In an event that has drawn national media attention, the UW-Madison branch of the national Microbiology Club will sponsor a lecture this afternoon titled 'Anthrax: Biology of a Pathological Weapon.' The lecture will be given by Ken Van Horn, a former U.S. Army combat medic.
He will speak on the biological weapon today at 25 Fred Hall from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
James Berger, a UW-Madison senior and president of the Microbiology Club, said he expects a large turnout for the lecture, especially since the recent anthrax scares.
'We've had to get a bigger room,' he said.
Berger added that representatives from such national media outlets as CNN have called to find out more about Tuesday's lecture.
'There's been contact from the national media ... especially because of everything that has been going on,' he said.
As a combat medic in the U.S. Army, Van Horn specialized in treatment of nuclear, biological and chemical agents and worked with such agencies as the FBI and the Secret Service. Van Horn is also a member of the U.S. National Guard.
'He's actually been called up [into active duty],' Berger said. 'He will be leaving a few days after the lecture.'
Berger said that since much of the general public is not very informed on the subject, the lecture should be very beneficial for students and community members.
The purpose of the lecture is to give a background on anthrax, Berger said.
Although Van Horn's lecture is scheduled at a time when the United States has faced multiple anthrax scares, Berger said the lecture was planned before any such attacks occurred.
'We planned the event before any of the big anthrax scares. Ken actually contacted us [before they happened],' Berger said. 'I'm not sure if he will address them specifically, but I would think that he would.'
Berger said he did not think students should worry about the threat of a biological warfare attack on the UW-Madison campus.
'[Anthrax] is somewhat difficult to disperse,' he said. 'Major powers may be able to do that. They would have to have a lot of intelligence and lot of money, but I don't think that terrorists have that power yet. But, of course, my opinion is as good as yours.'
Berger said he thinks the best way to avoid anxiety regarding biological warfare is to learn about it and how it can be used.
'The more informed people are, the less helpless they are,' he said.
