We realize now more than ever how each decision we make affects our environment for us and the generations to come. On our final night, we'll hear about climate change, ways to go green, how our actions alter science, and a major breakthrough to reduce our carbon footprint that is just around the corner.
Meet the Speakers
Darin Hayton, Associate Professor of History and Chair of History Department at Haverford College.
The Making of the Flat Earth Myth
We learn in school that people in the Middle Ages believed the earth was flat. And we hear scientists and politicians refer to those benighted people and their silly, dogmatic beliefs. Along came Columbus who dared to believe that the earth was round and who struggled mightily to prove it. The only problem with this tidy little story: it’s a ridiculous myth that has no basis in reality. Come learn the real history and why we seem incapable of giving up the myth.
Katy Gonder, Associate Professor and director of the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program.
Empowering Environmental Research, Education & Outreach in Central Africa
The Congo Basin is one of the planet’s most important centers of biodiversity. It is undergoing socioeconomic transformation, placing forests and their wildlife under threat. Dr. Gonder’s discussion will focus on Drexel’s research and education initiatives in Central Africa - the Central African Biodiversity Alliance and the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program. The research spans ecosystems, and includes studies of many species ranging from chimpanzees to sea turtles to butterflies.
Mike Zdilla, Associate Professor and Robert L. Smith Early Career Professor at Temple University.
Chemistry and Energy: From alternative fuels to blowing stuff up
Perhaps the most pressing and ever-present concern facing global society is energy, the availability of which limits human possibility. A talk illustrating the interface of the field of chemistry with energy is presented, complete with entertaining demonstrations of the energetic power of fuels. Topics include food, fuel, alternative energy sources, propellants, and explosives.
Megan Ryerson, Assistant Professor at the UPenn.
Self-Driving Cars
How we travel between cities is about to change, and it's not because of a new airline or a new rail system. Autonomous vehicles — cars that drive themselves — will could change our perception of time spent in travel and of the constraints we face on scheduling an intercity travel trip. I will explore what the changing dynamics of intercity transportation means for mobility, infrastructure use and planning, and the environment.