Readings/Lectures/Showings
October 2006

NSWA Events Calendar

Please E-mail NSWA with suggested announcements.

Some events may require advance registration or admission fee. Check with the Sponsoring organizations for further details. Please send additions or corrections to deafrost atsign gmail dot com – and feel free to submit events for future calendars. Please put “NSWA-to be posted” in the subject line.

Wednesday, October 4 , 7:30 p.m.:
Dead Sea Scrolls: Debates, Questions, and Mysteries
Pacific Science Center hosts an exhibition featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls from September 23-January 7. Considered by many to be the most significant archeological find of the 20th century, these biblical and sectarian manuscripts date from 250 B.C.E. – 68 B.C.E. Apparently the library of a Jewish sect, they are the earliest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), written primarily in Hebrew and Aramaic. A distinguished lecture series presented by Pacific Science Center at Town Hall explores the context and science of this exhibition. Scott Noegel, Professor of Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies and Chair of the Department of Eastern Languages and Civilization at the University of Washington explores the “Debates, Questions, and Mysteries” of the scrolls. Tickets for all the Dead Sea Scrolls events are $15.
http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org

Thursday, October 5, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall, Assistant Professor, Loyola University and University of Chicago, Departments of Biology and Natural Science, presents “From Ditches to Dammed Rivers: The Effects of Anthropogenic Activities on Riverine Ecosystem Function.” Dr. Rosi-Marshall's current research examines the effects of human activities on stream ecosystem function and she conducts research in agricultural ditches in Indiana, forested headwater streams in Michigan, the Chicago River in Illinois and the Colorado and Snake Rivers. Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, departmental seminar series. UW Fishery Sciences Auditorium (Room 102), 1122 NE Boat St.
http://fish.washington.edu/seminars/fall_06/rosi-marshall.html

Friday, October 6. 7:30 p.m.:
Steve Wozniak, Apple computer innovator and philanthropist, will discuss his career and  memoir iWoz.  UW Kane Hall. Tickets are $5.  

Tuesday, October 10, 7:00 p.m.:
“Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus” takes a witty, clever look at this hot-button issue. This new documentary by UW alumni and evolutionary ecologist turned filmmaker Dr. Randy Olson has won plaudits from reviewers. Discover who is scoring the most points in this “survival of the fittest” confrontation. See clips and reviews at http://www.flockofdodos.com. Tickets are available to Burke Museum members only on a first come first served basis.
To reserve your tickets or get on a waiting list, call 206-616-6473 or e-mail casander@u.washington.edu.
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/events/index.php

Tuesday, October 10, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Tim Galitski, scientist at the Institute for Systems Biology and Affiliate Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Washington presents “Modeling and Prediction of Genetic Interactions.” Phenotypes are determined by complex combinatorial interactions among gene variants and environmental factors. We have generalized the derivation of genetic-interaction networks from quantitative phenotype data. Using the differentiation of yeast cells from yeast-form growth to filamentous-form growth as a model system, we developed models of the combinatorial action of specific transcription factors in this system. We have tested model-derived predictions of genomic-expression patterns and phenotypes. Departmental seminar series, Biology. UW Physics-Astronomy Building, A102.
http://protist.biology.washington.edu/bio2/news/seminars/pdf/TimGalitskiFlyer2.pdf

Tuesday, October 10, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Hedi Mattoussi, Division of Optical Sciences -- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, presents “Quantum Dot Nanoprobes for Sensing and Probing Cellular Processes.” Luminescent quantum dots (QDs) have several unique properties that are appealing for use in developing a variety of bio-inspired applications, ranging from molecular assays to in vivo cellular imaging. Center for Nanotechnology, departmental seminar series. UW Bagley Hall, Room 260. 
http://www.nano.washington.edu/seminars/seminars.aspsem_details.asp?id=239

