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Author Jessica Wapner will talk about her book, The Philadelphia Chromosome, and take questions at the Sept. 3 event. |
Jessica Wapner’s book The Philadelphia Chromosome: A Genetic Mystery, a Lethal Cancer, and the Improbable Invention of a Life-Saving Cure has been chosen for inaugural GSBS Read. The book chronicles the discovery of a chromosome that would later be recognized as the sole cause of chronic myeloid leukemia, a deadly blood cancer. The discovery launched a new era of cancer research and established the concept of rational drug design.
“To me, The Philadelphia Chromosome is one of the great stories of modern medicine. It tells how we arrived at this moment in cancer research; it pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of drug development; and it’s an inspiring journey of doctors and patients pioneering a medical breakthrough,” Wapner said in a video trailer for her book.
She will speak and take questions at the Sept. 3 event, which is sponsored by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Office for Postdoctoral Scholars.
Wapner is a freelance writer focused on health, medicine and scientific research. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, Science, Nature Medicine, and the New York Times, among others. She earned a degree in biology from Clark University.
All members of the UMMS community are welcome to read the book and join in the discussion on Thursday, Sept. 3. The event will take place in the Faculty Conference Room from 10 to 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served. RSVP is required to attend.
