On Tuesday, July 7, "CSI Omaha: the Fact Behind the Fiction" will be presented by Mellissa Helligso, a forensic DNA analyst. The presentation, which is part of Omaha’s Science Café series, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. in Omaha.
Helligso, who works for The Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s hospital partner, will talk about some of the cases she has worked, and the truth behind the popular CBS television series. In the “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” program, a team of forensic scientists investigate circumstances behind mysterious deaths and other crimes.
The Science Cafes are part of an effort to increase the population’s science literacy. Hosted by UNMC, BioNebraska and the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Science Cafes are held the first Tuesday of each month at the Slowdown.
A more scientifically literate populace is a goal in UNMC’s strategic plan. The goal of the Science Cafes is to introduce and get young adults interested in science by presenting it in a casual setting.
Free pizza will be provided by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for the first 50 people.
Upcoming Omaha Science Cafes are:
Aug. 4 – Dr. Bruce Buehler, "Modifying our Genetic Blueprint, Nature versus Nutrition"
Sept. 1 – Dr. Jim Sorrell, "The Science of Psychiatry"
UNMC is the only public health science center in the state. Its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through their commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading centers in cancer, transplantation biology, bioterrorism preparedness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, biomedical technology and ophthalmology. UNMC’s research funding from external sources now exceeds $82 million annually and has resulted in the creation of more than 2,600 highly skilled jobs in the state. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 513 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.
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