Lecture: Profile of an Epidemiologist March 10, 2011

The Las Cruces Museum of Natural History is pleased to host Dr. Mack Sewell, state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health, for a free public lecture on his work with the Department of Health at 6:00 pm. on March 10th, 2011. The lecture will be held on the NMSU campus, Foster Hall 231.

Epidemiology is the study of disease distribution and risk in the human population. Dr. Sewell has more than 31 years experience working in the field of epidemiology and is a national recognized expert. Dr. Sewell has held the position of State Epidemiologist since 1989. In the course of his career, he has worked on several outbreaks, and was instrumental in identifying the New Mexico Hantavirus outbreak of 1993. As state epidemiologist, Dr. Sewell coordinates the New Mexico’s disease tracking program, communicating with field epidemiologists and analyzing statewide health issues.

The lecture from Dr. Sewell is in conjunction with the new Disease Detectives exhibit at the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History. The exhibit shows how diseases such as food borne illnesses, malaria and flu are investigated. The exhibit is interactive and a perfect way for families to learn about how diseases spread and how to prevent them. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday’s and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The exhibit will be featured at the museum until June 5, 2011. The exhibit is free.