Rep. Lowenthal Visits CSULB Lab to Discuss Diversity and Affordability
On Friday November 9, 2018, recently re-elected Congressman Lowenthal visited Dr. Deepali Bhandari's biochemistry lab to discuss the focus of her work, the importance of minority groups having access to research opportunities and issues affecting CSULB students. Among other things, Dr. Bhandari's lab works to find ways to stress and destroy cancer cells.
The Congressman's visit to Dr. Bhandari's lab gave him the opportunity to learn more about her research, as well as interact with students and hear about the particular challenges they face.
Dr. Bhandari's lab and research are conducted at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and funded by the NIH. Her goals include diversifying professorship in the sciences and making sure minority groups have access to scientific fields. In a candid discussion, Dr. Bhandari and the Congressman expressed their shared view of the importance and prevalence of research in the collegiate setting. The Congressman, who is a former professor of psychology at CSULB for nearly three decades, is well-acquainted with high-level research requirements.
"Being in a research lab enhances the undergraduate experience beyond measure," Dr. Bhandari said at one point, and the Congressman agreed.
After touring the lab and viewing a demonstration involving particular cancer cells under a microscope with Dr. Bhandari, Congressman Lowenthal took the time to meet with students and hear some of their concerns about affordable and accessible education for all groups of students. The Congressman echoed their sentiments and expressed his desire to keep education and research opportunities like those in Dr. Bhandari’s lab accessible to students of all backgrounds.
Dr. Bhandari had previously visited Capitol Hill in May of 2018, where she joined a group of scientists from the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) as part of a science advocacy effort. Dr. Bhandari is a member of the Minorities Affairs Committee for ASCB.
