UI Laboratory Seeks Contact with School in Haiti

A University of Illinois soybean research program may take a new turn after this week's Haitian earthquake.

The National Soybean Research Laboratory based at the U of I has been working with a school nutrition program at a girls' school near the Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince. But the lab's associate director, Bridget Owen, says they've not been able to make phone or email contact with the school or its leaders since the quake on Tuesday.

Owen says he project's consultant, a native of Haiti, has also been hit by the tragedy - at least two of his family members have died.

"He lives in Chicago and also lives in Haiti, so he splits his time. He's a person we have worked with in Haiti for a number of years and is someone we consider a part of our family as well," Owen said.

Owen says the lab is working with its partners in the project to put together a response to the disaster.