May 19, 2006

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DALLAS - The sixth annual Biotechnology Educator's Conference will feature Dr. Paul Pepe and his keynote address, "The Past, Present and Future of Disaster Medicine."

This year's theme, Emergency Response in a Changing World, will focus on natural and man-made disasters.

Pepe is professor of surgery, medicine, public health and the Riggs Family Chair in Emergency Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He directs the City of Dallas Medical Emergency Services for Public Safety, Public Health and Homeland Security, and is medical director for the Dallas Metropolitan Medical Response and EMS systems.

"The biotechnology conference will offer educators and officials an opportunity to become more informed so that they can provide youth and clientele with learning experiences that will make them more knowledgeable about the changing world," said Rebecca Parker, Texas Cooperative Extension's regional coordinator of agriculture and natural science.

The conference will be held at the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center in Dallas, 17360 Coit Road. Registration is $10 and includes lunch.

Featured topics include infectious disease issues, emergency management planning, potential terrorist actions and response, and biological agents of greatest public concern. Concurrent workshops will include hands-on educational activities.

Dr. Andy Vestal, Extension specialist in agricultural education, will discuss biosecurity pertaining to food, water and animal agriculture. Dr. Buddy Faries, Extension veterinary specialist, will discuss the potential for spreading infectious animal disease.

For more information or to register call (972) 231-5362.