The Nickelodeon Columbia, SC
Dr. Jane Roberts
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina
Gattaca— Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Program Description
A discussion about genetics and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Presented At
The Nickelodeon Columbia, SC
Film Synopsis
In a dystopian future that prizes ideal DNA above all, a genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel.
In the not-too-distant future, a less-than-perfect man wants to travel to outer space. Society has categorized Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) as a genetically inferior "in-valid," and he has become one of the underclass of humans that are only useful for menial jobs. He decides to fight his fate by purchasing the genes of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a perfect genetic specimen. He assumes Jerome's identity and joins the Gattaca space program, where he falls in love with Irene (Uma Thurman). Just when Vincent is finally scheduled for a space mission, a Gattaca officer (Gore Vidal) is killed and the police begin an investigation, jeopardizing his secret.
About the Speaker
Dr. Jane Roberts received her PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then spent 10 years at UNC as a research investigator and scientist at the FPG Child Development Institute. Her work focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that underlie cognitive and behavioral functioning in children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, fragile X syndrome, and ADHD. Dr. Roberts joined the faculty at the University of South Carolina in 2008.