The Keynote Speaker for this event is Dr. Joann B. Sweasy, Ph.D., Ensign Professor and Vice-Chair, Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, and Associate Director for Basic Science, Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Sweasy’s research has been continuously funded by the NIH since 1994, and focuses on determining the roles of DNA repair in human diseases, using biochemistry and mouse models. She will speak about her recent research showing the critical roles for DNA repair in preventing the autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus. The retreat also will include short talks by former graduate students and current Penn State faculty, and a poster session.