By Vanna Dupree
The E.T. York Distinguished Lecturer Series in the Auburn University College of Agriculture will host Thomas Spencer, a Curators’ Distinguished Professor at the University of Missouri, November 10 at 4 p.m. at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. Spencer’s address is titled, “Impacts of Basic and Translational Research on Reproductive Health in Humans and Animals.”
Spencer’s research has significant potential impact on human health and reproductive and developmental biology. His research program is focused on biological pathways regulating development and function of the uterus and placenta to supply fundamental information for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of fertility problems and disease to improve women’s reproductive health. He is also researching how progesterone regulates uterine receptivity, fundamental aspects of conceptus-endometrial interactions, and biological and genetic pathways regulating development of the blastocyst and placenta. This work uses a variety of different animal models, including sheep, cattle and mice.
He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University and later received his doctorate in reproductive biology from Texas A&M University. Spencer also earned a post-doctoratal degree in reproductive biology from the Baylor University College of Medicine. He has more than 325 research articles, reviews and book chapters.
Dean Paul Patterson said he is pleased to have Spencer return to the college as a distinguished lecturer.
“Dr. Spencer’s work is a perfect example of an alumnus meeting the mission of our college, which is to equip our faculty, staff and students to create innovative and sustainable solutions to agricultural, food, natural resource and environmental challenges in ways that benefit our world,” he said.
The E.T. York Distinguished Lecturer Series features internationally known speakers addressing issues relating to agriculture, food, the environment and natural resources. It was instituted in Auburn University’s College of Agriculture in 1981 through a gift from E.T. and Vam Cardwell York, both of whom are native Alabamians and Auburn graduates.
York served as director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System from 1959 until 1962; he then went on to head the USDA Federal Extension Service in Washington, D.C. Later, he served as provost and vice president for agriculture at the University of Florida and then chancellor of the State University System of Florida until his retirement in 1980.
Spencer’s lecture will be held in the auditorium at the hotel and conference center. This event is free and open to the public.
