Van Andel Institute’s free Public Lecture Series returns with compelling lineup

Casey Jones
·2 min read

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOO) — Van Andel Institute (VAI) announced the return of its free Public Lecture Series, scheduled to kick off on March 20, 2024. This year’s lineup is a compelling exploration of a variety of topics the institute explores, including cancer and nutrition, Parkinson’s disease, artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, and the links between immunity, metabolism, and cancer.

The series, which will run from 12 to 1 p.m., will feature experts from VAI sharing their insights and latest research findings with the community. Attendance is free of charge, and those interested are required to register in advance.

“We’re thrilled to once again host the Public Lecture Series, which gives attendees a chance to hear directly from our scientists and educators about the latest advances and emerging topics in research and K–12 instruction,” Sarah Rollman, Philanthropy Director at VAI, said.

Here’s a list of the 2024 Public Lecture Series:

1. The Science Behind Cancer and Nutrition
Speaker: Evan Lien, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming, Van Andel Institute
Date: March 20, 2024 (Virtual and in-person)
Dr. Lien will explore what’s known about nutrition and cancer and what is still being researched and how emerging breakthroughs could pave the way for personalized dietary strategies to combat cancer.

2. When Good Proteins Go Bad — Pathology in Parkinson’s Disease
Speaker: Michael Henderson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute
Date: April 24, 2024 (Virtual and in-person)
Dr. Henderson will provide a comprehensive overview of Parkinson’s disease, focusing on the role of proteins in its pathology and how this understanding may lead to more effective strategies for managing the disease.

3. Navigating AI in K–12 Classrooms
Speaker: Terra Tarango, Director and Education Officer, Van Andel Institute for Education
Date: September 11, 2024 (Virtual and in-person)
Terra Tarango will explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in modern education, offering valuable insights into the implications it has on modern education.

4. The Link Between Inflammation and Depression
Speaker: Lena Brundin, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute
Date: September 19, 2024 (Virtual only)
Dr. Lena Brundin will discuss the role of inflammation in depression and suicide risk, shedding light on new research findings that hold promise for improving treatment and care.

5. At the Crossroads of Immunity, Metabolism, and Cancer
Speakers: Mike Dahabieh, Ph.D., Joe Longo, Ph.D., and McLane Watson, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellows, Russell Jones Lab, Van Andel Institute
Date: December 11, 2024 (Virtual only)
Drs. Dahabieh, Longo, and Watson will offer insights into the interaction between metabolism and the immune system, and focus on how the two may enable breakthroughs in cancer.

For more information and to register for the lectures, please visit vai.org/public-lecture-series.

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