The Hailey Public Library will host “Pick Your Poison – Botulism!” on Thursday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m. The third in an occasional series with forensic chemist Cat Helms, the virtual talk will explore botulinum toxin, which some people may recognize as the drug Botox.
“Botulinum toxins are the most poisonous substances known and amounts measured in parts per trillion can be lethal to humans,” HPL’s programs and engagement manager Kristin Fletcher said. “Cat is an engaging presenter and will explore how this lethal toxin has been transformed from a deadly menace to a therapeutic agent.”
Helms has B.S. degrees in Psychology from Vanderbilt University and in Forensic Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University where she served as the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory manager. In 2008 she received a Master of Science degree in Molecular Medicine from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
Helms also has significant experience as a science and math tutor and currently owns Cat Does Science, which provides local academic support and study strategies in math and science to middle and high school students.
RSVP to kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org.
