VCU to host 5th annual Darwin Day Speech

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University's Graduate Organization of Biology Students (GOBS) and Sigma Xi chapter, will present the 5th annual Darwin Day Speech Monday, March 1 at 4 p.m. in the Student Commons Commonwealth Ballroom, 907 Floyd. Ave.

This year's speaker is Rudy Raff, Ph.D., professor of biology and founder and director of the Indiana Molecular Biology Institute at Indiana University. Raff's main focus has been on the synthesis of evolutionary and developmental biology. His research addresses the evolution of developmental processes, the role of development in macroevolution and the origin of animal body plans. Raff also is the author of several books including, "The Shape of Life: Genes, Development and the Evolution of Animal Form."

The purpose of the Darwin Day speech is to celebrate the life of Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. Darwin is known to many as the father of evolutionary biology.

A graduate biology student organization at VCU, GOBS provides students with a forum to address needs and concerns in biology, and also aims to integrate disciplines of biology through educational and recreational events with students and faculty.

Sigma Xi is a national honor society founded for the encouragement of research in science, and recognizes individuals for research achievement or promise.

The Darwin Day speech is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828-0083.