March 11, 2015

University to host author Wallace Nichols

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Bestselling author Wallace J. Nichols will speak at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in April. 

Nichols will present his thoughts about the emotional, behavioral, psychological and physical connections people have with water at 7 p.m., April 8, in the Hiram H. Lesar Law Building Auditorium at the SIU School of Law. The public is welcome and there is no cost to attend. 

Author of the 2014 bestseller “Blue Mind,” Nichols will discuss recent neuroscience research that indicates proximity to water improves performance, diminishes anxiety and increases professional success. His presentation will also correlate to finding a “blueprint” for a better life. 

Wallace is a scientist and wild water advocate who has conducted research and traveled to coasts and waterways around the world, finding an emotional connection to oceans, rivers and lakes. He is a research associate at California Academy of Sciences and a co-founder of OceanRevolution.org, an international network of people advocating for the ocean as well as SEEtheWILD.org, a conservation travel network, LIVBLUE.ORG, a global campaign connecting people to the planet’s water, and GrupoTortuguero.org, an international sea turtle preservation network.  

He earned his doctorate in wildlife ecology from the University of Arizona’s School of Renewable Natural Resources where he received Fulbright and Marshall fellowships.  He also holds a master’s degree in environmental management in environmental policy and economics from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and Spanish from DePauw University. 

Nichols will sign books after his lecture. 

Sponsors of the presentation are the SIU Sustainability Council, Recreational Sports and Services, Touch of Nature Environmental Center, the Office of the SIU President and the Carbondale Park District.