Biomedical researcher launches Anchorage lecture series

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: 907-474-7902
02/19/09

University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher Kelly Drew will kick off the Anchorage leg of the 2009 Science for Alaska Lecture series Tuesday, Feb. 24 with "Living Without Blood Flow--Lessons Learned from the Arctic Ground Squirrel."

The free public lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Loussac Library Wilda Marston Auditorium. Drew will speak about her research on arctic ground squirrels and what it can tell us about stroke and heart attacks in humans.

Since 1992, the Science for Alaska Lecture Series has brought the current research of University of Alaska scientists to the community in free presentations that are entertaining and educational. This year, the Anchorage Science for Alaska lectures will run through the end of March. Topics include alternative energy, climate change, obesity and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

The 2009 Anchorage Science for Alaska Lecture Series is sponsored by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. A full schedule is attached. All lectures begin at 7 p.m. Venues are noted.

CONTACT: Ann Ringstad, director of community advocacy, at 907-474-5922 or via e-mail at ann@alaska.edu. Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu.

ON THE WEB: www.scienceforalaska.com

2009 Science For Alaska Lecture Series
Tuesday, Feb. 24--Loussac Library
"Living Without Blood Flow--Lessons Learned from the Arctic Ground Squirrel"
Kelly Drew, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, UAF Institute of Arctic Biology

Tuesday, March 3--Loussac Library
"From Hot Water to Hydrogen--Energy Solutions for Alaska"
Gwen Holdmann, organizational director, UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power

Tuesday, March 17--Loussac Library
"Our New Frontier--Exploring Climate Change"
Scott Rupp, assistant professor of forest measurements and inventory, UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences

Monday, March 23--Begich Middle School
"Sudden Infant Death Syndrome--Tragedy, Mystery and Optimism"
Michael Harris, associate professor of integrative physiology and neuroscience, UAF Institute of Arctic Biology

Tuesday, March 31--Begich Middle School
"What Yup’iks Can Tell Us About Risk and Protection for Obesity"
Bert Boyer, professor of molecular biology, UAF Institute of Arctic Biology