College of Public Health

News Story

Weghorst talks cancer prevention at bike race event

Posted 04/27/2009

Christopher Weghorst, associate professor in the college's Division of Environmental Health Sciences, will be a featured speaker at an event hosted by University President E. Gordon Gee May 7 to spread awareness about the Pelotonia bike race benefiting cancer research.

Weghorst's research focuses on cancer prevention through environmental influences such as the potential cancer inhibiting properties of whole foods. One of Weghorst's projects studies whether black raspberries can change the expression of genes in the mouths of former oral cancer patients in a way that might prevent a future recurrence. Weghorst is also studying genetic susceptibility to developing cervical cancer.

"Ultimately, funding is the cornerstone of innovative cancer research from which novel ideas can be developed, tested and translated into meaningful preventive and curative approaches. Novel fund raising efforts like Pelotonia provide an outstanding opportunity for us all to assist in accelerating that "bench to bedside" process."

View a podcast about Weghorst’s research at http://cph.osu.edu/news/podcasts/appalachian.cfm.

Learn more about Pelotonia at http://www.pelotonia.org/ride/index.jsp.

The event will be Thursday, May 7, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., at the university's Faculty Club Grand Lounge. There is no fee to attend but registration is required. Please RSVP to Nancy Jones, program director at nancy.jones@osumc.edu.

Pelotonia is a grass roots bike tour with one goal: to end cancer. Pelotonia raises money for innovative and life saving cancer research at The Ohio State University. The first race is scheduled for Aug. 28-30, 2009. Driven by the passion of its cyclists and volunteers, and their family and friends, Pelotonia organizers envision this annual cycling experience will be a place of hope, energy and determination. Pelotonia directs 100% of every dollar raised to research.

 

*****

The Ohio State University's College Public Health is an integral part of the most comprehensive health sciences campus in the nation. The college was created in February 2007 by the University Board of Trustees. First established in 1995 as part of the College of Medicine, we are the first and only accredited school of public health in the state of Ohio. Specializations within the college include biostatistics, epidemiology, health behavior and health promotion, environmental health sciences, health services management and policy, veterinary public health and clinical investigations. The college is currently ranked 21st in public health graduate schools by US News & World Report. Its Master of Health Administration program is ranked 12th.