Understanding Cancer

Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Understanding Cancer Symposium

Part I: What is Cancer?
Stern Center Great Room 12:00 p.m.

About the Speaker
Mike Roberts has been a professor of biology at Dickinson College since 1992. He is currently studying the regulation of gene expression in human leukemia cells during differentiation. This utilizes methods of recombinant DNA and molecular biology.

He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Interdisciplinary Committee on Medical and Health Related Issues, and he has received a number of funding awards including the NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award and the Mellon Fund Summer Student/Faculty Research Award. He has published articles in the Journal of Environmental Law and Policy and the Journal of Cell Biology.

In 2003 he was given the Ganoe Award for Inspirational Teaching. He received his B.A. from Colgate University , his M.S. from Miami University , and his Ph.D. from Yale University.

Part II:  Healthcare Policies and Economics
Stern Center Great Room 3:00 p.m.

About the Speaker
David Sarcone has been a professor of international business and management at Dickinson College since 2001. He has held senior management roles in leading regional healthcare systems and specialty provider organizations. Professor Sarcone is currently a doctoral candidate in the School of Public Affairs , Pennsylvania State University . His areas of research are topics in health care management and organizational studies. David Sarcone received his B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University and his M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh .

Deirdre Weaver is the Regional Cancer Control Director for the South Central Region of the American Cancer Society, Pennsylvania Division. In that capacity, she is responsible for managing eight staff members who work with volunteers and collaborative partners to carry out the mission of the American Cancer Society in a nine-county area. She has been with the American Cancer Society for over 5 years and has served in a number of roles; before stepping into her current role at the start of 2006, she was the state project manager for prevention and early detection programs in Pennsylvania .

Deirdre Weaver has a BA in history from Carleton College in Minnesota , and a Master’s in European history from the University of Wisconsin – Madison . Before coming to the American Cancer Society, she taught history at Truman State University and West Texas A&M University . She is also an active volunteer with several organizations, including Carleton College and the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area.

Part III: Treatment and Quality of Life: Physician and Patient Perspectives
Stern Center Great Room 7:00 p.m.

About the Speakers
Elizabeth Wallet ’05, cancer survivor

Rachel Melnick ’07, cancer survivor

Dr. Mary A. Simmonds, is a medical oncologist and was the National Volunteer President of the American Cancer Society in 2003. She is also a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Penn State University College of Medicine. She has served as President of the Pennsylvania Division, Chairman of the Patient Services Advisory Group on Cancer Pain Relief, and Chairman of the first Quality of Life Committee. Dr. Simmonds has been actively involved with cancer control organizations in Pennsylvania as well. In 1997 she received the Pink Ribbon Award. She has been involved with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, and co-founded the Pennsylvania Cancer Pain Initiative. She is the former Chair of the Cancer Control Prevention and Research Advisory Committee of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Dr. Simmonds is a graduate of Smith College and the Medical College of Pennsylvania. She received the 2003 Medical College of Pennsylvania Alumnae/Achievement Award. She was conferred on Honorary Doctorate of Science degree from Smith College in May 2005.

Mike Roberts has been a professor of biology at Dickinson College since 1992. He is currently studying the regulation of gene expression in human leukemia cells during differentiation. This utilizes methods of recombinant DNA and molecular biology.

He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Interdisciplinary Committee on Medical and Health Related Issues, and he has received a number of funding awards including the NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award and the Mellon Fund Summer Student/Faculty Research Award. He has published articles in the Journal of Environmental Law and Policy and the Journal of Cell Biology.

In 2003 he was given the Ganoe Award for Inspirational Teaching. He received his B.A. from Colgate University, his M.S. from Miami University , and his Ph.D. from Yale University.

Related Links
Association for International Cancer Research
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Cancer Care