For a second year, Huntsville philanthropists Pennie and Tom Keene hosted a women's luncheon in support of HudsonAlpha. Donations from luncheon guests, which were supplemented by the Keenes and a matching gift from UBS Financial Services, will support research projects at HudsonAlpha.
Dozens of guests attended the October 23 event held at the Huntsville Museum of Art. Sara J. Cooper, Ph.D., a faculty investigator at the institute, delivered a presentation on the role genetics plays in cancer, specifically pancreatic cancer. She also explained how scientists are using genomic research to determine causes, improve diagnostics and develop targeted therapies for cancer and other devastating diseases.
Neil Lamb, Ph.D., director of educational outreach at HudsonAlpha, also provided attendees with an update on efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.
The Keenes have supported HudsonAlpha philanthropically for several years and Pennie Keene is an institute Ambassador, a volunteer group committed to sharing HudsonAlpha's three-fold mission with friends, family, colleagues and the general public.
"We are so fortunate to live in a community that has this amazing institute," said Pennie Keene. "Great things are happening at HudsonAlpha and hosting an event like this for our clients and their friends is a creative way to get lots of people involved with us in supporting HudsonAlpha. We are thrilled to help!"