Wednesday, October 11, 7:30 p.m.:
Distinguished biologist E.O. Wilson’s application of evolutionary principles to the understanding of human behavior and culture has been controversial and extremely influential. He argues that the human mind is shaped as much by genetic inheritance as by culture. Called a “modern-day Thoreau,” Wilson adds his thoughts to the ongoing conversation between science and religion in The Creation: A Meeting of Science and Religion. He makes a passionate case for the salvation of biodiversity, arguing that both secular humanists like himself and believers in God acknowledge the glory of nature and can work together to save it. Tickets are $5 at the door only. Co-hosted by the Seattle Science Lecture Series and the Seattle Spiritual Reading Series, sponsored by University Book Store, Town Hall, the Pacific Science Center, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and the University District Interfaith Alliance. Admission is $5 at the door. University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd Street, Seattle
http://www.townhallseattle.org/sArticles.cfm?aId=62

Wednesday, October 11, 7:30 p.m.:
Dead Sea Scrolls: ‘The Stories They Tell’
Pacific Science Center hosts an exhibition featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls from September 23-January 7. Considered by many to be the most significant archeological find of the 20th century, these biblical and sectarian manuscripts date from 250 B.C.E. – 68 B.C.E. Apparently the library of a Jewish sect, they are the earliest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), written primarily in Hebrew and Aramaic. A distinguished lecture series presented by Pacific Science Center at Town Hall explores the context and science of this exhibition. Martin Abegg, Professor and Co-Director of the Dead Sea Scrolls Institute at Trinity Western University, has created a concordance for the sectarian portions of the scrolls. Tickets for all the Dead Sea Scrolls events are $15.
www.pacificsciencecenter.org

Thursday, October 12, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Sarah Gergel, Assistant Professor at University of British Columbia, Department of Forest Sciences and Centre for Applied Conservation Research, presents “What Is a Good Map Worth to Conservation Planning? Lessons from the Restoration of Riparian Landscapes.”  Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, departmental seminar series. UW Fishery Sciences Auditorium (Room 102), 1122 NE Boat St.
http://fish.washington.edu/seminars/index.html

Friday, October 13, 7:30 a.m.:
Dr. Alan Nelson, Chairman & CEO, VisionGate, Inc. - Topic: Lung Cancer - The world's number one cancer killer and 3D imaging of cells for early detection. Part of the Washington Technology Alliance 10-breakfast program season.
The Ranier Club. The individual membership rate for this series is $300 for the season. Questions: contact Bryan Chee, (206) 389-7259.
http://www.technology-alliance.com/strt/strt.html

Friday, October 13, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:
The first annual Urban Ecology Symposium, hosted by the UW Urban Ecology Program and Seattle Urban Nature Project, will focus on how ecological research, urban planning, and landscape architecture interact to inform policy decisions. Academics and practitioners from the UW, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies will speak about their research to understand Seattle's ecology and plan for human and ecological well-being. An international perspective will be provided by visiting scientists and students from Berlin, Germany who will speak and present research results on issues of European urban ecology.
UW College of Forest Resources, Anderson Hall 207Forest Club Room
Registration is required: The event is $18.00 and includes a box lunch and reception (the latter will be held 4-6 pm).
For more information and registration, please visit the website below or send email to urbaneco@u.washington.edu.
http://www.cfr.washington.edu/research.urbaneco/Symposium/

Friday, October 13, 7:30 p.m.:
Robert Kuttner, cofounder and current editor-in-chief of The American Prospect magazine, discusses “Making Technology Work for Workers.” Dr. Kuttner is a well-respected authority on national economic and policy matters. Sponsored by the UW Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies and University Book Store. Free ticket required; tickets are available at University Book Store at the U District location. UW Kane Hall 130.
http://depts.washington.edu/pcls/lke.htm

Tuesday, October 17, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Jon Hoekstra, Senior Scientist with the Global Priorities Group - Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy, presents “Thinking globally: applying conservation science to influence global priorities and policies.” All conservation, like politics, is local. But the most significant threats to biodiversity -- problems like habitat loss, unsustainable resource use, climate change -- are driven by complicated and increasingly globalized interactions between ecological and socio-economic dynamics. Our ability to protect natural systems that sustain both biodiversity and people depends on better understanding how these dynamics manifest on the ground and in the water, and how their trajectories can be influenced by interventions at multiple scales. In this talk, I will present three analyses of habitat loss and protection, and discuss their implications for global conservation priorities and policies…I will conclude with a preview of an interactive data atlas designed to facilitate exploration and analysis of global conservation data, and share some thoughts about promising research frontiers.” Departmental seminar series, Biology. UW Physics-Astronomy Building, A102.
http://www.nature.org/tncscience/scientists/misc/hoekstra.html
http://protist.biology.washington.edu/bio2/news/seminars/pdf/JonHoekstraflyer.pdf

