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For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Maynard-Garrett, APR

UTHSC Communications and Marketing

(901) 448-4957

 

DISTINGUISHED RESEARCHER SPEAKS TO FIRST ALUMNI GATHERING OF UT COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCE ENGINEERING

 

            Memphis, Tennessee (April 19, 2005) – The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Health Science Engineering is holding its first annual Alumni Weekend April 22 – 23.  The capstone of the event is the first annual James Gibb Johnson Distinguished Lecture featuring distinguished visiting lecturer, Britton Chance, PhD, DSc, MD, and fellow of the Royal Society.

            Dr. Chance is currently the Eldridge Reeves Johnson University Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry, Biophysics, Physical Chemistry and Radiologic Physics at the University of Pennsylvania College of Medicine.  He will speak on his lifetime of bioengineering research and present a summary of current biotechnology applications to breast cancer detection, fetal well-being and adult cardiology.

            His more than 1300 publications span a broad range of technological advances including radio frequency electronics, electro-optics, acousto-optics, breast cancer diagnostics, pediatrics, brain cognitive function, muscle dynamics and stroke. In addition to post–graduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Cambridge (England), Dr. Chance holds an array of honorary degrees from universities around the globe, ranging from the University of Helsinki to the University of Buenos Aires.  His academic achievements have received international accolades, including the National Medal of Science, USA; the Semmelweis Medal, Hungary; and the Gairdner Award, Canada, to name a few. Also a noted sportsman, he won an Olympic gold medal in sailing.

            “Dr. Chance is literally the world-recognized pioneer of biomedical optics; he has influenced the inception and development of the entire field.  His multifaceted research advanced other scientists’ understanding of biology, instrumentation and medicine. Because of his unparalleled contributions to our field, it is fitting that Dr. Chance was invited to join us for our first alumni weekend. We are honored that he accepted,” said Frank Di Bianca, dean of the College of Health Science Engineering.

            Dr. Chance will speak at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 22 in room A-102 of the Humphreys General Education Building on the UT Health Science Center campus.

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