January 16, 2008

Science Center to host faculty presentations

by Tim Crosby

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale faculty members will give presentations on science and research in their respective fields during a series of talks organized by The Science Center of Southern Illinois.

The talks, called Science Café, are set for 7 p.m. on Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 27 and April 24 at the University Mall Food Court. The events, a new feature this year for The Science Center, will feature stimulating, user-friendly discussions about current issues in science.

Each event will begin with a presentation followed by a discussion and question period. The Science Center will provide special programs for children 5 and older for parents attending the event. The cost for these programs is $10 per child and pre-registration is required. Call 618/529-5431.

SIUC faculty members, their topics and the dates they will speak include:

Laurie A. Achenbach, professor of microbiology, "Journey to the Bottom of the Earth — Trip to Antarctica," Jan. 24.

Patricia K. Welch, professor emerita of food and nutrition, "Is it Safe to Eat? Your Environment and Food Safety," Feb. 28.

John W. Nicklow, associate dean, College of Engineering, "Water Resources and Sustainability: An Engineer's Perspective," March 27.

Dan J. Dyer, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, "Nanotechnology: Myth or Messiah?"

The Science Center of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization. Incorporated in 1992, the organization runs The Science Center, a hands-on children's museum located at University Mall.

Sponsors of the events include the American Chemical Society, Southern Illinois Section; Sigma Xi; the SIUC colleges of science, engineering and agricultural sciences; University Mall and the Rotary Club of Carbondale.