This week's speaker is Maria Mercedes (Mechas) Zambrano: Sequence Data and the Changing Face of Science.

Sequence data has become the currency of research, changing science from the way we set up experiments to our interpretation of complex systems. But the value of this data has also made it the focus of new international negotiations, and it is unclear how this will affect future scientific efforts.

After Maria Mercedes Zambrano, Ph.D., completed her doctorate in microbiology in the U.S., she returned to her country, Colombia, and has worked for more than 25 years at the research center she co-founded, Corporación Corpogen. Her research has evolved from studying stationary phase E. coli and microbial pathogen growth and survival to analyzing environmental microbes and community adaptations.

As Scientific Director and Researcher at Corpogen, Zambrano has trained many scientists and worked closely with researchers worldwide, establishing collaborations to focus on challenges in research and innovation. More recently, she has worked as Editor at eLife and mBio and collaborated closely with scientists of diverse backgrounds through participation in global research consortia and networks, such as the DSI scientific network, which aims to provide a voice to scientists in the ongoing discussions regarding global policies on use of digital sequence information.

Chalk Talks are open to the entire MSI community, including both Harvard affiliates and the general public. Pre-registration is not required for attendance. Hot beverages, pastries, and other light breakfast fare will be provided.

The event takes place at 24 Oxford Street, in classroom 375. To join us, enter the building at 24 Oxford St. and take the elevator to level 3. It will feel like you are in the museum. Head straight out of the elevator (through the climate change exhibit) to classroom 375.  Other doors to the space may be locked at this time and require HUID tap access.