OSU Alumni Association
2009 Winter Term
Science Strand
Introduction to the Evolving Theory of Evolution
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1:30
Dee Denver, OSU Assistant Professor of Zoology, studies the evolution of genomes. He will provide a historical
perspective on Darwin’s original theory of evolution in the late 1800s, how it has persisted and been strengthened
by advances in biology and DNA structure. He will describe the theory’s union with genetics in the 1920s and its
recent synthesis with molecular biology and genomics. The controversy of evolution’s role in public education
and Dr. Denver’s research will be discussed.
Host: Ron Coffey
Radiation — Is It as Deadly As They Say It Is?
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 9:30
It has been scientifically demonstrated that very high levels of radiation can be harmful and even
deadly to humans. There is a diversity of opinion about whether radiation at very low levels is
detrimental or beneficial to human health. Steve Binney, Director Emeritus of the OSU Radiation
Center, will describe the nature of radiation and its biological effects.
Host: Len Maki
The ABCs of Automotive Fuel Cells
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 1:30
Ron Sims, formerly Staff Technical Specialist, Ford Scientific Research Laboratory, Dearborn, Michigan, will
outline the basic structure and operating principles of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The
benefits and challenges, both technical and commercial, of using fuel cells and hydrogen fuel, as motive power
sources for vehicle application will be described, referencing the Ford prototypes that have recently been
developed.
Host: Denis Jarvis
Plant Genomics and Biofuel
Tuesday Jan. 27, 1:30
Ethanol made from cellulose, instead of food crops such as corn,
is one direction the biofuel industry is headed. Todd Mockler,
OSU Assistant Professor of Botany and Plant Pathology, studies
Brachypodium, a small grass plant that is closely related to
crops that are likely to be feedstocks for ethanol production. His
work involves genome sequencing and a technology called a
"DNA microarray." He will summarize the progress he and his
research team have made in achieving this goal.
Host: Don Rounds
Oregon’s California Gray Whales
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 9:30
In this class we will take a close look at our local and most abundant large whale, the
gray whale. Jim Sumich, Emeritus Professor of Biology, Grossmont College, El Cajon,
CA and Adjunct Instructor at Hatfield Marine Science Center, has conducted research
on this whale for 30 years, from Baja California to British Columbia. Find out about this
whale’s basic biology, captive maintenance, current research, future prospects, and the
best whale-spotting locations on the Oregon coast.
Host: Denis Jarvis
Wind Energy 101
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1:30
Stel Walker is director of the OSU Energy Resources Research Laboratory (ERRL) and
Associate Head of the OSU School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering.
He has been involved with many aspects of wind energy research and development since 1972.
The State of Oregon has mandated a significant increase in renewable energy sources. This has
created a strong interest in wind power to generate electricity. Dr. Walker will provide an
overview of wind energy basics, including terminology, wind turbine technology, and wind
development issues.
Host: Len Maki
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1:30
Lynn Adams holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and physiology and a master’s degree in clinical
psychology. Lynn suffered for years from chronic pain without satisfactory treatment. When she was finally
diagnosed with fibromyalgia, she decided to do all that she could to understand the illness. She is currently
facilitator of the Linn and Benton County chronic-pain support group. Lynn will describe what fibromyalgia is,
how it can be treated, and what the future holds in terms of research and new treatments.
Host: Len Maki
The Promise of Wave Power
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1:30
A significant untapped renewable energy source exists in the world's oceans. It is estimated that if
0.2% of the oceans' untapped energy could be harnessed, it could provide power sufficient for the
entire world. Wave power could become a new, reliable, and clean source of affordable and
renewable energy. OSU's wave energy program will be reviewed by Asst. Prof. Ted Brekken, codirector
of the OSU Wallace Energy Systems and Renewables Facility. He will also discuss the
developing opportunities for the State of Oregon to become a leader in wave power.
Host: Don Rounds
Visit to SIGA Labs: Biowarfare Defense
Tuesday, March 3, 1:30
Dennis Hruby, OSU Professor of Microbiology and Chief Scientific Officer of SIGA, will present SIGA's novel
synthesis of small-molecule therapeutics for biological warfare defense. He will describe agents that can
prevent or treat viral infections for which there are presently no adequate countermeasures. The oral agent
ST-246, active against smallpox, has been developed for epidemics where vaccines are useless.
Meet at the laboratories of SIGA at 4575 Research Way, suite 230, Corvallis.
Host: Ron Coffey
Evolution of Human DNA: The Genome's Eye View
Tuesday, March 10, 1:30
Dee Denver, OSU Assistant Professor of Zoology, will describe the "genomic
perspective" and basics of the human genome. Discussion will range from the
motivations underlying genome projects for humans and other organisms to the scientific
strategies for obtaining complete genome sequences. The class will conclude with the
topic of "the quest for the $1,000 human genome" whose goal is to make personalized
genomics a reality in the near future and be an important aspect of our health care.
Host: Ron Coffey