An internationally known research scientist and Cornell University professor, Dr. Eloy Rodriguez, will be the keynote speaker at Binghamton University’s fourth annual “Sharing Our Knowledge Research Conference” on medicinal research.
Rodriguez will begin his presentation around 12:20 p.m. at the conference, which will be held in the Old University Union’s Mandela Room from 11:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. The conference is open to all students and faculty.
Rodriguez’s presentation, entitled “Ancient and New Natural Cures from Africa, Caribbean, Mexico and the Middle East for Breast Cancer and Diabetes,” will consist of the research findings of his undergraduate and graduate students, involving new medicines for cancer and other diseases.
He will also discuss the importance of chemistry, math and engineering in discovering new ways to treat diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Rodriguez said he will address topics such as breast and pancreatic cancer, how they relate to the U.S. population and how students can get involved in international research.
The conference will also provide students who are involved in research at Binghamton University an opportunity to present their findings during a research round table and a lunch occurring before Rodriguez’s presentation.
Shanise Kent, associate director of the BU McNair Scholars Program, hopes the conference will inform students about the importance of research as a stepping stone to graduate school and about the various programs on campus that provide research opportunities.
The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded program that assists low-income, first-generation and minority students to prepare for graduate school and receive doctoral degrees.
According to Rodriguez, the conference will help students at BU realize that it is crucial to continue beyond undergraduate research work.
“Don’t go into non-thinking professions. Be a critical thinker and go on to graduate school,” he said. “It is important that you do this. It is important for the community we are trying to help.”
After hearing Rodriguez speak elsewhere, BU officials from the McNair Scholars Program asked him to speak at the “Sharing Our Knowledge Research Conference.”
According to Rodriguez, he agreed without hesitation.
“I love science. I’ve been intrigued by science since I was young. I’m absolutely fascinated by chemistry, biology and natural remedies. It’s a passion, almost an obsession,” Rodriguez said.
He has about 10 undergraduates, two graduate students, two post-doctoral students and one senior research scientist working with him in his lab at Cornell University.
He will also be talking about his Science Technology Engineering Math & Medicine incentive, which he hopes to use to expose younger generations to these fields of study.
Rodriguez will give a general lecture, followed by a question-and-answer session.