Tuesday, October 17, 12:30 p.m.:
Dr. Christine Luscombe, University of Washington Material Science and Engineering, presents “Organic Electronics: Design and synthesis of polymers to device fabrication.” Synthetic strategies to access novel types of semiconducting polymers with enhanced electronic properties and oxidative stability will be discussed… The methods described utilize supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent, allowing devices to be fabricated in a faster and more environmentally friendly manner. Center for Nanotechnology, departmental seminar series. UW Bagley Hall, Room 260.
http://www.nano.washington.edu/seminars/seminars.asp

Tuesday, October 17, 7:30 p.m.:
DNA is not simply the genetic code responsible for our makeup as individuals; it also contains a map of our evolution as a species. DNA provides the ultimate forensic record of evolution. It shows how the creatures that inhabit our planet have adapted to its many environments—from the freezing waters of the Antarctic to the lush canopy of the rain forest. Sean Carroll, Professor of Genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, describes how the DNA record of three billion years shows evolution in action. Carroll’s new book is The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution. Free, no tickets required.  Part of the Seattle Science Lecture Series. Co-sponsored by University Bookstore, Town Hall, the Pacific Science Center, Microsoft, KUOW 94.9 FM and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. University District Store.
http://www.bookstore.washington.edu
http://www.pacsci.org/lectures/

Wednesday, October 18, 6:30 p.m.:
Mario Livio, Senior Astrophysicist, Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute, reads from and signs his work The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved: How Mathematical Genius Discovered the Language of Symmetry. What do the basic laws of nature, human perception, the music of J.S. Bach, and the selection of mates have in common? They are all characterized by certain symmetries. Symmetry is the concept that bridges the gap between the laws of nature and psychology, between science and art. Yet the “language” of symmetry - group theory - emerged from a most unlikely source: an equation that couldn't be solved. Sponsored by the University of Washington Graduate School, as part of the John Danz Lecture Series. Admission TBA. UW Kane Hall 130.
http://www.grad.washington.edu/lectures/schedule.htm

Tuesdays, October 18 – November 15, 6:30 p.m.:
The Mountaineers Northwest Environmental Issues Course is focused on the South Sound and Tacoma area. Lectures and optional field trips designed to help students learn about issues facing the South Puget Sound area. Forest and farm protection – how a strong economy and land protection go hand-in-hand – and efforts to protect Puget Sound will be areas of study during the month-long course. The Mountaineers will partner with the University of Puget Sound and Washington Environmental Council to bring the lectures and information to students in support of the four legislative “Priorities for a Healthy Washington.” Lectures will be held Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the University of Puget Sound. Course cost is $45 for members of The Mountaineers, $50 for nonmembers, and $25 for students. A $10 discount is available for seniors.
Registration for single lectures is also available for $7 for Mountaineers members and $8 for non-members. Register online at http://www.mountaineers.org/conservation or call 206-573-8484 to register by phone. For more information, contact Nancy Neyenhouse at 253-848-9448, neyen82@hotmail.com.

Wednesday, October 18, 12:00 p.m.; Wednesday, October 18, 7:30 p.m.:
Pacific Science Center hosts an exhibition featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls from September 23-January 7. Considered by many to be the most significant archeological find of the 20th century, these biblical and sectarian manuscripts date from 250 B.C.E. – 68 B.C.E. Apparently the library of a Jewish sect, they are the earliest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), written primarily in Hebrew and Aramaic. A distinguished lecture series presented by Pacific Science Center at Town Hall explores the context and science of this exhibition. Peter Flint, Professor of Biblical Studies and Co-Director of the Dead Sea Scrolls Institute at Trinity Western University, is the author of many books on the Dead Sea Scrolls explores the current interest in the Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Tickets for all the Dead Sea Scrolls events are $15. www.pacificsciencecenter.org

