News for and about University of Portland faculty and staff.
Happy 65th Birthday to Villa Maria Hall! Known today as a men’s residence with an abundance of hall spirit, it may surprise many to know Villa started out as a women’s dorm. Archives & Artifacts examines Villa’s origins as the first University-built residence hall for women in relation to co-education on campus. For the full story, read our post on PortLog.
For more information, contact Carolyn Connolly, museum coordinator, museum@up.edu or 8038.
University of Portland students, under the guidance of UP Biology Professor Susan Murray, PhD, will research the role of sex hormones in immune responses to prostate cancer through a $404,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
UP’s first NIH grant award is in collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University. In a three-year study, Murray and UP students will examine how male sex hormones impact immune responses in healthy subjects, as well as the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on immune responses in prostate cancer patients. ADT is a standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, but this therapy’s impact on the immune system is currently unknown, Murray says. The proposed studies will provide valuable insight regarding how to best combine ADT with immunotherapy to improve patient outcomes for a disease that kills 30,000 Americans every year.
Biology students from UP’s College of Arts & Sciences will participate in all aspects of the biomedical research—from experimental design and execution to publication of the findings. Select students from the University’s Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering will be recruited to participate in bioinformatics analysis.
“This NIH grant will propel our research program to the next level, and it will foster collaborations between UP, OHSU and across our campus,” Murray says. “Most importantly, it will provide an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in interdisciplinary biomedical science—with implications for cancer, infectious disease, and autoimmunity.”
During the study, UP students will participate in lab meetings with Amy Moran, PhD, associate professor of cell, developmental, and cancer biology at OHSU’s School of Medicine. These collaborations, Murray says, will show students their research has clinical relevance in creating a “long-lasting, positive impact” in the field of prostate cancer treatment.
Research reported is supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R15CA267840. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
This week, the Office of the Provost is pleased to introduce the following new faculty members:
Visit the 2022 New Faculty Highlights page and get to know all our new faculty members.
The Clark Library is pleased to introduce Lara Elliott as the newest member of the Circulation team and Evening Supervisor for the library. Lara spent the past four years working at the New Orleans Public Library, assisting patrons with her trademark empathy and good humor. She is also a kickboxing enthusiast and former instructor. Lara holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science and has expertly adapted to our academic library setting while providing support for student learning.
Lara loves to bake whenever she gets the chance and is always looking for new recipes to try out. She is also known to craft seasonal decorations at her desk (using any supplies she can get her hands on) in between answering emails and working with students. She’s happy to be back on the West Coast and excited to be part of the Clark Library team. Please join us in welcoming Lara!
Ben joins the Information Services team after previously teaching high school math and humanities at Trinity Academy right here in North Portland. A graduate of Notre Dame University, he enjoys playing and coaching basketball. He is looking forward to participating in lunchtime staff basketball games at the Beauchamp Center.
Please join us for UP’s signature choral event of the year with music to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons, including works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Benjamin Britten, R. Nathaniel Dett, Eric Whitacre, Ola Gjeilo and others.
We’re very excited to be returning to St. Mary’s Cathedral for this year’s concert!
The concert is free, but tickets are required, and can be reserved here: http://our.show/adventvespersup2022
This year’s Christmas Light on The Bluff celebration includes a variety of fun, festive, and faith-filled activities. Staff, faculty, and their families are invited to stroll our beautiful campus under the glow of twinkling lights and enjoy our celebration of this most sacred season:
The Wellness Education & Prevention team has created a new online form for UP staff, faculty, and students to request Wellness training. Available trainings:
This form will be open year-round for submissions. Follow the link to request to schedule a future training for yourself, your classroom, team, office, or student group!
For more information or questions, please contact the Wellness Center at wellness@up.edu.