THIBODAUX, La. — A professor recognized for pioneering genetics research using zebrafish as a model will speak at Nicholls State University later this month.
University of Oregon professor Dr. John Postlethwait is a biologist who has spent his career connecting extreme fieldwork with fish to human health and disease. He has also used a Louisiana favorite, the gar, for research.
“We encourage everyone and anyone to attend Dr. Postlethwait’s lectures,” said Dr. Allyse Ferrara, the Jerry Ledet Endowed Professor of Environmental Biology. “He is an engaging and dynamic speaker that has traveled the globe in search of new ways to understand human genetics and cure human diseases by applying results gained from research using a wide variety of organisms.”
Dr. Postlethwait’s first presentation, “Understanding the Bizarre Antarctic Icefish,” will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 in Peltier Auditorium.
His second presentation will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, in the Bollinger Suites as part of Scholars Expeaux. Dr. Postlethwait will discuss “Wild sex, hot sex in zebrafish.”
These presentations are part of an external speaker series aimed to bring world-renowned speakers to campus. Retired maritime lawyer and history teacher David Plater endowed the series through the Nicholls Foundation. Both events are free and open to the public.
Dr. Postlethwait earned a doctorate in developmental genetics at Case Western Reserve University. He also completed postdoctoral research in molecular genetics at Harvard University. The Genetics Society of America honored him in 2015 with the George W. Beadle Award. The award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to genetics.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@nicholls.edu
