Nov. 12, 2009

Transgenic issues to be subject of panel discussion

Morningside College will host a panel discussion on transgenic issues at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, in the UPS Auditorium in Lincoln Center, 3627 Peters Ave.  This event is free and open to the public. 

The Morningside presentation is called “'O Brave New World that has such Frankenthings in it': Transgenic Frontiers and Their Implications.”

A transgenic organism is one where genetic material from another species has been intentionally transferred with the purpose of improving or enhancing the original organism, explained Patrick Bass, professor of history and political science.  He said this process has created genetically modified foods and animals and perhaps in the future will even impact humans.

Panelists will be John Bowitz, professor and chair of art; Jessica de Vega, assistant professor of religious studies; Tom Gilbert, professor of philosophy; Jodi McKay, assistant professor of biology; Jim Stroh, associate professor and chair of biology and chemistry; and Molly Williams, professor of business administration.

Bass will be the moderator for the panel discussion.