PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY ONLINE: Physical Science - Class 4: Chemistry 2 - Drug Discovery

February 04, 2021
6:30pm - 8:00pm

Abstract: Instructor Dr. Erin Duffy will talk about combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria through new drug discovery. Given the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, alongside the alarmingly low rate of newly approved antibiotics for clinical usage, we are on the verge of not having effective treatments for many common infectious diseases. This also impacts procedures we have grown to take for granted, like childbirth, joint replacements, and chemotherapy. Historically, antibiotic discovery has been crucial in outpacing resistance. But, we have had only one new class of antibiotics introduced in the last 30 years! At CARB-X, we are investing in innovative science to provide diagnostics, preventatives, and treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

This program will be available to watch live on Facebook Live, on YouTube, and on the OCPL website's People's U Livestream page.  Log into your Facebook or YouTube account during the program to leave a question for Erin in the comments box. She will answer them during the live broadcast. Make a comment, or ask a question, and you will be entered in a drawing at the end of the livestream to win a Beer Chemistry Pint Glass from Uncommon Goods. 

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Erin Duffy, Ph. D., has 17+ years of drug-discovery and problem-solving experience in the antibiotic arena. At Rib-X Pharmaceuticals (Melinta Therapeutics) she helped to build and sustain a team of researchers that translated the company’s scientific platform into next-generation and novel antibiotics that target the ribosome. Prior to Rib-X, Erin was the Associate Director of Innovative Discovery Technologies at Achillion Pharmaceuticals. She began her industrial career at Pfizer Central Research, in Groton, Connecticut. Erin earned be B.S. at Wheeling Jesuit College and her doctorate at Yale University. She is now Chief of Research & Development at Carb-X, Boston University.

ABOUT THIS PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY SERIES: "Physical Science, The Joy of Discovery"

The Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling will offer the 31st entry in its People's University series as a 6-class online, livestream presentation. "Physical Science, The Joy of Discovery" will take attendees on a journey through the philosophical and intellectual development of science as a method of accurately weighing evidence, eliminating bias, finding facts, and acquiring knowledge. 

The opening classes in the series will explore, in part, the following themes: Science is not political; Science is not magical; Science is not faith or belief; science is not based on feelings; it's not a conspiracy and has no hidden agenda. Science is the earnest pursuit of what is true in terms of the best available, logically generated evidence. Science recognizes that it’s OK to be wrong and to learn from it. 

Later classes in the series will explore the history and fundamental building blocks of the pillars of physical science: chemistry and physics. Attendees will learn about what matter and energy are and what laws they obey. Additional classes will explore specific applications of chemistry, namely laser technology as well as combating multi-drug resistant bacteria through drug discovery.

Classes for People’s University LIVESTREAM—"Physical Science, the Joy of Discovery," will meet on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm, January 14 through February 18. All programs are free and open to the public. Patrons may attend as many classes as they wish. There are no tests or other requirements. For more info about the People’s University LIVESTREAM—"Physical Science, the Joy of Discovery," email [email protected], visit the OCPL's website, or call 304-232-0244.

- People's University Online-
Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm on YouTube Live and Facebook Live

Subscribe to the People's University Youtube channel or like us on the People's University Facebook page or to receive notifications of our upcoming People's U broadcasts. To receive emails about our upcoming programs, visit our News page, click the "Subscribe" button to sign-up for our news blasts or download our free OCPL Connect app from your smartphone's app store. 

ABOUT THE OCPL'S PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY SERIES:

In 1951, the Ohio County Public Library's librarian, Virginia Ebeling, referenced British historian Thomas Carlyle, who said, “the public library is a People’s University,” when she initiated a new adult education program with that name. Miss Ebeling charged the library with the responsibility of reaching “as many people in the community as possible.” In keeping with that tradition of public libraries as sanctuaries of free learning for all people, the Ohio County Public Library revived the series in 2010. The People’s University features courses (taught by experts in each subject) that enable patrons to pursue their goal of lifelong learning in classic subjects such as history, music appreciation, philosophy, and literature. Patrons may attend as many classes as they wish. There are no tests of other requirements and all programs are free and open to the public.