Contact: Maridith Geuder
An internationally recognized researcher of the influenza virus speaks Friday [Sept. 28] at Mississippi State University.
Dr. Robert G. Webster will lead a public program that begins at 3 p.m. in 119 Harned Hall. He holds the Rose Marie Thomas Chair [endowed professorship] in the virology and microbiology department at Memphis, Tenn.-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Titled "The Origin and Control of Pandemic Influenza," his presentation is sponsored by MSU's department of biological sciences and Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute.
Webster, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, has written extensively on the transmission of influenza strains--the viruses that cause the flu--over wide areas, including countries, continents and, as in 1918, the world. His work has helped shape strategies for preventing their spread.
In collaboration with the World Health Organization, he has shown how wild aquatic birds of the world, including wild ducks and shore birds, are the natural reservoirs of influenza viruses.
A member of the St. Jude staff since 1969, he is a graduate of New Zealand's Otago University and the Australian National University.
For more information, telephone Karen S. Coats at (662) 335-8252.