Public Science Lectures

DR. JAMES DEGREGORI

James DeGregor is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (faculty since 1997) and Deputy Director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. He has degrees from the University of Texas at Austin (B.A. Microbiology) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (PhD Biology), and received postdoctoral training at Duke University. He holds the Courtenay and Lucy Patten Davis Endowed Chair in Lung Cancer Research, and is Editor-in-Chief of the journal Aging and Cancer.

To learn more, visit Medschool.cuanschutz.edu/Biochemistry

He will be presenting lectures over these two subjects during Darwin Day 2026 at UT Tyler and TJC:

Tyler Junior College (TJC) Events

Welcome Reception

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 5:55 PM
Location: TJC Rogers Student Center, Apache Rooms

Welcome reception with the keynote speaker.

Public Science Lecture

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: TJC Rogers Student Center, Apache Rooms

Talk Title: An evolutionary understanding for aging and disease

This talk focuses on how evolutionary processes shape aging and disease, especially cancer. Dr. James DeGregori will explain why natural selection does not eliminate many disease-related traits and how biological trade-offs across the lifespan influence vulnerability to illness.

At a Glance
Location: Rogers Student Center, Apache Rooms (TJC)
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
Time: Reception 5:00–5:55 PM | Lecture 6:00–7:00 PM
Topic: Evolution, aging, and disease

UT Tyler Events

Welcome Reception

Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Time: 5:15 – 5:55 PM
Location: UT Tyler Mabry Theatre Lobby

Please note: This is NOT the Cowan Center. It is the theater near the athletic center.

Welcome reception with the keynote speaker.

Public Science Lecture

Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: UT Tyler Mabry Theatre

Please note: This is NOT the Cowan Center. It is the theater near the athletic center.

Talk Title: The evolution of adaptive landscapes for somatic mutations to maximize animal fitness

This lecture examines how mutations in body cells (somatic mutations) evolve over time and affect health and cancer risk. Dr. James DeGregori will discuss how evolutionary landscapes shape which mutations persist and how organisms balance survival, reproduction, and disease risk.

At a Glance
Location: Mabry Theatre, UT Tyler (not Cowan Center)
Date: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
Time: Reception 5:15–5:55 PM | Lecture 6:00–7:00 PM
Topic: Somatic mutations and evolutionary fitness