Russell, scientist and environmental advocate, to be interviewed Thursday

Scientist and environmental advocate Liane “Lee” Russell will be interviewed in a Thursday meeting of Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning and Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association.

“She will share her many and varied experiences both as a highly successful scientist and truly dedicated and equally effective environmental advocate,” a press release said.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Midtown Community Center at 102 Robertsville Road in the historic Wildcat Den.

“You will not want to miss this opportunity to interact with one of the most famous scientists in Oak Ridge’s history,” organizers said.

Russell is an internationally recognized mammalian geneticist who is retired from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The press release said she continues on guest status, writing up results of past genetics research.

She is the founder of Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning and current board member and newsletter author and editor. She also contributed to the development and implementation of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and Obed Wild and Scenic River.

She discovered the significance of the Y chromosome while working in the famed ORNL Biology Division and is responsible for the standard practice of using the “14-day rule” when taking X-rays of women. She was involved in many other significant scientific discoveries as one of the true leaders in the forefront of biological research during the past 70 years.

Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning is dedicated to achieving and perpetuating protection of natural lands and waters by means of public ownership, legislation, or cooperation of the private sector. While their first focus is on the Cumberland and Appalachian regions of East Tennessee, their efforts may extend to the rest of the state and the nation. TCWP’s strength lies in researching information pertinent to an issue, informing, and educating their membership and the public, interacting with groups having similar objectives, and working through the legislative, administrative, and judicial branches of government on the federal, state, and local levels.

The Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association serves to promote historic preservation and the history of Oak Ridge’s heritage. Monthly meetings (open to the public) are held in the Midtown Community Center except when special “field trip” meetings are scheduled. ORHPA’s mission is to preserve Oak Ridge’s history and its built environment (early structures, etc.) and develop education and cultural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Membership is open to all interested individuals.