WSU food scientist Barbara Rasco discusses international development projects and their impact on women at March 7 common reading lecture

PULLMAN, Wash.—Washington State University School of Food Science Director Barbara Rasco will discuss her work on WSU international development projects in Pakistan and Afghanistan and their impact on women at 5 p.m. Tues., March 7, in CUE 203. The free public presentation is hosted by the Common Reading Program.

With degrees in biochemical engineering, food engineering, and law, Rasco joined WSU faculty in 1998. She devoted 12 years work to international economic development programs, including food safety training programs, industry technical assistance and small- and medium-enterprise development, for many countries in eastern Europe, central Asia, and north Africa.

She evaluated market potential for agricultural crops and processed foods in central Asian and central American markets. She also assisted with the development of legislative initiatives and regulatory reform, and drafted and modified current regulations to comply with World Trade Organization and international standards in central Asian nations.

The lecture will also be available to the WSU community via livestream.  One WSU Global Campus student who participates in the chat box during this livestreamed event will win a copy of this year’s common reading book “I am Malala.”

The Common Reading Program began in Pullman in 2007 to help students, their teachers, and the community better engage in academically centered critical thinking, communication, research, and learning around a body of shared information presented in a single, specially selected book. I Am Malala, addresses the program’s 2015-2017 theme of “social justice and leadership.”

For more information about the Common Reading and upcoming events visit https://CommonReading.wsu.edu/.

Contact

Karen Weathermon, Common Reading Program co-director, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-5488, kweathermon@wsu.edu

Emma Epperly, Communications and Marketing Assistant, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-9458, emmaepperly@wsu.edu