The Graduate School will host its annual Fall Open House on Saturday, October 19, from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the Campbell Student Union. The Open House allows prospective graduate students to learn more about academic degree and certificate programs, as well as admission requirements and the application process. Guests will have an opportunity to explore financial aid options, meet our faculty, and hear from current students.

For more information or to register, please visit the Graduate School Open House web page.

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar "The Role of a Novel Myosin in Prostate Cancer Metastasis," presented by Wilma Hofmann, associate professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics in the University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, today, October 21, from 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Technology Building 160. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.

Abstract
The underlying cause of mortality in prostate cancer is cancer progression that is caused by tumor cells that spread from a primary tumor site and invade other tissues. We recently identified a new myosin isoform that is selectively expressed in invasive human prostate cancer cells and that is critically involved in the intracellular transport of secretory vesicles. Importantly, our data show that expression of this isoform is functionally linked to a significant increase in secretion of factors that are involved in degradation of extracellular material and thus can be causally linked to the increased metastatic potential of cells that express this isoform. Taken together, our data have identified a molecule suitable for a mechanistically grounded development into a marker and target for prognosis, detection, and treatment of invasive prostate cancer.

Please join the Biology Department and the Great Lakes Center for the seminar "The Role of a Novel Myosin in Prostate Cancer Metastasis," presented by Wilma Hofmann, associate professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics in the University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, on Monday, October 21, from 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Technology Building 160. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.

Abstract
The underlying cause of mortality in prostate cancer is cancer progression that is caused by tumor cells that spread from a primary tumor site and invade other tissues. We recently identified a new myosin isoform that is selectively expressed in invasive human prostate cancer cells and that is critically involved in the intracellular transport of secretory vesicles. Importantly, our data show that expression of this isoform is functionally linked to a significant increase in secretion of factors that are involved in degradation of extracellular material and thus can be causally linked to the increased metastatic potential of cells that express this isoform. Taken together, our data have identified a molecule suitable for a mechanistically grounded development into a marker and target for prognosis, detection, and treatment of invasive prostate cancer.

The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium resumes its public presentations on Saturday, October 19, in its temporary location in Buckham Hall D-wing with two programs on Saturday evenings from October 19 through November 23: "Star Stories of the Iroquois" at 6:00 p.m., and "Birth of Planet Earth" at 7:30 p.m. 

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month in November, "Star Stories of the Iroquois," a live presentation, lets participants look at the stars in ways they probably never have before. Many cultures across time and around the world pass down star stories from generation to generation. Join us to learn about some of the star stories of the Iroquois Confederacy. 

We end Earth Science Week with the Buffalo premiere of "Birth of Planet Earth." This immersive digital planetarium program tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins while exploring some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does Earth's history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like? Watch a trailer for "Birth of Planet Earth." This program also includes a 20-minute tour of the autumn night sky.

Both programs run approximately 50 minutes and are most appropriate for ages 8 and up. 

Reservations may be made through the planetarium web site, and tickets are purchased at the door. Adult admission is $8, with a reduced rate of $6 for those 17 and under or 65 and over, Buffalo State faculty and staff members, non-Buffalo State College students, and active military service members and veterans. Buffalo State students are admitted free with valid student ID. 

The 2019–2020 academic year season continues November 30 and runs through May 30. The full list of programs for the season can be found on the planetarium web site.

From the Director of Equity and Campus Diversity
The Equity and Campus Diversity Office and the Communication Department are excited to announce a free screening and discussion of the film The Great White Hoax on Thursday, October 24, at 7:00 p.m. in Upton Hall 230.

The film provides a kaleidoscopic view of a nation still grappling with white supremacy, still driven by deep and persistent inequalities along racial lines. Narrated by Tim Wise, it is enlightening as well as disturbing.

The screening will be followed by a discussion moderated by Buffalo State assistant professor of communication Dorthea Braemer, featuring Buffalo State professor of communication Mike Niman, and community activist and former Canisius College faculty member Herson Simmonds.

Watch the trailer.

Looking for something fun to do with your family? How about dozens of things? That’s what you’ll find tomorrow, October 19, at the Hyatt’s All Things Creative $5 Family Day at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

For just $5 per family, you can enjoy kid-friendly gallery tours, hands on art-making workshops, movies, live music, food trucks, and more.

As a special bonus, Hyatt’s All Things Creative has made it possible for the Burchfield Penney to offer $50 family memberships to all new members who sign up at Family Day. That’s a $25 savings. Each new member will also receive a $25 gift card for any purchase at Hyatt’s All Things Creative.

RSVP and invite your friends on Facebook.

More information is available on the Burchfield Penney website.

Looking for something to do with your family? How about dozens of things? That’s what you’ll find at the Hyatt’s All Things Creative Family Day at the Burchfield Penney Art Center on Saturday, October 19.

For just $5 per family, you can enjoy kid-friendly gallery tours, hands on art-making workshops, movies, live music, food trucks, and more.

As a special bonus, Hyatt’s All Things Creative has made it possible for the Burchfield Penney to offer $50 family memberships to all new members who sign up at Family Day. That’s a $25 savings. Each new member will also receive a $25 gift card for any purchase at Hyatt’s All Things Creative.

RSVP and invite your friends on Facebook.

More information is available on the Burchfield Penney website.

An overnight stay at the Buffalo Grand Hotel (formerly the Adams Mark) and a $25 Regal Cinema gift card are available in this week's SEFA online raffle in support of the United Way. To participate, simply visit the SEFA raffle website. Entries close at 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 18. The winner will be announced Tuesday, October 22. For more information, please contact SEFA campaign chair Tom Koller, senior associate athletics director, 878-6514. 

And congratulations to Andrew Garrity, associate database administrator, winner of last week's raffle for a $100 gift card to SEAR Steakhouse on Delaware as well as a $25 Visa gift card.

The Undergraduate Research Small Grants Program provides up to $400 to assist undergraduate students in carrying out a research, scholarly, or creative activity during the academic year (up to $600 may be requested for a single project that involves two or more students). Funding is intended to help defray the cost of travel, supplies, and other materials necessary to conduct the project. The primary purpose of travel should be to enable the student to conduct research. Award recipients will be required to participate in the annual Buffalo State Student Research and Creativity Conference [SRCC] on May 2, 2020. The application deadline for submission of the student portion is Wednesday, October 16; faculty mentor approval is due by Friday, October 18. For more details, please visit the online application portal on the Undergraduate Research website.

The Dean of Students Office will host a Take Back the Night yoga session on Thursday, October 17, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Buckham Hall D203. Take Back the Night is an international event and nonprofit organization with the mission of ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms. Hundreds of events are held in over 30 countries annually. Events include marches, rallies, and vigils intended as a protest and direct action against sexual violence and relationship and domestic violence. The yoga session will focus on the topics of healing and mindfulness and is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Registration for this event is not required. Mats will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own. The Dean of Students Office will also be staffing tables on October 17 during Bengal Pause to talk about the yoga event, as well as to discuss domestic and relationship violence awareness and prevention, and how to promote healthy relationships. For more information please call 878-4618 or visit the Dean of Students website.