About the Lecture Series

Dr. Hansel was a graduate of the University of Maryland and received his MS and PhD degrees from Cornell University. He had a distinguished scientific career, starting at Cornell University in 1949, where he was Faculty for 41 years, serving as Chair of the Department of Physiology and as the Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor of Animal Physiology. After retiring from Cornell, Dr. Hansel continued to be an active member of the scientific community, and joined Louisiana State University as a Gordon Cain Professor, where he continued his research in reproductive biology. However, later he shifted his focus to ovarian cancer therapy when his wife was diagnosed with it. Over the next few decades, he worked to develop cancer drugs to target tumors and metastases. Dr. Hansel mentored innumerable doctoral and postdoctoral trainees leaving an indelible legacy, being dedicated to his scholarship and learning throughout his career. In recognition, he received numerous national and international awards such as Distinguished Scientist Award of the Society for the Study of Reproduction in 1991 and he was named a Renowned Physiologist by the American Physiology Society in 2014.

This lecture is designed to honour his contributions to both reproductive biology and ovarian cancer and promote discussion and interest in women’s health topics. One speaker will be invited each academic year for 5 consecutive lectures supported generously by an endowment. The inaugural year started with two lectures; one meant for a scientific audience and another for the general public addressing critical health implications of the research. Moving forward we envision hosting roundtable, organic discussions with the community on emerging topics in reproductive biology along with the main science-facing lecture. 

Events

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, March 30, 2027

Kathy Niakan, PhD
Mary Marshall and Arthur Walton Professor of Reproductive Physiology
Director, Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research
Chair, Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction
Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
University of Cambridge
 

Past Events

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Lisa Haddad, MD, MS, MPS
Medical Director
Center for Biomedical Research
Population Council
“Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: Innovating Solutions for Overlapping Women’s Reproductive Health Challenges”