A University of Victoria professor will discuss science, superheroes and society during an event at Nanoose Place Saturday (April 22).
Paul Zehr, a neurobiologist and head of the Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory at UVic, is the author of three books where he uses superheroes to explain scientific concepts. But unlike the academic papers, his books are aimed at ordinary people.
The nonfiction Becoming Batman (2008) looks at the story of the Caped Crusader to better understand the workings of the human body. Inventing Iron Man (2011) examines the possibilities of marrying a human body with a technologically equipped, suit of armor to boost the capabilities of a human. Project Superhero (2014) is a graphic novel about a schoolgirl and science fan who confronts her own issues with thoughtfulness, ingenuity and some inspirational assistance from various heroes.
The event is part of Vancouver Island University’s ElderCollege series. The talk runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Admission is $10; $5/university students; free to high school and younger students.