Dermatology/Molecular & Medical Genetics lecture: Mark Birch-Machin, PhD, Aug 8

On Monday, August 8, 2011, OHSU’s Departments of Dermatology and Molecular & Medical Genetics will be hosting guest lecturer, Mark Birch-Machin, PhD, professor of molecular dermatology at the Newcastle University Institute of Cellular Medicine. Dr. Birch-Machin will be giving a lecture on “Stressed out mitochondria – implications for skin ageing and cancer,” from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Center for Health and Healing third floor conference center.

Dr. Birch-Machin’s research focuses on the response of human skin to ultraviolet radiation particularly within the context of skin ageing and cancer. He also has particular interest in understanding the role of mitochondrial DNA in the treatment of psoriasis, in UV-induced oxidative stress, cancer and the relationship between oxidative stress, nutritional status and skin ageing as well as the science and use of sunscreens. He has received research funding from Cancer Research UK, British Skin Foundation, BBSRC, MRC, EPSRC, Wellcome Trust, NESRF and the Royal Society. He has published more than 100 refereed scientifi c journals and books. In addition, he is also a co-inventor on multiple patents arising from the commercialization of parts of this research. In 2010, he was awarded the Newcastle University Spirit of Entrepreneurship award. He was the founder and Programme Director of the Master of Research in Medical and Molecular Biosciences which is the flagship postgraduate programme in the Faculty of Medical Sciences.