Ames, Iowa
April 20, 2004
A biotechnology risk analyst has joined the
Iowa State University
agronomy faculty to study risk factors surrounding deployment
of genetically modified crops.
Jeff Wolt is working in research and extension for ISU's
Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural
Products (BIGMAP). BIGMAP focuses on methods for assessing and
communicating risk for the purpose of public policy
decision-making.
Wolt is working on a risk assessment for raising
pharmaceutical corn and is collaborating with other Iowa State
scientists to determine how to minimize potential risks. He
will present a report on risk assessment approaches for
biotechnology April 22 at BIGMAP's inaugural symposium,
"Corn-produced Pharmaceuticals and Industrials," in Ames.
"Risk analysis involves integrating diverse sources of data to
determine the potential harm to human health, animal health
and environmental quality that may occur in realistic
situations," Wolt said.
Wolt previously worked as a biotechnology risk analyst for Dow
AgroSciences. He received his master's degree in soil science
and a doctorate in soil chemistry from Auburn University.
BIGMAP is a recently established institute at Iowa State
devoted to developing tools and communicating approaches for
the science-based evaluation of the risks and benefits of
genetically modified agricultural products to consumers and
the environment.
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