This panel discussion (10/19/2016) engaged the general public in current topics of genetics and genomics, such as assembling genomes, gene editing and gene drives, gene therapy in medicine, GMOs, bioethics, and “big unanswered questions”. The panel was made up of a diverse group of faculty at the University of Kentucky:

 

Moderator: Brian Rymond, PhD, Linda and Jack Gill Professor of Biology, Department of Biology

Panel Members:

- Stephen L. Dobson, PhD, Professor of Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Department of Entomology

- Paul Vincelli, PhD, Extension Professor and Provost's Distinguished Service Professor, Department of Plant Pathology

- Julia Bursten, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy

- Brett T. Spear, PhD, Professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics

- Jeremiah Smith, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology

- Pete Mirabito, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biology

 

Presented by the Friends of the Public Library and the University of Kentucky Biology Department.

 

This event was part of broader series of events – “Month of TH Morgan” - celebrating the 150th birthday of Dr. Thomas Hunt Morgan - Lexington native and Nobel prize winner. His work on fruit fly genetics laid the foundation for modern genetics. You can learn more about the Month of TH Morgan here: https://bio.as.uky.edu/month-th-morgan.