Georgia Southern to display “Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World,” at both campuses
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Georgia Southern has announced the addition of a Smithsonian exhibit through the middle of 2025.
Georgia Southern University's Institute for Health Logistics & Analytics (IHLA), University Libraries and the Georgia Southern Museum will host "Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World," on the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses.
The exhibit will run November 3, 2024, through March 8, 2025, on the Statesboro Campus, and from March 10, 2025 through July 30, 2025 on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah.
"As an institute built on the principles of One Health, we are excited to bring this engaging exhibit to our campus and surrounding communities," said IHLA Director Jessica Schwind, Ph.D.
The "Outbreak" exhibition highlights how pathogens can spread to people through wildlife and livestock. It shows why some outbreaks become epidemics, and how human, animal, plant and environmental health is interconnected.
Visitors can explore graphic panels, interactive media and 3D models of viruses from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. IHLA will also include artifacts utilized by the University during the COVID-19 pandemic and a Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) suit, which is a positive pressure, full-body protective suit that is specially designed to protect lab workers from the most deadly pathogens.
"It's wonderful to include an authentic BSL-4 suit in this exhibit," said Schwind. "We are thrilled that Honeywell Inc. graciously donated one for display."
"We want people in all countries and settings to have effective communication tools about infectious diseases and One Health," she said. "This is an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness about pandemic risks and make everyone safer in our connected world."
The public is invited to an opening reception at the Henderson Library on Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with remarks at 6 p.m. from featured speaker Dr. Amanda Feldpausch, deputy state epidemiologist at the Georgia Department of Public Health. Visit here to RSVP for the opening reception.
