Our speaker February 21, was Dr. Edward A. Hoover, head of the Hoover Laboratory, CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science.  Dr. Hoover has been researching  Prions disease, apparently caused by a "misfolding" of a normal protein,  since 1982.  Chronic Wasting Disease, the most recognized of the Prions, was first diagnosed in Colorado in 1967.  It is now found in over 24 states, 2 provinces in Canada, South Korea and Norway, predominately in deer and elk.  It has not been found to be transmitted to other species, such as humans through mere contact.  CSU's research facility has focused on chronic wasting disease and has made significant findings with much work yet to be done.  Dr. Hoover credits his students for driving his interest in his field and recognizes the importance of the next generation of doctors and scientists.