The next installment of a new Big Ten Network series, “BTN LiveBIG,” will showcase University of Minnesota researchers exploring treatments for critical brain conditions and developing lasting solutions to environmental challenges. The episode will debut Friday, March 1 at 9:30 p.m. CT, after the Denver at Minnesota men’s hockey game.
The half-hour show will profile landmark strides made by Dr. Karen Ashe in her passionate pursuit to understand the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and discover a treatment for this devastating condition. It will also follow Professor Peter Sorensen in his holistic quest to mitigate the effects of aquatic invasive species and restore the natural ecosystem of Minnesota’s lakes and waterways.
Peter Sorensen, Ph.D., professor of fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology; scientific director, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center
Minnesota’s lakes and streams are increasingly threatened by aquatic invasive species, alien organisms that erode ecosystems and threaten the vitality of our state treasures. Through his efforts to mitigate common carp, Sorensen, a professor in the university’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, has developed the framework for a holistic, science-based approach to invasive species management. Now, he and his team are working to develop new means by which to measure, reduce, control and potentially eradicate aquatic invasive species.
The episode will also feature a discussion with Tubby Smith, head coach of the Gopher men’s basketball team, on how he considers Minnesota to be the most charitable place he has ever lived. Viewers will also learn how U of M alum and Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy and his wife, Lauren, started the Dungy Family Foundation, an organization that works with elementary schools, libraries and other community programs to stimulate reading at an early age. The Dungys have also written a series of children’s books. Their seventh book is due out this summer.
“BTN LiveBIG” is the second BTN collaborative campus program series produced in conjunction with the Big Ten Conference and its 12 universities. The first was 2012’s “Impact the World.” BTN is co-producing the series with Chicago-based TeamWorks Media, a creative content company that specializes in producing inspirational stories and also produced “Impact.”