Bioterrorism Threat Engages College Students

“Bioterrorism” is a term that had little meaning for average Americans prior to 9/11. But on September 3, it will be the focus of a mini-symposium to be held from 3-5 pm in Room 3051 of the Medical Sciences Building. It was preceded by another informational session on June 25 and will be followed by a large symposium on Oct 29-30.

David Mast, associate professor of geology and physics, explained the reason for the meetings: “The events of 2001 vividly demonstrated how vulnerable our country is to bioterrorism. Terrorist attacks are unpredictable, and rapid detection is essential. Successfully addressing the threat of terrorism (biological, chemical or radiological) will require an interdisciplinary approach, and melding the expertise of first responders, medical practitioners, engineers and basic researchers, as well as diverse government agencies.”

Mast noted that “Cincinnati is unique in the number of institutions with expertise in the area of biodefense. UC, the UC affiliated Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VAMC), Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Shriner’s Hospital, are all nationally recognized for their outstanding biomedical research. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is particularly interested in water and air quality. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is interested in worker protection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is concerned about maintaining the quality of the food supply. A variety of local as well as regional organizations have also been involved in responding to the threats posed by bioterrorism.”

Members of a recently formed Biodefense Working Group are conducting the symposia and will collaborate to develop an integrated program of biodefense research in the Cincinnati area. Members come from the agencies and institutions listed above, as well as first responders from local health and public safety units such as the Cincinnati Fire Department.

The large symposium, “Perspectives on BioDefense: Science, Politics and Practice,” will be held in Cincinnati on October 29-30, 2004. It will consist of five main sessions: “Critical Bio-Threat Agents,” “Communicating the Threat: What Should the Public Know and When?” “Defending our Environment,” “Biological Sensors & Detectors in the Laboratory,” “Biological Sensors & Detectors in the Field.” Additional information about the meeting will be available in the September “McMicken Monthly.”