Thursday, October 19, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:
The Washington State Department of Ecology is hosting a conference as part of their “Urban Receiving Waters and Aquatic Habitat Monitoring” efforts. As Washington’s Regional Monitoring program is being considered, the presentations will describe how regional monitoring programs are run in other areas: The featured events include talks by Steve Weisberg, Executive Director of the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Mike Conner, Executive Director of the San Francisco Estuary Institute, and a group discussion of what type of model will work in Washington. Tacoma's Landmark Convention Center. Registration is free but limited and required. For further info, please contact Heather Trim at 206-382-7007, ext. 215 or htrim@pugetsound.org about the event.
http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/pubcalendar/calendar.asp

Thursday, October 19, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Lisa Eby, Assistant Professor, University of Montana, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Science, presents “Effects of Habitat Alteration on Population Regulation in Aquatic Organisms: From Fish to Frogs.”  Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, departmental seminar series. UW Fishery Sciences Auditorium, Room 102, 1122 NE Boat St.
http://fish.washington.edu/seminars/fall_06/eby.html

Tuesday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m.:
Ed Viesturs, the first American to climb all 14 of the world’s highest (over 8,000-meter) peaks without the use of oxygen, and return to tell the tale, reads from and signs “No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World’s 14 Highest Peaks (co-written with David Roberts). $5 tickets are available at Elliott Bay starting September 30. Co-presented by Elliott Bay Book Company and Timberland. The presentation is at Town Hall Seattle.
http://www.elliottbaybook.com/events/next/index.jsp

Tuesday, October 24 at 4:00 p.m.:
Distinguished Professor of Zoology, University of Florida, Dr. Lou Guillette discusses “Environmental Contaminants, Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Health: Lessons from Wildlife.” This talk will focus on several examples of environmentally induced alterations in the development of the reproductive and endocrine systems. Two examples, will involve examining the genetic and endocrine basis for normal ovarian folliculogenesis and phallus development related to altered steroidogenesis in humans, mice and alligators and discuss the role of environmental factors in altering these essential phenomena. A growing concern is the embryonic/fetal origins of adult disease. Third Annual Aubrey Gorbman Memorial Lecture, sponsored by the UW Biology Department Graduate Students.  UW Physics-Astronomy Building, A102.
http://protist.biology.washington.edu/bio2/news/seminars/pdf/LouGuilletteflyer2.pdf

Tuesday, October 24 at 12:30 p.m.:
Dr. Kristi L. Kiick, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Material Science and Engineering -- University of Delaware, discusses “Combining Biological and Chemical Approaches for the Production of Advanced Materials.” In order to develop materials that can elicit specific responses to chemical and biological stimuli, it has become increasingly important to understand critical design features that control the structure, function, and assembly of macromolecules. Such understanding may permit the design of novel and functional biomolecular structures that are capable of selectively and efficiently interacting with cellular and other targets and/or directing materials properties. Dr. Kiick’s research group utilizes genetically directed methods to produce artificial repetitive proteins capable of controlled presentation of saccharides, peptides, and/or electroactive groups. The well-defined protein polymers produced are being used to study biological phenomena. Center for Nanotechnology, departmental seminar series. UW Bagley Hall, Room 260. 
http://www.nano.washington.edu/seminars/seminars.asp

Wednesday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.:
Dead Sea Scrolls: Technology & the Scrolls
Pacific Science Center hosts an exhibition featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls from September 23-January 7. Considered by many to be the most significant archeological find of the 20th century, these biblical and sectarian manuscripts date from 250 B.C.E. – 68 B.C.E. Apparently the library of a Jewish sect, they are the earliest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), written primarily in Hebrew and Aramaic. A distinguished lecture series presented by Pacific Science Center at Town Hall explores the context and science of this exhibition. Donald W. Parry, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Dead Sea Scrolls at Brigham Young University talks about “Using Technology to Reveal and Safeguard the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Enter on 8th Avenue. Tickets for all the Dead Sea Scrolls events are $15.
www.pacificsciencecenter.org

Thursday, October 26, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Kristin Laidre, UW Polar Science Center -- Applied Physics Laboratory, discusses “Climate Change, Trophic Cascades, and Apex Predators in Greenland.” How does variability in sea ice cover, oceanography, and primary production affect other ecosystem components, such as top predators?  Understanding the links between climate change and biophysical responses in the ecosystem is essential for effective resource monitoring and management in the Arctic. This talk will focus on physical forcing and trophic interactions between marine mammals and sea birds in West Greenland and discuss how top predators can be used to understand and monitor polar ecosystems. Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, departmental seminar series. UW Fishery Sciences Auditorium, Room 102, 1122 NE Boat St.
http://fish.washington.edu/seminars/fall_06/laidre.html

