-determination and never give up mentality. Thank you for always being there no matter what. I am not making any promises but this COULD be my last graduation!
I wish to thank Terrie Londee and Nils Johansson for the behind the scenes support and for sharing your lives with my dad and mom, respectively. Thank you for looking after them while I am away.
To the many friends I have made here in Belgium, thank you for your friendship and support. Martin, thanks for the conversations, laughs and music. Anne, you did it, congratulations! New York here you come.
I would like to give a big shout out to all those I may not have specifically mentioned. I appreciate all that you are but it is 5 am.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the jury members for their time, consideration, comments and constructive criticisms.
