Core Biology Special Topic Lectures

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Clik here to view.Intersections of Core Biology & the Military Profession, the core biology course recently hosted a series of special topic lectures relating science to events within the military and industry. Instructors brought their research and field experiences to cadets as to how course concepts are used and applied in their respective specialties. The day began with Dr. George Kennedy, a first-year faculty member, describing how he uses genetic screens to determine function in the “making of a Ph.D.” The assistant course director, MAJ Ryan Rodriguez, related his research interests in vector borne disease and how this impacts public health. Mr. Aaron Owens, recently retired Army logistician, addressed the “Science of Deployed Logistics.” With the final portion of the course focusing on human physiology, they were fortunate to have Dr. Alan Beitler, Office of the Dean, present his experiences as a West Point graduate, Infantry Officer, and Army Surgeon. Dr. Beitler relayed his experiences as a Hospital Commander during Operation Enduring Freedom as well as the importance of cultural and cooperative efforts in deployed medicine. The case study approach of the types of trauma injuries in a deployed environment resonated with the audience from both the scientific and humanities based perspectives.