Bioterrorism forum, dedication of Trani Center for Life Sciences set for Nov. 15

By Lorraine Cichowski
VCU News Services

WHAT: A bioterrorism forum that will showcase the university’s innovative life sciences introductory course for freshmen science majors and the official dedication of the $28.1 million Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.

WHO: Moderator: Thomas F. Huff, Ph.D., VCU vice provost for life sciences and professor of microbiology and immunology, will preside at an hour-long special section of the class featuring three VCU professors involved with scientific endeavors related to bioterrorism.

Panelists:

• Richard P. Wenzel, M.D., M.Sc., an epidemiologist and chairman of internal medicine at VCU who in September was named the first editor-at-large of the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Wenzel is one of the few practicing physicians to have observed smallpox.

• Karen M. Kester, Ph.D., an entomologist and assistant professor of biology at VCU. She is focusing her research on the use of insects as early-warning detectors of potential biohazards.

• Denise A. Pettit, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of microbiology and immunology at VCU and special projects lead scientist at the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. Dr. Pettit is working under a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that is aimed at countering the effects of anthrax and other biological agents.

WHEN: Nov. 15, 2001. One-hour bioterrorism forum will start at 3 p.m. Dedication ceremony for the Trani Center for Life Sciences will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by building tours and reception.

WHERE: VCU Trani Center for Life Sciences, 1000 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA.

REGISTRATION: A Media Registration Form is attached. Media members planning to attend the bioterrorism forum and/or the Trani Center dedication should complete the form and email or fax it so that it is received by VCU’s University News Services by noon, Wednesday, Nov. 14.

CHECK-IN: On the day of the event, media members should check in at the University News Services desk at the 1000 W. Cary St. entrance to the Trani Center for Life Sciences.

MEDIA FACILITIES: A media room will be available on the second floor of the Trani Center for Life Sciences (Room 221). The room will open at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15. The room will be equipped with high-speed Internet connections available to the media and a limited number of voice and modem dial-up lines. The room also will be equipped with a video monitor to show the live dedication ceremony. Any specific requests for services should be directed to University News Services as soon as possible.

BIOTERRORISM FORUM: Limited media seating and access for still and video photographers is available for the hour-long bioterrorism forum, to be held at 3 p.m. in Room 253 in the Trani Center for Life Sciences. Media members wishing to attend the forum should contact University News Services as soon as possible to reserve a seat. A pool video and audio feed of the forum will be available through a mult box that will be located in Room 253.

DEDICATION: Limited seating and standing room for media members will be available in second-floor auditoriums near the media room during the dedication ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Monitors in the rooms will show the live dedication. These seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. A video monitor in the media room also will show the live dedication. Limited access will be available for still and video photographers in the rear of the first-floor auditorium during the live dedication ceremony. Call University News Services for details.

PARKING: Parking is available at VCU’s MM lot at the corner of Harrison and Cary streets. Additional parking also is available at VCU’s West Main Street Parking deck; enter from Cherry or Laurel streets. Access will be made available on Cary St. for live media trucks; please call University News Services in advance to arrange for live-truck parking.

PRESS PACKAGES: Detailed information will be provided to the media prior to the event.