Dr. Root’s lecture was really interesting in the sense that she introduced a new perspective to the study of geography to me. I had actually heard of GIS before, as my roommate recently took a course on it (she had to pinpoint every stop sign on OSU campus!). While mapping for the purpose of updating and improving apps like Google Maps is useful, it is also just as vital in epidemiology when determining the causative factor of a disease to eventually slow down the spread of infection. I also found it really interesting when Dr. Root brought the topic of landscape genetics to the table. In previous biology classes, we talk about how environmental factors can drive selection in a population. However, I had not realized that there is an entire field of scientists that devote their research solely into the ways that these environmental factors alter genetic variation. Finally, I was happy to hear Dr. Root’s emphasis on the safeness of vaccinations, as these vaccinations do not cause the disease they are trying to protect for those who end up still contracting the disease. Many people choose not to get vaccinated because they don’t trust the vaccine, or simply rely on the herd effect. I would be curious to hear Dr. Root’s explanation on vaccines to a person that is anti-vaccines.
Jenna – yes, I would hope that a reasoned approach to anti-vaccination like Dr. Root described, would convert some individuals…personally, I see vaccinations as developments that are as close to miracles as we can get in medical science. Unfortunately, the reasons for skepticism are complex and it is not easy to get that point across to those firmly against them. However, it is good to know that young scientists like yourself are committed to promoting a reasoned view that is backed by evidence.