Distinguished University Professor Lecture, Presented by Dr. Gordon L. Amidon

Does the much-maligned carbon dioxide, a driving force behind global warming, deserve its bad rap?

In his upcoming Distinguished University Professor lecture, Gordon L. Amidon, PhD’71, will explore carbon dioxide from many angles, “the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.”

The talk will take place at 4 p.m. on November 14 in the Rackham Amphitheatre. The lecture and reception that follows are free and open to the public.

Prof. Gordon L. Amidon is the William I. Higuchi Distinguished University Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences.  His research aims to understand the gastrointestinal factors that control drug absorption from an oral drug product. 

“I will present a modest attempt to resurrect the image of carbon dioxide,” explains Amidon. “While global warming and the role that atmospheric gases play in the ‘green house’ effect has received considerable attention in the scientific and public press, I will point to the more positive role of carbon dioxide in evolution and in biology.”

“A theme in my research over my career has been the mysteries of the gastrointestinal tract and in particular oral absorption from a drug product and its therapeutic efficacy in patients,” notes Amidon.  “Most recently, my laboratory has determined that carbon dioxide and its aqueous form, bicarbonate ion, play an essential role in the absorption of many drugs.  I will track this theme from my graduate student days at the University of Michigan up until today. It has been a marvelous and much enjoyed journey!”

Distinguished University Professorships recognize exceptional scholarly and/or creative achievements, national and international reputation, superior teaching and mentoring, and an impressive record of service. Each Professor delivers a lecture of their choosing during this event.