International Malaria Expert and Acclaimed Author to Speak
at UNCA

Robert S. Desowitz, one of the world’s leading researchers of tropical diseases, will give a talk on "Malaria: The Oldest Emerging Disease" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at UNC Asheville’s Robinson Hall room 125. The event is free and open to the public.

Desowitz is internationally known as a teacher, lecturer and researcher of malaria and other tropical diseases. During his 40 year career, Desowitz served as a professor, medical detective and World Health Organization parasitologist. He is the author of an award-winning textbook in medical parasitology and has also written several books for the general public, including the highly acclaimed "The Malaria Capers" and "New Guinea Tapeworms and Jewish Grandmothers." Desowitz is emeritus professor of tropical medicine and medical microbiology at the University of Hawaii and is currently adjunct professor of epidemiology at UNC Chapel Hill.

During his talk, Desowitz will explore the complex interplay between infectious diseases and human behavior. He will discuss the history of malaria and why it is on the rise.

For more information, call UNCA’s Biology Department at 828/251-6444.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Michael Stuart, UNCA Biology Professor, 828/251-5148
• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information Director, 828/251-6676