Scientists will share insights on everything from the endangered Vancouver Island marmot to investigating deep-sea organisms with computational chemistry in this year’s VIU science and technology community lecture series.
The series has run almost every spring since 2007 and was created for researchers to share their findings on different issues and topics with the Vancouver Island University community and other members of the public.
“The talks this year showcase the creativity and innovation occurring within VIU’s science and technology department by professors and their undergraduate students,” said series coordinator Timothy Green, VIU’s Canada research chair in shellfish health and genomics, in a press release.
The series runs Wednesdays, 5:45-7 p.m., from Feb. 8 to March 29. The first topic is Parasites, Ecology and Genetics of the Endangered Vancouver Island Marmot, presented by Mac Barrera, VIU alumnus and lab technician, and Dr. Jamie Gorrell, VIU biology professor.
Barrera will share the results of his research project, conducted as an undergraduate at VIU, on the genetics of marmot parasites and what makes the species unique to the Island. His research was recently published in the International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife.
Gorrell will detail the history of conservation efforts to save the species from the brink of extinction and will also share other research discoveries made by students in his lab studying marmot behaviour, genetics and ecology.
“I’m excited to showcase some amazing student research projects, which reveal new aspects of marmot biology and will help improve ongoing efforts to save this species from extinction,” Gorrell said in the release. “These projects demonstrate what VIU undergraduate students are capable of and the impact they can have while gaining real research experience.”
There is a short student presentation before each featured speaker.
Other presentations in the lecture series include:
Can shellfish adapt to the rapid pace of climate change in the Salish Sea?, presented by Timothy Green, VIU’s Canada Research Chair in shellfish health and genomics, Feb 15.
Under Pressure: Using computational methods to investigate pressure resistance in deep-sea organisms, presented by Heather Wiebe, VIU chemistry professor, March 1.
From Ions to Images: new tools for mapping molecules directly in tissue, presented by Kyle Duncan, VIU chemistry professor, March 8.
The Wonderful White Sturgeon: A dinosaur fish in danger?, presented by Dan Baker, a VIU fisheries and aquaculture professor, March 15.
Pursuit-evasion Games, presented by Melissa Huggan, VIU mathematics professor, March 22.
Mission Impossible: steps toward understanding the platanthera dilatata orchid complex, presented by Jasmine Janes, VIU biology professor, March 29.
Lectures will be held in Building 355, Room 203, attendance is free and pizza is provided. To learn more about the lecture series, visit http://rb.gy/f8nfnx.
chris.bush@nanaimobulletin.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter