NCSU Libraries Focus Online
Volume 22 number 2 - Winter 2002
Friends of the Library News: The 2001 Fall Luncheon
By Mary Kate Keith, Friends of the Library
Ronald R. Sederoff, NCSU Distinguished University Professor of Forestry and
director of the Forest Biotechnology Group, enjoyed highlighting what really
is in the food we eat to more than 130 guests at the Friends of the Library's
Fall Luncheon on November 9, 2001. Sederoff, a member of the National Academy
of Sciences, explained the science of genomics and the genetic modification
of plants, animals, and the environment. His discussion included a PowerPoint
presentation and actual food specimens that have been modified over time.
Sederoff began by humorously asserting that his qualifications as an expert
in the area of food are based on his belief that everyone should eat from the
basic food groups, which he defined as including caffeine, sugar, and chocolate.
Jokes aside, Sederoff emphasized that genetically modified plants and foods
have been a part of the agricultural process for more than 10,000 years, and
everyone has benefited from the improvements. Current research and technology
have allowed scientists to fine-tune the process to the point where the use
of genetically modified foods can have a great impact on the world's future
food supply. The benefits of this science include the ability to produce more
foods with less land and to provide at-risk populations with vitamin supplements
in basic food products. He feels it is the duty of scientists and the media
to bring this positive information to the general public so they can understand
the value of genomics without fear.
At the luncheon, Vice Provost and Director of Libraries Susan K. Nutter presented
the thirteenth annual NCSU Libraries Faculty Award to David A. Danehower, associate
professor of crop science, and Ross W. Whetten, associate professor of forestry.
Danehower and Whetten have been key proponents of the Libraries' work with
scholarly communication. Whetten accepted the award on behalf of himself and
Danehower, who was in Africa. NC State's new provost, Stuart Cooper, attended
his first Fall Luncheon and welcomed attendees on behalf of the university.
Guests from across the Triangle enjoyed the chance not only to eat lunch but
also to learn about the genes found in the food they ate.
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