Dr. Claude Bouchard, the John W. Barton Sr. Professor and Chair in Genetics and Nutrition at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will visit Louisiana Tech University on October 24 to present his research as part of the New Frontiers in Biomedical Research lecture series. Bouchard’s presentation titled, “Physics, Physiology and Behavior as Drivers for the Obesity Epidemic,” will take place at 3:30 p.m. in University Hall on the Louisiana Tech campus.  The event is the first of the New Frontiers in Biomedical Research’s 2016-2017 series.  All lectures are free and open to the public. “Dr. Bouchard’s research on obesity is a timely topic that fits very well with teaching and research interest across departments and colleges,” said Dr. Laine Dornier, chair of the kinesiology department and the Roger Thomas Luffey Endowed Professor at Louisiana Tech. “Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate in the nation at nearly 36 percent.  As a research institution, we are emboldened to educate our students and community about the effects of this epidemic and provide solutions to reduce the effects of the epidemic. “We are fortunate to have a world renowned researcher in Dr. Bouchard working in our state and coming to Louisiana Tech to share his knowledge.” Bouchard’s research focuses on the genetics of obesity and some of the morbidities associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension.  He also investigates the role of genetic variation in the adaptation to regular physical activity in terms of cardiorespiratory endurance and changes in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk factors. Bouchard has authored or co-authored more than 1,000 scientific papers and has written or edited 35 books. He became an Officer of the Order of Leopold II of Belgium in 1994 and has been a foreign member of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Belgium since 1996.  He is also a member of the Order of Canada, and in 2005, became a Chevalier in the Ordre National du Quebec. In 2002, Bouchard received the Honor Award from the American College of Sports Medicine. He previously served as President of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (now the Obesity Society) was President of the International Association for the Study of Obesity. This is the fourth year for the New Frontiers in Biomedical Research seminar program.  As an interdisciplinary lecture series that focuses on advancements in the fields of biomedical engineering, biology, physics and chemistry, it strives to promote an understanding of human health and disease by interacting with leaders in these research fields.  The series also seeks to expose students to growing areas of research and to enhance Louisiana Tech’s own impacts in biomedical research. The 2016-2017 series continues to expand on critical areas beyond the research bench to explore related career paths and the responsibility of research and education. “The series continues to gain support from programs across campus and from members of the Ruston community, furthering the impact that these events have on Louisiana Tech students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Jamie Newman, founder and co-organizer of the New Frontiers in Biomedical Research series.  “We thank everyone for their continued interest in the series and look forward to the coming year.” Bouchard’s presentation is sponsored by the Lincoln Health Foundation, which seeks to improve health outcomes for members of the Ruston and Lincoln Parish community, and by Louisiana Tech University’s Office of the President. All New Frontiers in Biomedical Research seminars are free to attend and open to the public. Unless otherwise noted, seminars begin at 3:30 p.m. in University Hall on the Louisiana Tech campus, and are recorded for future viewing.  For more information on the series, a schedule of speakers, and to view recordings of the seminars, visit the New Frontiers in Biomedical Research website at http://biomedicalresearch.wix.com/new-frontiers or contact Dr. Jamie Newman at jjnewman@latech.edu.