Author Archives: Dr. Dawn M. E. Bowdish

Chris Verschoor & Alicja Puchta to attend the CIHR Summer Program in Aging.

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Congratulations to Dr. Chris Verschoor and Alicja Puchta on being sponsored by the CIHR to attend their Summer Program in Aging.

The annual Summer Program in Aging (SPA) is designed to offer students and post-doctoral fellows involved in aging research, and those doing post-graduate clinical training that includes a program of research in aging, an advancd research training program that crosses disciplines, sectors, institutions and geography and that addresses one or more of the CIHR Institute of Aging’s research priorities in Fundamental research,Clinical research, Health services research and Social research.

Way to represent the Bowdish lab, Chris & Alicja!

Bowdish lab supports the Bay Area Science Fair.

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Bowdish lab members were out in droves (if there are enough of us to be a drove) judging at the Bay Area Science & Engineering Fair (grades 7-12). Dawn got to judge for the IIDR internship award (stay tuned for the official announcement of the winner soon) and the rest of us were merit judges. A great day was had by all. We were inspired by the students’ enthusiasm and creativity and hopefully they enjoyed meeting live, in the flesh scientists.

Dr. Chris Verschoor’s award winning work on pneumonia in the elderly profiled.

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To read about the work which won him the prestigious M.G. DeGroote post-doctoral fellowship, see this article…http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/main/news/news_2012/mgdfa_recipients_2011.html

Dr. Verschoor is tackling an issue of grave importance to Canada’s aging population – the high toll of infectious disease. As an example, 90% of pneumonia deaths in Canada occur in the elderly at tremendous cost to our health care system. Pneumonia is often the result of a period of decreased mobility (e.g. hip fracture and hospital stay) and the beginning of a decline in health. Preventing infections would keep the elderly healthy for longer and provide increased independence, decrease the cost of care and result in longer, happier lives.

Alicja wins Outstanding Achievement award at Medical Sciences Graduate Day!

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Congratulations to Alicja Puchta (PhD candidate) for winning Outstanding Achievement prize at McMaster’s Medical Sciences Research Day! The competition was strong this year but Alicja did a great job presenting her work on why the elderly are susceptible to pneumonia. Her winning poster has been selected to be presented at the Medical Sciences Plenary Day in May (updates to come) and after that will be featured prominently in the Bowdish lab. Well done Alicja!