When: Monday, April 27, 2015, 5 p.m.
Where: NELHA Gateway Center
Presenter: Prof. Susan Jarvi, Daniel K. Inouye School of Pharmacy, UH Hilo
At least 60 cases of rat lungworm disease (RLWD) have been documented in humans in Hawaii, most of them originating from the Puna district of Hawaii Island. While symptoms can be mild and flu-like, there have been many severe cases that have resulted in long-term disability and even death. Dr. Jarvi's group has been researching the life cycle and transmission of the angiostrongylus cantonensis parasite responsible for the disease. Projects have included evaluating whether a DNA test could detect parasites in rat blood, in hopes of developing an early test for human infection.
Dr. Jarvi is Professor and Director of the Pre-Pharmacy Program Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K Inouye College of Pharmacy. She has been conducting genetic studies of infectious diseases in native Hawaiian birds for over 15 years and founded the Hawaii Island RLWD Working Group in 2011. The Working Group has developed a curriculum including an activity book for second grade students incorporating DOE science standards and has distributed over 8,000 books to the public.
This pau hana is BYOB/potluck, so please bring a pupu and beverage to share. Reusable plates and cups are encouraged, as is taking home your own trash. Contact Rod Hinman (rod@auroraresearch.com) for more information.
Agenda:
5:00-5:15 p.m. Gather and Networking
5:15-6:15 p.m. Presentation and Q&A
6:15-7:30 p.m. More Networking, pupus