Science Seminar Series Kicks Off Thursday

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University's College of Arts and Sciences will kick off the Fall 2009 Science Seminar Series with a presentation from one of its own at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Powell Hall Auditorium.

Dr. Archna Bhasin, assistant professor of biology at VSU, will examine the "Characterization of the Zenorhabdus nematophila colonization protein NilB." Her discussion will highlight the bacterium's ability to colonize based on the function of the protein. Visit www.valdosta.edu/cas/scisem/Bhasin.shtml for a more detailed explanation of Dr. Bhasin's presentation.

The annual series will continue through the semester with weekly appearances by both VSU professors and visiting lecturers who will focus on a variety of topics including biology, chemistry and mathematics. Beginning this Thursday and continuing through Thursday, Nov. 19, each will take place at 4 p.m. in the Powell Hall Auditorium.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/cas/scisem/Fall2009.shtml for more information on individual presentations or see below for the weekly list.

4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
**TBA
Dr. Yakov Woldman, associate professor
Valdosta State University
Hosting Dept: Chemistry

4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24
"Sponge-associated microbes: the population and their biotechnological potential"
Peter J. McCarthy, Ph.D., research professor
Center for Marine Biomedical and Biotechnology Research 

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University
Hosting Dept: Biology

4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1
"A marriage of discrete and continuous math - or, how to keep your roommates happy"
Charles Kicey, Ph.D.
Math and Computer Science
Valdosta State University
Hosting Dept: Math and Computer Science

4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8
"Integrative Perspectives on Sex and Aggression: One fish, two fish, red fish….black fish"
Ryan Early
University of Alabama
Hosting Dept: Biology

4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
"Functional Relationships between Bats and Their Habitat"
Dr. Holly Ober, assistant professor
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
Hosting Dept: Biology

4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22
"Diamondback Terrapins: Problems and Solutions"
Dr. Joe Butler, professor, Department of Biology
University of North Florida
Hosting Dept: Biology

4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29
**TBA
Jeremy DeBarry, doctoral candidate
Dr. Jeff Bennetzen's Genetics Lab, The University of Georgia
Hosting Dept: Biology

4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5
"How ion channels set the rhythm in pituitary cells"
Dr. Joel Tabak, assistant scholar/scientist
Department of Biological Science at Florida State University.
Hosting Dept: Biology

4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12
**TBA
Dr. Nicole Lopanik
Department of Biology at Georgia State University
Hosting Dept: Biology

4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19
**TBA
Dr. James M. Fadool, associate professor
Department of Biological Science at Florida State University
Hosting Dept: Biology