•Write a well-rounded essay (1-2 pages) describing the major findings of Dr Colwell’s work and how it has been used to monitor human health and promote sustainability of resources
The essay should include a title and discuss the following points (2 points each) a) An introductory paragraph summarizing the main points of the lecture
b) Description of major discoveries, and the evidence linking cholera outbreaks (i.e. epidemics) to global climate conditions
c) Overview of the technologies being used to monitor global cholera epidemics, to reduce/mitigate risk of human health effects. As part of your response, describe how major discoveries enabled the use of these technologies.
d) How is Dr. Colwell’s work being applied to promote sustainability of global resources, such as clean water supply
e) End with a brief summary of what you found most interesting about the work/lecture.
Brief summary of Dr. Colwell’s background (taken from the initial CSUSB seminar announcement)
Dr. Colwell was the first woman director of the National Science Foundation, where she oversaw nearly 70% of the operating budget. Her research has mostly focused on global infectious diseases, water, and health, and has affected people across the globe, especially in regions where cholera and other waterborne diseases are prevalent. The work is fascinating and provides an excellent example of how basic science can be applied to global issues such as sustainable development. Dr. Colwell holds a B.S. in bacteriology and an M.S. in genetics, from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Washington. She is the recipient of the 2006 National Medal of Science of the United States and the 2010 Stockholm Water Prize. Colwell is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and has authored or co-authored more than 750 scientific publications.
She is the author or co-author of 19 books, including last year’s A Lab of One’s Own: One Woman’s Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science with Sharon Bertsch McGrayne.
She is also the founder, president, and chair of CosmosID, a bioinformatics company that develops equipment to identify microbial activity in various ecosystems. Bioinformatics is the application of computer and information systems to obtain, store, and interpret large quantities of biological data.