WHAT: University of Nebraska at Kearney Science Café
HOSTED BY: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
TITLE: “Myths vs. Truths in Genetically Modified Crops”
TOPIC: Genetically modified (GM) crops have the capacity to deliver transformative advantages to our society. Yet, the public tends to perceive risks associated with releasing GM plants into the environment and consuming food products derived from GM crops. While some of these concerns are legitimate, many are false claims rooted in misconceptions about why and how GM crops are produced. This Science Café talk will cover the science, impact and controversy of GM crops.
PRESENTER: Haiwei Lu is an assistant professor in the UNK Department of Biology. Her research utilizes modern biotechnologies, including both genetic engineering and genomics, to promote the use of plant species for the biosynthesis of compounds of industrial or medicinal value. She received her bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Beijing Forestry University and her doctorate in molecular and cellular biology from Oregon State University. Prior to joining UNK, she spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, then taught biology for three years at Central Community College in Hastings.
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
DATE: Monday, Oct. 6
PLACE: Ockinga Auditorium, UNK campus
CONTACT: Katherine Moen, UNK associate psychology professor, 308.865.8236, moenk@unk.edu