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Dr. Edu B. Suarez-Martinez (right), associate professor from the University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, and Noried M. DeJesus-Velazquez, an undergraduate from UPR-Ponce, explain methods for early detection of the avian influenza virus.
Lupiani, two MSI students make presentations to DHS S&T Under Secretary Cohen
A FAZD Center principal investigator and two students participating in the Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions made presentations of their research findings to the under secretary of the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate on Aug. 24 at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The presentations were part of a special session in which MSI students from around the nation briefed Under Secretary Jay M. Cohen and other key S&T officials on their scientific research into homeland security issues. The FAZD Center presentation focused on reducing the risk of avian influenza H5N1 to the United States.
Dr. Blanca Lupiani, a principal investigator with the FAZD Center, gave an overview of the FAZD Center's products and programs to detect and respond to a potential outbreak of the disease. Dr. Lupiani is an assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Two of her protégés in the summer program -- Dr. Edu B. Suarez-Martinez (on right in photo), associate
professor from the University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, and Noried M.
DeJesus-Velazquez, an undergraduate from UPR-Ponce -- briefed Under Secretary Cohen on methods for early detection.
Also attending the session were S&T Director of Research Starnes Walker and University Programs Director Matt Clark.
Avian influenza H5N1 is a disease caused by one of several subtypes of the influenza A virus. Wild, primarily aquatic birds serve as the natural host. The viruses that cause AI are highly contagious among birds and can be deadly, particularly among domesticated birds like turkeys and chickens. Since avian influenza A (H5N1) was first isolated from South African terns in 1961, several major outbreaks have been studied worldwide. More AI viruses have been isolated from ducks than any other species, although most free-flying birds may also be infected including shorebirds, gulls and other seabirds. Viruses that cause no obvious disease in waterfowl can be highly pathogenic (rapidly fatal) in domestic poultry.
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Dr. Blanca Lupiani, a principal investigator with the FAZD Center, gives Under Secretary Cohen an overview on the center's work on avian influenza. Dr. Lupiani is an assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Under Secretary Cohen, Director of Research Starnes Walker and University Programs Director Matt Clark listen to the presentations.
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