Dedicated to the memory of Professor Emeritus Donald J. Ross Sr., PhD, who passed away in August 2008, this series continues his work of educating and engaging students in scientific inquiry. Virtual and hybrid events begin at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 29.
In 2011, the College of Arts and Sciences established the Dr. Donald J. Ross Sr. Biology Lecture Series to honor the memory of beloved Professor Emeritus Donald Ross Sr., PhD, who passed away in August 2008 and was one of the founding members of the ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp Biology Department. Teaching was Dr. Ross’ first priority, whether it was in the classroom or laboratory. Hundreds of his students over his 58-year teaching career went on to earn MDs and advanced degrees in biology or related fields. Today, more than a decade later, the series continues with virtual and hybrid events dedicated to preserving Dr. Ross’ legacy of educating and engaging students in scientific inquiry.
The first three lectures in the series this fall will be hosted virtually via Zoom on select Wednesdays at noon and will feature lectures by biology faculty members and alumni who have gone on to achieve tremendous success in their field. The modality or location for events later in the year is subject to change. From explorations in the field of environmental microbiology to sea cucumber phylogenetics, the six-part series will cover a wide range of medical and scientific topics.
For lecture series event links and details, visit .
The 2021-2022 Dr. Donald J. Ross Sr. Biology Lecture Series
All lectures will be held on the following Wednesdays at noon:
September 29, 2021
Explorations in Environmental Microbiology
Presented by: Olivia Harriott, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, Biology Department, ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp
October 27, 2021
Zooplankton Uptake of Microbial Pollutants: Water Treatment Technology or Waterborne Risk?
Presented by: Niveen Ismail, PhD, Assistant Professor, Smith College, Picker Engineering Program
November 17, 2021
Ankyrin B Mediates Developmental Spine Remodeling in the Mouse Prefrontal Cortex
Presented by: Kelsey Murphy ’15 PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities,
January 26, 2022
Bench to Bedside – My Personal Journey with Antibodies
Presented by: Alfred Zullo ’00, PhD, SVP, Scientific Strategy & Disruption, Simpson Healthcare Executives
Meeting ID: 398 309 7913
Passcode: Ross
February 23, 2022
The Sublethal Impacts of Crude Oil Exposure on Fishes (Location TBD)
Presented by: Alexis Khursigara ’14, MA’15, PhD, Post-Doctoral Research Assistant, University of North Texas
Meeting ID: 398 309 7913
Passcode: Ross
March 30, 2022
Sea Cucumber Phylogenetics: Insight into the Patterns and Processes of Marine Invertebrate Biodiversity and Evolution
Presented by: Jessica Whelpley ’13, PhD candidate, University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History
(Location TBD)
