To recognize, celebrate and reflect on the 10th anniversary of the mapping of the human genome, USFSP is hosting a series of five lectures in the Nelson Poynter Library.
The Festival of the Genome seeks to present a decade of genome research and its implications through discussion of science, ethics, theology and art.
“As we reflect on what we know about the genetic material of all living things, what we see is much more similarity than difference,” said Norine Noonan, USFSP regional vice chancellor of Academic Affairs. “What does it mean to be human … when we share 99.5 percent of [genetic] material with the great ape?”
Two of the lectures will focus on art, including one titled “Sequentia,” which provides “an opportunity to bring art and science together,” Noonan said.
Another lecture by a curator at the Dali Museum will discuss how Dali incorporated DNA into many of his works.
“I hope that students take the opportunity to come if they want to learn more about the human genome, DNA, genetics, molecular biology and their place in the world,” Noonan said.
The first lecture is on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. A reception will be held an hour prior to event.
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Lecture Schedule
Oct. 20 – “The Human Genome: 10 Years and 247 Days Later”
Dr. Gary Litman, vice chairman of Pediatrics at USF Health, distinguished university professor
Reception at 6 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m.
Oct. 27 – “Dali and Science: A Paranoiac Universe”
Peter Tush, curator of education, Dali Museum
Reception at 6 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m.
Nov. 3 – “SEQUENTIA (Art and Science Together)”
Xavier Cortada, artist
Dr. Kalai Mathee, founding chair and professor, department of molecular microbiology and infectious diseases, Florida International University
Reception at 6 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m.
Nov. 10 – “Finding the Human in the Genome”
Rev. Ronald Cole-Turner, professor of theology and ethics, Pittsburg Theological Seminary
Reception at 6 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m.
Nov. 17 – “The Genome and the Internet: Growing Up Together”
Robert Cook-Deegan; director of the Center for Genome Ethics, Policy and Law; Duke University
Reception at 6 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m.
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