Professor accepts scientific advisory post

Dr. Alan C. Henderson, a professor of Health Science at Cal State Long Beach, has been appointed to a three-year term on the scientific advisory committee for the University of California Tobacco Related Disease Research program.

The committee reviews research proposals from groups applying for funding in tobacco research. It also decides what programs get priority for research funding.

"The purpose of this scientific advisory committee is to review programs as authorized by legislation, and to insure that programs are being conducted with consistency according to the state of science," Henderson said.

Tobacco research is a field in which much is yet to be explored.

"Information is pretty widespread concerning tobacco's influence in lung cancer," Henderson said. "But research is being done as to tobacco's effect in cervical cancer and abdominal cancer."

"Research and studies have also found that women smokers tend to get more addicted, and thus have a more difficult time quitting smoking than men," Henderson said.

Research includes the bio-medical factors of smoking, and its influence on behavior.

The committee recommends how state money should be spent on tobacco research. It also recommends experts to serve on peer-review panels.

The 12 members are nominated from various fields of health science, including researchers, educators, physicians and scientists. It meets quarterly.

Henderson's term began Oct. 15, and is scheduled to end June 30, 1998. He was nominated by the Department of Education.

Henderson has been teaching at CSULB since 1987. He is the graduate program director of the health science department.

"The scientific advisory committee is composed of a select group of individuals, very prestigious," Henderson said. "I am pleased to have been nominated. It is an honor to serve on this committee."