Haer Family Symposium: Neuroscience Lecture Series begins April 1

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College announces the inaugural Haer Family Symposium: Neuroscience Lecture Series on the College's campus Tuesday through Thursday, April 1, 2 and 3.

The three-day event, which is open to the public, will feature experts in neuroscience, neurotechnology and neuroethics who will speak on themes related to leading-edge developments in medicine and their ethical implications.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation medical science professor John Gale, speaks Tuesday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m. An internationally recognized scientist in the area of brain function, Prof. Gale deals with such uniquely human issues as motivation, drug addiction and memory. His work has demonstrated the importance of looking at the brain as an electrical device. His talk, entitled “Examining Physiology and Function during Deep Brain Stimulation Surgeries,” in Thiel’s Lutheran Heritage Room.

The second day belongs to Case Western University medicine and bioengineering professor Cameron McIntyre. At 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2 in Thiel’s Lutheran Heritage Room, his lecture is entitled “Engineering the Next Generation of Neuromodulation Technology.” Interested in bringing mathematical rigor and insight to empirical research findings, Prof. McIntyre applies engineering principles and approaches to the study of brain function. This approach has enabled him to make remarkable contributions to brain engineering and improvements in neurological and psychiatric treatments.

The third day is in conjunction with the Community Medical Ethics Project and features Prof. Emily Bell of Canada’s Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal. Two lectures entitled “On Target? How Research And Guidance Are Informing The Ethical And Social Challenges In Deep Brain Stimulation For Movement Disorders And Psychiatric Indications,” will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. , on Thursday, April 3 in Thiel’s Sawhill-Georgian Room. A noted ethicist, Prof. Bell studies laypeople and professionals’ responses to neuroscientific and neurotechnological advances.

The Haer Family Symposium takes its name from Thiel alumni Fred ’65 and Jill ’66 Haer, whose various companies have advanced neuroscientific research and helped to develop new neurological and psychiatric therapies. And, true to the College’s mission, the Haers have created opportunities for Thiel students to grow as learners and citizens.

The Community Medical Ethics Project is sponsored by UPMC Horizon, Thiel College, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and St. Paul’s. The Projects’ mission is to provide opportunities for the community to gain a basic understanding of medical ethics and better equip them for making important decisions related to life and death issues in the course of health care.