The Science for Alaska Lecture Series: a winter tradition
The Science for Alaska Lecture Series: a winter tradition
Submitted by Melissa Hart
Phone: (907) 474-7853
01/11/07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Since 1992, the Science for Alaska Lecture Series has provided Fairbanksans the latest findings in scientific research relevant to all Alaskans. Traditionally, the lectures are offered during January and February, and serve as an educational and entertaining option for all ages on cold winter nights.
This year, lecturers will present on a range of topics that include sled dog racing, volcanoes, glaciers and beluga whales. The first lecture, by Hajo Eicken, associate professor of geophysics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is an important starting point for this year’s series. Eicken will discuss the upcoming International Polar Year, which begins in March, and what it means for Alaska.
Coordinated by the Geophysical Institute, the free lectures will take place every Tuesday at 7 p.m., in the Westmark Gold Room, from Jan.16 through Feb. 20. New this year is an online forum where anyone can discuss the topics being presented, available through the Web site at www.scienceforalaska.com.
For educators, an associated one-credit continuing education course will be offered statewide through UAF. In the course, teachers will develop lesson plans stemming from content covered in the lecture series.
2007 Science for Alaska Lecture Series line-up:
Tuesday, Jan. 16
"The International Polar Year 2007-08: Opportunities for Alaska"?
Presented by associate professor of geophysics Hajo Eicken, Geophysical Institute,
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Tuesday, Jan. 23
"Sled Dog Science"?
Presented by Drs. Margaret Eastman and Denali Lovely, Yukon Quest International Sled
Dog Race
Tuesday, Jan. 30
"Some Like it Hot: Volcanoes in the Infrared"?
Presented by research associate professor of volcanology Jon Dehn, Geophysical Institute,
UAF
Tuesday, Feb. 6
"A Different Season: People in a Changing Climate"?
Presented by associate professor of biology Lilian Alessa, University of Alaska Anchorage
Tuesday, Feb. 13
"Understanding Belugas: When Scientists and Hunters Collaborate"?
Presented by wildlife biologist Lori Quakenbush, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Tuesday, Feb. 20
"Dynamic Glaciers of Southeast Alaska"?
Presented by assistant research professor Chris Larsen, Geophysical Institute, UAF
ON THE WEB: www.scienceforalaska.com.
CONTACT: Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute information officer, at (907) 474-5823. Melissa Hart, Geophysical Institute public relations assistant, at (907) 474-7853.