Talk by FDA Scientist to Kick Off Interdisciplinary Research Conference

Palm Beach Atlantic University will celebrate the research and scholarly work of faculty and students during its sixth annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference, sponsored by the Office of Accreditation, Assessment and Research and co-sponsored by Alumni Relations and Career Development.

Dr. Jacob Richards

The conference will take place on Wednesday, March 29, and Thursday, March 30, in the Warren Library. The event is open="open" to the PBA community.

The theme of the conference is “Focus on Your Future” and will include a keynote address by 2010 PBA alumnus Dr. Jacob Richards, a lead scientific reviewer for the Food and Drug Administration in the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

In this position, the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program graduate is responsible for reviewing, consulting and developing molecular and immune assay submissions for industry.

Richards has a bachelor’s degree in medicinal and biological chemistry from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a doctorate in medical sciences from the University of Florida. Before his Ph.D. training, Richards worked in academic administration at PBA, assisting and supervising the peer tutoring program.

He will speak at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Lassiter Rotunda of the Warren Library. His topic will be “Cancer Immunotherapy: Using Your Own Body to Fight Your Cancer.” Poster presentations will follow.

In addition to the keynote address, the Interdisciplinary Research Conference will include student and faculty oral presentations. The presentations will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. both days in the library’s Hanley Classroom and in Room 208. More information is available online.

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