Lecture series: Fall 2007
This lecture series is free and intended for a general audience. Each presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. Refreshments will be provided. The fall 2006 lecture schedule appears below.
Saturday, September 29, 2007 - Peffer Park - 10 am*
Geology Field Trip at Peffer Park. Several Miami University geologists will lead field trips up Collins Run creek. Participants will be introduced to the geological history of the Oxford area, including Ice-Age deposits and spectacular 450-million-year-old fossils.
*Meet at the Peffer Park parking lot at 10 am. Weather Pemitting. View Flyer (pdf)
Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 115 Shideler - 10 am
Microbial Life in Extreme Environments - Implications for Environmental Cleanup and the Origin of Life
Hailiang Dong, Miami University
Did life originate deep within the Earth? Can newly discovered extreme-living microbes be used to help us clean up contaminated drinking water? Could their unique enzymes and proteins provide the basis for biotechnological breakthroughs? Can they provide us with an analogy for possible life on Mars? Dr. Dong will address these and other interesting questions during his talk. View Flyer (pdf)
Saturday, November 3, 2007 - 115 Shideler - 10 am
Hurricane Katrina - Science, Politics, and Catastrophe
R. Hays Cummins, Miami University
On August 28-29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. About 2000 people lost their lives from massive storm surge and levee failures. Dr. Cummins’talk will focus on the meteorological aspects of Hurricane Katrina, the social and political disasters that followed and continue even today, and current progress in rebuilding and planning for the future of this part of the Gulf coast. View Flyer (pdf)
Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 115 Shideler - 10 am
Climate and Culture Change in the Middle East
Jason Rech, Miami University
Climate change in the Middle East, and its influence on water resources, has had a profound impact on humans. Wet events opened geographic corridors and allowed for the migration of modern humans out of Africa, and allowed for the development of agriculture and animal husbandry in the Fertile Crescent. Dr. Rech will present his research on past climate change in the Middle East and discuss the future impact of global warming on water resources and political stability in the region.
View Flyer (pdf)
Note: People with disabilities who require accommodations (e.g. sign language interpreters) must contact the University at least 48 hours in advance of the date of the event in order for Miami University to accommodate their needs. If you have a special request, please contact the Office of Disability Resources at (513) 529-1541 (Voice/TTY).
