WEST LONG BRANCH – Monmouth University’s School of Science will present its the 5th Annual Dean’s Seminar with guest speaker Ann Reid, executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE), from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in Wilson Auditorium.
The topic of Reid’s lecture is “The Science Denial Playbook: What We Can Learn From Debates on Evolution and Climate Change.”
Reid became the executive director of NCSE in 2014. For 15 years she worked as a research biologist at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, where she was responsible for sequencing the 1918 influenza virus. She then served as a senior program officer at the National Research Council’s Board on Life Sciences for five years and then, most recently, as director of the American Academy of Microbiology. In both roles she oversaw major efforts aimed at communicating science to the public.
She graduated from Simon’s Rock Early College with a B.A. in environmental science and received an M.A. in advanced international studies from Johns Hopkins University.
“We are delighted to host Ann for this year’s seminar and we look forward to having Ann interact with students, faculty and guests when she is on campus,” said Michael A. Palladino, dean of the School of Science. “Through Ann’s leadership the NCSE is an important voice advocating for the importance of science literacy especially on the topics of evolution and climate science. Science denial in the classroom, by the media, by politicians and others has far-reaching implications for society and its perception of science, scientists and how science influences our lives.”
The NCSE is a not-for-profit membership organization that defends the teaching of evolution and climate science in the public schools. The NCSE provides information, resources, and advice to schools, teachers, parents and concerned citizens defending science education. The NCSE educates the press and public about the scientific, educational, and legal aspects of these issues at local, state, and national levels. Its 5,000 members are scientists, teachers, clergy and citizens with diverse religious and political affiliations.
The lecture is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Those interested in attending are asked to register at http://bit.ly/10HeklE.
