Posted 02/23/2000
Contact: Andrew Svec, 218-281-8380
Biotechnologist Muscoplat to Speak at UMC Spring Convocation March 1
Dr.
Charles Muscoplat, Dean of the University of Minnesota’s College of
Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science and Vice President for
Agricultural Policy,
will be the guest speaker at the Spring Convocation set for March
1, at 10:00 a.m. in Bede Ballroom, on the campus of the University
Minnesota, Crookston (UMC).
Dr. Muscoplat is a widely
recognized scientist and leader in biotechnology and its application to
human, plant and animal improvement.
He has extensive expertise in academia, basic and applied research,
teaching, business, technology transfer, administration, FDA regulatory
affairs, public service in agriculture, and public policy development.
He helped start one of the nation's first agricultural
biotechnology companies, developed the nation's first biotechnology animal
health product (Genecol 99), and played a key role in the development of
the first U.S. biotechnology plant product-herbicide-tolerant corn.
Muscoplat will discuss biotechnology and genetically modified organisms or GMOs.
According to Richard Nelson, Director of UMC’s Center for
Agriculture and Natural Resources, genetic modification is different from
tradition breeding in that it involves inserting genes from one species
into the DNA of another. The
process is controversial because even though there may be many potential
benefits, especially in health-related fields, people fear the possible
genetic repercussions such processes may have on the food supply in the long run.
Some have even gone so far as to call GMOs “Frankenfoods.”
The
topic is timely and involves worldwide agricultural markets.
“Farmers are concerned because of uncertain market access.
Companies are worried about staying competitive without risking a
public opinion backlash. And
scientists
continue to insist the resistance is more about political trade barriers
than about science or safety. [It
may be] another case of science speeding ahead faster than society can
cope,” says Nelson. Nelson
is pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for UMC students and
community members to hear a speaker involved in the forefront of
agricultural technology.
During
his day-long visit, Muscoplat will also tour the Northwest Research and
Outreach Center, adjacent to the UMC campus, and he will visit with UMC
students and faculty.
A native of St. Paul, Minn., Muscoplat received a bachelor's degree in
chemistry and a doctorate in veterinary microbiology from the University
of Minnesota. He served as a
faculty member in veterinary medicine at the University from 1976 to 1983.
He has taught courses in immunology, clinical immunology and business, and
has published more than 130 peer-reviewed research publications.
Muscoplat also serves on the board of directors of the Minnesota
Academy of Science.
Muscoplat has also participated in several national and international
initiatives, government advisory bodies and policy forums, including the
National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council's Board on
Agriculture, Board on Science and Technology for International
Development, the Planning Group for National Strategy for Biotechnology
and the U.S.-Indonesia Agricultural Biotechnology Workshop. He has also
served as a scientific advisor for the State Department and the U.S.
Agency for International Development.
UMC’s Spring
Convocation is open to the public. Recognition
of UMC student academic achievement and student athletic involvement will
also take place.
Disability accommodations
are available upon request and can be made by calling 218-281-8587.