LINDA: Hi, this is Linda. Let's meet one of our experts, Dr. Michael San Francisco.
Michael helped me unpack the science behind Douglas Preston’s Extinction, and the de-extinction of the woolly mammoth.
Dr. Michael San Francisco is an emeritus professor and dean from Texas Tech University, which I think means retired.
MICHAEL: Yes.
LINDA: Michael had a long and distinguished career there, teaching microbiology and [bacterial] physiology to undergraduate and graduate students mentoring many doctors masters and undergrads.
I should say—which I forgot—that you started out with your undergrad in India and came to the United States, then went to Boston University for your Master's and PhD, coming with $200 in your pocket and a smile on your face.
MICHAEL: And a suitcase.
LINDA: And one suitcase. Michael's got over 50 refereed publications in the areas of molecular mechanisms of microbial drug resistance, atmospheric microbiology—which sounds fascinating—and molecular and biochemical basis of symbiotic and pathogenic interactions of microorganisms with their plant, wildlife, and human hosts.
And I'm going to tell you why I find that all so fascinating, because in April, The Last of Us season two is premiering on HBO.
So, can you come back and we can talk zombies?
MICHAEL: Zombies?
LINDA: Because, right?
You're researching how fungi attack and kill amphibians. And I see atmospheric microbiology and how they all work together, right? How fungi can help us or hurt us, right?
Zombies.
MICHAEL: Zombies, okay. I'll think about it.
LINDA: No, you have to come.
MICHAEL: Wow, okay.
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