The life and legacy of pioneering geneticist Dr. Liane Russell will be celebrated during a symposium on December 20 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Credit: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
The life and legacy of Dr. Liane Russell – world-renowned for her groundbreaking genetics research in mice – will be celebrated during a symposium on December 20 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The event will feature past and current recipients of the Liane B. Russell Distinguished Early Career Fellowship, as well as select guests who were influenced by Russell’s work and life. She was lauded for her contributions to mammalian genetics, including the chromosomal basis of sex determination in mammals and the effect of radiation on embryos. Findings by Russell and her husband, the late William L. Russell, about the vulnerability of embryos to radiation led to changes in radiological practices for female patients of child-bearing age. Known as “Lee,” Russell was also an active conservationist, as a founder of the Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning. Visitors to the symposium must contact ORNL in advance to make arrangements.
