Dr. Phyllis Coates-Beckford, Professor of Plant Pathology will deliver her inaugural professorial lecture on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 1 pm at the New Chemistry Lecture Theatre (Chem 5). Her lecture is titled ‘The Value of Being a Hybrid: The Benefits of Interdisciplinary Knowledge in the Study of a Slow Decline of Breadfruit.”

The opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills at an advanced level in more than one field enables one to view problems from a wide perspective. The ability to take a broad view in the investigation of a slow decline of breadfruit in Jamaica facilitated the identification of the cause of the problem and the selection of suitable remedial measures. In her lecture, Professor Coates-Beckford will therefore illustrate how taking a broad view of the problem facilitated the identification of the cause of both the disease, breadfruit decline, and an environmentally friendly remedial measure.

The university community and the public are invited.