Date:
5/3/2004
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Scarlet Smith
PORTALES— Eastern New Mexico University is hosting a seminar by two visiting professors from China: Dr. Taiwu Li, dean of the College of Life Science and Technology, and Dr. Xiurong Su, director of the Biotechnology Key Laboratory, at Ningbo University in Zhejiang Province.
Dr. Li and Dr. Su will give a presentation from 3:30-5 p.m. on Friday, May 7, in Room 108 of the Science Building on the Portales campus. The title of their presentation is "Teaching and Research at Ningbo University."
They have recently received two grants from the National Science Foundation of China and are currently using the funds to do collaborative research with Dr. Zhiming Liu at ENMU.
The collaborative research between Dr. Li, Dr. Su and Dr. Liu is fully supported by their grants from the National Science Foundation of China and by the grant received by Dr. Liu from the National Institutes of Health, USA.
Dr. Liu says, "Together, we are studying how a progesterone receptor in amphibian oocytes controls maturation of oocytes. The mechanism controlling oocyte maturation in humans is very similar to that in amphibians. Thus, the information obtained from the research with amphibians will help us better understand human reproduction. The new knowledge will have a great potential for clinic applications such as induction of oocyte maturation and
ovulation in anovulatory patients, and development of contraceptives for humans. New knowledge will also help to establish new techniques to improve the reproductive efficiency of animals with commercial importance."
Dr. Li said, "Eastern has high-quality research programs and faculty, and is known internationally." Dr. Su added, "That is why we wanted to come over here. The campus is beautiful and everyone is so friendly."
Ningbo University, a comprehensive university, ranks among the first group of Chinese institutions to enroll students from China and more than 10 other countries. It offers bachelor's degree programs and graduate programs--while maintaining close links and intercollegiate cooperation with more than 20 well-known institutions of higher learning, including ENMU. Ningbo University is located in the city of Ningbo, which is very close to Shanghai, the largest city in China.
The public is invited free of charge. For more information, call 505.562.2495.