Community
Forum in
Chemistry
Fall
2007 Schedule
Hale Imiloa 111 (view
map of campus)
University of Hawai’i - Windward
Community College
45-720 Kea'ahala Road
Kane'ohe, Hawai’i 96744
Tuesday, September 4
1:30-2:30 p.m.
M. Lee Goff, Ph.D
Dealing with the Addicted Maggot
In cases of death by homicide, suicide or accident, insects are often the only eyewitnesses to the event. Presence of drugs or toxins in a body can further complicate the reconstruction of the circumstances of the death and the insects will often provide significant clues. These applications will be illustrated using actual cases from Hawaii and other parts of the world.
M. Lee Goff (Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Hawaii) is the Chair of the Forensic Sciences Program at Chaminade University and consultant for the TV series, CSI.
Wednesday, October 3
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Ralf I. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Extraterrestial Formation of the Molecules of Life
Ever since the pioneering detection of CH, CH+, and CN more than half a century ago, there has been an increase in the number of chemicals identified in interstellar space, including amino acids and sugars. Yet, the answer to the question "How do these molecules arise in the interstellar medium and in our solar system?" remains highly speculative. In this talk, synthetic routes to the biologically important molecules in cold interstellar environments and in our Solar System, and its implications to the origin of life, will be discussed.
Ralf I. Kaiser (Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Munster, Germany), is a Professor at the Chemistry Department, UHM, and was recently awarded the UH Regents Excellence in Research.
Monday, October 29
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Gabor Mocz, Ph.D
DNA Microarrays in Disease Detection and Diagnosis
DNA microarrays are prefabricated chips containing an arrangement of several DNA fragments or oligonucleotides that are used to detect active genes in a sample cell, for instance in a tumor tissue. It has brought about a revolution in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of biological processes. The technology involved and the underlying chemistry will be discussed together with examples that illustrate successful application in health and disease.
Gabor Mocz (Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Eotvos Lorand University, Hungary) is the Director of the Molecular Biology Core Facility at U of Hawaii-Manoa.
Thursday, November 29
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Paul M. Fox, Ph.D.
Bioterrorism
After the anthrax attacks in 2001 that resulted in five deaths, Congress took steps to establish molecular laboratories in various states, including Hawaii, to deal with possible bioterrorism events. This talk will illustrate some of the current molecular technologies being utilized for testing, as well as exploring the historical context of bioterrorism.
Paul Fox (Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Hawaii) works with the Bioterrorism Response Laboratory at the State of Hawaii Public Health Lab.
What is the Community Forum in Chemistry?
• Its goal is to increase learning in chemistry for all students (and community members).
• A practicing professional discusses a chemistry related topic that is relevant to everyday lives.
• During the forum audience participate by asking questions, sharing views and comments.
• Serves as a bridge between classroom and real-world applications.
| Co-sponsored by | |||
| This project is coordinated by Leticia
U. Colmenares Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Chemistry - 236-9120 |
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