The speaker for the Feb. 24 meeting was Bill Assouline, a professor in the College of Medicine, and also an engineer.  He is one of the founders of NanoMedTrix, a private company which broadens theoretical concepts beyond research to practical applications.

 

The president, Mark Patton, opened the meeting acknowledging the health concerns in our Rotary family.  His comments included the healing power of humor in our lives.  The sergeant-at-arms , Jack Cameron, introduced guests Pat Barron, Brie Neyland, and Ryan Dye.   Make-ups were read for seven members.

Randy Willman reported that four of our members had appeared in the news.  Roger Christian expressed the need for volunteers to sign up for dishwashing chores. 

Kris Ockenfels shared information about the small South American country of French Guyana, which started as a French penal colony and is still a department of France.  The country has become a space industry center in recent years.  It is part of District 7020, with three active Rotary clubs since 1958.

John Ockenfels noted some details about polio eradication. India is now considered to be polio-free; on International Immunization day, 170 million children across that huge country received the vaccine .  The logistics required to accomplish such a feat were truly staggering.

The board meeting will be held on February 26; the conference planning committee will meet at the Marriott on February 28; a District grants seminar will be held in West Liberty on February 28.  Dave parsons passed around the first A.M. club membership directory.  Jim Peterson  reported that 74 people will be going to Xicotepec in the spring.

Twelve members contributed to Happy Bucks.

Frank Juvan introduced Bill Assouline, a professor in the College of Medicine, and also an engineer.  He is one of the founders of NanoMedTrix, a private company which broadens theoretical concepts beyond research to practical applications.  With use of diagrams and simulations, and skillful explanations, the basics of nanotechnology were made understandable.  Applications of the research include providing tools to diagnose and identify tumors and pinpoint therapies, correcting embryonic abnormalities with gene therapy, and performing virtual colonoscopy.  Many members stayed long after the meeting was adjourned to ask questions.