Dr. Charles R. Long

NACOGDOCHES, Texas-Dr. Charles R. Long will present "Cloning and Genetic Modification of Animals: The How and the Why" at the 27th annual J.H. Burr Jr. Lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Miller Science Building, Room 137, at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Long is an assistant professor of veterinary physiology and pharmacology at Texas A&M University. His current research focuses on the cloning and sequencing of the molecular components of RNA interference (RHAi) pathways in livestock and the utilization of RNAi for altering gene expression.

Long's laboratory is currently investigating the role of histone and DNA methyltranferase genes in the control of epigenetic reprogramming during early bovine embryonic development.

Another current aspect of his laboratory utilizes novel transgenic approaches to enhance meat production in livestock as well as utilizing RNAi to convey disease resistance to a number of economically important livestock and human diseases.

Long earned both a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in animal science from the University of Missouri, and a doctorate in veterinary animal science from the University of Massachusetts. Long also completed post-doctoral training with the Agriculture Research Service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

After working several years in the private industry to commercialize advanced reproductive technologies, Long joined the Texas A&M faculty in 2004. He has authored more than 25 scientific publications, edited several animal science related journals, and serves as a valuable mentor for the graduate and doctoral veterinary programs.

A reception will be held following the lecture. Admission is free, and the lecture is open to the public. For more information, call the SFA Department of Biology at (936) 468-3601.