(Sarasota, FL October 10, 2003) - On October 30, a presentation facilitated by researchers from USF’s Center for Bio Defense (CBD) will provide an overview of the latest technologies being developed and used in the war on terror. Dr. Jacqueline Cattani, Center Director and Dr. Andrew Cannons, Laboratory Scientific Director will give a free talk, entitled, “Combating Bio-Terrorism in the 21^st Century", from 5:30 - 7 pm in the Music Room at College Hall, which is located on the Sarasota-Manatee bayfront campus as part of the USF Week - Open House activities.

The USF CDB, together with collaboration from the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University, was established in fall 2000 and is the first of its kind in Florida and one of the first nationally.

The Center’s objectives are to develop innovative and rapid screening tests to allow early detection and recognition of biological agents suggestive of an attack; to provide effective surveillance of possible bio-terrorism agents; to provide collaborative opportunities and increased outreach with other Florida universities, and with local, state, and federal agencies; and to educate and train health professionals, emergency personnel and government agencies for preparation, detection, and response to a bio-terrorism attack.

Dr. Cattani says, “The purpose of public talks is to increase awareness not to create more fear. It’s sometimes a difficult balance to achieve. We must keep the illusion of control in perspective and balance an individual’s awareness of their environment with how well-prepared our community is - local response, fire and other emergency services, what’s being done in this area is important for people’s confidence.”

Dr. Cattani received her PhD from the University of California at Berkley and has served on many National Institutes of Health (NIH) Special Emphasis Review Panels for research and training on infectious diseases. She currently serves as a consultant to the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board (AFEB). Dr. Cattani was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service for her work on the AFEB. She has served on various Task Forces addressing specific aspects of malaria control in disease-endemic countries.

Dr. Cattani was a faculty member in the Department of Tropical Public Health at the Harvard School of Public Health and has made significant contributions to the field of tropical public health over the course of her career.

Dr. Cannons, who will also be facilitating the presentation, is Assistant Professor of Public Health and Scientific Director of the CBD. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Bradford, in the U.K. His work involves coordinating the laboratory’s research; some of this work includes developing rapid detection and molecular typing methods for identification and surveillance of bioterrorism agents and working with companies to evaluate decontamination procedures. Dr. Cannons is trained to work at Biosafety Level 3, which is required for working with many bioterrorism agents. Dr. Cannons’ experience includes 20 years as a researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology.

USF Week, starting Monday, October 27 and wrapping up on Sunday, November 2, is packing a full line-up of events this year, many open to the public. WUSF is sponsoring a public talk by Linda Wertheimer, National Public Radio’s senior national correspondent, on October 29 at College Hall on the Sarasota-Manatee campus.

The open house on October 30, for prospective students from 4 pm - 7 pm, is an opportunity to gather information about specific programs, meet faculty, and find out about admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Performances by Booker High School Visual and Performing Arts students, an art exhibit, a special workshop for Human Resource Directors, and lots of free food promise to make this evening both entertaining and informative.