Two academic programs at the University of Maine at Presque Isle are again joining forces this fall to provide the campus and community with an innovative way to explore the world of science. The Environmental Science and Sustainability and the Biology programs are hosting a lunchtime seminar series that will provide a forum to present scientific research conducted by UMPI students and faculty as well as other local and regional scientists.
“We kick off our third year of science seminar with another diverse set of talks that focus on science research, education, and outreach in Aroostook County, across the State of Maine, and halfway around the world,” Dr. Jason Johnston, coordinator of the Science Lunchtime Seminar Series, said. “We would love to see more of the general public attend these talks. If you’re an educator, medical professional, work in agriculture, or just generally interested in new scientific discoveries, there’s a talk that might interest you.”
The purpose of the seminar series is to foster greater communication and collaboration among UMPI faculty and students, working professionals, and community members who are conducting or interested in hearing about scientific pursuits.
Seminars generally will be held Thursdays from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Folsom 201, UMPI’s GIS Lab, unless otherwise noted. Faculty, students, staff and community members are welcome to attend these free events and are encouraged to bring their lunches and join the discussion.
The series begins on Oct. 15, with a presentation by David Putnam, a professor in climate change and archaeology at UMPI, on Interdisciplinary Field Research in Mongolia: A Collaborative Approach.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Elizabeth McLellan, President of Partners for World Health, will deliver her talk Partners for World Health: How to Make a Difference in our World Right Here at Home.
On Oct. 29, Laura Wilson, 4-H Science Professional at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, will speak on 4-H STEM Ambassadors- University Students Getting Local Youth Excited About Science!
On Nov. 12, UMPI Professors Scott Dobrin, Larry Feinstein, Jason Johnston, Dave Putnam, Judy Roe and Chunzeng Wang will present Birds, Bees, Trees, and More! (An Overview of Collaborative Environmental Science and Biology Research at UMPI).
On Nov. 19, Katherine Allen, from Rutgers University, will deliver her talk on Oceans, Carbon, and Climate: New Insights from Marine Microfossils.
The fall series ends with a presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 8 titled Aphid Populations and Potato Virus Y Transmission by Jim Dwyer, Entomologist at UMaine Cooperative Extension.
For more information about the Science Lunchtime Seminar Series, contact Dr. Johnston at 768-9652. Those who would like to receive reminders and updates about science seminars can also contact Dr. Johnston at jason.johnston@maine.edu with their email address.
