UM Experience
Remember your favorite classes at the University? Do you miss having stimulating discussions with interesting faculty members? Return to those days by enrolling in this year’s Audrey R. Finkelstein UM Experience. The curriculum allows you to share the experience of today’s University of Miami students through an interactive educational series featuring the UM’s most fascinating faculty and lecture topics, all specially designed for our returning alumni and guests. Fee is $20 per person (lunch session included).
The 2008 Audrey R. Finkelstein UM Experience program will take place on Friday, October 24, 2008.
(Choose one lecture per session)
SESSION 1: 9 A.M. - 10 a.m.
Realizing the Genomic Future of Medicine
In recent years, human genetic and genomic research has grown more rapidly than any other area of medicine. The Miami Institute for Human Genomics (MIHG) seeks to discover and explain the genetic influences on human health and to pioneer the application of this knowledge to the diagnosis, intervention, and prevention of disease, thus changing the practice of medicine and fulfilling the promise of the Human Genome Project. Stephan Züchner, director of the Center for Human Molecular Genomics at the MIHG, presents an overview and the center’s ongoing efforts to fulfill this mission.
Animal Model Discoveries at the Aquatic Threshold
The simplicity of most marine animals makes them ideal models for understanding everything from how we evolved to how our bodies work. The simple design of the brains of Aplysia, sea slugs, makes them ideal models for shedding light on how our own brains work. The National Resource for Aplysia at UM’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science is the only place in the world where Aplysia californica are cultured and raised for research purposes. Aplysia from the facility are used in experiments that help us to understand how we learn and what memories are. Join Lynne Fieber, M.S. ’82, Ph.D. ’89, associate professor of marine biology and fisheries, for an inside look at her research on Aplysia and a personal encounter with the simple yet beautiful creatures.
SESSION 2: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Intersection of Engineering and Medicine
The field of biomedical engineering dates back to the post-WWII period, beginning with the development of electronic and mechanical prosthetic devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, heart valves, artificial joints, and hearing aids, as well as diagnostic instruments such as electrocardiographs and ultrasound-based probes. The advent of computers has enabled the development of highly sensitive 3-D diagnostic instruments, such as the CT scan, MRI, and PET scan. New materials for the reconstruction or replacement of diseased internal organs is another burgeoning area, and many biomedical engineers also are turning their attention to the manipulation of living cells and tissues toward therapeutic goals, including research on the use of stem cells. Peter Tarjan, professor of biomedical engineering provides an overview of this ever-evolving field.
Behind the Beat
Have you ever wondered how major news organizations cover the big stories? Join veteran journalist and School of Communication professor Joe Treaster, A.B. '65, as he gives a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of today's journalism. Treaster, the John S. and James L. Knight Chair in Cross Cultural Communication, is a former senior reporter for the New York Times. He began his career on Vietnam battlefield and more recently was among the first to report from inside the Super Dome in New Orleans during the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
Lunch Session: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Team Spirit: Intercollegiate Athletics in Today’s Culture
No other aspect of university life is as unifying as intercollegiate athletics. Prospective students are drawn to a school with a championship record; current students unite as members of the ’Cane family; and alumni return to celebrate the success of a great athletic program. As a source of pride and recognition, athletics showcase our world-class University on a national and international level. Athletics also provide scholarship support for student-athletes to attend one of the finest universities in the country and prepare them for a successful future after graduation. Join our new Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt as he discusses the many roles of intercollegiate athletics in higher education.
SESSION 3: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
How Sick Is Our Health Care System?
Health care in the United States is on everyone’s mind. Whether you are a consumer, a provider, an insurer, or a government official, the high costs of health care are causing us grave concern. Then there is the question of what benefits we ultimately derive from our very costly health care system. Trends show that the problem will not go away in the foreseeable future. Steven G. Ullmann, professor of management and economics and director of programs in health sector management and policy, discusses the present state of affairs, what underlies the current situation, and what we can expect for the years ahead.
The Great UM Debaters of 2008
David Steinberg, director of debate and professor of communication studies, along with UM student assistant coaches Nicole Richter and Kevin McCaffrey, will describe the state of intercollegiate debate in 2008. They will provide an overview of trends and styles in debate practice and program management and insight on how the UM Debate Program fits in. Then, UM undergraduate debaters will conduct an exhibition debate on issues related to the 2008 presidential election.
Comments from last year’s program:
“Every year it gets better”
“Well planned event”
“Alumni Relation staff members are friendly and attentive to guests”
“A wonderful day”
“Enjoyed the variety”
“I felt like I was back in college”
“Looking forward to next year”
“Always a pleasant experience”
“I can’t believe what a treat it was, this was my first time attending. I won’t miss a single one in the future”
“Well done”