Mystery Classmate 039

Congratulations to Ann Broadberry Johnson, Dan Talbert, Ken Van Cara, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Ted Showers, Kristin Burgard, Amy Chufo Prezelski, and Tina Schadle Dover, all of whom correctly identified Jimmy Esplen ('87) as Mystery Classmate 039 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Jim is a Research Specialist in Dr. Marta Couce's lab in the Division of Neuropathology of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Department of Pathology. Major areas of research emphasis in the lab include degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (particularly Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and AIDS), developmental disorders, neoplasia and peripheral nerve and neuromuscular disorders. Last June, Jim co-authored an article for Diabetes magazine titled, "Acute Changes in Plasma Ghrelin After Gastric Bypass Surgery."

Many classmates had fond memories of Jimmy. Amy Chufo Prezelski recalls Jim as "a very nice guy with a sarcastic, dry sense of humor," while Ken Van Cara noted that he is the "brother of Burris Esplen famed tuba player from the Churchill Marching Band."

Lori Haas Baccari guessed Joe Costello -- very plausible in my opinion. Paul Rodgers guessed Dave Kacinko. Rich Reschoff guessed David Rocco and noted that he is a "handsome lad!" Joe Caprara guessed Pete Tsudis. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Rosario Colucci. Jim Davliakos guessed David Cabot.

Bill Stout wrote, "HOLY CRAP!! That might actually be Bill Blake!"