Pros and cons of genetic engineering discussed

A discussion will be held today about the benefits and risks of genetic engineering. Vicki Chandler, a regents professor and BIO5 director, will define genetic engineering and outline its history, as well as address upcoming challenges to the field, in a lecture titled "Genetic Engineering - Separating Fact From Fiction."

Bruce Tabashnik, professor and head of the department of entomology, will discuss genetically modified crops and the developments and lessons learned about altering food within the last 10 years.

The lecture is free and starts at 7 p.m. in the Manuel T. Pacheco Integrated Learning Center, Room 130.

Bruce Babbitt lecture and book signing today

Former Interior Secretary and Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt is visiting the UA today to give a lecture about his vision for land use in America and the controversies surrounding negotiations to create a balance between human settlements and nature.

The lecture starts at 5:15 p.m. in the Manuel T. Pacheco Integrated Learning Center, Room 120.

Babbitt will be available to sign copies of his new book, "Cities in the Wilderness," at 1 p.m. in the UofA Bookstore.

UA ambassadors wanted

The university is looking for students to become UA ambassadors who can give campus tour guides for fall 2006. Students who are comfortable with public speaking and walking backward are encouraged to apply.

Ambassadors will be required to attend an eight-week training course that will take place in the spring, give daily campus tours and many other preparation events.

Applications are available at the front desk of the Nugent building, the student government office or at one of the African-American Student Affairs, Native American Student Affairs, Chicano-Hispano Student Affairs or Asian Pacific American Student Affairs offices.

Applications are due at the Nugent building by Dec. 9. Contact Celia O'Brien at 626-5943 for more information or e-mail azambass@email.arizona.edu.