Local experts featured in Frontiers of Science lectures

Local experts featured in Frontiers of Science lecturesFebruary 13, 2004Edward Byrnesedbyrnes@syr.edu

On Feb. 10, Syracuse University chemistry professor Ana deBettencourt-Dias kicked off the Spring 2004 Frontiers of Science lecture series with a presentation titled “The Future of Flat Panel Displays?Bigger, Better, Cheaper, Flexible.” She was the first in a series of speakers that also includes SU assistant professor of biology Roy D. Welch and David M. Gilbert, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. All are recognized as prominent figures in their respective fields.

The free, public lectures are held in Grant Auditorium at SU’s College of Law; each begins with refreshments in the Grant lobby at 7 p.m., followed by the speaker’s presentation from 7:30-8:30 p.m. A question and answer period concludes each lecture.

Welch will speak March 2 on “Animal Development?Imagine a Puzzle that Can Put Itself Together,” in which he will address the fundamental question of how developing cells combine to build the complex forms of multi-cellular systems such as organisms, organs and biofilms. Gilbert’s April 6 presentation, “The Future of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research?Addressing Ethical Conflict with Responsible Scientific Research,” will look at threats to public funding of such research.

“The series was designed to give local scientists and their research greater visibility and appreciation in our community,” says Frontiers of Science coordinator Marvin Druger, professor of biology and chair of the Department of Science Teaching. Although the series will sometimes feature a speaker from outside the Central New York area, Druger says, “There are outstanding scientists doing important research right here in Syracuse, and we want everyone to know that.”

This fall’s series is made possible by community contributions; sponsorships from SU’s departments of science teaching, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics and psychology; The College of Arts and Sciences; the Renee Crown Honors Program; the School of Education; the Study Council at SU; the Office of the Dean of Hendricks Chapel; SUNY-ESF; and the Bristol-Meyers Squibb Industrial Division.