Since 2014, the Robert Searson Learning for Life program at Tri-C has been a cornerstone of community learning, dedicated to fostering lifelong intellectual growth. This initiative offers a diverse range of engaging programs designed and led by Tri-C’s expert faculty and distinguished guest speakers, covering a wide spectrum of academic and community-focused subjects.
This popular series provides an invaluable opportunity for both college members and the wider community to come together and explore fascinating topics. Participants delve into the arts, immerse themselves in different cultures, prioritize wellness, and critically analyze current events shaping our local, national, and international landscape. We invite you to join us and experience the power of C Learning in a vibrant and supportive environment!
2024-2025: Exploring Art, Science, and Culture
The upcoming Art, Science and Culture Lecture Series for 2024-2025 will explore the fundamental roles these disciplines play in the human experience. Art, science, and culture are not just subjects; they are the very essence of our existence, profoundly influencing our perceptions, enriching our lives, and reflecting our shared humanity. In today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s easy to overlook the inherent value of these foundational elements. Yet, amidst the constant distractions, we recognize the transformative power of art, the breakthroughs of scientific discovery, and the unifying force of cultural engagement. These are the essential tools that inspire us, educate us, and connect us as a community.
This series will delve into the interconnectedness of art, science, and culture, examining how they shape and influence one another. We encourage faculty, staff, community members, and students to participate in thought-provoking discussions about the profound impact of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. Each lecture will spotlight a unique facet within the realms of arts, science, and culture, guided by subject matter experts from Tri-C and the broader community. These accessible sessions, offered at no cost or minimal expense, are designed to be inclusive, welcoming everyone to connect, learn, and find inspiration through c learning opportunities.
Upcoming Sessions
Genetics and Gene Therapy: A Journey into the Future of Medicine
Gene therapy represents a groundbreaking approach to medical treatment, utilizing genes to repair or replace defective genes that are the root cause of disease. Genes, the fundamental units of heredity, are composed of DNA, passed down from parents to their children.
Recent advancements, fueled by collaborative efforts across scientific disciplines, have propelled gene therapy into a viable treatment option for a growing number of genetic conditions. Currently, numerous clinical trials are underway, investigating the potential of gene therapy to treat various cancers, blood disorders, neurological diseases, and inherited retinal disorders, among others.
- Wednesday, March 5 | Noon – 1 p.m.
- SHCS 133, Tri-C Westshore Campus
Meet the Presenter
Dr. Tomasz Kowalczyk brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this discussion. He earned his master’s degree in biochemistry from Warsaw University, Poland, in 1980, followed by a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the Medical University in Lublin, Poland, in 1989. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Case Western Reserve University for postdoctoral studies, where he specialized in enzyme kinetics related to tuberculosis-causing bacteria.
In 1998, Dr. Kowalczyk transitioned to the biotechnology industry, starting as a senior scientist and progressing to Director of Research at a small company. His research focused on pioneering gene therapy treatments for cystic fibrosis, age-related macular degeneration, and other diseases, including malaria. Notably, through a collaborative project, he contributed to the development of an RNA-based therapy, a methodology later adopted by Pfizer in their groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Kowalczyk’s passion for education led him to Tri-C and Lorain County Community College in 2011, where he began teaching biological sciences as an adjunct professor. Embracing his love for teaching, he joined Tri-C’s Westshore campus as a full-time faculty member in 2012. He now primarily teaches human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and principles of biology, sharing his expertise and passion for science with students.
Spring 2025 Event Preview:
- April 9, 2025 | Noon | How Climate Change Affects Biodiversity: Understanding the Interconnections
The Legacy of Learning for Life
The Robert Searson Learning for Life program has deep roots in the Tri-C community. It began in 2014 as the “Year of the Brain” series, an initiative dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the human brain. Building upon this successful foundation, the program broadened its scope and evolved into the Learning for Life series, encompassing a wider array of topics. Past lectures have explored diverse subjects, ranging from sustainability practices to presentations of cutting-edge faculty and student research projects, reflecting the program’s commitment to diverse c learning experiences.
Robert Searson, the program’s namesake, served as the inaugural Dean of Academic Affairs at the Westshore Campus until his retirement in 2021. He was a firm believer in Tri-C’s potential to serve as a vital community hub, connecting people and enriching lives through innovative educational opportunities offered right on campus. In recognition of his vision and dedication, the Learning for Life series was officially renamed the Robert Searson Learning for Life series in 2022, ensuring his legacy of c learning continues to inspire.
Mission Statement
The Robert Searson Learning for Life program is driven by a clear mission: to provide both the College and the broader community with enriching and informative presentations delivered by Tri-C’s faculty, staff, students, and esteemed guest speakers. The program brings engaging lectures directly to the community, covering topics that span the arts, culture, wellness, and critical local, national, and international issues. Through a diverse range of themes, the series aims to enhance the quality of life within our diverse community and firmly establish the Westshore Campus as a central resource for lifelong learning and enrichment, serving both students and the greater community through accessible c learning initiatives.
Explore Archived Learning for Life Presentations
Sept. 17, 2020: A Conversation With Honest Abe
