“How Do Vaccines Work?”

With Dr. Mark Brockman

Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Vaccines have contributed to dramatic declines in illness due to pathogens. Recent outbreaks of Measles and other vaccine-preventable infections highlight the vital role that they play in our healthcare system. Mark Brockman will introduce the science behind vaccines and discuss how they help to protect individuals and populations from disease.

“Fighting Cancer with Radioactive Drugs”

With Dr. Caterina Ramogida

Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry

Simon Fraser University & Life Sciences Division, TRIUMF

Cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in Canada. A new class of radioactive drugs shows immense potential for the treatment of difficult to treat cancers. Caterina Ramogida will introduce how these radioactive isotopes can be used to safely and effectively treat disease and discuss some of the current challenges associated with developing these drugs for wide spread use.

“Are you really good with numbers?”

With Dr. Nilima Nigam

Professor, Department of Mathematics

Many of us view mathematics as a topic that caused us discomfort at some juncture, though we hear it is very useful. A closely-guarded secret is that many mathematicians are terrible with arithmetic, and prefer problems which are challenging or fun. Nilima Nigam will talk about the mathematics of a high-dose targeted radiation therapy for rectal cancers, and of the zombie apocalypse (hint: get the anti-zombie vaccine!).

Schedule of the Night