Participate in the Discovery Center's casual, educational series exploring a variety of science topics. This month guest can explore "Biobots: Building Beyond Biology" with Ms. Ritu Raman, followed by a public forum entitled "Should We Engineer the Mosquito?" The event is free and open to the public.

WHAT:

Science Café (free and open to the public)

"Bio-bots: Building Beyond Biology" and "Should We Engineer the Mosquito?"

WHEN:

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)

WHERE:

Discovery Center, 502 S.E. Broad Street, Murfreesboro, TN

PRESENTER:

Ms. Ritu Raman, NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Laboratory of Integrated Bio-Medical Micro/Nanotechnology and Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

New developments in the field of "building with biology" have enabled scientists to harness the unique adaptive behaviors of biological materials, making them more complex than traditional machines. The field also involves genetically modifying natural organisms. With Zika making its first appearance in Nashville this summer, local health officials are keeping an eye on the virus to ensure it does not pose a major outbreak threat. Meanwhile, scientists are exploring whether the answer to stopping the spread of the virus is in genetics.

Ms. Raman will introduce these new developments in the exciting growth area of bio-engineering.

Her presentation will be followed by a public forum entitled "Should We Engineer the Mosquito?" moderated by Dr. Preston MacDougall, Assistant Chair, Dept. of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University.

"The public has fears of spreading epidemics, such as the Zika virus, but also has concerns about genetically modified organisms which have the potential to address these fears," MacDougall said. "We look forward to presenting the latest developments in the broad field of bio-engineering and discussing the ramifications with attendees at the forum."

Panelists at the forum include Ms. Raman; Dr. Ryan Otter, Dept. of Biology, MTSU; and Dr. Scott Corlew, former Chief Medical Officer of Resurge International.

Free and open to the public, Science Café at the Discovery Center is a casual, educational series exploring a variety of current issues in science. Attendees can hear from scientists, researchers and experts in a wide range of fields. More information is available at www.explorethedc.org/ sciencecafe. Event subject to change.

Panelist Bios

Ms. Ritu Raman, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ms. Raman is 5th year Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, funded by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Her research interests are focused on developing and commercializing 3D printing technologies for biological and biomedical applications. Specifically, she is interested in using 3D printing to forward-engineer the biological machines and systems of the future.

Dr. Ryan Otter, Dept. of Biology, MTSU

Ryan Otter holds BS and MS degrees in zoology from Michigan State University and a PhD from Clemson University in environmental toxicology. He is currently an associate professor in the department of biology at Middle Tennessee State University where his laboratory works on issues related to freshwater pollution.

Dr. Scott Corlew, Global Public Health Expert

Dr. Corlew is retired from the practice of surgery but continues to work in global health. He has served in the US Public Health Service, practiced surgery at MTMC (now St. Thomas Rutherford), served as Chief Medical Officer of St. Thomas Rutherford, and served as Chief Medical Officer of Resurge International, a non-governmental organization working in development and delivery of surgical care in developing countries.