Belhaven’s Biology Lecture Series will close out this semester with a lecture on Organ Transplants by D. Joy Riley, M.D. Riley is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Center for Bioethics & Culture. Board certified in internal medicine, she has also done basic science research in the field of biochemistry. Her areas of interest include the international stem cell research and cloning debate, genetics issues, the transhumanist movement, and medical ethics, including transplantation ethics and end-of-life issues.

“Bioethical issues such as personhood, pre-natal screening, euthanasia, genetic manipulation, and end-of life decisions are closer to affecting us than we realize,” says Dr. Al Chestnut, Chair of the Biology Department and 30-year faculty member. “The Biology Department is completing a semester of Bioethics seminars. We began the semester with Dr. Sam Hensley, a Fellow of The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity at Trinity International University and we are privileged to end with the director of the Tennessee Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity.” The lecture will be in Irby 220 at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 12.

Belhaven stands among the select Christian colleges and universities that offer a unique general core curriculum encouraging the development of a personal worldview. The university believes a Christian worldview is a key to preparing men and women academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.

Founded in 1883, Belhaven University now serves over 3,000 students from campuses in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, and online, offering traditional undergraduate degrees, graduate and adult degree programs, and online degree programs.