Science Takes Spotlight at Markey Research Day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 7, 2011) — Scientists at the University of Kentucky will exhibit a diverse sampling of cancer research projects at the annual Markey Cancer Center Research Day on Tuesday, March 22, at the Singletary Center for the Arts. Advance registration is open through March 14.

The day-long event provides a forum for researchers — including faculty, post-doctoral scholars and graduate students — to share their work and learn from one another in a collaborative environment. Research Day also serves as a sort of "open house" for students interested in scientific careers, says Dr. Mark Evers, director of the Markey Cancer Center. 

"Students who come to Research Day will discover that cancer research really is a huge field that sweeps across academic disciplines," Evers said. "From a scientific perspective, cancer isn't just one big problem: It's a constellation of problems, each of which can be attacked from any number of angles. Each of those provides opportunities for investigation that will increase our understanding of the disease and ultimately help people to live longer, healthier lives. It's hard for me to imagine a more rewarding type of work." 

The day begins at 9 a.m. in the Singletary Center's recital hall, with a brief welcome session immediately followed by student oral presentations. 

Poster presentations will take place in the Singletary Center lobby from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a break in the middle for lunch. This year's poster sessions include a record 116 presentations occupying nearly 1,000 linear feet of display space.

Faculty researchers will give oral presentations in the recital hall from 1:30-2:30 p.m., followed by Dr. Evers' annual "State of the Cancer Center" address at 2:40 p.m. 

The 2011 Susan B. Lester Memorial Lecture will be presented at 3 p.m. in the recital hall by Dr. Tyler Jacks, the David H. Koch Professor of Biology and director of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Jacks is also an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. 

The day concludes with an awards ceremony and reception at 4 p.m. in the President's Room. Registration is free for UK students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty and staff. For those not affiliated with the university, registration is $20. Registered attendees will be provided lunch and refreshments. To register online, visit http://markey.uky.edu/CancerResearchDay. 

For more information, please send an e-mail to the event coordinator at Markey-CEL@lsv.uky.edu.