Lecture Examines Ethics Of Genetic Research, 2/24, University Of Montana Missoula

2005-02-24 20:00:00

The University Theatre

Contact: Michelle Shaughnessey, UM President’s Office, (406) 243-4594.

Stem cell research, human cloning, the Genome Project and healthcare ethics will be covered during the next installment of the President’s Lecture Series at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at The University of Montana. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Kevin Fitzgerald, research associate professor in the Department of Oncology at Georgetown University Medical Center, will deliver "The New Genetics: A Visit from Prometheus or Pandora?". In his lecture at the University Theatre, he will discuss the latest breakthroughs in genetic research from the professional perspective of a research scientist and the spiritual values of a Christian ethicist.

He also will present a faculty-student seminar titled "Stem Cell Research: What is Progress?" at 3:40 p.m. in Gallagher Building Room 123.

In addition to his medical center position, Fitzgerald is the Dr. David Lauler Chair of the Catholic Health Care Ethics in the Center for Clinical Bioethics at Georgetown University. He has doctoral degrees in molecular genetics and bioethics, and his research focuses on the investigation of abnormal gene regulation in cancer, as well as ethical issues in human genetics.

His articles on science and ethics have appeared in books on stem cell research, human cloning, the Genome Project and healthcare ethics, as well as in The American Journal of Bioethics, the Journal of Genetic Counseling, The American Journal of Human Genetics and the Journal of Clinical Ethics.

For the past 10 years, Fitzgerald has served as an ethics consultant for the National Society of Genetic Counselors. He also is a consultant to the March of Dimes Ethics Committee and the U.S. Catholic Conference, and is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion.