Breakthroughs in cancer research is the topic of the next Science Café at 7 p.m. on June 17 at the Courtyard Marriott, 808 R St., in downtown Lincoln.
Jason Glanzer, Ph.D., a research associate in the department of oral biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, will discuss his efforts to find a compound that would make chemotherapy drugs work better by selectively targeting cancer cells.
In 2005 Dr. Glanzer’s daughter, Abby, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to undergo both surgery and radiation. Three years later, the cancer returned and Abby again had surgery followed by chemotherapy. It was during this time that Dr. Glanzer began to look into ways to improve chemotherapy treatment. Today, Abby is 9 years old and doing extremely well.
A native of southwest Nebraska, Dr. Glanzer completed his graduate work in cancer research at UNMC in 2002. He studied human genomics at a research laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania for two years before returning to cancer research at the UNMC College of Dentistry in 2006, where he works in the lab of Greg Oakley, Ph.D., an associate professor of oral biology.
Dr. Glanzer has authored 17 research papers and registered two inventions, including the compound intended to selectively target cancer cells.
Science Cafés involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older), and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period.
Light snacks will be provided. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.