Part I: Elizabeth Brandon, Bilal Qizilbash, Kale Studies

Elizabeth Brandon a Mississippian and she grew up mostly in Brandon, but she lived in Brookhaven, Oxford, Cleveland, and Clarksdale. She received her B.S. in Biology from Delta State University in 1999 (Go Fighting Okra!) and her Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2004.

For her dissertation research, she studied the mechanism by which the tethering protein, p115, assembles coat and fusion proteins for the proper transport of secretory vesicles between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi. During her postdoctoral training in Physiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, she studied the consequences of obesity on renal function and melanoma tumor growth.

There is some evidence that obesity increases melanoma growth, although the mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown. Her research with students at Mississippi College is focused on determining which growth factors and hormones influence melanoma growth and whether blocking or inhibiting these substances can slow melanoma growth.

“Bilal Qizilbash is a Masters of Science candidate in Biomedical Sciences at Mississippi College. He completed his undergraduate at Stony Brook University in Biology. Along with his master’s course work, he is part of Dr. Brandon’s emerging research team. Bilal is heading a pioneering research protocol studying the apoptopic effect of kale on malignant melanoma cells. During various stages in his career, Bilal has consistently demonstrated and honed in his leadership abilities. In Stony Brook, he was a Residential Advisor and won the Unsung Hero Award. Bilal approaches all that he does with ingenuity, imagination, and sincerity. In his free time, he donates his time and efforts to helping others. He also enjoys creative writing and is currently working on his book.”

Part II: Richard Schwartz at 80
Richard Schwartz is president emeritus of the Jewish Vegetarians of North America (JVNA), after serving as president for many years. After over 35 years of promoting vegetarianism/veganism, animal rights, and environmental activism, he can speak from a unique perspective that can produce a game changer in promoting vegetarianism. Schwartz is the author of 4 challenging books,Judaism and Vegetarianism, Judaism and Global Survival, Who Stole My Religion? Revitalizing Judaism and Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal Our Imperiled Planet, and Mathematics and Global Survival, and over 200 articles and book reviews and 25 podcasts at www.jewishveg.com/schwartz,