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Northwestern Explores Finishes Big
At the beginning of May, alumni and friends of Northwestern gathered together for two evenings of dynamic presentations by top Northwestern faculty.
The Northwestern Explores presentation "Small is Big, Science that's Changing the Quality of Your Life" traveled to Atlanta and Boston on May 4 and 5, respectively. This program covered the cutting edge topics of stem cell and genetics research and nanotechnology and underscored the concept that nanotechnology is as important, critical and revolutionary in 2005 as the industrial revolution was in the 19th century.
In Atlanta, 64 people attended the event at Emory University's Miller-Ward Alumni House (to see photos, click here). NAA President Rich Dean moderated the program and the lively question and answer session that followed. Bostonís program, which was held at Millennium Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge attracted a crowd of 100. Alumni in attendance commented on the high caliber of the program: "I'm usually a tough grader, but 'Small is Big' was first-rate," said Eric Norment (J80).
Both evenings began with a stimulating nanotechnology talk given by Dr. Mark Ratner. Dr. Rex Chisholm who discussed gene science, DNA, and the human genome project. Dr. Jack Kessler, the final speaker, underscored the concept that stem cell research is but a part of the overall area of nanotechnology. Kessler demonstrated potential stem cell therapies that may include treatment for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart attack, and spinal cord injury.
Presentations in both cities emphasized Northwestern's commitment to cross departmental and cross disciplinary thinking and the interrelationships among cutting edge areas of science. "NAA is to be congratulated on putting on such an excellent program," said Donald Comstock (EB5).
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