Science for Alaska Lecture Series begins this month
January 12, 2016
The 2016 Science for Alaska Lecture Series begins Tuesday, Jan. 19, and continues
each Tuesday through Feb. 23 in the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel Gold Room. Lectures begin
at 7 p.m.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute has hosted the lecture series
for the past 24 years. This year's lecture dates and topics are:
- Jan. 19: "What do Nanotechnology, Brains and Border Patrol Have in Common?" Martin Cenek will present a conceptual design of sensor networks for the Arctic that are inspired by the neurophysiology of the human brain. Cenek is an assistant computer science professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
- Jan. 26: "Drawing Girls to Science Through Art." Laura Conner will talk about an educational project that combines art and science to change young girls' stereotypical views about scientists and science careers. Connor is a research assistant professor of science education at the Geophysical Institute with the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Feb. 2: "Tsunamis: How Nature Keeps Surprising Scientists." Elena Suleimani will talk about how devastating tsunamis in the past decades have demanded better warning, evacuation and education plans. Suleimani, a research analyst with the Geophysical Institute, works on tsunami inundation mapping for Alaska coastal communities.
- Feb. 9: "Exploring the Subterranean Realms of Alaska's Active Volcanoes." Alaska is home to 52 historically active — and potentially dangerous — volcanoes. Jessica Larsen will tell how each volcano has its own personality and how scientists investigate them. Larsen is a professor at the Geophysical Institute.
- Feb. 16: "Home on the Ice: Sea Ice Change and Arctic Wildlife." Olivia Lee will reveal the sea ice world of Arctic walruses and seals as seen by scientists and local hunters. Lee is a research associate at the Geophysical Institute.
- Feb. 23: "HAARP: New Frontiers in Space Science on the Last Frontier." Bill Bristow, professor of space physics and aeronomy, will reveal the truth about the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program and what the Geophysical Institute plans to do with the world-class facility.
The Triplehorn family joins as a major contributor to the lecture series this year. The Alaska Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research continues as a sponsor. More information may be found at gi.alaska.edu/scienceforalaska.
CONTACT: Lea Gardine, 907-474-7664.