MCI welcomes USA students for National Chemistry Week

Students learned about the healing power of chemistry at the Mitchell Cancer Institute. 

Chemistry students from the University of South Alabama had the opportunity to hear from researchers at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute as part of the American Chemical Society’s National Chemistry Week. 

Celebrated Oct. 15-21, the week focused on “The Healing Power of Chemistry.” Chemistry plays a crucial role in formulating the medicines we take when we get sick, developing the vaccinations we roll our sleeves up for, and testing the blood samples that we provide at our doctors’ offices. According to ACS, this year’s theme recognizes the tremendous advances made by medical professionals and scientists with inspiration from ancient peoples’ habits, from plants and animals in the wild, and from our own bodies’ mechanisms to prevent, fight, heal and restore us to health.

Marie Migaud, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, spearheaded the visit to the MCI. The undergraduate chemistry students were accompanied by Larry Yet, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at USA. 

Researchers Joel Andrews, Ph.D.; Luxenne Belfleur, Ph.D.; Jennifer Clark, Ph.D.; Kevin Lee, Ph.D.; and graduate students Trey Deason and Marlo Thompson shared their research experience and expertise with the students.