CNAS hosts public lecture series
The College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) at Missouri State University will host the CNAS Public Lecture Series this spring. The series will feature three lectures given by professors in the college. The lectures include “Water Quality Concerns, Trends and Progress in the James River Basin” Feb. 14, “World of Weeds: Invasive Species and the Homogenization of Nature” March 13 and “Ten Foods which Changed the History of the World” April 10. All talks will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Temple Hall, Room 002.
“The CNAS Public Lecture Series is the result of college faculty interest in the public affairs mission and the importance of science, mathematics and technology to the public,” said Dr. Tammy Jahnke, dean of CNAS.
Dr. Bob Pavlowsky, professor in the department of geography, geology and planning, will present the lecture on water quality in the James River Basin. The presentation will discuss water quality problems related to the effects of excessive inputs of nutrients, sediment, bacteria and runoff in the James River and its major tributaries. Pavlowsky will also review several water projects by state and local governments, university units and watershed groups aimed at protecting and improving water quality in the basin.
Dr. Chris Barnhart, professor of biology, will present the lecture on weeds. With people moving animals and plants around the globe, natural communities of plants, birds and other life forms are threatened. This risks creating a world of weeds, in which aggressive non-native species disrupt natural ecosystems and erase native biodiversity. Barnhart will discuss the problem of the animals and plants that are taking over where we leave off.
Melanie Grand, assistant professor in the department of hospitality and restaurant administration, will present the lecture on ten foods that changed history. These foods have been identified in influencing the outcome of wars and our ability to populate hostile environments. The foods have also contributed to cultural and industrial development.
CNAS has held the series for the past three years. Jahnke said community members who come to the lectures learn about of scientific issues that impact individuals’ environment and health.
The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jahnke at (417) 836-5249.
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About Missouri State UniversityMissouri State University is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs, whose purpose is to develop educated persons while guided by three overarching and enduring commitments to student learning, inclusive excellence and institutional impact. The university’s identity is distinguished by its statewide mission in public affairs, which entails a campus-wide commitment to foster competence and responsibility in ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. College of Natural and Applied Sciences The College of Natural and Applied Sciences incorporates more than 20 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs along with one cooperative program offered through a partnership with Missouri S&T. The academic departments that make up the college include: biology; chemistry; computer science; engineering; geography, geology and planning; hospitality and restaurant administration; mathematics; and physics, astronomy and materials science. Students have the opportunity for intense hands-on research and internships through a number of outreach and research centers and work alongside faculty who are producing cutting-edge research in their fields. New media resources
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