TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Brown Bag Lecture Series for women will be held Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 12:30 p.m. in 308 Manly Hall featuring Kristen Payne discussing her dissertation “A Grounded Theory of the Body-Self Relationship in Older Women with Advanced Cancer.”

The lecture series is sponsored by the UA Women’s Resource Center and the department of women’s studies.

Payne, a graduate assistant at the WRC, will present research that is based on interviews of women over 65 who are living with terminal cancer. Her research examines the body-self relationship of these women and their current self-perceptions, as well as how these variables have been affected over the course of their illness.

Payne completed her master’s degree in clinical psychology at UA in 2004. She is currently working toward a doctorate in the field and a master’s degree in women’s studies. Payne’s research interests include older women’s experiences with terminal illness, end-of-life care and public policy, and coupling feminism and clinical psychology curriculum to include a more complete examination of psychological principles, theories and treatments.

Payne has co-authored several articles and book chapters on older adults’ health and has presented her work at national conferences including The Gerontological Society of America’s annual conference.

Each month, the Women’s Resource Center and the department of women’s studies sponsor a speaker, movie or other activity on topics of primary interest to UA faculty, staff and students. The events are free and open to the public. All members of the campus community are invited to attend and bring their lunch.

For more information, contact the WRC at 205/348-5040 or the department of women’s studies at 205/348-5782.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.