7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium (Room 130) of the Eccles Science Learning Center on the USU campus. (For directions, click here.)

While knowledge of germ theory and the sophistication of tools to track deadly pathogens has grown markedly, the threat of modern pandemics -- bird flu, SARS, bioterrorism -- fosters as much fear and uncertainty as the plagues of yore.

Join University of Washington researcher and writer Jeanne Rudzki Small for a fascinating look at deadly epidemics throughout history and the scientists who've struggled -- often against popular opinion, superstition and panic -- to find solutions.

Suggested Readings for "Epidemics: From History to Hollywood"

About Dr. Small

Small serves as director of the Center for Materials and Devices for Information Technology Research at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her research focuses on biophotonics and biophysics, using optical and acoustic techniques to understand biological molecules and structures.

Small earned a B.S. degree in chemistry, summa cum laude, from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas in 1980. She continued her studies at Harvard University, where she completed A.M. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry in 1983 and 1985, respectively.

Prior to joining the University of Washington, Small served a two-year rotation in the Division of Undergraduate Education at the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Education and Human Resources. Prior to her NSF position, she was a professor of chemistry and biochemistry specializing in teaching chemistry to non-science majors at Eastern Washington University.

Small is a recipient of the Margaret Oaklwy Dayhoff award from the Biophysical Society.