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Interested in the world of STEM? Come learn about the new innovative cancer research methods led by a top researcher in the field. The 38th Annual Brossman Foundation and Ronald E. Frisbie Sr. Science Lectureship Program will return on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Biemesderfer Concert Hall, Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center. Dr. Sophia Lunt, professor in the College of Natural Sciences at Michigan State University will be the keynote speaker.
Lunt is a top cancer researcher in the field, discovering breakthroughs in personalized therapies, metastasis prevention and cutting-edge imaging technologies. A local to central PA, Lunt graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in 2002, then completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Lebanon Valley College, her Ph.D. in chemistry from Princeton University and her postdoctoral training in cancer biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Department of Defense Visionary Postdoctoral Fellow.
Throughout her career, Lunt has achieved many major accomplishments including having work published in top-tier publications, large grants and invited speaking events. In addition, and is one of four recipients of the inaugural American Association of Cancer Research-Incyte NextGen Grant for Transformative Cancer Research. She was also chosen by (then) Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden to introduce the Vice President at the AACR Annual Meeting, announcing inaugural grant recipients to 20,000 attendees. She was recently awarded a National Institute of Health R01 grant for over two million dollars to support her continued work in cancer research. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious grants in biomedical research.
Marc Harris, dean of the College of Science and Technology, explains the importance of Lunt’s presentation. “Dr. Lunt is a transformative force in science and has already established herself as a leader and pioneer, accelerating the limits of discovery and understanding to combat a human crisis.”
“Above all this, she is a dedicated teacher and mentor, and she insists on maintaining a regular teaching load and she has received numerous awards and accolades from her students and colleagues for her commitment and excellence in science education,” says Harris.
During her presentation, Lunt will help attendees gain a better understanding of the metabolic mechanisms involved in cancer proliferation, the innovative methods that researchers are employing to understand these mechanisms and better methods of disease detection and therapeutic interventions. Attendees will also learn about how fundamental and applied research can lead to discoveries that benefit society.
Harris emphasizes the importance of the event and hopes the students attending feel inspired after the presentation. “This event was started by the Brossman Foundation to spotlight Millersville University’s educational programs in STEM fields by bringing a renowned speaker and accomplished scientist. This event not only highlights the educational programs offered through the nine departments within the College of Science and Technology but also serves to educate and motivate students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. It also serves to educate the public in an area of science and technology that is critical for the region, nature and broader society.”
The lecture is free and open to the public.
