August 28, 2007

SIU Med School Sponsors Dean’s Symposium on Biomedical

Research

Biomedical research collaboration is the focus of a new lecture series at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, which are bringing clinicians and basic scientists together for joint presentations.  Each topic will highlight translational research currently underway at the School.

The first presentation will be held 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 30, in the School’s South Auditorium, 801 N. Rutledge St. (second floor) in Springfield.  “Biomedical Research Initiative – A collaboration between the two campuses in Springfield and Carbondale” will be presented by Dr. Bradley Schwartz, associate professor of urology and director of the urology division’s laparoscopy and endourology center, and Ajay Mahajan, Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering and energy processing at SIUC.

Schwartz and Mahajan have partnered on the development of a laser-resistant basket to improve the surgical procedure for removing kidney stones and their fragments, which Schwartz invented.  They are developing a prototype, which they hope to license to a company for further development.

The Dean’s Symposium on Biomedical Research is sponsored by the Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs at SIU.  For more information contact Nancy Austin, SIU Research and Faculty Affairs, (217) 545-7936, weekdays.

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