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Westminster’s Titan Talks continue in February with cancer research, television drama

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Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2020

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College’s Dr. Karen Resendes, associate professor of biology, and Dr. James Rhoads, professor of political science, will continue the 2020 Titan Talks series with “Breaking Bad & the Science of Cancer” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in Berlin Lounge located in Westminster’s McKelvey Campus Center.

Resendes, co-director of the Drinko Center, will discuss the science of cancer treatment. The talk will overview the similarities and differences that occur in the development of cancerous tumors, as the root cause of disease progression can vary widely, even within the same cancer type.

She will also introduce the range of treatment methods that may be employed in combating various iterations of the disease. The basic scientific research performed at Westminster that may one day impact future cancer treatment plans will be emphasized.

Rhoads, criminal justice/sociology and political science chair, will explore the hit American drama “Breaking Bad.” The show follows a mild-mannered high school science teacher who transforms into a merciless player in the local drug trade, driven by the desire to provide for his family after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Resendes, who joined the Westminster faculty in 2009, earned her undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary. She holds a Ph.D. from Brown University.

Rhoads joined the Westminster faculty in 1992. He earned his undergraduate degree, master’s and Ph.D. from Kent State University.

Established in the fall of 2018, Westminster College’s Titan Talks is a three-part series featuring Westminster scholars and professionals and aimed at helping human beings develop their best selves and live lives with a mindful purpose.

Titan Talks are free and open to the public, but reservations are due by Thursday, Feb. 13. There will be light snacks at the event. To register, visit https://www.westminster.edu/alumni/events.

For more information, please contact Nicole Hunter, assistant director of alumni engagement and coordinator of Titan Talks, at 724-946-7373 or hunterna@westminster.edu. The next installment of Titan Talks will be in March.