UNI Speakers Bureau - Math and Science
Please call the Office of University Marketing and Public Relations at 319-273-2761 or email stacey.christensen@uni.edu, to request a speaker. Speakers do not charge fees, unless otherwise noted. Upon request, we will provide background information to introduce the speaker. When the topic or event warrants, the Office of University Marketing and Public Relations will send a news release to media serving your area.
WHO IS BENNETT CERF AND WHY DO YOU CARE WHAT HE THINKS
THE PRISONERS DILEMMA
THE COLLATZ CONJECTURE - A GREAT UNSOLVED PROBLEM
Presents the problem and shows off some very pretty mathematics lurking in the concept of adding one and multiplying by three.
MATHEMATICS AND THE HUMANITIES.
Typical titles include: "Patterns in Music: Steve Reich's 'Clapping Music'"; "Mathematical Aspects of Escher's Prints"; "Connections between Mathematics and the Arts"; "Mayan Mathematics: The calendar and Geometry"; "Ancient Chinese Mathematics"; "The Fractions of Ancient Egypt."
CULTURAL PRACTICES OF HEAD MODIFICATION
Issues of artificial head molding practices among various cultures around the world, and the contemporary correlates.
DEATH PERCEPTION: AN INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
A review of forensic anthropological investigative techniques and methods, with associated case studies and applications.
ENERGY PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS.
The Blackout of 2003 highlights the problems we continue to face in the field of energy. Understanding these problems empowers us to implement solutions in our home, workplace, state, and nation.
ETHICAL ISSUES IN REFUSING CARE FOR REASONS OF PERSON CONSCIENCE
The controversy over Plan B has again brought issues of personal conscience to the fore in health care. Should pharmacists be allowed to refuse a legal prescription (or even behind the counter) due to the pharmacist's personal beliefs? On a broader level, how does this issue apply to other care givers, such as physicians and nurses?
A SERIES ABOUT THE SKIES OF NORTHERN IOWA.
Presentation One:
HISTORICAL ASTRONOMY AND CONSTELLATIONS.
What constellations can we see at our geographic location? How did the idea of a constellation develop and how do astronomers locate heavenly bodies? Presentation
Two:
PLANETARY ASTRONOMY: WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENT LIKE ON THE OTHER PLANETS?
How our understanding of them developed through the years and what paradoxes and enigmas still exist.
Presentation Three:
COSMOLOGY: CURRENT THEORY OF THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE.
Special and General Relativity/time travel. How do we guess the age of the universe? What is the current state of affairs regarding extra-solar planets? Recent observations by the hubble telescope.
BREAST CANCER.
Epidemiology and research in breast cancer risk factors and survival.
COMPUTER SCIENCE.
Discussions include software design, artificial intelligence and computer programming.
COMPUTER MODELING FROM ATOMS TO PLANETS.
Presentation addresses why computer simulations are used to study various systems and what the advantages are. Specific discussions include models of groundwater flow, melting and structure of atomic/molecular systems and solar system/planet formation. Videotapes of simulations of krypton on graphite will also be shown.
GRAPES.
Discussion on the biology of grapes and grape growing in Iowa.
CULTURAL PRACTICES OF HEAD MODIFICATION
Issues of artificial head molding practices among various cultures around the world, and the contemporary correlates.
NEW MADRID FAULT ZONE.
The New Madrid Fault Zone had five earthquakes greater than magnitude of 8 between December 1811 and February 1812.
RACE: BIOLOGICAL INSIGNIFICANCE AND CULTURAL ABUSES.
Modern biological science has has shown proof that the characteristics commonly used to describe racial groups that are not genetically correlated to each other. Racial distinctions are based on cultural assumptions rather than credible genetic theory. Deconstructing race in a scientific context provides citizens with knowledge they can use for better social decisions.
SCIENCE EDUCATION REFORM.
Discussion includes student performance, public science literacy, meanings and manifestations, federal and state roles in retention of good teachers, defining effective science teaching and policy issues associated with the new thrust in science education.
THE COLLATZ CONJECTURE-A GREAT UNSOLVED PROBLEM
The Collatz Conjecture is an unsolved math problem that can be understood by fourth graders, using nothing more than very simple arithmetic. Dr. Shaw presents the problem, and shows off some very pretty mathematics lurking in the concept of adding one and multiplying by three.
THE EVOLUTION/CREATIONISM CONTROVERSY.
Discusses the controversy over the issue of teaching evolution. There are ways to approach evolutionary science without infringing on the rights of individuals to maintain their personal religious beliefs. Examining both sides of the issue and understanding the concerns of both groups can minimize the debate.
THE PRISONERS DILEMMA
The Prisoner's Dilemma is a paradox with real-world importance that has confounded mathematicians, economists, and political scientists for decades. A game is played where if each player does their mathematically best moves, they both lose. Participants will actually play a form of this game, and some related ones, with a neighbor during the presentation.
THE SCIENCE OF HARRY POTTER'S MAGIC.
During this interactive demonstration the audience participates with wands and incantations to preserve burning money, restore broken glass, and crush cans with invisible forces. They are challenged to scientifically explain what happened. This program is designed especially for kids.