Exploring Nested Symbiosis in the November Kaler Lecture Series

Understanding How Microbes Work Together

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Explore how microbes work together to define human, plant, and animal biological functions during the next James B. Kaler Science Lecture at the William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College. 

University of Illinois Professor Katy Heath will present "Nested Symbiosis: The Hidden Layers of Genes and Microbes that Run Our World" on Friday, November 3, at 7 p.m.

Heath will talk about her research on how genes that are carried in and shared among microbial symbionts control many of the visible and ecologically important traits of their plant and animal hosts. 

Heath earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Illinois and her Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Minnesota. She performed postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto before joining the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Department of Plant Biology. She was also named a fellow in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 

Following the talk, the planetarium will show From Earth to the Universe at 8 p.m. and a light show set to Pink Floyd's album, The Dark Side of the Moon, at 9 p.m. 

Kaler Science Lecture tickets are $2 or are free for the Friends of the Staerkel Planetarium. Admission to fulldome shows is $8 for adults or $7 for children, students, or seniors. Light shows are $12 for everyone. Parkland College TV records the Kaler Science Lectures. 

Please visit parkland.edu/planetarium to view the full show schedule or call 217/351-2568 for information about booking the dome for a group visit or an event.