Norman Terry

Professor, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley

Topic: Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Water

Time: May. 12, 2017, 9:00-10:30

Place: the No.2 lecture hall on the first floor of the conference center.

Topic: A Personal Approach to Manuscript Writing and Other Aspects of Research

Time: May. 15, 2017, 9:00-10:30
Place: the No.3 lecture hall on the third floor of the conference center.

Introduction to Prof. Norman Terry

Norman Terry is a Professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley. He received a B.A. in Botany (Special Honors) from University of Southampton, an MS in Plant Physiology from University of Nottingham, and a PhD in Plant Physiology from University of Nottingham. In 1972, He joined University of California, Berkeley. Since 1989 his research has focused on phytoremediation, the use of plants to clean up contaminated soil and water. His research approach is multidisciplinary in that his laboratory conducts research in ecology, plant physiology and biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology (including the genetic engineering of plants for enhanced phytoremediation). His major accomplishments include the development of the use of constructed wetlands to remove selenium and toxic heavy metals from agricultural and industrial wastewater, as well as the development of genetically engineered plants for the phytoremediation of selenium-contaminated soils. He has authored over 265 research publications, obtained 3 patents, and co-edited the book Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Water, published by Lewis publishers, New York.

Title: Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Water

Abstract: His research on the phytoremediation of contaminated soil and water ranges from the molecular to the field levels. In this presentation, He will cover five aspects of his research. In the first section, he will discuss the use of genetic engineering to develop transgenic plants of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) which can be used for the phytoremediation of selenium (Se). In the second section, he will discuss a study on the phytodetoxification of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺). In this research we used high-energy x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to determine the conversion of toxic Cr⁶⁺ to non-toxic Cr ³⁺ after absorption into plant tissue. In the third section, he consider the use of constructed wetlands for the cleanup of heavy metals and metalloids from wastewater discharged from oil refineries, agricultural irrigation and coal ash leachate. In the fourth section, He deals with the development of an algal-constructed wetland water treatment system for the removal of Se and fertilizer nutrients from river water destined to supply the species conservation habitat associated with the Salton Sea. In the final section, He deals with the phytoremediation of a 29-ha wetland and lowland that is contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other contaminants of concern.

Title: A Personal Approach to Manuscript Writing and Other Aspects of Research

Abstract: In this slide presentation He will present his personal view (based on many years of experience at the University of California at Berkeley) on how to conduct research. He will begin by discussing how to put together a manuscript for publication, i.e., what should go into the Introduction, Results and Discussion. Because the Introduction plays a pivotal role in organizing research, He will use this discussion to show how to develop an experimental plan, i.e., goals and objectives, as well as how to manage research projects in the laboratory. His commentary on the Results section will include his thoughts on how to present data effectively for slide presentations and for written publications.