Clarke Biology Lecture to Discuss Asthma, March 27

Clarke University will host its annual Mary Murphy, BVM Endowed Lecture in Biology on Tuesday, March 27, when Thomas Murphy, MD presents “So asthma is reduced by early exposure to dirt and infections. Really?” The lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall on the Clarke campus. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. Murphy is currently the medical director of the Pediatric Pulmonary Function Laboratory and associate director of the Pulmonary Fellowship Training Program at the Duke University School of Medicine. His main research interest is the study of how airway smooth muscle cells function in the lung of healthy patients and patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Specifically, his research focuses on understanding the mechanisms which cause the hyper-responsiveness of the lung’s airways in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. The Mary Murphy, BVM Endowed Lecture in Biology was established in memory of Mary Murphy, BVM, to invite noted scientists to present an annual lecture in biology at Clarke University. The purpose is to increase the exposure of Clarke University science majors to cutting-edge research, and provide science and health professional majors with insights into the practical application of scientific research in post-graduate careers. At the same time, it is open to members of the greater community as an opportunity to learn more about current advances in basic science and medical research. For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.