Friday, October 27, 6:00 p.m.:
Food and nutrition advocate and author Marion Nestle reads from and signs What to Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating.
Elliott Bay Book Company.
http://www.elliottbaybook.com/events/next/index.jsp

Saturday, October 28, 7:30 p.m.:
Seattle futurist and community instigator Alex Steffen and acclaimed visionary novelist/futurist Bruce Sterling will introduce and discuss Worldchanging: A User’s Guide for the 21st Century, a new book similar in concept to the earlier Whole Earth Catalog, in addition to ongoing work represented at the website http://www.worldchanging.com. Co-sponsored by the Elliott Bay Book Company and Town Hall Center for Civic Life. $5 tickets at the door (no advance tickets). Town Hall Seattle.
http://www.townhallseattle.org

Monday, October 30, 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (approximately):
The annual “industrial affiliates meeting” of the University of Washington Computer Science & Engineering department will be held on October 30.  Technical sessions with talks and poster presentations will touch on themes such as: the future of search, digital entertainment, RFID technology, accessible computing, internet systems, future computer architectures, computing and biology ... and more.  Members of the press are welcome to attend without fee – for further information, contact Kay Beck, the program coordinator via email:  kbeck@cs.washington.edu.
http://www.cs.washington.edu/affiliates/meetings/mtg0607.html

Monday, October 30, 7:00 p.m.:
Marja Brandon, Head of Seattle Girls’ School, will discuss “Women and Science” at the informal-by-design science café venue, Science on Tap. Ravenna Third Place Books Pub. (Last month, the crowd was easily over 100 people and latecomers could not be seated. Be advised to arrive early for chairs in the small pub.)
http://www.fosep.org/http://www.fosep.org/

Tuesday, October 31, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Elena Kramer, Associate Professor of Biology at Harvard University, discusses “Aquilegia as a new model for the study of ecology and evolution.” The angiosperm genus Aquilegia presents a unique opportunity to investigate the molecular genetic changes underlying a recent adaptive radiation that involved floral and ecological diversification. In addition, Aquilegia has the benefit of representing a phylogenetic lineage that is intermediate between core eudicot model species like Arabidopsis and monocot models, such as rice. This combination of assets places Aquilegia in the singular position of facilitating studies of both recent and ancient evolutionary processes. Departmental seminar series, Biology. UW Physics-Astronomy Building, A102.
http://protist.biology.washington.edu/bio2/news/seminars/pdf/ElenaKramerFlyer2.pdf

Tuesday, October 31, 12:30 p.m.:
Prof. Anthony B. Brennan, University of Florida -- Materials Science & Engineering, presents “Bioresponse to Engineered Topographies.” Nature provides complex chemical forms of polymers that are manipulated through both conformational and configurational forms to yield specific functions. Dr. Brennan’s studies have been focused on the design of polymeric surfaces that can be used as models in the study of biological adhesion mechanisms. Center for Nanotechnology, departmental seminar series. UW Bagley Hall, Room 260.
http://www.nano.washington.edu/seminars/seminars.asp

Wednesday, November 1, 7:30 p.m.:
Dead Sea Scrolls: DNA & the Dead Sea Scrolls
Pacific Science Center hosts an exhibition featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls from September 23-January 7. Considered by many to be the most significant archeological find of the 20th century, these biblical and sectarian manuscripts date from 250 B.C.E. – 68 B.C.E. Apparently the library of a Jewish sect, they are the earliest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), written primarily in Hebrew and Aramaic. A distinguished lecture series presented by Pacific Science Center at Town Hall explores the context and science of this exhibition. Scott Woodward, Director of the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation talks about the use of DNA in the study of the scrolls. Tickets are $15.
http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org

Thursday, November 2, location and time TBD:
The Forum for Science Ethics and Policy will be hosting a presentation by Dr. Neal Lane, Previous Director of the National Science Foundation and the Office of Science and Technology Policy under the Clinton Administration.
http://www.fosep.org/

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