In anticipation of the college's 125th anniversary in 1999, a group
of faculty and students recognized the need to celebrate the contributions
of the natural sciences and mathematics to St. Olaf and to society.
The vision for this symposium has three principle goals:
- to highlight undergraduate research in biology, chemistry, mathematics,
physics, psychology and related subjects;
- to provide the greater community with an opportunity to explore
a topic in contemporary research; and
- to enable the St. Olaf community and the public to interact with
invited guests working at the forefront of their fields.
On Honors Day each year, people gather to celebrate science, engage
in fellowship and learn from one another.
Major funding for the symposium is provided by the Paul & Mildred Hardy
Distinguished Professorship in the Sciences. Additional funding is provided
by gifts from alumni, parents and friends of the college.
This Year's Theme: Global Change
"Lessons from the Past, Choices for the Future"
Past, present and predicted changes in the earth's physical, chemical
and biological systems describes the science of global change, which
seeks to understand the interconnections among systems from plant communities
and watersheds to oceans, ice sheets and the atmosphere. In the United
States — and around the world — the results of the work of
global scientists are having broad impacts on discussions of environmental
and public policy; many nations and citizen groups are using scientific
conclusions to support the pursuit of sustainable practices.
Speakers
During this year's Honors Day Science Symposium, three renowned scientists
will share their views of some of the most exciting approaches and key
issues surrounding global change.
Richard Alley (Penn State
University) will describe how we learn about the history of climate
change by studying ice and oceans, then use that information to create
models that allow us to pose questions for the present and future.
Robert Jackson (Duke University)
will explore the transport and cycling of carbon through various ecosystems
in ways to shed light on the impact of global changes, specifically
the production and sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) relating to
climate and the importance of biodiversity.
Jill Baron (United States
Geological Society and Colorado State University) will share insights
into the way seemingly small, local decisions lead to global change
and the importance of finding balance between human and ecological needs
for the earth's resources.
St. Olaf student scientists will present their work at a poster
session. Projects will cover a range of areas including molecular biology,
the basis of perception, surface chemistry, atomic structure, paleo-ecology
and applied mathematics.
Past Symposia Themes
2002: Big Questions, Small-Scale Solutions:
New Frontiers of Nanoscience
2001: Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, from
Molecules to Behavior
2000: New Science for the New Century: Challenges
for the Future
St. Olaf College
The Symposium takes place at St. Olaf College, a private liberal arts
college in Northfield, Minn., approximately 30-45 minutes south of the
Twin Cities. Many of the events will take place in the college's state
of the art student union, the Buntrock Commons.
Driving directions:
From Interstate 35, exit at Minnesota Highway 19 (exit 69) and
go east toward Northfield. The main entrance to the campus is five miles
east of the interstate, on your left as you near the Northfield city
limits.
From US 52, exit at Cannon Falls to Minnesota Highway 19. Follow
Highway 19 through Northfield. The college entrance is on your right.
For more information ....
Contact members of the Science Symposium committee at scisymp@stolaf.edu.
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