The College of the Canyons Mathematics, Sciences & Engineering Division will present its first annual Speakers Symposium Series by hosting a series of science and technology orientated speaking engagements taking place throughout the spring 2012 semester.

The MSE Speakers Symposium Series is designed to give both students and community members an opportunity to meet renowned research scientists and industry experts currently working in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. In addition to learning more about each speaker’s research and particular area of expertise, attendees will also be able to explore the myriad of career options available in these emerging fields.

Each of the four scheduled speaking engagements will consist of a roughly 60 to 90 minute presentation, culminating in an open forum discussion which will allow audience members to ask questions, interact with the speakers and dive deeper into the subject matter.

“The goal of the Speakers Symposium Series is to be able to present subject matter that is relevant to what our students are currently learning, but which goes above and beyond the classroom,” said Omar Torres, Dean of the college’s Mathematics, Sciences & Engineering (MSE) Division. “In doing so we hope to stimulate a greater community interest in the STEM fields and introduce students of all ages to the virtually endless career possibilities available in these areas.”

Presentations will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings throughout the spring semester, in Aliso Hall, Room 101, located on the College of the Canyons Valencia campus. All scheduled events are free of charge and open to the public, however seating may be limited.

The 2012 MSE Speakers Symposium Series schedule is as follows:

March 13

The Next Generation of Materials for Solar Cells

Dr. Mark Goorsky — UCLA, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Excitement surrounds reports of more efficient, less expensive developments in solar photovoltaic materials and devices. But what are some of the new solar power technologies expected to contribute to society, both in the near and distant future? What are some of the roadblocks associated with developing these technologies? And what lessons can be learned from other technological fields, which utilize similar materials and devices? All of these issues and many more will be addressed, in this exciting conversation about the ongoing developments associated with solar cell applications.

March 20

Advanced Development Programs, ‘The Skunk Works’

Dr. Robert R. Boyd — Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Dr. Boyd will share an overview of some of the recent technological advances underway at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Advanced Development Programs, or ‘Skunk Works’ division. Specific focus will be placed on Boyd’s work to help develop a hybrid aircraft — dubbed the P-791 — which could be used for both transportation and surveillance applications. An overview of this new aeronautical technology and some of its more technical aspects will also be included in the overall discussion of this project.

March 27

A View at an Early Stage Oncology Program: AKT

Dr. Erich Wohlhieter — Amgen

This presentation will take attendees through a discovery phase medicinal chemistry project, from conception to structure activity relationship, culminating with lead identification and xenograft studies. Project rational, target biology, synthetic chemistry and molecular modeling will all be touched on. An overview of the drug discovery process will also be discussed.

April 24 (panel presentation)

Antibody Drug Conjugates: The Targeted Delivery of Chemotherapeutics to Tumors

Dr. Dowdy Jackson — Agensys

The diversity of cancers and cancer subtypes presents several challenges to developing effective forms of treatments. Cancer patients are commonly treated with toxic drugs, known as chemotherapy, which kill both normal and cancerous cells. The goal of the next generation of cancer therapies is to develop effective therapies that target the tumors and not the healthy tissues. Dr. Jackson’s work involves the development of these types of treatments that can deliver chemotherapeutic drugs directly to the tumors, while minimizing the unwanted side effects. The development, use of and challenges associated with these new types of cancer treatments will all be discussed.

April 24

Development of Monoclonal Antibodies as Therapeutic Agents

Dr. Kendall Morrison — Agensys

The use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) has become a well established treatment for various types of ailments, including inflammatory, transplantation related, oncological, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. Technological advances in antibody engineering have overcome the limitations of early murine MAbs, so that the antibodies used for today’s drugs resemble those made naturally by the human body, and as a consequence, are better tolerated with fewer unwanted side effects. Furthermore, antibody-engineering technologies are constantly emerging, allowing researchers to better fine tune these procedures. This presentation will include discussion about the origins and history, use and continued development of MAbs, and their profound impact on the field of medicine.

For more information about the first annual College of the Canyons MSE Speakers Symposium Series or to read full presentation abstracts and speaker profiles visit www.canyons.edu/divisions/mathsci.