IN THE KNOW

WHO KNEW?

RETIREMENT IS SOMETHING on most working people’s minds, but not 96-year-old Dr. William Hansel, who still shows up for work at Pennington Biomedical Research Center every morning at 9 a.m.

Hansel spent 40 years working in animal biology before dedicating the last 25 years to cancer research and treatment development after losing his wife to ovarian cancer.

“Her clinician told me at that time that there was a great need for much better drugs to treat cancer,” says Hansel in a YouTube video created by PBRC.

Now, after two decades of research and testing, Hansel says he is on the verge of revolutionary developments. One of his discoveries could help lay the groundwork for a promising new cancer treatment that destroys cancer cells from the outside in.

Over the years, Hansel has received numerous accolades, including two Purple Hearts during World War II for his injuries and service. He was recently presented the Distinguished Scientist Award

from the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine for his momentous discoveries and contributions to the organization.

In addition to his research, Hansel’s lasting impact stems from his role as a mentor for emerging young

scientists.“Choosing Dr. Hansel as my

mentor years ago was one of the best decisions I ever made,” says Dr. Chris Morrison, a former student worker in Hansel’s lab at LSU.

Hansel served as a mentor on

Morrison’s honors research project before Morrison went on to get his

Ph.D. Morrison has since made

several significant research discoveries

of his own.“He introduced me to

research, helped guide my early career, and to this day serves as role model for me and for scientists around the world,” says Morrison. “Throughout his career, Dr. Hansel has not only made breakthrough contributions to science, he has also invested in the lives of those who have worked alongside him. He is a true pioneer.”

After 65 years, Hansel’s lifelong passion for research seems as strong as ever. Slowing down is not an option as he continues his personal mission to help prolong life and the quality of it.

“The truth is I would never be very happy in retirement,” he says.

A lifelong mission

SAVE THE DATE

WHOLE NUMBER

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THE O BAG FACTORY, widely popular in the U.K., has opened its first store in the U.S., planting roots right here in Baton Rouge at the Mall of Louisiana. The hype surrounding the Italian-made bags comes from the custom-ization. Customers choose from a variety of sizes, colors, handles, interior cloths and more. The bags—simple, mod-ern, lightweight and water-proof—can last from season to season. Simply switch up the accessories for an updated look. New designs and colors are launched twice yearly. Find the O Bag Factory on the mall’s lower level near Dillard’s.

ST. LILLIAN ACADEMY is hosting its annual Cheers for Children Cinco de Mayo fiesta, a celebration to support the school for children with communication disorders. The party is happening May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Chanler Holden and Major Mittendorf. Those who go will enjoy food, friends, music and more. Get tickets at stlillian.org/tickets.

Build-a-bag

Cheers for Children

FRESH FIND

Percentage of cost recouped in resale value when completing a major kitchen remodel in Baton Rouge in 2015. This is more than 6% above the national average.

Source: Remodeling 2015 Cost vs. Value Report (costvsvalue.com)

Dr. William Hansel in the lab at Pennington.

Hansel (right) leads a bovine procedure during his years in animal biology.

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