News Release
May 8, 2006
Contact: Jane Shaskan, 860-679-4777
e-mail:
shaskan@nso.uchc.edu
Leader in Human Genome Project to Speak at
UConn Medical and Dental Schools Commencement
May 14
Media Invited
FARMINGTON, CONN. – Francis S. Collins, M.D., director of the
National Human Genome Research Institute in Bethesda, Md., will speak at
the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and School of Dental
Medicine commencement exercises Sunday, May 14, at 1 p.m. under the tent
at the UConn Health Center’s academic entrance.
Recognized for his landmark discoveries of disease genes, Dr.
Collins’ leadership of the genome project resulted in the completion of
a sequence of the human genetic blueprint. Currently, Dr. Collins is
leading the genome research institute’s effort to ensure that the new
sequence data, available to scientists worldwide, is used to advance
biological knowledge to improve human health.
The genes that cause cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, and most
recently Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a dramatic form of
premature aging, were discovered in his laboratory. In addition to his
scientific achievements, Dr. Collins is known for his emphasis of
ethical and legal issues in genetics.
Medical degrees will be awarded to seventy-six graduates and dental
medicine degrees to 45 graduates. Degrees will also be conferred to
graduates of master’s programs in public health, dental science, and
science and biomedical science.
The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of
medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical
Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center
pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an
environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To
learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at
www.uchc.edu.
Note: News professionals are invited to visit the Office of
Communications homepage at
www.uchc.edu/ocomm/ for archived news releases and other
information.
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