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Symposium Looks at Cancer Expertise
Forum will highlight research of U of G faculty
U of G's Institute for Comparative Cancer Investigation (ICCI) will hold its inaugural summer cancer research symposium June 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in OVC's Lifetime Learning Centre. Participants will learn about the range of cancer research expertise at Guelph and meet potential collaborators from across campus, says ICCI co-director Prof. Brenda Coomber, Biomedical Sciences.
“It's a chance to capture the breadth of cancer research from DNA molecules to personal and societal impacts of cancer,” says Coomber. “We're hoping to enhance collaborative activities across campus.”
Twelve faculty members from six colleges will discuss their work, as follows:
- Prof. Roger Moorehead, Biomedical Sciences, mammary and lung tumours;
- Prof. Nina Jones, Cellular and Molecular Biology, cell signalling pathways;
- Prof. Jim Petrik, Biomedical Sciences, ovarian cancer;
- Prof. Kelly Meckling, Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, nutrients and phytochemicals as anti-cancer agents;
- Prof. Geoff Wood, Pathobiology, mouse and canine cancer models;
- Prof. Paul Woods, Clinical Studies, vaccines for canine oral melanoma;
- Prof. Richard Manderville, Chemistry, cancer treatment with phenolic toxins;
- Prof. Praveen Saxena, Plant Agriculture, plant-based medicines;
- Prof. Olaf Berke, Population Medicine, cancer registry for companion animals;
- Prof. Linda Parker, Psychology, Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neuroscience, cannabinoids and nausea in rats and shrews;
- Prof. Michele Preyde, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, cancer and quality of life; and
- Prof. Karen Houle, Philosophy, responsibility and mourning.
The event will open with remarks by Prof. Gordon Kirby, Biomedical Sciences, who this month began duties as associate dean (research and innovation) for OVC, and Prof. Ross Hallett, acting associate vice-president (research services).
Omar Coso and Edith Kordon, both researchers with the National Council of Sciences in Buenos Aires, will also speak at the symposium.
Highlighting cancer research at Guelph and encouraging research collaborations across campus are goals of the ICCI. Headed by Coomber and Woods, it was launched in 2007 as Canada's first institute providing comprehensive cancer care for companion animals and studying aspects of the disease, including human cancer.