By Dan Nonte, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-4314
Posted: 10-3-08
GREENSBORO, NC – As the role of technology in our lives grows, so too does our need to understand complex scientific issues.
To promote better understanding of science, UNCG has created The Science and Society Lecture Series, a program of lectures on the university campus by internationally known researchers and less formal talks at M’Coul’s, a bar in downtown Greensboro, with UNCG faculty members.
“UNCG is home to groundbreaking research in the sciences,” said Dr. Rosemary Wander, associate provost for research and public/private sector partnerships. “This series will share the work of our world-class faculty as well as world-renowned guest speakers. Our researchers are well known in scientific circles, but we also want to share their expertise with the community that is our home.”
Sponsored by the UNCG Institute for Community and Economic Engagement, all events are free and open to the public. The 2008-09 series begins with two October events:
• 8-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 – “Herbal Medicines: Are they safe? Do they work?” – Dr. Nadja Cech, associate professor, UNCG Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, will speak and lead a discussion at M’Coul’s – www.mcoulspub.com – 110 W. McGee Street, Greensboro. These Science on Tap programs will be repeated the third Thursday of each month.
• 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 – “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: Stress, Disease and Coping” – Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a Stanford University professor and recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “genius award,” will speak in the Jaylee Mead Auditorium, Sullivan Science Building, UNCG campus.
Sapolsky, a biologist specializing in neuro-endocrinology, has spent more than three decades studying the physiological effects of stress on health, and has written four books on the biochemistry of the brain, the physiology of stress and his research in the Serengeti. He describes complex science in accessible and amusing ways, and combines cutting edge research with practical advice.
His books, which will be on sale before and after his lecture, include the bestseller “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers,” “A Primate’s Memoir,” “The Trouble with Testosterone” and, most recently, “Monkeyluv.” A reception and book signing will follow his lecture.
Sapolsky’s work is featured in “Killer Stress: A National Geographic Special,” which airs at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, on UNC-TV.
Campus maps are available online, and parking in the McIver Street Parking Deck will be free for those attending Sapolsky's lecture. The Sullivan Science Building is at the corner of Carr and McIver streets.
Science on Tap
All the Science on Tap events will be led by UNCG faculty and will take place 8-9:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at M’Coul’s.
• Nov. 20 – “How environmental and dietary factors can influence the progression of HIV infection” – Dr. Will Taylor, director and senior research professor, UNCG Laboratory for Molecular Medicine.
• Dec. 18 – “Superbugs: Our contribution to the evolution of opportunistic germs” – Dr. Dasantila Golemi-Kotra, associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
• Jan. 15 – “Winning the Battle of the Bulge: Having your Beer and Health Too” – Dr. Michael McIntosh, L.S. Keker Excellence Professor, Department of Nutrition.
• Feb. 19 – “Hormones, Wildlife and Health: Do feminized male frogs mean we’re killing ourselves?” – Dr. Cheryl A. Logan, professor, Department of Psychology, adjunct professor, Department of Biology.
• March 19 – “Genes and medicine: New ways to prevent disease or a new problem for healthcare?” – Dr. Vince Henrich, director, Center for Biotechnology, Genomics and Health Research.
• April 16 – “Chemicals in the environment” – Dr. Bruce Banks, associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
For more information about The Science and Society Lecture Series, visit scienceandsociety.uncg.edu, email researchpartners@uncg.edu or call (336) 334-4623.
