Bioethics Lectures
Twice each year, in October and March, FranU hosts a Bioethics Lecture series on campus. Sponsored by Dr. Redfield & Mrs. Carol Ann Bryan, the Bioethics Lectures feature nationally-renowned speakers on topics connected to Catholic bioethics.
Upcoming Bioethics Lectures
Dr. Mariele Courtois is an Assistant Professor of Moral Theology and Director of the Center for Technology and Human Dignity at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. She will give two presentations as part of the Spring 2026 Bioethics Lecture Series at FranU. Both events are open to the public and will be accompanied by a light reception.On Wednesday, March 18, from 6:30-7:45pm, Dr. Courtois will present on "AI in Catholic Healthcare and Healthcare Education: Its Risks and Benefits." Please RSVP here.This event also counts toward the lecture requirement for FranU students pursuing the REACH Badge, which is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have completed or are enrolled in PHIL 2320, THEO 3345 or IPGC 6125. Learn more about the REACH Badge.Learn more about REACH Badge.
Dr. Mariele Courtois is an Assistant Professor of Moral Theology and Director of the Center for Technology and Human Dignity at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. She will give two presentations as part of the Spring 2026 Bioethics Lecture Series at FranU. Both events are open to the public and will be accompanied by a light reception.On Thursday, March 19, from 9-10:15am, Dr. Courtois will present on "The Ethics of Genetic Technologies at the Beginning of Life." Please RSVP here.This event also counts toward the lecture requirement for FranU students pursuing the REACH Badge, which is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have completed or are enrolled in PHIL 2320, THEO 3345 or IPGC 6125.Learn more about REACH Badge.
Previous Bioethics Lectures
Fall 2025 | Dr. Christopher DeCock
"Is Brain Death Really Death?"
"Bioethics, Brain Death and Human Dignity"
Spring 2025 | Dr. Margaret Chisolm
"Flourishing in Healthcare Education and Practice"
"Flourishing in the Midst of Mental Illness"
Fall 2024 | JD Flynn
"The Catholic Vision of Human Dignity: Its Uniqueness and Importance for Today"
"Loving Our Neighbor: Caring for Those with Down Syndrome"
Spring 2024 | Dr. Charlie Camosy
"Euthanasia and the Throwaway Culture"
"Bioethics for Nurses: Where We Are & What Resources Are Still Needed"
Lecture Recordings
Watch recordings of these and other past Bioethics Lectures on our FranU Bioethics YouTube channel.
Stay Notified
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Lecture Testimonials
Having talks like this for our community is essential in teaching us the truth of the human person so that we can love authentically."
Lecture Attendee
Enlightening, informative and entertaining all at the same time."
Lecture Attendee
The presentation led me to reflect on the importance of knowing key elements of perspective that apply to areas critical to flourishing and how something like the flourishing model can be a guide when engaging with my family, with patients and colleagues at my workplace and with the different aspects of my formation program which is in service to my Church community."
Lecture Attendee
