The second in-person lecture of the semester in a series of lectures dedicated to the memory of Professor Emeritus Donald J. Ross Sr., PhD, will be given by James Biardi, PhD, associate professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, with "Blood and Guts: Venoms and Venom Resistance in Predator-Prey Interactions" on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 12 noon at the DiMenna Nyselius Library Multimedia Room.

"I’m honored to be a presenter in the Ross Lecture series," said. Dr. Biardi. "This series is a wonderful celebration of Prof. Ross’ contribution to the Biology Department and Fairfield, and highlights the excellence that was always a part of his work here. Most of our speakers are alumni, and I think it’s amazing for our students to see their potential futures in science, medicine, or industry. Once or twice a year when current faculty are invited, it’s a chance for us to tell our stories about the path from undergrad to professor, and share the excitement we have for the wonders and mysteries of life science."

Dr. Biardi is a vertebrate ecologist with interests in how small mammals defend themselves against predation from venomous snakes. His current research focuses on population and species differences in serum-based factors in small mammals that neutralize rattlesnake venom toxins. He has mentored dozens of undergraduates in his laboratory at Fairfield, and has published several articles and abstracts co-authored with Fairfield students.

Dr. Biardi is also actively involved in initiatives for science students on campus, including service to the Fairfield University Chapter of Sigma Xi, and service-learning opportunities in watershed ecology for undergraduate students. He is also involved in sustainability initiatives on campus, including the Program on the Environment, the Faculty Committee on Sustainability, and the Campus Sustainability Committee.

In 2011, the College of Arts and Sciences established the Dr. Donald J. Ross Sr. Biology Lecture Series to honor the memory of beloved Professor Emeritus Donald Ross Sr., PhD, who was one of the founding members of the College's Biology Department. Teaching was Dr. Ross’ first priority, whether it was in the classroom or laboratory. Hundreds of his students over his 58-year teaching career went on to earn MDs and advanced degrees in biology or related fields.

The lectures this year will feature talks by biology faculty members, alumni, and invited guests who have made distinguished contributions in their respective fields. The six-part series will cover a wide range of medical and scientific topics. For lecture series event links and details, visit Life@Fairfield. 

The 2022-2023 Dr. Donald J. Ross Sr. Biology Lecture Series

All lectures will be held Wednesdays at noon on the following dates, in the DiMenna Nyselius Library Multimedia Room:

October 26, 2022
"Blood and Guts: Venoms and Venom Resistance in Predator-Prey Interactions"
Presented by: James Biardi, PhD, Associate Professor, Biology Department,
Fairfield University

November 30, 2022
"Turtles All the Way Down: Genetics and Evolution of Sea Turtle Immune Systems"
Presented by: Katherine Martin ’14, PhD candidate, University of Central Florida

January 25, 2023
"Origin and Evolution of Tetrapod Locomotion"
Presented by: Julia Molnar, PhD, Assistant Professor, Anatomy Department,
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

February 22, 2023
"Characterization of Platelet Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase Type-II Stress Response"
Presented by: Elizabeth Monillas ’05, PhD, Chemist, Naval Air Systems Command
(NAVAIR)

March 29, 2023
"Derelict Fishing Gear Impacts in East Coast Estuaries"
Presented by: David Hudson, PhD, Research Scientist, Remote Ecologist, Inc.

April 26, 2023
"Using C. elegans to Investigate Nuclear Pore Complex Assembly After Mitosis"
Presented by: Michael Mauro ’15, PhD, Post-Doctoral Associate,
Columbia University Department of Pathology and Cell Biology