Biologist to discuss molecular evolution

Internationally known molecular scientist Francisco J. Ayala will present a public seminar March 23 at Mississippi State.

Ayala's lecture, "Molecular Genetics of Speciation" begins at 2:30 p.m. in the Tully Auditorium of the Forest Resources Building.

Ayala is Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences and professor of philosophy at the University of California at Irvine. His research includes population genetics, molecular evolution, evolutionary biology, and the philosophy of science.

"We are indeed fortunate to have someone of Dr. Ayala's stature visit our campus," said Dr. Marvin L. Salin of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Salin also is president of the university's chapter of Sigma Xi scientific honor society, one of the seminar sponsors.

Ayala is a member of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He chairs the board of biology of the U.S. National Research Council and is president of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science.

Ayala's campus presentation is sponsored by the Lindley Lecture Series, Sigma Xi, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and the Office of Research.

For more information, contact Salin at 325-2640.