Any biology-and-political-science double-concentrators hard at work in the depths of Sidney Frank Hall may have gotten a surprise treat Friday afternoon: none other than Rhode Island’s junior senator was in town and paying a visit to the building.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat elected in 2006, visited campus Friday afternoon to tour the building (better known to students as the LiSci) and meet with deans and researchers.

Included on the agenda:

• A meeting with Dean of Medicine Edward Wing, Vice President for Research Clyde Briant, and director of Governmental Relations Tim Leshan

• A discussion of climate change with Professor of Geological Sciences Jack Mustard and Professor of Biology Joanna Schmitt, who directs Brown’s Environmental Change Initiative

• A visit to the lab of Associate Professor of Medical Science Tricia Serio, who studies prion proteins

(Continued after the jump.)

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Even President Ruth Simmons is doing her part to soften the economy’s impact on the University’s coffers — and shellfish worldwide are breathing sighs of relief.

Before introducing today’s convocation speaker, Professor of Biology Johanna Schmitt, Simmons outlined her plan to make up the $800 million in losses reported earlier this year:

“We really don’t need to have shrimp at the faculty reception,” she said. “What’s a shrimp or two?”

It’s not yet clear what impact Simmons’ remarks will have on the popularity of Dining Services’ exclusive new Club Plan.

Video of convocation after the jump. [Read more →]