Samuel Black to Discuss Control of Animal African Trypanosomiasis to Open Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series at UMass Amherst

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AMHERST, Mass. – Samuel Black, professor of veterinary and animal sciences, will speak on “Approaching the Endgame: Seeking Sustainable Control of Animal African Trypanosomiasis” on Monday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. in the Great Hall of Old Chapel at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In his talk, which opens the university’s annual Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series, Black will examine how scientists have tried for more than a century to sustainably control animal African trypanosomiasis—protozoan parasites that can be fatal to people and domestic livestock. The development of effective vaccines has been blocked by the parasites’ ability to vary the surface structures with which the immune system reacts and to mask the conserved surface components the parasites need to acquire nutrients. At UMass Amherst and elsewhere, research is unlocking the mechanisms of innate immune control and trypanosomiasis pathology, giving new hope of developing trypanosomiasis-resistant cattle through selective breeding and genetic engineering.

Black will be presented with the Chancellor’s Medal, the highest recognition bestowed to faculty by the campus, at the conclusion of the lecture. 

The event is free and open to the public and a reception follows the lecture. For information, call 413-577-1101.

The lecture series is sponsored by the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of the Provost. Future lectures in the series will be presented by Maria Santore of the department of polymer science and engineering (March 6) and Léonce Ndikumana of the department of economics (April 9). All lectures take place in the Great Hall of Old Chapel.