A monograph by Gregor Mendel, Experiments in Plant Hybridization (1865), changed the way the world looked at genetics and heredity. An Augustinian friar, Mendel laid the foundation for modern genetics and helped to create a new method of biological research, namely statistical analysis. Modern breakthroughs in genetic engineering, medicine, and agriculture are in large part based on Mendel's research conducted in the Abbey of St. Thomas in Brno, in what is now the Czech Republic. Join storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis as he steps into the robes of Gregor Mendel in this first-person characterization, transporting audiences into the monastery where, among other things, he taught high school biology. Spend an hour in a dynamic and challenging classroom, debating the future with a better understanding of the past.

As a former high school science teacher who had considered the monastic life, Brian “Fox” Ellis easily embodies the character of Gregor Mendel to engage the audience in a dynamic reconsideration of their personal genetics and the future of this controversial field. Mendel was oft noted for being an affable and engaging educator, well loved by his students; Fox works hard to recreate this convivial dialogue with the audience

“Outstanding! His research and ingenuity in storytelling was inspirational and entertaining. He was quite able at engaging a large audience in conversations on the important subject of genetics and ethics." Iowa Science Teacher

To Brian "Fox" Ellis,

The women of Church Women United in Peoria wish to extend their enthusiastic appreciation for the outstanding program given by you at their meeting. Your command of the story of the life and work of Gregor Mendel was excellent. Your presentation was artfully delivered and so informative. Thank you for the excellent performance. With little imagination on our part, we felt that Gregor Mendel stood before us telling of his cultural background, his struggles with poverty, his achievements and significant accomplishments. What a challenge you provided as we listened and then participated in an exchange of our ideas on genetics. Comments are still being exchanged amongst us about this critical subject and how you were able to bring it forward with your marvelous presentation. Thank you so much. Pastor