A researcher of molecular evolution will speak at Indiana State University on Tuesday, Jan. 13, as part of the Biology Seminar Series: "From Molecules to Ecosystems."
Scott Edwards, a professor of organismic and evolutionary biology and curator of ornithology in Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Zoology will speak about, "Using Genomics to Study Evolution, Biodiversity and Diseases in the Wild," as the first series speaker at 4 p.m. in Room 12 of the Science Building. Edwards' research focuses on the principles of molecular evolution and the evolution of genes involved with disease resistance in wild birds.
Edwards received his undergraduate degree from Harvard before going on to earn his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. During his post-doctoral work at the University of Florida in Gainesville he began studying the evolution of genes involved with disease resistance in wild birds. Such genes play an important role in many aspects of avian biology, including parasite resistance, plumage color variation and mate choice.
"Anyone interested in science can come to these talks and take something away," said Rusty Gonser, assistant professor in the biology department.
The series, sponsored by the ISU department of biology and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College science and math department, brings in internationally, recognized research scientists to speak to students and community members.
Refreshments will be served prior to the seminar from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Contact: Rusty Gonser, assistant professor of biology, Indiana State University, 812-237-2395 or rgonser@isugw.indstate.edu
Writer: Jennifer Spector, media relations intern, Office of Communications & Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3773 or jspector@mymail.indstate.edu